BEEEEAAAAAACH!

I mean…Battle Worn! Yay! *sheepish look*

Once again I've broken my promise and slacked off on writing, partly because I had a nasty flu for like…two weeks -_- not fun. Anyway! I am leaving for my family's annual two week beach vacation tomorrow, and decided since I was feeling on the mend, I'd better get a new chapter up before I leave!

I'll try and get some writing done at the beach, but you know, no promises because ocean…and sand…and and…you get the picture :P

Anyway! Sorry for the late update, in this chapter we'll be following Lisa and Ryder as they delve into the depths of this strange rainforest terrain. This will probably be one of the shortest games ever, because I need to move Mags back home and do several rather big time jumps O.O

Any ideas as to what could be lying in wait in the treetops? What horrors await on the ground? I'd love to hear your thoughts/ideas (heck, I might even use some!) so be sure to leave a review!

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Drip-drip-drop.

As they move further into the trees, Lisa and Ryder discover that the branches grew closer together and it became easier to navigate the canopy.

They moved away from the cornucopia as quickly as they dared, deeper into the heart of the forest they climbed, their faces grim, hearts pounding, always on the alert for any signs of danger.

An hour and a half tick by at an unbearably slow rate. Dash and I both find that our adrenaline and anxiety fail to lessen as time drags by, if anything it grows worse. Every rustle of leaves blowing in the breeze is another tribute, ever chatter of some small animal a vicious mutt about to attack.

At the two hour mark, Dash tears his eyes away from the screen, leans back in his chair and rubs his eyes, letting out a heavy sigh as he mutters. "I forget every year how intense it is."

I suddenly realize that I've been chewing on my bottom lip anxiously, and wince as I run my tongue over the raw, torn up skin. "So…what do we do, I mean about watching them."

Dash crosses his arms and glances at the screen. "Take shifts…at least I've heard that's what the Districts with more than one mentor do."

I frown, finding myself casting a glance at the screens every few seconds. "What about you and the others who don't have a fellow mentor?"

Dash rubs the back of his neck. "Stay awake for as long as we can, when we need sleep we mostly take cat naps on the couch over there. The monitors are rigged to set off an alarm if the tributes get too close to a hazard, whether it's another tribute, or something in the arena. That's usually pretty effective as a wakeup call."

I pull my gaze from the screens, and study him as he watches our tributes.

His eyes flickering from one screen to the other are set in dark circles, his jaw bears the stubble of five o'clock shadow from not shaving, and his hair is a tousled mess. He's still dressed in the suit pants and white shirt from yesterday, both of which are rumpled. He looks beyond tired, he looks utterly worn out.

"Why don't you go get some rest, I'll take the first shift."

He looks up at me, his eyebrows rising slightly. "What?"

I motion toward the door. "Go. Sleep. I'll wake you if anything happens."

"Mags I'm f-"

"No you're not fine; you look like hell, now go get some sleep."

He chuckles slightly and drags a hand down his face. "There's no way I'm winning this argument, is there?"

I shake my head. "Nope. Go on." I make a shooing motion with my hands, and then turn his chair to face the door.

He stands up and stretches. "Fine, but I'm only taking a short nap, no way am I missing most of the first day."

I roll my eyes and push him toward the door. "Whatever, the first day is usually pretty uneventful anyway, besides the bloodbath the tributes are focused on finding a good place to hide out."

He takes one last look at the screen, glances at me, and then exits.

I watch him go, making sure he heads straight for the bedroom wing, and then return to the screens.

(It's going to seem like third person when I talk about Ryder and Lisa in the arena, so just giving you guys a heads up and letting you know I am doing it intentionally)

Ryder and Lisa paused and took a breather for a few moments, trying to keep their voices low as they held a short conversation.

"So, what's the plan?"

Ryder took a quick glance around their surroundings, then turned his attention back to Lisa. "Um…I'm not sure. Dash and Mags said to find a source of water, right?"

Lisa nodded.

"Well this is a rainforest."

Lisa frowned. "A rainforest? It's not like any forest I've ever seen. And why do they call it a rain-forest?"

Ryder wiped the sweat accumulating on his forehead away with the hem of his shirt. "Well, it's like a jungle, have you ever seen the forest like area back home? That's a kind of jungle; they call it a tropical jungle. It's called a rainforest because it rains a lot apparently, and it's always kind of wet and humid."

Lisa nodded. "Well, if it rains a lot, there should be plenty of water, right?"

