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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐍

𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 heavy footsteps approaching the door just outside her chambers. She was nowhere near ready to go to sleep. She doesn't even care that denying herself much needed sleep at a time like this is probably the stupidest decision she could make, but she just couldn't bring herself to shut her eyes and fall into a restless slumber. The sooner she allows herself to slip away, the sooner she will be forced into that arena.

    Sage has never been one to admit when she is scared... but she is scared. All she can think about is everything that could go wrong. She has no idea what the Gamemakers had come up with for this year's arena. She has no idea how she is going to keep Lorcan safe. She has no idea what the hell she is doing in general. She hates not knowing. Not knowing is risky, meaning she can't predict possible outcomes because she doesn't know the surroundings or what she will be subjected to once they enter.

   Sage has always relied on her mind. Her quick, sharp, freaky mind that has gotten her through those years of ridicule and criticism from her mother. It had gotten her through living in poverty with no roof over her head and it has gotten her through the torment of other kids who only did so because of the possibility of who her father might be. She has fought tooth and nail to become as strong and as fast as she is now. This freaky mind she possesses is like her own little superpower. To remember every single little thing down to the last detail. To be able to read people, find their weaknesses and be able to learn new things just from simply observing.

    She loved her mind. She knows because of it, she will be able to think quickly as soon as the launch tube lifts her into the arena and she is able to get a feel for her surroundings. But right now, the unknowing, the fact that anything could be possible in less that eight hours... Well, it was driving her quite literally insane. Part of the reason why she isn't savoring as much sleep as she should be at the moment is because she can't shut her brain off.

    Sage was laying in bed, having grown used to this foam mattress in the short time she has been here, and was staring up at the ceiling. She was clutching onto the familiar green fabric just like she has done every night since Tatyana had saved the dress for her. She was planning on giving it to Walker, asking him if he could give it back to Adrian after everything was over. Holding the dress made her feel closer to Adrian, the girl who she is doing all this for. Sage had never thought she would be sentimental over anything... but she has been surprising herself a lot lately.

    Sage just hopes that Adrian can find some way to grow up and be happy. She hopes she finds someone to love her the way she deserves and will treat her right. She hopes she can design as many clothes as her heart desires and she hopes that she never has to worry about these stupid games ever again. It was wishful thinking, but as long as Adrian is safe, then dying in that arena and getting Lorcan home will be well worth it.

    Despite the many possibilities, Sage seemed to have a pretty good guess to who could be standing outside her door. There is only one person in this suite who would awkwardly stand outside pacing, hesitating on whether or not he should knock on the door. It's why she didn't even bother getting up, just kept staring up at the ceiling as she spoke loudly. "You gonna stand out there all night or are you gonna come in, Henderson?"

    The pacing halted and there was a brief silence before the door creaked open and the light from the hall filled up her dark room. The only light in here was coming from the dimmed lights that provided some kind of nightlight, seeing as Sage was uncomfortably sleeping in complete darkness.

    Chance poked his head in, looking a bit embarrassed but maybe just as restless as she was. "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"

    "I'd actually have to be asleep for that to happen," Sage mutters, before finally forcing herself up into a seating position and leaning back into the bedframe. The redhead stared at her District partner for a few more seconds before growing annoyed. "Are you going to stand there all night?"

    Taking that as an invitation, Chance enters her room and closes the door behind him. Sage turned on the lamp beside her bed for more light and glanced up at the male, getting a better look at him. He was wearing a pair of gray sweatpants and a wifebeater. His hair was sticking out in some places, indicating he had been tossing and turning in bed before getting the courage to come to her. Sage didn't complain when he took a seat at the edge of her bed, just watched him expectedly.

    She knew why he was here and she didn't blame him one bit. She may not trust him, but she doesn't exactly hate him. They are the same, in a sense. They are just two out of twenty-four victims about to meet their fate in a matter of hours. It was scary and heartbreaking to think that in just a few hours, they will be forced to fight to the death without any foreshadowing if they are going to survive.

    So, no, Sage does not trust him... but she realizes that at this particular moment, she is the only one who can understand exactly what he was feeling right now and vice versa. The clock has been ticking the minute they shook hands on the stage at the reaping.

