666th Hunger Games: The Cursed Games

This is a potential games that may or may not happen depending on how much attention it gets submissions wise. We shall see.

Tribute Template
Name:

Age: 12-18

District: Capitol, or Districts 0-14

Weapons: I have a list to help you if you need ideas

Personality: How does your tribute act?

Appearance: Descriptions and real life pics preferred. If you submit one of those cartoony avatars I will find a picture that looks like it to use in the gallery

Strengths: What your tribute is good at, skills they possess.

Weaknesses: Your tributes flaws that can hinder them.

Height/Weight: Try to keep it semi-realistic, aka no 8 foot 400 pound goliath tributes or someone who is 2 inches tall.

Backstory: No limit here, just give your person a story.

Preferred Alliance: Look in the alliances tab to see info on this one.

Zane Onyebuchi, Victor of the 665th
Wham!

Slapshot goal!

"You never lost a step eh?" my coach says. District 1 had drafted me prior to my appearance in the games, and ever since it seemed that I was going to be a hot commodity now with the title of victor under my belt.

"Nah, I still got it!"

My coach pats me on the back. "One thing is for sure, no one is going to want to fight you in a game. After seeing what you're capable of."

I shudder for a bit, the topic of the games still being tender in my mind. "Yea... I guess not."

"Ah just kidding man! Come on, we got to get you ready for your tour."

I had been staying in the capitol ever since winning in the finale, when I drowned Ivy and claimed my place as victor. However, I don't like to remember the games, as even I wasn't strong enough to resist the trauma it had caused.

I skate into the locker room, as I run a hot shower as I begin to change to street clothes. The locker room fogs up as I rinse my body, enjoying the hot shower that I had once been starved of in the games.

I feel uneasy as I shower though, as if I'm not alone in this locker room. I quickly turn the faucet off, as I wrap myself in a towel and head to a mirror. Wanting to comb my hair, I wipe the fog from the glass, and nearly have a heart attack when I see someone standing behind me in the reflection.

Jackson, my old ally, smirks in the glass, as I freeze up for a moment. I quickly gain the courage to turn, and see he is not there. I look back in the mirror, only myself in it now, as I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Just a hallucination... Jackson is dead...."

Exiting the locker room, I am met by my mentor and escort. "What's wrong Zane? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I shake my head. "Just nerves is all..."

They shrug as I go to my private quarters that I had been staying in the Capitol as I was recovering from my wounds in the games. I was mostly fixed up well, as I swear I see Duante walking the balcony the floor above my apartment.

I quickly shake my head, as I began to realize why many post victors became alcoholics or drug addicts. Shutting the door behind me, I lock it, as if that would protect me from these ghosts I kept seeing.

"Get it together Zane!" I say as I smack my head, sitting in my apartment alone.

I hear a knock on the door, before my escort says "Five minutes Zane, the train leaves in five!"

Just enough time for me to catch a breather as I sit down on the couch. Trying to take my mind off the phantoms, I click the tv on.

"The exciting victory tour is to begin today, as Zane will briefly leave the capitol and head to the frozen wastes of District 0 to begin the tour. It will be interesting to see what the victor has planned for a speech."

Weight on my shoulders, a ton of pressure. I had to think of something to say to each district. I dreaded what was to come in 7, as I had killed their tribute in the finale, and I knew many districts didn't bode well with 2nd place.

I hear footsteps shuffle behind, as I groan loudly. I knew I was alone, and I expected to see Sierra next as I turn around to see a figure dart into the kitchen area, a loud pot clanging down against the marble floor.

"Damn you ghosts, its not my fault you're not here! Unless your Isaac, then well, yes it is."

I creep into the kitchen, and am not surprised to see the ghost of Ivy sitting there. "Zane? Oh thank god..."

I rub my eyes, shaking my head. Now they were speaking to me. "Go away... you're not real."

"Zane... I am!" she says. She tries to approach me, but I'm already on edge, and instinct takes over as I grab her by the throat and pin her to the wall, choking this hallucination.

"You... are... dead! You... will... remain... dead!" I say as I squeeze.

"Zane... you're... choking... me!" the Ivy ghost tries to plead as she begins to gurgle.

Something is off though, as my hand feels warm around her neck. Ghosts wouldn't trigger a sensation. I release her, as I hear her gasp, her warm breath brushing over my arm.

She was alive.

"This... isn't real!" I say in disbelief, but she grabs my hand and forces it onto her chest. I feel her heart beat, as she looks at me.

"I'm alive... I'm not a ghost!"

I stand back, slumping to the ground. She wasn't dead. If the Capitol found out that she was alive, I'd be shot for attempt at rebellion.

However, I couldn't kill her... again. The games couldn't force me this time around. "How...."

"I thought I was a goner... when you know, you drowned me." she says.

"Sorry about that by the way..."

"It's fine. But I woke up in a morgue... the doctors thought my body was shipped off early... they think I'm still dead."

"They will continue thinking that because if they find out... we're both toast!"

She looks at me, as we both jump as a loud knock goes on the door.

"Zane hurry up! The train is about to leave!"

I look at Ivy, quickly trying to find something quick.

"Look, I'm not going to leave you in the Capitol. You're going to have to come with me." I say as I dig through a closet.

"Yea, but they'll recognize me!" Ivy says, as I grab something out of the closet.

"That's what this is for." I toss her a fox mask, as she looks down on it.

"Put it on! Don't say a word, we're going to pretend your my personal avox and your face was disfigured!"

She puts on the fox mask. "It's so hard to see in this thing!"

"Shhhhh! You're an avox, remember?"

The door opens up, as the escort walks in. "Zane, let's go, now!"

He looks at Ivy, then back at me.

"Who is that?"

"My personal avox. Don't ask about the mask, her face is burnt bad and she's insecure about it."

The escort shrugs. "Whatever dude, come on! Train's leaving, let's go!"

I follow, hoping my plan would work.

Ivy Juniper, The "Ghost" Tribute
Man, I couldn't believe that I was really pretending to be Zane's avox! That meant no talking and I had to wear this mask whenever I was out in public. This was ridiculous!

Our train goes through the frozen tundra as we approach district 0. As soon as I step off the train, I shiver, the chilly air blowing through to my bones. I exhale, my breath coming out in a mist, as I can feel the subarctic air chill my lungs.

"Welcome the victor of the 665th Games, Zane Onyebuchi to the podium!"

Silence. I expected as much, seeing as District 0 had both tributes get to the final five, just for both of them to die brutally before the finale. They had hope of bringing home two that year, and it was crushed within 24 hours.

I look to see the saddened faces of the families of the two former District 0 tributes, as I hear Zane begin his speech. I try to distract myself from the cold weather as Zane goes on about how strong and brave District 0 was and they should've been proud of their two tributes.

Thankfully we get back on the heated train as I follow Zane into his private train room.

"Next stop, District 1!"

Zane tells the peacekeeper in front of the door; "I'm gonna sleep, leave me undisturbed."

I follow him in, as the door shuts. I take the mask off, wiping melted ice from my forehead as I look at Zane.

"That was tough... but it's nothing compared to what's to come."

"You got this Zane... I remember you were tough in the games and knew how to compete. Just a few more speeches and we'll be golden."

The next day we arrive in District 1, as they are more responsive to Zane, applauding as he walks to the stage. Career districts always liked it when a career one, regardless of their district.

However, I can see Zane's face drop when they announce before his speech something regarding the 1 male.

"Johnathan Cyprien was with you till the end Zane. Unfortunately he was backstabbed by a cowardly tribute. As general manager of the Spartans, I would like to posthumously draft Cyprien 3rd overall."

A bane folds down, as I see the boy from 1 dressed in football garments, with a message reading "Drafted 3rd overall. Gave up a promising career to bring pride to his district. Taken too soon, rest in piece."

"I... I..." Zane is at a loss for words, as I can only sit back and watch. "I'm... sorry."

A silence follows, before Zane regains his composure. "A mighty tribute he was, they both were... taken by the worst of luck."

Most of the other districts we hop through are pretty uneventful, as we finally arrive back to my home district.

Zane is greeted by boos and jeers as he takes the stage, District 7 unhappy about my supposed death. If only they knew I was alive... right here...

"Murderer! You killed our little girl!" I hear someone shout, as Zane has to try and ignore the heckling.

"District 7..."

Zane is struck by a thrown tomato, as a squad of peacekeepers grab the thrower and begin to beat him with nightsticks. This calms the crowd little, but it gives Zane enough time to talk.

"I know why you'd be upset, but you best keep your damn tomatoes to yourself right now, you get it!?"

He takes a deep breath, before continuing. "Yes. I knew Ivy. I was her ally. She was a good tribute, and deserved better. But it is the games. Only one can win. If you were in my shoes, you'd do the same..."

Before it can get rough, we're taken to the train.

"I.... I seen them!" I say, as I begin to cry. My family was there, under my portrait, and they were so sad. I wanted to run up to them and tell them I was alright, that I was fine.

"I know I know Ivy... but if you do it, they will kill you! Which is why I'm doing this."

Zane leads me to the back of the train, as I see the tracks extend over the district fence.

"I want you to run... live in the wilds. We can't keep up this charade forever..."

I look up at Zane, then down in the woods below. "I... I don't know!"

"Ivy, you have to! They will find out eventually..."

"But... anyone who goes out there is guaranteed to die!"

"There's no other way..."

I cling to the side. "No... don't condemn me Zane! Not again!"

Zane looks at me, then sighs. "Fine... I can't believe I'm really going to risk my skin for this!"

I hug him, to his surprise. "Thank you for not killing me this time."

"Uh... you're welcome..." he says awkwardly.

The train begins to move, as I hear Zane's crew talking. I quickly throw the fox mask on, as I go back into avox mode.

How long would I be able to keep this up?

Sponsorships
Everyone starts with $100 to start the games. Each day a tribute survives they gain $25. Each kill gains them $50.

Arena
The theme of this arena is a horror esque arena to go with the cursed number of the games. Expect little sunshine and lots of fog and overcast, as temperatures will remain locked in the 40 to 50 degree range.

Cornucopia / Cornucopia Field
The cornucopia contains the majority of supplies for the games. It is situated in a clearing that is full of dead grass and shrubs. Not much else is found here, and besides the use of the cornucopia as a shelter, there is no reason for any tribute to remain here.

Haunted Gothic Town
The largest shelter area of the games, the goth town dominates the northwestern portion of the map. It contains many buildings for tributes to hide in and take shelter from the elements from. Dangers include wild dogs that roam the streets, along with the ever present paranormal ghost activity that goes on.

Harrowing Forest
The forest that takes up 70% of the land, it is wide vast wilderness area. It provides plentiful resources for survival, such as firewood, wild berries, and fauna for tributes to hunt. However it is littered with muttations, including dangerous carnivores such as the dire bear and dire wolf.

Creepy Cemetery
A small but very scary cemetery that lies in the southwestern area of the arena. Has a few crypts that tributes can use as shelter. Some graves can be dug up for special loot that isn't found anywhere else. Dangers include undead creatures, such as zombies and skeletons, which will rise from their graves every three nights.

Ghostly Sea Town
A medium sized village that sits in the southern portion of the arena. It straddles the Spine Chilling Sea. Like the gothic town, it provides shelter, but is plagued by the supernatural. However it has easy access to a water source along with fish, making it slightly more beneficial.

Spine-Chilling Sea
The largest body of water in the arena. Water is surprisingly fresh and can be drank. Sunken treasure is common beneath the waves, and any tribute skilled enough can get some good gear from it. Dangers include ghost ships, manned by the damned, and sea monsters, which can be quiet a foe.

Southern Plains
The fields that take up the southeastern portion of the arena. Rather vast and empty, they provide zero shelter from the elements. However they are a good place to camp, as it is mutt free, and threats can be seen coming from miles away.

Scary Summer Camp
A small campground with multiple run down cabins used for shelter. Has easy access to water as it straddles the Cursed Lake. The only danger is a few stray dogs, and then there is the special mutt, a large hulking humanoid monster that will stalk tributes and try to kill them with a machete. Defeating this mutt will reward the killer $200 sponsor dollars.

Cursed Lake
The cursed lake is a large body of water that sits near the Scary Summer Camp. It provides fresh water and is relatively safe. The only danger is drowning, but if a tribute is skilled enough, they may be able to unlock the sunken secret of the lake, and uncover a prize.

Northern Plains
A medium sized meadow in the north of the arena, it is similar to the southern plains, except it has slightly more foliage, making it a better spot to hide if desired.

Alliances
Careers: Mario Hellburn (CM), Trevor Lawrence (1M) , Hailey Baker (1F) , DeMarco Murray (2M), Nora Fields (2F), Trenton Wade (4M),  Evelyn Harper (4F) , Devin Duvernay (14M) , Scarlet Wing (14F), Scott Herndon (13M)

Anti-Careers: Thalia Beauvau (CF), Parker Kelly (7M), Zara DiMarco (8F), Brady Li (9M), Basil Winters (11M) , Coal Ember (12M) , Ebony Flame (12F), Alma Harlow (13F)

Alliance A:

Alliance B:

Loners: Alaska Winter (0M), Malachi Technica (3M), Cooper Baron (10M)

Undecided: Tamara Raven (6F)

Coal Ember, District 12 Male
Another reaping has dawned on District 12. As much of the district did, I dreaded this day. As usual, career districts almost always won the games. I count last year's victor as one despite him being from 5, as he was a career tribute.

"Hey Scoot." I mumble as I walk out of the door.

"Well aren't you a jolly ray of sunshine today?"

I roll my eyes. "I mean, today is a scary day you know."

Last year we had some false hope. Despite our male tribute dying in the bloodbath, our girl, Misty, made it into the top ten. We thought she was about to take out the girl from 7, but when Misty fell into the river and was electrocuted by her own blade, we knew it would be another year without someone coming home.

I walk with Scoot and Ashley through the somber stone streets of District 12. Ashley is scared, as she is a lot younger than me and Soot, and this would be one of her first reapings.

"It'll be alright Ash, if you are reaped for some reason we will volunteer." Scoot says to her.

"That doesn't make me feel any better! I can't think of growing up without either of you!"

"Who's to say we'll die? With you watching we'll pull out a win." I say with a smirk.

This does little to ease her nerves, as we walk up to get our fingers pricked by the peacekeeper. After this, we step into the square, as Ashley separates from Scoot and I, as she joins the younger girls.

People file into the square, as we prepare ourselves for a nerve wracking event. A tense silence follows when everyone is in, before the loud clacking of heels against wood breaks the silence.

Our escort, who is dressed in a ridiculous cheetah print outfit, comes up to the stage smirking. "Hello again District 12! Feeling well I hope?"

As usual, no one dares answer the question, not even one of mocking. Last time that happened a kid was beat up by peacekeepers for it.

"Well, the Capitol has not sent me alone. I present to you a present from them." The escort points to the large screen tv behind her, as it plays footage from the previous games.

The victor had came through here months prior, giving us some fake speech about how he wishes our tributes didn't have to die. No one really held him in high regard, but we did thank him for avenging Misty by killing the girl from 7 in the finale.

After the footage ends, the escort looks to the crowd. "Let's get this started shall we? Ladies first, as usual."

The escort walks to the bowl, dramatically filing around in it before grabbing a single piece of paper. "Your girl tribute is... Ebony Flame!"

I look over to the girls section to see a small girl, barely 13, walking out slowly. She has dark skin, and a swagger to her as she walks up to the stage, surprisingly brave.

"Alright then! Now, for the boys."

I am a bit relieved that Ashley wasn't reaped, as now I could relax a little. I am wondering about how I will spend the rest of day when I notice people staring at me.

"What?!"

That's when Scoot says the fatal words. "Dude... they just reaped you."

I look around, as peacekeepers come into the crowd. "Come along son, let's not make this harder than it has to be."

No, I can't believe I was reaped. I didn't even take that much tesserae!

Escort to the stage, I am still in disbelief, as I stand next to Ebony. "Hey dude, snap out of it!" she says, snapping her fingers at me.

"Your two tributes District 12! Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!"

I sit in the government building, along with Ebony. "Man... reaped... can you believe it..."

She shrugs. "You and me both. But one thing is for sure, we should stick together."

I look at her, surprised at her boldness.

"But you barely know me."

"So? We're both from 12, no other tribute will know what it's like here. So are you with me or what?"

I nod. "I am."

She gives me a smile. "Good. If you said no I'd have to kill you first."

After a tense moment she laughs. "Ease up, I'm only joking!"

My family enters, as I can see Ebony glaring at someone who enters. "Ivory... great." she mutters as she goes over there, as Scoot and Ashley run up to me.

"No no I won't let them take you!" Ashley says, but Scoot has to pull her back.

"No! Noooo!"

"I will come home, I promise!" I tell them both, as I don't know if what I'd say was entirely true.

Alma Harlow, District 13 Female
Man... I'm still in shock. I know I was going to be in the games after that operation gone wrong, but I always had hope that maybe I could get out of of it some how. That didn't happen, and now I find myself sitting on this bullet train, straight to the Capitol. The tv was on in the train, as the games commentators were going nuts over the reapings.

"For full live coverage of the Hunger Games, we have already witnessed several reapings in Eastern Panem today. No career districts yet, but there was some drama in the District 8 reaping it would seem."

A girl with dark hair could be seen fighting the peacekeepers as they dragged her to the stage, managing to down one of them despite being a lot smaller than the full grown man.

"She's a little spitfire it would seem, and maybe someone worth watching in training!"

I roll my eyes, when I notice my district partner staring at me. "What?" I ask.

"You must be miss little hero huh?" Scott says smugly.

"Don't put it like that." I say as I look away, not really wanting to talk to him. Social interaction wasn't my biggest strong suit.

However, he gets unconformablty close, as I can hear him talk into my ear. "I can get behind that... nothing quiet like seeing a strong girl in superhero tights."

I push him away, as he steps back. "Stop being weird!"

"You should appreciate your looks more, maybe they'll help you out."

"I'm not interested alright!" I tell him.

"Okay okay, maybe not in being my little bedtime heroine, but maybe you could at least consider an alliance. We're both from 13, after all."

I really didn't want to ally with Scott. But not wishing to irate him more and continue being annoyed, I concede. "Fine, I suppose. You do anything weird though and the deal is off!"

He throws his hands up. "Alright alright, you got me. No more weird stuff, got it."

Thankful as Scott goes somewhere else, I look out to the wilderness we speed past. What was going to become of me in these games? Fighting criminals was one thing, but killing kids? That would be a lot more difficult.

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
As usual, our reapings were last, because we were so much further west than the other districts. As a result, District 14 always got to the Capitol last as well. The long train ride had gotten me accustomed to my district partner, Devin.

He was your usual career, going on about his talents and how he was better than everyone else and that these games were his. I simply didn't really care about that, as I tolerated him I guess.

He wasn't much but he was from home.

"Ah finally, we're here!" Devin says as the train arrives to the Capitol.

During the journey, we had both been watching the live coverage of the reapings to see who our potential allies were going to be. The Capitol had a large boy who looked to be the strong but dumb type, and the girl was this beautiful athlete who was nothing but confident sweetness.

District 2 produced two standard careers, as I was secretly crushing on the boy from 2, a very handsome and charismatic individual. Unfortunately for them and District 4, it seemed all the games commentators had been talking about was District 1, and how it had produced a super tribute.

"Meet Trevor Lawrence. A tribute you would think was made in a lab. He has the size, the athletic ability, and the talent. I don't think anyone will be able to take this guy out."

