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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

    𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 Rowan ran down the hall, ignoring the screams of her mother behind her, telling her to get back. Tears were spilling from her eyes, soaking her cheeks as her bottom lip quivered in utter terror.

"Sage Rowan! Get back here, you ungrateful child!" Her mother, Deirdre Rowan, yelled as Sage ran up the stairs as fast as her little legs could carry her.

Her mother was right on her heels and when Sage entered her bedroom, just before she could slam the door behind her, Deirdre forced the door open so harshly that it sent the small girl back onto the hardwood floor and the door slammed into the wall so hard it caused a dent.

Sage scrambled back, more tears falling. "No! Mommy please. I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

Deirdre didn't listen, instead she grabbed Sage by her arm and hauled her up like she weighed nothing. "Shut up! Why do you keep disrespecting me? I have told you, time and time again, never mention that man to me ever again. Do you know what it's like to be reminded of him? Isn't seeing you walking around, haunting me with your presence, enough of a reminder that he left me? You are lucky I didn't carve you out of my stomach when I found out I was pregnant."

Sage fought hard against her as she dragged her back down the stairs, Sage screaming and hyperventilating, knowing where she was being dragged too. "Mommy, please! I-I won't ever mention him again. P-Please! Please! I'm sorry!"

Deirdre was not listening, instead she dragged her daughter kicking and screaming over to the small, confined closet that she had drilled a plank of wood into the wall so when she slammed it it would lock and keep Sage from escaping. The only way out is for Deirdre to let her out.

"No!" Sage screamed, holding onto the edge to keep from being trapped in this suffocating darkness. Deirdre pried her fingers free and shoved the small girl inside, slamming the door shut just before Sage could get up. Sage rammed into the door, banging on it and screaming at the top of her lungs as everything settled. "Mom-Mommy! Mommy!"

"Shut up!" Deirdre yelled from the other end, smacking her hand against the door. "Shut up! Shut up! All of you shut up!"

"Mommy, it's just me." Sage cries, banging the door. "No one else is here. It's just me. Please let me out. I'll be good. I'll be good."

But it was no use. No matter how much begging or crying or banging, Deirdre Rowan never let her daughter out of the closet. Sometimes it was only for three hours, but the longest she has stayed inside this closet was two days. Deirdre only let her out because she needed her to get food and supplies, seeing as she wasn't welcomed in the District. Deirdre never left Victor's Village unless it was to mentor for the games.

For that day, Sage was only left in there for four hours before her mother released her and when Sage was finally free, she ran out of the house and went out into the woods over by the creek, where she cried and drank water from the stream because she didn't want to go back home. She was too scared too.

All because Sage asked her mother who her father was. She just wanted a name, She wanted to know why some people looked at her with disdain or hatred. She wanted to know why she felt so different, who the second person who made up her gene pool was. She knew she resembled her mother in looks, but did she have any of his features? Was he handsome? What was his favorite color? Did she inherit anything from him?

All she wanted was something of the other person who helped create her, instead of this fantasy she created in her mind. In her mind, her father was tall, so very tall and strong. He was wise and funny, always cracking jokes and had the kindest heart. In her mind, he doesn't know she exists, but if he did, he would come for her. He would rescue her from her mother who hated her. He would give her a better life filled with love and compassion. Sage didn't care about money or where he came from. She refused to believe the possibility that he could very well be the bad guy. She just fantasizes that he was the knight who would save her from the wicked dragon - a.k.a, her mother.

All Sage wanted was a name.

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𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 since the cave incident. Besides Tavis, there were three more deaths. A career actually. Edith, District 1. And sadly, the one Sage didn't know would hit her so hard, were the two from 6. Bobbi and Turner. Seeing their faces in the sky was heartbreaking. She knew it was inevitable, there is only one winner... but thinking of that sweet little girl's death- Sage doesn't even want to know how it happened and tries not to think about it.

Including Tavis, that makes seventeen dead. Seven remaining. The end was so close yet so far away.

Not that Sage was complaining. As terrible as it sounds, the more that are taken out, the sooner this will all be over. She has to admit, though, being in this freezing hell, she is looking forward to when she can finally end this. The closer they get to the end, the happier she becomes knowing that she finally has done something right with her life. Getting Lorcan home was absolutely vital to her now more than ever, especially after what happened in that cave.

Lorcan had calmed down since then. He managed to start thinking rationally again and if anything, it has made him extra cautious of their surroundings, which Sage was grateful for. She even managed to take the time to teach him about covering their tracks. Thankfully, he caught on pretty quickly. The paranoia of someone sneaking up on them again has registered in his head and he always double checks his work to make sure there is no trace before they continue on. To say Sage was proud of him would be an understatement, but nothing compared to when he started joking around in that annoying habit like he always used to when the silence would become too much for him.

