Sorry I haven't updated for a few days! I've been kind of busy, and I gotta admit I've been a bit lazy. And I've sort of lost my feel for writing, but I'm getting back into it c:

I shriek and try to climb down, but mutts have gathered underneath me. So, I'm faced with two options:

One, I could try and launch myself off to the side, avoiding Septima. But then I would have to face the mutts. For another, I could climb up, but then I would be forced to battle with Septima, which I'm in no condition to do.

While I'm debating, Septima has snatched up a knife, and is advancing towards me. I fling myself over a bit, hanging on to a separate branch. I put my feet up to the tree, and kick off, crashing to the ground.

Not smart, not smart, that was a stupid move, I think, scrambling to my feet and taking off. Septima is flying through the trees to my left, and the mutts are following behind me, fast and furious. Now I've done it! I must be the most insane girl in the Games. Now I have both following me.

As I nearly careen into a tree, I spot something shimmering in the light. A river! I could hide from the mutts there, and maybe they wouldn't smell me. And it would clean out my injuries.

I crash through the greenery beside me, hopefully throwing Septima and the mutts off course. I run sideways, and throw myself into the river. This place is deep.

I swim downwards, and the light fades. Ha! I think. Maybe I've actually outsmarted them. But this has its disadvantages. I can only stay under for so long, and I'm already out of breath from running.

Swimming behind the small waterfall, I resurface, gasping for air. At least I can breathe again. Maybe this place wouldn't be a bad site to set up camp on.

Looking around, I realize this place is perfect. It's right next to an endless water supply. There's a cave behind the waterfall that I could stay in. Grinning, I fling down my bag and take out the smaller one from inside it, putting the sleeping bag, the hunting knife, the rope, water bottle, and a small bit of food in. Now I've got an emergency pack.

A rock flies into the water and I hear swearing. Septima must have lost sight of me. If I stayed in this small cave for a while without being found, I might actually have a chance at winning the Games.

Suddenly, the cursing has stopped and from what little I can hear, it sounds like Septima is tearing through the woods trying to find me.

I lay down on my sleeping bag and fall asleep.

THE NEXT DAY

I wake up to the sound of humming. Some sort of light and airy tune.

Wait. Someone's in my cave.

My eyes fly open and I grab my spear, pointing it at some girl in my cave. "Who are you?" I snarl. The girl looks offended. Tying her orange, wavy hair back, she blinks her blue-green eyes and says plainly, "I'm Galla. From 11."

"Why in gods' name are you in my cave?" I snap, rubbing my eyes. She rolls hers in reply. "Well, duh, we're allying." Galla gives me a goofy smile.

I'm stunned. So this Galla girl just waltzes in and decides we're allying? I mean, I know I've survived a couple of days without getting major injuries, but…

"Uh," I start out. What can I say? "I'm Cassia…"

"Cool," She replys, grabbing my water bottle out of my hands and taking a long drink. "Hey!" I screech. "Shut up, you'll draw the other tributes near!" She giggles.

Who does this chick think she is? Dancing around the cave, singing, declaring we're allies, then she drinks MY water? Oh, heck no. I snatch the water bottle back. Assertion of dominance. "I do believe you should get your OWN water bottle." I grin. Suddenly, Galla is holding me down by the throat. "Give me the water," She growls, staring me dead in the eyes. I relinquish the water to her. Then she's back to her happy little deranged self.

The rest of the day flies by, with Galla chattering about music and orchards and her family and how she's great with a bow and some type of food she just can't get enough of. After hearing Galla laugh and scream and shout and talk for who-knows-how-many-hours, I break. "ENOUGH!" I burst out. This girl is driving me insane.

"Please," I beg. "For 5 minutes, just 5, shut up so I can have some peace." I realize I sound close to tears. Good. Maybe the insane girl will shut up.

Galla stares at me. I stare back. Finally, after about an hour of silence, she rips through the silence. "Sorry," She says in a small voice.

"It's alright," I hurriedly apologize. I have come to a conclusion that Galla's unstable but a nice ally when I hear a splash outside the cave.

Our heads snap towards the sound. Galla starts chattering nervously. "Shut up," I hiss, and start throwing things in the backpack for our quick escape. I toss the bow and arrows to her and grab my spear, ready for battle. A person runs in the cave and I throw my spear just as Galla lets an arrow soar.

But what I wasn't prepared for was seeing a small boy fly backwards into the river.