Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games. They belong to Suzanne Collins.

Note: Working with something non-TD and with a first person narrative is really a lot of fun so far. So new and fun to work with. Maybe I should have branched out a while ago? Updates to this story ought to be faster than to my TD stuff, given the lesser amount of people to focus on and the overall shorter length of the story. Hope you guys enjoy the chapter. :)


I'm awake, but I wish I wasn't. I was having a nice dream about the sea. But, the sound of the river and the birds chirping quickly makes me rise. The realisation that the sun is now shining and the careers, or any of the tougher tributes, could be near me makes me rise even quicker. I quickly grab all my gear and duck into a bush, sitting silently.

I breath slowly and softly, looking around. It seems that nobody is in the area. It looks like I'm safe.

But, I'm also hungry and I'm out of food! I need to find more soon, but...how do I do that? I try to recall what the wilderness survival trainer talked about.

Roots.

Ok, guess I'm looking for roots. I have my knife still in hand, so I can cut roots without trouble, I guess. Question is, where are the roots I need.

Food was never a complex matter back in District 4. Fish were plentiful and, well, we never lacked money like those from 11 and 12 do, so says dad. The though of the fish bread my district is known for makes me drool a little. I can't sit here and drool though. I need to start moving.

I almost get out of the bush to start foraging when the careers enter the area, all laughing together like...friends. How can they be friends when they're gonna kill each other? I'm confused.

"Lighting a fire in the forest?" laughs Glimmer. "Like, come on!"

"Whoever it was, they should be glad we came this way after the runt first. If we'd be closer to their area, they'd have had no escape. Lucky idiot," says the girl called Clove, tossing a knife up and catching it when it falls as she speaks. "So, 'Ankles' is first?"

"Yeah, but if we come across anybody else, they die too," Cato reminds his pack. "Us to the end, and then we battle for the win."

The careers all chime in their agreement.

"I'm gonna kill you guys so fast you won't know you're dead," Marvel says, pumping his spear up and down for a moment. What? He's telling them he's gonna kill them? ...Careers are confusing to watch.

Oh crap, careers...near me...and if they come near the bush they'll see the yellow of the sleeping bag. I hold my breath, not daring to even take in air through my nose. I cant risk anything until they are gone.

"So, what are we gonna do?" asks Glimmer, playing with her hair. "The runt doesn't seem to be here, and I wanna kill the girls from 11 and 12. It'll be great!"

"Firegirl did get a high score, and she's not even a career," says Cato. He seems angry, like the score was a personal attack. Careers put pride in the games, so maybe it is? "If we see her, we kill her and take out a threat."

"She only has one knife," says Clove. "No big."

"Why not just use the loverboy? Peeta, right? He's gotta die, and we may as well use him to flush out Firegirl, or something," Marvel suggests. He seems bored with the lack of murder, as he's now twirling his spear like a baton. I can't help but imagine him as a circus performer...I'd prefer that over him being my possible executioner if I am found.

My lungs feel painful and tight, but I can't reveal myself. Even if I stabbed one of them, I'd be turned into fish food in, like, a few seconds. Four seconds, matching my district. I crouch lower still, but the urge to breath is too much.

Right as I breath, possibly my last, a rock hits a tree near the careers a distance from me. With cheers and some battle cries they take off upstream, waving their weapons. I wonder who is going to feel a blade in their flesh. At least it won't be me.

To think, the closest I came to panic before the games, besides the reaping, was falling off a boat into deep water for five seconds. Looking back, that's practically a party game compared to this, isn't it?

My stomach growls. Memories later, food now.

I walk down the dirt slope neat the cliff leading to the river and drink some more water so that I at least have something in me. Just as I fill up my water container and cap it I hear footsteps behind me. No! I left my knife in the bushes! I turn around and raise my small fists and try to scowl. I bet it looks hilarious to the Capital. One big punchline.

It's not the careers. It's that girl from 5. What was her name again? I...can't recall.

