Life With Annie, chapter 19

I wake up late in the morning, stretching with a groan, before I sit up.
I look over at Annie, still asleep. I smile at her, she's curled up on her side, with one hand under her pillow. Her mouth is slightly open, and there's a little drool on the pillow.
I take a piece of her hair, and tickle the end of her nose. She swats a hand at me but misses.
"Leave me alone."
She groans irritably.
"Wake up sleepy head."
I say in a sing-song voice, then I switch to a dramatic accent.
"Today we shall dine at the president's mansion!"
She sits up quickly, and hits me full in the face with her pillow.
I fall onto my back, and declare with raised arms.
"The queen hath awakened!"
She throws the pillow on me, and swings her legs over the edge of the bed.
"Shut up."
I sit up and start tickling her. She smacks me.
"Stop it!"
She shouts through her giggles, she retaliated by tickling my side, which she knows is my weak spot.
I squirm away from her, laughing.
"Annie stop! It's not funny."
She laughs and continues.
"You can dish it but you can't take it can you?"
I jump out of the bed, and run out of the room. She is hot on my heels, as we rush into the dining car. Mags, Bruce and Tiffy are already sitting at the table.
We run around the table several times, before I hide behind Mags chair.
"Tell her to leave me alone."
I say in a whiney voice.
"Hey! He started it."
Annie says defensively.
Bruce chuckles into his coffee, and Mags smiles. Tiffy merely looks irritated at our 'unseemly behavior'
"Both of you stop it, sit down and eat some breakfast."
We look untrusting at each other for a moment, then take our seats next to each other.
I give Bruce a nod, which he returns. Things have been different between us now. We don't show it, but we both know something has changed. I now know that he is practically family.
"What's put you two in a fine mood this morning?"
Mags asks with a smile. I grin, and give Annie a mischievous look. She returns it with a glare.
"I'm not in a good mood. Mister sunshine over there was very rude this morning."
Mags raises her eyebrows,
"Oh?"
Annie continues to glare at me, as I continue to grin.
"Yes. He rudely aroused me from a pleasant sleep, and then proceeded to tickle me!"
I wiggle my fingers in the air threateningly. She can't help smiling, and swats my hand away. Then she pokes me in the side. This starts an all out poking war, ending with breakfast arriving.
We eat in mock anger, glaring at each other. Mags and Bruce find this hilarious, even Tiffy smiles. When breakfast is over, Tiffy tells us what's on the schedule for today.
"We should arrive in the capitol late this afternoon, when we do, both of you will be prepped and dressed fit to have dinner at the president's mansion. Then we will arrive at a fashionable time for the dinner party."
I nod.
"Sounds good. What do we do until we arrive?"
Tiffy shrugs.
"Whatever you feel like."
She retires to her bedroom, while the mentors, Annie and I relax in the lounge.
"What's the presidents mansion like?"
Annie asks Bruce, he shrugs.
"The only word to describe it is; grand. You'll see for yourself soon enough."
I poke Annie on the shoulder, and she ignores me.
"What's your favorite thing to do at a party Mags?"
I poke her again, and she still ignores me.
"Oh my, I don't know. I suppose eating all the wonderful food is definitely one of the best things about a dinner party."
I continue to poke Annie's shoulder.
"What about you Bruce?"
He leans back in his chair, and grins.
"Seeing all of the...interesting fashions, listening to what conversations are going on. Oh and dancing."
Annie raises her eyebrows.
"You dance?"
He nods,
"Quite well if I do say so myself, I might have to show you tonight. Finnick!"
He shouts mid poke, and I turn giving him an innocent look.
"Leave that poor girl alone."
Annie smiles.
"Oh don't worry, he knows how far he can push me."
She turns to me with a knowing look.
"Don't you Finn?"
I slowly pull my finger back, and give her a horrified look.
"Oh yes, don't worry I remember."
Bruce leans forward.
"Oh, now we have to hear the story."
Annie laughs,
"Well, one time when I was around six, Finn was being a typical annoying eight year old. He wouldn't leave me alone, kept poking and tickling me. Finally he pushed me to far."
She pauses. Mags grins.
"And?"
Annie looks at me, and giggles.
"So I punched him in the nose."
I wince at the memory.
"Didn't stop bleeding for over ten minutes."
Bruce roars with laughter, and Mags chuckles. I pout, and turn to Annie.
"You're lucky you didn't break my nose. You could have tarnished this flawless face."
I strike a pose, and everyone starts laughing.
The rest of the afternoon is spent talking and eating.
Suddenly the train goes dark, which means that we are going through the tunnel into the capitol.
The train lights up again, and Annie rushes to the windows, gasping in awe at the incredible sight.
I stand up, and walk over next to her.
"Well, what do you think?"
Annie continues to stare in wonder.
"It's so colorful. But somehow, everything seems to perfect...if you know what I mean."
I nod. Glancing out the window.
"Trust me, I know exactly what you mean."
Mags calls over to me.
"You better show yourself, everyone has been expecting the great Finnick Odair."
I sigh, and step in front of the window.
Instantly you can see the reaction from the crowd. I smile and wave at them, even blowing some kisses.
Annie watches me with a somber face. She knows I hate this, she knows how hard it is for me to perform for them. She steps closer to me, and slides her hand in mine. She smiles and waves beside me. Letting me know I'm not alone.
Soon we arrive at the building where Annie and I will be prepped for the dinner party.
It takes an hour or so, and finally Dalia brings my suit.
It's traditional black, with a dark orange shirt underneath, the top couple buttons open of course. I have my eyes highlighted, and my hair is styled. When I look in the mirror, I am once again surprised that my skillful prep team can transform a fifteen year old boy, into a young man that looks around twenty. Dalia explains that it's mostly because I already look mature for my age.
I wait for Annie, who shows up looking gorgeous.
She is dressed in a pale yellow chiffon dress that ends just below her knees in the front, and reaches the floor in the back. A pair of black shoes with a small heal, and a matching set of black jewelry; earings, necklace and bracelet. Her hair is pulled up in a fancy up do, with lots of curls and small braids.
Her light makeup is done perfectly, and I wouldn't guess her age below sixteen.
"Wow."
Is all I say. She smiles, it's so good to see her smile. My Annie usually always has a smile on her face, but lately she has lacked one. To see her bright and cheerful smile now, when I am in the place I hate most, makes everything worth while. I smile back, and offer her my arm.
"Shall we go?"
She slides her arm into mine.
"We shall."
My prep team are almost on the verge of tears.
"Oh you two are so adorable!"
"It makes me wish you were a couple!"
"You both are so radiant!"
We accept their compliments, and are rushed off to the president's mansion.
When we arrive, the car door opens and we are mobbed by reporters.
Bruce comes to our rescue, and leads us through the crowd into the mansion.
We are shown into the great room, and both of us take several minutes to gaze around in amazement.
The roof is unbelievably high, and music gently floats around the room. There are twenty-foot tables lining the walls, laden with so many different foods. The middle of the room is clear, letting people mingle. On one end of the room, is a marble dance floor. Mags and Bruce give us a gentle push into the room, and we come back to our senses.
"Wow Bruce, you were right, this is grand."
He grins, and nods his head.
"Yep. I'll see you two around."
He waves and walks off. Mags stands in front of us.
"You two going to be all right by yourselves?"
We nod, and she joins a group of people near one of the tables.
Annie and I wander around for a little while, her arm held tightly in mine.
"What should we do?"
I ask her. I can tell she's getting overwhelmed by everything. She looks around quickly, hesitating.
"Why don't we try some of the food?"
I agree, and we spend a while walking to all the different tables and sampling food.
"Hey Annie, will you be alright by yourself for a minute? I have to use the restroom."
She nods slowly.
"Alright, wait here. I'll be right back."
When I come back out of the restrooms, I frown, searching for Annie.
Where did she go? I told her to wait right here. It takes me a moment to locate her, and I grit my teeth when I do.
She apparently got cornered by a blue haired man in a bright purple suit. He is talking to her, and she is replying politely, but he is standing a little to close to her, and I can tell she's uncomfortable.
I walk up and place a hand on the mans shoulder. He turns to me.
"Pardon me, but I must steal miss Cresta away for a dance."
Annie gives me a thankful glance, as I take her hand and lead her onto the dance floor. I place my other hand on her waist, and she puts hers on my shoulder.
"I don't really know how to dance all that well."
I grin.
"Just follow my lead, and try not to step on my feet."
She smiles, and we dance slowly for a while, stepping in time to the music.
"You're not bad at this."
I say with a chuckle, she tips her nose in the air.
"Why thank you."
The song ends, and I twirl her.
All of a sudden, the music starts again, except this time a much livelier tune. Annie looks at me surprised.
"Don't look at me, I don't know how to dance to this music."
I feel a hand on my shoulder, and turn to see Bruce.
"I do. May I have this dance miss Cresta?"
She smiles, and takes his hand.
"Of course, see you later Finn."
Bruce leads her into the middle of the dance floor, and holds her at arm's length.
He then pulls her toward him, winding her around, then he grabs her other hand, and unwinds her in a twirl.
I walk over and join Mags, cheering and clapping with the rest of the crowd.
"What is this dance called?"
I shout above the crowd, Mags watches them for a minute.
"I think it's called the tango."
I smile.
"Bruce might just have to show me how to do it."
Mags laughs, and we continue to watch Bruce and Annie steal the spotlight.
They spin and twist all over the dance floor, and just as the song ends, Bruce tips Annie in a deep dip.
The crowd goes insane, applauding loudly.
Bruce smiles, and gives a small wave, and Annie looks embarrassed, blushing behind a shy smile.
"That was incredible! You guys are amazing."
Bruce grins and pats Annie on the shoulder.
"You've got natural rhythm, you are a great dancer."
She blushes deeper,
"Thanks. I had no idea you could dance so well. Who taught you?"
He shrugs.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
I throw my arm around his shoulder.
"Come on, we'll believe you. Won't we Annie?"
She nods her head. Bruce sighs,
"Let's just say it was a mentor of mine."
Annie and I both gasp, and turn to Mags.
"No."
"Really?"
She grins.
"I had some moves back in my day."
We spend the rest of the evening meeting more people than I can remember. Tiffy finally rounds us all up.
"Time to go!"
She says, and within a couple of minutes we are all in cars on the way back to the train station.
Annie fell asleep leaning against my shoulder. When we arrive at the train station, I carry her to bed taking off her shoes and jewelry.
I carefully undo her hair, taking out all the pins and clips.
"What time is it."
Annie murmmers half asleep. I unfasten the last lock of hair, and pull the covers over her.
"Shhh. Go back to sleep."
She settles down under the covers, and falls back asleep.
I take off my jacket and shoes. Then I pull off my shirt, and slide into bed. Within a few minutes I am in a deep sleep.

