Hey everyone!

...

I know it's been a long time. A lot has happened since I last updated. I hope no one thought that I would abandon the story, as that was never my intention. I really enjoy writing, it's just that stress sort of got to me for a while.

I'm not sure how long it will take me to update next, but I'll try to get it up within two weeks. If you need to reread the last few chapters to remember what's happened, I completely understand. If you're upset because I haven't updated in a long time, I understand that too. Also, let me know if your sponsor points aren't up to date. I'll change them if you PM me with the correct amount :)

Please enjoy the chapter! Panem is a great place to escape to, even if it is horrible and oppressive. Regardless, let's have a good time in the Hunger Games together xD

Pagani Chevy (16)- D6F

I have the last watch, which means I get to see the sun rise slowly and the moon's face fading out of the sky. I've been keeping my eyes and ears open for any sign of the Careers or other tributes, but I've seen nothing so far. The creature that we encountered hasn't followed us either, thankfully. Perhaps the forest is more dangerous than we thought.

Volt is sleeping peacefully at my feet, Logan tossing and turning behind me. His brow is furrowed, making small noises throughout the night. He reminds me of my mother's fitful nights on the streets, her mumbling and twitching beside me. I pick up our empty water bottle and frown. We can't keep living like this; repeatedly robbing the Cornucopia and hoping that the Careers won't see us. Especially since someone did see us last night, who could have easily taken on. The pair from Eleven were clearly weakened, but Logan let them get away! He'll see someday that he can't be the hero forever. We'll get unlucky eventually, and end up having to face other tributes head-on, Career or not.

Logan wakes first, his eyes red and swollen like he didn't really sleep. He grunts at me in greeting and heads out to the other side of the hill where we've been relieving ourselves. Volt stirs a few minutes later, yawning. "I'm thirsty," he complains.

I roll my eyes, but try not to let him see. "The water is gone."

Volt makes a face, but then shrugs with a bright smile. "Oh, well. We can always get more."

"We shouldn't be living like this," I say hotly. "We should ambush the Careers. Today, right now! Before they wake up. We'll catch them by surprise and kill them off, then take control of the Cornucopia."

"We won't do any such thing," Logan's voice issues from behind me. I turn back with a sigh. I knew he would oppose me. "We wouldn't stand a chance against four Careers. Volt isn't a fighter."

Volt doesn't look offended; I'm the one that bristles. "Taking on the Careers was why we created this alliance! Instead we're like the bottom-feeders of the pool, taking all the crap they don't want."

Logan meets my eyes, his own very weary. "I understand what you're saying, Pagani. That's what I wanted us to be… but we lost half of our people in the bloodbath." He shakes his head, looking down. I can hear the strain in his voice. "We failed our mission."

There's a moment of silence, then Volt says serenely, "I don't think we've failed."

Both our heads turn to him. We gazes at us each with his usual charismatic smile. "We're still here, aren't we? We can still stand as tribute for our districts. That's why we were Reaped, after all."

I know part of what he's saying is just to endear us to the Capitol, but the essence of what he's saying is true. It would be foolish to give up now and just resign ourselves to mere survival when we could be living large as a major threat to the other tributes. I knew Volt would speak some sense into Logan.

"We've killed a Career already," I entreat Logan. He watches me warily, but I can tell he's mulling over our words. "If we have the element of surprise, then we'll have the upper hand. We could pick them off one by one, starting with a guard if they have one, then sneaking up on the other three, stabbing one in the back before they realize we're there, then the three of us against the remaining two, you and me just like-"

"Okay, okay," Logan interrupts. I see the argument has finally gotten through to him. "I see what you're saying. But don't you think we should strategize a bit more before just running out there?"

"I agree," Volt says quickly. He looks directly to me. "We should wait until tonight, once they're all asleep or getting ready to sleep. They'll be easier to sneak up on."

I open my mouth in protest, then close it. "You're right," I grumble. "Let's draw up a real plan, shall we?"

