DANIEL AMOR was usually a man of many words. Usually. Silence had never brought him to his knees until that moment. He pondered deeply over the information that had been disclosed to him all those minutes ago as he walked back to the living quarters assigned to him and his tributes.

When he had sat down on the veranda at the bar on the fourteenth floor next to Haymitch Abernathy he never expected the drunken man to start whispering such sobering words. Never expected it yet he wasn't at all surprised in the slightest.

There had been whispers in the pipelines for days. The riots taking place across all Districts, the way Peacekeepers had doubled and patrolled the squares and enforced the curfews had made it obvious. President Snow was losing authority and he was losing it quickly. It seemed by making the decision to re-reap the pool of existing Victors he had only made it worse.

Districts were rioting and sparks were flying.

It was revolutionary yet undeniably dangerous. A suicide mission he'd called it ten short minutes ago but he had given his word that he would speak to Aella and Clio. He was intrigued. He was interested to see if it would actually work, if they would manage to pull the whole thing off or if they would all just end up dead. He wasn't afraid anymore, he was tired of direction and of harsh punishments. He hated the government much like Aella and Clio did.

He wasn't planning on telling her immediately after the Tribute Parade but they were already on day two of this short journey. There were only five days until that cannon sounded and twenty-four people battled until the death. If the plan were ever going to work she needed to know sooner rather than later.

That was how he found himself following them both as they swanned off to Aella's bedroom within their apartment. He left Drew silently and called after the ladies as they walked, joining them in Aella's room and closing the door behind him.

With a deep frown on her face Aella sat on the edge of her bed as her quick fingers worked at undoing the straps of her heeled shoes. She kicked them off before reaching for the diadem on her head and tossing it on to her bed with a distasteful grunt.

"Daniel?" Clio scowled as she stepped toward him. She was ready to continue but he didn't let her.

"Sorry," He said but it was by no means an apology, "I had an interesting conversation with Abernathy upstairs in the bar just now and we all need to talk about it."

At that, Aella's brow arched high and her hands froze. She stopped tearing the accessories from her body in a rushed manner and instead leaned back on her hands, "Interesting how?"

Daniel rubbed his hands together and looked between the two women, "I think we're all aware of the riots in the Districts."

"I've heard rumours." Clio nodded, easing herself into the chair in front of the extravagant dressing table.

"They all started after Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark tried to eat those poisonous berries," Daniel said, "Snow let them both live. It goes completely against what the Games are about."

"Yeah," Aella grumbled in hostility, "now he's forcing the rest of us to pay, dragging us down because of something they decided to do."

"To show he still has power." Daniel reminded her, "We all know the Districts are rebelling but it's getting worse...more and more every day."

The young woman's brows creased again as she looked at Daniel. Her stomach clenched somewhat nervously as she said, "Even Five?"

Daniel nodded his head silently. Aella hadn't a clue where he'd sourced his information from but if District Five had continued to riot after she had left.... Her throat bobbed at the thought alone.

The thought of Sal, Natalia and Sam at home worried her, especially after the workers riot on the Peacekeepers when that man had been shot. Anxiety gripped at her heart with an iron fist. She prayed that they stayed out of it all, Sam especially. He liked to play hero often, she just hoped he didn't become a martyr.

"Abernathy wants to talk with you about an alliance." Daniel said, looking directly to Aella, "He told me about it..but I think it's better it coming from him than from me."

Aella pressed her lips together and pondered for a moment before she said, "Just me?"

He shook his head, "He's approached others. I don't know who."

She nodded, contemplating the offer. It grossly intrigued her and she hadn't ever been one to say no to a fight. If riots were sparking it wouldn't be long until Snow had a whole uprising on his hands and that was something Aella would definitely support. She wanted the man gone more than anyone in the world.

"When does he want to talk?"

"He said he'd be upstairs in the rooftop bar if you wanted to talk tonight."

She pondered his words before she eventually nodded her head. Daniel exhaled seeing her agreement.

