Disclaimer: I do not own The Hunger Games. They belong to Suzanne Collins.
Note: Here we are, day eight in the Arena... suffice to say, a chapter that I have been looking forward to writing for quickly apparent reasons, heheheh! Next chapter we'll be at the point where I'll start dropping clues to who the 5th Lead of The Nameless Chronicles shall be, so keep an eye out! Not got a ton to say, except another open question to you all. If you were a tribute and, for whatever reason, the Careers offered you a spot in the pack... would you accept, even if it meant having to partake in possibly sadistic or torturous deeds in exchange for a somewhat better chance to win? Me, I'd say no... I mean, I'm no Career, they'd cut me to ribbons! Anyway, enough from me, let's start~.
Static is the thing I awaken to. I groan, ever so slightly miffed from being awoken from my slumber. Perhaps 'ever so slightly' is just a polite way of putting moderately upset, but the point remains... I was having a pleasant dream!
Waking myself up I feel fairly dazed from fatigue. Sitting up and letting the blanket fall off of me I glance around to see what's going on.
Entrance to the cave is still covered up, no signs of being disturbed.
My crate of supplies is exactly where I left it and, after fumbling through it for a moment or two, I know for a fact that everything is just as I left is.
Most importantly, I don't have any knives stuck in me. Indeed, all is as it should be. Well, as close to it as can be given this is the Hunger Games and all. Looking my best isn't really feasible in the current situation I find myself in. And yet, still that static goes on. Urrrrgghh, some of us are trying to sleep here! Of all the places to have static ring out over the Arena they pick a forest.
Wait, static doesn't belong in a forest. It's something made by people... ah, of course. How could I forget? It'll be some sort of an announcement. I settle back down, pulling the blanket over me. I can hear it just fine, so I may as well make myself comfortable while I listen.
"ATTENTION. ATTENTION TRIBUTES."
Claudius Templesmith, the announce of the Hunger Games. Apparently he once commentated on the Games alone, but around eight years ago he and Caesar started doing it together. Apparently double acts were all the range at the time. Probably a Feast, but just in case it's something else I keep my ears sharp and focused.
"CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SIX OF YOU FOR SURVIVING TO THE FINAL SIX. IT'S SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF TO STILL BE ALIVE AT THE TOP QUARTER. AS A REWARD FOR YOUR EFFORTS, AND TO BE HOSPITABLE HOSTS IN RESPONSE TO SOME OF YOU LOOKING A BIT... TROUBLED... THERE WILL BE A FEAST HELD AT SUNRISE."
I lay back down, closing my eyes as I settle back down to go to sleep. I have this crate of supplies, there is literally no reason for me to bother showing up. If I'm lucky, Cato and Marvel will both go down at the Feast and I'll never have to be in stabbing range of them ever again. Sure is a nice thought, letting somebody else remove them for me.
"NOW, HOLD ON JUST A MOMENT. SOME OF YOU MAY ALREADY BE REFUSING MY INVITATION, AND WHILE ATTENDANCE IS NOT MANDATORY... SOME OF YOU WOULD CERTAINLY BENENFIT FROM THINKING TWICE ABOUT REFUSING TO COME."
I glance at my crate and then at a camera in the wall of the cave. I raise my eyebrow and shake my head, ready to get back to sleep.
"PERHAPS IT MIGHT GARNER SOME INTEREST IF I SHOWED YOU WHAT IS ON OFFER FOR YOU TO CLAIM. IF YOU WOULD ALL DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO THE SKY, YOU WILL BE SHOWN VIA A SCREEN WHAT IS UP FOR GRABS. ...THAT MEANS ALL OF YOU."
I guess I won't be getting any sleep until I play along, will I? I sigh, crawling my way over to the mouth of the cave and move some of the covering to the side. I poke my head out into the chilly night. The rain has stopped, for now, but the water looks like it's risen by a few inches while I was sleeping.
Up in the sky a screen flickers, suddenly visible against the night sky. It shows a grassy bank beside a large marsh of swamp water. The area looks all sorts of foul and disgusting. Ick! I feel sick just looking at that place. The ground is rather bumpy and uneven, with fallen logs and such laying around. Oh, and we can't forget the crocodile in the swamp water can we? Not a place in the Arena I can recall visiting at any point.
Upon the grassy bank about a meter from the water is what I can only describe as a miniature Cornucopia. This one's made out of some sort of dark brown, gnarled wood that's covered in moss. Perhaps a substitute for the real thing, given how it's underwater by now? It's stocked with plenty of supplies, though obviously nowhere near the hoard from the first day at the full-size Cornucopia.
Three waterproof coats hung up on pegs to one side.
A table of fruit, vegetables and meat on the other side.
An open chest of bottles full of crystal clear water.
A rack of swords, spears and a scythe. They gleam under the moonlight, their sharpness made very apparent.
I'm just about ready to get back to sleep and not bother going - it'd be a suicide move - but I suddenly freeze in place, having spotted one more particular 'prize' up for grabs.
The colour drains from my face. I cover my mouth to suppress my scream at what I am seeing, my heart starting to pound while all feeling begins to leave me.
RANGER!
I'd recognise the love of my life anywhere, any time. No matter the length of separation or how his appearance changed I'd just know it was him. And that, unconscious and tied up in rope at the miniature Cornucopia, is him beyond all doubt. The nearly seven feet of pure handsomeness, his wonderful shaggy hair, those muscles, the smile on his face that never goes away even when he slumbers, the metal leg plainly visible... nuts, he's even in a tribute outfit. Though, with it being a purple one it's certainly not an outfit that I have ever seen nor heard of being used in any Hunger Games.
I feel like throwing up. He's laying there at the site of the Feast, knocked out and bound. When somebody gets there... my breath hitches at the thought of Marvel or Cato getting their hands on him. He's there, those sharp blades are barely a meter or two away... I can't stop myself puking.
I did this. I put him there... if not literally, then certainly because of my words! I pissed them off oh so much and now this is the price to be paid. My boyfriend is in the Arena and likely to die at sunset unless...
...
...I'm going.
I'm the only one who can save him from a terrible fate. I just need to be the first one there... run in, untie him as quickly as I can and then we can both get out of there. We can come back here and hide from danger... it occurs to me that if I can pull this off then I can finally be in his arms once more, perhaps as we gently slumber together. Oh, I've missed that so much...
I grab up everything I'm going to need. Food and water for the journey there and back. Some first aid supplies just in case Ranger needs something or, possibly, I end up needing patching up too. A knife to cut him free from the ropes... good thing Wood's knife was serrated.
I grip my big, sharp axe tightly. It's my most important tool right now. I swallow hard, breathing in and out slowly. I take no pleasure in harming the citizens of other Districts... but I know in my mind and heart I'd always choose Ranger over them. It's easy to pick him over Marvel, Cato and Rammy... and, despite the good times I have had with both and the fact I believe neither deserve this at their age, I'd still pick Ranger over Urchin and Gadget every single time.
With everything ready, I sling on the backpack and exit the cave into the crisp, cool night. That's when I freeze, a thought suddenly striking me.