Sage never thought she'd actually miss his lame jokes or attempts at small talk, but hearing it again was actually refreshing. She knew from the beginning that Lorcan wasn't going to leave this arena without some scars, but at least she knows he doesn't bury himself in his own self pity. He is not going to let it define him. And if she has anything to do about it, another incident like the cave will never, ever happen again.

She has been feeling much better, so much so that she was able to hunt again. They were starving when she killed the squirrel, Lorcan more so since he had emptied the contents in his stomach the other day. Unfortunately, however, the squirrel was all Sage was able to hunt down as her fingers were starting to crack and turn blue, making it much difficult to aim.

Despite the weather condition, Sage thought it best if they head back North towards the mountains where they originally had been, but it seems the Gamemakers had another idea. Harsh, heavy winds blew them in the opposite direction. It wasn't another blizzard, but it wasn't something they could ignore either. Because the winds would only pick up when they tried heading back to the mountains, but would calm when they turned South. They were growing impatient and clearly trying to bring all the tributes to one spot. So they had no choice and headed South.

No matter how much she hovers her hands over the fire or wears gloves, it could not stop the frostbite that would undoubtedly occur from being forced to endure in such terrible conditions. She has no doubt that some people's deaths might have been caused by hyperthermia, depending on how paranoid they were about starting a fire that would attract attention or how well their survival skills were. That is if any of them had been brave enough to travel so far North like they had. She knew South of the cornucopia wasn't all sunshine, but from what she saw on the platform on day one, it was definitely much better then where she and Lorcan have been camping out for the past few days..

At least her fingers are better than her toes. She has not once taken off her boots or thermal socks to assess the damage, but she could feel how the protection of the layered material was no longer doing it's job as the time ticked down. Sage is pretty sure there was a hole in one of them from being so worn down. And judging by the look on Lorcan's face, he was suffering pretty much the same as she was. The tip of his ears were now a dark color, almost black, and his lips were pale and cracked. Sage doesn't even want to know how she must be looking, but she is fairly certain she is the same as her partner.

Since the mountains were no longer an option, they have been treading very carefully in the direction of the cornucopia. She knew it was dangerous, but Sage wasn't sure how much longer they could last under such harsh conditions before serious damage was done to them and even heading in the direction felt warming, like a beacon calling all the tributes together for another bloodbath.

Sage was prepared for anything. She never once allowed herself to be defenseless again and though the cold was getting to her pretty badly, her head injury which she had concluded was a concussion finally turned into just a dull ache. She can handle that. She was prepared for any surprises, any tributes who might sneak their way or who they might accidentally stumble upon.

What she wasn't prepared for, however, was the statement that just left Lorcan's lips, that caused her entire body to stiffen and go rigid.

"I think we should finally consider going our separate ways."

Sage's lips pinched together tightly, and her braid wacked her in her face from how hard she spun her head to face him, brows furrowed together. She knew this conversation was going to happen eventually. Lorcan is still thinking like they are just allies fighting their own games. He has no clue of what she plans to do... what she is so willing to give up just so he can go home.

But still... how to explain it? She didn't want to. A part of her was hoping that something nuclear would happen causing them to be the last two standing so she doesn't have to explain it to him, especially not publicly. But she knew that was irrational. Sage did not want to think of what will happen when he knows the truth. What he will do.

She especially did not like that they were having this conversation while they were so close to the perimeter of the Cornucopia. She was extra cautious, making sure to keep him close so she can protect him from any unwanted surprises.

Taking her silence as reluctance, Lorcan continued his thought process. "I mean, I don't want to. But it makes sense. There are only seven of us left... it won't be long until we are forced to turn on one another." Lorcan paused, staring at the side of Sage's face brokenhearted, hating this entire thing. "And I don't think I can do that."

Sage refused to look at him, instead kept a watchful eye on their surroundings as she thought of an excuse. She immediately shook her head. "It's too soon. We can last a bit longer."

Sage walked away before Lorcan could say anything, not wanting to hear it. Of course, she couldn't get too far as she is supposed to be protecting him and all. Lorcan was at her side instantly once again. "Sage." The redhead refused to turn, causing Lorcan to reach out and grab her arm. "Sage, stop. I know this sucks, but we have to face reality. It is not too soon. Honestly, we should have parted after the cave but I just couldn't-" He paused, not wanting to say whatever vulnerability he was about to reveal. "I mean, this was always the plan, wasn't it? It's the smart thing to do."

"Lorcan," Sage sighed in frustration. She hated him for bringing this up. She hates him for putting her in this position, though of course, it's not really his fault. It was just easier to blame him.

The blond male reached out and cupped Sage's face, giving her a brave smile. "It'll be okay. Whatever happens... Sage, I just want you to know, though I wish it was under different circumstances, meeting you has been the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"Stop it!" Sage snapped at him, pulling away from him. "We are not splitting up."

