Rye shook his head as he squatted next to Emery. He took some stale bread from his pack and broke it in half. Handing the hard brown bread to her, he grimaced.<br/><br/>"I really don't know what was in her head," he began. "She loved my brother, Dyson, you know the tribute who almost won last year? Anyway, oddly enough, a citizen of Panem who understood the Hunger Games, who had felt the betrayal personally. She was our groomer, an understudy of Effie. In some ways she was a clone of her, a slave of fashionable disfigurement and in others, a brave girl. The other tribute from District 7, Janiel, was a really frail girl. I think she had a bad heart or something but anyway, Janiel really must of got under her skin because they cooked up  a deal for Z to replace her so that the other girls in our District would be safe. I don't even pretend to  understand it. I think, maybe Z had romantic notions." Rye shrugged.<br/><br/>"I have no idea why my brother loved her or that she had really known how to love someone, being from the Capitol and all, but I guess she meant it." Rye picked up a stone and flung it at the back wall. "Damn it! She wasn't suited to be in the Games! Z would not have lasted one day in either of our Districts doing the manual labor that is required. How in hell did she think she could survive here where nothing makes sense and everyone wants you to die?"<br/><br/>Rye slid to the floor and concentrated on the bread. His strong white teeth tore a hunk loose. He chewed on the bread until it softened enough for him to swallow.<br/><br/>"Look, Eden was my ally and so was Z. Neither of them were strong fighters,but I think we made a dent in the Careers. I think allies have a greater chance at surviving. Are you opposed to teaming up with me? Based on your association with Eden, I'm going to say I will trust you. Or," Rye suddenly stiffened and glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, " Or is this just a temporary truce? Your call."