    "Can I ask you something and can you please give me an answer this time?" Chance finally spoke after several minutes of the two just sitting there in silence, taking in the comfort of each other's company.

    Sage found amusement in his question, remembering on the train ride here the last time he asked if he could ask her a question and she avoided it by telling him that she never said she would answer. He definitely seemed to learn his lesson from last time. "Depends on what the question is."

    Chance expected that response, looking over at her, elbows on knees. "Do you think you can win?"

    Well... that was definitely not the question she had expected. Sage honestly doesn't know what she expected. Maybe she expected him to ask her about Lorcan, if she was in an alliance with him. Maybe she expected him to try to form one with her. She wouldn't know how to tell him no without sounding like a bitch. She didn't care if she did, but right now, she was actually enjoying his company and did not want him to leave just yet. It was a good distraction.

    Sage knew she couldn't tell him the truth. 'Cause the truth was that yes, she honestly believes she could win if she truly wanted to. She is smart and strong and knows how to adapt to her surroundings. She is quick on her feet, she knows how to hunt and how to track. She has proven time and time again that she knows how to fight and defend herself. The odds were most definitely in her favor. But that was never going to happen. She is not going to win because there is someone who she has vowed to protect until her dying breath and she plans on doing exactly that.

    She just can't tell Chance this. He wouldn't understand. She doesn't trust him not to use it as leverage to get in good with the Careers. If they knew who she was trying to protect, it would give Lorcan a big target on his back. Chance's interview had gone very well, Caesar Flickerman was very good at his job and Chance had managed to gain sympathy by claiming the reason his score had been so low was because he nearly had a panic attack about thinking he was never going to see his auntie and his two little cousins again, who apparently raised him when his parents died when he was just a baby.

    But she knew for a fact that he had blown his alliance with the Careers. For all she knew, he was entering the arena on his own, which might be better for his chances. Sage just does not trust him not to tell anyone her plans in order to save his own ass.

    So she lied, but also did not sway too far from the truth.

    "I don't know, honestly. I like to believe I do." Sage admitted, looking over at the older boy who bobbed his head in acknowledgement. She tilted her head slightly. "What about you? What do you think your chances are?"

    Chance pressed his lips together tightly for a moment before responding. "I like to believe my chances are pretty good. I keep trying to remind myself of my skills, trying to boost myself up. I also try to think of what I gain if I win, which helps with motivation."

    Sage frowned. "What would you gain?"

    Chance simply shrugged. "I just meant... I won't feel invisible anymore. Like my life doesn't matter. If I win... I don't know, maybe I will finally feel important."

    Sage stared at him strangely, taking in his words. Invisible? He wants to feel important and seen... so winning isn't all about surviving for him. He wants the attention that comes with being victor. He wants all the fame and fortune that comes with it. Like a Career would.

     "I didn't know you felt invisible," Sage mutters, pushing her conclusions to the side.

    Chance only shrugged. "Felt like this my whole life." He offered no further explanation and Sage didn't question further. A small part of her was a bit surprised by his confession. She had assumed because of his outgoing persona that he was well liked by many, but until the reaping, Sage had no idea who he was. Now some may say that was an indication that he was in fact invisible, but not for Sage's case. Because for Sage, she had never given a crap to learn every single resident in District 9.

    The two had become quiet once again, both just taking in each other's company, mainly to avoid sleep. Sage might not care for this particular company, but she'd rather it be Chance than to be alone right now.

    Minutes turned into an hour, the two had not spoken, but Sage had laid back and was staring up at the ceiling while Chance was laying on the fancy couch, arm tucked under his head and staring up at the ceiling as well. Sage felt herself drifting into darkness, knowing she should definitely get some sleep. Even if she has only five hours left, it was better than no sleep at all and being thrown off her game.

    But before she could find the will to drift off into slumber, she found a sudden urge inside her to talk to Chance one last time in order to make things easier for the both of them really. "Let's make a deal."

    Chance had jumped slightly from her sudden words, as if he too was drifting off to sleep, but was fighting it, not wanting to head back to his room just yet. "What kind of deal?"

