Chapter 14: Fading Stars
A/N: Yooo! Sorry I haven't been uploading as often as I would like to be. I'd like to give a big shout-out to LittleMermade for giving me permission for one of their characters to appear in my story. I highly recommend to you all When the Stars Start to Fade, because this rewrite would NOT exist without it. I have school now, but I'll still attempt to get out at least one chapter a week. We're now in the Top 8, and this'll be a rather lengthy chapter due to the Top 8 interviews. Thank you, and let's go!
ForsakenKnight44 - I see you caught on with my quirk for ending chapters with one of the characters falling asleep… nice work!
LittleMermade - And now, Sophia shows her true colors as a Career - she has no qualms about killing. I hope you like this one, because it's going out to you.
IfTheApocalypseComes-BeepMe - Heyo, thanks for favoriting me! It really does bring a smile to my face :)
Day 10
Location: The Arena, Cliff Sector
Time: ~8:00 P.M.
[Sophia]
I stare at the boy resembling my deceased friend. The mockingjay pin pf legend, pinned onto his arena jacket, glimmers in the orange sunset, with his shaggy black hair blowing slightly in the subtle breeze. And here he is, ready to kill me, his lance pointed right at me.
I quickly backed away and let my sword clatter to the ground, leaving myself unarmed.
"Look, Rain… hear me out…."
Rain doesn't want to hear it - I can't blame him for that.
"I'm not that stupid, Sophia. Cyrus is likely lying in wait, ready to kill me. He's waiting behind one of the many fallen rocks."
"Rain, wait. The Career Alliance is over. Cyrus was the one who ended it. He killed Adrian."
Rain lowers his weapon slightly, but he's still on guard- he doesn't let up in that department in the slightest.
"...And why should I believe you?"
Damn it, he's stubborn.
How am I supposed to convince him?!
...Alright, I'm desperate.
I pick up my sword and throw it to the side. I'm now unarmed, which isn't exactly the ideal state to be in, but the situation called for it if I was to convince him that I didn't deceive him.
"See? I don't have any weapons on me now… And if Cyrus was here, he would've already blown my cover."
Rain narrows his eyes at me and lowers his spear. He sighs, but still has that accusing look in his eyes.
"...Fine. You have a point, I guess…"
I nearly sigh in relief. At least he isn't completely devoid of reason.
"Well… now that's settled… allies?"
I watch as Rain's face contorts in mixed anger and confusion, but he soon snaps out of it.
"Alright, allies. But I still don't trust you."
I begrudgingly nod - knowing that regaining his trust won't be an easy task. Not that I expected it to be.
With that, I set down my belongings and sleeping bag next to his, and looked at him.
"I've got an extra sleeping bag, if you want one of them…", I say
"...Sure, and I'll be on watch first", Rain says to me.
I nod, fine with that. We wait until night falls, and Vincent's face shows up in the sky.
Wu
"So, he's down for the count", Rain mulls to himself.
"I took him down," I said, clarifying for him.
Rain looks at, with a look of slight surprise. It's possible he had an encounter with Vincent, but I'd have to ask him about it later. He prepared for first watch, while I slipped into my sleeping bag.
Night fell, and I slipped into unconsciousness.
Location: District 2
[Cato]
The Hunger Games, which I initially loved and thought of the event as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, is truly something brutal. I realized it after I lost Clove, and the truth hit me harder than a ton of bricks. I was called back to District 2 to participate in the Top 8 interviews - Sophia is my niece.
And now, here I am, going to be interviewed by the Capitol. - due to being related to Sophia. It was the Top 8 interviews, where the Top 8 tributes' relatives were simply interviewed and questioned on what we think of our respective tributes so far.
I'm with Sophia's parents, her younger sister, and my son. My sister tagged along as well. We're outside the Kirhart home in District 2's Victor Village. Lucia Kirhart - Sophia's cousin whom Sophia volunteered for, is not here, for some reason. Oh well.
"And, Sophia Kirhart's family - oh! We have some familiar faces here, I see…"
I look at the interviewers - they look obnoxiously stupid and their choice of clothing makes them look even more bizarre.
"Ah, Mr. Kirhart! It's good to see a familiar face; how have you been doing?"
"Just fine. I believe I've been feeling better than ever."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"I'm happy with my beautiful daughter's performance in the Quarter Quell. I can guarantee she'll be one of the winners this year."
"Well, on that topic, Mr. Kirhart… who would you like your daughter to win with?"
"...Ideally, the boy from 1. Vulcan was his name, I think."