"Uh, um, don't come close if you don't want trouble," I threaten her, narrowing my eyes. "I have a friend in the trees, ready to attack if I get cornered."

"I see," says the girl. "Then where was this friend when the careers almost got you just then?"

"Oh, you saw that," I reply, trying to keep my edge.

"Yes. I lured them away," continues the girl. "I don't want any trouble."

"Neither do I," I agree, lowering my guard.

"Why? Because you're grateful, or because you left your knife in that bush?" asks the girl, smirking slyly like a fox.

I can't help but mutter a bad word. I really hope my family won't mind that. Mum hates swearing.

"I just want to get some water, that's all," assures the girl, walking past me and kneeling by the water to drink.

"Anybody die during the night," I ask. For all I know, I might have missed a cannon going off due to being so tired.

"Nope. Somebody lit a fire, but the careers seem to have gone in your direction. Lucky idiot, whoever that was," replies the girl, now splashing some water in her hair and rubbing it.

As I listen I can't help but get a better look at the 5 girl. Red hair and a pointed face. In some ways...kinda like a fox. She has the sly attitude to match it so far. I wonder if her name is fox related?

"Something on your mind," she asks, turning back to me. "You've been looking at me for a few moments now."

"Oh, um, just noticed you kinda look like a fox, sorta." I reply, the awkwardness making me feel almost ill.

"Oh, yeah. Foxface, right? Back home everybody calls me that. Never Cinder, always Foxface," she remarks. "Call me whichever. See you later kid, I'm gonna keep moving before the careers get here. You should as well. Unless you like swords in your guts. Ciao!"

Without another word Foxface dashes off into the woods. I stand silently, watching her go. Wait, the careers! They may be back any second! I grab everything and run the opposite way that the careers went, almost tripping a few times. I need this gear, but my small frame makes it hard to carry as I flee.

I'm not sure if the yell I heard was a career or just an animal, but I don't want to find out! With no muscle and just knives, I'd be easy pickings for both. Hopefully the thick trees of the forest will provide cover.

And food…


(Later that day…)


Walking around, it occurs to me more and more that it's not just training that counts for or against a tribute, but the arena too. If this were a watery arena, or even just a beach then I'd feel a lot more confident in my chances. I may only be twelve, but I can swim as good as a sixteen year old, says my dad to me quite often.

But...in the forest, it's less easy. I'm not sure which roots are poisonous, and I can't chance the berries I passed in case they are dangerous too. Most people my age remember the games just two years ago where all the food supplied was poisonous. Sponsors paid a fortune to deliver bread.

I glance up, half-expecting my prayers to my answered with a sponsor gift of fish chowder. No such luck. I shake my head and slap myself. If I can't rely on myself in here, I'm dead. I'm no Finnick, I can't rely on Sponsors.

I can't help but shudder at the thought of Cato holding a sponsored trident…

The hunger pains...Hunger Games is right, but this game is only fun for the audience. Would scowling at the camera be a bad idea? Probably, but it sure is tempting.

Past the trees and over a log I come to a grove. I can see some berries nearby in a bush. Are they safe? ...Can I resist the urge? I do for a few moments, but in the end...I need to eat. I pick a handful and crack a small smile.

"I wouldn't," warns a deep voice.

I drop the berries in alarm and turn around, this time holding my knife at the ready, and I see a tall boy standing nearby, leaning against a tree. He looks like he's about eighteen and has a firm face, with darker tan skin. From his jacket, he seems to be from District 10. He's also holding a heavy looking axe.

"Nightlock," explains the boy. "Dead before you realise it. Course, if you want to take the easy and painless way out...I won't stop you. Just felt you oughta know."

"...Thanks," I say, stepping away from the berries, but not taking my glance off of his axe. "Uh, Urchin Hook, District 4."

"Rammy Bullock, District 10," replies the boy, giving a slow nod. "I see you escaped the bloodbath. I thought you'd be dead."