I have no idea where the Feast is located.
The screen in the sky zooms out the camera, revealing the area of the Feast is blocked off by a thick, circular wall of sharp thorns. That'll stop anybody getting to it before sunrise, but it doesn't give me any clue as to where it is! Nuts...
"I THINK THAT'S A LONG ENOUGH SHOWING OF THE GOODIES ON OFFER TO CONVINCE YOU TO CHANGE YOUR MINDS. IF YOU DECIDE TO SHOW UP, THE FEAST WILL BE HELD AT THE EDGE OF A SWAMP NEAR A FALLEN GIANT OAK. HOWEVER, SOME AMONG YOU MA Y NOT KNOW WHERE THIS IS. IN THE SPIRIT OF FAIRNESS, THE LOCATION WILL BE SHOWN TO YOU ALL NOW."
Right on cue a large pillar of light appears, an unmissable beacon around three or four miles from where I am currently located. I'm scrambling down the slope before Claudius is done speaking, unwilling to waste any time at all. I'm armed, I know where to go and Ranger needs me. There's no reason to stall.
I sprint through the forest like a blur, only one mission on my mind. Saving Ranger.
"GOOD LUCK TRIBUTES. MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOUR!"
I sure hope they will be in both mine and Ranger's favour. I know what this is - I'm hardly what you'd call a fool - and perhaps you may as well. After my rebellious, scandalous words yesterday this is how they intend to make an example of me. Lure me into the bloodbath of the Feast using my lover as bait. No doubt the crate of gear I received caused them to have to use him, as he's the only thing worth more to me than any sorts of supplies. They intend for me to die in the battle ahead.
I won't! I refuse! I always get my way, and what I want right now is to survive! I'm past the age of throwing a temper tantrum; I'll keep myself in this through wits and whatever power lays within me. I can get in and out quickly, they'll see.
A clever plan of theirs, at least on the surface. I either die in my efforts or look like an evil bitch who let her lover die... or, my favourite option, succeed and have Ranger here to keep me sane. Thing is, I highly doubt Ranger came here willingly. I mean, he's tied up!
Grabbing a citizen off of the streets when he was neither reaped nor volunteered... that is certain to cause a lot of unrest. Maybe they don't care at all, but I see flaws in their plan.
Until Ranger and I are safely out of the battle zone, though, such thoughts matter very little. I have my mission and it's one I intend to succeed at no matter the cost.
I pant a little but force myself to go faster. I have to get there first and run in right away, I have to.
(Some time passes...)
I've been running for so long, stopping to a walk to drink and eat whenever my legs burn too much for me to keep going as fast as I'd like to. It won't be long now until the sun rises over the horizon, surely, but alas... I'm still not there. The thought of being late to the Feast and seeing Ranger laying dead, or even killed at the moment I arrive, has all kinds of horrible feelings churning around inside of me. It's a terrible, sickly feeling.
Thankfully, the beacon of light is much closer than before. Perhaps just a mile away by now, I would estimate. If I can just keep going I should make it... and then, I guess I'll hide in a bush or maybe in a log until it starts. The Careers will be there, no question about it. There's nothing to stop them holding off on charging in for a minute or two if it means killing me while that barrier of thorns remains in place.
I've not seen the other tributes, not yet. I'm thankful for the tranquillity, or as close as this counts to being as such. Such me, myself and I... well, not exactly. There's plenty of birds hooting distantly, wind that blows through and rustles the trees and, of course, some more rain has begun to fall. How lovely...
The crack of a fallen branch gains my attention in a moment. I stand firm, strong as can be, my axe gripped tightly in my hands. I know where that came from.
Somebody is behind that tree.
"Show yourself," I say, firm. "I know you're there, and I'm not foolish enough to turn my back on you or approach you before I know what you've got."
I hesitate for a moment. I sure hope this bluff works.
"I'm not going anywhere," I lie, the Feast very much on my mind. "Either come out, or we'll be staying here for a while and miss the Feast. Suffice to say, I'm probably better equipped than you are."
It takes a few moments, but the figure finally reveals themselves slow and steady. I'd know those wild curls anywhere. It's Urchin, and it's quickly apparent that Gadget is nowhere to be seen. He holds a short sword in one hand, and holds the other to his side with a pained expression.
"Hi Nettle," he says, quietly. "Uh, sorry... didn't mean to startle you."
I lower my weapon in an instant. Of all those who still live Urchin is, at least physically, the least danger to me. Gadget may potentially be weaker, but those landmines hit harder than a sword ever could. I feel it's safe to speak to him... wait, no, it's not! I can't afford to waste time when Ranger lays in peril!
"It's fine," I say, briskly moving on. "Can't talk, I have to move."
I sprint off, but Urchin is very quick to narrow the gap and run alongside me. Smart kid, moving t my left side, the side with my injured shoulder and the hand I am not holding my weapon in. I must say, I think I have underestimated this kid's speed and common sense a tad.
"Hang on, let's go together," he says. "We'd do better working together. Gadget and I got separated by some collapsing ground. It was a big ravine so I don't know where she is and-."
"I'm sorry, but I need to focus," I say, trying to run faster. Effortlessly, he still keeps up with me.
"We're allies," he says, almost firm. "We should help each other. It's not the finale yet. We could grab more stuff if we work together. I need food, you need... water? Well, either way we-."
"Urchin, I frankly care little for water or food right now," I say, trying not to be rude. I pant a little as I run. "Did you see that young man tied up at the miniature Cornucopia?"
"I did. What's up with that?" Asked Urchin, looking so very confused.
"That is my boyfriend. His name is Ranger Temrys and he's in danger... all because of me..." I try to fight the sobs and keep moving, but it proves difficult. "I said things I shouldn't have, and now he's there! He's bait to lure me into a slaughter."
"Oh no..." Urchin shivers, looking horrified. "Taking somebody off of the streets and putting them here? I'm just glad they didn't do that to Ula. She's so young... wait, why are you running in if you expect to, well, die?"
"Because I love him," I say, simply. I can just feel the truth of my statement as the words exit my lips. "Wouldn't you do the same for Ula?"
To this, Urchin nods.
"In a heartbeat," he says, understanding. "...I'll help you get him out of there. I'm scared Nettle, really scared, but... but it's not right to just let some innocent man suffer, right? If we work side by side we can get him and some supplies out of there."
I can't help but beam at Urchin, my smile perhaps glowing like the looming sunset surely will.
"Glad to have you on my side, even this late in the Games," I say with full sincerity. "Let's do this. I think, when it comes to it... I trust you more than the other four and in the finale we'd have a better chance against each other."
"I agree," Urchin says, though I can tell my pragmatic words don't comfort him. "But, Gadget... I, well, I sorta really... uh..."
He turns a little red, a flustered contrast to his freckles.
"I guess I just wish I could've known her outside the Arena," he says, resigned. "She's so nice, and pretty."
I give him a sad smile. I'm not sure what I can really say in response to that. In any case, the beacon of light looks to be about half a mile away from us now. Dawn is arriving and with it so will the sunrise. The Feast looms and while part of me is terrified at the likelihood of my death...