"I'll go," She said, "let me get out of this dress first though."

Daniel nodded and left the two women her the room. He could hear Aella's complaints as Clio tried to pull the dress from her body and suppressed an amused grin as he walked away from her room. He noted Drew was no where to be found and ventured over to the small bar that they had been provided with. The avoxes had been dismissed for the night and he poured himself a drink while waiting for Aella to re-appear.

It didn't take as long as he thought it would. She ventured out of her room with her hair still in and her makeup still on. He assumed it was Clio who had forced her into a pair of black shorts, shirt and sleeveless cape that ran the full length to the ground. He gathered from the unamused expression on her face that she wasn't particularly happy she wasn't allowed to wear something more comfortable. He heard her bicker with Clio about it as she followed her out of the bedroom.

Daniel informed her she was to go alone. He'd already had the conversation with Haymitch and even then, it wasn't his decision to make. It needed to look as inconspicuous as possible and by doing it this way, it appeared that Aella was venturing out for an innocent drink and perhaps to socialise.

She left their quarters and pressed for the fourteenth floor where the bar was located. It was secluded and only available to tributes, mentors and their escorts. She wasn't excepting it to be very full, especially after the Tribute Parade. She expected everyone to be gathered to discuss their potential allies and their first impressions of one another as tributes.

It was what Aella should've been doing. After all, she'd had enough time to mingle following the parade itself but she was too curious to hear what Haymitch Abernathy—of all people—had to say about riots and potential uprisings across Panem. It better had been good, she thought and not something pointless. She hoped he had a reason behind it and that he wasn't just scouting for allies for Katniss and Peeta because they were new to the game. She'd be less than impressed if that were the case.

As she walked into the bar she noticed it wasn't as empty as she'd expected it to be but it was still quiet. There were only two avoxes working and as she glanced around she saw Haymitch sitting out on the terrace, furthest away from the prying eyes.

Yes, she was more than intrigued now.

She swung by the bar first, taking advantage of the free drinks offered to tributes and ordered one for her and one for Haymitch. The avox working offered her a small smile as he placed the two drinks down on the bar before her and she returned the gesture, a pang of guilt pulling at her heart as she muttered her thanks.

She always felt for the avoxes that worked within the Captiol. They served as a purpose of what President Snow could really do should you be caught breaking his laws. They were stripped of their voice and forced to do serve the patrons of the Capitol. If anything, it was another reason why Aella hated the corrupt world they were living in.

She took the drinks in her hand and ventured out to the terrace casually. She approached Haymitch from behind and placed the glass on the table over his shoulder. He tilted his head back lazily and looked up at her, blond hair falling in his eyes as she moved to sit down opposite him.

Her eyes were fixated forward, glued to the Presidential Palace that was lit up directly opposite the Tribute Centre across the Avenue. It was a good few miles away but the clear view of it gnawed at her stomach. A burning fire set her veins alight and she clenched her jaw knowing the man she hated with every fibre of her being was currently residing in there.

She raised her drink to her lips, sipping the bitter tasting whiskey before she swallowed it. Her face remained unchanged, she'd grown used to the taste of it by now and instead she stared firmly ahead.

"I've always wanted to watch that place burn to the ground."

Haymitch's eyes swept over the palace she glared at with such fiery intent and he nodded silently. The malice in her tone was something he expected. It was what made her perfect for this. He knew she'd say yes without a moment's hesitation.

"It would be nice." He commented, taking a sip of his own drink. 

A thick silence lingered between them until Aella glanced to Haymitch and said, "Tell me you're not here to beg me to ally with Everdeen and Mellark?"

An amused snicker escaped Haymitch's lips and his eyes danced in hilarity to match. He met Aella's gaze and said, "You speak with Amor?"

She nodded, "He didn't say much."