There's Nothing More Important than Family, chapter 23

The camp isn’t easy to find. Some of the blood has already been washed away and more of it has been covered up; I suppose the gamemakers want to make this hard on me. The fact that it’s incredibly dark doesn’t help at all. I am now in an unfamiliar area of the arena. The dirt on the ground is packed and the trees are shorter and leafier. There are no bushes and the trees are planted a foot or two apart; evenly, on all sides. Its uniformity is unnatural and it makes me uneasy. The layout is too perfect.

The blood leads me to a trail and I follow it warily. I must be getting close to Kelly and Dane; I need to be ready for anything. They probably have split up. It’s about that time in the Games. The two of them have either parted ways or are fighting t the death right now. I hope it is the second choice; then I’ll only have one Career to kill. I hope they’re kicking each other’s butts. Then I’ll have less work to do.

The trail stops at the base of a mountain. There is blood smeared high and low across the rock. It looks like Mahogany tried to climb the mountain, but the blood stops about halfway up. I look around, but don’t see where he went next. The trail has gone cold.

I swear and stab the ground. What will I do now? Dane and Kelly could be on the other side of the arena! I sit down on the rock angrily. The forest is quiet. I see no animals and feel no wind. It’s absolutely boring. What I wouldn’t give for a distraction.
That’s when I hear it.

I look up and glance at the mountain. I hear it again; the unmistakable scream of Dane. Nothing else in the arena could make a sound like that. I hear another sharper squeal that has to be Kelly, but it comes from behind me. There’s nothing but mountain. Where could they be?

I stand back from the mountain and examine it. I wonder if there’s perhaps a cave where the blood ends. It’s worth checking out. Carefully keeping my distance from Mahogany’s dried blood, I begin to climb.

It’s tedious. I am tires and sore, so I scale the rock slowly. I don’t see any caves, but it’s getting harder to avoid the blood. Screw it, I think. At least it’s not fresh. It sticks to my clammy hands, giving me better grip. I guess Mahogany is useful after all.

When I reach the end of the blood trail, I see no cave, but the blood continues to the right, so I climb sideways. The mountain beside me creeps in; I can barely crawl through the opening in between the two mountains. Good thing I’m not claustrophobic. If Louisia were here, she’d be freaking out.

I see an opening in the tunnel. When I get close enough, I can see a small valley behind the mountains. It’s the perfect hideout. My hands find a rope ladder and I slowly lower myself down. Right at the bottom, I see a massive amount of blood in the early morning light. This is where Mahogany fell; I know it. I walk around, and see tons more blood over by another mountain wall. That’s where Jason died. I don’t hang around there long. A few yards away I see the carcasses of a few chipmunk mutts, which looks pretty fresh. That’d explain the screams I heard. The other two are nearby.

