As Ethan faced them again, his eyes were devoid of any of the grief or sorrow Hazel was expecting. "I've got a surprise for you.”

He strode forward while the others exchanged glances. Once they had hiked up the sloped several more yards, Ethan paused and offered up a short, melodic whistle. The woods held its breath for a moment before a response came—a softer echo of Ethan's call floating down from the treetops.

Hazel's heart leaped as she craned her neck upwards, following the sound to its source. High above, nestled between the branches of towering redwoods, maples, and pines, Ruby perched with the agility of a bird. Small and wiry, she seemed almost a part of the forest itself, her short, warm brown hair tousled by the wind, blending with the natural hues around her. Relief surged through Hazel as she stared into the girl's sparkling grey eyes. Despite her binds, Ruby descended from the trees with ease, navigating her way to the ground near them.

Ethan's grin spread wide across his face as he caught Ruby's gaze. "Brought you a little something, Rubes.” His smile remained as he turned to Hazel. "This is why I wanted to get that cuff key."

Hazel wasted no time in approaching Ruby, enveloping her in a tight hug before turning to Ethan.

"I didn't want to say anything back there, but..." Hazel reached into her pocket, "I've got a surprise of my own."

Ethan craned his neck to get a better look. "No way.”

Hazel smiled wide as she held out her palm. Nestled in the center was the silvery handcuff key. "Way."

Ruby sucked in a breath, and her eyes lit up. Without hesitation, Hazel inserted it into the hole of the handcuffs, unlocking them with a soft click.

Ruby's reaction was immediate; a joyous exclamation escaped her as the metal constraints fell away. She rubbed her wrists, relief brimming in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick, before pulling Hazel into another heartfelt hug. Her little body was all bones and skin as if she had spent many days without food.

Hazel's shoulders slumped. "You don't need to thank me," she whispered, easing Ruby back to arm's length, her hands resting on the younger girl's shoulders. "It's my fault. If I had been better about watching my mouth..."

Ruby was quick to dismiss Hazel's self-blame. "No, that man... he's evil.”

A dark look crossed Silus’s features, "She's right. He probably would have done it anyway."

"What I wouldn't give to have that man alone in a room," Ethan growled. "Just five minutes with Drayton.”

As the first traces of the setting sun painted the sky with vibrant hues, Aaron spoke up. "We need to find a place to rest for the night."

Mia nodded in agreement, her body still trembling as sweat collected on her brow. "I definitely need a break."

“Let’s try to find some high ground.” Silus shifted his stare to the slope.

The group agreed, and they shuffled forward in the warm hues of the sunset. The immense redwoods soared heavenward. Amid these giants, clusters of pines, maples, willows, and a variety of other trees were interspersed. Their path snaked through dense underbrush and maneuvered around the substantial bases of the trees.

Finally, they crested the hill, arriving at the tract's highest vantage point. From here, the forest unfolded before them. The canopy, a mosaic of greens and browns, spread out as far as the eye could see.

As they settled down into a haphazard circle on the ground, resting their backs against the trees, an overwhelming sound of wingbeats shattered the calm. A falcon's caw cracked the sky above. Shadows danced across the ground, growing larger. Two massive falcon shapes appeared above them. The green glow of their collars contrasted with the dimming orange light of the sunset. The air whipped up around them, sending leaves and pine-scented dirt into the air.

Ethan readied his bow; the string pulled taut, muscles coiling, an arrow ready in a heartbeat. "Ruby, get behind me!"

Ruby ducked behind him, her eyes wide as she peered over his shoulder at the massive birds circling above. Ethan's arm tensed as he aimed his bow upward.

A firm grip on Ethan's shoulder halted him. "Wait. They bring gifts," Silus assured, nodding towards the descending birds.

The falcons touched down, the breeze from their wings scattering leaves around their taloned feet. They surveyed the group for a second before releasing two round bundles from their grasp.

The collars of the falcons then shifted in hue from a vigilant green to a calm blue. Acknowledging this as their cue, the birds lifted into the air once more. They ascended into the sky, their silhouettes diminishing against the backdrop of the setting sun, which was a golden orb dipping below the horizon.

