Secured: Chapter One

I wailed loudly as I lurched up and looked around desperately, not just three seconds ago I was running in the woods, trying to escape the thundering feet behind me when I tripped over a tree root. I scrambled to get away, pushing my hands and the sides of my feet against the ground as I struggled to get back to my feet but someone had grabbed onto my hair and easily pulled my head back until my neck was easily exposed and before I knew it, a large blade sliced my neck open, spewing blood everywhere. 

I took a deep, very needed breath through my mouth and grabbed my flat chest, I took a deep breath through my nose and released it through my mouth, feeling a little pain my lower chest when I did so. I licked my lips and looked outside, I knew what today was and I knew that this was the highest chance that I was ever going to receive.

I looked to the left of me to see an orphaned boy, another was to the right and they were sleeping so peacefully. I knew that they were only sleeping peacefully because they were to young, the reaping qualified age was now officially fifteen and it was another change was that you were no longer listed in the reaping at the age of nineteen. I was sixteen and had three years to go. 

I applied for tesserae on my orphaned lady and one of the orphans, who was like a little brother to me. The orphan lady, Mrs. Winsire, had picked him up off the street after he was scaveraging because his mother was a victim of the arena. I rubbed my face as I looked toward the dusty window close to my bunk bed. In an ironic way, I took Gaius under my wing immediately after I entered the tesserae for him. Everything was going great until recently, the past was back to hunt us two at a time and there was nothing we could do about it with the new order rising up.

         The Reaping

I licked my suddenly dry lips as I looked at the different faces around me, it was completely quiet near the main ground that the event would be taking place, I guess everyone was nervous. The main ground was a large field that had seven pillars circling it and on each pillars were one of the different seven grains we produced. I was from District Nine and our main profit were grains, we raised oats to rye, and sometimes special things that the Capitol request. 

I took a deep breath and rubbed clean my solid black pants, I finished it with a creamy colored shirt. We were filed into the main ground, in two separate groups of boys and girls and something odd was that there was only one large glass bowl on the large stage in the middle of the main ground, it had a blue tint to it and it immediately reminded me of our last tributes that were chosen.

Everyone watched as our tribute took advantage of his chances with having a girl in his presence after he went crazy from his first kill, he raped her forcefully then hung her with her own shirt, he was later killed by a man-made machine, it scorched him to death with a flame thrower that burned most of the forest down with him. We have been punished for two consecutive years, Mrs. Botch said she doesn’t know when the Caption, the second in command of the Capitol, will return the tributes to the way they were but I’ll be happy when they did.

‘Speaking of the devil…’ I thought as a light-skinned woman walked toward the microphone in the center of the stage.

She was wearing a white coat of powder on her face with bright lime green lipstick, a red jelly colored wig on her head, and a short, stocky bright colored dress. I impatiently tapped my foot as I glanced to the large crowd that watched on as she smiled and waved at a couple of the boys and girls, a few actually returned the wave. 

I saw Mrs. Win as she glared at me, I knew she’d be happy to get rid of me so I’d stop putting her name in such disgrace. That disgrace was that I was a homosexual, I was attracted to my own sex, and the sad this was that I actually looked the part. I had lower back-length, curly hair that was hard to keep tamed on the daily basics of watching all the younger children, cleaning, cooking, home-schooling myself then home-schooling them.

“Good morning everyone, what a beautiful day…” She paused to see if anyone would reply as we all stared at her, her smile weakened slowly as she got no life from us,“ I think it’s a wonderful day, today is The Reaping and I think we’ll have very fantastic tributes that will be leaving with us.“

Rockro, the male mentor, mainly dealt with combat and basic survival while Mrs. Botch dealt with how to prepare safe foods and clothing. She’d also help with making salves if you needed it in the arena and had nothing on hand, she also set up fights for practicing. Mrs. Botch gestured for him to come to the center of the stage but he quickly declined, she smiled kindly at us before glancing back over at Rockro. He was shaking his head with an agitated look, but she glared and gestured her head harder, trying hard to maintain her fake, big smile. Rockro rolled his eyes before making his way to her, forcing a smile on his face as well.

“Hello.” He said with a heavily foreign accent, a couple of older teenage girls in the crowd responded quickly, ruthlessly showing their affection as they all watched on.

Rockro’s good looks had them hanging on by their thumbs, which made me laugh because I knew that he didn’t want them, if anything, he was married and was started on his second child, or at least that’s what Mrs. Win’s friend was gossiping about.

“This is the 110th Hunger Games annual, we will be picking two tributes, however, the two will be males, one who will be homosexual and one who will be from the general population.” Rockro nodded at Mrs. Botch’s words, I sighed, I forgot that I’d be put in the homosexual bowl.

We had a gypsy, homosexual, and criminal-doing bowl for different groups, it was something that started not to long ago and until this point, it didn’t phase me and the three bowls are barely bigger than a fishing bowl that you’d find at district four. The little bowl was rolled forward on a little wheeled cart and Mrs. Botch smiled as she stuck her hand in and swirled it around.

“Our first tribute, one from the small bowl is… Greier Spectual .” I gasped as the crowd backed away from me, relief that it wasn’t them but some were sad that it had to be me. “Come up Greier, let the world see you.” Mrs. Botch suddenly squealed, as if happy that I was easy to spot.

I felt as if my world halted immediately as different things ran through my head, it was really in panic mode, the thought of it hadn’t hit me yet and I assumed it was because I was still trying to dawn on the fact that my name was picked out of Gaius’s, at least it wasn’t him because I wouldn’t know what to do. I took a step forward, feeling my soft curls swing in the wind as I went.

I felt as if every person’s eye was on me and I knew there was no running because they’d track me in a quick second, just great, my life really does suck. I walked shakily up the steps of the stage, my eyes taking in everything as I went: the dirt underneath my feet, the black, shiny stairs of the stage, Mrs. Botch’s bright lime green lipstick, Rockro’s forced smile, I took it all in and I felt immediately sick as I turned and faced the crowd, feeling drowsy as Mrs. Botch walked toward me and placed her arm around me.

She smiled and pulled me tight to her, I could smell her intoxicating perfume, it was incredibly loud and made my stomach turn but I continued to hold my posture and resist the urge to push her away from me as Rockro walked to the slightly blue tinted bowl, this was it… it was now the public community’s turn. I looked toward the crowd once again and spotted Gaius watching me, he was only seven and I was scared for him, what if something bad happened to him? what if I didn’t make it back and couldn’t protect him anymore? 

I licked my dry lips again and broke my gaze to the black stage floor as Rockro swirled his hand in the bowl and I could hear the sound of the papers crinkling from where I was standing by Mrs. Botch. I could just imagine who they were hoping for, I was at least hoping for someone who would want to work with me, someone who’s nice and they were probably hoping for someone who’d last a day or two because I knew I had no chance at the moment if they had picked a girl. Rockro pulled out a folded piece of paper and I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, showing my nervousness to the crowd as my scrawny arms shook at my side and I hoped for the best possible.

“Our second tribute, from the general public is… Best Cronin .” My thinking completely stopped as I stared at the large, muscular form that everyone turned to look at.

Best stared straight at me, his eyes were completely cold and I knew that it was going to be hell for me from here and out, I was dealing with a complete jackass and I knew that I’d have to keep my head on straight for the both of us. He finally moved toward the stage, his eyes only left mine when he looked down at the stairs while I watched him walk up to me, Best was someone I knew form the market, his father was a lumberjacker from district seven but moved to district nine not to long ago. 

Best stepped up the stage and the comparison was completely obvious, he was gigantic and I was weak, he was tall and I was very short, he was straight… and I was gay. I pushed a curl behind my ear as Mrs. Botch clapped excitedly, she smiled earnestly as Rockro smirked at his choice of pick, he got lucky to have picked a bull for the war that was about to come, he would just have to get him prepared before that time.

I gulped. “Ladies and Gentlemen, your district nine tributes!” The crowd roared, happy that their children weren’t called.

Mrs. Winsire was smiling as she flagged her hand with the crowd, I was officially out of her hands and she knew that, she was probably hoping for my death and maybe she was going to get that luck but I knew that I was going to hold my death with honor and I vowed to myself as I stood on that stage, I wasn’t going down without a fight.

Secured: Chapter Two

We were to walk past the once-possible tributes of the crowd and then the unqualified crowd, to a pair of horses that were waiting with guards beside them so that no one could do something to harm one of us, I walked with Mrs. Botch beside me, her big green boa was reflecting the light brightly and it was amazing to me to see how she dressed, people actually dressed in such loud colors and ridiculous ways. I glanced around the crowd to see Gaius was trying to get to me, his hands reaching and grasping toward me as I stared on sadly, feeling that solid barrier I put up tremble a little, I looked away and closed my eyes tightly as I walked blindly for a moment.

I opened my eyes again and looked at the stone faces that watched Rockro, Mrs. Botch, Best, and I walk toward the waiting shuttle not to far away. The shuttle was a Caption shuttle, it was solid black as in the Capitol, the main color was gold or white, and the Caption mainly dealt with black and grey, dull and sometimes-sad colors of the colorful world.

We made it to the shuttle and a large door on the side started to open as I turned and glanced at Gaius once again, he was still reaching for me and crying as Mrs. Winsire held him from me. I felt my heart sink and crack the whole way down as I turned to Mrs. Botch, who smiled sadly at me when she followed my stare.

“Up.” She whispered gently, gesturing her head toward the open-doored shuttle.

I looked at it and took a deep breath, knowing that this could possibly be the last chance that I saw my little “brother”, perhaps he was more like a son to me but either way, he was mine and I was no longer here to protect him. I stepped into the shuttle mindlessly, I took a seat on the stretched backseat as there was a wall to block us from seeing the driver, not to mention the dark windows. I licked my lips once again and stared out the window, it was nothing I could see but I was imagining the world at the moment. The shuttle hummed loudly, telling us it was getting ready for the flight toward wherever we were going.

“We’re going to stop at the Cathedral and you’ll get to see your siblings for a minute or two, then we’re off to the training grounds, it’s not that bad, I…” I was waiting for her to say “I Promise” because I was going to quickly counter with something smart to say to her. “Do you two know each other already?”

I glanced at Best to see him glaring at Mrs. Botch, he wasn’t happy at the choice of pick but it was what it was, he was stuck with me either way… unless he killed me in the arena as soon as possible, and I hope he doesn’t.

“Take that silence as a yes.” Rockro said, catching my attention as I stared him down.

The man was a complete stud with muscles that weren’t bulky as Best but he had muscles either way and his deep brown eyes caught the attention of many, but not mine, I wasn’t into the most handsome, prettiest guy in the world, my eyes were on the next best thing. I’m nothing compared to Best, he was so handsome, even the nice little line running through his eyebrow was something I found completely handsome.

“So, Greier, do you have a different name or…” She trialed off, smiling kindly at me as I cut my eyes at her, she was trying to get rid of some of the tension in the shuttle.

“No.”

“No?… then I shall give you on-”

“No thank yo-”

“Perfect… Honey, cause you seem like a very sweet child.” I sighed and rolled my eyes, continuing to envision the world going by as I stared at the blacked-out window. “Do you talk at all?”

“No.” I repeated, still keeping my eyes trained on the outside world.

“How old are you?” Rockro asked, breaking Mrs. Botch and I’s swift conversation.

“Sixteen, you?” I asked, I might as well make conversation… I don’t know how long I’ll be in here.

“Twenty or so.” He said, winking at me as a smile broke across his face but it didn’t bring one to my face.

“So, Best, how about you get something as well… or… your name will be Best, as it is.”

The look of agitation on Best’s stern face made Mrs. Botch immediately change her mind as she smiled awkwardly at him, she nervously bite her lime green lip.

“Do you two know the purpose of the opening ceremony?” Best and I shook our head.

“To let your sponsors roar, to get deals and such and to also communicate with other tributes, create allies.” Mrs. Botch said, a large grin on her face as she heard the shuttle land. “We’ve made it safely, you two will be in separate rooms and will see your family for a moment or so, then we’ll head out.”

She patiently waited as I nervously and excitedly shook my leg, it was bouncing so fast, faster than I ever bounced it before. I heard the click of the doors unlocking as Mrs. Botch smiled at me and placed a hand on my shaking leg, I was panicking inside, what was I going to say? What could I say?

“Alright, let’s get you two to your family, then we’ll head toward the training center.” I nodded, staring at the door as someone finally came to open it.

It opened slowly and I quickly got to my feet and walked out the shuttle, I stretched a little as I looked around me, I rolled my neck and shoulders while Best stepped out behind me. I stared at the line of guards on each side of the building’s entrance, it was obvious that no one was going to escape, not even Best and he was a large guy. I glanced at him as he walked forward, straight toward the building and I quickly followed as Mrs. Botch placed an arm around me and walked beside me.

“Take them to separate rooms, visiting family before we head out.” She said to a guard, who nodded friendly and grabbed Best arm.

Another came forward and I was grabbed next, I looked around urgently as I was pulled the opposite way of Best, who casually walked without a second thought in head, he didn’t care where he was going but I did. I started to struggle.

“Get off of me!” I said. “ I can walk myself!“

“Indeed they can.” Rockro said, glaring at the guards as they glared back but released us.

“Go.” The guard ordered, applying pressure to my back to force me forward.

“Don’t push.” I huffed, walking ahead of him as he tried to stay caught up.

There were millions of doors but something told me I was suppose to go to the large brown door a the end of the hall.

“You get seven minutes with each family, be thoughtful of what you say, everything will be recorded and say your farewells in time.” The guard said, opening the door and shoving me in before slamming it behind him.

‘Bastard.’ I though as I got to my feet and walked to the chair, dusting my knees off as I went.

It was completely quiet in the hall, I waited patiently as possible but it was starting to wear thin as I waited for someone, anyone to show up. I heard a knock before open, I panicked until I saw it was Mrs. Winsire and Gaius, I quickly got to my feet and hurried to Gaius, who quickly broke away from Mrs. Winsire’s hand and ran to me. I smiled as I pulled him to my chest tightly, he was okay and I was okay, that’s all that mattered at the moment.

“I’m scared, Ge’er.” Gaius said.

“You don’t have to be, you’re strong.” I said, gently kissing his forehead as I pulled him close to me once again. “I love you, little man, everything will be okay, I p…” I trailed off.

‘Can’t promise something that you don’t believe yourself.’ I thought as I closed my eyes in thought and squeezed him close to me.

I kissed his forehead as I finally acknowledged Mrs. Winsire’s presence, I looked up at her to see the smug smile on her face, I knew that she was up to no good and I’ve occasionally heard her saying that she was going to give Gaius away, possibly to another district.

“You protect him with your heart, if you don’t, I swear when I get back I’ll-”

“You’ll what!?” She threatened, a smirk on her face as she challenged me.

I glared at her as I continued to hold Gaius close to me, I sighed tiredly, she exhaust me beyond belief and I feel that everything would of been better if she died along with everyone else in this arena. I licked my dry lips and pulled away from Gaius, who didn’t want to let me go. I sniffed at the fact that he wasn’t ready to lose me because I wasn’t ready to be lost by the world, I wiped my face as a knock signaled through the air. I pulled away hesitantly as Gaius started to loudly cry, I pulled him tightly and into my lap as the door opened and the guards moved out the way for Mrs. Winsire, who happily walked by one, she gently rubbed one of the guards arms and halted as she noticed that I was still holding on tightly to Gaius.

“It’ll be okay, I’ll be back.” I whispered in his ear, kissing his forehead as he loudly sobbed in my chest. “I’ll be back.” I vowed horribly, I was going to try my hardest, for Gaius.

“I love you, Ge’er.” Gaius cried, both guards stepped forward and grabbed him under his arms.

“I love you too, Gaius, I’ll be back. I love you!” I cried as they ripped him off my lap and marched him out the room while still holding him in their arms.

I climbed to my feet quickly and tried to follow them out the room as the last guard that was waiting by the door pushed me back and I stumbled over the square carpet and to the floor I went down, I screamed as my tears fell, I needed Gaius close to me because I felt as if he was protected from the deadly Caption. I screamed again out of frustration as the door slammed close and I was hoping that everyone heard and understood my frustration as I rolled onto my side and sobbed my heart out, I was in pain and I had no one to comfort me. 

I heard the door open again as a soft voice above me as someone grabbed my arm then gently stroked it as they softly whispered things to me, I heard a deeper accented voice and I knew it was Rockro’s as I assumed that the person trying to comfort me was Mrs. Botch, who was doing horrible because her long nails felt freakishly weird stroking my skin.

“Oh, Gaius.” I sobbed as I heard Rockro’s steps coming toward me. “He needs me.” I sobbed, Mrs. Botch tried to get me to sit up but I refused as I curled up in a ball and continued to cry.

“Honey…” Mrs. Botch whispered, gently brushing a strand of hair out of my face.

“I’m going to go check on Best.” Rockro announced to her, I figured she nodded and then his steps descended before disappearing.

“It’ll be okay, he’ll be safe and I’ll have someone keep an eye on him just for you.” Mrs. Botch whispered, I perked up at that… she could do that? “I can have someone watch his every move if you want, then when you get back, you’ll get to be with him again.”

“I want to be with him now.” I whimpered softly, wiping my eyes as I slowly sat up with Mrs. Botch help.

She pulled me into a tight hug. “We all want something we can’t have dear, I want the newest $7000 Epic-ity Eyeshadow Case but it’s a little to expensive for my taste.”

I actually chuckled at that because it was ironically humorous in this case, she smiled at me gently and stroked my back before getting to her feet and pulling me to mine with her, I was surprised that she actually sat on the floor beside me, she was just nice enough.

“Thank you, Mrs. Botch, I needed that.” I whispered.

“Well then, you’re always welcome, now, its time to go.”

I knew that I wasn’t going to have any other visitors, I didn’t now many people and I was sure that Vest didn’t want to see many people himself. He had a group of friends that used to pick on me because I was gay but that’s mainly it, and I doubt they came to see him because they weren’t really ever friends with him. However, I knew that no one else was going to come visit me because I didn’t have any friends and Gaius was my only family member that I could stand.

Secured: Chapter Three

Mrs. Botch helped me to my feet and she walked me to the little couch inside the room, she sat me down and hurried to the door to close it.

“Best has one more visitor then we’ll be heading out, just take a break and try to get at least a little shut-eye or rest your eyes, whatever comforts you love.” I wasn’t sure that I was going to get some sleep, there was no way possible because I wasn’t feeling comfortable at least by a pinch. “Oh, and Honey, keep your head up dear, it’ll get better.”

I nodded slowly, I was listening but it was actually going in one ear and out the other because in this depressing state, I only felt like dying and just… giving my life to someone else and letting them have the chance to start over, only if it was that simple. But, Gaius was looking up to me and I was going to protect him with every little peace of me, he was my little guy and I was going to come back to him if I caused me to sacrifice my freedom, I was going to do it at all cost. 

I prayed I wouldn’t be killed because I don’t know what will happen to Gaius if something was to happen to me, I was the one that went out and got his food for him all the time, I was the one who would bath him and teach him, I was the one who paid him attention. I closed my eyes slowly, I knew that there was no way in hell that I was going to be able to sleep and I sighed frustratingly as I opened them and stared at the golden ceiling, I never noticed it before because I was worried on who was going to come to visit me.

Mrs. Botch returned. “Honey… you ready?” I quickly hoped to my feet because I was ready to go, I don’t know how I planned on surviving this but it had to happen one way or the other, for Gaius.