Haymitch looked around, analysing their space before he leaned closer to Aella. He didn't need anyone to overhear their conversation, "I take it you've heard of the riots in the Districts?" He asked her and when she nodded simply he continued, "There is a uprising in the works, a rebellion if you will, fuelled by Victors like yourself."

"Me?" She asked him as her brow arched high. A short chuckle escaped her lips and she shook her head, "How have I managed to inspire people to riot?"

Haymitch's lips curved into a knowing smirk, "By putting yourself between an elementary school and a line of Peacekeepers." He said and watched as her eyes widened somewhat.

Shock overwhelmed Aella but it wasn't the kind that paralysed her. It was the type that confused her and her brows knitted together tightly as she examined Haymitch throughly. There was no sign of deceit on his face but why would he ever have to lie about something like that? She knew what she did was an act of defiance against the Capitol and she was sure if she wasn't a Victor she and everyone else who protested with her would've been executed on the spot. She, in a sense, saved those who fought back with her just by being a Victor. She didn't know, however, that it had been televised.

"You've also inspired President Snow to resort to extreme measures." Haymitch advised, his words indirectly suggesting that Aella was a part of the reason for the re-reaping. That thought alone forced her hand to clench into a fist but the more she thought about it the more she realised Haymitch was absolutely right.

Aella Barnes had been a sharp thorn in President Snow's side for years now and he hadn't been able to eliminate her. This way was his perfect opportunity. He could get rid of the likes of her and Katniss Everdeen—the ones who liked to defy his rule—and he could re-enforce his position as President at the same time. By re-reaping the pool of existing Victors he was re-instating his power, reminding Panem that he could do absolutely anything he wanted to because he was the President.

"It was broadcasted, wasn't it?" Aella asked then, her gaze meeting Haymitch's again.

The man merely nodded as he raised his drink to his lips and took a generous sip. He wasn't devouring his drink like she was hers.

"The Capitol were quick to interrupt it but it was very clearly you."

Aella nodded, "Just like it was clearly Katniss who intervened that Commander flogging that boy."

Haymitch nodded again, "Seeing the likes of you and Katniss fighting back is instilling hope in the Districts. It doesn't matter how many people they execute or how many people are flogged in their square. Their hope remains and it is breeding like wildfire."

Aella shrugged, "So, what?" She asked him.

"Plutarch Heavensbee approached me at the end of Katniss and Peeta's Victory Tour," Haymitch said to her lowly after he looked around curiously, "He's been working as an underground rebel agent for years and he's looking to overthrow the Capitol. These riots have given him the perfect opportunity. He wants to use Katniss and Peeta as the faces of the rebellion. It was them who started the riots when they decided to eat the poisonous berries in that arena. We need Victors we can trust, ones that are willing to join the rebellion to keep Katniss and Peeta safe in the Games—"

Aella laughed suddenly and she shook her head to herself. Just when she thought it was almost too good to be true Haymitch finally dropped the bomb she'd been waiting for. What he wanted were Victors who are willing to sacrifice themselves so Katniss and Peeta could win.

"You want people who will sacrifice themselves for them." She corrected him, "Tell me, Haymitch, if I do say yes what's in it for me?"

"Survival." Haymitch responded confidently, "Your loved ones safe, all in one place. That relationship you've been dying to have with Odiar."

She shook her head again in bemusement. It was all shaping out to be a huge waste of her time. When she thought Haymitch was actually on the path to orchestrating something meaningful it fell at the last hurdle, even if the mention of she and Finnick being together pulled at her heart. Too many loopholes. It was far too dangerous.

"And where do you propose we stay?" She asked, "If we're knee-deep into a rebellion that will no doubt start a war I won't be safe in District Five. None of us will be safe anywhere."

"You'll seek refuge in District Thirteen." He shrugged as if it were nothing. As if the mention of the desolate, fallen, District didn't bother him, "It's already been arranged."

"You've had one too many," She said in pure disbelief as her eyes widened, "Even by your standards your drunk."

