Warmth stirred Hazel from her slumber once again. However, this time, she immediately knew it was not the heat of her living room fireplace. And the gentle breeze playing with her hair was indeed just that, not her mother's soft fingers lazily stroking her temples. The comforting heat along her skin was that of a sunrise. It shone brightly on her face, soaking into her pores as it attempted to penetrate her damp clothes to reach her chilled skin. Hazel rolled toward the sun's rays, imagining she was back at home in front of the hearth. She savored the sensation for a moment that felt all too brief before opening her eyes. Was it really morning already?
Disappointment flooded through her as her wits caught up with her surroundings. The fleeting feeling of her mother's touch lingered on her face. Although her body was in the arena, her mind continued to replay her dreams, tinting the present with the events of the night. She shook her head, hoping to dislodge the more unpleasant parts of her dream—especially those of seeing the fallen tributes die all over again and, of course, Senator Snow.
Silus had promised to wake her up in a couple of hours, but it seemed like an eternity had passed. The palms, their leaves casting peculiar shadows on the ground, swayed in the burgeoning daylight. The sun's heat, mingling with the scent of salt from the distant ocean, saturated the air. It was a scene that could only be found in this peculiar place.
As Hazel sat up further, she noticed that Kai and Ruby were no longer in the spot they had been in the night before. In their place was a snoring Ethan, only partially clothed, of course. He lay stretched out on his stomach, head resting on his bare arms as he drooled into the sand.
Toward the beach, Aaron and Silus sat close to each other, weapons in their laps, engaged in hushed, seemingly serious conversation.
Standing, Hazel felt her muscles protest; they were achy and stiff. Although her body was weary, her senses remained sharply attuned to the sounds around her: Ethan's steady breathing, the warm breeze, the palms scratching as they danced in the air above, and, of course, the ever-present hum of the surf.
As she shifted her feet, the uncomfortable slosh of water in her socks and shoes reminded her that Ethan might not have been completely wrong about the hazards of wet clothes. However, she would never admit it to him. In District Seven, they knew all too well that wet feet in the woods could lead to problems such as blisters or, worse, trench foot. Gingerly, she bent down and loosened the laces of her boots until she could ease her aching feet out. The next layer—drenched wool socks—clung to her skin. Pulling them off felt like shedding moist shackles, and she sighed, relishing the relief that followed. Careful not to disturb Ethan, she made her way to Silus and Aaron. The sand beneath her bare feet was warm, having absorbed the sun's heat, but its grainy texture still unsettled her slightly.
Silus and Aaron straightened up as Hazel approached, their conversation dwindling into silence. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder at the unfortunate palm where Ian Threader was still chained. His eyes were closed, and his face and his midnight-colored braid, shining in the light, were so deep in color that it almost looked blue. Whether he was sleeping or perhaps meditating, Hazel couldn't tell.
With a groan of soreness, she settled onto the sand beside the two boys, spreading her shoes and socks out in the sun.
"Morning," she managed in a parched tone. Both nodded subtly in greeting. She shot a narrowed look at Silus. "So much for waking me in a couple of hours."
"You complain if I wake you up, and you complain when I don't," Silus replied with a smile, nudging her, "You needed the rest. Not that you really slept much, from what I could tell with all that tossing and turning."
"That's fair, I guess, but you need to try to sleep at some point yourself. You look like you could tip over any minute," Hazel said, her tone rich with sisterly concern as she examined his weary features, the dark circles under his eyes evident.
"Don't I know it," Silus agreed, rubbing his eyes and straightening his shoulders.
Hazel decided she would give it a couple of hours before insisting Silus rest. Given his current state, he was unlikely to put up a fight. She glanced out over the sea; it reflected the peachy hues of the dawn sun. The gentle sound of waves caressing The shore offered a deceptive sense of relaxation while the gentle breeze carried a barely perceptible mist through the air.
Aaron sat silently; his ashy hair was still caked in soot and soil. They all desperately needed a shower. She flinched, thinking of more salt assaulting the wounds to her left side.
Kai and Ruby huddled together near the water's edge with their shoes discarded, letting the waves lap at their bare toes. In Kai's hands was a bundle of rope, which they took turns tying into knots while chatting. Every so often, Ruby's giggle floated across the beach.
"Looks like the lovebirds are up early this morning," Aaron commented.
