p class="MsoNormal"In an amazing turn of the tide, all but three of the tributes from the predicted to be prominent districts this year are gone. Only the boy Axion from District 1, and Hashi and Moonbell from District 10 remain./p
p class="MsoNormal"All the rest are gone. By the hands of the one standing before me now. Zephyr. District 7. Tall and muscular. Dark hair, sharp silver eyes. He's terrifying by appearance./p
p class="MsoNormal"And yet here he is, spouting random nonsense about how he can't get me out of his head. It's unnerving. It makes me think he has a screw too many loose within that head of his./p
p class="MsoNormal"It doesn't help that he has us practically barricaded into this one building, thanks to the acidic fog wafting about outside./p
p class="MsoNormal"I knew I was pretty much dead upon realizing this man out of the many that were in the arena was the one to follow me. But I didn't know it'd be so torturous and lengthy, this whole monologue he's got going./p
p class="MsoNormal"I stand motionless, back against the wall. The only thing moving are my eyes as they follow him. He who ambles back in forth just in front of me./p
p class="MsoNormal""When I saw you being the one chosen during District 4's Reaping, you couldn't have imagined how I felt!" He laughs, actually laughs right then and there. I wonder if there are any cameras planted in this specific chamber, if anyone is even getting to see how insane this guy is./p
p class="MsoNormal""You probably couldn't believe how much I wanted to be reaped, to be able to see you in person and now here we are!" His head snaps towards me. "It really is a shame that the only place we got to see each other was in the Hunger Games. Where in the end ultimately one of us has to die, if not both." Sad smile then. "I'll try to make you live as long as possible, the both of us. I want...I want to enjoy the time the most we can."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Just kill me now already, is what I think. He has good looks and nice form. His personality aside from his craziness is agreeable. But I just - ugh - it's putting me on edge, this insanity./p
p class="MsoNormal"I would notice the way his gaze would linger on me during trainings, how he'd approach and give good tips despite being my adversary. The few words we'd speak at times weren't ever tinged with this obsession he's making so obvious right here right now./p
p class="MsoNormal"How long does this acidic fog take to dissipate? It's not for long right?/p
p class="MsoNormal"I sure hope not, because I fully intend to make my escape soon./p
p class="MsoNormal"I eye the entrance to this chamber hungrily. I need to leave now. If I even try to take down this giant of a guy to shut him up, I'll be dead in seconds. No. That's not the card to play. Plus, what would I fight with? My fists punching against him would obliterate my knuckles, dissolve my fingers./p
p class="MsoNormal"I could try and go for the trident strapped on my back, but right now that's a no can do. The space is too small, and my gaining a grip on my trident would take too long. He'd be on me in seconds, and I'd be dead instantly seeing as he has plentiful daggers easily in reach strapped to his waist. Curved daggers, metallic ones. Some only inches long, one that's a whole foot. Pretty much a sword when you think of it./p
p class="MsoNormal"Yes. He'd butcher me. Just as he did to the other tributes./p
p class="MsoNormal"No that's not the card to play./p
p class="MsoNormal"I can act my way out of this, pretending to fall for his plentiful charms. But something tells me he'd catch on easily and I'd end up butchered all the same./p
p class="MsoNormal"Plus, I don't want to act the part of some undignified girl, wanting to be caressed and kissed by some stranger. Even I would be disgusted with myself./p
p class="MsoNormal"I tune back into Zephyr's monologue just in time as he turns to me, his hand reaching for my face. "Before I am forced to kill you or you me, I intend to be with you." His fingers brush against my cheek. I remain immobile, my eyes on his. I hope I'm not frowning or glaring at him. That's my go-to when I feel as intruded upon as I feel now./p
p class="MsoNormal"A mighty boom goes off. All too familiar. One more tribute down./p
p class="MsoNormal"Zephyr's gaze flits away, suddenly distracted. This is my chance./p
p class="MsoNormal"If I intend to escape unharmed, I gotta make it seem like this whole confession was interrupted in some way. Not necessarily me fleeing, 'cause then he'd take it as a rejection and eventually kill me./p
