"There you are!" Caleb's voice boomed through massive speakers.

The room was alive as the crowd erupted in harsh whispers and gasps.

Up on the building-sized screen, Hazel looked over her shoulder as Caleb sprinted through the field. His sword flashed with every stride.

Coriolanus's gloved hand tightened on the armrest of his chair while the other tapped a light beat against his lips. His features were tight but careful and guarded.

A malicious giggle came from the chair beside him. "Increase brightness," Dr. Gaul ordered. I want our audience to be able to see the action. It's not every Games we get a night fight."

"Yes, Dr. Gaul." The technician replied; without looking up, he adjusted several toggles on his console.

The arena's moon and stars grew brighter.

Hazel was bent over and tearing at the grass around her.

"Looks like the wildflower has got something up her sleeve." Dr. Gaul tilted her head as she scrutinized the girl.

Coriolanus nodded, commenting without taking his eyes off the screen, "She is full of surprises."

Hazel paused before she lunged toward something in the grass.

Caleb's sharp voice made several in the crowd jump, "All out of tricks yet?"

"Don't take a bathroom break now, folks! Looks like things are heating up between our tributes from two and seven." Lucky grinned widely as he addressed the crowd. "Let's see if our lady seven's luck is about to run out."

Hazel stood straight, and something glinted in her hand: an axe.

The corner of Coriolanus's lips twitched upward; he rubbed at it with his gloved fingers. Below in the mentor's lounge, Festus slammed his fist down on the table in excitement. He hadn't sat down in his chair for the past two hours. He was either standing sweating over his console or pacing a hole in the elegant floor.

Across the room, Augustus was also standing, but he was so still that it wasn't even clear if he was breathing. He stood straight, unmoving, arms crossed, barely blinking as he stared at the broadcast. His angular face was tense and stoic. The three victors from District Two sat against the far wall, whispering to each other and indulging in large gulps of various colors of alcohol.

Hazel wheeled around, tucking the knife in her belt, and began to sprint, "Almost."

"More running?" Caleb huffed as he continued to dash toward her.

"If you want to give up, by all means," Hazel yelled.

Smatterings of laughter broke out.

Coriolanus continued to tap away the smile threatening to break through.

Dr. Gaul peered at him through the side of her eye but said nothing.

Hazel skidded to a stop in front of the Cornucopia. The girl paused for a moment before she threw herself at the wall, clawing at it, but her hands slid and squeaked.

"Luck running out there, Red?" Caleb bellowed.

Lucky coughed out a snicker. He then turned and pointed to his temple with a dramatic gesture, "Great minds, folks!"

More dull laughter followed.

"She does seem to be running out of options and places to hide." Dr. Gaul commented as if she was merely discussing the color of the walls.

Hazel ran her hand along the surface of the Cornucopia until she froze, staring at something. Suddenly, she flung her body forward while she brought the bottom lip of her blade down hard on the wall. A horrible grating sound filled the building as her axe was embedded into the metal.

The crowd grimaced, and a few plunged their fingers into their ears. Others were engrossed, watching the heaving figure closing in on the redhead scaling the golden cone under the moonlight.

Hazel lunged, and another grating sound followed, and she again hauled herself upward.

Out of her sight, Caleb had reached the structure; a wide smirk grazed his features. He placed his long sword in his belt and jumped toward her. With a swipe of his broad palm, he snagged her ankle.

The crowd gasped. Several covered their mouths with their hands, and others closed their eyes or covered their faces.

"Here we go, everyone! Calculating Caleb has finally caught our maybe not-so-lucky lady seven! Who do you all think is going to come out on top?"

Soon, the room was buzzing with numerous declarations and predictions—everyone speaking at once and shouting over each other.

Festus crossed his arms and chewed on a thumbnail, cursing unintelligibly.

Augustus remained as still as a statue, making no move to indicate that he was even watching the same program.

Hazel let out a soft grunt of surprise and looked down. Caleb leaned back with a wicked smirk.

She gasped as she pushed away from him. She wrenched and kicked her foot, but his grip held.

"Come on back here," he called, twisting her ankle.

