realization

The first couple hours were kinda boring, two of the smaller groups met in the swamp area.

They allied, though it won't be useful- their skills combined make less then half of the skills of one of the careers.

The most luck they'll have is swinging and hopefully hitting somewhere on one of the bodies. Their weapons are to small.

They decided to hunt down one of the career groups, 'If they could at least weaken one group they have a better chance of winning'.

What they're really doing is killing eachother, they'll be all killed before you could kill one career. Fingers crossed they'll find 1 and 4 first, that will make it easier for our kids.

" This is boring, do you want to go eat then we can come back?" Cato asks.

I give the TV one more look." Sure."

We stood up, Cato grabbing my hand as we walked. A couple mentors looked at us as we walked, one look from Cato had them glance somewhere else.

It felt like we were still in the games, nobody wanted to give us the look fearing we would come for them first.

Some still stared not caring, which I guess I didn't mind. The only time I minded is when Poulter commented something about using protection saying it with a wink.

" Say that again and I might actually cut your tongue out." Cato said pulling me so I was more infront of him so Poulter couldn't see me.

" That'll be a favor for all of us!" A mentor from 5 said causing a small ripple of laughter from all the mentors.

Poulter gave a look glaring at everyone he could. Cato walked me out of the room with a prideful smirk at his comment.

" Hopefully the cooks have something good to eat." I add.

Cato chuckles before his tone got serious again, "You looked a little bit tense, I thought taking you out of there for a little bit would help."

" Oh." I say quietly.

Cato spins me, so I'm facing him " Your going good. I just don't need any idiots to say something to you.. and it was boring."

I cock my brow, " I can agree with that."

Cato looks down at his feet before a smirk appears again, " You know.." he pulls me closer to him his hands going down my back, hips and now ass, " I could release some tension."

I blushed, Cato's lips were on mine within seconds. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he hoisted me up, pushing me against the wall of the elevator, making all the surrounding occur to me.

" We're not doing this in the elevator." I mumble taking a few deep breaths.

" Why?" He asks, " They would love it."

" I wouldn't 'love' it."

He looks at me, " Oh you would."

" No." I say a little more stern.

He sets me down, looking a little annoyed as he looked out the glass walls.

We get to the floor, I go off first going into our room. I turn on the Tv so we don't miss anything IF anything were to happen.

Cato called the room service letting them know we wanted to eat, in the matter of minutes they were there bringing us an array of food.

He didn't say much as we were eating, I know how.. driven he is.

I wait for the staff to leave, eating in basically silence only the slight murmur of the TV was in the background.

When I'm finished I set the dishes on the counter, I take a piece of cake going into the living room with it, eating it slowly.

" Man I'm getting hot." I mumbled.

Cato glanced at me as I take off my shirt leaving the bra I was in. I try to hide my smirk as I watch, I know his eyes were glued on me.

I wait a couple minutes before I complain I'm cold. "Can you come by me?" I ask in the most innocent voice possible.

He gets up a little to quick coming over by me, "What are you doing?" He asks, though he has a small smirk.

" What do you mean?" I ask. I take the cake I was having eating it again slowly.

I wiped off some of the frosting, Cato still looking at me. " Try some." I say wiping some on his lips.

He licks his lips a little bit, " Sharing is caring." I whisper leaning to kiss him, licking the rest of the frosting off.

I feel him smile on my lips as he pulls me on his lap. I dips his finger in the frosting putting some on my neck licking and kissing it off.

We went on, Cato laying me on the couch. I swore I heard a cannon shooting up, practically pushing Cato off of me.

" Never thought the games would be a block-"

" Shhh!" I scold looking at the Tv, thowing my sweat shirt back on since it actually was freezing in our room.

The screen showed our career group and some new rules.

——————————————-

They were packing up to go when the announcer rung throughout the arena.

" Ladies and gentlemen, there's been a change... in 10 minuets the air will turn off in some of the sections, please go to the new cornucopia section to still have air."

Just then a new hill with a cornucopia arrived on a hill.

" Good luck and happy hunger Games!"

Then the sound cut out.

———————————" Why are they having the finale now?" I ask anxious.

Cato sat up. " They're not, they just want some action, it's a whole section. Only some of the sections are being turned off. They could stay there and be fine."

" But they won't risk it."