Thorn Guerra (16)- D11M

Luna and I sit and gulp down water, listening to the waves softly lap at the sand, the sun gently rising on the horizon. I can feel my eyes slipping shut the longer we stay still, but for an entirely different reason than before. Now I'm hydrated and content, ready for rest after a night of raiding, when before we were nearly passing out from dehydration. I look over at Luna and she gives me a cheeky smile, her green eyes crinkling at the corners. Even though she can be annoying at times, I would be annoyed around anyone, regardless of who they were. Luna isn't the worst person to be stuck with. In fact, I might even call her… a friend.

Which is an interesting insight. I separate myself from the thought and examine it for a moment. Have I ever had a friend before, aside from Georgie? Even with her, things were never just 'friendly'. They were intense and passionate right from the start, especially on her end. Luna and I are more like compatriots, in the Games together for better or worse. It's strange to think I would make my first friend in a twelve-year old girl in a competition where at least one of us must die, but that's how death works. Constantly playing jokes on us tiny mortals.

I reach into the sand and draw a large 'eleven', just two long lines with my finger. Luna raises an eyebrow at it.

"You and me," I say, pointing to each 'one' in turn. "Together we make District Eleven."

She giggles a little. "I didn't think you were poetic at all, Thorn."

There are lots of things we don't know about each other, I think to myself. I guess it doesn't matter if we'll be dead soon anyway.

But we won't die today. The two of us settle into a small alcove against a large rock on the shore. We're hidden in the shadow, but we decide to take shifts sleeping anyway, in case someone comes to this part of the shore. Luna settles into the sand, her skin just as covered in it as mine. I sit beside her, watching the waves flow rhythmically to my outstretched feet. It's a warm day, with the sun hot above us, but it's not too bad in the shade.

"Do you think those people will follow us?" Luna asks suddenly.

I know exactly who she's talking about: the other alliance who saw us at the Cornucopia, also stealing goods from the Careers. It seems we weren't the only ones who were desperate. It's oddly comforting.

"Maybe," I say. "But if they did, then they're either horribly slow or they got stuck in a hole."

Luna punches me in the arm and turns over to go to sleep. I smirk to myself, but my mind wanders to the two boys who died last night. One was a Career, the guy from Ten who joined up, and the other was the boy from Nine. It sounded like a horrible battle, and I don't want Luna and I to get caught up in one just like it.

Cyprian Clay (18)- D2M

Marlowe is pacing in a way that I've gotten used to, but which Leto still seems to think as suspicious. Leto pulls up her dark hair, now dirty and almost matted from four whole days in the arena. Marlowe sneers to herself as she mumbles quietly, twirling her baton in her hand as if practicing a dance routine. Passion is sitting to the side, her eyes fixed on an open crate near the Cornucopia's mouth, it's contents strewn all over the ground, some missing.

We won a great battle last night, but lost another one. We were victorious over the traitor Jeremy and his little ally who I hadn't managed to kill during the bloodbath. Yet while we were gone, it seems we were robbed. Some would even say picked clean. About half of our water is gone and so is quite a bit of the food. Our own survival chances are not severely diminished; it's our reputation that's tarnished. Marlowe was the first one to declare she wanted to retaliate, and while Leto urged us to wait until morning, I can tell by the twitching of her cheek that she's angry as well.

I can only hope that wherever Volt is, he's safe. Hopefully with his allies, far away from here, with enough food and water to last him a few more days before he returns. Last night I dreamed of our night together when he told me he would find a way for us to be together. I can still see his electric blue eyes staring into my own, like he was reading my soul and my life. For once, I'm willing to take a chance on my own happiness instead of trying to be the tough brute everyone has always expected me to be. What would it be like to spend my days with Volt, before one or both of us dies? Even just one night with him felt more meaningful than any time I'd spent with my parents, who hate me, or the fake dates I went on with pretty girls to convince the Academy that I was actually a tough guy who could represent Two in the Games.

"Are we ready or what?" Passion suddenly snaps, standing with her hand on her hip. Her tone and attitude are the same Passion that I've gotten used to, but her eyes don't match. They're dark, like a light has been extinguished inside them. Marlowe gives her a dirty look over her shoulder. Ever since Passion stopped her from killing that cow, she hasn't spoken to her. Marlowe flips back her blonde hair and twirls her baton faster.

Leto sighs, standing and taking a sip of water. "If we're ready, then let's go." She turns her sharp eyes to me. "Cyprian will stay behind and guard the supplies." I try not to seem too relieved. I was hoping I would get to stay behind and see if Volt would return.

