AN/ Thank fuck, we're finally here! It's time for the arena ppl, and shit's gonna get crazy. I almost can't believe that it's taken 40,000 words to get here. It seems like just yesterday that I suddenly thought 'If i'm going to read fan-fiction, then I should probably write some!'. But here we are.
I'd really like to top 100 reviews by the tenth chapter, but I'm not pressuring anyone to do so. I won't hold the chapter back if I don't reach that goal, it's just a little target I'd like to beat.
Things are going to get more violent in this chapter, but since your all reading a Hunger Games fanfic with slash in it, i'm sure it's nothing you can't easily handle.
Also from this point on, things might take a turn for the sexier, and by 'might' I mean hold on to your hats!
Shout outs:
Cray-Crayperson: Here we go, it's sexy and deadly Peeta! Watch him rock this shit.
whteblkboy17: Thank you, and rest assured you only have to review if you have an opinion for me to hear, but it's always nice to have the praise!
LowFatSardine: You know too much mofo! Yes, much like Peeta, I am a ho. The only difference is that Peeta makes it look good.
Marcus1233: Thanks for not devouring me...I think. lolz I thought the Brutus things would be fun. And thanks for loving Jo-Jo, because I really identify with her character.
curious92: Thank god, that you liked it. For some reason I just didn't feel the natural flow when I wrote the last chapter, thanks for the props it keeps me in good spirits.
2015: Your words are too much praise for me to handle. But if Suzanne Colllins read this shit she'd probably go postal. Portia is sooo the cool aunt, I never really thought of that! I really hope that whoever plays Finnick does his hotness justice lol.
Anonanon: Thanks for believing in me, and rest assured i've never seen the way they survive done before.
lemueljan: I was thinking that when I wrote the alternate universe comment! Stay out of my head!
JHutchGirl: Witness my new chapter in all of it's inadequacy! Kneel before it's poorly transcribed might!.
Guests: Since there are so many of you guys, could you include a name in your reviews to distinguish you by? That way I can more easily respond to your hilarious and flattering comments. xxx
Disclaimer:I do not own Hunger Games. Let's rock this shit y'all!
Peeta really didn't like being stuck in a tube. Feeling the floor slowly rising, and watching concrete slip by all around him, was unsettling. He never thought he'd be so eager to enter the arena. He wasn't claustrophobic or anything, it was just the feeling of being caged made him restless. Finally the platform beneath his feet, pushed him upwards through the opening above him, and fresh air hit his skin.
Peeta squinted at the bright daylight that assaulted his eyes, and took a moment to adjust to the glare. When he could finally examine his surroundings without burning his retinas, he looked around cautiously. What he found made him gasp in awe.
On either side of him, spread out in a curved line, were the other tributes. To his left was the girl from Nine and to his right was Clove, the girl from Two. He glanced at her briefly and she met his gaze, the two of them trading a wary look holding more than a hint of challenge. She smirked at him.
''Bring it on.'' She mouthed, silently.
He smirked in response and turned back to assessing the area. Behind them was a dense forest, that seemed to stretch off for miles. In front of them, as expected, was the Cornucopia. But he'd never seen one like it before, despite watching previous Hunger Games.
The massive metallic structure, shaped like a horn, was gleaming in the daylight sun. It was the same as ever, but what was surrounding it was very different. The construct sat on a man made island, of gleaming white marble, that held it above crystal blue waters. The island itself, sat in the middle of a flowing river. But the river branched off from the Cornucopia, in four separate directions. The four individual tributaries meandered off into the depths of the arena, and out of sight. It was what the rivers did that was so shocking.
They'd cut the arena into quarters. Four separate pieces, with four vastly different terrains, divided by deep water. The section they were in now was based off of a forest, but across the water to the left was an area of long grass and thick brush. Next to that was a region that was rocky and barren, but looking into the distance he could see mounds the size of large hills, making it a good terrain to hide yourself in. The fourth quadrant was filled with interspersed areas of dry land and boggy water, with exotic looking plants growing here and there.
Peeta stared at what was the most dangerous aspect of the arena at that very moment. It was true that if a tribute wanted to get between areas, then they could just cross the rivers. But there was nothing stopping anyone from keeping to one section of the arena if they wanted. The real danger right now was the Cornucopia itself. The island they'd built it on stood on four pillars, in the centre of the point that the rivers converged like a crossroads. The island was elevated above the water, preventing anyone from swimming out to it. The only way on or off the giant horn's resting place, were four narrow bridges.