    "Let's agree to stay away from each other in the games."

    Chance was quiet for a moment before responding, "So I guess that's a no for being allies."

    Sage exhaled a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Being allies is pointless, Chance. I just... I think it will be easier if either one of us dies, we don't have to witness it."

    Chance contemplated her words before speaking his mind. "But what if it comes down to we are the final two?"

    "It won't."

    "How do you know?"

    "I just do." Sage insisted. Because she won't let it become the two of them and if it comes down to the three of them... well, then nothing is going to stop her from doing what she has to do. But only if it comes down to choosing between Chance and Lorcan, which the choice was a no brainer. She will not hesitate. "Let's just agree to stay away from one another and if it comes down to the final three, then we'll do what is necessary. Is it a deal?"

    If Chance was disappointed about the two of them not becoming allies, then he did his best not to let it show. After a moment, he sat up from the couch and nodded. "Yeah. It's a deal."

    The older male got up and announced he should probably get some sleep. But just as he opened the door, he found himself turning to look back at her. "Hey, Rowan?"

    "Yeah?" Sage mutters tiredly, trying to stifle a yawn.

    Chance bowed his head slightly and gave her the barest of smiles. "Good luck."

    For the first time since she has met him, Sage bowed her own head respectfully, feeling good that they wouldn't have to worry about being forced to hurt one another in the arena and since Lorcan will be with her, there would be zero risk of Chance encountering him as well. "You too, Henderson."

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     𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 kind to fifteen year old redhead as she was forced awake by a literal singing Bird, being pulled out of her bed and left to do her business in a proper restroom one last time. The tributes were not given breakfast, as it was forbidden the day of the actual games.

    Everything was hollow as she dressed and met the others by the door where they will be taken to the hovercraft and transported to the arena. Bird was there to say her goodbyes. She gave Chance a hug who reluctantly returned it, the boy looking like he hadn't gotten any sleep, unlike Sage who felt rested and prepared, despite her nerves going absolutely insane. When Bird turned towards Sage, all it took was one look at the girl before stepping back. Instead, the escort nodded her head and gave her a generous smile.

    "Good luck, Sage."

    Sage simply dipped her head in acknowledgement and followed behind Walker who was leading the two out the door. By the time they reached the roof access, the elevator doors dinged and both tributes walked out and were greeted by both their stylists. Tatyana seemed a bit heart sick, didn't bother putting on a smile or trying to make her feel better.

    Before they entered the hovercraft, Walker stopped and turned to his mentees. "Okay, when you go on there, they are going to stick you with a needle. That will be your tracker and yes it hurts like a son of a bitch. Once you land, your stylists are going to lead you both separately to the Launch Room, where you will be dressed before heading to the pods. Remember everything I taught you and remember water is your first priority."

    "If we survive the bloodbath." Chance mutters to him.

    Walker sighed. "Well, that's up to you if you want to risk going to the cornucopia."

    Chance only nodded and continued towards the hovercraft with his stylist in toe. Walker patted him on the air as he went before turning to Sage. For the first time, he noticed something in her hands, the light green dress she had worn during the reaping ceremony and frowned. "You can't take that with you."

    Sage brought the wrinkled dress up and admired it softly. "I know. I was hoping- Could you please give this back to Adrian. You know.. after."

    Walker took the dress from her grasp, staring down at the material in deep thought before looking back up at the girl. "I'll hang on to it. You can give it back to her yourself soon."

    Sage only shook her head. "You don't know that."

    The strawberry blond haired mentor just smiled softly, before placing a hand on her shoulder. "I have a feeling. Normally my feelings are never wrong."

    Well they are wrong this time. Sage thought, but bit down on her tongue and kept it to himself. Instead she just looks up at the man before her. The man who had been mentored by her own mother, who must feel some kind of obligation towards her because of it. The man who won his game by out running everyone, by staying hidden and surviving whatever the Gamemakers threw at him. The man who has spent the last three days giving every advice he could remember and who will undoubtedly work hard to get her as many sponsors he can manage.

