One Way Out.
By Music .And .Fanfiction .Rule and ilovedoodle.
He told me it was the only way out, he whispered it to me just as he was about to plunge his own knife deep into his heart. He told me it was going to be ok if we did it together; he told me he loved me, and he needed to protect me. He said that this was the only way to survive.
I didn't believe him.
I told him that together we could escape and get back to our families because I loved him, I told him that together we could win. But he said that if I loved him then I would come with him. Then he did it, he stabbed himself and collapsed onto the floor, blood splashing out of his heart, his eyes glassy, shocked and not at all the ay I wanted to remember them.
I thought that was the worst of the pain, that his death was all they would punish me with. But that was only the beginning, because nothing gets better.
I don't know why I did it, why I decided to play their sickening game, but I did. The Program changes people, because I want to say I'm the same happy person I was at the beginning, I wish I could,but I can't. And it's only now that I realise that now I'm out its much worse. I regret it; I should have gone with him, because there is nothing left of me now.
I'm scared. I've never been this scared in my life. There is nothing that can even begin to compare to this. It wasn't as bad in the game, because I was fixated on surviving, and would do anything it took. But now? It's horrible.
They're coming, they're coming back to kill me, all those I claim I was forced to murder. They were all my friends, and deep down I loved them all, even the worse of them. I only realise that now, after I took their lives.
They are going to get me when I'm asleep, because they will never forgive me. But the strange thing is, I'm accepting it. I'm no longer scared of death like I was in the game, because there is no other way out of life. I want to die anyway, to erase the memories that haunt me every second.
I think someone is coming, but then I turn around and no one is there. They not only took me, and the rest of the class, but they took my parents too. It was only after I returned from The Program that I realised how much they cared about me. They risked their lives because they didn't want me to die, and eventually sacrificed themselves to be with me. But I betrayed them.
I betrayed them because I'm still standing. When I should have saved myself before I had to start running away.
I should have done this before, I knew I should have done this with him in the games; I should have killed myself so I didn't have to live with this. I should have, but I was foolish to think that this would get better.
I have to do it now, I have to end this even though I will go to hell. Maybe they will forgive me, I really hope.
Beware of The Program, it could easily be you. Live each second like it's your last, and remember,
There is only one way out.
-TionaBenett, winner of the 2011 Battle Royale. Please note, winners name has been changed for safety reasons. This extract may or may not be true.
That was the prologue, and the new story co-written with my good friend MAFR (Music . And. Fanfiction . Rule) starts now. So don't give me all the credit! This is her character -Phoenix Jackson- who I personally love. So enjoy I guess.
Our class stood at the bus stop, scattered around and talking quietly, awaiting the cramped coach which would take us to the ugly place we would stay for the next few days. How joyful. It was the same as any study trip. Boring, dull, educational etc... One of those which no-one wants to go to, but somehow end up going anyway.
It was raining, the water pelting hard against everyone's skin, worsening everyone's mood dramatically and making the atmosphere generally miserable. Obviously, having to get up at five a.m and having to come on this stupid trip wasn't enough punishment. Bags were draped around, stuffed to the brim of pointless, useless things, and everyone was engrossed in their own activities.
The little cliques stood around, gossiping about, well, whatever they gossiped about. The nerds talking about educational stuff, and the other girls trying pathetically to flirt. I don't know why they bother. I stood alone, my clammy hands stuffed into my coat pocket. I was just thinking.
My eyes wandered around, my mouth drawn in a straight, miserable line across my face.
My mum, aka the world's pushiest mother, forced me to come here because apparently I need to interact more with my peers. It's not like I have no friends, I just like it alone. I mean, she made me miss a judo competition!
I cursed under my breath, praying that the coach would suddenly speed around the corner and down the road like some kind of god blessed angel. But obviously, that wasn't going to happen any time soon. Anyway, the coach was not in any way a god blessed angel, unless god wants to kill us all that is.
I saw Freya Kitto, the slut of the class, kissing someone who I couldn't quite make out. No surprise there. She's exactly what you would think as your typical slut. Popular, fake, a bitch, up herself, I could go on forever.
Her little follower, Felicia, stood staring at them jealously, her skirt pulled so high that you could see her bottom when she bent over. She was tootling around like some kind of bimbo/ditz and fretting pathetically that the rain would ruin her 'perfect' hair and makeup. Get a grip.
Freya's school shirt was un-buttoned so much that her breasts were practically popping out. The boys seemed to like this though, as they were that shallow. Apparently she's had an operation to make them bigger. I can't stand her.
Brown haired Felicia, the bitch who thinks she's beautiful, met my eye and glared. I smirked. To me, they both looked like clowns.
I continued to scan the area, out of complete boredom rather than because I actually cared.
There was Lily, laughing with her boyfriend Dylan, leaning on the wall beside each other. They looked cute, like they always did. They looked like that perfect couple, when in reality… well that is what they were.