The string of Ethan's bow eased as he lowered the weapon. "This is how they are delivering mentor gifts?"

Silus was the first to approach the bundles and pick them up. Gingerly, he brought the armful to the group. His brow furrowed as he focused on something in the package wrapped in green fabric.

"Haze," he began, extracting a cream-colored card from the assortment. With a playful wink, he extended it towards her. "Seems Festus isn't thrilled with your creative use of his last gift."

"Your mentor sends you notes?" Ethan stared in disbelief.

Hazel accepted the small paper rectangle with a gentle smile, her fingers tracing the familiar scrawl. "Festus has a talent for making his presence felt," turning the card to read the message. 'Your tailoring skills are noted. Stop the arts and crafts. 16.'

Unwrapping the green bundle further revealed more essentials: food, water, and, to her silent relief, clean bandages. Hazel's eyes lit up as she assessed the contents—gauze, ointment, tape, even wound cleanser. The supplies were more than sufficient, not just for her own injuries but for Mia's and Aaron's as well. Festus would likely grumble about her sharing.

"Can't we just agree to disagree about sharing, Festus?" She paused a moment before saying, " But really, thank you again."

As Silus began distributing the provisions, Ruby's excitement was unmistakable. Upon receiving a handful of dates, her body wiggled in a small dance of joy. She placed a date in her mouth and chewed slowly, her eyes closing.

Ethan, beside her, nudged her shoulder, his own hands busy with jerky and an apple. "Don't forget to breathe," he teased, biting into the apple with a crisp sound.

Silus, peeling a piece of fruit, looked thoughtful, "Any guesses on what the '16 stands for?"

Hazel paused, the card still in her hand, her thumb brushing against the numbers.

Aaron interjected, "It has to be the number of us left." He scanned the horizon, "How many did we see caught in those traps?"

"I counted at least four," Ethan replied between bites.

"Anita from District Three and Iro from Five..." Hazel’s voice trailed off, the vivid memory of their lifeless forms, marred by violence, surfacing, "They didn't make it."

"And Ava was gone even before the Games started." Aaron stretched his legs, "That makes seven, with at least one more unaccounted for. The rest are still out there."

Hazel nibbled on a piece of dried fruit and found its taste lost to her deep thoughts. "Maybe Caleb is the one we haven't accounted for," almost speaking to herself. "Perhaps he never got out of that snare."

Silus added, "Or maybe Elara didn't."

Hazel let out a half-hearted chuckle, the sound more resigned than amused. "We should be so lucky.”

The conversation dwindled, leaving quiet chewing in its wake.

Among the two bundles, one clearly sent by Festus was accompanied by another wrapped in maroon fabric. Aaron unwrapped it, revealing a large bottle of water and a plain loaf of rye bread. While sifting through the package, his brow furrowed. Extracting his hand, he held between his fingers a single, limp piece of what appeared to be wheat toast.

Hazel, with a slight smirk, caught Mia's eye. "Looks like your special request came through, Mia."

Aaron asked with a small amount of confusion, "You asked for toast?"

Exchanging knowing glances with Hazel, Mia took the slice of toast in her hands and took a bite, "Can't even relieve yourself in peace around here."

Ruby chimed in, "Maybe she's just trying to be nice, you know?"

"I'm afraid not, dear. The toast is an insult." Mia's expression was one of mock gratitude. "An insult wrapped in a gesture.”

"Careful, or that might be the last 'gift' we see. We're not exactly drowning in sponsor support," Aaron warned, a subtle nod toward the meager provisions.

"Speak for yourselves," Ethan remarked to Aaron, placing his bow aside. "At least you got something."

Mia offered him a slice of seeded bread, "With those bow and arrow skills of yours, your luck's bound to improve."

Ethan glanced from Mia to Hazel, a mouthful of partially chewed bread. "Let's hope so," crumbs tumbled from his lips. "We all can't be Snow's sweetheart.”

Hazel felt the urge to object rise within her as color filled her cheeks. She bit back her disagreement about being anyone's sweetheart, mindful of the omnipresent cameras. "You want to trade places?"