He shook his head. " They won't risk it." Cato said. "We should go back to the room to watch with everyone else."

I nodded quickly getting ready making sure we get there so we don't miss anything.

When we come back everyone was looking at us, "Perfect timing. Your both glowing, had fun?" Poulter asks.

" You only wish someone would like you 1." I snip as we sit back on our couch.

Shimmer looks at me with a smirk before looking back at the TV.

I chuckle as I sit down watching our tributes.

                *************

" We got to move." Dom says throwing all the stuff he could carry in his pack. " Keep your weapons out if we need to attack."

" If we see someone we still run, we won't have time to kill and make it there in time." Evie pipes up.

Dom glares at her, " They want us to kill... we kill."

" And if we run out of time? Then what?" Evie says.

" They won't suffocate us if we're killing." Dom scoffs.

" There's plenty of people in here that they don't care. I agree with Evie we run. If they attack then we retaliate." Fero says.

" Of course you agree with her..your her lost puppy." Dom mocks.

" Shut up.. all of you. We'll figure it out when the time comes, we wasted a good 2 minutes we need to go.. NOW!" Dezzy says picking up her axe.

They run fast looking all about, luckily there were no tributes by them, they were all spaced out now running towards the new cornucopia.

I could tell they were getting tired, but I did notice Evie and Fero using the breathing technique we practiced their first week.

" Come on, Come on." I whisper under my breath, Cato looks at me then back at the TV, I don't think he's sure they're going to make it either.

It shows the other group running closer toward our career group, They're in sight of eachother though as of right now they're not looking.

They just want to make it near the new cornucopia, another blood bath they wanted, I guess the first one wasn't enough.

Dom spotted them now.

" Guys." He panted. " Tributes. Come on."

He started to run towards them, " They aren't going to make it." Cato says shaking his head in desperation.

I look at him wide eyed, " They aren't going to make it if they attack the other tributes." He said.

" We need to keep going!" Fero yelled.

" We need to kill." Dom says a wide grin coming across his face.

" No we need to go Dom!" Dezzy yelled.

" We need to kill!" He yelled pushing Dezzy.

" Push her again and you'll be the one dead." Evie says.

He glares at Evie, " You know screw you guys, Your weak. Dezzy let's go."

Now they are all stopped. Dezzy looks at him, " No."

He looks at her, " We can do this we don't need them, they're 12!"

" They're allies." She says. " We're running, your wasting our time."

He scoffs, " Fine, your on your own if they turn on you."

He runs towards the other group while the other run towards the new area.

Dom kills in seconds before he looks at the others, malice dripping from his eyes as he runs towards them.

" A Minute left!" The announcer says.

" RUN FASTER!" Dezzy says. The push as hard as they can the cornucopia was in sight, so were the other careers.

I notice there was a line almost signaling they are safe as the cross it catapulting all gaping for air.

Dom was still running, deciding to cut in slightly deeper water to get there faster, I thought I saw something move in it.

My face falls. " No." I look at the TV.

He goes in, the water was a little below his waist as he wades through to get closer.

30 seconds.

" Get there." I mumble.

Just as he was about to jump out something pullled him back. He was slashing in the water taking his sword hitting something in the water.

" Guys." Fero says franctically. The other two turn to see dom just feet away.

" HELP ME!" He screams.

" Are we helping him?" Fero asks.

Dezzy looks at the clock- 10 seconds- " No, he made his choice."

Evie and Fero look at her before looking back at Dom.

It felt like I was going to puke. I could feel all the eyes of the mentors on me. Don't break down, you refuse to.

2...1...

There was a whistling sound, Dom was clawing at everything and anything. The last sound was a gurgling sound from his before his cannon went off.

BOOM.

It felt like I was back at the games, right there. Like I just watched an ally die.

Cato grabbed my hand squeezing it tightly, trying to focus on the slight pain of my hand.

" 3 left Musak." River said his voice laced with venom.

I try my hardest to look as chilled as I could. Cato was just about to say something when I butted in. "I'm not scared yet."

River smirks, " We'll see about that."

I focused my attention on the TV again. Keep it together.——————————-

The 3 all look at eachother, all of them looked lost. Dezzy was the first one to be aware of their surroundings. " We need to move, before they find us."

Evie pullled out a bow, her hands were shakey looking over in the further distance by the other career pack.