...The other part of me has no regrets for making this choice and will fight to survive long enough to have Ranger back with me after so long.
I'm ready.
(Not much later...)
"How much longer?" Urchin mutters, fitful.
"I don't know, but hopefully not more than a few minutes," I whisper in response.
We're reached the beacon of light, or as close as we can get anyway. All that remains now is to wait for the barrier of thorns to lower and make a charge into the battlefield. I hold my axe so tight that my knuckles turn white from the pressure. It's not safe, the Careers are surely closing in by now. In fact, maybe they're already hiding nearby in preparation for the Feast to begin.
Maybe they're watching us now.
Urchin keeps glancing around, no doubt looking for Gadget. If there's anything that'd bring them back to the same location, short of mutts chasing them together for the final battle, it'd be a Feast. Perhaps she'll show up and we can work as one to eliminate the other three? It's a plan of mutual benefit for us younger and, in the case of Urchin and I, shorter tributes.
A naive part of me hopes that nobody except Urchin and I shows up. Maybe Gadget too, but certainly not the other three. Too bad such a thing is ridiculous to even consider. It's gonna be a tough fight, one that's sure to start any minute now.
"If I die," I start to say, looking at Urchin. "I hope you win."
"Thanks," he says, quietly. "Same to you... um... well, besides, uh..."
"It's fine," I assure him. How can I be mad he'd rather have Gadget win over me if he died? It'd be hypocritical. Did I not earlier say I'd choose Ranger over him any day? Exactly, I did.
It must be barely five minutes until sunrise and the minutes truly snail by. It's nail biting, the way each second drags along with my heart pounding to match each one. Maybe... maybe I could use the axe to just chop my way through the thorns? They don't seem poisonous, so maybe it'd be worth a try. Then again, the sounds of chopping could lure the Careers over.
"HEY! Where am I? What's going on?!"
I lightly gasp, my voice trembling and my hands shaking. It's him. It's alive, and awake. Oh, and has no idea what's going on, cannot be forgetting about that.
"Get me out of here!" Ranger yells from beyond the thorns. "...Ok, fine, I'll do it myself. No problem."
A few moments later I hear what sounds almost like a 'zap' of some kind followed by Ranger yelling in pain. I'm just about ready to force my way through the thorns with my bare hands, when suddenly the first rays of the golden sunrise are cast upon the swampy forest. Almost like some kind of forest magic from the fairy tales I read as a little girl the thorns begin to suddenly wither away, shrinking down into the ground. My chest tightens as they start to get lower.
There he is...
Ranger lays on his front at the mouth of the miniature Cornucopia, struggling to get free of the ropes. Every few moments he yells in pain, that same zap sound unmissable.
I don't even wait for the thorns to lower all the way. I sprint forwards, a russet brown blur in the sunrise, and leap right over the remaining thorns.
"Ranger!" I shout, quickly narrowing the gap between us. "I'm coming! Hold on!"
He looks up in an instant, his eyes meeting mine. I believe the words he must be thinking right now could only be 'what the fuck' but I hardly care for the crudeness of such a phrase. He's there! He's alive!
"Nettle!?" he gasps, mixed in delight and confusion. "Wait... aw nuts, am I in the Arena?!"
"Long story, will explain when we're out of here," I stammer, dashing over to him ."Hold still."
It must be the most bizarre situation Ranger has ever woken up to. Nothing could compare. I just hope his confusion won't stop him from running alongside me right out of this place. Thankfully, he obeys my order, his stillness making it easy to cut him free of his bindings. He sits up in an instant, taking me into his arms in a desperate, tight hug. It proves to be impossible for me to resist returning his embrace.
"I've been so worried," he whispers, shaking.
"I was scared I'd never see you again," I say, sniffling.
That's when the sound of fast footsteps makes us look up, as we're distinctly not alone. Urchin is running up at quite a speed, no doubt wanting to get his own supplies before we flee together. Now, if it were just him I'd not be remotely bothered.
But, alas, it's not just him!
The Careers are getting close. Marvel from one side and Cato from the other. Both show signs of pain in their expressions, perhaps from hunger given their lack of visible wounds, but that doesn't take any of the ferocity from their malevolent grins. Cato grips his sword tightly while Marvel holds his spear tighter still.
"We've gotta go!" Urchin says as he stuffs handfuls of various foods into his bag.
Ranger acts quickly, reaching for a sword. He yells in pan, the zap once again sounding and leaving him stumbling. Marvel and Cato seem rather confused that there is a new person in the Arena, but that confusion passes swiftly. Only bloodlust in in their eyes.
"You're not getting away this time," Marvel says, his eyes narrowed.
Ranger may be unable to pick up the weapons for some reason, but nothing is stopping me. I grab up one of the spears and toss it right at Marvel. He quickly leaps to the side, more amused than anything.
"Your technique is hardly passable," he jeers. "You need more thrust in your throw."
Urchin turns to make a run for it, the exact thing Ranger and I need to do as well. I hate to say it though, but we're getting boxed in. Nuts, nuts, nuts, shit!
I grip my axe very tightly, more than ready to fight for my life. I won't hesitate to spill their blood. I can't hesitate, not again. I won't get lucky a second time.
"Get the kid, Marvel!" Cato barks, his sword grips tightly. "She's mine."
"Save some for me!" Marvel says, turning to chase after Urchin.
One Career is better than two when it comes to the odds of my living another day, or hour, but it just had to be the biggest and strongest who I'm up against didn't it? Cato looks at me, gives Ranger a short glance, and then looks back to me.
"Oh, I'm going to enjoy this," he says, coldly. "Destroying our supplies? Leaving his fucking starving for a few days? Oh, you're dead Seven."
"Perhaps you should have actually paid attention at the survival skills training stations," I reply, trying so hard to not show too much fear.
He just scowls, his face turning a darker shade of red, one to match his jacket.
"I'll chop off all your limbs," he says as he steps closer.
Ranger steps forwards, a firm look on his face. He balls his fists, nothing but fury on his face.
"Hey, tree fucker! That's my girlfriend you're talking to," Ranger says, coolly. "You know, you look pretty weak down there, little boy. Mind speaking up?"
"Ranger!" I squeak out. As much as I love him standing up for me, this isn't the time to provoke Cato.
Cato has enough, charging forwards. I swing my axe to meet his sword, the clang echoing. If anything, he seems pleased I'm putting up a fight.
"That's it, keep fighting. In District Two we like a challenge, even if it's just a small one," he says, swinging the sword again.
Ranger tries to grab a spear but, again, there is a zap and he staggers against the inner walls of the miniature Cornucopia. If it were two on one Cato would surely be burnt toast by now. As if it would be so easy. It all rests on me to kick his ass!
"Getting tired?" he asks, easily parrying all of my attacks. "I'll admit, I didn't expect you to last this long-."
A short scream cuts him off as does the laughter of Marvel, gaining his attention, though not enough for me to land a hit. I can only glance beyond him for a nanosecond but it tells me all I need to know.
I hold down the vomit, just barely.