I followed her out of the room and back to the front door that we came out of, Best was already waiting and he held such a bold face and strong stature while I was still wiping a couple of stray wet lines from my tears and blinking my blurry eyes clear.

“Off to the Caption building we go.” Mrs. Botch said, a soft smile on her face as she led me to the waiting shuttle with a pale hand on my back. “Everything will be fantastic, I promise.”

I wiped my face as the doors opened and the crowd that stayed continued to watch on as we entered the shuttle and from the large television that was installed for the purpose of the reaping and the hunger games, I could see that the camera man was catching the shuttle close after showing part of a video where Best was stepping out the building with a stone face. He was scary to the others but to me, I saw the mini core of him that he told me he would never show another person. 

I knew this ride was going to be a quiet one, not only were my emotions screwed, I could tell that Best eyes were slightly watery, meaning that he wasn’t going to be able to hold up that strong barrier for long. I closed my eyes as I curled up in the seat, I didn’t realize I was dosing off until I felt something lay on top of me. I panicked and whipped my head around to see what it was, only to find a pretty quilted blanket with a large boar-type creature on it, not to mention the perfectly stitched words of “

Love: What The Heart Needs

“. 

I sighed tiredly as I turned my head back into it’s comfortable position and closed my eyes to allow sleep to overtake me, perhaps I was dreaming and I wasn’t in this very real Caption shuttle and heading to my own doom. Maybe I was safe but for now, that theory was on hold because I had a crazy lunatic as my female mentor that I would look up to for everything, and not to mention that my companion was a staring psychopath waiting to strike. Yes, my life was over.

---

I awoke to Mrs. Botch gently shaking me, she was standing beside me as I laid in an incredibly soft mattress that was held up by a peanut-buttery brown colored bedframe, in fact, the whole room was the color of peanut butter. I sat up slowly, forcefully pulling my hair out of my face as I realized I was slightly sweating, I looked up at her questioningly as I wiped my hand on the silk covers to clean them a little. Mrs. Botch grabbed my hand gently and smiled at me, I looked up to her to see her newly-fresh make-up coat, there was the same white powder decorating her face, not to mention the

“It’s time for dinner, Honey.” I blinked rapidly as it dawned on me that it was pretty late.

I quickly looked around for a window and caught the glimpse of the sun erase from the horizon, yes, it was time for dinner after all and I was quite nervous, I didn’t eat much because of my natural lack of diet… but that didn’t mean I wasn’t hungry at the moment.

“Come on, up, up!” She said. “Come on, dear.”

She rushed me, helping me climb out of bed as I stretched and stumbled a little over one of my shoes that I had thrown previously. I was wearing a pair of clothes I never saw in my life, they were brown for my district I assumed, not to mention that the slippers I had on my feet were really comfortable.

“I know you’re star…” Mrs. Botch trailed off as she stared in disbelief of something.

“What did I tell you two!” She cried and I hurried around the corner of my door and stopped in mid-step as I took in what I saw.

Best had Rockro, his mentor, pinned down with a sharp chef knife to his throat as Rockro continued to struggle with a look of excitement in his eyes, Best looked at us for a split second before Rockro rolled them both over and got the knife out of Best’s hand easily before turning the blade to Best’s neck.

“

Never

get distracted.“ Rockro said, moving the knife away from Best neck as he slowly set up but stayed on the ground. “And I know, Ms. Lady, no wrestling in the dinner hall.”

I stared on from behind Mrs. Botch as she glared at Rockro playfully.

“I apologize.” Rockro said, smiling as he took a seat, he glanced behind Mrs. Botch and saw me standing there. “Nice for you to join us, Greier, have a seat.”

Mrs. Botch moved out the way with a smile on her face as I slowly and cautiously passed her, I could tell by the look on their face that they were up to something, I carefully entered the dinning hall when suddenly, someone launched out at me and immediately reacted by diving a kick into the soft part of their gut, they grunted but stayed up. They then tried to come at me again and I ducked and rolled over before grabbing a stone Javelin Spear off a statue and threw it in their direction, they didn’t see it coming and it nicked the person’s shoulder as I panicked because I didn’t know what else to do. So I rushed them, I tackled them to the ground and jumped off them to retrieve my Javelin Spear but the person grabbed my ankle and I hit the ground,

hard

.

“Ouch.” Rockro whispered, as if he felt my pain.

I ignored the throbbing in my knee as I wiggled free and got back to my feet, I yanked my Javelin out the wall and swung the end at the person, sending them onto their back as they tried to roll over and get back up. I was moving so fast that I didn’t even get to see their visage, not to mention my hair was in my face as I fought tooth and nail, I was hoping that this fight would be over soon. I went to deliver a finishing blow to the person as I raised my fist when someone came up behind me and grabbed my arms. I panicked as my eyes widened and I knocked my head back into their nose, hearing a snap and a groan as the person fell back.

“Damn…” Rockro commentated as I fought. 

“That look like it hurt.” I heard Best comment as well.

‘Just for their entertainment.’ I thought angrily as I wiped around with a kick and the person that now had a broken nose also had a bleeding ear.

I looked around for anyone else as the two men laid on the ground, either trying to catch their breath or make some of the pain go away.

“Happy?” I asked angrily, glaring at Rockro and Mrs. Botch as she smiled and nodded, a tear in her eye.

“You did magnificent.” Rockro commented, throwing me a side smile as I just shook my head angrily and turned to walk back to my room. “You need to eat before you go.”

I halted at the end of the dinning hall, my stomach was completely empty but I was also debating on just leaving and getting more rest, plus, my knee felt horrible at the moment. I slowly turned and walked back to the table filled with different foods as an award, Mrs. Botch pulled out my chair as I took my seat beside Best and she took hers beside Rockro.

“I’m sure you’ve watched the games before,” Rockro started, grabbing a clean white plate out the middle and starting to feel it with food from the various bowls,“ and you’ve seen the violence and a lot of different deaths, possibly of someone you know and other people you never heard of.“

“My brother, he was in the games, he was killed by a sai to the heart.” Best said, looking at the platter of plates with a glare.

“Sorry for your lost.” I said quietly, knowing he heard it either way.

“Me as well.” Mrs. Botch said, smiling sadly but kindly at him as she grabbed her own plate and started to make it. “Eat up dears, you must be starving.”

I reached forward as Best did as well and our hands touched, I quickly pulled my hand back and my eyes widened as I lowered and turned my head so that I couldn’t see anyone’s face and they couldn’t see mine.

“Everything okay?” Mrs. Botch asked, I guess Best answered because she didn’t push it.

“How do you two know each other?” Rockro asked, making me glance up as I shook my head and lowered my eyes once again.

“I prefer not to talk about it.” I whispered loud enough for him to hear as I lifted my head and took a deep breath.

“Well then,” Rockro paused and took us both in as I glared at him,“ the opening ceremony is tomorrow and we have what you’re wearing picked out and ready to go.“

“You’re going to look dazzling, Honey.” I rolled my eyes at the nickname but whatever, what makes the lady happy and leave me alone for the rest of the night.

Secured: Chapter Four

“What just happened will happen more often, we want to train you both for the arena very well so that you two will last at least the first night compared to everyone else.” Mrs. Botch said, catching our attention as I stuffed a piece of cornbread in my mouth quietly.

We were going to be fighting more often and I was hoping that they’d make them more spaced out because by the time I get the arena, I won’t have anymore fight left in me and will surrender to whoever is against me. My crying, worrying, and fear… not to mention the fighting had made me very hungry and I didn’t realize it until now.

Dinner was mainly quiet with the mentors talking, Mrs. Botch had said that in the morning, I was going to learn how to cook with items that I would find around the arena… fun. I was dying to meet the other tributes and see what I could take on, were some of them willing to allies but I remembered what happened to someone with the same though. They went to sleep with their back turned to their “ally” and five seconds later, their own cannon went off.

“With each other?” Best asked, making me glance at him.

I had my chance against him, he was an amazon compared to me and I knew one punch would take me down.

“If it gets to that, and depending on how you two are handling yourselves, I assume that you’ll be just fine.” Rockro said, taking a bite out of his roll.

“I do as well.” I said more to myself than anyone else.

“You become your worst when you fear your worst.” Rockro said, I was guessing that was his advice of the day. “Eat up, then get some sleep, it’s a busy day tomorrow.”

I nodded as he bided good night to Mrs. Botch, myself, and Best, I then did the same before climbing to my feet with a small biscuit in my hand and walking toward my bedroom.

“Hey, Greier.” I halted as a deep but soothing voice stopped me.

“Yea?” I asked quietly, slowing turning to face Best.

“Good fight.” He said, but I could tell he wanted to say more but I didn’t push it, not in front of Mrs. Botch.

“Thanks.” I said, turning and walking to my room as he finished eating.

I climbed back in bed happily and closed my eyes, I was exhausted and I could just imagine what tomorrow held for me, better yet, what my dream held for me.

I rolled over and fell right into dream land:

I smiled at the clapping people as they cheered me on, it was bright out and the air was humid, making my long, back-length black braids frizz a little as I acknowledged them and waved happily, letting them see the fake me as I buried the real me under death and drowned it in other people’s blood.

Suddenly, I was hiding behind a bush and I had a throwing dagger in my hand, I heard some rustling as someone tried to flee but I quickly jumped out as they looked behind them and didn’t see me swing the blade straight toward their chest. The force of the blade digging into their chest and their shock knocked them straight to the ground, dead. It was quiet again as I listened quietly, walking up to the body slowly incase the person was still alive, I pulled my dagger out as I heard more rustling, a loud threatening boom filled the air as a the person’s cannon went off.

“District 10. Eliminated.” A pitchy but deep voice stated.

I turned and ran off, clutching the Javelin Spear tightly as my braids swirled around me, sometimes getting in the way but I was useless of it because my scrunchie had broken the first night when someone yanked at my hair. I placed my bloody throwing dagger in my rope belt and kept moving toward the center of the arena, where the cornucopia was because it was Feast time. I eyed the edge of the forest and saw not a body insight, I glanced back to where the dead body laid and saw the bag of bread, that’s useful.

I walked back and grabbed it from his loose hand before walking forward and scanning the area once again, with the coast clear, I readied my double-bladed sword that I was sure that I had picked up before running out at a slow jog at first, just incase I had to protect myself. I made it to the cornucopia and quickly scanned everything before opening the bag that contained the bread, I started dropping fruit, beef jerky, and what looked like a bottle of medicine into the bag.

“ Hey !“ I looked over quickly and saw someone that was once running get tackled as my eyes widened, I quickly backed into the side of the cornucopia as the person on top raised their blade but I bumped into a crate and caught his attention.

‘Oh hell.’

I jerked awake to Best sitting on the end of my bed, watching me sleep as I stared at him in complete disbelief, I was shocked that I didn’t hear him come in my room, better yet that I didn’t feel him sit on the bed. I stared at him closely, still not sure if I was safe or not around this guy because I was only reuniting with him for one of our deaths, and I sort of prayed that it was his.

“You seemed like you were having a bad dream.” Best whispered, I slowly sat up and looked at him before nodding quickly. “I get them too, usually of my brother.”

I curled my legs into Indian formation as I stared at my lap, scared to look of because I knew that I’d just fall in love all over again.

“C-Can you stay?” I asked suddenly, I didn’t even except myself to ask that question.

“Do you want me too?” He asked, glancing up at me before looking out the window in my room.

“Please.” That was me saying yes, that I wanted him to stay in the room with me tonight.

“Then I’ll stay.” He whispered, moving toward the top of my bed and taking a seat beside me.

His body was so fantastic to me, the way his muscles moved and the way his eyes glowed when he thought so openly, I could tell that he hadn’t thought about his brother in so long and I didn’t remember anyone that has been a tribute last name as his so I assumed I never paid attention because I was happy that the homosexual bowl wasn’t being touched and I was lucky.

“How do you do it?” Best asked, making me look at him in confusion. “Being gay and knowing that everyone knows… how do you live like that?”

I stared at him before looking toward the footboard in thought.

“It’s just something you do… it’s not something you can act on half the time, just something that comes to you natural sometimes. I can’t say that being gay for me wasn’t a choice because it was, I wanted to try new things all the time and I thought… why not?” I shrugged, turning onto my side away from him.

“It was a horrible choice.” Best said, I could feel his eyes on me as I closed mine tightly and prayed that I wouldn’t have to get smart with this guy since he was suppose to be my ally in the arena.

“Maybe.” I muttered, letting him know that I was finished with this conversation and I didn’t want it to go on.

“Why did you chose to b-”

“Good night.” I said loud enough to cut him off since he didn’t seem to get the first hint.

“… night.” He said quietly and I thought he was going to get up and leave but he stayed seated and somewhere in between, I drifted back to sleep.

---

“Hellooo!” Mrs. Botch said, her chirpy voice made my ears hurt and I had to curl up to get away from the sound. “Oh…”

I was confused on why her attitude changed so much and went to roll over to find out why, only to find out that I couldn’t roll over because something was holding me down and I couldn’t really pin-point what it was, to be honest, I was scared of what it was. I moved my head to where I could see Best sleeping peacefully beside me, he was so relaxed that I didn’t want to wake him but I had to get up either way. I glanced up at Mrs. Botch to see her looking at us laying there with sort of I smile-smirk, it was weird on how she did it but the corner of her lip was perked up like she was trying to stop form smirking by smiling.

She crossed her arms as she continued her weird grin while shaking her head at us, I looked at Best worriedly as I grabbed his hand and tried to carefully move it, right when I did, his deep green eyes shot open and he took in my whole face before looking down at me holding his hand. His eyebrows flared as he yanked his hand out of mine, I flinched when he did so and stared at him closely, I didn’t know if he was going to trying to jump out the bed and run or pin me down and beat the living hell out of me. He slowly sat up while keeping his glare trained on me before finally looking away as Rockro entered the room, Rockro had a smile but it quickly drained as he spotted Best climbing out the bed, if anything, his eyes widened.

“Wooow, what have I walked into?” Rockro asked, it was more to himself than anyone else though.

“I-It’s not…” I trialed off as I scratched the side of my face nervously, how could I put this without making them think we’re together.

“We’re not…” Best trialed off, his eyes wide as well.

“Mhm, we’ll worry about this later but for now, dear, we must get you prepared for your first lesson.” Mrs. Botch said, thankfully saving Best and I from having to explain it anymore than that.

“O-Okay.” I rushed, hurriedly moving to her as Rockro smirked at me, I ignored him and continued to walk toward the kitchen with Mrs. Botch behind me.

I was taken by surprise when someone from my left grabbed my arm and yanked me, making me panic as I lifted my foot and dove it into their chest, sending them flying into a wall, I heard heavy feet on the other side of me and quickly turned to react. I grabbed their shirt and used the person’s own momentum against them and sent him flying past me easily, I readied myself as the first guy got to his feet and launched himself at me with the second guy right behind me, I did a quick move to the left as I used my arm to drive into his neck, I was careful to not hurt the guy to much because I hated hurting people. 

I was expecting another because I saw him out the corner of my eye but I then realized he was for Best when he launched straight past me and out of my sight. I noticed the second guy now upon me and did a spinning roundhouse kick that I learned on my own when I saw a friend of Mrs. Winsire do it. 

The blow knocked him completely over his back, the guy grunted and clutched his face as I turned my attention to the first guy because he was now off his knee and was coming at me a little slower now, they were stronger than the last two and I was actually enjoying this fight. I kicked the first guy leg from under him and delivered a finishing punch to his jaw, sending him down, with both of mine down, I was able to survey around me. 

I heard a sound of distress, making me look over to see Best being slammed on the ground and his arm being put at a uncomfortable position. I hurried over and the guy looked up in time to see me coming, I tackled him forcefully and he launched me off of him with a kick to the stomach, I groaned and I slid over the table and hit the floor, dragging cutlery with me. I noticed the chef knife before I glanced back to see the guy heading toward me with slow but big steps, I quickly turned and snatched the knife off the ground as he made it to me, I rolled to my hands and knees and felt a heavy blow to the stomach, making me grunt as I fell on my side. 

I kept a good grip on the knife and rolled away before throwing it forcefully in his direction, causing him to suddenly duck, but it nicked him anyway. He yelped and backed away in pain as I hurried to my feet and went to grab him but Best beat me and sent him into the dinning table, breaking a supporting middle leg and it all collapsed on him. 

The sound of applause filled the air as I looked to see the Gamemakers watching us with their clipboards and faces of amusement as they had watched the whole fight, I was breathing heavy and a little alert still but it quickly fused as I realized that it was for our ratings.

“Great job.” Best whispered to me, making me glance at him before I looked at he floor and slowly nodded.

“Yea… you too.” I whispered back as Mrs. Botch pulled me into a hug and I caught a glimpse of Rockro pat Best on the shoulder pleasingly.

Secured: Chapter Five

“And how do you feel about all the new tributes?” Indigo Fergus asked the host of the Hunger Games, Nino Overhill.

“I think that we’re going to have some great competition, I caught a glimpse of a couple of them and I must say, they’re going to put up a good fight for the title.” Nino said, smiling as he glanced at the camera.

“Do you have anyone in mind that you think will win without the ratings just yet?” Indigo asked, cocking his head a little.

“Um… I do actually.” Nino said.

I sat up a little as I listened to the television, it was mainly quiet on the couch as I sat with Mrs. Botch and Best, Rockro was somewhere around him but I wasn’t really worried about him because I was curious on who Nino thought was going to win.

“Oh… really? Who exactly?” Indigo asked, I was dying to know who was going to be the hardest competition.

“His name is Veloran Applestem and if not him, then his partner, Avamy Instege.”

“Oh, their both from the same district and I’d have to say, I sort of disagree on that one with … I believe that the winner will be Greier Spectual or either down to Best Cronin and him.” Indigo said.

My eyes widened as Indigo Fergus said this about us, I glanced over at Best to get his expression on this as he sat with raised eyebrows and was staring at the floor, we now have a target on our back wherever we were to go in the arena. I was so focused on what Indigo was saying that I never noticed that Rockro had come to join us, Indigo was one of my favorites and I wasn’t sure what drew me to him exactly but he was almost an idol of mine.

“Wow, he mentioned you two.” Mrs. Botch whispered, staring in complete shock.

“I know.” I whispered back, staring in complete shock as well. “I’m shocked.”

“I’m not, I mean, have you two seen yourselves fight… Best, you can strangle someone with your bare hands and Greier, you have great fighting skills that can put someone on the ground at the snap of a finger. You two are the perfect match!” I awkwardly looked away at him saying that, I wished we were the perfect match to long to wanna be it now.

It was now silent between us, other than the television talking about the opening ceremony, along with Mrs. Botch because she was hectic about us being announced on television.

“You’re going to meet your designer today, both of you, please be nice as possible and no fighting unless arranged, understood?” Mrs. Botch had cut her eyes at me, making me look at her in shock, as if I was always fighting! “I looked at you because I know what you can do, dear… it’s not pretty.”

“But it’s good, it’ll keep him protected in the arena a-”

“Which is tomorrow…” Best broke in, making me think hard… was it really tomorrow?

“Wait…” Mrs. Botch thought hard,“ the ceremony is tonight, they’re going to show your evening gowns and your ratings, then the interviews are tomorrow morning and after the interviews… you go in.“ She said in disbelief as I stared at her in confusion as well.

