Linnet and I were officially not talking. I trailed behind whilst he strode ahead, staring wistfully at the pre-dawn sky.
It was almost sunrise, and the Feast was about to begin. I was armed with a large stick. That should do a good job at keeping me alive, not.
"Are you going to watch my back, or are you still throwing a strop?" Linnet asked sharply.
I scowled and glared daggers at his head.
"Strop," I spat.
I couldn't see Linnet's face, but I can guarantee he was rolling his eyes.
My hands were trembling anxiously, and I kept glancing over my shoulder. I had the feeling we were being pursued, which seemed likely, considering the Careers were on their way.
It suddenly dawned on me how life-threateningly dangerous this task could be. There were three Careers, and no doubt two of them would patrol the area hunting for other tributes.
I shuddered. "Linnet, wait."
Linnet turned and regarded me coldly. "What?"
"I… I'm sorry," I mumbled.
Linnet frowned. "What for?"
"Over-reacting, I guess. This could be the last time we ever have a conversation, so I'm trying to make the most of it."
Linnet sighed and wrapped me in a warm, comforting hug. I held him tightly, closing my eyes in bliss.
"Don't think that way," Linnet murmured. "We can do this, Harpie."
I blinked back the tears that were threatening to flow.
"How about this," Linnet began. "We go for the pack together."
I nodded vigorously. "Yes, that's the safest way, I hope."
.
Garnet glowered at Crystal. "You stay here."
Crystal snorted as Garnet marched towards the Cornucopia.
"Last time I checked, you dished out the orders," she grumbled, casting Ace an accusing frown.
"Remember, Sparkles, she's not all there," Ace warned.
Suddenly, a twig cracked, and a hard thud sounded directly behind them.
Crystal whirled around and aimed her loaded bow.
"Linnet, RUN!" Harper screamed.
Crystal smirked and prepared to fire her arrow through Harper's skull.
"Goodbye, Fish Girl. AH!"
Ace snarled with fury as Linnet bowled into Crystal, knocking her down, and sprinted for his pack.
Harper scrambled to her feet as Crystal sprang to hers.
Crystal's bow had been smacked out of her hands, and was tangled in the vines beside their heads.
Crystal unsheathed a long, gleaming machete, her eyes clouded with rage.
"You bitch," she hissed. "I'll mutilate you!"
Harper gulped in fear as Ace and Crystal rounded on her, eyes dark and malevolent.
"YOU!" Garnet's ferocious shriek distracted the Careers.
Harper flew at the bow whilst Crystal and Ace watched in surprise.
Garnet had Linnet in a brutal head-locked, but she struggled to retrieve her knife for Linnet was trying to free himself, and he had an obvious size advantage.
Harper was thankful she was trained with knots, because she managed to retrieve the bow.
"Look! Get him!" Ace snarled as Dallas took the opportunity to grab his pack.
Harper neatly plucked an arrow from the quiver on Crystal's back before she raced towards Dallas with Ace.
.
I attempted to notch the arrow; my hands were numb with shock. Linnet may only have seconds left.
"Hold it right there, Fish Girl!" Garnet snapped.
I blanched as I noticed Garnet had her dagger pressed against Linnet's throat.
Linnet had lost the energy to struggle, and Garnet's grip was like iron.
I paused and then aimed at Garnet's head, my arms shaking.
"Go on," Garnet taunted. "Shoot!"
I gulped, wavering. I couldn't risk it.
"Garnet, finish him!" Ace roared, emerging from the trees.
I barely had time to release the string before Garnet's blade slashed Linnet's throat open.
.
"NO!" Harper screamed, releasing the string automatically, eyes wide with horror.
Crystal froze as the arrow pierced Garnet's stomach.
"Impossible!" she gasped.
Harper, wracked by sobs, turned and fled desperately into the jungle.
Linnet's cannon boomed.
"Garnet!" Ace breathed, rushing to his partner's side.
Garnet's breath was choked.
"Ace, I can see them," she whispered, tears streaming down her porcelain cheeks.
Crystal dropped to her knees beside Garnet, completely stunned. A lone tear escaped from her eye.
"Garnet, Bronze told me he loved you," she said, voice quivering.
Garnet smiled wryly. "I am going to him now, Crystal. We can be together."
With one, final pained breath, Garnet stilled and her hand slipped from Ace's.
Her cannon signaled her death.
"Gar, I'm so sorry," Ace muttered, his eyes full of pain.
Crystal fought back her sorrow. "Ace, she's out there, and I don't intend to let her live another day."
Ace snapped his head up. "Then I suggest we get moving."
