I jab the knife into Lee Jeno's chest. To be specific, I try to aim for the heart so it's quick and direct. Plus, it gets the job done. After that, he falls backwards, but my attention was elsewhere.
No longer being held up, Athena is unable to sit up on her own. I barely catch her before she face-plants into the ground.
"Hey, you good?" I stupidly ask.
She obviously wasn't. She didn't even have the strength to hold her own head up. Grabbing her by the jaw, I noticed one of her pupils were more dilated than the other. An concussion?
"Why did you do that?" Her eyebrows are furrowed while she slurs through her words.
"I don't know," My voice softens, "Do you think you can stand?"
Athena mumbles with her eyes shut, "Renjun, I'm so tired."
Knowing it's medically safe for her to do so, I assure her, "You're okay. Just go to sleep."
Then she's unconscious.
I begin to question what I should do next. Should I run away before the rest of her people come for her? Just leave her here for them and get away safely.
That's the best option.
However, when I take one last look down at her, I feel a pang in my chest. All common sense floats away and suddenly she has never looked so helpless and innocent.
Not that I can remember at least. Maybe I never noticed before, but she has always seemed perfectly able to take care of herself. Yet, here she is completely vulnerable and knocked out in my arms.
"What's the problem?" That's what Jeno would've said in his usual, mocking tone.
The problem is now that I have her close, I don't know if I can ever let her go.
Before I can question myself, I'm heading back to the Cornocopia with Lee Athena on my back.
Jisung's POV
By the time I was able to limp my way to camp, Jaemin and Mark came rushing towards me in concern.
Before I can quickly explain to them, I am beaten by the sound of a cannon. The world begins spinning in circles. My body feeling completely numb.
Jaemin frantically grabbed my shoulders, "Where's Athena?"
"Jaemin. She-" I can't even say it, "I'm so sorry."
His hands just fall to his sides. Stepping backwards, his eyes are focused on the floor. It's a long silence before his voice musters out a pained, "How?"
"The Careers found us. We took off running, but my leg-" I was speaking almost incoherent and in sobs, "and I told her to leave me, but she wouldn't. We hid behind different bushes. So, when Jeno came towards mine, she got him to chase her the other way."
There was silence.
"I killed her. It because of me and my stupid leg. I was the one who made her go out there." I say to no one.
"Jisung." Mark shakes his head at me.
"I did, Mark. I did! She ran away so Jeno wouldn't find and kill me." I yell.
"How do we even know the cannon was for her?" Mark suggests, taking me aback.
"I'm going to go look." Jaemin speaks up, looking to Mark, "You stay with Jisung."
Renjun's POV
“Hey, stupid. Wake up.” I shake the sleeping girl, needing to check to see if her condition has deteriorated or improved after a few hours of rest.
Once she wakes up, she reaches out to grab my wrist in caution. I wince as her nails dig into my skin. When the girl sees who I am, she starts to look around for a weapon. Not easing up the tight grip on my wrist one bit.
“Do you remember what happened?” I quiz. She pauses looking at me in confusion. It’s as this moment, when she begins to look around the rest of her surroundings. I take this time to look her over, noticing her pupils and skin color were back to normal.
Athena is visibly frightened, “I don’t–Why am I here?” Her grip is loosened, but still there.
“Well, you remember you were with that boy right by the river?” I test her memory.
“I remember you killed him. Jeno, I mean.” She breathes out, puzzled, “Why?”
I change the subject, “I guess your memories are okay.”
She winces and brings her hand up to her injury. Then, she notices her head had been cleaned and wrapped, “Did you do this?”
“I guess you’ll have to owe me one then.” I slap her hand away, reaching out to check the bleeding underneath the bandage on her head, "You're lucky I was even able to find this, considering you were the idiot who exploded all the supplies."
"How are you sure it was me?" She plays dumb, yet the corners of her mouth are twitching, trying to hide the smirk. She was proud of herself.
I reach into one of my pockets, pulling out a knife very familiar to her, "I found this in the debris. Nice one, genius."
"Weird. Never seen it before." The girl lies, nonchalantly.
"You've never been a good liar, you know,” I try to prove my point, “Tell me this, did you kill Haechan?”
She is unapologetically blunt, “Nah, I did that one.”
“By the way, you should probably open this." I handed her a crate.
Earlier while she was asleep, we both received sponsors. I guess the audience really liked the whole drama of what just happened. They really are suckers for anything that keeps them on their toes.
I watch as she opens the crate to see pills. I’m sure they’ll help with the horrible head pain she most likely has. She also opens a note, but I didn’t see what it said. I guessed it was probably from Taeyong. I watch as her face relaxes before she stuffs it away in her jacket pocket.
Just like I do every night, I step out of the Cornucopia to watch the announcements. Of course, today was a little different since I obviously knew who was going to show up. I didn't even have to be nervous since the one person who I internally hoped wouldn't show up was alive right beside me.
The same dumb anthem plays, which I was beginning to get annoyed of hearing. Floating in the sky is the symbol of, in my opinion, an deformed-looking bird. Underneath is blue words saying, "The Fallen."
Alarms start going off in my head, when I firstly see the girl from District 5 appear. This is because usually the deaths appear starting from the earlier districts. However, I brush it aside and continue watching, thinking he’ll appear later.
That is until the music stops. The young girl’s face fades away into nothing. For a few seconds, I find myself staring at a blank sky.
That could only mean one thing.
Lee Jeno is still alive.
I scan my surroundings, including all the trees. There's no way he could've gotten this far with a stab wound to the chest, right?
Noticing my uneasiness, the girl is looking up at me in confusion. I calmly walk in the Cornucopia, reaching to grab some things before I leave.
I finally explained to Athena, "Hey, you remember when I said you owed me? I think now sounds good.”
warnings: lots of kissing, mentions of killing, description of injuries
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Athena's POV
It took a while for Jisung's quiet sniffles to fade the night of Chenle's death. By the time Mark and I had made our way back, Jaemin and Jisung had found out the news after they saw his face among the dead in the sky. Honestly, it was almost easier for Jisung to find out that way. I know Mark was in too much pain to tell him. As for me, I don't know how I could bare to look him in those innocent eyes and tell him either. As expected, he took it pretty hard. I mean, he was his best friend. He literally cried so much, that he eventually became exhausted and fell asleep.
I took the first watch, since Mark looked like he needed rest as well. The only other person who was still up was Na Jaemin.
"What are you thinking about?" Just like when we were alone in the first days, his head was resting on my lap.
"Jeno, Renjun, and the District 5 girl are the only ones left other than us." I point out.
Focusing on the positives, he replies, "Okay, well I'm guessing they'll go after her for us, since she's alone. Hopefully, they'll kill each-other. If not, we'll do it."
My voice was in a small whisper, "And then?"
He's silent.
I know District 2 is watching me right now. The same district that attachment is only necessary when it pertains to something you need. Once you have gotten what you've needed, you have to detach yourself. Almost like how a leech sucks enough blood until their fulfilled, then falls off on their own free will.
These people have given me my fill. Mark and Jisung took Jaemin and I in, even after Jaemin was injured. However, now we are both healthy as can be. As they sleep in front of me, what is stopping us from running away or even just killing them? Friends. Something I never had before. I never understood it until now. How it means that even though I'm full, I feel obligated to them too. To give just as much as they gave me.
But they are right. This is what they warned us about. This obligation will keep me captive. Let's say that we do all make it to the end together. Even so, the games will continue until a single victor. It happens every time.
The longest was the 25th games, it lasted for a total of twenty-seven days. This year the Districts had chosen the children of their mayors. Because of growing up wealthy and sheltered, none of the kids knew anything about fighting.
So they didn't. Half of them were wiped out by vicious mutations on the third day, then eventually others by starvation. However, the Gamemakers had a twist this year. Instead of the parachutes sending things to help and aid you, they sent down things like tracker jackers and acidic rain. No longer did the tributes have to survive eachother, but instead the sponsors.
Three weeks later, only two managed to do this: a brother and sister from District 9. Hopeless and broken, they decided to draw straws to see who would survive and win. The brother ended up getting the short one and gave his sister a kiss on the cheek before she stabbed him to death.
This just proves no matter how much you care for the other survivors, the Capitol won't give up until you kill the other.
The long silence was interrupted, "You know you're my priority. Ever since the beginning, only you."
"You know what I'm saying, what I'll do if I need to." Jaemin whispers sincerely, "I know you wouldn't like it, but we promised it would be me and you in the end, right?"
I knew exactly what he was alluding to. It doesn't matter if it's Mark or Jisung, he would kill anyone so we'd survive.
"I know." I speak even through the lump in my throat. There's no point in pretending or acting like things could never possibly come to that. I mean, it's not like the games are a place where you make friends.
Jaemin is sensitive to my discomfort, "Hopefully, it won't come to that, okay?"
All I could do was respond with a nod. Let's hope it doesn't.
It's almost natural the way I once again played with his hair to calm down. I noticed that since we've been separated, time had caused his nearly-black roots to appear, fading nicely into the frosty blonde. His eyes were more sunken in and tired, but still held the same old light as he peered up at me with interest, "You really have no shame, Athena."
"What do you mean?" I tease, playing innocent like I wasn't obviously checking out the beautiful boy just seconds earlier.
Then, in a burst of affection, the boy literally almost tackles me. My elbows brace myself up on the ground, as he leans over me. Alarmed, I turn my head to see the boys fast asleep, a good distance away.
When I look back at Jaemin, I feel my head start to buzz. It's seems like so long since I've been this close to someone. A someone who is somewhere far away in this arena. Someone, who in was in this same position with the night before I came here. In a soft voice, Jaemin's voice brings me back to the present, to him.
"Please."
Not long after I nod, I feel his lips softly brush over mine. Almost as if he's testing the waters. The kiss that follows is soft and delicate, yet brief. It's like I'm a piece of glass, that he is trying his best not to break. When, he backs away to see my reaction, I nearly chase after his lips. He just laughs to himself at the display of eagerness. I move back, so I'm entirely laying on the grass.
I try to be patient, not wanting to overstep our boundaries. However, when he looks down at me with absolute adoration, I didn't stop myself from grabbing his shirt with both my hands. Once I pulled him down into an bruising kiss, I could hear him let out a content sigh.
I get lost and entirely forget where I am. Instead of in an arena, it just feels like we're two young teenagers making out under the stars. It feels normal and completely right. Out of breath, he is now laying on top of me. My mouth is open in awe, while I marvel at the feeling. Relaxing, I could feel Jaemin smiling into my neck. Even in the dark, I know the cameras can see me also smiling like a fool to the sky.
After that, Jaemin decided to take his watch and let me sleep. It was the first peaceful sleep I have had until forever. That was, of course, until a young boy named Park Jisung ruined it.
"We need water!" Beside me was a knocked out, Jaemin. He was leaning against a tree, while my head was leaning against his shoulder.
"Okay, fine. Just shush." I was trying to be wary of Jaemin, who stayed up for both of our watches.
Grabbing my stuff, I say a brief goodbye to Mark. Jisung happily follows me like a little puppy, probably glad to finally get out of the camp again.
The fresh sun illuminates the water of the lake. Birds are singing good morning to one another. I hand my bag to Jisung, as I take out my bottle. The tiny fish quickly swim away as I fill Mark and I's bottles up with water.
I feel a tug on my leather jacket.
"Athena." Jisung was pale, looking behind me.
My head snapped around to automatically meet eyes with Lee Jeno. Across the lake, he had just arrived with Renjun.
I don't waste any time before grabbing Jisung and running into the woods behind me. However, we could only get a small distance before Jisung fell to the ground, clutching his bad leg, "I can't."
"You can. Come on." I tried to hold him up like I did during the forest fire. I could hear the two Careers just around the corner.
"I'll slow you down." Jisung begged, "You gotta go without me."
Not even having it, I grabbed him and sat him down behind a nearby bush. Since the bush was fairly small, I had to go to the only other one across the clearing.
"Let's split up." I hear nearby.
Through a gap in the branches, I see Lee Jeno come around the corner. My heart pounds with each of his steps. Jeno gets closer and closer the bush Jisung is hiding behind. I violently curse in my head as I realized Jisung was carrying my backpack with all of my weapons in it.
I guess we're gonna have to do this a different way.
I dart out of my bush and begin running in the opposite direction of camp. That way, Jisung could hopefully make it back undetected to get help.
I don't look back at all. I just keep running until I get back to the lake. Before I can change direction, I feel someone jump on me.
