Ammo Lawson - District 2 Male - Age 18
As he awoke on the eighth day of the Games, Ammo still couldn't grasp the fact that Hosanna had died less than 24 hours prior. While Ammo knew they weren't going to get married or anything, or even date, it had been far too long since he was actually attracted to a girl. He'd had a few crushes on girls in his early teen years, but it was hard for him to make moves on them since he'd just remember his mom when he saw them, and then everything would go to shit. Hosanna was different though. She was way more gentle than all the girls from 2, and she seemed to be the perfect match to his seemingly consistent chaotic energy. Not that it mattered, since she was dead anyways, and in such an awful way at that. Ammo had considered taking Hosanna's head with him as sort of a fucked-up souvenir, but he figured the Capitolites wouldn't like that, not that he assumed they liked his exhibisionism on the clifftop either, but that was the only way for him to express his anguish at the time.
"Where's Adira?" Brycen tapped Ammo as he awoke, "I can't find her anywhere!"
"Huh?" Ammo exited the tent and looked around the base but the girl was nowhere to be seen too.
"We're missing some food too." Brycen declared, rummaging through their picnic basket, "What the hell happened?"
"I knew she couldn't be trusted," Sapphira was sitting on the edge of the cliff, "So many fake people, so little time," She turned her head back and started running her fingers through her hair, "At least that's one less person for us to protect."
She did have a point, though Ammo couldn't believe their alliance had shrunk by two, seemingly overnight, "I'm going to kill that bitch. I can't believe we trusted her."
Ammo stood up, prepared to find Adira, wherever she was.
"Simmer down." Sapphira approached him, "Surely there will be a feast soon. We can do it then."
Ammo paused. It was true that only eight tributes remained, which did indeed mean that a feast could be coming at any moment. While the careers did have all the supplies they needed, it would be a chance to get in some kills, though that would mean the time where they had to kill each other would be even closer to arriving. Regardless, Ammo truthfully wasn't sure if he was even in the right headspace to kill somebody. While death never had phased him, and he had been able to kill that bastard from 10 immediately after Hosanna died, that was truthfully just a fit of rage, and upon further reflecting on Hosanna's death, something he was unsure he could do again.
Sapphira's prediction of the feast approaching happened to be true, as the trio felt a ping on their wristlets, announcing one would be occurring midday.
"You don't seem stable Ammo," Brycen sighed, "Can you stay here and watch our stuff?"
"But I want to kill Adira," He protested, "Please."
"We can try to kill her for you if it's at all possible." Sapphira said, "But we don't trust you to not act recklessly, since you've been acting off ever since Hosanna."
"Can you blame me?"
"Not at all." Sapphira exclaimed, "But we really need you to play defense today."
Ammo was livid. He wasn't the type to play defense. And since when did they care about his mental health? It was true that he wasn't his best, but he figured killing Adira had the potential to make him feel better, even though it wasn't the healthiest of coping mechanisms. Either way, Ammo was stuck between a rock and a hard place, and he'd have a hard time playing on the defense, but he wasn't in the mood for more conflict.
Christabel Rose Clade - District 12 Female - Age 13
The past week was certainly tough for Christabel Rose. She hadn't spent that much time away from Simon ever in her entire life, or even close, and trying to be without him hurt. She'd learned to push through though. She had no idea how long she would last, but she knew giving up would upset her brother. Much of the obscure humor in her life came from the thought of her parents watching the bloodbath, and being absolutely dumbfounded as their daughter somehow made the first kill of the Games. Of course, Christabel Rose didn't imagine anything past that, because she imagined they were horrified after Simon died, much like she was. Hopefully they were somewhat impressed that she had made it so long, as she certainly was, though hopefully they weren't expecting her to die next, even though she was. She didn't want to die, but she doubted her chances of winning.
When Mr. Snow announced that there would be a feast at the Cornucopia, Christabel Rose certainly did debate going, but she ultimately knew it would be foolish of her, since everybody left was capable of killing her. She was rather surprised she hadn't been murdered already, but she figured that was because everyone assumed she could die on her own, which was valid, though her knowledge of berries had somehow kept her alive, since she hadn't gotten a single sponsor. It's not like she was expecting to get sponsored though, since she really wasn't expecting anybody to sponsor her anyways. Who would? She barely stood a chance, but that wouldn't stop her from keeping on anyways, since it was all she had left to do.
Adira Price - District 4 Female - Age 17
After waking up alongside Summer and Luca, Adira was certain that she had made the right decision coming back, even if Summer's trust seemed to be thinning.
"What exactly was the purpose of you being with the careers again?" She'd repeatedly ask.
"To learn their secrets and kill them." Adira's response was always the same.
"And did you do that?"
