Hazel jerked awake. Something was wrong. Clouds clashed, and rainfall drummed in harsh beats against the metal overhead. The crisp aroma of lightning and drenched earth assaulted her senses. She took a moment to steady her breathing, her heart racing. Her body screamed, and her head spun as she jolted upright. She clawed at her temple, pressing against a pounding that harmonized with the thrum of the rainfall. Outside of the reverberation of the rain, the arena was soundless.

Her arms were chilled, and goosebumps prickled her flesh. The warmth of Silus’s body was missing. She squinted in the darkness, combing through the rain and shadows, but he was nowhere in sight. It was just her, Ruby, and an empty Cornucopia. What the hell?

She raised her hand to wipe away the sleep from her eyelids when a light jangling sound filled the space. A not entirely foreign, cold sensation latched onto her wrist, and she paused. She frowned down at it; the silvery glint of a handcuff winked back at her. Attached to the other end of the metal restraint was Ruby’s pale wrist. How? What? Something was definitely wrong.

The pallid tone of Ruby’s arm demanded her attention. Her complexion possessed a sickly muted hue Hazel had seen many times before. Hazel shivered as her attention darted from Ruby’s hand to her face. Her features were tranquil. Her snoring had dissipated, and her body was utterly still. Her lavender lips were parted ever so slightly, but no sound came from them. A sliver of her unseeing grey irises peeked between mauve lids. Hazel’s heart lurched, and her mind reeled. No. Definitely, very wrong.

“Rubes?” She croaked, sliding closer. She groped at the girl’s wrist as their cuffed hands jangled the metal bindings. Hazel pressed two shaking fingers to the inside of Ruby’s wrist, fumbling to find the pulse point. Her skin was soft as velvet but as cool as the rain-soaked grass. She could not detect a thrum or beat of her heart.

“No.” Hazel breathed, “Rubes, come on.”

Hazel peeled away the matted hair that clung to Ruby’s neck, revealing the thick, rosy bandages. She clawed at the wrapping with desperate sounds. Hazel’s head spun, her muscles burned, but she couldn't care less, and it didn’t slow her down.

The bandage tore and gave way to her wild efforts, and Hazel sucked in a breath at what was revealed. A wide laceration snaked across Ruby’s collarbone. It trailed along her neck, ending just under her ear. Hazel covered her mouth with a trembling palm. A necklace of dark purple and blue discoloration made her stomach squirm in repulsion.

“Please.” A sob wracked her body as she placed a finger against Ruby’s delicate jugular.

Still, no warmth and no pulse of life met her fingers, only the iciness of Ruby’s bloodless skin. A moan escaped Hazel as she placed her quivering hand over the girl’s heart. Her chest remained stationary and felt stiff beneath Hazel’s touch.

Hot tears flowed down Hazel’s face, “I’m so sorry.”

She pulled their bound hands up to wipe at her tears; the handcuff made soft tinkling sounds, and the cold metal bit into her. Ruby’s frigid flesh brushed against hers. She grimaced at the sensation; more tears trickled down her cheeks.

The unfairness of it all washed over her, along with the tepid guilt that she had been trying to push to the back of her mind. It now ignited within her heart at the sight of the lifeless Ruby.

A flash of lightning illuminated the inside of the structure, jerking her from her thoughts. She scanned the Cornucopia again. Silus still was nowhere in sight. Another bolt showered the area with more light. Two axes were laid in the grass, Silus’s large red one, and over the top was her smaller throwing axe. The backpack was missing, along with the Sapphire’s breath. A sharp bite of fear mingled with her guilt-laden sorrow.

Rising panic bubbled within her chest, mixing with the well of grief like a rainstorm flooding an overfilled river.

“Silus!” Hazel screamed into the storm, but the clashing clouds drowned her out. “Silus, where are you?!”

There was no response outside a streak of lightning and rolling thunder. Rainfall continued to assault every inch of the arena.

Hazel shook harder. He left me. He really left me. Did he bind me to Ruby so that I wouldn’t leave? She stared back out at the water-logged darkness. So I wouldn’t follow him. What he might be doing nearly made Hazel’s heart stop. She swallowed down the terror as she jerked at the handcuff.

Her wrist ached, a red ring forming along her skin. Memories of the first day of the Games and Ian Threader flashed through her mind, making her shudder. She took a deep breath, then forced herself to examine her hand, turning it over despite the pain. She gripped her left thumb and gritted her teeth. She sucked in several panicked, rapid breaths in quick succession. Don’t think about it. Just do it. Do it.

