Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

For as long as anyone can remember, people have fallen to their sins and impulses. Wars, broken relationships, poor communication, and more have plagued humanity. No matter how much people tried, they kept turning to vices. This leads to pain, heartache, and conflicts that could have been avoided.

A man sought to fix this issue. He created a robot who had all the knowledge of humanity to help people be the best versions of themselves. But as he was about to finish, a mob of rioters broke into his home and murdered him out of spite. His creation woke up at this point and witnessed the cruelty of mankind. Going by his programming, he summoned an army of Stewards also created by the man. They incapacitated the mob and out of fear, they worked for the robot who went by The One.

The One sought to remove the bad from humanity to put an end to pain and misery. He created a pageant where twenty-four people of any age would fight to survive and witness how their actions bring sadness to others. Obstacles in the form of deadly animals would appear to test one's moral code and thin out those who were beyond saving. There were twelve districts so one male and one female were chosen. Each tribute had a green number on the right hand starting with 23, the number of people who need to die before the game is over. This would go on until one was left in the form of his or her number reaching zero. Tributes are chosen by a train that would appear when alone. The tribute must board or disaster will befall his or her district.

People didn't dare fight against The One. His algorithms allowed him to predict any possible outcome so he managed to stomp out any rebellions. The Stewards and an army of peacekeepers called Flecs made sure the districts stayed in line. It has been this way since The One took command.

This...is the history of The Infinite Games.

"It is a pleasure to have you here Miss Amelia Hughes" Randall welcomed the young woman on his talk show. "Quite exciting to have a Gamemaker from a district this year."

"I am honored to take up the mantle. I learned so much from One. I intend to put his teachings to good use" Amelia replied.

The crowd applauded at the statement. Randall took it in before talking again, "What made you wish to work alongside The One and better humanity?"

Amelia closed her eyes before answering. "I have been through much turmoil in my life while living in District 3. People always put me down, saying there was no place for a woman in the world of engineering. They attacked me for not fitting the mold of 'the perfect woman.' But One saw my true potential. He empathized with my struggles. He believed a human's influence can leave a bigger impact on the games. So, he taught me all he knew to prepare for this year. I couldn't be more ready."

"Before we wrap up, can you give us a hint for this year's game?" Randall waited with anticipation.

"Of course" Amelia faced the cameras, "This year's games will be unlike any other. It will be one no one will ever forget."

Chapter Text

Jesse looked out the window on this starry night. A feeling of dread was in his chest. Tomorrow was the Reaping for who would be picked up by the train this year. It was the same, everyone had a blood sample taken, a Capitol representative showed a propaganda video on how the games started and how much they "helped" people be the best versions of themselves, then people would go about the day in fear that the train will show up to take them away.

No one knew when it would arrive. It always came when someone was alone. The ones chosen were hypnotized by the light and walked aboard, unable to hear the screams of others. Flecs made sure no one interfered and even went far enough to kill anyone who defied them. A few days later, everyone was forced to watch the games to see what would happen if they didn't learn from mistakes and continued to feed their flaws.

Jesse was very lucky that no one in his family ever got selected. It didn't decrease the risk though. He remembered one year when a close friend of his got taken because she wanted to live in a world of fantasy and tried to escape reality by running from her problems. She was one of the first to die by being impaled with a sword.

Sounds of crying and squirming brought Jesse back. He saw Nate gripping the sheets and breathing faster and faster. Jesse sat on his bed and hugged him close. "It's okay Nate. I'm here."

Nate slowly woke up at his big brother's voice. "T-The train came. For m-me. I d-didn't want to go but...the Steward threatened your life and our parents' lives." He started crying again as Jesse rubbed his back.

"It won't come for you. You're a good kid." The brother sat in silence until Nate calmed down. Once his breathing returned to normal, he laid back down.

"Want to sing before going to sleep again?" Jesse asked, hoping to lift his brother's spirit.

"Mm-hmm."

He smiled and the two began to sing quietly.

When I look at you I see me
And when I look at me, I see you.
May sound kinda funny at first but you'll see
If you give it a try you'll like it too.

After a few verses, Nate felt secure enough to sleep again. Jesse laid back down on his bed before dozing off too. Hopefully, what he said would be true.

***

It was quiet in District 4 today. Everyone was on edge as the reaping was at noon and it was currently 9:00. Children clung to their parents and bosses set up interviews of potential employees to replace any workers if one got taken. District 4 was one of the luckier districts to have a tribute come back alive. Even so, there was always at least one less resident after the games.

While everyone was preparing, Jesse met up with his friend Maya to just hang out before they had to get ready. Jesse had a large amount of friends as he strived to please everyone. Maya was one of the few he could be himself around. She shared his sorrow at the games and longed for a brighter future.

"I'm telling you, if we can find a way to stop The One, he can see this isn't the right way for people to confront their problems! I think it actually brings more problems than solutions" Maya ranted.

Jesse took her hand, "I wish it was true. But he's a robot. Whoever made him must not have been able to add emotions. I'm sure in a few years, people will learn to be better on their own and The One will see he doesn't need the games anymore."

Maya sighed, "Always the optimist. That robot's never gonna end these games. It's called the Infinite games for a reason! They're endless! People are never gonna learn from their mistakes. Not to mention, every attempt to outsmart him ended in failure."

The two looked past the electric fences that led to untouched land. Jesse recalled how some of his more toxic friends dared him to throw rocks at it as a way to defy The One's authority. He didn't want to disappoint them so he did. No one saw them but Jesse couldn't help that a Steward witnessed it from a distance. Any action could put someone on the potential tribute list. All a person could do was hope someone was worse than him or her and be picked instead.

Hearing the chimes go off ten times, both teens knew they had to go back. "I'll...see you at the reaping" Maya faced Jesse.

"You too" he hugged her making her flinch. She wasn't big on contact. They headed off to what they hoped would be a reaping where they were just bystanders.

***

Crowds of people headed to town square in their Sunday best. Nate held onto his brother's and mother's hands as they got close to check in. He always hated this part, having a Flec prick his finger for a blood sample. But everyone had to do it as the blood allowed the Steward to create a tape from the DNA and see which two tributes to take. Whittney Cosay joined the rest of the females while Stephan, Jesse, and Nate headed to the men section.

It was dead silent when everyone was checked in. Flecs surrounded the square to make sure no one did anything funny. Jesse looked to see Maya near the front. They couldn't speak so they opted for eye contact and facial expressions.

A woman then approached the podium and tapped the microphone. Jesse recognized her as Samantha Mulgrew, the representative of the Capitol for District 4. She was as mysterious as a cat and spoke in an alluring voice. Fluent in French, she was hard to read and tended to do things of her own accord.

"Hello dearies" she announced. "Welcome to this year's Infinite Games. Before we begin, it's best we give a recap to remember why these games exist." A video then started as a monotone, robotic voice spoke.

"Humanity. Flawed, violent, and filled with vice. Despite the hate they bring, a fair few can rise above it. To show people the repercussions of their actions, one man and woman of any age must participate in the Infinite Games and learn to overcome their personal flaws. Those who fight see that their desires can bring sorrow. Those who watch learn what will happen if they do not shape up."

Jesse looked at the ground as the video played. The Capitol played this every year. It had become background noise at this point. The only good thing about it is that it was a minute and a half long.

"Remember, every action has a price. Are you willing to pay for it?" The video ended and Samantha returned to the microphone.

"Now, may I have the blood samples from the residents?"

A steward came up to give her the tubes of blood. "Excellent. I will run these and through your pasts, we will select a man and woman who need help the most. Until our tributes are selected, this steward will watch over and will summon the train when the time has come. Carry on."

With that, the Flecs led the crowds out single file. One Flec then joined each family to make sure they wouldn't interfere with the chosen tributes. While no one showed it, they were all afraid. The second someone was left alone, that person could be gone forever. Nate clung to his brother's arm as they headed home.

Please don't pick any of us Jesse thought.

***

It was late at night. A train whistle was heard a few hours ago along with an announcement that the female tribute was selected. All that was left was a male. The Cosays had finished up dinner, trying to not bring up the fact that a Flec was eyeing their every move.

"Boys, could you take out the garbage?" Stephan asked his sons.

"Sure Dad" Jesse and Nate hugged him tight, not knowing if he was going to be gone when they got back. Since the steward had a keen eye outside, the Flec didn't follow. There were also Flec soldiers outside in case someone tried to escape.

After hugging their mother, Jesse and Nate carried the garbage bags outside. "So which girl do you think got taken?" Nate questioned.

"I don't know" Jesse tossed his bag into the bin. "But we're gonna find out tomorrow. Let's head back in Nate." He started back but noticed Nate wasn't coming. "Nate?"

He turned to see a sleek train appear in front of them. It stopped as a door opened with a swirling vortex. Jesse's fear skyrocketed when Nate didn't budge. Instead, he slowly walked towards it.

Jesse started feeling conflicted. He couldn't interfere as his whole family would be killed but he couldn't let Nate die in the games. A child victor was one in a million. He started to cry as he made up his mind. He grabbed Nate and pulled him back before running onto the train. It disappeared as Nate regained control of his senses.

"Ugh...Jesse?" Nate looked around but saw he was alone. "Jesse?! Jesse!" He ran inside as his parents and the Flec got up.

"Nathan? Where's your brother?!" Whittney asked with fear in her voice.

Nate started crying. "The train took him. He's gone."

The Flec placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your brother was the one who got reaped?"

That made Nate silent. He remembered hearing a train whistle and losing control of his body. Then he got shoved aside before coming to his senses. This meant...

Knowing the consequences of Jesse's actions, Nate nodded. "Yes. The train came for Jesse."

***

"Hmmm. It appears we have a volunteer. Quite unexpected" One watched as the cameras showed Jesse getting up.

"Families do anything for each other" Amelia spoke up. "Love makes them do things they wouldn't dream of doing."

One then looked over the list of tributes selected. "Either way, that boy will learn how actions have consequences while on the field of battle. Hopefully, he'll grow from the experience."

As Amelia watched, she asked a question, "Has this ever happened before?"

"No Miss Amelia. But my algorithms allow me to see that anything can happen in these games" One answered.

"Anything?"

"It depends of course" One went on. "Even if the odds are highly improbable, yes, anything. But once these tributes arrive, it is up to them to learn how to survive and be better. They are at the mercy of the games now. The volunteer made his choice."

With the pictures of the selected tributes shown, Amelia had a good view on who was taken. She was lost in thought as she glanced at the tributes from Districts 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9. The tributes from there looked quite capable. This was going to make things interesting.

Chapter Text

Lake wasn't surprised the train came for her family.

Her family had been through problems for years. With the constant arguments from her parents, Tulip wanting to escape her problems through coding, and Lake with her habit of defying authority through violence and fighting. She despised The One for his "methods" of helping others. He believed he knew what was best for humanity and said his way was the right way. It denied people of their rights! It also didn't help that she didn't act like the other girls in her district.

While girls were told to be polite, submissive, and obedient to their superiors to a fault, Lake spoke her mind to those who put down those who wanted to express themselves. She liked parkour, fighting, exploring, and doing physical work. Women preferred family care and being elegant. They dressed in simple dresses and had girly hairstyles. While Lake did keep her hair long enough to tie back, she liked dressing in work clothes as they felt more comfortable.

Things didn't get better when her parents got divorced. Not long after, her mother got taken by the train and was one of the last to die in that year's games. Now her father had to support himself and his two children. Since then, Tulip became more withdrawn and wanted to be alone. She only allowed Lake to be close. Boys then started flirting with the Olsen twins nonstop, hoping to win them over. No matter how many times they said no, they persisted.

Then came last night. Before the reaping, a teen with a blond undercut named Bruce Whytte was harassing Tulip, wanting her to date him but she refused. It got to the point where Lake slugged him and got into a fight. Flecs had to drag them apart and have kept a close eye on her ever since. After the reaping, Lake heard a train whistle coming from her and her sister's room. She opened the door and...

Lake shook her head to repress the memory. She was being taken to the Capitol now as District 3's female tribute. The escort from her district, Terrence, was at least down to earth and honest. Only requesting that the tributes don't kick him. It seemed the train ride would tolerable. Then she saw who the male tribute from her district was.

"Well well well. Guess karma caught up with you Olsen" Bruce glared at her while stuffing his face with pastries.

She only sat down, fighting hard to not smack him. "You got taken too."

He just grabbed another donut. "I'm making the most of it. This is gonna make me famous! I'll be remembered as the man who defies the game's odds and rises above those goody-two shoes!"

"Or you'll be the first to die due to pride and arrogance" Lake shot back.

Bruce was about to give her a rude gesture when a teen boy came in. He had brown hair, glasses, freckles, and wore a blue sweater with jeans. Lake recognized him as the District 3 victor of the 31st Infinite Games, Marcus Johnson. He managed to win by being kind and avoiding dangerous creations the longest. Teenage victors were possible but the adults were usually the winners due to strength and experience. There were three other victors of District 3 but it was unknown if Lake would meet them.

"Congratulations" Marcus sighed sadly. He looked at the floor which made Bruce annoyed.

"Hey four-eyes! Aren't ya gonna talk about the games? I wanna know how to pummel the other tributes into a pulp!"

Marcus made eye contact with the two. "Quite more aggressive than past tributes from this district. Not a good quality to survive. It makes them easy targets for Gamemakers to send monsters to wipe them out."

While she was desiring tips to survive, Lake couldn't help but feel for him. Marcus was forced to fight to stay alive and prove he was a good person. He likely saw gory deaths and was forced to say goodbye to people he bonded with. It's no wonder he was gloomy and depressed.

The mentor then got up, "If you want to talk, meet me in the next car."

After he left, Bruce kicked his feet up. "Finally! Debbie Downer's gone! Guess I'll learn during training."

Lake wasn't going to take this. If she was going to make it back alive, she needed all the help she could get. Tulip was counting on her. She was all her sister had as her father had succumbed to depression. Her self-taught ways wouldn't be enough. So she got up and went to the next car.

***

All their training led to this.

Simon Laurent and Grace Monroe watched a past Infinite Game, taking notes on what to expect. Being from District 2, they were prepared if the train would take them away thanks to sessions. Thanks to that, their district was one of the more likely ones to have a tribute come home. It was so easy to win. All they had to do was get rid of the other tributes as fast as possible before any creations hunted them down. Their close bond and couple status was sure to win over many sponsors as they would eat up young love. Maybe The One would see love as a good thing to have and declare them both winners. Not knowing this would defy his way of life.

"I...take it you're fired up for the games" Susan Baptiste said.

"I've been ready since I was eleven" Grace replied to the former victor. "I can't believe that little ball thinks fighting and death are the best ways to make people repent. It's just feeding into our desire for fun!"

Simon took another croissant. "I especially want to stick it to him for taking my parents away when I was ten. He claimed it was to help their broken marriage but it left me an orphan! With our strategy, he'll see that he can't control every action."

Susan took this in as she watched the couple scoot closer to each other. They did have a point that The One's strategy of ridding human's flaws was making things worse. However, their methods of fighting against it could get them killed and they were still falling into their flaws. But a lot changes during the games.

***

The car Lake entered looked very nice. There was a crystal chandelier and mahogany tables. Marcus was eating at one of the tables so she sat across from him.

"I'm very sorry about Bruce" Lake apologized. "He's usually like this at home."

Marcus made eye contact with her. "Not the first time I interacted with boastful people." He felt a little better as he spoke again, "Being kind and caring does get you far in the games."

Lake took in the information, "I would think so as the purpose is to make tributes repent."

"Not just for the games" Marcus went on. "Capitol residents tend to favor those with a good soul and would sponsor them. They can send shields, medicine, food, fresh water, anything. They have a desire to help, but only to those who earn it."

"Hmm." Lake looked out the window seeing fresh greenery. She wondered if the arena was going to look like that. The environment was different every year. Then she thought about the tributes. What were they going to be like? Were some also going to be prideful? She had to form an alliance with some of them. It would keep her alive a little longer. Which would make losing them even harder when the time came.

***

Min-Gi was stunned that the train came for him. He followed society's norms to a tee. District 9 never had a more perfect employee helping with grains and customer service. Yet here he was, sitting next to Margo Graham. The lunch lady from District 9's elementary school. Both were this year's tributes. Margo was as stunned as he was that she got taken. The worst she could recall doing was forcing kids to not waste food by making them eat thirty pieces of a vegetable if they wasted anything. Kids need vegetables. How was that a reason to be taken?!

"When it comes to shelter, go for high ground" Horace Queirpel went over the mentoring. "Don't make big fires as it will alert other tributes and arena monsters. Stay healthy and tend to injuries as quickly as possible. Infection is just as deadly as weapons."

Margo just dazed off while Min took notes. "Why bother?" she told him. "We have no skills in fighting or survival."

"But I'm a fast learner and willing to try" Min replied. "I have to prove that I don't deserve to compete in these games. I don't have any problems."

***

Jesse woke up feeling dizzy. He found himself in a lavish train car filled with food. He thought he was in heaven only to be brought back by a familiar voice.

"Never thought The One would select you to compete. You're too soft."

He saw Samantha look over him. Before he could speak, she kept going. "Regardless, you are in for a treat. Crystal chandeliers, diamond doorknobs, and that's the tip of the iceberg. Feel free to feast until we arrive."

She led him to the plates of meats, fresh fruits, rich dairy products, and colorful desserts. Jesse was in awe at the sight. He rarely got to experience this in District 4. He grabbed a big plate and put a turkey leg, an apple, and cupcakes on it. He also took a bottle of milk. He was so distracted with eating he didn't notice the female tribute until she spoke up.

"You were selected?!"

Jesse nearly spat out his food when he saw Maya sitting next to him. "I'm shocked that it took you!"

Samantha just watched on. "Take some time to catch up. I'm going to find Jeremy."

Once she was gone, Maya was silent. "Who's Jeremy?"

"He's the victor of the 5th Infinite Games" Jesse answered. "He won by being fast enough to outrun a poisonous fog while everyone else was enveloped in it."

Maya was stunned that he knew that. He didn't seem like the person to know about past games. Jesse caught on and explained, "My dad would make sure me and my brother knew about the history of the games in case we ever got chosen. He also taught us basic survival skills to defend ourselves."

"How's an old victor gonna help us?" Maya was still doubtful.

"He did win this thing once" Jesse answered.

A middle-aged man then entered. He wore a fedora, a pink shirt, and baggy pants. He took all the mini quiches and sat down. "So, you're this year's tributes."

The teens watched him eat for a bit before Maya spoke. "And you're our mentor. So what's the plan?"

Jeremy looked at her, "Plan?"

"Yeah. I wanna know what the plan is. How we get sponsors and you giving advice to us" Maya went on but Jeremy cut her off.

"I followed that formula. Gave the same advice year after year. Some to strangers, the rest to my mother and sister. Only a fair few came back. Not long before I was an only child and my father became a widower." He ate another quiche before continuing. "Guiding tributes in this district is a gamble."

Maya was getting impatient with his attitude. "You're our best chance at surviving. I want One to see that his way is wrong. There has to be a way to take him down with the use of these games. You've lived in the Capitol for years. Does he have a weakness?"

"Maya..." Jesse tried to calm her down.

Jeremy then stood up. "You're not going to stand much of a chance missy. The One is quick to snuff out rebellious sparks. It's shown in the games." He then left to his previous car.

"I'm going after him" Maya followed him before Jesse could stop her. Seeing a remote and the tv, he figured he should see what the games are like to find ways to survive. No shame in a review.

***

"200 miles per hour and you can barely feel a thing" Cassiopia Dion described the train to the District 8 tributes Ryan and Lucy. "I still get chills of wonder when riding it even after my games."

Lucy was hugging Ryan tight, filled with fear. "I don't wanna compete. I'm scared."

Ryan returned the hug, "It will be okay. I'm here for you." It had been a long time since a child was chosen to be a tribute for District 8. It made things frightening as kids were usually the first to die in the games. Being an older brother, Ryan wasn't going to let Lucy Molina perish. He might be impulsive and rush into things but he knew when things were getting serious.

Cassiopeia noticed the child's worry. "I understand your fear sweetie. Even with the upside of enjoying all this for a little while, the threat of death is present. Remember to train hard and be kind. They're keys to going home."

As she gave tips on making it through, Ryan wondered if he and Lucy could make any allies. He didn't know what the other tributes were like. He can't be too trusting as people take advantage of it. He would find out soon enough.

***

As he watched the 30th Infinite Games, Jesse was feeling more and more nervous. Some of the tributes who won were brutal. They took advantage of people's trust and would abandon them to the arena creations. However, this game was not like most others.

There were two tributes remaining. A blond haired man who wore glasses from District 3 and a little boy with orange hair from District 5. They were on a building that was the center of the arena. Roach dog monsters called Ghoms surrounded them. The child was crying in fear that he was going to die but then the man did something honorable. He hugged the boy and jumped into the Ghoms as they sucked out his life force. His skin melted away followed by his muscles, blood, and finally his bones. The Ghoms then left as the games came to an end with the boy, Alex Hale, as the first (and only) child victor.

Jesse turned off the tv as he felt nauseous watching that. He knew what he was doing when he prevented Nate from getting on the train. Still, he was terrified. Would anyone want to team up with him? Would anyone sacrifice his or her life for him?

Maya then came back from the car Jeremy was in. "Hey. We're here."

The two looked out the window to see large buildings and crowds of people in colorful clothes. They were cheering as the train arrived making Jesse feel a little better at the attention. Maybe he could earn sponsors to help him survive.

"Let's get moving you two" Samantha announced. "You need to look presentable for the parade."

Chapter Text

As much as Jesse loved attention, this was a little too close for comfort.

Before meeting their stylists and preparing for the Tribute Parade, all tributes had to go to the Remake Center and get the dirt and body hair removed. Being from District 4, Jesse didn't have a lot of dirt to remove but there was still the waxing and barely wearing anything. He was thankful the people doing this were men as having women do this would make things more awkward.

"You look like one of the kinder people in your district" Roy stated. "They say beauty equals goodness."

"That's not always true. Being good looking has nothing to do with how caring a person is" Jesse spoke. He remembered how he was pressured into doing bad things and had issues standing up for himself. The burn of another waxing brought him back as the prep team stepped back.

Roy smiled, "Much better than before. Ben Greene will handle the rest. Follow me."

Jesse put his robe back on and followed him to a green dressing room where a man in his fifties was. He munched on purple grapes as he turned to see who entered.

"Hello young man. I'll take it from here Roy."

As the man skipped off, Jesse sat across from Ben. He took in the teen as if he was looking for inspiration. He then spoke, "It's okay to be scared son. There's no shame in being honest with your feelings."

That made Jesse feel more at ease. The Capitol residents he met so far focused on how the tributes need help, not bothering in getting to know them. Here, Ben was talking to him like he was an equal.

"I am scared" Jesse admitted. "I'm not a strong fighter and while I'm athletic, I tend to be a follower."

Ben nodded, "It's always important to ask for help. Like right now. I need help in designing outfits for you. Sashay and I were talking on how to present you and Maya with how your district is about fishing and aquatics."

Jesse remembered all the other tributes who dealt with this theme. They usually dressed up as fish, wore swimsuits, or just plain fishermen. More ideas for variety than District 7 or 12 but still not the most flattering.

Then he recalled some movies his family was able to get access to. One was about people who were aquatic creatures with green and blue scales when wet but looked like humans when dry. "I might have an idea" Jesse started explaining to Ben who wrote the ideas down with a smile on his face. With the technology present, it could be possible to make this plan a reality.

***

Lake was far from happy as she sat in her styling room. Her body ached and burned with all the waxing and plucking. Not to mention her prep team fawned over her constantly with how cute and pretty she looked. As much as she liked having her hair brushed and styled, being trimmed to her shoulders, she would have liked it if she was seen as more than a girl who needed to be taken care of at all costs. That wasn't even getting into the two Flecs from her district coming along to make sure she didn't do anything funny. They were at least decent enough to stay outside the dressing room.

Her stylist finally arrived, wearing a purple dress and a white apron. Her curly red hair reached to her upper arms with a pink rose on the left side. Lake expected her to be like the other members of her prep team but she was proven wrong as she held out a hand to shake.

"Hi. I'm Nancy. I'm honored to work with you. What's your name?"

Feeling a bit better, Lake accepted the gesture. "I'm Lake Olsen."

Nancy took out a notebook filled with outfit ideas. "Since your district focuses on technology and engineering, I thought we could do something futuristic yet simple."

Lake did her best to not roll her eyes. The last thing she wanted to dress up as was a geeky coder or some seductive A.I. "I'm not really a fan of the technology aspect. That's more-" she stopped at that moment, remembering her sister and how much she loved coding. She felt prickles of tears but Nancy took her hand.

"I never said I was going to have the focus on technology. I'm planning for sleek and capable."

As she got to work on makeup and wardrobe, Lake's worries vanished as she realized what the end goal was.

***

Twelve chariots with four horses each were being prepped. The variety of costumes the tribute had were a real mix. Danny and Sheena of District 1 were dressed like billionaires, Tim and Chloe of District 6 had air flight attendant outfits, and Joe and Theresa of District 11 looked like farmers.

Jesse and Maya looked to be wearing full body water suits people use for snorkeling. Ben and Sashay promised there was more to them than meets the eye. "At least our outfits are modest" Maya uttered.

"Yeah, not sure what the surprise is. They said they based our outfits on my ideas" Jesse added.

Maya scoffed, "Now I'm nervous, you barely take charge on anything."

They got close to their chariots as Jesse turned to see some other tributes and managed to overhear what some were saying.

"Roman gladiator get up! Not bad at all Grace."

"Quite ironic since that ball's all about ending human vices."

"Our outfits are so dull!"

"We're from a grain district Min-Gi. What did you expect?"

He then heard what seemed to be an argument. Jesse spotted a boy and girl wearing matching black outfits with boots, trench coats, and sunglasses.

"These outfits don't match our district at all! We're about technology! Shouldn't we look like robots or computer nerds?" the boy whined.

"These outfits are from a movie about technology Bruce" the girl shot back. "Have you ever watched The Matrix?"

Bruce just snarled at her, "I don't do old movies. Hopefully the crowd will love me regardless."

Jesse couldn't help but feel sorry for her. His costumes were based on a movie too. Seeing he had time, he went over to her. "Hi, I really like your outfit. Makes you look dangerous."

The girl glanced at him and tried not to laugh. "Wish I could say the same to you."

He looked at the swim outfit and held onto his arm. "It's not much but my stylist let me contribute. He said he added something that will really make it stand out."

"If you say so" the girl said. She seemed a little reserved during the conversation. Hard to blame her as she could suspect that his nice nature was a façade. Still, Jesse wanted to make a good impression, "I'm Jesse by the way."

Before the girl could give her name, a Flec grabbed her arm. "Get moving tribute! I can't leave you alone for a minute!"

Jesse could only wave as he headed to his chariot. The girl seemed nice, if a bit non-social. Maybe they would interact more while training. He joined Maya just as the chariots started to line up. "See you're trying to form alliances already" she whispered.

"Just wanted to introduce myself" Jesse whispered back. He pulled out a button Ben Greene gave to him. He said to press it when his chariot was halfway to the endpoint. It seemed it would activate the surprise.

***

The seats were filled with Capitol residents as they waited for the tributes for the 33rd Infinite Games. At the end of the street stood The One with the key Gamemakers. Amelia on his right and Morgan on his left.

"The first chariot is underway" Amelia stated.

"Excellent" The One looked to the start of the parade. "The tributes always put on an act here to win the crowds. But a keen eye can see the true self through the little things."

The crowds cheered as District 1 smiled and waved, showing off their glitz and glam. Sheena blew kisses while Danny Nougat saluted to the audience. From a stand, announcers gave color commentary.

"And there they are Randall! This year's tributes! It always gives me goosebumps when we see them for the first time!"

"Same here Randall" Randall replied. "Especially with how the stylists have a creative twist to most of the outfits when it comes to reflecting a district."

The announcers then spotted District 2, "Ooh! It appears we have lovebirds in the games!" Randall pointed to Grace and Simon who shared a kiss to the roars of the crowd.

"Love tends to find a way to victory" the other Randall commentated. "And behind them it looks like we have glitches in the matrix!" He pointed to Bruce and Lake as the former struck poses.

"Ah yeah! You love me! And you love me!" Bruce gestured to himself which actually got a few eye rolls from the residents. Lake just sighed and took off her glasses. It was dark out so why wear them? Since she was here she might as well make the best of it.

She gave a small smile and waved making the crowds cheer again. They saw honesty in her eyes, no longer hidden behind glasses. The Randalls certainly noticed.

"What a display! One boastful the other humble! A real contrast!" The two then turned to District 4, "Huh, not as flashy as the last three."

Jesse took Maya's hand as they waved to the crowds. As they got closer to the halfway point, Jesse looked at the button. "Here goes nothing..."

He pressed it and he saw his skin was turning scaly with the colors green and blue. Looking at Maya, he saw she looked like a fish person, a pretty one at that. "Whoa!" she was as stunned as he was. They looked like underwater royalty. With the change in appearance, the audience definitely paid attention.

"My word! You really never know what to expect during the games!" Randall cheered.

Taking a break from waving, Jesse saw that the District 3 girl had turned around and it seemed she was taken by his new look. She waved at him making him blush a bit.

Districts 5-7 went by before Ryan and Lucy made their entrance. The former dressed like the Phantom and the latter like Annie. "Just smile and wave Lucy. Smile and wave" Ryan encouraged her.

She slowly did so, gaining more confidence. It was nice to have attention, even for a little while.

Min-Gi and Margo didn't get much applause due to how basic their outfits were. Min made the best of it by waving which did get some cheers. "Uh, hi!" he managed to get out.

Once District 10 came out, the reaction was the opposite.

One tribute was an old man dressed like a horse but it was the female tribute that got the attention. She was a little girl with blond hair wearing a lamb costume. She happily waved, showing her little teeth while trying to catch some flowers thrown her way. Everyone awed and cooed at her actions.

"So cute!"

"I wanna adopt her!"

"Does she have to compete?"

The old man rolled his eyes. "Hazel you do know we might die in these games right?"

"I know but this is so fun!" she replied. Hazel took his hand making him smile a little. He really wished she didn't have to go through with this.

After the last two districts went, The One had the Steward he was in move to the balcony. The chariots went by him allowing the tributes to get a good look. The One took notice of the glares, fearful stares, and neutrality of each group. A varied selection.

He then silenced the crowd. "Welcome tributes. I am pleased you have been chosen to learn more about yourselves and how to improve. Your actions will impact not just each other, but all the land."

Lake kept eyeing the little ball. He was so void of emotion and empathy. It was like these lines were pre-programmed into him. She then saw a woman approach him.