I wander around for a while, but I stop in my tracks when I hear Dane growl, “It ends here.” I glance over my shoulder, but I see no one.

I am about to move one and admit that I imagined his voice, when Kelly hisses, “I agree, darling, but do you really think you can win?”

I crouch down and creep silently towards where I heard them. There are thick ferns and bushes nearby, so I dive into those. Through the shrubbery, I see the two Careers standing across from each other. Dane is wielding his long, silver sword and Kelly has a dozen knives hanging from a belt. There’s a wicked double-bladed knife in her hand. I notice one of her knives appears to have been ripped from a katar.

Dane’s eyes are smoldering. “In case you don’t remember, I took out that fricken spy from your district. He put up more of a fight than you could ever manage.” Dane wipes the sweat off his forehead, and I notice multiple gashes in his arms, legs neck and one on his cheek. To my amusement, many of them seem to be oozing blood.

Kelly, who looks perfectly fit, snarls, “I could have taken him, but it all worked out in my favor; you’re injured and I’m completely fine. You’ll go down easy.”

“Your arrogance will be your downfall.” Cackles Dane. “You think this will be easy, but it won’t be. You’re just a little girl; you can’t touch me.”

Dane pushed her over the edge. Her eyes flash and she throws the knife in her hand. He cusses, and jumps out of the way. It just grazes his shoulder. “It will be easy.” She sneers. “You’re all brawn and no brain.” Dane gives a great war cry, and lunges at Kelly. She’s quick and nimble; she agilely leaps to the side. “See?” she taunts. “You’re so predictable, my friend. This will-“ She screams as Dane slashes her thigh. He attacked while she was talking, but not very accurately. Regardless, it hit her, and it looks painful.

“You talk too much.” He tells her cockily.

Kelly throws more knives with increased intensity. Dane tries to dodge them, but they all hit him; one gets stuck in his calf. It looks as though she pierced a muscle. Kelly chucks another, giggling insanely, but Dane deflects it with his blade. Now he’s on offense, slashing and thrusting wildly. I see worry in her eyes as she slides out of the way each time, only by an inch. He cuts her wrist and her chest. She’s gasping for air as she falls onto her back and Dane brings his blade down on her head. She rolls out of the way. The blade gets tangled with her hair and gets stuck in the ground. I hear horrible ripping as she pulls away. There is a whole bunch of her hair stuck to the sword, and her head is bleeding. Her hair is uneven; long in the front and short in the back. It looks ridiculous.

Dane is struggling to get his sword out of the ground and Kelly sees her chance. She unlatches another knife from her belt, and jumps onto Dane’s back. He yells in rage and struggles and Kelly ties to slit his throat. He grabs her arm and throws her against a tree. The ‘thump’ her head makes when it contacts the trunk is not reassuring.

Dane spits out a mouthful of blood and approaches her. “See?” he mocks, repeating her earlier tone. “Now I’m going to finish you with my bare hands.”

I don’t exactly see what happens next. Dane bends down to pick her up, and a cannon goes off. He falls to the, Kelly’s last knife is stuck in his chest. She gasps in relief and warily gets up. I see her shaking. She picks up her knives from around the area as she breathes deeply. “One down, one to go.” She whispers to herself. “The hard part is over.” She walks away, presumably to her camp.

I make myself comfortable in my green cover. There will be a showdown tomorrow; it’s inevitable. I want to be fully rested, because I know Kelly will be ready.

Life With Annie, chapter 18

I wake up slowly, ever so slowly.
Where am I? Am I dead?
No, I can feel my heart beating. So where am I?
"Bruce?"
I hear a familiar voice, soft but strong. It's my mentor.
"Bruce, are you awake?"
I try to sit up, but I am strapped down. I open my eyes slowly, the first thing I see, is a white ceiling.
I turn my head slowly.
"Mags?"
She smiles. Her face looks strained, like she hasn't had enough sleep. Her white hair is pulled back in a braid.
"Hello Bruce. How are you feeling?"
I blink several times, and rest my head back on the pillow.
"I don't know...did I win?"
She nods slowly, not saying anything.
"That's funny, I didn't hear the announcement when I was in the arena..."
Then I remember.
"Mags...one of us had to die...I stabbed myself, I remember that."
She avoids my gaze.
"Mags."
She doesn't move.
"Mags...where's the baby?"
She slowly moves her eyes, so that they are locked with mine.
"He didn't make it out of the arena."
A pain worse than anything I've ever felt shoots through me. I don't remember anything after that, except I had bruises where the restraints cut into my wrists.
I did everything they told me to, I submitted to their cruelty, and they repaid me by letting me live.
I briefly remember part of the victory interview with Caesar Flickerman.
"So Bruce, how does it feel to be a victor?"
I stare at the floor, ignoring his question.
"Well, you sure are different then the charming, easy-going guy you were several weeks ago."
I slowly raise my head. My eyes have been bloodshot from crying and lack of sleep. I answer him in a low voice, dripping with malice.
"Well, the games change us all don't they?"
He laughs nervously, and I don't remember the rest of the interview.
I do remember arriving home, finding out that my mother couldn't handle it anymore, I was informed by one of our neighbors, that she was found in our living room, a rope around her neck.
I envy her. She has found peace, while I am stuck here. Wanting to die, but not being allowed to.
Why shouldn't I die? I have nothing to live for now. Nothing is keeping me here.
The days drag by into weeks, which turn from months to years.
It was about five years after my games, I had just turned twenty-three, and grey has already begun to streak my hair.
I was walking down a back street, just walking. I remember passing the community home, and glancing briefly into the fenced yard where all the boys where playing.
I pass the fence, and keep walking. Then I freeze, turning slowly around, I walk back to the fence, and lean against it, searching intently. Then I see what I'm looking for.
A small boy, standing alone in the corner of the yard. His bronze hair falls in thick waves around his ears, and his skin is a soft golden, slightly darkened by the sun.
He watches in terror, as two boys slightly bigger than him, walk up and knock him to the ground. They walk off laughing, and the boy gets up slowly, his hair tousled.
I catch his gaze, and his sea green eyes lock with my grey ones.
My eyes flicker slowly up to his forehead. Where his hair is pushed out-of-the-way, is a small round birthmark, right above his left eyebrow.
The boy drops my gaze, and shuffles slowly back inside.
I stare at the closed door for a while. Then I take off at a run.
I don't stop, running full speed all the way to victors village. Passing my house, I run up the front steps to Mags house, and throw the door open.
Mags is in the living room, reading on the couch. She looks up in surprise.
"Bruce..."
"Why didn't you tell me!"
I roar, quivering with anger.
She looks confused for a minute.
"Felicia's child is alive! And you didn't tell me?! You lied to me!"
She closes her book, and sets it down on the coffee table.
"Sit."
She says in her commanding voice, I know she won't talk until I do, so I stomp over and plunk down on the other end of the couch.
"I did it to protect you, and him."
I'm about to interrupt, when she raises a hand, and cuts me off.
"Let me finish. After you passed out in the arena, there were orders to retrieve you, and leave the baby. A medical team was waiting in a hovercraft, and they were there in less than a minute. I was waiting back in the capitol, and you were immediately rushed to the medical center. One of the doctors held back, holding a large medicine bag. She ran over and handed it to me quickly, then ran off to join the others. Inside, was the baby, and a note. ~I couldn't leave him, take him back home, and take care of him. No one must know.~ I had a trusted friend take him back home, and take care of him until I returned. I lied to you, to protect both of you. If anyone knew the baby was alive, he would be guaranteed to end up in the arena. If you had taken care of him, even if no one knew it was the same child, they would use him against you. I did what I had to do for the best."
I cover my face with my hands, then run them through my hair.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
She sighs,
"I couldn't have you getting close to him. If you start to pay him any attention, the capitol will use him against you. As it is right now, they have nothing to force you with, no leverage, but the minute you start getting close to that boy, they will threaten him."
I stare at her.
"So I have to pretend that I don't care about him? He's my best friends son!"
She nods.
"I know, but if you really care about him, you will do this to protect him."
I sit in silence for a moment, letting everything sink in. I stare at the floor.
"What's his name?"
She says the name strongly.
"Finnick Odair."
I snap my head up.
"How did you know what Felicia named him? No one knew except me."
She smiles,
"When I told you he died, you shouted out his name once, no one knows except you, and me."
I smile.
"Finnick. That was the name Felicia whispered to me right before she died. Thank you."
She nods.
"I thought you might appreciate that I gave Odair to be his last name."
I nod.
"Yes, I do. Thank you Mags."
I did keep an eye on Finnick, although I kept my distance. I watched him grow into a strong healthy boy, and everyday he reminded me more and more of Felicia. He inherited her beauty to, and I watched him get teased for it. His life wasn't easy, but I know if anyone knew the truth, his life would be much harder.

