We Must Be Killers.

We must be killers. Children of the wild ones, killers. Where we got left to run? Killer.

Astor Sheen, District One Female.

Garnet edges his seat just a little bit closer to me, as if he's become some lost puppy that now craves my attention. I send a glare his way, but he just smiles devilishly, still closing the gap between us on the table. Gloss seems to notice, his eyes watching Garnet carefully above his spoon of cereal.

"Don't you think you should be heading out, Garnet?" Gloss asks with a false smile. I know that much from him, lately. "Cashmere said she wanted to see you before you go."

"Oh, does she now?" Garnet perks up, standing up. "I'll go check on her then."

I watch as he departs the room, and it's only then does Gloss actually stop his food, crossing his arms on the table and looking at me with a watchful eye.

"Can I help you?"

Gloss holds back a snigger, but leaves his face in a lopsided grin. "How are you holding up?"

"Everything is fine," I shrug. "I volunteered, so it's not like I'm not semi-prepared, is it. You should know the feelings, you were here five years ago."

"That's true, I was," Gloss leans a little closer. "But I had more training, a proper training, as well as a sister already Victor and wanting to bring me home no matter what, which gave me a little bit of an advantage."

"Now you sound like Waverly with his Finnick stories," I grin sarcastically and roll my eyes. "Broken record or what."

"This could be you in a few years, you know," Gloss tilts his head. "I heard you have a brother. Marvel, is it? He might volunteer one day and then, you won't be no better than me and Cashmere."

Protective anger suddenly flares in me, sparking my core with fire. I feel like throwing a plate of something at his head. "How do you know about Marvel?"

"I done my research when Cashmere said I was going to be mentoring you," Gloss goes back to his food, picking up his spoon. "You're from Blackdamp, the poor side of town. You come from a proper mining family, been doing it for most of your life. Then there's Marvel, your 9 year old brother. That's all I know, so don't go letting your anger out on me."

The fire ebbs away, but that protective burning still lingers. "Yeah, well I'm proud of where I come from. It might be poor, but it's a community, a large family compared to the rest of One and all the rich kids. That's why I volunteered; for my community. And Marvel will never have to volunteer if I win so don't even talk like that. You don't know my life or what I go through."

"Astor, calm down," Gloss slides his hand across the table, resting it on mine for a moment. "I never meant it like that. I'm just pointing the similarities out."

I snatch my hand back. "And there is nothing similar between us. You come from one world, me another."

Gloss frowns harshly, rubbing his fingers on his temple. "There's no need to be like that, Ast."

"Whatever," I stand up, knocking my chair back. "Just do not ever mention my brother or Blackdamp when you don't know him either."

With angry strides, I make my way over towards the elevator, glancing past Cashmere's room. She sits there, waves a little, just as the doors open and I slide myself in. Garnet must already be downstairs, then. The mechanical whirl keeps me calm, sedated, but all I can think about is the morning of the reaping. Marvel just fainted, like that, starving. I had to volunteer. I had no choice. I have to save my family and bring honor to Blackdamp.

Theo Cassius, District Two Male.

The elevator opens, Garnet treading in with his simple smirk as per usual. He winks in Delaney's direction, before cutting straight past us and heading over to the swords once more, as if he hasn't spent enough time there already. Delaney laughs from my side, pointing at Waverly, who looks unsure as he holds up a spear.

"I stick by what I said," Delaney laughs. "You're the best choice for leader. I mean, just look at the pair. Simple and stupid Garnet, idiotic Waverly."

"And the little tart, Delaney," I nudge her, until she snaps a glare my way. "I'm joking. You know I don't think that."

"But you totally do," Delaney smiles. "It's fine, Theo, I know your secret. We're even as can be."

She winks, flipping her hair as she walks away towards her precious knives, though her throwing skills aren't as great as some of the other girls in the Training Centre. My eyes find Lorelei, slightly hidden out of the whole picture, throwing her spear and landing it directly into the skull of her dummy. She looks cute, clueless, but she's as deadly as every other trainee. Except Waverly. He's clearly in other his head.

