TW: graphic violence in Alula's POV.
Dale Orion-Poplar, District 12, 17
As soon as the sun came up, Travis roused me. We got ready quickly.
"You sure you don't want me to do it?" Travis asked.
"I can do this," I replied.
Originally, we'd planned for Travis to be the one who scoped out the Cornucopia, but I'd volunteered to do it. This was my idea, after all.
"Make sure to see how many are there and come right back," he instructed. "Don't do anything stupid."
"I can handle it," I said. "And why would I do anything stupid?"
"I don't know," said Travis. "Just don't."
"Only if you don't," I said.
"Find," Travis replied. "And you're sure you don't want the axe?"
I glanced down at the weapon in Travis's hand. "It's too flashy. I'm just taking a look around and coming back. A knife is fine."
"Okay, okay," said Travis. "See you soon."
"See you," I said.
For the first time in the Games, I was by myself.
Part of me liked it. The rain had stopped, but the sky was still cloudy, and the forest was nice and calm. It reminded me of the good old days back at home, when Leo and I would slip beyond the fence. At the same time, though, I couldn't help but be paranoid. Travis couldn't watch my back forever, but I'd definitely become used to the solace of his presence. Every noise made my heart skip a beat. My head was constantly swiveling, checking for the slightest hint of danger.
After a while of walking, I was able to see the Cornucopia in the distance. I took a breath to steady myself and slowed my pace, becoming as silent as possible as I approached. After another few minutes of darting between trees and listening for shouts of alarm, I was able to make out the voices and faces of the Career alliance.
There were three of them, which surprised me. Two girls and a boy. I wasn't sure where the other boy had gone- maybe he was already out hunting? Nonetheless, I listened in to what the present Careers were saying.
"You sure you'll be okay, Muir?" asked the dark-haired girl.
"If Sadie can do it, I'll be just fine," the boy, Muir, teased.
"Hey," the other girl said. Sadie, apparently. Her hair was red.
"What time should I expect you guys back?" Muir asked.
So the two girls were leaving for the day. That was fantastic news. I leaned in to catch their next words, but I was distracted by something else. A piece of metal shining on a tree branch ahead of me caught my eye. I peered closer and noticed it snaked around the trunk and down to the ground, where some rope was partially visible.
It's booby-trapped, I realized. I took a few steps to the side and noticed another. And another. And another.
A deep sense of determination settled in my stomach. The boy Career was alone, and probably would be for a few hours. There were traps around the treeline, but I knew where they were, so they could be avoided. Now was the perfect chance to ambush him, steal some of their supplies, and get out safely. Just like Travis had said. I wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but I was set on doing it.
I turned and headed back to Travis, preparing to tell him my findings.
Sadie Wilson, District 2, 18
"You sure you'll be okay, Muir?" Glowla asked.
"If Sadie can do it, I'll be just fine," Muir teased.
"Hey," I said halfheartedly.
"What time should I expect you guys back?" Muir asked.
Glowla and I exchanged a glance. "Late afternoon?" I ventured.
"Sure," said Glowla. Muir nodded.
"Cool," I said. I gave Muir a little wave. "See you then."
"Later," he replied, sitting back on his picnic table. He began sharpening his spear as we walked away.
Glowla and I began heading north, throwing knives filling our hands. I'd never gone out searching with Glowla before, and I was hoping it would go a little better than my last trip with Virgil went. And thinking about Virgil only led to thinking about Cal. It was difficult to stay relaxed with that memory fresh in my mind, and Glowla noticed.
"How are you doing?" she asked.
"Fine," I lied.
Glowla rolled her eyes. "I don't have to be a gambler to know you're lying," she said. "Is it about Caligula again?"
"It always is, isn't it?" I asked bitterly. "I wish I could stop thinking about it, but I can't."
"I really think it would help if you put him out of your mind altogether," she replied. "Maybe put off thinking about him until later."
I sighed. "It helps to throw knives," I said. "Other than that, I can't stop. I just feel so stupid. I really thought he was my friend, and that I could change him. I was an idiot."
"Hey," Glowla said, stopping short. "His actions are not your fault. Do you understand?"
"What?" I asked, caught off guard.
"For the longest time, I blamed myself for my dad's downfall," she said. "He gambled his life away when I was little, and he blamed it on me. He wasn't picked to Volunteer, and whenever he looked at me, he saw the potential that I could do what he couldn't. He couldn't handle it, and eventually he was killed for his debts. And I thought it was all my fault."
"That's ridiculous," I said. "It's not your fault for existing."
"Exactly," she replied. "It took me too long to reach that conclusion. And it's not your fault Caligula didn't listen to you. You can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved."