"I should go break that up," Ethan's voice chimed in gruffly as he approached. His expression was bleary, his hair disheveled, and sand clung to his forearms, chest, and chin.
"Let them be," Hazel said, gesturing for Ethan to sit beside them. He grunted as he settled onto the sandy ground, his bow in hand but his shirt still missing. "Let them enjoy the morning."
After all, none of them had many mornings left. And it wasn't very likely they would be as beautiful as this one.
Ethan grumbled, but his muffled words were lost.
"Did anyone else hear that splashing last night?" Hazel asked, digging her feet into the soft sand.
"Something was out there, but it was too dark to tell. " Aaron peered out over the calm waves. "Maybe some kind of fish?"
"Let's hope it was just fish," Hazel responded, her voice tinged with unease. Given their experiences so far and Gaul's love of monsters, the sounds were doubtful benign.
Silus shifted in the sand, rubbing his eyes. "Seems like all the animals around here are nocturnal. Figures, since I know I'm not."
"It's true, you're completely a morning person," Hazel smiled, giving him a playful nudge with her shoulder.
"I don't know about you two, but I slept like the dead," Aaron added. "At least until Ethan's snoring woke me up."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "You're just jealous because I didn't shiver all night like the rest of you."
"We still aren't joining you in your nude colony, Ethan," Hazel teased.
Ethan stretched his legs out, his bow resting in his lap. "You guys are no fun," he muttered, a hint of mock annoyance in his tone, "And enjoy the view while you can." He leaned backward, resting his head on the ground, staring up into the air, "Once my shirt dries, I will be putting it back on, and the show's over."
She gave a soft laugh before looking up at the top of the arena. The imitation of a clear blue day was in full effect, a tapestry of cerulean unmarred by clouds.
Gradually, a dark blemish appeared on the horizon, growing with each passing moment. The tributes became silent as they all appeared to notice it simultaneously.
Silus finally stood and stretched, a smirk on his lips as his attention fixed on the object in the sky. "Looks like breakfast is on Festus this morning."
He was right. One of the sizeable peregrine falcons was taking shape on the horizon, a bundle clutched in its talons. Its wingspan nearly blocked the morning sun as it approached the mesmerized tributes on the beach.
"Oh, thank God. I could kill for some water right now," Hazel spoke to the sky, tilting her head back and running her dry lips together. They were all out of fresh water, and she had been fighting the ache of thirst all morning.
She admired the beauty and power of the flapping wings. The sand around her whirled into the air, tangling in her long red tresses. It reminded her of the little carving from Cedar; she could almost feel the smooth wood in her palm.
The bird grew closer to the group, but instead of landing, it merely circled above them and dropped the items it held.
The group scrambled back as a sizeable rectangular grey package fell onto the soft sand with a dull thud, embedding itself into the beach. The container reached her thighs and was as deep as her elbow. Hazel cast a sidelong glance at Ian, who sat up straighter, watching with clear curiosity. The group approached the package; even Ruby and Kai joined, their excitement evident.
"What do you think Festus sent?" Ruby asked, kneeling next to the delivery like a little girl waiting beneath a Christmas tree for her parents' approval to rip open gifts.
"Let's find out," Silus replied, tearing at the rope binding the parcel with his axe.
The group huddled together as Silus removed the lid. A brief smile crossed his face as he surveyed the contents. Inside, four large, sturdy glass bottles filled with water, their smooth, transparent surfaces reflecting the light. Beside them lay a generous heap of dates; the small, wrinkled fruits had a glossy sheen and a rich brown color. A cluster of bananas added a splash of yellow to the assortment. Alongside these were several pieces of smoked trout, their skin a glistening golden brown with a somewhat oily texture. All these items were carefully placed on a soft black blanket, cradling them securely.
"There is so much," Aaron whispered, his eyes widening before glimpsing at Hazel.
"Whatever you are doing, keep it up. The Capitol approves." Ethan added, sending a wink in her direction. She felt her cheeks warm again, and not from the sun. Hazel shifted uncomfortably, noticing Silus's smile falter almost unnoticeably.
"We all deserve it, even if the sponsors don't show it to everyone," she remarked, her gaze flickered over the faces of her alliance partners.
They began to reach in, eager to partake in the water and food.
Hazel grabbed one of the large glass bottles of water. The cool surface was a relief to touch, and as she unscrewed the cap, the fresh, clean scent of water filled her senses. Her throat felt parched, and the sight of the liquid intensified her thirst, urging her to take a long, satisfying drink.