Having heard enough of this guy, I turn off the tv and walk into the prep room, as I was preparing myself to meet this super tribute along with the other careers soon enough anyway.

"You're awful wee for a career aren't you?"

I feel a little hurt by the comment by the stylist, but just brush it off. "I guess..."

"Well, don't worry. We'll make up for that by making you your best look!"

After an intense session involving any body hair being waxed from myself, and over excessive washing, I am let out of the prep room. I had to admit, they did a good job, as I was looking really nice.

"They might as well throw is in a costume for one of those stupid kiddy restaurants!" Devin says as he comes out in a Dalmatian patterned suit.

"Oh come on, the black and white suit you!" I tease.

"It's not funny Scarlet, the other careers are going to think I'm silly!"

"Calm down Devin, it'll be alright. We'll meet them together, c'mon lets go!"

I walk with Devin to the career group who was beginning to huddle up. I notice Trevor first, and am surprised to see he is much larger in person than on the tv.

"Ah, District 14, late as usual." the girl from 2 says.

"Give them a break Nora, they did come from over the water." the boy from 2 says as we make eye contact, as I can feel my face start to get red.

"Well, 14, welcome here. Hope your travels were well." the Capitol girl said with a smile, as she was surprisingly nice for someone from the Capitol.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Devin Duvernay, but you can plaster victor of the 666th Games next to that."

I face palm as Devin goes forward. "Devin huh? You got a lot of confidence, don't you dude?" the Capitol boy says as he slugs Devin in the arm.

"What about your friend there?" the girl from 4 asks.

"I'm Scarlet Wing." I say.

"Well Scarlet, welcome. The name is Trevor, by the way." the boy from 1 says.

"Oh I know... seems the Capitol media can't get enough of you..."

I learn the names of my allies. Mario is the big Capitol boy with the red hair, Thalia is the nice blue haired capitol girl, Hailey is the girl from 1 who is envious of Trevor getting the attention, DeMarco is the boy who I couldn't help but keep looking at, Nora was his partner, then there was Trenton, a rather small career from 4, and Evelyn, a very alluring beach girl who I knew to be dangerous.

Eventually, we take our place on chariots, as District 14 rides in the very back. The Capitol is huge and I'm honestly surprised at the architecture, as we race by huge crowd.

We eventually stop, as the President comes into view. "Welcome to the Capitol, tributes of the 666th Games. May the odds be ever in your favor."

A roar from the crowd ends the night, as I retire to the District 14 tribute apartment. "We're in. How about that intro huh?" Devin tells me as we prepare to sleep.

"Yea yea Devin, you did good." I say sleepily as I yawn.

"I know I did. You didn't do too bad yourself."

With that, Devin heads off to his room. I go to mine, burying myself under the warm covers and falling into an easy sleep.

Ebony Flame, District 12 Female
I wake up to the knocking on my door. "What is it? It's like 8 am!"

"We got to get to the training now Ebony! I can't believe we slept in!" Coal says as I grumble, rolling out of the bed. I get dressed in my training garment, trying to make my messy hair stay in place as I exit.

We get into the elevator, and to our misfortune, District 4 enters as well. "Hey look Trenton, two bloodbath deaths." the girl from 4 says with a snicker.

"I'd die too if I had to hear your voice." I say back, as the girl from 4 gets an angry expression.

"Alright you're done!"

The boy from 4 has to restrain the 4 girl, as I smirk. "Ebony come on, we don't need a target on our backs!" Coal tells me, but I just roll my eyes.

"What? She had to hear it from someone!"

The elevator comes to a stop as we exit into a large training room, which has every kind of equipment you could imagine. I follow Coal's lead, as we begin to work on some stuff.

Eventually, another group of tributes is forming a group, and I look to see Coal looking at them. "Coal, stop staring, we got to prepare, remember?"

"Those are the anti-careers Ebony, come on lets join them!"

I want to protest, but Coal is already going over there. Reluctantly, I follow, to see several tributes from other districts. There's the boy from 9, who despite his stature, is built like a warrior of some type. There's the two from 13, who seem to be discussing as well about the career situation.

"And who might we have here?" the 13 boy says as we approach.

"Coal, District 12. You're the anti careers, right?"

"Of course. What do you want?"

"To join."

The boy from 13 looks us up and down. "Whatever."

"So is that a yes or no?"

"It's a yes, come on go!" I say to Coal in a hushed tone as we go forward.

Eventually, the girl from 8 shows up here, as I see my reflection in her mirrored sunglasses. "Look, the sun is outside, it's not going to blind you in here." the 13 boy says sarcastically.

She takes the sunglasses off, revealing two blue eyes that seem to stare intensely into all of us. "You're the girl who beat up that peacekeeper aren't you?" the 9 boy questions, as the girl from 8 nods.

"Damn right I did. My name is Zara by the way." she says with a white smile.

"Okay Zara, do you wish to be in the anti-careers?" the 13 boy asks.

"I don't need to ask, I am in."

The 13 boy rolls his eyes, but doesn't object.

I eventually learn my allies names and a little bit about them. Brady is the 9 boy, who had been training in fighting since he was a young boy in hopes of defeating enemies of the nation. Scott is the sarcastic one from 13, and Alma is the name of the 13 girl who Scott told me was a super hero in 13 who fought crime.

I eventually decide to split from Coal to follow Zara and Alma, who were beating up some dummies. They were pretty good at fighting, and I was surprised to see such grit from outer districts.

Brady comes over, and begins to talk to the two. "I see you guys are pretty good at beating up that huh."

I can see him glance at the 8 girl more, as something tells me he is trying to impress her. "But, have you seen the way of the dragon?"

Brady gets in a combat stance, before he starts to unleash a plethora of insane fighting moves with his bare hands and feet. Alma seems impressed, but Zara just looks bored. Brady starts to slow when he notices Zara isn't interested as she begins to move on. "Wait, come back."

"Look Brady, I get it, you can pull some moves. I have to prepare myself though, so please, let me be." Zara goes off to the bow firing station, as Brady looks dejected.

"Don't feel bad, I thought it was good." I tell him, trying to make nice with my allies early. "Thanks. One day I hope she does too."

"Got to impress the alliance leader that bad huh?"

He nods. "Yea, I suppose you could say that."

He goes off, as I begin to suspect Brady had a thing for Zara, and there was more to it than just making an impression for the sake of the alliance.

Malachi Technica, District 3 Male
It seemed alliances had formed and the two big ones trained opposite ends of the room. Careers and anti-careers, a tale as old as time, though usually we all knew who prevailed.

However, I was on my own. I only needed to rely on my mind and wits. No need for any other to get in my way. I just hoped it would work in my favor and I wasn't the skew barb of a career spear.

I walk past the boy from 0, who had been motionless most of the day. I'm pretty sure the dude was blind or something, he didn't seem to really be doing much. He was for sure going to die early.

Then there was the deaf girl from 6, who was trying to improve her skills. I felt bad for the two, as both had bad disabilities that would probably be their undoing.

However, my time of scouting other tributes were soon to come to an end, as I had bigger things to focus on. I had weaknesses I needed to try and lessen to improve my chances.

Back to work Malachi.

Trenton Wade, District 4 Male
It was hard being the second smallest career of the pack. I felt like I was in the shadow of Trevor all the time, with all the media hype surrounding him already. We had to literally stop a team training exercise because the paparazzi wanted to interview the guy.

"Sorry guys, I told them to not bug me again." Trevor says as he gets back. Despite the fame and all the reason to envy and hate the guy, you just couldn't. He was handling it well and treating all of us as his equals.

"Now, where were we? Oh, that's right. Formation combat. Follow my lead."

After we careers had trained in this, the lunch bell rang. I sit with the alliance, which is the largest alliance in the games as it usually was.

"Those anti-careers are getting cocky. We need to intimidate them some." Mario says. "Give them a good scare."

"I agree. Let them know who the alpha dogs are in this arena." Hailey adds on.

"No. Save it for the games guys." Trevor orders.

"Aw come on, just something man!" Evelyn pipes up, as Trevor sighs.

"I don't control you 100%, but I advise against it."

I wondered if Devin and Scarlet would join in, when we're all interrupted by the boy from 7 taking a seat down like he owned the table.

"Excuse me, but who do you think you are?" Devin asks, as the 7 boy smiles.

"Parker Kelly, nice to meet you too."

"Look Parker, this lunch table is reserved for careers, so if you would kindly piss off, that'd be great." Hailey says annoyed.

"Now there's no need to be rude. Last year's victor was not of an original career district, remember?"

The other careers looked to each other, as it was something they didn't like to admit. Last year we were all out done by someone from District 5.

"Trevor, we should give him a fair shot, maybe he will prove to be something good." Scarlet suggests.

"I agree with her. Let's give him a chance." Thalia agrees with Scarlet.

DeMarco simply nods, as the opposers of the motion look at Trevor.

"Choice is on you big dog." Mario simply says as Trevor looks Parker up and down.

"Alright dude, when we get back out there, prove to us you're worthy." Trevor says with a sly smirk.

Parker gives a grin back. "Oh trust me, you will not be disappointed."

Basil Winters, District 11 Male
I was still training by myself, trying to figure out if anyone was worth allying with. I finally made up my mind to shoot my shot and try to see if the anti careers would take me in.

Taking a step forward I psych myself up to talk to the large group. "Well, another one it would seem." says the girl from 8 as I approach.

"Better numbers against the capitol lovers huh?" I say, hoping they would be on the same page.

"You mean the careers?" the boy from 12 asks.

"Yes. Exactly."

"Well we don't like those pigheaded idiots much anyways. So, I don't see why not." the 12 girl says.

Most of them are in agreement, as their de facto leader looks at me. "Better late then never. Just hold your own, alright?"

After this, I learn the names of my allies. They seem to be pretty normal, not big fans of the games nor the capitol, much like myself. As long as corruption didn't seep in, we would be fine.

I watch as Scott nails bullseye in rapid succession with throwing knives, as I wonder where he even learned to have such skill with the blades. I'm snapped from my spectating session when I hear trouble.

"Move it dummy!"

I turn to see the Capitol boy laugh as he shoves the girl from 6 into Zara and Ebony, as he laughs. "Hey asshole, mind not doing that?" Zara says getting up in the boys face.

"Ha ha, little girl, tiny little leader of the loser antis."

I could see Zara's blood boiling, when Brady steps up.

"Get lost caveman."

I think Brady is a fool as he stares down the Capitol boy. He was double Brady's size at least!

"Heh, the nerve of this guy."

The boys from 2 and 14 walk over as well, looking down Brady as well.

"Zara, get back. This is about to get ugly." Brady says.

"Ugly for you, little guy." the 14 male taunts as I watch Brady get in a fighting stance.

"Let it go Brady, they're not worth our time!" Zara tries to say but Brady was already in his super focused state.

"No, they disrespected us. Make sure the poor 6 girl is alright. I'll handle this."

The capitol boy cracks his knuckles and laughs. "Alright, enough of this. Let me just knock you out real quick."

He punches forward, and like a strike of lightning Brady slides out of the way and delivers a savage head kick to the boy, sending him stumbling down.

The boy from 14 rushes next, swinging several wild punches toward Brady, who manages to block them and strike the boy in the head with an quick jab.

The boy from 2 strikes from behind, managing to hit Brady in the back of the head. Brady shakes the strike off, doing a kick combo to knock the boy from 2 to the ground. The Capitol boy is standing back up, growling like a bull and tackling Brady to the ground.

Brady somehow manages to wiggle free, getting ontop of the large capitol boy and elbowing him in the top of the head, putting him out for now.

Brady stands up, panting as the boys from 2 and 14 groan in pain on the ground from their new shiner wounds. "You can't let him just do that! Beat his ass Trevor!" I hear the girl from 2 shriek as all heads turn to the boy from 1.

Brady looks at the large menacing career, who is almost an entire foot taller. "I warned them not to do that. But you just can't beat them up and not expect consequence either."

I'm surprised Peacekeepers haven't come in yet, as the two square off. Unlike the other three career boys, the 1 male doesn't charge headfirst and attack, instead choosing to circle around with Brady, waiting for the first move.

Brady strikes first, trying to hit the boy with the same head-kick that downed the capitol boy. The 1 boy ducks under it, as he uses his longer reach to jab Brady real quick, as I watch blood come from his split lip.

Brady simply wipes it away, as he gets in close, landing a few good punches to the 1 boy's body. He gets out quickly before the 1 boy can strike him again, narrowly dodging a straight legged kick in the process.

"Beat him down Brady!" shouts Alma

"Come on Trevor squash this bug!" yells the 1 girl

The 1 boy steps forward, comboing together several quick punches that forces Brady back pedaling, as he manages to block and parry all of them, before quickly giving the 1 boy a huge overhead punch.

The 1 boy stumbles back, standing up straight and wiping blood from his nose. Brady rushes forward for the finishing blow, aiming a strong jab for the jaw of the 1 boy, but he quickly ducks his head to the side, as Brady's fist collides with the face of the Capitol girl who had come behind the 1 boy in an attempt to stop the fight.

Immediately Brady stops, looking down at the poor girl he had just knocked to the ground. He quickly kneels behind her, as I can hear Scott groan. "Come on man she's a career, forget her!"

The 1 boy steps aside instead of attacking Brady, brushing himself off. "Good fight 9. I look forward to meeting you again."

Brady doesn't respond, instead holding the Capitol girl's head up, as she is slowly starting to speak. "T-Trevor?"

"No... Brady. I'm sorry I accidentally hit you."

The Capitol girl gives a small smile. "It's... okay... Brady, is it? My name's... My name is Thalia..."

"That's a nice name... Thalia..." Brady says, as whistles blow as the peacekeepers finally show up.

"Alright that's enough! District 9, you're done for today!"

"What? That's not fair! They started this fight!" I yell, the adrenaline from watching the letting me find my voice.

"Yea, you Capitol assholes, ban them too! You always liked to play favorites!" Alma says, as they hush us both.

"Shut up, or you're next! 9 boy, with us, now! You're in lock down until tomorrow."

The alliance is mad as we watch Brady escorted out of the training room, as the troublesome three of the careers snicker a little bit. Two peacekeepers carry out the Capitol girl on a stretcher.

"She's got a concussion, but she'll be fine by tomorrow. Resume training and act like this never happened." I hear the medic tell the career alliance, as I am growing furious.

It was no secret the Capitol like to play favorites, with the whole banning the anti-career but not even punishing the careers. I was growing sick of this, and I knew I'd have to make the Capitol suffer for this.

I was going to kill their favorite tributes as soon as the games commenced.

Cooper Baron, District 10 Male
Day 1 of training seemed to be wrapping up, as tributes were beginning to leave to their apartments. I started to follow suite, thinking I had done enough for today. I get in the elevator with the girl from 8 and boy from 13, as we begin to go up.

"Such pretty hair..." the 13 boy says as he rubs his fingers through the 8 girls hair.

She smacks his hand. "What the hell Scott?"

"What? You know it's true."

She is flustered and turns away from the 13 boy, who just sighs and leans against the wall. That was a weird exchange.

The girl from 8 gets off, before I watch the 13 boy hit the floor 9 button. Wait a minute, he was from 13, what business did he have on District 9's floor?

He gets out, and walks off. Before the elevator door shuts, I sneak off as well, now curious as to what the boy was really up to. I watch as he goes up to the District 9 door and knocks a few times.

Then I remember, the boy from 9 had got into that huge fight earlier and was kicked out of training because of it. Maybe the 13 boy was just visiting his ally.

"Brady, you in there good ole pal?"

The boy from 9 answers the door, looking annoyed. "Yes Scott, I am. What do you want, I'm kind of not in the mood for any jokes."

"Just checking up on my own ally."

I watch as Brady's eyes dart to Scott's shoulder, where the girl from 8's black hair was. Where was he going with this?

"Is that... Zara's?" Brady says as his lip quivers a bit.

"Oh, that? Damn, I was hoping no one noticed. She kind of wants to keep our thing secret..." the 13 boy says brushing the hair to the floor, as I can see Brady's look of defeat immense.

"Congratulations Scott...."

The 13 boy gives a smile that seems fake to me. "Thanks bud. Oh, and please keep it a secret. She doesn't want the others to know yet, she will tell everyone when she's ready."

The 13 boy walks off, as I duck behind the pillar when passes by. I sneak a look at the 9 boy, who has fallen to his knees. After a bit, he stands up, walking back into the apartment and shutting the door.

He had feelings for the 8 girl no doubt, but with the 13 boy's lie, it had crushed him.

Parker Kelly, District 7 Male
I arrive to the second day of training with my new alliance. I had made my impression on them yesterday with my ability with large weapons, and they had taken me in.

I stayed out of the fight between the careers and 9, instead choosing to spectate. I was honestly surprised the boy had that much skill and power, and was tempted to ask him to join us.

Then again, he was an anti-career, so I already knew that answer.

"How are you feeling?" Trevor asks Thalia as she returns.

"I have a little headache, but I'll be fine." she responds, as the careers meet for Day 2 of training.

I sparred with DeMarco a bit, who's actually very good with dual wielding swords, surprising me even. I thought he was just a handsome face and nothing more.

Eventually he defeats me, as I throw my hands up. "You got me."

DeMarco smiles, and if I were into men, his grin might have just charmed me. "Chin up champ, you did well for a 7 tribute."

"Me next." says Scarlet, as she walks up to DeMarco.

"I don't know, you might get hurt little one."

"Aw come on DeMarco, don't underestimate me like that!"

The two agree to spar as I leave them too it, walking over to focus on some individual training. However I see the 9 boy talking with Thalia at their own little spot, as I witness him bring her flowers.

"Sorry again about yesterday... I got you a little something."

Thalia smiles, too nice to reject the gift. "Thank you Brady. These are really nice."

Talking with an anti-career? Messages of romance? No way! I had to stop this!

"Stop right there cowboy. This is the career pack. You may know how to throw hands but you're not one of us. So don't talk to us."

The boy from 9 glares at me, and Thalia does as well. "Don't be like that Parker, we're just talking, not plotting!"

"Yea, I could care less about your stupid alliance. If I were her I'd leave you guys."

I growl a bit. "Betraying the careers is a fate worse than death. We're having an alliance meeting anyways Thalia, come on let's go!"

Thalia looks at Brady, before sighing. "Sorry Brady, but those meetings are important. Hopefully we can talk later."

As we walk, I scold Thalia. "Flowers? Really? You should've thrown them on the ground and stomped on them!"

"He's sweet, Parker. Nice, compassionate, cute..."

She quickly throws her hand to her mouth as I look in shock. "Thalia!"

"Please don't tell them I said that Parker! I don't want to be hunted in the bloodbath!"

Sighing, I nod. "Fine. Just be a career and I could care less."

She nods. "Thank you..."

I felt bad for Thalia. She was a nice girl, too nice for this alliance, which was brutal and merciless. I'm surprised she was even from the capitol, as she seemed to feel sorry for the districts and everything.

I just hoped I wouldn't have to be the one to put her down in the end.

Alma Harlow, District 13 Female
We huddle up as the second day of training is about to end. Not much else had happened, other than we worked on several tactics exercises to combat the careers better. Now, we all grouped up to discuss tomorrow's big training day.

"Sponsors are important in these games, so scoring higher is necessary to get their attention. Do what your best at, and don't worry about the rest." Zara says to us.