    A part of Sage felt a bit guilty that his hard work would be for nothing. Well... not nothing. Whatever help he can send to her from the outside will be much appreciated. But the tribute he will hope to bring home is not herself. She'll make sure his efforts are not in vain. She just hopes he understands when the time comes. She hopes Adrian does too... and Tatyana... and Lorcan.

    "Thank you, Walker." Sage told him, truly meaning her words. Walker seemed like he wanted to embrace her, but refrained, knowing how she felt about that.

    Instead, he squeezed her shoulders before nodding his head once. And instead of the traditional 'good luck' like he had given Chance, he chose something that seemed to fit much better with their dynamic. "Go kick some ass."

     Sage only responded with a firm nod, before heading towards the hovercraft with Tatyana at her side. Her stylist has barely spoken, the tension between them thick and heavy. As much as it surprised her, Sage had never expected to grow such an attachment to someone from the Capitol. Or anyone other than Adrian for that matter. But Tatyana was literally like a younger version of Hyacinth. Snappy, witty, and knew how to handle her harsh words and challenges.

    It was a bittersweet feeling knowing that Tatyana also has expectations of her winning the games, only to be disappointed with what's to come. Because if things do go as planned and Sage manages to get Lorcan to the final two... well, no one is really going to expect what she will do next. Lorcan will win the 68th Hunger Games. He will make it home to his mother and twin. His destiny will not be to die in the arena. She will do anything to make sure that doesn't happen.

     Sage found herself seated in the hovercraft before she knew it. There were other tributes already on as well as some still coming. She tried to look for Lorcan, but he was nowhere to be seen. He must be further back on the other side of the hovercraft. Soon, a woman was standing in front of her with a silver tray and probably the largest and thickest needle the redhead has ever seen. When she asked for her arm, Sage was almost reluctant to give it but obliged anyway and winced as she stuck the needle into her arm, inserting what Sage now knows to be the tracker.

    Only a few minutes go by before the hovercraft takes off, heading in the direction of the arena. Sage kept her eyes closed pretty much the entire time, her head rested back as she tried to focus. Almost three hours had gone by before they finally landed, meaning the arena was three hours from the Capitol. Sage felt a bit calmer than before, mainly because she had a couple hours to panic and freak out. Now... Now it was only a matter of moments before she was on the platform being sent into the games.

    Every single tribute was separated, following their stylists underground the arena to the catacombs where they arrived at their own Launch Room. Once inside, Tatyana closed the door and there Sage was able to take in the arena outfit she was supposed to be dressed in and her once calm exterior diminished instantly.

    "Well, if that is not an indication of what the arena will be like, I don't know what is." The redhead muttered as Tatyana approached the outfit. 

    "Yeah, I don't think you will have to worry about heatstroke." Tatyana pointed out, trying to make it seem better than it was. Sage had to disagree. She grew up in one of the hottest Districts in Panem. She is accustomed to the heat. Winter would hit pretty bad too, but mostly summer was the worst. She preferred it.

    But looking at what she was forced to put on... she knew it was going to be more challenging than she could ever imagine.

    First Tatyana dressed her in thermal undergarments, before helping her into white camo pants, buttoning and tying it tightly. She then helped her into black long sleeve shirt that was pretty thin, then into a fairly thick, black winter jacket with fur around the hood's edges. She then put her in decent boots, but Sage already knew the socks provided would not help for longer than an a day, not even.

    Tatyana then pulled Sage's red hair into a ponytail, tucking the pieces that fell to her side behind her ears and cupped her face gently. "I've worked with a lot of tributes. Most of them I knew never stood a chance. But you... I knew you were a force to be reckoned with the moment you attacked me at the opening ceremony."

    Sage let out an airy chuckle, remembering that day seeing as it was the first time her temper had actually made someone like her. Tatyana dropped her hands to her sides and sighed sadly. "I understand, sweetheart."

    Sage frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

    Tatyana remained silent for a moment before grabbing her hand and giving it a much needed squeeze. Instead of responding, she just led her to the door, Sage following closely in suit, her mind trying to figure out what she was talking about. Entering the launch room, Sage approaches the launch tube, her heart picking up with each step she takes.

