The loud scream echoed through the entire Heavensbee Hall, causing some of the students who were close to falling asleep to shrug and stare at the screen as the scene unfolded.

But it hadn't been Livia's scream, or Facet's. 

It had been Brandy's scream - and it wasn't because Facet attacked her. No, all Facet did was ducking the last moment and then shoving Brandy backwards onto the concrete. As if on demand, his sponsors skyrocked. So this was what he had to do - fighting, provoking and, worst of all, going as far as killing someone?

Fortunately it didn't came to such drastic measures yet. Furious by the way Facet had shoved Brandy, it was now Tanner who attempted to fight with Livia's tribute. Brandy's scream had rather been one of panic than of anger; in the back Coral could be seen approaching the scene with an expression that spoke of disapproval and hate. And who wanted the hate of the self-made leader of the pack projected on themselves?

Why did Facet had to speak up in the first place? Livia cursed silently. For once it would've been for the better to stay quiet. As much as Facet needed sponsors, they wouldn't be much of an use if he'd be dead.

"Your tribute's not as harmless as we all thought" Festus chuckled. "Look at him fighting with the slaughterhouse pack."

"Oh be quiet, Creed." Livia muttered. 

By now Tanner had fully thrown himself at Facet, who'd fortunately managed to grab his knife back. He hit Tanner's knee - and more sponsors came through - but that didn't stop the boy from 10. Livia knew now should be the moment to look away but she couldn't - if there was nothing else she could do to help Facet, then she at least had to watch.

Another scream echoed through the speakers and Livia grabbed the edges of her chair so hastily that it nearly caused her to stumble backwards. Again, it hadn't been Facet's scream. Nor her own. Again it had been Brandy's scream and this time the District 10 girl screamed as Tanner shoved her aside, the same second Coral did what seemed to be an attempt to save Facet; ramming her trident into Tanner's chest. His buzzer went off before his body hit the ground. His mentor Domitia gasped and, next to her, Arachne could be heard shouting a loud "What?!"

Yes, that summarised it well. This scene had been nothing short of odd. Tanner protecting Brandy, Coral protecting Facet. Livia could understand Tanner's actions but not Coral's. Why should she care whether it'd be Facet or Tanner that hits the floor? If anything, Coral would've loved it if both tributes from 10 and Facet had taken out themselves altogether. After all, why would someone like Coral, who'd killed the majority of tributes except for Marcus and Circ, care about anyone else other than herself?

Brandy, too speechless to react, gets shoved back by Coral. "That better be a lesson to you" Coral hissed, "First we kill of all the remaining tributes, then each other. You better get your hands off the golden boy, he could still be useful. And if I ever catch you hiding food instead of sharing with the alliance that made sure you survive at the cornucopia, you'll be next to join your idiotic district partner on that dirty floor."

Livia wasn't sure whether Brandy was actually afraid of meeting the same fate as Tanner or if she was just in a shock but she didn't react despite her lip was trembling. Facet, although with shock written all over his face, took the weapons off Tanner and, with one last look at his former ally, turned around and followed Coral. Both Treech and Mizzen had watched the scene in silence and finally, pulling all students back from some sort of trance, Lucky took the word to question Domitia.

"You know, Tanner was a very good-natured sort of person" she said, "And District 4 took advantage of that" she threw a sad look at Persephone and Festus as if to apologise. "It's one of the many things I've learned from being a mentor in the Hunger Games. I'll always cherish my experience here, and I wish all the remaining mentors the best of luck."

"Well said, Domitia. I think you've just showed your fellow mentors how to be a good loser." 

Yes that's how Domitia was and always had been, kind and fair. Never talking anybody down even if it didn't play out in her favour. And as the girl walked past her, Livia held her back and whispered, "I'm sorry. If Facet hadn't been-"

"Don't be silly, Livia. These things happen sooner or later and it wasn't anyone's fault, really. Tanner didn't have to protect Brandy, yet he did. It only showed his kindness but it's nothing anyone of us mentors should be sorry for" she gave Livia a reassuring pat on the back. "Good luck."

