Hey! I think there will be one more chapters... Prepare! Btw, this is an extra-long chapter, I really enjoyed writing it. Hope you like it too! :)

BETA: thewayfaringstrangers

Amberlyn Eldin: Thank you very much! Hope you stay with me after this story too :)

Angelfabeth: Thanks :) Did you get my last PM? :)

Erynel: No problem! How was your travelling? No, I made it up. Actually, I first gave her the name Samantha, but thewayfaringstrangers thought it was too banal for this world, so it turned into Quentia :)

Luka'sBlade: Haha, you can review as much as you want, no worries! ;) Thank you!

Muirgheal-of-Lantern-Waste: Haha, I love cliffies, you see :) I payed specific attention to the spacebar now :) Hope it's alright :)

Pie in the Face: Thank you! Your review really made me blush! Yes, i did find only few good cross-overs, so i really, really tried to make this as realistic as possible. I'm glad I've seemingly succeeded :)

Silme-Quessë: You really made me laugh! Did you really just die? :P Oho, call an ambulance then for now :)

Ynnealay: Yeah, little mistake of mine :) I had first given her the name Samantha, but thewayfaringstrangers thought it was too banal, and they were right :) You know a bit of elvish? Cool :) What parts? (Sorry, no elvish here :()

Enjoy!

"Is it just my imagination, or is it darker than usual?"

"Las, there are no stars. Of course it's darker than usual."

"Excuse me, O Great Ranger! I was just trying to start a conversation."

"You want a conversation in the middle of the night, in an Arena where every moment something life-threatening can happen? Seriously?"

"Technically, it is not in the middle of the night."

"Las?"

"Yes?"

"Please shut up. I cannot even hear myself think." A snort.

"Fine then."

Both were silent for a moment, moving slowly towards the Cornucopia, their hands near their weapons and their eyes alert. They had decided to go to the open field they were on in the beginning. Even though Legolas was a wood-elf, Aragorn was not, and would be more comfortable when he had a view of the area aroudn him. Therefore, they had quickly agreed they would try to make it for the shelter of the Cornucopia, to face every challenge Seneca would throw at them there.

Aragorn wished they had reached the field already. The darkness was unnatural and heavy, and every sound that broke the oppressive silence seemed too loud in his ears.

"Aragorn?" A sigh.

"Yes Legolas?"

"You may find it weird, but I do not like this forest."

"I thought you are a wood-elf."

"I am a wood-elf. Partly."

"Well, wood-elves like forests. That's why they are called wood-elves."

"Humans like cities. That does not mean you want to live in Barad-dûr."

"Barad-dûr is not a city."

"It's a fortress with buildings around it. That's like Minas Tirith, only a bit smaller and darker."

"Please do not compare my city to that fortress of the darkness."

"Please do not compare this forest to Eryn Lasgalen. The trees do not speak here." Another sigh.

"Legolas, do you remember what I told you some minutes ago?"

"You said so much."

"Then I'll repeat it for you. Shut up." Legolas snorted again, but didn't say anything anymore. They marched on in that accursed silence.

Not for long however, unfortunately. All of a sudden, without anything giving a reason for it, a high scream pierced the forest. Aragorn and Legolas froze. It was a noise so full of pain and fear, they were barely able to recognize it. Only when the cry cut through the forest a second time, did they realize who the owner was. The cannon shot that marked the passing of Thresh came shortly after. The two friends stared at each other for a moment.

"Thresh." Aragorn nodded solemnly.

"May Mandos watch over him."

"And may his soul find peace." They bowed their heads, then they looked up again, their eyes filled with a slight unease.

"How did he die? He seemed so strong."

"I do not know, but I fear it was a painful death." Legolas looked thoughtful.

"I'm not feeling like I want to have such an end."

"Then we'll just have to make sure we don't die, won't we?" Aragorn tried to sound confident, but he felt that he was failing. There were only four tributes left now. Legolas, himself…

...and Katniss and Peeta.

And only one could survive, as Katniss had pointed out so many times. Now, he could not kill their former friends, and he knew Legolas couldn't either. That left their chances of surviving dependent on what Katniss and Peeta would do. And Aragorn didn't really like letting his fate out of his hands.

There he was, distracting himself again. He had to focus upon this finale. Whatever killed Thresh could be lurking around them as well. In fact, he did feel a little tremor run down over his spine, a well-known feeling that something wasn't right. Slowly, he let his hand descend on his knife, trusting that Legolas would take down any far away enemies.

"Las, be on your guard," he whispered. The elf had felt the presence also, for he too had taken his bow and had drawn the string loosely. His eyes didn't leave the forest as he whispered, "I always am."

