Hi guys!

Once again a huge thank you for all the lovely reviews and comments you give me. I love them all so much and they're such a great support for me and the story! Thank you!

Also, I'm very sorry for not updating yesterday. I've been extremely busy with work (I didn't think I'd have so much to do! ) but from now on I will try and be better organised so I can update on a Saturday.

Answers to reviews:

- I know a lot of you don't like Sarah, and want Jix to happen at once, but for the moment Sarah is staying. I really hope that won't stop you from reading this story, and I will try to put more Jix moments in, but I think Sarah also brings a lot to the story too, even if she's hated a lot.

Please read on and enjoy!

Chapter 36 - Happiness

Marina – Day 5, Fight 5

From the moment I met him, I knew Joseph was one of the happiest, most optimistic people I would ever meet but I always forget how brave that makes him. I never seem to remember how strong he's being by remaining happy and cheerful for my sake. But I know that after today I'll never forget his bravery.

He stands in front of me, a forced grin on his face as he says goodbye to us all. His fight is so close and he could be about to die, but you'd never know by the smile on his face. Nearby Nia is almost in tears, but Joseph is as happy as can be and my steady admiration for him continues to grow.

"You'll be fine," I tell him, my hand gripped in his. I can tell he's nervous under his show as his palms are sweaty, but I don't say anything about it. "You're a great fighter" I reassure him.

"Thanks Marina" his smile is tense. "I'll try my best…for you" he swallows, his throat working as he tries to control himself. Nia is wrapped up in her mentor's arms, as if trying to hide away from the fight.

"Tributes" a mog walks forward, looking annoyed. Joseph moves to go and seized by the sudden panic that I won't see him again, I stand up on tiptoes, pressing my lips against his cheek in a quick kiss.

"Good luck" I whisper and then turn away before I can see his face. Ella is watching me as I head over to her, a small smile on her lips, but I can see the fear in her eyes too. Neither of us wants to lose Joseph.

I don't watch as the doors grind open and Joseph and Nia leave the safety of the room for the fighting area. I don't watch as the doors close and the screen flickers to life, which will show the fight coming to life. I don't watch as Joseph's combatants walk into the arena.

But compulsion to watch Joseph and his fight forces me to finally turn to the screen. My heart is pounding and I can barely breathe, filled with a fear so real that Joseph will die in front of me. I couldn't bear it if he died. As if she knows my torment, Ella slips her hand into mine, squeezing my sweaty palm.

"He'll be ok. He's strong" her whisper barely meets my ears but it reassures me a little.

I watch, my heart in my mouth, as one of the mogs charges for Joseph. I can tell adrenalin is taking over and he's acting on instinct by the way he easily dodges the tackle, using his spear to knock the mog's away. Nia is facing off the other mog, a girl about the same age, but the real fight is between Joseph and the boy.

Joseph transforms into the giant lion creature that he is so fond of and the mog boy stumbles back a few paces, looking nervous. It's nice to see a mog looking terrified for once, and although my spite shocks me, I don't regret it. Joseph takes a few steps forward, batting away the spear that the mog boy throws at him.

Nia lunges forward and her dagger sinks into the arm of the mog girl. She swears and easily backhands Nia, who tumbles to the ground. Before the mog girl can sink her own dagger into Nia's chest, Joseph teleports over and swipes her away with one of his many paws. The mog girl is knocked away, where she collapses, apparently unconscious.

A smile makes its way onto my face. Joseph is doing well, like I should have known he would be. He's coping wonderfully and is simply toying with these mogs. I should have had more faith in him.

The mog boy picks himself back up, running for Joseph with his sword. The audience are cheering him on, clearly annoyed with the Loric boy's ability to turn into a giant monster that can't be beaten. The mog boy feints to the right, a clear trick, but unfortunately Joseph in his lumbering form falls for it. He moves to defend his right side, and the mog twists to the side and sinks his sword into Joseph's left side.

He roars in pain, immediately turning into a boy once more, and he falls to his hands and knees. A large red stain spreads across his shirt, dripping red droplets onto the ground. My hand flies to my mouth, muffling my cry of horror. My heartbeat picks up even more and adrenalin pounds through my veins, not that it'll do me any good.