She yanked her thumb upward and let out a blood-curdling scream as the joint gave way, popping out of its socket with a dull squelch. The thick scabbing along her palm cracked, and fresh blood seeped from the gaps. She doubled over; deep moans wracked her as a new wave of anguish flooded her weary body.

She tugged her left hand through the cuff, and the restraint fell to the earth with a weak clunk. Hazel whimpered as she sucked in the rain-scented air, cradling the mangled appendage to her chest.

She again gripped her left thumb and yanked until the joint snapped back into place. Drool collected in her mouth at the sheer blinding misery of it.

Thunder rumbled overhead as if the storm had paused directly above them. Hazel rubbed her face against her shoulder, wiping away the streams of tears rolling down her cheeks.

Ruby still lay peacefully before her, like she was merely sleeping. Lightning flashes cast a harsh glow over her tranquil face.

She scowled down at the small, battered body. Another wave of tears threatened to fall. After the fresh throbbing had dimmed, Hazel leaned over Ruby, pulling the girl's frigid hands into her own and folding them gently over her chest. With a ragged sigh, Hazel slid Ruby’s delicate eyelids closed.

“Tulsi is waiting for you, Rubes.” She bit her lip, “And tell Ethan I’m sorry I didn’t keep my promise.” Hot guilt seared her heart as she coughed back her tears.

She wanted nothing more than to crumple and weep over the sweet life that had slipped between her fingers during the night, but raw fear urged her to move. I need to find him. With one last mournful look at Ruby, she rose to her feet, using the walls to pull herself off the ground.

She shifted her weight to her injured, shoeless foot, and her ankle wobbled violently. Sharp sensations erupted up her leg like it was being flayed open. Hazel rested her sweat-covered cheek against the cool wall of the Cornucopia, clinging to the surface, scratching and clawing to keep herself upright. Everything within her told her to stay. Never.

She pressed harshly against the wall and turned herself so that she faced the gaping mouth. Heavy sheets of rain continued to obscure the landscape, except for the occasional burst of lightning, which lit the arena with a dramatic, unsettling glow.

She steeled herself and stepped forward, but the pain immediately brought her to her knees. Agony flowed through her like there was more of it in her veins than actual blood.

More saliva pooled around her tongue as she bent forward, resting her forehead against the damp grass. Her body shivered in brutal tremors. Please help me.

Cedar’s voice flowed into her mind, but she blocked it out. She inhaled the scent of sodden earth. I will gladly drown.

“Little brother, I’m coming.” She coughed as drool dripped from her lips.

With a deep growl, she crawled through the grass until she reached the opening of the cornucopia. Another flash of lightning branched out across the late-night sky. With an unsteady breath, she dragged her abused body on her hands and knees into the torrent. Water was all around her in an instant, in her nose, her eyes, and her ears as it engulfed every inch of her. Within seconds, she was soaked through to her skin and chilled to her core.

Lightning continued to streak in vicious waves, and the Cornucopia shimmered like a brilliant golden jewel in the ominous night. Something was different, though. Hazel paused as she examined it. The blue splotches had been washed away, its walls glittering and clean. If it weren’t for the crack that marred its surface, it would appear almost brand new. Her heart plummeted; the knife that had been embedded within it was missing. What are you doing, Silus?

Grinding her teeth, she searched until she found her lone boot resting several feet away. It was barely visible in the deluge. Hazel lugged herself toward it. Water continued to pelt her from every direction, like the sky itself was trying to beat her down.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

So much rainfall was around her she didn’t realize she had reached her boot until her fingers grazed the laces. She snatched it and hugged it to her like it was a lost treasure. With a mangled cry, she wrenched the shoe over her bandage-covered ankle. Her fingers slid and slipped as she yanked the laces as tight as they would allow. If it’s numb, I won’t feel it.

With quivering legs, she climbed to her feet and waited for the white-hot agony to overtake her. But the sensation was muted, more bearable as her toes began to deaden. At least I won’t have to crawl.

She whirled around, searching for any sign of Silus, but she could scarcely see through the downpour. Where would I go if I were him? There really was only one place.

Her body throbbed as she limped toward the District Seven tract. Above her, lightning strobed in rapid beats. It would illuminate the entire arena before it plunged into total darkness over and over. It was as if she were moving in slow motion through the enraged storm. She shivered as her lungs grew frigid, translucent puffs of air billowing from her lips with each breath. Rain dripped relentlessly from her chin, nose, and eyelashes. Gritting her teeth, she limped into the tree line and shrieked, “Silus!"

