Iver glanced up at me as I ducked into the cave, our new allies following suit. Glaring at the girls, he commented, "We don't have anything of value, you know. No use of taking us prisoner."

Reyna smiled wickedly as Rosie Mae gagged at the blood scent. I've become so used to it I don't notice it's there, really. "Oh, but you District Four hooligans have skill, unlike these two shucks," she giggled, motioning towards her companions.

"Oh, excuse us for doing all the work for you and having 'no skill!'" Silver scoffed, rolling her eyes. I could tell by the twitching of her mouth that she tried to restrain herself, but failed.

Reyna whirled around and pressed a knife to the District Twelve girl's throat, still bearing that wicked smile. Sometimes Reyna made me feel uneasy, like I should watch my back when I'm around her. "Say that again, Twelve, and I'll cut your throat here and now," she growled, pressing it a little more.

Silver remained a respectful silence while Rosie Mae watched in terror, Iver and me uneasy.

"Good. Now watch your mouth before I shred it shut." Reyna sheathed her knife, glaring at the blonde. "Go and get us some water. Take her with you," she added, lazily beckoning towards me.

I bit back a retort, my body tensing with anger. Um, excuse me miss, but who elected you leader?

Wisely not saying a thing, I trudged down to the river with Silver in tow, who was muttering curses.

I sat on the rocks by the stream, folding my hands in my lap. "The stream's saltwater, you know. Undrinkable."

"Perfect," Silver spat, standing by me. "Now Reyna will really kill me when I come back empty-handed."

"You two are the epitome of friendship."

"Tell me about it."

I sighed and drew my knees up to my chest. "You can sit if you like. I won't bite."

"Well, I prefer to be alert." Silver glanced around, her blond hair shimmering in the afternoon sun and her gray eyes like a brewing storm. "I'm starving. District Twelve is left to starve, you know. We never have enough. I haven't been full-fed since before the Dark Days."

I cringed at the words Dark Days. They certainly became dark when my brother lost his life... "District Four has plenty of food."

Silver spat into the river. "The Capitol favors Districts One, Two, and Four since you guys didn't fight them in the war. You lucky jerks. It isn't our fault we disagreed with them."

I disagreed with them too. So did Dad and Michael. "How did you meet Reyna and Rosie Mae?"

"Long story, but I suppose we have time for that." Silver finally sat, gazing at the swirling river. "I just ran when the countdown stopped. I had no idea where I was going, but I only wanted to be away. I didn't know who was friendly or dangerous, so I ran around like an idiot. I bumped into Rosie Mae first, literally. She was so scared and pathetic, I had to team up with her. Her District starves too, you know. It's depressing how you're in charge of so much food and get so little of it.

"Then Reyna popped up out of nowhere. 'We should team up,' she said. 'Three is better than two,' she said. To be honest, I would rather die with only Rosie Mae than with her." Silver shook her head in disgust. "I know I have a sharp tongue, comes with the family, but that girl is just ridiculous. Spoiled rotten in District One."

"So you knew what I was going into when I accepted her alliance," I commented.

"Of course. She doesn't even do anything, just sits on her butt and be a bossy spoiled girl." She shook her head again, snorting. "Maybe my district is starving, but I'm glad we're nothing like District One. Panem is a sore sight to see."

"I know. We have the Dark Days, a fatal war, and now we're expected to fight to the death each year." I sighed and stood up. "I feel so sorry for the future kids."

Silver fell into step besides me as we headed back to camp. "You say that as if you'll die here."

"Because I will die. I can feel it." I stared through the trees, feeling the answer in my blood. I knew I was going to die in this place, never see the actual sun or sky again, never see real moonlight or the stars. I wish I appreciated more how they shined, even in the darkest of times.

"You have a fighter in you, Luna. If what you say is true, then you won't go down easily." I glanced at her. She was looking at the ground, fighting a smile, and I felt touched by her words. We only met for a couple of minutes, and here she was telling me I wouldn't die easily.

That's how you start a great friendship.

I know, I know, it's just a filler. I just wanted the readers (if there are any) to learn a little more about the characters.

Anyway, please vote and comment if you think it was worthy!!