Coriolanus's hand tightened on the armrest, and his fingers continued tapping a steady rhythm against his chin.

"It won't matter what is up her sleeve now." Dr. Gaul hummed.

Hazel moaned as she groped around her belt with her mangled left hand. Crimson streams coated her palm and dripped down her fingers.

Hazel pulled the knife from her belt, her fingers now coated in blood. Caleb still held her ankle as she swiped down at him in wild swings. He leaned away from her slices, chuckling.

Her eyes burned with anger as he laughed. With another arching swing, she brought the blade down right through the center of Caleb's wrist.

Again, the crowd reacted as a whole; some were pleased, and others were disappointed.

"Our girl from seven doesn't give up easily, does she, folks?" Lucky smiled into his microphone.

Festus again pounded his table, shouting, "Payback is a bitch."

Augustus cast a brief gaze toward Festus before returning to his statuesque state.

"Don't rule out her and her sleeves quite yet, doctor," Coriolanus murmured as Dr. Gaul studied him. A hint of a smile graced his lips as Dr. Gaul turned her scrutiny back to the tributes in silence.

Hazel released the knife as Caleb let go of her ankle with a reverberating howl, sputtering curses into the night air.

Hazel pushed her boots against the slick plane, propelling herself farther.

Below her, Caleb dislodged the knife from his hand with a harried grunt.

Hazel freed the axe and swung it upward again, catching the lip and stretching herself forward.

With a few more swings, she reached the top. She slithered to a flattened area at the structure's tip.

"I think we are getting close. Cut the wind, increase the brightness to maximum." Dr. Gaul commanded her features as solid as marble.

Caleb's shirt was soaked in blood as he gripped the material.

Hazel pulled her axe and the snare lines into her lap and tied one end of the line to the axe's head.

"What are you thinking?" Coriolanus mumbled to himself, straightening his shoulders and taking in a deep breath as he studied her image.

"Not your best day, huh, Two? Tough break being right-handed." Hazel taunted but kept her eyes on her busy fingers.

Caleb growled, "You're making this so much worse for yourself. Once I'm done with you, I promise I won't make it quick for your little brother."

"Planning on kissing him too?"

The audience burst with oohs at her comment.

Coriolanus shifted his chair. Dr. Gaul observed him further without comment.

Hazel began to tie the lines together.

Caleb scoffed and smirked simultaneously, "Memorable was it?"

Hazel's eyes narrowed. "Sure, if being kissed by a worm is considered memorable. And if you value having lips on your face, you won't try it again."

Festus was nodding in rapid approval.

Caleb winked at Hazel, then refocused on the wall and jumped toward the Cornucopia. As fast as he threw his dense weight forward, it carried him backward. After a few failed attempts, he cursed under his breath.

He paused, searching the ground around him, and retrieved the discarded knife, palming it as he reapproached the structure.

Caleb jumped upward, embedding the tip with a shrill, metallic screech until it held his weight. Pulling up with his broad arms, he copied Hazel's movements. He released the blade for a few seconds, only to embed it higher and yank himself closer to Hazel.

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"It appears our tributes have more surprises in store! You must admit these two are quite entertaining. Too bad one is probably about to die." Lucky took another long swig, smacking his lips in apparent satisfaction.

Hazel scooted backward until she was at the edge.

"Give me the status of our other two tributes," Dr. Gaul ordered in a sharp tone. The screens before her split, pushing the images of Hazel and Caleb to the right.

On the left, Silus struggled to insert a silver key into the hole of the handcuffs. After a few more turns, his arm released, and he slumped to the forest floor.

The screen split again, this time into thirds; Ruby was on her knees, chest heaving as she held a bloodied hand to her neck.

Hazel wiped her hands on her pants and used her teeth to work the translucent rope. Her face crumpled in disgust, but she continued.

The sound of Caleb's breathing, grunting, and his skin squeaking against the Cornucopia filled the air.

Silus pulled the axe from Elara's chest; his face was rigid, a flicker of sadness visible as he scanned the lifeless form of Kai.

