10:17 AM (like, two weeks ago) and my brother knocks on my door.

Him: "John, you writing?"

Me, clearly not writing and instead trying to piece together a 3D puzzle of a pirate ship: "Duh."

Thanks Adventuress for the review.

I meant to upload this Sunday, but the power went out before I had the chance. I then got my wisdom teeth pulled earlier today, and am only now getting the chance to post. Expect a lot of updates this week (I got it off to recover, so.)

Also, I wrote some of this under the influence of nitrous oxide. Dunno how much it affected me, but now you know.


Julius Incandes, Age 27, Capitol

Games Host


"Welcome back folks, and thanks to tuning in today! And oh my, what an exciting day it has been! Yes, these Games have been exciting so far, but little compares to the spectacle we witnessed today!"

I pause, smiling as my crew edits in a round of applause from a pre-recorded audience.

"So far, we have had no confirmed deaths, though I have been informed that three of our favorite tributes perished in the cataclysm following that dreadful earthquake. While we wait for that report to come in, let us check out the highlights from today!"

I scoot my chair over, leaving room for my crew to edit the highlights onto the screen with me. A projector beside the camera in front of me shows what the audiences around Panem will see, and I lean forward as Malaya Garnet, Mason Lepodolite, and Aran Quade appear on the screen.

"I'm sure we remember the scuffle between our favorite lovebirds and the brute from Two. Aran fought bravely until Malaya rescued him from Mason's blade, dueling him in a spectacle of skill and strength. As you may recall, viewers, the cameras cut to an overview of the Arena before we could discover the outcome of that battle, but all will be revealed shortly.

"Cassia Maurise, we last saw, was falling into a lava-filled ravine before the line cut. Could she be among the fallen?

"Cheyenne Bruno was nearly struck by a fireball spat up by the volcano. What of her?

"Henry Reynoso appeared to be safe after his temporary Ally, Devon Rose, was swept away by the wave that also caught Esmeralda Dawn.

"And Cordin Bolt-" I pause as an envelope is dropped on my desk, in plain view of the cameras. Looks like they've compiled the desired footage.

"Cordin Bolt was being chased by our first mutts this year, the dreaded Hellhounds." I flip open the envelope, carefully removing the folded piece of paper. "Now then. Let's see what's become of our tributes."


Tabby Bolt, Age 13, District 3

Sister of Cordin Bolt


"Now then. Let's see what's become of our tributes."

Julius Incandes opens the letter, smiling excitedly. In Three, we have had no idea how many people died today, and certainly no clue as to whether or not my brother survived. Based on what we did see, however, the odds aren't in Cordin's favor.

The screen beside Julius switches to a view of my brother, and my mother lets out a sob. He sits peacefully, staring up at the mountain as the Arena falls apart around him.

After a moment, he seems to think better of his decision to stay so close, and he stands, calmly walking away. That's when the Hellhound appears from a bubble in the lava, and Cordin starts to run. The hound takes off after him, its howl renting the air. My mother, sitting beside me, jumps up and stands in front of me as the monster chases my brother.

I know she's trying to protect me, but I have to know. Tears well in my eyes as I peek around her, but she's too focused on the screen to notice. The cameras are constantly changing around, sometimes focusing closely on Cordin's face. How'd they manage that?

The chase seems to end when Cordin scales a mangrove tree. The hound leaps once, twice, three times, before realizing that my brother is out of its reach. Most of my family lets out a sigh of relief, before the dog rams its ugly head into the base of the tree. There's a sharp crack, and the thing tries again. And again. A series of cracks follow the beast's fourth attack, and the tree comes crashing down.

Cordin screams.

The hound howls in delight, rushing up to my fallen brother. He stares up at the thing, tears streaming down his face, as it rips into his chest.

I finally turn away, forced to listen as his screams of pain quickly become heaving, wracking coughs. Then he's silent.

My mother collapses back onto the couch as she breaks down into tears. The screen beside Julius switches to a view of Three, where my District stands in solemn silence. The only noise comes from his best friend Zela, wailing on the ground.