The bridges were made of the same beautiful stone as the platform that they connected too. Each gangway joined the island to one of the four different sections of the arena. With how narrow the bridges were, you could barely get two people across them if they were walking side by side.
And that was the dangerous part. There was only one bridge in their area. To get to the Cornucopia they had to cross that bridge. Twenty four tributes all fighting to get across that narrow strip of stone, before any of them could even get their hands on a weapon or any other equipment. A single tribute could even block the bridge, if they crossed it first and got their hands on some of the more deadly weaponry.
This was going to be bad. Peeta was a fast runner, but could he get to the bridge and across to the Cornucopia's isle, before the crush of tributes tried to fight their way across it? He wasn't sure. There was bound to be at least a couple of tributes as fast as him, or even faster. What if Cato reached the Island first? If the boy got a sword he could easily kill anyone that tried to cross, as they couldn't avoid him on the narrow strip.
On the other hand, if Peeta could get there first, then there were three other bridges leading off of the structure. He could take one of the other bridges, into one of the other four areas without confrontation.
That was probably the best idea. And he knew a way to guarantee, that he would reach the Cornucopia and it's supplies before the others could. The strategy he'd come up with earlier, with Haymitch, was perfect for this situation. It would probably work even better here, than if it was just a normal terrain, given that any head start he could get was vital.
It had been Peeta that had come up with the idea. At the start of the games there was a sixty second countdown after Seneca Crane, announced the beginning of them. It was impossible for a tribute to leave their starting podium before those sixty seconds were up, on account of the active mines surrounding them. One step off of their podium before the time limit and they'd be blown to bits. Which meant that the only way to get a head start, was if for some reason the other tributes didn't leave their starting points at the end of the minute.
Peeta was hoping that his plan would work, when Crane suddenly addressed them over the arena's speakers.
''Greetings tributes. I am your Head Gamemaker, Seneca Crane.'' The man introduced.
The tributes tensed at the sound of the disembodied voice and some even tried looking for the man. Peeta had to wonder if they'd never seen a broadcast of the games before, but that was impossible. Clearly some of his fellow tributes were just morons.
''The Capitol wishes you luck, in your battle for victory. And would like to make you aware that after twelve tributes have fallen...we will contact you again. Let the games begin!'' The gamemaker declared.
Peeta's mind raced as a set of glowing numbers appeared in the sky above them. The countdown had begun. He was aware that Crane had said something unusual, during his brief speech. It wasn't unheard of for the Head Gamemaker to make an announcement during the games, to invite tributes to a feast, or give them a challenge. But he'd never heard one tell them when he would next contact them. Why would he only address them again once twelve tributes were dead? Perhaps because that would mean that their were twelve tributes left alive as well. Whatever Crane was up too, he wanted twelve tributes still alive for it.
The countdown reached forty. Peeta turned his thoughts away from Seneca and the other gamemakers. He had a plan to focus on and he had to get the timing just right. An eerie silence had fallen over the area, with only the beeping of the clock making a sound. The other tributes were tensed with fear, and in some cases excitement.
The clock reached twenty and Peeta prepared himself. The clock reached ten, and he was ready. He whistled quietly, the only two that heard it were the girls on either side of him. Clove glanced at him suspiciously, and the girl from Nine looked surprised...perfect.
As the the clock hit one Peeta turned to the girl beside him and screamed. As he roared at the tribute with his considerable lungs, he faked a lunge towards her. The girl shrieked in surprise and stumbled backwards...straight off her podium. The clock hit zero.
BOOM!
The mines surrounding the district Nine tribute's podium, exploded with a deafening blast, causing the other tributes to scream in panic. They all flinched, crouching down and covering their ears in fear and shock. The explosion threw dirt, debris, and bits of tribute high into the air, kicking up a cloud of dust and human remains.
Peeta didn't notice any this, or the even the ringing in his ears. All he'd noticed was the clock hitting zero and the starting cannon going off, covered by the sound of the mines. Unnoticed by the others, who were caught up in their terror and surprise, he had bolted towards the Cornucopia with the cloud of debris covering his movements. As he reached the bridge however he quickly realised that he wasn't alone.