I was quiet for a moment. Then I said, "Then why do I keep trying?"
Glowla sighed. "Because you care so much. You need to let him go."
I nodded, turning her words over in my mind. "Caring about him hurts."
"Then let's care about something else," she said. "Like these tributes we're going to find. Last time I was up here, Muir and I found two. Want to hear the story?"
"Sure," I said, grateful for the distraction. It was a good story, and Glowla told it well as she recounted the trail of blood and chase through the woods. She even made a few jokes along the way, and they were pretty good. She'd always been on the serious side, and it was nice to get past that a little.
Glowla had a point. Cal wasn't worth caring about anymore. I just needed to convince myself to let him go. That way, when I saw him again, I wouldn't hesitate.
Travis O'Quinn, District 7, 17
About twenty minutes after Dale left, my ears perked up at the sound of footsteps. I quietly reached for my axe and peeked around, looking for the source. It only took me a few seconds to spot the other tribute.
He was tall, with a crooked nose and long brown hair tied back at the bottom of his neck. He was wearing a backpack and holding a knife, scanning the area cautiously as he walked. I peered at the number on his shirt, trying to make it out, and spotted what looked like a 9.
I tightened my grip on my axe. I remembered him now- I'd seen him around in training a few times, and the guy was good. I even considered allying with him at one point, but he was always with his district partner, and I didn't want to be the odd man out. It occurred to me to just let him go by. He didn't even know I was here, and a confrontation could be avoided. But then I thought of all the sponsorships I could get if I took him out. It wouldn't be easy, and I'd probably take a few hits, but it would be worth it for that extra edge, right?
But then I remembered the deal I'd made with Dale. Careers first. Even if he wasn't the one doing the killing, I knew he'd get upset at me for doing it, and then I could probably kiss my alliance goodbye.
Wait, I thought. An alliance. That's it.
It wouldn't be easy to take down any Careers with just the two of us. But if the Nine guy joined us, we could wreak some serious havoc. I made a snap decision and stepped out from behind the tree, putting myself in his eyeline.
"Hey," I called.
The boy nearly jumped out of his skin, immediately lowering into a fighting stance. He looked around frantically to match a face with the voice, and it only took a few seconds for him to see me.
"I'm not going to fight you," I said. "Unless you want me to."
He hesitated, but didn't break my stance. "What do you want?" he asked.
"Well, at first I was going to let you pass me by," I said. "Then I thought about killing you. But then I had a much better idea."
"Which is?"
"A proposal." I tilted my head, his light eyes locked with mine. "A collaboration, if you will."
"What do you want to do?" he asked.
"My buddy Dale and I are planning to take down the Careers," I said. "Join us."
"Why the hell would I do that?" he asked. "You're out of your mind."
"Sponsorship attention, extra supplies, lots of reasons," I said. "They're the biggest threat right now, and it helps everyone to cut them down to size. Including both of us. Plus, the Careers have a lot of stuff stockpiled in the Cornucopia, and while we're there, we'll get access."
"You know, the last time I allied with someone, they killed Reese," he said. "I can't see why I wouldn't learn from that experience."
"Reese?" I asked.
"My district partner," he said. "Chaney killed them."
For the first time since he'd appeared, I was taken off my guard. My eyes widened. "Chaney did what?" There was no way.
"You heard me," he said. "Chaney killed Reese."
"And then you killed Chaney?" I asked, still processing his words.
"She got away," he answered.
I shook his head. "Damn," I muttered, more to me than to himself. Then I smirked a little, unable to help myself. "Didn't think she had it in her. Good for her."
"I think I'll pass," he said, frowning. Shoot, I'd made him mad. I needed to keep him here.
"Oh, wait," I said, pulling away from my tree. I lifted my axe. "Don't go."
"Are you threatening me?" he asked. He still hadn't relaxed his stance.
"Well, if you're not going to be of any help to me alive, I might as well get another kill under my belt," I said. I kept my voice was casual, as if I was discussing the weather instead of murder. I could practically see the fear flash across his eyes, and I already knew I had the upper hand. Even if he was a more experienced fighter, I had the mental edge. Just how I liked it.
"That won't be necessary," he said, becoming even more tense.
Just then, a second voice broke through the trees. "Travis?"
"Here," I replied. Dale came jogging up behind me.
"Um, hello?" he asked, noticing the other tribute. He fingered the knife in his pocket, looking between us.
"I've found another ally," I told him. "He's going to help us take down the Careers. Probably."
"About that," said Dale. "There's only one there right now. If we leave right this second, it'll be no trouble at all, you know… ambushing him."
"Well, what do you say?" I asked, looking back at the Nine boy.