Ryder shook his head. "Not necessarily. Since rainforests are almost always pretty hot, the rain that falls is either sucked up by the plant life, or turned into steam."

Lisa's small brow furrowed. "Then how do we find water?" She glanced down between the branches and vines, and swallowed as she saw how far it was to the ground. "Is…is there only water on the ground?"

Ryder was looking around the forest carefully, craning his neck upward and sideways, his brow lined as if he was searching for something, but didn't quite know what it was.

"I don't know how we're supposed to make it all the way down there…I think there was some way to climb down back at our trees but it's a long way and I don't think I could climb all that way. Plus the careers are probably still around the cornucopia." Lisa rambled, the worry clear in her voice.

Ryder glanced at her, as if noticing for the first time that she was talking. "What?"

She shook her head, peeling the damp hair off her face and neck. "Never mind. What are you looking for?"

Ryder scratched the back of his neck, idly swatting a mosquito away. "I was just thinking, if it rains a lot…" He straightened up and hoisted himself up on a slightly higher branch, reaching for the canopy of giant leaves directly above their heads, blocking out almost all sunlight.

"Ryder, what are you doing?" Lisa hissed. "Be careful." She added in a quieter tone, glancing around quickly to see if anything had heard her.

Ryder steadied himself, straightened up, and stretched his hand toward the leaves. "Some of the rain has to make it to the ground, otherwise the plants down there couldn't survive, but not enough for these giant trees to survive. That means…" He pulled the corner of a leaf down, and was instantly doused in lukewarm water.

Lisa gasped.

He laughed and then pulled another leaf, releasing a second stream of water onto his head. "I knew there had to be another way for the trees to absorb the water other than their roots! They use these big leaves to collect water and then absorb it."

Lisa clapped her hands together, a bright smile lighting up her features. "Ryder, that's brilliant!"

He grinned and climbed down, once he stood beside Lisa again, he shook the water from his face and dark hair.

Lisa spluttered in protest as water droplets spattered on her. "Hey, watch it!"

He smirked and ruffled his damp hair. "Sorry. Well now that we know where to find water, I suggest we start looking for a good place to set up a camp. That was the other thing they said, right? Find water and then somewhere close by that's strategic and make camp."

Lisa nodded, looking around the trees for a suitable spot. "Where are we supposed to make camp, though? It doesn't really seem like there's anywhere that's not so…out in the open."

Ryder shrugged. "Why don't we keep going for a little while? We might run across the perfect spot."

Lisa nodded, and they set off again through the trees.

For the next hour or so they traveled at a more relaxed pace than when they first started out, but were still vigilant and cautious, talking as little as possible, and always keeping a close eye on their surroundings.

Lisa suddenly paused, tilting her head first one way, and then the next, squinting at something up in the branches.

"What is it?" Ryder asked quietly.

She put a hand on his arm to steady herself and stretched up on tiptoe. "It looks like…do you see how the branches there grow in a funny way?"

He peered up where she pointed. "Where?"

She nudged his chin in the right direction and pointed again. "Right there, it almost looks just like more branches, but I think they grew together and are all tangled."

He raised his eyebrows as he finally spotted it. "I think you're right…good eye." He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the nearest tree trunk. "Come on, let's check it out."

She strained to reach a branch above her head, sighing in frustration at her petite frame.

Ryder smiled and tapped her shoulder. "Here, step onto my shoulders." He crouched down and held onto the tree trunk for support, adding, "keep your knife handy, we don't know if there's something up there."

She nodded, slipped her knife out, held the hilt in her teeth and then stepped up onto Ryder's shoulders.

He held her calves to steady her, and slowly straightened up.

From her new vantage point, Lisa was easily able to scramble onto the branch and from there examine the branch cluster better.

"Well?" Ryder asked impatiently, glancing around.

"It's like a bunch of vines grew and tangled around these branches, it's almost like a little hideout."

Ryder raised his eyebrows and looked up at her. "Really? How big is it?"

She disappeared from view for a few moments, and then her head reappeared, a broad smile on her face. "Big enough for two, come on up."

Ryder shifted the pack straps on his shoulders and then stretched up, grabbed the branch, and pulled himself up.

"You weren't supposed to let me sleep that long."

I jump at Dash's voice, whirling around to see him standing beside me. "Dash! I'm sorry, nothing really happened and you really needed sleep."

He slid into the seat next to me and turned his attention to the screens. "Well I slept like a log. What's going on here?"