Leto faces Marlowe and Passion again. "The three of us will stay together. And protect each other if something happens."

I know she's referring to Faroud, but Marlowe doesn't seem too distraught about her district partner, just rolling her eyes and sighing. "Fine."

Passion doesn't say anything, just nods tersely. Leto picks up her whip and lashes it once, the cracking sound echoing into the Cornucopia's hollow darkness. "Let's show them what the Careers are made of."

Raven Lavalée (17)- D7M

There's not much to do except keep our supply of food stocked. I stand in the water with my pants rolled up, watching for any signs of fish or eels. The stick I sharpened isn't as fancy as the metal ones we used in training, but it gets the job done. Our fishing net is lying on the sand, so far not useful. The fish are small enough to swim right through the open spaces.

I hear a small splash to my left, and I focus in on the small gray shadow beneath the water. I raise my wooden spear, take aim… and I erupt into a coughing fit. The strength of it almost takes away my vision, and I'm left gasping for a few moments afterward. I glance at the blood that I coughed up into my palm and lean down to wash it off in the water. Maybe the blood will attract some sort of carnivorous fish that I can catch.

"Are you alright?"

I turn to see Flux standing onshore, her curly brown hair a mess on her head. I thought I had reached my lowest point in personal hygiene after Pa's injury when we had no money for soap or clothes, but life in Seven has nothing on the Hunger Games. I remember brushing our Sparrow's long black hair to try and get out the knots, and I suppress a smile.

"I'm fine," I say, but not without a small cough. "Your smell is making me cough."

Flux raises an eyebrow, a hand on her hip. "Whatever. I think we need to talk about our next move."

"What move?" I ask, wading through the water to get closer to her. "We can't just leave Thimble."

"You can't," she says matter-of-factly. "I don't know if you've noticed, but you're sort of dying."

"We all have that in common then."
Flux ignores me. "I should head out to try and find us some water. We'll all die without it, and it's the best thing I can do to help Thimble. He's going to want some good news, stuck down there like that."

I don't doubt Thimble would be pleased to hear they've found water, but I do doubt Flux's sincerity. She's probably thinking more about her own survival now that Thimble is stuck and I'm off my medication. Still, I know she cares about Thimble. I've seen the way they look at each other and the way they make easy conversation despite Thimble's closed-off veneer. She's brought him out of his shell more and more since I've known them.

Flux sighs at my silence and crosses her arms. Maybe I'm being too harsh on her. She might just feel stir-crazy and want to do something to help the group in any way she can. And she's not wrong that it would be unwise for me to stray too far from our new homebase. The coughing fits and the sudden fatigue would make me an easily locatable and slow target.

"Alright," I say gruffly. "Just don't stray too far, and don't lose your path. Maybe you should mark your way with the net. It's useful in trying to catch these fish." I gesture toward it, lying sadly on the beach.

"And lead other tributes right to you and Thimble?" Flux asks incredulously. "No way. I have my hatchet, and I can take care of myself."

I shrug, trying not to show my worry. If Flux gets lost in the wilderness on her own, it will take more than a hatchet to find her way back. "Suit yourself."

I hear another splash not far away. I immediately put a finger to my lips before Flux can say anything more, and raise my spear. I bring it down with ferocity, and then raise it with the squirming fish on the tip. "That's what I'm talking about!" I whoop, perhaps slightly too loudly. I slip the fish off the spear and hold it up proudly to Flux's amused face. "That training wasn't useless after all."

Blossom Urakaka (15)- D9F

After gorging myself on fruit last night, I spent the final hours of daylight wandering around my new home, marveling at the immense architecture. There are even sculptures placed on either side of the structure, their faces mostly chipped and faded, but the white bodies still gorgeously sculpted. Even a cultist could appreciate the beauty of the artwork.

Of course, this wasn't really artwork, but the design of a Gamemaker who liked marble sculptures. No true artistry was behind the sculptures.

I spend most of today doing the same things, revelling in my food supply, drinking crystal clear waters from the streams, wondering at the colorful flowers, and examining the handiwork of the sculptures. Near the front of the massive structure, I find a few whose faces are still intact. They look familiar, but I don't immediately recognize any but one. He's standing at the head of the other sculptures, just a tad taller than the others. I shiver to see President Snow's face set in stone. It's unsettling to be reminded that he is watching everything I do. At least before I could remember the literal distance between the arena and the Capitol, but now his visage haunts my every step.