I liked Zara, she reminded me of myself, someone who wasn't afraid to fight. Real good at it too. "Don't get scared now, just do your best and you will be good to go."

"You gonna pretend their villains as you beat them up tomorrow?" Scott says with a smirk.

"Yes, whatever makes me do better. I suggest you use those knife skills of your's."

The sun awakens me as I realize the test is here. Walking down, I take my seat, as the Capitol boy enters first, the tests beginning. I sit next to Scott in the back, District 13 one of the final districts to go in their session.

Every time a career would leave, the whole career pack would clap and holler. I was beginning to find this annoying, as they did it once more when the 7 boy came out with a grin.

Eventually the numbers of the tributes in the room dwindle, as more and more finish their private sessions. Zara is the first of our alliance to go in, as she comes back in, smiling. "They didn't expect that much out of a girl from 8."

I give her a high five, as she exits. "They must not be expecting much." Scott says as I slug him. "Scott!"

"What? I'm just kidding."

Brady goes in, and when he comes out, he's covered in sweat. "I gave it my all."

Basil comes in, cursing. "Damn forcefield, thought I could score a kill on one of the cunt game makers."

"Good luck Coal!" Ebony says to Coal, who takes a deep breath and enters in.

He comes back out, looking disappointed. Ebony goes in next, coming out soaking wet.

"Fell in the damn pool..."

Then I realize we're to District 13. "Scott Herndon, report to your private session."

"Good luck." I say.

"In my experience there is no such thing." Scott says with a cocky grin, as he waltzes into the training room.

After ten minutes, he comes back out. "Piece of cake. You'll kill it."

"Alma Harlow, report to your private session."

Butterflies come in my stomach, as I take a deep breath and walk in.

The training room is full of things tributes could show their talents on, as I get to work.

I rush forward, grasping a mace off the rack and bashing in the heads of multiple targets, my muscles straining as I swing the heavy weapon around with great force.

After I do that, I quickly throw the mace into the last dummy, before leaping up the gauntlet, climbing the rope and running through the course quickly.

I dodge the obstacles, getting to the end of the gauntlet. Instead of sliding down like most would, I take a deep breath, diving down into the pool.

Holding my breath, I swim the full length of the pool underwater, surfacing the other side and climbing out. I get in a hand-to-hand stance, as I fight off live trainers this time, managing to beat them in unarmed combat.

After this, a bell rings, as the gamemakers look down at me and clap. "Well done Ms. Harlow. You may go now."

I go to my district apartment, as Scott and the District 13 crew is already sitting there. "Care to join us Alma?" our escort says.

"One moment." I take a quick shower, drying myself off and changing into new clothes before sitting down next to Scott as we prepare to watch the live footage of the training.

"District 14 has just wrapped up their sessions, and the scores are in. Let's start with our very own tributes from the Capitol, Mario Hellburn! A score of 9, a good strong one that is!"

IT shows the Capitol boy tossing around super heavy weights like their nothing, and almost breaking a punching bag after giving it one good hit.

We boo when they start to show the District 1 boy again, as we have heard enough of him. "The perfect tribute it would seem, Trevor Lawrence.... a combo of size and skill we have never seen! Look at this!"

The 1 boy fights with a greatsword, which is a very big sword, but uses it as a one handed weapon for multiple instances. The amount of strength that would take was insane, and the Capitol announcers were going nuts.

"You couldn't have done any better Mr. Lawrence. A 12 is for you, a score that has only occurred 4 other times!"

Wow.... a perfect score... interesting.

I watch my allies training highlights, as Zara does something similar to me, beating up multiple dummies and showing off remarkable sharp shooting with the bow. Brady goes crazy and unleashes a plethora of unarmed combos, defying gravity at some points it seemed. I watch as Basil shoots darts into dummies, before turning towards the game maker room and shooting some at them.

Coal starts a fire, and it almost burns the room down before fire fighters have to come in. Ebony tries to show her speed and slips, splashing into the pool in an embarrassing fashion.

"Here we are, to District 13. Scott Herndon, the male tribute, shows a surprising skill with throwing knives..."

It jump cuts to Scott, who hits rapid fire knife throws on targets from 10 yards, 20 yards, and even 30 yards away. "Mr. Herndon, that is some impressive knife work you have there. Good enough to earn you a respectable score of 9."

We all applaud. "Nice work Scott, a 9!" the mentor says, as I can see Scott smile. "It was to be expected."

"Next, Alma Harlow. A tribute who can do it all it would seem. Look at the mobility here!"

It shows me striking the dummies as I throw the mace into the last one, before jumping on the gauntlet. "She speeds through this like it's nothing, but that's not the icing on the cake!"

It shows me dive from the gauntlet top into the pool. "She proceeds to not breathe at all, swimming the entire length of the pool and still finding the stamina to fight at the end!"

After it wraps up with me beating the trainers, the announcers look in disbelief. "Wow, the amazing and tireless Alma... take your 10 and run with it!"

The apartment erupts in cheers, as I can feel pats on the back and compliments. I really did it... I really did that well!

Coal Ember, District 12 Male
I could hear the careers snicker at me as I lined up in the interview backstage. They were calling me the "Boy who set the room on fire" and laughing as they walked by.

"Oh stick it up your ass!" Zara tells them as they walk by.

"I'm sorry I botched the training." I tell her, but she shakes her head.

"Don't sweat it Coal. Those are just stupid numbers anyways."

I feel better after she says that. "Thanks Zara."

I hear the loud fanfare of trumpets as the show is soon to begin, the boy from the Capitol tightening his suit and smirking as he leaves backstage to an applause of the crowd.

I look to Ebony, as I can see she is focused on something. "Nervous?"

She smirks at me. "Nervous? No way! I have a few little lines to use on them..."

I laugh. "Let's hear them then."

Ebony looks at me, then says "Alright, pretend you're making fun of my score."

"Alright... you're score kinda sucked."

"Like your mouth was last night I suppose?"

Dang, she got a fiery lip on her.

"I think you have this under control." I tell her, as the line starts to slim down.

When they get to the 1 boy who had scored a 12, the crowd is crazy. It seems like the interviewer is gushing over him. "A 12? How does it feel to be the 5th tribute in the history of the games to receive this score?"

"It feels good, but it is just a number. I'm going to have to prove myself more in the arena."

They go to the 1 girl, who is annoyed and giving short responses out of envy for the 1 boy. The 2 boy goes up and I hear girls squeal when he starts to talk, as he charms the crowd.

"He's so hot..." I hear Zara say in front of me, as I look at her shocked.

"I mean he is, come on!" she says to my surprised look. "Doesn't mean I'm not going to kill him!"

"Whatever you say."

Eventually, it becomes my turn to get up on the stage. I take a step forward, never feeling more nervous in my life as I take a seat next to the interviewr.

"Coal Ember, the fire guy from 12!"

The crowd laughs as I start to get annoyed already. "That's not a fair assumption."

"Well, you're name is literally fuel for one!"

"Okay okay are you gonna ask questions or not?" I ask, as the crowd goes oooooh.

"Yes yes, all in good fun dear boy. So, Coal, you're from 12, a district that has had the worst success in the games. Any idea on how you can change that?"

"Why yes, I'm going to give it my all. I have strong allies, good people they are, and together we can figure a way out to get ourselves out of the danger."

"Interesting... you're allies, the anti-careers, do know you're going up against one of the strongest career packs in recent memory, right?"

"Yes, they may be strong, but they lack the spirit and heart we do. Watch us, and trust me, you'll see it too."

"Alright then! Confidence from Coal, I like it!"

The crowd applauses as I stand, giving a bow. "Thank you, thank you."

I walk off stage, as my anti-career friends cheer for me. "That was good Coal!"

"Ha, good for getting yourself killed. See you in the bloodbath 12." the boy from 14 sneers as he passes by.

"Don't worry about those losers Coal, you really nailed it." Brady says to me, as I smile.

"Thanks guys."

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
After 13 wraps up their interviews, it's time for us to go last. Devin smirks at me as he walks up. "Watch and learn Scarlet, this will be a piece of cake."

He goes up to the stage, waving to the crowd and acting very full of himself. It seems to be working, as the crowd is going crazy, liking the show that Devin was putting on.

I sit and wait, hating the fact I was the last person to be interviewed. After Devin is finished, he walks back stage, giving me a pat on the back. "Good luck topping that!"

That does little to reassure me, as I walk up to the stage and sit down.

"Looking lovely tonight Ms. Scarlet."

I smile, the compliment making me feel good. "Thank you."

"So, Scarlet, many questions about you from us... we have to address it... you're size. You're a career, but also the smallest tribute in the games... how do you plan on overcoming this?"

"Ever heard the phrase dynamite comes in small packages? That's me Cesar. Don't count me out because I'm not the biggest tribute out there."

"Ooooh, I like the fiery confidence there!"

"You all will like to see what I can do in the games. Send some mutts my way and I'll show you there is more to winning than blades and bows."

I wrap up my interview and hope I did good, as Devin applauds me. "Nicely done."

"Bows and Blades? What are you talking about, they kill mutts!" Nora says at me, as I back up a bit.

"I'm just trying to..."

"Leave her alone Nora. It's been a long night." DeMarco says, as I feel myself start to blush.

He looks at me, flashing that super white smile, his photogenic looks taking me away to fantasy land.

"Scarlet... Scarlet!" Devin says, snapping his fingers in front of my face.

"Wha?" I snap back to reality, watching as DeMarco and Nora walk off.

"Why don't you ask him on a date already?"

"Devin! That's not it at all!"

"Don't lie to me Scarlet, ever since you seen him you've been eyeballing him. Shoot your shot, maybe he'll say yes!"

I prepare to walk up to the 2 boy, when the other careers meet us in the hall.

"Good work wolf pack, I'm sure the sponsors will be all over us." Trevor says with a grin. "Remember the plan for tomorrow, stick together in pairs to better work against tributes. Remember who your buddy is."

"Yes, remember who your 'buddy' is." a cold menacing voice says.

All eleven of us stop when the 13 boy rounds the corner, surprisingly calm and unafraid as the whole career pack looks him down.

"What do you want 13?" Evelyn sneers, as the boy simply glances over her.

"Simple, really. A truce."

"A truce? With an anti? You must be mad." Mario laughs.

"I know you think it's crazy... but how would you like inside info on all their doing... the anti-careers? We are, after all, your biggest threat...."

I nervously look at Trevor, along with the other careers. He had to make the decision on this.

"I think it'd be wise if you'd just move along." he disagreed.

"Alright Prince Charming, I suppose the most crucial information for your biggest foes will remain a secret..." the 13 boy snarled.

"No wait! Think of this Trevor, that could be a game changer. So what if we can't kill just one tribute, we're getting a trade for the whole anti-career alliance!" Hailey pleaded, as Trevor shook his head.

"Fine, if the others so wish. Vote on it."

The careers take a short vote. Trevor, DeMarco, Thalia, Parker, and I vote no. However, Mario, Hailey, Nora, Trenton, Evelyn, and Devin vote yes, and since it was a 5 to 6 vote, the alliance has to agree to the 13 boy's terms.

"I'm glad you could come to the smart decision. Keep me alive and I will give you some information. Call me the Red Shadow, and look for my initials for clues about them." the boy instructs, as he turns to leave. "See you in the games."

After the Red Shadow departs, I go into my tribute apartment. "That was weird."

"Yea, it was. But you still should've talked to DeMarco." Devin tells me.

"Give me a minute, alright?" I tell him, but Devin isn't done.

"Matter of fact, I invited him here."

"You what?!" I say, standing up. Then, there's a few knocks on the doors.

"It's unlocked!" Devin shouts, as my face turns red.

DeMarco walks in, and gives us a smile. "Hello 14."

"Hello DeMarco. Scarlet has something she wants to say to you."

I nervously twirl my hair, as I look at DeMarco. "Yes Scarlet?"

"I.... I..." I stammer, before Devin sighs.

"She likes you dude!"

DeMarco's smile fades. I internally cringe as I just want to die on the spot, I can't believe Devin really did this!

"Give us some time.... alone." DeMarco tells Devin, who smirks at me.

"Sure thing."

When Devin leaves, DeMarco sits next to me on the couch.

"You know... you're actually pretty cute yourself."

I blush, looking down shyly. "Nowhere as cute as you..."

"Ah, don't say that. I'd say even more."

He gently caresses my shoulders, running his fingers through my hair gently. I put my hand on his back, as he looks me in the eyes, getting real close.

I'm sorry Lee, but I couldn't resist his charm.

"You ever done this before?" DeMarco asks me, as my hands go up to the back of his head.

"Maybe..."

"It won't be anywhere near as good as what I'm about to do though."

With that, he pulls me close, as our lips lock, as we begin to kiss, making out on the couch as we both fall down. The night grew more passionate, as DeMarco and I did things that I hoped weren't caught on camera, many things that would not be suited for public tv.

Tonight would be my little slice of heaven, as tomorrow would be my descent into hell.

Zane Onyebuchi, District 5 Mentor
The games were about to begin.. I gave my final piece of advice to my pair of tributes, watching as they exited into the hovercraft, my eyes glued to the television screen, as the 24/7 live coverage began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the hovercrafts have taken off toward the arena. While we prepare to switch to the arena cams, let's take a final look at the projections here."

As usual, that boy from 1, Trevor, is getting a ton of hype. A perfect 12 and a two in one odds of winning was extremely favored, and almost every expert on the games was picking him to win.

"6 foot 6 inches, and a combo that will shock you. Who can stand up to that?" one announcer goes, when the other speaks up. "You're under valuing Parker, who was barely behind with his score of 11. I see him being able to go up against Trevor if need be."

While they talk about who they think is going to win, I simply sit, thinking back on when I was in this position. It was like yesterday when I was in the hovercraft, getting injected with a tracker, looking to my career allies and discussing last minute plans.

"Don't count him out... fans of him are calling him The Dragon, and for good reason. He took down three careers in training with only his bare hands!" they say, talking about the 9 boy.

"He's not even the best of that alliance either... allow me to introduce Alma Harlow, from District 13. A fighter of crime and someone who can lay down the beating it would seem. Not only that, but her flexibility and athleticism make her an all around threat come to any situation."

"They yap too much don't they?" Someone says to me, as I turn to see a lovely girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

"I suppose they do... who are you anyway?" I ask

"Amber Heart, the victor of the 658th games."

Right, the most recent victor from District 1. I had spoken with the other mentors, but could barely recall anything about them.

"You seem kind of lonely in here, so I thought I'd give you some company."

"Suit yourself, you're not going to see much."

We sit there and watch as the arena cameras flicker on. "Alright folks, your first look at the arena is soon to come! This year's games will be in a spooky environment it would seem, so let's hope our tributes are ready for that!"

A wide variety of stuff that would be kind of scary pop around, a cemetery, a haunted ocean, a creepy summer camp, all things you'd find in some kind of horror movie.

"They have to be nervous, huh? I remember feeling like throwing up when I was there." Amber says.

"I know they are. It doesn't matter who you are, these things are very terrifying."

That's when they rise up from the ground, the 32 tributes circled around the cornucopia, as the camera pans around to each different tribute, showing a wide variety of expressions.

"The tributes are out now, and in sixty seconds, let the festivities begin!"

Malachi Technica, District 3 Male
Here we go... the games were here. I just hoped I was prepared, because in sixty seconds, everyone would be trying to kill each other, and I wished to not be in that same category.

Looking around, I notice the other tributes preparing their plan. I knew to avoid both the careers and anti-careers, as they were the two largest groups.

Spotting a bag kind of close to me, I make a plan to dash for it. I wouldn't need much to get going, as long as I could make my traps and find a good secure spot to hide in.

A deep voice begins to count down, as the games are starting soon. "60... 59... 58..."

I prepare myself mentally as I try to make myself as calm as possible. "Alright Malachi... remember what we got... bag and run, get out and don't look back."

The countdown is now in the 30s, as I look around to my left. Two tributes I could outrun if I needed too, as long as I didn't get in their reach, I would be fine.

"10... 9... 8..."

I get in a position to sprint, as the final seconds count down. "3... 2... 1..."

As soon as the gong rings I'm off my pedestal, grabbing the bag and quickly retreating into the woods, not even bothering to look back at the carnage.

Trenton Wade, District 4 Male
Following Trevor's plan, I meet quickly with my district partner Evelyn as we circle the edge of the cornucopia, grabbing our preferred weapons and trying to stop as many tributes as possible from escaping with items.

Quickly I target the boy from 5, seeing as he is reaching for a weapon. He doesn't even get a chance to turn around before I stab him through the back with a trident, ripping it out as his blood sprays across the ground.

"Nice one Trenton!" Evelyn says as we look for other targets.

We continue to make our rounds, this fast pace bloodbath continuing on. I notice DeMarco and Nora fighting some members of the anti-careers, as I rush over to help.

Before I reach there I'm slammed to the ground by the boy from 9, who begins to kick me in the sides. I get away from his strikes as I watch him help his three allies run back towards the cornucopia.

"Fools, right into the center of the hive!"

Alma Harlow, District 13 Female
I watch as Scott flings a knife into the girl from 9, who was actually retreating away from us. Before I can scold him for that, I notice Brady, Basil, and Ebony running into the cornucopia.

"Scott come on we have to help them out!"

"They can handle themselves."

"Damn it come on!" I growl as he reluctantly follows me.

Grasping a mace, I immediately am attacked by the girl from 2. "Think you're a big shot huh with your high training score? That 10 won't save you!" she snarls as she swings blades at me.

I dodge and duck, managing to avoid most of her blows before one grazes across my leg. I wince in pain as she begins to press forward on me, backing me up against the wall.

I duck under a stab as I feel her smash the pommel into the side of my head, blood running down my cheek. I quickly deflect a fatal stab using the handle of my mace, managing to shove her back.

I grasp my mace with both hands, as I swing with all my force and smash the sharp head into the skull of the 2 girl, who is killed immediately by the strong blow.

"Thanks a lot Scott!" I say sarcastically.

"Woah... you just killed a career!" Ebony says, as I look down at her corpse.

"Look, admire it later, we have to find the others and get out of here!" Brady says, as we begin to retreat.

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
I rip my blade out of the boy from 0, who hadn't moved from his pedestal at all. He was screwed as soon as he was reaped, as no one could do anything with that problem.

"A bit late are we dear?" DeMarco says with a smirk, as I look at him.

"Not now DeMarco, we got to get back to the cornucopia!"

Two other tributes had died, as I watch Trevor effortlessly spear the boy from 8 from a long distance. The girl from 11 is slain by Parker, who has her cut down by his axe.

"Guys, the anti careers have rushed the cornucopia and are getting away with supplies!" Trevor says. "Come on, we got to get them!"

I run with them, as I find the two from 13 and 12 along with the boy form 9. I rush forward with my fellow careers, as I begin to attack the anti-careers.

I lock blades with the girl from 12, both of us being quiet small and fast. However my skills surpass her, and I'm able to deftly defeat her before I stab her in the side.

She shrieks as she falls, before I'm met with an arrow in the shoulder. I shriek as I fall down, realizing the girl from 8 had acquired a bow and starting to pick us apart.

"Get back into the cornucopia!" Trevor orders as I feel a tribute lift me up.

"DeMarco! Thank god!" I say as I watch him carry me away.

Coal Ember, District 12 Male
I watch as Zara begins to shoot arrows at the career, forcing them to flee for now. She quickly shoots down the girl from 0, who had tried to stab Brady from behind, as I begin to head count all of us.

