Paris glanced at me nervously through her long, vibrant blue lashes.

Yes, I was hyperventilating.

I could barely breathe through the fear that was blocking my wind-pipe.

"Harper, dear," Paris crooned. "Do try and eat."

I shook my head rapidly. I would just vomit the second I absorbed food. I could feel the bile threatening to rise up my throat.

Linnet had asked me to stay calm, for him. I promised I would try, but no one keeps their promises, do they?

My panicked reverie was interrupted momentarily as our hover-craft landed.

Paris gave me a comforting smile before the Peacekeepers escorted us to the Stockyard, otherwise known as the Launch Room.

A cold sweat crept up my spine as Paris explained this year's outfit. I barely processed her words.

Silently, Paris helped me change and then ushered me towards the launch pad.

"Remember, we believe in you, Harper. Do this for your parents," she whispered before the glass tube sealed around me.

I gasped. How did Paris know about that?

I didn't have time to work it out, for the countdown ended, and my platform rose into Hell.

My first reaction was relief. I saw trees, lots and lots of them. They would provide good camouflage and shelter. The air was humid and moist, suggesting fresh water was nearby. I gazed at the Cornucopia with longing, but I knew I couldn't stay long. The second the gong sounded, I had to run for my life. As tempting as the weapons and packs were, I valued my safety above supplies.

Linnet was directly opposite me, tensed on his platform, preparing to flee. I swallowed down my fear and focused on the trees. Only the trees.

Five, four, three, two, one.

Run.

I sprinted as fast as my legs would carry me. Linnet snatched a tiny back-pack, whirled around and headed in the same direction. I tried desperately to keep up with him.

Dallas launched an axe which narrowly missed my ear. I yelped and carried on running, focusing intently on Linnet's dark hair. I gulped in horror as the air-borne axe lodged into the District 12 girl's chest. Once I'd made it into the trees, Linnet scanned me up and down for injury.

"Are you OK?" he demanded, red-faced and breathless.

"Yes," I panted. Linnet glanced back to see if we were being pursued, then cringed. I presumed the scene was horrifying, but I didn't have the stomach to see for myself.

"Come on, we have to move," said Linnet urgently, tugging my arm.

We hurried through the trees, which I noticed formed some sort of canopy above us. Many vines hung down and unusual, noisy animals watched us curiously.

"Be careful," I warned, finding my voice at last. "They could be mutts."

Linnet nodded and continued. "The first thing we have to look for is water."

I remained silent, following his careful footsteps. I realized there was no way I could save Linnet at this rate, being as weak and fearful as I am. I swore to myself I would try and be braver, for Linnet's sake. He had to make it out alive. I would make sure of it. He was like a brother to me, he'd kept me sane after my parent's passing, and I intended to repay that precious deed.