My own tears flow freely as I remember his smile, his laugh, the kindness he always showed toward me. The Bolt house will forever have a hole in it, lost to the Capitol and its Arena.

"And we confirm: Ninth place, Cordin Bolt of District Three! Time: twelve days, one hour, forty-six minutes and eight seconds!"

You were so close, Cordin.


Annie Lepodolite, Age 20, District 2

142nd Hunger Games Victor

Sister of Mason Lepodolite


"Looks like next on our list is the result of the battle between Mason, Malaya and Aran. Can we pull that up, please?" Julius leans forward, and I roll my eyes. Mason's mentor has kept me updated on everything that's happened in the Arena since the Bloodbath. I don't need this prick to tell me how my brother's life ended.

I still watch, however, as Mason enters his final dance. He always was the showman, but this time it cost him. He should have guessed that Six wasn't alone, but I suppose you forget things when survival is your greatest concern.

Watching my brother with Aran Quade, I see the moment that he loses the Games, though Julius clearly doesn't. I don't know what he was playing at, but trying to kiss the younger boy instead of simply slitting his throat was his biggest mistake. If he'd finished Six, he wouldn't have been outnumbered when One came along.

Julius crows as Malaya and Mason duel, spear on sword, as Aran looks on. He knows he can't line up a shot; thankfully Mason had enough brainpower to keep One between himself and the arrows. Six digs through the supplies One dropped at his feet, extracting the hatchet stolen off the Seven boy's corpse. He advances on the fight as Mason begins to take the upper hand.

A simple warning from Six, and One ducks. Mason makes one final lunge with his sword through her abdomen, before the arrow sprouts from his chest. His momentary victory ends with Six ramming into him, before burying the axe in his neck.

Six leaves my brother to choke on his own blood as he checks up on his little girlfriend. They speak in solemn tones, though I don't listen. My little brother lies in the background, forgotten.

This is your fault, Father. I think. The man who desperately wanted us both in the Games, wanted two Victors for our house, challenged that stupid reporter and the Gamemakers when he suggested this fight.

Congratulations, Six. May your arrows fly straight, and your sword be sharp.


Fiona Delarose, Age 18, District 5

Friend of Devon Rose


I'm crying in relief as Julius finishes the recap. After watching what I had earlier, I had feared the worst for Dev. The recap only shows her wandering the area in which she washed up, trying to get a feel for the terrain. There's no note yet of the poison cycling through her system, though Julius promised to get Fosca in for an interview. As it stands, however, Devon seems unaffected.

The wave should have killed her. By every right, she should have been smashed, drowned, and broken, but Devon Rose doesn't go down so easily. The three fallen from today can't say the same thing.

Ori coos from his crib, brought to my home until Dev gets back home. I live here alone for the most part, though Jaq has been helping me through the days as my body begins to weaken. He even lifts me into bed, his strong arms plucking me from my wheelchair.

Training for the Hunger Games. What a waste.

It had been a dream of mine since my own brother died in the Arena. I wanted to be better, stronger, and I wanted to take the Careers by surprise. One misstep on my rock climbing wall, however, and that dream shattered like the bones in my legs. It's a miracle I survived.

Devon supported me the whole way, despite the pain it brought to her. I could see it in her eyes, reflected in my own. She was always so strong, even through her own crucible. She's been by my side since Hiro died eight years ago, and I have tried my hardest to help her since Ori was born two years ago.

The back door opens loudly, and I jump slightly. Jaq's voice calling "anybody home?" quickly relaxes me, however.

"Guest room!" I call. Ori laughs, jumping up and down. That rascal's going to be a lot of trouble when he's older, growing up in the Victor's Village.

"I brought presents!" Jaq proffers several wrapped packages as he enters the room, opening them one by one. I scold him as he reveals breads, vegetables and steaks.

"Jaq! You don't have money for this!"

"I think we need to celebrate." He says, picking Ori up. "Devon's in the Final Six, after all."