"Basil..." I say.

"Where is he? We can't leave him!" Zara says.

Then we see him, the girl from 10 backing him up against a pedestal as she begins to stomp down on his chest, raising her spear to skewer our ally.

I don't hesitate to rush forward, stabbing my knife quickly into the girl from 10's neck. She shudders as she falls down, as I stab her again to make sure she is dead.

"You alright?" I ask as I help Basil up.

"Just fine... let's get out of here."

I regroup with my allies, as the careers come out of the cornucopia, a spear landing dangerously close to Zara. "Come on, into the woods! Let's go go go!"

We run into the woods, being pursued by half the career pack, running for our lives.

Parker Kelly, District 7 Male
"Heh, not so tough." I hear Mario says as he pulls his axe out of the girl from 3's head.

"Not much of a kill Mario..." I comment, but he just grunts.

"You get what you can take."

Hailey comes limping into the cornucopia, falling down as I see she is covered in cuts and has an arrow protruding from her leg. "What happened to you?"

"Damn bitch from 8 shot me, and the girl from 7 tried to jump me! I managed to kill her and escape, but damn I'm in pain!" Hailey grimaces as I help her sit down.

"Mario, where are the others?" I ask.

"Trevor took most of them into the woods after the anti careers... it's just us here for now."

I groan. Mario was dumb and Hailey was injured, if they just doubled back we'd be so screwed. I wait, and wait, until eventually they do return, looking rather annoyed.

"They got away with a bunch of supplies. We can't let them continue to exist!" Devin says, as I can see the whole alliance is starting to get very annoyed with our rivals.

"I say we continue after them! Damn the cornucopia, we can all carry it's contents!" Evelyn says.

"Not anymore. 13 girl killed Nora. We're down a person." DeMarco comments, as a lot of the alliance didn't even realize they had managed to get one of us.

"Everyone calm down. We will figure out a way to get on the better side of this. First we need to rest, some of you sustained injuries in the bloodbath, and I do not wish for anyone to get hurt further." Trevor orders as we all stand at attention.

"Now, the cornucopia isn't a safe place for us to stay either. We will have to explore this arena and find shelter. Hailey, Scarlet, you two can be carried if needed. We will worry about the arrows when we get somewhere safe."

That's when Devin emerges from the inside of the cornucopia, holding the girl from 6 by her hair as she looks super scared as Devin just evilly grins.

"Looks like there is one left!" he says, as the rest of us stand there.

"Isn't she deaf? Might as well not even waste time on her, she won't last long." I say.

"No way! One other tribute out there? Let's put her down, nice and easy." Mario says coldly.

"That's not right! Just let her go, she's not worth the trouble!" Thalia quivers.

"You know what you signed up for when you picked the careers Thalia! Matter of fact, prove you're still tough enough to be with us. Kill her!" Evelyn yells, as Thalia raises her bow, her arm shaking.

After a tense few seconds, she lowers the bow. "I.. I can't! It's not right, she's not trying to kill me!"

Devin scoffs, as he slits the girls throat anyways, tossing her dying corpse to the side. "Pathetic! You're going to be the one carrying Hailey now!"

I felt bad for Thalia, as I didn't really want to kill the girl either. However, I was glad it was Thalia that was challenged instead of me, as I couldn't risk this high score and odds.

"Pack your stuff up careers, we find shelter before night." Trevor tells us as we all continue on.

Basil Winters, District 11 Male
"Go go go go go!" Zara says as we tear through the woods, continuing to flee as we were almost certain the careers were still hot on our heels.

After a bit of running, we manage to take a stop for a second. "We lost them, we've had to..."

We were all alive, thank god, and we were fine. "What's the plan now?" I ask, the rest of the group not knowing either.

"Keep going this way until we find a way to a source of water." Zara orders, as we continue to go.

The day starts to grow long, as eventually a clearing opens up ahead, several cabins surrounding a medium sized lake revealing itself. The whole atmosphere it spooky, and unnatural to me.

"Let's pick one building to stay in. Better if we stick together."

Cooper Baron, District 10 Male
I decide to stay near a cemetery, the high paranormal activity being extreme here. I was also close to the sea, and a water source, so I think I'd be in pretty good shape if I were to be here.

The ghostly voices call to me, as I listen in, asking questions. "Can you spirits provide any aid to me?"

Most are unhelpful, saying things like die, save me, or get out. One however does come above the rest. "Tributes seem to be gathered far from here... keep your eyes peeled for the loner."

Whatever that meant. Surviving the bloodbath was a step up for me, as I knew 11 others had failed to do that. Going into a crypt, I lay my sleeping bag down, trying to ignore the huge coffin in the center of the stone building.

"This is the creepiest place I've ever slept..." I mutter as I lay down, the whole building in the cemetery really being kind of freaky. I hoped this location would be temporary, as even though I was used to the ghosts, I bet there was something on this plane that would try to harm me if I stayed too long.

Alma Harlow, District 13 Female
I yawn as I awaken, the bleak arena offering no real dawn to the day. Most of the others were still asleep in this single cabin we had, as we had made sure to keep the door barred over night in case a tribute or creature tried to break in.

However, I notice the door is open, and Brady is nowhere to be seen. Sleepily, I rub my eyes, grabbing my mace and stepping out into the cool morning air.

I see Brady out on the pier, in a meditating pose, and completely shirtless. I am shocked a bit at how built he is, despite not being the biggest guy.

I walk up behind him, and wonder if I should interrupt him. I get my answer quickly.

"Alma, if you're going to stare at me, at least be subtle."

"Wh-what? I wasn't... I wouldn't..." I stammer, as he stands up and turns around, smirking at me. He was even better looking from the front.

"Look, it's alright. I was just finishing up anyways."

He looks over to the cabin. "No one else up yet?" he asks.

"Nope, just me." I say, as he nods.

"Well, since it's just us, I want to know how you did it."

I look at him confused. "Did what?"

"Get a score of 10 of course. There's got to be something special about you."

I blush a little. But I quickly rub my face and look away. He called me special. Gathering myself, I look back at him with a stern look, one that is forced and fake.

"I simply trained hard... and fought better."

Brady smirks. "Fought better huh? Well, how about you teach me a thing or two about that?"

I look at him and shake a bit. Fighting Brady unarmed was the last thing I wanted to do. "Um... no thanks..." I say, as he looks dissapointed.

"Ah come on, I won't hurt you. Just show me your talent with that mace."

I reluctantly agree, as we face each other down on the pier. "Now, let's dance."

I am immediately backpedaling as Brady is lightning quick, his strikes keeping me on my toes and knocking me back a bit. Off-balance, he simply pushes me, and I trip and fall on my butt.

Humiliated, I stand up, going after him with my mace. He manages to get by my slow strikes, before grabbing my arm and disarming me, putting me in a headlock.

"Ah Alma, you're not showing your score now. Come on, I know you have something hidden in you!"

Growling, I escape from his head lock, as I sweep his legs out from under him and get on top of Brady. Our faces get really close to each other, as I think we're about to kiss, when I hear someone clear his throat from behind us.

"Really? Out here in the open?" Scott says dryly, as we quickly get up and brush ourselves off.

"Scott! It's not that at all!" I say, as he rolls his eyes.

"Sure it wasn't. The others are waking up by the way. We're gonna eat breakfast soon."

He leaves, as I look at Brady, who smirks at me. "That was a good move you pulled back there. Real sleek, not bad for a super hero."

I playfully push him, smirking. "Ah, it's nothing."

However, Brady stumbles, as he looks at me scared. "Alma!" he yells as he slips off the dock and into the water.

"Oh Brady don't tell me you can't take it!" I laugh, expecting him to surface and splash me. However, he doesn't, and I begin to get worried when I see bubbles come up.

He never told me he was a bad swimmer!

I don't hesitate to dive headfirst into the water, holding my breath as I searched the murky water for Brady. I couldn't see good, as I wasn't a fish, but I managed to make out the blurry shape of him sinking into the lake.

Furiously kicking my legs and pushing my arms out, I swim quickly and grasp him from below, kicking off the sandy lake bottom as I swim with all my strength to the surface.

I gasp for air as I bring Brady to the shore, as he begins to cough up water on the sand. "Alma..." he coughs, as he kneels over.

"Brady I'm sorry I didn't know!" I plead, hoping he wouldn't hate me.

"It's... fine..." he says between breaths. "Teach me.... to swim, so next time... I can push you in."

I breathe a sigh of relief, as the other anti careers come over.

"Oh my, how funny!" Ebony says laughing. "The lovers of the lake swimming together!"

"Now now that's enough Ebony. I guess the fish in the sea had to meet eventually huh?" Coal adds on, as I feel my face turning red from embarrassment.

"Come on now guys, let's get serious. We have a lot to do today." Zara says, as I sense something strange from her... jealousy is it?

"Alright Captain Buzzkill, what do we got on our plate?" Scott says dryly, as Zara glares at him.

"Well, for one, we need to set defenses up around this area. We have access to water, as Brady and Alma have found out first hand, so that's a major bonus. But one others will want as well. We have to keep the area secure."

"I want traps set up around the boundaries. Let's get going now, we don't have a second to wasted!"

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
God, this town was giving me the creeps. When we first stepped in here at sundown, I almost freaked out when I saw a body hanging from the edge of a building. DeMarco cut it down, reassuring me it was a prop, and not real at all. It still scared me though.

"Alright careers, big day for us. Anyone who survived the bloodbath will be roaming around the area for sure. I'm splitting the alliance up for today, as I want half of us to search the town up and down to make sure no one is hiding here. The other half will join me as we branch out in the wilds and try to find other tributes. You guys got it?" Trevor orders, as most of us agree.

"Well, who will be in what group?" Devin asks.

"Thalia, Trenton, Evelyn, Devin, Scarlet, you will be with me. Mario, DeMarco, Parker, you will stay here and make sure Hailey recovers from the wounds yesterday. I will send Evelyn back first to check on you guys."

Looks like I was in the search party, and would be hunting down some tributes. I honestly didn't mind, as long as we didn't waste time and could get something done.

I prepare to leave, walking out with the others, when I remember I forgot something. "Hold on guys, I will be back." I say, as I go back into the main house.

However, I hear voices, familiar ones talking above. "Yes I like what you do with your hands... I feel better already..." a girl says.

"Yea I know how to use them, haha."

I quickly ascend the stairs, bursting through the door, to see DeMarco and Hailey getting intimate. I scream, angered by the sight, as I storm out of the room, tears coming from my eyes.

"Scarlet!" I hear DeMarco call, but I'm already down the stairs, storming away. How... could he? I cheated on my boyfriend for him, and then he goes around and starts screwing with Hailey!

"Scarlet, stop!" DeMarco calls to me, but I only curse at him. "Stay away from me! You no good pig!"

"We never were a thing! If that were true, I would have had 15 girlfriends by the time I met you." He says, his words hurting me even more as I turn to face him.

"Why would you do this to me DeMarco? How could you do this to me? I... I thought we were something! You said you loved me, you kissed me before the games began!"

DeMarco only shrugs in response. "Well, that's the only way I could get you to like me. Don't get me wrong, you're still a lovely girl. But I'm a free spirit, one isn't enough."

"You're sick." I cry, as I turn away from him and catch up with the other half of the alliance.

"Something wrong Scarlet?" Trevor asks me, as I wipe a tear away.

"It's nothing... let's just focus on hunting."

I know Trevor doesn't believe me, but he doesn't question it. "If you want to talk to me later, don't be afraid to."

After this, we continue to march on in silence, into the foggy fields we go.

Malachi Technica, District 3 Male
Night has fallen, as I get to work. I worked better under the darkness, as no one could spot me, and I could do my tasks much easier that way.

The forest is creepy and silent, which reassures me little. Woods were supposed to be full of life at night, with crickets and frogs and all the stuff. Not this one.... it was still.

I quickly bury another trap of mine, as I hear rustling in the grass as something approaches. Quickly, I lay down in the leaves, hiding behind a large log as I look for the sound source.

The ruffling gets closer and closer, as I'm nearly about to scream in fright as it is right on top of me, till the figure of a tribute emerges from the darkness.

Is that... the boy from 13? What was he doing all the way out here, alone?

He takes a knife from his pocket, going up to a tree and carving the letters R S into it's trunk, before drawing an arrow pointing east. He looks around, making sure no one is there, before he walks back into the woods into the darkness.

Getting up, I inspect the carving, wondering what it could mean.

Trenton Wade, District 4 Male
I walk in the daylight, three days into the games now. We turned up empty on our hunt yesterday, though I did get to hear some juicy gossip from Evelyn.

"Yea, DeMarco straight up fucked Hailey, and then Scarlet walked in! It was mad embarrassing for them!" she laughs as she tells me again what happened.

"Kind of messed up on DeMarco's part if you ask me. But damn if his charm is hard to resist!"

I shake my head. "Come on Evelyn, don't think like that. He will do the same to you." I warn her.

"Eh, you're right. I better keep myself clean huh?"

We continue to walk through the fields, as the brief sunlight we had is immediately gone as dark clouds roll into the afternoon hours. Eventually rain begins to come down, the cold water shivering to the touch.

"Tributes will be going for shelter now. Let's check here." Trevor says as he points to a small cemetery that was close to the shore of the giant south sea.

We get close to the graveyard, which is very creepy. I read some of the tombstones, my jaw dropping when I realize they had names of deceased tributes.

"Nora Fields... 30th...." I read, shocked that my own allies name had been put here.

I watch as Scarlet shivers, reading a grave that ready Alaska Winters. That was the blind boy she had killed during the bloodbath. The worst part wasn't that though. There was 31 graves total, and most of them were blank.... just enough for the remaining tributes.

"Guys, I saw someone dash out of that building there, come on!" I hear Devin say, as he points to a medium sized stone building in the distance.

We begin to chase in the direction Devin pointed, as we spot the girl from 5 sprinting away. We manage to gain on her, running through the fields as she seems to be fleeing towards a seaport a ways ahead.

However, the slick conditions cause her to slip, allowing Devin to catch up to her and tackle her to the ground. She screams as Devin holds her still, her squirming futile.

"Well, a live one. Let's add another name to the gravestone shall we?"

Devin stabs the girl through the back, shoving her into the mud as she gasps for air, Devin's stab taking her breath away. Evelyn goes up to her and stabs the girl as well. "Come on everyone get your licks in!"

I reluctantly stab the girl next, not wanting to look bad in front of my careers. The girl is in major pain now, as I look at Thalia. "Go on Capitol, put her out of her misery!" Evelyn orders, as Thalia hesitates.

"I.... I..." Thalia stammers, as she drops the knife.

"Weakling. Why are you even in this alliance if you can't kill!" Devin yells.

"Stop! This is cruel, this isn't right!" Thalia argues.

"It's the games. The only cruel one is you for not ending her misery." Evelyn barks.

Before Thalia can respond, Trevor goes over and in one slash, quickly puts the girl out. A cannon booms, signifying the deed is done, as we all turn to our leader.

"What's done is done. You all should've killed her quickly. Not played it out." His words scold both sides of the argument, us for stabbing too much, and Thalia for her lack of action.

On the way back, Devin pulls me and Evelyn back a bit. "Thalia is dead weight to this alliance... I say we cut her free, so to speak."

"What? No, Devin!" I protest, but Evelyn shuts me up.

"Listen Devin, I see what you mean. But if Trevor finds out, we're toast!"

Devin just smirks. "Who's to say he has too? We will make it look like an accident. When we go hunting tomorrow, we fill her backpack with rocks, alright? Then we shove her into a deep body of water, and she'll drown!"

"That's a stupid plan Devin, she could just take the backpack off and swim up for air!" I say.

"Nah, we make sure she can't take it off. We will tell her that a tribute will steal it if she doesn't tie it to herself first."

"Devin, your plan is ridiculous. But I will do it." Evelyn agrees.

I didn't like this plan, but not wanting to be gutted by the two of them, I agree to it as well. I just hoped I didn't regret it.

Ebony Flame, District 12 Female
Dawn rises on the fourth day, as our base is pretty much secured with traps. I sit watch over the campground, spying on Brady and Alma, as they swim around a bit in the lake.

"Now, be sure to use both legs and arms in conjunction, like your fighting the water." Alma tells Brady, who goes out in the deep a bit. He manages to keep afloat for a bit, before he sinks again.

Alma pulls him up, as he shakes his head back. "I keep sinking!"

"You'll get it Brady. We all have to start somewhere."

It was cute that she was helping him. It was cute that he was helping her come out of her shell.

"You know, it's not nice to spy on people Ebony." Coal says behind me as I laugh a bit. "Oh and you're going to tell me you've never spied on someone before?"

Coal shrugs. "Maybe... but not as much as you have these two."

Basil comes over, as he strings up a few rabbits on a stick. "Lookie here, fresh kill!"

I look at the dead rabbits, being pretty impressed with Basil. "You must be one hell of a shot to get those with a blowgun."

He shrugs simply. "I guess I am."

Coal takes a rabbit off, and starts to inspect it. "I think we're going to eat good tonight."

That's when the chime of a sponsor comes through, as a large box is parachuting down. All three of us look at it, and we open it, to see it contains 4 bottles of water.

"To Coal. Be sure to share."

"Thank you..." Coal says, as he tosses a bottle to me and Basil.

"Be sure to share with the others. Refill the bottles with treated lake water when empty."

Parker Kelly, District 7 Male
I was getting bored with this idling around in this village while Trevor and his hounds got to go hunting for the other tributes. Hailey was fine, she didn't need to rest anymore, especially since she was rubbing up all over DeMarco at every opportunity.

I am making my rounds through the town when I hear crying, as I go to inspect it. I open the door, the soft sniffling stopping for a minute when I walk in.

"Leave... me... alone..." Thalia cries, as I stand in the doorway. "You're just as mean as them Mario.... and you're supposed to be my district partner!"

"It's not Mario." I say, as Thalia turns around, wiping her eyes.

"I'm sorry Parker... I'm just upset...." she says, quickly drying up. "Man I must look so weak right now... I feel useless!"

I sit down next to her on the bed, not liking the sight of one my allies in a bad spot. "You're not weak. You're just misunderstood, that's all."

"I am Parker! I couldn't kill in the bloodbath, and I couldn't yesterday. They keep making fun of me, they laugh at me! They're probably going to kick me out of the alliance."

"Look, I am going to be honest... I don't like killing either. I only do it out of necessity. I understand your pain."

She looks at me, her beautiful blue eyes gazing into my soul. "You... don't?"

"No. I despite it, actually."

She seems to relax a bit. "At least I'm not alone. I've always felt like the odd one out... at home, in the Capitol. You think I wanted in these games, you think I wanted to be a career?"

Interested, I begin to listen more.

"No, I didn't. I was forced to volunteer after I spoke out against the unjust treatment of the districts. It wasn't fair to them for us to do that! You guys deserve better, there shouldn't be a games!"

I put my arm around her shoulder. "I can't believe you'd do that. I thought everyone in the Capitol were snoody assholes who loved the games."

She rests her head into my chest, as she keeps speaking. "No. Not everyone. Just the majority."

I gently brush my fingers through her blue hair, as it's surprisingly soft and smooth to my touch. This relaxes Thalia a bit, as she begins to open up to me more.

"I'm sorry Parker, I must be boring you. But you're the only one who'd listen and not laugh at me."

