A Collection of my Writer's Games Entries

Downworlders: All Entries (Messidina Perlyne)

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Task 1: The Reaping

"Messidina Perlyne," the stupid women pronounced every bit of my name wrong. I made a mental note to kill her, not just for putting me in for the whatever-number Hunger Games it was – but for purely being one of them Capitol idiots who said my name wrong. It really isn't that complicated. Messy-dinner (anyone get it) for my first name. Pearl-in for my last name. I would never understand how some people could be so stupid. Nevertheless – I had to be one of them so I could win and take the Games by storm.

So instead of casually walking to the stage with my head down and showing absolutely no emotion, I bounded up like it was the best thing in the world and acted like I won an Oscar. I even gave that idiotic b*tch a kiss on the cheek – don't worry, I would sanitize my mouth later.

To make it worse, I had to wait while the other names were called. I had to keep a huge smile that hurt my cheek muscles – well, I'm a vampire, so not really – but it was a pain to act so happy. Seven other vampires made their way up to stand next to me, all wearing different emotions. This is why I enjoyed having no family. No one to care about – no one to love you.

"And that concludes the Reaping for this year's Games. Give a round of applause to your tributes!!" the escort shouted excitedly, though after about 500 years – the Games get old – so we were given the crappiest applause in the world. Yes, thank you fellow vampires for at least having the decency to not be as stupid as this Capitol blondie – but that's not calling you smart.

I tried my best not to strangle the Peacekeeper who grabbed my arm and led me out – though I had to at least punch him before he let go.

"Don't we get a better train?" I asked sadly as I twirled my hair at a guy called Liam.

"Don't be silly, dear!" my escort acted as if I were stupid – at least I fooled the dumbest person here, "This is only temporary, you and your friends get on a much bigger one shortly."

Good because I didn't want to spend however long with my 'friends' or they would end up dead before anything had even started. So I put on a thinking face.

"What does temporary mean?" I asked. I heard the others groan – that's what I feel like when I'm with you! I'm surrounded by a group of bird-brains here! One of the girl's stared at me, as if she were trying to read my mind – lucky of have my shield up, otherwise I'd have to kill her first. We got on to a small train that wasn't really as flash as I had expected. It had two plain couches facing each other with a mahogany small table in the middle. I squealed like a child and jumped onto the velvet couch.

"I love the stuff!" I exclaimed, running my hands along the fabric – really, all I could feel with the terrible feeling of mice droppings on the seat, ugh! Patrick walked over with his hands in his pockets and plonked down next to me – I had to move my hand, that's how close he was.

"Hi there, gorgeous." I whispered in his ear, he seemed unfazed, "You have a girlfriend?"

"No," he replied angrily. Well, what's got your nickers in a knot!?

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," I muttered, but snuck I sideways glance. He rolled his eyes and walked away from me. I smiled to myself. Man, these people were easy to piss off.

**

"Now, this is the real train!" the escort breathed.

"It doesn't look very nice. There isn't any pink on it," I pouted. The escort gritted her teeth – I think she was trying hard not to bite my head off.

"Silver seems to be 'in' this year," she said. One of the girl vampires wandered over to me.

"You'll be dead before you get into the arena if you keep that up," she laughed quietly,

"Why?" I asked innocently. She stopped laughing and gave me an 'are-you-serious' look before walking off muttering to herself. Suit yourself then, I shrugged. Following my fellow vampires, we got onto the train – only to find every other tribute in here. I thought of every curse word in my head before putting on my best smile. I could smell the warlocks on the train. Maybe I could just kill them now. For revenge. Or, I could use them. I would make my mind up later, for now, my attention was drawn to a table full of blood-filled wine glasses. I grabbed one greedily and tasted the sweet blood. They must have added sugar or something.

I picked up another full one and spun around – only for it to get spilled onto the ground. I gave a death stare to the warlock in front of me.

"What the f.." I swore and shouted obscenities at him. I shoved him to the ground, "You made me spill my freaking blood!" Maybe I was overreacting but I was going to use this later on, how else would I explain that I'm violent? "I'll kill you right now you little sh*t!"

"Back off, psycho!" he shouted. A Peacekeeper grabbed my arm and began pulling me back.

"Get the hell off me, dirtbag!" I screamed, then looking at the warlock, "You'll pay for that!" I continued cursing every single name at him – the entire 32 tributes stared at the scene. Well, everybody knows me now. I got led into a hall.

"Cool off, girly. I'll come get you when you can go back." The Peacekeeper said and disappeared into a small room a few meters away. I sat on the floor with a back leaning on the wall. At least I won't have to put up with those idiots in the other room.

It wasn't long before someone disturbed my peace though.

"What are you doing?" a boy asked. Faerie, by the looks of him.

"Someone split my blood, and now I'm really thirsty and I can't go back." I put on a sad face.

"You're the psycho one, right?" he said cautiously, staying out of my reach.

"If psycho means crazy, then yes. But I didn't mean to. I just miss my family and home..." I have no family kiddo – but you don't know that.

"You'll be fine. Do you want anything?" he asked.

"I think I just need some time alone." I sobbed. Alone so I don't have to put up with you. Thankfully the kid disappeared down the hall and I was left alone.

I went to the door I saw the Peacekeeper disappear into and listened in.

"You mean, we get to pick who will win before anything starts?" one of them said.

"We do that every year," it sounded like some of authority who they were talking to, "That way, no cannibals or psychopaths win. We also don't want they person to be nice, we have to hurt them in the Games."

"Why don't we get to pick every year then?"

"Because I have. But this year, things are different. I want you to find out who these tributes are and give me their weaknesses. The strongest tribute always wins, but we can pick out of them. Like that one you told me about earlier, was it the vampire girl?"

"Messidina, sir." The Peacekeeper answered, pronouncing my name wrong.

"Yes, well, she needs to be killed. I don't want a total idiot winning either." The man finished with a short farewell and something clicked and the Peacekeepers resumed talking.

They were going to kill me! I'll show them. Once I'm in the arena, I'll have to play dumb in front of the others but smart when I'm away from them. I was going to win this thing – I had to. I began walking down the corridor, not worrying about me not being dismissed, and went back into the place I was going to call the lobby. All tributes stopped everything and watched as I came in, I froze for a moment but then put on a small smile and skipped over to the blood and took a sip. Once everyone saw I wasn't that interesting, they returned to whatever they were doing. I went down onto a fancy red couch and sat next to a warlock. She looked incredibly similar to the boy I went off at earlier.

"Hi," I smiled.

"What do you want?" she said, keeping a nonchalant look on her face even though I'm sure she knew I was the person who went all crazy before.

"Just up for a chat. I don't really have many friends around here," I replied, taking a sip of blood.

"I have lots of friends," she said, I could sense the sarcasm but I didn't let it show.

"It doesn't look like it," I looked around suspiciously, "Do you have pretend friends too?" I whispered,

She groaned, "Sure," But it wasn't very believable, "Are you going to go now?"

"That's a bit rude." I put on a shocked face.

"Well you almost strangled my brother for knocking a glass out of your hand, you aren't exactly my first choice for a friend."

"Your brother is very pretty," I said, ignoring her comment. She muttered a curse.

"Well, I'm going to get a drink." The warlock stood up, clutching a half empty (I'm a negative person) glass of orange juice.

"But you have some already," I said. Okay, if I'm keeping this up – I won't have a brain left. She downed the rest in one gulp.

"Looks like its empty, to me." And with that, she sauntered off. Obviously it is someone's time of the month! I picked up an apple out of the bowl beside me and pegged it at her head. Childish: yes. But it felt good. I sped off – vampire ability here – and casually joined in a conversation. So far I had no friends, and two siblings as enemies. I guess it makes them easier to kill, but I won't know until I have found out what it is like in the arena.

With the Capitol, already trying to get rid of me, I have to lift my game. But right now, I was stuck on a train full of idiots and I could slowly feel my brain capacity depleting. Out of my 400 plus years of living, this was by far the worst year already.

Task 2: The Interviews

I tugged at the white fabric on my body. The stylist said it was amazing and that everyone would want to wear me. I think she got her words mixed around. It clung to my body like a second skin – there was no way that I would be able to survive in this. But anyways: I swear the dress was going to strangle me – if I could breathe. Not that I would want to, because I was going to catch some kind of disease of all these creatures around me.

We were all lined up like lambs to the slaughter, me being first. I watched through the curtains as the all-famous Kira Kirk, with her new friend Geoffrey, warmed the crowd up. Her silvery-white dress was like mine, except maybe a bit shorter than it should be for someone of that age. Though, I would prefer my second layer of skin, it was a strapless white silk dress that was full-length. Half the boys here were probably pretending is was see-through the way they gawked at me, obviously 'excited' with what they saw.

I wondered what she would do this year. It was always the same – couldn't someone spice it up the tiniest bit? That would be asking too much, they wouldn't even use 1% percent of there brains – assuming they have brains.

"And now, let's welcome our first tribute – the gorgeous Messidina Perlyne!" Kira yelled – the dumb bitch pronounced my name wrong, again. And put a gorgeous in front, that's so flattering.

But still, being the dumb, ditzy blonde I was being, I put on a huge smile and walked out with my ridiculously high high-heels. I trod on the dress, causing a rip to run up the side – which the entire audience laughed at, don't worry when I win I'll kill you all – but I hastily covered it and took a seat.

"Sorry dress," I patted the fabric, keeping a serious expression on my face.

"Don't worry, dear, we can get it patched up afterwards," Kira assured me.

"That's fantastic because I didn't really mean to hurt the dress," I whimpered, I made eye contact with Geoffrey and he looked away nervously. I was going to have some fun with him.

"So, sweety, how are you liking the Capitol?" she asked. It took all my will not to roll my eyes. This question was asked very year, and she always said it in the exact same way, not even mixing the words around. Unless you count 'sweety', she said those exact same was for ten years! Plus, who actually likes it here; it was no better than being surrounded by apes.

"Uh, who's sweety?" I acted confused. She had already had too many easy interviews; I wasn't going to make this easy for her. I always liked to run things my way. I was going to make history in this interview – maybe I could get her killed for failing her job. That sounds like a plan.

"I meant you," she kept the smile on her face.

"But my name's Dina, not sweety. Are you trying to change my name?" I gasped in shock. That wiped the smile off her face.

"No, Dina," she said through gritted teeth, "I meant, how do you like it here?"

"Here?" I said, and then acted as if I was in thought, "Well my room is a lot bigger, and everyone here is so nice to me – I don't have to do anything for myself."

"We provide the staff and you provide the entertainment," she said. Wow, that's practically saying that we are used for entertainment – we are just another few tributes. But I don't think anyone actually knew what she meant, but I'd make her pay.

"Are you missing anyone from home?" she asked.

No, I hate my brother and my father. All my 'friends' are just my minions who are so dumb they can't even pronounce the word 'vampire' and the only person I loved was killed by warlocks, who I will eternally hate forever but once I take control of this place all the warlocks will be extinct.

"I miss my socks," Even I was surprised with my answer – completely random and dumb, just what I needed. It wasn't what Kira or Geoffrey expected either because their mouths dropped open like goldfish,

"Why is that?" Kira forced through her mouth, probably another compulsory question,

"They keep my feet from smelling," I scrunched my nose up, "Want a whiff?" I slipped off the stiletto and moved my foot to her face.

"No, no. I think I'll be fine," she frantically backed away. Come on! My feet aren't that bad. I watched as Kira quickly composed herself.