More lightning flashed, bathing her in a cool-toned electric radiance. Thunder rumbled so savagely that the ground shuddered beneath her feet, threatening to bring her to her knees.

She glared up at the sky. The only way you are going to stop me is if you kill me.

She took several more torturous steps when a blinding bolt struck a tree near her. Hazel startled and dropped to the ground, palms over her ears. The sound vibrated in violent waves like a bomb had gone off in her skull. Her breathing grew rapid. Hazel opened her eyes and stared at the incinerated tree. It had shattered like it was made of glass. Charcoal-black branches splintered in every direction. Her body was quivering so violently she almost fell again as she hauled herself back to her feet, ears ringing.

Her glowering stare moved from the tree up to the arena’s dome, shrieking, “That’s what I thought!”

Buckets of water dumped over her as she hauled herself further into the tract, up the incline. She slipped and slid on the muddy surface, her feet caught on the shattered remnants of the fallen trees. Her clothing was tight against her; it, too, was holding her back.

“Silus!” her voice grew hoarse as she screamed his name.

“Silus!” She trudged further up the hill, her feet struggling to overcome the mucky earth. The sheer amount of rainfall was carving random rivers through the ground. More than once, she found herself kneeling in the mud, bracing herself on her lacerated palm as the water pushed her feet out from under her. She let out a frustrated cry as she pulled herself upright again and continued forward. Silus, where are you?

Just then, a soft cough filled the air, and another icy flash illuminated a figure slumped against a tree. His head rested against his chest as his lips mouthed silent words.

Hazel’s blood turned to ice.

“Silus!” Hazel’s voice broke as she screamed.

He tilted his head toward her, and she shrieked again, “Silus! What the hell are you doing?!”

She threw herself forward until she was standing above him. He was sitting, his back propped up against a tree, his legs stretched out in front of him. His clothing and skin were saturated with mud and rain, and his hair was encrusted with tiny beads of water.

“Haze?” he whispered. His chocolate eyes flickered open before closing once again. His features were lax, his eyelids drooping as if they were immensely heavy.

“What are you doing out here?” she searched his face, but he seemed to barely register that she was there like a figure in a dream.

“What are you doing here?” he slurred. “How?”

“You, of all people, should know.”

A small smile tugged at his lips before his features sobered. “I should’ve.”

“Ruby’s dead.” Hazel breathed.

Silus’ face grew taut, and he appeared to register that it was really Hazel standing before him. A flash of sadness colored his features as he whispered, “I know.”

“Silus -“

Lightning and thunder collided above them, momentarily blinding her. As her vision cleared, a metallic glint caught her eye – Mia’s knife, discarded next to him, its blade stained with blood. Hazel sucked in a breath, her eyes trailing to Silus’s arms, resting in his lap, both streaming with crimson. No. You didn’t. Her knees buckled, sinking into the slimy, watery mud.

“What have you done?” Hazel breathed out, eyes growing wild. She gripped each of his wrists as firmly as she could manage. She stared down at the damage he had inflicted on himself. “What the fuck have you done!” This isn’t happening.

Silus’s mouth twitched. “Nothing you wouldn’t do.”

A terror-filled glare flashed over her features. She tightened her grip and raised his arms above his heart. “We need to stop the bleeding. Hold your arms up. Where’s the backpack?”

“Gone,” Silus said as he closed his eyes again.

“Damn you.” Hazel let go of his arms as she swiped the knife from the earth and began cutting strips of his shirt away. “Hold your arms up!”

But Silus did not heed her words. Instead, he leaned forward, his weak grip encircling her wrist. His watered-down blood stained her arms, “It’s too late, Haze.”

“The hell it is.” She ripped her arm out of his grasp with a grunt. I don’t have time for this. She looped a scrap of fabric around his wrist until she was certain it would tear if she tightened it any further. Water poured in thick buckets around them, dripping into her face. Her vision grew hazy from a mix of salty tears and fresh rain. She wiped at her eyelids harshly as she worked.

“I lied to you,” Silus murmured, his eyes sliding shut once again. He leaned his head back and let the rain soak his features.

“Lying is the least of my concerns right now.” Hazel barked, wrapping his other hand in fabric strips. Her entire body shivered uncontrollably. Mud, water, and blood coagulated into a slime along her fingers.

“You asked me…. what I said to…..Rowan and Dad… in the train station.” He stared up at the rain. Hazel gripped his wrists until she thought her fingers would break. “I promised them … they wouldn’t welcome home two caskets.”