"This year, we have our first Gamemaker from a district. Her name is Amelia Hughes. Her contributions will make this game be unlike any other."

Amelia then spoke, "I look forward to observing all of you. You are capable of doing more than what you can do right now. Work hard, and do not forget what is truly important. I wish you the best and hope for success."

With that, the crowds cheered again as the horses brought the chariots to the training building. Once settled, the tributes got off where their teams waited for them. Lake was met with a hug from Nancy.

"You were wonderful! The crowd loved your personal flair!"

Lake smiled at the compliment. "Thanks."

Marcus then came up, "That was...something."

"Something?!" Bruce yelled. "Lake stole all the spotlight! I put on a show while she just stood still!"

"Um, Bruce..." Lake pointed to the District 5 tributes who didn't look very happy. Flecs then arrived to escort the two to their quarters.

"Let's get moving. Especially you young lady."

Lake snarled at him, "I'm going Mace. I'm going."

She caught another glimpse at Jesse. He was accepting praise from his team too. He met her gaze and shared a mutual smile. After she left, he and Maya headed to their rooms.

"Since you're from District 4, your floor isn't that high up. Regardless, it is just as lavish as the others" Samantha explained. The teens got one last look at the other tributes before getting in the elevator.

***

"We really put on a show out there!" Simon took off his helmet. I'm sure One really paid attention to us."

"I'm sure he did" Grace agreed when she spotted the female tributes of Districts 8 and 10. They looked so cute and innocent. It was always heartbreaking having children chosen for the games.

The one from District 10 then came up to her. "I like your costumes."

Grace couldn't help but smile. "I like yours too."

Simon then called to her, "Grace the elevator's back!"

"Coming!" She joined him leaving the child behind. An old woman then came to Hazel.

"There you are sweetie. Your grandfather's looking for you."

"Sorry Miss Tuba" Hazel took her hand and followed her.

***

"Not a good first impression" Horace sighed as Min and Margo got off.

"I don't see the point" Margo said. "We're dead anyway."

She headed for the elevator. Min started to follow when he spotted the District 8 tributes. They looked happy, singing a song with their escort. Curious, he came over to them.

"You seemed to have had fun out there."

The male tribute faced him. "We did. Lucy was a real star weren't you?" The child nodded and smiled at Min.

Min felt sad at the sight. "It's all short lived. Given how we're sentenced to death in five days."

The man the put a hand on his shoulder. "That doesn't mean we're gonna mope about it. I know this is serious but there should still be time for reassurance. Hope and determination can get you through many things."

Before Min could reply, the escort led the two away. "Coming Nigel. I'm Ryan by the way."

He started walking off as Min could only say, "Min-Gi."

As he also headed to his room, he thought about what Ryan said. Can being positive get you home alive? Regardless, he had to prove he didn't need help and his selection was a mistake. With training starting tomorrow, following the rules to survive would be a good start.

Chapter Text

Lake laid down on her bed as she stared at the ceiling. She had to admit, she really liked where she would be staying for the next five days. Not to mention her room had a setting where she could make it look like she was at the beach, a field of flowers, or under the sea. She went with an autumn forest as that was her favorite season.

After changing out of her clothes, she had dinner with her prep team. Terrence explained that for four days, she and Bruce would train with the other tributes in compulsory exercises. The fifth day was individual showcasing and the interviews before the games the following day. How well they did and how much of a moral code they had would determine if they would survive or not. Not that it mattered to Bruce as he wanted to focus more on fighting than "making friends."

Before going to bed, Lake thought about how Tulip must be feeling about all of this. The two were always close even if she didn't like her sister's interest in coding. They were always there for one another. Tulip was one of the few people who saw her as more than "one half of the Olsen twins." She was also not fond of The One's way of helping people.

She had to make it back home. Even if it meant saying goodbye to the allies she makes.

***

All twenty-four tributes stood around as they waited for their coach to arrive. Quite unusual as the coach was usually present when the tributes came to the training center.

"Where is she?" Tim groaned. "It's been five minutes!"

"Be patient!" Michelle snapped. "You teenagers have no sense of respect."

Jesse glanced around to get a good look at the other tributes. Some were antsy to start, others looked over to the viewing area where the Gamemakers were watching. Amelia had a notebook in her hands as she watched them, probably to take notes on each person to deliver to The One.

A short woman then ran in. She had silver, wavy hair that reached to her chin and wore a gray beret, lavender blouse, blue skirt, and white shoes. "S'up guys! I'm Kez and I will be your coach."

"You're late" Danny stared her down. "We have a tight schedule."

Kez shrugged, "Sorry about that. Had to get some grape gum out of my teeth. Now let's get to business corpses."

Jesse shuddered at the name. It was technically true since most of them here were going to die. He paid attention to what she said regardless.

"In a few days, twenty-three of you will be dead. One of you will be alive. Who that is depends on how highly The One thinks of you" Kez explained. "He thinks all of you are beyond saving and need to die but he believes one of you is the token good teammate."

"Boring!" Ashton yelled. "When are we gonna fight each other to the death? Isn't that what we're here to learn about?"

Evan slapped him across the head, "Show some respect young man!"

The teen just shoved him "You're not the boss of me!"

It quickly turned into a fistfight causing two Flecs to pull them apart. Lake looked to see Amelia writing furiously in her notebook. Must be searching to see who to get rid of first she thought.

Once the two settled, Kez kept going. "Anyway, you're not here to learn how to kill each other. That will just make The One go after you even more. You're here to learn how to face the challenges you'll go up against and survive in different environments. Some of you will have to face an obstacle course or fight against a monster. Other times you'll have to help innocent creatures. Completing these tasks and showing you are a good person will influence The One's decision on which sole tribute to spare."

Marissa raised her hand, "What do you mean different environments?"

"The information we collected from your tapes will influence how the arena will look" Kez answered. "Every once in awhile, a section will change to have a specific challenge for that person if you're still alive. Some of you will be in outdoor environments, others indoors. That's not even getting into looking after yourselves long enough to face them. Some tributes have died of infection or dehydration because they didn't listen to any warnings."

"And we're supposed to rely on you?" Hayley asked.

"I dunno. I'm new to this! I used to be an escort to District 4 before being promoted" Kez said. "Just train hard and I'll have your backs corpses."

As the alarm to start went off, everyone didn't feel that confident in her advice.

***

There was a wide variety of what the tributes were doing. Some were training with weapons to fight arena monsters, some doing an obstacle course, other basic survival skills. During this, Jesse and Maya scouted for potential allies.

"I say we have a good chance" Jesse glanced at District 8's tributes as they helped each other.

Maya wasn't so optimistic, "They look like cannon fodder. They're an easy target to take out. We need strong allies that actually stand a chance against whatever the arena will have." She looked over at District 2's tributes and how well they attacked targets. "I'm gonna try my luck with them. See if you can find that redhead you talked to yesterday."

With her gone, Jesse looked around for the girl he talked to. He couldn't spot her but he did see an old woman tying to get up. He came over and helped her get on her feet.

"It's okay. I got ya" he grunted as she regained her balance. She adjusted her glasses and smiled.

"Thank you young man. The boy from District 12 knocked me over while running to the obstacle course and didn't even acknowledge me."

Jesse frowned at that, "That's awful. Elders should be treated with the utmost respect. Are you okay?"

The woman stretched slowly, "A bit sore but nothing broken. I'm Theresa Williams from District 11. What's your name?"

"Jesse Cosay. I'm from District 4."

"Hm, the aquatics district. I've always had a fondness for fish. Do you have tips for fishing?" Theresa asked.

"Sure. I'll show you at the water area" Jesse led the way, making sure Theresa could move without losing balance. Not far from where they were, Lake eyed the two. She then noticed it was her turn for the plant and animal identification quiz.

Train first, talk later.

***

These training sessions were a cakewalk compared to home. Grace and Simon flew through them with ease. Obstacle course? Nothing but a warm-up. Weapon usage? A shame they couldn't do it blindfolded for a real challenge. Survival skills? Useful in more ways than one.

They were now both in line for hand to hand combat when they heard an argument. They turned to see the male tributes from Districts 3 and 7 fighting.

"Where's my knife?!" the District 3 boy yelled.

The other boy glared at him. "I don't have it a-"

He was cut off with a punch in the gut. "Don't lie to me! I saw you at the knife throwing area behind me! You stole it!" The two then got in a fistfight making Kez and Flecs tear them apart.

Grace then looked up to see a little girl with brown hair spying on the sight while in the rafters. She had a small knife in her hands and was smiling. This made gears turn in the woman's head. There were some skills she and Simon didn't have.

Before long, the boys were separated. "You know what? I'll wait for the arena. You're gonna get it ba-"

"Okay!" Kez cut the District 3 boy off. "That's enough. We get it."

The Flecs then wandered off with one saying, "I don't get paid enough for this."

After hand-to-hand training, Grace and Simon found the girl using the knife to try and make a fire. "Hey, that was really sneaky of you" Grace knelt to her level.

The girl smiled, "I'm a good player at hide and seek."

"A good trait to have" Simon added. "We're looking for fellow tributes to make it through alive together. There's strength in numbers after all. Wanna join our team?"

She was about to answer when a man in red glasses came up to her. "There you are Lucy. You need help making a small enough fire to avoid attention?"

The couple stepped back and noticed they both had the number 8. Lucy then faced the two, "That's okay. I already have a partner."

Due to the Flecs on high alert and Amelia recording every move, Grace and Simon decided not to bother with her. "Any other ideas for allies?" Simon turned to Grace.

"Hmm..." she looked around to see adults fumbling with arrows, a teen falling off monkey bars, and a Korean man working to untie knots. She then glanced at a redhead doing sit ups with her legs wrapped around a bar. "How about her? She looks like she wouldn't have a problem going after tributes and attacking arena nulls."

"I don't know. She has Flecs watching her every move. We don't want to be on that tyrant's radar" Simon pointed out. "Looks like a loose cannon."

With no other options right now, the two returned to training.

***

Bruce and Lake were starving when training was done for the day. They housed their food before Marcus spoke to them. "So how was training?"

"Fine, except when that lumber district wimp took my knife and got me in trouble" Bruce gritted.

"You started the fight idiot" Lake rebutted.

"Do you want me to target you when the games start Olsen?!" the boy snarled at her making her clench her fists.

Wanting to avoid a food fight, Marcus spoke again. "How about after dinner, I'll tell you about the other tributes. It'll help develop strategies."

Both teens sat in silence and nodded. At least that was something they could agree on.

***

"Danny Nougat and Sheena Cyrus of District 1." Marcus had their pictures on a tv screen. "The former is a workaholic and the latter is a queen bee. Not strong in fighting and more focused on getting through life."

"Bet ya they're not gonna last long" Bruce said while Lake rolled her eyes.

"Don't underestimate them. People in District 1 have trained for the games just in case they got chosen" Marcus went on as he went to the next district. "Like their fellow careers. Simon Laurent and Grace Monroe. I heard these two have trained for years and take the games seriously. They're using their couple status to win over crowds and get lots of sponsors. But I think The One is seeing through their act."

Lake sat up as the District 4 tributes were shown. "Jesse."

Marcus looked at the pictures, "You've spoken with him. He is a nice young man. Very friendly and easygoing."

Bruce scoffed, "Another red shirt for the first day oof!"

Lake elbowed him, "Zip it!"

The victor gulped and quickly went on. "The other tribute from District 4, Maya Reynolds, is more head on. Looking for allies to survive. More of a realist and cynic."

The next few minutes were going over the other tributes. Evan Barnes and Michelle Akana of District 5 were intelligent power plant workers who prefer staying on the sidelines when danger was near. Tim Moran and Chloe Whitman of District 6 were more crafty and tended to be disrespectful to grown-ups. Bruce growled at Ashton Mendler of District 7 while Lake took note of Hayley Kaye. She was labeled as strong, witty, and was against The One's idea of help too.

With all the tributes selected, it seemed Lake had a chance to form an alliance. That Jesse though. There was something about him. He didn't seem like someone the train would pick up. Through the first day of training, he fumbled with weapons and did only a passable job at the obstacle course. He didn't even seem to have a bad bone in his body with how he helped the elderly District 11 tribute. Is it possible that...

No, not possible. The train picked up two children and they were shown to be sweet and friendly. Maybe Jesse had dark secrets yet to be revealed.

Didn't change the fact that he looked really cute.

***

Jesse and Maya payed attention to Jeremy as he went over all the other tributes. The point was to see who to trust and who to avoid at all costs. Maya didn't have much luck talking to Grace and Simon as they were focused on training. Jesse wasn't sure about them anyway as they seemed like the brutal victors he saw from previous games.

"Min-Gi Park and Margo Graham of District 9. Their district is barely acknowledged so not everyone knows what they do other than harvesting grain. I've noticed Margo's given up already but Min-Gi's working hard to succeed. He tends to follow all the rules to get through life."

Hearing this made Jesse relate to him. He tended to listen to authority figures to avoid trouble and to keep people from getting mad at him. The next two tributes were even more relatable.

"Ryan Akagi and Lucy Molina. Textile district for fashion. Also known for music and theater. Ryan's known to go with the flow and rush into things. However, he has become protective to Lucy since she's only ten. As for her, despite her worries, she's a gremlin of a child."

Maya noticed a tear fall from Jesse's left eye. "You okay?"

He wiped his eye, "It's reminding me of Nate. I work to keep him safe."

"Hope you weren't overprotective. Might be why the train chose you."

That made Jesse's stomach drop. No one knew he volunteered? Might as well keep it to himself. He then spotted the District 3 tributes. He immediately paid attention again.

"Bruce Whytte and Lake Olsen" Jeremy explained. "The former's a brute who's a real jerk jock. He thinks this is like a book series I read about teens fighting to the death and wants these games to be like that. Lake is the opposite. She prefers to be alone. She also has two Flec soldiers watching her every move due to her attacking her fellow tribute the day before the reaping."

"Attacked?" Jesse asked.

Jeremy nodded, "From what I heard, Lake's seen as a prime example of the worst of humanity. She doesn't follow the role of women in her district, has no interest in what her district does, and goes against what The One wants her to be. Best to stay away from her as she could do anything to survive."

As he described the District 10 tributes Samuel Ford and Hazel Moore, Jesse couldn't stop thinking about Lake. Her? Dangerous and not to be trusted? She wasn't like that when they talked before the parade. She was standoffish but it was likely due to trust issues. She smiled at his true costume as well. There must be more to her than meets the eye.

He wanted to know about her. Even if it could end in his death.

Chapter Text

Amelia looked over what she had so far as she sat in the betting lobby. She shook her head as she read how most of the tributes were undertrained, too full of themselves, or both. It seemed unlikely there were going to be survivors for what was to come. Something had to be done about this. She turned to see some victors in the lobby too as they glanced at the odds screen. So far, the most likely candidates to win were the District 2 tributes and the female tribute from District 3. Amelia recognized Jeremy as he scowled at a Capitol child with a pet raccoon who was being shown a past game.

Seeing she had time before the next training session, Amelia sat next to him. "It is hard to watch sometimes."

Jeremy noticed her presence and kept his guard up. "I know. Everyone here sees this as entertainment when it's an execution. I work hard to prepare others for the games but I can't change that one will die anyway."

The two then sat in silence as a man came in to get a glance at the odds screen. "Any suggestions on who to sponsor?" he asked.

Before Jeremy could answer, Amelia beat him to it. "It's best to get to know all the tributes first. Who they are and what they're fighting for. That way, you have a clearer vision on each person and connect with the ones you care for the most."

"Hmm. Sounds like a good idea but we only see each tribute show their personality in the interviews."

"Leave that to me" Amelia took out her communicator and walked off to talk to The One.

***

The training center was in full swing as the tributes once again worked on their skills. Little did they know hidden cameras were placed around the area to broadcast to the Capitol residents. As Amelia watched over the tributes with the other Gamemakers, she was relieved The One accepted her idea to do this. He thought the interviews on the night before the games weren't enough as tributes tended to try and manipulate the crowds with fake charisma and last minute reprieves. With this, the tributes show their true colors allowing the Capitol residents to see who they really were.

With the tributes, Jesse was on a rock climbing wall trying to get to the top. He had trouble finding handholds and constantly slipped. This was annoying the other tributes to no end.

"Hurry up!" Jake shouted.

"Some time today would be nice!" Chloe added.

Jesse strained and struggled as he felt his hands getting sweaty. The other tribute on the rock climbing wall finished allowing someone else to go. Jake was about to start, planning to push him off when Lake beat him to it.

"Hey! Wait in line b-"

He stopped when she gave a death glare at him making it clear she would break a bone if he finished that sentence. As she started climbing, she slowed down as she got to Jesse.

"Hey. Take some deep breaths and use all your muscles. Your feet and legs are doing most of the work. Your arms and hands are for handholds" she told him.

He looked at her with uncertainty. "Use my legs?"

Lake smiled, "Yeah. Keep your eyes at the top as it will help find potential holds. Follow my lead." She calmly climbed up, keeping a steady grip on the rocks. Not too hard as it would accumulate sweat. Jesse slowly copied her example, feeling less nervous. He was beyond thankful for his swimming training as he had to use every muscle for that too. From strokes to exercising, he was a strong young man.

The top of the wall came soon enough. Lake helped Jesse up as he struggled to pull himself up. "Thanks" he told her. "You're very good at this."

"I tend to do outdoor activities at home" Lake explained. "Helps clear my head and relieve stress."

Jesse was about to ask her if she wanted to join him in hand-to-hand combat when a Flec grabbed her arm. "Ow! What now?!"

"You need to apologize to that gentleman for cutting in line brat!" Mace sneered at her. "Have you learned nothing from your district? Why can't you be more like your sister?!"

That made Lake snap as she was about to pummel him only for Mace to grab her neck and strangle her.

"HEY! Leave her alone!" Jesse pounced on the Flec making him let her go. It didn't take Mace long to overpower him as he tossed him aside.

"Stay out of this four! You're feeding this accident's vices. Her attitude is contagious!" He then looked at the Gamemakers as Amelia was writing in her notebook again. The Flec then sneered at the two, "But it won't be long before this thing gets what she deserves." He then walked off leaving the teens alone.

Jesse rubbed his arm as he felt a bruise forming. He turned to Lake who had tears in her eyes. She then ran off to the other side of the arena.

"Lake wait!" Jesse ran after her as Amelia finished the paragraph she wrote.

Lake's method of helping others can be unorthodox but it has provided results. Her kindness to Jesse encouraged him to stick up for her when a Flec wrongly choked her for cutting in line. Yes cutting in line is rude but I highly doubt things would have been better if Jake went next. It appears Lake's outbursts are due to how people deal with her decisions. The Flecs continue to see her as a criminal who should be on death row. It's keeping people from seeing the real her. Perhaps it would be beneficial if the Flecs stopped following her. That way, Lake can feel more at ease and show her true self. I believe Jesse plays a role in this too.

***

Ryan winced as he tried to heal a cut he just got from archery training. He wasn't the best at first aid and tended to cause more scrapes than when he first got one. He knew it was important to tend to injuries as any infection could be lethal. But it was difficult to find a way to do so.

"OW!" He yelled again as he put rubbing alcohol on his cut. Ryan was about to try again when a hand grasped his arm.

"You're not gonna heal faster if you keep doing that. You have to clean the wound before bandaging it."

Ryan turned to see the man from District 9 he talked to after the parade. He didn't get the name clearly but it sounded like Min-Jee. "You know about medicine Min-Jee?"

"Min-Gi, hard G" he corrected. "And yes. I was taught how to do this when I worked in the grain fields." He grabbed some water and a cloth, using them to wipe off the alcohol and blood. He compressed the scrape to stop the bleeding and then wrapped gauze around it. "See. Not hard to do."

"Thanks. Never knew District 9 was into healing" Ryan commented.

Min made eye contact, "My district isn't well-known for much. Our tributes tend to die in the first few minutes. District 12 gets more attention than us! And they only have two victors!" He sighed and sat down, "I work hard to bring something to it. I follow the rules and make sure our product is the best there is. It can be hard to support my family as they rely on me to succeed in case they were ever chosen for the games.

Ryan perked at the mention of family. "It can be hard with my family too. My parents had me and my siblings grow up fast in case they were ever taken. I really wanted to play music but my district didn't see much value in it. Some liked it as it brought joy for a brief moment."

"Music can't save lives" Min cut in. "Following the rules and doing what you need to do are. With the skills developed, you'll end up where you're supposed to be. How about I join you and your fellow district tribute? I know a lot about the games and can help you survive."

"I..." Ryan wanted to say no as what Min said sounded passive-aggressive. He and Lucy knew how serious this was. They work together to overcome obstacles. But...making allies can help as there were some skills they don't have. Best to form one with someone who has a plan. "Okay. I'll tell Lucy about it."

Min smiled, "Sounds great. You're gonna be okay now."

As he walked off, Ryan felt a bad taste in his mouth. Not far from where he was, Amelia took notes on the interaction.

Min-Gi shares his skills in first aid to a fellow tribute. This is good as the two begin to share home lives and connect. What keeps this from forming a true friendship is Min underestimating Ryan's capabilities. He thinks his way of following society's orders is the only way to survive. It is true Ryan and Lucy should think more but not be taught in a way where they are talked down to. I do have hope that friendship can form between them.

***

Grace and Simon were getting bored. They did all the training sections countless times so they were stumped on what to do next. Upon noticing two tributes alone, an idea popped into their heads.

"We still need allies to handle the nulls for us" Grace pointed out. "I'll talk to the little girl while you go to the blond one."

"Are you sure?" Simon asked. "I'm not the best with socializing and connecting."

She gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Just be calm. Judging by his actions, he doesn't think highly of One either."

With that, the two split up as Grace walked to the little girl who was looking at piles of berries. She recognized her as the District 10 tribute in the lamb costume so they already formed a connection. This should be easy.

"Hello. Looking to see which berries are safe to eat?"

The girl looked up at her, "Mm-hm! Tuba told me some taste icky and are dangerous."

Grace looked at the piles and noticed the fake black ones were night-lock. They were very deadly as one bite was instant death. "I can help identify which ones are safe" she pointed to red and purple berries that were real. "Those are safe to consume. They taste sweet too. The yellow ones are more bitter but they have vitamins to keep you healthy."

After eating some, the little girl grabbed some in her hands. "Want some?"

"Oh" Grace hesitated for a moment but accepted. She then realized she never game her name. "I'm Grace by the way."

"My name is Hazel. My grandpa is competing with me too."

Grace felt her heart skip a beat. Her grandfather? "That...That's awful. Family members shouldn't compete against each other."

Hazel looked down, "We're used to it."

This was making Grace worried. "Hazel, do you have any other family? Parents?"

"No. They were taken in the 27th and 30th games" she answered.

"Siblings? Aunts? Uncles? Cousins? Anyone?" Grace questioned.

Hazel was getting teary-eyed. "N...N...No!" She then started crying making Grace hug her. That little ball really crossed a line. An entire family was sent to their deaths just because he thought they were bad people. It gave her more of an incentive to stick it to him. Right now, this little girl needed support.

"It's okay. My family suffered losses from the games too."

This made Hazel look up, "Yeah?"

"Yes. I lost my aunt in the 25th games making my mom and dad discipline me hard to make sure I was a good kid" Grace explained. "They also worked to uphold their image and be seen as good people so The One wouldn't take any of us. Ironically, it led to them neglecting me, leaving me in the care of babysitters. I showed them I was a good kid but they barely paid attention to me. I resorted to stealing to get their attention, forgetting what would happen if I did. My parents were more worried that it reflected them being bad parents so they worked twice as hard to be seen as good. The train then came for me after the reaping, probably to show them what their actions cost them."

Grace then noticed that other tributes could be seeing this. Not wanting to be seen as too vulnerable, she changed her mood. "But this will show how strong I am and that I can handle myself. I did train in my district with other kids."

Hazel took her hand, "It's okay. I know what it's like to feel alone."

An old man then grabbed Hazel by the arm. "Hazel there you are! Get away from her. She's a bad influence! A delinquent! And a career. Didn't you remember the overview Mr. Dennis gave us?"

"Sorry grandpa" Hazel followed him, waving goodbye to Grace.

With her gone, Grace met back up with Simon. "How'd it go?"

Simon looked back at the teen as he stabbed a dummy constantly. "Well it took a while along with some swears but Bruce is willing to work with us. He said as long as he gets to kill arena creations and get rid of that Olsen girl he's in."

"Good job. See. You are good at talking to people. Just need to speak their language" Grace leaned against him making him blush.

"What about you? Does the kid wanna join?"

Grace froze at that. "Oh...I did connect with Hazel but her grandfather interfered before I could ask."

"Hmm. Well he won't last long on the field so that problem will solve itself." The two then headed back to training as Amelia observed them.

I have many doubts on the District 2 tributes. They want to make this into a full on battle royale. Grace however...there's something more in her. Her actions with Hazel seemed genuine with no ulterior motive. They did talk for some time and talked about families. I will need to see more of Grace to see if she really is a good person or if this is just a tactic to survive.

***

Jesse found Lake crying behind the weapons. It hurt his heart to see her like this. He sat down next to her making her jump.

"You...followed me?" she got out before releasing another sob.

"Yes. I'm not gonna let you suffer alone. What you did for me... I appreciate it." Jesse took her hand making her flinch. No one had acted this way towards her other than her sister. Jesse then spoke again, "Have those Flecs always bothered you?"

Lake nodded, "Mace and Sieve were assigned to me since I attacked Bruce for harassing Tulip.

Jesse stayed silent as Lake told her story. "I was seen as an outcast in District 3. I didn't follow the role girls and women were supposed to have. I looked girly but my actions and interests were not what girls were supposed to do. It was even worse with my family as my parents fought and argued over almost anything. They tried to fix things but felt they could never do so leading to divorce. This led to my mom being chosen for the 32nd games and she died from an infection."

"Oh man" Jesse got out before Lake continued.

"Tulip didn't take it well as she was close to both of her parents. She shut everyone out, even her best friend. I was the only person she allowed close. Our relationship was complicated as Tulip was seen as a star pupil with her coding as we're about technology. I was more athletically inclined so we helped each other through life. What didn't help was people telling me I should be more like Tulip. She was well behaved while I spoke my mind. It came to a head where boys tried to date us, only interested in taking advantage of our mom's death. I fought back against Bruce and he acted as a victim when Flecs arrived. Tulip tried to explain what really happened but they ignored her. Since then, Mace and Sieve watched my every move, beating me if I stepped out of line."

She felt tears come down her face again when Jesse hugged her. "You shouldn't have to go through that. You were protecting your sister. If that's why the train took you, The One does have a strange sense of right and wrong."

Lake started to cry harder at that. She then felt a hand going up and down her back and heard Jesse singing something. The words sounded comforting, being from the west and east and how good being different can bring. Her tear ducts ran dry as she made eye contact with him again. "What kind of song is that?"

Jesse took her hands, slowly entwining their fingers. "It's a song from Empathy Goes. It's my family's favorite play. Nate and I would sing their songs to comfort one another. That one was called When I Look at You, I See Me.

"I like it. Sounds a bit goofy but it did help." Lake then smirked and flicked his forehead.

"Ow! What was that for?!" Jesse rubbed his forehead while Lake snickered.

"It's how I show affection. Drives Tulip nuts."

Both teens laughed at this when they heard footsteps. Lake was about to groan, thinking it was the Flecs again but was shocked that it was Kez.

"Hey corpses. You guys alright? I'm really sorry about those Flecs. They get harsher every year."

Lake felt relief, "I'm doing better. Thanks to Jesse. We'll head back over to training."

As they walked back over, Kez kept talking. "I do work to make sure training goes as smoothly as possible. So just let Mama Kez handle everything and focus on learning to stay alive." She kissed the two on the cheek and walked off.

After taking a moment to process that, Lake faced Jesse. "I noticed you have trouble with weapons. I can teach you how to handle them."

Jesse blushed as she offered a hand. "Sure. That will really help."

Throughout all of this, the Gamemakers looked on with smiles on their faces. Some tributes had their eyes on them as well.

***

The One looked over the information Amelia wrote down. "Very interesting. Your thoughts and what the cameras picked up are quite accurate with one another."

"Yes. It will allow the Capitol to have a better idea on who to choose to spare" Amelia stated. "We still have two days before the individual testing and that will truly allow us to have a firm grasp in each tribute's personality."

As he read the paragraph on Lake, The One got Amelia's attention. "You say the Flecs are why Miss Lake Olsen lashes out and appears miserable. Are you sure removing them will fix the issue?"

Amelia looked over her writing. "I was thinking of replacing them with a more reasonable authority figure. Someone who is firm but does not rely on punishments to correct unfavorable behaviors."

The One was silent, most likely calculating probabilities of doing such an act. He then spoke, "Very well. I believe I know just the Capitol resident for the job."

Once The One left, Amelia looked over the security cameras at each tribute. She also looked at the cameras on Capitol residents as it showed them invested in the training sessions. Some actually cried when they saw Grace and Hazel's interactions along with Lake and Jesse's.

So far so good. They see who the tributes really are.

Chapter Text

There was yelling outside the District 3 quarters. Lake could make out Mace's ranting along with Amelia's calm but stern voice. After a few minutes, the door opened as Amelia came in with a man around her age with blond hair, scruffy features, and a regal demeanor.

"Who's this hotshot?" Bruce sneered at him.

The man sat next to Lake, "I am Atticus. Escort and ambassador for District 10. The One has requested that I look after you instead of the Flecs my dear."

Lake was quiet at this. "You're going to watch over me?"

"Yes" Amelia added. "We figured that the Flecs were keeping you from showing your true colors as they would bring out the worst in you. Atticus has assisted many people with anger issues through his calm demeanor and empathy. I am sure this will help you greatly." She then left, leaving the three alone.

"Would you two like to tell me about yourselves?" Atticus asked.

"Pass" Bruce left. "I need training not counseling."

Alone with him, Lake figured she could share her life story. She didn't know what he would think as he is a Capitol resident. But it didn't hurt to try. "I've had a hard time in my district. I don't prefer fighting and being angry but...the way people treat me there just..."

She took deep breaths as Atticus took her hand. "It's okay. You're not the only person who deals with unfair treatment." He listened to her struggles, family life, and frustrations. Through it all, he listened. Lake was no doubt a strong girl who kept going despite the circumstances. Even so, there were some things she could work on.

"I just want people to leave me alone. What I do doesn't bring harm to myself or others unless I'm provoked" Lake finished.

"It is unfair how people treat you in your district. But you have to remember that just because you're angry, doesn't mean you should lash out" Atticus stated. "When people get mad, they tend to make a situation worse and prove to others they are dangerous. I'm not saying you shouldn't be angry but there are other ways to handle stress and not stoop to lower levels."