"Who stands out to you this year?"

"Well, that kid is standing up in front of me, so her!" I pointed backstage to Niamh, who was well-known for being the Head Gamemaker. I was playing with fire now. Niamh looked at me angrily – possibly because I called her a kid – and Kira turned around.

"No swe – Dina," she almost got her head bitten off for calling me sweety again, "That's our Head Gamemaker, Niamh." Her eyes were begging me not to go on with it; I guess I will give her mercy – for now.

"Oh, how could I be so silly?" I giggled ditzily. The woman's face was priceless, "Now I can't even remember the question."

"It was-" The boy in the white suit spoke but Kira kicked him straight in the shins – I think she was meant to be inconspicuous, but it was really quite obvious.

"Moving on," she pursed her lips before continuing, "Who is your biggest threat?"

I believe the question was meant to be in conjunction with 'who stands out to you' but I guess I changed that.

I was about to speak when the rude bitch cut me off.

"That is, out of the tributes – like yourself – not Gamemakers or myself."

"I get the question," I sighed exasperatedly, "And I think," I paused for dramatic effect, but I was actually speechless. Who could I say? I suppose I could say anyone and they wouldn't take me seriously, but even my fellow vamps knew I wasn't this blonde, "My fangs."

I showed them proudly to the audience who, in turn, applauded. I stood up, further ripping my dress, and bowed. If the dress wasn't so tight, it wouldn't have ripped in the first place. But now, I was left standing on a stage with idiots, and my dress had a huge tear down the left-hand side from my boob to my hip.

Hallelujah for bras.

"Your fangs?" Kira repeated, a hint of a growl was in her voice.

"Yes, they are my biggest threat. I always argue with them, sometimes they bite me." I feigned a scared look.

"Excuse me, Dina?" Geoffrey muttered awkwardly. I spun around and 'accidentally' fell onto his lap. I took the advantage and snuggled in closer.

"Well, this is comfy." I smiled flirtatiously. His green eyes darted around nervously and his hands were stuck under my legs and my butt so he wasn't going anywhere.

Kira gave me evil eyes – which weren't particularly evil because they both started twitching.

"I'm ready for your next question," I reminded her. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Niamh vibrating with anger. I probably shouldn't go near her for a while...

"Ah, yes," she flicked her hair from her face and smiled to the audience, "Who do you think is the weakest tribute? Remembering that these are the people who came with you on the train – the thing that you came here on." She spaced her words out and spoke slowly.

Blonde Dina was offended, so was I.

"I'm not stupid!" I cried in alarm, Kira rolled her eyes, "How could you be so mean? What have I ever done to you?"

The crowd murmured in agreement: they were on my side.

"You're not very nice, you know. So I think the weakest tribute is you!" I shouted, leaning forward on Geoffrey – who rolled his eyes as I told Kira she was the weakest, "Because you think I'm dumb!" I turned to the audience, "I am not dumb!"

The crowd roared in agreement, of course they would. Even in my blonde state, I was a genius compared to them.

"Now, now!" Kira tried to reign in the crowd, knowing that my time was coming to an end, "I wasn't saying you were dumb – I was saying you are dumb," she sneered,

"Well you're just a fat potato who belongs in a pig pen," I crossed my arms.

"Really?" she was fuming. I swear I could see the smoke coming out of her ears, "Then explain why do you deserve to win?" Kira questioned, a pleased smile had appeared on her face because she had managed to get the crowd silent but she still glared daggers at me.

"Because I'm amazing and I'm pretty and a good fighter. And I'm smart," I added for good measure, "Geoffrey here is planning to sponsor me, right?" I pinched his cheeks, which had gone even redder than before.

The crowd got a laugh out of that – I don't know why, I didn't intend for it to be funny.

"You are amazing," Kira retorted sarcastically,

"I know," I chimed in brightly, but she got annoyed that blonde Dina didn't pick up the sarcasm.

"Well, since I suppose you sleep around, this one is suited for you," Kira retorted, "Which tribute do you think is good-looking?"

"This one right here," I planted a sloppy kiss on Geoffrey's cheek, but Kira gave me her twitchy eye.

"Tribute!" she forced through her teeth,

"Well, Theo is a total bae."

The crowd nodded in agreement.

Ugh! A warlock is my bae – no thank you! I felt like I was going to be sick. His species killed my mother and I was going to get my revenge.

"We can all agree on that," Kira sighed – she must have terrible taste in men, then continued to be angry with me, "Any person you are going to target when the Games start? Don't worry, I'll make sure you have plenty on your back."

"What do I have on my back?" I felt my back to annoy here, "When the Games start, I'm going to be friends with everyone and-"

"I'll take that as a 'no', then." Kira cut me off, "What sort of arena are you hoping for?"

You snobby little...

"That's not very nice." I pointed out to her, "I want Geoffrey to be my interviewer."

Kira looked stunned. Someone's job was in jeopardy...

"What sort of arena are you hoping for?" she repeated.

"Geoffrey!" I chanted and got the crowd to join in.

Kira was a total wreck and Niamh didn't look too impressed on the sidelines.

"Geoffrey! Geoffrey!" the crowd chanted. My little minions are growing up!

"What sort of arena are you hoping for?!" Kira shouted above the crowd.

Everything was silent.

Kira breathed loudly through her nose.

Someone coughed in the background.

Geoffrey shifted uncomfortably underneath me.

"A candy land would be nice," I said meekly, breaking the awkward silence of thousands of people.

Kira breathed a sigh of relief, "Well, that will never happen."

"How do you know?" I countered, "There is already a fairyland, why wouldn't there be a candy one?"

"I don't really give a shit, Messidina. What is your biggest weakness? And just tell me one, otherwise we'll be here for a while."

"You expect me to continue when you've been so rude?" I said, "I think you should be fired!"

Her face was total shock.

"I am the almighty Dina and I am your ruler. And I have no weaknesses!" I stood up and shouted the last part, unfortunately the tight dress decided it was staying on Geoffrey and I was left standing in my underwear and my bra.

The crowd gasped and I swear there was some movement in a few men's lower region.

"Oopsy daisy." I giggled, bending to retrieve my dress – which I'm sure some people enjoyed. I planted another kiss on Geoffrey, whose face was more tomato than anything.

"Farewell, citizens," I waved, "Bye Geoffrey bae," And as I walked past Kira, "Bye potato!"

And I left without being dismissed. I was going to have my work cut out for me when I was in the arena. That meant I would need a good alliance.

Taraleigh and Theo – my assumed bae – gawked at me as I passed by. I stopped in front of them.

"Good luck in the interview. Be careful though," I warned in a quiet voice but everything was in total silence so I knew everyone would hear, "I think its Kira time of the month."

I continued my sexy parade until I was in the elevator – then I let a smirk creep onto my face as I imagined what the other interviews would be like.

I would be remembered by them and I would be their ruler!

Try topping that one, bishes! I thought as the elevator doors shut.

Task 3: Five Days Leading to the Games

Day 1:

I wandered into the training room with GG. She had been my newfound vampire 'bff', but I got the feeling that she wanted to strangle me sometimes. I don't blame her – blonde Dina is very stupid.

"Excited about the Games?" I asked her.

Ever since my interview had gone horribly wrong, GG had taken a liking to me – I think it was the fact that I could piss off someone so easily. But my interview did have its consequences; like my blood being spiked last night, which had led to some eventful times.

"I guess," she shrugged nonchalantly.

We were following everyone else down some stairs. We soon came out in a huge running track arena. Being a vampire – this wasn't a problem, we were naturally fast. Running would be cinch – and I had a plan in my head to make these training days very interesting.

"Five laps, now!" the Gamemaker shouted at us. Most started running, but the few Downworlders who didn't like taking orders stayed put – like me.

"Come on, babe. That's a long way to run," I whined, running my finger up his chest.

"Miss Perlyne, you understand that anyone not willing to do this training will have the worst odds in the Games." He told me, his eyes darted around awkwardly.

"I don't think I'd like that, would I?" I winked, "But I'll see you in the shower room later." I laughed as I skipped off. I easily caught up to the people in front. Being a vampire and all.

The leader was a dog – well, werewolf in proper terms – but I couldn't quite recall his name. He was breathing heavily already, but he would be the perfect victim in my plan.

"What's your name, beautiful?" I asked sweetly.

"Caspian." He panted back.

"Interested in being with a warlock? My friend really likes you and..."

"I hate warlocks," he growled through gritted teeth. All the better for my plan.

"Sorry to bother you, then." I dropped back to Taraleigh now. She was somewhere in the middle, running alone.

"Hi," I smiled at her politely – my insides just wanted to rip her throat out for killing my mother but I knew I needed to plan out my revenge against warlocks well.

"Don't you hate me?" she huffed.

"Hate is a strong word," I replied, "I prefer to think of you as an acquaintance." I said to myself.

She gave me a surprised look, "You know what that means? Besides, your glaring daggers at me."

I changed my expression to a smart face, rather than my unknown glaring dagger, "I know many things, young padawan."

Taraleigh rolled her eyes and focused back on the jogging.

"One thing is that the werewolf kid up there has a crush on you." I said, glancing at the look on her face. As expected, it was part shock and confusion. I waved her good-bye and sprinted off – after all, someone had to finish first.

--

I watched as Theo went through the ladder drill. Ever since I had confessed he was a bae, he had been acting all weird around me. I followed him through and waited in the line for the next drill.

"So, Theo," I began, "Have you heard?"

"Heard what?" he mumbled, his cheeks flushing a light shade of red.

"Oh, I didn't want to be the one to tell you," I sighed dramatically, "So, apparently, Taraleigh went up to the roof last night,"

"I know, because she needed some space." Theo replied. Well, that works well.

"Anyways, she met Caspian up there – he's such a hottie," I added for good measure, "And one thing led to another. But rumour is that they slept with each other." I blurted out excitedly, when really I was just plain bored and wanted something fun to happen. Theo looked stunned.

"What?"

"You know," I sighed exasperatedly, "The birds and the bees? Like-"

"I know that!" he growled, "You're not serious though?"

"Don't take my word, just look at them." I pointed. Earlier, I had told Taraleigh to go and talk to him. So now, as she wandered up to him in the next line – even I was curious to see how this would turn out. Taraleigh tapped Caspy – or whatever the dog's name was – and waited for him to turn around. The talked for a moment before werewolf-boy shoved her away.

"So all of a sudden we're a couple now!" he roared – like a lion, "Back off, warlock!"

Really, it couldn't have worked out better. After supposedly 'sleeping' with each other, now he didn't want anything to do with Tara. Theo also realised this and stormed over. Practically everyone gathered around in a tight circle to watch the events.

"So now first you sleep with my sister, now you abuse her?" Theo yelled and shoved werewolf-boy.

"Why would I sleep with that magic witch?" werewolf-boy snarled.

"You son-of-a-" Theo shouted and jumped onto werewolf-boy. Fists flew and some very colourful language was thrown about.

Everyone just watched – no one intervened. I sure as hell wasn't going to get in it. Especially now that werewolf-boy was now half covered in fur and Theo was throwing flame balls around. I ducked as one whizzed over my head. Suddenly, werewolf – Caspian, that's his name! Caspian got to his feet, ready to deliver the death blow to poor Theo-bae when suddenly. Whoosh! The fireball stuck to Caspian's fur like glue and spread over his body.

"You mother-" he screamed, in a very high-pitched voice. With that, he sprinted out of the training room with the flames consuming him – he would not be a happy dog in the morning. And I really didn't want him to figure out that I started it all.