They were still laying gasping for air. " Would we have enough time to grab supplies?" Fero asks.

" Be fast, we'll cover you." Dezzy says.

He pulls out a larger knife running up the hills to the new cornucopia, he grabbed a lot of food, good thing Dom had an amount in his pack though it wasn't a ton it was still food.

—————

As for it, including the weapons they were gone. The mutts ate everything including him. His family won''t have anything left of him other then the distant memory.

I swallow hard looking down at my fingers.  Cato quietly wraps his hand in mine again brushing it with his thumb.————————-

The group ran somewhere far, all the air was turned on again. The hike was quiet I know Evie and Fero were unsure what to say to their ally.

As for Dezzy, she was bothered. Maybe she was sad, maybe on her toes more now since it could be 2 to 1, but they all realize this is their reality.

They were put in here to die, this isn't a test that you fail and the worse is you fail and get scolded, you die, people you care for die.

2 of them will need to die yet if not all of them.

" Are you ok?" Evie asks finally.

Dezzy stops turning to face her. " Our ally just died so no..but he was slowing us down and wasn't loyal to this alliance, he would've broke it sooner then later anyways. This was a favor."

" We won't break the alliance..if that's what's worrying you." Evie says giving a small smile.

Dezzy does the same, " Thanks. We rest, then we need a plan to take down the other pack, they have the advantage now unless we can recruit another tribute."

" The others were all in a larger group, as far as I know there's no lone tributes." Evie says.

" I think we should go after them first. They have more but they don't have as much skill, we can take their food, any weapons maybe we can recruit one or two then when they're done.."

" That's a good plan. We'll rest then tomorrow we hunt." Dezzy says.

She sharpens her axe with a rock she found on the ground, she was deep in thought as she stays concentrated she sharpens harder, her jaw clenched.

The rest of the time was relaxed, all the other tributes too were resting after having to run half way across the arena. All plotting to do the same.

Take eachother out.

Some of the other mentors went to leave, if something happens they'll see it on their TV's in their rooms.

" Ready?" Cato asks.

I nod, still trying to keep all the emotions hidden.

" Have a great night Kaylaya." River said smriking at me.

" You to." I say plainly. I look at the others and nod which seemed to annoy River.

He knows me to, unfortunately.

He knows I'm bothered, he knows I care. And I do.

Realization hits hard. Very, very hard.

These kids are in here for a reason, and that's to kill or be killed.

We were in the elevator with some of the other mentors, they chatted quietly as I focused on the floor.

We were the last stop, when we were on our floor I walked quickly going to my room. Neffy was already in the room, her makeup slightly smudged.

" Kay-" she was about to say but I went right past her going into  my room shutting the door. As soon as the door clicked tears went down my face.

It was a short cry though, Dom was the least I was closest to, he was to eager but we already knew that. It could help him or kill him.

We know now what it did.

I let it all out, knowing it was his fault they told him, but you still feel hurt when that cannon sounded. I think the cry was more a shock like I was back in.

I took a couple breaths wiping off my face before going back out. As I opened the door Cato was just about to knock on it.

" You guessed I was coming to comfort you?" He questioned trying to lighten the mood.

" I'm fine, I'm done crying now I just needed to let it out."

" You sure?"

" Yes, Cato positive."

He kissed my cheek, " Ok. I'd go by Neffy, she's upset."

I nodded as we walked back to the hallway to the main room where Neff was. She was looking blankly at the TV.

" Sorry, I didn't mean t blow you off like that."

She shifts her eyes to me, you could see real skin under all that makeup that was wiped away, she smiled lightly. " I understand, you knew him a lot longer then I did."

I wrapped her in a hug which made her cry even more. " I'm sorry, he was my favorite actually such a nice gentlemen, he just had a hard exterior." She sniffles.

I bet he did if she was saying it, I suppose he couldn't show much since I was his mentor along with Cato. Feelings are a weakness.

We turned the TV on so we didn't miss anything else in the games. We ate something light, none of us were really hungry, we all didn't say much just said a few things here and there.

It's haunting seeing someone you know die and there's nothing you can do about it. It's like you were right there, it was like I was back there. The place I wish we can all forget about.——————Our group went searching for higher ground, it was Fero's idea. I mentally patted myself on the back for teaching him about advantage points.