"You're not boring me. I care about you, along with the others. No alliance is good when it's mood is bad."

She lies down now, her head sitting in my lap as she continues to talk. "Thank you Parker... it really means a lot."

"No problem... I'll always be there for you." I say.

She doesn't respond for a bit, as I look down at her. Thalia's eyes are closed, as her side gently rises and falls as she sleeps. I carefully put her head on a pillow, as I tuck her in, wrapping the covers around her, leaving her to rest.

I go outside, as the sun is setting. That's when DeMarco looks at me excitedly. "Parker, come quick, Trenton found something!"

I follow DeMarco, when I notice the rest of the alliance is gathered around a sign post. The letters R S are carved into it, as Trevor reads the inscription.

"R S... that wasn't there yesterday."

Then, as if a flashback, I remember the night after the arena.

Call me the Red Shadow, and look for my initials for clues about them.

The 13 boy's words echo in my head as I realize what this meant. He had carved directions for where the anti-careers where holed up at. A trail of breadcrumbs.

"Alright Careers, rest up tonight. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow, and a battle to plan for."

With that, we split apart, heading into the big house of the town, to prepare for tomorrow.

Thalia Beauvau, Capitol Female
So our inside man had carved R S into all the trees along with several arrows that pointed in the same direction. We followed the arrows, as we got deeper into the woods.

"I'm scared, and nervous..." I admit to Parker. "Does that make me weak?"

"No. Admitting your scared makes you strong, as you're not afraid of your feelings." He says reassuringly me, as I feel his hand take mine as we walk through the woods.

The long walk continues, as I keep talking to Parker. "So, you've not told me much about yourself... from what I've heard, you were quiet the hockey player."

He smirks. "I guess you could say so."

"Ah don't leave me hanging, there's gotta be more!" I say playfully slugging his arm.

"Well, I did take my team and win a championship. We brought home the Cup, it was a good time."

"So why are you here, in the games?"

He sighs a bit. "Another boy, Max, was reaped. He was family to me, raised in the same house practically. I had to volunteer in his place."

"That's very noble of you." I say as I look into his eyes.

We stop for a moment, as the world seems to slow down. Before anything happens though, I hear the halting of footsteps as I look to see Trevor hold his hands up.

"Stop... there's buildings up ahead. Stay in the tree line. Thalia, Devin, go scout ahead. See what's going on."

I walk with Devin, this unusually heavy backpack taking its toll on my shoulders. I was warned by Evelyn and Trenton that there were tributes who hid in the trees and stole these things, so I had it strapped around my stomach as well.

"Shh, quiet loud foot!" Devin whispers angrily at me as we creep through the tall grass surrounding the lake.

Sure enough, the anti-careers are around, walking around the lake, two of them inside of it, as they weren't expecting an attack on them at all.

"Quick, get on the dock here, see if you can hit them with your bow." Devin says to me, as my stomach sinks. They wanted me to kill, with no real reason.

"Do it!"

Reluctantly, I creep on the dock, as I knock an arrow on the string of my bow. I take aim at the girl from 8, knowing she was their leader, and probably the highest value target.

Before I can release though, I feel a hard shove from behind me.

Devin tricked me!

I let out a scream as I fall straight into the lake water, sinking down fast. I try to swim up, but the weight of my bag is too much, as I can not swim to air. I struggle to get the bag off me, but it's tied tight, as I look up to the surface, reaching up hoping someone will grab me.

My lungs burn as I cry for help, but the water muffles my screams, as I begin to cough, having swallowed some of it. My lungs begin to fill up as oxygen leaves my body, as I can only watch helpless as it floats to the surface in a mass of bubbles.

My vision darkening, I feel the world ending around me, the last sight I make out is a blurry figure approaching me.

Alma Harlow, District 13 Female
As soon as Brady told me about the splash, we both went to it's source, wondering what it was. When we saw the girl from the Capitol drowning, we both knew we couldn't leave her to die.

Brady cut the bag off of her, which was full of rocks for some reason, as I dragged her to the surface, bringing her to the shore. The other anti careers huddle around, looking at the ex-career, who's body was sprawled on the sand.

I push on the girls chest, trying to get her to breathe. I perform CPR, as I breathe air into her mouth, as eventually I hear her cough, as she turns on her side spitting up water and gasping for air.

Immediately, Scott and Basil train their weapons on the girl. "Career tribute, you will meet your end!"

"No don't do that!" Brady protests.

"Just because you two were tight in training means nothing now. Let's kill her!" Scott says a little to eager, as I quickly stand up.

"Don't you guys think it's odd she would just fall into the lake with a bag full of rocks on her back?" I question.

"Didn't fall... was pushed... by Devin..." the girl says between coughs.

"Devin? The boy from 14?" Ebony asks.

"That's the one.... it seems the careers want no part of me anymore."

However, our troubles aren't done yet, when the water starts to bubble, this time more violently. Immediately standing up, I prepare my mace, when I see a hulking man walk out of the water, this thing obviously not a tribute. This was a mutt.

"Prepare for battle!" Zara says, as we all face down the large monster.

It lunges forward, trying to slash us with it's machete. I back up, watching as Scott throws three knives quickly into the creature's chest. It simply shrugs these off, grabbing Scott and throwing him into the side of the cabin.

I let out a battle cry as I smash my mace into the things head. It simply turns back, looking at me before it stabs it's machete towards me. I fall backwards to avoid it, looking as it raises to kill me.

Brady jumps in, unleashing a heavy head kick on the giant, disorientating it enough for me to get back on my feet. I watch as an arrow pierces it in the head, as the Capitol girl joins in on the battle.

Coal jumps into the battle, jumping on the back of the beast and stabbing it in the neck multiple times. It simply throws Coal off it, as several darts line up the creature's chest.

"This thing has to have a weakness!" Zara shouts as she ducks under a machete swipe from the beast, stabbing it in the stomach with both hands.

"I got an idea!" I say, as I look to Ebony, who has her axe ready. "I'm going to toss you, and you are going to behead it. Got it?" I tell her.

"You're crazy Alma, that won't work!" she protests.

"Just trust me!"

The beast knocks down Zara, and prepares to kill her. I quickly toss Ebony, who uses the downward momentum of gravity to swing her axe, the force enough to behead the beast.

The beast falls, headless to the sand, dead. We had killed the Lake Slasher.

After the fact, we begin to question the girl from the Capitol. We learn her name is Thalia from Brady, as the two had met prior to the games in the training room.

"Look, the other careers are out there in the woods. Someone led them here with carvings in the trees." she tells us, as we look to each other back and forth.

"There's a rat among us?" says Brady. "Wonderful..."

"They're probably waiting until the early morning to attack, when they suspect everyone will be asleep." Thalia tells us, as I look to see Zara deep in thought.

"We will need to ambush them... Basil, Scott, climb the trees, get behind them. When they come for us in the cabin tomorrow morning, you two will rain fire down on them from above."

"But, I am bad at climbing!" Basil protests.

"No worries, I will help you up there." Scott says as I can sense a bit of fake niceness in his tone.

"The rest of us, we will remain in here. Thalia, you and me will shoot the careers from the bushes. Coal, Ebony, Alma, and Brady, you four will take them in the main melee. We will sandwich them between the four shooters, and they'll have nowhere to run."

We all agree to the plan. "Alma, you're first watch, make sure the careers don't attack early. The rest of us, prepare yourselves."

Parker Kelly, District 7 Male
"What... why is she with them!?" I ask angrily, as the next day arrives, as I watch Thalia walk outside the cabin.

"She ran away and joined them Parker! I tried to stop her, but she didn't believe me!" Devin tells me, as my blood boils.

How dare she... I trusted her, I was falling for her, I thought I loved that girl! Then she goes and joins the enemy? I was so done with this. I was going to kill them all for this.

"Plan remains the same. Go in and kill them while they sleep. Tread lightly, I saw some traps spread across the area." Trevor warns us, as the career bulk moves silently and swiftly through the lake grass.

So far, so good. The lone watchman didn't notice us. We were about to enter the cabin now, and kill the alliance right here and right now.

"Aw damn!" I hear DeMarco yell, as I see a knife protruding from his calf.

"They're in the trees!" shouts Evelyn, as I look up behind us to see the boys from 11 and 13 shooting darts and flinging projectiles.

We quickly take cover behind the cabin, just to watch as two arrows shot from the bushes, one of them striking me in the gut. I wince in pain, not daring to pull it out yet, as I am alerted to the yell of four more antis that rush us.

"Fight them, don't falter!" Trevor yells as he brandishes his great sword, swinging it at the girl from 13.

I immediately begin to fight off the boy from 9, though he manages to get close to me and land a few dangerous punches to me, and even kicks the arrow further into me.

I groan as I fall down, though luckily Devin comes to my aid as he begins to strike at the boy from 9 with his sword, as I realize we have walked straight into an ambush.

Ebony Flame, District 12 Female
I fight side by side with Coal, as we both have to combine our attacks to even stand up against the boy from 1. His great sword manages to danger both of us with every swing, as we barely are able to keep up.

"Keep hitting them hard, they're almost done!" Zara calls as he kicks the girl from 4 into the dirt, as the only careers that were still in fighting shape now were the Capitol boy and the boy from 14.

The 1 boy manages to disarm coal, as he begins to isolate me one on one. I can't stand up to his strong blows, as soon as I find myself laying down in the dirt, staring as he swings his sword high.

I watch as Brady flings into the boy, knocking him down as he reaches to help me up. I brush myself off, screaming for Coal to watch out as I notice the boy from the Capitol behind him.

He hears me too late, as when he turns, he is hoisted in the air by the Capitol boy, a large spear piercing through Coal's torso. In a fit of rage, I run at the Capitol boy, as I slam my axe into the boy's skull, watching as the heavy career fell down, dead.

"Coal! No!" I yell, as Brady and Alma take me away. "There's nothing left we can do, come on! The careers are scattering, now is our time to get out!"

We begin to retreat, as the boy from 1 goes back to his allies to help them, the girl from 1 and the pair from 14 pursuing after us.

Basil Winters, District 11 Male
I aim my blowgun, firing more darts off as I try to pick apart the careers. They're starting to spread apart now, as I traverse the branches to get a better shot angle on the boy from 1.

I see him there, as I watch him trying to help his injured allies up. Loading a dart into the blow gun, I prepare to end the most dangerous tribute in the arena.

"Goodbye scum." I mutter, as I blow the dart.

My shot is knocked off when someone smacks me in the back.

"What the hell Scott?" I say turning around, only to watch him grab me by the shirt.

"Sorry Basil.... no wait, I'm not." he says evilly, as I try to wriggle free.

He shoves me from the branch, as I fall with a yell, landing on the ground with a hard thud. I grunt and roll on my side, trying to stand up, but not before I feel someone press down onto me.

I look up to see the boy from 2. Without a word, he stabs his sword down into my chest, twisting it deeper in before he rips the blade out. I spit out blood, as I feel the life fade from me.

That bastard Scott betrayed me.

Zara DiMarco, District 8 Female
Another cannon booms, as I hope it is a career tribute. I continue to run, getting my allies to a safe point in the forest. Scott jumps down from the trees, joining us as I ask him where Basil is.

"Basil fell. The careers got him."

I groan, realizing I lost two anti-careers today. "We have to keep moving guys. There is a sea town up ahead, and we must reach it before night fall."

A quick rustle in the bushes and immediately I raise my bow, only to see the girl from 1 hold a knife to Ebony's throat. "You will be going nowhere, anti-career scum!"

We all train our weapons, but are powerless against the hostage holding. "Trevor, come quick! I got them, they're all here! Come kill them!" she yells, as she smirks at us.

"What's wrong? Too proud to just sacrifice one for the rest of you? Weak and sad, it really is. No wonder you fit in with them you sorry bitch." the 1 girl yells at Thalia, who growls.

"You bloodthirsty killers are no better! You're all bound to hell anyways you murderous pigs!"

"Guys... lower your weapons. Let Ebony go, and you can have me..." I offer.

"Hmm.... that could be arranged. So heroic 8... I almost feel bad..." the girl from taunts.

She quickly shuts up as an arrow goes straight into her skull, the girl giving a shocked look. I turn to see Thalia, who's bow now has no arrow in it, realizing she had done it.

"I've had enough of them." she says, taking a level in badass.

"Come on, they no doubt heard her. Let's get moving!" I say to the stunned anti careers, as we take off to the sea port.

Cooper Baron, District 10 Male
Cannons had gone all off, and I sit in the crypt still, my supplies running low. I knew I needed to leave here, as every few nights, I would hear groans and shuffling outside, and I was growing terrified.

Not to mention, the voices of the dead were whispering in my head still, some of them recently deceased. "Damn you Scott!" one whispers violently, as I look around to see nothing.

A shadow dashes across the door, as I back against the wall, expecting the coffin in the middle of this room to creak the lid open. Not taking this anymore, I run out of the building.

I look around, and am horrified to see what the shuffling was. Zombies. The undead walk around, shambling and groaning. I was surrounded. Yelling, I bolt, watching as they walk towards me.

I continue to flee, trying to escape the damned. A whole bunch of them keep coming after me, as I count at least a hundred. Not wanting to become zombie food, I continue to run, trying to find my way to some kind of shelter where I could fight them if necessary.

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
Defeated, I sit in the main foyer of the creepy gothic manor the remaining careers had sat in. Mario and Hailey had died, not that I cared much for either of them. But they were allies, and their deaths had lowered our chances of surviving.

"She betrayed us Trevor, I can't let that stand!" Parker says, as I can hear genuine pain in his voice. "Let me go and find Thalia and bring her to justice, I beg you!"

Trevor is stressed, and I can tell he has had enough of it. He relents. "Fine Parker, but Evelyn will go with you. You two can find and defeat her, but the rest of us will remain here and recover."

Parker nods, as he goes to find Evelyn. I sit down beside Trevor, his face looking long as he took the deaths of Mario and Hailey responsible, the weight on his shoulders.

"You know Scarlet, you never told me why you were crying the other day."

I can't believe he still remembered that, but I decide I should tell him. "It's DeMarco... what he did, specifically."

"DeMarco? How did he upset you?"

"Well... we got a little... intimate the night before the games. He told me he loved me and no one else was like me. I find out the first night of the games... he was a player. He was getting with Hailey... and I was just another notch for his sick belt."

A single tear rolls down my cheek, as the event was still painful for me to think of.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that Scarlet. I hope you find someone who will make you happy."

I sit next to him, resting my head on his shoulder. "Thank you Trevor."

I begin to drift off, surprised that Trevor doesn't move, and allows me to sleep on his shoulder.

Malachi Technica, District 3 Male
I continue setting traps throughout the woods, as I see something had tripped one. Curious, I investigate, to see the rope had been chewed off. Immediately I hear growl, and turn to see rabid dogs approaching.

I only had a knife, and would rather not get within arm's length of these beasts. I run, through a trap field I had set earlier, as the dogs keep chasing.

I hear their barks and growls as they continue to get closer, but I notice their dwindling as my traps slow them down and allow me to get further and further away.

Eventually, only one chases me, as it leaps up and knocks me down, as I forcefully push it's gnashing teeth away from my throat. I grasp my knife, stabbing it into the side of the dogs neck, before tossing it off me.

I stab it again to make sure it's dead, as I continue to run, not wanting to be dog food.

Ebony Flame, District 12 Female
I surface with a gasp for air, as I swim around in the sea. Our supplies were getting low, and Zara had suggested we search the seas for some kind of help.

I couldn't hold my breath as long as Alma or Zara, and hadn't found anything but stupid seashells. Deciding I was done for now, I exit the water, sitting down near the hut of the seaport.

"They're outclassing us, huh?" Brady comments, as he points to the three girls, who would surface every few minutes before ducking back under and searching.

"Yea, it's not fair!" I say. "I want to help, really, but this idling around isn't my style!"

"Woah, calm down! We're safe, and we're alright." Brady says.

"No, it's not alright! Coal is dead, Brady! Those careers killed him! That was my district partner, someone who had been there with me since the beginning. Gone!"

I can't hold it in anymore, as I break down in front of him.

"No no come on Ebony, we can't be like that!" Brady says, though his way of helping sadness was not the way I wanted.

Mad tears roll down my face as I dry up. "Just forget it...."

"Ebony I'm sorry..." Brady tries to apologize as the three girls surface again, this time walking over to us.

"Nothing yet." Alma tells us, as she sits next to Brady and wraps around him.

"Ah come on Alma, you're wet!" Brady says as she simply smirks.

"Alright lovebirds, let's calm down now. Thalia and I have been discussing, and it's no doubt that Devin had lied to the other careers and Thalia is branded as a traitor. She has volunteered to use herself as bait to draw them out."

"No!" I say, protesting. "No more risking others, I don't want to see another one of my friends die!"

"Ebony!" Zara says.

"No no Zara, it's okay." Thalia says, as she kneels down in front of me. "I'll be alright. I promise."

"Don't lie to me Thalia. Who's to say I can even trust you, I've only known you a few days!" I retort.

"She's right. I don't think we should be working with a career. She could still be on their side." Scott says.

"Shut up Scott, you hid in a tree like a rope snake, you coward!" Brady yells, as Zara quickly shouts.

"Stop, everyone! I know the situation is dire, and we've been without a good meal for a bit. But trust me, if we can take out a career, they will be loaded with supplies, for us! Come on, one more risk, no more after, I promise."

I grunt annoyed, not wanting the risk. However, the others are for it, as my opinion is ignored.

"Now, let's get moving. We have to do this right."

Parker Kelly, District 7 Male
I trudge through the wet ground, as rain drizzles down in the evening light. "We've been searching down here for hours Parker, let's just get back to the career base before it's night!" Evelyn tells me, but I was determined to find Thalia.

"Not yet Evelyn, not until we find her."

Evelyn rolls her eyes, as I continue to go through the rain. The careers were a team to me, and when someone quit on that team, I wanted nothing to do with them.

But when someone joins the rival team, and actively hurts my own teammates, then there will be hell to pay.

That's when I spot her, right up ahead, in front of the sea port, sitting their alone. "Now Evelyn, let's finish this!"

I grasp my axe, rushing towards her, yelling. She stands up. "Parker? Parker wait!"

I ignore her cries as I swing my axe, as she barely manages to avoid my strike. "Parker stop! Parker!"

I continue to attack, knocking away her sword. She backs up as I rush her, slamming my shoulder into her and knocking her down into the mud.

"Listen... please!"

I don't, as I press the long handle of my weapon against her throat, crushing her windpipe under the weight of it as she begins to choke, unable to breathe.

"Devin... it was..." she chokes, as I begin to wonder.

"Devin was what, Thalia? Your ally? Your friend? You betrayed him like you did me. I liked you Thalia... hell I REALLY liked you!" I say through gritted teeth as I continue to choke her.

"Uh, Parker..." Evelyn says behind me.

"Devin... traitor... please!" Thalia tries to say as I can see she's about to pass out.

I relinquish my grip on the handle, as she gasps for air, breathing loudly. "What nonsense are you even speaking of?" I ask, wanting to get an answer before I killed her.

"Devin... he pushed me into the lake.. I nearly drowned! They saved me... I didn't betray you guys.... you betrayed me!" Thalia says as I look around, to see the anti-careers have circled around us.

"What... no..." I fall to my knees.

"She is telling the truth. IT's not her fault she wanted to live." the girl from 8 says.

Evelyn has her weapon ready, as I stand up.