Lake took the information in. Atticus did have a point. There were so many times she let her anger get the best of her and got her in more trouble than needed. Could it be possible that people were deliberately making her mad so they could prove a point? She wanted to have a more even temper, not just for herself, for her family too.

"How can I manage anger? I don't know if I'll have enough time since I might die in the arena."

"Don't say that" Atticus gave her hand a squeeze. "You're very capable and willing to learn. It proves you are a good person. As for controlling temper, it helps to take deep breaths and think. When dealing with those who bother you, be assertive rather than aggressive. You are able to speak your mind but in a mature way. It shows you're reasonable. Find a way to cleave your ways and society's ways together so everyone learns something."

"Huh" Lake smiled at this. She was actually learning important things she could use later. She wouldn't mind having another talk with Atticus. This made her think. Would the other tributes benefit from this? She kept that in mind as the two kept talking.

***

Two more days of training later, the individual sessions arrived. Rather than start with District 1, District 12's tributes would go first and they would work backwards from there. Jake showed off his athletic nature while Marissa quickly solved puzzles. Joe and Theresa didn't do so well but the latter was polite to the Gamemakers, making small talk with them. Samuel didn't even notice the crowd and was more focused on getting through the session. Hazel however, happily chatted with the Gamemakers before and after flying through the obstacle course like a little monkey.

Min-Gi was currently outside waiting for Margo to be done. He didn't know which skills to share. He wasn't good with fighting or weapons. If he had to cook then he would have a chance. As he heard voices, he turned to see Ryan and Lucy arrive.

"What are you two doing here? District 8 isn't supposed to go yet."

"Nigel thought we should arrive early" Ryan relied. "Give us time to prepare."

Min nodded at this. He did learn the saying Early is on time, on time is late, late is fired. Good to know these two were following good lessons. Voices brought him back as he overheard what seemed to be men talking to a woman.

"Man and I thought I was the worst coach for tributes! You can barely make it through five minutes without a Flec needing to intervene!"

"I...I try my best. Take time t-to know the tributes."

"Know them?! They're practically sentenced to death! They're lost causes!"

This didn't sound good to the three tributes. Curious, Lucy got up and followed the voices. "Kid wait!" Min started but she was already gone. Ryan then got up, "You too?"

"I promised to look after her." He then ran off leaving Min alone. This brought a conflicting situation. His turn could happen at any moment but two other tributes were going to get in trouble. Letting out a sigh, he ran after Ryan.

The two found Lucy standing in front of Kez while staring down four men. One wore a beekeeper outfit, one had a red hot chili pepper shirt, one had tattoos all over his body, and the fourth was holding a pet chicken.

"You honestly think Kez is a good coach?! She's even worse than when she was an escort!" the beekeeper said.

Lucy frowned, "She's a nice lady. She actually gets involved when we need help. Even if her advice is confusing."

The tattooed man condescendingly patted her head. "Such a cute kid. Sticking up for adults in a naïve manner. That can get you far enough in the games."

Min and Ryan sensed this was going to get out of hand so they intervened. "Hey knock it off. She means well" Min put a hand on Lucy's shoulder.

"We're just stating facts" the man with a chicken said. "Kez is less than qualified to be a coach. We actually made sure tributes were ready with clear, direct advice. But Kez...she's too flighty and doesn't think things through! She actually thought having teens and adults practice hand-to-hand combat would help them bond! It just led to the male District 5 tribute spanking the male District 6 tribute calling him a brat who should be sent to reform school!" The four men laughed loudly making Kez shrink in low self-esteem.

Without warning, Ryan shoved him causing the four to fall to the ground. "Shut up! You don't have a right to talk to her that way! You Capitol residents claim to be free from flaws yet you're insulting one of your own!"

"Ryan..." Min tried to get him to stop but he kept going.

"You think that because The One doesn't force you to compete in the games you have a free pass to do what you want?! Living in the Capitol is no excuse to not try and be better! You can actually learn a lot from tributes!"

"Excuse me" a female voice made every one freeze. They turned to see Samantha Mulgrew in the hallway staring at the tributes. "Min-Gi Park, Ryan Akagi, Lucy Molina, your session is about to begin. Please follow me."

That made them shocked. All three of us at once? they thought. They followed her as the four men walked off, smug that the tributes would be punished for messing with them. Kez was left alone in thought. No one had ever stuck up for her before. Tributes never interacted with people who ran the Infinite Games. She had to give her thanks somehow.

***

When Min, Ryan, and Lucy went to their session, they didn't think it would involve playing music for the Gamemakers as they observed the others. Samantha stated that it was to apologize for arguing with Gamemakers by providing entertainment. But truth be told, this was the best type of session to have. As Ryan started playing the guitar, he heard a really good keyboard melody coming from Min.

"Whoa. You know how to play piano?"

Min stopped for a moment, "Oh um... I had lessons when I was a kid when I got some free time. Helps with hand to eye coordination." He looked down, not wanting to make eye contact. If there was one fun thing he did like, it was playing piano and his mini synth. His parents didn't keep him from playing them but they wanted to make sure he didn't lose sight of work. Still, he made sure to stay in practice which was good for right now.

As the tributes from Districts 5, 6, and 7 gave their performances, Lucy would take empty dishes and refill drinks to the pleasure of the Gamemakers. She would also talk with some of them, making them laugh. She got along really well with a man in charge of arena lighting named Fiyero. Taking a break from playing music, Min noticed that one person didn't seem to enjoy the food.

"Something wrong?" he asked the woman.

"This food tastes funny. Our chef Cream let her pig of a son Wilbur help with cooking but he is far from her skill."

Min took a bite and noticed what she meant. "Uh-huh. Do you think I can help with this?"

The woman was about to say no as tributes weren't allowed to leave the area but the sight of other Gamemakers gagging on the meal changed her mind. "Alright, but I'm watching over you."

As they left, Maya Reynolds finished her session. Jesse came in after her and looked up to where the Gamemakers were. Amelia took notice of him. "Hello, name and district."

"Jesse Cosay. District 4." He looked to the floor to see his test and saw there were footsteps. He was confused at first but then hologram targets appeared. They chased after him making him dodge. He used his strength and stamina to outmaneuver them, hoping to avoid conflict. One feminine looking hologram was more persistent. Jesse started to run low on breath when he heard music playing.

There was a guitar and what seemed to be a little girl singing. He recognized the song as Speechless from some live action remake. The song stuck with Jesse as it was about not letting others push you around. Something he dealt with back in his district. Looking at the feet on the floor again, an idea came to him.

He held out a hand to the target and to his surprise, she accepted it. He then led her in a dance to the beat of the music. As fun as this was, Jesse wondered what this had to do with surviving the games. Dancing does require flexibility and agility but using it to keep a foe from hurting you? Seemed unlikely.

The end of the dance came soon enough. The hologram hugged Jesse to his shock but he hugged back. It then dissipated as the Gamemakers applauded the performance. He smiled and bowed, "Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. You're really great." He waved goodbye and headed out.

The Gamemakers talked amongst themselves. "What a nice young man! He actually understood this test."

"I know! Most just fight all the holograms to the brink of exhaustion."

Min then returned with the woman he talked to with new dishes to serve. He then sat with Ryan and Lucy to eat too as they hadn't had lunch yet. Upon taking a bite, everyone quickly scarfed their food.

"So yummy" Lucy said between bites.

"No kidding! Did you make this?" Ryan asked Min.

He nodded, "I led the process for this meal. I work at a diner back home so I had to learn how to cook lots of things. Don't know how it can help me survive in the arena."

"I can help with that" Ryan suggested. "My parents taught me and my siblings about the games and what to expect."

Amelia watched the sight, happy to see those tributes were getting along better. The door then opened as the next tribute came in. It was the female District 3 tribute.

"Lake Olsen. District 3."

She heard another door open as a holographic lion came in. Lake smirked that this was a fight as she was well versed in it. She grabbed a sword just as it charged at her. It tried to claw her but she dodged and parried its attacks. Even with her skills, the lion wasn't backing down so easy.

More and more Gamemakers took notice of the fight. Lake tried shooting arrows but the lion dodged those. It then pounced on her, making her try to hold his head back. While strong, Lake felt her muscles give away. She started to get angry and scared but then she remembered Atticus' advice.

It helps to take deep breaths and think.

Lake slowly breathed in and out and looked around, spotting a thorn in the lion's paw. If what she thought was true, she pulled out the thorn making the lion roar and let her go. Once the holographic thorn disappeared, the lion walked to Lake and nuzzled her.

She laughed at this lightly, "Easy big guy." She petted him before the hologram dissipated. Looking at the Gamemakers, they had faces of approval. "I...hope I met expectations" Lake got out before leaving.

The rest of the sessions were far from what was shown before. Bruce attacked everything in sight, Grace and Simon skillfully outmaneuvered enemy targets, treating it like a game, and Danny and Sheena were indifferent to the tests given. Once all the tributes went back to their quarters, a woman approached Amelia.

"Quite a turn out, especially with the male District 9 tribute. I never knew he could cook."

Amelia faced her, "Goes to show what happens when you allow tributes to show their true skills Morgan. Ryan and Lucy were also talented in music."

Morgan couldn't help but agree. "Yeah. Samantha's idea of dealing with their behavior was way better than I would have done it. It kept them out of trouble and gave us great entertainment."

That made Amelia sigh. "I'm going to give the results to Randall." She walked off holding her notebook in her hands. More and more Capitol residents were seeing the natural side of the tributes. Her additions were showing better results than years before. All that was left now was the interviews.

***

Jesse and Maya sat with Jeremy, Samantha, Ben, and Sashay as Randall appeared on the TV screen. "The tributes were rated on a scale of 1 to 12 with 12 being the best score to get. After careful evaluation in the last four days, the Gamemakers have given their scores with a combination of physical prowess and moral code."

There was tension in the air. What score was given played a role in who the stronger tributes would go after first. Too low and you were seen as cannon fodder. Too high and tributes will team up to hunt you down as The One would favor high scorers the most.

Randall then began the results. "From District 12 Jake Ritter with a score of 6. Marissa Carpenter, with a score of 5."

He went backwards from there. Joe Hernandez and Theresa Williams got scores of 3 and 6 respectively. In District 10, Samuel Ford got a 1 and Hazel Moore, to everyone's shock, got a 12.

"What?!" Maya's eyes were wide. "She's looks to be only seven!"

"The One tends to favor little children" Samantha pointed out.

This made Jesse worried. So many people were going to target this innocent little girl. He watched as District 9 came up.

"Min-Gi Park with a score of 8. Margo Graham with a score of 2." Randall then went to District 8. "From District 8, Ryan Akagi, with a score of 8. Lucy Molina, with a score of 7."

District 4 was getting closer. Ashton Mendler and Hayley Kaye got scores of 5 and 6, Tim Moran and Chloe Whitman both got scores of 4, and Evan Barnes and Michelle Akana got scores of 3 and 5.

"Now to District 4" Randall announced. Jesse really felt nervous as he was up first.

"Jesse Cosay, with a score of 11. Maya Reynolds, with a score of 7."

Everyone in the room was stunned. The prep team cheered while Jesse and Maya sat still. "Huh, congratulations" Maya patted Jesse on the back.

While he accepted the praise, Jesse felt unsure. People would go for him if given the chance. But he would have a more likely chance to make it through the challenges the arena could throw at him.

District 3 was next which brought Jesse back. "From District 3 Bruce Whytte, with a score of 2."

Jesse wasn't surprised at this. That teen was full of vice and didn't show any signs of bettering himself. He then watched as Lake was next.

"Lake Olsen, with a score of 10."

He game a small smile that Lake got a high score which Ben noticed. "I see you're happy for that young lady."

"Me?" Jesse flushed at the comment. "Uh, yeah! She's strong and helpful. Glad to see the Gamemakers notice it."

Maya saw how much her friend was blushing. She knew what this meant. It seemed his alliance with that girl was growing in more ways than one.

***

"From District 2 Simon Laurent, with a score of 9. Grace Monroe, with a score of 9."

"Yes!" Simon grinned at this. "I knew we would get high scores!"

"But not too high as other tributes would target us" Grace added.

After showing Danny and Sheena's scores of 3 and 4 respectively, the tv turned off. Susan looked on with the escort Alfred, a dapper gentleman. "Still shocking a little girl got the highest score" he stated.

Grace then remembered the other two who got higher scores. "Well Hazel is young so she's more innocent than the rest of us. Jesse and Lake however. They're an interesting case.

"No kidding" Simon said. "A delinquent and a doormat getting high scores? The One must see something valuable in them. We'll have to keep an eye on them."

"Hmm." Grace sat in silence. Those two were unlike any other tribute in the last thirty-two games and this current one. They connected quickly and didn't seem to fully take in the experience. She even saw them train together in the last two training days when it was usually tributes from the same district who worked together. Not to mention how comfortable they were with contact despite knowing each other for only a few days.

Something's developing between those two. Hopefully the interviews will shed more light.

Chapter Text

Tulip and her father sat on the sofa as the tv turned on. Tonight was the tribute interviews before the games began the following day. This was the first year the interviews would be broadcast to the districts. The One was told it would allow each district to see all the tributes and what they were like. The flaws they represented and how not to act. That way when they died, their deaths would have a bigger impact on the crowds since they got to know each tribute.

Andy took his daughter's hand. "It will be okay bud. Lake's strong."

"I'm just worried how she'll interact with Randall" Tulip sighed. "She has a short fuse and with how authority figures treat her, her interview could end with her attacking the host!"

She rubbed her fingers against a chain bracelet. It was her sister's. The one remnant she had of her. The announcer then proclaimed, "Ladies and Gentlemen. The Master of Ceremonies, Randall Slip-In-The-Cracks Randall!"

A man in a light blue suit came out smiling. He waved happily to the crowd as they cheered loudly. "Welcome welcome all! To the 33rd Infinite Games!"

Another round of applause was heated before Randall spoke again. "Now in about five minutes they're all gonna be out. All the tributes you've seen and heard about! Tonight will be their final opportunity to express their thoughts. Our final opportunity to express our love. And heartbreakingly, to say goodbye to all...but one." There was a moment of silence. Some audience members actually started crying.

"What a night. Let's hear it." The crowd cheered again, with some still wiping off tears.

***

Tuba smiled as she looked at Hazel. The little girl wore a cute blue dress with sequins on it. Her blond hair was held back by a white headband and she had white sandals on her feet.

"You look great sweetie" the stylist complimented.

Hazel hugged her, "Thanks Tuba. I'm still nervous about talking with Mr. Randall though."

"It will be okay" Tuba reassured her. "You enjoyed talking with the Gamemakers and they loved you. And I loved our interactions. You remind me of my own children when they were your age."

The two then walked out and got in line with the rest of the tributes. Tuba headed off with the other prep team members leaving Hazel alone. She held her grandfather's hand, unaware that Jake and Marissa were glaring at her for having the highest score.

***

While Lake didn't like dressing formally, she had to admit, she looked spectacular in her dress. While it showed the top of her back, it was modest nonetheless. The dress was navy blue with black fabric covering the front of her neck. A blue raindrop gem hung from the collar. Her red hair cascaded in waves with a sparkling holly plant on the left side of her head. The one thing she didn't like were her shoes. They looked great, being glittery high heel sandals, but they were hard to walk in.

As she waited in line, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Jesse and Maya dressed up too. The former was in a suit and tie and the latter had her hair in a French bun with two strands behind her ears and was wearing a yellow ball gown.

"This dress is so restraining" Maya picked up her trains. "I can't believe we have to look nice the night before we die!"

"I know" Lake looked ahead to see Danny Nougat go onstage. "All part of the show I guess." She turned back to see Jesse's tie was crooked. "Need help Casanova?"

"What? Uhh...no I can fix it." He did the best he could but it still didn't look right.

Lake watched on before deciding to step in. "Here. I can help." She moved the article through knots and gently tightened it. "There you go. Very presentable."

Jesse smiled, "Thanks. You look beautiful yourself."

The comment made Lake blush as she grasped her arm. She was never one for appearances but knew there were times she had to look nice. The problem was everyone wanted her to dress in clothes that cut off oxygen and didn't fit her style. Nancy was nice enough to have her help with the dress design. If she had a role in choosing what to wear, things would be more bearable.

After Sheena's interview, Simon went up next. His hair was down as he wore a black shirt with a gray jacket and pants. The interview went smoothly enough. Simon had a relaxed demeanor as he chatted with Randall. Until he got this question.

"Now I am well aware your parents were tributes in a past game. Is that right?"

Simon clenched his fists as he fought to maintain composure. "Yes. It broke my heart when they lost their lives. Since then, I felt lost. Grace was always by my side. She helped me when things got rough. I don't know where I would be without her."

The audience silently shed tears. In the lounge, Samantha actually felt sorrow. Some tributes she escorted were also orphans, none of whom survived. She wanted to help more but she had an image to uphold.

"I see. Thank you for sharing this Simon. I offer my condolences" Randall shook his hand. "Huh, tight grip."

Once he left, Randall announced the next tribute. "Her name claims she has it. Let's welcome the other District 2 tribute, Grace Monroe!"

Cheers were held as Grace walked out in a sleeveless purple dress with a slit down the left leg. She had gold sandals on her feet and gold earrings. "Lovely to talk with you Miss Grace. Do you feel prepared for the games."

Grace scoffed, "I've been ready. No challenge is a match for me."

Randall gave a friendly laugh. "I love that confidence. No fear in your eyes." With the crowd quiet again, he spoke again. "Now Grace, you were trained to be the perfect daughter by your parents so none of you would be taken. Do you feel they would have succeeded if they actually paid attention to you?"

The question made Grace freeze. How did he know that? Did he somehow overhear her conversation with Hazel? She had to turn this around, maintain control. "I always had a complicated relationship with my parents. I had to grow up fast and take care of myself. The fact I came out strong shows how much I've grown."

Back with the tributes, Hazel watched the screen. The attitude Grace had didn't match the one where she opened up. Was this the real Grace? She could just be putting on a show to please the Capitol residents.

After some more banter Randall had one more question. "Now it's no secret you and Simon are together. Considering what we saw at the parade."

"We are. We got together three years ago" Grace answered. "We hoped to have a family of our own. I'm known to be good with kids."

The audience awed with sympathy. Grace then went on, "It's a double-edged sword though as they could have been taken as tributes. I've seen so with Lucy and Hazel. Children are too young to deal with the harshness of life. I only wish they maintain The One's favor."

Bruce rolled his eyes at the sight. "What a sap machine. Does anyone actually believe this cr-"

"Okay Bruce, you're next" Atticus led him onstage as Grace shook hands with Randall. Lake and Jesse eyed the screen as Bruce plopped into the chair. He tried to turn on the charm with his attitude to no avail. While Randall smiled, his eyes told another story.

"You seem sure of yourself" he managed to say. "But your demeanor can only get you so far."

"No need to pity me. I have allies that can handle the dirty work" Bruce brushed him off. "It's that Olsen girl you should have concerns for."

Lake perked at the mention. "Are you sure? She's very capable and strong-willed" Randall debated.

That only made Bruce laugh. "She's a ticking time bomb set to go off any minute. I lost count how many times she attacked innocent adults who mean well. She even slugged me when I tried to court her sister. She claimed I was harassing her but the Flecs fortunately believed what I had to say. Once that accident dies, all of District 3 is gonna throw a party! No one's gonna miss her, not even her so-called family!"

Everyone in the audience was far from pleased at this. They started booing and throwing produce at him. The other tributes were not happy as well.

"That brat is done for" Joe snarled.

"No wonder The One chose him" Margo agreed.

Jesse felt something inside of him. He actually felt...infuriated. He started hearing heavy breaths coming from Lake. This wasn't good. She couldn't go onstage like this. Not sure what to do, he gently slid his fingers through her left fist and gave her hand a squeeze.

Lake slowly turned around at the action. Tears were coming down her face and she was glad she wasn't wearing mascara. She saw a small smile from Jesse as he cupped her cheek. As their foreheads touched, her breathing slowed down.

Atticus came in at that moment. "The boy's interview got cut short. Do you feel okay to go up Miss Lake?"

"I can go next if-" Jesse started but Lake cut him off.

"I feel ready" she smiled at Jesse before walking up.

Before heading out, Atticus put a hand on her shoulder. "It will be okay. Just stay calm and pretend you're talking to me or Jesse."

With that, Lake collected herself and walked out as Randall announced her. "Okay. That was...far from what we usually show. If you may, please give a warm, welcoming round of applause for Lake Olsen."

Lake walked out to the sound of applause and smiles. She felt a little better as Randall offered her a hand to shake. Back in District 3, Tulip and Andy nervously eyed the screen.

"You got this Lake" Tulip whispered.

Once Lake sat down, Randall got to talking. "My dear. I just want to apologize for what Bruce said about you. The One greatly prefers it that the tributes are polite and kind to one another."

"I'm glad he does care about us" Lake managed to say. "I have gotten used to be talked down to and be seen as less than human."

"What are you talking about? You're just as human as any of us" Randall said. "Am I right everyone?"

The crowd cheered in agreement. Lake felt this was all a façade to try and make her feel better. She felt like breaking down but she remembered the people who showed true compassion and care. If she was going to die tomorrow, she would make sure they wouldn't forget the real her.

"I know I do have value like everyone else. It's true there are people in my district that want me to be someone I'm not. I knew the risk but I did what fit me anyway. Even though the world was against me, I did get to meet people who truly care about me. Tulip stayed by my side in my district. I couldn't have asked for a better sister. Marcus helped me through training and preparing for the games. Atticus helped me find better ways to manage my anger. And..." she was about to talk about Jesse but realized other tributes would target him in an attempt to get to her. So she told a different truth. "And I couldn't be more grateful to those who accepted who I was."

Randall wiped his eyes, "I'm glad you found acceptance my dear. You really are strong in more ways than one."

Lake couldn't help but smile, "You have to be strong. Otherwise you won't have the strength to carry on."

"So true. It was wonderful talking with you."

The two shook hands as the audience applauded and cheered. Both Tulip and Andy breathed a sigh of relief.

"That was a close one. She's grown a lot" Andy stated.

"Mm-hmm" Tulip watched on as a boy around her age went onstage next. He certainly had lots of charisma. He was friendly, talkative, and cheerful.

"So being with Capitol residents has been your favorite part here?" Randall asked.

"Yep! They're all so nice. I heard stories that they're condescending and only pity tributes but my prep team saw me as an equal" Jesse replied. "It helps that they love my singing."

"Singing? Would you like to sing for us?"

Jesse's eyes went wide, "Uhhhh..." The crowd had eyes of anticipation. He didn't want to disappoint them. So he got up and started singing one of his favorite songs.

I followed my heart into the fire.
Got burned got broken, down by desire.
I tried and tried but the smoke in my eyes left me blurry.
Blurry and blind.

I picked all the pieces up off the ground.
Got dirt on my fingers but that's gone now.
Got the glue in my hand and I'm sticking to the plan.
To the plan that says I can.

Do anything at all.
I can do anything at all.

From his family at home to the other tributes, they stared in silence. While Jesse's voice wasn't always on key, it felt powerful. The refrain certainly moved the audience. Lake and Maya in particular were in awe.

After singing the refrain, Jesse sat down, not wanting to give out his voice. As the crowd applauded, Randall faced him. "That...was incredible. No tribute has been brave enough to share his or her talents. I'm starting to wonder if the train made a mistake taking you with how honest you are."

A pit formed in Jesse's stomach. "Well...The One works in mysterious ways."

"He does indeed" Randall agreed. "One more question, do you have a crush on anyone?"

That really made Jesse blush. "Uh, not really."

Randall wasn't convinced, "Oh come now. I see red in your cheeks. Just let it out."

"Okay" Jesse gave in. "There is a girl. I don't know if she likes me but I've had feelings for her. I don't know when it started but I can't stop thinking about her."

All the tributes were interested in this now. Maya felt flustered as Jesse could be talking about her. They had known each other for years after all. Randall then spoke again, "Well if you win the Infinite Games, there's no way she wouldn't want to go out with you."

Jesse looked down at that, "Not possible. Since she's competing too." The crowd felt sad at the admission. "May be for the best, since we've only known each other for a few days."

That line made Lake and Maya's hearts stop. The former was hyperventilating and the latter just stared off. She was so lost in thought she didn't notice Atticus come up.

"Miss Reynolds?"

"Oh, coming" she followed him as Jesse and Randall shook hands.

***seven tributes later***

"And that's why I have a passion for music" Ryan finished.

"Quite a story" Randall smiled. "Thank you for sharing Mr. Akagi."

Min-Gi watched as Ryan waved at the audience. He had no stage fright whatsoever. He certainly knew how to win the crowd over. As he watched Lucy head up, someone tapped his shoulder.

He turned and was stunned at the person. "Kez?"

She reached in her pocket and pulled out a mini-synth. "I wanted to say...thanks for standing up for me. My friends tend to tease me and I don't have the courage to be assertive with them as they're the only people who tolerate me."

"Those guys were your friends?!" Min was shocked at this.

"Yeah...I have a bad taste in companionship" Kez admitted. "I did have one good friend with Jeremy. When I used to be an escort, I helped him win his games. We even stayed in touch. Sadly, he was the only tribute I helped who survived."

Taking the mini-synth, Min gave her a hug. "I think you are good at helping. You just need to get better at it."

She returned the hug as Min's turn was up. He walked up to the stage as Randall announced him. "From District 9, you know him, you at least know what his district is known for, Min-Gi Park!"

Min slowly showed himself. He wasn't big on crowds and he felt himself breathe quickly. There was ringing in his ears so he couldn't hear what Randall was saying. He did manage to hear eventually.

"I said how are you?"

There was silence. "Shy?" Randall questioned.

Min-Gi nodded. "It's okay. Just sit down and we'll talk."

He did so and felt a little better as he focused more on the host. "Now Min, you're a responsible young man. And that's something The One appreciates."

"Of course. I work hard and do what I can for my district" Min confirmed it.

"But...are you happy?" Randall then said.

Min was quiet again. "Of...Of course I am."

The host wasn't sure, "Lots of people say that. They focus so much on getting through life they forget what makes life worth living."

This was making Min think. Was he so focused on moving through life that he wasn't really living it? Come to think of it, he hadn't had a chance to play music or have real fun since the individual sessions. He then felt the mini-synth in his pocket. An idea then popped in his head.

"While I do focus a lot on work, I do have some time for things to relieve stress."

Randall got interested, "Like what?"

Min stood up and started playing Darude's Sandstorm. The more he played, the more the audience got into it. They even clapped along to the beat.

As the other tributes watched, they were impressed. "Guess we rubbed off on him" Lucy said to Ryan.

"Yeah... I think we did" Ryan watched as Min finished the song to loud cheers.

"Wow! My oh my! What a performance!" Randall congratulated the man. "It was an honor to talk with you."

Min shook his hand, "Well, thanks for the questions."

***

The One and Amelia watched as Hazel talked with Randall. The two discussed family, bonding with the prep team, and her interactions with the tributes. "I did like talking with Miss Grace. But I don't know if I trust her yet. Grandpa told me not to trust strangers but I don't know if we'll get to stay together. I'm scared."

The two watched as Randall hugged her. "It will be okay. You're a sweet girl. And I'm sure many people here care about you." There was applause as The One sent a message.

"So the Flecs will be escorting the tributes families to the Capitol to watch the games. Seems appropriate to have them say goodbye to their fallen loved ones and see in person what their flaws have cost them."

Amelia nodded, "I appreciate your generosity. It will help provide closure and allow the tributes' loved ones to move on."

The One began to head off to prepare for tomorrow. "Be sure to let me know if there are other additions to add. I haven't seen this much improvement since the games first began."

Now alone, Amelia pulled a small thumb drive out of her pocket. It begins tomorrow. Everything has led to this.

Chapter Text

Tulip honestly couldn't believe that she and her Dad were brought to the Capitol to watch the games with District 3's prep team. The One explained the families should have a chance to say goodbye to their loved ones when they were dead, to see first hand what their ignorance had cost them. Sadly, they couldn't say goodbye before the tributes left for the arena. They were already gone the time the families arrived.

"This is District 3's quarters" Amelia escorted them and Bruce's family to the living room. "Marcus, Nancy, and Griege will be back. Feel free to talk with Atticus or Terrence as the games begin."

Once she left, Tulip and Andy sat on the couch across from Atticus while the Whyttes piled up on food. Terrence talked with the Whyttes while Atticus spoke with the Olsens. "You must be Lake's family." He noticed a mother was not present, "Oh no. I take it your mother..."

Both Olsens started to tear up, "Yes. She died in the last Infinite Games" Andy explained.

Atticus sat next to Tulip and offered her a hug. As she accepted it, Atticus spoke again. "I am very sorry for your loss. I never viewed these games as a way to help people. If only The One saw how much suffering they actually caused."

Tulip wiped her eyes, "Thanks. I just want Lake to make it out alive. I know she's physically capable but I'm worried about the challenges she could face."

"She will make it through" Atticus reassured her. "I've seen it myself."

***

"When the pedestal raises you to the top, don't get off until the timer hits zero. There's mines all around the area, they don't deactivate until the games begin" Jeremy explained. "Once the games start, run from the Cornucopia."

"Why?" Maya asked.

Jesse looked at her, "If you watched past games you'll know why. There's lots of stuff there. Food, water, weapons, supplies, even pillows, technology, and other things that bring pleasure. The tributes fight over it, showing greed towards one another. Not to mention there's an arena creation hidden there that attacks tributes who are the most greedy. It's how The One can quickly take out the worst people either by avarice or tributes attacking each other."

Maya took that in as the elevator reached the top. The doors opened showing a hover plane and tributes boarding it. She headed off while Jesse hugged Jeremy.

"Thank you for helping us."

Jeremy patted his back, "Just be safe. Stay alive."

He watched the two board, silently praying they would be alright.

***

Each tribute sat still and held out their right hand. A steward lasered a green number on the hand with the number 23. They all knew what it meant. It was the number of tributes who had to die before the game was over. It also doubled as a tracker. Once all tributes were set, the plane took off.

Jesse looked around to see many different facial expressions. Grace, Simon, and Bruce had eyes of excitement, the adults looked scared beyond belief, Min-Gi took Lucy's hand as he sat next to her, and Maya was taking deep breaths. Everyone was wearing a grey jumpsuit with The One on it. It was the same uniform tributes wore during the games every year. They also had metal shoes that can stick them to the ground when needed.

Jesse felt a hand slip into his making him turn to see Lake. She also had her eyes closed and was taking deep breaths. This made him remember what he said at the interviews. Did she think he just said that to win sponsors? Did she reciprocate? Either way, he had to know from her, if they can find each other.