---

"Why didn't you tell me?"
I ask quietly, looking into his grey eyes, my green ones moist with unshed tears.
"I couldn't, I had to protect you."
My fingers lightly run over the birth mark on my forehead. Bruce rubs his eyes, sighing.
"I'm sorry Finnick, I never intended to tell you. It's just going to complicate things."
I look up surprised.
"You were never going to tell me the truth?"
He shakes his head.
"It would have been for the best, now you know my secret. You are my secret, no one must ever know, not even Annie. Understood? It would only put you in danger, and through you, her."
I nod slowly.
"It must have been hard for you, not being able to get to know me, after everything you did for me. You were forced to act like I was a stranger."
He nods.
"But I knew it was to protect you, which has always been my responsibility."
I want to ask him so many questions, but I know he will never answer, the less I know, the better.
"You should get to sleep. Tomorrow, we act toward each other like we always have. Understood?"
I nod slowly, and stand up. He remains sitting, staring at the floor.
"Thank you."
I say quietly, then I walk to the door, and open it. Bruce calls after me.
"Goodnight Finnick."
I walk slowly back to my bedroom on the train, and slip in quietly. Annie is still sleeping soundly, and I pull the covers up around her shoulders.
I lie in bed for a while, thinking over everything Bruce has just told me.
I know the truth now, he's the closest thing to family I have. He loved my mother. My mother wasn't some girl pregnant out of wedlock that abandoned me. She loved me, and she wanted me. Mags knows the truth about me to, if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be alive. It seems I owe Mags and Bruce debts that can not be repaid, as well as the doctor who smuggled me out of the arena.
I fall asleep with the thought of Bruce and my mother. They were friends, just like Annie and I.

There's Nothing More Important than Family, chapter 22

I have a pretty strong mind. I don’t get scared easily and it takes a lot to get to me. My sister’s death? Well, that got to me. I usually never have dreams, but tonight I did. I wouldn’t call it a bad dream, I suppose, but I wasn’t ready for it. It was like salt in a wound.

If I wouldn’t have woken up after my dream, I probably would have accepted it as reality. It was vivid and beautiful, but painful at the same time. I was standing in the arena, over by the creek. Zania looked exactly as she did when I last saw her; her skin was covered in bloody tridents and her hair was short. I guess that hairstyle kind of suited her. The words ‘Your move’ shimmered on her forehead, and I stared at it mournfully. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Kelly’s eerie writing. The machete was gone from her chest, but I could see a jagged wound. Worst of all was her token. It sat untouched on her head like a halo. This feeble piece of wheat and ribbon survived, but she didn’t?

Dream-Zania floated (yes, floated) over to me and touched my cheek. Her hands were ice cold and clammy. “I’m sorry.” She whispered.

“You’re sorry?” I sputtered. “I should have been there. I could have saved you, but I didn’t!”

“Nathan, forget that! I shouldn’t have screamed; I led her right to me. I’ve been holding you and the others back from the start. Mark’s death was my fault, and Georgie’s, and Maria’s. Addalie and Breah died for me, too. Don’t get mad at yourself because I finally faced death.”

“You’re too young.” I argued. “You had your whole life ahead of you!”

“Nathan, you can’t protect me forever. Eventually, I’m going to fall out of the tree.”

I smiled somberly. “Didn’t you fall the first time? Haven’t you fallen already?”

I saw her roll her eyes and she began to walk away. Before she disappeared, she whispered audibly, “Remember; it’s your move. Make it count.” Then she disappeared.

Now I sit inside the Cornucopia, reflecting on the dream. Was it a dream? It feels so real. It feels like Zania was actually talking to me, but she’s dead. There’s no changing that.

There is truth in her words. I can’t protect her anymore and I have to make my move. I know I can’t sit in the Cornucopia forever. Part of me wants to hunt down the Careers and kill them both, but the rest of me doesn’t want to do anything. I have to do something interesting soon, or the gamemakers will send something horrible my way. I can’t bring myself to stray away from the clearing. At one point, I think I see a pack of those chipmunk mutts run by, but they don’t notice me. I wonder if they’re after the Careers or Jason.

I have no idea what to do to pass the time. I consider continuing my rampage on all granola in the Cornucopia, but that seems boring. I eat half the food Jason put in my backpack and then refill it. If I have to make a run for it, I want to have a full supply.