Ruby sobbed louder and pressed her hand harder against her neck. On the split screen, Silus turned his head as if he heard the sound and moved toward it.

"Let's keep the main feed on the Cornucopia unless something interesting happens." Gaul's voice was flat, and her shoulders relaxed.

She again looked at Coriolanus. "I would offer you a drink, but depending on how this turns out, I don't want my staff to have to clean up the glass again."

Coriolanus's eyes flickered to her, "Sorry about that, it just slipped."

Gaul squinted at him before turning her attention to Silus darting through the woods, "Sure."

Hazel ran her fingers down the rope, tugging on each connection.

Caleb was closing in as she raised herself to her knees, her legs a hair's width away from the edge.

She stared at the dome and then back down at Caleb. "You up for another midnight snack, Two?"

Coriolanus let out a rush of air from his nose, and Dr. Gaul scowled at the monitors.

Festus straightened up and stepped up to his console.

Caleb frowned and froze his ascent, curiosity coloring his face.

"Any special requests? You don't seem like much of a fruit guy. But it is getting a little late for anything too heavy." Hazel called out to Caleb.

Hazel glanced back at the sky. "Forget snacks. How about some plain old water? It's always a good choice. It can wash down a salty meal, a bad piece of fish, sleeping pills... whatever."

Festus began to toggle the buttons and keys. Dr. Gaul sat up straighter and pulled her radio to her lips, "Ensure that Festus Creed's console is disabled."

A voice crackled over the radio, "Yes, Dr. Gaul."

A peacekeeper in the mentor's lounge approached and placed a hand on Festus' shoulder. Festus whirled around toward the hawk's nest as the peacekeeper continued to speak. His eyes were alight with evident anger. A nearby technician commented, "District Seven Mentor console has been suspended, Doctor."

"Dr. Gaul..." Coriolanus started, but she cut him off before he could finish his thought.

"Don't. I've been generous this year." She paused, emphasizing her point, "More than generous. However, with a tribute directly asking for assistance during a confrontation, it is over the line. I cannot allow it."

"Our delivery methods are much improved. Not like they used to be." Coriolanus locked eyes with Gaul, "Festus has plenty of sponsor support funds to cover it. Delivering a bottle of water to his tribute shouldn't interfere with the overall outcome."

"Those methods had to improve because of you, Senator. I may have turned a blind eye to it then, but things have changed."

Coriolanus pursed his lips and resumed his tapping, eyes narrowing at the screen.

The word "bullshit" was clear and audible, coming from the mentor's lounge. Festus pushed himself away from the peacekeeper, who continued to try to console him. Festus waved him off and approached the bar, grabbing a drink with each hand. He downed one in a single swig.

Caleb laughed, driving the blade higher up the wall as he strained to push his bulk forward. "Now, that was a memorable night."

"Not the word I'd use." Hazel glared.

"Oh, I would." His muscular arms tightened as he pulled his weight uphill.

"You're not going to tell me what happened that night?" She looked around.

Augustus Trask straightened at that, his head tilting. His blue-streaked black hair fell over his shoulder, and he swayed side to side, absorbed in the broadcast.

"Where's the fun in that?" Caleb mocked.

"Right, I forgot, you're all about fun."

"You more than most should know that everyone has to deal with the consequences of their actions. I just helped things along."

"Sounds like a trap," Hazel replied.

"Don't pretend you didn't benefit." Caleb scoffed.

Hazel glared at him. "And Leo?"

The peacekeeper, attempting to calm Festus, paused to watch the broadcast.

Caleb sneered. "Again, Red. Actions have consequences, both his and yours."

"My, my. This year has been dramatic both inside..." Lucky nodded to Coriolanus and Gaul, "and outside of the arena. And I don't know about you all, but this might be my favorite so far."

Dr. Gaul smiled at Lucky, but it didn't reach her eyes. She mumbled under her breath, "There's a thin line between dramatic and uncontrolled."

Coriolanus released the armrest of the chair and tightened his jaw.

Hazel looked away, and her red hair fell over her shoulders as she shook her head. "I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt," she said.