‘Did time really go by that fast?’ I asked myself as I sat back into the couch and stared at the wall in disbelief as well.

“Wow, time goes by so fast when you’re enjoying yourself.” Rockro whispered, gently patting Best shoulder before he patted my thigh.

“Yea.” Best agreed quietly, he looked at me. “It does.”

I didn’t know what that mean and I was curious, very curious on finding out what he meant by that when there was a loud sound that rung through our floor.

“They’re here!” Mrs. Botch cried excitedly. “And just in time, the opening ceremony starts at eight at night and it’s six-thirty, get up and get going to the rooms, they’ll be in there shortly.”

“We’re getting dressed here?”

“Yes, now hurry up! Everyone can’t wait forever!” Mrs. Botch giggled, hurrying to brag the door as a loud sound rung through the floor yet again.

I got to my feet and headed toward my room slowly, I wasn’t in much of a rush because I knew that Best was right behind me and I was dying to ask him what he meant but it was only as if he was avoiding me by walking even slower. I made it to my door and glanced back at him to see his close, yea, he avoided me very well. 

I opened my door and walked in, I closed the door behind me and walked to my bed before plopping down on it and staring at the pretty brown carpet, why don’t I just kill myself already, I’ll die in the arena anyway. I looked up as my door opened and three people walked in the room to greet me, I awkwardly grinned as they stared at me in disbelief and I figured it was because they were expecting a girl.

“He’s… adorable!” One of them squealed, making me flinch away as she rushed to my side.

The girl was almost my height with bright red hair, the color of healthy blood and not to mention the bow in her hair was twice the size of her head, I was surprised that it was staying in her head and not falling out. She was pretty with tanned skin and her eyes were a rich brown, she smiled and shinned a line of all white, perfectly straight teeth at me, I glanced to the next girl to realize that that she was a twin to the next, except the second twin’s hair was bright green with two big ponytails going back in her head. 

The final girl was more laid back, sort of, she was wearing a pair of shades that fit her face tighter than expected and her hair was styled in a curly Mohawk off to the side. I saw the tattoo on her neck that she tried to cover but it was easily visible, it read “Hate The Caption, Hate The Games”, she was promoting bad reviews on her body and she knew that she’d get in trouble if a caring person saw that.

“How old are you?” She asked.

“Sixteen, you?” I asked.

“You never ask a woman her age,” She smirked,“ names Tavibi.“ I frowned at that type of name.

“Tavibi, you’re my stylist then?” I asked, cocking my head a little in confusion.

“Aww! That was so cute!” The red-haired twin squealed.

“Amber, calm down. Amber, she’s a little… ya know.” Tavibi said, gently tapping her temple while her smirk never disappeared. “And that’s Mandie, her sister.”

Tavibi gave me more of a biker-girl vibe, not to mention her black body suit that clutched her body the ways it never should around the Capitol, many guys are dying to see what a woman’s body hold and they probably stare at her every chance they get. Her suit accented her breast and hips, giving her almost an hourglass shape and she had it shaped into a tight turtle-neck neckline and sleeveless as well. It had random buckles on the nipple area and the thigh area very cute and dangerous at the same time and it was obviously sexual because there was a zipper that started at the lower middle part of her belly and extended past her crotch.

“Like the suit?” I looked up at her before nodding.

“You’ll be wearing one like this into the Games, but more… revealing, for sponsors of course. Alright, we got to get you and

Lover Boy

looking right, you need to be the talk of the town.“

“We’re no-”

“Oh hush, we know the tea.” Mandie said. “And don’t worry, we’re not stupid.” She glared at Tavibi playfully.

I smiled a little at that, it was obvious that they didn’t keep a strict friendship because of their work statuses. Tavibi rolled her eyes and came forward with a smile on her face as she grabbed my chin and made me look up at her, I squinted my eyes a little as she stared my face over very closely.

“His cheeks are hollow enough for me, Mandie, make his lips fuller and make his eyes pop more. The main fix we’ll have to work on is his body to see if it fits his clothes right, which I am going to get. Sadly, dude, you’re not wearing pants.”

I rose an eyebrow at that as she released my chin, I glanced at Mandie and then at Amber as Tavibi disappeared out the door. Of course I was going to be wearing pants, I prayed that something stupid wasn’t about to happen because I’d die if I had to go out in front of people in a dress.

“Alright dear, I need to trim your eyebrows a little, it’s not going to hurt.” She came forward with a razorblade replacement, I frowned and watched as she carefully wiped it clean with a little alcohol.

“You sure?” I asked suspiciously.

“Positive.” Amber said for her while grabbing a small-tooth comb. “We’re putting braids in your hair, you’ll look better with them.”

“Braids?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, jumbo braids and I’ll sneak a scrunchie or two in your pocket before you go.” Mandie whispered the last part to me and I nodded, they will be very helpful.

“What am I we- OUCH!” I huffed, glaring at Amber as she frowned.

“Sorry.” She whispered as she sat the comb aside and started to braid my hair. “Your hair is so nice and soft, the braids are going to reach your lower back with all this hair.”

“It’ll look fantastic.”

‘What’s taking her so l-’ My thought was cut off by Tavibi walking back into the room holding a see-through plastic bag.

My heart stopped as I stared though the plastic covering and saw the brown dress that she was suppose to put me in, I slowly started shaking my head as the smile on my face slowly disappeared, I felt close to crying as I stared at it.

“It’ll look good…” Amber tried, gently rubbing my back as I continued to shake my head.

“I’m not wearing that.” Tavibi squinted her eyes in determination at what I said.

‘Oh, hell… I don’t have a choice.’

“This… or naked.” Tavibi said, her head slightly raised to show dominance and that she wasn’t changing her mind.

‘Yea… no choice at all.’

“Fine!” I huffed, lowering my head angrily as I glared at the ground.

The room was now silent as they all quietly did something, Amber worked on braiding my hair, Mandie was working on my make-up because she was done with my eyebrows, and Tavibi was furiously typing away at her phone.

“Fedius is late, as usual, so the body make-up will be a little delayed, but I can work on making your chest full.”

“My chest full?” She placed a hand on her forehead before sighing, she then lowered it and looked at me with a cocked head and a raised eyebrow.

I rose my own eyebrow as I waited for her to say it.

“She’s going to give you boobs .” Amber hinted, making Tavibi smirk at me as my eyes widened.

“This is getting crazier and crazier… first) I get braids, second) I have to wear a dress, third) I’m getting boobs, what’s next? A butt!?” I huffed angrily.

“Yup.” Tavibi said, walking out the door and disappearing yet again.

I closed my eyes as I shook my head, my life is already crazy and now I’m going to be going to the ceremony with breast and a butt, just great.

“Well… it better be a big butt.” I muttered, making Amber giggle as she continued to braid my hair. 

“I’m going to add extensions to your hair and permanently seal them together so they don’t come out in the games.” I opened my eyes at what she just said.

“Permanently how?” I asked.

“You’ll see.” She said, a smirk on her face. “The Capitol and technology.” She giggled.

“Capitol and my ass.” I huffed quietly, thinking they didn’t hear it.

“Yes, you future big one.” Mandie laughed, making Amber laugh as well.

I rolled my eyes but I did have a little smile break on my face before I made it disappear, I looked up as Tavibi came back with two big pelican shipping cases.

“What’s in those?” I asked.

“Enhancer shots.” Tavibi said, bring them over to the bed and setting on the ground before setting on one the bed. “First spot, your chest, you’re going to get about five shots in each.”

“EACH!” I yelled in shock.

“Yes, I didn’t stutter.” Tavibi said with a playful eye roll and I playfully glared at her. “Now, shirt off. You’re going to feel a pinch but it’ll reduce immediately, I’m going to give you a pill afterward and a jar of rubbing cream and stretch-mark remover oil because your skin is going to stretch very badly.”

“How big?” I asked Tavibi, scared to hear the answer.

“Close to DDD or F.”

“Are you kidding me…” I said more to myself.

“You need them for the spon-”

“Sponsors, I know… how am I suppose to run with those?” I asked.

“They’re firm to the look but solid to the touch, I mean, look at mine.” She was right, Tavibi had a large set on her chest but they looked rock hard, like they didn’t move at all.

“How is that possible?” I asked, looking away from her chest and toward the shots that were waiting.

“Everything’s possible now.” I readied myself for the first shot as Tavibi reached down and grabbed a syringe.

I took a deep breath and watched as she grabbed a little of my skin before injecting the needle, and hell, it hurt. I squeezed my eyes shut and held my breath until the liquid was inside, I grunted as she pulled the needle out and frowned, I had nine more to go.

Secured: Chapter Six

I stared at the wall before me as I stood in the middle of the room, there was nothing but focusing in the room as they worked hard because it was now seven o’clock, Fedius finally made it to the party and was now working on enhancing my bottom. Fedius was more of the preppy gay type that you’d never wanna see around the farther numbered districts, though he was pretty neat in his own way. He came in wearing a lime-green fuzzy boa around his neck with a sparkling grey jumpsuit that clutched his fake chest as well, he had a pretty small butt but he walked around happily with it.

“Your butt is pretty soft already, I’m just enhancing it m-”

“He knows all about it Fedius, but I guess you wouldn’t know since you’re late and everything, huh?” Mandie huffed, glaring his way as she helped Amber with my hundreds of braids.

“You’re always running your big fat mo-”

“Don’t talk to my sister like tha-” Amber jumped in.

“Tell your sister to stop acknowledging my presence if she can’t stand i-” Fedius went to reply.

“

Shut up

!“ Tavibi yelled, causing me to even jump.

I was shocked about this argument. They all went to look at Tavibi but the look on her face told them not to say another word, I felt the needle slid into my left buttock first, I frowned at the pinch I felt before it disappeared and Fedius started to inject the fluid. My breast were almost to their full size from the pill that Tavibi shoved down my throat, she pinched my nose and covered my mouth until I swallowed it. I was shocked that this was really happening, that I was really being turned into a feminine figure. I looked down at my breast as the tingle in them started to dull down, it was a little shocking to me that they had reached their desired size.

“The pill you swallowed had a dry substance that turns this liquid into solid fat, causing your breast to look heavy and hard, but when you feel them,” Tavibi paused while gesturing her head toward my new breast, I reached up and touched one to fill that it was incredibly soft, it was jiggly also and I could actually feel myself touching it,“ they’re as squishy as ever.“ She smirked.

“Just imagine how your ass is going to feel, dear, what time is it?” Fedius asked.

“Seven-ten. Why?” Amber asked, looking at him suspiciously.

“I have to run, just take it from my lunch break.” And before anyone could say anything, he was out the door and out the way.

“We don’t even get lunch breaks.” Mandie muttered, I giggled at that. “Last braid and then we can get another pill in you, then put these

beautiful

dress on you, next your heels and you’re ready to go to the opening ceremony.“

“Right…” I whispered, dreading the dress.

“You’ll be fine.” Tavibi said, smiling at me as I nodded.

“Thanks…” I whispered, feeling my stomach curl a little with nervousness.

“We’re going to get some food in your stomach before you put this dress on, Mandie, get it off the table… one with the pistachios.” I smiled eagerly because I love pistachios.

I was happy about it that I clapped a little out of excitement, Mandie disappeared as Amber giggled while she watched me, I couldn’t help it and not to mention that I only get pistachios if I can still three or so off Mrs. Winsire’s dresser.

“Someone loves pistachios.” I laughed and nodded.

“I do.” Mandie came back with my tray and sat it on my desk in the room.

“Alright, let’s get this pill down and then you can eat… you’re not going to be hard this time are you?”

I huffed, right… have to take the stupid pill. “How about I eat first?” I tried.

“Haha, no, you’re taking this pill, do we have to go through this again?” She asked as Amber smiled and started to permanently seal the extensions with my hair.

She’d braid most of it before taking this gun-like item and putting the extension inside it before putting the end of my hair in it, she’d push a button and hold it until the object would beep, then she’d push a different button and pull the object toward her body and away from mine, the thing would then braid the extension and seal it with some clear, hot gel that’s dried by the time it falls to the other hairs. She did this as I watched Tavibi come forward with the second pill.

“Here, take it.” I held my hand out and watched as she sat it down.

The pill was dark green and in a capsule shape, I sighed before I placed it in my mouth and she handed me a glass of water, I downed the pill and sighed as I handed the cup back.

“Can I eat now?” I asked.

“Yes, by the time you get done, your body will be ready.” She said, gesturing to the desk and chair before looking at Mandie and gesturing toward the door.

I walked over and took a seat as Amber continued on my hair, lunch was a deli-sandwich with a bowl of soup on the side, they gave me side choices of: tomatoes, lettuce, a small dollop of mayo, mustard, and ketchup, pickles, and onions. I placed lettuce and mayo on my sandwich only before I took a big bite and licked mayo off my bottom lip, they made my lips fuller by putting some type of cream on a circular, mini pads and rubbing them on my lips, making them swell quickly. I also had cheese blocks and crackers as a side meal, not to mention my tiny bowl of pistachios and a cup of coffee, glass of iced water, and a cup of chilled soda.

“Good?” Amber asked, I quickly nodded as I swallowed a bite of my sandwich. “Good, Tavibi made it.”

“That’s what took her so long.” I said, taking a cheese block and a cracker and placing it in my mouth.

“You eat so clean, like you’re not starving, you’re not even making a mess.” Amber said as if she was shocked.

“What’s that suppose to mean?” I asked after swallowing my food, turning to glance at her.

“See, that’s what I mean, you waited until you swallowed. Cute.”

“I have manners.” I whispered, wiping my hands on a napkin as I stood up after I finished my food.

I snacked on my pistachios as Mandie and Tavibi returned, Mandie had a flushed look and Tavibi was smirking as she wiped her mouth when she came in.

“You two…” I easily put two and two together as Tavibi nodded, she still was wearing her sunglasses and Mandie smacked her arm.

“Well…” Tavibi said, a smile on her face. “Come on, lets get you dressed.”

I moved back to the place I was standing before as I noticed that my butt wasn’t tingling, I looked back as Tavibi and Mandie worked on getting my dress out of the plastic. My butt was fantastic, I reached back and touched it and just like my new breast, it was very gentle and you could even grip it.

“You like it huh?” Tavibi said, a smile on her face as she held my dress up but she was talking about me touching and feeling my new butt.

“Its pretty cool.” I said in an astonishing way.

“Yea, now let’s get this over your head so you can get to the ceremony in time.”

I looked up as I exited my room, I was careful with a pair of dark tan wedge booties on my feet, I was scared that I’d fall and make a fool of myself but I was doing pretty well, Mandie and Amber stood on each side of me as I walked toward the dinning hall, were everyone was waiting. I couldn’t lie, I looked pretty good with my hair braided up and my breast were adding to my upper physic perfectly, the dress was dark tan as well, almost the color of grain. There was a beautiful design going up the side with cylinder tan beads, it swirled around the bottom of my dress.

The dress had laced long sleeves and was with a very tight basque waist that curved my figure even more and a decollete neckline that I found irresistible not to love, the bottom was finished off with a pretty mermaid style that didn’t show my heels but you would just know I had to wear some to keep most of the dress from dragging on the ground. Not to mention that there was a oval over the stomach and it showed the belly piercing I just received, my breast looked larger in this dress because of how tight it was, but I wasn’t complaining because I actually liked having something that people could look at, I wasn’t the scrawny, petite little guy anymore, but I wasn’t calling myself a girl either.

I entered the dinning hall as Mandie and Amber stopped at end of the hallway, I glanced back but they ushered me on so I looked forward and continued to walk to where Mrs. Botch, four men I never seen before, Rockro, and Best were standing in a circle, talking. Mrs. Botch glanced back and stared in complete shock as she took me in, Rockro was the next to look and I sheepishly looked toward the ground as the three guys noticed me, I looked back up to see that I now had the attention of Best.

He was staring at me openly, I expected his lip to curl in disgust but he kept the same shocked looked he had as I looked at everyone before giving a slightly uneasy smile, it wasn’t easy because I knew that they were judging me but I only could hope that it was good judgement. Best was wearing a sort of bodysuit that clutched his tight, big muscles and carved every piece of his body, the big bulge between his legs as well. The suit had tan metal pieces on the upper shoulder and torso area, it showed his strong legs and I was amazed by his nice tanned leather sharp-edge jacket that stopped just below his plated torso, we seemed like the perfect match.

“Dear…. you look so beautiful.” Mrs. Botch said, a smile on her face.

“T-Thank you.” I whispered sheepishly as she walked over to me.

I nervously rubbed my tanned lace-clothed arm with jewels on it as she pulled me into a hug and smiled as she put me at arms length then happily pulled me into another hug, I smiled a little at that because I knew that she was happy that I was I didn’t look to bad.

“Look at you, look… amazing.” Rockro said, walking over to me and grabbing my hands in his large ones as Mrs. Botch nodded with agreement.

“I knew you’d look amazing with the enhancers, even without them but you look fantastic, honey! Everyone’s going to love you, what do you think Best? Doesn’t he look amazing.” We all turned to look at Best, and I prayed he’d say something nice about me.

I gave him pleading eyes as he looked me up and down before nodding quietly.

“Speechless himself.” Tavibi said as she came up behind me with Mandie and Amber right behind her.

“He should be, thank you, honey. He looks great!” Mrs. Botch said, giving Tavibi a hug before hugging Mandie and Amber.

“Didn’t do it by myself, hold your head up, you look fine.” Tavibi said to me, forcing my head up with her finger when I grew nervous of what to say. “I’ll be watching you.”

“Everyone will.” I muttered quietly.

“And you’ll do fine, you… you look amazing.” Best said, and I looked up at him to see if he really meant it and as sure as ever, he did.

“Alright, Love Birds, get to your ceremony, the best doesn’t arrive too late.” Tavibi said, gesturing to the clock.

“Shot! It’s seven-forty, hurry and let’s go!” Mrs. Botch squealed, smiling as she hurried to the door in her heels.

I walked after her, keeping steady, calm steps as she opened the door and we were immediately swarmed by security as we started to the elevator. The building was pretty large and mainly spacious because of it, the ceremony was going to be hosted in the Capitol’s Center, a place that everyone knows by heart. The elevator ride was very quiet with the dinging of the elevator on every floor, it wasn’t allowed to pick up other districts when someone was occupying it, I smoothed my dress a little and Tavibi grabbed my hands to check my nails. 

She painted them tan and placed tan beads that were on my dress, into the paint before it dried up. We reached outside and headed straight toward the waiting shuttles for each district, ours had 

District Nine

 written where Rockro had me step in it first so that Best would be the first to get out when we made it to the ceremony. Our stylist took a different shuttle, I looked out the window as the shuttle slowly rose to the sky before it turned and started to head to the Capitol Center.

“Put on your best smile, everyone’s watching.” Mrs. Botch said, gently touching my chin but making sure not to mess up my make-up. “You really look stunning, dear.”

I smiled and nodded, though there was a little voice in the back of my head that doubted everything that happened to me today. I turned to look back out the window before glancing at Best to see him staring me down, I quickly averted his eyes as he continued to stare at me while slightly moving his head and moving his bottom lip. 

I started to enjoy the fact that he was openly staring at me, I decided to do something a little risky but stretching so that my chest puffed out farther and I moved my hands behind my back as Mrs. Botch and Rockro quietly talked while pointing at a brochure type of paper. I glanced at Best to see that he was enjoying the show because his eyes traveled down to my breast and possibly a little farther to my flat brown stomach. Back at home, I’d occasionally get looks because most people wouldn’t know that I was adopted until they saw Mrs. Winsire and looked at our biggest different, she was white and I was black.