Soon enough, as I stand in the middle, Astor joins, flashes a cocky grin and saunters off towards a specialist station. After her, more tributes begin to pack into the center in their pairs. None look too threatening, but I don't want to count anyone out. In all retrospect, the only intimidating ones are the boys from Seven and Ten. Ten was his age and build, Seven for the fact that he's got the size and strength, but looks timid, which means he could be hiding something.

When the last tribute, the boy from Six walks in awkwardly late, I set off towards the specialist station.

"A morningstar," I say to the man behind the station. "Biggest size."

He rolls his eyes, dipping in and collecting the weapon. He hands it over the table, before smirking at something past me.

"Do you want your lasso, again?"

I turn around, just in time to see the boy from Ten smile and nod. He looks at me, gives another nod, which I reply. It's only then do I notice his district partner, the little girl, almost completely hidden by his legs and looking like a timid mouse.

"Sami, why don't you go try the knots again?" Ten asks his partner, gaining a small nod as she scurries off.

The man hands him a lasso, and I can't help but smirk.

"What's so funny?" Ten questions with a raised eyebrow, holding out his lasso. "Hey, you like your weird weapons, I like mine."

"It's interesting," I shrug. "I've never seen someone use a lasso before."

"That's because they've never met me," Ten smirks. "Have fun."

"Yeah, you too."

He walks away, smug, lasso gripped firmly in his hands as he heads on over to the collection of white dummies. I follow, slightly back, knowing Astor must be out in the collection already ripping dummies to shreds with her pick-axe, no doubt enjoying every moment.

Gage Anton, District Three Male.

"See, a spear is easy Gage," Waverly smirks, throwing it across the gap. It completely misses the target, and I fight back the laugh. "Well, I prefer a trident anyway, but all the same."

"Exactly," I force a smile. quickly looking at Addilyn from the corner of my eyes. "I completely understand."

Waverly. It was just too easy. There was always going to be two ways into the stupid Career alliance. Waverly; the idiot youngster who no doubt would befriend anyone who would take the time to talk and listen to his oh so wonderful stories about his "best friend" Finnick Odair, winner only last year. And then there was Delaney; a typical girl, easy target with a bit of winking and kissy faces. But she's a little tricky. She's a little guarded.

And so Waverly was the best option.

"You should try using a spear," Waverly offers, handing the weapon over to me. "It'd be useful."

"No thanks, I think I'll just use my brain. That's why I'm here, right? Brains for the rest of you."

"Suit yourself," Waverly shrugs. "Now, let me show you what a real person can do with a trident. Thought Finnick was good? Who do you think taught him. It was me, obvious."

Waverly walks on ahead, but before I follow, I check on Addilyn one more time. She's sat down, connecting wires and cutting pieces off with a set of pliers. The boys from Nine and Twelve hover around her, like flies to fruit, watching and quietly talking among themselves. Maybe even mocking her. That would make sense. I would, if I was watching her. Little Addilyn Helix, little rich Addilyn Helix with all her money and family, etiquette proper and poised, now thinking she's a brainiac.

Absolutely hilarious.

None of them even realise what they've got themselves into. I try to make it obvious to Waverly, basically stating it as a fact, but the boy just never seems to listen at all. So naive. So stupid. His death should be rather amusing. What Finnick would think when he sees his friend's little neck get chopped off.

When I look to Waverly, he gestures me over, and with eyes trained on Addilyn, I go but not without finding the other Careers first. They're my real competition, I need to know where they all are. Delaney by the knives, Theo and Astor attacking dummies, Garnet showing off his impressive sword skills and then there's Lorelei...

Who I can't find.

It's only when I arrive next to Waverly, do I see Lorelei, throwing a spear into the target with a fire burning in her eyes. She turns her head, notices me, sends a calculating glare and saunters off to collect her spear, embedded in the soft material of the target.

"She doesn't speak much," Waverly jerks his head in Lorelei's direction. "Perfectly quiet. She only talks to Mags. No-one else."

"Is that so?"

Waverly nods. "But I mean, she'll come round eventually when we get into the arena. It just takes time to cement friendships."