Nia yells out in anger, jumping to her feet and running for the mog boy. She stands over Joseph protectively, her crush on Joseph causing her to make rash decisions. She raises her sword and charges for the mog boy, the same viciousness she showed towards me levelled at this mog boy. He's unprepared, the sword lying next to Joseph and all he has is his dagger.

Yet as Nia reaches him, he easily rips the sword out of her hands, his own cut and bloodied from grabbing the blade. He tosses it to the side and grabs Nia, pulling her into a headlock. Joseph staggers to his feet, shouting out, as the mog twists his hand into Nia's hair. She struggles meekly, her hands trying to prise off the mog's, but she's not strong enough. Joseph takes a few stumbling steps forward, shouting something.

The mog pulls Nia's head sharply to the side and there's a horrible snapping sound. She goes limp and a cannon goes off.

I feel numb as I watch Joseph shout out in horror, his face a mask of shock. I feel sick as Nia's small body is dumped on the sand as though she's nothing. I didn't like Nia but I never wanted her to die. I can't help but feel guilty, as though I was the cause of her death. As though I had a part to play, instead of just sitting here and watching helplessly.

"Oh my god" someone breathes in the room, but I don't turn to see who it is. My eyes are focused on Joseph, watching as he shakily picks up the sword that was Nia's. Nearby the mog girl is starting to get to her feet. I can only stare in horror as Joseph's two opponents face him, nowhere near as injured as he is.

The mog boy lunges for Joseph, but he teleports away, appearing a few feet behind the boy. Before the mog can react, Joseph stabs him in the heart, the blade going right through his body. The mog girl screams, and tries to run over, despite her obvious concussion, but it is already too late. A second cannon booms and the mog boy turns to ash.

Joseph staggers, his face twisted in pain and grief. The blood is steadily flowing down his side and I'm desperate to heal him. I want nothing more than him to be brought to safety where I can heal him and protect him. But he's got to kill the mog girl before that can happen. I'm very barely aware of my nails digging into my arms, causing tiny droplets of blood to appear.

The mog girl runs over, her grief turning to anger and she knocks into Joseph before he can teleport away. He falls to the ground with a cry of pain, the audience's cheers only just covering it. They both roll over and over, trying to kill the other first.

I can't help it, I really can't. Joseph is in such a bad way and I know that if I don't do something now that he's going to get killed and I can't bear that. Using telekinesis I yank the mog girl away from Joseph, knocking her onto her back. If Joseph is surprised he doesn't show it and everybody must just assume it's him that used the legacy, as no one reacts. He lunges for the dagger and this time it's his telekinesis that holds her down. He buries the dagger in her heart.

The cannon booms at once and the audience have a mixed reaction of delight and hatred. I don't care about them though; I just care about Joseph getting healed before he dies. The doors are opened hurriedly and then his mentor races out into the fighting area, clearly sharing my fear. I watch as Reynolds grabs Joseph, hefting him into his arms, not caring about all the blood. I'm barely aware that I've stood up, already heading for the doors.

Reynolds drags Joseph in, the boy half–dead in his arms. Blood is trailing on the floor and covering both Joseph and Reynolds, and I'm scared that it's already too late. But when I run forwards and press my hands against his wound, Joseph moans weakly. He's still alive.

I let my legacy take over, icy coldness racing through my body and out my fingers. It's strong and fast, Joseph's body absorbing the healing legacy quickly. The blood stops flowing and the muscles begin to knit together. I continue to press my hands against his side, ignoring his moan of pain and gritted teeth. The tendons stand out on his arms but I just don't care. I have to heal him.

Once I'm done I stagger back, dizzy from the huge amount of energy I had to use to heal him. He was so close to dying and I was barely able to save him. Someone grips my arm, Ella, and she helps me stand. That was probably one of the most serious wounds I've ever had to heal in my life and I feel exhausted.

"Time to go" Adelina gently takes my arm, helping me walk, Ella on my other side. I try to see where Joseph is, but Adelina leads me away, a sad smile on her face.