“We already have seven sponsors for Greier and Best, if tonight goes well, you’ll both be getting more sponsors than we could hope for.” Rockro told Best and I.

“What exactly do sponsors get out of this?” I asked, raising a thin eyebrow.

“We host a helping celebration and invite all of them over to meet you, have a conversation with you, and such, then we give them a nice gift.” Rockro said, I nodded in understanding.

“We’re here, remember, big beautiful smiles.” I nodded as the shuttle landed, I sighed, here goes nothing.

Secured: Chapter Seven

I looked over as we landed in front of a long black tunnel, it was so that no one could see what we were wearing incase people did happen to step outside. I looked over as Best opened the shuttle door and stepped out, Rockro was next and then it was my turn to get out of the shuttle, I waited on Mrs. Botch as the driver got out and closed the door behind her. I walked beside her as Rockro and Best led the way, he was quietly talking to Best as Mrs. Botch fixed her hair before looking at me and fixing one of my braids that fell out of place.

“Smile, you look so cute!” She said, she pulled me into a tightly side hug and we walked to the entrance, a sliding door.

“Alright, we go one way and you two go the other… Tavibi and Ires will be waiting for you two, remember, no fighting.” I rolled my eyes but a smile came to my face as I nodded.

I walked up to where Best was waiting at the entrance door but far away so it wouldn’t open, he looked me up and down so freely and it made me a little proud of him because he wasn’t the kind that turned shy and timid when he was caught doing something.

“Here goes nothing.” I whispered, he turned forward and then we stared toward the door.

It slid open and it was as if the room suddenly lit up as everyone paused to see who entered, I looked up and quickly looked around as the different districts stood at their chariots as they waited on everyone to arrive and I was hoping we weren’t’ the last ones to arrive, that’s to embarrassing. Tavibi and Ires met us at the door, Tavibi smiled encouragingly at me and I tried to return it but I was afraid that if I said something, my voice would crack and I’ll bust out in tears then and there.

“This way, you’re not the last ones, luckily. District Eleven and District Seven isn’t here yet.” Ires said.

“And District Four.” Tavibi added, gesturing to District Four’s chariot.

Ires led us to our chariot and they were all ready and in order of the districts, I was curious of my rating, which they were going to show tonight, when we passed in our chariots. Our horses were milk-coffee brown and I couldn’t resist touching one as I walked past it, it vrinsked and I smiled as it moved his hair a little, like it was trying to show me it’s hairstyle. It’s mane was braided to the side, as if it was trying to look like me, I glanced at Best as he watched me while still talking to Ires

. I turned back to the horse and rubbed it’s stomach one last time before turning to Tavibi as she walked up to me and fixed my braids so they weren’t sticking out weirdly from the wavy gold headband that was placed on my head. I glanced back at Best to see Ires correcting his jacket before he told Best to climb on our chariot, I looked at Tavibi as she looked over at Mandie, who was smiling questionably at her, I knew exactly what they were going to be doing.

“Alright, hop up, I’m sure everyone’s here by now, plus, it’s eight-fourteen.” I climbed on the chariot with help from Tavibi.

I grabbed on the side and stepped up slowly, careful to lot fall back down, I felt a strong, muscular arm wrap around my waist and support me as I slowly made my way up the chariot to make sure I didn’t slip or stumble. I looked up as Best wrapped his arm tighter around me, I looked over at him before smiling thankfully, he nodded before looking forward as the sound of a voice started to boom through the Center, sadly, since what was being said was blocked by the walls of the room we all were being kept in.  

“Smile.” Tavibi said to both of us before she stepped back and watched as the doors opened.

I looked forward as Capitol guards told the chariots to start moving into the center so the audience could see us and cast their sponsor cards. District One, District Two, District Three, I looked over at Best to see him staring out the door and trying to see what was out here, District Four then District Five, I took a deep breath as we started to move with a jerk. 

Luckily, I was holding on tightly to the chariot so I didn’t fall off, Best seemed barely fazed by the sudden force of us moving and I was happy because I would of smacked the ground by now if he wasn’t holding my waist still. 

District Six, District Seven, we moved closer and closer to the front and I desperately took a breath as I glanced over at Best one last time. Everyone was going to be shocked when they saw the new me, they were expecting two men in suits and possibly one looking slightly feminine than the bigger one but they were going to get the shock of their lives.

“District EIGHT! Clavie Roxen with a rating of Seven and Tenney Kern with a rating of Eight!”

District Eight and out we went, I put on my boldest smile before it turned real because of the loud cheering from everyone as they happily screeched that they loved me or that I looked great.

“District NINE! Greier Spectual with a rating of…

eleven

?“ It grew quiet as the audience sat in shocked, my smile fell as I heard my rating. “U-Um… Best Cronin with a rating of

t-ten

, our highest ratings of the day!“ Indigo announced in shock.

Thanks a lot Indigo, you’ve put a second target on our back now, the crowd roared with excitement of the ratings as I grasped tightly to the chariot to keep from collapsing and falling off. I looked over at Best to see him staring at me with concern, I didn’t even notice that his arm wasn’t wrapped around me any longer but he quickly wrapped it back around me as I went to grab onto him.

“District T-TEN! Sorry, my a-apologies, I’m just so astonished with these two ratings, wow… and they look very, very gorgeous tonight as well. We’ll need a replay of that later… District TEN!”

I looked over at Best again as he continued to look at me before giving me an assured nod, he was encouraging me to hold it together until we got out of the Center, I nodded back and took a depe breath before looking out to the audience and bring up my bold smile yet again. The crowd continued to yell and scream at us with joy, I was a little nervous as I scanned the crowd as we circled back around the second time, I was surprised I wasn’t feeling dizzy. We were going to do this about four times and I was hoping to find Tavibi or Mrs. Botch by then so I’d know how I was doing. 

I spotted Tavibi by Amber and Mandie, who were both pointing at us and screaming at the top of their lungs while hugging and crying. Tavibi was smirking with a nod, I figured she was nodding at me, she flicked her eyebrows up and I looked over at Best because I didn’t understand what she was saying. He was staring me down, he slowly leaned closer to me and I thought he was going to say something in my ear so I leaned closer as well with confusion on my face. Suddenly, his lips pressed against mine, catching me and all of the audience by surprise as District Fifteen, District Thirteen was still in ruins but we added two more districts while skipping the ruined area.

“And look what we have here! A kiss! District Nine just shared a kiss!” Indigo announced over the speakers and I was for sure that this was happening.

I was in complete shock of this move that I could do anything but just stand there and allow him to kiss me, he ran his tongue over my bottom lip and I didn’t even allow him entry as he lowered his hand to my butt and I pulled away. I looked up at him with eyes that told him that we were going to talk about this later while my smile said that there was something between us, of course it was for the camera and I was scared that if it was something more, it’d just bring us to not being safe in the arena.

“How cute!” Nino said, I looked back into the crowd to see Rockro and Mrs. Botch staring at us in complete shock.

I tired to hide my own shock of the situation by smiling and waving at the blown audience, I figured that it was official, we were going to have a lot of sponsors by the way the audience were acting with us. Best smirked as he lifted his hand but it was barely a wave, as if he was doing it in a quick, manly way, I smiled and continued to wave as we went in a circle for the fourth and final time, I wasn’t expecting anything else because he did a great finishing thing that he should of waited to do on the last lap, but he shocked me. 

I turned to glance at Best and see how he was holding up, he was staring me down and he pulled me close to his side, I played along by placing a hand on his chest, he leaned down yet again and pushed his lips against mine. I enjoyed the way his soft, warm lips felt against mine, I responded this time and when he licked my bottom lip, I allowed him to enter because I wasn’t shocked with this one.

“District One! District Two! District Three! District Four! District Five! District Six! District Seven! District Eight! 

District NINE

! District Ten! District Eleven! District Twelve! District Fourteen! And District Fifteen! You’re 110th Hunger Games annual tributes!“ The crowd roared as we went behind the large door that we entered in.

Right when we were out of distance from the crowd and our chariot had stopped, I ignored Best as he kept his arm wrapped around me, right when we touched the ground, I moved his arm off me as he cocked his head and watched me walk to meet up with Mrs. Botch, Ires, and Rockro.

“Great job, Best, nice ending touch.” Ires said, patting Best’s back.

“You’d say.” I huffed, glaring at the ground.

“You liked it.” Best replied, making me look up and glare at him but I couldn’t deny that I didn’t like it. “I liked it.” He shrugged.

“You’re not gay, remember?” I said, turning and stomping off to the food table for all the districts in my wedges, there was a guard standing there to make sure no one tried to harm the food.

“Greier, wait… look, I know what I said, and I’m sorry I said it.”

“I’m over-exaggerating.” It was my way to tell people to leave me alone.

Deep down, I knew I was over-exaggerating but I wasn’t going to let him know that, I glanced back to see that he was walking a couple of steps behind me but still staring at my body.

“What, Best!?” I huffed, catching a couple of looks from other districts.

“Trouble in paradise,

fags

?“ Someone from a different district asked as they picked up a block of cheese that had a toothpick jammed in it, I glared at them before turning back to Best, who was glaring at the guy as well.

“I-“Best went to reply but I placed a finger on his lip to tell him to be quiet.

Best turned his attention to me, I gave him pleading eyes on not to say anything back.

“We already have a big target on our back.” I whispered as I stared up at him.

“Sorry… can we talk bout this, please?”

“When we get home.” I whispered, turning back to look at the different foods.

I picked up a block of cheese with a toothpick in it as well and place it in my mouth to eat it, Best stayed close to me, even when I told him that I wanted to wait until we got home to talk about it.

“Love Birds, time to go.” Tavibi said, I rolled my eyes as I turned with a smile on my face to greet her,

“You looked good, Greier. I told you that you’d be just fine, nice move, kid.” She said, smirking at Best as he shrugged.

“Been waiting to do it.” I glared at him, oh yea, but you didn’t just shove me into a wall for doing it the other night.

I turned back to the table and grabbed a clear cup of lemonade before turning to Best as he stood behind me, waiting for whatever he was waiting on. I stared up at him with a raised eyebrow was he leaned forward to do it yet again, I allowed him because people were around but I did get a little nervous that he was taking advantage of this. I allowed him to kiss me and even stick his tongue in my mouth when he licked my bottom lip, he pulled me close and continued to kiss me willingly until I pushed against his chest and he backed away while taking a needed breath.

“You must really love doing that.” Tavibi said, raising an eyebrow.

“He does.” Mrs. Botch said, walking over to me and grabbing my shoulders so we could head to the shuttle. “Come on, Best and Rockro, we’ll see you tomorrow Tavibi, you’ll be at the interview correct?”

“Of course.” Tavibi smiled at us before turning and walking away, of course she still had her glasses on.

“Before we allow you to go to bed, we need to see what weapons you all can work with, we already called out weaponry factory and told them to bring everything they have or ever made.”

“So we get to use weapons on each other?” I quickly looked over at Best as he asked such a scary question.

“No, on dummies but you still get the feel of one to see what you like so we can request them in the arena. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow because we’ll be rounding up the sponsors. Sponsors leave, just remember that, try your hardest at the interview to get more.” Mrs. Botch said with such a pleading voice, I nodded.

“I will.”

Rockro put his arm around Best shoulders.

“You too, you both need sponsors to survive. Now, lets hurry home before I end up taking someone with me.” Rockro chuckled as he saw a Capitol woman pass him, he followed her as Best shook his head and glanced over at me, only to catch me staring at him.

I quickly averted my eyes as our shuttle waited in the front of the tunnel, it was time to go home after such an exciting night, and now, time to play with some toys.

Secured: Chapter Eight

The ride home was mostly quiet other than talking here and there, I sat beside Mrs. Botch with Best to my right, he thought he was slick because he was rubbing my thigh a lot, I glared at him and he smiled at me as he moved his hand away from my thigh. Luckily, it was dark in the shuttle and you could only see our faces as we passed light post, it was really dark, I almost jumped out of my seat when Best tried to put his hand behind my back and touch my butt, he was enjoying the enhancements the best he could.

“Stop.” I whispered close to his body, but I didn’t move my hand.

“You’re not stopping me though.” He whispered back, moving his hand closer to my butt as I allowed him to.

It hurt me that after I changed my body that he found me attractive, he reached forward with his other hand and grabbed one of my jumbo braids, I looked at his hand as he allowed it to slip from his fingers. His hand moved lower until it was now resting on the top of my butt, I leaned into his chest and rested my head on his chest as he moved his hand back up to my back and gently rubbed me there, making me feel comforted the best he could, Best was always the best .

We used to have a gamer team, the ones that were good in sports used to stay on the team while others came and went every other day. Someone on the team would make up a game and there was always a gift if you won, Best always got the gifts, I’d come and watch them usually play football with a throwing ball, usually the ones that didn’t have much to do used to work in the farms.

“So, Greier,” I perked up as Mrs. Botch called me,“ what do you want to do when you get out of the arena.“

I was happy that she was saying it as if I was going to win, I smiled at that.

“I’m going to move on a ranch, have my own animals.” I said, sitting up and smiling at the air as I thought deeply about it. “And Gaius with me.”

“Really?” Rockro asked, cocking his head in amusement.

“Yea, I’ll have baby sheeps and cows, even a dog. And I’ll have my own family, I’ll make sure they’ll never have to starve ever again.”

“So, a future with a husband and child?” Mrs. Botch asked, leaning forward and touching my thigh as I nodded. “Beautiful… just one child?”

“No, I’ll get the ones from the orphanage I was raised in and raise them myself.” I vowed, staring at her as she nodded before turning to Best.

“What about you?” She asked him.

“I… I don’t know yet, I haven’t really thought about it but… I’ll probably run my Uncle’s farm or so and sale to the Capitol for a good price, I’ll have money for sure.”

“Farmer and a Rancher, cute…

perfect match

.“ I was sure that if I heard “Perfect Match” one more time, I’d go berserk.

“Yea… perfect match.” I muttered, turning to look out the window as Best’s hand slid down my back once more and I responded by pushing back against his hand, telling him to go farther down.

He listened as his hand rested on my butt and I laid my head back against his shoulder, I knew that once we got home, all this cute ’lovey-dovey’ness would have to go right out the window because he was probably going to run to the bathroom and clean his mouth out with soap.

“We’re home.” It was quicker than it took for us to get to the ceremony, I climbed out first and headed straight toward the entrance with Best right beside me.

He was holding my waist and I was a little thankful because I liked him being close to me, not to mention that since the ceremony was over, cameras could record us all they wanted and we had to hold that image we just created together.

“Thank you.” I whispered when he helped me up the stairs and even held the door for me.

We waited on Mrs. Botch and Rockro as they stopped and talked to a couple of people before joining us at the elevator, I glanced up as the door opened and two tributes from a district stepped out, they looked at us before walking past. I felt my anger boil as I saw Best stare at the girl of the district as he glanced back at him as she continued to walk, I was hoping she’d walk into a wall trying to get his attention and keep it as well. I glared and looked at Best as the girl disappeared out the door, I punched him in the chest to let him know that the elevator was waiting before I climbed on, the punch of course did nothing but I liked to think it had hurt him.

“What?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

I just shook my head, refusing to talk as I leaned against the elevator wall, Mrs. Botch and Rockro finally appeared and hit our floor so that we could go up, I was thankful of this because I couldn’t be in the same place with this guy any longer but then I remembered, we have to fight dummies before we go to bed.

“We have a little of everything for both of you, try everything you can by the end of the night and tell us what you like before you go to bed.” We reached our floor as Rockro told us this.

I nodded and stepped in the little hall that led to our large floor, Best followed right behind me and I was thankful that I could get out of these clothes.

“I’m going to change first.” I said, heading straight to my room without stopping as I passed the weaponry table.

It indeed had a little of everything, it was stacked with everything and I was pleased, a variety is always good, I tried to avoid Best like he avoided me by walking fast but of course I was in heels so I wasn’t moving as fast as I wished. I was made because I had allowed myself to allow him to feel me up in the shuttle but now, after seeing that he was checking a

GIRL

out, it reminded me that there was no chance between us…there was no

us

. 

I reached my room and was about to quickly whip around and close the door when Best quickly entered and I couldn’t help but stair out the window as I prayed that this wouldn’t lead to someone killing someone. I slowly closed the door before turning to look at him, he took a seat on my bed and watched me as I walked to my dresser and started to pull out a pair of pajamas, I pulled out a pair of purple tight sleeping pants that clutched my hips and butt and released my legs. The top I pulled out was matching with a star in the middle, the top of the sleeping shirt was sort of low so you would of been able to see the swell of my new breast.

“So, we’re going to sit here in silence?” Best asked, raising an eyebrow as he watched me pick out my clothes.

“Up to you, you came in here.” I said, pulling my gold necklace off and slamming it angrily on the dresser top.

I was angry that he played me like that, made me think there was actually something when I knew all along there was nothing, and I couldn’t help but blame myself for thinking that there was a chance of an us but now I look like an idiot and I was sure the district girl was going to use that against us… against me. I pulled my heels off next, I bent over with my back toward Best because I couldn’t look at his face at the moment, I was scared I’d throw one of my heels at him because I was so pissed off.

“Why are you angry at me?” He asked such a stupid question.

“Why wouldn’t I be? You were angry at me when I kissed you right?” I asked, glaring at him with even more anger than before.

“I know but this time it’s di-”

“Different my ass.” I growled angrily.

“Well, yea, that’s different but sti-” He tried to lighten the mood.

“Shut up, Best.” He frowned before getting to his feet as I tried to reach for my zipper. “I don’t want your help.” I said.

He ignored me and continued toward me, I stepped away and stretched to grab at the zipper, he grabbed it and lowered the zipper as I gave up and allowed him to, he snuck his hand through the back as he continued to lower it. His hand moved to the front of my stomach, where it was showing and slowly up to my breast.

“No, you can’t touch me.” I said, wiggling away, when I did so, his hand brushed my breast and I felt a tingle run up my spine. “S-Stop.”

“Shhh, you want this as much as I do… just let m-” There was a sharp knocking on the door that saved me.

“Hurry dear, we need to see what you can do with this new sword that the factory people want to upgrade.”

“O-Okay!” I said quickly, turning to face Best as he reluctantly moved his hand. “Don’t you think you need to go get changed?” I asked with an attitude.

He sighed. “Yea… but this isn’t over.”

“Tomorrow’s the arena, there’s nothing more you can do.” I said, thinking he’d show his true colors then.

“Then I’ll wait for you in the arena.” He then turned and walked out the door, opening it as Mrs. Botch went to knock again.

I stared in shock as her smile fell and she stared at us in shock, I was even more embarrassed when he zipped his pants up, meaning they were unzipped the whole time, that asshole!

“Eh, I’m sorry, I-I didn’t…” Mrs. Botch trailed off in shock, she looked at me and gestured to the living room before taking off with a reddened face.

Best glanced back at me as I glared at him, I pointed to the door as he turned to talk to me and shook my head quickly, letting him know that I didn’t want to talk to him. He nodded slowly before turning and stopping at the doorway.

“Just forgive me, that’s all I ask before we enter the arena. And… give me a chance.” He said, I refused to open my mouth because I knew that I’d go back to the way I was. “I’ll see you when you come out.”