Though there wasn't high -high ground there was a hill some distance away. They also made it known not to go in the water, the deep stuff at least.

The other career packsmiled viciously as the watched the fallen tributes showed in the sky, making my skin crawl.

" We can kill them. We outnumber them." Tess from 1 said.

" Tomorrow we can hunt." Sam said looking at the boy from 4 for approval.

He was looking in the sky, deciding it looks like. " Not yet, not until we see them at least. There's quite a few left, we need to get rid of some others before another announcement takes place."

" Whatever we do.. I call the girl." The girl from 4 says.

" Which one?" Sam scoffs.

" The one from two, it would only be right for River."

————————————

" That kid is asking to be killed." Cato scoffs.

" Well deserved." I mumble.

" At least 4 is stalling, for what reason who knows. But it's a mistake, to pick off the weaker ones first. While they're still somewhat strong they should kill the strongest." Cato says leaning forward watching the TV.

It gave me a little more comfort knowing this, I know our group took most of the food so they should be fed well.

Everyone was laying down for the night, we left the TV on but went to bed, it was a long day.

Cato went to take a shower while I settled in the room thinking.

But I fell asleep shortly after from the stress we had today, I didn't even feel Cato next to me until I woke up to the cannon sounding on the TV the next morning.

It woke up everything, Neffy was also rushing into the main area when me and Cato got out there basically jumping on the furniture to see what happened, bile filling my throat hoping not to see any of our kids in the sky.

It was one of the younger boys from 5, killed from one of their own member in their group, everyone else was alseep. The one who did it chucked the knife and pretended to sleep.

It was the girl from 9, holding her breath to look like we wasn't panting. She's bloody smart, but also stupid for killing one of her own while both careers are still alive and well.

" I don't understand her goal." Neffy says looking at Cato hoping to get an answer.

" Your guess is as good as mine. She's not revealing yet or she's just that stupid."

" Or she's killing from the inside out? Maybe another underdog?" I ask.

Cato shrugs, " I guess we'll see eventually."

——————————-

" Why are people killing this early?" Tess whines from her sleeping bag rubbing her eyes.

The other career pack was packing up their things, looking at the start of the sunrise.

" 2 and 12 must feel really ambitious this morning." The girl from 4 says.

" We need to move, maybe we can catch any stragglers or them." The boy says.———————————

Evie and Dezzy bolt up looking at eachother, while Fero was still sleeping. Evie rushed to him rolling him over, making sure he wasn't dead.

He jolts awake swinging a dagger inches from Evie's face.

" Your lucky that didn't touch me otherwise you'd be dead." She seethed. " We need to go, the others must be hunting."

They packed all their things up watching from their hill for any activity ready in case they need to run.

——————————

The lesser tributes all bolted up, looking appalled at the dead body infront of them. Some scream, while other hush them.

" Why didn't the careers kill any others?" One other one said.

" What fun is an easy kill for them?" The girl from 9 says. " We should move, be alert they can be close."

And they pack up and move.

The girl was the last one in line, her face was grim but a flash of victory also flashed though I think she knows the chances she just made.

——————————-

" She's rushing the games." Neffy says amazed.

" Getting sponsors, thinning out the tributes, and-"

" Hoping the careers find eachother." Cato adds, she smirks " It's smart, really, really smart."

" But they could run into them." Neffy says.

" I'm guessing that's a risk she was willing to take."

I look from the two of them to the Tv. " We should go down and watch."

" I'll stay here." Neff says.

I guess she really did like Dom, she's just going to sit up here and watch.

" Ok." I say with a gentle smile.

I throw on a matching set of joggers and top throwing my hair up not putting much effort.

People were already down by the time we got down there all talking to 9, they had the most confident smile on their faces.

Maybe they do have a shot this year, though it's a slim shot, it's still shot. They need to kill all the careers first before any others have a chance.

We go sit down watching the other groups travel around, all on look out. They were all close, but not close enough to see any or hear but give them a couple more minutes and all of them will be together.

————-

" Where are we even going?" Tess whines kicking some of the dirt.

4 rolled their eyes looking at eachother, " Where do you think? To find 2 and 12." The girl says getting a scoff from the boy.

They followed like puppies, 1 is either super good or plain stupid, most of the time dumb how are they a favorite?

