Day 3

Lucy could hear it, the cheering from rowdy dark mages as they watched the first game unfold before them. She couldn't take it – the thought that they were enjoying watching 4 people kill each other. She tightly clasped her hands over her ears, trying to drown out the sadistic hoots and calls.

Carter watched as Lucy curled in on herself, struggling to deal with the reality of their situation as finally, the games began. He could sympathise with her though, even though he had been mentally preparing himself for this for god knows how long, it still made him feel sick to think about the fight to the death that they soon would have to endure.

There was suddenly a loud uproar as something interesting happened in the match and Carter saw Lucy flinch. Pushing himself off from the wall, he slowly walked towards the trembling blonde and sunk to the floor next to her. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her sideways to lean on him. She whimpered and buried her face in his shirt, gripping the navy fabric tightly in her hands.

He, in turn, used his one free hand to gently stroke and run his fingers through her hair. He then began to hum. Lucy looked up as he started humming and saw that his eyes were closed, but in the corners, just below his lashes, she could spot small drops of water. Tears.

"Carter…" She whispered and he opened his eyes to look down at her, quickly blinking the salty liquid away.

"Yeah"

"what was that song you were humming?"

He smiled softly and the looked over to the wall, his mind wandering into the deep recesses of his mind. When he answered her question, his voice held a thick distance.

"It's called 'Lullaby for a stormy night'. My brother used to sing it to me when we were little and I was scared of thunder." He chuckled dryly.

"Do you remember the words?"

"Yeah… I do."

"Can you sing it?"

The green eyed boy looked down to her and smiled, using his fingers to brush some stray strands of blonde hair from her face.

"Sure."

Lucy smiled and buried her head back into Carters chest, closing her eyes and listening as the words flowed from his mouth. He wasn't the best singer, but he could hold and tune and the sound of his voice calmed her.

"Little child,

Be not afraid.

The rain pounds hard against the glass.

Like and unwanted stranger,

There is no danger.

I am here tonight.

Little child,

Be not afraid.

Though thunder explodes,

And lighting flash,

Illuminate,

Your tearstained face.

I am here tonight…"

"Alex!" His small voice cried as yet another roar of thunder sounded, making him jump and whimper.

Lighting flashed in the night sky, making the small black haired boy cower on his bed, his legs tucked up to his chest and his head buried in his knees, hands clasped tight over his ears. Petite tears trickled down his face and soaked into the fabric of his pyjamas.

"Alex!" He called again.

Suddenly the door swung open and another child entered the room, looking up at his brother with fear dancing in his blue eyes. He took in the huddled form of the slightly younger boy and quickly hurried to his side, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and looking on with concern.

"Carter? What's wrong?" His voice was full of panic.

"T-the… T-the…" He jolted as another crash of thunder shook the room, followed by the familiar spark of lighting. Carter flung his arms round his brother, gripping on for dear life.

"Is it the storm? Carter?" The younger twin nodded into his brothers shoulder and continued to sob.

"Make it stop, Alex. Make it stop."

Alex just rocked back and forth on the bed, Carter still held tight in his arms. He always had been the braver of the two, the more calm as well. Carter tended to get angry easier, and was much more of a child.

"Do you want me to sing that song, Carter?" Again, a swift nod was the only reply he received.

Alex sighed and prepared to sing, open his mouth and letting the words flow out. He was a good singer, everyone could tell. The lyrics fell naturally from his lips and his voice was gentle, yet pleasantly tuneful. Carter physically relaxed as his brothers voice trickled into his ears.

"Thank you, Alex." He said when the slightly older twin had finished singing.

"Anytime, Carter." Alex replied.

And together, the two fell asleep, the storm outside forgotten completely.

Carter finished singing and felt hot tears slide down his cheeks. He quickly raised his hand and wiped the salty water away, cursing under his breath.

"Stupid tears…"

He looked down at Lucy and saw her breathing softly, fast asleep. He smiled and ran his fingers through her gold hair again. He then looked off into the distance, staring at the door that barred them from the outside world.

"Ne, Alex…" he said to the silence. "I wonder if you miss me…"

Just a little insight into Carter's past, which will be developed more throughout the story. The song used here is 'Lullaby for a stormy night' (As mentioned by Carter himself) By Vienna Teng. I was tempted to use the sad classic 'You are my sunshine' but I think this suited more.

I was in a writing mood, and this was the result. Btw, Poll closes tomorrow guys, so if you haven't voted yet, do soon! Next chapter - which is the start of the games - will be uploaded tomorrow night.

P.S. Had my two best friends round today to do out project. When dropping them home, mum asks.

Mum: Did you enjoy yourselves?

Me: Yep!

Mum: So it was fun then?

Me: Yep!

Mum: Get much work done?

Me: Nope! None at all!

Hehe, we was on Fanfiction LOL