I find some metal armor in the Cornucopia and I try my best to dent it with a giant mace I found in the back. Its hard work, but when I’m done, the chest plate is hopelessly deformed. I bet my parents are sitting at home cursing at me for destroying resources. I laugh at the thought.

I climb up the Cornucopia and lounge on the roof. The sun is warm and relaxing. I dig in my heels so I don’t slide down it and I put my hands behind my head. I think of home.
When I win, I can get my dad the best machinery money can buy. We’ll live in Victor’s Village beside Sean and Olivia; everyone will get their own room. I’ll build a monument for Zania. She will never be forgotten. I’ll help buy food for the poorer people in District 9. Maybe I’ll start a charity. I won’t become one of those victors who hides in the corner and drinks away their life. I’ll be productive with my money.

Suddenly, the cannon booms, and I fall off the side of the Cornucopia painfully. I hit my left arm hard, but it doesn’t feel like I broke anything. I can almost hear all of Panem laughing at me, except for my father. Dad would be groaning. I slowly stand back up, and stretch my arm carefully. I am definitely getting a bruise. I pick my sword up off the ground and swear a couple times. I usually don’t swear, but mom’s not here in the arena to tell me off. I guess Jason has taken out another Career.

I try to entertain myself in the soul-sucking arena. I cut down multiple tree branches. With them, I build a fort outside the Cornucopia, like David, Louisia and I used to do before the others were born. I stack the stumps to make an army of stick-men. I feel six again. I’ve escaped the arena and I’m back in the trees of District 9. I remember when the kids in my district would all play ‘war’ at recess. Our parents told us not to because we didn’t know how it felt to kill someone, but we didn’t understand and we played it anyway. It was just a game. I laugh and think how my situation in terrifyingly real and I’ve actually killed a couple people. The game still seems pretty fun to me!
I hide in my fort, and look through the spy window I made. I can see all of my stump-people. I grab one of Vella’s extra bows and a quiver full of arrows. ‘Pew pew!’ I make fake gun noises as I shoot at the closest stump-men. I miss but two feet at least (archery is not my strong suit), but I hit another stump-man a few yards behind the first. I take out all the stick-people by randomly shooting all over.
I wonder what the people in the Capitol think about me now. Are they laughing? Do they think I’m insane? Probably both, now that I think about it. That probably kept the audience pretty entertained, so I don’t expect any mutts to come. Even if they do, I’ll shoot an arrow in their general direction with the bow. There’s a 50% chance that I’ll kick their butts.
It’s like I’ve forgotten I’m in the Games. I’ve never seen a tribute play in a fort before. Usually the situation is more serious, but I don’t care. I build a giant bonfire with the remains of my fort and my stump-people. If the last Career left wants to come, let him (or her). Jason will be following them and we’ll kick their butt together. The huge fire lights up the now dark clearing. The anthem plays and I look up into the sky. Jason’s face stares down at me.
Jason? So there are still two Careers. Jason’s eyes stare down at me from the sky, and I hear him say, “You will win.” He fades away, but it looks like there are two emerald stars in the sky where his eyes used to be.
This is not good. The fire was a really bad idea. The Careers will be coming, and I don’t really want to face Kelly and Dane together tonight. I have to find them eventually, since this is the Hunger Games, but I want to do it on my terms. I want to surprise them. It’s only a matter of time before they find me. I hide in the bushes.
After crouching in the shrubbery for an hour and a half, it’s evident they’re not coming.  My legs are sore and cramped. I assume that Jason would not have gone down without a fight. Kelly and Dane are injured; I need to find them. I’m the only one in the arena who is fully healed and the Careers aren’t stupid enough to come and get me. The problem is, I have no idea where the heck they are. They could be anywhere in the arena by now. I think back to the training centre. Were there any stations on tracking? I don’t think so, and if there was one, I didn’t visit it.
I notice blood on the grass that isn’t mine, and I remember stabling Mahogany in the upper arm. I nearly cut his arm off; he was bleeding for sure. Would he have had enough sense to bandage it up? No, I see a large amount of dried blood on the grass where I pushed him, when Zania screamed. It makes a trail, leading into the woods. I grab my backpack and follow the trail, running. The Careers will have a campsite of some sort and Mahogany will lead me right to it.

