Mind-change #451: I WILL be doing chariots, interviews, and sponsors. This is the 80 kajillienth time I changed my mind. It will most likly happen again.
District 1: Eveiaalova
Male- Joo-Chan Park- 9 - $650
Female- Yuri Blue- Eveiaalova- 5 - $500
District 2: Fidofiderson
Male- Ernie Sasalot- 6 - $375
Female- Lucy "Dumb Blonde" Fighter- 8 - $500
District 3: Anon
Male- Digit Starr- 6 - $425
Female- Lucky Dawn- 7 - $475
District 4: Racmany
Male- Leonardo Vargas- 5 - $425
Female- Venus De Millo- 7 - $500
Districe 5: Firecatcher3
Male- Jake Tucker- 8 - $500
Female- Molly Brechin- 5 - $425
District 6: Tacosalad1127
Male- Blair Quagmire- 7 - $450
Female- Michelle Nash- 5 - $375
District 7: Totaldramarox97
Male- Anthony Woodow- 4 - $300
Female- Beria Selian- 5 - $325
District 8: TeamPeetaForever
Male- Jared Nylon- 8 - $600
Female- Claire Silk- 4 - $425
District 9: Rosella6
Male- Hayden Hawkins- 7 - $500
Female- Prett Willis- 7 - $525
District 10: Cinder-Rose
Male- Kovu Seys- 10 - $475
Female- Cinder-Rose Calbury- 7 - $400
District 11: RueRose
Male- Garrick Gardiner- 10 - $700
Female- Issabella "Issy" Stone- 6 - $525
District 12: InsertRandomnessHere
Male- Odysseus- 2 - $275
Female- Maisie 'Red' Gallium- 4 - $300
Arena
So, while we're waiting for those to fill up, why don't we learn about the arena? (If any new tributes mention the arena in their stratagy or something, please note that they will be taken out quickly. They're not supposed to know what it is, remember?) :P
The arena will be a large circle, 35 miles (about 56 kilometers) in diameter. In the center of the circle will be a tall plateau. Inside of the plateau, there is a large cavern, where the cornucopia is. The tributes will begin in a circle inside the cavern, surrounding the cornucopia. The only way out of the cavern is by way of 8 tunnels, all equally distanced from one another.Once out of the cavern, the arena is largely forest. A river flows from the top of the plateau, (there is a waterfall). Once on the ground, the river splits in two, each arm flowing a different way around the plateau. The water is relatively clean, and the river is shallow enough to cross in many places. There are two lakes in the arena, both fed by the river. One is smaller, and is on the opposite side of the plateau as the other, larger lake, which is where the two arms of the rivers meet. The forest is made of a variety of trees, and has a sizable amount of game, like squirrels, rabbits, and even deer. Both lakes have some edible fish, though the river has none. Berry bushes are common, though there are nearly as many poisonous ones as there are edible. There are a variety of mutts in the arena, including, but not limited to, wolf mutts, tracker jackers, spider mutts, and squirrel mutts. There are, of course, various traps set by the game makers, but those we’ll keep a secret. ;) Map found below. (I know its not a
This is a rough map of the arena, showing the Plateau, (Brow center dot) exit tunnels (Light brown lines) cornucopia, (Gold dot) and rivers/lakes. (Blue stuff.)
circle map. Just use your imagination.)
Sponsor Items
Each tribute starts out with $250, and can receive more by doing well in Chariot rides and Interviews. Also, each day a tributes survives, they will earn $50.
Weapons
Sharp rock: $25
Small knife: $100
Large knife: $200
Bow (Includes 5 arrows): $600
5 more arrows: $150
Spear: $200
6 throwing knives: $250
Short Sword: $300
Normal Sword: $350
Trident: $500
Axe: $450
Mace: $400
Blowgun (Includes 10 darts, poison not included): $250
Small jar of poison: $100
Large jar of poison: $200
Akimbo SMG's: $3000 (Ok, if someone manages to get this much money, they deserve akimbo SMG's. xD)
Protection
Body armor: $675
Helmet: $175
Shield: $150
Protective Gloves (Fire/Water/Cold): $100
Survival
Bottle of water: $75
Half-gallon of water: $150
Small amount of food: $175
Medium amount of food: $250
Large amount of food: $300
Capitol meal: $375
Tent: $475
Backpack: $400
Iodine: $125
Rope: $50
Warm clothing: $150
Sleeping bag: $150
Flint (Fire starter): $100
Burn medicine: $150
Other medicines: Up to $700 (Actual amount depends on what the medicine is. I'll decide the exact amount!)
Bandages: $100
IF YOU WANT SOMETHING ADDED, PLEASE TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS SECTION!!! THANK YOU!!! :)
Chariot Rides!
Yes, you heard right! Bring out the chariots! :D
District 1
District One starts of the night with a sparkle. They come riding out in a chariot completely covered in jewels that shine with a light coming from beneath them The costumes are similar. The crowed thinks its pretty great, but they really love it when Yuri and Chan start throwing diamonds into the stands. It’s soon discovered that they aren’t real, but the crowd doesn’t really care. Overall, a pretty good performance.
District 2
District two’s chariot comes out in a slightly (Ok, a lot) less spectacular fashion, depicting the districts official industry, stone mining. Ernie is dressed as what is supposed to be a mountain, while Lucy holds a pickaxe and is pretending to ‘mine’ Ernie. The crowd is board and confused.
District 3
District three comes out in a chariot lined with flashing, multi-colored light bulbs, while the tributes themselves are dressed in white, one piece jumpsuits that also have light bulbs on them. The crowd thinks this is a bit much, but Digit and Lucky look happy as they wave to nobody in particular, and really, anything would look good after that last chariot. A moderately good ride, overall.
District 4
District four comes out in a chariot which is designed like a beach at low tide, with seaweed, seashells, and crabs adorning it. The horses are made to look like seahorses, and that’s a nice touch. Leo and Venus are wearing matching white outfits, with deep blue trim. Leo is waving a trident around, and Venus has a sort of scepter. It all looks very good, but then Leo accidentally hits Venus with the end of his trident. The crowd gasps as she loses her balance and begins to fall, but at the last second, Leo reaches out and catches her arm, pulling her back in. Though not planned, the audience loves it, and goes wild. Venus gives Leo a sharp look, and Leo just shrugs.
District 5
District five comes out, and, to be truthful, is rather plain. Jake is dressed in a sharp black suit, and Molly in a beautiful dress, but other than that, there is nothing really special. By the end, the audience is yawning, and the tributes are feeling rather down.
District 6
District six comes out in a light pink chariot with white trim, and the universal medical cross on the front. Beria is dressed as a (Slightly revealing) nurse, and Anthony as a doctor. (With his shirt unbuttoned.) Unfortunately, neither are particularly good looking, and the ride seems to be in jeopardy, when they both start throwing what looks like pills in the air, which turn out to be little fireworks. The crowd gives a good applause.