"Sage-"

"No!" Sage yelled, startling him a bit. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself so they do not draw attention. Lorcan was staring at her with confusion written all over his face, not understanding why the smartest person he has ever met was fighting him on something she knows he is right about.

Sage took a second to compose herself, before looking Lorcan directly in the eyes, finding her courage. "I need to tell you something, Lorcan and I need you not to ask me too many questions about it. I also need you to understand that this was my decision from the very beginning."

"What are you talking about?"

"I never planned on surviving the bloodbath," Sage started, and once she said it, it all came pouring out. "Not from the moment I raised my hand at the Reading Ceremony. I never planned on doing well on my individual training and I never planned on coming this far. I never wanted to fight. I do not want to become victor, do you understand?"

Lorcan's brows scrunched together in confusion, staring at the redhead like she was something from another planet. "No... No, I don't. What do you mean you don't want to become victor? That doesn't make any sense. You could win this whole thing, Sage-"

"That's the point, Lorcan. I don't want to." Sage said the last words slowly and deeply, wanting him to understand. And after a brief second of searching her face, Lorcan finally did.

He stared at her, completely dumbfounded. "What changed?"

Sage rubbed her forehead, trying to calm down her racing heartbeat. Finally, the redhead looked up at her partner- no, her friend - and swallowed the lump in her throat. "You did. I want you to make it home, Lorcan. All of this... the only way I'm going to die is by protecting you and making sure you at least get a fair chance."

"Why?" Lorcan whispered breathlessly, stunned by her confession.

Sage turned away from him. "It doesn't matter."

"It does matter!" Lorcan insisted. "You can't just drop a bomb like that, tell me you were never planning on winning the games and the only reason you made it this far is to protect me and not tell me why me?" Sage continued forward, ignoring his words but heard him close behind her. "Sage! Stop!"

Sage came to a halt and sighed, throwing her head back to look at the sky. Finally, she turned back to Lorcan, who was looking at her with those icy blue eyes of his, so sharp and fierce that she found herself enjoying them. They were comforting even when they are filled with pain and confusion. "Because your mother and brother need you to make it home to them. Because they are waiting for you. I don't have anyone waiting for me."

Lorcan shook his head. "That's not true. What about Adrian? And that woman you take care of?"

"Hyacinth has dementia. In a few years, she's not even going to remember who I am. She is well cared for, I was promised that before I got on that train." Sage explained somberly. "And Adrian... Adrian has her family and many other friends who are much better than me. She is loved in 9. Cherished even, because of her kind and nurturing soul. She was one of the best people to enter my life, even when I didn't want her there. I repaid my gratitude to her by volunteering in her stead. She will be just fine when I'm gone."

"So what was your plan?" Lorcan asked, though his face showed that he didn't want to know the answer. "In the end. If you accomplished your goal and it's just you and me. You were just gonna stand there and let me kill you."

"No, of course not." Sage said softly, wishing more than anything he would just let this go. "Please, Lorcan. Just drop it. We have to go. We are too close to the cornucopia. Someone will see us."

"I can't just drop this, Sage!" Lorcan said.

"Lorcan-" a frustrated Sage said, but was cut off by a sudden sound of clapping coming from behind him. She instantaneously grabbed Lorcan and pulled him behind her, sickle sword at the ready in front of her. "Lorcan, get back!"

Lorcan spun around, stumbling back and drew his machete. Both immediately raised their weapons in defense, especially given who was approaching.

"Yes, Lorcan. Hide behind your little bodyguard like the pathetic coward you are." Azebel taunted, strutting out in front of them in smooth, calculating steps. "I should have known you two would have decided to hide out deep in the mountains. Only idiots who want to die of hyperthermia could survive out there."

Azebel took a step towards the two, causing them to step back. "Which means, you've been making fires. It's the only explanation. It's smart, actually. Knowing people wouldn't dare venture close to the mountains, so it was safe to light the fires. I can only assume that was Sage's idea. But judging by the looks of you both, it seems the deep freeze was becoming too much for you, not even the fires could help, huh?"

"I'm not in the mood for small talk. Are you going to attack or not?" Sage snapped impatiently.

"Oh, we'll get to that soon enough. I just need to know something." Azebel held her hand up. "We couldn't help but overhear what I can only assume was supposed to be a private conversation. Boy, was that some juicy stuff. Self sacrificing yourself for someone you barely know? How poetic."

Sage immediately tensed. "We?"

Azebel smirked. "Well, you didn't think you were the only one who partnered up, did you? I'm not the only one who you pissed off with your rejection of an alliance."

Both Sage and Lorcan were prepared, just as they heard footsteps approaching from behind them. They both spun, Sage pushing Lorcan to the right so she can make sure to keep both threats in her sight at all times, but nearly faltered when she saw exactly who appeared from behind the large tree trunk.