I leave the sculptures in favor of returning to the lush gardens, brimming with fruit. I pluck a peach from a nearby tree and plop on the grass, munching mindlessly. Could this entire place be an elaborate trap? It wouldn't be the first time the Gamemakers have lured in a tribute with false promises of food and safety. I recall the cabin from last year's Games, which gave horrible visions to Filly, the girl from Ten, until she slowly went insane. I pull my knees up to my chest and glance around the paradise with distrust. The trees seem non-threatening, the massive marble columns seem sturdy, and the statues seem just that- statues. But who's to say that the likeness of Snow isn't a warning? Or did the Gamemakers think that his face would have a calming effect, reassuring the tributes that this place is safe? One can never know with Capitolites and their strange ways of seeing the world.

Determined to find an answer, I cautiously creep to the Snow statue, past the rows of trees and sculptures, white columns and mounds of fallen stone. A giant head of a destroyed statue stares as I walk. Snow is holding some kind of stave in one hand, a small winged female figure in the other. An eagle is sitting beside him with its beak open and wings spread. Snow's face is carved into a marble frown. I gulp as I walk around the statue, looking around for any trap tiles on the marble floor, or something on the statue that could mean trouble.

I move all the way around until I reach the little figurine that Snow is holding, a little woman with wings. She is also holding something: a small little cup filled with what looks like water. There's a little inscription beneath the cup. I cock my head as I move closer to it cautiously, squinting my eyes to read the little letters.

Nectar of the gods

To spread through the veins

Human blood is lost

Gold imbued is its bane

I reread the cryptic rhyme several times, but it seems more indecipherable everytime. I huff in frustration. More Gamemaker nonsense.

I lean up to look into the little woman's cup again. The liquid has a faint golden hue that I didn't notice before. I reach up to touch the little cup and it gently moves out of place. Amazed, I lift it gently and realize its removable from the little woman's arm. I glance over at Snow's face nervously, setting the little cup back in place. I hurry back over to the gardens. I don't like being where that fake-Snow can see me. At least if I stay away I can pretend that he can't see me.

Marlowe Bahari (18)- D4F

I twirl my baton as we leave the Cornucopia, keeping my eyes peeled for any movement at the edge of the forest. I skip through the grass, listening to the sounds of bugs chirping and revelling in the feeling of sun on my face. Whenever I used to feel out of control back in Four, Gaia and I would go out to the beach and sun-bathe. It helped keep us tan and attractive, and the sun kept me grounded.

"We need to focus," Leto says sharply.

I stop skipping and shoot her a glare. I push a golden curl behind my ear, spinning my baton lazily. "You need to loosen up. We're going to go kill some cowardly kids! You aren't excited?"
"I'm more determined to defeat those who shamed our districts," Leto says nobly.

Deep down I know she's partially right, but a mist shrouds my mind, separating it from reality. I shouldn't let the mist overtake me, but it's hard without Gaia here to ground me or Reggie to kiss me better. I focus on the golden sunlight that floods my skin, tilting my face up to it.

"Your form is all wrong," Passion quips.

I open my eyes and squint over at her. She stands with her hand on her hip, black hair loose around her shoulders and blowing in the wind. I grin a little at the thought of her pale skin being permanently marred by sun damage. "What do you mean?" I ask innocently, twirling on my feet again.

Passion scoffs, rolling her green eyes. "Footwork is the most important part of dancing, just like fighting," she snaps. "If the trainers in Four knew how to fight, you would know that."

"Girls, let's try and not snap at each other for twelve hours," Leto says tiredly. "We need to focus on the hunt."

I smile and jerk my head toward Leto. "What she said, Mavros. How about when we find a tribute, I'll bunt them over to you with my baton and you can smash them with your mace?"

Passion's face is purposefully blank.

"That's what I thought. You wouldn't let me kill that stupid cow because you've gone soft," I taunt. "Maybe you wouldn't have if you actually went to training and didn't have your parents pay for your spot in the Games."