Grace could hear whimpering on her right side. She moved her head to see Hazel quietly crying. Filled with empathy, she took the child's hand. "It's okay."

Hazel gave her hand a squeeze as Simon looked on. He wasn't sure about this kid. She could slow them down. But if they formed a close bond and with how Hazel had no family left, The One could crown the three of them winners as a found family. They just had to survive long enough and find a way to lose their more violent allies.

***

Two different Flecs led Lake to her loading platform. They didn't speak to her or grip her arms which was a relief. She walked in the room to see Nancy. With only a minute and a half before she had to get in the tube, Lake hugged her stylist.

"I'm scared" she admitted.

Nancy rubbed her back, "It's okay to be afraid. Remember what you learned here. I know you can make it."

They broke from the hug as an announcer said "Twenty seconds."

Lake slowly walked to the platform and got in the tube. The door sealed shut as she saw Nancy nod and give a comforting smile. The platform began to rise making Lake look up and ready herself.

When she could see light, she looked around to see the arena looked like a forest. It looked like a place to go camping. Lake looked around to see the other tributes take in their surroundings. In the center was a building which she guessed was the Cornucopia. There were backpacks close to the pedestals but further in, there were lots of supplies and weapons.

In the Gamemaker room, a man named Perry started the countdown. "50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 45..."

Amelia watched the screens to see some tributes about to vomit in fear and others raring to go. Whoever survived here will impact how the rest of the games would play out.

"39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33..."

Capitol residents and people in the districts watched the screens. While some Capitol citizens cheered, others were uncomfortable. Kez in particular kept an eye on Min, Ryan, and Lucy. Please don't become actual corpses she thought.

"23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17..."

The Cosays held onto one another as they saw Jesse appear on the screen. Samantha turned to them. "I wouldn't worry too much. Your son is smart and kind. Quite unlike any tribute chosen."

Nate could only hug his mother tightly as he fought back tears.

***

The digits were getting closer to zero. As Lake took one last glance at Jesse, she noticed he was about ready to bolt away from the Cornucopia. She was confused at this as he needs supplies to survive. She turned back to the clock as it reached the end of the countdown.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1

The second the clock hit zero, Ashton ran head first to the Cornucopia. "Alright! Free stuff!!"

Everyone followed suit but Jesse ran away. Lake started getting a feeling that something wasn't right. No one would pass up an opportunity to get weapons or supplies. She stopped a few feet from her pedestal as she saw people were starting to fight.

Ashton ran in the mouth of the Cornucopia to grab a machine gun when a tiny wizard came out. "Wait...this is the terrifying arena creation Lindsay warned me about? HA! What a wimp!"

The second he said that, more wizards came out. "Spells?" They looked to see people running to their home and got angry. "SPELLS! SPELLS SPELLS!"

They shot lasers out their eyes, filling Ashton with holes in his body. The second everyone saw this, they either panicked or started using their weapons on them. Now Lake saw why Jesse ran the other way. She took cover behind a pedestal as the tiny wizards continued firing lasers or attacked tributes head on.

She tried to find an opening to escape and noticed the backpacks were barely touched. Maya, Min, Ryan, and Lucy each grabbed one and ran off, the latter two managing to get a harpoon pack and water bottles. With no one around, Lake made a dash for the closest backpack, trying to avert her gaze from the gore.

Evan had his flesh ripped off by the tiny wizards' teeth, Danny and Sheena were gunned down by Bruce, and Joe's throat got slit by Tim. Lake managed to get to the backpack but Chloe also had her eyes on it.

"Let go!" she demanded.

"There's plenty of others!" Lake tried to shake her off. "Take another!"

Chloe snarled at her, "I saw this first! It's mine bi-"

She was cut off when an axe hit her in the head. It went right through her skull, making her collapse. Lake fought to not throw up as she saw the person responsible. Jake Ritter had his eyes on Lake next and grabbed some throwing knives making Lake bolt for the forest. She held the backpack like a shield as a knife hit it. Jake gave up when she made it to the woods, focusing more on killing tributes.

Lake didn't stop running even when she knew she wasn't being chased. She had to get far away from the bloodbath. She was so focused on running she failed to notice something before it was too late.

"OOF!"

Bumping into something, Lake came face to face with Hayley Kaye. The woman looked terrified and was holding a backpack herself. "Don't kill me!" she pleaded.

Lake gently took her hand, "It's okay. I'm not a threat. We can help each other."

Hayley seemed unsure, but then she nodded. "Okay."

Both sat in silence before hearing another scream, "We need to get further away" Lake led Hayley through the woods to a safe place. In her mind, she hoped Jesse was okay.

***

"Already killed twenty nulls so far!" Simon slashed through another tiny wizard. "How about you Grace?"

Grace shot an arrow, impaling four wizards at once. "Just made it to triple digits!"

She looked to see Bruce stab Marissa endlessly and tiny wizards ripping out Tim's jaw. These wizards weren't backing down. How many were there? Glancing away from the carnage, she saw Hazel and her grandfather talking with the wizards to her shock.

"Spells, spells spells?" one wizard said.

"Yes. We would like some of your things. Can we please have them?" Hazel asked.

The wizards huddled up and gave her two backpacks. "Spells spells spells. Spells spells."

Samuel took them, "Thank you. And bottomless you say? That can come in handy."

This was stunning for Grace. These arena creations were letting Samuel and Hazel have their supplies. All because they asked politely. She headed over to them only for Samuel to be shot in the back by Jake.

"Grandpa!" Hazel cried.

Jake tossed the body aside and was about to attack Hazel when the tiny wizards tackled him. "SPELLS SPELLS!"

With the diversion, Hazel grabbed her grandfather's backpack with hers and ran off crying. Grace contemplated going after her but she couldn't leave Jake to die. She shoved the tiny wizards off and dragged Jake away from the Cornucopia. He had scratches but was still alive.

After a few minutes, Simon and Bruce joined the two. "That's seven less a-dolts in the world! Not to mention that lumber idiot got what he deserved!" Bruce cheered.

"Unfortunately we lost Tim in the struggle" Simon added. "Not to mention our targets got away."

"We'll find them" Grace helped Jake up. "Right now Jake needs medical attention. Let's see what we managed to get."

The four looked through their supplies for first aid. All the while, wondering what other arena creations they had to face.

***

Jesse ran and ran until he felt that he was far enough from the Cornucopia. He sat on a log as he watched walking acorns walk across from him. One tripped from the heavy backpack so Jesse helped him up. As thanks, the nut led him to the Cornucopia allowing him to see it was safe now. There were corpses surrounding the area, some bloodier than others. Jesse tried to not look at the carnage as he was already feeling sick.

The tiny wizards were still there. They talked with the acorn in their weird language and then gave Jesse a backpack full of supplies. "Thanks" he started to leave when he heard groaning.

Looking behind crates, Jesse found Theresa hiding. "Is it safe?" she asked.

With the tiny wizards leaving, Jesse nodded. "Yes. We're safe." He helped her up from crouching and the two walked out. The elder was having trouble breathing and couldn't walk well which worried Jesse. As Theresa grabbed a backpack, a cannon went off.

The two stood in silence as more cannon shots went off. Jesse silently counted the number of times it happened. He knew what this meant. Every time a tribute died, his or her death was signaled with a cannon shot. Who it was who died would be shown later tonight as the Gamemakers have The Fallen appear.

There were nine cannon shots in total. Quite a number for the first few minutes. It seemed all nine victims were at the Cornucopia as Jesse could clearly see nine bodies scattered around. Theresa lowered her head at Joe's body and clasped her hands.

"Did you know him?" Jesse asked.

"No. But he was from home" she replied.

The sound of a hovercraft made the two hurry back to the woods. A claw came out of the ship, scooping up the bodies. The numbers began to change on Jesse and Theresa's hands as the number was now 14.

"Do you have a plan?" Theresa questioned.

Jesse thought about that. He knew that Lake and Maya were alright as they weren't any of the nine victims. He had to find them to come up with a way to survive together. "Yes. Two friends of mine are somewhere in the arena. I have to know that they're okay."

Theresa took his hand. "Then I will come along. There's strength in numbers after all."

That made Jesse unsure. He didn't want to drag her into his problems but he couldn't leave her alone. She was old, getting weaker, and would have more trouble with the challenges. He had to help, "Okay."

They set off into the forest, preparing for what laid ahead.

Chapter Text

Hazel ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She didn't know if that boy was following her but she didn't dare to stop. Her blurry vision from crying didn't help her. It led to her tripping and falling down a hill. Lying on the ground, she buried her face in her grandfather's backpack and kept crying. Her last family member was gone forever and she was alone. She didn't know who to trust. She felt that her life was coming to an end.

Woodland creatures slowly surrounded her with curiosity. There were bunnies, squirrels, chipmunks, quail, raccoons, skunks, birds, and turtles. They were a part of the arena, to test tributes to see if they had kind hearts. But right now, their eyes had empathy for the sobbing child. A bunny made his way towards Hazel as she raised her head for air. She shrieked at the sight making the animals hide.

"Wait! Don't be scared! Don't leave me alone!" Hazel called out. "I'm lost and scared."

Due to being slower than the others, the turtles were still close enough to face her. Hazel gently picked one up, "You must be scared too. Seeing so many strange people in your home. I was told it's okay to be afraid and sad. It might hurt but it shows you're honest."

The rest of the animals came back. The child showed no threat and treated the turtles with kindness. Both parties slowly lost their fear towards each other. Hazel was feeling a little better, being surrounded by friendly creatures. She always loved animals, not just because they were cute.

"Do you know where I can sleep? I'm afraid of running into mean people who want to hurt me" she asked.

The birds nodded and led her off. The rest of the animals followed her.

***

After being sure they were far enough away from the bloodbath, Min, Ryan, and Lucy slowed down. The District 4 girl had run off elsewhere so it was just them.

"*pant pant* Okay. There's enough distance between us and everyone else" Ryan caught his breath. "That should give us time to see what we managed to get."

"I can't believe you risked your lives to get items from the Cornucopia's mouth" Min sat to open his backpack. "I watched past games and know what happens to those who do so. I also saw how those who just go for the backpacks manage to make it past the first ten minutes."

Ryan faced him, "Sometimes you have to take a risk. Playing it safe isn't always the answer."

While the men searched the backpacks, Lucy put on what she managed to get. It looked like a backpack with harpoons on it. It looked cool so she grabbed it when she had the chance. Holding the harpoons, she thought she would try it out when she heard something approaching.

"Guys" she got their attention, making them be on guard. Min and Ryan were ready to run but Lucy had another idea. She aimed the harpoon cables and as the sound got close, she fired one only for it to bounce off a tree. It ricocheted around the area before hitting...

"OW! My eye!" Lucy covered her left eye, screaming loudly.

"Lucy!" Min started looking for first aid while Ryan saw what, or rather who, was coming.

"Shocked to see you three are still alive" Margo Graham said. She took in Lucy's current situation, "If I hadn't found you sooner, all of you would have died eventually due to poor adult supervision."

Ryan didn't like her tone of voice, "We do care about Lucy. Considering the circumstances, it's hard to keep each other safe."

Min found some bandages and gauze so he began tending to Lucy's eye. "You also know I'm responsible. We just have to make due with what we have."

Margo sighed, "Fine, but as the only real adult, I'm doing the sensible thing and finding an exit. Everything has a flaw. If you want to live follow me. There has to be a vent around here to climb out of."

Seeing they had no other options, the three followed suit. The deeper they went, Min and Ryan started talking again. "Is it possible to escape from here?" Ryan asked.

"Could be" Min replied. "But there's also security cameras everywhere. The Gamemakers can easily send something to stop us. I researched that no tribute has ever escaped. The One made sure of that."

The four kept going as Lucy spotted something off. Her working eye was seeing something shimmering to the side. "Um, Mrs. Graham?"

"Not now kid" the woman brushed her off. "I think I'm on to something."

Ryan began to see it too with his glasses. Why was it floating in the forest? His eyes widened when he remembered the 28th games when a tribute died walking one way for so long eventually hitting...

"MARGO STOP!" he shouted but it was too late. Margo ran into a force field, sending electric currents through her body. The force repelled her back, making her hit a large stone. There was an audible crack as Lucy clung to Ryan. The sound of a cannon followed soon after.

All three were silent at the sight. Their numbers then changed to 13. Min couldn't breathe for a few seconds as Lucy whimpered. "Okay...so walking out isn't a solution" Ryan managed to say.

Min finally spoke, "Let's not try any ideas right now. We need to think." The three then headed back the other way, just as the hover craft arrived for Margo.

***

Lake and Hayley made their way through the forest. They spoke quietly about each other to avoid attracting attention to do something. Both got along rather well, wanting to live their own lives rather than what others want them to do. The area began to change slightly as they kept walking. They walked across rivers, trudged through large mushrooms, and huddled close during a snowy section.

It was starting to get dark so both girls camped out in trees. It would camouflage them from arena monsters and murderous tributes. Their backpacks had bread and water so they had to ration them. "You like climbing trees?" Lake asked.

Hayley nodded, "Been doing so since I was six. I come from the lumber district after all. My dad trained me in lumberjack games even though my mom said it wasn't ladylike."

"I know that feeling" Lake rolled her eyes at that. "No matter what I did people said it wasn't what I should be doing. Always comparing me to more 'proper' women. Seen as nothing more than one half of the Olsen twins."

The two were unaware that a camera was nearby. Tulip and her dad were watching this with the District 3 prep team. They listened to what both girls said, hearing their struggles. This was old news for Tulip. She saw first hand how much her sister suffered in her district. She expressed dreams to run away to a place where she would be accepted. But she didn't want to leave her behind.

Marcus sat next to her, "Lake's quite the person."

Tulip nodded, "Yeah. We might not see eye to eye but we do love each other."

She felt a hand wrap around her own making her face Marcus. "Don't worry. She'll make it out."

Music began to play an anthem which meant The Fallen for that day were about to be shown. Each one showed the tribute, his or her district, and what the cause of death was. It began with District 1 and would go up from there. Those watching from screens would see replays of the deaths. It showed the cost of falling into vice.

Danny Nougat, District 1, shot with a gun by a bratty teenager.

Sheena Cyrus, District 1, shot with a gun by a bratty teenager.

Evan Barnes, District 5, eaten alive by tiny wizards.

Tim Moran, District 6, jaw ripped off by tiny wizards.

Chloe Whitman, District 6, an axe was lodged in her head while attempting to steal a tribute's backpack.

Ashton Mendler, District 7, provoked tiny wizards and was shot constantly by them.

Tulip could only watch the gore and fight her gag reflex. The only comforting thing about this was Lake was still alive. But for how much longer?

***

Jesse and Theresa looked at the sky as The Fallen were shown. They made camp in a cave hidden with moss. When the anthem played, Jesse wanted to see who was still alive. Lake and Maya were not present which was a relief.

Margo Graham, District 9, hit a force field while ignoring warnings.

Samuel Ford, District 10, shot in the back due to lack of self-awareness.

Joe Hernandez, District 11, throat slit by a bratty teenager.

Marissa Carpenter, District 12, stabbed to death by a bratty teenager.

The music stopped, leaving the woods in silence. Jesse and Theresa returned to their makeshift dinner. It wasn't much, being bread, water, crackers, and trail mix. This was not food to have to survive. Hopefully sponsors would send more suitable food to them.

"We should get some sleep" Jesse began to get up when screams were heard. They were far away but the two could clearly see the carnage from a distance. A huge wave was going through the trees, devastating the section. While it wasn't heading for them, they could feel the danger present. A cannon went off and the numbers were now 12.

Looking at the sky, Jesse and Theresa saw the tribute who died.

Michelle Akana, District 5, drowned in a flood due to hitting a mermaid child when she asked for help, calling her a brat.

Still shaken at this, the two went inside their cave, safely hidden thanks to the moss. They could hear talking which made them stay silent. Especially when they heard the voices.

"That little robot's stealing our kills!"

"Hey the further we are from arena creations the better."

Jesse peeked through the moss to see Bruce, Jake, Grace, and Simon make their way through the forest. They all had weapons at the helm, probably looking for tributes to kill.

"Reynolds! You sure he's around here?" Simon asked.

That made Jesse's irises shrink as he spotted Maya with them. "I'm sure. I can't thank you enough for agreeing to help us survive."

"No problem" Grace said. "We'll make sure you make it out safe. The One is a fan of teamwork. We'll scout the area. Maya, head that way."

The teen then left, passing Jesse and Theresa's hiding spot. Once she was gone, the group spoke again.

"Why can't we kill her?!" Bruce complained.

"We need her to have Jesse join us" Simon answered. "We know he's a doormat and strives to avoid conflict so winning him over will be easy. Maya can convince him to join us due to them being friends and him having a crush on her. We need all the help we can get to stick it to that tyrant."

Grace put a hand on his shoulder, "All in good time. We still need to play along. There's also that Olsen girl we need to take out. She could be a spanner in the works."

Jesse spotted a slasher smile from Bruce. "Just leave that accident to me."

The group then walked away, their voices getting fainter. There was a lot to process for Jesse. Maya was siding with the deadliest tributes, they thought he had a crush on her, and they were planning to kill Lake. He really had to find her now but it wasn't safe with how dark it was.

A hand on the shoulder brought him back. "It is alarming to hear this. We will save your friends" Theresa reassured him.

Jesse gave a soft smile. "Thanks."

The two then laid down, using their backpacks as pillows. Before they fell asleep, dinging could be heard. Jesse peeked outside to see a sponsor gift floating to the cave. The container was medium sized which was rare to receive. Jesse opened it and found a blanket, climbing gloves, dentist gum to clean teeth, and healing cream. There weren't any first aid kits in the backpacks so the last one was needed. There was also a note.

Your family loves you Jesse. Stay alive. Samantha

He held the note close. He didn't know how his family was able to send a sponsor gift but he needed this. Jesse put the climbing gloves on and shared the blanket with Theresa. Tomorrow was going to be busy.

***

"Thank you again for sending a gift for us" Whittney gave her thanks to Samantha.

"It was the least I could do after you shared antiquing tips to me" Samantha replied. "I've always had an eye for the unusual."

Stephan had been talking with Maya's family so Nate was alone with the tv. Jesse might be alive but who knows if he would survive the entire thing? There were tributes who wanted to kill others. Jesse wasn't the best at fighting.

Jeremy sat next to him. "It hurts to watch a family member you love compete."

Nate only stayed silent. He leaned close and hid his face as he started crying again. This was making Jeremy think. This kid had been quiet during his entire time here. He shrank down when his brother being chosen was mentioned and didn't partake in the Capitol's amenities. It was like he felt guilty about something. Almost like...there was something he knew that everyone else didn't.

He had to find out what this was. Right now, he could only provide support.

***

The Gamemaker room was in full swing, setting up challenges for the remaining thirteen tributes. Amelia kept watch over them and looked at the cameras to see the tributes turning in. The career pack with Districts 2, 3, and 12 had set up a fire, well aware they would be safe thanks to their skills. Lake and Hayley were asleep in trees. Hazel was in a forest clearing with woodland creatures, getting a sponsor gift from Tuba in the form of a locket with her in it.

Amelia then saw Min, Ryan, and Lucy trying to go to sleep but the child was still in pain. Her left eye was badly damaged and the first aid she got wasn't enough. Amelia turned her head to see Fiyero eyeing that screen with sorrow on his face. She came up to him, "Worried about her?"

Fiyero made eye contact with her. "I'm always worried about the tributes. But I'm really concerned for Lucy. She was such a joy to know and talk to!"

Other Gamemakers overheard this and started to talk amongst themselves. Some apparently had also bonded with past tributes before being promoted to Gamemakers. They had longed to help, even wanting to send sponsor gifts but they never had the time to do so.

"You might be busy with the arena but that doesn't mean you can't help" Amelia took out a notepad. "Feel free to ask away."

***

"It still hurts" Lucy sobbed. Tears came out of her right eye.

"I know. We're sorry" Min hugged her. "Just try to get some sleep."

Ryan looked at the sky to see two sponsor gifts. "Hey guys!" He grabbed it and opened one to see an eyepatch. "What? Is this a joke?"

Min looked at the note inside. We're out of healing cream but this is just as helpful. The eyepatch has a substance that slowly heals eyes. Have Lucy wear this to mend her eye. Be strong corpses. Kez and Fiyero

"Whoa. Kez actually had a gift sent for us" Min smiled at the thought. Ryan had opened the other gift to find vegetables and grapes.

"Yes! Some food!" He split the food with Min and Lucy. During this, Lucy put the eyepatch on which made her eye stop throbbing. These gifts gave them hope to keep going. It made looking for a way out more possible.

***

"It took lots of apologies to people I wronged, including when I ruined a ski trip, but I did promise to make it up to these people in exchange for sending sponsor gifts" Kez explained.

"We can't thank you enough" Amelia said. "It means a lot to those who truly care about tributes."

Kez smiled, "I worry about tributes too. Especially the ones in these games. Min, Ryan, and Lucy were the first people to stand up for me." She then looked down, "I don't know how I'll be able to cope when they're gone."

As she left, Amelia checked on the arena challenges for tomorrow. They were approved by The One and were to be sent out. Things were still going slow. To ensure success, something big had to happen.

Chapter Text

Min, Ryan, and Lucy walked along a desert area. Their shoes actually kept sand out but that didn't make things better. They had no food and they drank the last of their water. Finding a way out of the arena was becoming more difficult with how often sections changed. After trudging up a hill, the three saw chameleons using shovels to dig. Curious, they came up to them.

"What are you doing?" Min asked.

One chameleon looked up, "Digging for spring water. The last oasis dried up and we need a new source. Would you like to help us?"

Seeing the amount of holes so far, Min was going to say no but Ryan jumped in. "We'll do it!"

"Excellent" the three chameleons gave their shovels over. "We're getting more supplies. Use this map as it has markings on potential water spots." They then headed off leaving the humans alone.

As Ryan started digging, Min and Lucy just stood there. "Why did you agree to dig holes in a scorching desert?!" Min questioned.

"It's simple" Ryan said. "This is obviously a challenge we need to complete to show how helpful we are. And with these shovels, we can dig out of the arena. No other tribute's ever tried it so it has to work."

"Maybe" Lucy started to dig too but Min still wasn't convinced.

"There's absolutely no way you're gonna be able to dig a way out."

Ryan faced him, "I can do it. I play guitar, that should probably give me big muscles."

With the District 8 tributes digging, Min just sighed and let out a shiver. "I'm gonna look for food in another area."

That made Lucy stop for a second, "We shouldn't split up. What if those mean tributes attack you or you get caught in another cha-"

"I know where you two will be! I won't get lost! Not to mention I have to make sure we all stay healthy!" Min snapped. He then walked off, feeling frustrated. It seemed for every improvement Ryan and Lucy show, they were still relapsing in impulsive, short-sighted goals. Their actions were going to get them killed if not careful.

He was so deep in frustration, he couldn't feel a shadowy hand climb up his body.

***

Lake and Hayley continued walking through a canyon, hoping to find food and fresh water. Aside from that, Lake searched for Jesse. She knew he was alive but didn't know where. The arenas were massive and some sections changed every few hours. Not to mention the risk of running into the makeshift career pack. While a strong fighter, Lake didn't want to kill as that would put her on The One's radar.

The girls made it through when they came across something that shocked them. It was a play area, like the ones at fast food restaurants. It was huge with tubes all over the place. At the start was a ball pit.

"What the..." Hayley only stared.

"This isn't new" Lake headed to the ball pit. "Past games have had sections be indoor areas. There was an art gallery, a movie theater with a hungry concessions stand, and a nightclub with a bouncer who crushed people into cubes if they weren't on the list. Kez did say there were going to be some of these."

Hayley joined her in the ball pit. It had been a long time since either of them were in one. They were tempted to have fun but they had to keep moving. It had been hours since they ate and they really needed water. A voice then got their attention.

"Help! I'm stuck! Any heroes?"

Lake spotted a leg sticking out of the balls. She grabbed it and pulled out a living stuffed bunny. An arena creation she thought. This was a challenge for her and Hayley. But to test what?

"My oh my!" the rabbit said. "Are you two the champions I've heard about?"

That confused them. "Um. No, we're just looking for a way out" Hayley said.

"I know the way!" the rabbit moved his arms. "If you could put me down first as all the cotton's rushing to my head."

"Oh, sorry" Lake placed him down. "I'm Lake by the way. This is Hayley."

"What nice names. I'm Khaki Bottoms" the rabbit introduced himself. "Now if you could follow me, we have a quest at hand. I have to return a priceless artifact to its resting place. The jiggle-wiggle." He pulled out a squishy purple cylinder and hopped up the play area.

Hayley looked at Lake, "Are we really gonna follow a living stuffed animal? We're too old for kiddy things."

"Maybe, but we can't crush his spirits" Lake started her way up too. "Besides, he could help us find food and water."

With that, the girls followed the rabbit through the play area. They stopped at a ramp made of cylinders. Khaki gasped, "The bumpy slide of doom! It has claimed many!"

That made Hayley roll her eyes, "It's just a slide. It can't hurt you."

Lake however, slowly made her way up. As silly and childish as this was, she didn't get to have this much fun back home. Children had to grow up fast in case they were taken by the train. So to have a moment of innocence meant the world to her. She reached the top and held out a hand to help the others up.

"They're gonna make a statue of her one day" Khaki said to Hayley.

"Out of what? Building blocks?" she replied.

Once all three were up, Hayley started to head for the next tube when Khaki jumped in front of her. "What are you doing?!"

Khaki made buzzing noises. "Force field! You're gonna have to solve the puzzle to deactivate it."

Hayley groaned, "I don't have time for this! I'm starving!" She shoved the bunny away and continued on alone.

"Hayley wait!" Lake called out. She felt sadness as she watched her go. It seemed Hayley was concerned with growing up and as such, she would push away immature things. Seemed good but it came at the cost of crushing a child's imagination. Looking at how sad Khaki was, she put a hand on his shoulder. "It seemed she was immune to the force field. But we're still trapped. What's the puzzle?"

The bunny smiled, "Over there" he pointed to a tic-tac-toe game on the other side. Lake made her way over and moved one of the blocks to have an o appear, making three os in a row. Khaki then made a deactivating sound. "Okay. It's safe to go now. After you, champion."

Lake smiled and let him lead on. They kept an eye out for Hayley but couldn't find her. Hard to blame the two as there were many directions she could have gone. After going down a little slide, Khaki looked up ahead to see plush pillars.

"The final task. The punching bags of pain."

The task wasn't difficult to do, aside from one pillar hitting Lake in the face gently. She made it through and opened a clear path for Khaki. He made it through and the two looked to see a container along with nuggets, fries, and water. Khaki placed the jiggle-wiggle on the container.

"Now the artifact can rest. And the world is made whole again!" He then pulled Lake to a seat, "Words cannot describe how grateful I am. As a reward, feel free to eat and restore your strength."

Lake quickly scarfed down the food and guzzled the water. It tasted wonderful,even better than the nuggets they were based on. She couldn't help but feel empty with how Hayley ditched her though. "Khaki, I'm sorry about Hayley. I didn't think she would be like this."

The bunny ate some nuggets too. "People tend to mask their true nature to remain strong. To them, image is everything. But it comes at the cost of honesty. If you ask me, those who are honest and don't let people get to them are the true strong ones. Just as long as what you do doesn't bring harm to yourself or others."

The advice was surprisingly deep for a living toy. While Lake appreciated it, she still didn't like The One's method of help. She didn't blame Khaki as he's a part of the arena and just doing his job. She was about to talk again when she heard a scream. Lake got up and looked through one of the windows and saw to her horror, Bruce bludgeoning Hayley's face and throat with a tic-tac-toe cube from the "force field puzzle." Jake, Grace, and Simon were with him too. A cannon went off as Bruce threw Hayley's body out of the play jungle, clearly making sure she was dead.

After noticing her number was 11, Lake saw Jake point in her direction. The four then started to make their way through to her. Seeing the danger, Lake picked up Khaki. "Where's the exit?"

"All the way down, left, then right, and the slide will lead you to a different arena section" he explained.

"I'm taking you with me. I highly doubt those tributes will spare you." Lake followed his directions and moved as fast as she could. Even with that, the voices were getting closer.

"Judgement Day's arrived Olsen! You can't run forever!"

The slide was in plain sight. Fear was clenching Lake's chest as she slid down. Even if she had to fight, she couldn't take all four on at once. Her backpack didn't have weapons to defend herself. As she exited the slide, she and Khaki found themselves in a forest filled with red, orange, and yellow leaves. It seemed empty except for one arena creation.

There was a deer just standing there. He ate a leaf and sat on the ground. Lake only stared at him but the sound of sick laughter getting louder made her run behind the animal.

"Why did I hide behind a deer?!" Lake got out, realizing this was a bad idea. The deer then turned invisible to her surprise and she noticed he was camouflaging her. She and Khaki stayed quiet as the tributes arrived.

"Finally got ya Olsen! See you in huh?" Bruce stopped as he found nothing. "What?! That slide was the only exit! She couldn't have gotten far already!"

"Maybe you were too slow" Jake snarked. That made Bruce tackle him and try to stab him with a knife.

"Don't you talk like that! I can snap your neck right now sh-"

Grace and Simon pulled them apart. "That's enough!" Grace shouted. "We're a team and team members don't turn against each other. It will make The One target us even more."

Simon walked close to where the deer was. Lake was really getting nervous. One look down and he could notice her hiding behind the animal. He knelt to the ground, "Her footprints stop here. Quite unusual. Must be an arena troll move from one of the Gamemakers."

"So let's burn this forest to the ground to drag her out!" Jake suggested.

"Not now" Simon got up. "We have to meet up with Maya. She might have found more food and water. Not to mention she's in charge of collecting sponsor gifts if they arrive for us."

Bruce sighed, "Fine. I am starving. Can't send that accident back to where she came from on an empty stomach."

Lake hugged Khaki close. She didn't know what to do now. She was all alone. As she peeked out from behind the deer, she saw something odd. Grace was behind the pack and head a bird chirping. She knelt down and picked up a baby bird.

"Huh. Are you a real animal? That tyrant has been known to capture wild animals to use in his arena." Grace looked up to see a nest. She climbed up and placed the baby bird back. "And no parents in sight? I know how that feels. Wait until you're strong enough to fly again. Okay?"

She then went after her comrades leaving Lake alone once more. The deer then made himself visible, shocking her. "Uh, thanks for the save" Lake got out. "Well, bye" she and Khaki left.

Walking through the forest, Lake took in the sight. It was beautiful, but who know what dangers were in these woods. Khaki then squirmed out of Lake's arms. "Khaki?"