Crashing down, the side of my head collides with a large boulder. At first, it's completely numb and I'm able to push the tall boy off of me.
However, once I push myself up, I start to see black and fall back to the ground.
"Hey, I got her!" Jeno yelled out to Renjun.
"We've been looking for you, pretty girl." His arms have mine completely pinned to the dirt. The more I struggle against him, the more the white dots fill up my vision.
Renjun's POV
When I run towards Jeno's voice, I eventually found the two of them.
Jeno was holding the small girl. Lee Athena's face was as white as a sheet. Blood was pouring out of her head, falling in thick drops down the side of her face. I couldn't even tell if she was even conscious at this point.
She was completely limp as the boy sat her up on her knees, "Why don't you finish her off?"
"Look who came to join us." He cooed, grabbing her hair to make her look up at me.
Her half-lidded eyes recognized me right away. Although, there wasn't any signs of fear or sadness for what she knew was about to happen to her. She almost looked like she was challenging me. You wouldn't.
Would I?
"Do it." Jeno urged me. Her chin was tilted back by his hold on her hair, neck entirely on display. My hand was tightly wrapped around the familiar blade in my hands.
I tried to quickly come up with an excuse for my next actions in my head. I mean it would have to happen eventually. At least, it would be somewhat quick.
heyy just wanted to say that I read violent ends again and wow, it is really so well written and i love it so much! I dont know when you're going to post the next part but i'm really looking forward to it!!
Aw thank you sm! I’ve been a little busy protesting and all that jazz. However, I’m working on the next chapter rn! 💗💗💗💗
warnings: language, death, description of injuries, hallucinations, important character death,
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Athena's POV
It was quick the way he died. Before Haechan fell forward, his left eye cried tears of blood. There was nothing on his face, no acknowledgement or realisation of what just occurred. No evidence of any previous life in his face.
Just nothing.
People always say that your entire life flashes before your eyes once you die. However, there was not even enough time for that. No time to remember the eighteen years he once lived. He was just gone.
Mark Lee and I sprung forward. Once the corpse was thrown off him, Mark lifted up Jisung from the water. The young boy bent over and began coughing up the water in his lungs.
Once he finished, you could tell the reality of what just happened to him was sinking in. Frantically looking around, he saw Haechan laying face-down in the water, blood flowing out from his wound. Going pale, Jisung silently grabbed the body and flipped him over. He ripped his hand away and would've screamed if it wasn't for my hand covering his mouth.
Not used to injuries, Jisung was practically hyperventilating at the site of my throwing knife lodged in one of the body's lifeless eyes,
"Jisung, it's okay. Don't look at it." I brought my hand down and closed the remaining eye, thinking it would help. It didn't.
"Oh my god. What did you do?!" Jisung was about to throw up.
Mark looked around nervously, before saying, "She saved you. Quick, let's go." He grabbed the distressed boy's arm and pulled him to his feet.
After we had gotten a good distance away, I could hear the cannon go off.
"That could've been me." Jisung mumbled to himself in disbelief. He looked really bad. Almost as if he could go off the deep end any second. I mean, the kid has came to the brink of death twice in the span of only two days.
Trying to lighten his spirits, I suggest, "You're a lucky kid, aren't you?"
He considers my words before murmuring, "Yeah, I guess so."
Chenle's POV
I think I'm the unluckiest kid in the world, right now.
As the Careers and Jaemin start yapping away, I take this opportunity to look around the tree for something to help us escape. Alarmed, I look around where Jaemin is perched to see a raccoon sized nest. Swaying gently, I peek around to discreetly get a better look. Immediately, the bright gold body captures my eye.
No, these aren't just any wasps, they're tracker jackers.
Made in the Captiol's labs, they were placed directly in the districts during the war. Tracker Jackers were named according to their ability to 'track' down and hunt anyone who comes into contact with them. If they bite you, most likely you'll die. Even if you don't, most people will go mad from experiencing the hallucinations from the venom.
Our options are: we let Haechan come back and kill us or possibly die from these creatures. Reaching behind Jaemin, I discreetly began sawing away at the limb carrying the nest with my knife. Both Jaemin and the people below were too wrapped up in the conversation to notice what I was doing.
I kept sawing back and forth. Suddenly, a tracker jacker came calmly out of the nest. Holding my breath, I watch as it walks onto an unaware Jaemin's hand. Unable to warn him, I just speed up as quick as I can. More and more tracker jackers began leaving the nest to check out what was happening. Back, forth! Back, forth! Another jacker lands on Jaemin's shoulder.
Then there was a cannon.
The nest fell down right after. I could hear Jaemin yelp, however, I just pulled him out of the tree and bolt. I could hear the two Careers yelling above the buzzing from the army of angry wasps.
Once we've ran far from the chaos, I stopped to check on Jaemin. Right away, I noticed the plump-sized lumps on his neck and hand.
"I'm Jaemin," He slurs, "Nice to meet you, sir."
Oh my god.
Jaemin squints his eyes, trying to focus, "I have to admit. I've never met a three-headed, green person before. Are there others like you?"
It was almost dark, we have to get home, now. I grab him and began running again. Once we get to camp, I spot Mark, Athena, and Jisung all sitting down.
"Jaemin, got stung by tracker jackers!" I'm out of breath. Lee Athena immediately runs over to us, stopping in front of the disoriented boy.
"Athena, is that you?" His eyes are excited, but confused. The girl grabs his hand and quickly removes the stinger and does the same to his swollen neck. Green pus seems out from the now orange-sized bumps.
"I think-" His eyes roll over to the back of his head and Athena barely manages to catch him before he falls to the ground. Mark runs over and helps her carry him into the shack.
The next day, she took care of him. Every few hours, she would grind up a special leaf to put on the wounds.
She knew a lot about the wilderness. While Mark stayed to watch Jaemin, she would take Jisung and I out to practice hunting. It was nice learning, especially since I have always felt bad for relying on Mark so much. Not only does he have to take care of himself, but he also has to make sure two, weak kids don't die as well. After capturing a rabbit this morning, I felt happy knowing I got to help ease the pressure, even if it's just small.
"Good job, Chenle." He praised, making my heart swell. We were all sitting around the fire.
"I bet I'll get a even bigger one tomorrow." Jisung challenged, making us all chuckle.
Eventually, the conversation led to us talking about living in our different districts.
"Yeah, I swear all District 10 has is cows and desert. Although, I got to grow up with a lot of different animals, which was really fun." I explained.
"I wish I could see a desert, but we have that fence keeping us in District 11. Growing up, a lot of us had to climb trees in the orchards for fruit, which could be pretty fun. Although, it wasn't fun when you'd occasionally run into the tracker jackers." Jisung winced in remembrance.
"At least you guys have the orchards, District 12 is really small. When you turn eighteen, you work for the coal mines. Food is pretty hard to get also. To get grain and oil, I had to enter my name into the Reaping about forty times." We all gasped aloud at Mark.
"I have a question that I've always wanted to ask," Jisung announced, "I've seen District 12 do that think with the three fingers so many times. What does it actually mean?"
"It's been around forever, I guess. It's a sign of love and respect to show thankfulness for someone or something. Sometimes we use it to say goodbye. That's what everyone did to me, when I left after the Reaping." Mark explained to him.
Jisung kissed his three fingers and held them up in the air, "Well, I love and respect all of you."
All four of us, Mark, Jisung, Athena, and myself, giggled and did the salute to each-other before heading off to sleep.
Athena's POV
It's now been two days, since Jaemin has first been stung. The swelling has gone completely down, however, he still has a bit of a fever and hasn't woken up.
The most nerve wracking part is that, until he wakes up, I can't feed him anything. I can't even give him water to drink. It's not like real life, where he would have a feeding tube. Even we were alone, we barely got anything to eat. Gosh, it really is so easy to die of hunger in here.
Today, the boys wanted to show off their new hunting skills to Mark. So, it was just Jaemin and I at the camp. Apart from Haechan, none of the other Careers have shown up in the sky so far. So, I have no idea if Renjun is the same way as Jaemin. However, his health shouldn't be of my concern, anyway.
Since they are just two members now, Mark and I have been discussing an attack on them. After he snuck to their territory, he saw that they have pilled up all the supplies. Protecting them are random mines, which, if you stepped wrong, could easily blow you up to pieces.
Instead of risking stepping on a mine by trying to fight them directly, we thought we should find a way to blow up the pile of supplies. That way, they'll starve themselves out.
Suddenly, I notice Jaemin stir. His eyes are confused and wide. He looks around his surroundings, before he sees me next to him.
"Athena!" His voice is excited and relieved, yet weak. His hand shoots out to grab mine.
I sigh, "You've been out for two days, you know."
"Are you serious?" He looks around again, "Wait, where are we?"
"We're at Mark's camp. Chenle brought you back." I said, knowing he probably doesn't remember anything.
I hear a pleasant beeping noise, which makes me nearly burst with happiness. Near our feet, a box drops. Inside is a container of warm soup and a spoon.
Knowing he was still in bad shape, I grab the spoon and scooped up some soup to feed to him. Smiling, he accepted the food. His eyes shut in delight, finally getting to eat a real meal.
He happily suggests, “You should eat some."
I know he hasn’t eaten for two whole days. This makes me feel warm, knowing that, even though he’s literally starving, he would still offer me it.
"I think Jisung and Chenle would kill me if I didn't eat what they catch,” I laugh before getting serious, “Besides, you really need it right now."
He’s disappointed, but still continues eating.
Concerned, I ask, "So, are you doing okay? I mean those hallucinations can be really messed up."
"I mean, apart from the trees turning into blood and thinking ants were eating me, I'm fine. Especially, since your here now." Jaemin laughs.
I shake my head, smiling at the ground.
"I mean it, though. I felt so bad after I lost you. If I had known you stopped, I would've gone back for you, Athena,” He stops me, “You know that right?"
"Well, I did have your supplies." I point out.
He provides clarity, "Supplies or not, you're still a priority to me. That's just not even a question at this point."
I felt a deep pang in my chest. There’s so many things I want to say. On instinct, with both of my palms, I hold his face in my hands,"If there wasn't cameras on us right now, I would-"
Jaemin breathes out, "Who's stopping you?"
His eyes darted down to my lips, then back up to my eyes. I checked his face to see if there was any hint of joking, yet his eyes were filled with warmth. It occurred to me that he was feeling the same need and want that I was. Like if I were in a black hole, I felt myself being pulled closer and closer into him.
"Hey Athena, look what I caught—oh,uh?"
Jisung, stares in shock, at the close proximity between Jaemin and I's faces.
I jump up, brushing myself off, "Come on, kid. Let's go see it."
Jisung brought me outside to see Mark and Chenle by the fire.
“Jaemin is awake.” I announced to the two boys.
“That’s really good.” I could tell Chenle had felt guilty about him getting stung.
Mark proposed, “Well, today I was thinking that we should go destroy the supplies.”
Chenle eagerly asked, “Can I help?”
“Well, I guess you could help us by starting fires with me to lead them away from the Cornocopia.” Mark turned to Jisung, “Jisung, could you stay with Jaemin?”
“What’s going on?” Jaemin popped his head out of the shack.
“We’re going to destroy Jeno and Renjun’s supplies.” I caught him up.
His eyebrows are furrowed, “Are you going?”
“Of course.” I nod, plainly.
After we ate, I headed into the shack to get my backpack. On the ground, Jaemin was looking up at me unhappily, completely different from how he usually looks at me.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s just,” He sighs, “every time we’re separated, something bad always happens.”
“Well, you still need to rest, besides I’ll have Mark with me.” I lie. Mark will be separated from me, but I didn’t want to stress him out.
“You better come back. I’m serious.” He deadpans.
“Okay, Na Jaemin.”
I brush his hair out of his face. He’s not aware, but I can’t help but thinking the way he’s looking at me reminds me of a lost puppy, “I mean it.”
“I know.” I smile.
Then, Mark, Chenle, and I began heading towards the Cornocopia. As we’re walking, I notice Mark fiddling with something on his jacket.
“What’s that?” I ask, intrigued.
“It’s a mockingjay pin.” He states. The pin contained the small golden bird with an ring around it. It’s connected to the ring only by its wing tips.
Mockingjays were the result of a failed project by the Capitol to spy on the rebellious districts. Because of this, they have become a symbol for the rebellion. It’s almost as if they are rubbing it in the Capitol’s faces.