I snort. "You could have at least left them in the kitchen."

"Ah, but then I couldn't have seen that look on your face." He leans in, kissing me on the temple. "Wanna help me with dinner?"

I roll my eyes, sitting Ori in my lap as I carefully drive the chair back to the kitchen. "Wheeeeeeeeee!"

Jaq follows close behind, the bundles stacked in his arms. He giggles to himself at Ori's enthusiasm.

I can't wait for Devon to get home.


Cheyenne Bruno, Age 13, District 10

District Ten Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


I can't hear out of my right ear. There's a slight ringing, omnipresent and suffocating.

The explosion from the fireball was so close that I sat still among the flickering flames long after the cannons went off. My vision was fuzzy, my head spinning, and I didn't dare stand for fear of running headlong into danger. Once I did manage to get to my feet, however, I instantly regretted it.

My entire right side seems to have burned in the explosion. My pants and jacket melted slightly, tugging at my skin with every movement. Bits of shrapnel pepper my arm, mostly stone and bits of wood. And it all burns.

I can feel the heat coming off my skin, can see it curling away like smoke. I don't dare move, for fear of letting the blood flow even more freely, and I sit under a mangrove in the dying light.

All I seem to know is the pain, which is incredible considering how fried my nerves must be. I scream myself ragged, before the tears begin to flow down my face.

Those burn too.

It seems to me as though I'm sitting still for hours when the metallic chirps reach my remaining good ear. I glance up with my eyes, watching as the parachute slides down to my feet. I stare at it, disbelieving.

Ever so carefully, I lean forward, trying not to wince as my jacket tears at my side. The fingers of my left hand wrap around the foil chute, before I drop back to my sitting position. Slowly, I remove the lid.

My eyes widen as I find the medical supplies, from scissors to burn cream to gauze and bandages. I know little enough about first aid, but I know this gift could potentially save my life. I look up to the cloudy sky, closing my eyes. "Thank you." I whisper. My throat is too raw for much more.

A tiny card is tucked neatly in a small slot in the canister. I squeeze it between my fingers, lifting it to my eyes.

You're so close, Chey. This cost all I have, so no more help is coming. Five more.


Aran Quade, Age 17, District 6

District Six Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


Her head is still in my lap long after the cannons go off. My vision is blurry, a result of the tears and the smoke hanging heavy over me. I brush her hair out of her face, focusing on that rather than the sword sticking out of her. It's a hard thing to ignore.

Her skin is growing colder, and the fire around us is only growing larger. I don't leave her until the tribute hovercraft, invisible somewhere above, blasts me with the sound of an air horn. I look to the sky as the craft's camouflage is disengaged, gently lowering itself to the height of the tree tops. I take one last look at the girl from One, who taught me so much in the past two weeks. Gently, I lay her back to the jungle floor.

I walk past the broken form of the man from Two. His eyes stare out, empty. Blood continues to flow freely from the wounds in his body from the axe. I gather up Malaya's spear, stowing the axe with my supplies.

I walk away, resisting the urge to look back. Bow and spear in hand, I walk through the trees as the claw of the hovercraft descends behind me. I give in quickly enough, shooting a glance to the flying machine.

The claw disappears into the belly of the aircraft, along with the ethereal glow of Malaya's fiery orange hair.

Then she's gone forever.

I walk in a daze for an eternity, stopping only as I come across the river. I collapse beside it, watching as the ashy water flows around the stones. I drop the spear and the bow, looking down at my hands in the fading light. They're stained red.

I scream then, venting my anguish and frustration and terror and grief. I killed a man. My only friend-a girl I quickly fell in love with- is also dead. I am alone. What will Reyna think of me now, having killed another human? Will she be horrified? Will she look me in the eye when I get home? I collapse to my hands and knees, weeping unashamedly.

"I hate you." I whisper between gasps. In the Capitol, they'd speculate. Who was I talking about? Mason? Malaya? District Six? Or maybe even… the Capitol?

They'd never guess, I'm sure, that I'm talking about myself.


