The faint tinge of metal dappled my lips, surely from the forming cracks. I can’t stay much longer, I need to follow my own advice to Neysa after all.

With each passing minute, I risk another injury. Another weakness for them to exploit. Although these tributes can’t singe me worse than the gamemakers already have. I suppose this is what a girl deserves for playing with fire.

Lighter fluid or not, thank the stupid academy for teaching me to do one thing right. Priorities, stay hydrated. Bashing people’s faces in takes a lot of energy out, we gotta stay hydrated unless our muscles are going to crap out. Can’t have that, not trying to become chow for whatever lies ahead.

Let’s just hope it won’t be another tribute trying to eat me. I have no weight on my bones, hardly any curve, and frankly, after being around Shy, who would be stupid enough to eat me. My body won’t get them far, I probably got rubbed off with the wrong “seasoning” called Shy’s delight. Plus, I look much better alive than dead.

Seems like another girl had gotten my idea. I don't recognize her spikey hair, or her scrunched up face, but I could have sworn I heard Neysa yelp from her way. Reach swiftly and grabbing what I need, I shoulder check past her. Neysa limps before me, anguish clear across her face. "Let's get the hell out of here."

Arm wrapping under my ally's shoulder, I make sure to be as careful as I can easing my way down the slick, softened slope, wandering into a forest ripped out of a grim fairytale.

[Domitia Drusilla flees with NEYSA SACHDEVA, heading towards the Ghost Trees]