"You can talk to him later" she promises. "But you need to rest and so does he" I barely have time to protest before I'm led out of the room with the others tributes, Joseph still in the room behind me.

Xxx

I feel ridiculously nervous as I head into the infirmary, the box of chocolates in my hand. Joseph was brought here, earlier as he'd lost a lot of blood despite my healing and he needed a few transfusions. Only now, a few hours later, am I allowed to see him.

I head into the room, heading to the only occupied bed. Joseph lies there propped up on pillows, his face filled with thought. I can tell by his constant fidgeting that he's bored, but the mogs standing guard outside the room must prevent him from leaving. When he hears me coming over he looks up, a smile gracing his face at once.

"Hi" I hover nervously by the foot of his bed. "I, um, brought you some chocolates" I feel really stupid as I hold the box out. I thought it was a good idea at the time but now I just feel ridiculous.

"Great!" Joseph beams, reaching out for them eagerly. He looks genuinely happy to see me and I feel less idiotic as he takes the box, rifling through it at once. He pops a few into his mouth, munching on them happily. "Yum!" he grins. His teeth are stained brown from the chocolates but it's strangely endearing.

I crack a grin. "I'm glad you're feeling better," I tell him, drawing a chair closer. It's so good to see him looking healthy and happy, when he was so close to death earlier. Not for the first time am I thrilled with my legacy.

"All thanks to you" he offers me the box and I hesitantly take one, biting into it delicately. Flavour explodes across my tongue and for the first time I realise just how hungry I am. My stomach growls loudly and I blush at once, but Joseph simply laughs.

"Have more" he encourages, placing the box between us. "It's the least you deserve, after saving me and all that" he turns more serious.

"It was nothing" I shrug, a little embarrassed. Joseph reaches out and takes my hand, his eyes earnest.

"It meant everything to me" he says. "I thought I was going to die…and then you saved me, not giving a damn about how it would affect you" he smiles gratefully. I know he's talking about the telekinesis and I also know he won't tell anyone; he'll just pretend it was him. I look down, and reach for another chocolate to cover my shyness.

"Well don't you think I deserve more than chocolates then?" I look up, trying my best to imitate his teasing smile. Joseph claps a hand across his chest, pretending to look like I've wounded him.

"You're right! How could I think that was enough to thank you?!" he gasps dramatically. He clutches my hand and presses it to his cheek, my own heating up at his goofing around. "How can I ever repay you?"

I smile, looking away from his brilliant eyes and at the calm infirmary instead. There may be nothing between this boy and me but I'd still give anything to have moments like this. Both of us happy, both of us relaxed and safe.

"Promise me you won't die," I say at last, more serious than before. "Promise me you won't leave me" Joseph squeezes my hand, a soft smile on his face.

"Consider it done"

Xxx

Maren

I lie on the roof of the Training Centre, my hands lifted above me as I let my legacy take control. I'm swirling the clouds around, like a kid swirls their hands in a tray of paint, letting the colours merge together. There's a faint smile on my face and for the first time in a very long time, I'm content.

There's a soft bang as the door to the roof shuts, but I don't turn my head to see who it is. I can tell by the soft, hesitant footsteps and the nervous clearing of the throat that it's Sam. I let my hands drop back onto my stomach, turning my head so I can see him. He's standing in some scruffy jeans and a threadbare jumper, but the smile on his face lights him up.

"I'm sorry, I'm not disturbing you am I?" he frowns. I laugh lightly, sitting up. My freshly cut hair barely hangs around my face now and I have to resist the habit of brushing it behind my ear.

"If you were I would have told you by now" I reply. He chuckles, easing himself down so he sits next to me. "What's wrong? Is something going on?" I ask.

Sam smiles, looking out at the Capital. "I just wanted to talk" he shrugs. "We always used to talk in the arena and I missed it" he looks down at me. "And I guess I wanted to congratulate you on making it through to Round 3…despite all the drama" he smiles ruefully.

"Thanks" I look away, a little awkwardly. I know I promised Katarina that I would at least give him a go, but it's hard breaking old habits.

"So, uh, I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime?" Sam stutters out. I know he's asking me out in a not-very-smooth way but I can't help but tease him, despite his obvious nerves.