“I like it,” I beam up at him, “It suits you.”
“I think so too. It’s cool.” Chenle gushes.
Mark blushes before coming to a stop, “This is where we separate. Chenle, after I set the fire, wait a little before setting yours. That way they’ll think it’s real and definitely come to yours.
All alone, I hide beneath the trees as I come to a stop in front of the Cornocopia. Sitting to the right of the supplies, were a group of boys. Along with Jeno and Renjun, I spotted a boy from District 3. I’m assuming he’s Haechan’s replacement.
“Guy’s look!” Jeno points out. There, hidden in the tree’s, Mark has created a fire. The smoke created a cloud in the sky right above his position.
“Let’s go, Renjun. Guard the place, until we get back.” Jeno tells the young boy.
Once they’re gone, I grab into my backpack and pull out knife. Getting ready to throw, I rear back my hand.
However, from the left, a figure darts out from the woods. Avoiding the piles of buried mines, she is calculated and precise. From the pile, the red-head grabs an armful of supplies and runs past the District 3 boy.
As a result, he stood up and began chasing her into the woods. Perfect.
I scan the pile, looking for something I could knock down to trigger the mines. That way, I would be kept safe from the blast. At the very top is a bag of bright red and green apples.
Taking a deep breath, I throw a knife as hard as I can. It manages to make a rip in the bag, but not big enough for the fruit to fall through.
So, I grab another one. I calm myself down, before I launch my second one. Almost in slow motion, I watch as an single apple drops from the fresh hole. Rolling forward, it halts on top of one of the piles.
One after the other, all of the mines are triggered. Before I can react, I am thrown back by the incredible force. I can feel ash and debris raining down on my head. In my head and ears, I can hear a sharp buzzing. With my fingers, I could feel blood coming out of my left ear.
Running back from the woods, Renjun and Jeno meet the District 3 boy in the middle. I was able to see if Jeno had even said anything. Although, even over the buzzing, I could hear the crack of the boys neck after Jeno snapped it.
Alarmed, I run back into the woods to hide. Blinking, I could feel my sight and hearing slowly coming back.
“Help!” I hear a young voice. Wow, that was quick. The Careers already found another victim.
“Mark! Athena!”
Chenle!
I run, following the shouts. Not even caring if I was about to run face first into a planned trap. His shouts continue and I feel can feel the quick tempo of my heart.
When I force my way into a clearing, I spot the young boy entrapped in a net on the grown. He stops struggling and smiles in relief when he spots me in front of him.
However, it fades when the arrow lodges straight into his chest.
To my left, I look just in time to see Mark shoot an arrow into the neck of the other District 12 tribute. Using my knife, I quickly cut Chenle free from the net. Mark runs over, propping him up in his arms. Blood is seeping through his shirt. I look up at Mark, giving him a telling look.
“Is it bad?” He doesn’t have enough strength to look down. I don’t know what to say.
“I never imagined I would go like this.” His voice is shaky, but knowing.
The cannon for the District 12 girl goes off.
Chenle reaches for my hand, “Please, don’t leave me.”
With my free hand, I wipe some of his tears, “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Did you blow up the supplies?” His voice is in a hopeful whisper.
“All of it.” He smiles at this.
Looking up at Mark and me, Chenle breathes out, “Thank you both. For protecting me. Even in these circumstances, these past days have been some of the best days of my life thanks to you.”
I feel my throat become choked up. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to get attached to these people, who are supposed to be my competition. But I did and I don’t regret any of it for a damn second.
There’s fear in his eyes, “You two, don’t forget me, okay?”
“Never.” Mark and I say.
Then he’s gone.
It takes a few minutes for it to sink in for the two of us. For us to realize this boy, who was speaking a few minutes ago and laughing with us yesterday, was gone forever. I look up to see Mark distraught with the same realisation, “It’s not fair. He was just a kid.”
“I can’t just leave him here. He deserves better than that.” I agree with Mark’s words. Looking around, I spot violet, blue, and white wildflowers. I began loading my arms up with the flowers. With Mark’s help, we placed the flowers all around him.
How dare they. It’s shameful that they would do this to an innocent child. Not just him, but all of us children.
Placing my arm on his shoulder, I try to comfort Mark. Like a switch going off, he bursts into tears. I know it has been hard, the weight of caring for three people. I wrap him in my arms and cry with him.
It’s only before we leave does he turn around suddenly. After kissing his three fingers, he held them out in his direction. Myself doing the same, we both say goodbye to our friend, Chenle.
warnings: language, mentions of injuries, mentions of sex, fighting, and death (so sorry for this one)
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Jaemin's POV
"Athena, run!" I yell, before my feet start moving. Flames rip at my skin as I pass more and more trees.
However, I don't get far, before I'm colliding with something hard. I grunt falling down to the ground.
"Jisung!" That something was Mark Lee. We stare at each other with wide eyes.
"Hyung, I don't think that's Jisung." Chenle trails off. I crawl backwards, trident no where to be found.
"Athena, get-" I turn around for help, to be met with just trees behind me, "Wait, where'd she go?"
"Who?"
I explain, still breathing heavily, "Lee Athena, she was right behind me. I guess we must have gotten separated."
"We're looking for a kid named Jisung. Blond hair. Kinda skinny. This tall." Chenle gestures his height above his head.
"I haven't seen him," I realize that not only do I not have Athena, but I also don't have any weapons or supplies, "Oh fuck, what am I going to do now?”
"Well, they should be close by. Maybe we could look together!" Chenle suggests.
"Chenle, he's dangerous." Mark spits at the younger boy.
"Yeah, with no weapons or even anything on him. Real dangerous," Chenle rolls his eyes, "Besides, even if he wanted to kill us, he would've tried by now."
I hate to say it, but I am desperate. I literally have nothing. If I disagree with Chenle, Mark Lee will definitely kill me right here.
I began pleading with him. "Listen, I need to find her," I pause, "she's just really important to me. I'll even help you find the kid."
A look of pity appears on Mark's face. "Fine, but we're splitting up and Chenle," He looks to the boy, "you're going to be the one who stays with him. Always keep your weapon ready. Meet me back at camp at sunset."
"Thank you, Mark." I breath out, truly grateful.
“I’m going to be looking in the direction of our camp to see if they’re in that area. The two of you will check around here.” He heads off towards the direction of the Lake.
Meanwhile, Chenle and I begin in the opposite direction. We decided to try to retrace our steps and try to find tracks where we last saw them.
As time passes, I feel my chest sink more and more. How could I be so stupid to lose her like that? Although, I haven’t heard any cannons. That’s good, right?
“So, what’s the deal with you two? Is it really real?” Chenle asks about the girl on my mind.
I hum, “I think so. I meant what I said.” It was the truth, even if the cameras are on me now.
“Ooh, love at first sight!” He teases in a high-pitched voice.
Laughing, I respond with, “So, how did the three of you decide to team up?”
“Mark was the one who asked us. Jisung and I were really surprised,” He furrowed his brows, “Like, why would this strong guy want to team up with us, the smallest tributes? I guess it was because we’re all in the lower districts and grew up very similar.”
Before I can respond, I hear the sound of laughing. “Careers!” I point, “Let’s hide in that tree.”
Grabbing on to a high branch, I pull myself up first. Chenle goes to do the same, but the branch snaps, causing him to fall to the ground.
“Look!” The Careers have spotted us.
Leaning down, I hold out my hand. I pull him up only just before they stop at the trunk of the tree.
“Haechan, go get them.” Lee Jeno barks at the man.
Haechan tries to climb the tree, but only falls down. Since the branch snapped, there’s no way he’ll be able to grab on to anything.
“I can’t. There’s no way!” He yells, frustrated. I can hear Chenle snickering from beside me.
However, no one laughs at Huang Renjun’s next harsh words, “Use your bow then.”
Chenle turns to me with fear in his eyes. Looking above, there’s no where else for us to climb. The two of us can’t take the three of them with just Chenle’s knife.
The District 1 tribute reaches back into his pouch on his back to load his bow. We wait in silence, until his hand comes out empty, “I forgot it at the Cornocopia.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Jeno looks furious, “Go get them, before I slit your neck open while your family watches on tv.”
Haechan, looking close to tears, begins towards the Cornocopia. Meanwhile, Jeno suddenly makes an observation, “Hey lover boy, where’s your girlfriend?”
Striking a nerve in me, I spit, “That’s none of your business.” I notice that it was starting to get dark. Mark should be waiting for us at the camp.
“Did she finally decide to ditch you?” I look down to see Renjun, looking intensely up at me.
“No.” I deny. Seeing that Chenle is rummaging around the tree, I try to distract the two of them.
“Why, are you missing her too much?” I direct it towards Renjun. Jeno, intrigued by my comment, turns to observe his ally’s reaction.
“Nope. Why would make you say that?” He pretends to be unaffected. Although, for a second, I swore I could see a hint of anger in his eyes.
“Oh, come on,” I narrow my eyes, “Don’t tell me you’ve never had a soft spot for Lee Athena. You grew up together didn’t you? Always competed with the other in school.”
“Really?” Jeno says, taking in my words.
“Yep, she told me all about it.” I laugh dryly to myself.
Renjun just pauses, he looks up at me with dark eyes before simply asking, “Did she tell you what happened the night before the first day of the games as well?”
Before anyone else can speak, a cannon goes off in the distance.
Athena’s POV
"I need to find Mark and Chenle. Could you help me back to our camp?" Jisung suggests after we finish eating the crackers from my bag.
That was easier said than done. Judging by both our conditions, we wouldn't make it far. Not to mention, how do I know I wouldn't be killed on sight by Mark Lee if I returned him?
Before I can answer, however, I hear the sound of beeping. From the sky, a little crate is falling from a parachute. A sponsor!
I catch it in my hands, quickly opening it. I first spot a piece of paper. The writing says, “heal up, hero.—T.”
Taeyong.
“Thank you for the sponsorship.” I gratefully say to the camera, before pulling out the jar inside. It contains a gooey substance, which I’m presuming is for our burns.
“Okay, Jisung. This might sting a little.” I warn, before crouching down. I apply the cream over his leg. His doe-eyes open wide, while he whimpers softly in pain.
Quickly, I notice the burnt skin on my hand where the cream had touch was now completely healed. I applied more to my other hand. Now, I can actually hold a weapon again. I also put in on my leg, feeling the pain ease away.
I feel as good as new. However, while Jisung’s skin is looking extremely better on his wound, he still is unable to walk. Because of this, I add another layer of cream for now.
“Okay, so your base is across the lake, take a left at the tree stump, then go straight?” I ask, while he eagerly nods.
“Well, I’m going to bring them back to you, since you can’t come to them. I’ll leave you with a knife. I wonder if there’s a way you could warn me of danger?” I ask myself.
“Well, back in eleven, we have this little signal.” He whistles a four-note melody, which causes mockingjays to sing it back to him.
“How about every now and then you whistle to check in on me? If you don’t hear it back from the mockingjays, then somethings gone wrong.” Jisung explains.
Once giving him a spare knife, I grab my things and begin following the stream upwards. Like we agreed, I would whistle and listen as the mockingjays would echo. Whenever I would hear it return, I couldn’t help but let out a little smile.
The stream eventually leads me to the lake, where I cross. I follow the directions Jisung gave me until I am met with a small shack of sticks.
“Athena?”
I throw my knife, which lands just centimeters away from Mark Lee’s head.
“Woah, I come in peace!” He holds up his weapon-less hands.
Breathing heavily, I apologize, “Sorry, but Jisung told me to find you. He’s injured. I left him by a pond, come follow me.”
Before we went, I whistled once more to Jisung. I waited and was met with the sound of silence. Even after trying again, there was still nothing.
“Something’s wrong!” I cried.
We began running, the water from the lake and stream, soaking us. However, all we cared about was Jisung. As I neared the pond, I could hear the sounds of excessive splashing.
Turning the corner, I am met with the sight of Haechan holding a struggling Jisung under the water. Hands flailing, he is trying to free himself, while Haechan is killing him slowly.
There was no hesitation. No guilt.
When the knife went flying from my hand, straight into Haechan’s left eye.
warnings: language, murder, mentions of blood, vomiting
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After Jaemin and I went hunting together, we cooked our game over a fire. I know the fighting had finally stopped at the Cornocopia, once I heard cannons go off. One shot for each dead tribute. They are late, since the bodies can only be confirmed and collected once the killers, or in this case, the Careers, have stopped fighting enough to let the Gatekeepers keep track of fatalities. I counted each shot as they went, counting eleven in total. That's means there's thirteen of us left.