"But they did. There's no use crying over it. Embrace the advantage you got from it."

Augustus shifted his weight back and forth and ran a finger over his bottom lip.

Hazel's brows furrowed as she shivered. "There is something seriously wrong with you."

"You're probably right. But at least I'll be a victor." Caleb lunged forward and grasped the toe of her shoe. She pushed backward, but he held tight. He yanked on her foot, pulling her toward him. She scraped her fingernails against the surface. Blood streaked across the gold metal as she dragged her palm against it, grunting.

She tore at her shoelace as Caleb grappled with her foot.

Hazel managed to loosen the ties in a few seconds and jerked and thrashed her foot until it slipped out of the shoe. As it released, he skidded backward, the empty boot in his hand.

"And she does it again!" Lucky commented. The crowd was engrossed, clearly on the edge of their seats. "Luck is the name of the Game, and Miss Hazel Marlowe from District Seven appears to have it in spades." Lucky smiled, taking a long sip of an amber liquid.

"I could really go for some water right now!" Hazel yelled toward the moon.

Festus downed his drink and yelled up at the hawk's nest, spittle sprayed from his lips, "Come on!"

The peacekeeper placed his hand again on Festus' shoulder, urging him to relax, but Festus continued to glare at Coriolanus and Gaul.

Caleb dropped her shoe as he regained his composure, scrambling to keep from sliding all the way down the slope.

"Water, really?" He quirked an eyebrow. "Festus can't save you."

She met his eyes in the moonlight, her voice softening. "Who says I'm asking Festus?"

Festus paused his glare-fest and turned to stare at Hazel's image.

Augustus unfolded his arms and dug a hand through his long, silky hair. He rubbed a finger along his temple.

Dr. Gaul scoffed, "You weren't wrong about surprises."

Caleb paused, staring at her and shaking his head in dismissal.

Hazel locked eyes with him. "I'm testing a theory."

Augustus shook his head and stared up at Hazel like he was in the arena himself. After a brief moment, he strode toward his console.

Dr. Gaul sat forward, and a harsh sneer escaped her lips. She groped for her radio as Coriolanus rose to his feet. "Disable Augustus Trask's Console."

Coriolanus grabbed his own radio and barked into it, "Disregard that order."

The peacekeepers below froze and searched the hawk's nest. Dr. Gaul's mouth hung open, and her eyes hardened.

Caleb nodded, his usually mocking voice replaced by a severe tone. "You think you know everything, but you don't. You don't even know a fraction."

"Maybe. But maybe we both only see the fraction we are meant to."

Coriolanus wrapped his long fingers around her radio. His voice was soft: "Wait, Doctor."

Dr. Gaul's eyes widened at his gesture, "Coriolanus?" her tone was icy yet filled with surprise.

Coriolanus searched the mentor's lounge before turning back to Gaul, "Let the players play."

"Play whatever personal games you choose in your spare time, Coriolanus. But in my Games, you are not a player." Dr. Gaul's eyes were lit with a dark fire as she nodded toward Augustus. "And this, I assure you, is no game."

"Trust me, doctor," Coriolanus searched her face, blue eyes almost pleading.

"Trust is a two-way street." She glanced at Augustus and then back to Coriolanus. Her eyes bore into his, "Tell me why, and maybe I will allow you to continue as a Gamemaker after today."

Coriolanus's stare flickered as he bit his lip, and his chest heaved. He glanced around the control room. Staff were clearly watching them but trying not to be obvious about it. Coriolanus's eyes grew distant. "I can't," he murmured.

Over the speakers, Lucky's voice took on a new, excited energy, "What is this, folks? A shocking development!"

Coriolanus released Gaul and looked back over his shoulder at the large television, and Lucky continued, "It looks like District Two mentor, Augustus Trask, is sending water."

The audience erupted; some even shrieked out in their surprise.

Dr. Gaul leaned forward, seething in his ear, "You will regret this, Coriolanus."

Festus had paused all fighting, gaping at Augustus, who looked at no one but the monitor before him.

Hazel's eyes grew wide and hopeful as a new sound filled the air.