"Keep going!" the instructor shouted, "Anything like that happens again and the warlock won't be the one who sets fire to you!"

I stepped quickly through the ladder and weaved in and out of the cones with GG on my tail.

"What do you think he means?" I whispered to her as we waited for the line for the next obstacle to disappear. She didn't reply, only rolled her eyes with an exasperated sigh.

Day 2:

I bounced into the training room eagerly. I noticed some scorch marks on the ground where the previous days fight had been – and I couldn't help but smirk.

"What so funny?" GG asked curiously. Lately, not being able to read my mind set her off a little.

"Nothing," I shrugged, looking around, "I wonder where they get all this stuff."

"Probably from a storeroom," GG sighed.

"A storeroom, you say?" I thought aloud, which may have been a mistake but judging by the odd look GG gave me – it was just what blonde Dina would have done.

"And is this a magical place?" I asked her with seriousness.

She rolled her eyes, "You know, I don't have to put up with this." She muttered and walked away.

I shrugged to myself and skipped over to the equipment. It was obvious that today we would be doing weights. I sighed – I had already trained myself in this area at home, I didn't want to do it again.

"Lightbulb!" I squealed at the sudden idea forming in my magnificent brain. I got a few stares from the five other tributes in the room, but just waved them off.

I began to gather the weights onto a huge rope net that we had practiced climbing on the previous day. The weights didn't weigh much to me, since I'm a vamp, but it took a lot of effort to haul them up. Soon, I had about half a tonne of weights in the net. I gathered the corners and tied them up with the rope ladder – which is harder to do than it looks – and then I hoisted the weights up until they were touching the ceiling, about 8 metres up. No one would ever think to look there. I tied it to a nearby weights stand, which was full of assorted weights and then rested on it like I had done nothing at all.

Of course, I did all this with my vampire speed and I think only GG – a born mind-reader – actually noticed that most the weights had disappeared. I casually filed my nails as the other tributes slowly entered the room.

"Dina," I hear a voice behind me, I give a startled jump – I hadn't even heard Michael creep up on me, "And what might you be doing on this lovely day?"

"Making my claws look pretty," I replied nonchalantly, "So I can rip people's throats out in style." I added with a smirk. It was in my knowledge that Michael liked everything brutal – a total adrenaline junkie – and was an excellent fighter. It would be stupid not to befriend him.

"I liked the way you think," Michael nodded approvingly, "I, myself, prefer a good ole' baseball bat."

"Baseball bat?"

"A metal bat, Dina. You're an idiot, you know?"

"That last person who called me an idiot got humiliated in front of the Capitol, want to see what happens to the next?" I threatened him, my claws drawing blood at his neck.

He gulped loudly, "I think I'd pass on that, milady. That's why I like you, feisty cakes!" he added and jogged off to some other vampire boys.

Feisty cakes was a new one for me. But as long as he liked that I would follow him, I would continue to play him. I was content with letting a violent sociopath run my alliance. It was funny to watch him and Taraleigh argue – most often than not, Tara won.

I sighed boredly, "Emery, what are you doing?" I turned to her behind me.

"As soon as those trainers come in, you're going to kill them." She stated simply, I cursed her ability for a moment but decided I would use it against her. Dina was meant to be unpredictable, and if I could trick a vamp who could see the future – everything would be a piece of cake, feisty cake for that matter.

"Fine," I clutched my hands to my heart – well where my heart was meant to be, "You caught me out. Oh, how will I ever live with myself?"

"Sarcasm, really?" Emery rolled her eyes, "Just saying, after you pull this little prank, they kill you next."

Damn, that wouldn't be good for my ego, "Thanks for the life update, but I think I'll take my chances."

I cut the rope just as the trainers walked in, but it wasn't going for them. The weights tumbled from the ceiling heading directly for – I couldn't remember her name.

"You know she is your ally, right?" Emery whispered into my ear before disappearing.

Oh, shitake-mushrooms. I should really pay attention to Theo when he talks...

The weights crashed down around my supposed 'ally' and it was odd to see the centre glowing red. I took a tentative step forward. I dropped flat to the ground as the weights exploded around the fire ball, sending the weights crashing into the surrounding walls.

"Who the hell thought of this joke!" she screamed. Tegan – that was her name. I watched her eyes change from brown to a storm blue. From memory, doing this to a warlock was bad news. That's when they went on their killing rampage – I knew that well enough.

"You!" she roared, charging at me.

I let my instincts take over and attacked. I lunged for her neck but a fireball – seriously, what was it with warlocks and controlling fire? – forced me to dodge her and I rolled onto the ground. I ducked again as a fireball whizzed over my head.

"We're allies you crazy bish!" I screamed at her, in an attempt to distract her.

"I don't give a flying tomato!" she screamed back. She tackled me to the ground and we battled with our fists. Her body was flaming hot, I felt like I was on a grill. I shoved her off me and got to my feet.

"Tomato?" I raised an eyebrow, "I didn't know they could fly."

Tegan's ears went red as I taunted her – which in hindsight, was probably a mistake – and she jumped at me again. I side-stepped her and shoved her to the ground. If I could convince her that this was just me being violent, she wouldn't kill me while I sleep in the arena. And I couldn't be killed by a warlock.

"Come at me!" I yelled then whooped when she threw a fireball at me, "Bring it, bitch-lock."

She ran at me so I jumped over her and grabbed a stray weight. The fireball, one I hadn't noticed, pushed the weight from my hand and Tegan followed right behind. I fell to the ground with her on top of me. Stupid warlock, you'd pay.

"I didn't think our relationship was so serious, but I think I want to be on top." I grinned evilly, and bit her arm. She screamed and rolled off me. I laughed manically and got ready to attack again but I felt a pair of arms restrain me. Just when I was about to finish her off, for my mother.

"Calm down, feisty cakes!" Michael breathed in my ear.

"But Michael," I whined like a child, "I was almost finished with her. Plus, it was an accident." I added and gave him my Puss-in-Boots eyes.

"So you accidently dropped a crap-load of weights onto your ally and you accidently tackled her and you accidently bit her. That's quite a set of unfortunate events." He mused.

"What can I say?" I sighed, shaking my head, "Weird things happen." I wiggled out of his arms.

"Want to play catch with some weights?" I asked him. His eyes gleamed as he nodded. My little sociopath was easily distracted with the thought of showing his muscles. But my mind was already ticking over any ideas of what I could do tomorrow – mischief didn't start by itself.

Day 3:

"Morning GG!" I beamed, bursting into her room. She muttered something unintelligible, but it sounded something like 'duck and witch' along with some other words, "Time to get ready!"

The trainers told us the day before that we would be practicing the beginning of the Games, and then had a free day around the hall.

"Get out!" GG growled at me.

"Whatever," I waved my hand and pulled open her curtains. She hissed at me when the sun hit her foot, "Sorry!"

"Just get out!" she said louder.

"Yessum!" I saluted her and skipped out of the room.

----

I stood on my pedestal waiting for the countdown to reach zero. The grass was bright green and the gold of the Cornucopia glinted in the light. Thirty seconds left now. I ran through my plan again – grab bow and arrows and a sword, kill anyone who gets in the way, then play friends with my alliance. I watched my competitors prepare to begin. I crouched down to get a better starting position. 10...9...8...7. I was rearing to go now. 5...4...3...2.

I saw a flicker of movement to my left before a fake explosion echoed through the arena. I sighed angrily and turned to the idiot who cannot stand still for sixty seconds. A warlock – that makes sense, most are incompetent.

I stormed over to the boy. He clutched his ankle.

"Need a hand?" I put on a warm smile.

"No, I'm fine." He said, arrogance tainting his voice.

"I don't have all day," I reached out my hand to the warlock, and flicked my hair to the side. This got his attention.

"Thanks." He nodded, taking my hand. I pulled him up and looked up at him.

"Murderer!" I yelled at him spontaneously and tackled him to the ground. He tried to shove me off but my vampire strength gave me the advantage. All I wanted was to practice my start, now I'm thinking of fifty ways to rip his nuts off, if he has any.

"What the hell? Crazy b-" he moaned as I punched him in the gut.

I felt several arms struggling to restrain me. I clawed and twisted, but eventually someone pressed blood to my lips and I couldn't fight my instinct. I gulped down the blood and instantly felt a wave of drowsiness. The trainers – dressed in red and black like cult members – led me into an empty hall and closed the door behind them. It was only then that the faintest smell of warlock hit my senses. I watched the 'trainers' very carefully, but as they switched on the light I realised that they were not warlocks. Just regular trainers – vampires or faeries – but I did get a hint of warlock-i-ness.

"One punch-up and I'm in timeout. Do you people not realise that this is leading up to the Hunger Games: where people kill rather than punch!" I said, it was meant to come out in anger, but whatever was in the blood make me sound like an alcoholic. I felt like an alcoholic.

"Ms. Perlyne," one of them said unemotionally, I couldn't tell who, "Despite us telling you that there will be no violence in this particular session-"

"It's called the Hunger Games, you watch it on TV!" I slurred to the voice.

"You did not let me finish," he snapped, then returning to his monotone, "However, we are not here to punish, rather we are here to reward." He paused waiting for my answer.

"I'm listening," I crossed my arms. My tongue had begun to go numb for some reason, so it came out as 'am-lithning'.

"Uprisings have occurred in the werewolf and warlock sections. They don't like the Hunger Games-"

"I wonther why?" I blurted out sarcastically (speech translated to I wonder why). I didn't intend to say that. My mind was reeling but I forced my mouth to stay shut and nodded for cult-leader to go on.

"We have a theory that your warlock friends have something to do with it, and that having them in the arena – particularly family members – will encourage this rebellious behaviour. In your drink, we put a small amount of diphenhydramine to restrain you – which should be wearing off about now – and now we need you to slip some truth serum in Taraleigh, Theodore, Caspian or Cyrus's drink so we can interrogate them without knowing it. You will be helping the Capitol a great deal by doing this, if they are found guilty we can let the riots continue until we will be allowed to destroy an entire race."

"Slip some truth serum into some drinks – give me a challenge here!" I smirked.

"You will also have to kill them in the arena, not too soon though. You need to give the warlocks and werewolves hope."

"What's in it for me?"

"You'll win the Hunger Games." He said, in his same emotionless voice.

"Isn't that a little easy for me?"

"Don't get so cocky, Ms. Perlyne. One wrong move, or they failure to complete a task will result in death. Don't forget, we control everything in that arena." He flashed a smile. Not a nice smile, like an I-won't-hesitate-to-kill-you-slash-pedophile smile.

"And if I say no?" I put my hands on my hips. Feeling had returned to my tongue.

"Just remember that you have the chance to wipe out the entire race that killed your mother. Now, I best be off. Good day, Ms. Perlyne." He said, and disappeared out the door, leaving me in the hall.

To wipe out all the warlocks – wasn't that my ultimate plan? To eradicate them for what they did. Now I had the perfect opportunity and I was thinking about it? I shook my head – as if it would clear my brain (FYI, it didn't) but as I reached for the door handle, a shimmer caught my eye. I looked to the shelving – which I hadn't noticed before – and on the middle shelf stand a small vial of blue liquid. I grabbed it off the shelf – glanced around for any onlookers – and turned it in my hand.

'Two drops should do the trick' was written in small black print. I tucked the bottle into the pocket of my pants went out into the training room.