"Parker... I liked you... a lot, too..." Thalia says. "I still do... please come to your senses!"

Conflict arises internally, as I begin to shake. They tried to kill Thalia...

I angrily turn to Evelyn.

They tried to kill Thalia!

Quickly, I make a slash across Evelyn's throat, her blood spraying on the grass as she falls down, choking to death from her wound. I should've known they would do something like this!

"Parker!" Thalia says as she wraps me up, hugging me.

"I'm so sorry Thalia... I will never leave you again!" I tell her, as I rest my head on hers, her warm embrace finally giving me some kind of peace for the moment.

"Alright alright, take it inside. Grab the 4 girl's stuff, she looks to be ripe with what we need." The 13 boy says sarcastically.

I ignore his words as I am reunited with Thalia, feeling a whole lot better.

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
I continue to bond with Trevor. I manage to keep him in a good mood, despite all the recent bad news. We saw Evelyn's face in the sky last night after hearing her cannon, and we could only assume that Parker either joined the anti-careers or were captured by them. Most of us believed the former.

There was only five of us left, even though most of us still lived just a few days prior. DeMarco didn't have Hailey, so he was in a funk, as I refused to satisfy him after his incident earlier. Trenton was seething, as his district partner had died, and Devin was always telling Trevor he wanted us to go kill and stop waiting.

"I wonder why I became a career sometimes..." Trevor says to me, as rain patters against the glass as we have a fire going in the manor's fireplace.

"Was it by choice, or were you born into it?" I ask.

"Well, it was by choice. But, I was heavily influenced to by my parents. They obsessed over the victors of District 1. They wanted me to become one too."

Trevor sighs, as he looks down. "But now realizing what I have to go through... to see my allies die, some of them betraying me. I don't think it's worth it."

I put my hand over Trevor's, though it's tiny in comparison to his. "I believe in you though. I think you've held us together well. What those two did were out of your control."

He gives me a half smile. "I suppose."

He takes my hand, as we lock eyes in front of the fire place. I find my head leaning forward as I am about to kiss him, when he pulls away suddenly.

"What's wrong?" I ask, as Trevor shakes his head.

"I'm sorry Scarlet... but I can't let anything bias me as a leader... no distractions."

He gets up quickly. "Trevor wait!" I say, but he simply goes to his bedroom, shutting the door behind him as I sit there, embarrassed and saddened.

I would have to wait until he was more ready.

Cooper Baron, District 10 Male
I awaken to the sound of a cannon booming, as I look around to see the massive horde of zombies still chasing after me. I groan, these guys were relentless!

Then, I get an idea. I could lead them straight to the careers! I knew were they were hiding out at, and if I could get the zombies to attack there, I could easily take them out with the environment.

"Hey you dumb shamblers, come get me!" I yell at them, as they pursue again.

Running, I see the spooky gothic town up ahead, the huge bunch of zombies following me. Quickly I make a lot of noise, throwing loud banging pots across the streets as the zombies grow near.

"What is going on out there?" I hear someone says, when I hear a knife clang off the ground behind me. The boy from 14 was throwing knives from the mansions porch, when he notices the large zombie horde.

"BAR THE DOORS!"

Seeing what I have done is successful, I quickly duck around and run off. Have fun with the undead careers!"

Brady Li, District 9 Male
Today, I was going to go the extra step with Alma. I had owed her a lot, after all. She taught me to swim, and was encouraging me to be even better at what I did.

"Alright, here we go again. There's got to be something down there we can use. Don't drown yourself trying to find it, but don't slack either."

I nod, looking at Alma. "Ready to go?" I ask her.

"You bet. Bet I find the chest before you!"

She smiles at me, as we put on our goggles and dive under the water.

I follow after her, her long hair flowing similar to a mermaid, as I swim behind her, looking down in the deep abyss of the ocean below us. We search for a bit, but I have to breathe, as I swim to the surface, taking a breath of air.

Alma joins me a few minutes later, as she looks at me excitedly. "I found something! A large chest, with a skull emblem on the front of it! This may be the big break we need!"

We dive under again, as I follow Alma down to the bottom, where she points at the chest. She looks so happy, so excited, and I decide to make my move.

I swim up close to her, looking her in the eyes. She returns the gaze at me, as I lean forward, our lips locking as we begin a romantic underwater kiss.

She reciprocates the feelings, as we kiss for a while until I feel the need to breathe. I break away, pointing up as I swim to the surface to gasp for breath.

She surfaces as well, as we hug, so happy at our discovery of both a games changer and the next step of our love for one another. After a bit of this, I look to her.

"Let's go tell Zara and the others."

We go to find Zara, who is swimming around with Parker and Thalia, trying to find something. "You guys, we found a large chest. We need help to lift it."

Zara looks at us. "Apparently it's not the only thing you found either... passionate about each other, huh?"

Alma blushes, as I stammer. "Uh... uh..."

"It's alright, Show me where it's at."

We swim to the chest again, this time the five of us going to the bottom. We all lift at the same time, as it takes all of us to get the heavy chest to the shore.

We open the thing, and immediately see a bunch of fresh supplies for us. We yell in excitement, jump for joy, do a dance. This could last us weeks!

However, something menacing seems to happen, as the eyes on the skull in the chest begin to glow red. "Uh... that's not good." Ebony says.

"Don't be a debbie downer Ebony, it's just a congratulatory thing I bet!" Thalia says excitedly, as she begins to hug Parker.

"We're going to be alright aren't we?" Parker says happily.

I hoped so too, as I hold Alma's hands, giving her a sly glance as I point to our room. She smiles at me. "I'm excited for what the Dragon has to show me..."

With that, we go into the room, and the rest is history.

Trevor Lawrence, District 1 Male
Damn it, this games couldn't have any worse luck! A horde of zombies were literally about to barge in and kill all of us if I didn't think of a plan quickly!

"Trevor, come on man, what do we do?!" DeMarco asks, as I am trying to think.

"Give me a moment DeMarco, just give me a moment!" I say, as I am stressing out.

"They're about in!" says Trenton, as I grasp my sword, preparing.

"Go upstairs, bar ourselves in the room with the balcony. We're going to have to jump for it." I say. They nod, as they scamper up the stairs.

"Trevor, wait!" Scarlet tells me, as she grasps my hands.

"Scarlet, I will make sure you and the others get out alive. Mark my words. It is what an alliance leader is supposed to do."

She hugs me. "I know... but I won't leave you, alright?"

I nod, hugging her back. "Come on, let's move!"

We run up the stairs, as the zombies burst through the barred door, leaking into the manor. "Go go go!" I yell down the hall, as we reach the end of it, taking the room with the large balcony.

Once I'm in, I immediately begin to throw as much furniture over the door as possible, as zombies begin to bang on it, trying to get in. Devin looks out the balcony, and grimaces. "That's going to be one hell of a jump..."

I ignore him, as I quickly think. There had to be some kind of way. "There, the clothesline!" Scarlet says, pointing to the long clothesline that extended from here to the town square.

"We can slide down that and run!" DeMarco suggest.

It was a crazy idea, but it might just work. The zombies begin to reach through holes in the door, as they begin bust through. "Alright, grapple down!" I say, tossing a rope to each of my allies.

One after the other, they slide down the clothesline, until it's just me and Scarlet. I slash a zombies hand off as it tries to grab us, as I grab Scarlet, both of us roping down.

"Trevor watch out!" she says, noticing a zombie dive for us. I quickly stab it as it falls, managing to avoid it as the clothesline ends at the square.

"Run for the clearing!" I yell, but I'm surprised when more zombies pile out from below us, as the exit grows more narrow. I knew my allies would all die if I didn't think quickly.

"Run... now. I will hold them off for as long as I can..." I say, as I unsheathe a second great sword, ready to dual wield them. "Trevor, no! Come on, don't do this!" Scarlet pleads, but I knew this was the only way.

"Get out of here! Now!"

Before I can say again, Scarlet leaps up on me, wrapping her legs around me as she begins to kiss me. I kiss her back, as I have to admit, I was growing rather fond of her. I only wished I had told her sooner.

I then push her off me, tossing her to DeMarco. "Keep her safe, and get out of here!" I tell my final four allies, as Scarlet screams. "NO! LET ME GO! TREVOR!"

Facing down the horde, I grasp my swords. "You undead bastards want them? Go through me first!"

I begin to wildly swing, taking down many zombies with a whirlwind of attacks. My motivation for my allies kept me going, as I killed ten, twenty, thirty zombies, their corpses piling up.

I was beginning to tire as I killed more and more, the endless stream overwhelming me. I feel my legs scratched as one bites my arm. I yell, stabbing the biter and shoving it away, fighting more and more.

The night sky begins to turn to dawn, as more and more rip at my flesh. I fight through the pain, killing at least twenty more, before I feel the weight of them press down on me, biting and sickening pain all over my body.

I look one more time at the sky as I feel myself being ripped apart, hoping to god my allies escaped alive.

Trenton Wade, District 4 Male
We had kept running, as Trevor's sacrifice had bought us enough time. However in the confusion I became ensnared in a trap, my allies too busy running to notice my absent.

Stuck in this grimey beartrap and out of reach with my weapon, I begin to pray, hoping the zombies wouldn't catch up to me and kill me. However, it wasn't them who showed first, instead the boy from 3.

"You... let me out of this, now!" I say, squirming my leg inside the trap.

"No.. I won't. You'll just grab that sword there and kill me." he says.

"No no, I won't do that. I promise. You can trust me. I was only with those careers because they made me!" I lie, trying to get the boy to lower his guard.

"You think I'm stupid don't you? I'm not going to fall for some dumb trick like that."

I begin to inch closer to the sword as he begins to ramble. I just had to keep him preoccupied enough and I could get it, kill him, and take the key to this trap.

"Look, you're just a career, always will be. If you lie again I will leave you to the dogs." he says.

The dogs? "Oh boy I'm so scared of Fido..." I say annoyed, as I can finally grasp my sword handle.

I clasp it and prepare to swing it, before I feel cold steel enter my neck. I choke as my blood comes out of the wound, splattering the boy from 3, who rips his dagger from my neck.

"I warned you... you didn't listen..."

He loots me of anything I have, leaving me to die there, as I wonder why I had to go out in such a stupid way.

Scott Herndon, District 13 Male
Idiot allies... if you would even call them that. They were jigging around and still going on about that stupid pirate chest they found under the water. If I had to sleep in the next room over next to Brady and Alma's box spring sessions one more night, I was going to burst.

I noticed the careers approaching though, as I was on watch duty for the early evening. They were soaked in rainwater, tired, and looked like they had been through hell. Perfect time for me to bargain.

I was going to go say my greetings to them, before Brady stops me. "Not tonight Scott."

"What, you finally practicing abstinence?" I mock him, as he grabs me and pins me to the wall.

"I don't know who you think you are, but I've been noticing you slipping off during your patrol shifts every few nights. Got something you want to tell me?" Brady growls.

"I got something to tell you alright, you're stirring a pot of shit and you're not going to like the smell. So piss off!" I shove Brady back, expecting him to try and beat me up.

However, he simply glares at me. "I'm watching you Scott. I know you're up to something."

Damn him, sneaking on to me like that! I had a little something for Brady and his annoying peeping nature. I mixed a poison for that little shit, making sure to slip it in his canteen after he had fallen asleep.

We will see how well you watch after this.

Thalia Beauvau, Capitol Female
I sit on the edge of the dock, watching the sun set over the sea. Parker is sitting next to me, as I lean my head into his, holding his hands as it set. "Beautiful isn't it?" I say.

"Second only to you." he tells me, as I giggle.

"Parker..."

"What? I think so."

He smiles at me, as I smile back. "You've always had my back... and now, you have my heart too..." I tell him, as I look into his eyes.

"Ah, so have you, my dear."

He leans forward, kissing me, as I reciprocate, kissing back. We sit there for a while, enjoying each other's company as we love, until finally we stop as the sky grows dark.

"Alright... let's go now, shall we?"

We walk back into our room, making sure to see how the others are. "Now, you thrust, like this!" Zara says, as we watch her teach Ebony a little bit more about fighting.

"Very good!" Zara compliments as she watches Ebony throw a jab.

"Yea, that'll show the air!" Parker teases, as Ebony and Zara turn towards us.

"Ah come on Parker, let me try it on you!" Ebony says back, as Zara laughs.

"Give her a bit of time and she will knock you flat!"

After we discuss with them a little more, we continue down the hall. Scott scoffs at us, but we ignore him, happy to be in each other's company.

"Good night sweetie." Parker tells to me as we lie in the bed. I wrap my arms around his stomach and cuddle up next to him, pulling the covers over us.

"Good night to you too..." I whisper to him, turning out the lights as we dream happily.

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
"Scarlet, it's been a few days, come on!" Devin says to me as I wipe my eyes from tears again. I just couldn't stop thinking about Trevor, and how he had just gave up his life for us.

"Look, we all liked Trevor, but he wouldn't want us moping around. He would want us to push forward, to win! Stop crying alright?"

"YOu don't understand Devin, you just don't!" I tell him.

"So what, you had hormonals feelings for him." DeMarco says.

"Shut up DeMarco, you wouldn't care about feelings, you asshole!" I tell him.

"Now cut it out you two! Someone killed Trenton, and we need to find that bastard and make him pay. Come on, let's go!" Devin orders, as I dry up, and think to myself as we walk.

''Devin is right... Trevor wouldn't want to see me like this. He wanted to see me as my best, most confident self. He would want me to push through challenge and strife, and overcome it all.''

I walk with the others, through the woods, as the final three of us continue on. We needed to find the killer of Trenton, as I was sick of losing allies.

"Holy shit..." Devin says, as we see the corpse of our old ally, half eaten on by dogs, his leg bound to a bear trap. "Some sick fucker left him here to rot."

The smell was horrible as I plug my nose, trying to not vomit.

"The killer must not be far... keep your wits about you, he's a trap tinkerer!"

I continue to walk, as DeMarco looks at me. "I'm sorry Scarlet."

Surprised, I look at him. Then, I'm angry again. "Sorry for what? Cheating on me? Screwing Hailey only hours after saying you loved me? Making fun of me for being sad about Trevor? Gee thanks DeMarco, I feel a lot better!"

"I don't expect you to forgive me immediately. I know what I did was wrong, but there's nothing I can do about it now, except try to make it up to you. Just, think on it for a second."

I remain silent, letting the words sink in. If he was sincere, maybe I could forgive him. But it would be a little bit. He still had done some bad things and I wasn't yet over them.

"There's the little shit!" Devin yells, as I spot the boy from 3 rush from a bush. We run after him, chasing as I notice Devin get strung up by a rope, one of the boy's traps.

"Forget about me, just get the bastard!" Devin says, as I run with DeMarco after the kid.

Another trap gets DeMarco, as he falls in a pit of covered by leaves. However I was gaining on the kid, as I nimbly dodge a quicksand pit he had made, tackling the boy to the ground.

I raise my knife, only for him to punch me in the face, shoving me off him. He tries to get away, but I grab his leg, dragging him down and stabbing his arm into a log, pinning him.

He elbows me in the head, pulling my knife out of his arm and stabbing down with both hands on me. The knife gets closer and closer to my neck, as I quickly reach for a something, grabbing a stick and jabbing it into his eye.

He backs up with a yell, as I draw my backup knife, stabbing it deep into the boy's chest. He falls back as I press my knees on him, keeping him pinned as I stab, over and over, until I hear a cannon boom.

I stand up, panting from exhaustion, as I go over to Devin, who had cut himself loose. We both help DeMarco out of the pit he was in, as we look at the dead boy from 3, glad that we avenged Trenton.

Alma Harlow, District 13 Female
I swim with Brady some more, as I laugh as he splashes me. But something seemed to be wrong. He was coughing a lot more frequently now, and wasn't as fit as he was once. I eventually convince him to stop, as we go sit on the beach for a second.

"I'm.. fine Alma!" he says, but he erupts in another coughing fit, as he looks down in his own hand. Blood.

"Brady you're sick! Take it easy, alright? I will see if I can find some kind of medicine for you!"

I search my bags, managing to find some painkillers. Brady takes a few, but this does little to alleviate his coughing. "Alma, don't worry... I'll be... alright!"

"Brady.... you're not... you're worrying me!" I say, as I sit with my ally. "What's wrong?" Zara asks, as she and Ebony come over to see what is going on.

"Brady's sick... he's coughing up blood!" I say.

"That's weird... he was just fine a few days ago." Ebony states.

"I don't know, alright? I'm worried!" I say.

"Look Alma, I will send Scott out to see if he can find some medicine in the old cornucopia tomorrow. Just take it easy with Brady today, alright?" Zara tells me.

I nod, as she and Ebony go. I hold Brady's hand, as he looks at me.

"I don't like that look Alma..." he tells me.

"I'm sorry, I'm just scared for you, that's all. You would be the same if I were sick..."

"Hah, I'd be in a much worse situation then." Brady says with a laugh before he begins to cough again.

I hold Brady as he continues, trying to comfort him a little. This unknown disease was freaking me out, and I wasn't too sure I trusted Scott to bail us out of this one.

DeMarco Murray, District 2 Male
I sit next to Devin and Scarlet, the last career trio being us as we roasted some dog meat over the fire pit, our only kills managing to be those mangy wild mutts that infested the forest.

I look back on the games, remembering everyone of my allies who had died. Nora, Mario, Hailey, Trenton, Trevor... man I missed them. After Hailey had suddenly died, and Trevor gave himself up for us, it was giving me a new perspective.

There was more to life then sleeping with every woman. The high of that was only temporary. Being in the company of friends was permanent. I had realized that I had wasted opportunites with all my deceased allies, and now I was only with the final two, the pair from 14.

I wasn't going to make that mistake again.

"Let's lighten the mood, shall we? Certainly, you guys have someone back home waiting, huh?" I say, causing both Devin and Scarlet to look at me.

"DeMarco, of course. My whole family is there. I need to get home so they can stop worrying." Scarlet says.

"I'm in the same boat. Yea, I know I volunteered, but they probably are worried sick."

Families... I had one at one point. But, once they had died in a car crash, it was just me. The careers were the closest I had came since then.

"I hope you guys get to see them again."

"What about you DeMarco? You're family waiting at home?" Scarlet asks.

I look away, not wanting to kill the mood. "Yea.... I think they'll be happy to see me..." I lie.

"Oh how touching, the careers bonding over campfire tales!" a cold voice says in the dark.

I stand up, coming face to face with the boy from 13, wanting to crush him right there.

"Oh calm down brute, it's just me. Your informant, remember?" the smug boy says snapping his fingers.

"Ah of course. What are you doing out here, anyways?" Devin questions.

"Well, my dumb leader Zara sent me to the old cornucopia to see if there was "medicine" for the "sick" Brady. Of course, he isn't sick, but they don't know that."

"You poisoned him, didn't you? You cold, cruel bastard..." Scarlet murmurs.

"Who cares, they're the enemy to you anyway. I'm just lucky you guys decided to camp right next to the cornucopia, because right now would be a perfect time for a plan."

I am kind of done dealing with Scott, but I did need those anti-careers to be eliminated before I could feel more comfortable with my chances of winning, so I reluctantly agree.

"Alright, Alma, the 13 girl, is on watch right now, waiting for me to come back. We will kidnap her, and hold her up here, in the cornucopia. Devin, you will wait for Zara to show up, as knowing her she will want to be the hero to the antis. Scarlet, you will kill Zara when she threatens Devin, and then Devin, you will kill the bound Alma."