As Hazel sipped from the bottle, Ruby's voice abruptly interrupted her thoughts. "I think the Capitol is just realizing why Snow is so in love with you," she commented, reaching into the parcel. Her fingers selected a handful of dates, and she popped one into her mouth before handing a few to Kai. Kai took them with a nod, his fingers gently curling around the plump fruits.
At Ruby's words, Hazel choked loudly, water catching in her throat. The liquid spilled down her shirt, splattering droplets across her clothing. Ethan, standing nearby, chuckled and gave her a light pat on the back. "Careful there, the golden girl. Dying from choking on water would be pretty lame," he joked.
Hazel noticed another card nestled at the bottom as she peered back into the parcel. With a sigh, she pulled out a paper rectangle of light lavender, which read, "If burning my gifts is what it takes to make you get your hands dirty, then fire away. Just remember, only during the day. 11- F."
So, Festus was playing along. He approved of her actions, even though their weight lingered in her mind like a persistent migraine—or perhaps more aptly, a bad dream. Only during the day. It was sound advice; fire had nearly compromised their position in the ten tract but had also been their salvation in eleven.
11. Hazel sighed deeply, feeling overwhelmed. She took a deep breath and another, trying to steady her nerves. Popping a date into her mouth, she chewed on its sticky sweetness, hoping it would calm her stomach.
As Hazel delved deeper into the box beneath the dark blanket, her heart lifted at the sight of additional wound care supplies. More bandages lay neatly folded and precisely cut. Next to them was a bottle of cleanser, its transparent body filled with a clear, antiseptic liquid. A small, compact, cylindrical tube of ointment also appeared.
Then, something brightly colored and wholly out of place caught her eye—several rolls of bright pink gauze wrap. The gauze was vibrant against the muted colors of their surroundings, each roll tightly wound and secured with a small piece of tape. Its unusual color made it stand out from the typical medical supplies.
Hazel addressed Ruby, "Guess Festus is a better listener than I thought. How about we change those bandages after breakfast?"
Ruby nodded eagerly, "These are really gross now," she replied, lifting her injured arm.
"What were you two doing down at the beach?" Ethan interrupted between bites as he looked toward Ruby and Kai.
She smiled and replied, "Teaching Kai some snare knots that we use in twelve to catch rabbits."
Kai straightened his shoulders, shoving the rope in his pocket, "Ruby is a very good teacher."
"Mmmhmm," Ethan commented, "Giving the boy a once over before he caught a sharp look from Ruby. Silus apparently wasn't the only overly protective brother.
The group settled onto the sandy beach, each finding a spot to sit and enjoy breakfast together. They gathered in a semi-circle, the sand cool against Hazel's bare feet, still damp from the morning tide. Around them, the tranquil sound of waves provided a soothing backdrop. The tributes shared the bounty of their parcel: bananas, their bright yellow peels discarded on the sand; dates, their sticky sweetness, a contrast to the savory smoked trout they tore into strips. The water bottles were passed around, each person taking turns drinking from them.
While they ate, casual conversation filled the air. Ethan's tendency to eat with his mouth open sparked light teasing, and laughter erupted when Aaron recounted the tale of smuggling a pig home from the slaughterhouse during his childhood, much to his father's dismay as the mayor.
"I can't imagine growing up in a place like this." Aaron looked over the sea, the morning sun glistening on the water.
"District four does have it pretty good." Ethan agreed, tearing another slice of dried trout with his teeth.
"Maybe we can just stay here forever." Ruby's voice carried a wistful tone.
Ethan glanced at her, his expression turning serious. "Keep dreaming, Rubes."
Aaron's eyes hardened as he added, "Even if we refuse to kill, they will make sure we die—one way or another."
Ruby continued to stare out at the sea, silent. Hazel noticed the shimmer of tears reflecting in Ruby's expressive eyes.
A reflective silence settled over the group, broken only by the sound of the waves and the occasional crunch of their meal.
Hazel's gaze then drifted toward Ian, who repeatedly licked his lips and awkwardly bent his restrained hands to wipe sweat from his forehead. The sight caused a twinge of discomfort in Hazel's stomach.
Hazel ran her finger over the cool surface of a water bottle resting in her lap. With a deep sigh, she stood up, her feet pressing into the soft sand. She picked up a slice of dried trout and began walking toward Ian, the sand clinging to her bare feet with each step.