The interviewers and the cameramen are clearly shocked at his response - they were expecting the boy from 12, who Sophia is getting awfully close with. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone; Capitol citizens love melodrama.
"What about you, Mrs. Kirhart? What do you think?"
"My baby is doing exceptionally well - and I want grandchildren with the boy she'll be winning with, to carry on District 2's legacy."
The cameramen focus in on when her mother said that - the thought of the descendants of victors participating in the Hunger Games was one thing that was sure to rile a Capitol crowd up. 26 years ago, I would've been right on board with them. Now, I'm definitely not.
Sophia's younger sister doesn't really say anything special - just spouting admiration for Sophia and the hope that my niece and her big sister will come home.
"When I grow up, I wanna be just like big sis Sophia!"
If only they knew the true horror of the Arena. Sure, she was just turning 12 this year, but...
I snap out of it as they move on to my son, Aeneas Hadley. He's won the Hunger Games, just like me. I fathered him at the age of 23 - very young, but it was the life of a victor. He won the 97th Hunger Games, at 18. I'm proud of him. The interviewers start plugging away.
"Oh, we have the honor of speaking to the victor of the 97th Hunger Games - Aeneas! So tell us, what do you think of your cousin's performance?", the interviewer drones on.
"Well, my little cousin was always a bold one - and fortune favors the bold. I'm rooting for her to come home", Aeneas responds, while scratching the back of his head.
"And what of her new alliance and relationship with the male tribute from District 12? What do you think of that?"
"I'll give credit where it's due - District 12 has been putting up a good fight this year. I wager him and Sophia might be the winning pair."
The interviewers and cameramen seem happy with his response. Now, my turn.
"Ah, another victor already? Cato Hadley, winner of the 74th Hunger Games! You look a little tired out, so let's get to the chase. Have you been rooting for Sophia?", asks the interviewer.
Well, I've done the process when Val won, and when Aeneas did.
"Of course. She's ready to go, and she's going to win the Games - I know it," I respond.
My conversation with the interviewers drag on for God knows how long, until they finally move on to my sister - Valeria. I couldn't help but feel something has been off with her recently, but I cast it aside for now.
"And last but certainly not least - Valeria Hadley, the winner of the 77th Games! Tell us - what do you think of your niece?"
Val responds rather quickly - I take note of that.
"Well, she reminds me of myself, in my own Games."
The Capitol entourage looks genuinely surprised - and I don't know if that's a good thing.
"She seems a bit beside herself, and I feel I walked a similar road in my Games, that's all. I want my little niece to come back safe and sound, that's all."
The Capitol interview squad compose themselves, and thanks us all before moving on to Wade's family. I turn to Val, and look her right in the eye.
"Val."
"...Yeah?"
"We need to talk… and now."
[Wade]
The interviewers drone on and on - they won't let up, especially after hearing Cyrus' parents quip that they have the utmost faith in their son in winning. They're now interviewing me, the last member of the Rankines. I peek over at Cato briefly - he seems to be speaking quietly with his sister, Valeria.
"So, Wade, as the winner of the 73rd Hunger Games, what do you think of your nephew's performance so far in this year's Quarter Quell?", the main interviewer questions me.
Hm. That's a tough question to answer. Admittedly, I went pretty hard on him during my daily rants to Cato, and never acknowledged what he's done.
"I admit it - I'm very impressed he made it to the Top 8. He's a true Career in my eyes. If he wins, I can't wait to welcome him home - I'll be the first one, in fact," I respond.
Not that I expect him to return.
"Admirable, I must say. You haven't shown any bias just because he's your nephew, right?"
We all share a good laugh as if we were all old friends. Mine was not genuine.
Location: District 12, "The Seam"
[Aiden]
I'd been on edge about Rain, my big brother, ever since the Hunger Games started around 11 days ago - I couldn't stand all the tension in the air.
My parents were distraught, especially my mom, who cries herself to sleep every night. My father, on the other hand, was just moping around the house.
My grandmother just sat in her rocking chair, mumbling something to himself. She was looked up to in 12 - the place where you can starve to death knowing you're OK.
On the inside, I was anxious about how Rain was doing - he saved my life, possibly at the cost of his own.
As I watched the Hunger Games unfold- despite my father's insistence not to, and to my delight and relief, Rain managed to make a go of it and get to the Top 8, which is why we were being interviewed right now by some people from the Capitol. They looked weird and out of place here in 12.
I watch as my father speaks, his eyes slightly red. From tiring hard work or from the stress of possibly losing his son, I don't know.