"Hang out? We see each other all the time" I reply. Sam turns an even brighter red, his hands twisting in his lap.

"I meant, um, alone" he stutters. I smirk wickedly.

"Aren't we doing that now?" when he doesn't reply I begin to laugh, reaching out and gently shoving his arm. "I'm kidding Sam," I say in a much nicer tone.

Sam's cheeks calm a little, but he's still red. "Ok, so that wasn't my smoothest move" he shrugs. "But will you? Hang out with me?" he looks at me hopefully, but at the same time he looks prepared for a rebuff.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "What kind of things would you plan on doing? John/Sarah things?" I can't help but ask. John and Sam clearly get on, but Sam's had to hear a lot of my frustration over my useless partner. John and Sarah's relationship has been a topic for our conversations many a time.

"Would that be so bad?" Sam peeks at me before looking away. I can't help but admit that he looks adorable in his worn clothes with one of the many geeky shirts that he loves.

"I don't want a John and Sarah thing with you" I say bluntly. Too bluntly. Sam looks crestfallen and stumbles to his feet, his hands twisted in his shirt.

"Oh...oh crap" he splutters. "Man, this is awkward" he looks like he's about to bolt and I reach out, gently placing my hand on his arm.

"Sam, wait!" I say. I try to smile kindly at him, but that's never really been me. "I meant that I don't want that lovey-dovey crap that they have. That's not me" I furrow my brow in annoyance. I'm not saying what I want to clearly enough.

"I understand" Sam says and I can see that he does. He knows what I feel, even if I'm confused about my own feelings. That's why I've always liked Sam. He's gentle and kind and most of all understands me.

"I just…I can't afford a distraction. Not whilst the Games are going on," I sigh. "Maybe when we're safe, maybe then things can be different" I run a hand through my hair. Sam smiles, reaching out and taking my hand. I don't pull away.

"I can wait…If that's what it takes, I'll wait," he promises. I laugh weakly, shaking my head in amusement.

"Oh Sam" I say fondly. "You really shouldn't have to. You deserve someone better than me" I sigh. Sam looks like he wants to disagree but I just shake my head, silencing him. I don't want to hear his high opinion of me when I don't deserve it.

"So you'll promise that once we've won" Sam doesn't even sound unsure of success. "Once we're safe that you'll give me a chance"

I look at his dear, familiar face and I can't find it in me to say no. And then I imagine a world where I can live in luxury and without fear, where I can sleep as much as I like and train whenever I want and spend time with those I'll come to love. I'd like to live in a world like that.

"I promise," I agree and Sam's smile lights up the darkness.

Xxx

I stand at the foot of Joseph's bed, a smirk on my face as he stares forlornly at the ceiling. He's playing up his stay in the infirmary, not that I'm falling for it. Marina though, bless the girl, seems to be worried around him and something tells me that's why he's playing up so much. He seems to like her attention.

"I'm hungry" Joseph's sigh is dejected. "I could do with some food…something hot" I can see him looking hopefully at Marina. I'm silently wishing that she doesn't fall for it but she's up on her feet at once, looking concerned.

"What would you like?" she asks kindly. I roll my eyes at Joseph and I can see him trying to hide a smile at his success.

"I don't mind. When I'm this hungry I'm not fussy" he sighs again and Marina hurriedly scampers out of the room, both Joseph and I watching her. The minute she's gone I move to her seat, punching his leg hard.

"Ow!" he exclaims, adopting a wounded air. "What was that for?!" he demands. I smirk at him, taking the seat.

"So that you have a real injury to complain about," I retort. "She's not your servant" Joseph simply grins.

"It's nice having someone fuss over me" he defends himself. "Besides, I like having her as company"

"So you sent her off for food?" I raise an eyebrow. Joseph smiles sheepishly, that ever present cheerful glint in his eyes. I always feel happy and in a good mood when I'm with him; his happiness is infectious.

"I am hungry!" he protests. "Besides, I would do the same for her!" I snicker, enjoying teasing him. His crush on Marina is a delicate spot for him, one I love to tease him about. If he's anything like the rest of us, he has no experience with crushes at all.