Passion's eyes flash, and her hand tightens on her mace hilt. "Shut up before I smash you!" she hisses.

"Stop it, both of you," Leto warns, halting her pace. Her ponytail bounces as her sharp eyes look back and forth between us. "Marlowe, stop goading Passion. Passion, stop taking the bait."

"I'm not a fish for you to reel in, fish bitch," Passion says.

I roll my eyes and continue skipping toward the trees. I can feel the bloodlust singing in my veins. The golden Cornucopia guarded by Cyprian watches us from behind, and the eyes of the trees anticipate our advance. I can just imagine the terrified tributes clinging to their trees in fear. I grin in mirth.

Flux DuBois (14)- D8F

Raven and I bring Thimble the fish that he caught, skinned to the best of our ability. I peer over the cliff, swallowing down the lump in my throat at the sight of my district partner curled up on a rock. "Thimble!" I call down softly. "We brought you some fish!"

He looks up blearily, blocking out the sun with a hand. He shivers as he stands on unsteady feet. "The monster will eat it," he says weakly.

"It's raw anyway," Raven says with slight disgust. We still don't have any means to make fire.

"Don't call it a monster," I tell Thimble, ignoring Raven. "It's just a bird or something. I'll toss it down to you."

"Just keep it for yourself," Thimble says, sitting back down with his legs around his legs. "I'm going to die down here anyway."

I don't respond, the only sound is the gentle waves from below and the swirling vortex underneath Thimble's little outcropping of rock.

Raven gently takes the fish from me with a sigh. "You have to stay positive Thimble. Think about everyone in Eight ready for a second victor this year." They are empty words, but Thimble glances up at us nonetheless.

"That's right," I say in encouragement. "We have to stay strong for Eight. Listen, we need water in order to keep going." I hope he can pick up on the real meaning behind my words. Even if he doesn't survive, Raven and I will need water eventually. "I'm going to leave tomorrow morning to go look for some. I'll be back as soon as I find it."

Thimble looks up at me with dim eyes. "Where are you going to look? Just farther along the coast?" After I nod, he sighs and hangs his head. "You're not going to find anything. You know what you need to do."

I raise an eyebrow. Thimble's eyes wander over the sea, to the horizon, where the mysterious island sits in the distance. He turns back to me with an intense gaze.

I gulp, suddenly blinking back tears. We both know that it will take days to go to the island and back. By the time I return, Thimble will either be dead or on the verge of death. Unless he can find a way off of the cliff, he'll die from dehydration without any food to provide hydration.

Beside me, Raven bites into the raw fish, grimacing at the taste. "Apparently this is a delicacy in the Capitol," he says with disgust, then looks over to me. "You have to do what you have to do," he says, surprisingly solemn. "I'll keep Thimble company. He'll be begging to die after being alone with me for a few days."

Thimble huffs down beneath us, and I chuckle, wiping away the tears from my face. When did I get so sentimental? I haven't even known Thimble for two weeks, but we've been through more together than most people go through in their entire lives. I would do anything to save his life.

"There might be a way to help Thimble on the island," I say fiercely.

"There's no way out unless we kill this monster," Thimble says gruffly. He tosses a pebble in the air to incite the creature. It springs forth from its hiding spot above him, snatching at the pebble with ferocity, its three heads snapping at each other for ownership over the rock. They retreat back into their cave just as quickly.

"Then I'll find it," I say in determination.

Thimble doesn't look convinced, but it's not time to give up. I've been saying we should try to lower the net down for him to grab and hoist him upward, but he's too afraid of the monster. The trap seems impossible to escape.

"I'll help you build a raft with some of this driftwood," Raven says, gesturing toward the shore. "Then you can set out on your adventure while we're stuck here."

I feel a lump rise in my throat. I'm lucky to have Raven and Thimble in this horrible game.

Caillou Wight (17)- D3F

After seeing those tributes yesterday, I've decided to stay in the trees for most of the day. The berry tree is difficult to climb and I'm practically covered in smashed berries by the time I reach the middle of the branches, but at least I'm hidden. I faintly hear birds singing in the distance, even the scream of a fox or some other larger predator. I draw swirls in juice on my arms, dreamily imagining what those birds must feel like as they drift through the treetops. Of course, they're stuck in here just like I am, but they don't know it. I wonder what the Gamemakers will do with these animals when the Games are over. Surely they must release them back into the wild, or maybe they will just live here forever. Within a few years, this arena will be open for Capitolite tourists, and they will need a complete environment with animals and plants. I smile faintly as I watch a small bird flutter above the treetops through the leaves. At least these little animals will live out happy lives in this place.