"Almost was…Cato looked the other way," I reply, trying to not show the fact I am nervous and starving.

"District 2 boy? He'll be a bad un to deal with," mutters Rammy. I try to stand strong under his gaze.

"So, we gonna do this, or what?" I ask, twirling my knife in my hand, trying to look confident and maybe get Rammy to think twice.

"We could," muses Rammy, gazing at his axe. "...Or, maybe we could team up? At least, just for a short while?"

"Really?" I reply, trying not to sound too excited. This guy is big and strong...he could easily be my bodyguard if any careers show up!

"Really," assures Rammy. "I think we can make a trade. I'll give you some food, as you look starving son, and you help me out with something in return."

I consider this offer. I need food, and if he is offering it, I should take it. But, only one can live...he wants something good from me too.

"What do you want from me?" I ask, feeling small. Inevitable, as I am 4'8 and 12 year old, and this guy is at least 5'8 and is 18 years old. If I try to run, he will catch me. My only option is to listen to his demand.

For his part, Rammy seems to not mind my pause in agreeing. He just gives another slow nod as he drops his axe.

"There, you have a knife and I have no weapon in hand. Now, listen up son," says Rammy. "I want to get home alive. See my family, see my cows. I'm all ma's got. To do this, I need to be the toughest guy here. However, there is somebody tougher in this arena. That boy from 11. I want him dead."

I pause. Does this guy think I can kill that giant? I like fiction, but this is real life...and death! Surely he can't be serious.

"How am I supposed to do that," I ask, making my doubts clear.

"You won't, but I will," replies Rammy. He picks his axe back up. "I just need you to distract him."

"You know where he is?" I ask. This arena is meant to be huge, so several of us being in one place feels odd.

"I heard him kill an animal. His yelling is hard to miss," Rammy says with a shrug. "Might take us a while to catch up, but we have time."

"Can I eat now," I say before I can stop myself.

Rammy tosses me a big pack of bread. I wolf it down, and as I do he walks over, axe in hand.

"Only one of us can live," he reminds me. "Once 11 goes down, we split up and next time we meet we'll be enemies. Sorry son, but that's how it's gonna be."

My mouth full of bread, I give a muffled sound of agreement. If I disagree, what's stopping him from killing me? At least with food in me, I can think without hunger pains. I follow Rammy through the forest, my eyes never leaving his sharp, gleaming axe.


(Later that day…)


It was a fair walk, but we finally stop. This area is full of tall and dry grass. Maybe it's wheat? Can't say for sure. Nonetheless, Rammy stares at the field and I know this is the place.

I fidget a little, hands in the pockets of my jacket. Is the 11 boy hiding in that field?

"Ok, listen," orders Rammy, his voice calm as before. "We're gonna be herding the bull out for the slaughter."

"What?" I ask, feeling like I am missing something.

"District 10 is lifestock," Rammy reminds me, and I realise he's right. "Now, see that tree over there? It's raised out from the grass a bit. If you stand there Thresh will see you. Once he starts coming for you, I'll throw the axe and get him in his skull. The bull dies, no horns needed. Understand, son?"

I nod. It seems like a good idea. My only worry is...what if Rammy lets the 11 boy kill me and then axes him? Some plan…

But, I have no other options. And, maybe I could crouch down and hide in the tall grass? I could hide for a few hours, and head back to the river.

"Ok, you go on. I'll be watching," orders Rammy, taking two steps back.

The grass actually feels nice against me. If not for the Hunger Games...this place would be nice. But the landlocked nature of it...I miss the sea even more. I feel the starfish in my pocket as I wade through the grass.

The tree is a fine oak. Never seen one of these up close before, but it looks nice. I briefly consider taking a few acorns, but decide against it. Finnick was firm in telling me to not eat anything I was unsure of. The 11 boy may be near, but so far all I hear around me is a light breeze, a few birds and some buzzing.