And this was just another proof that Domitia was a good loser - granted, she wasn't in the arena herself and as dairy heiress and with her parents' status, she certainly would make it far even without the Plinth prize but Domitia, like many other mentors, had cared about Tanner. And as much as she was a good loser, there had been some sadness in her eyes too.

"Coral!" a voice came from the speakers. Livia turned on her chair so hastily that she nearly fell off, scared that Tanner's death had caused too many cracks in the alliance. But seeing that it was Mizzen who'd been speaking, she felt slightly relieved. Mizzen would hardly break apart the alliance. "Coral, it's Wovey!" Mizzen said, pointing at the little, 12-year-old from District 8 who immediately went back to wherever she'd been hiding previously.

Coral gave a chuckle. "This should be easy."

And with that they went underground, leaving Tanner's body laying nearby the cornucopia just like everyone else who'd died in those past few days. Circ, Teslee. Jessup. Marcus. Lamina. Tanner. And the only thing guaranteed was that there'd be many more tributes to join them.

Hilarious gave a groan as the pack ran off, chasing Wovey who - although small - seemed to be skilled at hiding in every possible spot the arena gave her. Despite an alliance of five tributes were right behind her, she soon enough wasn't seen anymore. Even the mentors had no idea where the little girl had disappeared to.

"That's my tribute!" Hilarious chanted just like Pup had done the previous day. He faced the camera. "The best climber in all District 8 - my tribute Wovey! Please send your donations to my communicuff if you want to see more of this skilled tribute!"

Indeed a few donations came through but it was nothing in comparison to what Lamina got the day before. Still, once Wovey was safe enough Hilarious easily could send her water and maybe even some bread. It wasn't much but a start and would keep her steady for a while. If there was one thing Livia learned during the war it was how important even one bite of bread, one sip of water that was even a few days old, could be when you were in need.

Not having managed to catch Wovey, the pack appeared back on the screen. Livia decided to use the sponsors that came through for Facet earlier, looking at the amount of different options. Such a pity there were no pancakes to send it - it would've been a silent way to tell Facet that she was thinking of him, that she was here. But instead she send in several bottles of water - so Facet could share and no argument would be caused - as well as bread and cheese. That was a good start and hopefully the pack would use it wisely.

Persephone followed Livia's example and sent in something too, only Arachne - who suddenly disappeared - hadn't sent anything in for Brandy yet. As the tributes received their gifts, Livia allowed herself to exhale. For now the arena was calm; it could change within minutes but these few moments of relaxation had to be held tight. She got up and walked over to the small trays of food that were sponsored for the Academy students, smiling at Hilarious who grabbed himself a sandwich.

"Your tribute's not bad" he said. "At least we see more of him than we see of mine. Little no-show-Wovey."

"She's clever" Livia replied. "She's only 12 years old and made it to the best 10. Did a 12-year-old ever did that?"

"I don't think so but we've never had six tributes dead before the games even started either." 

"I just hope that this won't happen again" Livia said dryly. The anger about two dead classmates as well as the state Felix and Apollo were in came back at her. "We didn't do anything wrong yet we got punished."

"So you're saying the tributes don't get punished? Livia, be realistic. The Captiol..." Hilarious hesitated before he said something completely different. "I just hope my future children can grow up in a safe Panem. Preferably without" and again he hesitated, "such incidents. And if not, I hope they'll make Panem a better place."

"Panem is a good place already, don't you think?" Livia frowned. "At least we and our future children will live a good life and be safe." 

"But don't you feel pity for the tributes? Young kids like Wovey, Mizzen or Dill? None of them will reach their 14th birthday. And what about your tribute? Or Vipsania's?" Hilarious kept questioning her. "All I'm saying is" he looked around as if to make sure no one was listening, "I hope I can make a change someday. And if not me, I hope my future children will do that."

Livia hesitated. Did she feel pity for the tributes? Did she wish Facet, Treech and just everyone would come out of the arena safe and unharmed to live their life in peace in their districts? She absolutely did. These games never had been fair but as they were something she sort of grew up with, it was hard to allow herself these thoughts. So she just put a hand to Hilarious' shoulder and smiled. "I believe in you, Heavensbee."