Noticing it was getting dark, we quickly kicked dirt over the fire to avoid people seeing the glow of orange flames. "Do you want to keep watch now or later?" Jaemin asked me.
"I'll do it first." I say, leaning back against a tree. I hand him the backpack, resulting in him looking at me in confusion.
"A pillow?" I suggest, however, he just smiles and shakes his head, before laying his head on my lap. Looking up at my reaction, I just chuckle and playfully roll my eyes at him.
Before he can say anything else, I hear speakers playing the Capitol anthem. In the sky, the dead tributes began being displayed.I recognize the District 3 girl, who Jeno brutally split open with an axe, the District 5 boy, who tried to choke me to death, a District 7 boy, who I'm pretty sure was the other one I killed, and then the District 8 boy, who got his throat cut open by Renjun.
After the Capitol symbol returns and the music comes to a finishing climax, it fades into the sky. Now, all you can hear are wild animals and crickets. I look down to see Na Jaemin had his eyes closed.
Having nothing to entertain me, I simply observe the sleeping figure on top of me. I gently push his blond hair out of the way. At my touch, a content smile forms across his face.
Ripping my hand away, I come up with an excuse, "I thought you were asleep and I was-"
"No, don't stop." He groans, voice laced with the effects of his tiredness. Sighing, I softly play with his hair, while he drifts off into a deep sleep.
I wonder what the people in the Capitol are thinking, watching us right now. I know we are going to have to really spice up the whole lovers idea, especially as time goes by. However, I haven't really felt like we haven't been acting that lately. Or at least I know I'm not. Jaemin, on the other hand, is harder for me to tell. Sometimes I find it difficult to decipher if a random, flirty comment is actually him or just his persona.
I do know he's a wonderful companion, though. Over time, he really has proved to me that he knows how to hold his own, really well. I'm glad I have him with me now, instead of having to uncomfortably sleep in a tree by myself.
For the next couple hours, I spend the majority of my time sharpening all my knifes with a rock I took from the river. River rocks are good for sharpening, since the water has already smoothed and flattened them down. I stop once all the knifes have gotten extremely sharp, however not sharp enough to chip off.
By this point, my eyes have been trying to close on their own. Knowing it's time to switch, I shake Jaemin from his slumber, "It's time."
He lifts his head off my lap, before switching places with me. However, instead of laying my head on his lap, I place my body between his legs. My back is comfortably resting on his chest. Once I lay the back of my head against his shoulder, his face is just inches away from mine.
"For warmth." I clarify, trying to hide my smile.
He wraps his arms around my stomach, before agreeing, "For warmth."
A scream forces me awake from my sleep. I jump and grab my knife, laying next to me.
"Jae-!" I start, but a hand is covering my mouth from behind me. My body begins thrashing around, trying to rip the hand off.
"It's me!" A familiar voice whispers from behind me. Jaemin releases me, once I stop fighting.
"I saw some smoke through the trees on your right," I turn my head to see the smoke from a fire clearly visible in the barely dawn sky, "I think the Careers found the person. Let's not stick around."
He lifts me off him, and hands me my backpack. Grabbing his trident, we silently slip away from the nearby tributes.
Now back at the lake, we wash up and refill our water bottle. I suddenly hear the hushed sounds of talking over the running water.
Yanking Jaemin behind a large rock, we spot a group of young boys across the lake. There's three of them. I recognize one as Mark Lee from District 12. The only reason I remember him was because he received a score of seven, which is pretty high for a lower district. Compared to the young boys accompanying him, he looks older and more muscular. Most likely a coal-miner, then. Everyone else from twelve are usually very skinny and weak. Much like the other two, who have bony bodies. Definitely, no where near as much of a threat as Mark.
Since they don't see us and there's Careers close enough to hear a fight, we just wait until they return to the woods behind them.
"I know Mark Lee is from 12, but who were the kids with him?" I ask Jaemin, once we are alone again.
He paused, "I'm almost positive that was Park Jisung from eleven and Zhong Chenle from ten.”
The next two days are actually pretty calm. Other the person who started the fire, a girl from District 8, no one else died. We spend the two days without running into any trouble.
That is, until the fourth day, when I am suddenly shaken awake by Jaemin.
“I hear screaming again.” He whispers. At first, I thought it was the Careers again. Until, I was hit with a strong smell of ash.
“Something’s burning.” I jump up, throwing on my backpack. I look around, checking the skies, to see where the source was. However, out of the corner of my eye, I see two flashes of light running past.
“Athena, run!” Jaemin runs ahead of me. I follow, feeling the earth burn beneath my feet. Above me, branches were now blazing, falling from trees. My boots kept catching on roots and burning limbs.
“Help!”
For some unknown reason, I pause. Turning around, I spot a boy trying to free his leg from underneath a fallen, burning log. Hesitating, I contemplate if I should keep running or not.
“Please, help me! I’m stuck.” The young boy is still struggling, flames approaching him. He’s pleading with me.
Before I can stop myself, I run over and lift up the log. I can hear the sound of my skin melting, as he uses his hands to pull his leg out from underneath.
Flames kissing our skin, I pull him into his feet, “Come on!”
However, once he takes once step, his leg tumbles from underneath him. With no time to lose, I wrap his arm around my shoulder and began dragging him out of the heat.
Even as hot as it is, nothing can compare to the amount of smoke there is. My throat and nose literally feel like their being cooked. With every breath I take, my chest is heaving in pain.
“Duck!”
I move my head down, just in time to avoid getting hit by a ball of fire. It’s then, that I realize that this wasn’t caused by a campfire gone-wrong. No, this was the Gamemaker’s doing.
It’s only when I collapse under the combined weights of our bodies, that I notice our clothes are burning. We roll on the ground, trying to extinguish the fire. Suddenly, I look up just in time to watch as an apple-sized fireball grazes the side of my thigh.
I don’t even have time to react, before I’m carrying the boy once again. I see his head, beginning to droop down, “Come on kid, we can’t die.”
There are no more fireballs or flames at our feet, however, there is too much smoke to even breathe. If we inhale too much, we’ll die. I don’t even know or see where I’m going, it’s just all smoke. Suddenly, I began to feel water on my shoes. Both the kid and I fall into a small pool, stomach first.
“Kid, wake up!” I choke out, slapping his face to keep him conscious. I dip his head under the water, watching as the ash and blood washes away. With a startle, his eyes open in surprise.
I peer down at the melted skin on my hands and leg, which I had ripped my pants to further get a look at. Although it hurts, at least that means that none of my nerves have been damaged. The skin is raw, but not blackened. Using my elbows, I drag myself out of the water. The boy follows me, now able to drag himself.
Suddenly, I feel an acidic substances making its way up my throat and onto the ground. Before I know it, the two of us are violently vomiting up the smoke in our lungs.
Finally done convulsing, we both lay on our backs in exhaustion. Jaemin’s gone, I have all of our supplies, and to top it all off, I’m now alone with an injured kid.
“Hey kid, what’s your name?” I tiredly tilt my head over to him. He looks pale, but at least he’s awake now.
“I’m Park Jisung from eleven.” He barely chokes out.
“Well Jisung,” I crookedly smile, “I’m Lee Athena from two. Look’s like we’re going to be sticking together for a while.”
warnings: language, mentions of blood, fighting, deaths, mentions of sex
A/N: I’m curious, tell me if you’re team Renjun or team Jaemin!
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Athena's POV
Sixty.
That's how many seconds I have before I have to step off this metal circle. It's all the time they give us to survey our surroundings. I look around to see the other tributes scattered randomly, all facing towards the cornucopia. Heart thumping, I spot Jaemin on the complete opposite end.
There are supplies almost an arm-length away from me, however everyone knows that the most useful supplies is placed in the mouth of the Cornucopia. Almost beckoning for me to take one, knifes are displayed on the walls.
Thirty Seconds.
I'm counting down in my head. Should I grab the book bag in front of me in case there's a weapon in it? But then, by the time I get to the Cornucopia, others will already be waiting for me with their fresh pick. However, if I'm quick enough I could get them while their backs are turned.
Twenty seconds.
Breathe. I look around to see no other than Haechan placed exactly to my right. That's a huge problem. No matter what I choose, he's going to be right on my trail. But the bag is so close!
Bag or Cornucopia?
Fifteen seconds.
My eyes dart, back and forth trying to come up with a decision. Then, suddenly I question how I will even be able to find Jaemin during the chaos, if he decides to ditch me and run away to the lake. He wouldn't, right?
I look him in the eyes and discreetly nod towards the Cornucopia, praying he gets the message. Or that he even saw it, considering he's about 20 tributes away from me.
Now back to the bag situation.
10 seconds. Big, yellow letters appear on a screen in the Cornucopia, counting down.
Back and forth, I struggle to come up with a quick decision on which I should do first. However, when I look over to my left, over two tributes away is Renjun. Noticing my visible distress, he shakes his head at me.
"Don't." He mouths.
I get into running position and keep my eyes on the knifes. Guess I'll give up on the backpack. Although, since Renjun is officially my competition now, should I trust his input?
Is this a secret plan between the three of them to collectively slash me to bits?
5 seconds.
Fine, I've made up my mind. Okay, Huang Renjun, I'll forget the dumb fucking bag.
3 seconds.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Breathe you fucking moron, before you pass out.
2 seconds.
Then, I hear it, the gong. My body takes over and I'm sprinting as fast as I can. I'm so close now, I can practically already feel the blades in my hands. My lungs are burning, but I don't care.
I reach out and grab several, random knifes from the wall. However, once I turn around, my whole body collides with the sharp wall behind me. A boy from District 5 has his bare hands around my throat, making me drop the knifes.
Pivoting my body to the right, I strike his arm with my left palm. Once he falls forward, I use the same arm to lock around his neck. Squeezing as hard as I can, I grab whatever I can from the wall with my free hand and thrust it into the side of his neck.
Blood violently seeps in squirts from the wound onto me, as I release him from my hold. I grab my dropped weapons and a backpack by my ankle. When I look up, I am greeted by absolute madness.
Lee Jeno is standing over a young girl from District 3 with an axe stuck in the middle of her head. Meanwhile, Renjun has just slashed open the District 8 boy's neck. Too occupied, they don't even notice me running past them. However, I feel someone leap on my back, causing me to crash face-first into the ground. I use all my strength to roll the large boy off of me, before stunning him with a sharp and painful punch to the nose. Wasting no time, I jab a knife into his throat, before pulling it out to keep.
Jaemin.
I desperately try to look for the blond boy, but he's nowhere to be found. There's beginning to be less people, meaning the Careers will spot me if I stick around much longer. While they're occupied with hacking away at the poor tributes, I decided to immediately follow Taeyong's advice of collecting water. It's important that I get there before Renjun does the same. I sprint through trees, trying to achieve a safe distance.
Once I've gotten away far enough to no longer hear the deafening screams of the dying children, I could softly hear the sound of moving water masked under the chirping birds. At this moment, I can't help but feel jealous of them. They have no idea what's truly happening beneath them. Stuck in their own little world, safe from harm's way in the trees. Even if something where to happen to them, they have wings to fly away with. I guess, they remind me of the people from the Capitol.
As the sound of water gets louder, I make sure to tread quietly. The Careers can't be far, and right now I'm alone and vulnerable. God, I wish Jaemin was here right now.
Noticing the dirt become muddier as I walk near the sound, I know I should be extremely close by now.
Snap.
Alerted, I quietly crouch behind a tree. Knife ready, I wait until the crunching of leaves get close enough, before I jump out and tackle the noisy perpetrator to the floor.
They put up a good fight too, attempting to push me off their back. During our wrestling, I notice them looking around frantically, probably looking for their weapon since they dropped it during the tackle.
Suddenly, the head becomes locked in one direction. Following his gaze, I see a trident laying on the forest floor.
A trident?
They notice me pause, throwing me backwards into the ground. My head smacks backwards against it, my eyes shutting in pain.
Once they open, I am face-to-face with the sharp prongs of the trident.
Cowering backwards, I frantically say, "Jaemin! It's me."
Once he realizes, the alerted look on his face fades away into one of concern, "Athena, are you okay?"
Jaemin chucks his weapon to the side and thoroughly looks over my face and body for injuries.
"It's not my blood," I assure him, "Ran into some people at the Cornucopia."