---------

"I don't think you want to eat those ones," Tara warned Theo, who held some pink berries in his hand.

We were at an edible plants workshop. The instructor had disappeared into a storeroom claiming that he needed to get some more supplies – I think he needed to be away from Theo's desire to eat every berry he could find. I sure as hell didn't blame him. I watched as he shoved the berries into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. Rather than actually have poisonous berries or plants, the trainers just put a thing that made you spew up that bad ones rather than kill or poison you. It was no problem for me – I didn't eat berries – but Theo was obsessed.

He grabbed the bucket next to him and hurled into it.

"Told you so," Tara chimed, and studied some berries.

"I think if they look pretty, then they'll taste pretty." I said, admiring some purple and red berries that I knew were deadly.

"You can taste pretty?" Tara raised an eyebrow.

"Sure you can. I mean, I don't actually remember when I last ate food, but things can taste pretty."

"Sure." Tara nodded, obvious unconvinced. But I acted oblivious and just nodded.

"I dare you to try these," I held a handful of the purple and red berries to Theo. Theo glanced at Taraleigh who just shrugged but then smiled.

"If it looks pretty, it'll taste pretty!" she winked at me and I clapped my hand on my thigh in applause.

"Tara knows!" I beamed excitedly.

"Alright," Theo sighed, taking three berries from my hand. He puts them in and chews. For a moment, I thought I gave him the wrong ones because he was smiling. Slowly, he swallowed.

"They tasted-" he exclaimed but then turned to the bucket and vomited up whatever remained in his stomach.

"Oh, Theo," I pet him in the back, "I'll grab you something to drink." I jumped up and hurried off to the drinks station. I put some blue cordial in two cups and pull out the truth serum from my pocket and check to make sure no one is looking. It had a dropper lid, so it was easy to count the drops.

"Hey Dina!" Michael said loudly. I squeezed the whole dropper amount into the drink in fright. "Did Mikey scare little feisty cakes?" he teased. I quickly put the lid on and tucked the vial into my pocket and spun around.

"You don't scare me," I twirled my hair around my finger, "Allies, remember?"

"We can be more than allies," he trailed off, eyeing me.

"I have to get back to Tara and Theo. I accidently fed bae the wrong berries."

"Yeah, 'accidently'." He chuckled, putting quote marks in.

"Why put bunny ears on 'accidently'?" I exaggerate the quote makes big time.

"Don't worry," he sighed, "Feel free to come watch me do some weights!" he flexed his muscles as he walked backwards.

I ignored him, poured some water into the cups to mix the serum in, and carried the two drinks back to the warlocks. Theo had now finished vomiting and leant against a wall.

"Took you long enough," he grabbed the drink and skulled it, "Man, that tastes sweet!"

I wasn't sure who got the one with the whole squirt of truth serum, but it didn't really bother me. I handed Tara hers and she drank it slowly.

"It is sweet."

"Maybe I put too much cordial in. I didn't put much water in." I made a 2cm gap with my fingers to show how much water I had put in.

"Theo will be up all night," Tara sighed.

"Hey Dina," he pronounced my name slowly, like he was drunk, "Anyone ever tell you that you really short?" he made a tiny gap between his fingers, "Like this much!"

Tara laughed, but then he moved onto her, "Don't get me started on you. Bossy and all attitude-y."

Tara gave him a glare. So he made a snow angel on the floor, but without the snow. It was basically a starfish – a starfish on truth serum.

"I'm taking your home," Tara muttered and hoisted her brother up.

"Has anyone told you that your hands are quite masculine?" Theo asked her, Tara completely ignored the comment. But as they walked out of the training room, Theo said a little something about everyone.

Looks like I wouldn't need to kill him in the arena, he would have plenty of targets himself.

Day 4:

Today was the final training day. This was it, the final day before the Hunger Games would begin. I had no doubt that I would do well – I had to win this. I watched my fellow competitors gather around to await our daily instructions, all of us were nervous. I would be lying if I didn't include myself. I didn't normally consider my own feelings, but I couldn't ignore the knot in my stomach. I had a 1 in 32 chance of winning this. That's a 3.125% of me walking out of that arena with all my body parts.

"Today is simple, tributes," one of the cult people said, hushing the previous whispers, "You will practice with a trainer for an hour, and then you are free to train at any station you want. You will notice that there are only weapon stations today..." she went on.

This would be child's play. I have been practicing with a range of weapons since Turning. That's over 100 years to train yourself how to kill someone a thousand times over – I could use this as a refresher.

"Good luck tributes, and may the odds be ever in you favour." She finished in her ridiculous Capitol accent.

Turns out, while I wasn't listening, we had been assigned to a training space. So I was a little lost once everyone scattered. I caught up with someone who was supposedly in my alliance and tapped her on the shoulder.

"What?" Tegan Rider snapped at me. From my previous three days of training, I had learnt that she was not a force to be reckoned with. I convinced Michael – my muscle man – to tell her to join us, which she happily agreed to. Now, I had Tegan Rider glaring death at me with her brown eyes.

"Umm, just wondering if you knew where my spot was." I didn't meet her eyes. If looks could kill, I would be dead.

"Do I look like I know?" she narrowed her eyes at me, they were changing o a dark blue. This is why I hated warlocks, rude and snappy. They didn't think about their actions or words. Warlocks killed people's mothers for no reason aside from the fact that they probably snorted too much coke or smoked too much weed.

I was about to come up with a snappy remark when Michael stepped between us.

"Woah down there, tigers!" he grinned, "As much as I would love to see a cat fight," That got a hiss from Tegan, "That my lovely feisty cakes here would win, no offence warlock, I would prefer that you grab some weapons before starting the fight." It was a true Michael comment. Everything always had to be brutal times a hundred before a fight started. He didn't want to see a fist fight – he wanted real weapons.

"Why don't you both piss off?" Tegan scowled and stormed away.

"That's not very nice!" I called after her, and then turned to Michael, "You really think I would win?"

"Deedee, vampires always win! You'd totally smash her, I'd love to see it sometime." He grinned. The thing about Michael, was that he always thought vampires bested other species – not that I would disagree (he would beat my head in) – but sometimes he came off as cocky, "See you around, I'm going to beat this trainer to a pulp!"

I wandered over to the only spare training space – which I guessed wasmine – and picked up my favourite weapon – Shurikens. I loved long range weapons – they require skilland not many people use them. I could pick off people easily with Shurikens. I did a few stretches before getting into it. My trainingpartner was using a sword, which made it difficult – but I always like achallenge. I duck under her clumsy swipe and knock out her legs before gettingto my feet and flicking a Shuriken a centimetre from her neck just to prove Icould kill her so easily. She got back up and this time, I threw two Shurikenat her – she deflected them with her sword with lightning speed – then kickedthe sword from her hand while she was distracted. I charged at her and knockedher to the ground. Straddling her, a gently pressed the tip of the throwingstar to her neck. The trainer was a faerie, surely they were better than that.Distracted in thought, the trainer bucked her body up and her wings spread outfrom her body. I smirk turned the corners of my mouth up – now this was a challenge. She was hovering ametre from the ground, I threw a star at her wing before rolling under her andjumping onto her back. She twisted and turned until we both hit the ground,scattering my stars around and out of reach. I swiped at her face with myclaws. She pinned my down, but I rolled backwards and twisted around. I pressedmy fangs to her neck in victory. I stood up and looked down at her. Her facewas bloody and one of her wings had a tear in it from my stars. "Thanks for the fight." I smiled and bounced away. Almosthalf the other tributes had been watching the fight – I wanted them to seethat. Now they know just how dangerous I am. ------ I pulled the string back and aimed at my target. The imagemoved around in a pattern on the wall, I followed its course before letting thearrow fly. The image dropped to the ground and faded, signaling a death shot. Ipulled out another arrow and nodded to the instructor. Three targets flewaround on the screen with no pattern. I pulled back the string and waited. Itwas more instinct than anything. I just felt like the little bird was going togo there so I released three arrows one after the other and the images fadedaway. "You're really good," Theo said beside me. He looked out ofplace with a huge bow in his hand. As you can guess, the truth serum hadn'tcompletely worn off. He had said the same thing at the throwing knives station,I just let it go at first but I had to talk sometime. "You're crap," I replied. He rolled his eyes and took aim.His target was the old-school bulls eye target. He let the arrow fly and itjust caught onto the target, not even hitting any colours. That was the evidence to my earlier statement, that Theowas indeed 'crap' when it came to bow and arrows. It was surprising that hecould even aim his fire at a target. "Maybe you'll be better with swords?" I tell him. "I would hope so," he sighed, and we moved over to thesword station. We were parrying together when a vampire, I couldn'tremember his name, cried out. We stopped in unison and turned to him. I onlyrecalled seeing him on the train once, and I hadn't seen him around theapartment we had – well, I don't think I had. He didn't seem to be in any physicalpain, so I looked around the room. Several werewolves and faeries had notnoticed the vamp yet, but there were more onlookers. The Gamemakers watch inconfusion as the vamp swatted the air and cried out. Someone was playing withhis mind – I just didn't know who. I continued searching the room, curiositywas getting the better of me. Finally, the vamp fell to the ground. Bloodpoured from his ears, nose and, yes, eyes. I cringed but couldn't help but befascinated. I took a step closer. There was a large dent in his skull and hispierced tongue hung out of his mouth – I came to the conclusion that theinvisible forced had strangled him, but it didn't make sense. Vampires didn'tbreathe. "You are all dismissed early for the day!"the Head Gamemaker shouted. My fellow tributes disappeared from the roomsilently. I ran closer and inspected his body while the Gamemakers werediscussing something. Ignoring his bleeding eyes, I noticed a small stakeclutched in his hand and when I felt over his chest, it was wet with blood. "Ms. Perlyne, I believe you were dismissed!"a woman shouted. I nodded and jogged out of the room. But I noticed the man in the corner, hismouth twitched into a creepy smile – the same smile that belonged to the manthat gave me the truth serum. He was watching, he just wanted to show me whathe could do. I turned my attention to the door and ran through it. At least mychances were 1 in 31 – I just had to do my job.

Task 4: The Bloodbath

Today was the day. Not much got me excited, but the Hunger Games did. I wasn't actually sure if I liked them or not. Yes, it's a great way to kill us but everything is rigged anyway. Since a Faerie is the Head Gamemaker, a Faerie will probably win. I would make that change. Vampires are the superior race, then once I win I will become the President or Head Gamemaker – depends on my mood.

I sat up and, even though there is no need to breathe, I sighed. I liked it in my room, I didn't have to be dumb. I could be myself. Thankfully, I created a small locking system on my door so people can't see inside my room. For my spare time, math equations lay on my floor and game plans were taped to my wall and books on the biology of Downworlders was on my bedside table – I was curious to see what's inside a warlock.

I changed into a simple exercise shirt and some shorts before heading into the dining room. Michael was already there, stuffing himself with some blood-filled chocolates.

"Happy Hunger Games!" he cheered, bits of chocolate flying from his mouth. I think Michael was one of the few people who knew I was acting dumber than normal. I had only seen him a few times around town, and even though I constantly kept a façade sometimes I liked to be myself. It made me feel... well, I don't know. I'm not good with the whole 'emotion' thingy.

"And may the odds be ever in your favour!" I replied with enthusiasm, taking a seat and helping myself to a glass of blood.

"I can't wait to smash someone's skull in," Michael pounded his fist into his other palm.

"Not mine, right?" I said worriedly.