Since he did look rested and more alert, I decided it was best not to suggest he try and get more sleep. "They found a hideout. Some vines and branches grew in an odd cluster and created a little empty space in the middle."

Dash raised his eyebrows. "Well that was a stroke of luck, even knowing it's there I can barely see it."

I nod, feeling a little swell of pride for our tributes. "They should be pretty sheltered there."

Dash glances over at me and ruffles my hair affectionately. "I'll look after them, now it's your turn to rest. You didn't get any sleep last night either, you know."

I'm about to protest, but suddenly the weight of fatigue settles over me, and now that Ryder and Lisa have found a relatively safe place and have Dash to look after them, I feel like I can go rest for a little while.

Dash looks surprised when I stand up and head for the door. "Wait…you're actually doing what I suggested? Without comment, no less?"

I pause at the door and grin. "Well for once Dash, you're actually right."

He gasped in mock hurt, although he was grinning. "And there's the Mags I know, go get some sleep you little sass."

I smile and exit the room, heading toward the bedrooms as I stifle a yawn.

I locate the one marked with my name, and once inside don't even bother changing into pajamas, my clothes are comfortable enough. I collapse onto the soft bed and let out a sigh, before I know it, my mind goes blank and I fall asleep.

I'm not sure how much longer it is when I wake up with a start, but I've slept long enough to make me feel rested and slightly groggy from waking up so suddenly.

I frown and rub my eyes as I try to figure out what woke me. Mercifully, I hadn't had any nightmares for the first time in…a long time, or if I did, I didn't remember them.

I listen for any sounds before remembering Dash mentioned that the rooms are sound proof. Then I jump as a thump sounds on the other side of my wall.

I stand up and slip out into the hallway, trying to figure out where the sound would have originated from. The rooms were set up a little oddly, and it took me a moment to find the room that was on the same side as where the thump had come from.

I glance at the symbols on the door, and frown slightly. It had the District Three seal on it, which makes sense since their rooms would connect to District Four's. What's weird is…there are no victors from District Three.

Another thump sounds from within, and with a final burst of courage and curiosity, and ease the door open and slip inside.

It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting inside. I jump as a sudden noise breaks the silence, a mixture between a whimper and a yell, like a wounded animal.

I hesitate, my heart pounding, then slowly make my way toward where the sound originated.

I gasp in surprise when I see Riker, the spiky haired blonde victor from District Two. What is he doing in here? Besides sleeping curled up on the floor beside the bed. It looks like he fell out of bed but remained sleeping. Which explains where the thumps came from.

His hair is tousled and lying every which way, his normally "come hither" eyes were squeezed tight shut as if he were in pain. His face twisted into one of fear and anger. Sweat beads on his brow and face, the droplets glinting wetly off the scar stretching across the bridge of his nose.

I bite my lip, unsure of what to do. Then he whimpers, and my older sibling instincts kick in, despite the fact that he's five years older than I am.

I place a hand gently on his arm and say gently. "Riker, Riker wake up, you're just having a nightmare."

I chide myself as I realize that if he could sleep through falling off the bed and onto the floor, a few quiet words and a gentle hand on his arm weren't going to wake him.

However, much to my surprise, I gain a response. He begins to mumble something, and covers his eyes with one hand.

I lean in closer to try and catch what he's saying.

"I didn't…I didn't mean to…I'm sorry…so sorry…"

I bite my lip and place a hand on his head. "Riker, it's alright."

"Please…I'm sorry…tell her I'm sorry…"

I can't bear the tortured pain in his voice, and shake his shoulders. "Riker wake up, you're dreaming."

He sits up with a start, his brown eyes wide and filled with tears. "I'm sorry!" He practically screams, the desperation tearing at my heart.

"It's okay! You're okay." I say reassuringly, noting that he's still half asleep, tears gently overflowing out of his glassy eyes.

He stares at me, his brow furrowing slightly. "Fr-Freya?" He says in a hushed voice. He slowly lifts his hand, and barely brushes his fingertips down my cheek. "Freya…" His voice cuts off in a sob, and he drops his head. "I'm sorry…please…please just leave me…" He covers his face with his hands and continues to murmur. "I can't…can't even express how much I want to see you again…but not like this…" He looks up, his eyes so full of pain they freeze me to the spot. "Never like this."

I blink back tears of my own, and gently reach for his hand.

He pulls away, as if afraid of my touch. "Please…please stop haunting me." He hides his face again and shakes his head. "I can't take it anymore!"