"I…" he looked from me to Dale and back to me again. I knew what he was thinking. Two against one wasn't that great of odds, especially when we were already fairly evenly matched before Dale showed up.
"Fine," he eventually said.
I nodded. "Sounds good."
Dale and I turned and started heading towards the Cornucopia, discussing the details of luring the Four boy out into the open. The Nine boy trailed behind us.
"You sure you're fine with being eye candy?" I asked.
"Would you drop that already?" Dale groaned. "I'm being the distraction. And I can handle it. I already know where the traps are. I just need to trip a few so that he'll come to investigate."
"And then Nine and I attack from behind," I said. "You hear that, Nine?"
"Yeah, yeah," he replied. "I hear you."
"Good," I said.
Even though he was going along with this, it was clear that Nine wasn't too enthusiastic. He might even turn on us after we take out the Careers. So while Dale and I continued talking logistics, I spun a new, separate plan. One that would tie up our loose ends.
Caligula Van Zandt, District 2, 18
Sienna was still a little skittish around me. Not as much as when we first met, and not as much since I'd let her interrogate me, but it was still there. She still jumped every time I broke the silence, and her eyes still widened every time I came too close. After all, I was a killer. I figured I just needed to keep trying, and eventually, we'd get there… right?
"How are you doing?" I ventured.
She startled a little, but turned to answer. "I'm fine," she said.
"You hungry?" I asked. "We still have some bread left. It's a little stale, but I just pretend it's a cracker."
"I'm okay for now, thanks," she said politely. "I'll eat later."
"You haven't eaten all day," I said.
"I don't usually eat breakfast," she replied.
"Are you sure?" I asked. "You didn't eat last night, either."
She hesitated. "I…"
"Is it about me?" I asked. "It's okay. I get it. I'll take a bite first if that helps."
"I guess I'm still just a little confused," she blurted out. "You want to make an alliance, sure. But why would you let me win?"
"What?"
"In the cabin, you said you'd make sure I won," she said, tilting her head. "'I'll take you to the end, and you'll win.' Those were your exact words."
I sighed. If I wanted her to trust me, I knew I needed to be transparent with her. "I… I don't think I can go home after this. I know it sounds stupid, but I don't want to face everyone. They won't understand. And honestly, it's a lot easier to live with what I've done when I know I can help someone like you."
"'Someone like me?'" she asked. She frowned. "Someone who can't win without help?"
"No, no no no no no," I said, backpedaling furiously. "That's not what I meant."
"I knew it," she said quietly. "No one thinks I can win this. I used to think everyone was underestimating me, but maybe they were right. I have no chance."
"Hey, wait-"
"No, you meant what you said," she interrupted. "I get it. I've had to fight to convince every ally I'm worth their time. My Mentor abandoned me because she thinks I'm cannon fodder. You know, I saw everyone's odds once in the Training Center. Yours were the best, three to one. You know what mine were? Twenty-five to one. I had the fourth worst odds out of every tribute here. I lost the Games the second I was Reaped."
"Sienna," I said gently, "I wouldn't want to help you if I didn't think you were worth it."
"But am I?" she asked, her voice cracking.
"Yes," I insisted.
"Why?" she demanded.
"Because you're brave and selfless and intelligent, and you never deserved to be here," I said. "I chose this, and you didn't."
"Oh, come on," she said. "We barely know each other. You're just trying to make me feel better."
"Sienna, it doesn't take a genius to see those things," I said. "I remember your interview, for one. I spent most of the others zoning out, but yours was great. And yesterday I saw you identify seven different plants we could eat within half an hour. Even at the Bloodbath, you tried to save your friend. Your ally had to drag you away kicking and screaming to keep you from sacrificing yourself. And even if I'm just trying to make you feel better, why would I be doing that unless I cared?"
"Why do you care so much?" she asked.
"I'm going with my gut," I said simply. "I know you can win this. And if you'll have me, I'd love to help you."
"But that means you would die," she said, her voice small.
"I know," I said. "If that's what it takes to set this right… then so be it."
She stared at me for a moment, studying me. It was a look I was beginning to know well. I could practically see the wheels turning in her head as she thought everything through. Then, without warning, she threw herself at me, wrapping her arms tightly around my neck.
"Oh, uh… hello," I said, patting her awkwardly on the back.
She lingered there for a moment before pulling away. Her eyes were shining. "Thank you for believing in me."
"Of course," I said, scratching the back of my neck. "Do you, uh, do you want some bread now?"
"Sure," she said, a small smile crossing her lips. This time, when I passed her the bread, she accepted it, pulling off a piece and munching on it. I knew she was hungry.