Ethan's eyes danced with mischievousness, a sarcastic laugh escaping him. "You seem comfortable enough where you are."

"Oh, definitely. Nothing says 'cozy' like being trapped in the Hunger Games with my little brother," Hazel’s tone was icy as she caught Ethan's momentary flicker of regret.

Ethan faltered, "I didn't mean—" his apology hung unfinished in the tense air.

"One thing you can say about Senator Snow is that he sure is handsome." Mia shot Hazel with a conspiratorial look. "I'm not sure I've seen such blue eyes before.”

Despite the dimming light, Hazel was sure the cameras would pick up the blush on her cheeks.

"Is it true that you like each other?" Ruby asked.

Hazel's cheeks warmed further as she recalled Snow's piercing gaze the last time she had seen him in the Pantheon's garden. "Um, well... it's complicated," she faltered, feeling the weight of maintaining her fabricated narrative in the presence of this group of condemned kids. Perhaps a distraction, however fleeting, would be welcome.

Ethan watched her for a moment before looking around them and then turning to Ruby. "Rubes, that's a personal question," he said, then turned his face back to Hazel. "I mean, not that everyone here doesn't want to know. the answer."

Hazel's eyes met those of her fellow tributes, feeling the weight of their collective gaze, a mirror to the countless unseen spectators hanging on her every word. "We only just met a few days ago.”

"You don't believe in love at first sight?" Ruby asked, her tone innocent. Silus groaned at the question while Mia let out a soft laugh.

Hazel carefully considered her answer. "I guess anything is possible. But I think it was less 'love at first sight' and more like keeping the Senator from becoming part of the landscape."

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She hoped her words hadn't sounded too much like a rebuttal. She searched their faces, trying to gauge their reactions, then added, "But you're not wrong about his eyes. They remind me of some blue wildflowers back home." She left out the part about the flowers being toxic.

Silus coughed next to her and shifted his position; she thought she saw his eyes roll.

Ethan twirled an arrow between his fingers, his smirk cutting through the heavy air. "No offense, but if I were Senator Snow, I'd be living it up as Panem's most eligible bachelor," the edge of his voice tinged with amusement. "He probably never has a lonely night in the Capitol."

Hazel felt a warmth spread further across her cheeks and down her neck. The rumors of Snow's companions had always been a never-ending source of speculation. Most people assumed he had a line of women who kept him company, but it was all very private. That didn't stop the public from trying to guess and gossip about what was going on behind closed doors.

Ruby grimaced. "But what about finding 'the one'?"

Ethan, still fiddling with the arrow, flashed a wink at Ruby. "Some of us are just more cut out for the single life."

Mia hugged herself, "Given our current situation," she observed, "that's for the best."

Curiosity lighting her features, Ruby leaned towards Mia. "Is there someone at home waiting for you, Mia?"

"No, not me," Mia’s eyes lost focus as if lost. She glanced at Aaron, a playful yet pained smirk appearing on her face. "But Aaron does."

Aaron looked up at the group and shrugged.

Ruby's face lit up with the revelation, "What is her name?"

Aaron looked at Ruby with a tired smile, "His name is Brindle."

"Oh, are you in love?" Ruby asked. Her innocent tone was wistful.

Ethan cautioned her with a gentle "Rubes." He continued to fiddle with an arrow as he leaned back against the sturdy pine.

Aaron waved off the caution with a slight smile. "It's okay," his voice was tinged with sadness. "And yes, I'd like to think we are," running a hand through his hair, "or were, until the reaping at least."

"I'm sorry." Deep guilt bubbled up inside Hazel once again like heated tar. Her father's actions were undoubtedly the cause of Aaron's heartbreak.

Aaron met Hazel's gaze, his expression softening. "No need for apologies," he assured, "Brindles got a stubborn streak, and he's resilient," he added with a faint smile despite the sorrow in his eyes. "He's promised to keep an eye on my dad...." He paused, his fingers scraping along his scalp before his hand moved to his chin," No matter what happens to me."

