"Either we leave together, or I stay with you for as long as you need me," Cindy said firmly, brushing back some of his hair off his face. "Just breathe. It hurts, but it won't hurt forever. You're going to be okay."

She really thought she was all set for the arena. She had friends, she had allies... and now they all seemed to be dying in her arms. "Hey, remember that plant you showed me? The one that part of it lives in the mud, but the reeds are up top? Remember that plant, what was it's name?"