"You know, I don't actually know much about Twelve," I said, not entirely sure how to change the subject now. Home seemed like a safe subject, right? "What's it like?"
"I spend most of my time in my parent's antique shop," she replied.
"Antique shop?" I asked.
She smiled. "Oh, yeah."
Muir Jansen, District 4, 16
I sat back against the picnic table, sharpening my main spear. The rain yesterday had mostly cleaned off the dried blood, and with a good sharpening, it looked practically good as new.
I was glad to not be out searching today. The girls were nice, and the least crazy out of the Careers, but they spent so much time talking about Caligula. You'd think he and Sadie got divorced or something. It was nice to finally get some peace and quiet.
I wondered how my family was doing. Lynetta and Cayman were so small. Hopefully, they were small enough to not fully understand what was happening. They'd never actually watched the Games before, or had any interest in watching, but their older brother was competing this time. Hopefully my mother had shielded them from my kills. There was no need for them to see that.
My thoughts then wandered to Nineve and Zale. God, I missed them so much. I knew they were watching closely, especially Nineve. What I wouldn't do for a hug from her right now. I hoped she was proud of me. She was the one who'd really helped me master my snares, a skill I'd put to good use in the arena. Having them around made me feel safer, and not just because of the protection. They made me feel like Nineve wasn't so far away.
Whoosh.
I frowned. I immediately recognized the sound- it was definitely from one of my traps. It was probably rope. I picked up my spear and, after taking a quick look around, headed over to check it out.
Journie Teffs, District 9, 17
Yesterday was mostly uneventful. I'd stuck to my usual activities, gathering wild plants to eat and walking along. I was glad for the rain- it helped clean me up a little more, and it spared me another lake trip. Avoiding that lake was always a plus. The only event that had caught me off guard was seeing Chaney's face in the sky.
I still wasn't sure how to feel about it. I had to admit, an awful sense of satisfaction had hit me when I recognized her picture up there. But part of me was wishing that I had done it myself. Reese wouldn't have wanted me to. But Reese hadn't wanted to die, either.
In my street fighting days, I'd been taught to live by an unwritten honor code, and vengeance was allowed. If someone humiliated you, you didn't lie down and take it; you punched back. I'd managed to put that all aside for a few days, trying to live by Reese's words, but seeing Chaney's face in the sky was bringing it all back.
But then again, what could I do about it now? I thought. Chaney was already dead.
It was safe to say I had a lot on my mind. It took the Seven boy tapping my shoulder to bring me back to reality.
"Ready?" the Seven boy whispered.
I nodded.
On the other side of the treeline, the second boy tripped the trap, and the plan was underway.
I glanced over at my new ally. He nodded grimly. Together, we silently stepped out from the treeline, heading towards the Cornucopia. The Career's back was to us as we approached. He had a spear in his hand. Hopefully he wouldn't have time to use it.
We quickly reached the Cornucopia, and I quickly grabbed a weapon. A scythe. Seeing me with it, I noticed Travis held his axe a little closer. I still wasn't sure that he wouldn't turn on me later, but at least I'd bought myself some time.
Truth be told, I didn't like him. I didn't like the Seven boy at all. His casual confidence unnerved me, and it was clear that he wouldn't hesitate to get rid of me as soon as I lost my usefulness. And, well… he was from Seven. The same district as Chaney. I had a scythe now, too. It would be so easy to knock him down when he wasn't looking. Maybe I couldn't kill Chaney, but maybe… maybe I could still avenge Reese.
Oh.
At that thought, I knew Reese would protest. But these were the Games, and Reese wasn't around to argue anymore.
I knew what I had to do.
Ahead of us, the Twelve boy tripped another trap, right on schedule. I looked over at Chaney's partner, sending a questioning glance.
Ready? he asked again, mouthing the question silently this time.
Ready, I answered.
Ever quietly, we circled around the Cornucopia, the Seven boy leading the way. Without turning around, he flashed a hand signal: three fingers, then two fingers, then one. My heart was pounding, praying he hadn't caught on to my plan.
The Career boy hesitated, slowing to a stop as he examined the treeline.
Go!
Travis and I broke into a sprint just as Dale stepped out from the trees, knife in hand. We abandoned all sense of secrecy as we ran towards the Career, ready to attack. This guy was going down. The Seven boy raised his axe upwards, preparing to bring it down on the Career's head.
We were about halfway there when I swung my scythe, slicing cleanly into his back. He fell to the ground and landed hard, gasping for air as he rolled onto his back to look up on me.
"Travis!" the Twelve boy shouted. I could vaguely see the Career boy look over his shoulder, spotting the situation behind him. Then, he advanced towards Dale.