Henry Reynoso, Age 14, District 8

District Eight Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


After the storm cleared out of the Arena, everything has seemed almost peaceful again. I'm alone for the first time since Day One, and I can almost believe that everything will be okay. Almost.

The hovercraft came to pick up the dead as I sat here on the side of the volcano. It first flew south of me, away from where the tsunami picked me up. I figured it was grabbing Devon, and I was surprised when the claw went down eight times, as though picking up pieces of… something.

I shiver, recalling the years when tributes were torn to pieces by vicious mutts. We had a tsunami and a volcanic eruption at once, and the Gamemakers had to send out one of their pets?

Twisted.

The hovercraft never flew north of me, in the direction that the wave came from. I believe that this means that there simply weren't any tributes over there, seeing as how nobody could have survived that. Anyone that had would have certainly drowned in the aftermath.

Somehow, the tsunami ate the northern half of the Arena. I don't understand it, but it's just… gone. I don't know if the Gamemakers planned this and simply sank it, or if it was actually torn apart. I suppose I won't know unless I get home.

A thought comes to mind. Of course they planned it; as the number of tributes are cut down, they'll need to shrink the Arena as well. And not only that, but the river flowed from the north. Soon, it will be nothing but saltwater from the sea.

That spurs me into action, and I carefully make my way down the mountain. The lava flows have mostly crusted over by this point, though fires in the jungle prove that it's still moving. I don't necessarily need the water; the only things I had in my pack before the cataclysm were a few water bottles and a knife. It would be good to top them off, however, and drink before the water's tainted.

Blue told me that the water was safe to drink when we first found it. I was skeptical at first, wanting to purify it anyway, but he proved it to me by taking big gulps from the flowing water. I haven't feared it since.

The ash swirling in the currents quickly changes my mind.

I check my bottles, opening them carefully and checking their levels. Two are full, one about halfway, and I know I can only hope that they'll last to the end of the Games. Packing back up, I head downstream, letting the water guide me but staying far enough away that I won't be seen.

I freeze in fear as a figure walks through the trees ahead of me. He seems unsteady, dazed, as he collapses beside the river. I sneak closer, heart pounding. There's blood on his hands.

I watch the boy from Six as he sobs over the ashy river.


Devon Cynthia Rose, Age 17, District 5

District Five Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


The first thing I notice when I come to is the throbbing in my head. The second is the wetness covering my body.

I open my eyes slowly, staring up at the murky sky. Everything is dark, and I can't tell what time of the day it is; the clouds of ash blanket the horizon.

I sit up quickly, coughing up water and the food I had shared with Henry earlier. I collapse again, the light and the pain overbearing.

Henry. What will become of him, now that he's alone? Is he even still alive? It didn't seem like the wave took him, but I suppose I won't know until the recap tonight.

How am I even alive? People don't just survive disasters like that, and I'm not exactly from Four. I don't know how to swim, or even how to react in situations like that.

I shouldn't question it too much, however. Survival isn't something you argue about, and I don't want to give the Gamemakers a reason to take me on again. I need to assess myself and prepare for the days to come. Unless, of course, I'm somehow the only survivor. Which I doubt.

The sound of three cannons confirms it. I'm not the only survivor. Malaya or Aran or Henry or Mera or Mason or any of the others could have survived, but I know that, at least, six or fewer remain.

I sit up again, slower this time. A quick scan of my surroundings tells me that I've found the beach, likely on the south end of the Arena, seeing as how the wave came from the north. I notice then that my bag of supplies somehow slipped from my shoulders, though my vest of throwing knives remains on my person, including the one I used to kill Four.

In sit there for what feels like hours in the darkness, wishing for the light of the stars. I find the strength to stand some time later, though I don't try to walk at first in fear of stumbling around like a drunk. That's the last thing I want Ori to see when he watches recaps of these Games in a few years.

I am alive.