Silus shot up and followed her. "You can't be serious," he said, clearly understanding her intentions.
Hazel looked from the food to Ian. "It's the right thing to do."
"He's a murderer," Silus countered, his voice tense. "Like you said, a monster."
Hazel nodded, meeting Silus's gaze firmly. "Even so, maybe we can treat him humanely until we decide what to do with him."
"He didn't treat Ava or Iris humanely."
"Exactly," Hazel responded, holding Silus's gaze. "Besides, I want answers; maybe I can coax some out of him with this."
Silus huffed and shook his head. "Just be careful. Don't get too close."
Hazel patted him on the shoulder. "Eat your breakfast. He's handcuffed and shackled. I'll be fine. I'm armed, anyway." She nodded toward the axes at her belt.
Silus reluctantly watched her walk away before he finally turned and rejoined the group.
Hazel steeled herself as she approached Ian. His head shot up, his guarded eyes scanning her face before settling on the items in her hand. As she neared, she noticed a freshly dried trail of blood from his nostrils down to his shirt, ending in the sand.
Stopping an arm's length away, she crouched before him. "Would you like something to drink? Or eat?"
Ian observed her, tilting his head faintly, then glanced at the water bottle and the trout before returning his gaze to hers. "I'll take the water."
He grasped the bottle with his bound hands, carefully bringing it to his lips and taking several deep gulps of the clear liquid.
Hazel watched Ian drink until he had his fill and then returned the bottle to her, "Thank you."
"Is that a nosebleed?" she asked, tilting her head as her eyes followed the blood trail again.
He nodded, shifting his braid over his shoulder, staring down at the blood stains, "Happens a lot. Ever since I was a kid."
Hazel studied him for a moment longer and held out the slice of trout to him. He leaned back and shook his head, refusing to take it.
"Still committed to that hunger strike, huh?" Hazel remarked as she pulled the trout back. She had not seen him eat food since he arrived at the Capitol the day of the Reaping.
"I will only accept things from the Capitol that are necessary for survival. Not a thing more."
"Well, I guess you're committed, if nothing else," Hazel responded. Insane but committed.
Hazel capped the water bottle she was holding and paused, watching Ian closely. His gaze grew curious as the seconds passed. "Is there something else?" he inquired, his brow arching.
Hazel traced a finger along the smooth glass of the bottle, her eyes momentarily drifting to the blood trail staining Ian's shirt. "Why were you following us?" she asked, her voice soft yet firm.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Ian's face remained unreadable, but his eyes sharpened, a hint of alertness flashing through them. "What do you mean?"
"I know you aren't on the run from Caleb," Hazel began, her voice steady. Ian's eyes narrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line, his jaw tensing as she continued, " I know you've been following us for some time. Before the corn field." She glanced towards the group; Kai and Ruby were busy with bandages, the bright pink gauze catching the light, while Ethan, Silus, and Aaron shared a drink, their voices a muted background humming. She didn't need to look at Silus to feel his eyes carefully watching the exchange. She offered him a reassuring smile before turning her attention back to Ian.
"Do you?" Ian's voice carried a hint of skepticism, but his expression betrayed a flicker of acknowledgment.
"Well, to be fair, I didn't know it was you until now," Hazel replied, shrugging vaguely.
Ian's gaze flickered from her to the group and back, his expression contemplative yet reserved.
Without waiting for him to respond, Hazel pressed on. "Why? You could have attacked us or revealed yourself, but you did neither."
Ian looked down at his shackled hands, his feet shifting in the sand. "I should have known you weren't offering me food and water out of the goodness of your heart," he muttered, almost to himself.
"You're avoiding the question," Hazel persisted, her grip tightening on the bottle.
"Have you ever considered that maybe you aren't the center of everyone's Game? Though it would be hard to tell the way the Capitol has been fixated on you." He exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting to his bound hands again. His voice was low, carrying a weight that suggested deeper currents beneath his words.
She hadn't set out to become the focal point of the Games; it was a narrative spun by the Capitol and Snow. She understood how disheartening it must be for the other tributes, cast as mere side characters in what felt like an elaborate, orchestrated story where they were merely expendable.
"I didn't ask to be the center of anything..." Hazel's voice trailed off.