"What about me?" I ask.

"DeMarco, you will wait with me in town until Zara goes. Brady is sick, and Ebony weak, so all we have to do is kill Parker and Thalia, and the other two will go easy."

I nod. "Alright, sounds simple enough. Let's go kidnap Alma then."

Alma Harlow, District 13 Female
I wait, wait, and wait. Scott should've been back by now, with the medicine! Brady was getting worse as the hours ticked by, and I needed Scott to pull through.

Eventually, I see him walk into the town, holding a satchel. I breathe a sigh of relief, glad he was here, and found something for Brady to help him with this dire situation.

"Scott, please, tell me that will save Brady." I say, as he nods.

"It will."

I hug him, as he seems repulsed. "Really Alma? You smell like cough syrup."

"Sorry..." I say, backing up, as he hands me the satchel. "It's all in there.

I open it up, only seeing a crudely written letter. "Fool..."

I look up immediately to see the boy from 2 punch my lights out.

I awaken, seeing the midday sun. I squirm, finding my legs and arms bound together to this chair. I look to see the pair from 14 watching me, as I scream.

"Let me go you assholes! I swear to god, if I get free, you're done!"

"Shut up tough bitch!" the boy from 14 says as he slaps me in the face. "You and your stupid allies will end today."

"They're going to find me, they're going to kill all of you, and that traitor Scott!"

The boy from 14 shoves a gag in my mouth, as I cough and choke. The girl from 14 rips it out, as I gasp and sputter, as she scolds her district partner.

"Don't be cruel Devin!"

"Who cares Scarlet, she's gonna be dead anyway!"

I look to the girl from 14, Scarlet, and try to get her to listen. "Scarlet, please, just let me go. You seem reasonable, and smart. I swear if you do, I will tell the others to not hurt you... I promise."

Scarlet looks at me, and for a moment I think she's gonna do it, until Devin laughs. "You hear this Scarlet? The delusions of a sad little anti... just forget it. You're done, and so are your friends."

With that, he shoves the gag in my mouth again, and begins to pinch my nose closed, suffocating me. He releases every few minutes, laughing as I inhale, trying to stay alive.

"Devin STOP!" Scarlet says, pushing Devin back. "What? Can't I have a little fun?"

"You're being unnecessarily cruel! I swear to god if you don't stop I will cut her loose and let you two fight!"

That stops Devin for now as I sit and wait... they would be coming for me, and right into a trap.

Brady Li, District 9 Male
"They took her! They took Alma!" Zara says, grasping a note angrily.

"No! Let me go get her!" I say, coughing a bit.

"No Brady, you're in no condition.... Parker, Thalia-"

"I said LET ME GET HER!" I yell, scaring Zara bit.

"Brady, you're dying! This will be certain death!" she tells me.

"I can't let them hurt her! I can't..."

I erupt into a fit of coughing, this mysterious disease taking it's toll on me. However, I don't care about it right now, or anything for that matter. Alma was in danger, and I was going to save her.

"I will find her. Whether you help me or not is on you."

With that, I grab my shuriken, wrapping my hands as I prepare to save my love. If the careers wanted a fight, they sure as hell got one, as I grab the note from Zara and read it.

"Alma is our's. Come to the cornucopia if you want her back."

They didn't have to say anymore, as I march out of the seaport, ignoring my disease for now as I trudge through the rain soaked fields and enter the cornucopia clearing.

I see Alma up ahead, bound to a chair and gagged. She screams as she sees me, her wide eyes trying to tell me something, though I rush over to her, ripping the gag out of her mouth and trying to cut her loose.

"Brady, it's a trap, get out of here before they-" Alma cries before i hear a slow clapping.

The boy from 14 stands there smugly, crossbow held in his hands as he approaches me. The girl from 14 flanks him, as she has her knives ready.

"Well, not according to plan. Where's your leader at boy?" the 14 male says to me as I cough a bit.

"She said... go to hell, career pig!" I spit, causing the boy from 14 to laugh.

"Of course she did... oh well, you will have to do. That Scott guy can improvise, obviously."

Scott.... I knew it! He was working with the careers this whole time! That traitor, I bet he was behind the people who had died in our alliance, the whole ordeal with multiple career attacks.

"Well, time for both of you to die now." The boy from 14 says coldly, raising his crossbow to shoot Alma.

Quickly, I toss the shuriken, my cough causing me to miss the 14 boy and hit his district partner in the leg. She yells out in pain, limping away, as I dash forward, grabbing the crossbow from the bottom.

He wrestles around with me for a minute, pointing the crossbow at me, as I push up, trying to keep the tip away. However he continues to go down, the crossbow moving down closer and closer pointed to my chest.

"You're losing your strength District 9!" the 14 boy taunts, as he is about to pull the trigger.

"You're still a yapping dog, District 14" I retort, as I prepare to say goodbye to Alma.

The boy from 14 stops pushing down as I hear a gurgle, surprised to see Alma had cut herself loose, using my knife I had left by her hands to stab into the boy's head.

Falling back, I sit on the cornucopia floor as the boy from 14's body collapses. I cough a bunch, the whole ordeal stressing my sick body more, as I felt myself nearing death.

Alma hugs me, as I can hear her crying. "Brady... oh my god... Brady please...."

I hug her back, as I cry a little too. "Alma... I'm not done yet... as long as you live... I will save you...."

We stand up together, as I give her one last kiss. "We have to go... our allies are in trouble..."

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
Damnit, they killed Devin.... I had to go, as I limped quickly, trying to meet my allies. I find DeMarco and Scott, as Scott grabs me by the hair and pulls me down on the ground.

"Where's Devin, why did only one cannon go off?!" he yells at me as I whimper a bit at the hair pulling.

"Scott stop you're hurting her!" DeMarco says shoving Scott away from me.

"They killed Devin... they're coming back... to warn their allies!" I cry.

Scott grabs a pair of throwing knives. "You two have failed..."

Scott leaves us, as I look at DeMarco, him looking at me. "I'm sorry about Devin."

"It's... nothing... he was starting to lose it." I respond, as the night sky flashes Devin's face one final time.

I feel a cold breeze come from the ocean, as I see in the distance a ship highlighted in an eerie green light getting closer and closer to the seaport.

"That can't be good..."

Zara DiMarco, District 8 Female
I tried to warn Brady to not go, but he didn't listen. After we found out the 14 boy had died, we wondered if our two would show up next, but they never did. Until, they walked right into town.

Rushing over, I help Alma bring Brady in, as we sit down in the courtyard. "Scott... Scott did this!!" he coughs.

Scott shows up, looking at everyone. "The delusions of a dying man. I have been with you guys since the beginning, I would never betray this alliance."

"Liar... the 14 boy told me... told me everything... you've been one of them since training... a snake!"

I look around, as everyone draws their weapons. "Scott, is this true?" I ask.

"Don't listen to them Zara, listen to me!" he says, backing up.

I don't know what to believe anymore, before the boom of a cannon goes of and a large cannonball sinks into the ground.

I look to see a ghostly ship approaching, as skeletons begin to jump off and attack the town. "Go on, get out of here!" I say, as the chaos ensues, my allies dispersing.

I run, trying to find Ebony, Parker, and Thalia, and alert them that we were in danger. Before I can though, the boy from 2 jumps out and attacks me, as I'm forced into combat.

I fight with him, managing to keep up with him despite his larger size. He swings his sword low, as I manage to jump over it, and give him a good slash across the chest.

In response, he stabs me in the leg, as I grimace, slowed down. He begins to strike more ferociously, before I use both hands to block his strike, as our blades are locked in a strength contest.

I scream as I feel a sharp pain in my back, falling to my knees, as I feel a blade rip from my back. I turn, seeing Scott there, as I am in disbeleif.

"Brady was right... you're bastard!" I say through pain, as I try to stand but can't, realizing he must've attacked my spinal cord.

"Always a fool Zara. Now, you will die like one too."

I look Scott in the eyes, and as one last act of defiance, I spit in his face.

"Fuck you Scott."

He then jams the blades right into my eyes, as I die, betrayed by one of my own.

Brady Li, District 9 Male
I fight through the pain, the sickness, all of it, as I mow through hordes of skeleton pirates. "You bastards will not hurt my allies!" I yell through coughs as I continue to strike more and more down.

I had been split away from Ebony, Alma, Parker, and Thalia, as I fought alone now, taking down many skeleton pirates. I worked my way to the top of the town, destroying more and more, trying to protect my allies one more time.

I get away from the majority of them, before I am tackled to the ground by Scott. Rage fills me after I see the bastards face, knowing of all the pain he had caused me and my allies. He had done too much, and now I was going to destroy him.

"You rat... you talked with the careers, you betrayed us!" I cough, as he simply laughs.

"I'm a survivor, sick boy!" he says, as he punches me in the face. "I do what it takes to survive!" he punches me again. "You and your dumb bitch of a girlfriend Alma would never realize it!"

I let out a yell, grabbing him by the shirt and throwing both of us over the fountain, ten foot below on the next level of the town. I slowly get up, seeing him already in a fighting pose.

"I've been looking forward to this for a long time you son of a bitch!"

Scott rushes at me, punching me a few times, before I counter back, shoving Scott backwards, unleashing several jabs to his face and hitting him with a hard hook.

My strikes aren't as fast or strong due to my weakened state, but I was going to make this guy suffer for sure, buy my allies just a little more time to escape.

He manages to grab me, kneeing me in the face, and knocking me on my butt. I cough a bit, getting up, not going to be beaten yet. I throw myself at him again, feigning a punch and following up with a hard kick to the head, managing to teeter him off balance.

I give him an uppercut, flooring Scott. I bring my knee down trying to hit him, but he grasps it, and flings me to the side, before he kicks me in the ribs.

"You used to take out three careers... now you can't even survive a few hits!" Scott taunts as he kicks.

I grab his leg, pulling him down as I stand back up. "You can't even kill... a dying man!" I cough, as he stands up.

We trade blows once more, as I punch him as hard as I can, managing to knock a tooth out. In anger, he gives me a hard elbow, knocking me against the wall, as he begins to sock me in the nose over and over, one of my eyes shutting as he keeps hitting me.

I use the last of my strength to pry a rock lose from the wall, and smash it into his head as he hits me with a haymaker, as we both go knocked to the ground.

A knife clangs over a few feet, as I cough, slowly trying to crawl towards it. I had to kill Scott. He couldn't win...

"You're never going to reach that knife dead dragon..." Scott taunts behind me as I crawl forward more, trying to get closer and closer to the knife.

I manage to get to it, reaching it, grabbing it, try to kill Scott with one last ditch throw, before a boot stomps on my hand, causing me to yell out and recoil in pain.

"Too slow." Scott taunts, picking the knife up and kicking me in the side, turning me over, as I cough a bunch more. "Enjoy hell."

Scott walks off, as I look to the ocean, the sky lighting up as the night faded away.

"Brady... Brady!!! No!!!" I hear Alma screaming, as I see her and the remaining few of my allies stand over me.

"He... got away..." I cough, as blood pours out of my wounds. "I'm.... sorry..."

"Don't be Brady.... you fought well... like a true warrior..." Alma cries, as she buries her head into my chest.

"Stop... don't cry... please..." I say, as I look into Alma's eyes.

Ebony is in tears too, as Parker holds Thalia, as even she's crying a little bit. "You did it Brady... you saved us..."

I cough a bit, looking over the ocean, as the sun is rising over it, a final beautiful view. "Alma... Parker... Thalia... Ebony...." I cough.

They look at me. "Win for me.... please."

I watch as a deer grazes as it looks at me, as Alma's cries grow further and further away, as I close my eyes one last time, letting death take me.

Cooper Baron, District 10 Male
I continue to trek around, the a pack of undead following me. Why, you may ask? Well, I had found a book in the graveyard, which allowed me to control them. Crazy, isn't it?

I use the book to order around a few zombies, as I roam the arena, trying to find the final alliances and elminate the both, so I can secure myself a way home.

That's when I hear voices.

"Can't believe you still got beat up like that even though he was pretty much a dead man walking." the 2 boy says.

"Shut it DeMarco, we have to get ready for the feast! I bet they're doing something with it!" the 13 boy hisses.

"Maybe both of you should be quiet, you never know who's listening!" the 14 girl says in response.

I look down in the book, as I whisper quietly.

"Kill them."

The zombies following me burst through the trees, as the girl from 14 screams. "They're here to get us!"

"Nonsense, they're just dumb mutts." the 13 boy says.

"Remember Scarlet, these things killed Trevor. Let's do this for him!"

I'm shocked to see the three of them team together, managing to cut through all ten of my zombies. "Raise raise!" I say trying to summon more, but it's too late, as the careers tackle me to the ground.

"What's this you got here?" The 13 boy says. "Ooh, book of the dead, scary."

I remain silent as the 13 boy looks at me.

"Not much of a talker huh? Well, I have ways I can make you talk."

He takes a knife and stabs it into my finger, as I scream out.

"That's one finger you'll never be able to use again. Tell me how this book works or another goes."

I yell when he stabs another one. "Okay okay fine! IT's a book to control the dead, just let me go!"

"Let you go? Only if you tell me HOW to use it."

A third finger is stabbed by the 13 boy, as I plead with them. "Just give it commands like raise dead and attack, come on man stop with my fingers!"

Scott grasps the book. "Raise dead."

Immediately, a skeleton rises from the ground.

"Now let me go please?" I beg.

"There's one thing you'll learn about me 10..." the boy says, before he drives his knife up my chest and into my heart.

"I lie."

With that, I slump over, my death ending my impressive run rather quickly.

Ebony Flame, District 12 Female
Alma was in pain, major pain. She was still hit hard by Brady's death, and she wasn't eating or talking much to us. I felt really bad for her, and I wanted to help her.

"She's going to need all of us, you know." I tell Parker and Thalia, who sit by the fire as we try to recover from the mental trauma of losing Zara and Brady on the same day.

"I know... but we can't reach to her. She seems to have gone back into her shell." Parker tells me.

"Ah to hell with that! Alma, please come here, we just want to talk!"

Alma comes over, eyes red from crying, face long and sad. "Look Alma, we're worried about you. Brady was a great guy, yes, and it saddens me he is gone. But we need you Alma!"

"No... I'd rather be dead..." she cries.

"Alma, please, don't think like that. Your life matters, you matter to us! Please... just let us help you..." Thalia pleads.

Alma sniffles a bit. "I don't want your help..."

With that, she walks away, going into her tent. I sigh, our plan failing for now. That's when an announcement booms throughout the arena, alerting anyone alive of what is to come.

"Attention... attention... a feast will be held soon. A surprise mountain has formed, and you can't miss it. On top is an item you so desperately need. Good luck, and happy Hunger GAmes."

I look to Thalia and Parker, when Alma comes out of her tent, looking at us. She looks determined now, and seems to have replaced sadness with hatred and anger.

"We're going." is all she says.

"What makes you say that?" Parker asks.

"Scott will be on that mountain. I know it. We need to kill him. No matter what it costs."

None of us disagree, as we stand together. "Prepare yourselves... we take revenge."

DeMarco Murray, District 2 Male
We climb up the slopes of the mountains, following Scott. I wasn't a big fan of this guy telling us what to do, but he had the damn spellbook, and was summoning skeletons all around the base of the mountain.

"You know they'll be coming.... that's why you're doing that." Scarlet points out.

"Yes, I plan on them coming. The feast is here to make things better. If they get past our dead friends here, we will take them out." Scott says in annoyed tone.

I get close to Scarlet, and start whispering to her.

"This guys going to put us in danger..."

"I know... but what choice do we have? The anti-careers don't like us at all, we've both killed some of their allies."

She was right, after all. I did kill the boy from 11, and I knew they wouldn't like that one bit.

Eventually, we manage to get high up on the mountain, as the clouds are below us, the sun super bright now that we were above the constant grey below.

Snow crunches under my shoes as there's a table with bags all around it. There's one for the Capitol, one for 2, 7, 12, 13, and 14. I grab the one labeled two, to find a pair of body armor.

"High tek stuff..." I say as put it on, the metal exterior feeling rather light on me. Scarlet opens hers, which reaveals a shiny bow, fitted with a scope, along with special arrows.

She gives it a shot, as the arrow flies super fast, and in a straight line, similar to a bullet. "Woah..."

Scott laughs as he opens his bag, throwing one of the knives in it, as I watch it return around and come back to his grip. "Boomerang knives... Capitol your too sweet."

I grow nervous after seeing this, and hoped that I could close the gap if I had to fight him in the end. I look to Scarlet, as we both sit on the top of the mountain peak, waiting.

The anti-careers would be coming.

Parker Kelly, District 7 Male
I hold Thalia's hand as we begin to ascend the mountain, the vengeful Alma leading the way. "No matter what happens at the feast today, I want you to know that I love you."

I look to Thalia. "I love you too."

I give her a quick kiss as the anti-careers group up, meeting up for what could be the last time as the danger ahead was a real high threat.

"Alright anti careers... this is it. The top of the mountain is our feast items. Scott is no doubt waiting for us, as you can tell by this skeleton army he must've summoned."

Alma speaks with confidence, with authority, having come a long way from her shy and quiet type. "Remember, to stick together. We will get through this."

She then stares down the skeletons who begin to notice us and rush. "For Brady..."

With that, she unleashes a battle cry, charging towards them, as the rest of us follow suit.

Gripping my battle axe, I face down the first two skeletons that come after me, carving them up quickly with two heavy strikes. A third comes, as I watch it's head get knocked off from an arrow, as Thalia has my back.

I continue to rush forward with Alma, who is destroying the undead left and right, a vengeful killing machine. Ebony joins me, as she is fighting the way Zara taught her, as we all continue to drive through the skeletons.

An arrow whistles through the air, as we duck behind some rocks. A crossbow wielding skeleton shoots down from us, as we are at the low ground disadvantage.

"Parker, with me, draw it's attention so Thalia can get it!" Alma says. I join Alma as we run to another rock, luring the skeleton out from his cliff spot as he shoots at us.

I watch as an arrow takes its head off, Thalia doing some work with that bow. I found her supreme archery kind of sexy, as we continue trekking up the mountain.

A quarter of the way up there's a camp, as about 20 undead zombie warriors rush out, attacking us with ferocity and a force. We push back though, not faltering at the slightest, wiping all 20 of them out and clearing out the camp.

"Scott Herndon, you yellow bastard, we're coming for you!" Alma shouts as she continues her vengeful pace.

We're starting to get high up in the mountain as the grass turns to snow, fighting a few armored skeletons that lurk in the alcove. These provide much more of a challenge, as during the melee, Ebony gets stabbed by one of them.

"Ebony!" I yell, going over and destroying the skeleton that had stabbed her. Ebony grips her wound, as blood comes out of it.

"Go on guys... I'll be fine!" she says through gritted teeth.

"Thalia, Parker, come on!" Alma says, as we continue following her, the sun shining brightly now over the snow covered mountain.

We get to a point where a skeleton jumps me from behind, pinning me to the ground. It punches me, as I wrestle around with it, managing to get it off me and shoving it off the mountain side to the ground below.

"Parker!" Thalia cries, as I turn to watch a skeleton stab her in the stomach with a dagger.

"Thalia NO!" I yell, rushing over and dispatching the skeleton in a single blow. She falls to a knee, her blood painting the snow red, as I hold her tight.