"Well, no."
"Exactly."
That interaction had happened between the two of them had happened quite a few times, and Luca would always put an end to it, before things got out of hand, which was good of him. When the time for the feast came, Luca eagerly volunteered to go get them supplies. Adira was certain that the concept of him being the only boy in the alliance had done something to his masculinity complex, and he felt the need to protect them, "Besides, you girls can talk over your problems."
Adira had forgotten how oddly pasifistic Luca was, even though he apparently did kill somebody, which he kept saying he regretted. Adira certainly decided she'd be adapting some of that positive energy though, and she hoped Summer would be interested in working things out with her, since they had previously been such good friends, and Adira truthfully missed all of the good times, though she knew winning was more important if she truly wanted to share her note and it's contents with all of Panem, and whatever was beyond it.
Sapphira Starlett - District 1 Female - Age 17
While Sapphira always enjoyed a good party, the feast at the Cornucopia was certainly not her venue of choice. There was very little, or rather no feasting that was actually involved, but she knew that her performance at the feast would enable many more actual feasts. She was starting to believe she could actually win, especially as the numbers thinned. She didn't go to the Games for the sake of not winning, obviously, but she was delighted that victory was so close to her. Surprisingly enough, Sapphira wasn't particularly concerned with killing neither Brycen nor Ammo, since they were the textbook definition of dunces, and they'd likely kill each other first. At the feast, Sapphira stood by the Cornucopia, patiently awaiting people to come up the stairs and try to reap the rewards of whatever was inside, but shockingly, nobody came. Sapphira didn't hear any cannons, so she figured it was Brycen defending the entrance to the Cornucopia well enough. Being alone in the rotunda was kind of glamorous, and Sapphira couldn't help but rehearse her dance moves, the ones she'd perform at the Capitol when she had a party to celebrate her victory. It was so close that she could taste it.
Luca Pargus - District 4 Male - Age 18
Luca practically sprinted to the Cornucopia as soon as he heard the announcement that the feast was about to begin. When he arrived, he saw the boy from 1 defending the building, and dueling with the boy from 8. Luca didn't think either of them were in grave danger of losing their lives, and managed to slip right past them into the building. He'd been on a wave of complete adrenaline ever since killing Tulip. While he hated having the blood of another on his hands, he couldn't help but use it as motivation for him to keep fighting, since eventually he would make it to the top and win. As upset as he was with Adira, he was so glad she came back just as she had promised to. He understood her reasoning behind voting for Pow completely, and he was grateful that she was able to get him supplies from the careers, even if she was unable to kill any of them. When he arrived at the top of the building, he saw the girl from 1 slow dancing with herself in front of the Cornucopia.
"Excuse me?" She noticed Luca, "I'm in the middle of something!"
"I can see." Luca stuttered, "I'm just going to get some stuff here."
"Nice try!" The girl snapped around, revealing that she was dancing with an elaborate spear, "Unfortunately for you, this is all mine."
Luca tried to approach her, but she extended the spear, slicing some of the skin off the side of his left arm. He took that as a sign that it was probably wise for him to get the hell out of there so he walked down the stairs, only to see the boy from 1 with his arrow pointed right at him.
Brycen Rosenthal - District 1 Male - Age 18
Brycen stared at the eyes of the boy from 4 and watched as Sapphira began to approach him from behind. He'd already let the boy from 8 get away, and he wasn't about to have another fail. Brycen released the string from his bow and watched in disgust as the boy from 4 ducked, missing the arrow, then ramming into Brycen with his head causing him to fall and the boy to get away.
"No kills then?" Sapphira said, watching the boy head into the city.
"Nope." Brycen sighed, "What do we tell Ammo when he asks about Adira?"
"She got away," Sapphira laughed, "And we're sorry."
"Maybe we let him hunt her tomorrow," Brycen sighed, "Help him release his tension."
BOOM!
A cannon shot off from the distance.
"Who do you think it was?" Sapphira asked.
"Ammo probably saw somebody in the woods or the girl from 12 probably died of poison or shit."
Brycen was tired of spending his time speculating. He was there for the sole reason of winning, and he didn't need to have chats over pointless matters. All the cannon meant was that somebody else had died, and that meant that Brycen was one step closer to being where he wanted to be.
Logan Webster - District 8 Male - Age 16
"FUCK!" Logan rolled on the forest grounds in agony, clutching the left side of his body, where the boy from 1 had slashed him with a knife. Logan decided that it was probably wise of him to go to the feast, as he didn't have anything even close to a weapon, but alas he was no match for somebody who actually had a weapon. Was this when he died? He certainly hoped not as he was just in the middle of finding something to live for. He kept applying gauze from the first aid kid to his wound, but it wouldn't quit bleeding. Logan groaned, hoping this wasn't the end, but being well aware he'd overstayed his time on the earth for too long, and should be glad he was able to enjoy the Capitol.