"Maybe not," Ian's response came sharply, frustration evident. "But weren't you the one dancing like a smitten teenager with Snow himself? Can't get much more center stage than that." His expression grew sterner, accusatory.
"Is that why you are following us? Because of the Senator?" Hazel asked, trying to understand his motives.
He scoffed, repeating the word 'senator' under his breath as if it were vile, "No, I'm after something else or someone. You are just the bait."
Hazel's heart raced at his declaration. Studying his face, she saw a deep-seated hatred etching his features, his eyes almost wild.
"Caleb," she ventured gently, shifting her weight in the sand. Her hand subconsciously brushed against the axes at her belt, finding reassurance in their presence.
At the mention of the name, Ian's eyes flashed even wilder, though he offered no confirmation or denial.
"Why?" Hazel pressed, eager for answers.
"I'm not telling you anymore," Ian said, turning his head to gaze at the rolling waves, his jaw set firmly. Hazel's brow furrowed, the bitterness in Ian's tone unmistakable.
"Ian, if you are after Caleb, then we are on the same side," Hazel responded, her eyes scanning him, "Minus, of course, your cold-blooded murder of two people."
His gaze snapped back to her, sharp and piercing. "We are not on the same side and never will be."
"Why?" She pushed, needing to understand his animosity.
"I don't have to explain myself; what I've already told you is the best I can do," he said firmly, locking eyes with her once more before eyeing his restraints. "Given the circumstances," he said.
"Well then, you'll have to understand why you will stay tied to that tree," Hazel stated, intently probing Ian's dark eyes, which flickered with toffee-colored speckles under the beach sunlight. "Given the circumstances."
Ian's response was firm, almost defiant. "Ok then, been in worse situations before, and like you said, I'm committed."
Hazel scoffed, a hint of disbelief in her tone. "Committed to what? We all get that you hate the Capitol." She noticed a slight hardening of his expression, though he chose to remain silent. "You made that abundantly clear from the moment we all arrived here."
"Unlike you and your brother, some of us have convictions," Ian shot back, his voice sharpening.
Hazel let out a loud, incredulous laugh, shaking her head as she stared back at him. "You have to be kidding, right? That's delusional," she countered. "You murdered two people in cold blood. Ava of all people."
His eyes smoldered under the glare of the morning sun. "You don't have to remind me that you think I'm a monster," he declared, his statement flat and devoid of inquiry. "But tell me, how are you and your group any different?"
"We are completely different." Hazel shook her head in disgust, her eyes scanning the trout in her hand.
"Now who's delusional?" He inquired, tilting his head to the side.
"Give me a break. We're in the arena of the Hunger Games; you murdered two people before we even got here. You had a choice," Hazel argued, frustration evident as her brow furrowed deeply. The comparison seemed ludicrous to her.
Ian leaned forward as much as his restraints allowed, his gaze locking intensely with hers. "Bullshit. We all have choices. And you made yours when you burned down that cornfield and killed Eve." The gnawing guilt grew more prominent in her chest as he continued, "Or how about your actions back at the manor that got your little peacekeeper friend probably beaten to death."
Hazel pulled back at the mention of Leo. She hoped he was still alive, and Percy wasn't lying when he told her he was. But Ian was misguided if he didn't realize his own part in getting Leo beaten. Her face flushed with heat in her frustration at Ian's words.
"You and your group think you're better than me, but you're not. We are the same. If anything, at least I'm consistent. I refuse to let the Capitol use me or change me. I see them for who they truly are," He scrutinized her closely as he continued. "Can you honestly say the same?"
Her jaw clenched at his words, each syllable stinging with an uncomfortable truth she wasn't fully prepared to acknowledge.
Her stomach flipped, and she averted her gaze from his piercing look. This whole situation with Snow wasn't about letting the Capitol use her. If anything, she was manipulating the situation to save Silus and give him the best chance of survival.
"Hazel!" Ruby's voice suddenly pierced the tense air between them. Hazel turned toward her and saw Ruby waving the wound care supplies with a hopeful look. "I'm all done with breakfast."
Hazel sighed; they did need to change their bandages. She took a deep breath to compose herself and gave Ian one last look, his eyes still stormy with conviction. She leaned forward, catching his eyes again before placing the strip of smoked trout in the sand between them. "If you change your mind."
With that, she stood, brushing the sand from her hands, her movements deliberate as she prepared to join Ruby. The distance from Ian allowed her to refocus, reminding herself of the immediate needs of her allies.