"Of course I'm drunk, I always am." He retorted, "But what's not to say a drunk mind speaks sober thoughts?" He posed before adding, "I'm not lying. This is real. There's a rebellion forming, a war is just around the corner. Heavensbee has been planning this for years, Aella, and now he has the perfect opportunity. All you have to do is stay with Katniss and Peeta stay alive long enough for Heavensbee to get you out of the arena."

"District Thirteen doesn't exist, Haymitch." She shook her head, sitting back in her chair, "The Capitol burnt it to the ground years ago."

"To the ground, yes. To ashes, no." He replied cryptically.

She pressed her lips together in a thin line while his offer played on her mind. Her heart willed for her to accept but her head screamed for her to think about if for a second. It was entirely risky but it was everything she was about and more. The chance to rebel against President Snow was far too tempting to her and the promise she made to herself about dragging him down with her remained strong. If there was one thing she was determined about it was putting up a fight against him. She refused to live in fear any longer and this was one step closer to breaking that barrier—to breaking the hold he had on her.

And hell, if it did go wrong it didn't matter much. She was going into the Hunger Games and her odds at surviving...at winning, were slim. She would've rather died defying President Snow than died falling victim of one of his games again.

She raised her glass to her lips again and looked out at Snow's mansion with fiery intent and in that moment Haymitch knew he had her on board.

She nodded but said, "I have conditions."

"Naturally." He responded with a smug grin.

"Sal, Natalia and Sam Beaumont are to be kept safe, you get them out of District Five as soon as you can." She negotiated, "To Thirteen, wherever it may be. They're the closest thing I've got left to a family."

Haymitch smiled, "Done."

"The same for Clio and Daniel," She said, "We both know she'll be all over this rebellion like a designer to a new fabric but you must keep her safe, Haymitch. Promise me."

The man nodded his head genuinely and it instilled relief in Aella. Finally she nodded and said, "I'll do it. We both know Daniel will want to work with you on this."

Haymitch winked at her and grinned, "Knew I could count on you, kid."

Aella merely rolled her eyes but the sentiment from his words settled her somewhat, "Whatever." 

The older man raised his glass to hers, "To the rebellion." He said.

She clinked her glass against his harshly with no hesitation, the liquor inside sloshing around as she said with a deep smile on her face, "To overthrowing President Snow."

They drank to the promise of a new era, the liquor burning their throats as they finished their drinks in one. The toast lingered over them as they spent the rest of their time sitting together in silence. In that moment Aella had never felt closer to seeing the man she hated so deeply dead. She envisioned what a life without President Snow would be like and a fire raged inside her body, determined to have that life.

•   •   •

When Aella returned she was surprised to see Clio and Daniel still loitering around the living quarters of their large apartment. It felt later than what it actually was. On her way out of the bar she happened to cross paths with Beetee, a man she'd never really had a conversation with before however he stopped her and asked if she knew were Haymitch Abernathy was sitting.

Aella had pointed him in the man's direction and watched him walk away with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. An unfamiliar feeling spread through her chest and it was almost easier to breathe. Seeing Beetee take the seat she had just occupied made it all real. The rebellion really was true—it really was happening and it sparked excitement to run through her veins.

It seemed Daniel and Clio were waiting to hear what Abernathy had proposed and in hushed tones Aella told them everything while they gathered around the bar with a drink in hand. Like she had expected, Clio was all over it. Aella had never met someone living in the Capitol who shared such hatred for it. She hated her job, she hated everything the Games resembled but she couldn't leave. President Snow had his strings wrapped around her just like he did his Victors. She was just another pawn in his game, another insignificant chess piece on his board.

They both approved of her decision but they had to work out their strategy.

Daniel had to begrudgingly send for Drew while Aella removed her makeup and took her hair out. It didn't take her long and within the next ten minutes she was settled on the lavish black sofa, a sharp knife twirling in her fingers. Anything to occupy her thoughts from slipping her hands around Drew's throat and tightening until the light left his eyes.