Urchin lays crumpled on the ground, blood pooling out from around his throat out onto the grass, staining it red. Marvel casually pockets a knife - a kukri, I believe it's called - and grabs his fallen appear back up, satisfied.
I'm paralysed with horror for a moment, the only amount of time Cato needs. Right as Ranger gets up and a shrill scream echoes through the clearing, calling Urchin's name, I find myself hit to the ground. Cato must have gotten tired of using his sword, because it seems he felt it'd be better to use his fist.
Aaaaahhh, the pain...
"That it?" he asks, scoffing as he raises his sword.
"Hardly!" I choke out, grabbing the nearest object and throwing it at his face.
Cato cries out for a moment. Turns out the object I grabbed was a large turnip that had fallen from the table of food. A turnip of good size and weight that just stuck Cato in the face, hard enough for a dribble of blood to exit his nose.
"Oh, you're gonna get it now," he says deadly calm.
He brings his sword down as I raise up the axe to meet it. Cato's hate filled eyes meet my own eyes, surely burning with determination. My arms are aflame trying to hold him back... nggggghhhh... he's too strong...
Ranger tries and fails to help again. It's as if every time he tries to interfere he... he gets zapped... oh. I think I just worked out what's going on with him. Not that it'll do me any good knowing that if I die right now.
An explosion echoes through the hair, breaking Cato's focus. Gadget! She and her landmines are here.. if she throws it we're all dead! Nuts!
"Piss off!" I bark out taking a swing at Cato.
He dodges, only just and this gives me the time to get up. I pull Ranger up as best as I can, but Cato is already back at it and again I find myself trying to block him. A distance away I can see Marvel in a state of actual fear - oh, how very satisfying it is to see this! - as he tries to dodge the next land mine Gadget throws from her safer spot behind a large boulder at the edge of the clearing.
The explosion echoes again, louder than before. I was ready for it but Cato wasn't. I don't manage to hit him with the axe but I do succeed in kicking him in the knee and rushing past, leading Ranger by the hand.
"C'mon!" I yell, my breathing deep and raspy. "Gogogogo!"
"You're the boss!" he says, eager to agree.
"Not so fast!" Cato says, his words as icy as any of the Tundra Arenas of years gone by.
In a swift moment my grip on Ranger is gone and turning back on my heel I see Cato has him in a choke-hold. The Career is having to put a serious effort in keeping Ranger restrained, but is succeeding for now.
"One wrong move and his neck is getting broken," he hisses.
I breath fast and light, panic surging through me. The horrible thoughts of Ranger laying dead, cut up by a Career are at the front of my mind. What do I do?!
A distance away I spot somebody else has finally arrived at the Feast. Rammy barrels into the clearing right past Marvel and Gadget and is making a beeline towards us. ..Is it just me or is he charging straight at Cato?
Only one card I can play; distract Cato and break his focus.
"Guess what Cato?" I say, my axe held tight. "I killed Clove. I smashed her into debris and drowned her. Oh you should've seen the way she cried!"
Cato roars in fury, throwing Ranger to the side and lunging at me. I scream in purest pain as he punches me across the face. My vision flashes, going white for a moment as my nose cracks. It's either broken or very close to it. I punch him in return, a move he easily blocks.
"Nobody, and I mean nobody, says those things about Clove," he hisses.
"I just did!" I yell. Come on, any second now would be nice!
Cato snarls and grabs his sword up. A second later his scream fills the air as blood showers from his right arm. In a moment I find myself able to move again, Rammy having finally narrowed the gap. I waste no time grabbing up my axe and quickly moving over to Ranger's aid. As I help him him up, rapid-fire mumbling comforting words that I can't even keep track of I glance over at Rammy and Cato's duel.
The colour leaves my face as I swear. Calling it a duel would be a farce as a duel implies two participates. Instead Rammy has taken Cato totally off of his guard and besides the nasty, deep cut to his right arm... oh nuts...
Cato screams and shouts in agony, Rammy swiftly breaking his arms and legs, pinching him for every shout he makes.
"Feel that?" Rammy asks him, his voice only able to be described as deadly. "That's the pain you get when you kill Sable, you swine!"
"AAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHH!" Cato shrieks, his voice warping from the agony. "Marvel, help! ARRRGGHH! You crazy bastard!"
Rammy locks eyes with me and for a moment I worry I am his next target. I grip my axe, as if daring him.
"I have business with this one," he says, firm. "If you and your... associate leave now, I won't try anything."
That's all the invitation I need and so I find myself dashing out of the clearing as fats as my legs can carry me, Ranger running beside me. Glancing back I see Rammy quickly grab a bunch of supplies and return to Cato. He's quick to grab him by one of his legs and start dragging him off into the forest.
Nothing but the worst sorts of pain await Cato once the powerful, cold boy from Ten really gets his hands on him. I flinch, feeling suddenly awful for Cato. But there's nothing I can do now, not when Rammy is armed nor when I have to get myself and Ranger out of here.
"Nettle, to your left!" Ranger warns me.
I turn, seeing Marvel glancing quickly between his ally being dragged off and towards us. He's made his choice abandoning Cato to his fate and running after us. I suppose with Cato being so utterly broken already it's pragmatic for Marvel to just cut his losses and move on.
"Where you going?" he calls to us. "The party can't start until you're both seated at the table!"
"Don't give him any response or attention, just run!" I order, pulling Ranger along as fast as possible. Thankfully, Ranger obeys and quickly picks up speed to run along swiftly beside me.
"You can't flee that easily!" Marvel calls.
By now, I know how a spear works and how well Marvel can throw them. I see this with the death of Katniss. But the thing with spears, they are thrown in a straight line. The instant I hear the swish of it flying through the air I pull Ranger to the side with me. Sure enough, it pins into the ground.
Glancing back just to be sure he does not have another I flinch. Marvel is pissed and has the bloodied kukri in his hand. But further back, Gadget has grabbed what she needs and... oh mercy me, she's set down some land mines next to everything still there.
"I'm faster then you! Prepare for marvellous pain!" he snarls, getting close.
The explosions fill the air, my ears throbbing from the horribly loud noise. It's no reason to turn back though, not when this deadly Feast is so close to being over and escaped from.
Marvel shouts, a delightful mixture between furious and horrified. No doubt he's just realised all the supplies on offer at the Feast got destroyed... and he didn't get a single thing. Looks like my most formidable of foes is gonna have to deal with being hungry for a few more days.
"This isn't over! You'll have to face off against me one way or the other in the end," he calls after me, turning back to run the other way. I suppose salvaging some supplies, any supplies, is of greater importance to him than my death. I have no issues with that. "See you soon."
That last sentence sends a chill up my spine, but not one that takes my focus away from running out of the area. The sooner I'm back at base with my supply crate, the better. Only then can I truly say that Ranger and I will be safe, for a while.
Despite the sadness of Urchin's quick, oh so pointless death and the distant screams of Cato being dragged to his doom that I can still hear... being with Ranger after so long gives me a wonderful feeling that wells up inside me.
Hope.
(A while later...)