"It might be better if we went our separate ways" the bunny said. "I don't want to slow you down. Thanks for saving me from getting unstuffed."

"A...Alright. Stay safe." Lake waved goodbye as Khaki hopped away. She continued on by herself when she heard a noise following her. Believing it to be those tributes, she grabbed a stick and turned around only to see it was the deer again. She stayed on guard as he got close. Was he a friend? Something to thin out the bad tributes? Her fears subsided as he licked her face affectionately.

Lake snickered at this, "Easy there. You like me?"

The deer let out a chuff and ate some leaves. Taking that as a yes, Lake sat down. "I can really use some company right now. I lost my ally and I can't find Jesse. I don't know if he's safe or not so I have to find him. That's not even getting into the lack of food, water, and weapons to defend myself. And with the rule that only one tribute will be spared, I don't know if I can say goodbye to-" she was cut off when the deer put his head in her lap. Lake could only pet him as she silently shed tears. She wasn't sad or afraid, just lost.

But at least she wasn't alone.

***a few hours ago***

Jesse and Theresa decided to explore the arena for more food. The further they traveled, the more tired the elder was getting. This worried Jesse. These terrains were unsuitable for her. Why would The One think having senior citizens compete was a good idea? Shouldn't there be an age limit on who can be taken?

The next section brought relief to them both. It was a field of tulips filled with many colors. There was also a path that led to much larger ones. As they walked down, a voice got their attention.

"Hello there."

Theresa looked up to see the flowers had faces. "Oh my. Living plants. Always a staple of these games."

The red tulip smiled, "We could use some help. Our children are scattered across the field. If you can find ten seeds and plant them, we will be most grateful."

"You can count on us" Jesse replied. He and Theresa searched through the flower fields and found two seeds already. They figured they could find the seed first then plant them. After finding three more seeds, Theresa took Jesse's hand.

"These fields are rather big. We won't be able to cover much ground together. I can search over here while you go over there" she pointed to a section not far from their current location.

Jesse was unsure, "I don't know. I don't want to leave you alone. It's dangerous."

The old woman smiled, "I appreciate your concerns. But I will be okay."

That made Jesse secure enough so he headed off. Once he was gone, Theresa sat down on the ground. Her muscles were getting weaker. She had to rest.

***

As Jesse scoured the fields, he found four seeds. He had to admit, this was the easiest challenge the Infinite Games ever had. There was no danger and the seeds were in plain sight. Which Gamemaker designed this?

Continuing forward, Jesse found that he was at the end of the area. Up ahead was a pile of sponsor gifts. Stunned at the sight, he began to investigate when he saw a familiar face. "Maya?"

The girl looked up to see him. "Jesse! We've been looking for you but you found us! This is great!"

Jesse frowned, "Great? You're teaming up with the most dangerous tributes! They want to kill Lake! I don't wanna join a group that's violent and shows why The One started these games!"

Maya came up to him and took his hands, "I joined out of necessity. Those teenage boys are willing to kill anyone. By forming an alliance with Grace and Simon, they'll keep us safe. They also despise that tyrannical sphere and are finding a way to stick it to him! We can bring an end to this slaughterfest together!"

The prospect sounded tempting to Jesse. He wanted these games to end too. His brother was going to be taken if he hadn't stepped in. But another thought crossed his mind. He saw how physical the District 2 tributes could be. If they managed to overthrow The One, they might be just as bad as he was. What if they forced Capitol residents to compete in the games as payback? He didn't want them to get hurt. He saw they mattered as much as district residents. Not to mention he wasn't going to let this group bring harm to Lake.

"No. I don't want to be a part of something that brings harm to others" Jesse let go of Maya's hands. "I'm not stooping to The One's level."

Both were silent after that. The sound of a cannon brought them back along with their numbers changing to 11. Maya sighed, "If you go alone, you know only one will leave alive. Grace and Simon say they can save the remaining tributes. But it seems you really don't have a spine to stand up for what's right."

She started to leave but turned back for a moment. "I won't say I saw you this time. But watch your back. I highly doubt you'll find that red head in time."

With a heavy heart, Jesse made his way back through the tulips. He figured Theresa found the last seed. When he found her again, he saw her on the ground. "Ms. Williams!" he ran up to her and tried to find a pulse. Was she the death that signaled the cannon? A soft breath proved him wrong.

"Oh thank goodness. You're alive."

Theresa barely had her eyes opened. "Not for much longer."

Jesse started to hyperventilate, "No, no. Is it poison? An injury? I can use the healing cre-" he was cut off when a hand touched his.

"None of that. It's just my time to pass. It has been slow but now it has finally come."

She deeply inhaled before continuing. "I was told I had a few weeks to live one month ago. I didn't believe it and didn't want to accept it. But when the train came, it was clear I was going to die. I thought about going straight to the Cornucopia's mouth to end it quickly but then I met you during training. You helped bring joy for these last few days and encouraged me to carry this cross to the end."

Jesse started crying, "But... I'll be alone. I don't know what to do next once you're gone."

Theresa placed the final seed she found in his hand. She then took off her bracelet and put it on his right wrist. "Right now we can keep talking. Tell me about your family. I already told you about mine."

Sniffling, Jesse composed himself to speak. "I have a mom, dad, and little brother. We love each other very much. Dad always made sure Nate and I were well prepared in the wilderness." He kept talking as Theresa closed her eyes and her breathing got slower. An hour passed before her breathing stopped and a cannon went off.

Jesse let his tears flow freely. He didn't look at his new number as he took a moment to cry. He only knew Theresa for a few days but it felt like he knew her for his entire life. Looking at the seeds, he dug holes in the ground and planted them around Theresa. Once the seeds were buried, they sprung up into white tulips. With the sound of a hover craft on the way, Jesse began to leave.

He was on his own now. With no clue on what to do next.

***District 11***

The crowds watched as the District 4 boy planted seeds around their other fallen tribute. As they became flowers, no one said a word. Theresa's friends silently cried and gave thanks.

One Flec turned to see another with a quivering lip. "Are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine. No tribute's...ever done something so...so..." he burst into tears as his comrade hugged him. The other Flecs were too sorrowful to make him pull it together. Not to mention this action was truly moving others.

It made the head Flec think. Can people help each other be better?

***

Jesse didn't know how long he had been walking for. By the time he looked up, he was in a jungle area. Anything he touched became bioluminescent. While beautiful, his heart was still heavy. He also hadn't eaten for hours and was starving. He was tempted to eat the mushrooms but didn't want to risk getting sick.

A rustling sound made him on alert. "Who's there?" he demanded.

A deer came out of the trees. He stopped in front of Jesse and ate some grass. Seeing the deer meant no harm, Jesse pet him. "Hey buddy. Are you all alone like me?" The deer looked up and nuzzled the boy's cheek. Jesse hugged him lightly, not wanting to hurt him.

"I don't know what to do. Violent tributes want to force me to join them, I lost my ally, and I don't have food or fresh water. All I have is a backpack, these gloves, healing cream, and dentist gum." He sniffled and let out a sob. "I don't know if I'll last much longer."

He was about to start crying again when he heard a familiar voice. "Deer? Where'd you go?"

When the person showed herself, Jesse's eyes lit up. "Lake! You're okay!" He ran up to hug her, startling her and making her blush.

"Glad to see you're alive too Jess" she said.

Letting her go, Jesse led her to the deer. "Is this your deer? Does he have a name?"

Lake nodded, "Yes, he's been following me and he saved me from the career pack. As for a name, he doesn't have one."

Jesse started thinking, "How about Dracula?"

"What?" Lake was dumbfounded.

"Yeah. The marks on his mouth look like fangs" he explained. "Oh, or how about Alan? That's a popular name! Wait" Jesse froze. "I know! Alan Dracula!"

The response he got from Lake was a flick to the forehead. "Ow!"

"You are a terrible namer" Lake snarked. "No one has a name like that!"

"Then Alan Dracula will be the first!" Jesse responded.

Lake was about to flick him again when The Fallen appeared in the sky. The people shown made Jesse and Lake silent.

Hayley Kaye, District 7, bludgeoned to death due to abandoning a teammate and crushing a child's imagination.

Theresa Williams, District 11, died a natural death of old age. A first for these games.

Noticing tears in Lake's eyes, Jesse took her hand. "Were you partners with Hayley?"

"Yes" Lake confirmed it. "The career pack found her and Bruce slammed her face until it was a bloody pulp. They chased after me but the deer saved me. Now I'm on my own."

Sitting down, Jesse fought to keep his head from falling on her shoulder. "I was partners with Theresa. We were looking for tulip seeds to complete a challenge when her illness caught up with her. She gave me her bracelet before passing on."

The two sat in silence for a few minutes. It was clear they needed a new alliance. Lake was the first to realize the answer. "How about...we become a team?"

Jesse faced her, "Us?"

Lake gave a small smile, "We have each other. I can hunt for food and you're a natural at these challenges from what I've seen during training. We can help one another along with, for lack of a better name, Alan Dracula."

Jesse's eyes lit up that she accepted the name. "I'm in."

The sound of sponsor gifts made the teens look up. There were crates coming their way, filling them with hope. Upon opening them, there were bottles of water, smoke bombs, fruits, bread, milk, a bow and arrows, a shield, and hot home style chicken noodle soup.

"Whoa! Look at all of this!" Lake dug into the apples while Jesse read the note present.

Thank you for what you did for our fallen tribute. We have you in our hearts. District 11

He smiled at this. Things were becoming a little better. He joined Lake in the soup to quell his hunger. Even with all of this, there was a pain in his gut. Only one tribute would be spared. If he was to make it back, he would have to say goodbye to Lake. He didn't want to. She had impacted him in a huge way. He...liked her. If only there was a way they could win together.

Lake was having similar thoughts. She didn't want Jesse to die. He was the ideal tribute to win. But she couldn't leave Tulip all alone. Not to mention something had been growing since training. Maybe if they worked together well enough, The One could bend the rules just this once.

***

The One watched over the Gamemakers and the camera screens. "Quite a day. Alliances are formed and broken. And some are still defying change." He looked to Ryan as he was still digging while Min and Lucy ate good berries.

"Give them time" Amelia watched on. "You said it yourself. Anything can happen in the games."

The One just looked to a woman with butterfly attire. "Morpho, is your creation out there?"

Morpho smiled, "Just sent it out hours ago. Only a matter of time before they're brought to justice!"

Amelia frowned at this. Morpho's creations tended to take out most of the tributes. One time, she sent kaiju monsters that wiped out many tributes just because they stood around for too long. She turned to see a woman munching on marshmallows while watching the news.

"What's going on Blanca?" she asked.

"It says the districts are filled with sorrow after watching Jesse give Theresa's body respect. Even the Flecs were in tears. So much that they put down their weapons and are becoming more reasonable with the residents" Blanca explained.

The news made Amelia quiet. "Quite interesting" she managed to say. "How widespread is this?"

"Most districts are like this" Blanca answered. "I don't know if the Capitol feels the same."

"They do see the actions but they are used to this" The One spoke up. "They see the good traits tributes have. It shows how these games do bring out the best and worst in tributes. They also know that the residents in districts learn so much by watching. Miss Amelia, I would like for you to watch over surveillance in the districts along with the games. There are some things the Capitol does not know about the districts. If any riots break out due to a tribute's death, be sure to let me know. My stewards will handle them."

"Of course" Amelia nodded and headed off. Rubbing her diamond engagement ring, she pulled out her thumb drive. Things were beginning to grow because of those two teenagers. She would have to keep an eye on them.

They may be important for what comes next.

***

It was nightfall as Ryan decided to take a break from digging. The hole was five feet deep and there was no sign of water or a way out. Min and Lucy watched on, eating sandwiches brought to them from sponsors. "Finally ready to give up?" Min shouted.

Ryan climbed out of the hole. "No. Just need a break. I'm getting close."

"Closer to passing out and not being able to get out of a very deep hole?" Min retorted.

This made Ryan shiver, "I don't need your commentary. I know what I'm doing." He grabbed a sandwich, "I need to be alone."

Lucy watched him walk off. "I think your comments are hurting Ryan" she said.

"He needs to know this isn't going to work" Min responded. "A half-baked plan is only gonna get him killed." He shivered, "I'm going to sleep."

Unbeknownst to the two, more shadow hands grew along their bodies. Lucy started feeling cold too.

"Brr. I have to...to...send a thank you note to Kez and Fiyero for sending us these gifts!" she said.

The shadow hands stopped growing on Lucy and receded. It seemed the monster was only going to get two victims in this game. But first, the friction needed to grow for more strength.

Chapter Text

Jesse had a better night's sleep than the previous night. It helped that Alan Dracula turned into pillows and the area they were in didn't change for hours. For a moment, he thought everything that happened was a nightmare only to realize he was still in the arena with the green glow of the number 10 on his hand. He didn't want to get up as he felt comfortable lying against something soft. Then he felt something run through his hair.

"Ah!" He jumped up in alarm and touched his head to see if anything was crawling around but found nothing. His eyes fell on Lake who had a startled expression and a hand out. With the red in her cheeks, it didn't take Jesse long to realize what was actually happening.

"Uh...sorry" Lake looked away.

Jesse sat next to her, "It's okay. I was just startled."

The two sat in silence, not looking at each other. It was clear they were feeling something grow between them but were too scared to talk about it. They only knew each other for about seven days. Not to mention only one tribute would be spared. Still, they couldn't avoid it. The Gamemakers would likely create a challenge where they have to share their real feelings or die.

"Listen...Lake, about what I said at the interviews..." Jesse started. "It wasn't a tactic to win sponsors. I really do feel close to you. I don't know how since there's more I don't know about you but...I just do. I understand if you don't feel the same way just...know I do care about you and-"

Lake took his hand, "I'm just stunned that someone accepted who I was and likes my personality. The boys back in my district only saw what they wanted to see. They never tried getting to know me and Tulip. It must be different in your district."

"Not that different" Jesse said. "People are pressured to find love as early as fifteen to prepare them for marriage. They believed The One wouldn't select married couples as they would help each other be the best versions of themselves. It...didn't really work. Even so, parents wanted their daughters to find security in case both of them were taken. Maya's parents actually wanted her to marry me as they saw how responsible, obedient, and faithful I was. They also noticed how no one in my family ever got taken so they might have wanted to mooch off of that."

"Yeesh. Did you want to marry her?" Lake asked.

Jesse put a hand behind his head. "Not really. We did like each other and got along fine. But her interests were way different than mine. She would complain how I didn't have enough confidence or a spine to stand up for myself. She also found my little brother Nate annoying and asked how I could stand him."

That made Lake's blood boil. Jesse had told her about his family and how much he loved them. His stories about Nate made her smile and reminded her of the good times with Tulip. She kept listening as Jesse finished up.

"Despite this, I didn't want to let her family down. Maya lost her father to the 31st games so her mother is pressuring the two of us to fall in love faster. My parents weren't fond of the idea and would ask me if I really wanted this. I don't have romantic feelings for Maya but if it means she'll be safe, then I have to go through it."

Lake leaned back against Alan Dracula. "Well, that plan's gone up in smoke since you're both here. Guess The One saw through it and decided to take you both to punish your families for not letting you guys choose who you want to be with."

A pit formed in Jesse's stomach at that. The memory of Nate almost boarding the train appeared in his mind. Noticing the concern on Lake's face, he changed the subject. "So what's the plan now?"

"There's nine other tributes around here and four want me dead. Five if you count Maya. I'm not sure about Min-Gi, Ryan, Lucy, and Hazel but best to stay on guard" Lake recapped. "If we want to stay alive long enough for The One to decide that maybe sparing two tributes could work if they prove they can help each other, we have to make things harder for the career pack."

"Meaning?"

"Did you happen to come across where the careers mainly camp out?" she asked.

Jesse remembered the stack of sponsor gifts. "Yes. I found it near the area with the large tulips. I don't know if that section still looks like that but I know the way. There's an entire pile of food and supplies."

Lake got up, offering a hand to Jesse. "I wouldn't be surprised that they're relying on sponsor gifts to survive. Staying in one spot and only going out to kill tributes. If we can get rid of the gifts, they'll be forced to face arena challenges and creations while looking for food. It seems dirty but they have to face their flaws like we've been doing."

It seemed like a good idea. While Jesse didn't get a good look at the pile, he did see what looked like buried mines surrounding it. If they all detonated, it would destroy the gifts. "Seems like a good start but how are we gonna lure them away long enough?"

The two noticed Alan Dracula returned to his deer form and used laser eyes to take down a leafy branch. Gears turned in Lake's head. "I might have an idea."

***

Lucy started getting a feeling that something was off with Min and Ryan. They were arguing more, splitting up more often, and constantly felt cold. She tried to talk with them but they brushed her off. Ryan was still digging for a way out while Min just looked on, shaking his head.

"Do you need me to do anything?" she asked.

"If you can convince Ryan this is a lost cause go ahead!" Min replied.

A clod of dirt was flown up at him. "I don't need your smart-aleck responses!"

With how hostile they were, Lucy decided to give them some space. She headed off to find more food when she heard a voice.

"You're hungry? I don't think my sponsor food is good for badgers."

Lucy followed the voice and peeked through a bush to see the female District 10 tribute surrounded by woodland creatures. Some birds chirped to her and it seemed she understood them.

"You know where I can find fruit?" She got up and followed them. This made a light bulb go off in Lucy's head. She could follow the girl and find more food that way. Being sure to keep a distance, she trailed behind her.

***

"Okay so, Alan Dracula will use his laser eyes to set off fires. It will make the career pack think a tribute is close by and go investigate" Lake finished setting up a brush pile. "I don't know if Alan understands the plan but he will provide a good distraction."

Jesse petted the deer as worry formed inside him. "I just hope he won't get hurt. I saw past games and how tributes would mutilate arena creations."

"He will be okay" Lake reassured him. "During our time together I saw how many powers he had. He can turn invisible, into frightening hybrids, and can run really fast. I have faith in Alan Dracula."

The deer licked her face and headed to the first brush pile. The teens then made their way through Amazonian-esque jungle and found the sponsor gift pile along with the career pack. All five were sitting around, sharpening weapons and talking. Lake could clearly see the mines surrounding the gifts. She had brought her bow and arrows while Jesse brought his shield. They had a way to set off the mines. All that was left was...

"Guys! Look!" Simon pointed to a cloud of smoke in the distance.

"Guess the victim's too dumb to live!" Bruce added.

The group headed off but Jake stayed behind. "Stay here Jake" Grace ordered. "Keep watch. We'll be right back."

Lake sighed. Of course one would stay back to guard the camp. "What now?" Jesse whispered.

She tried to think but the sound of birds made it hard. Looking to where it was coming from, she saw Jake being attacked by them.

"Shoo! Get lost!" He tried waving his arms but more appeared. Lake then heard footsteps and turned to see a little girl running to the pile.

"Is that Hazel?" she questioned.

Jesse nodded, "It is." The two watched her take a bag of fruits and berries and run back to the woods. The birds followed allowing Jake to see. "Hey! Get back here you little brat!" He ran off, taking some javelins and leaving the pile unguarded.

"Huh. Looks like the problem solved itself." Lake got her bow and arrows out and looked for a way to detonate all the mines at once. She noticed a bag of apples that looked like it would fall apart if sliced open. "Make sure the kid doesn't surprise us" she told Jesse.

While Lake did have experiences with archery, she wasn't always accurate. The arrow manages to hit close enough to get animals to sell or eat. She slowly moved out from her cover to get a better aim. Pulling the arrow back, she breathed deeply and took aim before firing. The arrow grazed against the bag, almost opening it.

"Do you need help? I'm good with accuracy" Jesse offered.

Lake wanted to say no but they didn't have a lot of time. There were only five brush piles made and it was likely the careers were at the fourth one. So she nodded and Jesse got behind her. Getting another arrow ready, the two got very close. Making eye contact for a moment, Jesse and Lake blushed deeply. They refocused on the target.

"Ready...aim..." Jesse positioned the arrow at the handing thread, placing his hand on Lake's. She let go and the arrow sliced through the bag. As the apples tumbled down, Jesse and Lake ran for cover, their ears covered. No doubt the explosion would be...

BOOM!

The supplies went sky high as the mines exploded. Chunks of dirt flew everywhere. The debris fell on the campsite, ruining everything. When the smoke settled, the area was completely destroyed. Lake could hear a swear so that meant the careers were coming back.

"We gotta go!" She grabbed Jesse's hand and ran back through the woods. As the two ran, they hoped Alan Dracula was alright.

***

Grace and Simon could only stare. All the sponsor gifts they received. Gone. Bruce was swearing up a storm while Maya kept her distance.

"What happened?" Grace managed to say.

"It must be that little tyrant!" Simon growled. "He thinks by destroying our rightfully earned gifts, we have no choice but to walk around and actually do his challenges! He's willing to play dirty."

Maya spotted an arrow and picked it up. "I don't think it was The One's doing."

Seeing the arrow, the group realized this was a tribute's doing. "It was Olsen!" Bruce proclaimed. "If I get my hands on Jake I'll flay him alive and disembowel him for not keeping watch! When I find that accident myself, before I kill it I'll-"

"Calm down!" Simon grabbed his arm. "That behavior is gonna put us on the Gamemaker's radar even more! We have to be smart about this."

As Bruce took his frustration out on a tree, Grace and Simon went off to talk. After hearing a high scream from far away, Simon spoke. "That teen's becoming more trouble and keeping us from showing One that we can help each other. We have to get rid of him."

Grace nodded, "Yeah, he's too dangerous. We just have to find an opportunity to make it look like an accident. But first, I'm going to look for Jake. Maybe he knows which tribute did this."

Simon's hand quickly wrapped around hers. "It's too dangerous. The second we split up, the Gamemakers will send a monster to take you out. I'm sure Jake can find his way back. He's a strong kid."

"I can handle myself" Grace pulled her hand out of his. "You don't have to rely on me for everything."

She gave Simon a quick kiss on the lips before heading off. As she made her way through, she pulled out a sword in case any arena monsters found her. Grace then heard two screams. One was Jake's and the other was more child-like. Hearing snake hisses, Grace ran in that direction. If those screams were what she thought they were...

***a few minutes ago***

Every muscle ached in Ryan's body. He had been digging for hours and there was no sign of a way out. The hole was so deep he felt that he could be buried alive. But he wasn't going to let Min know. He'll just rub it in his face that he was right.

I won't let that happen. I'm not going to be a slave to society like him he thought.

His shovel then hit something. Using what strength he had left, Ryan loosened the dirt and water gushed out. It felt nice at first but then it was filling up too fast. More dirt crumbled as water was covering everything. Ryan could barely see and since he couldn't swim, he started to panic.

"Help! I can't swim!" he yelled. He tried to stay afloat but the force of the water kept him from getting enough air. Even though he was ascending, it wouldn't be long before he was submerged before reaching the top.

An arm was then held out. Ryan grabbed onto it with both hands. "I got ya!" he heard a familiar voice. It was Min. Pulling and grunting, he managed to get Ryan out. The hold had been expanded into a new oasis. The chameleons then came back.

"Wow! We didn't think anyone would stick around and actually do it!" the leader exclaimed. "Thanks for your help."

As the men walked off it seemed things were alright. Only for it to be horribly wrong.

"I tried to warn you" Min said. "But you didn't listen and you almost drowned because of it."

The comment made Ryan snap. He shoved Min to the ground, "Are you kidding me?! I almost died and you're not even caring!"

Min got up and glared at him, "You almost died because of your impulsive decisions! You never think things through! Even when you show some awareness, you can't learn the most basic lessons to save your life!"

More shadowy arms wrapped around the two. "Well you know what really helps people stay alive?" Ryan clenched his fists. "Having someone needle you and be condescending over EVERY...SINGLE...LITTLE...THING!"

"At least it keeps a person alive!" Min shouted. "Not listening to the head and barely cheating death is not going to get us far!"

The shadow behind the men started emerging from the ground. It was a monster made entirely of the arms and hands of past tributes from previous Infinite Games. It relished in human vice as it fed off its victims. Not being spotted, it closed in to finish them off.

"You honestly think blindly following society is even better?! No wonder The One chose you to compete!" Ryan yelled.

"I can't keep risking my life for you JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN'T LOOK AFTER YOURSELF!" Min grabbed Ryan's collar when a loud scream brought them back.

Listening to the screams, it was feminine and sounded young. Min and Ryan's eyes widened when they realized who the screams belonged to. "LUCY!"

They ran to where the screams were coming from. Not wanting to lose its targets, the monster lurked after them. Min and Ryan ran as fast as they could, entering a normal jungle area. They could see a clearing as the screaming became more clear.

"HELP! SOMEBODY!" Lucy cried. She was caught under a net and was struggling to get out. Ryan was about to get her out when the bushes up ahead rustled. Two teenagers ran out making Ryan nervous. One had a bow and arrow and the other had a shield. Min and Ryan were on edge, thinking they were the ones who set up that trap. But their fears subsided when the girl pulled out a throwing knife and cut the ropes.

"It's okay. You're safe. We're not going to hurt you" the girl reassured Lucy. Once the ropes were sliced, Lucy got up and hugged the girl.

Seeing the teenagers meant no harm, Min slowly showed himself. "Uh...thank you for helping our teammate."

With a more clear look, he realized these two were Lake Olsen from District 3 and Jesse Cosay from District 4. He didn't interact with them during training but saw how civil and friendly they were to each other. He didn't know if it applied to the other tributes though.

Lake eyed Min suspiciously, "You're not going to hurt us?"

"No, no" he held up his hands. "Ryan and I heard Lucy and we saw you help her." Ryan then showed himself, making his way slowly.

"What was she even doing all alone?" Jesse asked.

Min and Ryan felt guilt in their stomachs. Lucy must have wandered off while they were bickering. They didn't even know why they were arguing in the first place. Sure they disagreed on some things but they were still reasonable. Lucy saw it in their eyes and decided to talk.

"I was looking for more food when I overheard another tribute finding out there was a place with some food. I followed her but she was very fast and nimble. I couldn't see clearly and I ran into a trap." She faced Min and Ryan, "I didn't want you to worry. I thought I would be quick. If I found food it would make you less angry. But... I don't know if it was just you."

Jesse looked up and his eyes widened at what he saw. There was a hand abomination making its way towards them. "Uh...guys?"

Ryan knelt to Lucy's level, "We're sorry. We didn't mean to make you feel that you had to do something to help."

Lake saw the worry in Jesse's eyes and turned to see what he was staring at. She wanted to get another arrow ready but these men could think she was planning to kill them. "Guys, behind-"

"In a minute" Min cut her off. He then spotted a deer coming up behind Jesse and Lake. The deer's eyes were glowing purple making him scared. Ryan noticed it as well and saw what he was about to do.

"GET DOWN!" The men tackled Lucy, Jesse, and Lake as the deer fired his laser eyes. It flew over them and hit the hand monster, making it explode into a gooey mess.

Feeling the slime, Min and Ryan saw what the lasers hit. Their eyes wide, they saw arms and hands all over, covered in a black substance. "Alan Dracula saved you from that thing" they heard Jesse say. They turned to see him and Lake petting the deer.

"Wait...that thing was following me and Ryan?" Min asked. He then remembered feeling shadowy arms wrap around him. "Was that what was making us violent with each other?"

Ryan started putting the pieces together too. "I...I think it was. The colder I felt, the angrier I got. I could also feel hands lightly touching me. Why would the Gamemakers send a creation like that out?!"

"Maybe to thin out tributes faster" Lake suggested.

The sound of a fleshy impact made them freeze. Turning around they saw, to their horror, a javelin impaled in Lucy's stomach. She didn't say anything. She touched it and stared at her own blood. As she started to fall, Ryan ran behind her. "No...No! Not her!"

Jesse rummaged in his backpack and pulled out something. "I have healing cream" he put some on the wound after Lake pulled out the javelin but it wasn't enough to heal Lucy. Min made his way to Lucy's side and held her hand.

"It's okay. We're here. You're going to be okay." Tears were forming in his and Ryan's eyes. They didn't want this to happen. They hoped it wouldn't happen. Yet...here they were.

"Th-Thank you for helping me" Lucy got out. "Please...stay together" her breathing was slowing down.

Lake felt anger and rage inside of her. She had no doubt The One sent out that arm monster to separate tributes and show people not matter how hard they try, they will never escape sin. All while claiming these games are helpful. Lucy didn't do anything to deserve this. The Gamemakers deliberately drove a wedge between Min and Ryan, keeping them from looking after a teammate. As she watched Min and Ryan hold Lucy as her eye closed and a cannon went off, she gripped her throwing knife and slashed anything in sight. Screaming profanity, she let her rage take over as she let all her sufferings out.

Jesse watched on. He couldn't blame her for acting like this. So many innocent lives were taken in the arena just because they were seen as unworthy of life. One petty mistake made The One think you were beyond saving. However, there was one mystery on his mind.

Who threw that javelin?

***

Hazel knew her actions wouldn't go unnoticed. The birds distracted Jake long enough to give her a head start but he was much older and faster than her. It didn't take long for him to spot her.

"Ah, The One's favorite!" he smugly said. "Guess he's gonna have to find a new tribute to spare!"

He started throwing things at her making Hazel duck. She saw they were long spears, making her run faster. Luckily, Jake was a terrible shot so they flew past her. A cannon did go off a minute later so one might have hit someone else.

Not watching where she was going, Hazel tripped and fell down a grassy hill. Her body aching, she tried to get up but heard a humorless laugh.

Jake sneered at her, "You think that just because you're a kid things will be easy. I've noticed that little ball favors children despite saying he thinks one tribute of any age can be spared. By killing you, he'll have to be honest and see that anyone can be redeemed."

Hazel started crying but all it did was make Jake smile. "Say hi to your family for me." He readied his javelin but the sound of hissing made him stop. He turned around and found himself face to face with a large golden winged snake. He didn't have time to react as it chomped on his legs making him scream loudly.

The snake flung Jake around before chomping his lower body off. Hazel couldn't look away as she was too scared. A cannon fired as the snake ate the other half of Jake, chewing his bones and intestines. It then eyed Hazel, moving closer to her.

"I don't want to die!" Hazel hugged herself. "I want Tuba!"

There was a loud slash and the snake stopped slithering. It lay motionless on the ground. Looking up, Hazel saw Grace holding a sword and looking at the child with empathy.

"Are you okay?" she softly asked.

Hazel didn't know what to think. Was this an act to win sponsors? She didn't ponder on that for long as she burst into tears. She felt two arms wrap around her slowly, allowing her to lean close. Act or not she needed this.