"You… fucker," Travis wheezed, coughing. "Why?"
"This is for Reese," I said quietly.
"I didn't kill them," he protested.
"Well, Chaney's dead, so this is as close as I'll get," I said. " A district partner for a district partner. 'Might as well get a kill under my belt,' right?"
He winced as I threw his words back in his face. It was what he deserved for talking about Reese like that.
"I'm not the enemy," he said, obviously trying to stall.
Before I could respond, a cry resonated from where the Twelve boy and the Career were grappling. He twisted, trying to see what was happening, but he was already weakening. He coughed, his body writhing with spasms.
"Sorry not sorry," I said. It was the truth. I raised the scythe. Then I brought it down.
Muir Jansen, District 4, 16 (continued)
I should've known this was a trap. I looked over my shoulder to see the other two tributes were fighting behind me, so I focused on the tribute who had caught my attention in the first place. He was tall, with light hair and pale skin, and he was holding a knife.
"Travis!" he shouted, his face twisted with panic.
I jogged towards him, holding my spear with both hands. He noticed me advancing and began darting through the trees, trying to evade me.
"Stop it," I growled.
He didn't respond, just kept breathing heavily. He wove through the trees fluidly, sidestepping my traps with grace. How long had he been watching us?
He led me around the edge of the treeline and out onto the path. He made a move to run back down it towards the lake, but I blocked his escape.
He bounced from foot to foot, hesitating. It was clear he wasn't going to make the first move. Looked like it was up to me. He took a few steps backward as I lunged at him, sweeping with my spear. He continued backing towards the Cornucopia, never taking his eyes off of me. Behind him, I could just make out the end of the other two tribute's fight. One was standing above the other, and they seemed to be talking about something. I returned my attention to the guy in front of me and jabbed at him, stabbing the edge of his torso. He cried out, stumbling back. A small red spot began to bloom on his uncovered abdomen. He clutched his side, trying to hold the blood in.
Boom.
"No!" the boy in front of me shouted. I spared another glance at the tussle behind me. Looked like the tribute on the ground was dead. The boy twisted around, trying to make a run for his friend, and I took advantage of his exposed back.
I squinted, aimed, and launched my spear.
As always, it landed solidly. He fell to the ground, gasping for air. I jogged over and retrieved my weapon, yanking it out from between his ribs. After that, it was only a few seconds.
Boom.
I looked up at the only newcomer still standing. His brown hair was tied back, and he was holding a bloodstained scythe. I recognized it from the Cornucopia- he must have taken it from us. Seeing me, he pointed it in my direction, looking tense.
"I don't want to hurt you," he called.
I sighed. I really wasn't in the mood to deal with him right now.
"Let's call it even," I replied. "You saved me, I let you go."
"Deal," he answered. Without a second glance, he took off back the way he'd come, disappearing into the trees.
I shook my head. Wait until the girls come back and see this, I thought.
Alula Callahan, District 11, 15
My shoulder was a little better than yesterday, but not by much. I was already running low on medicine. The tube my Mentor had sent me was small at best. At least my shoulder seemed to be leaking less, although it still ached.
Ever since discovering my wound, Cataleya had been more aggressive than ever. A few of her taunts had even made me cry, and I never cried. Of course, that had only led to her berating me even more. I wished more than anything that she would stop, that I could silence her, but everything I tried just made things worse.
Most recently, after the cannons went off earlier this afternoon, she'd been snarling about my failure to kill.
By this point in the Games, I'd already destroyed half the competition, she whispered bitterly. I'm wasting my time with you, aren't I? I should leave you to die like the pathetic little tribute you are.
I winced.
Not even going to respond? Coward.
"I'm not a coward," I mumbled.
Go kill someone then.
"I tried," I answered. "It didn't work out."
And whose fault is that?
"Not mine!" I cried. "I didn't know Careers would show up!"
If you were perfect, you would've.
"Well, maybe I'm not perfect then," I blurted out.
A heavy silence hung in the air as neither of us said anything. My heart sank as I realized what I'd said. Burying it deep down was one thing. Saying it out loud made it real.
Then, a low whisper rang through my head.
You'll never be perfect, Cataleya hissed. Never.
"I… I know," I muttered.
All the more reason to listen to me.
"What's the point?" I asked. "If I can never be as good as you, why even try?"
Because you're nothing without me.
"No, I'm not," I protested, blinking back tears. "I'm someone. I don't need you."
Look around! You wouldn't even be here if you didn't have me.
"I know," I said. A deep realization settled in my stomach. Suddenly, I wanted to vomit. "I wouldn't be here if I hadn't listened to you."
Exactly.
