Last night I dreamt of storms. Coming storms. So much rain, so many tears; so much pain, so many dead, all before dawn. All before the sun could even rise. Dead by daybreak...

With a gasp, I awoke, Rye's soft snores anchoring me to reality. Waking was difficult, but at least difficult was familiar, and familiar was all that I really had right now. Maybe all that I would ever have, even.

Taking in a deep breath to steady myself, I stood up quickly, taking care not to wake Rye who was still sleeping peacefully. Grabbing the pouch full of dried fruit and berries, I padded past Rye's sleeping figure and headed outside, mindful of the trap that I had been caught in yesterday.

The bright, sudden rush of sunlight hit me, momentarily blinding me. I squinted, my hands coming up to rub at my watering eyes. When my vision cleared, I saw a small brook a little distance from the cave. The water in the brook glistened invitingly, almost too invitingly. Knowing that the arena was full of traps, I swallowed my thirst, fingering the pouch in my hands.

A sudden scream from the cave caught my attention. The scream had a raw quality to it, it sounded almost like someone was being torn apart from the inside. Yet... Rye was the only one in the cave. Nobody could have gotten in to attack her, could they? Frowning, I ran back inside the cave, wondering who in the world could possibly sound that lost and pained.

It was Rye. Rye was curled up on the sleeping bag, sobbing her heart out and repeatedly murmuring, "Adrian..." and "Brian...". Through all that, her eyes were closed and it seemed like she was still asleep. Dropping to my knees, I kneeled beside her shaking form. Slowly, I gently shook Rye, trying to wake her from her agonising nightmare.

"No! Please, no! Adrian!" Rye suddenly screamed again, bolting upright. Her eyes flew open, wild and crazed as she looked frenziedly around the cave.

"Rye, it's okay. Shush... Somebody will hear you." I said as gently as I could, reminded of the time Charity had been plagued with nightmares of Brooke and I dying in the Hunger Games. "It'll all be alright. Shhh... " I repeated, patting her back softly.

Slowly, Rye's breath evened out and she came back to her senses. Her face reddened when she noticed me kneeling beside her.

"So... Uh... How much of that did you see?"

"Enough." I replied, grinning.

Rye turned an even deeper shade of red at my reply, ducking her head in embarrassment.

"Hey, it's okay. My... My sister, Charity, used to have nightmares too. You get used to it after awhile. It gets better, I promise." I said quietly, willing Rye to meet my eyes.

Eventually, she did. Her bright blue gaze, so like Charity's, hit me hard. She looked so heartbreakingly young. Way too young to be put through the Hunger Games...

Lost in thought, I didn't notice Rye get up and walk outside until she called, "Hey, you coming?"

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

"So... Do you wanna talk about it?" I asked, nibbling on the dried mango in my hands. Rye and I were sitting outside the cave on the soft blanket of grass that covered almost every inch of the arena. Dew glistened on a bright green blade of grass and I watched, entranced, as it slowly rolled down and disappeared.

Turning my attention back to Rye, I saw her staring blankly at the piece of dried peach in her hands.

"Rye?"

Rye looked up slowly, trouble marring her young face.

"Can I ask you a question, Crystal?" Rye asked, her normally bright eyes seeming to glow with intensity. Whatever her question was, it was important, no doubt.

I nodded, "Shoot."

"Have you ever," Rye paused, hesitating for a bit before taking a deep breath and continuing, "Have you ever wondered if it's better to love and lose or never to love?"

I hesitated. The depth of her question surprised me. Rye was wise beyond her years, that was for sure.

Is it better to love and lose or never to love?

Truthfully, I didn't know. And yet, Rye expecting some sort of definitive answer from me. What can I say?

Lost in thought, I didn't notice a tribute sneaking up behind Rye, spear in hand. it wasn't until it was too late that the shiny spear finally caught my eye.

"Rye!" I cried, jumping up from my seating position and running towards Rye.