District7
District seven rides out in a chariot made of wood. On top of the rather plain chariot, the tributes were clothed in togas, secured with golden pins, and were having a mock duel with wooden swards. The crowd thinks that it is rather half-hearted, and it is a stretch of the imagination to connect this with sevens logging industry.
District8
District eight streams out in a chariot that is covered in patterns made of silk. Trailing behind the chariot are long strands of silk that flutter in the wind. Clair is in a snow-white dress that shows off her innocence and purity, while Jared is shirtless, with just long, silk pants. The crowd thinks that both the chariot and the tributes are pretty cool, and when Jared tentatively takes Clair’s hand making her blush, they cheer enthusiastically.
District 9
District nine comes rolling in with what seems to be a disaster waiting to happen. The chariot is very large and heavy, taking four instead of two horses to pull it, because in the middle of it is what looks like a mini assembly line. The crowd is confused. Then the line starts moving, and small metal disks are on it. Hayden and Prett take these and load them into small air cannons that pop out of the sides, and launch them into the stands. The disks say, “District nine is the best!” Despite the weirdness and the cheesy slogan, the crowd always enjoys free souvenirs, and clap happily.
District 10
District ten comes out in an unforgettable way. And not a GOOD unforgettable way.
Cinder-Rose and Kovu come out wearing nothing but… Meat? Yup. You heard it right. The pair are decked out in still-bloody meat. Even they look disgusted. Mothers shield their children’s eyes, and many in the crowd will be haunted with reoccurring dreams of this chariot ride.
District 11
District eleven rolls out in a chariot that looks like it is woven of wheat, the front adorned with the district symbol. Isabella and Garrick are dressed in strange garments made of a coarse, natural looking material. They both have scythes, the kind used for harvest, and are doing complex routines with them, throwing them into the air, and twirling them around. Then, the ends of the scythes catch fire, and they are twirling around torches. The crowd loves it, and goes crazy.
District 12
District twelve, comes out in a charcoal-black chariot. The tributes, are powdered in coal dust, are dressed in overalls and are holding pickaxes. They actually look pretty good, but Odysseus curls up into a ball and begins muttering to himself halfway through, and though Maisie was charming, the crowd looked upon 12 with displeasure.
Interviews
Caesar: Hello, everybody! Welcome to the Hunger Games interviews! I’ll be your host tonight! First up, for district One, please welcome Yuri Blue!
Yuri Blue
Yuri walks onto the stage, wearing a royal looking black gown, embroidered with gold stitches.
Caesar: Hello, there, Yuri! How, may I ask, are you doing this fine evening?
Yuri: Well, ok I guess.
Caesar: Just ok? Is there anything on your mind?
Yuri: Well, nothing in particular. It’s just the whole thing. The Games.
Caesar: Ah, I see. You worried?
Yuri: Of course, who wouldn’t be? It’s hard to go through all this. But I know I have to. For my family.
Caesar: And who is that?
Yuri: I have four other sisters. Rini is four, Akira and Kagami are twins, they’re both nine. Miki is fourteen. I have a dad, too. I miss them all so much.
Caesar: I bet they miss you too, Yuri.
BUZZER
Joo-Chan Park
Caesar: Ok, thanks, Yuri. Next up is Joo-Chan Park! So, Chan, how are you doing?
Joo-Chan walks up, showing off his muscles in a tight suit.
Chan: Well, Caesar, I don’t know bout’ the rest of these wimps, but I’m feeling pretty good!
Caesar: Whoa, there, Mr. Big Shot! Don’t get to cocky!
Chan: Not cocky, just confident.
Caesar: Confident indeed. So Joo, you have anyone special back home?
Chan: If you mean as a girlfriend, no. But I have my family, and so far, that’s all I ever have needed. *Waves at a camera* HI MOM!
The crowd laughs.
Caesar: *Chuckling* Well, Chan, nice meeting you, and good luck in the games!
BUZZER
Lucy Fighter
Next is Lucy Fighter! Come on down, Lucy!
Lucy walks on-stage wearing a beautiful white dress, studded with white diamonds.
Lucy: Hey Caesar!
Caesar: Hey Lucy! Your looking nice.
Lucy: Thanks! This is so much better than what we had for my chariot ride…
A look of annoyance crosses her face as she looks at her stylist, who just smiles and waves sheepishly as the crowd laughs.
Caesar: Bah, don’t be too hard on them. They have a hard job you know. Just like you back in district two do. Do any of your family work in the stone quarries?
Lucy: Uh… Ya! That’s just what they do! *Winks at the camera.* The crowd laughs, they all know 2 is really the supplier of peacekeepers.
Caesar: Hahaha! So, Lucy, how did you end up here?
Lucy: Well, I was in my dressing room, then they told me to walk onto this stage, and then you called my name, and then I got up and started to walk, and then-
Caesar: No, not HERE. I meant here, as in, the Hunger Games.
Lucy: Ohhhhhh! I get it! Well, I volunteered, because I want the show the nation that blonds are the best, and I’m the best blond there is! And I’m NOT DUMB!
BUZZER
Ernie Sasalot
Caesar: Oooooook… Thank you for that, Lucy! Next up is Ernie Sasalot!
Ernie walks up in a dark green t-shirt and black pants.
Caesar: So, Ernie. A nine in training! How do you feel about that?
Ernie: … It’s ok. Coulda done better.
Caesar: Oh really? Nine is very good, one of the best scores in these games.
Ernie: Yea, but nobody got over a freakin ten. That’s pathetic. I could have gotten a twelve…
Caesar: Oh, really? So why didn’t you?
Ernie: I would have had to kill one of the gamemakers… And I don’t think that would have gone over well…
Caesar: o.O
Ernie: ….
Caesar: Uh… Erm… So, how’s life at home?
Ernie. Fine.
Caesar: … >.>
BUZZER!
Digit Starr
Caesar: Oooooook… Thank you, Ernie... Next up is Digit Starr!
Digit walks up in nerdy-looking white coat and suspenders.
Caesar: Hello Digit! Let me ask you; What’s up with the suspenders?
Digit: I really don’t know. I guess they’re supposed to make me look smart…
Caesar: Do you think you’re smart?
Digit: I guess. Well, I’m supposed to be, being from district three.
Caesar: You don’t sound too sure of yourself.
Digit: What do you mean? I’m very sure of myself! I’m gonna win these things and go back home!
Caesar: That’s more like it!
Digit: Bah, who am I kidding… I’ve gotta one in twenty-four chance in this! Its never gonna happen…
Caesar: Hey now, don’t get so down on yourself! I’m sure you’ll do great!