Oh shit…

A tracker-jacker nest is in the tree above me. Thankfully, it seems I am out of their range. But I've seen what they can do...how in one year the last two tributes were stung and hallucinating madly during the last battle. I hate bugs…

I glance at Rammy. He gestures for me to say something. Uh, what do I say? I'm not much for conversations with new people...and people I am helping to kill.

"My name is Urchin!" I announce. "11, what is your name?"

There is a silence.

"Thresh!" says the boy from somewhere. Exactly where though, I have no idea. "Should have stayed away, kid."

He's coming. I look all around, but I cannot see him. Maybe he's bluffing?

Or maybe he's behind me, as I am lifted off my feet. I kick and struggle, yelling.

"Rammy!" I scream, flailing as I feel the heat drain from my face and chest. Thresh stares at me.

"Rue would have liked you," says Thresh. I guess he wanted to at least say something. "So long."

I hear a sound above. Rammy has thrown his axe!

...Nononononono! It hit the nest!

"Thanks for the help Urchin. I'll never forget this favour," calls Rammy, sounding apologetic as he retreats.

Thresh drops me and flees, going after Rammy. I run from the net, screaming. To my credit, I at least managed to stop my voice from cracking. I can hear Thresh screaming, and Rammy yelling.

My arm hurts. I just have been stung, though exactly how many times I am not sure. I trip and fall down, laying in the grass. My arm is searing.

The clouds roll by, pink with a yellow sky beyond them. The sun and moon shine down, both with screaming faces on them. I moan, covering my eyes. What's going on? Is this real? A 'show' from the game-makers?


(A while later)


Despite the many headless chickens I can see running around I stagger my way out of the field. Time has passed, and nobody is around. My gear is right where I left it. It seems Rammy dropped something nearby; his backpack. I carefully put my gear inside it, along with the night lock berries already in it. Nightlock? But, why would Rammy have these? Well, if I can get the careers to eat them, maybe my odds will be better?

I can see that some tracker jackers are still buzzing around. I run into the forest, not wanting anymore stings. Please, no more horrid stings! The swelling feels repulsive on me.

"What heals tracker jacker stings?" I ask myself, struggling to remember. "...Taking the stinger out?"

With all the things I may or may not be hallucinating, it's not easy getting the stingers out. I need a steady hand; it's like unhooking fish back in District 4. You need to have a steady hand and complete focus as you work so that you don't make a big mess of things. In the end, I get the stringers out but I do not really feel very different.

"Little help..." I ask out loud, as I collapse. I feel a small jolt from the impact, and then feel nothing.


(More time passes…)


With a moan, I weakly open my eyes. It's late afternoon, so I must have been out for a few hours. By the looks of it, nobody found me. Or, maybe they thought my body had not been removed yet? I bet the stings gave Ula a fright. She hates bugs. Actually, my sis probably hates a lot of fish too. She's a handful.

There I am, thinking of home again. If I get boring to the audience, the game-makers are gonna kill me.

For a moment, I think I hear a small feminine sound.

I sit up and glance around. I can't see anybody though. Not on the ground and not in the trees either. Am I still hallucinating? My arm must look terrible. But one look at it has me confused, as it looks fine now. My sleeve has been rolled right up, and the stings are easing up. I can see an empty container nearby. A piece of paper is next to it. I pick it up and glance at what it says.

-Apply to the stings. Keep your head down. So far, so good.-

-Finnick and District 4-

"A sponsor," I realise. "...Is somebody there? Did somebody put this on me?"

I see a shoe slowly poke out from behind a tree.

"...11? Um...Rue? Is that you?" I ask, hoping I am right. She's the one person, besides Marina, I think I could work with and not fear being stabbed by.

Sure enough, Rue slowly peers out from behind the tree. She looks like she has not drunk anything in a while.

"Did you help me?" I ask, as I stand up. I feel shaky, but it's better than being dead.

Rue gives a nod.