Esmeralda Annalise Dawn, Age 18, District 4

District Four Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


I felt the break as I was washed around the Arena. A painful snap in my leg, the result of getting stuck briefly in the branches of an uprooted mangrove. The wave deposited me in the boughs of a still-standing tree, to my agony.

I somehow still have the supplies I stole from the Twos, though I'm not sure I stashed any miracle-bone-healing cream. I'll have to check.

I easily decide to stay in the tree, high off the ground and away from any tributes who might wander by. In my condition, I can't hope to outrun them, and I certainly can't fight them, unfortunately. Hiding is my best option right now.

Especially since I don't want to climb down.

A quick look through my bag reveals only painkillers in terms of medicine. Naturally, I was too confident to take anything that would be helpful, and I will perhaps regret it from this point forward. Halibut might not even be able to send anything of use.

For now, however, I'm alive, and that's all that matters.


Cassia Lyra Maurise, Age 18, District 2

District Two Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


It takes me hours to find my way out of the ravine. I was lucky enough in my tumble to land on a small ledge just over the lava, but the rim of the crevice is too high, the walls too bare, to climb up. The ledge, about two meters wide and sticking out of the wall by a meter, has no clear escapes at first.

I notice, however, a very thin lip, barely big enough for half my foot, on the other side of the lava flow. It seems to go on in either direction, and I know what the Gamemakers are playing at. Take a chance. They tell me. Slowly die here or risk a quicker death for the sake of survival. They love these games.

The jump is difficult to gauge, what with the moving shadows and the small landing pad. But what other choices do I have?

I press myself against the smooth wall, bracing myself. I lunge forward, taking one step before leaping, hoping to not crash into the wall and lose my footing.

I land on the lip, hands scrambling. The wall on the other side was smooth as glass, but this one has many handholds to keep me in place. I quickly find them, pausing to catch my breath. That was… easy.

I begin my trek by scooting left. I stand on the balls of my feet, toes pressed against the cliff face. I'm perhaps twenty meters down, and I realize too late that my current path only goes down further. Wrong way. I wasted perhaps an hour in the wrong direction. Great.

The painful shuffling, accompanied by the insane heat, quickly frustrates me. The process is incredibly slow, and I curse myself for being so careless. Mason's surely killed the Six boy by now. Where are the cannons?

Three echoing booms answer my silent inquiry, and I freeze as the wall trembles. Final Six.

I reach the surface after nightfall, and I collapse to the jungle floor. My muscles are cramped, and I don't want to move. I'll have to find Mason in the morning.

I stare up at the sky, but I don't see the stars. The gasses emitted from the volcano still blanket nearly everything up there, and I wonder how we'll see the recap for the day. Who died?

There's a click somewhere, and I scramble back as something small scurries through the darkness. It begins to glow, and I recognize the shape of a very overlarge spider.

I nearly scream, when the Panem Anthem strains its chords over the Arena. A projection screen appears over the mechanical spider, and I sigh in relief. This is how they'll show us.

The first face to appear is the girl from One. Malaya? Serves her right for ditching us. I think. She glares at me fiercely before being replaced.

Mason? But… how? He was going to get the boy from Six! That's why the Gamemakers led us to him! It's…

It's why they split us up. Six had something we didn't know about. The girl from One! Hadn't Marcus said something about her running after him into the jungle? Could she have joined him? I groan. How could we have been so stupid?

I'm disappointed when the next face isn't Six, but Three. I don't remember much about the boy, but I know he stole from us some time back. Seems he got what was always coming to him.

The seal of Panem hovers before me for a moment, fading slowly. The glowing spider scurries off, and I shudder, hoping I never see it again.

Final Six, and there are still two Careers left. If I can take Mera out, the Game is mine.

It's a shame Mason won't be around to revel in my Victory.


Deaths!

9th Place: Cordin Bolt, Age 16, District Three Male

Torn apart by the Hellhound

Time in Arena: 12 days 1 hour 46 minutes 8 seconds

Cordin fell into the background fairly quickly, and I'm sure most of you had thoughts of "Who?" or "Wait, the Three boy's still kicking?" whenever he made an appearance. Cordin was the tribute meant to slip into the back, I think, watching and waiting for the others to act first. Twice he stole from the Careers, something that became less of a major plot point in light of other tributes. Thanks to Rina (I think?) for Cordin.