By the time Ranger and I finally come to a stop we're both panting and sweating a lot. I drop to me knees, wheezing deeply. Ranger staggers to a tree, leaning against it and coughs up some spittle between his own gasps. For some time, it's just the two of us trying to catch our breathes back.
...Just the two of us...
"I'm glad to see you again," Ranger says, after a while. "Though... this is not exactly the reunion I'd expected. I was thinking moreso you'd step off of the train as a Victor and I'd run up to you and pull you into a hug. We'd probably cry in relief and then, well, probably-."
I silence him by throwing myself at him, my lips to his own. In a moment I'm held tightly, but in a way that only makes me feel safe and loved. Neither of us pause for air for a few long seconds, just enjoying our first kiss in over a week. Much better than the last one we had right after I was reaped and neither of us knew it it was to be our last or not.
We pull apart, our faces red as Ranger sets me back down on my feet. He chuckles, I giggle and soon we're both laughing like a pair of fools in love. Maybe because that's exactly what we are.
"How can I help you?" Ranger asks quickly. "Is there anything, and I mean anything, I can do to make sure you get out of this place alive?"
"Right now, at this very moment, just being here with me is a good enough help," I yell him, taking out two bottles of water from my backpack and passing one to him. "Here."
We drink the water quickly. It's hard to ration it when we're so thirsty, but thankfully I have two more bottles in my backpack anyway and plenty more back at my cave, safely tucked in the crate.
A cannon booms, making us both freeze. Some time passes before out heart rates slow down and we turn towards each other.
"Urchin, right?" Ranger says, solemn.
"Yeah... so young," I say, looking at my feet. "Cato's gonna die soon enough. You saw what Rammy did to him right?"
"Aye. Cato's gonna be wanting to die at this point, but I doubt he's gonna be so lucky," Ranger says, grimacing. "Hate to say it, but it looks like his fate has just increased your odds."
"Mmhhmm... it's strange. I should hate the bastard for all the pain and suffering he has caused to people, both in here and back at the training centre, but after seeing his limbs get broken and then him getting dragged off to his doom... I just feel so awful for him," I say, deeply sighing as I draw up my knees. "Nobody deserves the pain he's in for."
"I might be biased, but I'd say that's proof enough you're a good person. Takes a strong heart to care about somebody who was happy to murder you less than an hour ago," Ranger says, sitting beside me and holding me close to him. I sink into the hug ever so quickly. "You'll make a fine Victor."
"You really think I can win this thing?" I ask him, softly.
"I don't see why not," he says, sincere. "Marvel's starving, Rammy's taken some bad wounds and Gadget doesn't have many landmines left. I think you have a good chance and I'll help you as best as I can."
"Thanks," I say, nuzzling his shoulder. "But, can you help though? You kept getting zapped back there when you tried to fight or free yourself. What's up with that?"
"...I'm not sure," Ranger says. "Actually, there's one other thing I'm hoping you know the answer to. Just... something that's been bugging me."
"What is it?" I reply.
"What am I doing here!?" he yells, startling me. "Sorry... I'm not mad at you. It's just, what is going on? All I remember is walking home from an evening work shift and suddenly I... I think I was struck in the back of my head? Next thing I know, I'm at that small Cornucopia and you're running over to me. This is... it's insane. Nettle, what's going on?"
I put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing tight.
"Please, try to remain calm," I say, gulping. "A big thing to ask in this place, I know, but... it's my fault." My fault that you could have died."
I wipe away a tear that cascades down my cheek, trying to find the words.
"You saw how Wood died, correct?" I ask him.
"Every second," he says, closing his eyes. "He didn't deserve that. His family... his brother was sobbing for hours. His mother fainted and last I heard before, well, this... she was still unconscious. It's easy to figure she'll be screaming when she's awake. ...Why do you ask?"
"Well, did the show me losing my temper?" I ask, slowly.
"They showed you starting to get angry an then quickly cut to show Gadget and Urchin fleeing a crocodile. Why, something bad happen?" he asks, starting to turn from confused to serious.
"...I called them out," I whisper. "I told them how evil they were, to do all of this. They, the Capitol, I called them... I don't know, come combination of cowards, tyrants and wretched human beings. I just got so, so furious seeing one of my citizens killed in front of me! I lost control... they must have grabbed you and put you at the Feast to punish me... to draw me in so I'd get killed. I'm sorry Ranger."
It's both to my surprise and delight that he just holds me closer to him.
"Hard for me to get angry at you for telling them what everybody thinks," he whispers. "We both got out of there, so... no harm done, right? And..."
He pauses, looking me in the eyes.
"You ran into the fray, knowing it was a trap to get you killed?" he asks, awed. "Why?"
"Because I love you. It was all the reason I needed," I say, my hand gently rubbing his organic leg.
We'd don't speak for a while, or even kiss. We just... sit, together. For now at least, just being in each other's company is enough. After the kind of week I've just had, having my lover right beside me on the eighth day of this hell is just what I needed. Then again, perhaps it's a little wrong to feel glad Ranger is now stuck in the Arena with me.
Wait... nuts... my blood runs cold as a horrible thought enters my head.
"Ranger, do you count as a tribute?" I ask, seriously. "Does... does one of us have to die so the other can go home?"
He grimaces, horror in his eyes. I can see his mind racing, no doubt going at a mile per moment as he considers this.
"Would they really add a third tribute from a random District this late into the Games?" he asks, uncertain. "Quell isn't 'til next year. ...Logically I doubt it, but just in case I do... here's the plan. If were the last two we tie ourselves together. So close that they cannot do anything to us without getting the other; I don't think they'd want to be short a Victor, right?"
When Ranger puts it that way, it does make sense. A Hunger Games without a Victor would make the system collapse. It's never happened and any time it's come close to being true, well, father says he always got the impression the powers-that-be started to feel a bit scared. Hmmmm... quite interesting.
"Indeed not. Good plan," I say, flopping down upon my back. "But, this has never happened before. I mean, unless you count the two girls in those two Games who were..."
"...Yeah..." Ranger looks sick at the thought. In those two cases, in the most disgustingly technical of terms, there was an extra tribute per Games. "This is a tribute outfit... and whoa, it occurs to me that I've been stripped and redressed. They saw me naked."
"They better not be stepping in on my claim!" I say, huffing. We both laugh in spite of the terrible situation. "I saw you first."
"Clearly, I was the best prize on offer at the Feast," he says, chuckling. "So, what do we do now? There's four left... well, five but it's pretty clear by now that Cato is done for."
"We head back to my base, that's what," I say, rising up. "I have a big crate of supplies I got sponsored last night."
"Somebody out there must really like you," Ranger says, following me. "I would've sent that stuff, but I don't have that kind of money. Any idea who did send it?"
"Honestly... none whatsoever," I say, shrugging.
"Well, maybe your dad did? He's rich," Ranger points out. "He also, you know, is your dad so it's kind of obvious he'd want you back alive. I know you're both distant, but he does love you."
"I was wondering that too, but there's one issue with that theory," I say, pausing to glance around us. I swear a twig snapped, or am I just going crazy? "Father may be rich, but at the time it was a week into the Games and only six were left. That, and I'd hardly gotten any sponsor founding, if any. It is more money than he could possibly have to give away to send that much stuff at once. It can't have been father as his money cannot cover it."