    "Sixty seconds." They announced, causing the redhead to turn back to Tatyana, but the woman was already looking at her with a knowing expression. Sage squinted her eyes, trying to understand, but it wasn't until she looked down and noticed her outfit. She was dressed in all black, something she had once told Sage drunkenly that she hates the color black and would never be caught dead wearing it unless there was a death and she was in morning.

    It hit her suddenly as her eyes lifted back up to hers, this being the first time she is noticing she is not wearing her yellow cat-like contacts, but instead she finally got to see the pretty light brown that reminded Sage of dirt when it rained.

    "Forty seconds."

    "You know." Sage whispered.

    Tatyana gave the faintest of smiles. "You may be good at reading people, Sage Rowan. But so am I. You don't seem like the type of girl who would choose the life of a victor on purpose. I can see it in your eyes, especially earlier with Walker. You don't plan on walking out of that arena."

    Sage felt the sudden urge to hug her. Tatyana seemed to understand her feelings of that form of contact, and the only ones she has been comfortable hugging were Adrian and Hyacinth. But they were for goodbyes. This was another bittersweet goodbye. Which is why Sage closed the space between them and embraced her. Tatyana immediately wrapped her arms around the young girl, savoring this moment.

    "I know you have a plan, sweet child. I may not know what, but whatever it is, I hope it works out for you." The stylist informed her.

    Sage only whispered a thank you as the announcer spoke once again. "Twenty seconds."

    "You better get in there." Tatyana said, doing her best to control her emotions. Sage just nodded, turning towards the launch tube and slowly making her way towards it.

    "Ten seconds."

    Sage stepped inside the tube, turning to face Tatyana. The older woman just placed a hand on her heart and smiled sweetly, and even though she didn't speak it, Sage just knew Tatyana was still going to be rooting for her to win, despite knowing it is the last thing she wants.

    When the tube closed, Sage inhaled a sharp breath, feeling the claustrophobia collapsing on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. Three seconds went by and suddenly she was being lifted slowly. When the top opened, she was hit in the face by the freezing cold temperature. And as she came into view, she immediately exhaled the much needed breath, only to see the hot air she breathed, like a cloud of fog.

    Sage whipped her head around, trying to get a sense of her surroundings. In front of her stood the metal cornucopia, filled with much needed supplies scattered all around. The snow in front of her was very thin, which means it will make it easier to run on. As Sage looked behind her, she noticed that further out the snow was much deeper, following into pine woods. She snapped her head back, looking at her fellow tributes who were standing on their own platforms, surveying the arena.

    Sage immediately started searching for Lorcan. The two closest to her were Axton from District 5 on her left and London from District 11 on her right. She went down each side, until finally she spotted Lorcan about five feet from her. The blonde boy seemed to be searching for her as well and when his eyes locked with her, he seemed a bit relieved but still held the terrified look in his eyes.

    Every tribute seemed to be dressed in the exact same get up, but despite the thermal undergarments and the heavy jacket, it was not going to be enough to survive this freezing winter. The two never took their eyes off one another and Sage hoped and prayed Lorcan remembered the plan. She needs to get to him first before they go into the bloodbath. There is no way they can not go in and get some supplies. They need more clothes, and a couple decent weapons before they can get out of there.

    Sage stared at the timer, watching as it counted down from sixty. It got down to twenty and everyone was getting ready to make a run for it. Sage looked behind her and an idea came to her. Looking back up at Lorcan whose gaze found its way back to her, as if sensing her stare, Sage nudged her head behind her. Lorcan frowned, looking back and it took almost to the last second before he looked back, nodding in understanding.

    5, 4, 3, 2, 1

    The horn blared and the games had obviously begun.

    Everyone took off sprinting towards the cornucopia, a couple others that she could see were taking off into the winter woods. Both Sage and Lorcan did not run forward, instead sprinted off the platform in the direction of the pine woods, but did not run to them. The two ran for each other, both being incredibly fast and the minute they were with one another Lorcan let out a deep breath.

    "Did I mention I hate the cold?"