"Never yours, Dina." He rolled his eyes, "Alliance, remember?"

"All-i-ance?" I said slowly, "That means friends, yeah?"

"Yes. And we are meeting up with them now, so drink your blood and let's go."

"Yes, Captain!" I saluted and skulled the blood, savoring its warmth and sweetness.

I followed him out. I was guessing that Tara would already have a plan, and when we got into the training centre to meet them, I was correct.

Her plan was to grab one thing from the Cornucopia and scram. Of course, Michael and I both protested but she gave us death eyes. I still didn't plan on following the plan, I was going to get however much I wanted and go wherever I wanted. I wasn't going to make this easy for anyone, allies or enemies.

------------------------

It was about 2:30pm when Peacekeepers came to get us and shoved us into a helicopter. I bared my fangs at the Peacekeepers, but then I realised it must be time for the games soon, so I smiled at them and got their dirty man-hands off me – no one would touch me, for all I knew they were creeps in disguise. The put – well, forced us – onto the hovercraft, much to a Faerie's dislike. His name was Levi, and I had the feeling he thought the whole world was against him – but I liked him, he seemed smarter than the rest. Unfortunately for me, I had to sit next to the little creep and he would not sit still.

Stupid Faeries, they just could be normal like the rest of us.

"Did you just call me a Faerie?" his brown eyes twitched with annoyance. It was at that time, that I realised I had spoken aloud.

"Nope, must have been hearing things. Besides, you have no wings." I remember Levi's interview with Kira – he was crazy if you called him a Faerie, I decided it would be better not to be injured before the Games started.

"Exactly!" he sighed, "At least someone, even if a vampire, gets it!"

"I'm not a vampire." I stated to him, my voice quiet but the hum of the hovercraft was enough to drown out any conversation, if any.

"You're mocking me now, is that it?" he sneered at me.

"I don't even know what mocking means," I flicked my hair, "But I know that being nice is what my-" I was going to say 'mother' but I couldn't bring myself to say it. I stopped mid-sentence like a true idiot as a small tear slid down my face.

Mother. Isn't this why I was in the Games? To truly get revenge for what the warlocks did to her. Thinking about it, she wouldn't be proud of me. Mum taught be to be true to yourself and, yes, to be nice – had it turned out like that? No.

"I am surrounded by imbeciles!" Levi shouted.

Was I really going to give up everything I had worked for? I had begun hiding myself when Mum died – could it be that playing dumb was a coping strategy for her death? Really, I'm quite smart, you know. I wanted to be a scientist and develop a way to cure vampires and turn them into humans again. Like it was before. Everyone thinks that I am dumb – don't get me wrong, I intended it to be like that – but I'm surrounded by people who are constantly themselves.

I like music and singing, I can play the guitar, I have trust issues, I can tell you every scientific name for over a hundred plants, I hate to see people bullied, I know how to use every weapon that will be in this arena, I like math, I like reading, I never used to be a killer, I'm scared of society, I don't like spiders, I hate sex-obsessed men and most of all, I miss my family because even though my brother and father were abusive – I still love them.

I sat in silence like this for a long time. For some reason, I couldn't hear anything and my mind was blank. All of a sudden, I could see everything a little clearer. I had acted for so long, that I had forgotten who I was and what I was like. The question was whether to tell my allies. They knew I could fight and was more than handy with a weapon, but they didn't know that I could help them win. Winning was what I wanted so badly.

"Earth to Dina?" Michael waved his hand in front of my face. His voice sounded distant but I shook my head awake and focused, "Don't tell me you want to back out?" he grinned. We were the only two on the hovercraft, everyone had got off.

"Of course not." I said, more for myself than him, I unbuckled the belt and stood up, "Can I tell you something?" I asked him.

"I'm all ears," Michael smiled, then thinking that I wouldn't get the comment he opened his mouth.

"Look, I'm still in the alliance but not for the start, okay?" I told him, and I felt a hundred kilos lighter, "I just need some space...I-" I paused, then said, "I have some stuff to sort out."

Michael nodded with seriousness, "Sure. I'll tell Tara that you've gone after someone."

This was why Michael was a good guy. I had talked with him a few times before the Reaping, he knew I wasn't a brainless idiot who couldn't tell the difference between hands and feet but he never knew that real me. But he knew when it was time to be serious, I wasn't sure whether it was because he thought I had a game plan or if he was genuinely concerned but I felt like a had a true friend when he nodded.

"Thanks," I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, "I'll see you in the arena, don't kill them all at once." I jogged out of the hovercraft and was then escorted by more Peacekeepers to my little compartment which I nicknamed 'The Cage'. The Cage, because that's exactly what it looked like. It was a small white box with bars around it, so you couldn't see in or out. The Peacekeepers put me in the Cage and I heard the lock click behind me. I was very disappointed to see my stylist sitting on the lounge when I looked up.

"You must be excited!" my stylist, Cresselana, beamed, "I have organised your clothing in the closet, this year you will be picking what to wear, but I would definitely suggest the feather scarf with pink frills because it would look amazing-"

"Did I ask you?" I hissed at her, "If you talk again, I swear I'll rip your throat out by the time you can talk with that ridiculous – and fake – accent."

She gulped loudly and directed her eyes to the floor. My stylist probably thought I was bipolar since I acted dumb around everyone and vicious to her, but I think she'll keep her mouth shut. I don't think her brain actually has the capacity to think that I'm out of the ordinary. I smiled to myself and went into the change room, with was another cage inside the Cage.

I ran my hands through the clothing. All the fabric was different, useful for different things. I guessed the Gamemakers wanted to see how smart we really were before we even stepped off the pedestal.

I began feeling the fabric, I wanted something thermal and water resistant, maybe something stretchy and comfortable too. I didn't know too much about clothing, but I knew enough to make a good choice. I picked up something labelled 'Nanotex' because I remember seeing something about nanofabrics. I put on a thermal shirt sleeve shirt – not that it would matter, the weather didn't really affect me – along with a jacket that was made with nanofabrics, which I knew to be water resistant. I picked some breathable cargo pants that fit my body snuggly and as I read the tag I noticed that it was microfiber technology, meaning that they could dry quick and not get damp easily. Combat boots were an easy choice, water proof and they are designed for any climate. Most my clothing was dark, the thermal was black with grey short sleeves, my pants were an army green and my jacket was black along with my boots. I picked up a leather cap for good measure, leaving my hair out, and walked out.

"You look wonderful, I myself would have picked something a little brighter – consider the scarf and-" Cresselana gushed.

"What did I say about talking, egghead?" I growled at her. I was tempted to rip her orange and gold hair out, whether it was a wig or not. She looked down again.

"Thirty seconds." A robotic voice sounded.

I wished it would speed up so I didn't have to spend time with this idiot, but I quickly drank some blood – the sweet liquid made me feel a little better. Then I waited in the glass tube, tapping my foot impatiently. I knew I had made a good choice with my clothing – water resistant, thermal and it wouldn't get moist easily. I had good shoes and everything fit perfectly, which made me wonder how they got everyone's exact sizes and put at least fifty different clothes out for every tribute.

"Good luck!" Cresselana jumped up quickly and wrapped her arms around me. Without a second thought, I sunk my fangs into her neck which made her scream in fright. She fell backwards, pure terror in her eyes as I spat out her yucky Faerie blood – their blood always tasted too sweet. She rubbed her neck.

"What are you going to do?" I mocked, "Kill me? Too bad someone already did that!" I spat at her. Thankfully, the glass doors closed and the metal plate rose into the arena.

The sun was already behind the hills, it was a cool dusk night with a single patch of sunlight shining onto the gold of the Cornucopia. We all surrounded a meadow filled with soft grass and wildflowers of every colour – beautiful if it wasn't about to get rained on by blood. However, that was not the most spectacular thing in this arena. Directly in front of me was a huge snowy mountain, pure white and I could see the small snowflakes drifting down. To the right, was an ugly looking swamp. Next was a forest, it look inviting but it had an eerie feel to it. Then, behind me, was grassland filled with knee high grass and pretty wild flowers then followed by a desert with red and orange sand – I definitely wouldn't be going there. Finally, between the desert and snowy mountain, was a rainforest so green that I would have called it fake – which, really, it was.

It was only then that I noticed the countdown hanging above the golden Cornucopia. It was at thirty seconds. I quickly looked at the weapons that lay scattered around. Small things, like drink bottles and tarps were close to me, but further in I could see an array of knives, swords as well as my favourite long distance weapons – I even spotted Shuriken and bows and arrows inside the mouth.

I heard the voice begin to countdown from twenty now as I began to look for my allies. Michael was grinning with excitement three spots to my left, Tara was five spots from my left, GG was six spaces to my right and Tegan and Theo were nowhere to be seen – I guess on the other side of the Cornucopia. They all wore different clothing, Michael just wore shorts and a t-shirt which I doubted would do anything for him. It didn't really matter, I wasn't going to actually meet up with them just yet, but I still wanted to make sure I knew what all my allies were up to. You know the saying: 'Keep you friends close, and your enemies closer.' Sort of like that, except everyone is your enemy in this.

"Ten, nine, eight," the robotic voice sounded.

I forced myself to relax and positioned myself just like I had done in training a few days earlier. I was in a starting position, right foot forward, left foot back and the same with my arms. I set my sights on the Shurikens.

"Four, three, two, one," I jumped into the air, "Zero!"

I hit the ground sprinting for the Cornucopia. Other vampires also used their speed, so I grabbed a knife on my way and tackled a blonde werewolf girl. She let out a scream as we rolled onto the ground but I didn't waste any time on stabbing it straight into her heart. Her bright blue eyes glazed over, they looked like Mum's....

"Wake up to yourself, Dina!" I shook my head and sprinted for the Cornucopia. I could just feel the metal of my Shuriken in my hands – but I quickly felt the full force of these pretty flowers as someone tackled me. I yelled as I felt my fangs come out. I flipped us around but the Faerie was stronger than he looked. I felt the grass and flowers began to wrap around my wrists and ankles. I bucked my hips up to throw him off balance but the plants got tighter and tighter around me.

"You son of a-" I muttered as I ripped one arm free and threw a punch at his head – landing squarely in the jaw. He hit me on my shoulder but it had no effect. I heard him singing and I felt his persuasion pressing at my shield but he had no effect on me.

Before I knew it, his long black hair caught on fire. I screamed as it touched my skin, the plants released me and I jumped up looking for the source of fire.

"You're welcome!" Taraleigh shouted as she headed to the Cornucopia, a target in sight.

I nodded in thanks and continued sprinting for my desired weapon. Only to find it gone. My Shuriken were gone. I kicked the backpack beside me in frustration – then a glint caught my eye. Liam Winters ran from the Cornucopia and into the forest. I muttered several curse words before grabbing a shining sword and sheath and starting after him.

To my right, I could see Michael chasing after a beautiful maroon coloured wolf. He succeeds and I hear it yelp as he snaps the neck of it and it morphs back into a young girl. I turn my attention back to the forest and enter at full vampire speed. Using my instincts, I sprinted into its darkness. I could see where he carelessly trampled through the forest, and I could tell he was injured – I could smell blood.

I pulled my sword from the sheath and followed quietly. The only sound was the young birds chirping and my slight footsteps on the forest floor. In the distance, with my good hearing, I could hear other people – only two others – running through the place snapping every twig and branch they could. Finally, in a small clearing, I could see Liam. His black hair was slightly messy and his skin was paler than most vampires, he looked in pain as he sat on a fallen tree. As quietly as I could, I got closer to him holding my sword loosely.