He closed the door behind him and I pulled my large dress off, I was careful as I took off my headband and the rest of my jewelry, I then slid on my shirt and looked at the way my nipples were sticking through, just great, now he makes me look even more horny than I feel. I reached up and touched them out of curiosity, they felt like hard and I was sure that that was what Best was hoping to get his hands on before we entered the arena, he was hoping to get his hands on me. 

I then pulled my pants on after changing my underwear because the women tanga underwear they put me wasn’t working for me anymore, I changed into another, more fitting pair of girl underwear because that was all they had in the girl’s room. I pulled the pants over my wider hips because of the shots as well and looked in the mirror, I was amazed at my body because it so cool that you could turn someone’s body so feminine in just one day. Well, I already looked feminine but now, I looked like a real girl and that was the goal, to make me girly for the ceremony but now I had these stuff with me forever. 

I could turn the fat back into liquid but that pills were expensive and I decided that I might as well live with my body like this, it’s not like anyone has a say in what I do with MY body. I walked to the door and opened it as Mrs. Botch was going to knock again, she peeked around the room before smiling at me, I allowed her to lead me into the dinning hall and luckily, no one jumped out to attack me.

“Alrighty, we’re all ready.” She said happily, clapping as she looked the weapons over with excitement.

I walked over to the weaponry table and reached for the first cool thing I saw, a throwing chakram that split into two, neat, very neat. I split it and stared at them, I just wasn’t sure if I was going to actually use this, I doubt it actually. I sat it back down and looked back as I heard something hitting the dummy, it was Best with a Pike. I turned my attention back to the table as I examined them closely, I picked up the Katana and removed the covering carefully before setting it back in the place of the Katana, I moved over to the dummy with the sword low so it wouldn’t hurt anyone or me end up cutting myself. 

I walked up to the second dummy that was beside Best’s as he worked and I didn’t disturb him, he looked over and decided to watch me as I used the sword, I positioned myself carefully so that when I swung, I wouldn’t hurt myself. I swung the Katana under and sliced the belly of the jellified dummy before swirling around and catching the neck on it. A real person would of been dead in no time.

“Is this one of the things you wanna use?” Mrs. Botch asked, careful to not get in the way as I pondered.

“Yea, I do.”

“Good, how about a bow as well, you seem to like ranged items more, and I already have your Javelin marked.”

“Okay, a bow…” I said, taking the items that Rockro handed me.

I never really thought about using a bow, it wasn’t much of my thing but I decided to try it anyway, I handed my Katana over and he sat it with the Javelin that was not to far away. I looked at the bow before placing the quiver on my back and taking an Arrow out of it, I fixed the arrow and pulled the string, waiting until I was sure that it was aimed right and I released it. The arrow went flying forward and right into the brain of the dummy, it stuck and I even heard Rockro groan as he looked at it.

“Killing machine.” Rockro muttered, pulling the arrow out with a frown on his face. “You’re great.” His frown turned into a smile.

I nodded, I glanced over to see Best looking at me with a sense of proud in his eyes, I smiled shyly at that as I turned back to the weapon table and decided on what I wanted to try next, I was busy going through them that I didn’t hear someone walk up behind me. Someone grabbed my shoulder and I panicked as I figured that it was the surprise I was waiting on. 

I took their hand and turned to drive a knee into their stomach, the person groaned and had dove over from the blow to the midsection, I was about to kick them when they grabbed me and slammed me onto the ground suddenly. The force knocked some air out of me but I was able to regain it quickly as they straddled me and I struggled with all my might, they were heavy as hell and weren’t easily going to get up because I said so. I got my hands free from under the person’s body but they grabbed my wrist and pinned them down beside my head.

“Best and Greier, what did we tell you!?” I looked up at Best as he sat on top of my waist, easily pinning me.

“I thought it was someone trying to attack me!” I yelled as I continued to squirm.

“You should look before you hit someone then!” Best yelled back, he refused to let me up.

“Get off me!” I yelled at him as I kicked my legs.

“Make me get up.” He said, a smirk on his face as he leaned down close to my face and I turned my head so he couldn’t kiss me. “Make me get off of you.”

His whisper gave me the shivers as I stop struggling for a minute, I was getting tired from fighting his heavy weight but I didn’t give up, I tried to get my arms loose by twisting and turning my wrist but it wasn’t working.

“Get up!” I huffed and yelled at him at the same time.

“Make me!” Best yelled back, pinning me down harder as he leaned down and started to gently kiss my neck in front of our mentors.

“S-Stop.” I whispered, no longer fighting as he kissed down my neck.

“Make me.” He moved up to my lips and tried to make me kiss him by following my face whenever I moved it but I refused.

“Get off, please.” I huffed, feeling tears coming as he gently kissed my cheek and moved his lips to my mouth, I didn’t fight.

I allowed him to kiss me as I felt my spine tingles go down to my crotch and the blood slowly started to flow, I couldn’t believe this was happening. I opened my mouth as his tongue slid in and bumped mine, he wanted me to respond but I didn’t as I laid there, angry at what he was doing, he pulled away and gulped as Mrs. Botch and Rockro watched on.

“Alright, that’s enough Best.” Rockro stepped in.

Best ignored him as he continued to stare me in the eye, I gave up and looked away before closing them as I waited for him to get up, I felt him get off me and walk toward the rooms as I slowly opened my eyes and looked toward the ceiling, today has been very thought-changing.

Secured: Chapter Nine

I rolled over as I went to get more comfortable in my own bed, I came face to face with a sleeping Best as he laid in my bed, in my room, sleeping by my side and I couldn’t help but wonder… why? Why was he doing all of this before the games? Why was he acting this way? Why was he treating me this way? I reached forward and gently brushed one of the locks out of his face as he silently slept and leaned toward his face as he quietly slept. 

I heard his stir a little but went back to sleep, I smiled as I leaned forward and gently kissed his lips. He sighed in his sleep and it was as if he relaxed afterward, making me smile as I pecked his lips before leaning my forehead onto is lips, I curled up into his side as he wrapped his arm around me. I placed my hand on his chest and felt his heartbeat as I closed my eyes and a small smile came to my face.

“I forgive you… I forgave you a long time ago.” I whispered as I dosed off again.

Right when I did, I fell into the perfect dream:

I smiled as I walked forward, toward the microphone as I waved my ringed hand around, the crowd continued to clap and cheer, some even cried as I thanked them loudly, smiling as I waved, I looked down at my other hand to see it joined with someone else’s. I looked beside me and saw Best smiling at me as he watched me talk to the crowd that loved us so much.

“Greier! Greier! Greier! Greier!” I smiled as I listened to them turn my name into one synonym so it was easier to chant.

“They love you.” Best whispered to me.

“And I love you.” The crowd cheered as we shared a kiss.

It melted away as I turned around and stared at the large field of wheat grains, I wasn’t actually in the dream, it was as if I was surveying it. I spotted myself in the field with someone chasing me, I figured the dream was then going to turn bad in that moment but it didn’t, the sun brightened as laughter filled the air. I was tackled from behind and Best pinned me down while forcing me to give him a kiss, yes, this was the future that I dreamed about for so long. On a farm with a family, a husband… a life.

“Ewww!” I laughed as Best was licked in the face by our dog.

‘This was all I could ever want.’

I was taken out the beautiful dream by Best pushing me on my back, I quickly opened my eyes and stared at him with wide eyes as he looked my face up and down before relaxing. His eyes were just as big as mine and they seemed a little wet, as if he was close to crying from his own dream, I had a tight grip on his pajama shirt as I tried to understand what would happen next. He relaxed a little as he looked me up and down in the face once more. 

“Bad dream.” He whispered, gently releasing me before pulling me to his chest tightly. “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I-It’s okay… you scared me.” I whispered in his ear, grabbing onto his arm as he laid back on the bed and pulled me until I was back by his side.

I laid wide awake as he started to dose off again, he was fighting it at first but I placed a leg over his and my hand back on his chest as he laid on his back, he was on his side facing me earlier. In this new position, I let him know that I wasn’t going anywhere and sure enough, he couldn’t fight the sleep any longer and I gently rubbed his chest as he slept. 

I rolled closer to him, almost to the point where I was on top of his body, I closed my eyes and snuggled into his neck, he had his arm under my shoulders and that’s what mainly kept me in place as he held me tightly to him. I looked out the window to see the sun rising to another day, I wasn’t worried about myself because I knew that I’d be just fine, I was worried about him and his health.

‘I won’t lose you in this game, I promise.’ I thought as I moved his hair out of his face once more, not feeling sleepy as I watched him sleep.

I heard the door quietly open as Rockro peeked in, he saw that I was awake and staring at him before a small smile came to his face.

“I saw he wasn’t in his room.” I nodded, turning to look back at the sleeping man beside me.

By the age of seventeen, you’re announced as a man and you can live on your own if your family wants you to move out or if you wanna move out, Best lived with his father all his life and I knew his father would be disappointed if he saw Best this way, a boy curled up again his son. I heard the door closed and looked up to see Rockro gone, I looked back at Best and then down at our bodies, my breast were pressed up against his side and his hand was resting on my lower back. 

I must of felt like a girl to him and that’s what made him so comfortable at night as he lay beside me, I didn’t care though, of course him loving the real me would be fantastic but deep down, I knew this was the real me. The boy with size DDD or F breast, a big plump butt that was shaped for no woman on earth, and the long, feminine braids, from the time it started, I knew this was what I wanted because this was what I saw myself as, just without the big breast and the big butt. 

I was happy to turn seventeen because Mrs. Winsire could no longer control my life and tell me what to do, and if I got away with it, I was going to take Gaius with me and he was going to be my baby boy. And of course I couldn’t leave all the other kids behind, that’d be horrible because they were the children that I raised. 

Mrs. Win never changed a soiled diaper, make a bottle in the middle of the night, and she never, ever had to teach the kids how to read or right. She’d sit in front of the television and eat at the foods that the district bought for the children, she was never the one that would put a bandage on a sore, change the babies clothes, or even give them a bath, I was the one who took care of the babies because in my head, they were mine.

“You think too much.” I heard a raspy voice say above me, I looked up at Best as he gave me a small one-sided smile.

“Can’t help but…” I whispered, biting my lip as I smiled sadly up at him. “I can’t help but miss them?”

“That mean orphan lady?” He asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Haha no, Gaius and Adeus… and the rest of them.” I whispered.

“And they miss you, but they’re safe, I promise you. And when we get back, we can go get them and adopt them all.”

“We?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yea… we, you think life is over after the games? We’re together forever.” I smiled and agreed.

“Yes, we are, now get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be long.” He pecked my forehead and closed his eyes, I smiled and curled up at his side once more, tomorrow was going to be an excruciating long day.

            The Interviews

I looked at Tavibi as she fixed the dress around me, the dress was similar to the one from the opening ceremony but not quite. The top of the dress was an illusion, V-neck neckline showed off my swell of my gigantic breast, the bottom of the dress was trumpet shaped and I loved it because it gave my body a nice tight grip then it extended out farther than the mermaid one, and not to mention the brown corset bodice gave my stomach a slimmer look.

“Just like I imagined, stunning. You’re breast are a little larger than I thought they’d be, you want them reduced?” She asked, fixing the cups around them as I looked down before smiling myself.

“No, they’re fine.” I said, she smiled at that before nodding.

“Alright, you have an interview to get to, kiddo. Remember, smile, and make them love you, which should be easy, that adorable look you give when you move your head will win them all over.” I laughed as I shook my head at her.

She helped me slide on my perforated, tanned leather platform-pump heels and just like that, I was ready to go because my dangling gold earrings were already in and I had the bracelet from yesterday on. She corrected the pretty, gold body jewelry on my shoulders and my neck before stepping back and taking me all in at once, I glanced down as I shook the dress out a little from my legs.

“Perfect, let me see your nails.” I showed her them and she nodded. “Still good, alright, let’s get you out there, they’re going to start announcing at any minute.”

I nodded and headed to the door as she led me out with a hand carefully on my back so I didn’t fall and if I happened to stumble, she would be by my side to catch me before I hit the ground. I looked at the line of districts as I walked, passing the different people as they stared at me with either disgust of what I was, hatred of my amazing ranking, or admiration of what I was wearing. I got in line as I saw Best waiting patiently for me, he was wearing a normal suit and he looked amazing in it, he smiled at me as I smiled back at him.

“You’re first.” Tavibi said, moving a braid behind my headband before correcting jeweled my long sleeves a little. “Shine beautiful star, you’re gorgeous.”

I nodded as I stepped in front of Best and glance to look at him as they loudly announced a couple of celebration people. I was amazed on the way his hair was a little messy but tamed at the same time, his suit wasn’t to tight but his blazer looked tailored to fit his size, I smiled as I turned to face the front. My breath hitched as I heard Best move closer toward me, I was hoping that he wasn’t going to try something that would get us in trouble because I really couldn’t suffer the embarrassment at the moment. Rockro and Mrs. Botch said they would meet us after the interviews, we were going to head to the arena catacombs, talk in a little section about this and that, then get changed before we were launched in the Games.

“… and we have to welcome our host of the interviews today with a big applause… Indigo Fergus!” The crowd cheered loudly as the lights of the stage sparked on and you could see Indigo sitting there, he wasn’t like Caesar Flickerman as much as we all wished but he was close.

He wasn’t wearing bright blue hair or those tight blue suits, he kept himself well together with short, choppy grey hair that looked pretty good with his young face, he had a scrawny build with a big bright smile, he was nice to get to know but it was also weird that he was so well known and loved. He was my idol and I adored him as much as he adored Best and I being together.

“Good morning, good morning!” Indigo said into his body microphone that was snapped to his blazer, causing the crowd to clap once more. “How is everyone today?” The crowd applauded that they were happy and all was well for them.

“So, today are the interviews for the districts, we have fourteen sofas put to the side so they can sit and we all can get to know each and everyone of them. Let’s get started now, from District One: Terra Grandis and Herriot Dormita!” The crowd clapped stalely as the two walked out to the stage.

Terra was more of a girly-girl than a fighter, and just from their interview, I came to find out that she loved to talk… a lot, not to mention that Herriot was more of the shy, nerdy kind that wore a pair of large bifocals that looked adorable on him.

“Are you excited to be going in?” Indigo asked him.

“Umm… yea?” He asked unsurely, causing some of the crowd to laugh as his face reddened up.

“His face is so red.” Indigo chuckled to the crowd and I even let a soft noise out from that, he’s a little adorable guy. “District ONE!”

The crowd clapped as Indigo quietly led them halfway to the seats off to the side on the extended stage.

“We’re now welcome District Two: Una Otto and Mangus Wellwood, everyone!” The two stepped up the stage and into the lights as the crowd clapped.

“Hello, good morning to the both of you, how old are you, Una?”

“Sixteen.” She said, a small innocent smile on her face.

“And you, Mangus?”

“Same.”

Una had pretty gold hair that fanned down her back, it wasn’t as long as mine but it was long either way, she had pretty brown eyes that shined bright in the lights and to top it off, she was the one that Best was checking out when we were by the elevator. I glanced back at him to see that he was looking at my shoes but to make it worst, I moved up just a little to see where his eyes were and to find them trained on me, he was looking closely at my butt, as if wondering how it grew so big in one day. I turned as I saw a problem I needed to fix, I reached forward as Best looked up at me in a little shock, he didn’t expect me to whip around so fast.

I leaned forward as I fixed his tie. “Stop looking at my butt.” I whispered.

“Stop moving it around like that.” He whispered back as I looked at him in confusion.

“Like what?” I quietly asked as I untied it, only so that I could retie it again.

“You switch, it’s hot.” He whispered, he glanced around before quickly leaning forward and stealing a kiss, he then grabbed my hips as I finished his tie and made me turn back round.

“District TWO!” Mangus stood and I could tell you that he was all muscle but he wasn’t, he was built like a lifeguard.

He had a little something but not enough to take Best down I was sure, I watched as he ran his fingers though his nice short, choppy hair as he took his seat in his grey suit, I gulped as he looked toward the direction we came from and saw me watching him closely, I quickly moved my eyes away as Indigo started to announce the next district.

“This district is known for touch of hands with electronics, we can’t thank them enough for the new out burst of Tech-Techo phones. District Three: Rosehearty Battenburg and Hayes Phox, come on out!” The crowd clapped as Indigo walked over to shake both of their hands.

“Stunning darling!” Rosehearty was wearing a metallic dress with a cute pair of heels that looked very nice on her. “Very beautiful. Hello to you as well, Mr. Hayes.”

Hayes wore a metallic blazer over a black button-up shirt and black pants, he smirked in a greeting way at Indigo, who led them over to the couch.

“How old are you, Rosehearty?”

“Sixteen and please, Rose is fine.”

“Rose it is! And how about you, Hayes?”

“Eighteen.”

“Oh… so this would of been your last year huh, such luck…” Indigo said, shaking his head,“ we mourn later but for now we move on with happiness that you two are looking great, sounding great, acting great, you both seem very great.“

“We are.” Rose said, smiling as she took Hayes by the hand kissed his cheek, Hayes acted as if he wanted to move away from it but he held it together as he put on a fake smile.

“Oooh, what do we have here?!” Indigo asked. “Another relationship?”

“Shhh… we can’t tell.” Rose said with a wink, making Indigo chuckle.

“District THREE everyone!”

“…, District FOUR!”

“…, District FIVE, everyone!”

“District Six: Avamy Instege and Veloran Applestem! Come out to the stage!”

The two walked forward with a sense of courage and dominance as the crowd yelled and cheered at them loudly, I see why it’s hard to have sponsors because it’s hard to not like just one person. Avamy was wearing a body suit that were similar to railroad tracks with a little jacket that stopped just above her belly, she boldly posed as the crowd cheered her on. Veloran was wearing a similar type of body suit but his jacket was body length and had a hood attached to it, he smirked as he plopped down on the sofa and placed his arm behind Avamy’s shoulders.

“Hello, you two, how old are you Avamy

“Sixteen, and he’s eighteen.” Avamy said before Indigo could even ask.

“Well then, eighteen he is guys.” Indigo said, smiling as the crowd cheered. “Are you the one in charge Avamy, you’re going to keep the both of you safe?”

“Of course, no one’s touching him.” She said, almost climbing on his lap as she said it, he shook his head and rolled his eyes, it was to real to say that he faked it.

“Well said, District SIX!” I think that Indigo was ready to get them off his stage already.

“…, District SEVEN, people!”

“I’ll gladly welcome District Eight: Theta Dunbryll and Gaviner Spens!”

The two exited and I was sure that their styles just threw something on them and told them to leave his/her sight. They were both wearing woven, colorful wraps are around their bodies and you would expect more from them because they were a higher number than the rest of the districts that were left, meaning they had more money than the districts behind them, they had more money than

us

.

“Hello, Theta, what is this that you’re wearing?”

“Woven Work by my stylist Ereo.” Indigo gestured for Ereo to stand and the applause sounded for a few minutes before disappearing.

“Stylish… how old are you, Theta?”

“Eighteen.” So many people who are eighteen…

“And you, Gaviner?

“Eighteen too.”

“Same age… are you two dating?” Indigo asked, leaning a little forward.

I’m not surprised that they’re going to say yes. “Yes, we are.”

“Again, another couple!”

“What do you wanna be when you grow up, Gaviner?”

“A mechanic.” The crowd nodded while a couple just shrugged, ready to go home probably.