Meanwhile, Ethan, Silus, and Aaron continued their conversation, cleaning their weapons.
Hazel settled next to Ruby, with Kai sitting close by, his gaze flitting between her and Ian with keen interest. She carefully began to peel away the soaked and dirty bandage from Ruby's arm. The gauze, originally pristine white, was now a grimy patchwork of brown and gray, mottled with dirt and ash.
"What were you two talking about?" Kai asked, his curiosity evident as he alternated his gaze between Hazel and the distant figure of Ian.
Hazel drew in a deep breath through her nose, her fingers steady as she focused on Ruby's arm. "Oh, you know, the usual. Life, taxes, and why someone would murder two innocent people for no reason," she replied, her tone light but her eyes serious.
Ruby's face was full of surprise and curiosity. "Did he tell you why he did it?"
"Not exactly," Hazel responded. As she continued to work, Ruby suddenly inhaled sharply. Hazel paused and inspected closer, realizing the bandage had dried and adhered to the wound bed, causing it to painfully reopen as she gently tugged at the gauze.
"I think I'm going to have to soak it off; it looks stuck," Hazel announced, her voice calm despite the complication.
Ruby nodded, her expression tense as she bit her bottom lip in anticipation of the impending pain. Hazel glanced over at Kai, an idea forming. "Why don't you distract her by demonstrating those knots she taught you?"
Kai's eyes lit up at the opportunity to help, and he quickly moved closer to Ruby, ready to divert her attention with his newly learned skills. Hazel watched for a moment to ensure Ruby was engaged, then returned her attention to carefully managing the delicate situation with the bandage.
Kai pulled a length of rope into his lap. He began to show the different knots she had taught him earlier. Hazel worked as gently as possible, using their bottles to soak the bandage and ease it off without causing further damage. Ruby was distracted enough that she only gasped a couple of times while correcting Kai's technique.
"There you go, the more the rabbit pulls, the tighter it gets," Ruby instructed, watching Kai's hands work the rope.
Kai nodded in understanding and proudly held up his completed knot for Hazel to inspect.
"Well, Kai was right, you are quite the teacher, Rubes." Hazel removed the last of the old bandages from Ruby's arm. "You would make a fine one."
Ruby paused, her gaze dropping to her hands before she murmured softly, "Yeah, I would have liked that."
Hazel felt immediately like she had said the wrong thing, reminding the girl of a future that was most likely never to occur.
Hazel nudged Ruby, hoping to shift her focus. "Look, the old stuff is all off. Time to clean and then on to the pink."
Ruby's face brightened at the mention of the new bandages, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Hazel carefully cleaned the wound and began applying the fresh pink bandages supplied by Festus. As she wrapped the last piece around Ruby's arm, Ruby inquired, "Ok, what about yours?"
Hazel dismissed her concern with a shrug. "Don't worry about me. I think it will be okay."
Silus' from behind her countered, "I disagree. "Hazel sighed and wiped her hands on her pants. "I'll help her, Rubes. Plus, I need to talk with my sister for a minute."
Ruby raised her eyebrows and looked to Hazel for confirmation. Hazel waved her off reassuringly. Ruby and Kai gathered their rope and headed back toward Aaron and Ethan. They were busily cleaning their weapons and taking inventory of their supplies.
Hazel turned as Silus gestured down to the beach. "Can we go over here?" he asked, pointing to a quieter spot a few meters away. They walked together, the sand crunching softly under their feet, until they were far enough to speak without being overheard by the others.
"I need to look at your back," Hazel said once they had found a secluded spot beneath a sizable palm.
Silus shook his head, his expression stubborn. "Nope, you first."
Hazel huffed in resignation but began to undo the buttons of her top, pulling her arm out of the shirt. " You sure you can manage the bandages?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and mild irritation.
They both plopped down onto the warm sand, Silus settling behind her. "I learned from the best," he replied confidently.
"Right," Hazel deadpanned as Silus set to work, delicately peeling away the old bandages. Hazel winced as the fabric separated from her skin, the brisk sea breeze exacerbating the sting of her exposed wounds.
"You've been bleeding," Silus observed, concern laced his tone.
Hazel couldn't help but snort softly, the tang of salt filling her nostrils as she retorted, "Figures, you know, all the running from monstrosities and psychopaths will do that."