Drew sat silently on the opposite end of the sofa while Clio occupied the arm chair beside Aella. Daniel stood before their television, playing the run down of all the tributes. All they had to go on so far was first impressions, long lasting friendships and Aella's secret alliance with Haymitch. Their allocated training slots didn't start until the next day but Aella already had a good idea of who she wanted to ally with.

When Daniel turned the television on and Cashmere and Gloss appeared on their screen Aella spoke before he could even get his words out. She shook her head firmly, eyes hard as she tensed and said, "No."

She didn't like Career Tributes—the ones from One and Two anyways—and for good reason. Especially the two who's faces she stared at. They were a horrid reminder of what had occurred during those final moments of her Games. Of what had occurred throughout...

She ran through the sand as fast as she could. The sun breathing down her neck brought her close to passing out from sheer exhaustion. Sweat ran from her forehead and stung as it dripped into her eyes but she didn't dare look back. She could hear the malicious laughter coming from the three tributes behind her as they teased her while they ran. It was only a matter of time before they caught up to her. They were the only four left.

"Run, run, run as fast as you can, little Aella!" Ethelia taunted with a soft giggle as they chased her, "We can't wait to kill you!"

Her heart slammed against her chest so much so it made breathing hurt. Her legs were numb and her body was screaming for her to stop. She was so desperate to give in but she didn't want to die. She hadn't dragged herself through thirteen days of pain and hell to give in at the last hurdle. She was better than that.

A deserted, decrepit, building within the skyline of ruins appeared and she ducked into an opening, diving and dodging through hanging cables and broken walls.

"You can't hide from us!" Torrell yelled out, laughing in time with his District partner as they chased her. Their heavy footsteps pounded on the stone ground under their feet.

She remembered Finnick's words as he warned her about the Career packs from District One and Two. They echoed in her head as she pumped her arms faster. She was shorter than them all. She had the advantage of speed.

'You go to school to get an education. They go to learn how to fight. They're specially trained in combat so that they can volunteer for the Games. They're there because they want to be, not because they have to be. They will not show you mercy, Aella. Kill them if you can.'

Kill them if you can, she thought. Easier said than done. Nyle had killed Odius two nights prior leaving Artemis to hold down the fort District Two. Of course, as soon as Nyle and Aella had let their guard down the three remaining Career's jumped on them. Aella was returning from finding fresh water when she saw Nyle with a knife in his throat and Ethelia, Torrell and Artemis standing over him with grins on their faces.

Nyle had been the only one to ally with Aella. Evan—her District partner—had died in the bloodbath. But Nyle... she has been skeptical when they first found each other but she heard Finnick's voice in her head insisting on her to trust him. She had thought maybe it was because he was from District Four after all that he decided to offer her the choice of allying. A sleepless night together however had revealed it was because Aella had reminded Nyle of his younger sister back at home and he felt a need to protect her. She clung on to that sentiment, even now as the Careers chased her to her death.

She had to avenge Nyle if nothing else.

She dived behind a collapsed wall and twisted into a darkened spot in the corner. She angled her body behind a broken wall and hid. She watched as the three came to a stop and looked around for her. Her shaking fingers clutched the handle of the dagger tightly, Nyle's blood still slick on the blade. Her eyes zeroed in and she focused before standing and throwing the blade with precision. Before it had chance to hit she ducked out of sight and watched through a small crack as it hit Torrell in the side of his throat. He collapsed to the ground in a heap, his two companions spinning in circles to try and find her.

Boom!

She reached for her holster to collect another dagger but felt her blood run cold when she realised there were no more. She glanced down quickly to double check and a collection of sweat gathered in her palms as she reached behind her and pulled the machete out from it's holster on her back.

The fourteen year old took a deep breath and closed her eyes for half a second. The entirety of Panem were at a standstill watching the final three. People shouted at their television screen, others held their breath in anxious anticipation.

She was so close, she thought, so close to home she could smell her mothers freshly baked muffins.

