So, here's drabble numero dos! Let me know what you think! (No, seriously. I need reviews like I need air.)

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games.

I give Portia a meek wave as the tube begins to close around me, but quickly bring my hand back down to my side when I see how badly I'm shaking. "This is it. It's now or never." Literally. Never being, if I don't get my ass to cover fast enough I'll be dead. That kind of never.

I feel every muscle in my body stiffen as the circular platform I'm standing on begins to shift and rise. I suddenly have the serious concern that I might vomit.

I try and swallow but the little spit I have sticks in the back of my throat and to the roof of my mouth. I realize this is not only due to my nerves but because in my panic this morning I barely drank any water. "Idiot!" Who knows when I'll see water again, if ever.

But it's too late to worry about that now because sunlight is beginning to stream into the tube and I know I've nearly reached the top. I brace myself for whatever type of environment the gamemakers have laid out for us and for the blood thirsty tributes that are sure to be after my throat in a matter of seconds.

The first glimpse I catch is of the cornucopia glimmering in the sunlight. I spin my head around and take in the dense forestry. There's a large lake to my left and behind me to the right is a drop off leading to god knows what. As I take in my surroundings, I notice that there are Careers on the platforms to either side of me. "Well, isn't that just my fucking luck."

I start searching for her. It's not long before I spot her. She's four platforms down from me. Her dark braid is shimmering and silky under the merciless sunlight. She's as beautiful as ever, even under the circumstances. Suddenly, I notice her squinting hard at something near the cornucopia. I follow her eyes to see what has piqued her interest so much.

Stacked neatly on top of a pile of crates directly in the center of the cornucopia is a silver bow and a quiver full of arrows.

"NO!" I turn my eyes back to Katniss, mentally pleading with her not to do it. To take Haymitch's advice. To not risk her own life. I can't lose her. I won't.

On cue—as if she could hear what I was thinking—she looks over at me and we make eye contact. I shake my head 'no' at her and I see her eyes narrow. Then the gong sounds.

I bolt off of my plate and immediately begin heading for the cover of the forest. I'm almost halfway there when another tribute comes charging towards me. I leap towards the ground and dodge him. Then I'm on my feet again, running for my life and not daring to look back at the bloodbath behind me.

I'm right at the edge of the brush when I finally give in to my nerves and chance looking back to see if I can even catch a glimpse of her. Because I have to know. I have to know if it's even worth it anymore.

And there she is. On the opposite side of the clearing I catch sight of her braid whipping behind her as she disappears into the trees, much to the dismay of one of the Careers who continues to throw knives at her back. It's no use though. She's already gone. Safe. I let out the breath that I didn't even realize I was holding and set off running through the bushes. I have a reason to fight now.