p class="MsoNormal"I gotta make it so that if he does seek me out again, he'll want to keep me alive./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hmm. Yes. I need a diversion./p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm about to act when the ground shakes. Up above I can see cracks running along the ceiling. This place is about to cave in./p
p class="MsoNormal"I shove him back hard, rushing into him just as chunks of concrete slam downwards, right where we were just standing. I pull away looking up at the ceiling. More cracks are spreading./p
p class="MsoNormal"Just as I start heading for the barricaded entrance someone starts to pull away the debris that Zephyr blocked it with. For a second I hope so hard it's Ando, my district 4 ally. But no, the skin color is not golden. It's too pale, the figure is still tall but not tall enough./p
p class="MsoNormal""Axion." I mutter under my breath. I could never confuse that coppery colored hair and those cool blue eyes./p
p class="MsoNormal"He doesn't even bother looking my way, focused entirely on Zephyr. This man has the look in the eyes. The look of one seeking to kill./p
p class="MsoNormal""You sliced my ally like she was a pig. You murderer!" He flies at Zephyr, knives in both hands./p
p class="MsoNormal"Zephyr calls for me to run even though it's clear only he's in danger. Either way I gladly do so./p
p class="MsoNormal"This is absolute perfection in terms of a diversion./p
p class="MsoNormal"I slip out of the crumbling chamber, out into the derelict street. The debris filled road is hard to run through. And I strain my vision to make sure my feet don't land on any visible mines./p
p class="MsoNormal"It's hard running in the dying light of day. Even amidst the fear I find coursing through my veins I also find happiness flourishing within me upon realizing I made it through the first day nearly. Making it through the first day of the Hunger Games is no easy feat./p
p class="MsoNormal"My ears perk up. I hear mad fast footfalls behind me. I take a turn. Whoever it is still follows./p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm being hunted./p
p class="MsoNormal"My breathing comes fast, my heart starts pounding./p
p class="MsoNormal"An arrow flies past me, nearly catching my side./p
p class="MsoNormal"Oh snap oh snap oh snap./p
p class="MsoNormal"I dare a peek over my shoulder. Wild red hair./p
p class="MsoNormal"The only wild red hair I remember was from District 6's girl. I forgot her name./p
p class="MsoNormal"But I remember her weakness. Hydrophobia./p
p class="MsoNormal"I make my way fast 'round another corner. Up ahead is that perfect rectangular lake that is right at the center of this city-like arena./p
p class="MsoNormal"I don't think twice when I dive in. I can hear her muffled yell of frustration even through the water. My slim form and experienced hands and feet propel me through the water like a torpedo. Feeling water hug me from all sides...it's soothing. Finally, a familiar feeling amidst all the strife./p
p class="MsoNormal"I close my eyes only for a moment./p
p class="MsoNormal"In that one moment, I feel hands encircle my neck. Fingers pressing hard, trying to keep me under./p
p class="MsoNormal"I thrash in the water, then immediately remember. I'm in the water. What's the use of trying to choke me if I already can't breathe?/p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm aware of strong arms keeping me at arm's length. I reach out, getting ahold of my trident, and jab the spikes hard into the arms./p
p class="MsoNormal"Immediately they let go. Red now clouds the serene water around me. I swim away quick, surfacing only once as I speed down the length of the lake./p
p class="MsoNormal"I can feel movement behind me, but I try not to freak out./p
p class="MsoNormal"Ugh. And just when I was feeling at peace./p
p class="MsoNormal"At the far end the lake is inhabited by random aquatic plants. Aquatic plants mean aquatic life. I have to keep a look out just in case there's anything lurking about, hunting for prey like me./p
p class="MsoNormal"There could even be aquatic mutts for all I know./p
p class="MsoNormal"I shut down my mind. I don't need to be thinking this while still in the water./p
p class="MsoNormal"I weave my way in between the thick seaweed, finding myself wondering why on earth is there seaweed in this fresh water? Seaweed is meant for salty water not fresh. Or I mean, at least back in District 4, I have no memory of seaweed ever inhabiting a fresh body of water. Ever. Then again this is the Hunger Games arena. Anything is possible here, especially with the Capitol's capabilities of genetically mutilating anything they please./p