"Why did you help me?" I continue. Surely she has a motive...or, maybe she's the sort with a sweet heart? Until I know for sure, I'm not approaching her.

"You needed help," says Rue, still peering from behind the tree. Her voice sounds a little scratchy from thirst. "We're both the youngest here...it felt right to help you."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," I say, almost chanting. Hopefully she knows how grateful I am.

Thankfully she seems to. With a giggle, she turns to leave. Quickly, I run after her and follow a few paces behind.

"You sound like you need water," I say.

"I do," replies Rue quietly.

"I know where there is a river," I offer. I'm hoping I sound persuasive, because this could be the start of an alliance. Or at least, somebody not hostile talking to me. "I could take you there right now, if you don't mind the walk."

Rue nods, and I walk off with her following me. I can see she has a sharp rock in her hand, like a knife...my pace slightly quickens. Rammy's attempted backstab hurt, but a literal one with a sharp rock might be even more painful. Just a suspicion.


(Later…)


When we arrive at the river Rue drinks from it like a thirsty animal. I scoop water into my canteen and cap I for later. Nobody else is nearby, and no cannons have gone off. I sit down and allow myself a moment to relax.

Of course, if the games go too slow...I don't think anybody, even the careers, would enjoy what they'd do to make it more exciting.

I guess this means that Rammy and Thresh are both still alive. If they got stung...is it too much to hope for they'd hallucinate me as a loved one and not attack?

My thoughts are broken as Rue sits down next to me.

"Thanks 4," she says, smiling.

"No, thank you. You used my sponsor gift on me when you could've easily stolen it for yourself," I reply, trying to look her in the eyes and only finding my feet. "In here is the only place in Panem you'd be allowed to steal."

"Mmhmm. But, it seemed the right thing to do. I know it was, since you led me to water," says Rue, smiling.

"You didn't know I would though," I reply. Unless...did somebody sponsor her a mind reading gadget? And I thought Finnick's trident cost a lot.

"Well, you're like me. Just a kid. Thought it'd be nice to help, from one kid to another," replies Rue. She smiles and turns away, taking out an apple and taking a big bite. "Want some?"

"I'm not really a fan of fruit," I reply. It is true after all; the taste, texture...the bits that gets tuck between my teeth for hours. As I say, not a fan.

Rue gives me a small frown.

"You sure you want to be fussy in here?" she asks me, pouting. "You may not see food for a while, and back in 11...apples are a very rare treat."

"Ok, you do have a point," I concede. Fussiness could easily be the death of me. "But isn't your district all about growing fruit?"

"Growing it, but not eating it," replies Rue, finishing the apple. "Otherwise we get whipped. Course, I can sometimes sneak some anyway."

I cannot help but find myself impressed. I'd be sobbing after just one whip of many. Rue is willing to risk it numerous times. It's either bravery or foolishness, and I am thinking moreso the former.

I have nothing else I can think of saying, so I slowly twirl one of my knives in my hand. Rue notices.

"You got knives," she notes.

"I do," I say.

"Only knives? Not a spear, or an axe," she asks, looking hopeful.

"...I only trained with knives," I admit. "Except for the game with just the maces, they're always in each arena. I felt it'd be smart to train with something I know will be there."

Rue does not argue the point. Fancy that...I made a point. Maybe my odds are looking better?

For a while, we just sit and listen to the river. It's nice, to just sit and be calm for a few minutes. Much better than tracker-jackers trying to kill me in the arm.

"Thresh is gonna want to kill you," warns Rue, still looking at the stream.

"...Any chance saying sorry will work," I ask, trying not to sound too pathetic.

"Outside the games...maybe? But in here, he won't forget. We'd all have to die for Thresh to get back to District 11, and you may have given him a reason. Maybe the 10 boy too," says Rue. She looks sympathetic.

How did this happen, exactly? I have four careers after me, and two big guys from 10 and 11. All that, and I am small and just have knives. I've never seen anybody with 100-1 odds before, but as mum often says there is a first time for everything.