"Exactly!" I cried. "You don't love me at all, do you?"
How dare you! Cataleya shouted. After all I've done for you!
"After all you've done to me!" I corrected her. "I would be at home, safe, if it weren't for you! This is all your fault!"
So sorry for trying to perfect you, Cataleya snarled. Won't do it again.
"No, you won't," I said. "You won't get the chance. Get out of my head."
It doesn't work that easily.
"How do I make you leave?"
I'm not going anywhere, Alula, she said.
Tears started to pour down my cheeks. I couldn't do this anymore. "Get out of my head!" I screamed. "Get out get out get out!"
No.
My vision blurry with saltwater, I looked around frantically. My eyes landed on a large rock nestled beneath a nearby tree. I reached for it.
What are you doing?
I picked it up, my shoulder burning with the effort. I stared at it for a moment, pulling together the courage to finally do what I needed to do.
Don't, said Cataleya. Funny. For the first time ever, she sounded desperate. Don't do it.
"If you won't leave, then I'll get rid of you myself," I said, my voice trembling.
No!
I lifted the rock to my eyeline. Squeezing my eyes shut, I brought the rock to my head with all the force I could muster. My vision went black and fuzzy and I gasped with pain. Blood from a cut on my forehead began to drip into my eyes, blinding me.
Stop it! she shrieked.
"Leave!" I screamed.
You can't do this!
"Then I have no other choice," I answered. Weaker now, I slammed the rock into my head again. A resounding crack bounced between my ears, and I was overwhelmed with the pain. I'd never been in so much pain in my entire life.
NO!
I picked up the rock again. Gritting my teeth, only conscious through sheer willpower, I pounded it into my skull one last time.
ALULA, PLEA-
Levi Viscose, District 8, 18
Boom.
The cannon jolted me out of my mind fog, bringing me back to reality.
"Third one today," Ianto mumbled. "What the hell is going on?"
"I have no idea," I said faintly.
He sighed. "As long as it's far away from us, I guess it's fine," he said.
"Yeah," I responded.
Ianto looked up at the sky. It was beginning to get dark. I noticed his sunburn from a few days ago was finally beginning to fade. "You hungry at all?" he asked. "We still have some food left."
"I'm alright," I said.
"Maybe just eat something anyway," Ianto suggested.
"It's okay," I said. "We can save it for later."
"Levi," Ianto said. "Please eat something."
I looked over at him. We were sitting up against some trees, our backpacks between us. Ianto was watching me, his eyebrows creased together with concern.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Are you?" he countered.
"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked.
"Levi," he said firmly, "we allied together because we agreed we wouldn't bullshit each other. That goes both ways."
I hesitated, not sure of what to say. Especially because I'd always been a bit of an oversharer, and I didn't want to scare him away like every other friend I'd ever had.
"It's about your mom, isn't it?" he said softly.
His words hit me like a truck, and I crumbled, burying my face in my hands. For the first time since Reaping Day, the tears started to flow, and I didn't know how to stop it.
"Levi?" he asked. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"No," I choked. "You were right. I just- I can't-"
Unable to say anything else, I began to sob.
Ianto frowned. He scooted over to me, sitting on his knees by my side. Then, to my surprise, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. It was the most gentle thing I'd ever seen him do, and in response I clung to him.
After a long, long while, I'd finally let enough tears out to speak again. "Thanks," I sniffled, wiping my face with my sleeve.
"Of course," Ianto said quietly. He sat back, watching me.
"I'm sorry for crying on your jacket," I said.
He looked down at his clothes, noticing the wet spot on his shoulder. "It's okay," he said.
"I… I guess I have a lot of feelings," I said. "I'm upset about Jess and Salome. But I'm so upset that I'm even here, you know?"
"Oh, I know," Ianto replied. "During my goodbyes, I threw a chair at the wall."
"You what?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yeah."
"Oh, wow," I said, covering my mouth with my hand. "What is it with you and chairs?"
"I don't know," he replied. "But for what it's worth, I'm kind of sad about Jess and Salome too. I know we didn't always get along, but I didn't want them to die, y'know?"
"That makes sense," I said, nodding. "But even more than them… I can't stop thinking about my mom. I miss her so, so freaking much, and being here makes it so much worse. It makes me appreciate even more what she had to do to make it out, but it also horrifies me that she was capable of this stuff. And it terrifies me that I have the same capabilities."
"That's what the Games are all about, right?" Ianto asked. He started to sing, his voice surprisingly clear and smooth. "'Why do bad things happen to good people?'"
"What was that from?" I asked. "I don't know that song."
"Marc from my band wrote it," Ianto replied.
"Oh," I replied. "Well, it's nice."