“And you, Theta?”

“A nurse.” The crowd nodded once again or just shrugged.

“District EIGHT!” He showed them to their seat.

“Now… this is the district I’ve been waiting all day for,” I took a deep breath as I sighed, I felt Best rub my back gently.

“Everything’s going to be okay.” He whispered as Indigo smiled at the crowd.

“District Nine: Greier Spectual and Best Cronin ! Come out here now!”

I put on a big smile and stepped forward.

Secured: Chapter Ten

I smiled as I took another step forward and the light shined down on me, I looked back as Best grabbed my hand and I smiled at that and I quickly tightened my hand around his, I smiled at the crowd as they got to their feet and gave us a standing applause. I smiled at Indigo as he walked forward and instead of shaking my hand, he pulled me into a hug and I was a little taken back by it but I hugged back as soon as I could.

“You look so beautiful today.” He said to me as he held my hands, I smiled and nodded a thank you toward him as the crowd refused to quiet at the moment.

It was nice that we made a stir with the crowd because with the other districts, everyone would cheer here and there but now, it was it was our turn with the interview and people were enjoying that… they were enjoying us! I saw a little child moving toward us with a rose in her hand from the crowd, she had a adorable one-tooth less smile and I smiled as I headed toward her as well, I squatted as she sat on the neck of her father, smiling up at me. 

I gladly took the rose and gave her a peck on the cheek, I feel in love with children when I first met Gaius, who was a timid, starving little guy that didn’t want to be touched or bothered and he made me think that maybe he was the kind that needed time. I stood up straight and headed back to where Best and Indigo were waiting on me, I took my seat very, very close to Best and he quickly placed his arms around my shoulder as I crossed one leg over the other and leaned back into his arms.

“It’s very nice to finally meet you two face to face.” Indigo said, he looked between us before he looked to the crowd. “Aren’t there astonishing, Capitol?”

The crowd cheered loudly as he smiled before turning back to us, he took a gulp as he waited for the crowd to finish their loud uproar once again, I smiled as I glanced up at Best and he looked down at me, winking. I giggled and put my hand over my mouth in an embarrassing way as the crowd only enjoyed it more.

“God, they’re pretty together.” Indigo said toward the cameras as they all moved to get a better shot, we were the ones that everyone couldn’t wait to see, and that made me feel good deep down. “How old are you, Greier? Oh and must I mention, beautiful,

beautiful

dress you have on.“

“Haha thank you, and I’m sixteen.”

“Sixteen… you look way younger than that.” Indigo said, adjusting himself in his seat as if he was getting comfortable.

“How old are you?” I asked out of habit before I realized what I did, I quickly looked around in shock of what I just asked, the crowd ate it up.

“Old… I’m very old.” Indigo chuckled. “He’s just amazing, isn’t he?” The crowd loved us, they really did.

“How old are you, Best?”

“Eighteen.” Best answered, his deep, sexy voice sent a shiver down my spine and I had to close my eyes as a small smile came over my face.

“Sixteen and eighteen… so, how long have you two known each other… before the reaping or after?” I glanced at Best, did he really want people to know? He nodded for me to go ahead.

“We knew each other before we were both picked to be tributes.” The crowd gasped as Indigo slightly moved his head to the side in shock, people usually don’t know their companion or never paid attention to them.

“Oh… were you two

together

before the reaping?“ He asked, leaning closer in a ‘I-want-to-know’ type of way.

“No, we were just acquaintances.” I said, I couldn’t call him my friend because in my head, he was more than that.

“Woow… so, Greier, what do you want to be when you grow up?” I was happy that he wanted to get off topic.

“I want… I want to be a Rancher.” I said, smiling at him.

“And let me guess, baby pigs, chickens, and cows?”

I smiled and nodded. “And horsey.” I added, of course my little cute talk caused the crowd to uproar yet again.

“And what about you, Best?”

“A Farmer.” Indigo looked at the crowd in shock as Best chuckled. “I know,

perfect match

.“

The crowd roared with laughter and agreement as I smiled up at Best, and the smile was to true to be fake.

“You guys are fantastic, they love you both and I love you both. But before I let you go, I want to know about these ratings, we got the scoop for everyone to see here today, let’s watch but this

surprise

surprised me!“ I giggled at his little wording as I turned to look at the big screen in the back that once held our faces.

Greier walked out the room in a pair of sequin pajama pants that clutched his waist, and not to mention that the matching sequin t-shirt that was a size too big for him, he had his head down and seemed like he was in his own world as a man in all black with a mask on stood at the side of the hallway waiting. Greier made it to the end of the hall and still hadn’t looked up until the guy in black grabbed his left arm, he quickly looked over with wide eyes as he lifted his foot and dove it straight into the guy’s chest. 

The force of the kick sent the guy into the wall not to far away and he slid down as Greier turned to his right upon hearing heavy steps and grabbed the second guy’s black shirt and flipping him over his body very easily(

The crowd “wooowed” at the sound of the guy hitting his back on the ground

.). He turned back to the first guy as came at him from where he had landed and Greier shifted to the side as he used his arm to drive into the guys neck and causing him to go down heaving on one knee. The cameras caught Best coming out of the room Greier was coming from(

The crowd cheered and “awwed” at that

.) and rushing to come to his aid as he was blind-sided by a large guy in all black as well launching himself toward him.

 The camera paneled back to Greier just in time so that you could see him perform a spinning roundhouse kick(

The crowd “ooohed” and a couple of the tributes frowned at that

.)  to the second guy, knocking him onto his back from the blow. Best sent a hard throw at his big guy before spinning under a horrible throw and kicking the guy into the wall that he was now face, Best followed and grabbed the guy under his arms before slamming him hard to the ground(

The crowd “ouched” at that

.). 

The first guy was back to his feet after he caught his breath and Greier kicked his knee out as and as the guy went down, he delivered a finishing punch. He looked around and turned to Best as he heard a him release a sound of distress as Best was being slammed on the ground and the guy turned his arm into a uncomfortable position. Greier moved quickly and tackled him but the guy flipped him off with a kick to the stomach, causing him to slid over the dinning table and hit the ground on the opposite side. 

Cutlery hit the floor around Greier as Best looked fearfully with concern in his eyes at Greier as the guy started to head toward him, Greier glanced at the chef knife not laying to far away as he looked toward the guy before grabbing the chef knife off the ground. 

Greier got to his hands and knees but was knocked onto his side by the guy driving a boot into his stomach, he grunted as he rolled away to get back on his feet while throwing the knife in the direction of the guy, nicking him(

The crowd “ooohed” at that.

) and causing him to yelp and back away while clutching the spot. 

Best and Greier got to their feet as the guy was distracted but Best moved quicker and grabbed the guy to sling him into the dinning table, a supporting middle leg broke as he slid under and the table collapse on his body(

The crowd clapped loudly

.).

I smiled as Indigo turned back to us and looked between us before looking me in the face. “Woow, you two are perfect. The

perfect match

.“ I laughed.

“District NINE, everyone!” Best easily helped me off the couch and led me over to the our sofa with a card that red

“9”

on it.

We took our seat as Indigo turned to the crowd to announce the next district but even then, I still felt like all the eyes were on us as we made it to our tanned sofa, it was the color of our district pretty much. District one sofa was colored a tint of blue like a diamond, district two’s was colored was a light grey like stone, district three’s was metallic, district four’s was a dark ocean blue, district five’s were a bright yellow like an energy bolt. 

District six’s was the same as their clothes and the arms of it was silver while the body was a solid black, district seven’s was a marbled dark brown and light brown, district eight’s was made of woven fabric itself, district ten’s was pink for a pig, district eleven’s was a darker tan, district twelve’s was a fire red, district fourteen’s was a funny off white for quartz, and district fifteen’s was a clean white for medical supplies and housing. 

I took my seat and right when Best got settled in, I scooted real close to him that I was practically sitting on him at that point and he wasn’t denying m, which I knew that he wouldn’t on stage and in front of cameras. His hand went down to my butt out of habit as I laid against him, enjoying his body close to mine as he talked to district ten, who names I missed.

“District TEN!” The two got to their feet and bowed together before heading over to where we were sitting, they were the ones that called us fags.

“And District Eleven, known for their agriculture with farming: Raffe Thornburn and Titus Lowenek!”

“District Twelve: Swann Alto and Arasi Combe!”

“District Fourteen: Bise Williford and Talon Librae.”

“And last… District Fifteen: Inala Wren and Bovus Redpathe.”

There went anyone under the age of fifteen and I was a little happy about that, I didn’t want end up killing a kid, Best was playing in my hair as I closely listened to the people and what they had to say as Indigo interviewed them.

“We are happy that all of you showed up today and we wish you good luck in your Hunger Games, these are your

100th Hunger Games tributes

!“ The crowd roared as ballots started to get passed around slowly.

I glanced up at Best as he gently ran his fingers through my braids, making me smile a little as I turned my attention back to the cheering crowd, I felt his eyes on me soon as I looked away and I didn’t look back because I knew he would look away. Indigo came by and said goodbye all of us one by one, he came to our couch finally and shook my hand before pulling me into another hug.

“Good luck, you as well, Best.” He shook Best hand longer than anyone else’s before moving along.

We were allowed to go after Indigo had shook our hand so I was happy about that because I was ready to get out of these heels and tell everyone goodbye before I entered to my own doom. Best got to his feet and helped me up, we had to pass the crowd to get to where we first started, the crowd screamed us on as I waved while walking. We reached the stairs that led to the backrooms, the catacombs were actually in this building but it was a walk to get there, I saw Mrs. Botch and Rockro talking happily in the distance. I sped up a little as Tavibi joined them, she spotted me and said something to the mentors because they turned to me, I quickly moved to them and hugged Mrs. Botch close to me.

“Oh dear… you’ll see me again. I know you will.” She whispered, smiling as she rubbed my back.

“But how do I know that?” I asked quietly in her chest as I felt my tears slowly starting to flow, I sniffed.

“If you know it in your heart, then you know it in your soul dear. Or is it flipped around?” I pulled my head away from Mrs. Botch’s bosoms and looked at her with a blank face, she giggled before dismissing it. “Either way, you’ll see me dear. I feel it.”

“I feel it to, Mrs. Botch.” I said, hugging her once more before turning to look at Tavibi.

“You did good, bud, really good.” She put her arm around me and we all made our way to the table. “Your suit is ready for whenever you ready to change, it’s good with stimulating heat for the cold nights, but you must find shelter before it gets to cold because the suit is only allowed to do so much. Rockro, wanna take over?” I turned my attention to Rockro as he took his seat.

“Stay together, no matter what and… don’t go for the weapons and such, not yet. No one’s going to stay close to it because we’re taught all of you to find shelter else where, it’s stupid for you to stay that close because people are going to try to make the most kill son the first night. Try to go to the same place, find water and shelter for the first night, you have more then enough sponsors to survive for a minute on your own and if you need help, we’ll start using them. So, number one, stay together, number two, no going for the stuff in the cornucopia yet, number three, find shelter and water, and number four, survive. Simple.”

“Stay together,” I held my hand out for Best to grab, he did,“ no supplies yet, find shelter and water, survive.“ I looked up in his eyes as he smiled at me before nodding.

“We can do it.” He said, looking at Rockro and Mrs. Botch.

“I know you two can.” Ires said, coming up to us with two glazed donut. “They’re not much but they’re better than nothing, hurry up, eat.”

He passed them to us quickly and I immediately started to eat mine without letting my hand go of Best’s, I was scared to let his go because I didn’t know if I would of got to see him in the arena since we were going to all be in separate places of our partners.

“Go for the woods.” Tavibi added as I took another bite of my donut.

“Listen for anything that could be happening, and keep your eye on each other. You’re all each other got and there’s no longer teams in the Hunger Games, remember, no more Careers so you don’t have to worry about a big group of gangs coming after you two, everyone’s going to want you individually.”

I wasn’t sure what happened to Careers but I did hear that the Caption abandoned them because they won ten of them in a row, it was a little unfair but allies are allies and you have to do what you go to do to survive.

“All tributes report to rooms immediately.” I sighed as I glanced over at Best before getting to my feet.

Best got to his as well, I gave Mrs. Botch and Rockro a tight hug.

“Keep your head up, you’ll be just fine.” He said, winking at me before looking at Tavibi.

I turned to look at Tavibi as well before she smiled at me and gestured to where a lot of the tributes were heading. I walked side by side with her as she put her arm around my shoulders as we walked, I smiled as we walked up to the door that had “Greier Spectual” on it and I entered first before Tavibi entered behind me. She closed the door and walked past me and to the table that was in there, there was a black suit on the table and I looked it over as she picked it up.

“Come on, we have to get this on you before they have you board up.” I nodded and turned so she can unzip me.

She sat the suit down and helped me out of my dress before handing me the suit, I fixed it and then stepped into it carefully, I pulled it up my body and even had to wiggle to get it over my new hips. Tavibi chuckled at that as she helped me get my arms in before helping me zip myself up, I turned and looked at the mirror that was in the room, the suit was skin tight and it showed my butt at it’s biggest size. I looked at the top and it was a V-neck mostly but there was a false zipper that wasn’t able to be used and it was mainly for looks I assumed, the V-neck showed the swelling of my breast and some of my breast valley and it even had a hood on it.

“You look as good as I imagined, here’s your shoes.” They were a pair of black, standard shoes with no shoe laces, I quickly slid them on as I saw the screen that was once completely black flip on. “Alright, it’s time.”

I turned to Tavibi as she smiled at me, she pulled me into a tight hug and I quickly responded as I felt a tear slid down my face. I pulled back and wiped it before smiling at her.

“You go this, I know you do.” She then winked and walked me over to this circular device that I was suppose to step into. “Hop up.”

I climbed in carefully, not wanting to rip my long-sleeved suit, and I turned to look at her as a glass started to circle around the plate stand, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as she smirked.

“Find him, it’s your first priority.” I quickly nodded as the plate started to rise. “Find shelter and wa-”

She was cut off by the plate quick excelling up and I looked up as I saw a bright light at the top of my long tunnel, I squeezed my eyes closed as my plate reached the top and I was then in the arena.

Secured: Chapter Eleven

I frantically looked around to find Best, he had to be somewhere around here and I was determined to find him before the countdown ended.

“20.” It started, I continued to frantically turn my head until I spotted him looking at me, I nodded my head at him as he nodded back at me. “19.”

I closed my eyes as I looked around to find Mangus to my left and Avamy to my right, I looked them over quickly to see them wearing different clothes than me. “18.” It seemed to wanna go by so slow, I looked to the cornucopia to see what was there, I was actually hoping that no one would take what I requested, “17.” 

I saw three Javelins close to the entrance but I was going to listen to what my mentors said and just pray“16” that they were still there when I came back to get them. “15.” I sighed as I looked at the slowest countdown ever but I was thankful for that, I was hoping that right when the bell sounded, “14.” everyone would run to take cover but I doubted that, I looked to where Best was “13.” and saw him eyeing everything in the cornucopia as well. 

He glanced at me and caught me looking at him and I shook my head at him as I saw “12.” that he was staring very hard, he looked away before looking back at he stuff.

‘Please “11.”, don’t do this Best, please.’ I thought as the feminine voice continued to count down. ‘Please.’

I turned and looked at a couple of things, and he did happen to go, I would happen to go as well because I have to make sure he’s safe. “10.” I gulped and watched as he readied himself to run but instead of readying himself to run the opposite way, he was readying himself to run toward the cornucopia. “9.”

‘Damn you best.’ I thought as I readied myself to run as well reluctantly while watching him.

I looked to see the “8.” most important thing I needed, my Katana, I also spotted a bow and arrow, if I could get my Javelin, Katana, and Bow and Arrows, even probably food, that’ll be nice. “7.” I took another big gulp as I noticed Avamy getting ready to run as well, I blinked hard as the sun shined with heavy force. “6” I looked at the rest of the things in there, I then noticed a bag of bread not to far away, helpful for anyone and I was going to get it, I was a fast runner and I “5.”

 was going to get what I needed and go. I looked over at Best as he watched me closely as well, this was it. I checked my list once “4.“again: Katana, Bow and Arrows, Javelin, Bread, it was short and I was goi”3.“ng to keep it that way unless I found something else useful and I was hoping that Best would get what he needed and go.“2.” I took a deep breath as I readied myself and said I quiet, quick prayer, here goes nothing. “1.”

The loud buzzer went off and I ran as fast as I could for the middle as I looked to see Avamy just a little farther up than me, I pushed myself to go faster as a lot of people went the opposite way of the middle and that shocked me, I looked at Avamy as she glanced back at me and smirked, pushing herself to go faster because she was going to make me be her first target but not on my watch. 

I shoved her hard from behind and she fell to the ground and rolled as I reached the Javelin stand first, I quickly grabbed one and looked back as I saw Una, the girl from district one, heading straight for me with a bladed tonfa in her hand, I readied my Javelin and threw it with all the force I needed before grabbing another just incase she didn’t go down.

 I looked at her to see face first on the ground before I looked toward the direction Best was, only to se him struggling with the guy from District Four. I spotted my requested Katana on a crate and ran by as I grabbed it, I quickly removed the cover as I hoped over a dead body on the ground, District Four’s guy was holding a knife to his neck as the struggled back and forth, he yelled loudly as I sliced my Katana up his back, making sure it went through enough to kill him, he didn’t even hear me coming because he was so focused on Best. 

I felt sick as I saw something from inside him spill out as he hit he floor, I tried not to gag as I heard a yell of pain as the guy from District Eight, Gaviner I believe, had struck a kill. I watched as Gaviner then ran for the woods as I took in everything around me, Rose was jamming a knife through someone’s heart angrily as she yelled about her partner, Hayes, death. She then saw me watching her with my Javelin before she quickly hopped up and ran toward the woods but someone on the outskirts sent a sharp shuriken through her head. 

I looked around the area to see a large backpack, I quickly grabbed it as I saw someone trekking off toward the woods as well, we couldn’t go that way, to many people were headed that way. I looked at Best as he leaned against a crate in pain, he was clutching his leg painfully as I grabbed the loaves of bread and took the broadsword out his hand, I slid the backpack on my back, I then saw a bag of apples as well as everyone continued to disperse after getting at least something but they weren’t coming all the way into the cornucopia like I was. 

I had my Javelin ready incase someone decided to pop up unwanted, I saw a first aid kit, I quickly grabbed it and looked at Best before grabbing his and gesturing for him to come with me. I walked around the cornucopia and jerked back as a throwing knife flew past my head, I looked at Avamy in shock of her still being alive as she flashed me a bloodied grin as more blood poured down her forehead, I stared to panic as I looked behind me for Best, he wasn’t there and he left me here by myself… to defend myself.

“You see,” She readied another throwing knife as she chuckled evilly,“ when push comes to shove, someone die-“ She was cut off by a javelin entering her stomach and we both looked at it in shock.

Not only was I shocked but I was grossed out because the entire blade head had pierced through her from the backside, I was disgusted at the sight of her stumbling as she reached to touch it. I felt like I had to throw up but I held it down as I watched her waver around.

“Yea, someone has to die… fortunately, it’s you.” I said, and right when I finished my sentence she fell forward on the blade head, dead.

I looked up to see Best leaning up against the cornucopia side as I hurried to him and grabbed his hand, I looked at his leg to see it heavily bleeding, I placed his arm over my shoulders and helped him out of the clearing slowly. 