Digit: Psh, like that means anything. I bet you say that eight more times tonight.
Caesar: No! Well.. Ya. You kinda have a point.
Digit: *Sigh*
Caesar: But I really mean it! You’ll do great!
Digit: There’s number one…
Caesar: >.>
BUZZER
Lucky Dawn
Ok, next up is Digits district partner, Lucky Dawn!
Lucky walks up in a flashy yellow outfit, complete with low cut top and super short skirt.
Lucky: Hey! Why and I that nerds district partner? He should be MY district partner!
Caesar: Well, it really doesn’t mean anything, it’s just a term…
Lucky: Well, it makes me sound inferior! And everyone knows I’M going to be the winner here! There’s no way I’m dyeing now! That’d just suck.
Caesar: Yes, indeed it would, but I’d like to ask you-
Lucky: And to all you Richey McFancyPants capitol people out there, you better get your checkbooks ready, because your lookin’ at the winner of these things! Right here! ME!
Caesar: Well, its good that your feeling confident, but I’d really like to ask you some-
Lucky: And to all you other tributes, you better start writing your wills! You’ll all be gone within two weeks, no more! Goodnight, folks!
Lucky stands up and walks off the stage, and everyone waits awkwardly for the last half-minute until the buzzer goes off.
BUZZER!
Leonardo Vargas
Erm…. Thanks, Lucy… (Lucy: No problem!) Next up is Leonardo Vargas!
Caesar: Hello, Leonardo.
Leo: Please, call me Leo.
Caesar: Ok, Leo. So, I must ask you- How’s life back home?
Leo: I love home. I love my family, my friends, everyone. I have a twin brother, Raphael, and my mom and dad. I miss home… A lot.
Caesar: I don’t doubt it. It must be pretty frightening, being in these games.
Leo: You don’t know the half of it. I might never make it home… But I can’t let that distract me from winning. I have to have hope.
Caesar: If those aren’t words of wisdom, I don’t know what are. With that mindset, I’m sure you’ll do fine.
On the chairs, Digit murmurs, “Number two…”
Leo: Ya. Thanks Caesar.
BUZZER
Venus De Millo
Ok, next is Venus De Millo!
Venus come onstage, wearing a white and blue swirled dress, which sparkled with tiny diamonds.
Caesar: Why, hello, Venus! You’re looking beautiful.
Venus: Thanks, Caesar. *sigh*
Caesar: Anything wrong?
Venus: Oh, nothing… It’s just… This was a really bad time for me to be in these games…
Caesar: Oh really? How so?
Venus: Oh, nothing you guys need to know about…
Caesar: Oh, now you’ve got us all interested. You can’t just leave us hanging!
Venus: Oh, but I can… If you ever want to find out why, you might just have to sponsor me.
Caesar: Oh, ho ho, you sneaky girl. I bet you’ll have sponsors galore. I bet you’ll do great!
Venus: Thanks, Caesar. That means a lot.
(Digit: Number three… And no it doesn’t!)
BUZZER
Jake Tucker
Ok, thank you Venus! Next up is Jake Tucker!
Jake is wearing a spiffy green suit with gold trim.
Caesar: Welcome Jake! So tell me, how did you end up here in these games?
Jake: Well, back home in five, me and my brothers take out a bunch of tessera, and give the extras to our neighbors. We knew it was risky, but there are just so many people, it never seemed like any of us would actually get reaped…
Caesar: Ah. That’s a very noble thing to do, Jake. Now, if my sources are correct, you know the other tribute from your district, Molly?
Jake: Ah… I mean… Er… Ya. I’ve known Molly for a long time... We’re really good friends.
Caesar: Well, that’s a stroke of bad luck, now, isn’t it?
Jake: Yea… REALLY bad luck.
Caesar: Do you plan on allying yourself with her once in the arena?
Jake: Of course I do! What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t? I’m going to make sure that it’ll be either me or her going home.
Caesar: What if it comes down to you two?
Jake: Well… I’m not gonna think about that right now.
BUZZER
Molly Brechin
Ok, Jake, thanks for that insite! Next up is Molly Brechin.
Molly walks up, wearing a yellow dress with green streaks in it.
Caesar: Hello, Molly. Molly, I remember that you got a four in training scores. How do you feel about that?
Molly: I think that I could have done a LOT better. I Think I deserved much better than a four… But obviously, they don’t appreciate anything but brute force here in the capitol. *Looks accusingly at the game makers, seated in the front row. *
Caesar: My, my, this sounds interesting. But we all know that what goes on in there is a secret.
Molly: Of course.
Caesar: So, I understand that you are friends with Jake?
Molly: Oh, yes. We hun- I mean, work together back at home. We’re very close.
Just then, a capitolite in the front row shouts out, “HOW CLOSE?!?!”
Molly: Uh… What?
Caesar: For one, you are not supposed to interrupt a live broadcast, thank you very much my good sir, (The man shies away a bit as the cameras all turn on him) and second, I’m thinking what this man is trying to ask, is whether you and Jake have any sort of relationship…?
Molly: Uh… Erm… Wha…
Caesar: Is that a blush?
Molly: NO!!!
BUZZER
Blair Quagmire
“Oh, why couldn’t this timer be set for four minutes?” Caesar said to the roar of agreement from the crowd. “Ah, but rules are rules. Next up is Blair Quagmire!”
Blair walks up, looking handsome in a classic black suit.
Blair: Hey Caesar.
Caesar: How are you doing, Blair?
Blair: Oh, about as good as you’d expect for someone in my situation. *Sigh*
Caesar: It’s tough, huh?
Blair: Tell me about it. And it doesn’t help that this isn’t the first time this has happened to my family…
Caesar: Oh? What do you mean by that?
Blair: Well, my brother was reaped some years ago… He didn’t make it.
The crowd gives a sustained ‘awwwww’
Caesar: Wow… That’s so sad, Blair. Your family must be really hurting right now.
Blair: Yea, I bet they are. But they shouldn’t be. I’m winning this. For my brother.
Caesar: That’s the spirit! I’m sure you’ll do great!
(Digit: There’s number four…)
BUZZER
Michelle Nash
Ok! Thanks, Blair, for that heart-wrenching story! Next up is Michelle Nash!
Michelle walks up, wearing a purple velvet dress.
Caesar: Why hello, there, Michelle.
Michelle: Hi.
Caesar: So, Michelle, what makes you think you have a chance in these games?
Michelle: Psh, nobody else has a chance. I mean, look at these guns! *flexes her formidably muscled arm*
Caesar: Geez, that’s pretty strong!
Michelle: Ya, I know. My parents are pretty big on fitness.
Caesar: So, if you win, what’re you going to do when you get home?
Michelle: Well, I don’t really know. Right now, I just gotta focus on winning first!