A twig breaks loudly and echoes throughout the forest. I snap back into reality in a split second, resisting the urge to slip back into the hazy warmth of my mind.

A second snap keeps me alert. I stay perfectly still on my tree branch. I can only hope that if there is a tribute nearby, my disguise will camoflauge me. My supplies are on a branch beside me. The mirror that the sponsors sent to me is sitting loose on the bark, reflecting light into a leaf above it. A trap made from my wire is set up a few meters away, where I saw some shrew creatures crawling around yesterday.

I hold my breath as sounds of rustling leaves draw closer. I don't know whether to wish that it's a tribute or an animal. Strange noises of something whistling through the air reaches my ears. I swallow nervously, clinging to the tree trunk.

"Hold up," a female voice says, and I feel my eyes start to tear up from fear. I recognize that voice having spent hours listening to it during training. It's the girl from Four, Marlowe.

"What is it?" another responds. I know this one too: Leto from Two.

"Do you see that?"

Someone walks toward Marlowe's voice. There is no response, and no more noises. I try to control my breathing so they can't hear me. Should I try the same thing I did last time? This isn't the same group of tributes that came near my tree last time. These are the Careers. I could try and mimic one of their allies calling for help, but I don't know who all is here. Maybe I should growl at them like I did to the other tributes.

"Aha!" Marlowe suddenly yells. "Got it!"

Leto laughs, and the girl from One, Passion, snorts. "What the hell is that?"

"Who knows." Marlowe almost sounds disgusted. "Some sort of weasel thing. We should take its blood and smear on our faces like warpaint."

"That's revolting," Passion scoffs.

"It scares the tributes," Marlowe says smugly. "But I guess blood isn't in style this season, huh?"
"Stop," Leto says sharply, but continues with a practiced mediated tone. "Marlowe, you must be thinking of Ripley Trenton. I remember that too. You can do that if the blood if you like, but don't expect Passion and I to follow suit."

I remember Ripley as well, a famous runner-up tribute from Four who was in the Games over a decade ago. He's mostly remembered for painting his face and body with the blood of his victims, but I also vividly recall seeing highlights from those Games of him torturing an opponent by keeping him alive all day, slicing open every vein and carving words into his skin.

The Careers' conversation continues and they walk away, their words becoming more and more faint. I sigh in relief, slumping against the tree. A small bird lands on the branch above my head, twittering sweetly. I smile and reach up just in case she'll let me stroke her with a finger, but she flies away.

This part of the forest is too trafficked. Even though this tree is a fine source of food and hydration, I can't stay here forever. At some point, one of the tributes will notice me, and some imitation won't always fool them. It might be time to leave my tree. It's best to keep moving during the Hunger Games, anyway.

I pack up my things as silently as I can, listening for the Careers. After not hearing anything for over half an hour, the sun starts to set. I climb out of the tree to undo my animal trap, carefully respooling my wire. I pack my empty canteen full of berries, then stand still as I try to decide where I should go. Inexplicably, I feel a pull toward the Cornucopia. With at least three Careers gone, there should be only one left at the golden horn. I don't plan to steal anything, but it's good to keep an eye on your enemy. I slowly start to move in that direction with determination, my skin painted in my own purple berry blood.

Volt Halvorsson (18)- D5M

It was easy to convince Logan and Pagani to wait one more day for our attack. We'll need to observe their patrol patterns before we make our attack, I reasoned. Pagani was reluctant to let me go alone, so I sent her to the edge of the forest to look out for any returning Careers. That leaves me alone by the usual tree, waiting for Cyprian to take notice of me. I first saw him on his short round around the Cornucopia. He seems to be alone here.