"I didn't think you'd be so careless, Liam." I said to him. He jumped in fright and spun around quickly, my Shuriken lay on the log beside him, "Especially since you know that I love Shuriken. Risky move, I'd have to admit." I took a few steps closer. Upon closer inspection, I could see a neat hole in his chest. Almost a death hit.

"So you can talk?" he smirked at me.

"If that's how you want to be," I shrugged. His hand moved quickly as he flung a Shuriken at me, I easily dodged it and flicked my knife into his wound. He screamed in pain and fell onto the forest floor. I put him on his back and straddled him with my knees pinning down his arms. I pull my knife out of my waistband and casually twirl it in my hand.

"Where to start on such a pretty face?" I mused. I slice my knife down his defined cheekbones, blood drips down the side of his face.

"You sick little-" he spat. I pressed the flat of the knife against his lips.

"You don't want to make this anymore painful than it already will be, do you?" I tell him, "Do you remember the attack?" I asked him, trailing the blade down his neck.

"What?" he said in disbelief, struggling underneath me.

"I said, do you remember the attack? When the warlocks came?"

"Of course you stupid b*tch!"

"I didn't ask for the language." I hissed, cutting his wrist and letting the blood slowly drain from him. He flinched, but didn't scream.

"What about it?" he said eventually.

"Have you ever been tortured?" I grinned manically.

"You psycho vampire. Let me go." He yelled.

"It's the Hunger Games, darl. No one cares about your screams." I growled. I stabbed him in the stomach and twisted the knife around until it caught on his intestines. I ripped them out and wrapped them around his throat. He gurgled with his eyes wide. I stabbed him in the chest, killing him, before grabbing my Shuriken and running away from him. From my evidence.

What was wrong with me? What would my mother think of me? I just felt like I had something to prove but I had nothing. There was nothing left in me. I was a shell. I sunk to the earth ground, tears pouring down my face. I pulled some shrubs around me for cover. I was a petty killer. All I wanted was to see me mother. Just one last time. I closed my eyes, but all that awaited me was that girl's bright blue eyes. Screaming at me to find myself, because I know longer knew who I really was.

Task 5: The Storms

It seemed that my alliance was made up of useless corpses that couldn't even make it through the first night. The crazy warlock chick who hated the world – and me – was killed by a werewolf: a werewolf! The famous GG was an imbecile and let herself be conned by a charm speaking faerie and Patrick – well, I don't know where he is, my guess is on the brink of death. So there you had it, my so-called 'super alliance' had now decreased to four members and I was an emotional wreck every time I mentioned the word 'mum'.

Even just thinking about her makes me sick. I'm a vampire – I was indestructible. I shouldn't be some softie. Even my own alliance would be questioning my whereabouts and my mental stability. I'm pretty sure Taraleigh was just searching for a fault in me that would allow her to kill me.

I began jogging, but it seemed that a tree didn't want me to leave because it thorn made me stay put. I untangled it from my clothes and continued. See, normally I would have beheaded – or be-thorned – the plant but I didn't. Stupid softness.

It didn't last long though, I could just feel the hunger burning through me. I needed blood. I moved faster, this place would have to contain some sort of animal. I stopped and listened. I could hear something large moving nearby. I quietly sprinted in the direction, and stopped in a tree. I sighed as I saw who it was – it was Michael. Not that that was a bad thing but...

"I'm pretty sure you're lost, Michael." Tara whined to him, stomping through the forest. She had dirt and red sand on her pale skin and her brown hair was in a very messy bun. She carried a large machete and swiped at the undergrowth, "Why are we even here?"

Michael stopped suddenly, his own skin covered in blood – not his own, of course – and red dust, "Our alliance is a little scattered, don't you think?"

"But I saw Theo go into the grass plains. I'm going back to find him."

"Okay, see ya!" Michael waved. Tara's eyes widened, but Michael obviously was sick of hanging with a warlock, but she spun on her heel and went back in the direction they had come from – presumably the grass plains. Michael casually waved his crow bar around, waiting for something.

After a minute he looked up to my direction, "You gonna come down or what?"

I rolled my eyes, of course he would have known. I jumped down, landing almost silently and I began twirling a Shuriken in my hand casually, like I would normally do. I had already made my decision last night.

"Is Taraleigh still paranoid about her brother potentially dying?" I asked him.

"Pretty much." He replied, "She burnt a guy to ash because he was heading in the direction of Theo. A little psycho, if you ask me."

"That's why it's good to let her be in charge, for now."

"You seem different, maybe smarter?" Michael guessed as he studied me.

"I'm smarter than you think." I told him, "Have you fed lately?"

"Nope, I'm starving. I heard some sort of animal a few minutes back, on the way to the plains. We can meet Taraleigh and Theo there – plus, I might get some more kills in the plains."

"Sounds like a good plan." I smiled, "Let's go."

I didn't know why I felt so comfortable around Michael. It could have been because he was from home – but I hated home. Michael actually reminded me of my brother, but my brother definitely wasn't bloodthirsty. We sped through the forest and it wasn't long before I tackled down a huge brown bear, with Michael's help. We halved it, drinking half the blood each. I took the neck and Michael agreed to have less pressure. I wiped my mouth and looked at Michael.

"Uh, Michael?" I ventured.

"Mmm, hmm." He replied, not taking his fangs from the bear.

"That's the bear's butt."

He jumped away like it was holy water and spat out some blood, "Eww!"

I laughed at him. I thought my fake Dina was dumb, I wouldn't go as far as drinking the blood out of an animal's butt cheek.

"Don't you dare tell anyone about this!" Michael growled.

"Who's going to stop me?" I teased and danced out of his reach. Without wasting any time, I sped through the forest, I quickly glanced over my shoulder to see Michael right behind me. When I turned back, I smashed into someone. We rolled out onto the grass plains – luckily it was a very cloudy day, so there was no sun.

"Is there a reason you're still on top of me?" I asked the person, who happen to be Theo. He jumped off me quickly, "How's it going, by the way?"

"Fine." Theo said and brushed himself off. Taraleigh was glaring daggers at me, as if I would date a warlock – a warlock.

"It's nice to see that you've decided to join us." Tara said, venom lacing her voice.

"I noticed that our alliance had declined in numbers, you need my superior strength." I replied with a sweet smile.

"So it seems." Taraleigh took a deep breath, "It's not like you're missing them." She shrugged, her mask of nonchalance returned.

"Where did you disappear to anyway?" Theo asked me, his eyes darting between Tara and myself. It was obvious that without all my dumbness – which was a little melodramatic anyways – that the tension was high in the group. It was only luck that four of us remained or I'm sure the crazy warlock Tegan would have backstabbed us all – not including me, of course.

"Some vampire decided he would steal my Shurikens, I took care of him though." I showed Theo the weapon I seemed to adore so much. It was a dim light with the clouds covering the sun, but I noticed it had gotten a lot darker. I noticed both Taraleigh and Theo studying me, since I probably seemed normal to them with being dumb but I tried to ignore them.

"Did anyone notice that it got a lot darker?" I asked them. Theo, Tara and Michael looked up at the sky. The clouds had turned from a light grey to almost black now, meaning they had gotten thicker since the sun could no longer penetrate through them. My hair began to whip around my face, as did Tara's.

"And windier." She added. A huge ripple shook the ground and I turned to the forest behind me to see all the trees shaking like crazy, the sound was a huge grumble along with the shaking. Directly across from us, you could no longer see the mountain. It was replaced by a huge blizzard, the snow moved around and around but only staying confined in its' section. My guess was that the Gamemakers had altered it so it would not spread to any others – same with the earthquake which still rattled slightly, the noise was worse than the shaking. But it was hard to hear when with the wind was threatening to blow me away. It had suddenly got ridiculously windy.

"What the hell is going on?!" Theo shouted. No one replied. There was no point, because we barely caught his words and I doubt if Taraleigh heard him at all. I looked around us. Next to the blizzard was a thick sheet of rain pouring over the rainforest and coming a little closer was a red and orange wall of sand and dust – what only could be described as a deadly sandstorm, you would not be able to breathe or see in that. I couldn't see the marshlands from here but I could not imagine what would be going on.

For a moment, I wondered what was so bad about this place. When I turned around to face my fellow allies, they had already spotted our horror. Tornadoes. I'm not talking two or three of them – which is already bad enough. I'm talking at least twenty tornadoes all crowded into this one section of arena.

"Oh shit." I muttered. Tornadoes might not kill me, but they sure would make life in here hell. I was already trying not to let myself be sucked up into a tornado. I crouched down and dug my claws into the ground, Michael seemed to have the same idea.

"Tara! Theo!" I shouted as loud as I could. Both of them turned to me and came closer, Michael was already next to me. The tornadoes had grouped closer together as well as closer to us. We huddled together, using myself and Michael as supports. Theo was taking huge gulps of air and seemed a little shaky and Tara had managed to keep her cool. Suddenly the air got warmer.

"Who farted?" Michael scrunched up his face as the air got warmer. I rolled my eyes, if someone farted – it would smell, not get warmer. I really questioned how smart he was.

"Theo!" Tara exclaimed as the flames spiraled upwards beside us.

"I panicked!" he yelled. Tara covered his hands with her own but it didn't stop the fire. It moved up into the sky and widened, forcing us to move back. We ran away, sticking low to the ground. The metal of the Cornucopia reflected off the small amount of sunlight that made it in, I glanced over momentarily. It seemed like the only safe place in the arena. I also knew that looks could be deceiving. For all I knew, a huge mutt was hiding underground or in the Cornucopia.

It looked like grey and orange soldiers forming up to attack, the tornadoes twirled. For a moment I could picture a thousand hairs twisting together into one. It made me a little scared, to be honest. This would be the death of me. However, it seemed that fate was beginning to join my side. Just in front of one fire tornado, I spotted a rabbit hole.

"Definitely the death of me." I muttered and sprinted for the hole. I remember my father educating me about vampires, how they used to live and how they survived the days with no cover. He said that vampires naturally had long claws – not to kill, but to dig. When vampires were travelling in places with no cover, they would dig into the ground where it was dark. It was a natural instinct back then. I got down to my knees and began to make the hole bigger, thankfully Michael had the brains to help me – no matter the odd idea. We dug around the outside and a coughed as the dust flew into my nose and mouth. To make it worse, my hair kept getting in my face so I had to brush it away constantly. So much for keeping myself clean: this was just plain unhygienic.

"Are you crazy? We'll never get out of that place once we're in!" Tara yelled.

"A possible yes to the first, but I have to disagree with you on the second." I shouted over the wind as my hair lashed my face. I hastily shoved it away as I watched Taraleigh. She around her at the disaster: hundreds of tornadoes – some with fire, some without – crowded around us eager to suck someone into their spiral of death. She looked at Theo momentarily before deciding.

"What are we waiting for?" she said, her voice escaping with the wind. But she had agreed to my fabulous plan, I threw my sword down first. Without hesitating (because that would look bad on my résumé) I dived into the hole. In hindsight, it was idiotic jumping in head first because as the dirt crumbled around me I landed face first into the clay. The place was quite roomy and while muttering a few curses I rolled out of the way just as Theo fell through, his leg still gave me a fair whack which seemed to hurt him more than me.

