Hello all. Spock and Uhura are in the arena! So exciting! Well, for me it was. I hope it is for you as well. I also hope everyone on break had a wonderful one. Thank you so much to my constant reviewers and for anyone reading this, I'd love it if you reviewed, even if you don't think you have much to say. It truly means a lot. –SpockSnapeStephen, 01/01/12 (It's so exciting to have a 12 at the end!)

Spock's eyes focused quickly. The air was cool with a little bit of bite to it, the clear sun providing little warmth. A slight breeze ruffled his hair and a gold leaf fluttered past his face. To his right was the girl from District Twelve. She was shivering somewhat hard as snow fell around her. None touched Spock though he was standing about fifteen feet away, but the more pressing problem was that he couldn't find Uhura. She was concealed by the large, golden Cornucopia in the middle of the circle, overflowing with weapons, food, and a multitude of items. Spock noticed the most useful objects were nearest the Cornucopia's mouth.

The gong rang and Spock calmly walked through fighting tributes. Spock was given a wide berth. He picked up a medium sized green backpack that, to any human child, would have been somewhat heavy. Out of the corner of his eye, Spock saw Peridot sneaking up on a tall, African girl in combat with Sage Bakos, the District Six tribute. The beginnings of a warning came from Spock but it was too late for the fifteen year old girl. Peridot unleashed his silver knife on Sage, who barely had a chance to raise his unarmed hand before he, too, fell. Peridot's head turned as if he could feel Spock's gaze. Level brown eyes met elated amber ones. All this had happened in only a few seconds but Spock was aware of time slipping away. It was imperative to find a weapon and Uhura. Spock picked up the pace, bending to grab a spear from the ground. An arrow whistled over his head, killing the petit Kavi from District Three. Kailani Fisher advanced on Spock.

"I do not wish to harm you," he said slowly.

She replied, her face uncertain, "Your friend is over there. I don't want to see you again."

Spock gave her a little bow and walked quickly around the Cornucopia to see Uhura locked with Io. Uhura threw the girl to the ground and scooped up a slightly smaller backpack and a pouch of black stones before sprinting after Spock. They ran for awhile until Spock determined they were far enough away from the Cornucopia that they could walk. They didn't talk, just traveled through the red-orange forest.

Shots rang out and Uhura jumped slightly.

"It's just the casualty gong," Spock murmured.

"Only five dead?"
"Apparently." Uhura frowned.

"In some Games, nearly half the tributes are killed at the Cornucopia," she pointed out.

"This, Lieutenant, is not one of them."
"Apparently," Uhura mimicked.

Night began to fall quickly and the wind grew sharper. Spock felt the need to shiver a bit and resisted. He preferred much warmer temperatures than this, but no matter. Uhura, being human, was more susceptible to being cold and was therefore the higher priority.

"Perhaps we should stop for the day. It is twilight," suggested Spock. He saw Uhura's face smooth out and realized she wasn't going to say anything until he did. Spock made note of that for future occasions.

"We don't have many camping options. The trees, a cave, or the open ground. I don't know about you, but I've never slept in a tree," Uhura pointed out.

"The open ground is not the best option. We passed a cave approximately 1.3 miles back. It will not take us long to reach it," said Spock.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Spock began to answer but Uhura cut him off.
"Rhetorical question Spock, rhetorical question."

0o0o

The Panem national anthem played and the Capitol seal flashed briefly. The first person to appear was Kavi Mai, District Three. Her bright blue eyes stared out into infinity, now unseeing, her black hair hanging about her face in corkscrews.

Another face with hazel eyes showed Sage Bakos, District Six, as the next tribute to officially die. Cedar Weist's bronze hair also flashed; no surprise there.

The stocky Kenya Wilder also appeared. She was the girl Peridot had killed.

The last child to materialize was from District Twelve. Nuria Harad, the blue-eyed, blond-haired merchant girl, had also died.

Not died, Spock though, killed. He knew the difference. With the last rays of sunlight, the two examined their packs.

Overall they had two sets of winter clothing, full water bottles, several packages of dried food, a bowl, a sleeping bag, a collapsible pole, and the pouch of black stones Uhura picked up.

The pouch was made of dark purple velvet and was bulging with smooth, shiny, misshapen, black objects. Uhura took one out and held it up to the dying light.

"What are these?" she asked.

"They are caustic stones," said an unfamiliar voice from just beyond Spock's sight. Spock and Uhura grabbed for their weapons as an olive face framed in chocolaty curls peeked out from behind the tree.

"Miriam," Uhura whispered, "Come out. I won't hurt you unless you attack us."

A pair of pale eyes turned to Spock.

"Will he?"

Uhura had to suppress a smile as she replied, "No. He won't either."
"I'm very fast you know," Miriam said as she hesitantly sat down across from them, "You won't be able to catch me."
"We aren't planning on chasing you anywhere Miriam," Spock informed her, "What did you say these were called?" He offered some of the rocks to the girl. She took them with a trembling hand.

"My district calls them caustic stones. They were invented for the Bellona Rebellion. They act like stones you'd put in a sling but they explode with strong acid on impact. I picked up a sling. It's here somewhere…" Miriam rifled quickly through her backpack, though it was so small it hardly deserved to be called a backpack. Eventually she brought out a tan sling made of leather. The light had left completely and the night was black and cold so the sling appeared darker than it was.

"Can you use it?" asked Uhura. Miriam nodded.

"Yes," she paused, "I know I don't have much but, well, it'd be awfully nice if, you know, we could be allies. It wouldn't have to be for long, just until the number of tributes dwindles. And the way I figure it, it'll be handy to have someone along who's seen some Games."
Spock knew Uhura was going to reply quickly so he didn't even try.

"We would be happy to have you," Uhura said warmly.

So, Spock and Uhura are making allies. No surprise, right? Not many tributes have long lasting alliances so we'll see if it works out or not. Well, you'll have to see. I already know. Please review. Thanks!