It was lucky I managed to draw Pagani and Logan to my side; Cyprian is the only Career at the Cornucopia right now. If Logan and Pagani had come with me to spy on the golden horn, they would have wanted to kill him and wait for the others to return. But that won't do… I have need of Cyprian. He's the best fighter in the arena. I saw that much in training when I first hatched my plan. Killing him jus won't work. But if I can get him to kill off the rest of our competition… then I'll have a real chance at winning. I would never win a fight against any of the Careers. I've always had to rely on my brain and my charm. The Games are no different. Luckily, if my plan works to kill the rest of the Careers, Cyprian and I will manage to do the same with Pagani and Logan.

The full moon is the only thing watching as Cyprian rotates around the supplies, faithfully keeping an eye out for enemies. The moon seems to have been full ever since we arrived in the arena. The unnaturalness of it reminds me of where we are.

Cyprian eventually sees me and immediately comes rushing over. His copper hair is illuminated in the moonlight, his face lit up with hopefulness. "Volt?" he whispers into the night once he's a few meters away.

"It's me," I say evenly back. He closes the distance between us with a pleased sigh. He searches my face for something- maybe any signs of sadness of hunger, then kisses me.

"Volt," he sighs. "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you." His green eyes are full of sincerity.

"We've had some roadblocks," I say with a smile. "Did you know there's a dragon northwest of here?"

Judging by his shocked expression, he didn't know. "A… dragon?"

"Well, I'm sure we'll be able to take it down together," I say, not missing the brightness my words alight in his eyes. "It's guarding the water supply. We haven't been able to find any other source."

"Oh!" Cyprian reaches to his belt and unclasps two canteens of water. "Take these. And-" He produces food out of thin air as well. "This. I don't need them anyway."

"Thank you, Cyprian," I say quietly. "You've been single handedly keeping us alive, you know."

He looks pained at the thought. "Volt…"

"I have something for you as well," I interrupt. I pull out the hat that our group nabbed from the Cornucopia, unraveling it to reveal the azalea I gathered in the forest the other day. It's been wrapped up in it ever since, and is a little shriveled, but its effects will still be just as potent.

Cyprian watches me with wide eyes, taking the pink flower gingerly. "What is that?'

"It's called azalea. It's a poisonous flower found in mediterranean climates."

"Why are you giving it to me?" he asks quietly, but he's smart. I can see the realization dawning on his face.

"It's the only way we can be together," I beseech him. "You know that if you leave, the Careers will come after you. They'll never rest until we're both dead."

Volt swallows hard. "I can't kill Leto," he whispers. "She's my friend."

"Is she more important than me?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "Does she love you, Volt? She would kill you in a second if you were the only ones left in the arena."

His silence is telling. He examines the flower carefully. "How would I… do this?"

I curl his hand over the flowers with my own. "The nectar is the key. Crush up the petals and swirl them into some water or something, or mix it in with their food. Even the slightest amount of nectar will make the strongest person sick, and enough will kill them. Just make sure to act sick as well so they don't suspect you. I'll be back tomorrow night. Then we can finish them if they aren't already dead."

Volt stares at me in shock. For a moment I wonder if I shouldn't have dumped so much information on him at once. I should have known he would need a lighter tough. Just as I expect him to uncurl his fingers and give me the azalea, he slowly places it into his small pack.

"I won't let you down," he says quietly.

He doesn't sound as sure as he says. I place my other hand on his shoulder. "I love you, Cyprian. I just want us to be together."

"I know," he whispers. "I love you too."

I give him a kiss, hoping the cameras are picking it up.

No deaths this chapter, but I'll post the statistics anyway in case anyone has forgotten:

Kill Stats:

Tied for Most Kills:

Passion Mavros (17)- D1F- two kills: Sparrow and Alder

Cyprian Clay (18)- D2M- two kills: Caiden and Jeremy

Faroud Pistris (18)- D4M (dead)- two kills: Dylan and Rylex.

Tied for Second-Most Kills:

Leto Larston (18)- D2F- one kill: Rai.

Marlowe Bahari (18)- D4F- one kill: Terra.

Pagani Chevy (16)- D6F- one kill: Callum.

Leave a review if you enjoyed the chapter! Tell me your predictions, your favorite tributes, your favorite moments! What do you think of Volt and Cyprian's plan? What about Flux's planned journey and Thimble's predicament? What about Blossom's paradise?

I hope everyone has a great week!