"Trying to get on top of me two times in one day?" I teased, I could barely see him as he rubbed his shin. I wiped my face with my jacket and retrieved my sword in the dim light. Tara smashed into the ground, feet first, and rolled into the wall while Michael brought more dirt down than a mole did burrowing. The dust, once again, invaded my nose and a spat as it coated my tongue.

"Aren't vampires meant to be graceful?" Tara asked through a fit of sneezing and coughing.

"You have your beliefs confused," I told her and she shook her head with a hint of a smile: that was a bonus. The dust settled and Tara – not Theo – created some light for us. A soft breeze from the entrance made the flames flicker casting eerie shadows.

"I suggest you all use this time to rest. From what I know, natural disasters last a while." Taraleigh said, focusing on the flames that leapt from one hand into the other. I eyed her cautiously. I didn't need to sleep, nor did Michael, but I highly doubted that Taraleigh was going to sleep with me around. I could tell that she didn't trust me much. Nevertheless, I leaned my back against the dirt. I had more important things to worry about. I had to plan my escape, how would I get out of this alliance? I had to before it was too late. Usually I would already considering fun ways to kill them, but I wasn't even thinking about it.

"Dina?" Tara said quietly, her flames dangerously close to my feet. They reminded me of the tornadoes as it spiraled up into the air and then back down – like a spring.

"What?" I said putting a little too much attitude into it.

"Have you ever thought about just acting like yourself for one day?" she said, meeting my eyes.

I looked away from her gaze and focused on the red-orange flames, "No."

"Why not?"

"I don't know," I sighed and shifted my position so my feet weren't so close to the flames. But I did know; I was just too afraid to tell her.

Task 6: Forced Alliances

The first thing I noticed was the warm sand pressing against my cheek, which was odd because I didn't recall being in the desert – in fact I was quite sure that I had been in the grass plains last time I was awake. I crinkled my nose as the smell of dead things hit my nose – stupid desert, why couldn't it smell like daises? Well, I guess you could say that was self-explanatory. All of the colours seemed to blur together as I sat up, a mixture of red, orange and the setting sun swirled together like water. As my senses sorted each other out, I realised something.

I wasn't alone.

I stood up quickly and braced myself for combat as my brain processed two people standing across from me. One was small, with blonde hair that was spiky – and she smelt like dog (which meant she was a werewolf). I didn't recall being in an alliance with a werewolf...unless I was mistaken. But that was impossible because I was Dina – the most intelligent being on Panem. The boy next to her was much smaller with narrow eyes and black hair – he smelt like pixie dust (meaning he was a faerie). I definitely don't remember allying with either of those supernaturals.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you," I said to them boldly.

"Because we are allies, as stated by Niamh, and if we even attempt to kill each other we get electrocuted." The Faerie said as a-matter-of-factly.

Well, aren't you an asshole.

"And how do you know that?" I asked.

"Because Accalia tried to kill you, hence the spiked up hair."

I would be if I said I didn't feel violated. I covered my body, how could I be so stupid as to fall asleep? I don't even remember falling asleep...

"Didn't your mother ever tell you it's rude to kill based on first impressions?" I said.

"You had to be taught?" Darren smirked.

"Of course I did – I'm a vampire!" I threw my hands up exasperatedly and showed my fangs, "See, all three of them."

My new alliance had to be taught that Dina could be a psycho crazy bitch if things didn't go her way. Only Michael knew my true self and I had almost had him in the palm of my hand – he was almost my own personal puppet to control. Now I couldn't even control him, I don't think he'd be smart enough to tell someone that I'm a secret mastermind who wants to take over the world.

"Okay, I definitely remember you." Darren nodded, "The crazy vampire from the train, oh God!"

I could tell he was contemplating leaving me to burn in the desert tomorrow. He was right, though: I was the crazy vamp from the train and had been banished to the corridor – which meant he was the little wimp who could sing and play with plants. You may as well just kill me now if his voice doesn't – how was I supposed to put up with them? Considering they had already tried to kill me.

"I like to make a good first impression," I adopted a giggly tone to lighten the mood.

"First impression my ass," Accalia spat, "He only remembers you because you're so blonde, idiot."

I kept the scowl off my face and force my body to stay still. I flipped my hair, "A pretty blonde though," All I wanted to do was kill them both, they had no idea how easily I could snap their neck or suck all their blood from them.

"Isn't that right, pretty boy?" I winked at Darren while trying to hide a gag. I had my suspicions that he played ball for the other team, but who says you can't seduce a gay guy. As long as they think they're in control – everything goes smoothly. He blushed slightly at my comment but Accalia rolled her eyes,

"If you want to have sex, do it out of my line of sight." She snarled. I tried to fight back my laugh, I thought she would at least be clever enough to pick up my flirting. Maybe werewolves are dumber than I thought. As if I'd have sex with a Faerie – that'd be amazing (note the sarcasm).

I noticed Darren was getting incredibly uncomfortable, I moved a little closer to him and squeezed his little unsuspecting butt – ugh! I can't believe I went that far.

"I hear the Cornucopia is romantic," I whisper into his ear. I was scared to look to his lower region, in case he wasn't gay. But guys will always be the same, that they will always be ruled by their testosterone, "Unless you're to chicken to face another alliance," I tried to sound disgusted but it turned out to be a teasing voice – either way it worked well. I couldn't believe how far dumb Dina was taking this.

You see, there is Messidina and Dina. Things you should know is that Messidina is that actual me. The one who likes to read books, wonder about science and wants to know how easy it is to rip a warlock's head off. Then there's Dina; the blonde bimbo who cares about boys, sex and her latest manicure and Dina was starting to go a little crazy with the boy and sex part.

"Accalia, stop scratching your butt," Darren sighed, "We're going to the Cornucopia."

"Why?" Accalia asked, acting as if she hadn't been scratching her butt. For the record, she had been and it was gross. I was tempted to take a flea sample. The other thing that worried me was that Darren would dob on me.

"You have to win somehow, let's reduce the numbers." He shrugged. It was funny how ten minutes ago they were both trying to kill me and now that I had gotten into Darren's head – I was the leader.

Accalia nodded and picked up her bag and began walking, "You two lovebirds can bring up the rear,"

If she thought I would kiss a faerie, she was wrong. I didn't plan on touching Darren anywhere except to kick him in the balls once this was over.

---

Honestly, you'd think that some of the supernatural in here would at least have a third of a brain. But I think they're all dumber than doorknobs – scratch that, possibly dumber.

"So, your name is Messidina, but you like to be called Dina." Darren said, he had been going for the past two hours. If it were up to me, I'd speed my way there but I need to conserve my blood supply – who knew when I would have to feed next.

"Yes," I grit my teeth, feeling my fangs lengthen, even they wanted to shut him up, "And if you call me that M one, I will have no choice but to say no to sex – it's bad for me anyway. Especially since your so...small."

I can't believe he was excited by the zero chance of getting laid. Someone as pretty as me with something as ugly as him – not going to happen. Thankfully shouting at the Cornucopia distracted both him and Accalia enough so I could steal Accalia's knives. I had my reasons. I knew there would be at least one other alliance here. They were so loud I had been hearing them for about an hour before they even came into view – perks of being a wallflower...I mean vampire.

I could also smell their scent – warlock. All three of them – lucky, am I not?

"Let's have a party," I whispered excitedly and jumped up and down.

"Let's not," Accalia said flatly and I almost sighed in relief – I was not in the mood for a party.

"Theo, do you think I give a fuck if your sister kills me? It'd be worth it to see the pain on her face." One of them snarled. Theo. Why did my ex-allies have to be everywhere? I couldn't kill them, not yet. They had to be here for the finale. Theo really had to stop ruining things.

"That sounded beeee-chay!" I said.

"Bet she'd be easy to kill," Darren snorted, showing his muscles. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and he blindly went into my trap.

"How much? I reckon you can't even kill her in less than twenty seconds." I smirked.

"You're on!" he said as he disappeared into the darkness. I watched his shadow get closer and then I heard an electrical zap. One warlock had tried to kill Theo and got zapped as a result. That would be way too easy on Darren.

I slipped through the shadows until I was a few metres behind him, "I'm not going to kill him, for the record, so please don't zap me." I whispered to the Gamemakers. I waited a moment before I jumped onto Darren and elbowed him in the head. He went out like a lightbulb. I'm surprised he didn't hear my prayer to the Gamemakers – too busy trying to impress me, I suppose.

"You better thank me Tara." I muttered as I jumped onto Accalia's back as she ran past in her wolf form. She bucked and kicked but I solid thump to the head had her falling over her paws for me.

"Did anyone hear that?" I heard Theo's worried voice. I snuck up quietly behind the electrocuted warlock. She was quite pretty, maybe she could pass for a faerie – not for a vampire. My species already had enough dumb people in it. I dragged her body away silently but counting in my head. She struggled at first but I sunk my teeth into her neck, making her relax as the chemicals mixed into her blood. I snapped her neck quickly then returned to Darren and Accalia. I quickly dragged them to the back of the Cornucopia. Who would have thought a werewolf would weigh so much? I mean, it was nothing compared to my strength but she weighed a tonne (I shouldn't exaggerate). Let's just say that little sex-obsessed faerie would have no chance at dragging her.

"What happened?" Darren asked sleepily as he rubbed his head.

"You killed that warlock in less than twenty so we had sex," I shrugged, "You just couldn't handle me though." I giggled, "Too much of Dina makes people tired."

Accalia groaned in disgust beside me – saved me from groaning at least.

Darren smiled, "It was good."

Liar! He would be terrible in bed! Even worse on grass. I felt like ripping his tiny balls off and jumping on them but I contained myself.

"I've had better," I shrugged, "Levi was definitely a highlight of my Hunger Games experience,"

Ugh! That was worse than calling Theo a bae. Having sex with a warlock was unspeakable! Almost like admitting that you have mixed orange juice with blood (that is a crime by the way).

"I'm way better them him," Darren protested but I could tell he was struggling to remember what had happened in the past five minutes. Oh, to be so stupid.

"Sorry, but no. I plan to make a lot of non-warlock babies with him. Or maybe we could rip their wings out together..." I put on a dreamy face and Darren made a vomit sound. He was right – that was gross. I got up to get away from all this dumbness, it was going to give me a headache. I went around the corner of the Cornucopia so quickly that I crashed into someone – a warlock – and fell on top of them. I prepared myself to attack but realised who it was. Instead of throwing up – if that was even possible for a vampire – I simply put on my most charming smile and giggled flirtatiously.

"Buonjourno, bae!" I giggled at him

Task 7: Disney Mutants

My mind and body had been confusing me lately. I wasn't one to get confused – I was meant to be the one confusing people, not the other way around. I couldn't tell what was real anymore – I hated not knowing what was going on. I guess that was what everyone felt like, but they didn't know how dumb they all were. It hit me hard that I was becoming like them. I was getting feelings – this Game was messing with my mind and I hated it so much.

Back to reality, I realized Theo was the person – well, thing – I had crashed into. My former ally, possibly current ally. He was doing the same thing as me, I realized, he was trying to get through this. Just like his sister wanted him to. Despite her harsh persona, I understood Tara's actions – she was protecting Theo in a Game that threatened all her motives. Ugh, motives! If the lesser people had them too it made my brain go lower. Feelings weren't something that came easily to me, I had shut myself out since the attack.

It was at that moment that Darren strutted around the corner and did a double take. I think he was thinking that a) I was cheating on him or b) I was conspiring with another alliance which I then added c) which was a combination and also correct.