Very, very cautiously, they proceeded through the woods again. Aragorn began to recognize some of the trees. They had taken this road when they were running away –an eternity ago- from the slaughter on the first day. It was not very long anymore before they would pass the tree that had caught the knife that should have killed Legolas, and from there, they would see the metal of the Horn already. Aragorn felt somewhat relieved that they would soon reach the open field. This forest was giving him shivers, even though most of his time as Ranger was spent exactly beneath trees.

Growling.

Immediately, Aragorn's senses and intuition sprang on alert. Next to him, Legolas tensed, drawing the bowstring to his cheek. Then, they waited. It had begun.

Another growl. It came from the bushes behind them. Steadily, they turned around, not too brusquely to avoid aggravating the animal. It had to be a mutt. Probably a large and menacing one. With large teeth and sharp claws. And presumably very fast and strong. It just had to be.

His dark suspicions were confirmed. One last growl, and a fast-moving haze jumped out of the bushes. Legolas' arrow hit it between the eyes, but it didn't stop the mutt. Without ever relenting, it ran straight to Aragorn. The man had barely time to see the muddy hide and the golden eyes, before the wolf was upon him. The impact forced the air out of his lungs. Blindly, Aragorn stabbed with his knife. It hit flesh several times, but the mutt didn't seem to notice. It roared loudly.

Time froze. Aragorn had had this experience before. Everything, everyone slowed down then, giving him insight in the battle, showing him where friend and foe were battling, allowing him to think for a second about his next move. It had saved his and Legolas' life more than once.

It wasn't helping him now. With a terrible clarity, Aragorn could see the mutt that was attacking him. He saw every little, horrid detail. The long fangs, coated in slime. The golden eyes, so much alike to Glimmer's. The muddy pelt, colored red where his knife had found its mark. The sharp claws that werepinning him down.

The problem was, he couldn't move.

He had an excellent oversight, truly, but he just couldn't do anything about it. He could only keep on stabbing, even though it didn't hinder the mutt, and pray that Legolas would make it out alive. He was already feeling dizzy. The impact had left him breathless, and the weight of the wolf prevented the life-giving air from entering his burning lungs. He began to black out. His hand hadn't even the power anymore to hit the mutt once more. He thought of Arwen, and Eldarion. How he wished he could have seen them once more! But it was too late now…

Vaguely he heard a whizz and felt a touch of wind searing over his face. The weight on his stomach grew even heavier, and he groaned softly. Then, all of a sudden, the mutt rolled of him. Gratefully, Aragorn greedily sucked in fresh air, allowing his burning lungs to cool down. Silken arms helped him up to breath easier, and a beautiful voice was speaking to him. Aragorn didn't really understand the words, but the sound soothed him. He sighed softly, and relaxed. He really would like to sleep now.

The tone of the melodious voice changed. It became more urgent, more compelling. Words began to become clear. The man frowned. Why couldn't the owner of the voice just leave him alone?

"Estel, wake up… Not the time… Move now!"

Whom was he talking to? Frustrated, he shook his head and tried to bury his face in the silken arms. If only that annoying voice would be silent!

"Estel! You lazy human! Are you going to let me do this all by my own? If you do, you'll never hear the end of this, I swear to the Valar! I'll tell Elrohir and Elladan, and even Arwen, so that even in death, you'll be hearing of this! I give you one last chance, human. Wake up!"

That was quite convincing. Annoyed, Aragorn opened his eyes to glare at his friend. The elf looked visibly relieved that he had woken up, but there was also a hint of anger in it.

"You're awake? Good. Then I suggest we go, for I would not like to have another encounter with those mutts. Or do I have to carry you?"

"Cease, Legolas! I almost just died! Can you really not give me just a second to have a breath? Thank you for your compassion!" Aragorn growled.

"If you stay here, you will most certainly die! We. Have. To. Move."

"Fine. Fine!" With a pained expression he tried to get on his feet. His chest really hurt, and he faltered for a moment, but he managed to stay upright without Legolas' helping hand.

"You're ready?" Legolas sounded a bit worried now, but Aragorn gave him a quick smile to show him that none of his words were taken to his heart, and nodded. While they were passing the dead mutt, Aragorn threw a glance at it. A wooden arrow was stuck precisely in the eye of the beast.

Thank the Valar for the accuracy of the elvish archers.

They hadn't walked for a few meters, when a terrifying sound was heard again.

Growling.

Desperate, Aragorn looked at the elf.

"Not again," he whispered.

"I fear so." The elf shrugged. "I suggest we run."

The mutt must have been surprised by their quick take-off, for it took a few seconds before they heard the rustling of the bushes and running claws. Four pairs.

"There are two of them!"