I hide my smirk, realising that besides naive, he's pretty stupid as well. Cementing friendships. Yeah, because everyone wants to be your friend when sooner or later, you'll have to kill them and they'll have to kill you, all for the greater good. Poor Waverly is just way in over his little, brainless head.

Lorelei Avalon, District Four Female.

The boy from Three heads back to Waverly, confidence practically rolling off his body like water. I wonder if any of the others have realised what a threat he is? He hasn't got the strength or the agility, no real brawn at all, but he's clever. More than clever. He's a District Three tribute, after all, you'd think people would have learned their lesson. I grip the spear, letting the metal casing caress my hand as I move back to launch it once more.

Just stay out the game and fight outwards, making your way inwards. That's my best bet.

Pick off the little tributes, the ones on their own or who get the lowest scores, then begin to strike the Careers one by one.

I have no need to be in the alliance. I could cope more on my own, than with a large group.

I don't really trust any of them. Delaney is playing the "dumb blonde" card too much, Theo is quiet and quiet is dangerous, Garnet is obnoxious and well, that itself is rather annoying, Waverly is just an idiot, riding his hopes on being known as Finnick's friend and then there's Astor, who doesn't look a threat, which makes her worrying.

The spear leaves my hand, spinning and carving through the air, before it lands directly in the temple of the dummy. I smile. My training always did pay off.

I wonder what they all think of me? Lorelei, so quiet and reserved, volunteering before it even got to the girls. She looks harmless, too pretty to fight. Mousy looking, almost. None of them even realise that I'm a danger to them all.

"Lorelei, Career meeting."

I spin around, knowing the voice belongs to Astor. She tilts her head, furrowing her eyebrows.

"I said, we're having a Career meeting. Theo's taken the role of leader, apparently." Astor rolls her eyes, clearly none too impressed with Theo trying to be the leader of our wonderful, dysfunctional, untrustworthy pack.

"I heard," I mumble. "Thanks."

"You're good, you know. Glad we have someone on board who can throw things," Astor jerks her head behind her, just to see Delaney throw a knife that misses the target completely, clattering to the floor. "Yeah. So, come on. Now."

My eyes blink, staring at her, but Astor snaps a warning glare and goes back to the little group, huddled together apart from me and Delaney.

Three moves a little closer to the group, trying his hardest to worm his way in fully. Yes. Definitely underestimating him like they are with me.

It's not always about outside appearances. No. They can most definitely be deceiving.

Cameron Flinch, District Five Female.

"No Jack, you don't do it like that," I scold Jack, attempting to do a knot completely wrong. It sighs heavily, trying it another way. "Look, you're still doing it wrong. You go under then across, not under then over. That's just stupid."

"If you think you're better, Cameron, then you do it."

He hands me the piece of rope, which I take quickly and begin fashioning my own knot, my way, the right way. It takes a moment, but I think I have it. I show it to Jack, who scoffs and points to a flaw.

"Right there. That's not right, either. It'll come un-done really easy."

He smirks, as if waiting for me to argue back over the fact that he's now criticising. What he doesn't know is, I appreciate the comments. It doesn't bother me like it does him. But that's because, in the short period of knowing him, Jack is rather the perfectionist.

"Thanks," I say with a smirk, doing the knot again until it's rather tight. "See, I didn't bite your head off when you said it."

"I didn't bite your head off."

"Yes, yes you did," I laugh. "Now you're getting defensive."

"I am not!"

Jack stands up angrily, almost pouting like a child. I hold back my laugh, but pass him the knot. He frowns, collecting it.

"That's how you do it." I remark.

He growls angrily, throwing the knot to the floor and stomping off towards another station, away from me, clearly. He didn't want to be allies. But after telling Cable and especially, Cordelia, they both suggested that it was for the best indeed. I basically got my own way, once again. I watch as he stops near the station where there are axes and hatchets. He studies them for a moment, before picking up a simple hatchet.

It's only then do I notice the girl with the red hair behind me, watching closely at what I'm doing. Where's her district partner, the solemn one, anyway?