I felt like I've grown in the time my brother wasn't here for me - just realizing how awful the Games are - which is made more evident by the fact that only three - no, four tributes from 12 made it back home.
As my father answers with curt and short answers, my mother looks like she's about to shed tears, while my grandmother watches silently, her gaze hardened.
They move on to my mom, who is on the verge of tears. I'd probably be crying too, if I was in her position, one of a parent - knowing their child likely wouldn't make it.
"Well, Mrs. Orion, how about it? No one from District 12, besides Lukas, your most recent victor, have made their way into the Top 8 in quite some time. What do you think of your son breaking the streak?", the interviewer says, with the cameramen shifting themselves to have my mother on full screen.
My mother attempts to stop her sniffling, and speaks clearly.
"I'm so glad that Rain made it to the Top 8. Nothing would make me happier than to see my son come home," my mother responded. It felt so odd, with the formal conversation.
"What of his alliance with the female tribute from 2? Do you think it's strange?"
"It's unorthodox, yes. However, my son can win with her - he has certain skills no other can possess."
"Oh, please tell us Rain's hidden strengths, won't you?
"That's up for the viewers to find out."
The Capitol interviewers do a fake pout, which would likely amuse the crowd, if what's happening right now wasn't happening at all. They now move on to me - I'm far from ready.
"Oh, you're the little boy everyone's been talking about. Rain volunteered for you, yes?"
I nod my head instead of a verbal answer - not to these guys.
"How do you feel when Rain is in a dangerous situation, little one? Hm?"
"My big bro will be OK. He's always been smart. He knows what to do."
Honestly? That was a lie. I was about to burst into tears when I saw my big brother injured - especially when the meteors fell on the forest. He could have died a slow and painful death, just like the little girl from 11.
Fortunately, the Capitol entourage leaves after throwing a barrage of questions at my elderly grandma - who's been quiet the whole time while watching the Games.
After they left, I ran back into the house, and went into my shared room with my brother. I looked at my brother's vacant bed - it was still made, with my brother having made it on the day of the reaping.
Without any further delay, I burst into tears.
Day 11
Location: The Arena, Cliff Sector
[Rain]
Morning finally came. Staring at the sunrise, I noted it as extremely beautiful, despite the fact that it was fake. I bathed in the artificial sunlight, as I looked over at Sophia' sleeping figure.
She looked like a perfectly normal girl - not a bloodthirsty Career who revelled in killing, and treated the Hunger Games as something to celebrate.
They don't realize that their tributes are victims too.
No one had been killed in the previous night, as no cannon shots went off during the night - or at least one of us would've woken up. Those things permeate the air with a loud BOOM.
Likely to remind us of the Capitol's dominance and how we, the districts, are at their mercy.
Someone taps me on the shoulder as I watch the sun rise, and I whirl around, with the tip of my lance pointed at that someone - a half-awake Sophia.
"Whoa, whoa. I thought we were allies…"
I sigh.
"Don't startle me next time. You almost met with the tip of my lance."
Sophia simply nods in acknowledgement as she goes over to her backpack to get some food to start the day. She turns back to me briefly.
"Rain… do you really not trust me, still?"
"...No. No, I don't trust you."
That was at the very least, a partial lie. It's true that I haven't forgiven her for Iris' death, but I trust her to some extent. That moment on the roof should've meant at least something.
"...Then what's the point of allying? If you can't trust the person watching your back, who can you trust?"
Ouch. That one hit me right in the heart - what I said to her earlier is coming back to haunt me.
"Alright, alright. What have you been doing these past few days?", I ask her, wanting to change the subject.
"Mostly wandering around, and then looking for you."
"...Looking for me? Why?"
"You're the only person I have now. I don't know if I can trust Vulcan or Aileen, much less Cyrus. I decided to make a gambit and look for you."
Something inside of me stirred, a feeling that I haven't felt towards non-family members in years.
"...I don't know how to say this, but… thanks, I guess."
Sophia looks a little surprised, but she immediately regains her composure, and settles down as she pulls a loaf of bread out from her backpack, and looks at me.
"Have you got any food?"
"I'm running low on food. I only have a little left to go off of."
She tosses me her loaf of bread, much to my surprise.
"Here, you can take it. I've got plenty of food."
I nod gratefully, and start eating. My curiosity gets the better of me.
"Did you get it from the boy from 6?"
"Yeah, I did. He was the one who killed Velvet and took our supplies."
That was some news to me - Vincent inadvertently saved my life. I was on a streak of good luck, which I knew was bound to end soon. Sophia interrupts my pondering.