He heard a helicopter noise and started preparing for his dead body to be lifted through the air, awaiting the cannons, when a small package appeared in his hands. He wasn't dying after all! He tore open the wrapping to reveal a jar of cream, and even better, a dagger. There was a note that said the gift was from his escort Veronica, and Logan couldn't help but smile. People truly did believe in him, and that was a feeling he'd never experienced before. He felt important, and he sure was glad he didn't just die because he would have let a lot of people down.
Summer Lindell - District 9 Female - Age 18
Summer was heated that Luca had allowed Adira back into the alliance. She was one of the reasons Pow was dead, and Summer felt that she didn't have a place with them anymore. Adira had promised to learn about, and kill the careers, but not only did she fail to do that, she also got one of their friends killed, though friend was such a trivial word in a situation of life or death. She'd truly enjoyed the fun she'd had with everybody, but playtime was over if Summer wanted to see life outside of the arena ever again.
"I'd like to apologize again," Adira was lying on the rooftop besides Summer, "For everything."
"I understand," Summer sighed, "Shit happens."
Summer had a knife hidden up the sleeve of the makeshift poncho she had made for the snow and was waiting for the perfect moment to get rid of Adira.
"It truly wasn't nice of me!" She said, "Especially Pow."
"I know it wasn't nice!" Summer rolled her eyes, "Now quit apologizing so we can move on."
"Can I hug you?" Adira asked.
"Sure." Summer got up, knowing now was her opportunity to strike.
She couldn't help but feel bad, since she was actively ending somebody's life, but she didn't trust Adira enough to be confident in the fact that if she didn't kill her, she wouldn't be killed first. As Summer wrapped her arms around Adira, she stabbed the knife in her back, and watched her body fall to the floor.
"What the hell?" Adira yelled, "You said you forgave me!"
"You killed Pow!" Summer hissed, "I understand your reasoning but you have to understand mine. If I don't kill you, then you could kill me."
"But we're friend–"
"Pow was your friend too." Summer positioned her body over Adira's and placed the knife to her chest, "I'm sorry."
"Just promise me that if you win, you'll tell people about my note!" Adira called out as the knife dug into her heart.
BOOM!
"Are you okay?" Summer looked around until she found Luca behind her, "What happened to Adira?" He looked at her hands, "DID YOU KILL HER?"
"I'm sorry." Summer sighed, "I have to win this and she's something stopping me."
"But she was our friend."
"So was Pow."
"I don't even know what to think of you anymore!" Luca was disgusted.
"I think you should leave."
"But we're allies–"
"And we will be unless we're the only two left. But everybody is an enemy Luca, and the two of us being together puts a target on both of our backs."
"We had fun," Luca groaned, "We all did."
"The time for fun is over, Luca." Summer placed his hand next to his, handing him a bag of food, "I had fun too, but this isn't summer camp."
"I wish we met on different terms," He weeped, "I wish none of this had to happen."
"Nobody wants this to happen," She gave him a final hug before saying goodbye, "And I'll miss the times we had."
"I'll miss them too." Luca said, heading down the stairs, "See you in the finale!"
Summer waved. There were a few tears in her eyes. She never realized that her attachment to these people she'd known for barely a week would cause so much suffering, but she would rather be lonely than dead.
Much like the launch, I thought the feast would be a good opportunity to hear from everybody again. As you've probably noticed, things are really heating up, and I can't believe this story will be over in less than a week.
8th Place, Adira Price (D4F) - Killed by Summer Lindell
Adira, you were such a unique tribute and your backstory was so fascinating. I'm so happy you were in this story. You've probably been my hardest goodbye so far (except Xan because duh!) and I'm writing this with a few tears in my eyes. Your arch was amazing, and I'm sorry I couldn't give you the path to victory, I just didn't think somebody who knew about life beyond Panem could win, since if this didn't happen, Snow would have killed you anyways. I know I promised you a cool death with mutts, but I opted for something more emotional and I hope you don't mind. And James, thank you so much for trusting me with her. She was an absolute delight and well worth the wait!
KILL COUNT
Brycen: 3
Sapphira: 2
Ammo: 4
Hosanna: 1
Pow: 1
Adira: 1
Luca: 1
Summer: 1
Brandon: 1
Christabel Rose: 1
ALLIANCES
Careers - Brycen Rosenthal (D1M), Sapphira Starlett (D1F), and Ammo Lawson (D2M),
Lone Wolves - Luca Pargus (D4M), Summer Lindell (D9F), Logan Webster (D8M) and Christabel Rose Clade (D12F)