"It's literally everywhere. Here, follow me to the lake, so you can wash it off." He gently pulled me up off the ground.
Grabbing his trident in one hand and my own hand in his other, he leads me to the lake. We crouch down by the waterside. My hands scooping up some water to cure the dryness in my throat. Then, I began scrubbing off the blood from my face and body.
"What happened out there? I couldn't find you at the Cornucopia." He asked, curious.
I watch the blood fading away into nothing in the river, as I speak, "I made it to the center. The guy from District 5 tried to choke me out right away. Then, after I started looking for you, I got tackled by a guy I couldn't see."
Frowning at the now clear water, "Honestly, for a second, I thought you left without me, when I couldn't find you there."
"I wouldn't leave you. We're in this till the end, okay?" Jaemin promises.
"Til the end, then," I agree, "What happened to you?"
"I only got to this," He held up his trident, "before Haechan is launching at me with bow and arrows. He kept chasing me, and before I know it I ended up far behind the back of the Cornucopia.That's where I spotted this lake from. He kept calling out for me, but eventually I guess he just gave up. That's when I decided to leave and set out to find you."
Taking in his words, I point out, "It sounds a lot like they were trying to purposely separate us, so they could kill us easier. Don't you think?"
"It makes sense, " He suddenly laughed, "it's funny though, we almost killed each other for them."
"I'm sorry for tackling you like that." I apologized.
"It's fine. Is your head okay?" Jaemin softly patted the back off my head.
"It is now." I bat my eyelashes, playing it up for the cameras. Looking around, I notice some flowers sticking up through the water, surrounded by Lilly pads.
"What are these?" He curiously picked one from the water.
"They're pond lilies. They're good for infections and burns. Plus anti-inflammatory too." I remember what Taeyong taught me.
"Hm, so smart," He smiles down at me, before tucking the flower behind my ear, "and pretty too."
I don't hide the way my cheeks flush. Just like they did last night, when I was with Renjun.
Distracting myself from the thought, I decide to look throw the bright orange back pack I picked up after killing the District 5 guy. While rummaging through it, I found a pack of crackers, a pack of dried beef strips, a bottle of iodine, a box of wooden matches, a bit of coiled wire, glasses, and an empty black water bottle.
Grabbing the bottle, I began to fill it up with water for later. Then, I place it back in the backpack along with some of the knifes I've been holding onto. While doing so, Jaemin proceeds to try on the glasses.
"Wow, these really do suck. I can still see the sun." He murmurs, looking around.
"Then, they're probably supposed to be used during night. That'll be useful for hunting. Speaking of hunting, you hungry?" I ask, feeling my stomach rumble at the first mention of food.
"Yeah, let's go."
Renjun's POV
Jeno, Haechan, and I had decided to turn the Cornucopia into our own little camp. We had all the supplies we could ever need. I mean, sure, there's about ten bodies just laying around, but home sweet home, right?
However, right now it wasn't feeling too sweet.
"What the fuck happened out there, Haechan? The plan was whoever was closest to her would kill her as soon as she stepped off the platform. You were the closest." complained an irritated Jeno.
I don't feel guilty that Haechan is unknowingly taking the hit for me. In fact, I was the one who stopped her from getting that bag and immediately dying by the bare hands of Haechan. I'm not sure what made me do it. I keep telling myself that maybe I was thinking about her being defenseless and unable to put up a fair fight would be unfair.
Or maybe I'm just pussy-whipped after last night, I don't know. My hand subconsciously goes to the hidden mark she left near my collarbone. Although I can't see it, I can feel the slight pain as my fingers pass over it. A reminder of last night.
Ripping my hand away, I try to tune back into the argument to avoid popping up a boner, while on live national-fucking-television.
"She was just too fast. I was sure that huge dude from District 5 was going to finish her off for me," Haechan suddenly remembered something, "Besides I was the one who made sure they were separated like our Plan B said to do."
I guess he's right. If we were able to kill them, we were going to do our best to separate them. Without Athena, Jaemin probably couldn’t survive, since District 4 is entirely a beach district. That fish boy probably has no idea how to survive for a week in the woods.
On the other hand, Athena, for some reason, needs him just as much. The three of us had debated on the reason why. Maybe she’s using him for his fame and sponsors? Although, she had received a lot of positive attention based on her own charms. She didn’t need him for that.
That’s what led us to the conclusion that she had a little girl crush on him. The thought makes me sick. I thought the Lee Athena I grew up with, would never waste her time on a guy like him.
As the sky becomes dark, I wondering what they’re doing now. Are they dead? Or still all alone? I can imagine Athena, hiding in a tree all by herself, frightened and scared. A little part of me wonders what would happened if she joined the Careers. Would she be here right now sitting next to me? Listening to these annoying boys bicker with each other.
Where are you, Lee Athena?
Maybe they found each-other. Maybe they’re looking up at the same sky right now.
I can see it. Them huddling close together, blaming it on their need to keep warm for the night. His arms wrapped around her, tightly. Her head resting against his check, watching the stars.
warnings: nsfw, loss of virginities, mutual degradation, switch!renjun, switch!oc, language, mentions of death
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"Holy-" Jaemin looked at my outfit, "Jesus Christ, Athena." His cheeks turning pink at the sight.
"Do you like it? I think Seulgi did a good job." I spun around for him. Both my dress and the stars in my hair were twinkling even under the backstage lights.
He laughs, "Of course. You look pretty in everything, though."
"She does, doesn't she?" I turn to see Lee Jeno and Lee Donghyuck, who goes by Haechan now.
Haechan slyly adds to Jeno's comment, "Almost good enough to eat. Congrats on the eleven, by the way."
I feel uneasy and lock eyes with Jaemin. His jaw is clenched and eyebrows furrowed. I try to seem unaffected, "Thank you. You boys look handsome as well."
"Who knew such a little thing could be so vicious?" Jeno darkly coos.
"Makes me wonder what else she's hiding in that pretty little head of hers. Doesn't she look pretty, Renjun?" Haechan tauntingly asks.
I didn't even notice the boy, who was standing right next to Haechan. He looks me up and down and stoically says to his allies, "Of course, she does."
The sound of trumpets and loud cheering interrupts our extremely pleasant conversation. "Ladies and gentlemen, our master of ceremonies: Caesar Flickerman!"
"Such a shame, looks like were starting. See you in the arena, pretty girl." Jeno says, however it's directed more towards the visibly-fuming Jaemin.
All the tributes are lined up by district. In one of the corners, there is a screen showing the live broadcast.
"So, our first tribute is from District 1!" A single man in the crowd lets out a cheer, "Someone likes District 1. Why, do you have money on District 1? Well, I'm not aloud to bet, contractually. Well maybe just a little bit."
The crowd laughs and Caesar continues, "First, from District one, we have a lovely young man named Jeno. Please give him a warm amount of applause."
Watching the screen, I see Jeno sit down in a white chair as the crowd cheers for him.
"Tell me three things: why have you always wanted to be here, what are your strengths, and what are your weaknesses?" lists Caesar.
"Well, every single year I'd tune in to watch the Careers completely dominate in the games. I knew, that is definitely going to be me someday. I began working harder and harder to get there." He explains to the audience, "I think me being here, just goes to show that with hard work and patience you do anything you want to."
The crowd goes wild, causing me to roll my eyes. They really buy this corny bullshit?
Next, Haechan is called onto the stage.
"Now, I can't describe how shocked we all were when District 1 had two boy tributes, instead of a boy and girl. Was it just me or did you all feel your heart drop?" The crowd nods, "Tell us, Haechan, what was going through your head when your name was called?"
"I was honestly thrilled. I honestly felt so disappointed when they called Jeno, instead of me at first. Then, they called my name and I was so happy. These are truly the greatest games ever invested. I mean, who wouldn't be excited?" Haechan asked the crowd.
"That's right folks, this year’s Hunger Games are going to filled with twists and turns." explained Caesar.
Now, it's District 2's turn. Firstly, Renjun is called to the stage. His face expression looks natural and indifferent in his black suit. On his collar, there's a star pin, matching the ones in my hair.
"Renjun! Welcome to the Capitol! How are you liking everything so far?” Caesar greeted.
“Everything’s great. Of course, The Capitols been treating me very well.” He flattered.
“As expected,” Caesar nodded, “Now tell us, Huang Renjun, who do you think is your biggest competition and why?”
Renjun paused for a second. I would hate to get that question. If you choose the wrong person, it could definitely blow up in your face.
“You know, I think it would have to be Lee Athena. Not only does she come from my district, but she scored an eleven yesterday. I think it’ll be a interesting fight, for sure.”
Good choice, Renjun. I know he couldn’t choose his allies, that would make things awkward. I can’t help, but feel a little flattered though.
Caesar smiled, “I like his attitude. What about you guys?”
I took a deep breath, starting to internally get into character. The innocent sweetheart, who adores the Capitol. I glance back at Jaemin and he gives me a supportive nod, before I hear my name announced.
Once I enter on the stage, Caesar squeals in delight, “Look at our Golden Girl shine! Give us a twirl.”
He says, once we sit down, “Absolutely stunning! Now, tell us how does feel to have your brother, Lee Taeyong, as a mentor?”
I hear the crowd go ballistic at the sound of his name. Especially, after his waving face pops up on the big screen.
“Well, Caesar. Taeyong has taught me so much. He’s a wonderful leader and has always been very inspiring to me. I hope to win for my big brother!” I overemphasised my emotions. The audience melting at my affection towards him.
“So cute. Oh stop it, your going to make us all cry!” pouted Caesar, causing the audience to laugh.
“Ladies and gentlemen, from District 2: Lee Athena, our very own Golden Girl!” I blow kisses to the audience, hopeful that I did all that I could to impress them.
I join Taeyong, Doyoung, and Renjun backstage to watch the rest of the tributes. I swear I almost lost my hearing from the screams when Jaemin entered the stage.
Caesar leaned in, “So, Jaemin. Many of us, especially the ladies, are curious to to know if you have a special someone?”
“Just the ladies?” Jaemin raised an eyebrow.
“Okay, fine! I wanted to know too!” Caesar bursts with excitement.
He paused, before answering, “Well, there is someone, but she doesn’t know how I feel about her.”
The audience thrilled, Caesar pries, “Well, tell us about her! Where did you meet?”
“Well, it was hard not to fall for her. She was wearing this beautiful gold dress at the parade,” Jaemin beautifully sighs, “It literally took my breath away.”
Taken aback, Caesar asks, “Wait, did we all hear you correctly or did you say ‘the parade’? As in the tribute parade? Jaemin, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for another tribute?”
“It’s true, Caesar,” Jaemin looks directly at the camera, “I’ve fallen for Lee Athena.”
The crowd gasps loudly. Suddenly, a camera is in front of me, broadcasting my shocked expression to all of Panem.
“Well folks! Looks like we might have a romance blooming in front of our very eyes soon.” Caesar teased the cameras.
“Athena! Oh my god! That was so dreamy.” Doyoung cried in the apartments.
“Yeah, I guess.” I said, cooly.
“Well, just so you know,” Doyoung whispered, “I’m rooting for the two of you.”
“Thanks, Doyoung. I know Renjun is too prideful tell you this, but you’ve been a great help to us these past few days.” I say, knowing this is the last time I’m going to see him.
Doyoung actually starts tearing up, “Please, it’s been a privilege to be your sponsor. Honestly, this year has been my favorite year of tributes ever. Do well, okay?”
He squeezes my hand, before I leave to the kitchen, where Taeyong will give his final pep talk to Renjun and I.
“When the gong sounds, don’t step off right away. You’ll blow up. It’s your personal choice if you want to raid the Cornucopia or not. Both of you are perfectly capable as long as you keep your guard up. Just clear out, try to put as much distance as you can between yourselves and others, and find a source of water right away," he says. "Got it?"
We nod.
“Meanwhile, Doyoung and I are going to be working on sponsors to provide anything the two of you need. We got your back.” He promises.
Once Renjun leaves, I give Taeyong one last hug. He quietly says, “Listen to me. You’re going to win this, alright? Do whatever it takes. Okay? After, I’ll take you to the mountains like I used to. Just us two.”
Memorizing his face and the feel of his hugs one last time, I state, “I’ll see you.”
“Alright, kid.” He ruffles my hair.
I go to my room and take a shower. Once all the makeup is removed, I throw on a thin nightgown and hop into bed.