"Behind you!"

Rye turned around to face the spear that was hurtling towards her, eyes widening in fear. I ran faster, throwing myself towards Rye in an attempt to push her away from the rapidly approaching spear.

It was too late. No. No! This can't be happening!

The spear pierced through Rye, pinning her to a nearby tree. I watched as the tribute who had thrown it glance at Rye one more time, guilt flashing across his face before he ran off.

Rye was slumped against the tree, the spear the only thing holding her up. Bright red fluid leaked from her wound, staining her clothes. She looked like a grotesque doll, pinned against that tree.

I stared in horror, unable to believe that this was happening. Just mere moments ago, Rye had been staring at me expectantly, her large blue eyes guileless. Now...

"Rye! Rye?" I called, unwilling to believe that she was dead. No, it's impossible. I told myself. This is just a nightmare. I ran to her, willing myself to wake up, willing Rye to wake up.

Reaching her, I tilted her head upwards towards me. To my surprise, she was still conscious.

"Rye? Hold on. Please. Come on. You can pull through. Just... just wait. Someone will send medicine. Please, someone, send me medicine! She needs help!" I called, frantic in my attempt to save her.

" Crystal, Crystal," Rye croaked out, "Stop. I can't... I can't hold on for much longer. Just... tell my family that I love them, please? That I'll always love them. And... and... win the Hunger Games, please? For me? You have to win." Rye said, gasping for breath.

"Rye, don't talk like that. You'll live. You have to. Shhh... Save your energy..."

"Promise me! All of that... Promise..." Rye choked out, blue eyes blazing.

I bit my lip. "Okay, I promise. But, I won't have to tell your parents you love them for you." I protested. "You can tell them yourself! Just hold on..." I said, trailing off.

Rye managed a weak grin and replied, "We both... know... that's not happening... I'm... just glad... I... got to... say... goodbye..."

"I love..." With that, Rye let out a shuddering breath. Her bright blue eyes seemed to lose their light and they became glassy. With one last breath, Rye whispered something and grew limp.

"Rye? Rye? Rye! No... No..." I gasped, suddenly losing my ability to breathe. Rye's still warm body lay slack against the tree, the spear still there. Dispassionately, I noticed blood on my hands. The world seemed to have gone quiet and still.

Shaking my head, I took a deep breath, telling myself to snap out of it. Slowly, I pulled the spear out of Rye, shuddering when Rye dropped to the floor with a thump. The grass was stained with blood. So much blood. How could anyone lose that much blood? I shut my eyes, unable to take in the sight in front of me.

I clenched my fists, trying to calm myself down. After what seemed an eternity, I finally opened my eyes. I kneeled beside Rye and carried her into the cave, laying her down inside her sleeping bag. Viewed that way, one could almost assume that she was merely asleep, not... dead.

Dead... What a word. It's not nearly long enough to describe the pain, the hurt. D-E-A-D Four letters. The same as love. As pain. As hurt. As hope. As life.

Is it better to love and lose or never to love? I would have said to love and lose. Right now though, I wasn't so sure.

The pain in my chest nearly doubled me over. True, I had only known Rye for a day. But... She's special. No, she was special. I bit my cheeks, mentally slapping myself for making that mistake.

"Goodbye, Rye." I whispered to her, kissing her now-cold forehead. With one last look at her, I walked out into the light.

//\\//\\//\\//\\

Following the map on my watch, I was able to find out where most of the Yellow team was. I headed out in that direction, hoping that nothing else would happen today. What I wouldn't give to have a quiet day... To have time to grieve over Rye...

//\\///\\//\\///\\

With a sigh, I turned again, finally spotting the large group of tributes in the distance. I ran the last few miles, wanting to step out of the woods that I had been in for the past few hours.

Arriving, I was stopped by a few tributes with weapons in hand. I rolled my eyes.

"Crystal Summers. District 12. Yellow." I said in a monotone, wanting to get this over with quickly.