Lily's probably my closest friend. She's sweet and caring, and I can't help but like her. Dylan is the most wanted boy, he is good-looking, I admit, and every girl in our year is all over him, but he only loves Lily. Even when Freya's practically paying him to get into her bed, he remains faithful to Lil. I like him for that.
Lily is a good influence on him, as he used to be a cocky idiot like pretty much every other boy in the class. When they're together though, they kind of forget about me, which is kind of annoying. But I don't mind.
I'm not like RuikPalor, the only member in our class that doesn't have any friends, and seems to hate everyone. There he was, slouched under the bus shelter, his dirty hands holding what I think was a photo. His usual scowl has plastered on his face, but today he looked genuinely annoyed. I think he might be homeless, which would answer the greasy hair question. I'm not by any means a perfectionist, I don't care much about looks, but it is a little disturbing.
I just find my own silence comfortable, maybe he did too.
There was an army truck at the end of the quiet road, with men in khaki lounging around, but keeping a sharp eye on us. This country isn't exactly a free one, so I didn't find it worth any of my brain cells. I wish I had though, because then it wasn't too late.
Leon Shay was with Myla Jones, the mouse-like girl who didn't seem to enjoy any human interaction.
Leon looked angry, but his dark face always looked like that, scrunched up with his nostrils flared, so it could just be natural. He next to Myla looked kind of funny actually, as he was easily 6'3 and she was at least one and a half feet smaller.
Whatever he was saying didn't seem to please Myla. In fact, she looked on the verge of tears. But again, she always looked on the verge of tears, or shaking as if she was unstable. Leon is the class bully, everyone seems to fear him. He's not the nicest of people, but I don't exactly tremble when he walks past. I'm surprised Myla is anywhere near him, considering his reputation.
I felt a light tap on the centre my back. I turned around cautiously.
Hugo Lipton was literally 3 millimetres away from my face. He was the class playboy/pervert, basically. I'm surprised he isn't all over Freya, and begging her to get in his bed, which of course she wouldn't refuse. While that whore is kissing someone else, he thought he would come and harass me.
I glared at him evilly, as I really despise him. If looks could kill he would drop dead that minute.
"Hello beautiful," Hugo purred, "Y'know, me and my friends (meaning the rest of the football team, Dylan and Leon included) are going to the McDonalds by the centre tonight, you wanna come? Maybe we could 'occupy' ourselves afterwards. Hmmm?" He said, trying but failing to lower his voice. He reached his hand up to my face, which I slapped away quickly, my glare stiffened into a scowl.
Then, I unexpectedly burst out laughing. That boy was such a fail! Occupy ourselves? Who did he think I was, Freya or one of her wannabes?! I punched him. I kneed him in the stomach too. And I might have kicked his face a little. But hey, who can blame me? I laughed at him writhing on the ground, blood pouring out of his nose as he hugged his stomach.
I don't really know if I felt bad or not, because he didn't really do anything wrong. Thinking about it suddenly started an avalanche of guilt to topple on to me, but I ignored it. One day, this was going to happen. I'm not some kind of angelic being, his fault, not mine.
"I think that answers your question" I snapped. I personally loved this line. You might think I'm violent, I'm not, well at least I hope I'm not. I just have quite a short temper for idiots like him. He asks me that same question at least once a week, and usually gets the same response.
Some of the other kids turned around and stared. None of them dared to laugh at Hugo, because they were afraid, even though I could beat him up. But I could sense the humor in their eyes. I felt like bowing, and shouting "thank-you, thank-you" but I thought that might have been a bit over the top.
Plus, I did not want to draw our teacher, Mr. Richards, attention away from his book, which he was engrossed in. He doesn't like me much anyway, but he likes Hugo. Hugo isn't bad looking, he is just a pervert. Maybe Mr. Richard's into boys.
Felicia rushed over enthusiastically and helped Hugo up. She's not being nice; she probably just wants the 'we can occupy ourselves after' offer. She glared at me yet again, which I eagerly returned. I think she forgot that glaring is like my second nature.
"Feisty. I like it," Hugo managed, which almost earned him another slap, but he walked away quickly, as if he was scared. Felicia was hot on his tail, of course. Everyone else returned their attention elsewhere. Leaving me all alone.
Like I said, it wasn't a special day, just our goofy class on a trip for a few nights. I think, deep inside, I loved them all, even the worst of them.
All 24 of them.
My name is Phoenix Jackson.
I am 15 years old.
My class of friends from Glenacre Academy were chosen, for this year's Battle Royale.
Thank you for reading! Would you like a class list? This was only a short one to introduce everything, so you will get to know more in the next chapter which will be multiple POV's. It would be lovely if you guys could review, because we would both really appreciate it if you would give us tips on how to improve etc. And anyway, what kind of author doesn't like reviews?!
If you have time, please read my other stories and MAFR's story. They are all Hunger Games so far, which is similar to BR, so hopefully if you like this, you will like them.
Thank you, from Music . And .Fanfiction . Rule and ilovedoodle x