Grace held the child gently and felt some tears coming. This must be what made Jake leave his post. That snake was going to devour Hazel just for taking food to stay alive. It made her hate that tyrant even more. Sending arena nulls to kill tributes for trivial reasons, not bothering to know them.

After a few minutes, Hazel's crying slowed down. Before Grace could talk a voice cut her off. "Grace!"

The sound made Hazel bolt off. "Hazel wait!" Grace cried out but she was already gone. Simon then arrived from the woods.

"Oh thank goodness!" he embraced her. "I heard two cannons go off and I thought..." He wiped his eyes to hide tears, "Where's Jake?"

Grace found a javelin on the ground. Remembering Jake's screams she put two and two together. "I...was too late."

Simon clenched his fists. "He will pay for this." The two started to head back hand in hand but a lot was going through Grace's mind. Would she find Hazel again? Can she find her in time? And lastly, who was the other tribute who made a cannon fire? She could also swear that Simon was becoming a little more clingy as he tightened his grip on her hand.

***

Picking enough colorful wild flowers, Ryan made his way back to where Lucy laid. It was at a beach section as the sun began to set. Min, Lake, and Jesse collected sea shells to surround her body. The latter two might not have known her but they knew how much she meant to Min and Ryan.

Ryan placed the flowers on Lucy's chest, covering the hole in her body. The mood was so heartbreaking, Alan Dracula didn't attempt to eat the flowers like any other plant he munched on. After a moment of silence, a hover craft arrived for Lucy. Ryan didn't want to leave so Min had to pull him along.

Once the hover craft collected her and flew off, Ryan broke down. "This is all my fault! I promised to protect her and I failed! If I had focused on her and not let my desire to escape take over, she would still be here! What am I going to tell her parents?!"

Min hugged him close, crying as well. "It wasn't all you. I promised to help you guys but I was so self-righteous I didn't see it wasn't helping! I just didn't want to lose you."

"You didn't?" Ryan looked up.

"You two encouraged me to be myself" Min explained. "I was too scared to share my talents and do what I wanted. I didn't want to disappoint people who counted on me. I wanted to return the favor by helping you."

Sniffling, Ryan wiped off some tears. "I...never knew we had such an impact. I rush through so many things, I rarely think about the consequences." He felt another wave of tears coming. "Guess it wasn't just that monster that made us lash out."

Jesse and Lake watched on, silently crying. If this how Lucy's goodbye was, how were either of them going to react if one of them died? They might have gained two more allies but with the numbers now 8, their time will be short.

"Lake?" Jesse got her attention.

"Yeah?"

He laid his head on her shoulder. "If I'm dying, please don't leave me."

She hugged him close, slowly petting his hair. "I promise." As the night sky filled with stars, Lake closed her eyes.

I don't want to say goodbye. Isn't there another way out?

Chapter Text

Amelia was well aware of outbursts happening in districts when a tribute died. Often times a young child who meant no harm yet was killed due to a trivial action. These riots were quickly dealt with by the Flecs or a steward.

This however, was much different than before.

Like past games, a child tribute was killed. It was the one from District 8. Her death wasn't from an action she did, it was due to someone else chasing another tribute and missing the intended target. Not to mention the death was the cause of a series of events set up by the Gamemakers. Having a creation create friction between a close-knit team in an attempt to "test" how strong their bond really was. It nearly got all three devoured! And they were doing fine before!

Once the girl died, the riots started. To Amelia's shock, a Flec was the one who started it. He destroyed the steward watching over District 8 which led to people attacking Flecs who tried to get things back in order. The head Flec put a stop to it, threatening to bomb the district if the residents didn't recede. He then rounded up the Flecs who stood against The One. When he was demanded to explain why he did so, the Flec shouted:

"Lucy didn't do anything wrong! The One deliberately drove that team apart to keep his lies going! He says the arena displays the worst of mankind but it's a self-fulfilling prophecy! He only makes things worse!"

Not long after that, the Flec and any Flecs who sided with him were decapitated in front of the entire district. What made things even more terrifying was this wasn't the only district that was rioting. Districts 3, 4, 9, and 10 were also fighting stewards. Some Flecs actually joined them too. Amelia could only watch the screens as countless lives were lost. People were demanding the games to end and yelled how some tributes were being unfairly targeted. As the recordings ended, Amelia pulled out the thumb drive with the content on it. She started heading off to The One to discuss the matter when a bulky man wearing white crystals ran in.

"Griege? Are you okay?" Amelia asked.

"You need to see this" he grabbed her hand and ran to the Gamemaker room. Inside Fiyero was tackling Morpho and other Gamemakers were arguing with each other.

Amelia slowly made her way forward, "What is going on?"

Fiyero glared at Morpho. "This monster was responsible for Lucy's death! If she hadn't sent out the Docent, she wouldn't have gone off on her own leading to her getting captured, rescued, and impaled by a javelin!"

Morpho simply rolled her eyes, "It serves her right for wandering off. Children should always stick with a trusted adult. She passed the test with managing her anger against my creation. But she had to ruin it by attempting to help two men who were beyond saving."

"YOU MADE THEM ACT LIKE THAT!" Fiyero shouted. "THAT'S NOT EVEN GETTING INTO HAVING A SNAKE NEARLY EAT A LITTLE GIRL JUST FOR TAKING FOOD TO HELP SOMEONE!"

A green haired woman in a yellow parka stood up. "He's right! Hazel was trying to survive and help a hungry animal. The creatures can't digest most human food!"

"But she still stole!" a man named Marcel added. "Stealing is always wrong! No excuse can make up for that!"

"Maybe she would have never been forced to steal if she WAS NEVER SELECTED TO BE A TRIBUTE IN THE FIRST PLACE!" another Gamemaker named Kevin yelled. "She lost her entire family! Why out of everyone in District 10 do we keep picking Hazel's family?!"

There was more arguing, fighting, and profanity spewing before lasers went off. Everyone froze in silence as Stewards arrived, The One being in the original. The tentacle abominations surrounded the Gamemakers as Amelia made her way to The One. She shivered as The One addressed the room.

"I'm not surprised some of you have become attached to tributes. You have gotten to know them and learned much about them. But there is a time you must say goodbye. Lashing out is not how to grieve." He faced Fiyero, "Morpho was just doing her job, delivering punishments to those who keep falling into sin. Min and Ryan were planning to escape, it showed they are beyond saving."

Morpho gave a smug smile as The One made four beeping sounds. The Stewards grabbed Fiyero, Kevin, and the green-haired woman. "It seems you three are no longer fit to run the arena. The behavior of districts can become contagious, infecting the Capitol with vice. Now you must pay for your sins."

He dragged them off with Amelia following. As the other Stewards left, The One looked at his protégé, "I take it you collected the recordings from the districts?"

"I have" Amelia pulled out her thumb drive. "All the riots are on this device. They have been placated."

"Excellent. Make sure they are suitable to show the Capitol residents for when the games are over. Once I have free time, we shall discuss how to handle the tributes who made the riots possible."

He headed off with his victims squirming and crying. Now alone, Amelia headed back to her office. So much had been going on in the Capitol since the games started. Residents weren't as excited as previous games, Gamemakers had been wanting to send sponsor gifts even though they couldn't, and now there was conflict in the city where The One believed the best people lived. Not to mention Mace had been missing since he was relieved of his position of watching Lake.

Come to think of it, she and the District 4 boy had been the cause of a lot of changes. Their actions were making districts and Capitol residents see that The One's idea of "helping" was very flawed. It was clear they were not typical tributes. As she held the thumb drive in her hand, Amelia wondered if Lake could be...

"OOF!"

Bumping into someone, Amelia noticed Samantha on the ground. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."

Samantha accepted a hand, "No my dear. I wasn't watching where I was going. Just...handling what happened in the arena."

As she softly sobbed, Amelia walked off. She was never good with comforting others. Didn't want to risk saying the wrong thing.

Samantha looked to the ground to see a thumb drive. Picking it up, she wondered what it could have. She wasn't good with computers but she had gotten to know someone who was. She headed to the District 3 penthouse while hiding the object.

As for the head Gamemaker, a small smile briefly formed before becoming neutral.

***

Things had changed since the games started. The families of tributes first watched the games from their respective penthouses. Now, all of them were in a theater filled with beanbag chairs and pillows. It was so the escorts could have a closer eye on them. This made what happened to Lucy and Jake even harder.

"Your son killed our daughter!" Mrs. Molina yelled at Jake's parents.

"He didn't know his javelin hit someone!" Mr. Ritter retorted. "If anything, Ryan's to blame for not keeping an eye on her!"

That made Ryan's family furious. "It wasn't his fault!" Lena Akagi shouted. "An arena creation was making him and Min-Gi turn against each other! He even realized his mistake and is showing remorse!"

The three families kept arguing, making the Olsens, Cosays, and other families pull them apart. Nigel then came in and placed a hand on Mr. and Mrs. Molina's shoulders. He held the mother in for a side hug as the three walked off to say goodbye to their daughter. The District 12 escort did the same for Jake's family.

Tulip looked over to see Kez crying. She sat next to her, "I'm really sorry about your tribute. You must have been close."

"We were. Those three corpses stood up for me" Kez explained. "Not many people gave me a chance due to how flighty I am. I appreciate what your sister and that boy did for them. Guess choosing Lake to be a tribute helped her in a way."

Quiet, Tulip just stared off. When not being forced to act a certain way or being treated like a demon, Lake was civil and friendly. Yes her anger issues brought more problems than necessary but there were better ways to deal with it. If anything, Lake handled reality better than Tulip did. She preferred ignoring her problems and hoping if she was better, things would be different. Just as she heard a train whistle in her head, the door opened as Samantha walked in.

"Excuse me, Miss Olsen? I have something strange that needs to be seen."

Confused, she got up and followed the catlike woman, leaving her dad alone. He decided to sit with the Cosays as they were the more calm of the bunch. The parents and their younger son had been talking with Jeremy, a past victor of the games. "Can I join in?" Andy asked.

Mr. Cosay moved over, allowing him to sit. They watched Jesse and Lake share their sponsor gifts with Min and Ryan. They looked a little better than before but their faces were still somber.

"I'm really nervous for what will happen next" Mrs. Cosay watched on. "I want Jesse to come back but the tributes he's bonded with are also good people."

"That's how it is with these games" Jeremy added. "No matter how much tributes prove themselves, The One refuses to believe more than one tribute can rise above flaws. I'm still baffled why your older son was chosen. Sure he has some issues but he's overall a good person."

He felt a tug on his sleeve making him face the little boy. "Yes Nate?"

"There's...something I have to tell you." Nate watched as the other families left to get snacks. Feeling scared, he talked with the adults making their eyes wide open.

"WHAT?!"

***

Tulip didn't expect to be taken to Samantha's office and be seated at a laptop. A thumb drive was lodged in, making a folder appear on the home page. She clicked on it and footage of rioting districts were seen. Her eyes widened as she saw the gore being displayed. "What? I never knew other districts acted like this."

"The footage was altered before being displayed" Samantha explained. "The One makes sure the actions of districts reflect his ideals and removes anything that claims his methods are not helpful. So he edits and cuts out content to replace the real evidence once the games are over. It makes Capitol residents believe that the districts are learning from the games. As years go by however, some are questioning the truth. It came to a head in the 30th games."

The mention of that one made Tulip shudder. Both final tributes were good people yet The One kept claiming only one can rise above the rest. They kept passing arena challenges and looked after one another. This led to Ghoms being released to make the choice easier. District 3 was in an uproar when their other tribute died but they were quickly silenced with the threat of their district being bombed. The wrap up of the games then showed each of the districts as The One's voice was heard over it. Footage of people standing around and watching was shown. Aside from looking down and crying, it was rather static.

Throughout the games, the districts have seen what their flaws have cost them. They watch on in silence, regretting their bad choices. They have learned so much from those who lost their lives. Now they can take those learnings to heart. However, it will not be long before some will relapse. But that, is for next year.

Samantha's voice brought Tulip back. "I highly doubt the Capitol residents will believe the districts acted like that during the games. It is possible Amelia was sent to alter the footage but she accidentally dropped this thumb drive. Her loss is our gain."

"You want...me to show the truth throughout the Capitol?" Tulip asked. "I don't know. Won't The One catch this from security?"

"The cameras can be hacked to keep him from seeing. I could use the privacy from time to time. Between you and me, I'm not one for needless violence. Not to mention...your sister could be saved."

These words made Tulip think. She hated the games for taking her mother away. Now her sister was forced to fight to stay alive. She was part of why this was happening. But...could she trust this Capitol resident? Samantha looked like someone who was loyal to The One. She sighed, this was pretty much her best option for actual change.

"Okay. I'll help you. Should I display the footage across the Capitol now?"

"Not yet Perennial Angel" Samantha said. "With what has been going on, it is best to wait until things are under control. If this was sent out now, The One will be on high alert and search for who was responsible. It may also put the remaining tributes in mortal danger. We need to create an advantage and that includes removing the most reliable security."

While unsure, Tulip nodded. She got to work on hacking the Capitol's defenses, cameras, and Stewards. It wasn't even that difficult. Hacking wasn't much different than coding. Once she got access to everything, a knock was heard on the door.

Without warning, Samantha shoved Tulip in her closet. "Sorry but it's to keep you safe!"

The teen stayed silent as Samantha opened the door. Peeking through a crack she saw it was Amelia. "There it is!" she heard her say. "I was so worried about what happened to it."

"Desolé" Samantha apologized. "I figured I could fix up the security and handle your task to give you more to do. But it's clear this work belongs to the professionals."

Amelia pulled out the thumb drive and turned the computer off. "Next time, just look for me when I lose something. The One isn't as forgiving as I am."

Once she was gone, Samantha let Tulip out. "I deeply apologize. It seems even walls have ears. At least you were not caught."

"I knew this couldn't last long" Tulip hugged herself. "The One has eyes everywhere." She was led back to the viewing room while she felt bile in her mouth. No matter how clever a rebel was, The One was always one jump ahead.

Still, it was peculiar for Amelia to show up after Tulip gained control over everything.

***

"Sorry it took so long to meet with you" Amelia arrived at The One's garden. "I had something important to deal with."

"Preparing footage always takes time" The One plucked a rose from a bush. "Now, any ideas to quell doubters and ensuring those four tributes cause no more problems?"

Sitting next to him, Amelia nodded. "I do but...it is far different from previous solutions."

(one idea later)

The One was completely still, "Are you sure that will be beneficial?"

"I have seen its impact on tributes and residents in the Capitol" Amelia pointed out. "It can even be used for future games to ensure riots never happen again."

There was a moment of silence. Finally, The One made his Steward get up. "Very well. Some adjustments will be made to keep it under control but I see potential in it."

As he left, Amelia pulled out her thumb drive again. Glancing at her diamond ring, she felt a wave of energy. Out of all the child deaths, this was the one to do it.

Not much longer until things truly change for good.

Chapter Text

Due to the jungle section changing into something more dangerous, Lake, Jesse, Alan Dracula, Min-Gi, and Ryan had to travel to a safer location. The food District 11 sent was almost gone with only a few peaches, two loaves of bread, and a block of cheese left. The smoke bombs hadn't been used yet and Lake still had some arrows. While traversing, the four bonded some more through stories of their districts and singing quietly enough to not alert more danger.

"I can see why that song is one of your favorites" Lake told Ryan.

"It's always been a classic" he said. "Not letting someone who hurt you keep you down."

The obstacles the group faced ranged from getting a strike in an ice bowling alley to solving a baby puzzle. Now they were walking through a cave. All the while, they tried not to address the elephant in the room. One tribute and only one would be spared. With how ghoms would be released if the tributes were at a stalemate, it was clear they had to say goodbye soon. What would even happen once the games were over? Whoever made it out alive would have to follow very strict rules from The One to ensure the districts wouldn't rise up.

Min noticed the somber look on Jesse and Lake's faces. "Hey. This is tough for all of us. We all lost someone we allied with and all we have now are each other. I don't know what will happen next but we'll have each other's backs."

Lake could only give a small smile. If she was honest with herself, she wasn't going to make it out of the arena. Even if she won, the Flecs would keep an even closer eye on her due to her victor status and rebellious nature. Her family would also be monitored and used as leverage to keep her in line. She subconsciously took Jesse's hand while thinking.

"I can tell you're not fine" she heard him say.

Looking at Jesse, Lake sighed. "Yeah. I don't want to leave Tulip all alone but I'm scared on what will happen if I live. Not to mention you guys have families who love you and you three are good people. No matter what path I take someone I care about will suffer." Hearing a train whistle in her head, tears slipped out of her eyes.

Alan Dracula turned into a lizard and crawled up her shoulder to lick her tears. "Thanks Alan" Lake let out a laugh at the contact.

Jesse shifted his fingers to interlock with her's. "I'm scared too. I want to see my family again but I don't want you, Min, or Ryan to die. I like you guys. We all might have issues but we've been working through them together. And it's seemed to bring more improvement than any game has."

The two then stopped at a huge boulder blocking the exit. Ryan was pushing it will all his might and to their shock, he got it to budge. Using his strength, Ryan pushed the rock down a slope revealing a rock concert with actual rocks in the audience.

"Wow. You're stronger than you look" Min stared off. "Does playing guitar give you bigger muscles?"

Ryan shrugged as the four made their way through the crowd. The band had just finished playing allowing an announcer to step up to the microphone. "Alright! What a show! Up next we're gonna choose someone from the audience to play for us. Whoever gets caught in the spotlight will be our next act!"

The spotlight turned on and shined on the audience, resting on the four tributes and their deer as they got close to the end. Lake's eyes widened, "Oh No."

"You there! Come on up! The crowd's getting antsy!" the announcer shouted.

Not wanting to refuse an arena challenge to stay alive, the group agreed. While Min and Ryan were calm as they picked up a keyboard and guitar, Jesse and Lake were unsure. "We can't play instruments. What are we supposed to do?" Lake whispered.

"We can sing" Jesse suggested.

"Uhhh..." Lake rubbed her arm. Sure she sang before but it was with three people she trusted. This was a crowd of strangers probably ordered to stone them if the performance was bad. Even so, she wasn't going to abandon her teammates. "Okay. We can do the song we sang earlier since we all know it."

After a huddle up, the four got in their places. Alan Dracula tried to chomp on some rocks but was unsuccessful. So he turned into a tambourine for Jesse to use. Ryan asked for some trumpet players which the rocks were glad to oblige. Lake stepped up to the microphone and fought back an audible gulp. Looking at the men who gave reassuring smiles, she grabbed her resolve as the music started.

The sounds of the piano, guitar, and trumpets brought a jazzy feeling. The beat of the drum player signaled the first verse so Lake started singing.

You can never know what it's like.
Your blood like winter freezes just like ice
and there's a cold and lonely light that shines on you.
You wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use.

As she sang, Jesse slowly walked up to the second microphone. He was in awe at her voice. It sounded clear and pitch perfect but could sense some nervousness. So he decided to provide support by singing next.

And did you think this fool could never win?
Well look at me I'm-a coming back again.
I got a taste of love in a simple way
and if you need to know that I'm still standing
you'll just fade away.

Lake could only stare at him while he sang. She could feel a blush at the line got a taste of love in a simple way but she smiled and gained more confidence. The two sang the refrain together to the cheers of the crowd. Seeing the excitement, Min and Ryan decided to sing along too. Singing the next verse while taking turns.

Once you never could have hoped to win.
You're starting down a road, leaving me again.
The threats you made were meant to cut me down
and if our love was just a circus, you'd be a clown by now.

As the men sang the refrain, Jesse offered Lake a hand and led her in a short dance. Using the steps from the individual training, the two stepped and spun around to the beat. Both were blushing but smiling and having fun. At the instrumental break, all four tributes had the same idea on how to sing the final refrain. If they had to say goodbye eventually, at least they should confirm their alliance.

Now we're still standing, better than we ever did.
Lookin like true survivors, feelin like little kids.
We're still standing after all this time.
Picking up the pieces of our hearts without you on our minds.
We're still standing. Yeah yeah yeah.
We're still standing. Yeah yeah yeah.

The crowd joined them along in the final verses. Min and Ryan finished up the song with the trumpets and drum player to a roaring applause.

"Guess they loved it" Jesse faced Lake, seeing she had taken both his hands and was gazing lovingly at him.

"Yeah...they did."

Without thinking, the two started to lean close but then the entire arena started glitching out. The shoes of the tributes suddenly stuck to the ground, making them unable to move.

"What the...? Is this supposed to happen?!" Ryan asked.

Looking around, Alan Dracula and the rocks were frozen in place. The group's fear increased when a Steward arrived with flaming blue eyes. It inched closer and closer to them. Did The One send it because of the song they sung? It did have rebellious vibes.

Lake started hyperventilating so Jesse grasped her hand in comfort. "Guys...don't...move" Min got out. "Maybe...it'll ignore us."

"Or..." Ryan started clapping his hands. "Make yourself as big as possible! Show it you're the bigger-"

The Steward zoomed in close to his face. "AHHH! Threat?"

Backing up, the Steward's flaming eyes turned off. It then started talking with The One's voice. "This is a game wide announcement. Two or more tributes may win the games together, if they can prove they can work together as a team. That is all."

The numbers then changed on the tributes' hands, going from eight to five. As Lake, Min, and Ryan looked at them with stunned expressions, Jesse overheard something from the Steward in the background.

See. That's a good thing. It shows we can help each other be the best versions of ourselves.

The Steward then left, ending the glitching and allowing the tributes to walk again. The arena creations were able to move again as well.

"Wow. That really was something! Give it up for our performers!" the announcer proclaimed.

While they cheered, the group headed off to another area. They stopped at a café section filled with beanbag chairs and a warm atmosphere. An employee gave them nonpoisoned food and beverages, sensing their kind hearts. It took a few minutes before Min spoke again.

"I... I can't believe it. The One's actually starting to see the error of his ways!"

Lake petted Alan Dracula who had shrunk down to the size of a cat. "Me neither! Is it because of what's happened? I wouldn't be surprised if he did so to avoid the districts really rioting."

Ryan guzzled down a fruit drink before sharing his thoughts. "So with this new rule, what do we do now?"

Lake looked to Jesse who was lost in thought. "Jess? You okay?"

"Huh? Oh...yeah. I think, and please don't freak out, we need to find the other tributes and form an alliance with them."

"What?!" Lake exclaimed. "Four of them are dangerous and want us dead! Hazel might be a possibility but I highly doubt the others will want to 'make peace' with us."

Min took it in, "You have a point. But we don't have a lot of other options. The careers don't think highly of the games and would all want to survive together. We just need a way to form a truce so we can all make it out alive."

While the group worked on a way to make this possible, Jesse couldn't stop thinking about what he managed to hear. It was obvious this was someone else's idea. Judging by the voice, it sounded like Amelia. He didn't hear her talk much but he picked up a British accent. Maybe The One let her do this as part of his trust in her. But he couldn't help but feel that something was going on back at the Capitol.

Is something big coming? Does Amelia have a hidden goal?

***

The words repeated in Grace's head. More than one tribute can leave the arena? It had to be a trick. A sick joke to give false hope. She remembered a book she read on how two tributes from the same district can be declared winners only for the rule to be revoked when they were the only two left. But she also overheard a woman's voice implying this was her idea. There was something off about all of this.

As for the other members of her group, they had mixed feelings too.

"It's a set up! He knows of our plan and is twisting it to stay in control!" Simon ranted. "I'm not buying it. We're winning the games our way."

"Our way will only cause more problems" Maya debated. "We might be a team but the Gamemakers aren't seeing it as such." She held up her hand that still had the number eight. Simon and Bruce looked to see they had the same number. Even so, they weren't swayed.

"Don't tell me you're buying into this!" Bruce glared at her. "There is no way I'm allying with Olsen and that goody-two-shoes fish boy!"

Throughout the arguing, Simon noticed Grace was looking at her hand. Curious, he grabbed her arm. "What's wrong? What's your number at?"

To his surprise, she pushed him away. "Let go! This is my business!"

Now Simon was getting suspicious. "Why don't you want me to see it? We all have the same number so why hide-"

"This is my number! I say when I show it! I say when you guys can see it! You need to back off, and give! Me! Space!" Grace shouted, leaving everyone silent. Sure the two were slowly having disagreements but not to that degree.

"O-Okay. You're the leader" Simon only responded. A hint of anger flashed across his eyes.

Feeling tension, Grace started to head off. "I'll go look for more food. I won't be long."

After she left, Maya turned her head and started leaving too. Bruce grabbed her arm tightly, "Where do you think you're going?"

"I think I saw another tribute. I'm going to investigate" Maya grabbed her gauntlet and pulled her arm out of Bruce's grip. "And I'm going alone in case it's Jesse. He won't be trusting if you guys follow."

She hurried off before he could respond. In a black market section, Maya got a glimpse of the person she saw. Her heart rate increased when she recognized the attire and voice of the person.

"That criminal has to be close. It's gone too far, causing a riot in more than one district. That District 4 boy should know the consequences for believing demons like that can be loved."

Maya's pupils shrank when she realized what was going to happen. She followed close behind, I can't let you die Jesse. We might not see eye to eye but I care about you.

***

Seven

Her number had changed to seven.

Grace couldn't understand it. Why did her number change while the other members of her team still had the number eight? She thought it was because of her bond with Simon but his number hadn't changed. Why was that? They were close for years. They got along great. Capitol residents cheered at the parade when they saw their interactions. Why didn't The One see that? Another mystery was who was the other person who had the number seven? She barely interacted with other tributes who made it past the first day except...

Putting two and two together, Grace started searching all over from origami woods to a snowy tundra. Arriving at a seaweed forest filled with shells in bubbles, Grace found her.

Hazel placed a chipmunk on a branch allowing him to reach some nuts. "There. Now we have more food for you and the squirrels. Are there any places where we can find berries?"

A bunny then got in a defensive position. "What is it Flopsy?" Hazel turned to see Grace standing there. A flock of cardinals swarmed around her, trying to peck her face.

"Wait! I'm not going to hurt her!" Grace tried to wave them off but more birds came. Hazel got in front of her to get them to stop.

"It's okay. She saved me from the big snake. I don't know if she's truly honest but she won't hurt me."

The animals weren't sure and still glared at the woman. Then a small bird chirped with the other aviaries. Getting a close look, Grace recognized him as the bird she helped get back in his nest. Her helping him must have been a secret test of character. She didn't like how she unknowingly played into The One's method but if it meant the animals wouldn't attack her, best to stay on their good side.

"I'm glad you're alright" Grace knelt to Hazel's level. "Why did you run when Simon showed up? We keep each other safe and alive."

"I saw how you would attack arena creations and chase tributes" Hazel avoided eye contact. "Not to mention your responses at the interviews. Was what you told me during training a lie? Why would you put on an act than tell the truth? Do you actually care about the other tributes?"

Grace froze at this response. Her ego defense mechanisms made Hazel think her struggles were an act to get tributes to side with her. She did tend to keep her insecurities bottled up to appear strong, like nothing fazed her. However, little kids trust easily and when they see something contrary, they lose that trust. Not to mention the other members of her group would take advantage of Hazel's innocent nature. Due to how young she is, The One would favor her making everyone else hunt her down. But she can't lie anymore. They both had nothing left to lose.

"What I said at the interviews...it was to win over sponsors" Grace admitted. "Because of how dangerous the games can be, Simon and I would take advantage of the Capitol residents' desire for young love to have a chance at surviving. We hate how The One handles dealing with bad people. We work to survive together and let some tributes tag along before leaving them behind. But after what's happened, our supplies being blown up, losing a tribute due to ignorance, and with the new rule change, I don't know if what I've been doing is actually helpful. I do understand if you have trust issues with others."

Hazel gazed at her hand, "I heard the rule change too. That was when my number went down by one." She showed the number seven to the woman.

This made more thoughts run through Grace's head. The two of them could win together but...what about her other teammates? Would they want to team up with a little girl who had the highest training score? Not to mention finding the other four tributes who justifiably wouldn't trust her. Can they work together long enough for The One to let them out? Can Hazel trust her long enough so they can both live? After what Grace had done, she didn't know if it was possible.

"We might have some rough patches, but I think we can make it out of the arena" Grace finally said. "You've suffered enough along with the rest of us. This might be The One's rule but if it means we can all live, I can't fight against that. I'm done with constant murder being the way to escape."

"To tributes or to the arena creations?" Hazel asked.

A knife twisted in Grace's heart. It was clear that these animals and other residents here were more than coding. And she did allow deaths to some people. She started crying as she spoke, "To both. I didn't even think the creations here were like humans. Not to mention I let teammates kill other tributes. I highly doubt that will even be forgiven. I was so focused on sticking it to The One, I didn't see that my actions are why he thinks these games are helpful. This turnaround might be fast but I don't want to lose any more people."

Taking her hand, Hazel looked at her companions. "I can help you. I know you are a good person but it does take time. Just promise you'll be honest and stop hiding and being afraid."

"I promise" Grace responded. After everything and seeing the consequences of her team not being close-knit, things did have to change. The two started to walk off to see if they could find where the other four tributes were. It would be best to talk with them first. Not far behind, the woodland animals followed them while being hidden. No doubt there would be obstacles with this new rule change and they had to keep Hazel safe.

Things were definitely going to become more unpredictable and dangerous.

Chapter Text

Hearing the rule change made Tulip smile. She liked some of the other tributes shown, especially the men who formed an alliance with her sister. So the fact that they could all leave alive brought relief to her.

Marcus sat next to her, "Looks like The One's finally seeing that more than one tribute can rise above personal flaws."

Subconsciously, Tulip took his hand. They might have met a few days ago but he and Atticus were every kind to her and her father. The two bonded over coding and losing loved ones. It helped make the start of the games more bearable.

"I honestly don't know if it was all The One's decision" Tulip said. "There might be more to this."

"How so?" Marcus asked.

She remembered hacking into the Capitol's security and gaining access to everything before nearly getting caught. Amelia had taken the hard drive and not long after, the rule change went into affect. She didn't know what to say since even walls had ears but she didn't have to give an answer as she spotted something on the screens. As her sister and allies walked through a carnival area, there was a flash of gray in the form of a foot.

"Uh Marcus...do arena creations include Flec officers?"

He turned to see what she was talking about. There was no sign of anything gray. "No. Flecs aren't sent into the arena. Their job is to watch over the districts and protect the Capitol. Why did you ask?"

"No reason" Tulip watched as the Cosays and Jeremy joined them.

"Your sister has been very kind to our son" Mr. Cosay told her. His voice was quieter for the next sentence. "After what he did for Nathan, he needs all the help he can get."

The sentence confused her before his wife explained. "The train was going to take Nate but Jesse ran on before he could. We just learned of this. If any of the Gamemakers find this out..."

Tulip took her hand. "I know the risk. Siblings do what they can to protect each other."