The beat of wings drowned out the fading, angry footsteps. Just as the falcon had been released from its nest, Dr. Gaul stormed out of hers.

Coriolanus straightened and took in a deep breath as he watched her disappear from the control room.

Caleb's head whipped around when the giant bird appeared in the moonlight, its deep orange talons clutching a glass bottle.

"This is some kind of joke, right?" Caleb scoffed, the familiar smirk snapping back into place.

Coriolanus dropped back into his control chair, running a hand through his blond locks, deep lines between his brows. He pressed several buttons until three separate screens were visible.

Hazel dove toward Caleb as he was turned away. She looped the translucent knot over his head and around his neck, pulling hard. Caleb let out a guttural grunt of surprise. His wide fingers strained to grip the slick surface while clawing at his neck.

Hazel heaved the axe from her belt and yanked on the line. With a few steps backward, her heels dangled over the edge. The snare tightened around Caleb's neck, but he managed to slip two meaty fingers under the line.

"Going to strangle me with your arts and crafts project, Red?" Caleb laughed. "You don't have the strength."

Caleb heaved himself until he was fully on top of the Cornucopia. He rose to his feet as he grasped at the snare around his neck.

Coriolanus rubbed a long finger along his jaw as he glanced toward where Gaul had disappeared, but she did not reemerge. "This better be worth it."

"This is the last time," Hazel called out.

The falcon swooped in closer. Caleb reached forward, trying to rip the line from her, "Last time what?"

The wind picked up around them, and the mighty bird's wings flapped as it descended.

Hazel raised her axe above her head, blood trickling down her arm. "You underestimate me."

Festus gripped his console as if he was using it to keep himself upright. The peacekeepers in the mentor's lounge all had paused their tasks to watch. No one in the building dared breathe.

Caleb raised an eyebrow, attention fixed on the axe.

"So sorry about this," Hazel whispered.

Caleb paused and tilted his head.

"Not you." Hazel heaved her axe forward. It arced away from her into the night sky, spinning end over end.

The falcon let out a bone-chilling shriek as the blade embedded itself in the soft feathers of its muscular leg. The glass bottle fell, shattering against the cornucopia between them. Lights shifted from blue to green.

"Surprising, indeed," Coriolanus murmured, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees, a smirk hidden behind his gloved palms.

The majestic bird darted toward the dome, screaming into the night. The translucent rope became taut in an instant. Caleb let out a shrieking grunt as the line dug into his skin.

Festus oscillated his tipsy attention from the screen to Augustus.

The wind from the falcon's broad wings whirled around them, forcing her to her knees.

Caleb was hauled backward by the line. He grappled with the snare around his neck, but he was flung backward, his body sliding against the structure with a sickening squeal. His scream was cut off suddenly as the giant falcon soared further into the manufactured night sky.

Coriolanus looked down; the muscles in his jaw jumped, and his face held a detached expression.

The building shuddered with the sound of the audience's reaction. Many rose to their feet in excitement while others hurled curses in the air. Lucky raised his hands to calm down the raucous group, but a wide smile colored his features.

In the mentor's lounge, Augustus sank into his chair. The three victors were all standing; clear shock colored their faces.

Festus patted the peacekeeper on the shoulder, beaming at the man he had been fighting moments before.

Coriolanus smirked down at Hazel's image as he scrutinized the screens before him. His eyes flicked to the two other tributes, and he froze. With a quick glance around, he sat up and pressed several buttons, his fingers flying over the controls.

A technician near him with pale, almost white hair and matching eyebrows frowned at his machinery and sat straighter. He hesitantly looked over his shoulder at Coriolanus, "Sir, you've turned off the recording for the District Twelve Female and the District Seven Male Tributes."

Coriolanus stared at the technician with a calculated, cold smile, "I think you are mistaken, Vesper."

The technician scanned his monitors and then spun back to Coriolanus; a bead of sweat trickled from his hairline. He opened his mouth to respond when a shriek filled the room.

Coriolanus turned to the large television just in time to witness a screeching Hazel disappearing over the mouth of the Cornucopia.