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It was only a matter of time before they let this happen to us...

From CNN's Caitlin Avalon
Friday, February 18th, Posted: 1938 GMT

ZAHRVILLE, Brynania (CNN) -- Amidst a continuing civil war in Brynania, aid workers and refugees report signs of growing food shortages in the southern parts of the country.

In the rebel-held city of Zahrville, one family approached me. They said that their dinner last night consisted of oatmeal that they ended up eating off the floor as the pot they were cooking it in fell to the ground. They were searching for more to eat. When I asked them why they didn't relocate to a refugee camp where food was more attainable, the father explained to me that the house they live in was built by his grandfather's own hands. He grew up in it and has never wanted to leave. He stays, he said, "to make sure nothing happens to the house." So far, they've been lucky.

I talked with many others, who were also hungry. They were also angry that while the international community provides aid to Zaharian refugees who have fled to neighbouring Ruritania and Icasia, so little is done to relieve the suffering of the population that remains in their homeland. Zaharian rebel spokepersons accuse the Brynanian authorities of using food as a weapon, and restricting relief supplies to the region. Government officials deny this, pointing instead to the rebel siege of the southern port of Mcgilldishu as the main cause of any shortages. Some chose not to leave their capital city, and others couldn't leave as they have wounded or missing family members they hope will one day return back home. In Brynania, no one is completely immune to their ethnic conflict with the Zaharians. However, for those in Zaharia, the struggles and horrors of the ongoing violence take a much harsher toll on everyday life.