b r e a t h e * [/flightofnight]

No backing out, Yael reminded herself. On the inside, she had already begun cowering from the choice she made. Her passive self didn't want to think she could so easily mention breaking the rules that caged them. It would be fine either way. Even though they got along okay, she didn't know him that well. The younger teen could easily get tired of her and kick her out for a couple days, and then there was the risk of dying. An outcome like that would be fine, it was likely she would've thought of it had she not met him eventually. Guilt overshadowed the rest of her feelings like heavy curtains, there was no way she'd watch another cheerful person disappear without notice on their own regard. Perhaps it came a little fast, but there it was. The girl saw a glimpse of who she wanted to be. It would always be her sister.

Ok, let's start planning then. She nodded in agreement, mind scrambling to come up with a plan. There was too much they couldn't plan and they couldn't just make a straight-forward plan assuming nothing would happen. They needed times, dates, and names. There were specific peacekeepers that patrolled certain parts of their district, but at a certain hour they would all group up and do a complete sweep at night when riots were most common. They had infared goggles, but those also obscured the face of the other person. If people weren't too careful they could injure their allies, and the goggles didn't see past the numerous alleyways. When it was dark would be best. She added stars around the forest, raking one hand through her hair.

There was so much she didn't know, and that she wanted to keep from the peacekeepers. Do you know any survival tips? Even something we saw them use in the games might be helpful. Yael continued to write, making sure she took deep breaths so she wouldn't hyperventilate. She held her wrist to keep her shaking wrist still. As far as physical strength and stamina went, she was already the weight keeping them behind. However if they planned this out correctly perhaps the odds would even out or even go in their favor. We should make two meeting spots if we get seperated... one outside the district and one inside, if something happens beforehand.

In one short movement she erased the stick figure with a triangular shaped skirt, nodding. Don't be afraid to go ahead of me if I slow you down. I'll give you a sign so you know I'm okay.

Well, we need to pack food, water, and anything else we'll need. And I can probably hunt for food, possibly. And hopefully we can find a lake or something. But we also will need to find bedding when we are there. Yael listened, her eyes widened when he mentioned hunting. He was capable of doing that? You can hunt? The girl was impressed if he really could, though she was also a bit curious as to how he developed that skill with the peacekeepers around. Plus, they were District 3. They didn't have any rivers or animals, the pollution killed off dogs and cats while preventing any new animals to repopulate. There was so much they'd have to plan, and they didn't have that much time. A part of Yael wanted to grab everything she had at home, stuff it in a tote-bag and leave but that left her mother to take care of her grandmother herself. If anything, she should be the one to leave them money and supplies.There was no way she'd be able to take what they needed. I'll do my best to get us some bottles and cans we can take along.

No, I can't leave you behind, we'd need to stay together to survive in there. But the sign would be great, I belive there might be mockingjays in there, so we'll make up a little tune to show that we're ok. She nodded and her hand swiftly started to sketch a reply. I'll tell my boss the program I made is going to take a few more weeks so they won't suspect anything. I think there's an orange lantern in the office next to where I work. I can put it next to the window and turn it on if we get seperated to let you know I'm fine. You'll be able to see it at night, don't worry.

When he brought up their destination, Yael faltered. There was only one place she thought about wanting to go to, and accepted the low probability of it ever happening long ago. She kind of hoped they would just live in the forests and such, but it would be difficult to live as nomads. I've wanted to see District 1 since I was a child, but it would be impossible. Is there a specific place you want to see?

The dark-haired teen read about how he painlessly killed the squirrel, a small smile graced her lips. Maybe this wouldn't be so far out of their reach after all. There wasn't much she thought she could take from the past games she'd watched, but got the general idea of how to assemble a makeshift rod for fishing. Granted, the tribute who used it died but that was because the fish were genetically altered to shoot poison. Hopefully it wasn't an issue with the item itself. Yael ran through a list of items she could retrieve from her house without any issues: some rope, a few bottles and cans for food and water, blankets, a couple bars of soap, wire, and clothes. If it would be possible to retrieve a faulty appliance from one of the factories, they could even have the chemicals to make a fire or smoke. Her mom would need the money to support the rest of the family now.

Ok, but, if we need to, let's make a little tune for the mockingjays to show that we're alright. Yael's hand drew away from the soil, nervous. It wasn't as much that she was afraid of singing as it was the issue of almost being tone-deaf. Some people were good at keeping songs, but she wasn't one of them. She might scare the mockingjays, or if she hit the right note, scar them for life. Still, it was a good idea for when they got out. The Harlow cleared her throat awkwardly, making a small squeaking noise. Ick. Okay, she had this. Her hand gripped the metal scrap as she whistled four different notes, expression changing to relief when she knew it wasn't terrible. Even so, it was a very tiny noise that was almost covered up by the wind blowing. Yael almost forgot she could whistle. Was that fine? Maybe you should pick a tune...

When Microloe suddenly smiled, she watched his display of happiness both in curiosity and interest. She'd say it was a small thing, but no, they were really going to do this soon and it made her smile as well. It had been a long time since she had seen someone show visible interest in something. Their day to day lives dealt with taking in a yellow-grey sky and riots, no wonder everyone was jaded. Oh my gosh, I wanted to go there too! You know it's not entirely impossible! We could go there, or to District 2 or 4! Whatever you want, we can reach any of the Career Districts. Yael was put more at ease because her new friend was excited rather than because he wanted her to choose.

District 1 or 4 then, since they train peacekeepers at 2. She wrote out after much thought. Then again, neither of them really knew what going to the career districts would be asking for either. It would probably be best to remain on their good side. The first, then. Hopefully we won't stick out too much there.

Her nervousness faded a little more when she heard him whistle a different tune. It was a lot nicer, and she was a bit comforted by that. It's really good. I'll remember it.

"I think we could make it to District 1 in about 5 or 6 days through the open forest. Let's try to go there." When Microloe spoke again Yael realized there would be another rather large problem. She would waste their time writing out what she wanted to say when they were traveling, since they couldn't stay in one place for too long. They would also have the option of staying together or searching the areas seperately to cover more ground, so communication would be vital. She stood and stuck her heel out to erase all of the messages, looking back at the male teen. Yael swallowed, trying to take in the severity of the situation. It wasn't the time to be a baby. "... t....two days... before... the games?"

She tried to put her best stern face on, but only managed a slight frown. "... odd...s... in our favor." Even when she wanted to say the Games' little catchphrase, she hesitated and trailed off, the other words came out in light mumbles that didn't connect to the original quote at all. Yael hoped he'd understand. "... m-meet back here... then... at three?"

"It's ok, don't be afraid to speak. I'm your friend." Yael's face scrunched up as she bobbed her head in agreement. She wanted to believe that for the both of them, but social anxiety was a difficult mountain to climb alone. What if they got to know each other and he truly didn't like what he saw? It was still hard, and even if she did learn to talk to Microloe, she'd be a one trick pony. She'd only be able to talk to him, and that would be like using him as a crutch which was something a seventeen year old boy really didn't need (especially since she was the older one). The reluctance in her eyes never faded while she mumbled, "... yeah... I-I... I'll... try."