And with that she turned around and walked away. She didn't know where her earlier came from - especially as she didn't agree with the games either, let alone the way the districts were seen as animals. But they, as mentors and Captiol citizens, had suffered too. During the war and during these games. It wasn't as if they had the fault in it all. 

As she approached her seat, she almost walked into Arachne who crossed her way just then. "Where have you been?" Livia asked. "You suddenly disappeared."

Arachne shrugged. "I needed some air" she said, indeed looking just as pale as she did this morning. Did the games actually affected her far more than she made it seem? Livia could hardly imagine that - Arachne's parents were hugely invested in following the games and made sure their children were just as interested. Besides, Arachne didn't seem exactly close with Brandy. "Earth to Livia" she mocked. "Could you please help me getting some sense into Vipsania? She won't eat. Seriously Vippie, first no sleep and now you don't want to eat? If Treech comes out of the arena, he won't even recognise you and fall in love with someone else."

Even Arachne herself seemed to realise that this had been uncalled for. Vipsania's expression darkened before the first tears began to fall. "I just can't function when he's in the arena" she whispered. "I can't sleep, I can't eat and I can't think. My thoughts circle around him nonstop."

"But Vippie, right now Treech is okay. And he'd want to to be alright too. Sleeping in Heavensbee Hall is one thing but not eating isn't helpful, not for you and not for Treech." Livia told her. Vipsania nodded in defeat without seeming to convinced. Her eyes had already focused on the screen again as Treech, Facet and their remaining alliance packed up what was left of their food and went underground again. The water bottle that Coriolanus had sent in earlier that day still stood at the back of the arena, still untouched.

"Vippie, you know what?" Arachne offered. "My mother packed up some cookies for lunch for me. I'm willing to share them with you." she said in her usual mocking, yet now friendly tone. She unboxed the cookies and passed one to Vipsania, then to Livia. In the end she went through the entire mentor section to hand out cookies, even going as far as offering Coriolanus one. He looked at Arachne as if she'd gone crazy. Yes something about her clearly was different; it was as if she was practically glowing. 

After she finished handing out cookies, everyone's attention switched back to the screen. Lucky had finished updating everyone on the general news and weather and was now back to commenting the events in the arena. "Nine tributes remain: Merciless Mizzen, Cunning Coral, Treacherous Treech, Brave Brandy, Fiery Facet..."

How could he think of those descriptions so fast?

"Dill, Reaper, of course, and the lone wolves - little Wovey and Lucy Gray. And who do we have here?"

It was Dill who appeared in front of the cameras, the 13-year-old girl from 11. She looked skinnier and smaller than ever, shaken by coughs. Livia wished Lucky could've kept quiet for once, especially considering that Felix - Dill's mentor - was still in critical condition in the Capitol's hospital. Since yesterday they hadn't been given an update on him; even his family was nowhere to be seen - which was odd given the fact Felix' father was the president.

"Ah! It's ill Dill! Tuberculosis on legs."

Sometimes Livia wondered whether the remarks and 'jokes' Lucky made were really appreciated by anyone. She imagined Dill's family hearing those words - and seeing Dill in such a state - back in District 11. Poor Dill could barely keep herself on her feet and likely the only reason she'd survived at the cornucopia the day before was because of Reaper - who was nowhere to be seen. What was seen however was the water bottle that had been left untouched by Coral's pack. On all fours, Dill crawled to the water bottle with a grateful smile in her dirty, sickly face.

"Uh-oh" Hilarious muttered. "That's the water meant for the pack."

At first Livia didn't get what he meant. The water hadn't been sent in by any of the pack's mentors; the water had been one of the many bottles brought in by the drones that Coriolanus sent and the pack was supplied well with water and food. Let alone all the sponsor gifts Lucy Gray must've gotten. Dill snitching one water bottle would hardly hurt anyone.

Just seconds later that statement proved as entirely wrong.

Dill had taken a few sips before she placed the water bottle down and coughed miserably. Drained of every last bit of energy she laid down on the dirty pavement, gave a few last, weak coughs before her breathing stopped and she laid still. Her buzzer going off caused several mentors to shrug.

"What just happened?" Hilarious frowned. With his own tribute being the youngest, he clearly felt for all those roughly the same age.