Caesar: Good plan!
BUZZER
Beria Selian
Ok, thanks, Michelle. Next up is Beria Selian!
Baria strides up, wearing a sparkly light blue gown.
Caesar: So, Baria, what are you going to do once you get to the arena?
Baria: Well, I don’t really like to fight, so I’ll probably just try to stay alive.
Caesar: Well, these are the games. What happens when you have to kill?
Baria: I never said I wouldn’t kill. Just that I don’t like to. I’ll do anything I can to get home…
Caesar: Do you have any family?
Baria: Ya. I have three brothers and sisters and my mom. My dad died a while back, though…
Caesar: It’s always sad to hear about losing family.
Baria: *Sniff* Y-yea… A-and the thing is… I just d-don’t know how they will handle l-losing me too… *Sniff* :’(
Caesar: There, there, I’m sure you’ll do great. (Digit: Number five…)
BUZZER
Next up is Anthony Woodow!
Anthony Woodow
Anthony is wearing a brown shirt with a black vest.
Caesar: So, Anthony, what is your strategy once you get in the arena?
Anthony: Well, I’m planning to try to survive, and maybe teaming up with a group.
Caesar: Do you happen to know your district partner, Beria?
Anthony: Well.. Er, I mean.. I’ve seen her around school and all….
Caesar: Oh, is that all? Remember, we at the capitol have a very good eye for relationships…
Anthony: No, I swear! I hardly know her! I-
Caesar: Ah, calm down lad. I’m just joking with ya.
Anthony: Yah, sorry. I guess my nerves are a little fried… I’m really nervous.
Caesar: Don’t be! I’m sure… No wait; I bet… No… I believe you will do amazing!
(Digit: Nice try, Caesar, but it still counts. Numbah 6.)
BUZZER
“Ok, thanks Anthony! Next up is Claire Silk!” Nobody noticed Caesar sneak a quick look over at Digit to see if he was still counting. Nobody noticed Digit hold up six fingers. Nobody noticed Caesar wince slightly.
Claire Silk
That’s because they were mesmerized by Clair’s amazing outfit, which was a ankle-length dress, colored and designed perfectly to look like a white rose.
Caesar: Whoa, Claire! What a beautiful dress!
Claire: Thank you, Caesar! But it wasn’t me who made this, it was my stylist.
Caesar: Well, of course. But that doesn’t take away from how pretty you are in it.
The crowed shouts in agreement.
Claire: *Blushing* T-thanks…
Caesar: Well, enough about your dress. Tell us about your life at home.
Claire: Well, back home, I live with my mother, father, and younger sister, Emery. We’re really close.
Caesar: Do you have anyone special…?
Claire: You mean a boyfriend? No.
Caesar: Really? A pretty girl like you?
Claire: Psh, whatever. No, no boyfriend. But I’m best friends with Jared.
Caesar: The other tribute from your district? Really? Wow, there seems to be a lot of districts like that…
Claire: Yeah, seems like it.
Caesar: Anyway, how did you meet Jared?
Claire: Well, we’ve known each other since we were little. we’ve been best friends forever. But… I’m kind of confused.
Caesar: Hm?
Claire: Well, at the reaping… I was called. It was terrible. Then the boy was called, and then… Well, Jared volunteered. I don’t know why. He’s never wanted to go to the games. But he volunteered…
BUZZER
Well, we’ll end this interview with a mystery! Thanks Claire! Next up is Jared Nylon!
Jared Nylon
Jared walks on, wearing a strange neon yellow silk suit.
Caesar: Ah, Jared, just the man we wanted. So, Jared, tell us, we’re all dieing to know; why DID you volunteer for these games?
Jared: Jeez, Caesar, way to put me on the spot.
Caesar: C’mon, Jared! The crowd demands it!
- crowd demands it*
Caesar: See?
Jared: Well…
Caesar: Pleeeeeeeease? Are you really gonna make me beg? Because I will, you know.
Jared: Ok, ok! Well, I volunteered because… Well, because of Claire. *crowd gasps* It’s just… We’ve had each others backs for so long, and, well… I really care about her.
- crowd ‘awwwwwww’s.*
Caesar: You say you care about her. But this can’t be any normal sort of caring…?
Jared: No… I really think I love her. And I’m here to make sure she lives. That’s it.
- crowd goes ballistic… for a full minute…*
Caesar: So, if it came down to you and her…?
Jared: Well, I hope that won’t happen. But if it does, the choice is easy. Like I said, I’m going to make sure she wins.
BUZZER
Ok, Jared, thanks for that heartfelt confession! Good luck to you! Next up is Hayden Hawkins!
Hayden Hawkins
Hayden walks up, looking surprised (Along with everybody else), and wearing a short-sleeved golden shirt and black sweat pants.
Caesar: So, Hayden, you think you could top that last interview?
Hayden: … No. Not a chance. Gotta say, that was pretty brave.
Caesar: Indeed it was. So, enough about them. What about you? What is your strategy going to be in the arena?
Hayden: Well, I’m probably going to team up with Prett. Our families have been friends for a long time.
Caesar: Is it just me, or is this whole ’we’ve been friends forever’ thing getting repetitive?
Hayden: Heh, it kinda seems like it, doesn’t it? But I’m not kidding, Prett’l back me up here.
Caesar: I’m sure she will. So, are you sure she’s not gonna nail us with another confession of love?
Hayden: Psh, no. Prett and me? In love? That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.
Caesar: Are you saying you don’t think she’s pretty?
Hayden: Whoa there, Caesar! Way to back me into a corner…
Caesar: Ha, I’m just joking with ya. Well, I wish you luck in the arena Hayden, I’m sure you’ll do- I mean, good luck! (Digit: Fine. I won’t count it. >.>)
BUZZER
Caesar: Next up is Prett Willis!
Prett Willis
Prett walks up in a beautiful dress, made to look like a daffodil.
Caesar: So, Prett, what’s on your mind right now?
Prett: Well, I was planning on professing my love for Hayden, but as he thinks I’m not pretty….
(Hayden: o.O)
Caesar: Are you serious?
Prett: Nope.
- crowd laughs as Caesar rolls his eyes.*
Caesar: Wow, way to confuse everybody Prett. So, what’s really on your mind?
Prett: Well, I’m thinking that Claire stole my dress idea.
Caesar: Oh, yah, yours looks like a flower too…
Prett: Yah. It does. Thanks for noticing. >.>
Caesar: Are you really angry that you had the same dress themes?
Prett: No, no, I’m just messing with ya. I like to mess around with people. *Several in the crowd start giggling*
Caesar: Um… You might want to think about what you just said…
Prett: What? Wait… Ok, really? Get your mind out of the gutter, Caesar.