"We can backtrack there once we're ready. It's not too far off from here. I wasn't able to take all of the supplies, because I was looking for you."
I nod my head. I guess it's only right that I should go,, since she decided to forgo even more supplies in order to find me. Camping for the entirety of the Games were some tributes' strategies. Occasionally, one got lucky and managed to outlast the competition.
I break the silence between us.
"So, what's life like in District 2?" I ask, genuinely curious. I expect her to brag, but she doesn't.
"It's nice in 2. Everyone can get by, and we have nice houses. I live in the Victors' Village with my father, mother, and younger sibling," she replies.
"Who won the Games in your family?"
"My dad, he won the 76th."
I froze up. The 76th Hunger Games was the Games my paternal aunt participated in, and died on the second day to that year's victor. I calm down, not wanting to do anything brash, as Sophia continues telling me her life in 2.
"So... how's life in 12?"
Life in 12? That's a hard question, to say the least.
"It's really quiet in District 12. There's really nothing happening, and our Peacekeepers are rather lenient," I reply.
Sophia looks at me with an eyebrow raised.
"Your guys' Peacekeepers are lenient, huh…?" Sophia trails off.
I nod, as I heard District 11 has extremely strict Peacekeepers from when Katniss was talking with Haymitch.
"How do you guys get by? 12 is the poorest of the districts, right?"
"Yeah, it is. We get by, or at least, my family gets by due to my father having a high position in our district."
That was a half-truth, I can't reveal to Sophia that District 12's second industry is the production of medicine, as something might conveniently happen that would lead to my death.
Luckily, Sophia doesn't pry any further. After we finished eating and packing our belongings, we set out to find Vincent's old camp.
On the way there, we fought the occasional snake mutt, and chatted quietly with each other.
"That snake - it's the electric snake, isn't it?", Sophia questions me.
Ah yes, the electric snake, with its unmistakable vibrant cyan, yellow, and white color scheme. When it bites, the area around the bite glows yellow. It paralyzes the victim, and slowly eats away at their life for an agonizing three days.
"Yeah - we can't let them get us. One bite, and we're done for."
Only specific medicine, usually only being obtainable via sponsors, could stop the fatal process. Not to mention, that medicine was valuable, due to being engineered to stop any wounds inflicted by mutts.
"Here we are - Vincent's old camp," Sophia announces.
I take a look around at the same time Sophia does, the remaining supplies were very little in number. Someone else likely got here too; before we returned. It was extremely unlikely that we were being watched. Sophia had scouted the area beforehand.
"Oh well, you should take what's left. There's rope and some food leftover," suggested Sophia.
I take the food and the rope - the rope could be used for setting up snares to trap game. Raw meat wasn't particularly appealing, but it could be cooked.
As we walk back to our campout near the waterfall, I see Sophia suddenly disappear, and scream. I rushed over to where she was, and I found her, just teetering on a solid surface in the ravine she fell into. She'd fall off if I didn't help her now.
"Rain! Help me…"
I immediately start racking my brains for solutions, unit one seemingly pops into my head instantly. The rope.
I take the coil of rope and toss it down to her.
"Don't grab hold of it yet! Just stay put," I say to Sophia.
She nods as I scout the area for something sturdy I could possibly tie the rope onto.
I eventually found a suitable rock, and tied the rope around it - the extra coil gave me enough length to secure it.
"OK! Now try climbing up!", I shouted down to her, once I tightened the rope.
I watch, with my tension level at an all-time high. She makes it just as the rope is about to break.
"Thanks… really."
Sophia gives me an awkward embrace, which I accept. I released her after, but before I could ask why she hugged me, Julius Templesmith's voice rings through the air.
"Congratulations to the Top 8 tributes of the 100th Hunger Games! As a present to you all for making it this far, we have decided to hold a feast at the Cornucopia in a day's time. Now, think hard about not going - the backpacks marked with your district number all contain content that gives you an edge against your competitors. That is all."
We make our way back to our waterfall base, and we look at each other.
"Well? Are we going? We're well-stocked on supplies," I remark to Sophia.
"We should go - it'd be a good chance to eliminate Cyrus, or maybe even Jose."
I grunt in acknowledgment. It's fairly logical, but still dangerous.
"Alright, so here's how we'll do it…"
A/N: OK, I finally got this one out. As I said, I'll be trying to get out one at least once a week. Again, I want to give a shout-out and a big thank you to LittleMermade for allowing one of their characters to appear here! The next chapter will be the Feast, so look forward to that! Have a fantastic day, and stay safe.