She dove out from behind her hiding spot and ran to Artemis first. With a strong grunt Aella swiped her machete across the older girls stomach. Artemis let out a loud scream as the blade pierced skin and muscle. She collapsed to the ground while Ethelia turned to find the young girl crouched on the floor retrieving the dagger out of Torrell's throat.

Ethelia pulled her own dagger out and she threw it toward Aella. It soared through the air and imbedded itself within her shoulder blade. Aella screamed as a searing hot pain exploded through her body. Her vision flashed bright white as her body reacted to the pain. She fell on to her knees, hands desperately reaching for the dagger as Ethelia stalked slowly toward her with a winning smirk on her face.

"Cashmere always said killing people slowly was the most satisfying." She said aloud, "She'll be thrilled when I take home the crown for District One for the third year in a row."

Aella's fingers grazed over the handle of the knife but she couldn't quite wrap her hand around it so she did the only thing she could think of. She met Ethelia's gaze, her breaths heavy. She cocked her brow and asked sarcastically, "Isn't Cashmere the name of wool?"

Rage flashed in Ethelia's gaze and she charged toward Aella. Her ax swinging toward her face. Before the metal touched Aella she dropped into a roll and screamed as the knife in her shoulder lodged itself further into her skin and wobbled. Her entire arm went numb, like a dead weight, and she cried out as the handle jammed against the ground, removing itself from her skin in an entirely different place it had entered.

She couldn't even pick it up, her entire right arm immobile. Her fingers didn't respond to the commands her brain made so she curled her left, dominant, hand further around the handle of her machete and she pulled herself up on to her feet as quick as she could. Her left knee twisted, dislocating like it had done three days prior after she fell blindly down a hill and she grunted in pain and did her best to ignore it. Instead she stood behind Ethelia and thrust the sharp edge of the machete through her back listening to the sickening gasp that escaped her lips as she did so. The ax in her hands clamoured to the floor as she dropped it. The metal rebounded off the ground.

Aella withdrew the machete and with an exhausted breath she pushed it into Ethelia's scapular. The sharp weapon pierced her heart and killed her instantly.

Boom!

Too heavy to hold, Aella released the handle of the machete and watched Ethelia collapse to the ground underneath her. A pool of blood escaped her body and seeped out across the old stone ground beneath them. She exhaled in short puffs, her body on the verge of collapsing but she was tackled from behind and she landed on her stomach with a harsh thud, hitting her head against the ground.

Dark stars invaded her vision and her ears rang. A weight sat on her and fought immediately. She bucked and kicked and thrashed until her vision returned enough for her to see. She managed to flip herself on to her back to see Artemis hovering above her. Blood coated her teeth and ran down her chin but she'd gathered enough strength to fight until the end. Aella squealed as the older girl wrapped her fingers around her windpipe tightly, her eyes widened and she fought for air.

The girls eyes were manic as she watched the colour drain from Aella's face with every second that passed while the young girl struggled and wriggled underneath her.

Aella couldn't move her right arm to reach for the dagger that laid centimetres away from her and she spluttered. Her vision started to fade and Artemis had split into two above her. In a final—desperate—attempt she curled her hand into a fist and punched Artemis in the temple. She knocked her balance just enough for Aella to throw her off of her body with a strenuous grunt.

She rolled on to her side, breathing heavily as her vision returned in a blurry state. Somewhere close, Artemis gasped sharply and Aella rolled on to her stomach, lifting her heavy head to see her sitting against a wall impaled on an old rusted pipe. Her eyes were wide and fixated as she breathed heavily and a single tear pushed over the waterline of her eyes, running through the dirt on her cheek just as her head dropped heavily to the side and she exhaled for the last time.

Boom!

The final cannon sounded and Aella dropped her head against the cool floor again. She fought against herself as she hyperventilated.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the sixty-ninth annual Hunger Games; Aella Barnes."

"Why not?" Drew argued, snapping Aella out of the trance she'd fallen into. Her eyes darted over to his frame and lingered.