What could've cause this poor young man such pain? What happened that still haunts him?

"Riker, you need to wake up. It's me, Mags."

He frowns, confused. "M-Mags…?"

I nod. "We're in the cave, mentoring the twelfth Hunger games."

He suddenly seems to snap out of whatever daze he was in, and stares at me. "What the hell are you doing here?"

I sit back and cross my arms. "Snapping you out of a pretty bad nightmare from the sound of it."

He rubs his face, and then makes a sound of disgust when he feels the tears. "I didn't ask for your help."

I shrug. "Yeah well, sometimes we all need a little help. Whether we're willing to admit it or not."

He straightened up and looked away from me. "Don't think this means I owe you anything, cause I don't."

I stand up and roll my eyes. "Geez, I wasn't expecting you to owe me anything. Sometimes people help just because it's the right thing to do."

He glances at me. "So what did you hear?"

I raise my eyebrows. "What?"

He rubs the back of his neck. "What did you hear? Eb says I talk in my sleep, and something made you come in here."

"Actually, I heard you fall onto the floor and that's why I came in here."

"Oh…but you said the nightmare sounded like a bad one, so you must have heard something."

I frown. "Why does it matter if I heard something or not?" I take a step back in surprise as he advances on me, pausing just inches from my face.

His voice is icy cold as he says dangerously. "Because I don't like showing weakness, especially not to newbies like you, so, what did you hear?"

"You said you were sorry, like a hundred times."

"Anything else?"

I shook my head.

He studied my face for a long moment, trying to see if I was telling the truth. Finally, he straightened up and his face settled back to the customary seductive smirk. "Alright."

I raise an eyebrow. "So…that's all you wanted from me?"

He smirks and glances suggestively toward the bed. "Well, while we're here…"

I scoff in disgust and turn on my heel, promptly leaving the room and heading toward the lounge, deciding to grab something to eat and bring Dash some food.

I spot Kaden at the bar, sipping a glass of whiskey. I make my way over to him and hop onto the bar stool next to him. "Whiskey already? It's only the first day."

He shrugs and takes another sip before replying. "Well both my tributes were slaughtered during the bloodbath so…yeah, whiskey."

I swallow the lump in my throat. "Kaden…I'm sorry."

He shrugs again. "It's not like it's any different from the past eleven years."

"Yeah but it can't get any easier."

"It doesn't, but thanks for the sympathy. Let's just hope wherever they are, they're happier than they were here."

I nod, and pat his shoulder. "I'm sure they are." I smile slightly and add. "Wherever they are, I'm sure Will's looking after them."

He turns to face me, surprised. "That's…that's a wonderful thought." He lifts his glass. "To happier times."

I smile and nod. "To happier times, I'm going to go grab some food for Dash."

He nods in agreement. "Yes, do that, he eats hardly anything during the games. Take care of him, alright?"

I nod. "You take care of yourself too, don't drink too much."

He chuckles and waves me away. "Alright kid, go get some food."

"Kid? You can't be that much older than me."

He finishes off the whiskey. "Ten years your senior means I have the privilege of calling you kid, don't whine about it."

I laugh and salute. "Yes sir, I'll see you later."

He returns my salute and hails the bartender as I turn and make my way into the kitchen area.

The servants look surprised to see me, but don't object to my presence.

"Sorry if I'm not supposed to be here, I just wanted to grab some food to take back to my room…if that's allowed?"

One of them nods, and then gestures to menu, indicating I should choose something for them to prepare.

I settle on some sandwiches, and salad, which is quickly prepared and brought to me along with two bottles of water. I thank the servant and head to the viewing room.

Dash glances up as I enter, and his eyes light up when they land on the platter I'm carrying. "Hey, did you get a good sl- you brought food!"

I laugh. "Yes, I had a good rest. Here, eat up." I place the platter on the table in front of him and plop down into my own chair. "So, any action?"

He shakes his head. "They set up their camp, took stock of their supplies, and taken turns napping. Pretty quiet."

"Did you know Kaden's tributes are both gone?"

He nods, not answering because of his mouth full of sandwich. He taps a screen separate from all the rest.

I study the screen and see that it has all the tribute's profiles displayed, little red X's over the ones that have already died.

I feel my heart sink as I take in all the crossed off faces. Twelve…all dead…half the tributes wiped out on the first day, including one of the careers; Vance.

How long were these games going to last when already half the competitors were gone?