- People are laughing in earnest now*
Caesar: I’ll get my mind out of the gutter when you stop saying suggestive things, Prett.
Prett: Is that how this is gonna go down, sweet thang?
- People are wiping tears from their eyes*
Caesar: I believe so, sugar.
- Seriously, this laughing is getting out of hand*
Prett: Then lets get down to it, Mr. Man.
- Someone just collapsed, paramedics are on the way*
Caesar: Times almost up, see you tonight, honey bunch.
- Crowd goes silent.*
Caesar: Too much?
Prett: Just a tad, sugar. ;)
- Crowd goes wild. The laughing, the crying! People are going down left and right, paramedics trying to revive them, only to fall themselves, succumbing to the horrible humor! OH THE HUMANITY!*
BUZZER
- Technical difficulties please stand by*
A minute later…
Caesar: BUAHAHAAHA! J-just- HAHAHAHA J-just w-wait a sec. BUAHAHAHAha ha ha… Haha… ha…. O-ok.. I think I’m HA good now… ha ha… Next up is Cinder-Rose HA Calbury...
Cinder-Rose Calbury
Cinder walks up in a red and black dress that goes down to her knees.
Caesar: Ok, lets get some normality after that last interview! Cinder, can you do it?!?
Cinder: I think I can I think I can I think I can…
Caesar: … What?
Cinder: Oh, just an old kids story that we tell back home. You know the little hovercraft that could?
Caesar: Er… No.
Cinder: Oh, never mind then.
Caesar: Aaaanyways, what is your strategy when you get into the arena?
Cinder: Well…
Caesar: Let me guess; Ally with Kovu?
Cinder: No, actually. I know him, but just from school. He’s so quiet and solitary.
Caesar: Well, I must say, this is new. A tribute pair that’s NOT best friends…
Cinder: It seems like it, doesn’t it? Well, you asked about my strategy?
Caesar: Oh, yes, that. Continue.
Cinder: Well, I really don’t know. I think I might team up with someone nice, but It seems like everyone is already taken… By their best friend…
Caesar: Nice girl like you, I’m sure someone would love to have you as a ally.
Cinder: I sure hope so. I’m really nervous.
Caesar: Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ll do great.
(Digit: HA! SEVEN! YOU THOUGHT I HAD FORGOTTEN!)
BUZZER
Ok, thank you Cinder-Rose! Next up is Kovu Seys!
Kovu Seys
Kovu walks up, wearing a simple grey shirt and jeans.
Caesar: Welcome, Kovu!
Kovu: Hey.
Caesar: Kovu, what do you think of Cinder-Rose calling you ‘quiet’ and ‘solitary’?
Kovu: Eh. I think she’s kinda got it down.
Caesar: Really?
Kovu. Really.
Caesar: So you like working alone?
Kovu: Yup.
Caesar: … Anything else you’d like to add?
Kovu: Nope. Not really.
Caesar: Oooooook then.
BUZZER
Ok, thank you, Kovu, for that amazingly interesting interview! Next up is Issabella “Issy” Stone! Come on down, Issy!
Issabella Stone
Issy: Hey, Caesar.
Caesar: Hey! So, Issy, do YOU know your district partner?
Issy: Do I know him? Yes. Do I think he’s a complete idiot selfish scumbag and hope he dies? Also yes.
Caesar: Whoa, there, Mr. Warmonger. Why the hate?
Issy: Me and my family always are sharing and helping the community, even when we don’t have enough for ourselves. But HIS family, oh, they have feasts every night, and have never given a crumb to help someone in need.
Caesar: Wow, that’s some pretty heavy accusations. You sure your not exaggerating?
Issy: Does it LOOK like I’m exaggerating to you?
- Super evil eye* >:[ |
Caesar: No…
Issy: Well I’m NOT! I’m glad this kid got thrown in here… His family needs a good loss…
Caesar: Jeez, to not like a person is ok with me, but to wish them death?
Issy: Caesar, you haven’t seen people starve to death. I have. I’ve seen them stave to death while Garrick’s family ate what they pleased.
BUZZER
Caesar: Well, thanks for those fiery words, Issy. Next up is the object of those words, Garrick Gardiner!
Gerrick Gardiner
Caesar: So, Garrick. What do you think of those words Issabella said about you?
Garrick: Well, I say she should get over it.
Caesar: Wait, so you don’t deny that? Any of it?
Garrick: Not really. She should just learn her place. If those stupid peasants were good enough, they would be on top. But they’re not. I am.
Caesar: Wow, I think we just found words harsher that Issys.
Garrick: Indeed you have. That little brat will be the first to go. Nobody insults me like that.
Caesar: Wow, never seen two tributes with such a deep-seeded hate for each other.
Garrick: Nobody messes with me. I’ll win this by brute force, and then we’ll see who’s family will be starving next.
Caesar: Are you really threatening Issys family? I’m pretty sure that’s against some rule or another…
Garrick: Did I say that I was targeting her family?
Caesar: Well, not specifically, but…
Garrick: So there’s no proof who’s family I meant.
Caesar: You’re a very cruel person.
Garrick: Tell me I’ll do great in the arena.
Caesar: Bu… What?
Garrick: DO IT NOW!
Caesar: Uh, uh, uh… You’ll do great in the arena!
(Digit: Ok, I’m not even gonna count that one.)
BUZZER
Uh… Ok… Time for our next tribute, Maisie 'Red' Gallium.
Maisie Gallium
Maisie walks on wearing a red robe-thing with a red hood.
Maisie: Hay, Caesar! Hows your night going?
Caesar: Oh, It’s had its ups and downs.
Maisie: So, who do you think is gonna win?
Caesar: Well, Its hard to tell at this point, but I think- wait a second, aren’t I supposed to be interviewing you?
Maisie: Oh, ya. Sorry.
Caesar: No problem… So, whats with the costume?
Maisie: Oh, I’m dressed as my favorite character from my favorite story evar! My stylist didn’t want me to, but I just got out of the dress he chose for me and put this on once we got out here!
Caesar: Uh… Ok. What story is it?
Maisie: Little Red Riding Hood, of course!
Caesar: Uh… Ok, I’ll pretend I know what that is.
Maisie: Fine with me!
Caesar: So, do you think you have a chance at winning this?
Maisie: Not really, but that isn’t gonna stop me from trying!
Caesar: That’s the spirit!
(Digit: Say it, say it, say it!)
(Caesar: NEVA!)
(Digit: :’[ )
BUZZER
Caesar: Ok, folks, last, but certainly not least, is Odysseus Six! Hey Odysseus! Come on up!
Odysseus Six
Odysseus walks up extremely slowly. He doesn’t seem to have changed his cloths since chariot rides…
Caesar: So, Odysseus, I saw you had some trouble during chariot rides. What happened there?