Silus responded with a pensive hum, his hands steady as he tended to Hazel's injuries. "Speaking of the devil. What did Ian tell you?"
Hazel sighed, replaying the conversation in her mind. "He wants to kill Caleb," she recounted.
Silus coughed, "He told you that?"
Hazel shifted, "Well, not explicitly, but it's the reason he gave for following us this whole time."
She felt Silus pause his work, "What do you mean, following us?"
Hazel bit her lip, internally cursing herself. "I noticed signs we were being tracked," she admitted softly, her tone almost sheepish.
"Haze, are you serious?" Silus's disappointment was palpable as he resumed his task. "Since when?"
She allowed another pause to linger. It wasn't as if she had intentionally kept it from him. It was just a hunch, and amidst the whirlwind of recent events, finding the right moment to broach the topic had proven to be a low priority. "Since the district seven tract," she confessed, gazing out at the waves before closing her eyes, envisioning the blood trail in the darkness.
"This is what concerns me, Haze" he replied, a soft sigh lingering against her shoulder. "It feels like we're in the same arena but playing different games. Like I don't have all the cards, and you aren't letting me see all of yours."
There it was. She scoffed at his cleverness and boldness alike. Reopening her eyes, she stared up at the arena's nearly perfect sky. "I promise I'm not doing anything that would put you in harm's way. I just want you to be safe."
"Believe me, that's what I'm afraid of. You're so willing to sacrifice yourself to save me, but have you ever considered what I want?"
He had a valid point. She hadn't really asked, but at the same time she wasn't sure she wanted the answer if it wasn't to return home to seven. But it was only fair to allow him to express himself. Hazel turned her head toward him as he gently rebandaged, catching only a glimpse out of the corner of her eye. "What do you want?"
"I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me, Haze," he said, his voice breaking slightly over her name, prompting him to clear his throat.
A sharp pang of guilt washed over her as she thought of the hidden blooms in her backpack. It was as if he was closing in on her secret plan. He will never forgive me if he finds out. She needed to steer the conversation away, to prevent him from digging too deep into her plans.
"Then it's ironic, isn't it, little brother?" She turned away from him. "What's more self-sacrificial than taking it upon yourself to run off toward certain death without talking to me?"
She felt Silus' sigh like a gentle breeze through her hair, cooling the damp patches left by their salty environment.
"Like I told you, we can't play defense forever," Silus responded, his voice gaining strength as it mingled with the rustle of palms overhead.
"And look where that almost got us all." It was her turn for her voice to falter.
Silus exhaled a long, weary sigh. "I know. I'm sorry."
She swallowed, refocusing her mind. "I promise to show you all my cards if you show me yours," Hazel insisted, her tone firm yet tired.
Hazel reached behind her and placed her hand over his, the warmth of his skin contrasting with the cool ocean breeze brushing across them. "And whatever we do, we need to do it as a team. Deal?"
"Deal," he relented.
Hazel gave a slight nod, feeling the tension ease across her shoulders as Silus's fingers continued their gentle ministrations. A fresh wave of warm guilt flooded her senses as she spun the lie. She knew full well she would keep her blue-tinged trump card close to her chest until her last breath. No one would see it, not even Silus.
She glanced toward the group in the distance. Aaron was rinsing off in the ocean, splashes glinting in the sunlight, while Ethan sat on the beach with his shirt draped over his lap, inspecting his clothes for dryness. All the while, he kept a wary eye on Ruby and Kai. For a moment, she wished Ruby's little dream could be reality. They could stay here forever, all of them. No one would die, no one would have to kill or be killed. She briefly closed her eyes one more time, and she could keep Silus alive forever. Warm tears began to build along her eyelids at the thought. Opening her eyes again, she pushed away the wishful thinking as she did the tears with her sleeve, her resolve hardening. Silus might resent her for following through with her plan, but he would be alive.
Soon, Silus was painstakingly replacing Hazel's old bandages with fresh ones. He held up a roll of bright pink gauze, a playful tone in his voice. "You want some of this ridiculous pink gauze on your arm too?"
"Why not, Ruby will love that we match," Hazel responded.
Carefully, Silus began to wrap Hazel's left arm and shoulder in the strikingly bright pink-hued gauze. The color was almost ridiculous, it was so vibrant and out of place that it nearly brought an audible laugh from Hazel. However, she caught Ruby's enthusiastic thumbs up from across the beach. She responded with a thumbs up of her own, the gesture making the absurdity of the situation feel worthwhile.