"I know! Run!" They ran as they had never run before. The trees became a fast disappearing haze, and it was only pure luck and some elvish skill that prevented Aragorn from stumbling over roots, for he could not even see them anymore. The sounds were gone too. Only the whistling wind reached his ears, his labored breathing, and the growling behind. The wolves were getting closer, and his chest was burning painfully. They had to reach the Cornucopia quickly, or they would not make it.

Aragorn did not see the tree where the knife had hit been stopped, ready for Legolas to take it and use it in the Games that very first day. All of a sudden, the forest spat them out in the open field. The man looked to the middle of it. The Cornucopia was looming there, so near and yet so far away. He was exhausted. The tension and the grief, and his near-fatal wounds had weakened him. His legs felt as if they were heavy logs, and he had to concentrate to get them where he wanted, for they barely obeyed his mind anymore.

One last desperate sprint. With skill of the woodland-elves, Legolas defeated the meters high, slippery steel and managed to get onto the Horn. Aragorn however, wasn't that used to climbing in trees –he usually let Legolas do that, while he was watching the area on the ground.

"Estel, jump!" The fear is the elf's eyes betrayed that the mutts had to be near. He extended his arm. With one last, powerful burst of energy, Aragorn managed to jump high enough to grab his hand. He swung his legs over the edge Just in time. The jaws of the nearest mutt seized only air.

Breathlessly, they lay on the Horn, just concentrating on getting enough air in their bodies again, not even caring enough to look at the mutts, who's claws were creating horribly metallic noises upon the side of the Cornucopia. They could barely hear it though, for the banging of their blood in their ears drowned out any other sound. They just laid there, and waited until they felt well enough to sit upright.

"I… don't like… the finale really," Legolas breathed. Aragorn just moaned approvingly.

"You think… Katniss and Peeta… will encounter those wolves… too?"

"Don't… know… Hope… not." Next to him, Legolas had decided to get up. He peered into the edge of the forest.

"I fear they did."

"What?" Aragorn now raised his head too –and groaned. Katniss and Peeta were running as fast as they could to the Cornucopia, two great wolves on their trails. It seemed they hadn't been very original in their choice of the Horn. Quickly, both friends grabbed their bows.

"Aim for the eye."

"I'll try." The arrows left their strings. Legolas' projectile hit the eye of the mutt. The wolf went down immediately, and disappeared. Aragorn however, was less lucky. Just at the moment he released his string, the mutt jumped a little. The arrow smashed right into his nose. The beast howled in pain, but didn't relent. Those things were unnatural! No animal would have taken that wound and ignored it!

Still, even though he hadn't finished off the mutt, he did manage to give Katniss and Peeta a chance to reach the Horn. Swiftly, the elf and man helped them up, and then they just sat there, panting. Around the Cornucopia, six or seven mutts were howling ferociously at their unreachable prey, but for the moment, they were safe. Peeta looked at Thirteen.

"Thank you," he breathed.

"My pleasure." Legolas gave a friendly smile to the two children, but Katniss didn't answer it. She buried her head in her hands.

"Katniss? What is it?"

"Why did you have to be here?"

"Er...I don't know," Legolas anwered, puzzled. "To help you up? Katniss, what's the problem?"

"How many times I have to say it? There can only be one winner! Now we surely have to kill each other!" Her voice was smothered, and even though she still had the wits not to say it, the desperation and the unwillingness were clear. She was not ready to kill them, and neither were the others. Then, Legolas laughed again.

"Well, what can they do? The mutts can't reach us, there's no river near so this field can't be flooded, the trees can't fall down on us, no other tribute can kill us. How will they force us to kill each other?"

Katniss sighed.

"You are still underestimating Seneca. I will give the easiest of examples: what are you going to eat? One day we'll have to climb down and then the mutts will be waiting for us."

"The wolves have to eat too."

"No, they don't have to. They're mutts. The laws of nature don't control them. Only Seneca does."

Legolas was thoughtful for a moment. "That could be a problem."

"True. Even though I do not think the Game-makers will wait until we starve. The Capitol wants something spectacular for the finale. My guess is that some flying mutts will come, or-" A loud crashing drowned out her words. Immediately, they all were on their alert, Katniss, Legolas and Aragorn with their bows, Peeta slightly bent forwards and ready to fight any foe off with his bare hands. They had come this far. Now, they would resist death to the last moment. Any foe would meet steel and strength; arrows and knifes; resolution and anger. And he would know that Twelve and Thirteen wouldn't give up without a fight.

No one came though. After a few seconds, they dared to relax a little, and looked around. Nothing seemed to have changed. Puzzled, Peeta looked at the others.

"What could that have been?" They shrugged, but Legolas frowned and gave them a sign to be silent.

"Don't you hear that?"

"What? I hear nothing."