"Parker... it's just a small wound..." she says, standing.

"I won't let you die!" I say, as I begin to bandage it.

Alma comes over, to see the situation. "Thalia, rest if you need it. Parker, we're almost there, come on! Scott must pay!"

I look to Thalia, who nods. "I'll keep up... don't worry..."

Reluctantly, I continue to run with Alma, the final two of us going up, when we see the boy from 2 and two skeletons flanking him.

"Don't you have a habit of showing up?" The boy calls down at us, as he is donning body armor.

"When I have something to do, you bet." Alma snarls, as the boy just faces her down.

"You'd be a fool to face me alone."

"Likewise."

Immediately, the two fling themselves at each other, a dancing of blades occurring. I take on the two skeletons, fighting both of them to keep them away from the 2 boy and Alma's duel.

Alma Harlow, District 13 Female
The boy from 2 fought very hard, his strikes full of power and skill. I couldn't even land a strike on him, my blade deflecting off his armor each time I managed to get close enough.

I duck under one of his swords, as his second one grazes my elbow. Cursing, I back up, the boy rushing me, dual wielding the blades like a true master.

He continues to back me up as I am running out of room, the dangerous drop behind me now, as I barely am able to block both strikes. I think he's about to push me off, when suddenly he falls under a heavy hit.

Parker stands behind him, as I point by sword at the boy's throat. "Where's Scott?" I growl, as he looks at the two of us.

"Top of the mountain. He will be waiting..."

Not wanting to waste any time, I leave the boy there. "Let's go Parker!"

The two of us continue to go, as more skeletons show up rushing at us. I don't hesitate to cut through them like butter, destroying them left and right as we fight through a much larger camp at the top of the mountain.

Parker and I manage to clear out the whole thing, killing around 40 skeletons, as a small pass opens up ahead of us, a square tower at the end of it.

I look to Parker. "This is it. I bet he is there."

Slowly, the two of us march towards them as we see the pedestals, our bags still on them. Scott nor the 14 girl was there, but I was suspicious, I knew he'd be somewhere.

"Keep your eyes peeled... I'm going to go see if they're in the tower." Parker says, as he approaches it.

I look around, to see Thalia catch up to me. "Good to see you're alive." I tell her.

She nods. "Where's Parker?"

"In the tower... we're going to find Scott."

Thalia nods, before she goes around, to check behind the tower. I wait, when suddenly, I hear clapping. I turn, my blade extended, as Scott approaches.

"You snake!" I hiss, as he just smirks.

"I knew you'd miss me. The legendary Alma, the one who thought she knew all. Now begging at the mountain..."

"You're going to pay for what you did to Brady. To Basil. To Zara.... you killed all of them. I am going to put you down."

Scott looks at me. "Oh... am I? We'll see about that!"

Immediately, he launches his knives at me, as I am forced to duck behind a few barrels, watching as the knives fly over head, before zooming back to Scott.

"Capitol present, you know. You can't hide there forever Alma."

I curse, pinned as I hear the knives come again, nearly getting me. I was stuck here, where was Parker and where was Thalia.

I hear an arrow fly, as Scott grunts. I quickly stand up, to see Scott wrestle the bow from Thalia, before holding a knife to her throat and smiling at me.

"Ah, the Capitol girl! Not much of a Capitol, working with anti careers."

"You let her go Scott!" I shout, as I notice Parker rush out of the tower.

"Thalia!" he yells.

"Parker!" she responds as Scott rolls his eyes.

"Couples.... so boring and irritating. I wondered what you looked like when you watched Brady die, Alma. Probably what this dumb 7 boy is going to look like when I slit his girl's throat."

I clench my fists. "Don't you dare talk about Brady."

"Oh? How I poisoned him? He was never sick, you know. That was my doing. He got a little too nosy for his good, so he got what was coming. Just as you are."

The girl from 14 comes out of the door, her bow trained on Parker, who begins to back up. "Ah, just on time Scarlet. Let's finish these anti careers off shall we?"

I remember Scarlet, her being the girl who was against the 14 boy torturing me. She had a soft spot, I knew she did. I had to try and reason with her.

"Scarlet, please! Don't do this, you know it's wrong. Scott is evil, he will just drive his knife in your back next, just like he did us!" I plead, as she looks at me.

"You anti-careers hate us, I know you do. You probably already killed DeMarco... you'll just kill me next"

"No, that's not it all, Scarlet! DeMarco is alive, we left him down there! We're all tributes, in this together... the Capitol is the enemy."

"The capitol is the enemy! Bah, shut up drama queen. Scarlet, shoot them both, now!" Scott says as blood begins to drip from Thalia's neck as he begins to dig the knife in.

I look to Scarlet, pleading one last time. "Think for yourself Scarlet! You can choose right, the side that won't treat you like dirt, and will treat you as family!"

Scarlet looks at me, as I close my eyes, instantly hearing the bow twang as an arrow is released. I open my eyes, to see Scott with an arrow sticking out of his shoulder, as Thalia runs out of his grip.

"You shot me...." Scott laughs crazily, looking at Scarlet. "You shot me pretty good."

He then raises his hand, trying to throw his knives at me one last time, but none of us hesitate. I throw my blade toward him, as Thalia and Scarlet shoot, and Parker throws his huge battle axe.

All four of our projectiles strike Scott, who falls to his knees, bloody and impaled with multiple weapons. He gives one last look, before falling face first into the ground.

It was done... Scott was gone. A cannon booms, as Thalia runs to Parker, the two hugging, as it reminds me of me and Brady's relationship, as I can finally rest easy now, knowing Brady was avenged.

I turn around, to see Ebony being helped by DeMarco, as I look to see Scarlet lower her bow. It was just us now, the final 6 tributes... however, I wasn't going to go easy like the rest of the final tributes prior to me.

"No more killing... none of us..."

Everyone else turns their attention to me. "Today, we form a pact. We will not kill one another, and we will live out here in the arena until the Capitol gives up and lets us all go home."

"I'm in." Thalia says without hesitation.

"Fuck the Capitol." Ebony says as she joins as well.

"I agree with her." Parker says, as we all look at DeMarco and Scarlet.

"This isn't the career way..." DeMarco laments.

"Forget the career way! We're our own people now." Scarlet says, as she joins us. DeMarco shrugs, and joins us as well.

We were not going to give into their demands.

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
The others investigate their bags. Thalia is granted what looks to be a large bomb. Parker has a new axe, one that hums with plasma, as I know it could cut through anything. Ebony is granted a harpoon gun that looks similar to the one Zane had used the year prior.

Alma now has a mace that crackles with electrical energy, and we all admire our feast weapons. I did not expect the games to turn out this way, as I now sat, an anti-career, rebelling against the Capitol, refusing to kill.

Alma begins to tear up, as I sit next to her. "You good girl?"

"I'm fine... I'm still not over Brady being gone."

"You really loved that boy, didn't you? I loved someone too, you know."

She looks at me. "Really? I didn't think careers were capable of emotion."

"I thought so... but he was there for me. He let me talk to him when no one else would listen. He would protect me when no one else would care for me. He did everything he could, and if not for him, I would be dead right now."

A tear rolls down my cheek as I remember Trevor, and the impact he had on me. I wished he could've lived this far, and eventually joined up with all of us, to go home.

"He sounds just like Brady..." Alma says, as the two of us share our pains, watching as the embers of the flame die on the firepit.

DeMarco laughs as Ebony tells him a story, as I'm glad to see the two getting along. "So, I pulled the string, and she tripped!"

DeMarco slaps his knee. "You're mischievous huh Ebony? I could see you being quiet the trouble."

"Compared to you, that's asking a lot." she says in response, as DeMarco smiles.

"Whatever you say."

Alma laughs a little too. "You careers aren't as bad I as I thought..."

I smile. "Nah... just the majority of us. Just the majority..."

With that, we laugh and share memories, both good and bad, as we bond, united by one thing, a family against the overlords.

Thalia Beauvau, Capitol Female
Parker and I lie in our tent together, wrapped snugly under the animal skin blankets it provided. We had been living out in the wilds for a few days now, as another dawn rises over the arena.

"You know, I kind of like this camping feeling... reminds me of nights out in the woods back home." Parker tells me.

"Woods? You guys had a real forest?" I ask.

"Why, of course. Tall trees, full of life. You know, I should take you there some time... show you what real woods are like."

I smile, taking his hand. "I would love that."

I begin to kiss him, as we kiss for a long while in our tent, snuggling a little to keep off the morning chill, losing track of time before we hear pots clanging outside.

"Alright love birds, breakfast is ready!" Ebony calls out.

We dress ourselves, exiting the tent to see the roaring fire as the others are there eating. DeMarco is talking with Alma, as Scarlet plays a guessing game with Ebony.

Taking a plate, I begin to eat the roasted beef, talking with Parker more, laughing and loving every moment, as he takes a piece of meat off his fork and tosses it into my mouth.

A loud crackling sound emerges, as our happy moments are interrupted by a dreadful message.

"Final 6 tributes... your lack of killing one another is making the Capitol very angry. The President does not like this lack of show. But we can be generous... the first of you to kill one of the others will go home. The ones who don't, will be damned to death. Good luck, and Happy Hunger Games."

We all look to each other, as Alma stands up. "Remember the pact. Don't give in. We're almost there, I promise."

No one dares make a move, as we all look in understanding. I grip Parker's hand tight, as we all go back to what were doing, no one killing one another.

"Capitol can choke for all I care." I snarl, as Parker nods in agreement.

"Soon we can go on dates, live together, and be free of the worry." he tells me, as I hug him.

"I can't wait for that day."

Ebony Flame, District 12 Female
A few more days pass without events, none of us giving in and murdering one another. "Stay strong." Alma tells me, as I simply laugh. "I am as strong as I ever will be."

"I like the confidence." DeMarco smirks. "Too bad it won't let you beat me."

I give him a cocky look. "Oh it's on big guy!"

Immediately I go for him, trying to wrestle him down. He laughs as I struggle. "You're not big enough for that."

I quickly kick his shins though, as he grunts. "Ah you little turd!"

"Guess size isn't everything huh?" I say with a smirk.

That's when another announcement rings out, like the one previous. "Alright you boring tributes! This is your president speaking. You have until dusk to kill one another until one remains. If you do not comply, the Capitol will send hell after you, and we won't hesitate for all of you to die. Think on this!"

With that chilling words, we all look at one another. "No victor? They wouldn't dare!" Thalia curses.

"It's the Capitol... what do they have to lose?" Scarlet asks, as we turn to Alma.

"Get our stuff, get our weapons. We're going to fight whatever they throw at us. I'd rather die with everyone here then live as a coward who killed my friends."

Zane Onyebuchi, District 5 Male
Tensions were rising back here in the Capitol, as I didn't expect these games to drag out so long. Most of the Capitol had been rooting for Scott, and now seeing this, many were mad that he didn't win, as it seemed he was the last true competitor of it.

I for one admired what they were doing. Standing up and giving the Capitol the middle finger like this was something that tributes should've done more often.

"Still going at it are they?" Amber asks, sitting down.

We both had lost our two tributes, and I knew Amber had cried when she saw Trevor's sacrifice. A lot of people actually did, and I too felt a little sad, as he was a noble career.

"Yea... almost 4 weeks in, and these still haven't ended. That's got to be a record..." I say.

"Yes that's right, a record indeed! No games have lasted 27 days, and this beats the previous holder, the 379th games, which were 26 days. If you remember in those games long ago, the Ice Man, Zachary Stakes, the boy from 0, managed to take down the last two careers in a cliff side duel, where he-"

I get tired of the announcers, so I mute the tv, turning to Amber. "Excuse me for a second."

I leave, going to my secret chambers, were I knock three times, a secret knock. Ivy shows up, as I turn the lights low, looking at her. "Ivy, this is going to incite chaos in the districts... we're not safe..."

"I figured that much... what is our plan?"

I look out the window, looking back at her. "You're going to have to go into the wilds... I know you think it's dangerous, but trust me, I bet there is some group out there that can help us."

She looks at me. "What about you?"

I look silently for a second, before speaking. "I have to remain... rally the other victors if I can.. use these games as an example."

Parker Kelly, District 7 Male
The sun begins to set, as we stand in the seaport town, the damaged area being a fitting place for these things to end. "No matter what comes, we will stand our ground." I say, looking to my allies.

That's when we hear footsteps. Loud footsteps, the marching of the army, as I see a massive undead force coming right towards us, wild dogs leading the front.

"Let the districts see what we are doing today... and know that even the Capitol can be stood up too!" Alma yells, as she raises her weapon. The rest of us unleash a war cry, as the dogs charge, as we begin to fight.

I fight side by side with Thalia, as we take out several of the undead coming at me. This axe had so much power, as it cut through the thick armor the enemies fought, nothing could stand up to it.

I continue to fight, as dogs, zombies, skeletons, anything they throw at me falls down to my blows, as Thalia expertly shoots down the enemies, headshot after headshot.

"Get back to the water!" Alma orders as we start to get drove back. I hear a girl screaming, as DeMarco shouts "NO!"

I look to see Ebony get overrun, as zombies tear her to pieces, an absolute grisly site.

We fight more and more, making our way towards the edge of the water, as our feet begin to sink in. "There's too many of them, we must get back!" Scarlet says.

However, I soon notice me and Thalia get separated from the other 3, as we have to fight our way towards them. The feat is impossible, as these enemies just keep coming, as the circle me and Thalia keep around each other grow smaller and smaller.

"Parker... I think this is it..." Thalia weeps, as I begin to tear up as well.

"I'm sorry Thalia... I couldn't take you on those dates..." I tell her, as I strike more zombies down.

I can see the zombies are overrunning our three other allies, as I know what must be done. I turn to Thalia, as we look at each other, both of our hands grasping as we hold the bomb she had from the feast.

"I will never leave you..." I tell her, as we rotate the bomb as it counts down from ten.

"Not in this life... or the next..." she says, continuing my sentence.

"Together..."

"Forever...."

We lock lips, kissing one last time, as the bomb explodes, taking us and a lot of the horde with it, as me and Thalia die together.

DeMarco Murray, District 2 Male
Thalia and Parker were gone, blowing themselves up to kill the horde. It works, but the city begins to crumble, as the water pours in the massive hole the bomb had created.

"We don't have much time!" Alma says, as the ghostly pirate ships begin to show, cannon fire ringing as the cannonballs explode around us. "Quick, make way for the caverns!"

We run, as we enter the caves, the water rising fast. Below us it churns dangerously, as we arrive to a pit in front of us, the ledge on the other side being too long to jump over.

"Damn, dead end!" I say, as we all three turn around to see large monitor lizards, rotten from being zombified, chasing after us from the cave holes.

I look too the final two girls, as I know what I must do. "We will all die if they attack us... you two need to go on, escape, get out of the arena, live!"

"No DeMarco, I refuse to leave you!" Scarlet cries, but I shake my head.

"You must, I won't let you guys die. This will have been for nothing if you don't live!"

Scarlet shakes her head, crying a little. "No, please DeMarco... I can't lose you too! You've been here with me since the beginning... I can't... I can't!"

I can't hear her cries anymore, as I lift her up. "I will be alright... just get out of here, live!"

I toss her across the chasm, as she safely lands on the other side. Alma looks at me.

"You're a good man DeMarco... if I were District 2, I'd be proud to call you a tribute..."

"You as well Alma... protect Scarlet for me... she still means a lot to me." I admit, as Alma nods.

"I will never forget you."

With that, I pick Alma up as well, tossing her over the chasm, as she joins Scarlet. I turn, preparing my dual swords as the lizard horde comes running at me.

"No!!!" I hear Scarlet yell as Alma and has to drag her along, as I let out a war cry and run forward, swinging with ferocity and intensity, killing lizard left and right.

I curse as one bites me leg, the armor not covering the spot, as I stab down into it. Another leaps and takes a chunk out of my neck, but I throw it into the pit below, continuing to fight.

"You're... going.... to have to do... better!" I say through gritted teeth, kicking another lizard into the hole and cutting another in half.

One bites my arm and takes it off, as I am forced to fight one handed. I wasn't finished... as I continue to fight, ingoring the bleeding stump, as I kill a few more lizards.

They pile up as I kill and kill, as a bunch leap on top of me, dogpiling me and biting and biting. I bite back in one last act of defiance, chewing lizard skin in my mouth before I feel the cold touch of death take me.

Scarlet Wing, District 14 Female
I run with Alma, as we go through the caverns, the water level rising and rising. Eventually we get to an alcove, which is a dead end, stopping there as the water begins to get through us.

The lizard horde was still after us, swimming up from below to try and nab us. Alma quickly activates the electricity of her mace, stabbing into the water, as it courses through it, killing all of the lizards that were in the waters.

A brief pause occurs as the water slowly rises, as I look to Alma, the end looking night. "Alma... I'm sorry... for everything... what my allies did to you, what they did to your friends..."

"Don't be.. it's not your fault Scarlet... you're a nice girl, a wise girl, and one of the best human beings I have had the pleasure of knowing... which is why you should be the one to win."

I look at her. "No no no, not like this! We win together, or die together!" I say, grasping her hands.

"It's not going to be like that Scarlet... that would be selfish of me. You have gave it your all, all of our friends did. For a cause I created. We have already done enough, the districts know what we're doing here... but we both can't go home."

The water is rising high now, as it reaches my neck. "I refuse Alma... I won't let you do this! We're in this till the end, for all of them! For Brady, for Trevor, DeMarco, Ebony, Parker, Thalia, Zara... for them, Alma!"

"Exactly... we have done it all for them.... and you must not let them be forgotten... you are going home."

I try to argue, but the water goes up to my head, as I take a deep breath, going underwater with Alma. I refuse to let her do this, as I hold her hands, not allowing her to do anything.

However, she simply just looks at me, shaking her head. I watch as she forcefully exhales, emptying her lungs of any air she had, as I scream no, trying to get her to stop.

My screams are ignored, as the last bubbles leave her mouth, her body contracting as it tries to force her to breathe. I yell, my own air coming out, as my lungs begin to burn, forcing me to hold my hand to my lips to stop anymore air from escaping.

I begin to cry a bit as Alma's body shakes violently, as she sucks in water, unable to breathe. She gives me one last looking, forcing a pained smile, before she breathes in too much water, drowning herself so I could win.

I refuse to let go of her, as I sob, my lungs on fire, but whole body burning. My head begins to swim, my vision blurring, as the lack of air is starting to get to me, as I too try to breathe, only icey water entering my lungs, chilling my body to the core.

I cough, but only more water enters, as I too begin to drown. I can't hold my breath anymore, as I suck in water, the last thing I see are flashlights approaching me fast.

A few minutes later...

I awaken, coughing and gasping for breath, as I feel myself on a bed. I scream as I try to get up, but I find my arms and legs chained to this cot, as I look around, the grey interior of a hovercraft surrounding me.

"You bastards... you killed them all..." I sob, as I struggle with my bindings, as two people walk in.

"You should be glad we even rescued you. But the audience needs a victor. If that wasn't the case you'd still be floating down there with your dead friend."

"Go to hell you bastards!" I shout, struggling against the chains.

They simply laugh. "You guys were fools thinking that would actually work. Rest yourself up little miss Scarlet, you have a private meeting with the President tomorrow. He's going to punish you for being a rebellious little shit."

The two leave, as I sit on the bed, tears streaming down my face.

"I'm sorry Alma... I'm so, so sorry..."