Life With Annie, chapter 17

I wake up slowly, my senses gradually acknowledge certain things.
I am sleeping on my back.
I can hear something crackling.
My eyes are watering.
I can smell smoke...smoke?
My eyes snap open, and I sit up.
The forest is on fire. This is no gamemaker trick, this is the work of a tribute.
I stand up quickly, and look around. The forest is on fire all around me, trapping me in a circle of flames.
I think back to yesterday, and realise that I doubled back to where the boy from twelve died yesterday.
So it was a tribute that killed him, and I walked right back into their territory.
I cough as the thick smoke engulfs my head. Bending over quickly, I pick up the baby and put him in the sling, then I rip part of the blanket off, and cover the baby's face.
I grab my sword and pack, and look around the circle of fire for any way to escape.
"You should have stayed back in district four."
I hear a mocking voice ring out behind the flames.
"You careers think you're so great, volunteering to bring honor and glory to yourself"
I spin around, trying to locate the owner of the voice. It continues.
"The truth is, if any of you knew what life is like after the games, you wouldn't volunteer. You would cower in fear on reaping day like the rest of us!"
I have my sword held ready, but I can't attack what I can't see.
I cough again, the smoke becoming overwhelming.
"Now, to late, do you know the truth, the arena is a living hell! That the capitol throws innocent children into, and then puts it on TV for all to see!"
I catch sight of my foe, I think it's the girl from district six.
She looks around sixteen, and her black hair is flying around her head, mixing with the smoke. She is standing at the edge of the meadow, just on the other side of the fire ring.
"Oh yes, now you will die. Slowly, and painfully. Suffocation is agony I hear."
Tears stream from my eyes as I cough violently, there's nowhere to escape the thick smoke.
"You won't be killing just me, my district partner had a baby on the first day, and I have him with me!"
I shout out between my coughs. I see her tilt her head to the side, uncertain if I am telling the truth. I uncover him briefly, letting her see. She raises one eyebrow, then shrugs.
"I'm saving him from a life of torture."
I step closer to the fire separating us.
"What do you mean?"
She looks at me with her strange, light grey eyes.
"My mother is a soothsayer, gifted with the second sight. She told me that I would be entered in the games on my sixteenth year, and a child would be born in the games. This child, if it survived, would be cursed to live a life no one should have. So I am doing him a favor."
I shake my head. She's crazy! She has to be.
"You will still be responsible for the death of an innocent baby!"
She grins wickedly, and shouts at the sky.
"I hope none of you capitol people think that Zivia Tatorous is being inhuman, or cruel. After all, you are responsible for the lives of twenty four children every year!"
I stare in shock at her. If she was back home in her district, she would have been shot long ago.
"You are all murderers! Every single one of you sick people who enjoy watching these games!"
She then starts shouting profanities at the sky, cursing the capitol and everyone in it.
I'm on my knees now, trying to breathe. My lungs feel like they're on fire, and my eyes are streaming.
I am falling into unconsciousness, when I hear a scream from the Zivia. I look up through blurry eyes, and see dozens of the little rabbits attacking her.
I look away as they start biting her, bringing her to the ground where they can feed easier.
I cover my ears, trying to block out the sound of her screams as she is eaten alive.
I fall unconscious just as I hear her cannon fire.
When I wake up, the first thing I hear is the baby crying.
I sit up quickly, and look around. I am somewhere in the forest, sitting against a large tree. The baby is beside me, and looks fine. I pick him up, and rock him. I try to say something soothing to him, but my voice just comes out in a croak.
I retrieve a canteen of water from my pack, a couple of feet away, and drain it quickly.
"That's better."
My voice is still a little hoarse, but at least I can talk now.
I look around. How did I get here?
Then I see the drag marks.
Who would rescue me from the fire? I have no friends left in the arena.
I search around for a little while, and find some footprints leading away from the clearing.
I follow them for a little while, and within a minute, I am stopped short in my tracks.
Laying about ten feet in front of me, is a girl and boy. Both dead, a knife in each of their chests.
It's the tributes from ten, I walk slowly over to them, and see the girl has a piece of white fabric in her hand.
I pull it out of her grasp, and smooth it out. There is a small note written on it in blood.
~Win, and bring the baby home. Tara and Dean~
I look down at them, and notice they're holding hands. They look similar, with their dark red hair and slender frame. Siblings?
Why would they kill themselves? To save the baby. But why not rescue the baby and let me die? Did they, like me, not want to keep living in this corrupt world?
I hear a hovercraft approaching, and I nod a silent thank you to them both.
I walk quickly back to where I woke up, and collect my things.
There's only two other tributes besides me now.
Most likely the gamemakers will do something to force us together now.
I'm not wrong, after several minutes of hiking through the woods, I hear a loud rumbling roar, and the ground starts shaking.
I look up, and through the trees I can see the mountain. As I watch, the mountain side shifts, and thousands of tons of rock come crashing down.
The gamemakers have started an earthquake.
I turn, and run as fast as I can, leaping over cracks forming in the ground, and dodging falling trees.
I know where I'm going, right now the meadow is probably the safest place to be.
It doesn't take me long to get there, and I run into the center of the large field.
This must be where they want us to go, because the ground isn't even trembling here.
After about an hour or so, I hear a cannon fire, and the rumbling stops.
I stand wary, the end of the earthquake must mean that the one remaining tribute is in the meadow.
I keep a sharp eye out for any signs of movement.
I don't see any of the little rabbit mutts, the gamemakers must want the last two tributes to decide things among themselves.
I know I should be nervous, soon it will be decided who will live and who will die, but I feel perfectly calm.
In a few minutes, I spot the other tribute. It's the boy from nine, he's armed with several long knives, and he looks like he can use them.
He is tall, and fairly muscular. His dark brown hair falls in waves just below his ears. He knows where I am, and he's taking his time getting to me.
When He's about a hundred feet away, I raise my sword, and drop my pack on the ground. I place the baby carefully on the pack, and stand in front of him.
The boy stops a few yards in front of me.
"You're from four aren't you. One of the careers?"
I nod.
"Bruce Gilroy. You're from nine?"
He nods.
"Avery Twill."
We stand silent for a moment, watching each other, trying to find the others weakness.
"I guess we should end this."
He says quietly. I nod, and we raise our weapons.
I take a step forward, but he stands his ground. Great, he's making me come to him, fine.
I run the last couple of feet, and swing my sword at him. He blocks it quickly with one of his knives, and with the other he slashes at my stomach. I pull away, barely missing his blade.
A long fight ensues, both of us giving, and receiving wounds.
He seems to get the advantage on me, when he cuts my right side deeply. I staunch the blood flow with my free hand, and take several steps away from him.
He is panting heavily, and raises his knives, ready for the death-blow.
I lower my head, waiting, waiting. Now!
I jump to the left, taking him by surprise. Turning quickly I run him through the torso. He gasps, and looks down at his blood covered stomach. Then he looks behind me, spotting the baby sitting watching us with big eyes.
"He deserves to live."
He says quietly, blood dribbling from his mouth. He falls to the ground, and I hear his cannon.
I stand panting heavily, bleeding badly from several wounds. Waiting to hear the announcement of the victor.
Nothing.
I look up to the sky, frowning in puzzlement.
I didn't miss count the tributes did I? No, I'm sure I am the last one standing...
I glance at the small child resting on the back pack.
Are they really that cruel? They expect me to kill a baby?
I sigh, and bend over painfully, picking up one of Avery's knives. Then I walk over to the baby, I brush the hair off his forehead, and look at the small round mark left by the serpent. Then I bend down, and whisper.
"I'm sorry."
I straighten up, and raise the knife. Pausing, imagining the drama they're making out of this on television.
"Goodbye."
Then I bring the knife down.
The last thing I remember, was a sharp pain in my side, and falling to the ground.

There's Nothing More Important than Family, chapter 21

Zania’s large brown eyes are open; the look of terror is unmistakeable. They are empty and cold. The girl from 4, Kelly, had cut her hair to just below her chin and drawn little tridents in her skin with her knife. On Zania’s forehead, she had written, “Your move.”

I stab my sword into the ground in anger. After Zania’s cannon went off, I killed the girl from 1 easily, without hesitation. I wanted to go to my sister’s side immediately, but Dane, Mahogany and Kelly were still present. To my surprise, Kelly tossed them backpacks and told them to run, like cowards. I didn’t care; I’d kill them later.

Now, I hold one of Zania’s hands in two of my own. Her body is still warm, but that is deceiving. She has no pulse, no heartbeat. Kelly’s knife went right through her left lung and into her heart. Her death was quick, but Kelly made sure it wasn’t painless. The tears and blood on her face tell me that much. I use my sleeve to try and wipe some of it away, but it only smears it around worse.

The hovercraft appears to pick up the bodies of Breah, Vella and Satin. I know it wants to pick up Zania, but I refuse to move from my sister’s side. Mom told us to stay together.

