The Rogue Variable

Chapter twenty

Minho insisted, that when we walked back he wanted my hands to be held behind my back, as he lead me there. He wanted it to pronounce his victory. I sighed in reluctant agreement, being careful not to trip on the knobby roots.

When we reached the fire pit, gladers watched expectantly, and cheered when they saw Minhos triumphant wave. I rolled my eyes and laughed.

He is such a show off. Smirking, I whispered to Minho, "hopefully they don't find out that I let you win,"

"What?"

"You heard me," he stopped, "you did not let me win," he exclaimed. "Heh, so naïve," I chuckled. "Joanie..."

I smirked at him to know I was kidding. Newt came over, clapping Minho on the back, "alright! she bloody had it coming," he laughed.

I stuck my tongue out at him. Walking over to the blazing fire, I faced the boys.

"It seems our beloved keeper of the runners has won," I exclaimed, cheers arose and then I added, "well, if he's keeper of the runners we should be glad he won, since he goes out there," they laughed at my comment.

"Part 3," I started, "everyone go and find the best stick you can!" I exclaimed. I already had mine picked out, and was grasping it, when Minho and Newt joined me. "Do you love bloody sticks or something?" Newt asked. I laughed, then gestured for them to follow.

I lead them to a box containing fluffy delights.

Marshmallows.

Their eyes widened with joy, "oh my shuck God,"

"How'd you bloody get it?"

"I'm gonna gain shucking 100 pounds,"

"Bloody hell, frypans gonna flip,"

"Calm down," I stated, "they're for the bonfire,"

They looked at eachother with big grins and raised eyebrows. "Let's go get our bloody sticks then," Newt exclaimed.

When all the boys has returned, I waited by the fire. I could feel the blazing heat behind me, as smoldering coals sprouted flying ambers, and the tongues of the Flames danced in the still night.

I held out and caught a soaring Amber, it's heat stinging slighter before it turned dark, a sizzling smoke of what it was. The boys murmured as they waited, and when they all returned I was still staring at the Amber. Something was wrong.

I turned to the fire, the redish wood glowing. "Newt," I called, but something was wrong with my voice. "Where did you get this wood?" I asked. He shrugged, "from some big tree,"

"What type of tree?" I asked, something on the tip of my tongue. He all of a sudden looked shocked, "you know, I can usually remember stuff like this, but all I can remember is that it starts with an-"

"Hey! We're ready!" Minho interrupted, pulling Newt to the group. I guess it'll have to wait. I could faintly hear their conversation, "wait, I need to tell her-"

"You guys an flirt later," minho mocked, making Newt speechless. I stifled a laugh.

"Hey! Have you guys ever heard of marshmallows?" I gestured to Gally who revealed the fluffy sugar. Hoots broke out, and I handed chuck the first marshmallow. "Go ahead,"

He walked forward to the fire, roasted it, them plopped in his mouth. He chewed it slowly, then pulled a thumbs up. Every one cheered, then rushed forward to get a marshmallow.

All of a sudden, Minho stood up after everyone had wolfed down their marshmallows. "We have a secret part 4, planned without the keeper of the fires," he explained. "We're gonna play the stick game again, but now there's a prize,"

"Minho, what's going on?" I asked.

"The winner gets a kiss from Ms. Fire,"