Chance Henderson.

Chance looked just as well off as Azebel does, both bundled up tightly with his own scarf and even managed to score a knitted black hat. He had a longsword grasped in his hand, but the look in his eye, it was the same look she had seen in him the moment his name was called at the reaping and all throughout training. Eagerness. A thirst to prove himself.

"Isn't this ironic? You ally yourself with my District partner and I do the same to yours." Azebel points out with a mocking chuckle. "Funny, ain't it?"

"You talk so much about Lorcan not being smart, yet you don't know that 'ain't' is not a proper word. Very surprising coming from someone who is technically a Career." Sage remarks, still glaring at Chance who has yet to say a word. Lorcan made the mistake of chuckling at her remark, which only made the crazy nutjob to their left fuming.

Azebel snarled at the redhead before turning to Chance. "I changed my mind. You can have Lorcan. I want to kill this bitch myself."

Sage scoffed at Chance. "So much for that promise to stay away from each other, huh?"

Chance simply shrugged his shoulders. "Well, you ruined my original alliance and then chose this random kid to align with over me. Or should I say the one you are sacrificing your life for? That was a beautiful confession just now, Sage. Too bad we are going to have to put a snag in your plans."

"Okay, sure." Sage says, taking a step forward, ready to face off with the two. "I've been dying to know just how exactly you managed to score a 4 on your individual training assessment. I guess I'm about to find out."

The trigger was set as Chance was on her, yelling out as he slammed his long sword down at her, for which she managed to evade quickly.

"Hey! I said she's mine!" Azebel yelled in anger, charging at them. Lorcan came in then, blocking her hit and shoved her back with all his might. Sage managed to avoid another one of Chance's attacks before grabbing Lorcan and shoving him back.

"Run, Lorcan! I can handle them!"

"Yeah, like I'm seriously going to abandon you." Lorcan resorted.

Sage did not have time to argue further, not as Chance tried to sweep her legs with the sword, but she jumped it and then swung her weapon herself, only managing to slice open the padded jacket of his sleeve to the point the stuffing came out. From the corner of her eye, she saw Lorcan managing Azebel, but the utter fear of him having to bear the guilt of another death on his hands was too much for her and she was on Azebel, coming up beside her and punching her in the face, knocking her down.

Chance had once again gotten on his feet and pulled Sage back by her braid, causing a cry to escape her lips. As quick as she could, she held her hand up as she used to block the blade from going to her neck, ready to slice. She cried out again from the pain against her palm, feeling the blood starting to drip into the snow. In another swift movement, she reached to her buckle and grabbed one of her knives, jamming it down into Chance's thigh. Chance let out a wretched scream, dropping the redhead as Sage spun on him, taking a handful of his hair and smashing him against the nearby tree, causing him to fall limb unconscious.

Sage looked up to see Lorcan once again fighting off Azebel and panic fueled inside of her. Sage grabbed her sickle sword that fell to the ground and rushed over just as Azebel was about to surprise Lorcan with a knife she pulled from behind her, immediately shoving Lorcan out of the way before quickly executing a jump kick, hitting her directly in the chest so hard it left her gasping for breath. So much so, she dropped her gladius and fell to her knee, clutching her chest as she took deep, wheezing breaths.

Knowing she couldn't waste time and that she didn't have a choice, Sage mustered up all the strength inside herself and thrusted her sickle sword into the young girl's heart. Azebel met her eyes, wide and filled with terror. So much so that Sage finally looked past the conniving bitch, and saw just a scared young girl trying to survive.

"I'm sorry," Sage whispered softly, before pulling out her sickle sword, and watched as Azebel fell to the ground. Only seconds went by as Azebel drew her final breath and her eyes glossed over, becoming lifeless. A canon sounded, causing Sage to jump.

Her first kill. She knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. But a part of her was hoping she and Lorcan could hide forever without any blood on either of their hands until everyone took themselves out. That the only blood on her hands would be her own.

"Sage," the sound of Lorcan's voice was enough to remind her to breathe again and pull herself together. She turned to him, seeing him standing there, safe and unharmed, allowed herself to feel relief. He was giving her a look, the same one she had given him when he had killed Tavis.

"I'm okay." Sage assured him, looking down at Azebel. Without a second thought, Sage starts extracting her scarf and hat. "We should probably bury the swords so no one else gets their hands on them. We can't exactly add it to our load and-" She was cut off by the sound of a sharp gasp, causing Sage to spin around, horror striking in core at the sight before her.

One second, a perfectly unscathed Lorcan stood before her sympathizing over her first ever kill and the next, he was impaled with a longsword blade straight through his abdomen.

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NO ONE TALK TO ME I'M NOT READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!!! **sobbing for what's to come**

(Sage's sickle sword)