I glanced at Theo and knew that those stupid 'feelings' were going to interfere. They told me to protect Theo, the enemy. This was why I had a hard time grasping the concept of listening to feelings.

So Darren decided to be an idiot and try to attack Theo. I knew this wasn't going to work, so I came up with the reasoning that I would tell myself: I protected Theo to show my dedication to my original alliance, and if I saved Theo's life I would be trusted even though I am considered dumb. LIE, LIE, LIE!! My heart screamed – I told it to shut up. Instead I focused on the rapid heartbeat of Darren. It sped up, he ran and jumped. I leapt from my position on top of Theo and smashed straight into my 'ally'. By instinct, my mouth drifted straight for Darren's neck. I could see the blood in his veins pumping through, hoping to oxygenate an organ – they would have to be content with oxygenating me.

My fangs plunged into his soft skin and I groaned as the blood slid down my throat. I hadn't realised how thirsty I was. Darren's body began to grow heavy and it was about time because I could no longer ignore that zapping sensation on my arm. I hissed and threw him on the ground and Theo took the chance and stabbed him. The canon was louder than expected with my heightened senses, so it bothered me enough to turn to Theo with my fangs bared.

"Calm down, Dina." Theo said warily.

The scent of blood was strong, but I knew I could hold it off. My fangs wanted blood though – my body wanted to drink until no one was left – until I was the winner.

Theo's dark brown eyes pierced my body and I mirrored his glare, "I'm not going to rip your throat out too, if that's what you're scared of. I don't normally kill people who I like," I winked.

"Normally is the part I'm worried about." Theo replied cautiously.

"Normal is overrated," I told him even though it barely had to do with the topic. He shook his head slightly confused. I smiled to myself – this was how it is meant to be, I shouldn't be confused.

The scent of a new blood suddenly appeared, also something that smelled like flesh – rotting flesh. I almost gagged. I didn't dare to look up because the low growl that rumbled above me wasn't a storm – it was an animal.

"Run, Theo!" I said calmly, "Run and please don't look back." I rarely begged so he should have listened straight away. Surprise, surprise – he didn't.

"Come with me, Dina!" he whispered back eyeing the beast above me. His pupils were dilated meaning it was scary – freaking scary. I listened out for its heartbeat but only got a ticking noise – like a clock – in reply.

"Trust me, babe, Dina can handle monsters." I smiled; my smile was one that said the complete opposite. It was saying Dina doesn't know what sort of bionic creature is above her and she wants to run but Dina has to learn about this animal. Damn curiosity! A large pool of slobber had gathered at my feet and a barely had time to look up before it crashed to the ground. Thankfully vampire speed saved me and I rolled out of the way of the huge blue animal.

I'm not going to lie – the thing looked terrifying. I was almost – almost – tempted to follow Theo, but my brain was somewhat fascinated by this. It's always between the brain and heart, isn't it?

The thing was bright blue in colour with several pointed teeth, tinted with something that could only be blood, that protruded from its mouth likes arms crawling from a grave. I moved up to its eyes which were a dark navy, if not black, colour with red liquid seeping from the lids. I shivered as it stared at me like it was studying me too. It didn't know I was trying to decipher what animal it was so I could guess its behavior. It looked to have a piranha mouth, possibly human or bear arms and legs which were bulging with muscle and veins. Its fingers showed off blade-like claws that were as long as me and its stomach was bared jagged stitches that hadn't fully healed – you do not want details of that (let's just say there were maggots involved) – and the stomach swayed side to side in time with the ticking. The ears seemed to mimic the movement, and I noticed the small razor tips on them along with green goop occasionally falling from them – judging by the sound it was acid because the sizzling on the ground could not be explained by anything else.

On cue, Accalia's screamed ripped through the air which caused the animal to lunge forward. I dived between its legs, which made me notice another pair of small arms which were situated just above its legs. Talk about creepy. It looked to be a giant koala cross piranha cross rabbit (the ears) cross something alien.

"I think I found your twin Accalia!" I shouted at her and I rolled to a standing position with my sword drawn. I didn't plan on fighting it, maybe distracting it long enough to get away. I sprinted into the Cornucopia and found a grenade and pegged it at the beast. It roared at the tiny object, which was distracting enough to allow me to grab Accalia and get the hell out of there, I knew I couldn't go far without her or the zapping would start until she dies.

The grenade exploded as the smell of rotting flesh hit my nose. Amidst the explosion I heard a male scream and I tried to remember who else was in Theo's alliance. I knew it wasn't Theo – so maybe another warlock: probably the one with purple hair. I gagged at the smell got stronger and pushed my legs to go faster.

"Your sister isn't very nice," I said as we ran straight for the cover of the rain forest.

"Shut up before I feed you to it," she growled and I could tell her wolf was threatening to take over.

I barely felt the flora whipping at my body. Then, I could picture it. Running through the forest as the fire got closer and the shouting got louder.

==

The plants ripped at my body like they wanted me to join them in the ash. Fire threatened to come closer as the warlocks took over.

"Mum!" I screamed. I felt like I was ten but I could have been no older than fifteen. I wasn't a vampire, Dad didn't want to turn me yet, "Mum!"

A tree collapsed in front of me, forcing me to dodge it. My breathing got heavier as the smoke grew thicker. I knew I was closer to home – where Mum was. I had to find her. I had to find my family.

==

I was ripped away from my hallucination by the loud roar behind me. I shook my head, dazed. Accalia was lagging behind, I recalled what she had said about feeding it.

"As much as I'd like to feed your sister," I said, not breathless because I had no need to breathe, "But I think dog is much tastier." I added and harshly shoved her to the ground with my sword catching her leg. I felt a pang of regret but it was only logical that I killed her. I didn't need a liability.

"Bitch!" she shouted and I glanced back to see her crawl to a standing position – she wasn't fast enough. For the cameras, I made a move to help her and feigned shock. The beast put its claws straight through her stomach Accalia seemed to realise this before she slumped down with each claw slicing through her body until she was cut in half. They must've been sharp. I couldn't watch as it bent down to eat her body. Blood and acid was all I could smell and since my alliance consisted of me only – I could do whatever.

The thing would eat her up in no time, I had to be smart. No emotions, no terrifying flashbacks. Just me and my brain. I heard it roar again behind me signaling that feeding time was over and I ran harder. My feet splashed in the water below, I kept going until I was at my waist. At least ten meters from the bank. Even though it seemed to be part piranha, I had a feeling that a koala cross rabbit cross alien wouldn't particularly like water when there was prey in much easier places. Call it a gut feeling, since I wasn't listening to my emotions. The animal skidded to a halt at the bank and tentatively touched the water with its purple nose and howled in protest. The water rippled at its touch sending the crystal blue to momentarily wave darker colours.

I don't normally believe in luck, but it could have possibly been luck that saved me – well luck AND my brain. I mean, what sort of koala swims? That's right, I've read books. I made it my business to find out about living things and their anatomy, but that wouldn't help me with this strange creature.

"That's right! Go stick that purple nose up your shiny blue butt!" I yelled and it continued to whine.

I begin walking backwards when I bumped into something, it floated away but I grabbed it so I could get a closer look. Studying anatomy was one thing, but I was not expecting a half devoured body to be randomly floating around. This led me to think that a) it wasn't random and b) I wasn't alone. I looked closer at the body, his torn wings gave him away – Levi Rixton, supposed 'powerhouse' for the winner. Such a shame to see him bloated and paler than any Faerie, but I don't relate to emotions so I couldn't care less. He was just one more off my list.

I tried not to panic as I noticed another body closer to the shore, because it didn't look good for me, but I slowly shuffled to shallower water. The blue creature had disappeared meaning I was safe from it, but not from whatever was in the water. The body that wasn't Levi groaned and I instantly clutched my sword tighter.

I was not scared. Not like in the fiery forest when I was searching for Mum. Not like when I was desperate to escape the warlocks. Her body boasted pure white feathered wings which were dotted with her own blood.

"Are you okay?" I ventured even though I knew she wasn't.

"Do I look like it?" she wheezed, her voice was raspy.

"Bitches are witches," I snapped at her, "and witches deserve to die," I told her and promptly stabbed her through the chest. If she was going to be mean then I would kill her. Maybe I heads up from me would have been nice but, hey, when was I nice?

Suddenly something pinched my hand and a quickly brought it out of the water. A shiny red crab hung off it, but it wasn't a normal crab. Normal crabs didn't have fangs, or tiny metal pieces in their pincers. I cursed and ripped it off with blood already trickling from my hand. Also, normal crabs didn't open their mouths to let a thousand baby crabs out. I screamed – because I was genuinely scared – and waded past the bodies. Now I know why they're shredded to pieces – crabs.

"I only want to talk," the crab said.

"Talk or eat?" I replied fiercely, though I was quite amazed it could talk.

"A bit of both," it grinned – the crab grinned at me!?

I don't know whether I felt like being eaten by carnivore crabs or being sliced in half by a giant blue koala – tough choice. I'd pick neither, but my options were limited. I was never fond of crabs. I broke out of the water and the crabs seemed to know their limit, they couldn't leave the water and the blue koala couldn't enter it. I quickly ripped of some of my pants and tied a makeshift bandage around my hand. T would heal soon, but I couldn't waste blood when it was so scarce – I was not going to drink any mutt blood.

I could hand it to the Game makers, they were pretty clever to have a danger to every space. But an animal could only focus on one prey at a time, as I had read, so as long as it was distracted I was safe.

What I didn't expect in such a gross situation was a beautiful deer. It was young and its eyes darted around nervously, but normally deer's hearts beat fast. This young deer's heart was slow and didn't have a rhythm, meaning it was dangerous or dying. I was leaning towards the dangerous side considering the events so far.

I didn't dare to make a sudden movement. I slowly readjusted my grip of my sword and backed away two steps. It tilted its head, as if it were enjoying my cautiousness. It was taunting me to try something – to try to kill it. I knew my speed and I knew how fast a deer could go – but not a mutated one. I didn't want to take any chances.

Once again, my fears (which was an emotional) of becoming one of the lesser people consumed me as I stared down the animal. I didn't want to be like them, I was smart because smart people didn't crash through the rainforest like elephants. The deer lifted its feet impatiently as the crashing got closer, I listened for heartbeats. Sadly, all I heard was the tapping of the deer's and the ticking of my best friend – giant blue koala.

I sighed softly and decided to go into action. As I lunged forward, long fangs emerged from the mouth of the deer and its eyes turned red. Pointed antlers grew from its head. Maybe I didn't plan this well, I had to swerve to dodge the sharp antlers before slashing at its legs.

I remember being taught to hobble opponents if you couldn't kill them – that was my plan. Maim then kill. I flicked my sword up to hit the stomach but the deer darted and knocked my down with its antlers. The fangs came dangerously close to my body as I rolled away and got to my feet. I ripped the knife from my pocket and threw it straight for the hind, it yelped as the knife found its mark. I jumped into the air and spun around with my sword coming down in a huge, powerful arc. The sword went into the flesh on its back before it knocked me away in anger. It charged at me snorting like a crazy bull. I had no option other than to dodge and run.

I dodged it. I ran.

I could hear it following me and I knew I could remember the night: crashing through the forest with the fire burning behind me, the smoke filling my lungs which were now useless as a vampire, screaming my mother's name so desperately.

My body felt regret that I hadn't saved her in time. But I knew emotions were for the weak. I would redeem myself and I would avenge her death – no matter how long it took.

These Games *I assume* have been discontinued but Dina made it to the final five in these times.