"I'm Mirana," she chirps, like a little bird. "Your knot is very pretty."

I turn around, snapping a glare until I practically see the innocence swimming in her eyes. I soften, shrugging as I pick up the knot.

"It's nothing special. Just a piece of rope twisted and turned to fit what I want," I smile softly, suddenly feeling extremely guilty for the girl that looks so innocent. "Here, have a look."

She makes a squealing noise, like a little bird once more, as she takes the knotted rope and begins inspecting it closely. A large clatter rings out from across the room, and instantly, I snap in the direction expecting it to be Jack. Instead, I see the boy from Six, a collection of small, round objects at his feet, a slingshot in his hand. With wide eyes, he bends down and picks each one up separately, mumbling to himself. He then moves back to the table, putting them all down one by one again, still mumbling.

Mirana makes a little laugh, pointing at the boy. "I like him."

Gavan Dior, District Six Male.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight.

Eight objects to sling into the air. Eight. I smile to myself, picking the first one up, loading it into the holder and pulling it back. The trainer sighs for the tenth time today, I've counted, and lets go another target into the air. I let go of the holder, and my small object, number one, flies straight for the target until he narrowly misses.

But I'm getting better.

"Kid, give up and go somewhere else," the trainer complains. "You've been here for two days. You should try other stuff as well."

I shake my head, counting my collection again.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven.

"I want to try this," I load number two into the holder. "I don't like pointy things."

"Pointy things?" he frowns.

"Yes, pointy things," I nod. "They're pretty dangerous, you know. Again, please."

Another sigh, making it eleven, as he sends another target into the air. I load, pull, and watch as once again, it narrowly misses the target. Still making progress. That's all I can ask for. I turn back to my collection, knowing there is six, collecting them and handing them to the trainer.

"Can you look after these? There's six of them."

Twelvth sigh, taking my handful and placing them into his pocket. "Sure thing kid. Now get lost."

I smile, moving away from the station that's been like my home for the past two days. I don't want to go out there, with the others, playing with objects that can kill. I like my slingshot station, in the corner, where no-one bothers me and I can be left on my own. But Track says I need to find a partner, at the very least, and Karli has decided to go with the Twelve girl. I laugh a little, realising that she's with the Twelve girl and the man sighed Twelve times already this morning.

Plus, Karli's rather abrupt and crude. I don't like her that much.

I could try survival? But making a fire is dirty. It'll get me dirty. There's knots, they're safe, but again, I can get really dirty. My eyes squeeze shut, and compulsively, I start scrubbing my hands together at the mere thought of all the filth I'm going to come across. My hand instinctively goes into my pocket, retrieving my token, a small piece of cloth to clean my hands with. I make the scrubbing motion, opening my eyes and watching the other tributes, to see if anyone is watching me.

It's only then do I find the boy from One with his large, hazel eyes, glaring at me like I'm a meal.

I shrink under the stare, but quickly hide my cloth and walk away.

Making enemies is a bad thing. I haven't even done anything to him. I see a flash of bright red, before my body collides into something. I shake my body, looking at the girl from Eight in front of me, beaming wildly with her long, bright locks.

"Hi," Eight squeals. "You're funny. I like you. Can we be allies?"

She's almost excited at being an ally with me, of all people. But just over her shoulder, I can see the girl from Five, who gives a sarcastic little wave at me.

"Oh, and Cameron as well. I've forgotten to introduce myself. I'm Mirana," Mirana claps childishly. "But Cameron is so nice. You should join us. Please say you'll join us?"

Track did say I need allies. "Okay, I-I suppose so."

Timber Murdock, District Seven Male.

I look at Tauria from across the distance, acting bubbly and happy with the girl from Eleven, like they're best friends who haven't seen each other for a long time. Of course, Eleven isn't responding as nicely as Tauria, but I guess that's what you get for basically jumping on someone.

The pulsing behind my head begins to throb, and I'm forced to put down my axe so that I can rub it.