“I swear, Silus-“ Hazel’s wet hair hung around her face. Her lip quivered, and her nose burned; fresh tears stung her eyes. “I don’t want to hear it.”

He leaned toward her, pulling her hands into his own, and threaded his fingers through hers. She tried to untangle herself, yanking desperately, but he held firm. He squeezed until she stopped thrashing and looked at him. His warm chocolate irises were lit with a deep, tired conviction: “I promised them….” Tears, mud, and rain mixed over his skin. “When the ….Capitol’s train returned to Seven…….you would be the one to walk out of it.”

Silus's face grew paler, and Hazel scooted closer to him; her eyes gleamed like emerald fire. “This was your plan the whole time?”

“Since the reaping.” Silus sighed.

She scowled harder at him, shaking her head. Her hair clung in stringy ropes to her face.

“Don’t look at me like that…. had to beat you to it.”

She locked eyes with him. His features didn’t hold anger; instead, a peaceful acceptance washed over him. It was the most terrifying thing Hazel had witnessed. Dread swept through her bloodstream, replacing the agony.

“Always one step ahead of me.” Hazel whimpered as more color drained from his face. She twisted in his grasp, “But I’ll be damned if I let you win this time.”

“You’re right; you will be the one who wins.” He murmured.

She glared, but he tightened his grip; her lacerated palm seeped blood against his injured hand. She stared down at their intertwined hands, feeling the roughness of his callouses against her skin. The wound he had gotten from his fight at the mill rubbed painfully against her own. This isn’t happening.

“That is what I want, Haze.”

“Fuck what you want.” Hazel bit back, panic welled within her chest. He coughed out a scoff but held onto her. Her body trembled, and her lungs burned; she tried in vain to pull away, but her weariness and pain fought her as well.

“And our family? Rowan, Sage, the twins, all of them? They need you.” She shivered harder as her voice cracked with barely restrained hysteria, “What do I tell them?”

“They are better off.” He took a deep sigh, and his breathing increased. You are stronger than me….”

Hazel jerked her arms again. “Clearly”

His gaze lingered on their hands, trailing to her neck and then up to her eyes, "You are… a better person….. and you are the one…. they need.”

“Bullshit.” Hazel wrenched his wrists above his head. She pushed their entwined hands against the tree, but the blood hardly slowed. Her battered arms burned at the effort. Silus mumbled the word stubborn under his breath. Her whole body trembled with the effort, but the well of her endurance was nearly drained. Both their arms dropped as her muscles gave out.

“I’ve loved you almost my entire life.” His eyes found hers, and the look within them made her want to melt into the rain.

“Don’t.” Hazel shook her head as thunder agitated the world around them.

“It’s too late…. You can’t save me...”

“Stop it!” She wailed as her chest heaved. Blood and silt coated their interlaced fingers.

Hazel shivered; it was too much blood. He knew it, and so did she. Hazel met his eyes, and a ragged cry caught in her throat, “I will never forgive you for this.”

Silus blinked slowly. A quiver danced on the edge of his lip, “I know.”

He closed his eyes again and exhaled in long, deliberate breaths. She searched his features, her heart breaking as she watched the boy she had known and loved since childhood slip away. Memories of their life together flashed through her mind – she could hardly remember a time without him. Now, he was leaving her, and there was nothing she could do. Hazel let out a sob, laying his wrists gently in his lap before wrapping her arms around him and resting her cheek against his chest.

“If you…. hate me forever….. it's ok...” He coughed out.

The material of his shirt stuck to her face as more rain fell in thick sheets over them.

“I could never,” She whispered bitterly to him.

Silus's breathing slowed further, and she clutched him tighter; rain baptized the both of them. Nothing would be the same after this. Salty tears mingled with the rainfall as Silus’ blood continued to flow away despite the tourniquets.

“Don’t leave me.” Hazel wept harder into his chest. I’m not ready.

Silus's head slumped atop hers. He buried his nose in her wet hair and whispered into the strands. “Hmmm….I’m… sorry… Haze”

The water drew more blood from Silus’ veins, dragging his life force with it back to the earth. His shallow breaths tangled in her hair as they grew increasingly slower. She tightened her embrace around his ribs, pushing her cheek further against his chest, and choked, “I will love you always.”

She paused, waiting for his response, but it never came. Beneath her ear, the gentle, steady rhythm grew fainter until, after a few more soft thuds, Silus' heart stopped while Hazel's shattered.

In the depths of her splintering mind, Snow's words echoed like the haunting calm that settles over a forest after a tree falls: It’s the things we love most that destroy us.