Thank you for the reviews, folks! I try to update as fast as I can but these tests coming up in school just leave me with no time at all. Anyway, I don't wanna complain so just enjoy! :) And review if possible, thanks ^^

Lera decided to take it a shot as she saw Cato, Marvel and Glimmer sprinting in front of her, chasing Katniss who ran in the trees. It seemed they were all preoccupied with what they were doing so they won't pay her any attention. She couldn't make a step however, as she felt the cold blade pressed against the skin of her neck. She sighted and closed her eyes. Even though the tribute had a plan there was no way to fulfill it. She wasn't sure why Clove wasn't chasing Katniss, too though. She did want piece of her flesh, didn't she?

As if she'd read her mind, Clove spoke:

- Don't worry, I got you. Run, now. We don't wanna lose them.

Lera did as she was thought and heard the tribute's voice:

- And don't try to flee. I won't hesitate to throw my knife and believe me, I shoot straight.

Of course, the red-headed already knew that. She'd seen her in action.

- After we're done with Katniss I'll kill you the slowest way possible.

Was she some sort of award so that everyone in the pack wanted to kill her? It made her furious that she was so "popular".

They crossed the river, Peeta moving in front of Lera and then disappearing. If the Careers weren't shouting so loud perhaps they'd lose them. But they wanted to make it clear: they were the leaders in this arena.

Less than a minute later Lera saw Katniss the first time since the games started. She wasn't looking good- she was tired and obviously in pain. Lera couldn't see what was the problem though- Twelve was high up in the tree only a skilled (and very light) climber could make it to her. Cato had tried to reach her and failed, Glimmer, too. The blonde also tried to shoot her but her attempt was so ridiculous Lera almost burst out laughing. Glad she didn't because it would turn everyone's attention on her and get her killed.

After they'd done with shouting at Katniss, Peeta suggested they wait for her to come down. Lera looked at the blonde guy and saw herself in his eyes. The way he wanted to protect Twelve is the way she and Cato looked out for one another. She understood him quite well but couldn't figure out why he has teamed up with the Careers.

- Okay. – Cato agreed with the plan and ordered for someone to make a fire. He then sat down next to the tree, joined by Marvel while the girls collected wood. It was the first time when Lera could breathe normally- Clove had finally left her alone. To flee was impossible though. Cato and Marvel were here, just a meter away from her. She doubted Cato would risk his alliance for her. She doubted he would start a fight with Marvel just to let her escape.

The night came quickly. She couldn't hear Katniss nor turned around to watch her settle for bed- she could barely see her in the branches. But Peeta kept looking that way when he thought the group was busy with talking about how cool they were. But Lera noticed. Marvel, who had seemed like a not-talking guy, was taking part in the i-am-the-best stories. It was very strange to see how he was playing it all casual but in fact he made himself look strong and powerful.

Glimmer was coming up to Cato as usual- they were hugging and even kissing. Lera felt like shouting "get a room" but just once in a few minutes, right between the next kiss, Cato's eyes searched for her and she knew he wasn't happy, too. His gaze was desperate and sorry. Maybe he still was angry at her about the morning before the Games but at least not so much.

Lera couldn't sleep. She turned around for a hundred time and noticed Peeta wasn't asleep, too. He was looking at Katniss who was sitting on a branch very high to actually know where she was. But it didn't matter for the boy.

- I saw the way you looked at her. – she whispered and he noticed she was gazing at him.

- So it wasn't a game after all. Your confession. – the girl tilted her head to prove if he was lying. His face remained unchanged so she continued: - But does she feel the same way?

He simply shook his head. It was a moment before she spoke again:

- Why did you team up with the Career's, Peeta? How could this help you save her?

- When I know where they are I can keep her safe. By having to guess I reduce her chances. – it sounded so simple that Lera saw herself in the same situation. Being close to the Career's camp but not too close for them to know she's there but close enough to know Cato's fine. She nodded.

- What about your chances?

He looked down and then gazed at the tree.

- It doesn't really matter, as long as she's safe.

- That's sad. – she looked at the ground, knowing he was in the same situation as her. Peeta raised an eyebrow and turned to face her. – I mean, you could've made a nice couple.

The boy just laughed.

- Maybe.

- What do you plan on doing?

- Save her. – again the simplest answer possible.

Lera was struck with an idea.

- Will you let me live, if I help you tomorrow? If I help you save her, would you spare my life? Just this once? – Of course she didn't need his protection. But if they team up maybe she could run from the Careers and save herself. If she could she will help- she owe Peeta that drink and food last night. But if he and Katniss want to kill her she may not live it through. Twelve shoots straight, not like Glimmer.

- I will. – he answered and Lera smiled, going to bed. Maybe she could actually make it.

It was late- maybe around two or three a.m. when Cato woke up. Glimmer was sleeping on his arm, they were snuggling before going to sleep. Marvel and Clove were holding their weapons in their hands, Peeta had faced the woods and Cato could just assume he was asleep. As for Lera…

She seemed so beautiful when she was asleep. Her red hair scattered, covering her face which she had gently placed on her hands. She was so vulnerable but no doubt she would try to defend herself. But what could she possibly do against his allies? Clove or Glimmer would find it hard to kill her despite the fact she didn't have any weapons but Marvel would be able to do it. And what was his role? To sit and watch? Of course, he can't just jump in and protect her, they'd kill him, too. And he needed to win these games, to fulfill his dream, to bring honor to his District.

But, in the end, is it worth it?

He couldn't help himself but wonder what would it be if he and Lera weren't here together. Would he ever trace her, the girl from that summer three years ago? Maybe. Would they be together then? Definitely. He groaned desperately. It's just not fair, the way the faith had twisted their lives. Was it meant to be this way?

He looked at the blonde next to him. Beautiful and strong, no doubt. Actually she was just like him. And although he fancied her at the beginning the more he got to know her the more he realized. He would never love her- he loved Lera. Because she was different. Because she wasn't like him. Because she wanted to kill no one but to bring piece, to actually save lives instead of taking them away. The more he got to know Glimmer, the more he realized it- they both were monsters and this wasn't right. These Games weren't right. Something is wrong in the heads of all the people who enjoy them. Something is wrong in his head, too. But he couldn't help himself but enjoy the way people screamed and pleaded him for mercy when killing them. The desire, the animal instinct to kill took him over and a smile was always placed on his lips. Because he liked it- it was sick, yes, but he liked it.

The sun was just rising when Lera's eyelids opened. This was the day when she, Peeta and Katniss would free themselves. She'd talked to him last night that if they ally they'd stand better chances. The boy agreed and she didn't see any signs of lying so everything was under control.

As she rose to wake him up a branch fell from the tree above and a nest of bees broke up. The insects started flying like crazy and she jumped.

- To the lake! – Cato shouted.