Absentmindedly, she rubbed her wrist and stretched out her fingers as the phantom numbness disappeared. Clio noticed her movement out of the corner of her eyes and she pressed her lips together silently in remembrance. Aella had been lucky enough that the Capitol surgeons were able to repair the severed nerves in her shoulder, as she was lucky enough that they were able to repair the tendons in her knee following her Victory Tour but the lasting damage always lingered. She had to undergo intense physiotherapy to learn how to use her arm again, to move her fingers, to eat with a knife and folk...

She remembered Aella's pained sobs when the helicarrier landed and they wheeled her into the hospital. Seeing her bloodied and bruised body in person had startled her. Some nights she still heard those cries in her dreams while Aella had clutched to her and told them she couldn't feel her arm.

Even then, six years later Aella still had days where her fingers tingled.

"They're part of the Career pack. They'd be great allies."

"They're part of the Career pack," Aella repeated harshly as she glared at Drew though her voice trembled slightly, "That's why they're not good allies. They only care about themselves, we'd be dead the second the cannon sounded."

"They're our biggest competition in this game." Drew exasperated.

Aella rolled her eyes, "Bullshit," She snapped.

"You have plenty of time to decide on your allies," Daniel intervened before they could take it any further. His eyes watched them both carefully, "This is just to see who you're thinking of on first impressions."

"Finnick and Johanna." Aella responded without a moments hesitation. She knew she'd have to ally with Everdeen and Mellark as part of Haymitch's condition but she'd rather establish her real allies first before creating fake ones.

"You know people call you three the Deadly Trio pack." Drew mumbled, looking at Aella as she dragged her knees into her chest.

The young woman shot him a glare but her lips curved slightly in amusement, "That's because they're threatened by us." She said.

"Aella you know if you take Finnick and Johanna you have to take Mags and Blight." Daniel said to her, "Providing Johanna and Blight decide to stick together."

There was no need to mention Finnick and Mags in his equation but he did anyway. Everyone knew Finnick would protect her until he physically couldn't no more. Aella knew Finnick would even put his life on the line to save his mentor's. Mags had taken over as that parental figure he'd lacked. He would do anything for her.

She shrugged her shoulders nonplussed. It didn't bother her having to take Mags as an ally. She adored the woman and if it came down to it, she'd help Finnick protect her at all costs. Blight was another number in strength, "The more the merrier." She ended up responding with, "Five of us are better than none."

"Five?" Drew echoed as he looked at her with furrowed brows, "I hope you're not forgetting me in this equation."

Aella didn't even look at him. She merely rolled her eyes and snapped, "In this equation you'll be dead before I even find my allies."

Drew's face paled as he froze for a moment. His eyes wide eyes stared at Aella. She merely watched him with a blank expression while she twirled the sharp knife she held in her fingers in the same way she did on the train. It was an attempt to threaten him and by god, did it work. It took him a moment but he managed to scrape together some of his composure and force a laugh to his lips that even sounded fearful.

"Yeah," He stumbled out, "T-that's a funny one, Aella."

She quirked her brow, "It's a shame I wasn't joking," She said and watched as he swallowed deeply. She continued with a harsh glare, "I will not be your ally, Drew, and I don't want your allies either. You'll be dead before you even get to meet up with them."

True words, Daniel thought, but even still Drew had to figure out who he wanted to ally with and if they were the Career packs so be it. But deep down, everyone knew that he would be the first one dead. It was the only unspoken promise that had formed and would be upheld among the tributes. Drew belonged to Aella and no one else. She would be the one to kill him and while she did, she was off limits to everyone until she was finished. She deserved to be the one to kill him, everyone knew it... even Drew himself.

•   •   •

A/N; So I went and saw Challengers in cinema today & I'm not a tennis fan at all but holy shit that film is willlllld! Zendaya slays every damn time. Period. Anyways, next chapter & more of Finnick and Aella on Friday!