I listened closely for any noises as we walked, we thankfully made it to the woods and I glanced back as I heard a hover-craft coming to pick up all the bodies, I had Best hold my javelin as I had my quiver and arrow slung over right arm with my left arm wrapped around Best with the first aid kit in my left hand. His broadsword and my Katana was in the same hand as the bag of bread and apples, I heard the sound of water in the distance before glancing at Best to see him looking around cautiously.

“I hear a waterfall.” I whispered, he looked at me as if I was crazy before listening closely before nodding. “Told you.” I whispered before helping him wobble toward the sound of it.

It wasn’t that far and sure enough… and luckily enough it was clear of people, I was positive that there was more than one water source around here but I was happy that we found one on the first day and to make things better, there looked to be a cave behind the waterfall when I looked close enough. I looked at Best as he started to get drowsy.

“It has shelter too, come on, I’m going to lay you down in here, okay?” I asked though I wasn’t going to listen to his answer.

I wobbled him to the cave entrance and we slipped inside with our hair getting wet a little, I sighed as I laid him down gently and started to drop everything that I was holding in my hands or on my arms, I took a seat beside him while taking the first aid kit and opening it. I pulled his leg pants up as he wore a jacket and a pair of solid black bottoms.

“She put you in that?” He asked, gesturing toward my suit, I nodded as I glanced down at my ample chest. “You look hot in it.” He whispered.

I smiled before nodding a thank you toward him, I noticed the alcohol and grabbed it before glancing up at him.

“No.” He ordered glaring at me before looking a the bottle of alcohol before looking at me.

“I have to,” I said, unscrewing it,“ it’ll get infected and the infection might spread.“ I whisperered.

“Give me something to hold then.” I looked around for something. “Come here.” I moved close to him.

He quickly wrapped his arm around me and buried his face in my chest, I placed a encouraging hand on his head before readying the bottle of alcohol, I took a deep breath and rubbed his head before pouring the alcohol on.

“Auuuuhhhhh!” He yelled but it was muffled by my breast, thankfully. “Fuck!” He huffed.

“Shhh, I know, I know.” I whispered, setting the uncapped alcohol aside before trying to back away so I could cover his wound. “You have to let me go, Best, I need to cover your wound.”

“Fine…” He sighed as he released me, he watched closely as I grabbed some gauze before carefully wrapping his leg, he sighed and leaned back against a rock then closed his eyes. “Thanks.”

“Of course.” I whispered, typing the gauze before capping the alcohol and putting both of the items back in the kit. “Tomorrow, I’m going to find some medical leaves to help reduce the p-”

“You’re not leaving, not by yourself.” Best said, shaking his head.

“But, it’s for your h-”

“I don’t care what it’s for, you’re not going anywhere until I get better.” I slowly nodded before looking at the backpack. “Get some sleep, you need it, Best.”

“You better not leave.” He whispered as he started to dose off, I smiled as I crawled closer to him and brushed his hair out of his face as his eyes slowly closed. “Don’t leave.”

“I guess I won’t,” He gave a me a tired smile as his eyes continued to slowly fall,“ sleep tight.“ I pecked his forehead and gently patted his chest before grabbing the backpack so I could go through it.

I might had been a little stingy at the cornucopia but it was for Best, that’s the reason why I grabbed all this food and all the weapons I was good it. There were still time for me to go back and get stuff but I told Best I wouldn’t leave and the supplies stay for twelve days before they take them, we suffer for four days and then everything is restocked for us, we still have the feast of course but I vowed I would never go when I reached fifteen and a half years old because it’s a set up for murder. 

I unzipped the large backpack and started to pull some of the items out, there was a blanket inside and I quickly unfolded it and covered Best’s legs and upper body before kissing his forehead once more. I then moved back to the bag and continued to pull out stuff, there was rope, a net, a plastic bowl, a roll of plastic bags, container of fruit cups, a cutting knife, and a unassembled rabbit trap, and two big, black, cylinder water canteens with straps on the sides for carrying. 

I shook the first canteen and heard the liquid splutter before placing it back, I then shook the second one and found it empty, I glanced at Best before crawling toward the waterfall and opening the canteen, I held it at the waterfall until it was filled before closing it and crawling back to where Best laid sleeping. I noticed that the sun had set and I knew the first day anthem was going to start playing, I crawled back as I heard the loud music start before faces started to show.

District 1: Terra Grandis  District 2: Una Otto District 3: Rosehearty Batternburg, Hayes Phox District 4: Loreetta Navsmith, Ostro Kinnimonth District 5: Flux Roulphdine District 6: Avamy Instege District 7: District 8: Theta Dunbryll   District 9: District 10: District 11: Morena Baron District 12: District 14: Bise Williford, Talon Librae District 15: Inala Wren, Bovus Redpathe

I sighed because we only had fourteen people left, we were already one person below half of the total amount of tributes, this game is going to go quicker than I thought, I just have to make sure Best and I come out on top.

Secured: Chapter Twelve

The loud boom scared me awake as it signaled someone’s death, I quickly looked at Best to see him staring at me with fear as well, I could tell that he had been awake already but I was sure that me jumping up and suddenly grabbing him scared him a little.

‘I have to stop thinking the worst.’ I thought as I laid back in his chest slowly. “S-Sorry.” I whispered.

“Shh, it’s alright, you were checking on me, I know.” I looked up at him and smiled, I leaned up and prayed he’d give me a kiss.

My prayer was met as he pressed his lips against mine and I knew that it wasn’t no longer for a show, I knew we were being watched but I also knew that this kiss was real, it wasn’t no awkward peck like the rest would of done, no, it was all mouth and tongue. I pulled away with a moan as he licked his lips while looking at me, I smiled and reached up to move a stand of his shaggy blonde hair out of his face, he reached up and grabbed one of my long, jumbo braids and just like at the interviews, he started running his fingers over them slowly. I smiled and laid on my back as we shared the cover, he went to roll over but groaned in pain as his leg grew irritated from the move, we weren’t going to have sex but I was going to enjoy him cuddling me and holding me tight.

“I have to find you some leaves, Best, I can’t see you suffer anymore.”

“I told you before, Greier, no.” He huffed, his eyes squinted in pain as I shook my head and slowly sat up.

“Please just let me, I promise I’ll be safe.”

“No, stop asking.” He huffed as the pain turned down a little, I watched on as my eyes watered up, I hated seeing him like this.

“I’m going, and you can’t stop me.” I whispered as I got to my feet and walked to our pile of supplies, I grabbed my new bow and the quiver bag before glancing back at him. “I’ll be back, I promise. I don’t want to see you suffer anymore.”

I then walked back to him as he glared at the cave wall, I grabbed his chin and gently pecked his check, he turned his head toward me and kissed me fully before relaxing back into the wall.

“Get some more sleep and keep this close just incase, I love you.” I whispered, I wasn’t sure if I was going to see him again or not but I prayed that I would.

“I love you too, be safe and hurry back, okay?” I nodded quickly, kissing him once more before walking back to the supplies and moving the food closer to him. “Make sure you get enough rest, it won’t take long.”

With that said, I kissed his forehead as he accepted the food and pulled a loaf of bread out the bag, I was then stepping out the gave with the bow in my hand ready, I felt as if the cameras turned to me as I glanced around and looked for anyone or anything that could hurt me. I was debating on bringing the rabbit trap before deciding I should, I walked into the cave again as Best laid there sleeping, his bread not even touched as he held it while he quietly snored. I smiled as I walked over and pulled the cover over his body before taking the bread and replacing it in the bag, I then walked to the supplies and grabbed the unassembled trap and started to slowly put it together as I heard a loud cannon go off.

‘Again!’ I thought as I looked at the sky to see who it was. 

“

District One, Eliminated. District Three, Eliminated. District Four, Eliminated. District Eleven, Eliminated. District Fourteen Eliminated. District Fifteen Eliminated

.“ A female voice said as I leaned against a rock and slowly assembled the trap.

I was taught to do this when we had foxes roaming the area, I always did it to where it’d hurt them but not kill them, like I said, I hate killing things because I’m not a monster, nor a butcher. I sat the trap down, close to the entrance of the cage that I knew I’d see it if I looked hard enough while someone else or something would just step right in it. I guess meat is good to have for right now because I need Best to heal as soon as possible, I looked around after setting the trap down and I looked at all the leaves while picking ones that I knew was useful after Mrs. Botch helped me. 

I grabbed two dry sticks for fire so that I could brew the leaves to make a liquid broth for Best’s cut, I found what I needed and started my way back to where I left Best to sleep, just as I was coming around I heard something get trapped in the trap and hurried to see what it was, it was quick. My eyes widened as I stared at the beast that must of been causing all those cannons to go off, I looked at it as it stared me down cautiously. It wasn’t normal and I was sure that it wasn’t even something human, I slowly backed away as I stared at it in fear, I looked down at the leaves I had and slowly eased my way into the cave to set them down. 

I looked back at the creature as it stood close to the entrance of the cave, I expected that it smelled Best blood and I was happy that I put the trap down when I did instead of waiting, I sighed before walking to it slowly, it started to growl but it started to immediately whine as the trap tightened from it moving. The trap shifted more and more as the beast lifted it’s heavy, big paw off the ground and I got a better look at the trap as it dug it’s metal claws deeper slowly, the trap was meant for killing, that’s for sure.

 I inched closer and it looked at me with fire-red eyes that were extremely unhuman, this creature was made by the game makers, I was sure of it, I inched a little closer daringly as it showed it’s sharp teeth that could penetrate anything. I moved even closer as I realized that if I wanted to help this thing, I’d probably suffer my own death but it was good to help it, maybe it’ll remember me later on and not kill me. 

I reached it and stared as it covered its teeth and a little saliva mixed with blood dripped out of the corner of it’s mouth, making me frown as I grabbed the metal trap and started to turn the dial so it’ll release the creature’s leg, it started to unwind slowly and I turned faster as the creature continued to watch me closely. I carefully pulled the trap off and tossed it aside as I wiped the blood on my suit, I looked up as it stepped to me and I expected it to take my head off but it even shocked me by burying it’s head in my bosoms, what was with my chest? 

I carefully laid my hand on it’s head as it moved it’s face around my valley, trying to get comfortable as it laid it’s whole body on me suddenly, I laughed a little as I rubbed it’s head, really taking the big beast in as  it laid beside on me to rest. It was large, triple the size of a grey wolf and the color of it was spectacular, it was mostly white with brown spots here and there, it was like a large Dalmatian and grey wolf that mated together, or was I over exaggerating on this.

I looked at the sore on it’s paw before getting up carefully, it rolled over and watched me as I walked toward the cave before patting my thighs like it was a dog, it limped slowly toward me and stopped as it spotted Best, who was still sleeping thankfully.

“It’s okay, he won’t hurt you.” I said, walking farther away from Best as it followed me into the cave.

It laid down and I smiled as I walked to where I placed my sticks and leaves before slowly working on starting a fire, I managed to get one together before grabbing the plastic bowl that was in the large backpack that I found in the back of the cornucopia, I placed some water from the waterfall, the medical leaves, and a little peroxide into the bowl before carefully stirring it with my finger, I then sat it on the fire before walking over to where Best was laying and carefully waking him up.

“Best?”

“Hmm?”

“I meet someone.” I whispered, gently rubbing his chest as he opened his eyes.

“Who?” I shrugged my shoulders because it didn’t really have a name, I pointed where the wolf creature laid resting. “Holy shit, you got to be fucking kidding me.” He whispered as he quickly rose and scuffled backwards.

“It’s nice to me.” I whispered. “And don’t scare it, it’s the reason so many people has been dying.”

“I bet, look at that big motherfucker.” Best said as he stared at it with wide eyes.

“It’s very friendly and it didn’t even try to attack you, I put my trap down and it got caught in it, I helped it out and now it’s my friend.” I whispered, rubbing his face as he stared at me in disbelief. “I have a pet wolf.” I whispered gently.

“Yea, you do.” He said in more disbelief as I smiled. “Where’s the stuff, my leg is killing me.”

“It’s brewing,” I made my way to it and saw it boiling heavily,“ it’s done though.“

I took the hot bowl off the fire as careful as I could before setting it aside while putting the fire out by throwing water on it and I hoped that no one would hear the sizzling as I slowly put it out, the sound of the waterfall drowned the crackling of it and the smoke didn’t leave the cave much, this was the perfect spot. I moved over to Best and moved his pants leg up with his help, he sighed as I unwrapped the gauze before taking some of the medical brew and pouring it on carefully, he grunted once before he relaxed as the pain went away immediately.

“How it feel?” I asked.

“Fantastic.” He whispered, closing his eyes as I cleaned up some of the brew with the end of the blanket. “You’re a miracle.”

I smiled and leaned forward to kiss his check but he turned his head and pecked my lips, causing me to smile bigger, I then turned to the large beast as it slept quietly, I moved closer and realize that the last person it killed had put up a fight and it had a big wound on the side of its stomach, I moved the caked fur and investigated the wound before pouring some of the brew on there, the creature didn’t even flinch. 

It remained sleep as I then moved to it’s leg, this brew was a miracle because the leaves you find in here are very hard to spot because they look like poisonous Vita leaves as well but they aren’t, these leaves are called Estrenel leaves, found mixed with Pine tree plants in the arena. It was mainly quiet with the beast down and the sun was now starting to set, I was ready to see who was downed by this creature.

District 5: Ashby Jardine, Flux Roulphdine District 8: Theta Dunbyrll, Gaviner Spens

I sighed, two districts have been ruled out now, it was good but it was sad, why do parents have to go through this.

Secured: Chapter Thirteen

I woke up to the creature laying at Best and I feet, it was hard this morning because it was raining already, it even started to flood the cave, I looked over at Best as he stared at the creature while he held his arm protectively around my body. I sighed as I rubbed his face.

“Good morning.” I whispered.

“Good morning to you too, love.” He whispered, I smiled as he kissed the back of my hand. “We have to start moving around, flooding.”

I nodded, looking at the water as it slowly inched into the cave. “I’ll start getting everything ready, you focus on eating something.” I kissed him lips before carefully getting to my feet and stepping over the creature.

“How can I carry you?” I asked myself as I stared at it staring back at me, I wasn’t leaving it behind.

“You taking it?” Best asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course, it’s so sweet and it’s helpful.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t, I mean, how is it going to help us?”

“It something attack us, it can help us and plus, it’s good company.”

“It’s only been here for one day!” Best yelled at me, the creature got up and took a defense stance in front of me while I stared at Best with a raised eyebrow.

I rubbed the creatures back as it slowly calmed down, Best sighed before trying to get to his feet.

“Don’t move, you’re going to hurt yourself.” I hurried to his side and helped him slowly as he grunted while getting to his leg, it was harder because he was stiff from sitting so long in that one position.

“Thanks babe, where are we headed?”

“I want to go back to the cornucopia to make sure we got everything we need before we head farther out.” I said.

“You’re asking for a death wish, aren’t you?” Best asked.

“No…” Of course I was but I wanted to make sure that we’d be able to survive. “I just wanna make sure we’re all able to s-”

“Let me take that role now.” Best said, pulling me close to him as I lowered my head. “That’s my job and I want it back, I’m fine now, the broth you made did so good, love, and I thank you for that. But, it’s time for me to get my job back so you can stop worrying, and no more injuries, understood?”

“Yes, no more injuries.” I whispered, laying my head on his chest as he sighed and kissed my head. “Let’s start getting things ready to go just incase we have to leave tonight.”

We had twelve people left at the moment and I was sure that the games were about to have a sudden twist, I hoped it didn’t deal with my new pet because I didn’t want him to get hurt, I walked to our supplies pile and started to go through and grab what we were keeping, which was pretty much everything. I opened the large backpack and pulled out the plastic bags, I portioned the food out because I didn’t have enough room to fit both the bags of bread and apples inside, I then pulled out the rope and the cutting knife.

I glanced back at Best to see him standing at the entrance of the cage with his combat boots on while he stood in the water carelessly. I looked over at the creature to see it look at the entrance before at me, it was time for it to go, I knew it wasn’t going to stay but I hoped that it would had. I nodded, sure that it understood because it stared me in the eye for a minute before flying past Best and out the entrance.

“Fuck, that scared the shit out of me.” Best said, grabbing his chest as he backed away with wide eyes. “You let it go?”

“Yea, it has it’s own agenda.” I shrugged sadly, I just hope that it doesn’t die out there.

“Maybe a rabbit or squirrel will be good next time.” Best suggested and I laughed while nodding because I agree, that was the scariest thrill of my life. “I’m sorry babe.”

“It’s okay, we have to get a move on, kay?” I asked, he walked to me before leaning down and kissing my forehead while picking up his broadsword that he left laying on the ground. “Here, use it as a weapon belt.”

I took my rope and wrapped it around my waist after cutting it so that one side of the rope was longer for Best, I doubled looped it around me with a double knot before carefully sliding my Katana inside. I the opened the big backpack and started to see what I didn’t need inside. I left a lot of the items inside, placed the broth in a plastic bag before wrapping placing it in four of them from the large roll we got and placed it inside the book-bag carefully. I was then ready after grabbing our blanket, I looked at the food we would have to leave behind.

“You wanna carry it?” I asked, glancing at him.

“We should be good, rations.” Best said, walking over to me and grabbing my hand. “Lets get a move on, here, put my ja-”

“I’m okay, keep your jacket babe, I have a hood.” I said, reaching back and pulling it up as Best looked me up and down hungrily.

“Alright, let’s get it together and move elsewhere, it’s going to get darker soon and colder.” I told him as I squeezed his hand.

“Alright, let’s go.” He led me out the cave slowly, he moved slow with the wound but it was better than me trying to carry him.

“Careful.” I warned, eyeing him closely as he stepped down to the grass before turning to help me.

“

Hey

!“ I quickly whirled around and slipped on a wet rock, I smacked to the ground witch a lot of force and my head hit a different rock on the way down to the dirt, I groaned as I became dazed from the blow.

I tried to regain focus as I sat up and noticed Best and some guy wrestling in the distance, it was the guy from district two and he was with someone else, I wasn’t sure who it was but they were ganging up on Best and I knew I had to help him. 

I hurried to my feet, fighting the dizziness as I squinted my eyes to get a better aim as I raised my hand so that I was aiming for the second guy’s back, I then chucked my Javelin as hard as I could and I heard a loud gasp as I slammed to the ground as the dizziness continued to waver my vision. I was panicking inside because I hit my head hard and I could feel the warm liquid running down the side of my head as I heard a loud yelp and I knew exactly who it was, I quickly tried to get to my feet as I stumbled over someone’s body and I realized it was the guy I killed, the one that I shoved my Javelin into.

I caught myself on my hands and knees as Best had stop yelling and I feared the worst had happened as a loud cannon went off, it was for the guy who had a Javelin stuck through his back. I was slowly regaining my vision as I saw Best still wrestling but it was easy to say that he was losing, I managed to grab an arrow out of my quiver that laid on my back as I sat back on my knees. 

I readied the bow that was on my shoulder and aimed the best I could and just as I was about to release it a loud crack filled the air and my heart stopped as I lowered my arrow in complete shock, my heart had felt like it was ripped out of me and there was nothing I could do to try and replace it. I stared at the two bodies that laid on each other, hoping that the one that I was watching would move, my prayers were answered as Best shifted before pushing the body off of him but he laid there, out of breath and injured as badly as me, and I feared the worst because this one was serious.