Odysseus: Your sure? Ya? Think so? I don’t know, its kinda risky, dude.
Caesar: Uh… Kid, are you alright?
Odysseus: Hey, your right… Shh! Quieter, he might hear you… Ya, I see it! That’s good! I like it!
Caesar: Uh…. Well… What do you like?
Odysseus: Ok… Ya… Sweet! Heheheh… On the count of what? 3? I like 7 better. Fine. We’ll do 5. 5.
Caesar: No, really kid. What’s wrong?
Odysseus: 4
Caesar: Uh… Odysseus?
Odysseus: 3, 2,
Caesar: -looks around at game makers. They just shrug- Odysseus….?
Odysseus: 1, GO TROY GO GO GO!!!
-Odysseus gets out of the chair and dashes for the back of the stage, and goes through it. A bunch of security personnel suddenly appear on the scene, and chase after him.-
(Digit hangs his head. He did not get to eight.)
Caesar looks back at Digit, feeling as though they had made a personal bond in their struggle against each other. As Odysseus’s timer runs down, Caesar makes one last remark)
Caesar: Oh, and Odysseus: I’m sure you’ll do great!
Digit: EIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Runs up and gives Caesar a big hug-
Caesar: Ok! … GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!
The end. ;P
Day One: The Bloodbath
In Venus’s POV
Slowly, ever so slowly, I rise up toward the unknown. What will it be like? What should I expect? Well, let me tell you, I sure didn’t expect it to be pitch black.
In Jake’s POV
At first, all I can think is about how dark it is. Pitch-black. But seconds later, harsh florescent lights flicker on above me. Seems to me we are in some sort of cavern or something. But that doesn’t matter. First thing first. Where’s Molly? I look around a bit, and spot her. She’s only separated from me by one tribute, a girl, I think district 11. She’s looking at me. She looks over to the cornucopia, then back at me. I shake my head. We can’t risk it.
In Jared’s POV
After taking in my surroundings, I do what is immediately necessary. Find Claire. I do, and she’s about two districts away from me. At the same time, she notices me, smiles meekly, and waves. So brave. I haven’t been able to talk to her since the interviews yesterday. I’m really nervous. Funny, I’m more nervous about what she’ll think of my love then of the games. Then again, isn’t that why I volunteered anyways?
In Kovu’s POV
All around me, it seems like all the tributes are looking for one another. Caesar was right, this is kinda ridicules. Everyone seems to be best friends. Whatever. Friends are just weaknesses, because if one of them dies, the other is sure to follow soon.
In Garricks POV
I look around and lock eyes with Joo-Chan, Lucy, and Lucky. We already had this planned out. We tried to get that Kovu guy, but he’s a loner. Ah, well. Don’t need him anyway. It just stinks that we have such a small Career pack this year.
Odysseus’s POV
I see the cornucopia in front of me, and want to go and get some stuff. But Troy pops onto my shoulder. “Don’t do it, Odysseus. You’ll never make it.”
“But look at all that stuff…”
“Doesn’t matter. When the gong goes off, run straight behind you. There’s a tunnel. Trust me.
“Ok. Thanks bro. You’re my best friend.”
“You do know I’m dead, right?”
“*Sigh*.. .Yea…”
In Ernie’s POV
That stupid kid next to me, Odysseus, I think it was, is talking to himself again. Gosh. This is one hell of a long minute. Wish they’d just start already. Jeez.
Suddenly, the gong sounds. The Hunger Games have begun.
Ernie, Joo-Chan, Lucy, and Lucky all dash forward to the cornucopia without hesitation, barreling at top speed to grab weapons. Cinder-Rose, however, is faster, and dashes with incredible speed to the cornucopia. She doesn’t stay long, though, only long enough to grab a large, heavy backpack and a spear. She continues running to the opposite end of the room, straight towards Anthony Woodow, who is bending over to pick up a knife. Cinder doesn’t want blood on her hands this early on, however, and runs past him. Anthony turns to see if he could get a stab at her with his knife, when he feels a sharp pain in his hip. Looking down, he sees that there is a large gash in it. He looks up, and sees Lucy Fighter with a handful of throwing knives. That’s the last thing he ever saw.
Yuri Blue grabbed a light pack and a small knife and was running for one of the exit tunnels. Unfortunately, so was Leonardo, and he had a spear. Yuri tried stab the younger boy, but to no avail. She felt the spear go through her stomach, and out the other side, and be pulled out again. In her mind, she said sorry to her family. She had not tried hard enough. She had died.
Lucy was having the time of her life. She had never imagined killing was this much... Fun! She had her throwing knives, and killed first that stupid kid who was looking the wrong way, then, as she looked for more targets, saw that girl from 9, the one with the hilarious interview, running, trying to get to a bow. Fat chance. One well placed throwing knife was all that was needed, and she collapsed to the ground. Suddenly, Lucy felt somebody grab her. Felt cold steel at her neck.
“This is what you get… For killing my father…” Came a whisper. Ernie.
“But.. I-I didn’t…”
“No. But your father did.”
But before Ernie could finish her, he gave a grunt and fell to the ground. “Be more careful, Lucy. The packs small enough as it is.” Garrick.
“Thanks, Garrick.” But he was already gone off in search of anouther kill...
Molly and Jake were halfway out of one of the tunnels when they heard pounding footsteps behind them. They ran faster, but a voice yelled for them to stop. Looking at each other, they spun around, Molly with a long dagger, Jake with a short sword. But there was no need to worry. It was Hayden Hawkins, his face red and eyes stained with tears. “P-P-Prett… P-P-Prett… S-she’s gone…”
Molly and Jake looked at each other again. Molly sighed. “Come with us.” And they dashed away.
Venus saw Leonardo kill Yuri Blue, then run out of the tunnel. She grabbed a nice knife by her, and followed after, hoping to get an ally. However, as she caught up with him, she shouted, “Hey! LEO! Allies?” and he turned around. His eyes were scared, but he held out his spear menacingly. “Hey, now, Leo. Wanna ally up?” In response, he thrust his spear at her, forcing her back a step. “Ok, then, If that’s how you want it…” She deftly spun around, gabbed the shaft of the spear, pulled it away, and stabbed Leo with her knife. She aimed for the heart. She didn’t want this boy to go through any more suffering than he had to. He died almost immediately. Venus heard footsteps behind her, and kept on running, taking the spear with her.
Michelle Nash was in the middle of a heated battle with Maisie Gallium. Michelle had a short sword, while Maisie was clumsily handling a knife. It was obvious the girl hadn’t known what she was getting herself into.