Silus let out a deep sigh, running a hand over his own face, "I think we should talk about strategy instead of everyone's relationship status," casting a look at Ruby.

Ruby bit her lip, and the group quieted in silent, almost reluctant agreement.

Silus appeared to take this as a cue to continue. "I was not expecting Grace and Owen, of all people, to be the ones hunting us down today."

"Looks to me like they traded their freedom for a favor," Hazel added. "They have to be working with one and two or maybe four."

Mia wiped at her forehead, "But why would they keep Grace and Owen around?" She glanced around their makeshift camp. "Eliminating them would thin the competition."

Ethan, twirling an arrow between his fingers, chimed in, "They're assets until they're not. Disposable allies."

"And what 'assets' could they possibly offer?" Mia asked as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Ethan's smirk widened, his gaze locking with Hazel's. "Isn't it obvious? They're after Hazel."

Silus edged closer, his presence reassuring in the tense atmosphere.

Hazel balked, "They want us all dead, not just me."

"Yes, but they're especially focused on you. Which you haven't really discouraged, if you’re being honest. " Ethan's gaze didn't waver, his eyes piercing. "They'll use anyone to make sure you're not the last one standing."

"How do you know that?" Silus asked.

Ethan turned his shoulders to Silus. "Because I'm not an idiot." His eyes swept their circle—Silus, Hazel, the shadows beyond—before settling back on Hazel. "Tell me, do you really think I'm off base here?"

Hazel stared at him. She had a massive target on her back, just like Silus had warned her after their interviews with Lucky. "No," she replied. "But that means you and Ruby are in danger if you stick around with me and Silus. You sought us out. Why align yourselves with us if you know the risks?"

Ruby looked over at her with sympathy before dropping her eyes to her wrists and rubbing her little thumbs over the chafing.

Ethan leaned forward, his eyes serious. "You want the real reason?"

"I've only asked for it twice now," Hazel leaned forward herself. "And you've been dodging the question."

Silus placed a hand on her back; she wasn't sure if it was reassurance or warning. Her green eyes met his brown ones before she focused her attention back on Ethan.

"I want to stick it to Augustus Trask," Ethan said, squinting up at the arena around them. His grey eyes had grown dark and stormy.

Ruby made a shocked sound next to him and whispered something sharp under her breath.

Ethan continued undeterred, looking up again at the arena's sky as if he were talking to Augustus himself. "I don't care who hears me."

"Trask?" Hazel's question faded as she recalled the District Two mentor: his long braid, the deep blue streaks that weaved throughout, his sharp jaw, and even sharper eyes. "I mean, I know he is a mentor and wants his tributes to win, but don't all mentors want that?"

"Yes, but he is different, and it is more than that," Ethan added, his eyes searching hers as if looking for any sign that she was picking up on what he was hinting at, but she was at a loss.

"How so?" Hazel tilted her head, searching her mind for an answer.

Ethan's eyes appeared to grow darker, or maybe it was just the light. "We know him well in Twelve."

"I've heard about his bets on the Games," Hazel murmured. "But betting's not exactly unheard of."

Ethan's lips twisted in disdain, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "Trask's greed stretches far beyond the gambling tables." He paused, a bitter edge coloring his tone. "This year, the rumor is that he's outdone himself, placing the largest bet the Games have ever seen." His eyes filtered to the woods behind their heads. "I want nothing more than for his tributes to die and for him to lose all his money on this Game. I don't care if it kills me."

"Why?"

Ethan paused; his eyes were a storm of anger, pain, and deep-seated hatred swirling within. With a heavy sigh, he peered at Ruby, a moment of indecision passing before he admitted, "Augustus knows why."

Ruby shifted closer to Ethan, placing her small hand on his arm. His face softened as he looked at her, sticking the arrow into the ground. Then, suddenly, Ethan pushed himself to his feet. He took a deep, steadying breath, trying to compose himself, before walking out into the early night. Ruby exhaled a soft sigh as she rose to her feet and trailed behind him.

As Ethan and Ruby's figures receded into the darkness, Silus turned back to the group, his expression clouded with concern, "What was that about?"