"Hmmmm..." Ranger taps his chin, thoughtful. "I guess it'd be a rich Capitol sponsor then. That's all I can think of."
"Probably. I just find it odd... why sponsor me when Marvel and, at that time, Cato were much more likely prospects to be the Victor?" I ask, shrugging. "Not that I mind, of course."
"I guess we'll only find out once we get out of here," Ranger says, putting his hands into his pocket. "Hm?"
He takes an envelope out from his pocket, opening it up. Speedily reading it, he then passes it over to me for a look.
"I think you'll love and hate this, but maybe more love than hate," he says.
I read over the letter fast. I have to say, Ranger has me curious as to what it says.
-To whomever it may concern
If you are reading this, congratulations for surviving the Feast! Among the prizes you have won is the boy who came with this letter. His name is Ranger and he is a citizen of District Seven. He is here as a way to add more excitement and intrigue to the last few days of the Games. He is not a tribute. If you and Ranger are the only two left alive in the Arena then you will still be the Victor. There is no benefit to be gained from attacking Ranger, as he is not permitted to interfere with the outcome of the games besides mentioning where he thinks tributes or locations are. If he were to try, a tracker inside him would give him a painful electric shock. Do with him as you wish, tribute.
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favour!
I let out a deep, choked sigh. I'm practically sobbing in relief. Ranger's plan had merit, but I'm just so very glad it won't be needed now. We can both go home! All we have to do is... live longer than Rammy, Gadget and, worst of them all, Marvel. That, or kill them to make the whole thing go faster.
Though, it looks like it'll be all up to me to get us out of here. If Ranger cannot fight or really do much besides tell me a few things - and who's to say he'll be correct? - then it seems I'm gonna be playing for the Victory of two people now. I can't help frowning over the fact I can't benefit from Ranger's toughness backing me up, though privately I find the irony of the tiny girl protecting the huge guy somewhat amusing.
Really, though, the wording of this letter annoys me above all else. It hardly treats Ranger like a real person! More like a prop, if even that much. The nerve...
"Looks like I won't be able to help you as much as I'd like," Ranger says, shamefaced. "Sorry Netty."
"It's alright. Honestly, this isn't really that bad of a 'deal' when you think about it. You'll keep me feeling cheerful and stop me from getting lonely. I have supplies for us both to live off of. Tributes have done more with far less," I assure him, curling my fingers around his. "Just let me know if you see something, or somebody, and I'll handle things from there."
"Sounds like a plan," Ranger says, holding my hand with a tightness I love oh so much. "You know, after a week or so in the Arena, you look-."
"Hideous? A sorry sight?" I ask, knowingly. "Can't say I disagree. Between the stings, the punches, the lack of any sort of a bath..."
"Actually, I was gonna say you're as beautiful as the day you got reaped," he says. One look and I know he's being honest. Awwwww...
"You're so nice," I whisper.
"That a problem?" he teases. "I always did think you liked nice guys."
"You thought correctly," I say, giggling. "I'd love to keep on doing this, just us talking and laughing over anything. But... until we're out of this place, we've got to focus. One wrong move and I could be dead. Honestly, you could be as well."
"Think they'd attack me if I'm not a tribute?" he asks me.
"I'd like to think not, but they don't know you're not a tribute," I say, quickly making us veer the long way around a large pool of water. I see that crocodile and I shan't give it the chance to cause trouble! "And, would a mutt know the difference between it's prey and somebody off-limits? I fee doubtful of this."
"I'll be careful," Ranger assures me. "How far until your cave? I got knocked out before I could get back home and see where you'd set up camp for the night."
"Maybe an hour of running from here. But, there's only three others left and not only did a death happen, but some torture is going on. I think we'll be safe to take it slow... why waste time on us when plenty is going on?" I ask him, my expression grim.
"Why indeed," he says, slowly. "Alright, lead the way."
And so, I do. But I make sure to press my knife into his hand after a few minutes of walking along. Nothing happens, perhaps because I did it and Ranger didn't try to grab it himself? Interesting fact to know.
"I can't attack the others," he reminds me.
"They don't know that," I say, narrowing my eyes with a small smirk. "Even Marvel may hesitate if we're both armed and side by side."
"...I like the way you think," Ranger says, his expression matching my own.
(Later...)
It took longer than I would have liked for us to make it back to my cave. By the time we got back, the sun had already gotten quite low in in the sky. I suppose it couldn't be helped, what with how I suggested we walk to conserve some energy... and the fact more of the Arena flooded. It truly was taxing to take the long way around, but at least there was no dangers like broken ground or crocodiles. Just a long walk that left us feeling tired.
The thick clouds have really covered the sky outside, now much thicker than before. Most of the sunlight has been blocked off now that another downpour has begun. It's a wonder that none of us have caught hypothermia at any point in the Games.
At least, snuggled beside Ranger under the blanket, I know that hypothermia is one thing I have no reason to fear for tonight. Maybe I'll even get a decent night of sleep for once.
We've been silent for a while, listening to the rain. I lay upon Ranger, my head against his chest as I lightly doze. This is just what I needed. The most wonderful prize from any Feast in the history of the Hunger Games. I feel a tad awkward calling Ranger a prize, but... oh, you know what I mean.
Having shelter and company, I'd call the storm outside relaxing to listen to. Oh, it's certainly still fearsome, but right now I don't fear it. Not as I would if I were alone and terrified. Double the company means half the fear, I guess, or something like that. It would be nice, though, if the rain could distract me from the painful bruises on my face of the bloodiness of my nose. My first aid supplies helped, but it wasn't a complete fix.
It's not just that which keeps me from being truly at ease though. I mean, besides the fact I am still in the Arena. No, it's one particular something... or, more specifically, the lack of it.
Cato's cannon has not fired. It hass been hours since Rammy broke his limbs and dragged him off into the woods. Not only am I sore, but I feel sick at the thought of what Rammy is putting him through. Is it torture? Or is he doing nothing and just letting Cato bleed out in a ditch somewhere? I suppose I'll find out at the recap if I can get out of here. I'm truly not looking forward to sitting through it...
"How can I help?" Ranger asks, holding my closer.
"Just keep holding me," I reply. "It helps."
We're silent again for a time, just quietly snuggling. But, it's not like we can do this forever. I'm sure the Capitol likes seeing us being like this - they went ever so gaga over Peeta's false confession about Katniss after all - but cuddles aren't what will get me out of this Arena. Only plans and actions will. Though, I guess right now there's not exactly much that we can do, is there?
"...How's home been?" I ask after a while. "Is Seven doing alright?"
"As well as can be expected during Games season," Ranger says. "The ever present fear of losing our tributes, the quotas and prices of everything raised up, the occasional accidents in the forests or lumber yards... normal stuff. Though, a lot of the citizens were happy that both you and Wood were still alive at the top seven. People called it a good omen."
"Things have been working out well for me, I guess. I'm still alive at least," I mumble, snuggling closer. "What's the manor been like?"