"Thanks," Ianto replied. He played with his fingers, thinking for a moment before he continued speaking. "Maybe it's for the best that our parents are gone. They don't have to watch us do terrible things."
"Thank God my mom isn't here to see this," I said. "Even just the possibility killed her. If she saw this, I think she'd crack."
"Is your dad around?" Ianto asked. "You don't talk about him much."
"There's not much to say," I replied. "He moved on rather quickly. Even got married this year."
"That sucks," said Ianto.
"Yeah," I said bitterly. "Especially because he married my best friend."
"Wait, what?" Ianto asked. "Is that not illegal?"
"Not anymore," I said.
"God," said Ianto.
I nudged him with my foot. "Enough about me. You've put up with it long enough. You've never told me about anything outside your band."
Ianto sighed. "My parents are dead," he said. "They died when I was little. My brother and I were put in a community home- you know, the one right by the edge of the factory district- and we've been there ever since. Met my bandmates there, and the rest is history."
"You have a brother?" I asked.
"Owain, yeah," he replied. "He's thirteen. I try to look out for him. He looks out for me too. He's the real reason I want to win. I don't want to die or anything, but I don't want to leave him alone in the world."
His words were a reminder that we wouldn't both make it out of us. I pushed that thought away- it was too painful right now. "He's really lucky to have you," I told him.
"Thanks," he replied, his voice husky. He looked away.
"You know, if I win," I said, "I'll look out for him, okay? Just in case something happens to you. Not that I want something to happen, but you never know, and-"
"Thank you," he interrupted. "I appreciate that."
"Of course," I responded.
About an hour later, it was dark enough for the faces in the sky to appear. Correlating with the cannons we heard earlier, there were three faces: the boy from Seven, then the girl from Eleven, and finally the boy from Twelve. Then, the anthem ended, and the arena returned to its usual eerie darkness.
I sighed with relief. "Sienna's still alive."
"I wonder what she's up to," said Ianto. "I still feel shitty about leaving her like that."
"I do too," I said. "But she's okay."
"Yeah," Ianto said. He did some quick math on his hands, counting on his fingers. "So that leaves… eight now."
"Eight," I echoed. "Huh."
Ianto nodded. "Eight," he said grimly.
Grover Delcid, District 11 Mentor, 23
Of all my years Mentoring, today was perhaps the most chaotic day I'd ever seen. It all started with the Career ambush.
"No!" Acadia screamed. "Travis!"
She was tapping at her screens furiously, trying to do something, anything really. But if there was one thing I'd learned in the Capitol, it was that sometimes, there's nothing you can do. Piers and Senna were by her side as Marius's tribute slashed his chest open, killing him. Acadia screamed again, sinking to the floor in despair. Piers and Dimitri, the only Mentors hanging around without tributes, looped their arms under her and helped her into one of the private rooms. It was horrible to watch. I'd heard from Marius that they'd been school friends. It made me grateful to have never Mentored someone I knew. I hoped the day never came. I couldn't imagine the stress people like Acadia and Senna were under this year.
Then when the boy from Twelve went down, the trouble only worsened.
Next to me, Aurelia pursed her lips. "Great," she muttered.
"I'm sorry," I said.
She glared at me. "Did I ask?"
I sighed. You'd think by now that I'd know better than to approach Aurelia, but apparently not. She stood with a huff, smoothing down her clothes as she strode towards the exit door.
"Where are you going?" Braun called.
"I'm leaving," she announced curtly.
Braun frowned. "Why?"
"Because Twelve is out of the running," she said. "Sticking around is pointless."
That was when Senna stood from her desk, crossing her arms. Senna and Aurelia had never gotten along particularly well. Senna thought Aurelia was a brat, and Aurelia didn't like anyone, and coupling that with the fact that neither shied away from confrontation, the relationship was a recipe for disaster.
"You still have a tribute alive," Senna pointed out.
"She's not going to win," Aurelia said, waving her hand dismissively. "And I don't feel like wasting my time."
"'Wasting your time?'" Senna repeated, her nostrils flaring. I exchanged a glance with Marius, who was closest to me. This wouldn't end well. "There is a child out there whose life depends on what you do next. Choose wisely."
"I'm not in the mood for a lecture, bitch," Aurelia shot back.
"Oh, really-" Senna began.
"Aurelia-" Braun said, stepping forward and cutting off Senna. "Like it or not, you can't just leave. You have a responsibility."
"Screw that!" said Aurelia. "We all know she's not going to win. Can any of you look me in the eye and tell me she's going to beat four trained Careers?"
"You do realize that Careers don't always win?" Senna asked.
