There is currently a pool going for Zara! $800 more are needed, so if you would like to contribute (no pun intended) go ahead!

~~Nathan Cottonmouth District 11 Male~~

The anthem ended, seal closed. I was beginning to head back into the tunnels when something caught my eye. I ran over a few yards, and picked up the parachute. It was a large capsule, and I opened it up.

Nathan,

It's a cold night. You'll need it

-Mackenzie

I took the bag out of the capsule, and smiled. It was a warmth-radiating bag, at least $70!

"Thanks," I whispered before retreating back into the tunnels.

~~Woodley Forrester District 7 Male~~

The anthem ended, and I stood up. I had trekked to the surface, to see which tributes had died. I watched as a parachute dropped, gliding to the right.

Someone's got sponsors already, I grinned.

"Ow!" I exclaimed as a parachute fell to my feet.

I leaned over, and picked up the large capsule. I have sponsors too! I thought with a smile. I undid the capsule, and a tiny card fell out.

Woodley,

I can't believe you have sponsors! A lot of tributes will be jealous tonight.

-Elise

I turned the capsule over, and a thick sleeping bag fell out. It wasn't as fancy as the heat ones, but it was good enough.

"OW!" I called out again as something more dense fell from my shoulder to the ground.

I picked up the metal cylinder, and retreated into the tunnels before I opened it.

After walking a while, I set up camp at a dead end. It was risky, but also limited the chances of a sneak attack. I laid out the bag, and opened the smaller capsule. Inside were twenty small rolls, each made with white flour, clearly delicacies that must have cost at least a fortune.

I held the thick stick I had found earlier, ready to use it as a weapon. I laid under the sleeping bag, so I could just throw it off without trouble if I needed to.

And I kept one eye open.

~~Samson Asgolo District 10 Male~~

"Careful," Cascade whispered to me as we walked through the tunnels. She grabbed my hand right before I fell.

"Thanks," I told her, looking down at the pit. My stomach churned as I looked down, the magma emitting a dim light.

"Let's turn around," Beautiful suggested. "I think Jordan got us lost."

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"Did t-"

"Be quiet!" Cascade snapped to the two. They shut up. "These tunnels are obviously confusing. Anyone could have gotten lost."

"I'll lead," Velvet exclaimed. "Come on."

We walked quietly and without a word through the tunnels, Velvet stopping at each intersection. We didn't come into contact with any other tributes, but it seemed as if we were walking for hours.

"Velvet," Cascade began. "Just let me-"

"I got this!" Velvet scolded. From the look on her face, I could tell that Cascade now regretted keeping her alive.

"Just a little longer," Velvet assured.

"How long is a little?" Beautiful asked. "An hour?"

"Just shut up," Velvet muttered.

"Seriously, Velvet," I began. "Give someone else a-"

"There!" She exclaimed. Julian turned and waved.

"Looks like I underestimated you," Jordan told Velvet.

~~Sierra Moon District 9 Female~~

The sky was darkening fast, and I began to shake as I walked through the forest. It seemed so quiet, like no one was there. It was as if all the tributes got up and left, and I was the only one left walking in the eerie silence.

I suddenly jumped at the sound of my own breathing, then continued walking. Sticks crunched beneath my feet, and the temperature dropped way below zero. I knew I had to do something.

It was a huge risk on my part, but I would die here and now if I didn't do it. I sat down, and grabbed a few sticks. I rubbed them against one another, creating friction, and the spark turned to a blazing fore before my eyes. I let out a sigh of relief, hearing no footsteps. I held my knife firmly in one hand, knowing I would fight my way out if I had to. I ignored the feeling that I was being watched

I am not going to die tonight.

~~Jordan Flanagan District 4 Male~~

"How do you feel, Zara?" I asked immediately, sitting down next to her.

"Dying," she whispered.

"For real?" Cascade asked, giving Julian a nervous glance. He nodded.

"It's a rare infection, it will cost at least $1000," he told us. "That is, if she even has sponsors. In the meantime, she could drop dead at any moment."

There was a sudden thump, and we all turned to Zara and gasped. She was laying down, limp. Everyone was quiet, then we heard giggling and Zara sat up.

"Kidding," she gave us a sly smile.

"ZARA!" I screamed.

"She is really going to get on my nerves," Velvet muttered.

"At least she's alive," I told them.

We all sat down, making plans for the next day.

~~Bera Meher District 8 Female~~

Sierra had fallen asleep. She seemed so peaceful, and a perfect chance to rack in a kill. One less tribute would definitely be beneficial, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. We had watched Reapings on the train, and I became teary eyed when I saw her volunteer. Suddenly, I backed up onto a stick, which gave a sharp Crack!

Sierra shot up, and looked my way. She stood up, knife raised.

"Who's there?!" She demanded. "Come out!"

Quietly, I emerged from the bushes. I looked Sierra in the eyes.

"Just do it," I whispered.

Sierra stayed in her position, suddenly growing tense. She sighed, then let her knife come down next to her side.

"I can't do it," she confessed. "I should have known I wouldn't be able to."

"It's fine," I told her. "Being honest, I probably couldn't when the time came either."

We gave each other a smile. I was about to leave when Sierra called-

"Wait!"

I turned, confused.

"Do you..." she paused, looking down. "I may sound silly, but could we be an alliance?" She looked into my eyes. "I hate doing this alone. We can protect each other!"

I thought over that for a minute, then walked towards her. I put out my hand, and she shook it.

"Yes," I responded.

~~Miles Reed District 12 Male~~

Millie and I decided to sleep in shifts.

I leaned against the tree, while she slept in the branches. At least half the night had passed, and I felt ready to face the next day. I had switched with Millie not to long ago, my eye out for other tributes.

I suddenly realized I was scratching at the tree with my knife. I brought my knife to my side, and turned around. The tree bark was cut, in the shape of a heart. I flinched as I read the words Millie + Miles. It wasn't that I didn't like her, because I did. I just didn't know if she'd like me back.

She knew I did, from the interviews. But, did she really know? Did she know it wasn't for the show? I watched as Manny clearly betrayed Zara. I would never do that to Millie. If she dies, it will be by another tribute. And even then, he'll have to get through me first. By then Millie will have enough time to escape.

I heard some rustling above, and Millie hopped down.

"Still night?" She wondered aloud.

"I guess," I responded.

Suddenly, Millie gasped. I looked her way.

The sun was rising over the horizon, we were officially on Day 2.

Hey guys! I decided that I am going to post my next SYOT, but I won't be writing any of the Reapings until this is over. Just to collect tributes so I'm ready. See you soon! ~Annabeth Pie