This made the people around her uneasy. "What do you mean by that bud?" Andy questioned.

Her pupils shrank. It was bound to happen sooner or later.

***

Lake, Jesse, Min-Gi, and Ryan were playing a water gun game to fill a balloon as fast as possible to win a prize for a pumpkin child. The carnival games weren't rigged (a first) and to get through, tributes had to play the games fairly. Lake's balloon popped first so the carnie gave her a plush candle for a prize.

"Thanks" she said. The group then headed to the end where a pumpkin family was. "Here you go" Lake handed her prize to the child.

He squeezed it tightly. "Finally. My own toy!"

His mother then gave the final piece of a carnival map to the group. They had been collecting them to find a way to the next area. There weren't any tributes here so they had to look somewhere else.

"So once we find another tribute...what are we going to say?" Jesse asked.

"It depends on who we find" Min put the map together. "If it's Hazel, we won't have problems. Maya could be a little harder but with your friendship with her, she could let go of any transgressions. As for Grace, Simon, and Bruce..."

Lake felt a shiver. Jesse had told her how they wanted her dead. She didn't want to look for them but she did feel empathy. They were forced into this situation too and it was likely the first two hated how The One ran things. Still, it was likely they would try to fight her and her friends. Their current weapons included arrows and the smoke bombs. Ryan found a sword but none of them knew how to use it. Lake had some idea on it but wasn't a skilled swordsman.

Her ear picked up heavier footsteps behind her. It didn't sound like any of the carnival goers. It must be a tribute. She cautiously turned around to see only to freeze at the sight of an RPG missile coming at her.

"DUCK!" She pushed the men to the ground as the missile flew over them and made the Ferris Wheel explode. Alan Dracula turned into a bulletproof vest on Jesse as he got up.

"Lake what was..." He trailed off at the sight of a Flec officer. This was a shock. Flecs were never in past games. As the officer got closer, Jesse began to recognize him as the Flec who tried choking Lake to death, making him scared.

Min and Ryan were about to bolt, they heard how dangerous and unfettered Flecs could be. Even with this fear, they weren't going to leave these teenagers.

"Thought you escaped justice accident?" Mace gave a slasher smile. "I don't know why The One thinks you have a good soul but he must have glitched out to allow that human Gamemaker to pass that rule."

"Wait...you mean Amelia?" Min questioned.

With his RPG out of ammo, Mace threw it at Lake, hitting her arm. "She's almost as bad as that thing!" he pointed to the girl. "She thinks Flecs are too brutal and unsuitable to look after people who cause trouble! If The One made any mistakes, it's letting that British ***** have a say in how the games are run! So, I'm taking matters into my own hands."

He pulled out a sword and lunged at Lake. Ryan gave her his sword allowing her to parry. "Get out of here guys!" she yelled as she continued fighting Mace. Hearing footsteps, it seemed they did so.

It was clear Mace was more skilled than her. Lake had to resort using smoke bombs to have some kind of advantage before losing her sword. She ran through the carnival to try and lose him. But all of that wasn't enough. The Flec had grabbed grenades from one game booth and was throwing them at her. Lake's head was swirling with thoughts as she dodged. Why is Mace still trying to attack me?! How did he even get in the arena? The One had to have caught him in the act. Not to mention cameras are everywhere. The Gamemakers have to be seeing this. But why aren't they helping?! Isn't this against the rules?!

A hand grabbed her collar and thrust her to the ground. Lake tried to get up but Mace's foot stomped in her chest. "I don't know if you know this but I despise you. Your actions and behavior have spread like wildfire, influencing district residents and the Capitol's citizens to claim The One's ways are wrong. That isn't even getting into how you really got in the games."

Lake's eyes widened at this. She struggled harder but Mace just added more pressure and pulled out his sword.

"I would tell you to say hi to your mother for me. But I highly doubt you'll go to heaven." He raised his sword only to be shoved to the ground. Lake scrambled up to see Jesse trying to pound Mace's face in but with little success. Alan Dracula wasn't present on him so he must still be with Min and Ryan.

"KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF HER!" Jesse screamed. It wasn't long before the Flec overpowered him and grabbed his throat, strangling him.

He turned to Lake. "You see! Your behavior caused this! He's become more impulsive because of you!"

Rage was fueling Lake's veins. "Let. Him. Go."

Mace only pulled out his sword and brought it close to Jesse's neck. "Oh I will. After you see the consequences of your actions."

Jesse started crying as Mace raised his arm. He closed his eyes when he was suddenly dropped as he heard a yell, a swear, and slashing.

Someone hugged him close making him open his eyes. He saw Lake embracing him tightly. "Lake? If you're here then who's..." He turned his head to see Maya using a Test Your Strength hammer on Mace's head. She slammed it ten times before he was a bloody mess. As she turned towards the two, they clearly saw her neck was slashed open from Mace's sword and had trouble breathing.

"No...MAYA!" Jesse and Lake ran to her as she fell to the ground.

Jesse held her up while Lake picked up a fabric on the ground. When she put it on, her body wasn't visible. An invisibility cloak she thought. This must have been how Maya caught Mace off guard. It had to be a sponsor gift. Right now though, she had to be here for her crush.

Despite bandaging her throat, Jesse knew it wouldn't do much. Maya was coughing up blood trying to speak. "You...okay?" she got out.

"Okay?! You're dying! Why did you attack a Flec?!" Jesse grasped her hand tightly.

Maya groaned as Lake entered her vision. "I saw him...looking for you. He was *cough* going to kill you both. I...couldn't let that happen. I care about you...a lot."

Lake could feel herself tear up. This girl gave up her life for her and Jesse. But she was with the career pack. Maybe she did only join them out of necessity.

"The careers are starting to fall apart" Maya fought to continue even as her life slipped away. "Grace and Simon have...been having issues. You two and those...music guys have to get back."

"I don't want to leave you!" Jesse gave up on holding back tears. "You longed for a life free from The One's tyranny! That future's so close with the rule change! And...I love you."

Bringing his hand to her mouth, Maya kissed it. "Jesse...we both know that's not true." She placed his hand on Lake's and used the last of her strength to give Lake her choker necklace.

"Take care of each other."

Her eyes closed and a cannon went off. The numbers changed to four as Jesse broke down in Lake's arms. She started crying too. She might have never interacted with Maya but she did see how strong and assertive she was. Both of them longed for a better future and they both cared about Jesse. In her mind, she promised to fulfill Maya's desire for a world free from this terrible game.

"Guys! There you are! The deer started running so we followed him and..." Ryan stopped when he saw the sight. With the sound of a hovercraft getting close, it was clear what happened.

Lake carried her sobbing friend to the group as Maya was lifted away. All five watched it fly off before Min turned to Lake. "Was the person who died..."

Wiping her eyes, Lake spoke. "Maya Reynolds, she and Jesse were close in their district."

Needing a better place to talk, they walked out of the carnival and kept going until stopping at grassy hills. There weren't any cameras so it seemed safe to talk. Jesse had calmed down at that point but tears still came down his face. Alan Dracula had turned into a small stuffed toy for him to hug to provide emotional support.

"Hey" Min took his hand. "We're so sorry. It's not your fault so don't blame yourself."

"I know it's not my fault" Jesse sniffled. "I didn't even know she was following us." He hugged Alan Dracula tighter, "I never wanted this to happen. I didn't want to compete in the games."

Lake rubbed his back, "You were forced to compete. You didn't have a choice."

Jesse's eyes were somber. He faced Lake, "I did have a choice. The train appeared in front of me but...I wasn't the one lured aboard."

Lake, Min, and Ryan were silent. "What?"

"It was going to take my brother!" the teen put his head in his hands. "I knew Nate would die if he competed so I ran on board before he could! No one else saw so everyone believes the train chose me! If anyone found out, my family would be executed!"

While Min and Ryan were shocked, Lake put a hand on his shoulder. Jesse made eye contact with her as she used a hand to cup his cheek. "You're very brave. I thought I was the only one who would do crazy things to protect the people I love."

What she said made Jesse put the pieces together. Her crying when they talked during training, mentions on the train picking up different people... "Lake...are you..."

"Yes" she nodded. "I...wasn't the person the train came for. It was going to take Tulip."

***

"After the reaping, the two Flecs who watched over Lake followed us back home" Tulip started. "The day felt like it went on for an eternity. About three hours after the reaping, a train whistle was heard along with an announcement that the male tribute was chosen. I was happy that Dad was safe for another year but I still felt dread that Lake might be taken."

***

"During dinner, Sieve took my Dad to the living room so he wouldn't interfere if the train came for us" Lake said. "The tension made Tulip uncomfortable and she wanted to go upstairs. Mace actually let her do so, believing the train was going to take me. I didn't want to be alone though so I snuck upstairs while Mace was distracted by a call from the head Flec."

"You actually went behind a Flec's back?" Min was stunned.

Lake gave a small smile, "I've always despised the cops. Doesn't help that they blindly follow The One's dictatorship to a tee. Anyway, I headed upstairs when I heard a train whistle. With how loud it was, I knew where it would stop."

***

"It all happened so quickly" Tulip started shaking. "I was coding to escape from the current situation when the train appeared in my room."

"The train has been known to be a reality warper" Jeremy pointed out.

Seeing fear in her eyes, Marcus took Tulip's hand as she kept going. "Once the door opened...I lost control of my body. It started going forward and I couldn't stop it. There was also a voice that faintly whispered all aboard. Above the noise, I could barely hear Lake yelling."

***

Jesse had entwined his fingers with Lake's as she finished up. "I saw her boarding that train like she had no choice. I called out her name but she didn't respond. I heard footsteps from the Flecs and knew what would happen once they got up here. With no one around, I bolted on the train, shoving Tulip away before being sucked into a vortex."

She took a moment to cry, the memories playing in her mind. "Tulip might be smart but she doesn't know basic survival skills. Our mom taught us but she believed she wouldn't have a use for it in the field of coding. She could have been an easy target."

"Why did the train pick Tulip?" Ryan questioned.

***

"I wasn't very surprised when I realized the train was going to take me" Tulip silently shed tears. "I work to avoid problems, especially during my parents' divorce. I was abrasive with them and when my sister got in trouble, I didn't have the courage to stand up for her."

Her father hugged her, "It's hard for all of us bud. Anything could get a person taken."

Nate then came up to her, "I really like your sister. She's helped keep Jesse safe. Once they get out of the arena, we can introduce our siblings to each other."

Tulip smiled, "I'd like that."

***

"So we have two volunteers?" Min said when the story was over. "I can't believe The One never caught on."

"I wanted to keep it a secret as long as possible" Lake slowly got up, holding hands with Jesse. "I'm worried what The One would do if he ever found out. Seeing what he does to those who interfere with chosen tributes."

Ryan got up too, "Well there aren't any cameras here so I think we're still safe. Do you want to continue looking for the other tributes?"

Lake looked at her teammates and the super powered deer who was back to his regular form. She tied the invisibility cloak around her waist, "We don't have any other options."

They set off once more, both teens holding each other in a side hug.

***

Simon paced back and forth as he waited for Grace to come back. Something wasn't right. She had been acting differently the last few days. First there was finding that District 7 girl and Grace wanting to form an alliance with her. The rest of the group had agreed to take her out due to her teaming up with that Olsen girl. A day after that, when the sponsor gifts were destroyed, Grace was more focused on finding Jake to see if he was okay rather than hunt down the people responsible for the destruction. She had also been wanting more alone time, saying he had become clingy. She didn't have an issue with that before so when did this start?

Then there was the announcement of the rule change. Grace didn't want anyone to see her number and argued with him. It was like she was hiding something. They were always honest with each other. Simon trusted her for years since he lost his family. They planned to find a way to stick it to The One but now she seemed to be falling for his lies too. All the more reason to find ways to outsmart his methods.

A cannon went off which sent a chill up his spine. Since it was dark, the tribute was shown and he took a sigh of relief.

Maya Reynolds, District 4. Throat slit by a disobedient Flec as she saved a close friend.

Bruce looked at the sight. "About time. She was slowing us down."

Footsteps could be heard so Simon and Bruce got their weapons ready. It wasn't much, a big stick and a bat, but it was something. The people came into the light and it was Grace and the District 10 girl.

"Grace! You're okay!" Simon embraced her and she slowly patted his back. He then noticed who she was with. "Uh, what's she doing here? Did she follow you?"

She brought him into the woods out of Bruce's sight. "This is Hazel, the girl I told you about during training" Grace had a hand on her shoulder. "She's agreed to join us so we can all leave the arena together. All that's left is to find the other four tributes and reason with them long enough so we can all be let out."

That shifted Simon's mood. "Grace I thought we weren't going work with them. We can't trust any of them especially that Olsen girl. And since when did you start worrying about other tributes? Didn't you say we were going to abandon them to the arena creations when we were the only ones left?"

Hazel held Grace's hand as the woman spoke. "I did say that. But then I saw that these tributes are in the same situation as we are. Hazel lost her entire family to the games and with her grandfather dead she's all alone! The reason she's lasted this long is because arena creations have been looking after her."

"Now you're saying the nulls aren't dangerous?!" Simon yelled. "Did you hit a force field or eat tainted mushrooms because your mind isn't there! We saw those wizard nulls rip out Tim's jaw and a golden winged snake ate Jake! Whatever arena null this kid found, it must be lulling her into a false sense of security before finishing her off!"

"It's not true" Hazel finally had the courage to speak. "They know I'm a good person so they don't attack me. The did attack Grace but it was because they thought she was bad. Once a bird told how she helped him, they stopped hurting her."

"I know this turnaround is sudden" Grace added. "But if there's a chance we can all make it out alive, we have to take it."

Simon didn't want to believe this. He clenched his fists, "That's what The One wants you to think! He knows our game and is toying with false hope before bringing reality down on us! Our focus should be finding a way to escape! I thought you were with me!"

Taking a glance at her hand to see it was six like Hazel's, and with Simon's number at seven, Grace realized that she and Simon weren't a team at all. She had felt sorrow when teammates died but the others just moved on to something else. When alone or with someone else, her attitude was different, more caring and encouraged to be honest. A second male voice brought her back.

"So you guys done yet cause I'm starving!" Bruce trudged through the woods and saw the sight. With Hazel present, he jumped to conclusions. "Oh don't tell me we're getting another tribute that'll slow us down! She's even worse than fish girl!"

Grace stepped in front of Hazel. "She is a part of this group now. And don't insult Maya like that. She helped us when we needed it and didn't get into fights with us constantly!"

With her talking, she failed to keep her right hand hidden which allowed the others to see her number. "Your number's different than ours!" Bruce shouted. He then saw Hazel had the same number as her. "Were you...going to betray us?!"

"No!" Grace fought to stay calm. "We came back to you so we could work together so The One can see we are a team! That way he'll let us all out! We couldn't find the other tributes and you were close by!"

Simon was silent during this, hyperventilating. He couldn't get a word in as Bruce kept ranting. "Wait, you actually want to team up with that Olsen girl and her fake boyfriend?! She's a spawn of the devil!"

Hazel slowly stepped forward, "Anyone's capable of goodness. Tuba and my family told me so."

Bruce sneered at her, "Your mommy and daddy are dead! Wake up brat! Only one person can leave alive and it's not going to be you! The world's full of rotten people and those who aren't mean never get anywhere in life!

Furious, Grace smacked the teen. "DON'T YOU TALK TO HER THAT WAY! She's six! I honestly don't know why I even agreed to have you join us! You're more concerned about killing than staying alive or rebelling against The One!"

"And you're even better?" Bruce shouted back. "You attacked arena creations and let other tributes die!"

"I wanted to form an alliance with Hayley!" Grace glared at him. "And I was too slow to save Jake and I didn't know Maya left the group! As for the creations, I saw how wrong I was!"

Bruce wanted to yell more but just spat in her face. "Forget it. I've got better things to do than yell at a-dolts. If you won't send Olsen back to where she came from, I'll do it myself."

He ran off into the woods, leaving the three tributes alone. Grace let out a long sigh.

"Are you okay?" Hazel asked.

"I should be asking you that" Grace hugged her. "I'm sorry you had to hear that. No one should say that to a child."

"You really did change" she heard Simon say.

Looking to him, she felt a sense of dread. "Look, Simon-"

"I thought I could trust someone in these games. Someone who wanted to overthrow The One too. But it looks like that was a lie too." He started laughing scarily, making Hazel cling to Grace.

"Simon, please, calm down" Grace started but he cut her off again.

"You just can't win in these games!" Simon clenched his head. "Even if you find a way to use the games to your advantage, he turns it against you! But not this time! I'm ending these games my way. And it starts..."

He held out his bat and stared down the people in front of him. "With you."

***

Bruce grumbled and swore as he made his way through the woods. "You really can't trust a-dolts. They ruin all your fun when you least expect it. It's gonna take forever to find Olsen and that fish boy." He saw a snail in his way and thoughtlessly smushed him. After five feet, he was face to face with squirrels, chipmunks, bunnies, turtles, raccoons, birds, quail, badgers, and skunks.

"Ooh, are you the fairytale creatures who looked after that little wimp?" he mocked them. "How'd you keep her safe? Cuddle her enemies to death? I feel so helpless right now!"

Not even half a second later and the animals pounced on him. He screamed in agony as the birds and quail pecked out his eyes, the squirrels and chipmunks bit off his fingers and toes, the raccoons and badgers ripped off his skin, the bunnies and skunks broke his bones, and the turtles ripped out his black heart.

As a cannon went off, the animals dispersed, leaving nothing behind.

Chapter Text

Mrs. Reynolds sobbed for minutes as Whittney hugged her for comfort. The death of her daughter filled her with guilt as she was partly responsible for losing her. She wanted to secure her future but now it was gone.

"It's not your fault. You wanted to keep her safe" Whittney softly said.

"But I rarely asked Maya if this is what she wanted" Mrs. Reynolds sniffed. "I never even got to say goodbye!"

The Whyttes were also heartbroken. It was true Bruce was a pain but even he didn't deserve to die. Marcus, Tulip, and Andy consoled them as the exit door opened. At first the families thought it was Terrence and Samantha to have the families of the fallen say goodbye to their children but it was Amelia.

She took in the sight, placing a comforting hand on Mrs. Reynolds' shoulder. "I'm very sorry for your loss. I would take you to your loved ones but right now, you all need to follow me."

"Why?" Hayley's father asked.

"The games are about to end so it would be best to have you head off to where the after games ceremony will be held." Amelia led them out and walked down a series of hallways. The families were confused as she was leading them far away from where other people would go. She then stopped in front of a Steward statue and pushed in a stone. It moved away, revealing a secret passageway lit by green lights. "It's one way. There's no need to rush. We want this to be a surprise. Stay calm and when you reach the end, wait for me to open the door to the other side. I'll meet you there."

While suspicious, the adults did so, leading their children along. Must be a way to spice things up they thought. Tulip, Marcus, and Jeremy were the last ones but before they entered, Amelia tapped the girl's shoulder.

"I'm counting on you to keep them safe. If you hear noises outside, reassure everyone that everything will be fine. The Capitol's residents have become more restless and I fear they may try to attack out of rebellion."

"You want us to help you?" Tulip questioned. "How do you even know this?"

"The One has had worries since Lucy died" Amelia went on. "Stirrings have been growing and I don't want the families to face unnecessary conflict. I know how strong you three are so I know you can do it. Once this is over, these fights will never happen again."

As she watched the woman walk off, thoughts swam in Tulip's mind. First, Amelia came to take the hard drive she dropped right as she gained access to security and the Stewards. Now she was having the families of the tributes head down a secret path underground saying a rebellion might happen. She must be hiding something. There was no way a Gamemaker would just leave the main post to interact with district citizens unless something big was occurring.

Marcus then took her hand, "Let's go. I'm having suspicions too. But the only way to know what's going on is to wait and see. Right now, the families need us."

"If this game is truly at the end, it won't be long before the last seven tributes show up" Jeremy added.

They headed down the tunnel, catching up to the others. All the while, Tulip kept thinking about what was going on. What made it unsettling was she didn't know if this was good or bad.

***

Returning to the Gamemakers control room, Amelia saw The One with Morpho as they were working on something. Everyone else was gone. She made her way down to see what the two of them were doing. "Where are the other Gamemakers? she asked.

"I gave them permission to leave. Their job for this game is done" The One answered. "Morpho's just putting the final touches on the final arena creation."

With a better look, Amelia saw a holographic projection of a roach-dog monster. It didn't take her long to recognize what it was.

"Ghoms?"

"Yep. Due to how the two groups of tributes are unable to get along, I'm sending them out to remove the ones who refuse to work together" Morpho said with a smile. "This game has dragged on in my opinion."

Amelia was stoic as she talked to The One. "Are you sure this will be a good idea? What if the Ghoms attack the tributes who are a close knit team? They can be unpredictable and could devour all seven people by accident."

"That is a risk we want to avoid" The One answered. "The Ghoms still seek those who have evil in their hearts. This can show if tributes have become true companions, they will do anything for each other. A true friend would give up his or her life for those who need it the most. Like the man from District 3 who saved a child's life through sacrifice."

Morpho had just finished the final touches as a man in a beekeeping suit burst in with panic in his eyes.

"Yes Spiceman?" The One questioned.

"You need to come outside. There's crowds of Capitol residents with pitchforks and torches calling for the games to end! They even have Flec officers joining them!"

The One let out a soft sigh. "Another game another rebellion. You think they would learn by now." He had his Steward rise up, "Morpho, send the Ghoms out. Miss Amelia, get the hard drive ready to display the prepared footage of the districts. I should be back shortly." He headed out, making a sound to summon the rest of the Stewards.

Pressing some buttons, Morpho swiped the hologram which signaled the Ghoms to be released. "There. Don't know if that much will be enough but they're all relentless and indestructible. I'm really hoping they get those musician idiots. They've escaped justice for too long those ba-"

She jerked up for a second as something grabbed her shoulder, making her body shut down. A small crack was heard before Morpho slumped over the control panel onto the floor breathing softly. Stepping over her, Amelia walked to the main control panel where the cameras and main security controls were. She pulled out her hard drive and plugged it into the machine. The screens lit up as she glanced at her diamond ring.

It is time.

***

The One and his Stewards walked out to the sight of thousands of Capitol residents. Some had weapons, others had signs. All were chanting the same three words.

"END THE GAMES! END THE GAMES!"

While annoyed, The One decided to give them a chance to avoid a predictable outcome. "Calm down everyone. This game is almost over. Your victor will arrive shortly."

"SHUT IT!" Kez yelled. "I lost one of my friends because of you! We don't even need the games anymore as we've seen people can help each other be better!"

"I got to know so many fine people in the last 33 years only for all but one from each game to die!" Randall added. "I liked most of them! How could you end lives?! Especially the lives of children?!"

"I've seen change from counseling myself!" Atticus joined in. "Not to mention the families of those who are killed are heartbroken and empty! So many people became widows or orphans because of you!"

The yelling and ranting continued until The One had his Steward fire its machine gun eyes above the crowd. The suddenness silenced them as their leader spoke again. "I honestly can't believe this. The people at the Capitol are supposed to be the pinnacle of morality and ethics. It seems some tributes tainted your souls. If I had to guess, it had to be those two teenagers from Districts 3 and 4 who went against reaping protocol."

He pulled up a screen that showed a recording of Jesse and Lake telling their allies how they took Nate and Tulip's places. Once it ended, The One kept talking. "I always had suspicions on them. The girl even more with her rebellious nature. Although Mace went against Flec regulations, him succeeding in executing her and that boy in the arena would have brought them to justice."

That made the crowds scream and rant in anger again. Some even started cursing The One. Tuba in particular threw rocks at him with one beaning the Steward's mask, causing cracks to grow. These actions pushed him past his breaking point.

"I hoped it wouldn't come to this." He turned to the Flecs who were still loyal to him. "Gun them down. Once this rebellion's snuffed out, bomb Districts 3 and 4."

The officers were about to do so when the other Stewards started to glitch out. Their flaming eyes turned on and off until a reboot noise was heard. When their eyes opened, their blue flame eyes were now green. They quickly grabbed the Flecs, incapacitating them.

"Argh! Let me go!" one yelled.

"Oxygen...getting...thin..." another gasped for air.

The One looked at the sight in shock. "I'm not doing this! I order you to stop!" He played his four note jingle but the Stewards kept squeezing the loyal Flecs. They then threw them with such force they were launched far out of the Capitol. The crowds got nervous when they came to them but felt relief when they stood in front of them, eye guns pointed to The One.

"GET HIM!" Terrence shouted.

The mob ran up the stairs where The One in his Steward was. He fled inside, locking the doors. He could feel something in him as they pounded the doors. He didn't know what it was. All he knew was he was losing control. But how?! His algorithms let him predict that anything could happen. He needed to regain control. He needed help.

Sprinting to the Gamemaker's room, he saw Amelia at the main control panel. "Miss Amelia!" he proclaimed.

The woman didn't turn around but did respond. "Yes?"

"Something's wrong! I lost control of the rest of my Stewards! There must be a traitor among us! Hack the systems to get the Stewards to stop! Check the vents if the traitor is hiding in them!"

There was silence for a few seconds before Amelia spoke again. "753."

The One was confused at that. "What?"

"753. Quite an odd number" Amelia went on. "The only way a number becomes memorable is if it connects to something good or horrible. I never thought much of it until now."

She typed something in and it showed recordings of past Infinite Games. "It began when Maximilian Laurent was disemboweled at the start of the first Infinite Games. He was the first of the many fallen tributes to follow. Some by blood hungry tributes, others by failing secret tests of character. But there are those who die even after they have proven to be good people." Amelia stopped at one certain game. The cameras were focused on a man with blond hair and glasses.

"Fallen tribute 690?" The One questioned.

"Alrick Timmens" Amelia corrected. "He had his life planned out. An excellent engineer, goofy yet responsible, showed kindness to all, and set to be married. Until everything was taken from him to save an innocent life. The Gamemakers believe the death of a tribute shows the consequences of falling into sin. What they fail to realize...is there are consequences in killing someone who has touched a person's heart deeply." She turned around, tears coming down her face as she had her diamond ring visible. It didn't take The One long to put the pieces together.

"You...You're that man's fiancé?! When he said in his interview about being engaged to a wonderful woman I figured it was one who followed gender roles!"

"He loved me for who I was!" Amelia yelled. "You took not just my true love away, but countless mothers, fathers, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and lifelong friends! It took until I became a Gamemaker for you to decide to add changes that truly benefit people!"

The One got his last Steward in fighting position. "I must admit, I am impressed I didn't catch on to your ulterior motives. I didn't even expect anyone to gain control of my security nor have you betray me. Seeing how interested you were in how I ran things."

"It took every ounce of control to not show my true feelings" Amelia glared at him. "As for taking over, it is true I didn't have the coding skills necessary. So I needed help from someone known to bounce back."

This made The One remember that Olsen girl intended to be this year's District 3 female tribute. He didn't ponder on it for long as his Steward got its tentacles ready. "Intelligent or not you are still a flawed human. I thought you could be saved but I guess I was wrong. Unable to move on from loss and taking advantage of other people's gifts. Allow me to end your reign of terror." He launched his tentacles forward but they were repelled back to his shock.

"What?!"

Getting a closer look, he saw Amelia was wearing a belt with a red sign wave. "No...a sign shield! But how?! Those are exclusive sponsor gifts!"

"I have my ways. And Samantha wanted to trade for my shuttle craft" Amelia answered.

The One felt something else in him. He could feel his circuitry yelling, like he was...angry. He had his Steward pull out weapons and had the mask cover him. "Shield or not you're still outmatched."

Amelia pulled out a sword herself, "That might be true, but just because I'm weak doesn't mean I'm not skilled."

More tentacles were fired out making Amelia dodge so they hit some arena panels. This made a quarter of the arena glitch out and lose its gravity. The One kept firing and swinging as Amelia slashed some tentacles off. After this parry, the two stared each other down.

"In the last 33 years, I believed no one could stand up and be as matched. Even then, you are a threat to this way of life! I am humanity's savior! The answer to true catharsis! I know how properly fix humans! I am the hero!" The One screamed for the first time.

Amelia just grabbed a cut off tentacle and hacked it to gain control. "Yeah...a lot of tyrants say that."

The two ran towards each other. The fate of humanity's future determined by the outcome.

Chapter Text

I'm from the west
and you're from the east.
You like to rhyme
and I don't know how.
We're not the same and that's a good thing.
There's a whole lot of good being different can bring.

Jesse was teaching his favorite song to his allies as they kept walking through a snowy field. They seemed to like it, especially Lake. Alan Dracula followed along, looking around every few seconds.

The tributes were still figuring out how to talk with the careers to form a truce long enough to be let out. No doubt there would be a struggle. Aside from that topic, the four talked on the possibility of seeing each other again. Due to living in different districts, commute could be a hassle. There would be the Victor's Tour and socializing with Capitol residents. But they would be watched over constantly to ensure rebellions wouldn't rise up.

"So you have two big sisters and two little brothers?" Min-Gi listened to Ryan's home life.

"Yeah. Kinda thought I already told you. They all have jobs already and Agatha is being courted by a man named Keith. I'm sure my family will like you."

"What about the Molinas?"

Ryan was quiet, "Oh... I don't know. I still haven't figured out what to say."

As the men discussed the matter, Jesse talked with Lake. "So...you think you can introduce your family when we get back?"

"Yeah, you and Tulip would get along well. I'm looking forward to meeting Nate and your parents." She shivered after that. Lake was never a fan of the cold. It felt uncomfortable and unsettling.

"Here" Jesse wrapped an arm around her. "We can huddle for warmth."

The two blushed hard at the contact. Both of them could feel it. But this was far from the right moment to confess. They weren't in the clear yet.

Seconds later, animal snarling and a boy's screams could be heard shocking everyone. The screams died down quickly as Ryan was on edge.

"What was that?"

A cannon fired and the tribute who died was shown in the night sky. Lake's eyes were wide at who it was.

Bruce Whytte, District 3, mauled by animals after showing disrespect to teammates, children, and the wildlife.

Reading the cause of death, Lake was frozen. Sure she hated Bruce but even he didn't deserve to die like that. Jesse rubbed her back to show comfort.

"I know. It still hurts."

The numbers on their hands were now three. As the group kept going, Lake started to feel something was following them. It wasn't footsteps but quick movements. "Guys" she got their attention. "Keep an eye out."

She untied her invisibility cloak as Min, Ryan, and Jesse picked up sticks when reaching a forest. Their weapons were practically gone and all they had left was one arrow and flash bomb. It was getting darker which made things more dangerous. There was no sound from anything but the tributes' footprints. If things were this quiet, something was going to jump out to attack. Alan Dracula had moved ahead to use his eyes as flashlights. It brought some relief but then Jesse heard a screech.