"You got any super powerful friends...who are not Thresh?" I ask, once again looking at my shoes.

"No," sighs Rue. "I'd like to talk to the 12 girl though. She's cool...I like her. She might want to help me...and you. You got anybody?"

"Well, my district partner. Marina might help, for now," I reply. I must wonder where she is. I saw her grab a bag and run before I hid at the Bloodbath. I'm not sure if I ran the same way she did though.

"May the odds be ever in our favour," says Rue, huffing. Even so, she makes a sort of smile. "So, 4 what's your name?"

"Urchin," I say. "Sadly, lacking the spikes one usually has. You're Rue of course...what's the name of the 12 girl again?"

"Katniss," says Rue, looking up. "She's alive, I know that at least."

I know how Katniss was not reaped for the games. She volunteered to save her little sister. Like myself, and Rue, a small 12 year old. And, that gets me thinking. Maybe Katniss would extend that kind of protection to us?

"We should keep moving," says Rue as she stands up. She's as small as me, though maybe I am two or three inches taller? Hard to say. "We may find somebody."

"To help us, or to kill," I ask. The idea of killing...well, if I have to then I will, but it just makes me feel rather sick to be honest.

"I don't know," admits Rue as we start to walk in a random direction.

Somebody screams from nearly. I hear a few yells and more screaming.

Marina!

I run in the direction of the screams and Rue follows me. I suddenly stop hearing Rue and glance back. She's gone.

"Up her," calls Rue to me. Oh, she's in the trees. She swings forth between them, like a monkey. I guess as she is from 11, it makes sense.

I keep running, trying not to trip on my face. I trip on a few roots, but really! They were in my blind spot! The screams give me an idea of where to go at least. It's not as far as I thought and soon we're at the place. Rue watches from the safety of the treetops while I carefully peer over the edge of a cliff, staying as low as I can.

Marina is a mess. Some hair ripped out, her cloths very ruffled, a few bruises on her face and it seems like her leg is bleeding. I have no idea how bad it is from here, but I know the red stuff is not cherry juice.

She's on her knees, and the careers are surrounding her. Clove leans against a tree, jugging three knives while Cato has her restrained. Marvel has his dreadful spear pointed at her, while Glimmer giggles very girlishly as she walks in a circle around Marina. She smacks the back of Marina's head each time the circle is finished.

"Come oooooonnnn~!" whines Glimmer, grinning regardless of her tone. "Tell us who you've seen, and we'll let you into the pack. District 4 has had potential the past few years."

"It's pretty much your only option," adds Cato.

"No it's not. She could die too," adds Marvel.

"That was implied," states Cato.

"So, how about it? Tell us where a few others are," asks Glimmer, trying to play the role of charmer.

"I've not seen anybody! Please!" begs Marina.

I know Marina will have to die if I am to go back home to my family, but this feels wrong. Though, what can I do? I don't have the skill or weapons. Nor does Rue, I'd bet. Maybe I could try to lure the careers away? But, maybe they'd just send two of them and not all four. Marina…

"You suuuuuure," asks Glimmer, giggling.

"Think hard, or we'll stab you harder," says Clove, smirking as she slides a finger past her neck.

Marina struggles, but Cato holds her and punches her to knock the wind out of her. Marina looks up, as if to the heavens.

She has seen me.

She stares for a second, and no longer. She seems ready to speak again. Has my desire to partner up with Marina got me killed?

Before I can start running Marina continues.

"I know where my partner is," says Marina desperately. "He's back near the Cornucopia!"

I cannot help but very lightly smile. Marina is lying to throw them off. She's not selling me out. Once they are gone, I can help her. Rue too, if she wants. I think I know how to patch a wound, in theory. Better than nothing.

"Sweet! Sounds like fun," giggles Glimmer, giving a flirty look to a camera nearby. "Be seeing you!"