I feel Jason’s hand on my shoulder. “C’mon man.” He mumbles. “We have to go.” I brush Zania’s hair off of her face and Jason helps me stand up. We sit in the mouth of the Cornucopia, as the hovercraft claw lifts my sister’s limp figure out of the arena. I bury my face in my hands. I should have been there to help her sooner, as soon as she screamed the first time, but I was too busy. Apparently fighting Mahogany was more important than saving Zania. I hate myself for not going to help her.

“It was a trap.” Jason tells me. “Kelly knew you’d make Zania hide. She had Satin kill Breah; she knew that would draw Zania out. It isn’t your fault. Kelly’s crafty and she tricked us all.”

“I promised I’d protect her!” I cry. “Now she’s gone. I should just kill myself now.”

“No!” says Jason, and he takes away my sword warily. “Do you think that’s what Zania would want you to do?”

“Who knows what she wants me to do? She’s dead!”

“Nathan, listen to me. Don’t throw your life away, you can still win this. Zania would want you to win this.” I shake my head, and Jason continues firmly. “Nathan, listen! Your little brother is probably scarred for life now! Think of how traumatized he’ll be if you die too! Focus! Your parents need you. Your brothers and sisters need you. And me, too. There are five of us left, and four out of five are Careers. A Career can’t win this year!”

“No, they can’t win.” I agree. “Especially not Kelly.”

“Exactly. Now come on. The Careers left their supplies here, and we need food.” He helps me stand up and we get to work.

There are many backpacks left. Jason grabs two and tosses me one. We fill them with food and other supplies. My hands are trembling and I’m not paying attention to what I throw in the bag. Eventually, Jason takes it from my hands and fills it himself.

It’s dark. The anthem plays, and I see Satin and Vella, and then Zania. And, finally, Breah’s face looks down at me for the last time.

Jason throws me my backpack. It hits me in the chest, and I awkwardly catch it one-handedly before falling backwards. I don’t stand back up.

I hear Jason sigh. “Dude, I think it’s time we split up.” I look at him curiously. I knew this was coming.
When the seven of us teamed up together, we said we joined because we wanted a better chance of winning. We didn’t know it at first, but the real reason we joined forces was to protect Zania. She was young and vulnerable and she stole their hearts, as she stole mine when we were kids. She made them want to send her home. Now that she’s gone, there’s no reason for Jason to stay and help me.

“Nathan, you need some space to get your head on straight. I’ll try and take out as many of the others as I can. If you’re lucky, I’ll kill all of them. But you have to win.” The intensity in his eyes makes me flinch.

“No.” I contradict. “Kelly is mine.”

He smirks. “Fine, everyone but Kelly. I’ll injure her up for you, though.”

I take a deep breath, and it kind of calms me. “So this is goodbye, then?” I mumble.

“This is goodbye.” He shakes my hand. “You be careful. You’re gonna win and the victor needs to stay handsome.”

I frown. “One can only hope.”

Jason chuckles, and starts to walk away, sword in hand. He’s ready for combat. He knows where to find the Careers, although I don’t know how. Before he disappears into the trees, he calls, “I better not have to light a freaking fire!”

I laugh and wave, but once he’s gone, I return to the Cornucopia and sit inside. Depression hits me like a brick wall. I know Jason didn’t mean anything with his last statement, but it still hurts. I realise how much I miss Zania already.

I hear a cannon. Jason has found them already, I suppose.  I just hope that death wasn’t him. I expect to hear more cannons, but none come. I guess they’ve run like cowards once again. It’s not normal Career behavior, that’s for sure.

The gamemakers have stocked the Cornucopia with Capitol juice boxes. I throw one on the ground and stab it multiple times. I’m splattered with artificial fruit juice, but I don’t care. It was a good way to take out my frustration. I feel a little better, but not a lot.

I get an idea. There’s a sack full of granola in the Cornucopia for some reason, so I stand it up against the outside wall. I take some kind of berry paste and write ‘Kelly’ on the rough sack. Repeatedly, I stab and slash the bag. My rage is unforgiving and the pitiful sack is the first to face my wrath. “Kelly, wait until I get my hands on you.” I say to myself. Oh, how I hate my life.

When I’m done beating up the granola, I fall straight backwards on the ground. It’s once again getting late. I didn’t realize how long I was pummeling the bag, or how tired it was making me. I stay up just long enough to see it was Mahogany who died, and then I fall asleep in the middle of the clearing.