This always happens when the change is going to happen. Over the years, I've learned the little sign. The constant feeling like someone is dancing on your eyeballs is the biggest giveaway. The next is when you feel like you're miles away from everyone else, when you could be right next to them. It's Mason, trying to break free once more.

I shrug away my thoughts, moving over to the further side of the centre where no-one seems to go because it only has climbing. In the shadows, I sit down, readying myself.

Ever since that fateful day, he comes and goes whenever he likes. I have no idea what he does when he's in control, or what he says or anything, nothing can be remembered. One minute I'm here, then the next minute, I'm somewhere else and Mason has gone and caused whatever chaos he can.

The pain increases fast.

"Why?" I mumble to myself in agony. "Why do you do this, Mason?"

Then, slowly, I feel the pain subside and the darkness swamp me like a tidal wave.

Bright light catches my eyes, and with a dark smile, I rise, knowing that pathetic, whiny baby Timber is hidden away and not coming out for a long time.

My eyes find Tauria, just in the distance, and I already know what to do.

"Anything you can do, I can do better." I laugh, emerging from the shadows of the training centre.

Mirana Capulet, District Eight Female.

"Now, we just need to get Jack involved," Cameron whispers, pointing to the boy with the curly hair playing with a hatchet. "He won't be happy, but I've given up caring for his needs. He needs this, not that."

Gavan nods with a placid face. "How do we do it?"

I giggle, pulling forth the little pocketwatch my mother gave me, just before I got reaped. Every year she'd give it to me, every year she'd take it away once my name wasn't called. I smile at the memory of her handing the watch over, hardened eyes telling me it won't be my time. It will never be my time because I'm such an innocent, sweet girl who doesn't deserve to be reaped. Tears pepper my eyes. My mother. How she used to read me stories, fairy tales about dragons and monsters and fairies. Everything was so good back then. Back when I wasn't in here, without her.

I miss her now.

Cameron looks at me, confused. "Mirana, you okay?"

I nod, kissing the pocket watch and feeling the coldness against my lips, sending a shiver through my body.

"Right, so Gavan, he doesn't know you're in our alliance. You could be our advantage."

Gavan nods again. "I suppose so. I mean... C-Can't it just be us three?"

"No, it can't," Cameron glares. "We need Jack at the very least. I refuse to leave him."

"You just said you guys fight all the time," Gavan replies like a little mouse, voice timid and hushed. "You said you're opposites."

"That's the best thing," Cameron smiles. "Being opposites mean we counter each other's flaws. It'll be better in the long run. Now go, hurry, I really just want to go to lunch and have something decent to eat."

Gavan clambers up quickly, rushing across the room towards Jack and his pretty, silver hatchet. Cameron takes my hand, pulling me up. She smiles softly, like before, and tucks my pocketwatch back behind my top.

"Don't lose it," Cameron pats it against my clothing. "Okay? Don't lose it."

I smile. "Never. Lets eat!"

With Cameron still holding on, I skip to the canteen, ready for food. But my thoughts linger to my family, to Eight, to my life. I laugh once more, my head feeling slightly dizzy, knowing that I'll be okay. I'll see them soon.

All of them.

Fern Bracken, District Nine Female.

The canteen is full, the smell of sweet sickly food filling the area. I force the look of disgust from my face as I walk over, collecting a tray and sliding it along. The woman hands me the food, and still hiding my disdain for the rich crap, I sit down by myself. No allies at all and that's fine by me. It's not like I want anyone, anyway. Life would be easier on my own. Besides, that would mean adding no-one extra to my incredibly long list already.

Koel waltzes in, sending his devilishly smile in every direction as his little allies follow, Eleven bringing up the rear. He makes jokes, smiles and laughs, gaining no other response than Twelve laughing obnoxiously, whilst Three and Eleven keep quiet and solemn.

"Hey Fern," Koel smirks, walking past the table. "Having fun?"

He sits down at the bench behind me, causing me to spin.

"I did have fun, and you?" I reply with a glare. "I know about the joke. The marmalade and jam. Original."