Michelle was just about to deal the final blow, when she heard a giggle from behind her, followed by a “1- 2- 3!” She saw a spear, flung from somewhere to the side, enter Maisie’s body, at approximately the same time she felt a sward pierce through her. She fell to the ground, to see Lucy Fighters giggling face. “Good job Joo! Hee hee!” Her last thought on this earth was, “Damn those Careers…”
Lucky Dawn and Blair Quagmire were fighting it out near the entrance to one of the tunnels, Lucky with a sward, Blair with a spear. Unfortunetly for Blair, one’s enemy’s could grab onto spears. After his first jab missed, Lucky relieved him of his spear, and deftly stabbed him through the middle. “HA! What did I tell all of you? I’M THE BEST!” She shouted.
After all this was done, 8 dead bodies lay on the floor. Lucy, Lucky, Joo-Chan, and Garrick are the only ones left in the cavern. After congratulating each other, they grab all the supplies they can and get out of the cavern. After wandering in what seemed like endless woods, they finally came across a large lake. They decided to make this home base. Setting up several tents in a circle formation, making a stockpile of supplies in the middle, they made their camp.
Jared and Claire ran though the woods together, just trying to put distance between them and the careers. They decide to stop when they reach a wide river. They open a backpack Jared managed to snag, and found a sleeping bag, some iodine, a small knife, some wire, and a few beef strips. Claire finds some blueberries growing along the sides of the river, and they snack on those. While they’re eating, Claire asks, “What you said in the interview… Did you really mean it?”
Jared looks at her, straight in the eyes, and says, “Yes.” He ate a blueberry. “But the question is… How do you feel?”
Claire just leaned over and hugged him. “I don’t know, Jared. I don’t know.”
Darkness was just falling when Digit removed himself from his hiding spot, in the bushes right next to a tunnel. ’I sure hope the lights are still on in there…” He thought.
Luckily for him, they were. He immediately went to work, using the head of a snapped spear to begin scooping away the gravely rock at the base of one of the tributes platforms, looking to excavate the mines surrounding it. Just as he was beginning to see the mines surface, he heard a voice “Hey! Who’re you?!?”
Digit turned around quickly, wielding his half-spear as menacingly as he could. Which wasn’t very. “W-w-who goes there?” He said shakily.
“Beria Selian, district 7. Who’re you?” The voice was coming from the other side of the cornucopia.
“I’m Digit Starr, District 3.”
There was a pause. Digit fiddled with his broken antenne token nervously. Then came Beria’s voice. “Allies?”
Digit sighed with relief. “Sure.”
The pair quickly got to know each other, and became friends quite quickly. They decided to make camp inside of the actual cornucopia. There was enough stuff left over to last them at least a good week. Things seemed to be going just fine, when the lights suddenly went off, leavening them in the near pitch darkness.
"I'm sure the sun will light this place up in the morning. We mind as well get some sleep.”
“I’m going to try to get outside and see who died."
“Ok.”
So Beria went up to a wall of the dark cavern, and felt her way around till she found a tunnel. She got outside just in time to hear eight cannons fireing, and see the tributes faces on the screen. She was glad they had been able to get the bodies out of the cave where they were staying, though she didn’t know how the hoverships could manage to do that. Suddenly, She heard a scream echo from inside of the cave.
“DIGIT!” She yelled, and ran back down the tunnel. But it was too late. While she was out, bat mutts, which they hadn’t noticed earlier, were already covering a screaming Digit, knawing him to death. Beria didn’t even try to scavenge anything. She just ran into the forest, saddened by the loss of a good ally.
And Digits cannon fired, and his face flashed, a bit later than the rest, in the night sky.
Deaths:
Anthony Woodow- Throwing Knife- Lucy Fighter, 24th place.
Yuri Blue- Killed with spear by Leo Vargas, 23rd place.
Prett Willis- Throwing Knife - Lucy Fighter, 22nd place
Ernie Sasalot- Sword- Garrick Gardiner, 21st place
Leo Vargas- Knife- Venus De Millo, 20th place
Maisie Gallium- Spear- Joo-Chan Park, 19th place
Michelle Nash- Sword- Lucy Fighter, 18th place
Blair Quagmire- Sword- Lucky Dawn, 17th place
Digit Starr- Bat Mutts- 16th place.
Day Two: Hunters and the Hunted
In Issabellas POV
How confident they are! That will be their downfall, surely. They didn’t even post a guard last night.. Yes, they are way to confident. Not to mention stupid. Here I am, not thirty feet from the careers base, up in a tree, listening to their conversations, strategies, everything, and they’re never going to notice. The only remotely intelligent one among them is Garrick. And I’m taking him out first chance I get.
But meanwhile, I’ve got it pretty nice here. Those stupid careers dropped enough food to last me a week, plus a blanket and a small hatchet. I’d really like to explore this arena more, just to get my bearings, but I like my situation right now, and I’m afraid if I go elsewhere, I might not make it back.
“Ok, before we go hunting, we need to make sure we’re all prepared. Take a decent amount of food and water, some medical supplies, and a couple of knives to supplement your main weapon.” Garrick said seriously to his fellow careers.
“Why? We’ve got it made here! All that’ll just slow us down.” Lucy replied.
“Hey, if you guys want to be stupid, go ahead. It just means I won’t have to kill you later.”
The careers had a nervous stare-down for a second. Hostilities usually didn’t arise until much later in the games, and none of them wanted a fight to break out now.
“…Alright, Garrick. C’mon everybody, he’s right. Grab some stuff and we’ll go.” Joo-Chan said. He didn’t like that this district 11 kid was ordering them around, but he had to admit, Garrick was a smart guy.
As they set out, Lucy asked, “So, Garrick, what exactly are we doing now?”
Garrick shook his head at Lucy’s air headedness. “Get with the program, Lucy. We’re learning the area around the base camp, so we’re not lost in our own backyards. And kill anybody who we happen to find, of course.” Lucky and Chan nodded and looked at Lucy harshly, like she had been the only one who had been wondering that same question. Garrick saw through this, though.
All he could think was, ‘Why the hell did I have to get the idiots?’
Kovu was wandering around, looking for a good place to stay the day. He had found the large lake, but had seen the careers camp, and decided to steer clear. Let them kill themselves off, he thought. Then all you have to do is clean up whoever is left.
While he didn’t stay on the lake, he did stay near it. He wanted to know what the careers were doing at all times. He had a short sword and bottle of water, but no food, so he wanted to stick near the career base and steal some while they were out.
When he heard them crashing through the underbrush, he knew that it was them. Only careers would dare make such a ruckus. Now was the choice. Fight or flight, fight or flight?
Of course, to Kovus survivalist mind, the answer was flight. But.. Where had they gone? The sound had stopped. Kovu was getting nervous, and set off quietly, the opposite direction he had heard the careers coming from. But he hadn’t gotten ten steps before he was suddenly face-to face with Garrick, who was waiting for him. And milliseconds later, found himself without a hand.