A second later Cato pushes Marina over forwards and Glimmer. Oh my God! I feel myself feeling ready to puke as I hear the crack. Glimmer stomped on Marina's neck...she's tougher than she looks. I can't help but wonder if I am turning green. I sure feel like it.

"Let's go," orders Cato. "If the kid isn't there, we hunt for Loverboy. He'll get us closer to Firegirl."

"Firegirl, Ankles, I just want to spear something," says Marvel, doing a few thrusts with the spear. It looks bloody awkward, but the careers seem to find it amusing.

The careers gather their supplies and run off, all cheering for the thrill of the hunt. Can't say I can see the appeal. All I can see is poor Marina, her hand twitching for a moment.

I hear the cannon.

I carefully make my way down the small cliff to where she is and kneel next to her. We may not have been best friends, but this hurts. She babysat Ula a lot...she deserved better than this. I place a hand on her head and lower my own.

How had the careers managed to find her? I guess it was just bad luck...all it takes it one mistake.

Rue approaches and puts a hand on my shoulder.

"Sorry," she mumbles. "Will you be ok?"

"Can't say I'll live, as it's not certain, but I'll keep going," I reply. "Goodbye Marina."

I can hear the hovercraft, but it won't come in for the body until we leave the area. I pick a nearby flower and lay it down on Marina.

I hope it's not a poisonous one, as that'd kinda take away from the respect I was trying to show.

Rue leaves, and I soon follow. Marina was 16 and caught alone...I'd put up far less of a fight. Not that I know how much of a fight Marina gave the careers.

Marvel seemed to have a slight limp, so good on Marina for landing a solid blow.


(Night falls…)


It's getting dark. I've made a mental note where the river is, but Rue is leading us forwards. Where to, I have no idea. But I'll her this, she found us some good nuts.

Right now we're in tree filled area...ok, yes, it's a forest. The whole place is full of trees. But this place feels more packed than the other areas. Harder to navigate, but that at least means more places to hide. Myself and Rue have both curled into a den beneath one of the trees. It's a tight fit, but at least it's warm. The sleeping bag helps too, but it was only big enough for me. I gave Rue my jacket, to keep me on her good side.

"So, thirteen left," begins Rue. "Unlucky for some."

"We're all unlucky," I reply. "My name was in the bowl once. Once! One boy had his name in fifty times. I did no training of any kind as I thought it was impossible...I suppose your name was in once too?"

"Nope. Eight times," replies Rue. She seems almost...fond. "I am the eldest of six, plus my parents too. I took Tesserae for each of us."

I can't help but admire the bravery of this. But is it bravery really? Or just love for family? Maybe a mix of the two. Hard to say when every noise out there is making me jump a little.

"Scared," asks Rue. I bet she already knows, and just wants to hear it from me.

"...Yes," I say eventually.

"Me too," admits Rue. "But if I win… the house in the victor's village would be great for all my family."

"I bet it would," I say. It's an unspoken point that I have to die for that to happen.

The anthem starts, with me just barely catching my surprised scream in my throat. Rue does not notice, simply looking up at the sky. I shake my head at myself, and look up as well.

Marina's face is shown in the sky. I stare, wishing I'd come across her yesterday. Maybe we could have gone a different way. I mutter a quiet goodbye as her face vanishes from sight, and soon from Capital memory. I'll never forget her though. District 4 never will.

All goes quiet once more. I wonder if any crickets will start chirping, but I remind myself that mutt crickets might exist in here. The thought makes me sicker than any shaky boat ride ever did.

Rue says nothing, and neither do I. We both know it's time to rest, and hope we do not get discovered. That is when I become alert, realising that I can hear footsteps nearby. We bith hold our breaths.

It's only one person, and thankfully not a career. I'm not actually sure who this is though. Not a career or Katniss, or the 12 boy, Peeta. Not any boy, as this person is a girl. She looks to be possibly thirteen, and has very curly hair, a sort of gingery blond colour. She shivers, holding a long baton that has thorns wrapped around the far end from her.