I went to bed last night, perfectly clean and content, to find the substances mashed together underneath my pillow. I even heard a shout of anger from Castor's room, clearly finding his surprise. I admit, a small, tiny part of me actually respects Koel for being what he is at his age. The rest of me, around 90%, dislikes him so much, he's shooting up my list faster and faster every hour.

Right now, that isn't good for someone going into a fight to the death.

"Like it?" Koel winks. "I thought it'd be ironic, since you done that to Castor."

"He seemed to love it."

"Oh, yes he did," I smile, watching Three, Eleven and Twelve sit down. "I see you have an alliance?"

Koel smiles again, taking a spoonful of soup as the others watch carefully. "And I also see you don't have any."

"I didn't want any, you know, adding more people to my list can be a little hectic. Plus, I have my top spot saved, and all my time has to be dedicated to that alone."

I watch Koel slightly freeze under the knowledge that yes, he is on top, and yes, all my time is dedicated to taking him down and claiming my revenge properly, not just through some little prank. Twelve claps his hands loudly, making a point.

"Whilst this conversation is so much fun, honestly it's making my day, I don't want to hear about it anymore," Twelve looks at me, smiling quite sickly. "So, bye, nice to meet you, see you in the death match."

Three and Eleven share an awkward look as they all turn around, Koel still facing my way. His smirk appears clearly, but it's a little less strong as before. I send the little bug a wink, turning back to my food as the pair from Ten walks in, the boy ushering the girl along, her face looking slightly terrified and cherub-like. I quickly take another look at Koel, who only smirks once more when he notices my eyes on.

Keep smiling, Koel. You keep smiling. Just wait until you see what happens.

Chord Wickers, District Ten Male.

"Lets sit here, Sami," I point to the bench in the corner, away from the others. "It's more isolated."

Samia follows closely, keeping near my legs and pretty much avoiding everyone's possible gaze. She's so kind and sweet, but she also happens to be rather timid and easily scared. Her little head looks straight towards the Careers, unluckily, and the boy from One snaps a dirty smile in her direction, laced with his intentions to kill her. I place my hand on her shoulder comfortingly, pushing her lightly towards the table.

"Don't worry," I soothe her. "Everything is going to be fine, I promise you that."

She nods. "But will it really? I mean, are you positive it is going to be fine, Chord?"

That catches me off-guard. I blink a few times, studying the little girl in front of me, stripped away from her family and her childhood, before swallowing down the guilt and nodding myself, slipping my hand across the table and holding her hand calmly.

"I said promise, didn't I? I'm going to do all I can, Sami."

She takes my answer for a moment, scooping up her fork and spiking her lettuce, before eating it slowly, eyes still trained on the Careers and the boy from One. I turn, once again to see his murderous grin. Then, to my surprise, the boy from Two looks in my direction, frowns slightly, and mumbles something to One that causes him to instantly shut up and look away with a sudden hatred in his eyes.

Two looks at me dead-on, giving a curt nod before looking away.

And then, right there, I decide that not only will I protect Sami from everything I possibly can, but that Two is not my enemy. And as long as he leaves Sami alone, I'll leave him alone. That's a promise.

"Thank you, Chord." Sami mumbles as she eats.

"No problem," I smile. "No problem at all."

Alto Boulevard, District Eleven Male.

I watch as Ashton and Koel disappear into an elevator, the doors closing behind them. I don't even understand how I've been wrapped into this alliance. I started off alone, just me and my bow, shooting and getting near perfect scores. Then, next minute I know, Koel is stalking me, Ashton is insulting me and Addilyn constantly stands awkwardly on the side, as if she seems always out of place or distant.

Maybe being in an alliance wouldn't be so bad.

No, but it could cause a lot more trouble, heartbreak even, if you managed to get attached, Alto.

Yeah, but I won't get attached. We'll have one of those alliances that are founded solely on what we can bring to the table, not emotions.

And you think that'll work in a place like this?

I can only hope.

Addilyn looks at me, head tilted slightly. "Are you okay?"

I nod, offering a smile. "I'm fine, honestly."