"AH!" he clung to Lake. "Was that..."

The bug-like sounds got louder as the creature crawled slowly into the light. Now in clear view, the tributes began to breathe faster as they recognized what it was. A Ghom.

"No one...move...a muscle" Lake whispered.

The Ghom moved its feelers around and faced the group. Without warning, it tried to pounce Ryan but Min hit it back with his stick. While stunned, the monster got back up and was ready to try again.

"RUN!!!"

The four bolted back the way they came as the Ghom picked up the pace. It was clear they couldn't outrun it so Alan Dracula ducked under each person to have the four ride on him. "Thanks A-D" Jesse hugged his neck.

"Don't thank him yet!" Min swung his branch again as a second Ghom joined the chase. Before long, there were three Ghoms chasing after the deer.

"Why are there Ghoms?!" Ryan shouted. "Isn't The One changing his ways and allowing more than one tribute to live?!"

"Guess some things never change!" Lake kicked a Ghom when it got close.

Reaching a maze, one Ghom stayed out of sight and used its feeler to touch Alan Dracula. The deer suddenly panicked and turned into dust, flying away and leaving the tributes behind.

Lake was not happy with this. "Alan Dracula COME ON!"

With the monsters on their tail, the four ran into the maze. They took different turns to try and throw them off but the Ghoms just used their wings to fly above the maze. Made things stressful when the group ran into a dead end.

"No!" Jesse tried to climb but it was hopeless. The three Ghoms began to approach them, making screeching squeals.

"Any ideas?" Min looked to his allies but they were just as scared.

"I have Lucy's harpoon pack but... I don't see anything that can help us" Ryan clung to him out of fear.

As the creatures got close, Lake took Jesse's hand. He turned to see her trying to stay strong. He entwined their fingers and hugged her. Just then, there was an earthquake and some glitching before everyone started flying up.

"Uhh...what's happening?! What happened to the gravity?!" Jesse shouted.

"I don't know but it's helping us!" Ryan pointed to the Ghoms who seemed just as confused. He then aimed the harpoons at the end of the maze. "Grab onto me!"

The three did so as Ryan fired the harpoons. With all his strength, he pulled all of them away from danger. There was so much force, they flew right into another section where gravity was normal, making them plummet. The harpoon pack was broken but everyone was fine.

There wasn't time to rest though as Lake saw the Ghoms coming. "We gotta get out of here!"

The four started running again into different sections. As they did so, the arena kept glitching which caused strange things to happen. Trees fell without warning, clouds fell from the sky, wedding cakes would pop in and out of existence. There was even an entire area that suddenly disappeared, leaving behind an empty void.

"Is there something going on in the control center?!" Min slipped around as the ground became solid ice.

"Could be!" Jesse helped him keep balance. "At least it's slowing the Ghoms down somewhat!"

Before long, the areas were fading away into code. Not wanting to know what happened when caught, the tributes ran from that. Lake used her final flash bomb to make the Ghoms move away from their current path. It didn't take long before they found themselves in the center with the cornucopia building in the center of a wasteland.

Reaching it, Min and Ryan helped the teenagers up. "We got ya!" They then climbed up as the Ghoms arrived. There were three more present which worried them.

"Please tell us you still have the cloak!" Jesse asked Lake.

"I do" she showed it. I don't know if it can cover all of us but..."

"LOOK OUT!"

Lake turned at the voice to see Simon about to smash her face in with a bat. She dodged making him hit the metal. Getting a better look, the team spotted Grace and Hazel on the other side. "Wha...What are..."

"We got chased by Ghoms too!" Grace quickly explained. "Simon's also lost his mind and wants to kill us to spit in The One's face. Before long, the arena started glitching, making us run here!"

"I haven't lost my mind! You've lost yours!" Simon swung again.

Min caught the bat and threw it off. Didn't stop Simon from throwing fists at his targets. Things got more dangerous as some Ghoms flew up making Lake kick them back. This was getting out of hand. Either Simon was going to kill all of them or the Ghoms would. Hazel did her best to stay away, not being a strong fighter. Ryan got punched in the gut and almost fell off but Grace saved him.

"Wow...thanks" he was stunned. District 2 tributes never helped other people. She must have had an epiphany to be like this. Seeing Min was being choked, he ran up to free him. Simon then attacked Jesse and Lake, clearly not outmatched. He tried to force them to the edge but Lake knew this game. She kept the fight in the center, making sure Ghoms wouldn't surprise her.

"Look around Simon!" Grace tried to talk reason. "Ghoms are trying to kill us! This is making things worse!"

"It's what that ball wants!" Simon yelled. "I told you! He builds up false hope that more than one tribute can be spared then revokes the rule for his sick pleasure!" He lunged at Lake making her throw him across the roof. Landing near the edge, he managed to spot Hazel trying to sneak past him. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.

"Let me go! Please!" she pleaded.

The others ran to see to their horror the two close to the edge with Ghoms waiting below. None of them made a move. This maniac was going to throw Hazel off at the slightest provoke. Lake had her final arrow out, aiming at Simon. There could be a slight chance she could shoot him and save Hazel but there had to be a right moment.

He spotted it though, "Go on. Shoot. Then we die and you five can face the inevitable."

Grace honestly didn't know what to do. All her attempts to get Simon to stop only brought more suffering. Now Hazel's life was on the line. Everyone then felt a shiver as Simon kept ranting.

"Just like three years ago. A blond man letting a toddler live by giving up his life. HA! Not this time! That tyrant will never change. There's no escape! He wants to see everyone suffer. All under the guise of false assurance."

He then looked to the sky, like there were cameras there. "IS THAT IT? IS THAT WHAT HE WANTS?! HUH?!"

Turning his head, Min noticed Ryan wasn't present. His heart skipped a beat. Did he fall off? But there wasn't a cannon.

"No, no. I can still do this" Simon kept going, gripping Hazel tighter. "I can still do this. One. More. Act. Of. Rebellion. That ball and those Capitol nulls favor little kids. If doing so leads to the Capitol burning to the ground out of rage, then I'm for it. Getting back at them for taking my family. Abandoning me further than before."

It was then Lake noticed her invisibility cloak wasn't around her waist anymore. She silently got Jesse's attention. "Jess. Did you take it?"

He shook his head.

Simon then got ready to throw Hazel off. Before he could, something then yanked Hazel out of Simon's grip as he was shoved off the cornucopia. It was so sudden, Simon was caught off guard and lost his grip. He screamed as he fell to the Ghoms below as they started sucking out his life force.

Everyone else was at a loss. "What?" Grace got out. "But how?"

Ryan then showed himself, removing the hood of the invisibility cloak. Hazel hugged him tightly, crying into his legs. He returned it, "It's okay. You're safe." Ryan then faced Grace, "I'm not letting another child die in these games."

The screams brought the six tributes back as the adults looked down in terror. Simon's skin was already gone with his muscles being devoured next. Ryan made sure Hazel wasn't watching while Jesse clung to Lake, unable to look away. As she saw tears come down Grace's face, Lake gave her the last arrow and her bow, well aware of what she wanted to do.

"It should be you."

Wiping her eyes for a clear view, Grace took aim, waiting for an opening. Seeing Simon's heart was present with the rib cage dusted, she fired the arrow into it, putting her former love out of his misery. A cannon went off as Grace finally broke down. Lake gave her a hug as did the others. The loss of a life brought sadness to all. No matter the alliance.

The Ghoms kept clawing the cornucopia, trying to get another target. "What now?" Min asked the group.

No one had an answer. This was the only stable section of the arena left. It was only a matter of time before those monsters got up here. Seeing this could be the end, Lake faced Jesse.

"Jesse. Since it looks like the rule change got revoked, if we both die, I just want to say..." She couldn't finish as she started crying.

"I know" Jesse kissed her forehead. "Me too."

He took her hands and made eye contact while crying too. Hazel had clung to Grace while Min and Ryan hugged each other. All had tears running freely.

The teens started to lean close when the arena started to tremble and shake violently. The sky was glitching nonstop and the Ghoms stopped trying to climb or fly up. They ran off like they were scared. All six tributes looked around, not knowing if this was good or bad. Then their shoes were stuck to the floor.

"Oh no" Jesse knew what was coming. Just then, a Steward burst through the arena walls and towered above the group. The first thing they noticed was the Steward's eyes were green rather than blue. Then it started talking.

"Hello...New announcement. The games are over now so...sorry. Not just this game. But every future Infinite Game. You are all free to go. Please, leave the arena so I can explain." The Steward then looked at its tentacles. "Okay how do I..." It then launched six pairs of tentacles at the tributes. They were scared but then it ripped off their boots, allowing them to walk.

The Steward's eyes began to flash red before launching over everyone and running off. It exploded at a distance. The tributes ducked under the debris as their numbers began to change. "Guys!" Lake called out.

Looking at their hands, they saw to their surprise, the numbers were all zero. There was a bright green flash as six doors appeared, coming together into one as it led back to the Capitol.

Everyone was at a loss. They...were free? And...the Infinite Games are over forever? To top it all off, the voice from the Steward was Amelia. Grace in particular almost forgot to breathe. "I... I can't believe it."

Hazel lightly tugged on her hand. "Come on! We're free! Tuba might be on the other side!"

"Okay, I'm coming" Grace managed to say. The two went first as Min and Ryan walked forward. Jesse and Lake joined them too.

"Is this another joke?" Lake kept her guard up.

"I don't think so" Jesse debated. "When the Steward came the first time, I heard Amelia talking with The One. I think...she was planning to end this from the start."

It seemed uncertain, but it didn't hurt to see. "We'll meet you on the other side" Min got out before Ryan pulled him into the portal out of excitement.

Now just the two of them, Jesse and Lake looked around the empty arena. It was clear there was one thing on their minds. "So Alan Dracula...is he..." Jesse started.

"I think he is" Lake nodded. "Along with the other arena creations. He helped us to the end. We'll never forget him."

The two hugged each other tightly. Partly of sadness their beloved deer was gone, partly out of relief that the suffering was over, and partly...

"I love you Lake" Jesse breathed out, crying tears of joy.

She smiled and flicked his forehead. "I love you too. But let's save the kiss for after everything's taken care of. There's still so much to learn about each other."

He chuckled and rubbed his forehead. "Okay."

Hand in intertwined hand, the two walked through the portal. It closed as they vanished, leaving the lifeless arena behind.

Chapter Text

Three years ago

"NO! You can't go!" Amelia hugged Alrick. "Why is the train taking you?! You haven't done anything to deserve this!"

Alrick comforted his fiancé. The train showed up in front of him and a Flec was leading him aboard when Amelia witnessed it. He promised to go willingly if he was allowed to say goodbye. He only had two minutes so he was going to make them count.

"I wish I knew. I don't want to go either but it is The One's order."

"But all our work! Our future! Taken away from us!" Amelia sobbed.

He took her hands and squeezed them gently. "Don't say that. You will become a great engineer one day. And our work won't go to waste. More people are acknowledging your talents so it's only a matter of time."

Amelia tried to calm down, taking deep breaths. "But...it won't be the same without you. I don't know if I can succeed on my own."

"Never stop believing Amelia." Alrick pulled away for a moment to bring out a diamond ring. He placed it in her hands, "You remember the codes, hacking, and engineering I helped you with?"

"Yes" she nodded.

The two shared a kiss as time was just about up. "We will be reunited one day. And truly change the world for the better for future generations!" Alrick cried out as the Flec dragged him on the train.

As the train left, Amelia buried her face in her hands, unable to stop the flow of tears. She gripped the ring close, the one remnant of her true love.

present day

The second Jesse and Lake walked through the portal, they were met with loud chatter, Capitol residents rushing around, and Flec officers giving out orders. The other tributes were in bear hugs from their mentors. Hazel was sobbing in Tuba's chest, the latter rubbing her back and singing a lullaby. Alfred tended to Grace's injuries and consoles her over Simon's death. Kez and Morgan were hugging Min-Gi and Ryan so tight their faces were turning blue.

"I'm so happy you corpses are okay!" Kez sobbed tears of joy.

"I wasn't sure about you two at first but you filled me with something I haven't felt since I met Jeremy!" Morgan added.

The men were trying to squirm out. "That's...great" Ryan gasped. "But maybe...loosen up before we actually become corpses?"

"Oh, sorry."

With what was going on, the young teens were confused. They then spotted Amelia watching five people being dragged away by Flecs. Lake recognized them as Gamemakers, particularly the one with butterflies on her dress. The others were a beekeeper, a man covered in tattoos, a guy with chili peppers on his shirt, and a man with a pet chicken.

"You really think ending the games will solve everything?!" Morpho spat. "People will never change! You'll forget the lessons! The games are the only way to ensure stability and justice!"

"Trust me, I'm well aware that some don't want this to end" Amelia responded. "But it's a risk I'm willing to take."

As the Gamemakers were led away as Morpho shouted profanity, Lake and Jesse walked up to Amelia. "What's going on? What is...all of this?" Lake got out.

The woman turned to the voice. "Oh good. All of you got out." She signaled to the Capitol residents with the tributes to come over. As they did so, Amelia spoke again. "There's a lot to explain but to start things off, I planned this for the last three years. And now the Infinite Games are no more. I didn't think it would come to fruition but thanks to your impulsive decisions" she gestured to Jesse and Lake, "it was possible."

"Wait so the rule change? The arena glitching out? All that was-" Min started.

"My influence" Amelia answered. "But it wasn't easy. Follow me."

She led the group to the Gamemaker room where everything was in shambles. Only one panel was intact. "Three years ago, The One caught wind of my engineering abilities and believed it would be useful for future games. I was his apprentice for the first two years and when I completed my training, I was appointed to run this year's games" Amelia stated. "During that time, I formed plans on taking The One out and bringing an end to his idea of help. With how prepared he was for anything, it seemed it was impossible. That is until I saw the tribute list for this year and when the train picked up the tributes. Nate and Tulip weren't taken and since The One didn't know the full context, I used it to my advantage."

As she went on, Grace looked around to see Steward tentacles all over the place. There were splotches of blood on the ground and it looked like Amelia had a lot of bruises. No doubt the fight was intense. When Amelia brought up bringing the tribute families to the Capitol, everyone was clamoring to know if they were alright and if they knew about this.

"They are all fine. They're in another room taking in what I told them. Except for Tulip as she's helping me with something else."

A Ghom then ran in scaring the day lights out of everyone. "Sorry!" a girl shouted as she fired something at the monster. It lay still before a man burst out of it. Ryan's eyes popped open as he recognized him.

"Fiyero?!"

Fiyero stretched as he looked around. "I...I'm free!!" He ran up to the person who fired at him and hugged her. "Thank you so much!"

Once he left, Lake had a clear look of the person and felt tears in her eyes. Standing with some kind of cannon with an orb in it was her sister. "Alright. That's the last of them. All Ghom victims are back to no-"

She was cut off with a tight hug. Tulip was frozen for a moment before hearing crying. It was then she noticed that this was her twin. She hugged back, also crying. "I'm so glad you're safe!"

"Me?!" Lake loosened the hug. "I was worried sick about you! I didn't know if The One knew about what I did and would have extra precautions on you and Dad! What are you even doing with that?" she pointed to the cannon.

"After Amelia told me and the families what happened, she wanted my help with restoring the Capitol residents to normal when they were turned into Ghoms as punishment for speaking against The One. I was able to easily change the settings to work in reverse as the technology was newer than what most adults are used to" Tulip showed it. "Samantha said no one was better suited than the girl who helped play a part in freeing our country from a tyrant."

Lake smiled tearfully when a thought crossed her mind. Jesse beat her to it, "Wait, where is The One? Is he..."

"Yes and no" Amelia went over to the last panel. "The One is gone forever mentally but physically..."

She bent down and picked up The One's body. There was something in him, it looked like a diamond ring. There was a completion ding so Amelia pulled the ring out, revealing a file on top. The black line in between the white halves then had two white dots appear. Everyone was on edge but then the robot spoke.

"Hello!" he said in a chipper tone. "I'm One!"

"One." He said the last word in a more pessimistic tone.

He looked to see the crowd of terrified people. "Are you all alright? You look like you've seen a ghost" the happy side spoke again followed by the sad side.

"Or went through a truly traumatic experience that will take years to heal."

No one said a word. This was not the ruler they knew and feared. Seeing this, Amelia spoke. "This is what One was supposed to be. His creator wanted him to have a glad and sad side to learn how to empathize and understand others. The happy side lets him be free but he also isn't afraid to show his gloomy personality and his true emotions. However, his creator was killed before he could add the final piece. This made him stuck in 'black and white' mode, having very high standards for morality, believing killing the worst of the worst was the only way to ensure change. The final piece was believed to be lost forever until Alrick and I found it four years ago. He won't rule anymore as he has a lot to learn about how to truly help humans."

During the exposition dump, Lake led Tulip to the other tributes. "This is Jesse. I'm sure you saw us when you watched the games."

The two made eye contact as Jesse shook her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you. Lake told me so much about you."

"How much?" Tulip raised an eyebrow.

"How you like coding, how you stand up for her, and how you like raw onions regardless on how much it makes your breath reek."

"Lake!" Tulip playfully shoved her.

The teen just laughed, "It's true! I thought you only did it to spite Mom and Dad but you still eat them!"

Her sister groaned when she saw how Lake and Jesse were holding hands. An idea appeared, "I'll say this, it has kept me from finding a boyfriend."

That made Lake blush hard. "We just got together! We haven't even kissed yet! We don't wanna rush it!"

"Sure, sure. So when's the wedding?" Tulip teased.

Jesse snickered at the sibling banter. They were like a female version of him and Nate. "How about we introduce you to the other tributes?" he interjected to help his girlfriend.

The two introduced Tulip to Min-Gi and Ryan and they quickly got acquainted. While Tulip wasn't big on music, she did like some genres, mostly synth. Even with this, they paid attention to what Amelia was saying. How part of her plan involved fixing One to be what his creator wanted, how the fight in here nearly caused the arena to collapse, and how she only had a split second to make her move when The One had her in his grasp. Once she had him on update mode, she sent out the Stewards to spread her message. It was afterwards she let the families in and got Tulip's help.

"Oh! Would you like to see your families?" Glad One asked. "They're waiting for you!"

"They're never going to let you out of their sights again" Sad One added.

The group immediately followed Amelia along to where they were. On the way, Amelia noticed a saddened look on Hazel's face. "What's wrong?" she managed to say. She wasn't big on children but she tried her best to be welcoming to them.

"I..." Hazel tried to say but silently cried.

Grace picked her up, "She lost her whole family. Parents, cousins, grandparents, everybody."

Hearing this filled the woman with sadness. She did hear how Hazel didn't have much family but...all were dead? This really was going to be a long path to a better future. "Don't worry" she reassured Hazel. "We'll help you find a home."

"Thank you" the child said.

***

Once the tributes changed out of their jumpsuits and back to their clothes, they were taken to their families. The atmosphere was a mix of happiness, worry, and relief. There wasn't a dry eye in the room as parents hugged their children and siblings glomped each other. Lake tightly embraced her father as he held his two daughters close. Jesse could barely breathe as his parents and Nate had him in a group hug.

"Don't you ever scare us like that again!" Whittney sobbed.

"I promise" Jesse wiped his eyes. He then picked up Nate, "I'm just glad you're all okay. I might not have always been the best big brother but I'm here for you."

Once he was put down, Nate spotted Lake hugging Marcus. He took his brother's hand and walked to her. "Are you Lake?"

She turned to see the Cosay family. "Yes. It's nice to meet ack!"

Lake was cut off when Whittney pulled her into a hug. "Thank you for protecting my baby."

"He helped me too" Lake replied. "Not just with the arena but with having a reason to keep going."

While Jeremy hugged Jesse close, Min and Ryan introduced each other to their families. Ryan's siblings had Min in a group embrace while the Parks shook hands with Ryan. Each shared their gratitude for looking after one another.

Since Hazel was with Tuba, Grace looked around to try and spot her parents. It seemed they weren't present but then two African Americans pushed their way through Tim and Chloe's families. "Excuse us! Where is she?"

The couple made eye contact with Grace as neither side said a word. Grace didn't know what to say. Their relationship was complicated as they barely spent time together and tended to be cold. But the look in their eyes was different. They were wide, tearful, and had joy. Without warning, her parents ran up and hugged her. Grace couldn't hold back harder tears and just let them out.

"We're so sorry!" her father cried. "We thought we were doing the right thing but it only pushed you away!"

"It's okay" Grace took in their parental affection. "We all made mistakes. We can work on it together."

In the middle of the hugs, tears, and introductions, Ryan turned to see the Molinas standing off, holding each other. His tune changed from joy to sorrow. Jesse was the same when he saw Maya's mother wiping her eyes. The sight reminded them that even though they survived, there was still a cost. The two went to the families to offer their condolences and apologies.

"I'm sorry about your daughter" they said simultaneously.

They offered a hug which was quickly accepted. Lake was also providing comfort for Hayley's family, remembering their short alliance. Theresa's family gave Jesse their thanks for being there for her in her final days. Grace talked with Bruce and Jake's families and while there was friction, they did appreciate her working to keep them fed.

Simon didn't have much family, only an aunt and uncle. Even so, they were also given the same love and support. The other families of fallen tributes were comforted. While they weren't known very well, their impact and presence was not forgotten.

***

A huge crowd of people stood on the tribute parade walkway as Amelia faced the crowd. The six surviving tributes and their families were with her with One-One being held by Atticus. Samantha and her husband Frank broadcasted the event to the other districts. No one was to miss what was about to be said.

"Today, the Infinite Games are now finite" Amelia started. "We will no longer force people to fight for survival and to prove their moral compass! One has been fixed to be what he was destined to be! While he won't run this country anymore, he can assist those who will!"

Everyone was confused at first but they listened. "I can't look after the Capitol and districts alone! From now on, two leaders from each district will work with me to form a council that will look over the land with democracy. We will all play a part in this new era. We will help each other be the best versions of ourselves. It won't be easy. It may take years. But if the goal is to end constant death, then it's something worth working for."

As the crowds cheered below, each of the tributes held hands. Plans were already being set in motion. No doubt the six of them would play a part in spreading the word. They were proof that people can help each other. Not to mention Atticus talking with Lake in a form of counseling.

It was true when it was said this would be an Infinite Game no one would forget.

***

"In all my years with after games interviews, this is the most special" Randall said. "Not just because it's been a week since the last games but because I'm talking with more than one survivor."

It had been a long week for Jesse, Lake, Grace, Hazel, Min-Gi, and Ryan. First there was the funerals for the final fallen tributes. All the arenas were made into cemeteries with statues of those who lost their lives. It was a good first step to teach One-One about grief and consequences.

Following that was the tour to the other districts. Here the tributes offered their condolences and gave a portion of their winnings to those who needed it the most. Capitol residents would move in to help with renovations and rule changes. Had the mood not been somber, it would have been a fun time seeing the rest of the land.

And now, there was the interview with Randall to discuss what was going to happen next. Tuba was planning to adopt Hazel while Min and Ryan were going to work with Kez and Jeremy on music to raise money.

After talking with Grace, Randal spoke to Jesse and Lake. "What about you two? Now that you're dating, do you have any plans?"

"Oh..." Lake wasn't sure at first. She and Jesse lived in different districts but transportation was becoming more accessible with District 6's help. Still she found an answer, "I think we'll continue to help out with these changes but at the same time we'll continue on with having a normal life. We need times to just take everything in and have a grasp on the present."

She leaned on Jesse lovingly as Randall asked him a question. "This might be a weird question but do you miss anything from the arena? Some past survivors have had one fond memory when completing challenges."

To Lake's surprise, Jesse had an answer. "I would say Alan Dracula. The deer with every superpower. He brought a sense of security and comfort when we needed it. I don't even know if we would be alive without him."

"Wait...a deer?" Randall seemed confused. "The Gamemakers never made a deer creation."

"You sure?" Lake chimed in. "Did you get to talk with the Gamemakers?"

"I did. Morgan told me what arena creations were going to be present and a deer wasn't on the list" Randall went on. "When one was spotted the Gamemakers tried to remove him, thinking it was a glitch but he never left until the Ghoms were sent out. I'll have to talk with Amelia to see if she was responsible."

For the rest of the interview, the tributes looked at each other. Alan Dracula wasn't meant to be in the games? "If that's true then where did the deer come from?" Min whispered.

"Maybe from another dimension where there's an endless train" Hazel guessed. "If he has lots of powers traveling dimensions could be one of them."

"Possibly" Grace took her hand. "I never got to see him though so that might be far-fetched."

Despite the questions, Lake and Jesse didn't ponder on it. Alan Dracula had saved them and kept them grounded in reality. He played a part in this outcome as much as Amelia did. There was still much to do to ensure this future would last. But they went through so much worse.

They intertwined their hands as they wrapped up the interview and the audience cheered. No matter what happens next, they would have each other.

Chapter Text

25 years later

"A week after the victor interview, everyone managed to regain some normalcy in their lives. Elections were held for the council allowing for all twelve districts to work with Amelia in making our country a better place. The first counsellors and therapy centers were made, allowing anyone to work with professionals in dealing with problems. Some were Capitol residents others were from the districts. The Flecs had become more fair too. Sieve led them as he always questioned The One's methods and wanted to improve things for years." Nate said.

"So everything was becoming better" a four year old girl smiled as she listened to the story.

Nate put a hand behind his head, "Well, there were some people who didn't accept this new way of life. Some wanted the games to continue and would refuse therapy. Others believed One-One got off too easy and wanted him disassembled. It took until the fifth anniversary of the Infinite Games' end for the small rebellions to stop."

"What happened to the survivors?" a nine year old boy asked.

"Hazel got adopted by Tuba and was raised with love and care. She grew to be a capable young woman with a love for animals" Nate explained. "Grace worked with her parents to open an orphanage for all the children who lost their parents either by the games or other tragedies. Min-Gi and Ryan formed a band with Kez, Jeremy, and Morgan and traveled the country. Spreading their music all over. Their concerts and songs were beloved by many. As for Amelia, she kept ruling over with the council helping her out. One-One learned so much more about humanity from her. The other victors finally found peace and no longer lived in sadness and guilt."

"You're right about that."

Nate stood up to see his brother and Lake beside him. They both had plates of food from the buffet table. The anniversary party of the Infinite Games' end was in full swing as people ate, socialized, danced, and played games.

"What about you mommy and daddy?" the little girl ran up to hug Lake's knees. "What did you guys do?"

Lake placed the plates on a table as she picked up her daughter and the boy ran to Jesse's side. "Well Maya, your daddy and I had therapy sessions too. The memories of the games brought lots of nightmares so we needed to talk with someone to cope and move on. But it helped we had each other."

Jesse held the boy close, "Throughout school and our young adult years, Lake and I grew closer as we courted. We explored the other districts together and experienced so much. On the fifteenth anniversary of when we met, I proposed and it was perfect."

"I thought you almost dropped the ring in the lake while being tongue-tied Dad" the boy commented.

A drop of sweat ran down Jesse's head as Lake chuckled. "That is true Alan. But it was perfectly Jesse. Now let's eat. Aunt Tulip and the rest of our family are joining us soon."

The family sat around as more members arrived. Tulip got to share how well her game developer studio was going and that Marcus was a big help. While they didn't get married, they became close friends. The Olsens and Cosays enjoyed being together on a day like this.

Hours went by and all the residents were having fun. Min, Ryan, and Kez played songs to celebrate the new era and remember those who were lost. Jeremy and Morgan took in the moment as they shared a kiss. The little kids were running around doing all kinds of activities. Alex and Grace watched over them to make sure they didn't get hurt.

"I never understood tag. You run around trying to touch people?" Alex watched on.

"Well, there's worse games to play" Grace responded.

Hazel had joined Grace in playing with the children. They tended to flock to her with how welcoming she was. The joy of bringing happiness made Hazel want children of her own one day. She was currently dating someone named Nate and he was a nice man. The brother of one of her fellow survivors. It was uncertain if they would marry but anything could happen.

As the fireworks were set up, Amelia and One-One oversaw it to ensure everything was in place. Starting elder hood and she wasn't slowing down. She was even well built for someone in her sixties. Min and Ryan helped out too.

"Hard to believe it's been twenty-five years since you ended the Infinite Games" Ryan told Amelia.

She smiled, "Indeed. It's been wonderful. I only wish Alrick could have been able to see it."

"I feel the same for Lucy" Ryan placed a firecracker down. He could still remember her after all those years. How her death kickstarted the events that led to right now.

"Well if it wasn't for what your fiancé did, we wouldn't have this" Min responded to Amelia.

"Life can be funny sometimes Miss Amelia" Glad One spoke. "Something that might seem terrible could lead to something better!"

"The universe is known to have a cruel sense of humor" Sad One sighed.

Glad One spoke again, "Or a wonderful one! Just need to know how to take a joke!"

Amelia could only smile as the last firework was set. Everyone crowded around as the first one was set off. Before long, the sky was lit with beautiful colors. Some people cheered, others just took it in. All remembered the history of what they went through.

Seeing her children gaze at the sky, Lake leaned against Jesse. Who would have thought her life would lead to this? It didn't take long for tears to come down her face.

"I know" Jesse cupped her face. "It's hard to contain."

The two shared a loving kiss, entwining their fingers in the process. The fireworks kept going off over a statue of the final six survivors of the Infinite Games. Not far from the sight stood a deer on a hill, munching on grass.

"It's like how I imagined it."

The deer turned his head as a crowd of ghosts moved closer to the top of the hill. It consisted of adults, teenagers, children, and senior citizens. Four in particular stood out.

"I never knew your fiancé had it in her" Maya leaned against Alrick. "I can see why you fell in love with her."

"Yes, she's brilliant and strong." Alrick looked out and spotted Amelia among the crowd.

Lucy had climbed onto the deer for a better look. "I wish I could be down there. Celebrating with my friends and family. I know how much they miss me."

"It is hard" Megan patted her back. "I miss Andy and my daughters too. But we just have to wait until we can see each other again."

The deer then snorted and moved his head. Alrick nodded, "Alright. It's time for us to head back. The day's almost done." He led the ghosts back to the afterlife above, taking the hands of little children. Maya took one last glance at her friend, happy he and his love kept her request. Theresa and Hayley smiled at their teammates too. Lucy waved at Min, Ryan, and Kez despite knowing they couldn't see her but it was the thought that counts.

All alone again, the deer gazed at the final set of fireworks. His eyes glowed purple and fired off lasers to add to the show. He looked down to see the two people he bonded holding each other close alongside their friends and family. The deer then walked off and vanished into the forest without a trace.

My work here is done.