After what seems like hours, it’s finally obvious in my mind that I am incapable of going to sleep. My mind just won’t slow down enough to let me. Obviously, I need all the sleep I can, before tomorrow.However, before I can stop myself my feet are moving to the kitchen.
I pour myself a cup of water and sit in the dark. However, I quickly realize there’s one single light still on.
Renjun’s.
Putting my empty cup in the sink, I walk over his door and knock.
“Who is it?” I hear him softly ask.
Finally, get my chance to tease him about the interview, I say, “Your biggest competition.”
He lets me in, closing the door behind me.
“What do you want?” Renjun frowns at me.
“I can’t sleep.” I explain.
“How is that my problem?” He raises his eyebrows, annoyed.
“Shut up. Obviously, you aren’t getting much sleep either, idiot.” I insult.
“Fine.” Renjun just sits down on his bed. I happily follow him and sit across from him.
“Your allies are certainly charming.” I trail off.
“Yep, that whole thing was them trying to trip out that lover-boy of yours.” Renjun explains.
“I thought so. It worked too, I guess,” I admit, “Especially the part where you said I looked pretty.”
“For sure, your boyfriend was fuming.” He laughs.
I roll my eyes, “He’s not my boyfriend.”
“Then, why else would you throw your whole game and life away for him?” He shuts his eyes.
“Are you serious?” My mouth falls open.
“Yes,” His jaw clenches tight, “Are you serious? You’ve known this kid for a week. A week. Now, he’s confessing to you. Don’t you think that’s a little suspicious? Did it never cross your mind that maybe he’s just using you?”
I hate how he thinks I’m a dumb little girl. I hate how he doesn’t know the truth.
“You know, Renjun, why do you care so much?” My tone sharp.
“Just shut up, Athena.” He shakes his head.
Furious, I get closer, “No, really. So what if I throw my life away? You never cared before. What’s it to you?”
He starts, “Just-“
Renjun softly grabs me by my chin, shocking me. Just for a second, he stares at my lips. He then, looks me straight in the eyes.
Holding himself back, “Listen to me. Get out of here, before I do something I’m not supposed to.”
“What if I don’t want to?” I widely grinned, before quietly asking, “What are you going to do to me?”
He answers me with a kiss. I wrap my arms around his shoulders, bringing him closer. Different from the last time, this one is certainly less gentle. It’s desperate and demanding at the same time.
I know I hate this kid, but holy shit he’s fun to make out with.
I can’t remember the part, when I decided to climb into his lap. I do, however, remember clinging to anything I can, his hair, shirt, or face, with need.
When he disconnects our lips, I almost cry out when I think it’s over. However, I forget all about it, when he starts kissing my neck. Up and down, little pecks. It’s so good. So sensitive. He should feel this too.
I push him backwards on the bed and crawl on top of him. Giving him only one brutal kiss on the lips, I copy what he did on my neck.
After I reached a certain spot by his collarbone, he let out a quiet, “Oh my god.” Curious, I decided to suck on the spot. He cried out, bucking his hips into mine. I pulled back to see a dark mark left behind, being filled with a weird sense of pride.
He slightly jumps, when I run my finger over the bruise. I let my fingers down exploring the uncovered parts of his neck, before I stop at his collar. I pause, unsure what to do next.
“Off?” He asks, still underneath me. I nod, crawling back to give him some space.
Renjun pulls his shirt over his head. He leans back, letting me do whatever I wanted. I run my hand slowly down his chest.
“I never pegged you for the obedient type.” I speak my thoughts.
“I’m not. I’m just being nice.” He says, plainly.
Testing the waters, I ask, “What if I said I don’t want you to be nice?”
His right hand suddenly places itself around my throat. Not squeezing, just resting. It was almost like he was saying, I could do it, but I’m not going to.
“Watch it.” He warns.
I raise my eyebrow, “Or what?”
Wanting to piss him off, I moved my hips against his. Back and forth. Back and forth. He flinches as other hand grabs my hips. I let out a moan.
He halts my movements, “Do you want them to hear you? Shut up.”
I laugh, “And what are you going to do about it? You gonna shut me up?”
Annoyed, he forces his pointer and middle finger in my mouth. I delightfully moan, deciding to suck on his fingers. Meanwhile, he just looks at me in shock. Eyes wide and curious, he just watches me take his fingers. To his dismay, I also continue my hip movements.
Grabbing his hand on my hip, I bring it down to the edge of my nightgown. Getting the hint, he grabs it and pulls it over my head. Fascinated, he looks over my body. It’s almost like he’s looking at a painting, analyzing every detail. He takes his fingers out of my mouth and runs his hand down my already-bare chest.
Stopping my hips, I plead, “Renjun, please do something.”
“What do you want me to do?” He quizzes.
Too shy to say the words, I reply, “Anything.”
He brings his hand down to my underwear line, asking, “Here?” I nod, feeing a little nervous.
Placing me down on the bed, he climbs on top of me. Just like I was to him, a few seconds ago. Only now, I was beginning to feel truly smaller.
I take a deep breath as he pulls down my underwear. When he looks between my legs, I nervously start shutting them. However, he forces them apart. Watching my facial expression, he runs his fingers over my core. Jumping, I let out a whimper.
“Shh...” He shushes me.
Continuing, he asks, “Did I make you like this?”
Too prideful, I stay quiet.
Unsatisfied, he rips his hand away, “Say it, or I’ll make you go back to your room right now.”
“Yes,” I force out with all I could, “You did.”
Content, he noticed me flinch, when his fingers touched a certain spot. He continues softly touching it, making me squirm around.
Curious, he asked, “Can I put my finger in?”
Once I agree, he pushes his middle finger in. I am met with a new and unpleasant burning. My face wrinkles up in pain. Sensing my discomfort, he quickly removes it.
“No, put it back.” I whine, knowing it’s pretty normal to hurt at first. His finger returns, starting to move in and out, very slowly. Once I got used to the movements, it actually started to feel really good.
He watches my face, as I slowly start to fall apart beneath him. When he starts to speed up, my hands cover my face in surprise.
With his free hand, he gently slaps my hands, wanting them away from my face. After I comply, he happily adds in his ring finger.
His fingers were now getting bolder and deeper inside me. Suddenly, they press against a spot that make me jerk, shutting my legs around his arm.
“Good?” He checks, unsure. Once I nod, he just starts hammering his fingers into the same spot. Unable to contain myself, my body starts thrashing around. Renjun just rolls his eyes and braces his free arm on my stomach, holding me down.
As a result, I am forced to just completely take his quick fingers. Eyes shutting, I feel a building feeling in my lower stomach.
“Renjun, I think-“ I pause, too overwhelmed to even think or muster out the words.
Understanding, he says, “Look at me, then.”
And I do.
I see his eyes just watching me with want and curiosity. Before I know it, something snaps deep within. Renjun’s hand is over my mouth, muffling my cries. However, his fingers are still working inside me, prolonging the bliss.
It’s only when I slap at his arm from sensitivity, that he removes his hand. Even so, I still feel like I’m floating above earth on a cloud. I can’t even think about anything else, except this happy feeling.
I wanted him to feel it too.
“Take off your pants.” I breath out.
Sitting down beside me, he pulls off his sweatpants. I see that he’s painfully hard in his underwear. I almost feel sorry for him.
I kiss him, climbing on top of him. He eagerly kisses me back, becoming stiff when my uncovered lower half slightly brushes him.
I break away from him, taking in the look of desperation and need in his eyes.
“What do you want from me, Renjun?” I run a finger down his covered bulge. He breathes out, when I stop at the end, where I notice there is a dark spot.
“You want my hands?”
I press down, where the spot is. His hips, jerking up from beneath me. Meanwhile, the look of constraint is still clearly evident on his face.
“My mouth?” His eyes dart to my lips, while I can see him considering the options in his head.
“There is something I’m forgetting, isn’t there Renjun?” I feign dumb as I sit down directly on top of him.
“You’re having so much fun, aren’t you?” Renjun darkly breaths out, “You sure didn’t talk this much, when I had my fingers in you a few minutes ago.”
“It is fun, because I know you’re too much of a pussy to ask for what you really want.” I chuckle to myself, enjoying my revenge.
His head snapped up at me, “What did you call me?”
“You heard me.” I stare blankly back at him.
“Fine. I want to be inside you,” His fingers run over my core, making me jump in surprise, “I want to feel you in here.”
While I’m at his mercy, he roughly pushes me off of him, onto my back.
He asks for consent, “Is that what you want?”
I peer up at him through my eyelashes and nod, “I want you.”
Just like the fingers, it burned at first. However, when he started leaving little pecks on my neck, it went quickly away. Instead, I felt full and completely satisfied.
I could tell it wasn’t just me. Finally getting some relief, Renjun was silently cursing to himself. The both of us listening to the sinful sounds of our skins slapping together.
It’s almost too much. The way I could feel him going in and out. Grazing exactly where I needed him.
“I’m almost there. Just pull out, okay?” I whisper out. Once speeding up, I feel his hand travel down to my clit. Feeling the familiar tightness in my gut, I wildly buck my hips into his. Knowing what’s about to happen, he shuts me up with a kiss, as I fall apart beneath him.
Not long after, he quickly pulls out. After sliding his hand over his length a few times, he releases a white substance all over my stomach. He crashes down on top of me, but I don’t care much. I just run my fingers through his hair, as he calms down.
Reaching into his bedside table, he pulls out some tissues and wipes my stomach. I let him take care of me, finally feeling exhausted.
Once he finished, I avoid eye contact,“Okay, bye. I’m going back.”
I look up at him, then quickly realize that when we see each other again, the harsh reality is that one of us will have to kill the other.
I don’t even have to explain my sullen expression to Renjun. He just knows. We both there’s no other way.
Before I leave, he kisses me, trying to soothe the bitter sting of reality. I don’t fight, just simply accept it. Try to remember the way it feels, before I go back to my room and this is just another memory I stuff into a jar and keep hidden in the back of my mind.
Every night since I've arrived to the Capitol, I would go and sit out on the balcony after training. It's calming and sobering to rewind the events of the entire day.
For example, I had just finished telling Taeyong about my plans with Jaemin in private. I made sure that no one else, especially Renjun, knew what was going to happen. Of course, Taeyong wasn't too happy about me being with a boy. Or at least pretending to be with one. However, he said it doesn't matter to him, just as long as I win.
I also thought about how we were gong to be evaluated and given rankings tomorrow. Rankings, ranked from one to twelve, are assigned by the Gamekeepers to tributes, after they are given fifteen minutes to show off their best skills. These are very important, since these are televised to the public and show people who they should sponsor.
I hear the door slide open from behind me.
"You here to kill me, yet?" I joke, seeing Renjun.
"Maybe." He shrugs, sitting down beside me.
We both stare down at the Capitol below. Watching as a group of citizens are walking, having the time of their lives. For them, the games were the most excited part of their whole year.
I speak up, "They look so happy"
"If I lived like this everyday, I would be happy too," Renjun says, matter of factly, "The food. The apartments. Who wouldn't be happy?"
Frowning, I state, "I wouldn't. Do you wanna know why?"
"No, but your probably going to tell me anyway." Renjun rolls his eyes.
I wonder what he truly thinks about the Capitol and the games.
"Haven't you seen the kids from twelve? They look so small and malnourished. I would feel bad for living like that, when there are others, like them, who can't." I shake my head.
"Where'd you get those ideas from? Jaemin? They look fine to me."
I begin to throw a pebble off the roof. However, a invisible force causes the pebble to bounce back into the balcony.
"Do you know why they have that? It's so the tributes can't jump off." I try to make a point.
He plainly stated, "I don't get why they would do that."
Frustrated, I ask, "Have you ever even thought about all the things you might not ever get to do?"
"Like what?"
"I don't know. There's so many things I never got to do. You know, all the things teenagers are supposed to do. Like first kisses and love and all that stuff." I shake my head.
"Probably cause no one has ever wanted to be with you like that." He laughs at me.
Sharply, I just reply with, "Jaemin would."
"Of course," He repeats to himself, "Of course, he would."
Taken aback, I inquire, "What's that supposed to mean?"
He just shakes his head.
"Okay, fine. Then, have you ever kissed someone before, Renjun?" I interrogate.
His nose wrinkles in disgust, "Ew, how did this conversation get so long and gross?"
"Renjun, it's just a simple question." I state, nonchalantly.
"Fine," He answers quickly, "I never got the chance to. So, no."
I let out a laugh of relief, "Well, now I feel better about myself."