She nods in turn, looking back to her own elevator. Addilyn is a nice enough girl. I mean, yeah, she can be awkward and quiet, but her knowledge with electronics and technology is quite astounding. You never see anything like that in Eleven. Usually, it's all poverty and brute strength. At least with Three, they have diversity.

Yet, they rarely win.

But you could say the same thing about Eleven and Twelve.

Somewhere, a noise dings, and by the time I've snapped out my trance, Addilyn has disappeared behind the metallic doors, leaving me alone. I could do this, actually. I mean, I might be at a disadvantage, but I could win this if I really needed too. I'm not perfect, no-one is, but I'm quicker than the others, having to sprint around the groves and shoot at the predators looming around the crops. I'm quick with shooting arrows, and whilst I'm not a perfect shot, I can still hit hard. I'm quick on my feet, making decisions, acting them out. Nothing would surprise me.

I know poverty, starvation and hard work. I've lived like that, so this shouldn't be no different.

But instead of shooting predators after food, I'll be shooting tributes after my blood.

Anastasia Burne, District Twelve Female.

Karli looks at me as we wait for the elevators to arrive, but her partner and Ashton having disappeared a lot earlier than us both. She looks at me, smiles, then looks back to her elevator and hits the button once more.

"I think we have a good chance," Karli says aloud. "If you think it, really, everyone has an equal chance at doing this thing. It could be good for us to at least be positive with it."

"Except the Careers." I point out.

"Well obviously," Karli laughs sweetly. "Everyone else who isn't a freak of nature. I mean, Ashton doesn't seem a threat, does he?"

Not exactly. He's Ashton, little weird, obnoxious Ashton that enjoys insulting everyone that comes across him, and yet, wonders why people truly don't like him.

"I suppose not."

Karli grins from ear to ear. "My point. And I know for a fact that Gavan isn't a threat. Actually, come to think of it, I don't think he's all there in the head. Maybe he has a screw loose or something. I'm not sure, but it's definitely different to everyone else."

I just nod, patiently waiting for my elevator to arrive. But that doesn't stop Karli from continuing.

"Then you have Ashton's alliance, the other littles. The boy from Eleven could be trouble, but besides that, no big deal. Same with the girls from Eleven and Seven. We could take them on if we really needed to at the end of the day. And then, when everyone is gone, it'd just be you and me and that would be fair, right?"

She doesn't even understand the fact that everyone wants to go home and win. She thinks it's all just a game. And whilst it might be called the Hunger Games, lives are at stake, and that most definitely isn't a game. But once again, I nod, letting Karli continue until I hear a ding, her elevator doors opening.

Without warning, Karli runs over, hugging me tightly.

"Thank you for being my partner," Karli whispers into my neck. "You don't know what it means to me."

She lets go, skips off and into her elevator, gone, leaving me confused and overwhelmed.

Only one thing is actually clear; Karli still doesn't understand that, at the end of the day, it won't be a fair fight between us. I have a family to get home too. A family that needs me, that I need to protect and help look after, a family who I couldn't bear to leave behind, and everyday, I have to hide my emotions with solitude.

Nothing fair will be about the fight.

Because no matter what, I'm going home and at some point, I'll hear Karli's cannon sound.

We Must Be Killers by Mikky Ekko.

The blog for this story is - glasshousehungergames . blogspot. com - just take out the spaces.

I need to keep track of the votes, who votes and who didn't. To do that, it needs to be in one place.

I still choose the victor myself. Points don't decide it, but simply help in knowing what the tributes final place should be in the Games and how things play out for them in the terms of relationship, death, friendship and camera time!

If you don't want to vote or leave some criticism or thoughts, that's fine, just don't be upset when I kill your tribute early. Getting your thoughts rather than just your votes would be much appreciated, since I work really hard on this, and want to know more than just your votes.

2 more Pre-Games chapters and we'll be in the arena. I've only decided on a definite two bloodbaths already... The rest is up to you and your voting. I want to thank The Light Holder, since I didn't have a song for this and I kinda stole it from their SYOT, which you should totally read!

Again, some POV's will be shorter than others, depending on what I want to give away and that.