"Exactly. Why are the mutts silent?" Aragorn was just about to comment, when an arrow was shot right next to his ear. It plunged deep into the shoulder of a wolf that somehow had managed to get up the metal. Immediately, Aragorn stabbed his knife precisely in the eye of the mutt. The wolf went down and disappeared in ashes. The man then turned, and froze. Three other beasts had made it up on the Horn. Two of them already had arrows in their pelts, but they didn't seem to be hindered by it.

It seemed they now had no choice. They had to fight off the mutts. He glanced at the weaponless Peeta, and froze as an treacherous thought came into his mind. As Katniss had said, there could be only one winner. And he didn't really have to kill the boy… he could just let the mutts do their job…Hesitating, he looked back at Peeta, and then at Legolas, and was startled. The elf's blue eyes were staring coldly and accusingly at him. He must have guessed his thoughts, but he didn't say anything. He just stared at the man.

Remember the mutt that took you down.

Aragorn shuddered. He remembered. He remembered the despair, and the pain, and the agony. All of a sudden, it seemed as if clouds in his head disappeared. He looked up to the sky and smiled rebelliously at Seneca knowing he was watching the scene. The Game-maker would not change him. He could never make him kill a child.

Just at that moment, the mutts attacked. One went down with an arrow through his heart, another made his way to Peeta. Aragorn quickly made up his mind. After all, he could handle a bow fairly well.

"Peeta! Catch!" The boy looked up, surprised, but managed to grab the silver knife out if the air. In fluid motions, he stabbed it repeatedly into the attacking mutt. The third time proved fatal. The wolf disappeared. Gratefully, and a bit surprised, Peeta nodded at Aragorn. The man could not answer his questioning gaze though. Instead, he retreated a bit until he stood closer to Legolas. The coldness in the elf's eyes had warmed, and he smiled a little –and Aragorn knew he was forgiven for his moment of weakness, even though he had not yet forgiven himself. The elf's words took him by surprise however.

"Branches."

"What?"

"Seneca made branches grow around the Horn. That's how the mutts came up here." He paused a moment to shoot another arrow at a mutt, and pursed his lips. The wolf had dodged the projectile accidentally, so that the arrow took him in his claws. Still quite painful, but not mortal. Shaking his head, Legolas nocked a new arrow, and continued.

"I do not think we have a chance. Perhaps we do, for we are used to Wargs, but Katniss and Peeta will certainly die. Seneca will just keep on sending those mutts, stronger every time."

"So what do you suggest we do?" He smiled a little as he release the string. His arrow had hit another mutt precisely in the eye.

"I suggest we run." That broke his concentration for a second. His second arrow glided harmlessly over the skin of the wolf. Unbelieving, he turned to Legolas

"What? You want to abandon them?"

"Yes. Aragorn, just trust me. I feel that this is right. They will survive, if we are not with them. We were not meant to be here, Aragorn! We played a role here that we should have never played! Trust me." The man was in doubt. He trusted the elf with his life –but it felt cowardly and treacherous to leave the two children on their own. On the other hand, perhaps they could entice some mutts…

"I trust you."

The elf smiled. Then, he turned to Peeta and Katniss.

"My lord, my lady. I fear I have to ask your forgiveness for leaving this party so soon, but there are things that need to be done. I wish you all the good in this world, and may the odds be ever in your favor." He bowed gracefully, shot one last arrow and jumped off the Horn. Aragorn followed him, grinning. Leave it to an elf to depart so courteously out of a life-threatening situation. Then he had neither time nor breath to smile anymore. The mutts had lost precious time wondering whom they should attack, allowing the two friends to get a nice head start, but they seemed to have made up their minds now. Four of the pack were following them now, and gaining on them.

Later, when he thought backabout it, Aragorn could not understand how they had managed to keep ahead of the wolves. His legs were burning, his lungs panting, his mind breaking about the question how he could have ever been so stupid to get into the current situationthanks to a certain elf. He thought about Thresh. His dying screams had been so full of pain. He wondered whether he would cry as well when the mutts would reach him.

They ran a long time, to the borders of the Arena. There was the burnt field, where the fire had almost caught them in her flames. Then the river, and the trees with the Tracker Jackers. The herbs Rue had shown him to treat the feverish elf. They had come really far, even with the warm breath of the wolves upon their legs, and still, one so feared sound hadn't come. They kept on listening. No cannon shot was heard. Aragorn grinned grimly. It seemed their sacrifice had not been in vain.

Unknown trees shot by. Rivers and fields they had never seen before appeared and disappeared in the rhythm of their steps. Just as Aragorn thought they would be condemned to run on forever, he slammed into something hard and invisible... He was thrown backwards though the air. Vaguely, he heard Legolas screaming. Then everything went black.

Normally, you should know what has happened here... Hope you liked the finale. One more chapter to go! Please review!

Btw, please fill in my new poll, on my profile. I'm curious! :)

xXx Archiril