Once Silus finished securing the gauze, Hazel carefully pulled her arm back through the sleeve of her shirt, adjusting the fabric gently to avoid disturbing the new bandaging.
Now that her own bandages were in order, Hazel turned her attention to Silus, and they switched places. Silus pulled his shirt up and over his head, settling down on the sand in front of her. As Hazel began to assess the cut on Silus's back, her stomach twisted as she examined the marred skin exposed before her. A jagged cut stretched from his right hip diagonally across his spine, ending at his left shoulder blade. The wound was shallow overall, but there were areas where the knife had dug deeper. "Silus," she exhaled softly, taking in the sight. The sight of her little brother injured caused her physical pain. It was one thing working in the hospital on wounds of others. Seeing the damage done to her brother caused her inner turmoil to grow. I need to get him out of here.
"It's really okay," he reassured her, staring down at his lap, his back muscles tensing as she began to dab at the wound with cleanser and gauze. It was anything but ok, but Hazel held her tongue.
She worked carefully, trying to remove dirt, soot, and specks of shattered corn and salt embedded in the wound. After several minutes of silence, filled only by the distant sound of the ocean and the muted voices of their alliance partners, Silus cleared his throat. "There is something else we need to talk about."
Hazel continued her work, shifting closer to Silus, "What is it?"
Silus inhaled deeply, the wound on his back stretching as he did so, "We've decided what to do with Ian."
She placed the used gauze pads aside and reached for a small tube of ointment provided by Festus. "I was wondering what you all were whispering about earlier."
"We are going to kill him, Haze," Silus stated, his voice mostly steady but with a slight quiver at the word 'kill.'
Hazel paused, her hands momentarily still. It was, no doubt, the pragmatic approach: eliminate the massive liability Ian presented. He deserved it for his actions, and both the Capitol and the districts might even applaud the move. Yet, Hazel grappled with the idea. Would he forever haunt her dreams too?
"Haze?" Silus prompted, glancing over his shoulder at her.
Hazel realized she had become lost in her thoughts and was no longer tending to Silus's wound. Sitting up straighter, she began to apply the ointment from the top of his shoulder blade downward. "How?" she questioned.
Silus's gaze drifted back to the ocean, his voice contemplative. "We were thinking of doing what you did with Eve."
Hazel swallowed hard, the image of Eve's purple lips and her delicate fingers clutching her throat flashing in her mind.
"Thought maybe we could slip some of the petals into a water bottle," Silus murmured, his gaze dropping to his hands before lifting back to meet Hazel's eyes. "And since he already accepted water from you, he might not suspect anything..."
"You want me to do it," Hazel stated, her voice flat as she finished applying the ointment and leaned back.
Silus nodded slowly, his expression solemn. "It's the safest way—least involved, least messy—to ensure no one else gets hurt. We can't afford any more surprises, and we need to protect the group. It would be the most straightforward. Less waste, you know," he added, his voice tinged with a pragmatic edge.
"Waste?" Hazel frowned slightly, looking up to catch the back of his head.
Silus explained, as he straightened, pulling his shirt back over his head. "Not that he deserves such a peaceful end."
Silus picked up the discarded, bloody stained bandages and flung them into the sea. Hazel's eyes followed the trajectory, noting a disturbance under the water where the bandages landed, the surface churning briefly.
"What do you think?" Silus turned to face her fully, his gaze earnest. "Can you, do it?"
Hazel's gaze drifted momentarily to the ocean, Ian deserved much worse, that was certain. Killing two unarmed people surely warranted the harshest of punishments. She just wasn't sure she was keen on being Panem's executioner. With Eve, it had been different. She was a threat to Silus and to the group. Hazel hadn't exactly killed her, but she hadn't given her a great chance of survival either. We are the same, he had said. She rubbed her temples, a headache brewing beneath her skull. Would Ian smirk in that final moment, realizing he had proven his point—that she was as depraved as he was?
Before she could answer, Aaron's scream shattered the tranquility of the quiet beach, jolting Hazel and Silus into alertness. She spotted him in the water, engaged in a fierce struggle. Ashy blonde strands of his hair floated around his panic-stricken face, his arms flailing as he battled a relentless assault. She noticed a figure skillfully maneuvering a fishing net around Aaron's legs—Marina from district 4.