Her knowledge of Augustus Trask was limited—she knew of his reputation as a gambler, someone who had amassed a fortune through bets on the Games, but the depths of his influence were unclear to her.

Aaron and Mia shared a knowing look, their expressions grim. "I'm guessing he doesn't visit District Seven much?" Aaron questioned.

Both Hazel and Silus shook their heads, their own experiences with Trask nonexistent.

"Consider yourselves lucky," Mia commented. She shifted, and a grimace crossed her face.

Aaron suggested, "Let's not talk about it anymore tonight."

Hazel's confusion lingered, but she nodded and then turned to Mia, "Okay, we best be getting rest anyway. How are you feeling?"

Mia shrugged, "I just feel cold mostly." She grimaced at her leg, "And in pain, of course."

"Maybe I should take a look. I can use the new supplies Festus sent, maybe clean it and wrap it," Hazel suggested, scooting closer to her and gathering her supplies. It was nearly completely dark out, and she squinted at the wound in the light of the moon. A pungent odor filled her nose as she leaned over Mia's leg. It was an utterly familiar, alarming scent, like damp, rotten wood festering in the dark. The wound was surrounded by a deeper red circle that snaked out into strawberry-colored tendrils along the skin of her thigh, disappearing under the fabric of her pants. The most alarming thing, though, was the charcoal-colored skin around the wound bed, where the spear disappeared into her skin.

Hazel's hands shook as she cleaned around the injury with the cleanser and dabbed at it with the gauze. Mia's occasional shifts in response to the touch on her tender skin were met with Hazel's quiet apologies. She wrapped gauze around the area and secured it with tape.

"What do you think?" Mia asked, staring at Hazel, her arms still wrapped around her own torso, shivering.

"It looks like you need to keep off of it as much as you can, not aggravate it anymore.” Mia's eyes searched hers for the truth as Hazel continued, "Why don't you lay down and try to get some sleep? We will figure out who will keep watch for the next couple of hours."

Mia nodded, a hint of skepticism in her eye, but she didn't say anything, just laid her head down on the soft forest floor. Hazel sighed. She normally had no issue putting her foot in her mouth, but now she hesitated.

Hazel handed several of the bandages to Aaron, "Here," holding them up, "For your hip."

Aaron nodded, stashing the items, pulled the tin blanket out of the bag, and covered Mia as she settled on the forest floor, closing her eyes.

When Ethan and Ruby rejoined the group, he appeared to have collected himself, though the muscle in his jaw was still tight. Ruby followed behind, her eyes soft and apologetic as they both sat down in the circle at the base of a large tree, Ruby's little hand patting Ethan's forearm.

"So, who wants to take the first watch?" Ethan asked, stretching his arms above him and leaning his body against the trunk.

"I will," Hazel answered. Besides the few minutes of dozing off in the cave the night before, her body was tired and sore and she hadn't slept in a long time. But she didn't think her nerves would allow her to sleep.

Silus frowned, "Why don't you let me? You didn't sleep at all last night."

"Neither did you," she answered, meeting his gaze. His chocolate eyes filled with an argument.

"I'm too wired. Besides, you know me. I'm the night owl, remember?" She tried to infuse her voice with lightheartedness. "Sleep for a couple of hours, and I promise I'll wake you up to trade with me."

Silus studied her for a moment before relenting.

Aaron spoke up from the other side of their temporary campsite. "I'll stay up with you. It's better to have two of us on watch at a time, just in case one falls asleep."

Hazel nodded and proposed, "Why don't we take a quick walk around the area? We can look for any potential problems, and it might help us stay awake."

Agreeing, Aaron picked up his sword, and Hazel grabbed her axes and the backpack. They walked away from their group, moving into the cooler air of the evening.

“Sounds good to me.” Ethan leaned back against the tree, covering his eyes with his arm, while Ruby cuddled up to his side, resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his other arm around her, and soon, they into sleep.

Aaron and Hazel stayed close to their campsite. The forest was dark, and the only light came from the moon, which was enough for them to see where they were going. The night was quiet, and there was a slight chill in the air, making the stroll almost refreshing after a long day. Almost.