8th Place: Mason Lepodolite, Age 18, District Two Male

Axed by Aran Quade, District Six Male

Time in Arena: 12 days 1 hour 58 minutes 19 seconds

I genuinely enjoyed Mason as a character. He was a Career living in his sister's shadow, the last standing of three Legacy Tributes. My brother created the general idea of Mason, though I fleshed out a lot as I wrote him. Who knew he had a thing for boys? I certainly didn't, until Marc died. It's for characters like him that I love to write, and I'm almost sad to see him go. Almost.

7th Place: Malaya Garnet, Age 17, District One Female

Stabbed by Mason Lepodolite, District Two Male

Time in Arena: 12 days 2 hours 0 minutes 41 seconds

Adventuress! I want to thank you again for giving me three tributes to work with, and I hope I wrote Laya well. I never expected this Games to be a love story, but here we are. Everyone was rooting for her and Aran, and it physically hurt me to kill her. I'm excited to see where Aran goes from here, and it's all thanks to you.

Don't kill my baby Ata out of spite, yes? XD


Individual Placings!

26th: Sparky Montgomery, Age 12, District Thirteen Male

25th: Kenzi Williams, Age 16, District Seven Female

24th: Tulle Salane, Age 15, District Eight Female

23rd: Thorn Ashbury, Age 13, District Eleven Male

22nd: Keola Foeba, Age 13, District Twelve Female

21st: Harvest Miller, Age 14, District Nine Female

20th: Rebelle Rine, Age 13, District Thirteen Female

19th: Soot Maloy, Age 13, District Twelve Male

18th: Denny Rico, Age 14, District Ten Male

17th: Marcus Caelum, Age 17, District One Male

16th: Jetta Carter, Age 17, District Six Female

15th: Darius Line, Age 17, District Five Male

14th: Infiniti Reagan, Age 17, District Three Female

13th: Willow Orchids, Age 13, District Eleven Female

12th: Logan Woodson, Age 16, District Seven Male

11th: Jasper Blue, Age 16, District Four Male

10th: Thanatos Rize, Age 15, District Nine Male

9th: Cordin Bolt, Age 16, District Three Male

8th: Mason Lepodolite, Age 18, District Two Male

7th: Malaya Garnet, Age 17, District One Female


Kills!

Malaya Garnet: 1 (Logan Woodson, D7M)

Marcus Caelum: 1 (Kenzi Williams, D7F)

Cassia Lyra Maurise: 2 (Thorn Ashbury, D11M; Sparky Montgomery, D13M)

Mason Lepodolite: 5 (Malaya Garnet, D1F; Darius Line, D5M; Jetta Carter, D6F; Tulle Salane, D8F; Keola Foeba, D12F)

Esmeralda "Mera" Annalise Dawn: 4 (Infiniti Reagan, D3F; Thanatos Rize, D9M; Soot Maloy, D12M; Rebelle Sunflower Rine, D13F)

Devon Cynthia Rose: 1 (Jasper Blue, D4M)

Darius Line: 1 (Harvest Miller, D9F)

Aran Quade: 1 (Mason Lepodolite, D2M)

Thanatos Rize: 1 (Willow Orchids, D11F)

Other: 3 (Marcus Caelum, D1M (Sepsis); Cordin Bolt, D3M (Hellhound); Denny Rico, D10M (Jaguar))


Alliances!

N/A


Loners!

Cassia (2)

Esmeralda (4)

Devon (5)

Aran (6)

Henry (8)

Cheyenne (10)


Questions!

Seven Districts are now out of the Games. Which was your favorite? (One, Three, Seven, Nine, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen?)

Thoughts on our Final Six?

Who would you say is in the best position to win the Games? The worst?

Who will die next?

See you Day Fourteen!