The tributes checked their maps before nodding their heads and allowing me to step into the clearing. As I walked around, I noticed tributes staring at me, the latecomer. I sighed, ignoring their curious gazes, my mind still on Rye.

"Hello, I'm Zoey PrideRider." said a clear voice behind me. I turned, startled out of my reverie.

"Crystal." I offered, shaking the hand she proffered. Her face held a bright smile as she looked at me curiously, waiting for me to explain my sudden presence.

"So... Why are you here?" Zoey asked.

I cocked my head to one side, regarding her. Can I trust her? Zoey's face was open and friendly, her smile still in place as she waited expectantly. She met my eyes unflinchingly when I looked at her, sea green eyes fearless. I raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, look, I would really rather not discuss this but if you want to know, I was with another tribute. She..." I faltered then. Clearing my throat, I continued, hoping Zoey hadn't noticed. "She died."

"I'm sorry." Zoey said, pity evident in her voice. She laid a hand on my shoulder, wanting to comfort me but I shrugged it away. Acceptance, I wanted; but not pity, never pity.

Just then, Jaede's voice boomed throughout the arena, interrupting the awkward moment. I had never been so glad to hear Jaede's voice.

"Hello, all tributes. I trust you have been enjoying your time here in the arena?"

I narrowed my eyes at that.

"Now, there has been a change of rules that I do believe all of you will find most interesting." Jaede drawled. "You are to choose one tribute from each team - red and yellow, that will switch with the other chosen person from the opposing team. The tributes chosen must be willing. The switch must be conducted by today or there will be consequences... Remember, 'X' marks the spot!"

Abruptly, her speech was over, leaving us all in stunned silence. Everyone, in silent agreement, walked towards the centre of the clearing, gathering to discuss our choices.

"I propose a vote." Zoey, who was still beside me, called out.

A murmur ran through the small group of people gathered. Collectively, the group nodded in agreement.

"Who wants to go first?"

Another murmur.

"I vote for Crystal!" called a voice from the back of the group. "We don't know her. For all we know, she could betray us! Why didn't she join us yesterday, anyway? Maybe she was plotting something!"

I bit my lip, stung by his harsh words. Choking back tears, I shrugged, outwardly indifferent. The whispers started up again, with people nodding and pointing towards me. I clenched my fists, afraid that I might attack them in anger. Or worse, cry.

"Hey! This is unfair, guys! Just because we don't know her, doesn't mean that she's a traitor. I thought you guys were smarter than that. Jeez..." A tall boy said, his voice somehow managing to carry over all the rest's.

I glanced up in surprise, shocked that somehow, someone cared enough to defend me. The boy's light brown eyes seemed to sparkle and he grinned at me, his dark hair glinting in the sunlight. "Hi," he mouthed at me.

I raised an eyebrow, amused. Giving him a small smile, I nodded my head, thanking him for standing up for me. Turning my attention back to the rest of my team, I noticed a boy with spiky red hair getting angry.

"Who do you think you're calling stupid, huh Eight? If you like her so much, maybe you should join her! Maybe you are a traitor yourself!" The boy called challengingly, as if daring 'Eight' to retort.

My 'hero' narrowed his eyes, opening his mouth, ready with a comeback.

"That's it! Stop it! If you don't trust me, fine. But don't involve those in your team! I'll go to the Red team, if you guys really want that. Just don't... Don't fight with those you know are loyal to the team. There's no need for doubt among you guys. Can't you see? We've already lost so many people! Ask yourselves, is this really worth the fight?" I exclaimed, annoyed by their childish behaviour.

There was silence following my words. Tension was thick in the air. I sighed, wondering just how many more we would have to lose before they got my point. How many more would end up like Rye? Even the mere mention of her name twisted my heart.

Suddenly, a boy stepped out from the group, green eyes flashing.