"Aaron," Hazel finally spoke. Her tone made them both pause. She turned to face him, "I need to talk to you about something."

Aaron glanced upward, studying the silhouettes of trees against the night sky before his attention settled back on Hazel. "It's Mia, isn't it?"

"I think she might have gangrene, Aaron. She needs antibiotics, probably surgery if the infection reaches her bloodstream... she may only have hours."

Aaron remained silent for a moment. "And why are you telling me this? Why haven't you told her?"

"I don't want to scare her," Hazel answered, searching his eyes in the dark.

Aaron responded with a hint of tears in his eyes, "She deserves to know, Hazel. Just like you deserved to know..." His voice trailed off, "...the truth."

Hazel's stare dropped to the forest floor. "I'll tell her in the morning," she conceded. "Maybe Persephone will send help? Who knows, Festus might come through, but he is already irritated with me for sharing."

Aaron brushed away a tear. "We'll wait for the morning then. If there's no word from Persephone or Festus, we will have to face what comes next.” With that, Aaron moved away, settling back down beside Mia. He placed his sword across his lap, as he scanned the tree line.

Hazel continued to hike the perimeter of their camp for a few more minutes; her thoughts lingered on Mia. Hazel knew all too well how gangrenous wounds could lead to a slow, torturous death. She had seen more than one lumberjack succumb not from a traumatic injury itself but what followed.

The infection would first turn the skin an angry red, then black as the flesh began to die. Fevers would rage as the body futilely battled the infection. Eventually, toxins from the dead tissue could seep into the bloodstream, causing sepsis and leading to organ failure. In the end, the heart would fail under the strain after hours or days of unbearable pain. It was a cruel way to die.

Venturing away from the safety of their group, she wondered about her own demise within the confines of the arena. Would it be a creature that lurked in the darkness, or perhaps Caleb or Elara? Or might there be something far worse, something unimaginable, waiting for her? The uncertainty of it all sent a shiver down her spine.

She yearned for a death that allowed her some control, some agency, but she knew all too well that the Hunger Games seldom granted such mercies.

Continuing around the perimeter, Hazel allowed herself to drift further. As she did, she sucked in a lungful of the deep, earthy scent of the forest. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to remember what it felt like to be back in the real District Seven, home in the forest, which was as much a part of her as her blood type. This tract was close, but it was like her soul could feel the difference. It was a beautiful representation, but it wasn't home.

A whisper of a breeze teased her hair, casting it across her face in soft, tickling caresses. An unexpected sweetness, both piney and reminiscent of toasted vanilla, wafted through the air, startling her senses. Hazel's eyes snapped open. She recognized the scent from her dreams.

Her gaze darted to the forest floor, and there, bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight a few steps away, lay the source of the unexpected aroma. Sapphire's breath. It was almost like the forest had read her mind as the delicate cerulean petals winked up at her. Hazel's heart skipped a beat. Had Snow researched that deeply into the flora of District Seven?

Retreating a step, Hazel felt her pulse quicken. The open presence of such plants was unsettling. A sudden rush of hope sparked through her. Sapphire's breath could offer a death that might grant her some agency, a peaceful one. Rather than meet an end dictated by the games, by violence or infection, she could choose a quiet exit on her own terms. The thought brought a strange kind of comfort.

Hazel stepped back and covered her nose with her sleeve. Using one hand, she ripped open the backpack, taking a piece of the fabric mangled by her axe. She took another deep breath and then approached the flowers.

She laid the fabric on the ground with trembling hands. One by one, she plucked the blooms, the petals almost glowing against the dark backdrop of the forest floor. Each flower was placed on the fabric, a deadly bouquet, her claim to autonomy in a game designed to strip her of it.

After securing enough blooms, she wrapped them in the fabric, tying a tight knot to hold their deadly beauty. She then wiped her hands on the arena's dirt, erasing the traces of her deed.

Hazel paused, inhaling the forest's crisp, pine-laden air as she pondered Snow's reaction upon realizing the consequences of introducing that flower into the arena.

I will make sure he comes to regret it.