"Oh, come on," she said. "Don't all pretend you've grown hearts now. If we had consciences we wouldn't be here. I bet none of you even know her name."
An uncomfortable silence blanketed the room.
"That's what I thought," said Aurelia. "See you next year."
"Aurelia, wait-" said Braun.
But Aurelia was already gone. The door slammed behind her, and the uncomfortable silence returned as the sheer audacity of Aurelia's actions collectively hit us.
Dimitri walked back into the room, immediately picking up on the shift in the mood. "What happened?" he asked. He looked over at me, eyebrows raised. "Another cannon?"
I shook my head remorsefully. "Not yet."
Later that afternoon, though, was perhaps the worst part of the day. I sat in stunned horror in front of my screens as Alula's cannon fired.
"Holy fuck," said Dimitri, who'd been hanging around Senna and I to keep us company. The strange tension Aurelia had left behind was momentarily forgotten as the room collectively gaped at the screens on the wall. Even Braun and Finnick, who'd seen it all at this point, looked disturbed.
"I… I don't know what to say," I said.
Marius, whose desk was closest, leaned over. "I think that's only natural," said Marius. "That was… something."
"Has she always talked to herself?" Dimitri asked.
"Here and there, but never like that," I said. I shook my head. "I need a drink."
"On it," said Dimitri, who quickly strolled away.
*For a day with "Pep Talks" in the title, this one went pretty dark. As for the eulogies:
11th: Travis O'Quinn, D7M (scythed by Journie): If I had to pick one character to go back and rewrite, it would be Travis. It took longer that I'd have liked for his character to really shine. Regardless, Travis brought a fun moral ambiguity vibe to this story, and even I didn't know what he was thinking sometimes. This character is legitimately smarter than me. I honestly really liked him. Thank you to Tyquavis for submitting Travis.
10th: Dale Orion-Poplar, D12M (speared by Muir): Dale took a little while for me to master. But once I got the hang of writing from his perspective, he really grew on me. He's got a mysterious flirty exterior, sure, but in the words of various reviewers, he was also caring, cautious, and a little naïve. He struggled with a lot of realistic flaws and ethical questions that were so fun to explore. Thank you to StephenSwiss for submitting Dale.
9th: Alula Callahan, D11F (yikes): Originally, I wasn't planning to kill Alula this chapter, it just kind of happened. But honestly, while my brutal writer's brain took over a little more than I intended, this ending felt accurate for this character. Like Samuel, what Alula really needed was help, not the Games. For a long time her character was dominated by her relationship with Cataleya, but in the end Alula took over the driver's seat. And to that I say, good for her. If only things hadn't gone this far. Thank you to evilpencilbox for submitting Alula.
Kills:
Glowla- 2 (Ethan, Jess)
Caligula- 1 (Salome)
Sadie- 3 (Virgil, Ainsley, Deltro)
Damion- 1 (Halley)
Muir- 4 (Damion, Isla, Parker, Dale) (!)
Travis- 1 (Samuel)
Chaney- 1 (Reese)
Journie- 1 (Travis)
Alula- 1.5 (Cataleya, but also Alula)
Mutts- 1 (Chaney)
Alliances:
The Careers: Glowla, Sadie, Muir
District 8: Ianto, Levi
Redemption Seekers: Caligula, Sienna
Loners: Journie
So with this chapter, we've landed on the top 8: Glowla, Caligula, Sadie, Muir, Ianto, Levi, Journie, and Sienna! To mark the top 8, the next chapter will take place outside the arena before we return with Day 9. It'll be a series of interviews between Caesar and the Mentors whose tributes are still standing, with a Gamemaker POV as well.
In terms of announcements: this is another check-in chapter! If I haven't heard from you recently (ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A TOP 8 TRIBUTE) please leave a review on this chapter/send me a quick PM to let me know you're still reading! Even if your tributes are deceased (my bad) I'd love to hear from you. You're all wonderful people. I'll also be putting another poll on my profile for Victor predictions, so please check that out!
In other news, yes, the last chapter had a Les Mis reference, mostly because I felt like it. glimmerglint receives 1 brownie point for catching it! Also, the blog will be updated ~momentarily~ with the usual info, as well as some added trivia for the Mentors. (should I add some tribute/Mentor quotes? is that something you guys would like to see? lmk)
Finally, for anyone who's interested, this weekend marks the start of releases for my new oneshot series, "forces of nature!" There's more info on my profile if you want to check it out. It's pretty different from my work here and I'm very excited to share it. The first installment is Cato and Clove :)
If you made it to the end of this extraordinarily long author's note, thank you for sticking around! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this absolute doozy of a chapter, and I'll see you next weekend :)))
-r-b*