Life With Annie, chapter 16

I wake up several hours later. The mid morning sky slightly cloudy.
I can hear the quiet breathing of the baby beside me, and I turn my head so I can see him.
He is curled up next to me, sleeping soundly with his mouth slightly open.
He looks so innocent, so peaceful. How can something so pure, be in a place like this?
I sit up slowly, and stretch. Silently running over the tributes still left in the arena.
I am the last career, then there is the girl from district six, the boy from nine, both tributes from ten, the boy from twelve, and the girl from eleven.
Seven left, seventeen dead. The games aren't going to last much longer.
I walk over to the stream and splash water on my face, it wakes me up fully, and I look around for my shirt to wipe the water off my face. Then I realise I must have left it at the other campsite.
I sigh, and search through the back pack that Cleo gave me.
It contains: several canteens of water, a large box of matches, an extra blanket, several packages of dried meat and fruit, and a large coil of rope. I also discover the baby bottle and soe formula in a small pocket on the side.
I quickly start a small fire, and prepare a bottle for the baby.
"Rise and shine tough guy, it's time for breakfast."
He gives a small yawn as I pick him up, and blinks his eyes sleepily.
"You've got to keep your strength up, can't go back home sickly now can you?"
He gurgles, and waves his arm in the air.
I feed him the formula, and he quickly drains the bottle. I'm not very hungry, so I kick some dirt over the fire, and pack up my supplies. Then I cradle the baby in the sling, and set off.
I still don't have a particular direction in where I'm headed, I am just staying on the move.
I walk through the thick forest for some time, when suddenly the dense trees give way to open meadow.
I pause at the edge of the forest, surveying the new territory with a keen eye.
The lush green grass ripples in the slight breeze, and hundreds of wildflowers splash the scene with color. I spot several brightly colored butterflies, and I can hear the lazy drone of bees.
The sudden beauty of the meadow, takes me off guard temporarily, and I gaze in wonder at the picturesque scene.
It takes a moment to remember that this is an arena of death, and anything beautiful or innocent looking is most likely the most dangerous.
I decide to go around the meadow. There's no knowing what the gamemakers may have placed in it.
I follow the edge of the forest, keeping the meadow to my right, and make a long arch around the open space.
It's late afternoon, when I reach the other side of the meadow, and I take a short break.
I make another bottle for the baby, and he drinks it eagerly before falling back to sleep.
I sigh and decide I should probably eat something. Not that I have an appetite, but I need to keep up my strength if I am going to become the victor.
I eat some dried fruit and meat, as I let my thoughts wander.
What will happen if I make it to becoming the victor?
Will they let the game end if the baby and I are both still alive?
Or will they count the baby as a tribute, and wait until there is only one left.
If it comes down to that, it will be oh so simple to stick a knife in my chest. Anything to get the baby out alive.
I look down at the small sleeping child, his soft golden skin tone and bronze hair remind me so much of his mother.
Felicia, she was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, with her rich wavy hair, and sparkling green eyes. I think back to that night, when we sat around the fire, when she told me she loved me.
Why hadn't she told me sooner? Was she scared I didn't love her back? Or was she going to tell me, and then when she got pregnant think that complicated things. Did she think I wouldn't love her or the baby?
I brush my hand over her sons mass of hair.
If only she knew how much I cared about her, how much I care about her son.
I sigh. Even if I do make it out of the arena, I won't have a reason to keep living.
Sure if I win I will become rich and famous, but I've never wanted that life. The only person to go home to know is my mother, and I don't even know how she is handling me in the arena. When my father was executed, and after Quin, she drew back into her mind, still functioning, but it seems mechanical, automatic. I don't see how she could have ever loved my father. Maybe he was different a long time ago. We all change don't we, even if we don't intend to, we all change sooner or later.
I know I've changed.
The first time I realised it was after my father was executed, then Quin's death. It was just one thing after another that led me to becoming the scarred brooding person I am today.
I know the biggest change is yet to come, if I become victor. I will never be the same again.
I clear my head of these thoughts, and carefully pick up the baby, settling him in the sling. Then I pick up my pack, and continue back into the forest.
It's almost evening when I am startled by a cannon.
"I wonder who that could be."
I murmmer. Then I notice the birds have stopped singing, a single bird lets out a shrill warning cry, and I see a hovercraft appear.
It stops about a hundred yards to my left, into the forest. A large metal claw descends from it, and picks up the body of the dead tribute.
"That's just a little too close for comfort."
I say, backing slowly into the meadow, my eyes searching the woods for any sign of another tribute.
Who knows? Maybe the dead tribute died of something natural, or a mutt, there are so many other possibilities than another tribute. But even the chance of a killer nearby is enough to get me moving.
I travel directly away from where the tribute died, straight into the meadow.
I walk carefully, uncertain of what secrets the beautiful meadow holds. You can never underestimate or overlook anything in the arena, it could be the death of you.
The meadow seems safe enough, except for being out in the open, but still I keep a sharp lookout for anything suspicious.
As I move through the large meadow, I begin to relax slightly. Maybe the meadow is safe after all.
The thought barely crosses my mind, when I spot a small white rabbit, sitting watching me with its head on one side. It doesn't seem scared by my presence, only curious.
It is very fluffy, and its large black eyes stare in fascination.
I watch it, and it watches me, after a few moments, it turns and hops away.
That was a bit odd.
I think, but I just continue making my way to the other side of meadow.
After about ten minutes of walking, I notice another white rabbit, just like the first one. Then a thought strikes me: what if it's the same rabbit.
Could it have followed me?
I dismiss this thought. Rabbits don't follow people, they run from them...
The rabbit takes one hop to the right, and turns to watch me again. Then I see the other one, a black one slightly behind the white one.
I turn to my left, and see a brown and a grey one.
"What is up with you?"
I ask them curiously. They all tilt their head to the side, and just watch me.
I continue to walk, noticing more and more rabbits of all different colors as I go. I begin to feel a bit nervous, but chide myself.
They're just a bunch of rabbits, what can they do?
unfortunately, I am proven wrong. When I reach around the middle of the meadow, I pause for a minute and slowly turn around. Behind me, is over twenty rabbits. Black, white, grey, brown, and multicolored. They all are watching me with heads tilted to the side, all that is except for one, the fluffy white one I saw first, is standing closest to me. Its small nose twitching, and large eyes unmoving.
A staring contest starts, and after a minute I glance away.
Suddenly the rabbit opens its mouth, and instead of the large front teeth rabbits usually have, there are two needle like fangs dripping a sickly green liquid.
The rabbit makes a noise somewhere between a hiss and a squeal, and lunges forward.
It moves so fast I don't have time to react, and it sinks its small fangs into my ankle.
Sharp pain shoots through my foot, and I yell in pain as I cut the rabbit in two, and I kick away the half still attached to my leg.
All at once, the other rabbits open their mouths, and let out the same sound as the first one. Only this time I react before they reach me.
I turn and run for my life.
I can't believe how fast they can move, and soon I am panting hard, still trying to keep up a fast sprint.
I'm holding the baby tight in one arm, keeping him secure. He is awake, but doesn't cry, he simply sits still and watches me as I run.
I can just see the other end of the meadow, and I am desperately hoping that if I leave their territory, the rabbits will leave me alone. If not, then I don't know what I'm going to do.
I'm running out of energy, and my foot is starting to throb painfully, when I take a quick glimpse behind me, and almost stop.
They're gone. Not a single rabbit to be seen anywhere.
That's odd...
Suddenly I hear a hiss in the grass, and I see the thick sinewy body of an emerald green snake.
"Aw come on! Another creature?"
The snake strikes, and I barely have time to grab its neck before it bites me.
The thickest part of its body is around the size of my waist, and it looks almost twenty feet long. Its large fangs hover six inches from my neck, and I struggle to keep it from coming any closer.
The fangs alone are around three inches long, and are covered in venom.
As I am wrestling it, the venom collects in a single drop on the end of its fang. It builds slowly, until it finally grows to heavy, and drops from the fang tip.
I see to late where it will land.
It hits the baby's forehead, up high above the left eyebrow.
It makes a small sizzle sound, and the baby screams. That is the only thing it takes. A strange energy seizes me, giving me strength I didn't know was possible.
WIth one savage twist, I grab the serpents neck with both hands, and snap its spine. How it was possible to break a snakes spine I will probably never know, but I did somehow, and the serpent lay writhing at my feet.
In an instant I am bending over the baby, examining his wound.
A single small burn mark, perfectly round, rests on his forehead. He is crying pitifully, but it seems that the worst pain is over. I soak a corner of my blanket in water, and clean the burn gently.
"There, there little guy. It doesn't hurt anymore does it? Don't worry, uncle Bruce killed the nasty old snake."
The baby giggles and I sigh in relief. The venom doesn't seem to have any especially harmful effects.
I kick the snakes thick coils out of my way, and soon I am out of the horrid meadow, and back into the safety of the trees.
I travel till night falls, and set up camp as the anthem plays, and the boy from twelve lights up in the sky.
That leaves only six of us. In just a few short days, our numbers have vanished quickly into the single digits. Soon, there will only be a single digit left.
One.