"Work is the same, on paper. But... it's different, the fact you were not there hanging over us... hanging over me. It's been hard to focus and people say your dad has been falling behind on his own work. I don't know what else they expected, really, but it's like a whole wave of anxiety going on," Ranger says, starting to gently stroke my hair. "I've hardly slept lately, I've been too scared that something would happen to you and I... I don't know. I just wanted to be here with you whatever happened. Heh... guess I got my wish after all."
"Father really is that worried? Nothing keeps him from his work," I whisper, awed.
"Nothing except you," he says, stretching for a moment. He yawns, sounding exhausted.
"How much sleep have you even had since the Games began?" I ask him, worried. Too little sleep can be, for lack of a better term in my exhausted mind, crappy.
"A few hours, maybe?" he says, shrugging. "It doesn't really matter, not now. ...We're together again."
"Yeah," I agree, nuzzling him. "But, I need you well rested if we're gonna stand the best chance possible. Sleepy tributes and uh, 'pseudo-tributes' like you... they die faster."
"Guess we'll just have to get the others to die quicker," Ranger says, frowning to himself. "But... Gadget, she's just a kid really. We really gonna, well..."
"You can't. I'd have to do it. Honestly I am hoping Rammy and Marvel do it for me, but between my own life and getting us out of here together, then I know what my choice is gonna be," I say to him, shivering at the thought of killing a young girl. "Tell me something else, something happy about home. Something about what we're going back to."
"Well, you've got some admirers," Ranger says, chuckling.
"You jealous?" I tease.
"They wish," he snickers. "But really, people admire you. They're finally seeing you the way I've always seen you. No longer the 'lazy mayor's daughter', but rather an 'elegant valkyrie'. Paying respect to Wood certainly helped, and the way you've owned up to mistakes and shown some care for the others... it's touched the hearts of people. They're all rooting for you."
"I won't let them down," I say, moving myself so that I'm looking Ranger in the eyes. "This is Seven's year. Maybe when we get home I could hold a ball of sorts for the locals near the manor? A thank you to all who were cheering me on, through the good and bad. Mostly bad, to be honest."
"So long as I can have a dance with you, I'll support it," Ranger says.
"You're getting three at least," I say, leaving no room for negotiation on this. "Maybe we could invite Blight. He's taken over as Mentor."
"Works for me. Honestly, fuck Johanna with a branch. Like, seriously. she just gave up on you and never even tried? Uh, she does realise there have been much more unlikely Victor's, right? Weed, Sheepy, Spud? I swear, if I see her..." he trails off, trying to keep his temper controlled. "...Sorry."
"It's ok. Besides, I claim the first crack at her," I say, a tad snooty. "But that's then, this is now. I think that-."
I'm cut off as a cannon booms, loud and unmissable over the downpour outside. The cave is silent of all noise besides Ranger and I breathing for over a minute.
"Cato," Ranger says, simply. His breath shakes a bit.
"Yeah," I mumble. "Three to go."
I hide my face against Ranger's shoulder, tears in my eyes at the thought of the brute from Two being tortured to death. There are some things nobody deserves. Part of me wants to hate the nasty boy, wants to smirk over hos volunteering for this hell went so wrong for him... I can't. It's just sick, no two ways about it.
"Tell me more about home," I ask him, softly. "Anything to make me think of something but... that."
"Just picture this; the two of us walking hand in hand in the forest as the sun sets. With no tributes, traps or mutts to worry about we'd just talk and sit on a hilltop, watching the sun go down," he tells me, sounding longing.
"Oh, I'd love that so much," I say, sighing contently. "That's certainly something to fight for. Speaking of which, the plan."
I adjust my stance so that I'm sitting on my knees in front of Ranger as he lays back. He sits up too, ready to listen.
"So, what're we doing tomorrow?" he asks me.
"We head for high ground. That downpour is gonna make the damn flood get even worse; there's a grassy mountain sort of area beyond here that will be the last place to get swallowed up. It's where the other three will be going so we'd better do the same. I have a sneaky suspicion that if anybody dilly dallies in getting there then the Gamemakers will unleash the crocodiles," I shiver at the mere thought of those terrible, scary beasts.
"They can't get us if we stay away from the water, right?" Ranger says, his eyes narrowed.
"It won't be long until we'll have no choice but to stay near the water at all times," I point out. I shudder at the idea of this, having no more space to flee from danger. Well, I didn't make it eight days into this mess by not being able to fight. "We move out at sunrise."
"Sounds like a plan to me," Ranger says, thoughtful. "Think we could build a boat? You wanted to do that a few days ago, right? Being grabbed by the Careers kinda put the plan on hold, huh?"
"I would build one, but with what?" is my response to Ranger. I sigh. "We'll just have to go on foot and do our best."
"At least we have the upper hand in the water, right? All those long afternoons spent at your pool, not like we can't swim," he says, trying to keep positive.
"True, but if a crocodile gets its jaws on either of us then it's not gonna matter much," I say, moving back to lay myself against him. "They're horrid creatures."
"...Marvel is the toughest one left, right?" Ranger asks me, slowly.
"Yeah?" I say, raising an eyebrow at the light non-sequitur. "Why?"
"If you cannot beat him in a fair fight, maybe you could feed him to a crocodile?" he suggests. "Horrible, but... you or him, and you might as well do what you can to not die. He has a lifetime of training, you use a crocodile against him... in essence, you're just evening the odds."
Ranger doesn't seem happy to be saying such things, and honestly I don't blame him. Not like I'm enjoying it any better. But, it's a plan with merit. If I can't get the chance to put the nightlock in what little food he may have left, then perhaps luring him in range of a hungry crocodile will do the trick. It's been done before, using a Mutt to take out a nasty foe you cannot otherwise defeat.
Then again, I've been doing pretty well for myself. Maybe I won't need to use a crocodile when I've got a big axe that I'm fairly handy with?
I try not to think about it as I settle down against Ranger for a nap. Sleep might clear my head.
(Later...)
Ranger and I sit at the front of the cave, looking out into the rainy night. Sure enough, it's clear to see that the water level has risen up once again. I am sure that I heard a distant cracking sound, no doubt more of the Arena falling apart. No cannon came from this, but it's certainly going to cause plenty of issues tomorrow if the path to the finale is broken. I guess Seneca didn't learn his lesson. But, if it keeps ratings high, who cares? I'd assume that to be how he sees it.
"How long 'til the Anthem?" Ranger asks.
"Not long now, most likely," I reply. "Once it's over we can get some sleep. We're gonna need it Ranger, big day tomorrow. I won't lie, it's going to be horrible. It's almost the end now; finales of any Hunger Games are a gory death-match. It could be our final night together."
"I guess we might as well enjoy our time together then," Ranger says, an arm around me.
"Too bad we don't have any privacy from the world, huh?" I say, a look of ever so slight mischief in my eyes. If not for the hundreds of thousands of viewers, I'd make it particularly memorable. "Not exactly paradise, sleeping in a cave, but I guess anywhere we can just be together... it could be paradise in some ways. If it's my final night, I'm glad I'm able to spend it with you."