    Sage ignored his joke and reference to the first day they met during training when he commented saying he hopes it has nothing to do with cold. She only grabbed his arm and pulled. "We need to go. Stay close to me and watch your back."

    Lorcan nodded in answer as they both took off towards the cornucopia, just as most of the tributes had already arrived. She heard a scream, looking over to see the girl from 2 fighting on top of another girl who was struggling for her life right now. They were at the edge of the cornucopia when the first knife was thrown. Sage grabbed Lorcan and pulled him away just in time for the knife to fly right past them. Sage looked up and locked eyes with the boy from 7, Tavis. That seemed to be his only weapon, giving Sage the advantage to punch him across the face just like she had practiced a million times with a sack of grain. Tavis went down and Sage just turn back to Lorcan.

    "Grab whatever you can carry."

    Lorcan nodded, though Sage didn't see it as she advanced towards the large belt with the perfect set of throwing knives and tossed it over her shoulder. She then grabbed a black backpack, as well as a bag of what she could only hope was filled with necessities and hopefully some food. When her eyes locked on a familiar weapon, she made an advance on it, but was stopped when she was suddenly punched in the face. A little disoriented from the blow, Sage looked up and came face to face with Dick, a twisted smirk on his lips.

    "You don't know how long I wanted to do that." Dick said with a laugh, twirling the machete in his hand. "I'm going to enjoy killing you, bitch."

    Dick swung at her, but Sage was able to duck just in time and kicked him as hard as he could in the right knee, causing the boy to let out a scream of agony as he fell to the ground. Sage then took the machete from his grasp and grabbed the back of his head and brought his head down to her knee, causing blood to pour from his nose.

    "Lorcan!" Sage called, turning to the blond who had one backpack over his shoulder as well as some silver case in his grasp. Lorcan looked up, just as she motioned to the weapon in her hand. "Catch." She tossed him the machete, to which Lorcan caught with ease. Sage then looked around, seeing multiple others fighting one another, even a couple bodies laid there. Blood was splattered in the snow, the massacre scene making her a bit dizzy.

    Well, that might be from the punch she had just received.

    Knowing she had gotten Dick down for a considerable amount of time, she needed to get Lorcan out of there as quickly as possible. Advancing on the sickle sword, she managed to beat another girl to it. The girl jumped back in fear, the two staring at one another. Harmony, District 3. Sage gripped the hilt of her sickle sword, before suddenly another sword struck Harmony threw the back and came out through her chest. Sage felt a splatter of her blood hit her in the face, the redhead frozen in shock as she looked behind to see it had been the girl Claroline from District 5 who had done it.

    A hand on her arm pulled her back, Sage immediately turned to see Lorcan staring at her with wide, frightened eyes. "Sage, come on, we need to go."

    Instantly snapping out of her surprised gaze, Sage turned and ran as fast as she could before Claroline had the time to extract her sword from Harmony's back and attack on her. Sage noticed Dick was being helped by his District partner and other Careers, Sage regretting not taking him out right there and then, but when she saw how he struggled to stand, knew she had slowed him down.

    At least she had been right about his weakness. It was hard to hide old injuries, especially if they were knee related. Dick favored his left leg way too much despite being right side dominant. He didn't have a limp, he seemed to have mastered hiding it, but during her times of observing his fight skills, she noticed how his right knee would buckle on an occasion if he stood up too fast. All she would have to do to really weaken him was reinjure a pretty serious knee displacement.

    A part of her was happy to have the chance to do it so early in the games. It would slow him down, making his allies question if it's worth bringing him along. They might find him too much of a burden that they'll take him out themselves, that is if any of them can think for themselves.

     The further they got, the harder it was becoming to run as the snow just got deeper and deeper. But neither Sage nor Lorcan didn't dare to stop as they disappeared behind the treeline, abandoning the cornucopia and the sounds of innocents being slaughtered left and right. They just kept running, into the freezing winter pine woods, for who knows what awaits them.

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The games have begun! Sorry for the wait, was having a writers block for a bit, but it came back suddenly!

Hope everyone enjoyed the beginning of the 68th Hunger Games. This is very mild for what's to come. Dreading it but excited at the same time.