p class="MsoNormal"At the thought of District 4, I feel a sharp pang within my chest. Will I ever see that lovely coast, smell that fresh sea breeze without a care in the world ever again?/p
p class="MsoNormal"Siren, get your head in the game. Stop thinking these things!/p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm almost to the edge when I feel a hand grabbing at my foot. This person's relentless. I kick my leg around, but they won't let go./p
p class="MsoNormal"I surface, sputtering. I know I shouldn't, but I need air right now. The cool drafts drag into my lungs as I splash around frantically. I need this person to let me go!/p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm just at the edge nearly, and I flinch when upon finally blinking the water from my eyes I see a figure, crouched there, watching. When I catch sight of that snowy hair, blaring in the dusky light, I breathe out relieved./p
p class="MsoNormal"Ando./p
p class="MsoNormal"I don't even have to tell him for him to start pulling me out of the water. I attempt to let on about my relentless pursuant but stop even trying to speak when all I can do is babble nonsensical words. The panic is getting to me./p
p class="MsoNormal"Finally, and quite suddenly the hand lets go. Ando's excess force causes me to land hard upon the ground. Luckily, he makes sure that my face doesn't touch the ground, but the rest of me that does hit now aches just a little./p
p class="MsoNormal"Nonetheless I'm glad I'm out of there./p
p class="MsoNormal"I peer back at the water, which now froths, the surface jagged with ripples./p
p class="MsoNormal"What's happening there?/p
p class="MsoNormal"It doesn't take long for the boom to ring out. Whoever was after me is now gone. After a couple of minutes, a form surfaces, lips blue, eyes gaping. District 8's guy. What was his name? Yephar./p
p class="MsoNormal"Movement flickers just under the surface, not too far. I'm absolutely sure I see a long silhouette swimming away from the now corpse. A boa./p
p class="MsoNormal"My fingers fly to my neck. I could've been suffocated by a boa./p
p class="MsoNormal"Ando crouches by me, his eyes surveying my condition. He pushes my dripping hair back from my eyes, as if to make sure I'm really alright. I nod a couple times, trying to reassure both him and myself. Yes, I'm okay. Yes, I'm alright./p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm alive that's what matters./p
p class="MsoNormal"All the rest are gone. By the hands of the one standing before me now. Zephyr. District 7. Tall and muscular. Dark hair, sharp silver eyes. He's terrifying by appearance./p
p class="MsoNormal"And yet here he is, spouting random nonsense about how he can't get me out of his head. It's unnerving. It makes me think he has a screw too many loose within that head of his./p
p class="MsoNormal"It doesn't help that he has us practically barricaded into this one building, thanks to the acidic fog wafting about outside./p
p class="MsoNormal"I knew I was pretty much dead upon realizing this man out of the many that were in the arena was the one to follow me. But I didn't know it'd be so torturous and lengthy, this whole monologue he's got going./p
p class="MsoNormal"I stand motionless, back against the wall. The only thing moving are my eyes as they follow him. He who ambles back in forth just in front of me./p
p class="MsoNormal""When I saw you being the one chosen during District 4's Reaping, you couldn't have imagined how I felt!" He laughs, actually laughs right then and there. I wonder if there are any cameras planted in this specific chamber, if anyone is even getting to see how insane this guy is./p
p class="MsoNormal""You probably couldn't believe how much I wanted to be reaped, to be able to see you in person and now here we are!" His head snaps towards me. "It really is a shame that the only place we got to see each other was in the Hunger Games. Where in the end ultimately one of us has to die, if not both." Sad smile then. "I'll try to make you live as long as possible, the both of us. I want...I want to enjoy the time the most we can."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Just kill me now already, is what I think. He has good looks and nice form. His personality aside from his craziness is agreeable. But I just - ugh - it's putting me on edge, this insanity./p
p class="MsoNormal"I would notice the way his gaze would linger on me during trainings, how he'd approach and give good tips despite being my adversary. The few words we'd speak at times weren't ever tinged with this obsession he's making so obvious right here right now./p