"I volunteer myself." He said. I recognised him as Andrion from District 6. Surprised, I whirled around to face him.

The group gasped in shock and someone asked, "Are you sure?"

"Very." Andrion replied unhesitatingly, his green eyes sure and steady with nary a hint of doubt.

"Well, it's settled then." Zoey said, stepping out to break the shocked silence that had fallen over all of us. "We'll meet the Red team," Zoey continued, pulling out her map and pointing to a spot marked with an 'X' not too far away from us, "Right... There."

//\\//\\//\\//\\

Night was falling rapidly in the arena and we walked faster, nearing our meeting point. The group was silent as we walked grimly, hoping that the ensuing trade would go smoothly without bloodshed.

"Hey. Crystal, right?" The tall boy who had defended me earlier asked, walking beside me.

I nodded, "And you?"

"Leonardo, but you can call me Leo, everyone does." He replied with an easy smile.

Truthfully, I envied his casualness. Everything seemed to come easily to him.

"Hey, uh, thanks for standing up for me earlier on." I said, honestly grateful for his help.

"It was no problem," Leo said, his face growing serious, "It was unfair how they were ganging up on you just because you came later than everyone else. Speaking of which, where were you yesterday? And why suddenly join us today?"

"I'd really rather not talk about it." I muttered.

"I see," Leo replied, his tone making it difficult to tell whether his was annoyed or not.

"We're here." Zoey said, stopping abruptly. Andrion, stay with me. The rest of you, we discussed this earlier. Places."

There was a soft rustle as all of us stepped in different directions, melting away into the darkness. I watched as Leo, too, disappeared into his hiding place.

A whistle from Zoey soon informed us that the Reds had arrived. I watched on intently, wondering who they had chosen for the trade.

A seemingly innocent girl who looked a little younger than me stepped out from the small band of Reds. Words were exchanged between her and Zoey and Andrion was then asked to step out. The exchange happened quickly without much drama, each group remaining silent.

When it was done, the Reds backed away slowly as they watched us carefully in case one of us attacked them. We did the same, each of us walking away from our various hiding positions and making our way back to camp quietly.

I walked alone, exhausted from the day. Thankfully, the exchange had happened fairly quickly with no fight and no bloodshed. I heaved a quiet sigh of relief that so far, nobody else had lost their lives.

Halfway through the journey, the sky lightened and the Capitol anthem was played. Faces flashed against the night sky, revealing those that had fallen. With each boom, I felt a little bit more lost. I guess I never really realised the harm that the Hunger Games did. The people fighting never seemed real. I watched mindlessly each year, just like everyone else. Now though, my heart ached as I watched Rye's face flash against the starless sky. To everybody else watching, she would just be another one dead, another one of the fallen, insignificant. To me, she had been a person, real. She had been bright and fierce and brave. And... I missed her.

Before I knew it, a tear rolled down my cheek. Much as I hated crying and appearing weak, I couldn't help it this time. I had been bottling this up for too long. I allowed myself to sob silently for a moment more before calming myself down and brushing my tears away.

A soft plop sounded beside me as I neared the camp. Curious, I looked at the item resting against the soft grass. Picking it up, I noticed that it was a small booklet. Tiny enough to fit into the pouch that I had gotten the day before. Slotting it into the pouch along with the few remaining pieces of fruit and berry, I tightened the drawstring before tucking it back into my pocket.

"Thank you." I said softly to the woods, knowing that the hidden microphones would pick up on my voice.

Turning around to return to the camp, I noticed a lone figure standing near the trees. Walking closer, I realised that it was the girl from Red who had joined us.

"Hi," I said softly, tapping her shoulder.

She jumped, startled, whirling around with weapon in hand before realising that I was from Yellow.

"Oh, sorry." She said, blushing.

Stowing away her weapon, she said, "Hello. Thalia, District 3."

"Crystal, District 12." I offered in return, smiling slightly.

Score: 12/12
Bonus: Best Quote +2