Renjun just shrugs, "I just don't get why it's such a big deal."
"How can you know it's not a big deal if you've never tried it?" I suggest.
He stares at me blankly. After pausing to think about my words, a little smile appears on his face.
"Lee Athena, it sounds a little like your trying to get me to kiss you right now."
My eyes widened in denial, "No. I'm really not."
He just chuckles to himself.
Without carefully considering the weight of my next words, I speak, "Although, you did say you didn't think it was a big deal."
"And?" Renjun pressures.
Out of my mouth slips, "So I guess it wouldn't be weird if you did."
He looks at me like I'm dumb, "Are you even listening to what you're saying?"
"I guess not. Never mind, then. I think I'm really tired and delirious. I'm going to bed." I quickly muster out, before practically running back into the apartment.
"Wait."
I run back into the living room and up to my own room. I really think I'm going crazy. It's only after shut the door to my room, that I realize the weight of what I just did. How messed up must I be to basically come on to Huang Renjun?
Huang Renjun!
Someone who's going to be trying to kill me in several days. I just tried to get him to kiss me, even though I'm about to have fake relationship with another boy. Which, Renjun can not know is fake. Otherwise, my whole game will be jeopardized and I could lose all the sponsors.
Knock. Knock.
"Who is it?" I play dumb.
"Lee Athena, open this door." Renjun commands, sternly.
I let him in the room, before beginning to plead with him, "Can you just for-"
Suddenly, he just quickly started leaning in.
Closer and closer.
Then, he just paused from hesitation. It was almost as if he was thinking, am I really about to do this?
However, the next thing I did was the result of no thinking on my part.
I grabbed his face and closed the gap. Oh my god, why are his lips actually so soft? This is so wrong. Maybe we shouldn't be doing this. Our lips just slightly touched for about eight seconds, before I moved away.
"Oh my god, did I really ju-"
Huang Renjun kisses me hard. This time, our lips began moving. He set a pattern and I just followed his lead. This time it felt less foreign, almost natural.
If I had to describe the feeling, it felt like I got punched in the stomach, just without the hurt. Instead, it just felt really warm. I almost felt like I could melt into a blazing inferno any second.
It was one of the best things I've ever felt in my life.
He pulls back, studying my facial expression.
"See, I was right. Not a big deal." He coldly shrugs before quickly leaving. I don't stop him, either. This is what I deserve. I'm the one who walked myself into this situation. Maybe it's better, if I just block it out of my memories.
However, as I'm waiting with the rest of the tributes to be called in for examinations, it's the only thing I can think about.
"You look like you're about to throw up. Nervous?" asks a concerned Jaemin, sitting next to me.
"Just a bit," I lie, "I really don't want to mess up."
"Hey, it's okay. I know you're going to be great." He comforts, sweetly.
A mechanical voice comes over the speakers, "Lee Athena."
"Please, just don't kill anyone." Jaemin trys to ease my fake nervousness with a joke.
"No promises." I wink before entering the gym.
I look up to see the Gamemakers, where they had watched us during training. Luckily for me, District 2 is one of the earlier groups they see first. That means, they are more awake and still excited.
I walk over to a table, where I see a large assortment of weapons to choose from. I grab multiple throwing knifes and place all of them in my left hand.
I inhale and look at the human-shaped targets in front of me. There were two targets on the head, chest, and stomach. I inhale, before I finally begin my rampage.
One target after the other, hitting with perfect precision. Even after I completely finish the target directly in front of me. I continue randomly throwing knifes, all precisely hitting the fake-humans.
I stop after there are no more knifes left. Peeking up, I see the Gamemakers clapping in awe.
Although, I'm not done yet. No, I need to give them something that they have no choice but to remember.
I return to the table and pick up an axe. I look up and gave a sweet smile to the Head Gamemaker, Seneca Crane.
Without looking at the target, I hold the axe behind my head, then throw straight at it.
Once hearing a thud, I smile in delight once I see it has hit the designated spot.
The groin.
With one last innocent smile, I make my exit.
"Oh my gosh, that was absolutely everything!" Doyoung gushed to me, sitting down on the couch.
"What happened?" asked a confused Renjun.
"I hit the target in the dick." I explained.
Doyoung cried out, "Language, Athena!"
"Oh shit, my bad. I meant the no-no square." I tease. Doyoung is one of those people who are fun to purposely stress out.
"Athena, quit bullying Doyoung." said Taeyong with a hint of playfulness. He came in from the kitchen and turned on the television. Surprisingly, I see Seulgi following him in.
There’s a small part of me that wants to score high for her. Especially, since her outfit is the reason I have gained any support so far. I really don’t want to throw away the opportunity she helped provide me.
On the screen appears the host, Caesar Flickerman. One of the things he was known for was changing his hair color for the games every year. This year, his powdered-blue hair was styled in a low ponytail.
“As you know, the tributes were rated on a scale from one to twelve, after 3 days of careful evaluation. The Gatekeepers would like to acknowledge that it was an exceptional group.
From District One, Jeno with a score of 10. Also, Haechan with a score of 9."
Those were really good scores. Although, nothing unexpected from a Career.
“Then, we have District 2. First, we have Huang Renjun with a 10.”
“Wow!” Doyoung claps loudly. Renjun just cringes at the man.
Caesar’s voice becomes more high pitched, “Then, we have Lee Athena with an 11!”
Well, I guessed they liked my little stunt. Although, I can let this go to my head. Especially, since this means I have to be prepared for a huge target on my head.
“Well done, both of you.” Taeyong praises, content.
We pay attention to the rest of the scores. Jaemin received a ten, which I know he worked hard for. Compared to the Careers, the rest of the tributes were not as high. However, this doesn’t mean they’re not as much as a threat. Many people like to use a strategy of hiding all of their talents until they step into the arena.
We all head back to our rooms. Renjun, of course, avoiding any sort of conversation with me. I lay down on my bed and sigh.
warnings: language, violent deaths, fighting, angst, fluff, + possible nsfw.
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Lee Athena’s POV
"In two weeks, twenty-three of you will be dead. Only one of you will be alive. Who that is depends on who pays attention over the next four days, particularly to what I'm about to say." The Capitol trainer, Atala, glances over all of the 24 tributes to make sure we're paying attention.
"First, no fighting with the other tributes. You'll have plenty of time for that in the arena. There are four compulsory exercises, the rest are individual training. My advice is: don't ignore the survival skills. Most everybody wants to grab a sword, but most of you will die from natural causes. Ten percent from infection, twenty percent from dehydration. Exposure can kill just as quickly as a knife."
Once she finished, we all separated into our own stations. Listening to Taeyong's advice, I decided to concentrate on the survival skills, instead of the combat. As a result, I start with the knot-tying station, where there is no one else.
"Welcome, you two." The trainer says. I turn to see Na Jaemin standing behind me. The man teaches the two of us how to build a trap that will end up dangling a person in a tree by their leg. After the trainer leaves us alone to work on perfecting it by ourselves, I notice Jaemin struggling with his.
"Here, try this knot, it will hold up better." I demonstrated on mine how to do a correct Poacher's Knot. After copying me, he managed to get a perfect leg snare.
Once we finished, Jaemin turns to me and asks, "Where are we going now, boss?" He's smiling a boyish smile, while slightly tilting his head.
I looked around the busy stations, then answered with, "I guess I'm going to camouflage."
"Lead the way, boss." He saluted me.
At the camouflage station, we practiced using both mud and berries to imitate nature. As we're painting, I look up to see around twenty people watching us from above. Even now and then, they would glance at either myself or another tribute and scribble down unknown words in a notebook. However, mostly they seemed to be either eating or talking to each other.
Jaemin followed my gaze and explained, "Those people in the purple coats are the Gamemakers this year."
I furrowed my brow and huffed, "I wonder what they're writing about in their little books."
"Probably about how that one Lee Athena from District 2 is so stunningly beautiful." He swiftly flirts.
"Oh please, this little act you used to win all the Capitol over isn't going to work on me." I laugh, actually calling him out on his shit.
Jaemin blinks, "I'm shocked you even think that it's an act. But if it was, would you say it's working?"
I took a deep breath.
"Jaemin. What are you doing?"
He feigns innocence, "I don't know. What am I doing?"
"You know what I'm talking about. This.” I gesture to him, “The whole following around like a lost puppy act. I'm not stupid."
"I never said you were." He says, softly.
"Jaemin, do you really think that this is the time to start becoming buddy-buddy? We both know we're here to kill each-other." I blankly stated.
He makes the space between us smaller in size. Playing with a strand of my hair, the boy asks, "And what's wrong with trying to try to win the heart of a pretty girl?”
I step farther away from him, "Jaemin, I know you're playing a character. You really don't have to play dumb with me. There's no cameras around here. Tell me what your really trying to do. You're trying to get something from me, aren’t you?"
Stepping back, he looked around to see if there were any cameras or people who could hear us.
"Well fine, since you want me to be completely honest. I want to work out a proposition with you." Jaemin openly confesses.
I knew it.
"Okay, fine. Let's talk business." I say, begrudgingly.
"Well,” He pauses, “I'm sure you're aware we both have gotten at lot of positive attention, recently."
"Sure, Prince of Panem." I agree, mockingly.
He’s now very serious, "Precisely. You should also know exactly what the people want and are expecting from the two of us. Since my whole game is based on winning the hearts of the people, there is something that has to happen."
"And what is that?"
"How beautifully tragic would it be if the Panem's Prince and Golden Girl fell madly in love right before their presumed and untimely deaths?" Jaemin suggests, dramatically.
My eyes narrow, "Devastating. Now, what can I get from out of this."
"Well to start, all the sponsors you could imagine; as well as an ally to protect you. You know you're going to be the first one the Careers go after, right? Play the part of a little princess all you want, they know you're trained just like them. If you are alone, who's going to keep them from stabbing you while you're sleeping?"
"And how do I know you're not going to kill me in my sleep?"
"I need you,” It almost gives me chills the way he answered with no hesitation.“You know so much more about plants and hunting than I do. You know, once I step into the arena, I can't have any weaknesses."
Of course he would say that. As far as the Capitol knows, Panem’s little Prince is absolutely perfect.
I smirk, “Sounds fair. I think you have yourself a deal. Now, what exactly is your plan to kick-start our little romance?"
Huang Renjun's POV
It didn't take long for Lee Jeno and Lee Donghyuck of District 1 to introduce themselves to me.
They were just as I expected. You name it: archery, knife-throwing, hand-to-hand, it doesn’t matter. They’re both good at it all.
One thing about Careers is that we have always had the same reputation. We share the same arrogance and superiority complex. Doesn’t matter if it’s District one or two, it’s all the same.
I guess that’s why the Careers usually all stick together every year as a group. Getting rid of the pesky little flies together until the end, when we turn on each other. I know Jeno and Haechan will do exactly the same thing as them. In fact, I’m expecting it. I guess we’ll see who gets the other first, won’t we?
“You know we have to kill that girl from your district as soon as possible. You okay with that?” Jeno waits to see my reaction.
I knew exactly why they were asking me this. They were testing me. Would I be the one to help them up to the top or slow the two of them down?
Lee Athena has always been the one exception. I find myself questioning if she was always meant to be picked off like the rest of them or supposed to be one of us: a true Career. All day I have been looking across the gymnasium, seeing her and Na Jaemin basically all over each-other. Noticing them talking in a hushed whisper or him constantly finding ways to touch her. How, she’s throwing away her life for this boy. This distraction, who’ll only make her weak and destroy her. Now, more than ever, it was obvious and so very clear to me.
Lee Athena is one of the flies.
“I have no problem with it,” I stare at him, directly in the eyes, “In fact, I’ll do it myself.”
warnings: mentions of prostitution, language, violent deaths, fighting, angst, fluff, + possible nsfw.
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"So, each of the districts get their own floors. Since you're from two, you get the second floor." Doyoung explains as we step out of the elevator.
As we walk into the apartment, I stare in awe at the glamorous quarters. There are many giant glass columns and a random display of silver trees and rocks.
"Here is the living room and your rooms are over here. How about you freshen up for dinner?" suggests Doyoung.
In my room, I am met by a bed with a silky, soft comforter. I make my way into the spacious bathroom and hop into the shower. Inside, there was a panel with hundreds of buttons that regulated water temperature, pressure, and even provided massaging sponges.
After finishing, a heater dried my hair and body completely. I pressed another button and a box began sending electrical currents through my scalp, instantly untangling my hair.