p class="MsoNormal"How long does this acidic fog take to dissipate? It's not for long right?/p
p class="MsoNormal"I sure hope not, because I fully intend to make my escape soon./p
p class="MsoNormal"I eye the entrance to this chamber hungrily. I need to leave now. If I even try to take down this giant of a guy to shut him up, I'll be dead in seconds. No. That's not the card to play. Plus, what would I fight with? My fists punching against him would obliterate my knuckles, dissolve my fingers./p
p class="MsoNormal"I could try and go for the trident strapped on my back, but right now that's a no can do. The space is too small, and my gaining a grip on my trident would take too long. He'd be on me in seconds, and I'd be dead instantly seeing as he has plentiful daggers easily in reach strapped to his waist. Curved daggers, metallic ones. Some only inches long, one that's a whole foot. Pretty much a sword when you think of it./p
p class="MsoNormal"Yes. He'd butcher me. Just as he did to the other tributes./p
p class="MsoNormal"No that's not the card to play./p
p class="MsoNormal"I can act my way out of this, pretending to fall for his plentiful charms. But something tells me he'd catch on easily and I'd end up butchered all the same./p
p class="MsoNormal"Plus, I don't want to act the part of some undignified girl, wanting to be caressed and kissed by some stranger. Even I would be disgusted with myself./p
p class="MsoNormal"I tune back into Zephyr's monologue just in time as he turns to me, his hand reaching for my face. "Before I am forced to kill you or you me, I intend to be with you." His fingers brush against my cheek. I remain immobile, my eyes on his. I hope I'm not frowning or glaring at him. That's my go-to when I feel as intruded upon as I feel now./p
p class="MsoNormal"A mighty boom goes off. All too familiar. One more tribute down./p
p class="MsoNormal"Zephyr's gaze flits away, suddenly distracted. This is my chance./p
p class="MsoNormal"If I intend to escape unharmed, I gotta make it seem like this whole confession was interrupted in some way. Not necessarily me fleeing, 'cause then he'd take it as a rejection and eventually kill me./p
p class="MsoNormal"I gotta make it so that if he does seek me out again, he'll want to keep me alive./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hmm. Yes. I need a diversion./p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm about to act when the ground shakes. Up above I can see cracks running along the ceiling. This place is about to cave in./p
p class="MsoNormal"I shove him back hard, rushing into him just as chunks of concrete slam downwards, right where we were just standing. I pull away looking up at the ceiling. More cracks are spreading./p
p class="MsoNormal"Just as I start heading for the barricaded entrance someone starts to pull away the debris that Zephyr blocked it with. For a second I hope so hard it's Ando, my district 4 ally. But no, the skin color is not golden. It's too pale, the figure is still tall but not tall enough./p
p class="MsoNormal""Axion." I mutter under my breath. I could never confuse that coppery colored hair and those cool blue eyes./p
p class="MsoNormal"He doesn't even bother looking my way, focused entirely on Zephyr. This man has the look in the eyes. The look of one seeking to kill./p
p class="MsoNormal""You sliced my ally like she was a pig. You murderer!" He flies at Zephyr, knives in both hands./p
p class="MsoNormal"Zephyr calls for me to run even though it's clear only he's in danger. Either way I gladly do so./p
p class="MsoNormal"This is absolute perfection in terms of a diversion./p
p class="MsoNormal"I slip out of the crumbling chamber, out into the derelict street. The debris filled road is hard to run through. And I strain my vision to make sure my feet don't land on any visible mines./p
p class="MsoNormal"It's hard running in the dying light of day. Even amidst the fear I find coursing through my veins I also find happiness flourishing within me upon realizing I made it through the first day nearly. Making it through the first day of the Hunger Games is no easy feat./p
p class="MsoNormal"My ears perk up. I hear mad fast footfalls behind me. I take a turn. Whoever it is still follows./p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm being hunted./p
p class="MsoNormal"My breathing comes fast, my heart starts pounding./p
p class="MsoNormal"An arrow flies past me, nearly catching my side./p
p class="MsoNormal"Oh snap oh snap oh snap./p
p class="MsoNormal"I dare a peek over my shoulder. Wild red hair./p
p class="MsoNormal"The only wild red hair I remember was from District 6's girl. I forgot her name./p