"So cold," says the girl quietly. "Katniss was right though, I was stupid last night. It's a miracle nobody killed me. A miracle!"

The girl walks away, huddling herself a little. Once again, the night is quiet.

"Any ideas who that was?" I ask. I feel like I ought to know, but I did not really pay attention to what outfits the tributes of each district were given to wear. Training with knives seemed more important. A little more time on the survival station may have been better though.

"The girl from 8," says Rue, looking in the direction the girl went. "Looks like Katniss spoke to her."

"Think we should ask for directions?" I ask. It could be an idea worth using.

"You want thorns to the face?" asks Rue with a coy look.

I say nothing. The point has been made. I feel tired now and let out a yawn. Looks like it's about time to rest.

But, what is that beeping?

From above a small pod attached to a parachute descends. It lands without a sound next to Rue. The soft beeping continues.

"Quick, make the beeping stop," I say, starting to worry.

Rue quickly holds the pod and opens it. The beeping ceases instantly, much to my relief, while Rue makes a sound of some amount of happiness.

"Socks from my District," says Rue. That's the happiest I have heard somebody sound over some socks. Then again, I remind myself, this is The Hunger Games and District 11 is rather poor. I'll let Rue be happy. At least one of us is.

"Hey Urchin, look at this," continues Rue a minute or two later.

I look, and see that Rue has turned the socks into gloves. That's a smart way of keeping herself warm.

"Look at me, I am Mr Sockosaursus," says Rue in a goofy voice, making one of her sock covered hands move up and down like a mouth.

I laugh for the first time in a while. Rue smiles, seeming pleased by this. As we settle down for sleep, this time for real, I'll admit to wondering what it'd be like to own sock puppets.

Another time. Tomorrow, more cannons may ring out. Also tomorrow...the first day of the rest of my life with Marina dead.

I'm nervous.

But, not dead yet.


END OF DAY 2…


REMAINING TRIBUTES

Marvel (District 1 Male)

Glimmer (District 1 Female)

Cato (District 2 Male)

Clove (District 2 Female)

Weldar (District 3 Male)

Urchin (District 4 Male)

Cinder / 'Foxface' (District 5 Female)

Lacey (District 8 Female)

Rammy (District 10 Male)

Thresh (District 11 Male)

Rue (District 11 Female)

Peeta (District 12 Male)

Katniss (District 12 Female)


THE FALLEN

14th- Marina (District 4 Female) - Beaten by careers and neck crushed by Glimmer

15th- Jason (District 6 Male) - Tripped and slashed to death with a scythe by Cato.

16th- Nettle (District 7 Female) - Speared in the heart with a spear by Marvel

17th- Sparky (District 5 Male) - Pinned to a crate and stabbed in the abdomen with a knife by Glimmer.

18th- Sickle (District 9 Female) – Knife to the lung by Clove.

19th- Wood (District 7 Male) – Slashed in the throat with a crescent sword by Thresh

20th- Miller (District 9 Male) – Knife thrown into back by Clove

21st- Tamora (District 6 Female) – Stabbed with a knife by Glimmer

22nd- Gadget (District 3 Female) – Slashed in the forehead with a sickle by Sparky.

23rd- Sable (District 10 Female) – Skull hit with an axe by Cato.

24th- Callico (District 8 Male) - Stabbed with a kukri by Marvel.


TRIBUTE NOTES

Marina: As in the canon, she dies early. Given who are following though, perhaps it is more of a surprise that she is already dead? Careers do not care for plot convenience. But, her death will have an effect on Urchin, and now he is stripped of somebody who could have helped him. Gone, but not forgotten by our lead.

Also, as you can all see, the 'fire starting girl' is still alive, and things are already changing. As the careers set out in Urchin's direction rather than the direction Katniss took, it makes sense they'd not encounter the same things. Who knows what else may change for this reason...