As Kovu screamed in agony, Garrick just smiled. “You can’t outsmart me, Kovu. You don’t need our help? Well, then, we don’t need yours.”
And Garrick ended Kovu’s agony.
Cinder had been walking along the banks of the river she had found for what seemed like ages. She hadn’t seen anybody, and had seen no change in the environment. She was actually getting pretty nervous. She knew that the game makers always had a way to bring the contestants together, if things got to boring. But it was only noon the second day, its not like the audience was getting bored.
She walked along for a little while longer, occasionally taking sips from a water bottle she got in her pack, when she came across a medium sized lake. It was separated from her by the river, but she found a shallow spot and waded across with ease.
“This is where I’ll make camp.” She said quietly to herself, moving about 10 feet into the cover of the forest, right near the lake.
Just then, she heard a rustle in the bushes, a few feet away. She turned, just in time to see Jake jump out at her, sword in hand. She had just enough time to raise her spear to deflect the blow. She stumbled backwards, off balance, and the weight of her heavy backpack caused her to fall down. Jake tried to take advantage of this, but as he was charging forward, Cinder struck out with her spear, which he was barley able to avoid. Cinder used this to quickly get on her feet and begin to run, but before she got out of range, Jake lashed out with his sword, scoring a deep cut along Cinders thigh. She yelped in pain, but ignored the blood pouring from her wound as she ran away.
After only a few minutes of running, Cinder was forced to stop and examine her wound. It was very deep, almost to the bone, and she was pale with loss of blood. She dug around in her large pack, and found a simple first aid kit. Taking it out, she found anti-infection spray and a roll of medical tape. She gently dressed the wound, and wrapped it up tightly. She tried to walk a bit farther away, but is too weak, and is forced rest for the rest of the day.
‘Well, this sucks.” She thought, as she slowly slipped into slumber...
“Jake! I heard a shout! What happened?” Molly asked nervously as Jake re-appeared into the clearing by the lake.
“It was another tribute… A girl, I think from seven.” He said with a grim face.
“Did you… Did you get her?” Try as she might, Molly just couldn’t ask, ’did you kill her’ casually.
“No. But I cut her pretty good, on the leg. I don’t know if it’s fatal or not, but she had a spear, and I didn’t want to risk finishing her.”
Personally, Molly was glad he didn’t actually kill the girl. To think of her friend, her best friend, Jake, a cold blooded killer, was a bit much still. But Molly knew that she’d have to embrace the fact that both she and Jake would have to kill if either of them were to get out of this alive.
Jake sighed as he sat down on the grass and wiped the blood from his sword. “Hey, do we have any food?”
Molly grimaced. “Not much. Just these blackberries I found.” She said, holding up a bowl with some of the sweet berries.
Jake took some. With a look over his shoulder to make sure their hastily-made ally, Hayden, was still collecting water, he whispered to Molly, “So, what’re we going to do about him?”
Molly shook her head. “I don’t think we have a choice. We’ve got to get rid of him.” she whispered back. It’s not like they didn’t like Hayden, but he was a little useless. He seemed to be in some sort of shock after his district partner and friend Prett had been killed.
“Yea. You have the berries?”
Molly responded by reaching into her pocket and pulling out a handful of berries that looked nearly identical to the blackberries Molly had already collected. Well, except the sickly green insides.
“Good. Tonight at dinner.”
“Ok.”
Just then, Hayden came back. The pair of friends fell silent as they watched him put down there only two water bottles, sit down, and put his head in his hands.
Then came a whistle. And suddenly, there was an arrow in Jakes head.
Haydens POV
As I’m filling up the water bottles, I can see the other two whispering to each other. I have no way to tell, but I think they’re talking about what to do with me. Oh, what does it matter? Prett’s dead.
Bottles filled, I walk over and sure enough, they stop the whispering. It’s definitely about me. I let it go. Does it really matter anymore? Pretts dead.
I put my head in my hands and sigh. I know I should be trying to win. Only one of us was ever going to make it out anyway. I’m letting down everyone back home. But…
Suddenly, I see movement out of the corner of my eye. In the bushes. Then a twang, a whistle. I know immediately its an arrow. I flatten myself to the ground, but it’s not me the archer was aiming for. It was Jake.
Molly screams as Jake falls over onto his side, arrow straight through his head. His cannon fires immediately. I hear over to the side, by the bushes, “Heh.. Wow! I-I actually hit him! Wow!” It’s a girls voice.
Molly’s crying over Jakes body now. I can’t take this anymore. I reach over, and take the sword from Jakes corpse. Molly tries to stop me. She’s not thinking straight. Meanwhile, the archer is sloppily attempting to load another arrow. I’m up in a flash, dashing toward the girl. She screams, realizing that I’m not just going to sit there and wait for her to kill us. Which, apparently she was betting on that, as she doesn’t even get a knife out, just feebly tries to stab me with an arrow as I stab her in the stomach. The breath comes out of her lungs, but she continues to attempt to stab me. So I start moving the sword around. She screams some more. It takes a while before she is finally quiet, and her cannon fires.
I lay her body on the ground. I can see her scrambled innards inside the hole I made. Even disfigured as she is, I can see its that girl from seven, Beria.
I walk over to comfort Molly. She’s cradling Jakes body now, which is sort of strange. But I know the feeling. We both know how it feels. She’s like me now. So I put my arms around her, whisper in her ear that it will be alright. She drops Jake and hugs me back. We stand there for a while, rocking back and forth slightly, crying. Because now we’re the same. We have the same hole in our hearts. For different people, to be sure. But it’s the same hole nevertheless.
When night came, Venus looked up at the sky. Three tributes today. Kovu, that solitary one from 10. Weird, she had expected him to last longer, he had gotten a 10 in training. Jacob, the boy from five appeared too, but not his partner. Huh. Vunus had thought they were together. Well, whatever the arrangements were, they were over now. Then the girl from 7 showed up, whatshername, Beria. Ya, that's it. Her face showed up too. Then the sky went dark.
Venus lay back against a tree. Three more dead. Eleven alive.
And only one could live.
Miles away, looking up at the pale moon, Jared and Claire lay in the pairs one sleeping bag, Claires head on Jareds chest, feeling it move gently up and down with his breathing. Did she dare say it? Could her heart take it? Saying it would be admitting defeat. It would be foolish. Stupid. Only one of them could live through this, and she knew it. But despite all this logic, she had to say it. Because emotions trump logic every time. Because it was true.
So when Jared said, "I love you," she said, "I love you too."
And they fell asleep in each others arms.
Deaths:
Kovu Seys- Sword- Garrick Gardiner- 15th place
Jake Tucker- Arrow- Beria Selian- 14th place
Beria Selian- Sword- Hayden Hawkins- 13th place