"It's not your final night," he promises me, serious. "I won't let them get anywhere near you, even if I have to fight while being fried by the tracker to ensure it."
I kiss him on the cheek, smiling.
"You're so much more than I deserve, you know that?" I ask him. Who knew a murderer could end up with somebody so... so him, you know?
We look up to the sky as the Anthem begins to play. After the Capitol Seal is shown for all to see I feel my gut tighten as Cato's face is shown in the sky. A brute of a boy, one ever so strong and who made clear in the training centre he was going to make a mess of all of us. In the end, seems he got left as the biggest mess. I try not to think about his fate, silently hoping he's in a better place now.
A tear falls down my face, and then a few more after that. Urchin's face is shown off in the sky, his curls gracing Panem one last time. He was such a nice boy, full of heart. He didn't deserve what happened to him. I wonder how Gadget feels now as she watches the Anthem, wherever she is. They were close, after all.
The Anthem comes to an end and the night becomes mostly silent. Mostly, as the downpour is getting a bit louder. At least the odds of it flooding into the cave are incredibly remote.
Ranger and I move back into the cave, getting under the blanket once more. I can't help but glance at the crate, wishing I could take the whole thing with me. Hopefully I can carry all of the precious supplies inside. Then again, I only have so much space and strength to lift stuff.
"Wondering what to take with you?" Ranger asks me.
"Yep," I say. "I don't want to leave anything behind; it could all be vital to my survival."
"Well, I have pockets. I could carry some of it," Ranger suggests, smiling. "Just call me your butler, right?"
I can't help but snicker, Ranger soon joining in. We lay peacefully together in each other's arms. The night suddenly feels so much warmer and pleasant.
"You're smiling," he notes.
"I guess with you here by my side in this nightmare... I feel lucky," I whisper, kissing his cheek. "Like a lucky Seven, as it were."
As we settle down, drifting off to dreamland, I think to myself of what might await us back home once I get out of here. Reconnect with father, gain some local respect, maybe take things further with Ranger... yeah... it's a lovely thought.
I just hope that the last three tributes I have to face won't leave me dead in the dirt, a pool of blood cascading from me. I can't get Marvel's expression when he killed Urchin out of my mind. He's gonna be coming for me, very soon.
It's just like he said... one way or the other, I'll have to face him eventually if I ever want to go home and continue my life.
END OF DAY 8...
REMAINING TRIBUTES
Marvel (District 1 Male)
Gadget (District 3 Female)
Nettle (District 7 Female)
Rammy (District 10 Male)
ALSO ALIVE
Ranger (District 7 Citizen)
THE FALLEN
5th- Cato (District 2 Male) - Hanged off of a tree with a rope, by Rammy.
6th- Urchin (District 4 Male) - Throat slashed with a kukri, by Marvel.
7th- Wood (District 7 Male) - Impaled by a Tree Mutt.
8th- Cinder (District 5 Female) - Struck with an axe, by Nettle.
9th- Glimmer (District 1 Female) - Blown up by landmines, by Gadget.
10th- Katniss (District 12 Female) - Skewered with a spear through the back, by Marvel.
11th- Lacey (District 8 Female) - Shot repeatedly with arrows, by Glimmer.
12th- Peeta (District 12 Male) - Beaten relentlessly, by Cato.
13th- Rue (District 11 Female) – Spear thrown into chest, by Wood.
14th- Clove (District 2 Female) - Drowned, by Nettle.
15th- Weldar (District 3 Female) - Asphyxiated with a rope, by Rammy.
16th- Jason (District 6 Male) – Slashed several times in the stomach with a scythe, by Cato.
17th- Sparky (District 5 Male) – Speared in the gut with a spear and then stabbed in the chest with a knife, by Wood.
18th- Sickle (District 9 Female) – Stabbed in the chest with a knife, by Glimmer.
19th- Thresh (District 11 Male) – Disembowelled with a machete, by Cato.
20th- Marina (District 4 Female) - Struck in the neck with an axe by Weldar.
21st- Miller (District 9 Female) – Knife thrown into back, by Clove.
22nd- Tamora (District 6 Female) – Stabbed repeatedly in the gut, by Glimmer.
23rd- Sable (District 10 Female) – Stuck in the skull with an axe, by Cato.
24th- Callico (District 8 Male) – Stabbed with a kukri, by Marvel.
TRIBUTE NOTES
Urchin: It felt kinda strange to write for him as a major side-protagonist, I have to admit. Given how in his timeline (set to be continued after this tale ends btw!) he's developed to be quite a lot bolder and stronger, it felt strange reverting him back to how he acts at the start of any timeline - jumpy, nervous, anxious ect - as he didn't do much of anything in the timelines of Gadget and Sickle. Strange or not though, I found him quite enjoyable to write for. A source of some good positivity and human decency, with his smaller moments of bravery. After all, he did try to be of some help to Nettle in the Feast - even if our Leading lady had things under control before it all kicked off - and was the one to row the boat through the crocodile filled marshes, and later lured Glimmer away from the supplies. In a crappy world like Panem I guess you sometimes just need a nice person to last a long time to keep things from getting too dismal and depressing. I particularly liked Urchin and Gadget's dynamic in this story. I think the two came off as sweet in their interactions, cute even... though, as anybody up to date with Gadget's own timeline will know, there is a teensy little thing that dooms Urchin's crush to failure. Oops! In any case, I liked writing Urchin's role in this story but alas, Marvel was able to grab hold of him. T_T
Cato: Certainly nice that the 'biggest brute' in the Arena finally got a chance to live up to his reputation, eh? After three timelines of mishaps and accidents that one could say happened surprisingly early, well, we were due a timeline where Cato lasted a long time and really kicked some ass. He may be a brutal menace, but Cato certainly proved to be quite satisfying to write as one of the primary threats to Nettle and the others. Big in size, formidable in his skills and able to use many weapons, Cato worked great as a 'berserker' kind of a villain. Once he lost his temper, there was little stopping him. Also, as this is the first time he has outlasted Clove (by more than a few seconds, that is...) I felt it'd be neat to delve into how this would effect him. As we can see, it only made his aggression worse and caused him to be even more unstable than normal. I always felt it was implied they were close in canon and as we can see, she had a decent effect on him, making him notably not-crazy in some ways. It's been said Cato and Marvel's dynamic made for some good reading and I am pleased to hear this. With Cato being more gruff and deadly serious, putting him with the more goofy, sly and trolling Marvel has a natural sort of capacity to create some comedy and decent dialogue. One could call them a 'Marvellous duo'... let's be real, only Marvel would say that, lol. Anyway, despite his strength it's a known fact that being attacked from behind can be deadly. Here we see what happens when Rammy is able to get his hands on the person who killed Sable and succeed in getting him down and defenceless... it ain't pretty. Horrific as his death was, Cato was one of my favs in this story and it felt great to really use him to a large degree this time around. ^_^
So now, four remain (five if you count Ranger!) and not only is the flood getting worse, but more of the Arena is starting to crumble. What lays ahead for the last few tributes, and non-tribute...?