p class="MsoNormal"But I remember her weakness. Hydrophobia./p
p class="MsoNormal"I make my way fast 'round another corner. Up ahead is that perfect rectangular lake that is right at the center of this city-like arena./p
p class="MsoNormal"I don't think twice when I dive in. I can hear her muffled yell of frustration even through the water. My slim form and experienced hands and feet propel me through the water like a torpedo. Feeling water hug me from all sides...it's soothing. Finally, a familiar feeling amidst all the strife./p
p class="MsoNormal"I close my eyes only for a moment./p
p class="MsoNormal"In that one moment, I feel hands encircle my neck. Fingers pressing hard, trying to keep me under./p
p class="MsoNormal"I thrash in the water, then immediately remember. I'm in the water. What's the use of trying to choke me if I already can't breathe?/p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm aware of strong arms keeping me at arm's length. I reach out, getting ahold of my trident, and jab the spikes hard into the arms./p
p class="MsoNormal"Immediately they let go. Red now clouds the serene water around me. I swim away quick, surfacing only once as I speed down the length of the lake./p
p class="MsoNormal"I can feel movement behind me, but I try not to freak out./p
p class="MsoNormal"Ugh. And just when I was feeling at peace./p
p class="MsoNormal"At the far end the lake is inhabited by random aquatic plants. Aquatic plants mean aquatic life. I have to keep a look out just in case there's anything lurking about, hunting for prey like me./p
p class="MsoNormal"There could even be aquatic mutts for all I know./p
p class="MsoNormal"I shut down my mind. I don't need to be thinking this while still in the water./p
p class="MsoNormal"I weave my way in between the thick seaweed, finding myself wondering why on earth is there seaweed in this fresh water? Seaweed is meant for salty water not fresh. Or I mean, at least back in District 4, I have no memory of seaweed ever inhabiting a fresh body of water. Ever. Then again this is the Hunger Games arena. Anything is possible here, especially with the Capitol's capabilities of genetically mutilating anything they please./p
p class="MsoNormal"At the thought of District 4, I feel a sharp pang within my chest. Will I ever see that lovely coast, smell that fresh sea breeze without a care in the world ever again?/p
p class="MsoNormal"Siren, get your head in the game. Stop thinking these things!/p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm almost to the edge when I feel a hand grabbing at my foot. This person's relentless. I kick my leg around, but they won't let go./p
p class="MsoNormal"I surface, sputtering. I know I shouldn't, but I need air right now. The cool drafts drag into my lungs as I splash around frantically. I need this person to let me go!/p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm just at the edge nearly, and I flinch when upon finally blinking the water from my eyes I see a figure, crouched there, watching. When I catch sight of that snowy hair, blaring in the dusky light, I breathe out relieved./p
p class="MsoNormal"Ando./p
p class="MsoNormal"I don't even have to tell him for him to start pulling me out of the water. I attempt to let on about my relentless pursuant but stop even trying to speak when all I can do is babble nonsensical words. The panic is getting to me./p
p class="MsoNormal"Finally, and quite suddenly the hand lets go. Ando's excess force causes me to land hard upon the ground. Luckily, he makes sure that my face doesn't touch the ground, but the rest of me that does hit now aches just a little./p
p class="MsoNormal"Nonetheless I'm glad I'm out of there./p
p class="MsoNormal"I peer back at the water, which now froths, the surface jagged with ripples./p
p class="MsoNormal"What's happening there?/p
p class="MsoNormal"It doesn't take long for the boom to ring out. Whoever was after me is now gone. After a couple of minutes, a form surfaces, lips blue, eyes gaping. District 8's guy. What was his name? Yephar./p
p class="MsoNormal"Movement flickers just under the surface, not too far. I'm absolutely sure I see a long silhouette swimming away from the now corpse. A boa./p
p class="MsoNormal"My fingers fly to my neck. I could've been suffocated by a boa./p
p class="MsoNormal"Ando crouches by me, his eyes surveying my condition. He pushes my dripping hair back from my eyes, as if to make sure I'm really alright. I nod a couple times, trying to reassure both him and myself. Yes, I'm okay. Yes, I'm alright./p
p class="MsoNormal"I'm alive that's what matters./p