"Wow, that's practically a declaration of love" I chuckle. He blushes, looking away from my gaze. He opens his mouth and then shuts it, deciding against whatever he was going to say.

"Shut up" he mumbles. "And don't say anything to her about it" I don't know whether he's talking about playing up for her attention or his crush. Maybe both.

"Oh trust me, I'd never. This is far too fun for me to end it all" I grin wickedly. Joseph rolls his eyes, trying to glare at me but failing big time.

"So why are you here?" he asks me, turning more serious. I can see the emotional scars of today's fight etched into his weary face. The death of his partner will hit him hard, I can tell. He'll feel guilty, most likely, even though he couldn't have done anything.

"Because I wanted to make sure you were ok," I say truthfully. I don't add that I had nothing better to do because that's a bit cruel and he's had a tough day. Despite his cheery exterior I can tell that all he wants at the moment is company and someone to look after him. He seems to hate being alone.

"I'm sorry about your partner, Nia," I add. "You should know there was nothing else you could have done" I reassure him. Joseph looks away, his face turning dark and serious. I feel bad for his mood change, but I had to say it. He shouldn't blame himself.

"I know" he sighs, looking down at his hands. "I just…she was only 15 and I'm older…I should have been protecting her" he shakes his head and I can see him blinking back tears. I reach out and gently take his hand.

"And get yourself killed in the process?" I raise an eyebrow. "And how do you think that would have affected Marina? Ella?" he winces a little at that. "Sometimes you have to be selfish Joseph"

"I was being selfish though," he says after a while. "I was doing everything I could to survive and…and I forgot about Nia. Yet she tried to save me and-" he stops, his voice choking and a tear slips down his cheek. He looks broken.

"The only person" I say slowly. "Who got Nia killed was the mog. It was him, not you," I say fiercely. "Avenge her death, mourn her if you need to. But don't blame yourself"

Joseph looks up, a flicker of self-doubt in his eyes, as if what I said finally got through to him. He opens his mouth, and then closes it again and I jump in to drive the point home. I need to make him see that self-hatred and guilt isn't worth it.

"Nia's death, as horrible as it was, helped you live. Enjoy the life you've earned to keep," I say earnestly. Joseph's face clears and he nods, looking a lot more resolute now. He won't be completely guilt-free, it'll take time, but this is a start. I lean back relieved, when I hear a clatter by the door.

Marina enters the room, the tray of food in her arms, piled high with food. She reminds me of a mother hen in a way, making sure that everyone is ok and not injured and fed. I admire that in her; admire her kindness and compassion that most of us refuse to feel anymore. I admire her ability to not be spiteful no matter what life has thrown at her. I lost that ability years ago.

"Here, I brought you some-" she stops talking when she sees me sitting in her spot, my hand still in Joseph's. A blush makes its way onto her cheeks and her face falls. "Oh, um, sorry, um" she stutters, embarrassed.

"Joseph was moping," I say lightly, standing up and taking the food from her. She needs to see that nothing is going on with Joseph and I; in fact the thought almost makes me laugh. "He wanted you here, not me. Apparently I was depressing him," I tell her, trying to make her laugh.

Marina looks a little happier, even if still a little confused, especially when Joseph flashes her that charming smile of his. She settles down into the seat, passing him the tray of food that he takes excitedly. I pat her shoulder as I turn to go, trying to make her feel better. I've had enough of relationship drama for one day; I'm off to bed.

"Maren" Joseph calls as I reach the exit.

"Yeah?" I turn to face him.

"Thanks for talking and listening to me" he smiles at me. "I needed that"

I nod and then turn to go, amused by the sight of him and Marina. They're surrounded by piles of food; Marina eagerly tucking into some as well. They look like they're about to have a kid's sleepover with a midnight feast spread in front of them and I can't help but smile for them.

We all deserve a little happiness.

So, loads of you are going to hate me for the Sam/Six moment but it really doesn't mean anything. Don't worry, Jix is still happening but I want to drag it out, and develop it into more than a fast-paced 'love at first sight thing'.

Hope you enjoyed and please review!