"Well, she wasn't exactly healthy wasn't she?" Clemensia said dryly.

"What's gotten into you, Clemmie?" Festus shouted from across the room. "Seriously."

But even Clemensia's stone-cold, snake-like face suddenly showed emotion as Reaper came from his hiding spot. He couldn't have been far away from Dill, maybe she'd wandered off in a feverish state as it was hard to imagine Reaper had left her side for one second. Reaper, who'd gone as far as apologising to all tributes in the cage for maybe being the one who kills them. That's what Facet had told Livia and the way Reaper had protected Dill during the bloodbath and the way he now rushed to his district partner's side proved that deep down he was a good soul too. "Dill? Dill, wake up. Dill? No. What happened? Dill? Hey! Dill, hey, wake up! Dill!"

Realising she wouldn't wake up - never again - made 18-year-old, tall, muscular, scary-looking Reaper burst into a fit of sobs. Just like so many times in the past two days, the entire Heavensbee Hall was quiet and watched as Reaper bend over Dill and sobbed onto her motionless chest. "I'm so sorry." he whispered.

"Aw" Persephone whispered. "The poor girl. So young, so sweet."

"He must've known that she's never gonna win" Clemensia said coldly. "I'm surprised she lasted that long in her state."

"Clemmie, you're talking about your tribute's district partner." Vipsania said with a bewildered look on her face. Granted she hadn't shown much sympathy for Treech's district partner either, knowing he'd only be held back by her, but having seen Lamina's gruesome end and the way she'd slumped off the cornucopia after being finished off by Coral had deeply disturbed her nevertheless. None of these kids deserved that, not even Coryo's songbird. 

"Exactly. She's his district partner but not my tribute. Think about it, Vippie."

Where on earth has the sunny, friendly Clemensia gone to? What happened to her during this apparent flu - or rather, what did they do to her whilst she was in hospital?

What then happened was something no one had ever witnessed in those ten years of the games happening. Reaper lifted Dill up and carried her to the cornucopia to the middle of the arena, close to where both Marcus and Lamina had fallen off just hours before. He placed Dill down, closing her eyes. Then he began doing the same with Lamina and Marcus, placing them in a row next to Dill like putting kids to sleep, kissing them all goodnight. He even folded their hands over the wounds to avoid them being the first thing viewers would see. But he didn't stop there; instead he began to place everyone on this spot. Tanner, Bobbin. Both from 3. Jessup. All those innocent, lost souls. As he finished placing them side-by-side, he walked over to the entrance of the arena where the flag of Panem hung.

And he tore it down in one single movement.

"He just tore down the flag." Lucky observed.

Finally that man is speaking facts.

"Woah." Arachne murmured, leaning forward in her seat. 

In the Captiol tearing down the flag was a sign of rebellion. Someone from the districts doing so was even more of a rebellion; it was a massive reminder of the war. Countless flags had been torn down and scattered across the capital.

"He can't just do that and face no consequences" Festus observed. "Tearing down the flag... what does he gain from that?"

"Attention." Coriolanus muttered. How does he dare to comment? He's been the most thirsty for attention ever since the games started and it wasn't even like he wanted the attention on his tribute but rather on himself. He was so desperate. 

"This attention won't get him far if he has to face consequences" Livia said, looking over at Coriolanus. He deserved to know that her words were rather directed at him than at Reaper. "That's foul play. And the Captiol doesn't like that, no matter who does it."

Did she imagine it or did Coriolanus look slightly pale all of the sudden? "Focus on the mess that your tribute is, Livia." he scoffed.

Livia folded her arms, sighing. One day - hopefully - Coriolanus would face the consequences for all the cheating and betrayal during the games. Giving his tribute a guitar to take away the attention from everyone else, sending in a swarm of drones and pretending he was 'just sending water' - how was it that he could do all of it without any aftermath? And who knew what else he'd do.

As for Reaper, there was no way he'd get out of this unharmed. With the flag over his shoulders like a cape, Reaper walked back to the dead tributes and covered them with the flag. This was even more rebellious - tearing down the flag was one thing; a sign of rebellion. But placing the flag over someone who's passed was a way of honoring the fallen. Another common thing during the war and Livia wondered whether Reaper knew what