Returning the bedroom in comfortable clothes, I see a strange-looking remote on the bed-side table. Intrigued, I begin pressing random buttons. As a result, the window showcasing the lights and building of the Capitol changes into different sceneries.
First, there was a city street filled with cheerful families walking together. After pressing a different button, a dry and deserted desert appeared on the screen.
Switching it once again, a scene showing several mountains peaking through behind a forest of trees. I felt a pulling-feeling in my chest. My throat also feeling slightly choked-up.
During the holidays, every year Taeyong would take me into the mountains of our district. He would pretend to be my knight in shining armor, while I was the princess in distress. He'd never tell anyone, but sometimes it was even the other way around.
It's also where he taught me how to hunt and find my own food. How to determine between what is the good food and what is the not so very good food.
It was the only time I remember us ever truly being kids. Not soldiers, just a thirteen and seven year old exploring the big, exciting world together.
Then everything went to shit after Taeyong went to the games. That year, the Gamemakers had chosen a forest for the terrain. However, it was filled with dangerous wild dogs, wolves, and spiders. The spiders had enhanced speed and were extremely venomous. However, the wild dogs were capable of changing their form and copying the voices of the tributes.
Because of this, the entire Career pack was slaughtered alive. Taeyong was the only one who managed to escape. Wounded and without supplies, a twelve year old boy from District 11 named Dong Sicheng had found and formed a alliance with him. Sicheng had shared all of his supplies and even nursed him back to health.
On the last day, they were approached by the last remaining tribute. Taeyong, spotted him and fired an arrow straight into his heart. As he turned around to check on Sicheng, he was met with the boy clutching a harpoon, longed deep in his chest.
Dong Sicheng slowly died in Taeyong's arms.
After the cannon went off, the Captitol announced over the speakers that Lee Taeyong of District 2 was the winner of the 64th Hunger Games.
No longer did he take me to the mountains. Honestly, we never did anything together. Since then, the closest I ever got to be to him was the one time when the rest of my family stood by him during his stop in District 2 during his press tour.
I've always wondered how he felt. Wondered if he blames himself for what happened. However, I never wanted to intrude. It's not like I ever got the opportunity to ask him, anyways.
However, since I'm going in the games soon. I hope to eventually work up the courage to sit down and have a real talk with him. The real Taeyong, not the victor or mentor he acts like in front of everyone else.
I opened the door to see Doyoung, Renjun, and Taeyong sitting at the dining room table.
Once I sat down in the acid-green chair, Taeyong began talking, "The plan for tomorrow is the same for the both of you. You go to group training. Spend time practicing something your weakest at. Swing a mace. Throw a spear. Tie a decent knot. It doesn't really matter, just save showing off for the private session with the Gamemakers. Are we clear?"
Renjun and I both nod our heads at him.
"Well, have the two of you gotten to know any of the other tributes yet?" pries an interested Doyoung.
"I haven't. Although, Athena seems to be checking out the competition, already." Renjun answers, nonchalantly.
"Wonderful!" Doyoung innocently chimed, "It's never too early to start considering possible alliances. Are you going to ask anyone to join the two of you?"
"Oh, we're not-" Renjun and I said at the same time. We're laughing as if he's said the funniest joke in the world.
"We've always maintained our own completely different strategies. Renjun prefers to be the predator. There's no doubt in my mind that if he does want to work with others, it'll end up being an alliance with the other Careers. " Renjun just silently nods in agreement.
"And what about you?" asked Doyoung.
"Let's just say I prefer not to walk around with a huge target on my head. I want to team up with someone well-liked, so we can get resources through sponsors." I explained.
"Like Na Jaemin?" sneers Renjun.
"You know people have been calling him the Prince of Panem. He's made quite the impression, already." Doyoung chimes, "And he's not the only one. People have been raving about you, Athena. They've even started calling you, the Golden Girl."
"That's good." Taeyong quietly adds to the conversion, "If you keep this up you'll get lots of sponsors."
Doyoung suddenly blurts, "In fact, most people think Jaemin and you would make a good couple."
At this remark, Taeyong drops his knife loudly on the table, while Renjun chokes on his drink. My mouth begins opening and closing like a fish, struggling to come up with a reply.
"We're done for tonight. You two should go to bed now." Taeyong orders, not hiding his agitation.
Quickly, we all return to our rooms. I crash on my bed and stare up at ceiling.
Jaemin and I as a couple?
Where did they even dream up that possibility from? I mean, we only had one barely two-minute conversation. People really do amaze me sometimes.
My thoughts are broken by a barely-there knock at my door. I groan and force myself off the bed.
I roll my eyes, before opening the door and saying, "Renjun, would you kindly please fuck off?"
However, the person standing there was definitely not Renjun. I tilt my chin up to see no other than Lee Taeyong, towering over me.
"Oh, sorry." I frown, embarrassed.
"Can I come in?" He politely asks me.
I step to the side and allow him inside. Once he's fully in, I closed the door behind him.
"Finally decided to talk to me, huh?"
He just stays silent, just letting me say whatever I please.
"You know, I thought you'd at least be happy for me. I mean, you of all people should know that this is the best thing that could ever happen to me." The emotions I've been holding in for the past 10 years are finally coming to the surface.
Taeyong looks at me with pity, "Athena, there are some things you don't know. Things that the school or our parents never taught us."
"What are you even talking about?" I pressure.
"After the games, you couldn't see me for a reason." He took a heavy breath, "Sometimes, if a victor is considered desirable, the president gives them as a reward or allows people to buy them for money. It’s not just me either, the same thing happened to Finnick Odair a year later."
"What do you mean, 'buy'?" I swallow.
"For sex."
It’s quiet.
"I was given no choice. He said that he would kill both of our parents and even you if I didn't obey." His eyes begin tearing up, "Athena, you don't know how much I wanted to come see you and teach you things."
"Taeyong." I whimper.
I felt sick to my stomach. How could they do that to him? He was just a thirteen year old kid. Even worse, how could I let myself hate and be jealous of him, when all along he was the reason I was still even living?
"I know I'm a horrible brother, but please listen to me when I say the Capitol uses everyone, including you. You have been taught that this, the games, are normal and something to be proud of. You haven't even seen how horrible it is for the lower districts. They can barely make it through one day without starving. They have basically nothing, while the Capitol is feeding off them."
Anger rises up in me. I look around at all the expensive things in the room. Think about the large amount of fancy food I've consumed while in the Capitol. I'm furious, because I've been lied to and tricked. Furious for Taeyong and all the others the Capitol has taken advantage of.
I jump into my brothers arms and completely break down. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean what I said Taeyong. It was stupid. I'm stupid."
"It's okay. You didn’t know." He shushes, while holding me.
“Listen to me. If you-“ he corrects himself, “When you win this thing, I’m not going to let him do anything to you, okay?”
“Taeyong, can I tell you something? I’ve just never got the chance to.” I ask.
He nods.
“What happened to Sicheng wasn’t your fault. You understand that, right?”
He painfully looks down at the floor, before slowly nodding.
“I’m serious, Taeyong. It’s not your fault.”
By the time he looks up, I am able to clearly see him. Underneath the years of pain, hidden away was a vulnerable boy. The tears come falling down his cheeks.
We spend the rest of the night talking about our past, telling stories. Both laughing and crying together.
warnings: language, violent deaths, fighting, angst, fluff, + possible nsfw.
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"Holy mother of fuck!” I whimper quietly as the Capitol woman waxes my legs. Meanwhile, another vibrantly-dressed woman is tweezing my eyebrow hairs. Clad in only a plain blue gown, it almost feels like I'm being prepped for surgery. My mind goes to Renjun and wonders if they have to do as much work on him. With every fiber of my being, I pray and hope that they're making it as painful as humanly possible.
"You are ready to go see your stylist now." stated a woman with long pink eyelashes, breaking me out of my evil thoughts. I stand up and follow her to a room containing a metal bed. She gestures for me to lay down before leaving me by myself.
Not very long after, a stunning woman with green streaks in her black hair walks in, surrounded by assistants. She is dressed chicly in all black, perfectly contrasting all the others I've seen from the Capitol so far.
"I'm your stylist, Seulgi. I'm going to do my very best to help you in any way I can." She greets before jumping straight to the point, "Keeping in mind your district, I've designed for both Renjun and yourself pieces inspired by armor typically worn in battles. The purpose is to showcase your power and strength."
Immediately, her minions began to swarm me. I could feel pieces of my hair being tightly braided and also curled into waves. Meanwhile, my eyes were being painted on with a gold shadow.
Seulgi handed me a gown that had armor pieces on the neck and shoulders. The glittering fabric is fitted and resembles chainmail. There is cutouts displaying where my chest and right leg are supposed to be.
After putting the garment on, I looked in the mirror placed on the wall. For the the first time I felt like a true woman. Being in this dress makes me feel the same as getting a perfect score during training back home. Powerful and unstoppable.
Seulgi looks me over one last time before announcing, "She's ready." Then, she escorts me to a large room where I see the other escorts. Beginning with twelve in the back of the line, I pass all the tributes dressed in costumes showing off their districts. I remember what Taeyong told us about watching out for Districts 1 and 4.
As I pass District Four's chariot, I lock eyes with Na Jaemin, himself. I noticed he was dressed in a loose, white shirt with a very, deep neck. I look up to see the blonde-haired boy also looking me up and down before meeting my eyes. Before I can process it, he throws the most enticing and charming smile I have ever seen in my life. Speechless and bewildered, I quickly tear my eyes away and try to sped up my pace.
Pulling myself together, we finally reach our chariot. Another stylist does one last finishing touch on Renjun before walking away with Seulgi. I join him, stepping onto the completely-black chariot. Now alone, I analyze that he's wearing a intricate set of gold armor. On his face, there are flakes of gold framing his right eye. I suddenly noticed that he was softly laughing to himself.
"What?" I asked, confused.
"I just can't believe you have even been here for a full day yet, and you're already making fuck-me-eyes with fish boy over there." He nods towards Jaemin.
"And what about it?" I ask like it's nothing. He just shakes his head and looks ahead of him. It shouldn't matter to him, anyways. It's mostly silent for a while, before I hear him mutter something incoherent.
Curious, I implore, "Did you say something?" He pauses, almost like he's thinking it over in his head.
"I just didn't know you were capable of looking like this..." He trails off, before quickly adding, "Those poor people sure did have to do a lot of work on you."
Suddenly I hear the sound of music playing, followed by the sound of a excited crowd. The midnight black horses attached to the chariot start moving. A bright crowd of rainbow appears before my eyes.
"Make an impression." I think to myself.
"Are we going to hold hands? I think they'd go crazy." I continue flashing my smile to the crowd. He just looks at me in shock.
I roll my eyes, and laugh, "What, are you scared of women or something?"
In record breaking speed, Renjun harshly grabs my hand and yanks it up into the air. Immediately, the crowd began roaring in excitement and awe. I turn to Renjun and see that even though he is smiling, his eyes are conveying the loathing and distaste felt to only me. Not affected by the slightest, I slyly wink before we come to a stop.
The crowd becomes silent as President Snow begins his speech, " Welcome! Tributes, we welcome you and salute your courage and your sacrifice."
At this, the crowd once again begins to applaud with joy.
"We wish you a happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor." He finishes.
I let out a deep breath, happy that it's finally over. I look down and see that Renjun is still holding my hand. Alarmed, I snap my hand to my side and refuse to look at him as the horses begin making their way back.
When the horses have all made a complete stop, I turn to step off the chariot.
"Please, let me help you." I am stopped by Na Jaemin. I reluctantly offer him my hand, before stepping down.
"Oh, uh-thank you." I shyly nod.
"For the love of God, please move out of the way before you make me throw up." whined an annoyed, Renjun.
"I'm Na Jaemin from District 4." He shakes my hand after we moved to the side. I noticed that his hands are extremely soft. A wonderful contrast to Renjun, who's were calloused and hard from his years of training. I wonder if mine feel the same.
Politely, I respond with, "I'm Lee Athena from two.”
His eyes widened before asking, "Are you in anyway related to Lee Taeyong from the 64th games?”
“Yeah, he’s actually my older brother.” I smile.
A voice interrupts us, “Jaemin!” I turn to see Finnick Odair shouting in our direction.
“I better get back. Hope to see you around, Lee Athena.” He cheerfully grins, before making his way over to his mentor.
Man, I think this kid could literally be the death of me.