The lower districts were trying to have a plan in case they stumble on the other groups. They all form attacking, first they need to get close to them.

A twig snapped.

The camera shows the lower districts all look at 12 and 2. My heart speeds up, hushing from the other mentors as they watch.

Dezzy looks at Fero, who hands her some small axes, Fero has a sword and Dezzy has a larger curve sword.

" We'll give you a head start." Dezzy says smriking.

They all stayed looking.

Evie scoffs, " Ok, we'll go first."

The girl from 6 pulls out her bow aiming as fast and accurately as possible, shaking. The three run toward them, Dezzy hurdles the axe in the girl from 3 killing her, once the first blood was spilt the others scattered, twisting and turning though the swamp.

Fero tackled the boy from 5, wrestling him to the ground, eventually the boy stopped moving when Fero got up here was a hole in his stomach.

Evie was chasing the girl from 9 towards the deep water, the girl looked back before looking back at the water, jumping in the deep end.

Evie had to catch herself on a tree branch from falling in herself watching. 9 smiled as she waded through but looked confused as Evie was smirking so contently, she was the last thing she saw before a mutt took her down.——————-

" NO!" I think her name is Lynn screamed at the TV at her tribute, the cannon sounded. She yelled profanities before giving us a death glare storming out.

Her odds didn't work out so well.

Just as Evie was coming back 1 and 4 were there fighting with the remaining tributes, everyone was in a brawl.

Sam was trying to sneak up on Fero, Evie tackled him to the ground, beating the crap out of him. 4 was killing another girl.

Tess was fighting Dezzy, though it looked like Dezzy was more toying with her until she got bored, having a knife in both hand swiping at Tess's stomach leaving her open on her neck, cutting her throat.

Cannon.

" TESS!" Sam yells, Fero sticks his sword in his chest another cannon.

" UGH."

—————————

My jaw seemed like it fell on the floor, there Dezzy was, the boy holding her while the girl from 4 was sawing her neck apart.

They both were smiling maliciously, Evie and Fero look stunned watching their friend and tribute.

Evie clenches her jaw, throwing her curved sword at the two, the boy dodges and the girl just got hit in the leg.

" Come on!" the boy yells roughly pushing Dezzy at the two of them. Dez was still breathing, barely.

The two rushed to her, falling. " Your ok, ok? We just need a sponsor." Fero mumbles franctially.

He looks at the sky, desperate. It reminds me of Lilly when Colin was dying, looking for that one thing to save his life.

He couldn't be saved...Dezzy can't be saved.

Tears were threatening to spill as I watch, this time I don't try to hide them one falls, then another silently.

Nothing happens, Fero and Evie were now crying, Dezzy was to though she looked so pained to do so.

" I love you... I love you mom and dad... I love you Cate, make them proud. Thanks for mentoring me...thank-" she let's out a small sob, " I don't want to die."

Evie and Fero look lost, not sure what to say or do looking at eachother, up at the sky then back at Evie.

" Please-" Dezzy begans before she takes a breath then all life is gone.

" 2 is dead what? 12...12 of all places is alive." River laughs. " I had such high hopes for you Kay.. I guess all 2 knows what to when they don't win is cry." He mocks.

Something in me snaps, all this stress and anger over boils, all I see is red I get up going to River lunging at him.

I think other mentors close to us were pulling me off, I thought I heard Cato but all I wanted was blood.

Somehow Cato had me as I was throwing a fit, he held me as I flapped around.

" Cry and throw a fit." River says wiping his nose, I must've punched him good it was all over himself.

" Leave her alone. I've had enough of this." Shimmer spat.

Shimmer lead the way as Poulter followed then it was me and Cato.

When I got to the elevator I broke down crying like an idiot infront of 1, though Shimmer gave me a hug saying it's never easy, and that's they did a great job it just happens.

12 still has a shot though it's not exactly winning for our district but it will still bring honor. I hope they win.

" We have a lot of sponsor money, we'll mention 12." Poulter said giving the smallest smile, a genuine sweet, helpful smile.

" Thanks." Cato says. They share a moment of respect before our door opens.

" I don't think we'll be down anymore." Shimmer says.

" We won't either." Cato says.

" Well, we'll see you guys once the victor is crowned, we'll try to get sponsors for your kids."

Cato gives a nod before the doors shut.