| FINALE | Interactive Hunger Games 6

Day Four: Warning Sign

- S U P E R I A - S T U T E N G A R D -

I walk out onto the patio of the chalet, which overlooked the north of Reine and the horn of the Cornucopia. There were some small houses in between, as well. A huge lake was to the left, seeming like a big puddle that would spill over at any moment.

"Hey, Mars," I begin, trying to muster my own bravery. "Sorry, I have just got.. a bad feeling. I figure I should say this while the opportunity is present."

I got it that this sounded like a suicide note or something, but I did not care. I would get this message to my brother, whatever it took. Even if I was admitting my confidence was lower.

"Do not feel bad about this," I command. "None of this is your fault, and you should never feel like it is. The axe is.. fucking awesome."

As a sort of interruption to my address, I see a small disturbance in the sky. Squinting, I could see that it was the arena dome opening up a tiny bit. So much for immersion. Then, in drops a sponsor package. It was north of me, but I could not predict the depth just yet.

"I guess.. this is simply a contingency plan. Mars.. I am not giving up. I am always trying to get back. Just know.. I do not like my odds. If Merryn finds me, I am not so sure I can beat her.

"In that case, stay strong. I never chose to leave you, and I am choosing right now to return. I just.. I hope I can, Mars." I finish, wiping my eyes to prevent a breakdown. I was really close already, so I did not want to egg it on. After a couple deep breaths, I look out again.

     And what I see.. terrifies me.

     The sponsor package was visible from here, and it was being opened by... Merryn. How were they so close already? They really were hunting me.. I shiver a bit, both from the wind and from the sight in front of me.

     She opens the package, pulling out.. oh god. Fuck no - it was a Gyrosword. I had seen one in training, and it looked intimidating as hell there. It was essentially a Dual-Bladed Sword that could spin, which did not sound that bad, until one considers what Merryn was already extremely proficient in.

     She then looks up, presumably at the mountains, but notices me. I freeze in place, my eyes widening and my heartbeat accelerating. We stare at each other for a few seconds, absolutely shocked that we knew each other's location.

     Then, she smiles, running behind a house. "Kurwa!" I exclaim, stumbling back. It was not even that long until the nighttime - when they would inevitable strike. It did not take a genius to figure that out. "G-guys!"

     "Superia?" I hear from below, and I nearly trip trying to make it to the stairs. I rush down, meeting Bailey and Mateo in the kitchen. Their faces suggested worry, with strong confusion. "What's wrong?"

     "Merryn!" I exclaim breathlessly, trying to calm myself. "We-we saw each other!"

     "Where?" Mateo asks, standing up and running to me, presumably to comfort.

     "They... they are less than half a m-mile north," I exclaim. "S-she just got sponsored w-with an even better weapon!"

     "Okay, okay. Slow down," Bailey instructs, resting her hands on my shoulders. "She saw you?"

     "Yes," I mutter. "On the balcony."