“B-Best?” I asked, crawling forward while having a little haze to my vision, but it was fading quickly now. “Oh my god!”

I collapsed on his body and he yelled in pain, I quickly retreated back as I stared at the large gash on his stomach, he was sliced with a Sai and it immediately reminded me of the story of his brother as he Best started to cry and panic loudly.

“I’m going to die.” He sobbed loudly, his hair was caked to his forehead from the sweat he worked up, his shirt clung to his muscular frame and the large slice though his shirt was noticeable and the edges of the rip was tattered in blood.

“Shhh, no you’re not, you’re going to be okay, Best. Shhh, please don’t give up, please.” I sobbed loudly, clutching his head in my hands as he continued to loudly sob as I heard the cannon from the guy of District two.

“

District Two, Eliminated

.“ A voice came over the intercom, making me glance toward the top of the arena before looking back down at Best as he sobbed loudly.

“I don’t wanna die, I don’t wanna die, I don’t wanna die.” Best kept repeating as he clutched the wound tightly while tears mixed in with his sweat, his skin glistened and if we weren’t in this type of situation, I would of found it hot.

“No, Best please, don’t say that. You’re going to be okay, I promise, please!” I sobbed angrily as I grabbed his face and forced him to look at me as my tears fell onto his face. “You’re not going to die, I promise, I need to get you back to the gave, just please, help me get you up.”

I sniffed and rubbed my face before checking the area around us, it was coastal clear and I turned to Best as he suffered from his second major injury, it was scary and I was scared of losing him, I wasn’t going to lose him. I got to my feet before checking around me again as I heard the sound of a branch snapping, I grabbed my Katana and readied myself as the feet picked up and drew closer. 

I acted as if I didn’t hear them while hiding my Katana at the same time before suddenly whirling around and driving the Katana into someone’s neck very aggressively and brutally, blood speckled on my face and as I turned the Katana while the person on my blade breath hitched while I tore at their windpipe, it was over before it even started. I stared into Veloran’s pretty brown eyes as he went limp on my sword, the two so called “strongest” competitors were down and I was feeling a little better about that because there was a chance that we were going to win. 

There was a new rule in the hunger games, there can be tribute winners in they’re in a relationship and they test you in the hardest way, from the beginning. They monitor you from how you acted when you first made it to the Capitol, while you’re in the arena, and when you’re out of the arena incase they call back the announcing and make you duke it out until someone dies or someone refuse to fight the person they love any longer. 

I pulled my blade out of Veloran’s throat and moved to the side as his body slumped forward, my hands were shaky and I felt like I was suffocating in imaginary blood from the person I just killed. Maybe it gets easier… I hope it gets easier. I turned to Best and kneeled beside him and helped him to his feet, it was harder because he wasn’t leaning on something but we managed and I stumbled him all the way back to where we began, the cave. It was as if they knew where we were and they were waiting for the perfect opportunity, sadly, none of them made it and I was sure that Veloran was working with the other two because he popped up right afterward.

“I don’t wanna die.” Best whispered, he wasn’t bleeding badly just mostly frightened but I knew I had to get it covered before it got an infection. “I can’t die, this isn’t how it was suppose to go.”

He continued to mutter and I enjoyed it because it let me know that he was still alive as we made our way inside and I sat him down in the same spot, I grabbed the first aid kit out the backpack and reached first for the alcohol, he kicked the bottle while shaking his head as I glared at him angrily before grabbing gauze.

“You’re not leaving me… not like this.”

Secured: Chapter Fourteen

I was hoping that the feast wasn’t to long from now, the Hunger Games last about a week or so before it’s over and I was really needing supplies, it has been three days of drifting between consciousness. I’d wake up and check to make sure Best was breathing beside me before I’d drift back to sleep, I was sure that it was because I hit my head hard on a rock and it was mostly what kept me knocked out, I didn’t ever pass out, I just felt incredibly tired and I wasn’t sure if it was from the killing or from the fighting part. 

It was now the fifth day of the week, if this was going to be like a traditional Hunger Games, it was going to last exactly a week and we’d have two days left and I was going to make sure Best was well and healthy for the last day because that was the second blood bath if a lot of people were left over. I rolled over in Best arms as he shifted in his sleep, I was extremely careful with him and not to mention that his sexual tension was rocking through the roof because he was constantly touching my breast or my butt, not that I mind anyway. 

I’d give him a smile or a lit giggle to let him know that I wasn’t upset at him for being so touchy, I sort of craved the attention in this situation because it showed me that someone cared, even if they were acting.

---

“I feel better, you don’t have to do this.” I cocked my head at Best statement with a rose eyebrow as he averted his eyes to the floor and I turned away while I fixed my jumpsuit.

“CALLING ALL TO THE FEAST! CALLING ALL TO THE

FEAST

!“ It was what I was waiting on, it was the chance where everyone could renew up on things, weapons, food, supplies, medication so they’d be ready to fight on the last day.

‘All for entertainment.’ I thought.

I tightened the rope around my waist while fixing my Katana in it, I kept it in tight grip as I realize that I didn’t get my javelin out of the person’s body and that was the last one, the feast was going to be exhausting. I looked over to where Best was laying on his back with his head lifted up so he could see me, I walked over and squatted down to place a solid kiss on his forehead before moving and pressing my lips against his as he quickly grabbed my wrist. I expected that as a rejection and started to yank my arm away as I pulled my lips away from his, he kept a tight grip on my wrist as I stared at him with a hint of sadness that I found to hard to hide.

“Be safe… come back to me.” He demanded, making a small smile come onto my face as I nodded, I was going to fight tooth and nail to get back to him.

I smiled as he leaned upward and forward carefully and pecked my lips, I quickly responded before he laid back and closed his eyes, I moved his broadsword close to him so that it was there if he needed it and he hid it under the covers he had over him.

“It’ll be quick.” I then got to my feet and made my way out the cave carefully, yielding a readied bow and arrow as I notice something glimmer on the floor.

I made my way over to it carefully incase it was a trap and I then realized that I was staring at two throwing knives that must of dropped from one of the dead bodies when they were exported from the arena. I quickly placed them in my rope weapon belt before continuing my way toward the cornucopia as I realized something, it was turned toward the direction of us a little but not the whole way so I couldn’t see what was exactly inside but I could tell there were Javelins, more knives, and even food that we were starting to need because I had to keep Best filled with food so he wouldn’t get hungry over night. 

I assumed the creature disappeared because there weren’t many deaths around anymore, someone did something stupid and managed to light themselves on fire before dying a crisp. I quickly hid behind a bush as I heard heavy steps progressing in front of me and then in that moment, I was having deja-vu because of a dream I had previously, except I didn’t have my Javelin and I wasn’t sure if I would of used it or not. The guy that was running my way broke through the woods as I readied the first throwing blade, he looked behind him as if someone was chasing him and I pulled the second one out, kill two and deal with the rest later, Rockro’s right… I am a killing machine. 

I jumped out when it was in a good distance as used almost all my force to send it into the guy’s chest, he went straight down as the second guy broke through the woods and I send the second throwing knife and then it happen, the guy wasn’t paying attention and the force of my blade driving into his heart almost send his legs over his head as he landed on his upper back and I was sure that if he was alive, he would of felt that in the morning but he was dead before his body even touch the ground.

‘I really am a killing machine.’ I never knew I had it in me but this was the reason I hated violence because I know that I could cause something serious to happen.

A loud cannon signaled the death of the first guy and I jumped from it, I had to move quickly because soon others would be coming and I wasn’t looking for to much trouble. I looked at the second guy closer, he was one of the guys that called Best and I a fag when he passed us, and I realized that the first guy was his partner. Just like that, the district was gone.

“District Ten, Eliminated.” I stared at them before quickly picking up the bag of bread in the dead guys hand and looking around carefully but impatiently.

I ran forward, at full speed as I noticed a brown bag with district nine on it, meaning that there was something that as very useful in it and you only got these once ever four years, I grabbed two Javelins on the way in, the bag and was about to grab something else when a large cleaver blade came to my neck and halted me.

“Drop it all.” A deep voice said behind me, I sat them down carefully because I could make a break for it perhaps. “Turn around.”

I slowly turned and looked at Arasi from district twelve, I stared at him in fear as I saw his eyes darken before he ranked them up and down my body then back up to meet my eyes, I felt my fear grow as I hoped he wasn’t thinking what I figured he was thinking. I blinked a couple of times before looking at the creeping form behind us, I quickly moved my eyes away so Arasi wouldn’t get suspicious.

“I’ve been waiting to meet you all along.” He spoke, his eyes still casting glances at my body here and there. “And look at you, even more beautiful in person.”

“Isn’t

she

.“ Arasi swirled around and caught a bladed tonfa to the face, slicing his jaw wide open and what a crude thing to see.

I screamed as the force of the blade entering his cheek knocked him into a crate, but he didn’t stay down, he hoped up and went to slice the blade through the air but missed the guy from District Seven. He wasn’t by himself either because a girl came running out of the fields to help, not to mention that we were the only ones left, I grabbed the items quickly and manage to sneak away as fast as possible while District Seven kept fighting with Arasi and I heard a loud cannon as I reached the cave and looked at the sky to see the announcements as Arasi Combe’s face flashed on the screen after the symbol of the Caption and Capitol played.

District One: Eliminated District Two: Eliminated District Three: Eliminated District Four: Eliminated District Five: Eliminated District Six: Eliminated District Seven: None District Eight: Eliminated District Nine: None District Ten: Eliminated District Eleven: Eliminated District Twelve: Eliminated District Fourteen: Eliminated District Fifteen: Eliminated

It then dawned on me that tomorrow was going to be the last day and I needed Best to be put together by tonight, I planned on coming out of this arena with him right beside me, I refused to let him go this late into this match. I looked at him as he slept quietly, I was happy that he was sleeping because I started to think the worst until I heard his quiet snoring, he was tired of course but I was happy that he was alive. 

I opened our bag with our name on it and saw a glass jar, it had a brown gel sort of substance contained in it but I had to use it, maybe it’d be good because I was hoping for the best thing possible, a miracle. I opened the jar carefully before scooping a little on my finger then rubbing it on the large gash, causing Best to shift in his sleep as pain radiated through the cut. 

This fight was going to happen tomorrow, I was sure of it and I was curious of what life was going to be after Best and I left the arena, what all did we miss this week because so much can go down in one week and even cause mayhem for the people who never expect trouble. I was curious as I wondered if Mrs. Botch kept her promise and was keeping tabs on Gaius and how he was doing, I’d hate to have to come back and find out that they shipped him to a different orphanage or worse, he was already adopted. 

I pushed a braid out of my hair, which I kept tied with my scrunchie, unlike in my dream, it didn’t break and I was thankful of that because I wouldn’t know what to do with all this hair. I laid my head on Best chest as he slept, he would hopefully be ready for the war tomorrow because I was going to put up a fight, that’s for sure, and this fight was either going have us both out the ring or neither of us was leaving it.

---

I jerked awake to the smell of something burning, I quickly sat up as I heard something crash to the ground heavily, it was growing very hot around us and I realized that there was loud crackling, the sound of fire. I quickly turned to Best as he slept, his shirt was lifted past his belly because I applied the brown gel, which had sealed him up very nicely and I wasn’t sure if he felt pain or not, the cut did have red edges so it seemed a little sore. 

I quickly shook him awake as he grunted and his pretty eyes slowly opened as he stared me in the face before a slow smile came to his face, I smiled back as with happiness in my eyes as I forgot about the fire at that moment, I was seeing Best and I was happy he was okay because I was tired of waiting day in and day out to make sure he was going to survive. I grabbed his face as a smile came over my lips, his smile widened until the sound of something crashing onto the ground broke our trace.

“What was that?” Best asked with wide eyes as he quickly sat up, he immediately groaned as I quickly grabbed his shoulders to help him.

“Our ticket out.” I said, kissing his lips before quickly getting to my feet as he shuffled to his.

“It’s gone…” Best said behind me as I realized he wasn’t following me.

“I know, come on, we need to get to the cornucopia before someone else does.”

“Right…” He quickly took the lead and grabbed my hand before helping me down like the day of the attack, luckily, no one was waiting for us this time.

I looked behind me to see the fire roaring loudly as it ate at the tree bark or the bushes that once held beautiful flowers or soft leaves, it was sad to watch because I was a person of nature and it’s beautiful glory.

“Shit.” Best said as he halted while looking for a way to escape the blazing fire that was now starting to circle around us, he turned to look at me. “We’re going to do this… remember what I told you?”

“Huh??!” I said loud and angrily at the same time, he wasn’t to take a trip down memory lane while we’re standing in the middle of a ring of fire that was slowly coming in on us.

“Remember what I said in the cave after you healed me?”

I remembered exactly what he said. “You want to take the man role.” I said, looking at him with fear, what was he up to?

“Yea, so you trust me, right?” What was he up to!!

“Y-Yea, I trust you.” I said quickly as I nodded.

Suddenly he grabbed my arms and swung me over the blazing fire as I screamed, I hits the ground with a lot of force and rolled, it knocked the wind straight out of me and I was dazed because I didn’t see it coming, luckily I didn’t hit my head. I stopped rolling to where the ring of fire was and watched as Best hoped over the waves of fire and came running toward me, the end of his jacket caught on fire but it quickly sizzled as he helped to me to my feet while I glared at him.

“Sorry… didn’t mean to throw you so hard.” I continued to glare as he pulled me into a tight hug.

“Awee… look at the love birds.” A voice said behind us and we immediately broke apart as I yanked my Katana out of my rope belt and took a deep gulp, he could of snuck us then and there.

“Makes me wanna throw up.” The girl of District Seven said, I frowned at that.

“Maybe you should, I won’t feel to grossed out after I kill you.” Best said, cocking his head as he fixed his jacket around his shoulders.

“No, no buddy. You’re dealing with me.” The guy said, smirking as he suddenly launched himself at Best and the girl went right for Best as well, they were going to try to double-team him.

I sliced my Katana up the back of the guy as he yelled in pain before turning toward me as the girl managed to cut Best with a Double-Pointed Spear and that reminded me of my dream, when I had the Double-Bladed Sword. I turned and started to run toward the cornucopia as the guy followed behind me, I dove behind a crate and got to a knee while bending low as he entered the cornucopia behind me.

“Hide all you want, little birdy, but I will find you.” He kicked a crate very hard and sent it in to the side of the cornucopia wall.

I flinched as it crumbled into unequal blocks of wood, he turned to a different crate before driving the Axe he was wielding through it forcefully, the crate had split in half as he turned to where I was and I made sure he could see me before I went under as I readied my Katana and listened to his footsteps as he slowly progressed forward. I had my plan already in my head and I was ready for this kill before he even reached where I was, we both halted as a loud cannon went off and my eyes widened as I started thinking the worst but I couldn’t let this distract me. 

I just had to expect Best to be walking toward the cornucopia at this time. I readied myself as he started to walk toward me again, as if he was expecting the female from his district to enter as well, I saw him as he came toward me before dashing for the metal wall of the cornucopia and I kicked myself off it while swinging my Katana, slicking perfectly at his neck as I ruptured everything in the process, severing his throat in the most disgusting way. 

I wasn’t expecting to kill him immediately but it happened in my favor and I was happy about that because I would have to deal with the girl if she did happen to survive Best. I heard footsteps as I readied my Katana and watched to see who came around the corner as it grew incredibly quiet, I flinched as the cannon for the boy went off and I quickly moved my attention back to the entrance of the cornucopia, this was it, who could it possibly be? 

I felt my heart ache as I stared at Best while a smile came over his face, he looked down as I saw the large beast beside him, my eyes widened as it stood before me and I expected it to be dead by now because the days were so quiet.  My eyes widened as it raced toward me suddenly, I looked at Best quickly as he looked at me with wide eyes, I yelped as the creature jumped on me and I expected it to start eating my face but instead, it licked my face as a big smile came over it.

It moved away so I could get up. “It helped me kill her.” Best said, smiling as he met me halfway.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around him as he leaned down and I leaned upward, we hsared a nice, well needed kiss as I heard the sound of a hovercraft coming to pick us up, we did it… we won. I was happy that we weren’t having to fight each other because they really accepted us as a couple, I smiled as I kissed his lips again out of happiness as he quickly responded.

“You did it.” Best whispered against my lips.

“We did it.” I whispered back as I pulled away and started to drag him toward the lowering hovercraft.

“We announce your 100th Hunger Games winners

!“ I could imagine the crowd cheering as the hovercraft landed and I felt something brush my leg, I looked down at the beast as it looked up at me with pleading eyes.

“I’m not leaving you behind either.” I said as a smile came on my face as I scratched behind it’s ear and just like a dog, it wagged it’s big bushy tail.

“It has to stay.” I looked at Rockro as he gave me a side smirk, I pouted pleadingly.

“Please…” I continued to pout as Best quickly hurried to the hovercraft.

Mrs. Botch stood at the entrance of the hovercraft, grimacing as she looked at the creature.

“N-No, it should stay.” She quickly replied as I picked it up and started to carry it to the hovercraft the best I could. “No, Hon, it should

really

stay.“

“No, it’s coming,” I looked toward the ceiling of the arena and waited for an objection, “yup, it’s coming.”

I started toward the hovercraft once again, Rockro moved aside as he watched me, a couple of Caption men came forward and helped me as I smiled while they got my pet into the hovercraft.

“Congratulations.” Rockro said as he patted my shoulder and followed me up into the hovercraft.

I went to a window in the large shuttle and watched as he slowly rose up, it gave a full view of the arena as Best came up behind me and wrapped his large arms around me, I leaned back against him as he gently kissed my temple.

“We done it.” I whispered, turning to face him as Mrs. Botch got seated, as well as everyone else. “We done it.”

“Yes you two did, the sponsor party is tomorrow and we have to get-”

“They just got back, Ms. Lady.” Rockro helped, making me smile as I realized that Mrs. Botch wasn’t married but she took that title. “Give them a little space, have a seat guys.”

Best and I walked to our seats, hand in hand, and I wasn’t sure when this was going to stop but I didn’t want it to, I’ll try to stay by his side until he pushes me away, and even when he pushes me away, I was going to fight him for his heart. I smiled as Rockro popped a bottle of champagne in celebration, the hovercraft had dropped us off at our black shuttle and I was so ready to go home to get a good night of sleep with Best right beside me, my pet was laying on the floor of the shuttle. I looked over at Best to see that he as staring out the window of the shuttle, he was staring at it longingly as if he couldn’t believe it himself, we made it out the arena, we actually made it out the arena.

“To Greier and Best.” Rockro said as I smiled at that, it was as if we were at a wedding and he was congratulating our marriage.

“To Greier and Best.” Mrs. Botch said as well, raising her champagne glass as I glanced over at Best once more, to see him looking at me.

He smiled at me and grabbed my hand before looking at Mrs. Botch and Rockro, who both was watching us, as if they expected us to do something, I looked at Best as he looked at me and smiled wider. I leaned forward and he did the same before we shared a kiss, I smiled against his lips before he pulled away and I did the same, looking at a cheering Rockro and Mrs. Botch, they caught my pet’s attention and he looked at them both before lowering his head. I was happy, happier than I could ever be and to see Best safe and secured beside me, it made my heart throb with joy, it can’t get any easier, it can’t, but I’m going to live my life the way it was paved for me, even if that means I have to send someone’s life away. Just like Avamy said…

When push comes to shove, someone

dies

.