The lithe figure of Clove was hot on his heels, being the only other tribute not stunned into inaction. He shot across the bridge to the island, his feet slapping against the smooth stone beneath them. The first thing he noticed was the bows. He ignored the furthest one, which was silver in colour, and instead snatched up it's black counterpart. Within seconds he'd slung the quiver of arrows over his shoulder and seized a pair of combat knives.
He was reminded that he wasn't by himself, by a swish of movement. He spun on instinct and using his bow, smacked a knife out of the air, inches from his head. Clove stood across the platform from him, a wicked blade in each of her hands. She twitched, but before she could throw another one Peeta was ready for her. In the blink of an eye he drew an arrow and let it fly, straight at the girls head. Clove hadn't gotten a ten for nothing though.
As soon as the girl saw his hand move she was already in motion, diving to the side in an artful somersault. His arrow missed by a mere inch. Peeta didn't get a chance to shoot another, as the other tribute darted towards him with incredible speed.
Clove flicked her wrist sending another knife at his head, with perfect accuracy. Again Peeta used his bow to deflect the projectile. He then quickly shouldered his weapon and drew his own blades, just as the girl reached him.
She slashed at his throat with her left handed weapon, whilst pulling another from her belt with her right hand. Peeta blocked the blade, and lashed out with a powerful roundhouse kick. Clove danced backwards, neatly avoiding the blow. He chose to take advantage of her retreat and pressed his attack, slashing at her with his right and left in a quick combo. She blocked his knives with her own, deflecting the attacks.
The boy was now close enough for the smaller girl to counter him. She did so by twirling on her heel, lashing out with a series of crescent kicks and a whirl of deadly metal, driving the blonde back. Peeta raised his weapons and with careful timing brought them together in a cross shape, blocking Clove's downwards slash at his head.
The ring of their knives clashing together, echoed through the area. They held themselves in a deadlock for an instant, their eyes meeting. Peeta was mildly surprised, that they were both grinning like lunatics.
Their duel was brought to an end though, as a shout pulled their attention to the shoreline and the tributes charging at the Cornucopia. Oh well, all good things must come to an end.
Cato wasn't sure what had happened. The day had been going according to plan. The only bump in the road had been Peeta's declaration of kissing Brutus. Before entering the arena his stylist had informed him that kissing the 'Boy on Fire' was all the rage for victors these days. Cato really wanted to know what the man meant by that.
Cato had been shocked by the arena. The layout made it so that it was almost four arenas in one. He quickly assessed the situation with the Cornucopia and came up with a plan. He and the Careers were in top physical condition, and he was sure they could get onto the island first. Once there, any tributes that wanted supplies would bottle neck on the bridge and become easy prey for him and his allies. The structure would also be the perfect base, as long as they kept an eye on the four bridges then no one could reach them there.
He'd been intrigued by Seneca Crane's message to them, and couldn't wait to see what the gamemakers had planned for the final twelve tributes. Cato was eager to test his skills against whatever they threw at him.
The wait for the countdown to finish was excruciating. His body practically thrummed with eagerness for battle. In just a few seconds he would make his first kill and prove that he was superior, that his district was the strongest in Panem.
Then he heard a roar of anger, and the explosion happened. It went off near the other end of the row of tributes, and caught them all completely off guard. Cato had crouched instinctively as the ground shook beneath him, and he quickly covered his ears. Once the blast was over he cautiously assessed the situation, and decided that the mines surrounding him weren't about to blow up.
The other tributes looked terrified, staring at the crater, where the unfortunate victim of the mines had been standing. But what happened? He'd heard a man scream, did that mean someone had stumbled off of their podium? He scanned the line of teenagers, who were eyeing the sight of the explosion warily, and he noticed something wrong immediately.
One tribute should be missing, having been blown to bits by the mines. But the two podiums to the right of the smoking crater, were empty.
A clang of metal on metal echoed through the arena. All the tributes, including himself, snapped their attention to the direction of the Cornucopia. The dust from the blast had now settled, giving them a clear view of the two figures on the island, battling fiercely. The two tributes danced around each other in a flurry of slashes and kicks, their moves practically a blur. He immediately recognized the nimble form of Clove, and it took him only a moment to place her opponent as none other than the 'Boy on Fire'.
The assorted tributes were confused by the sight in front of them for a few seconds before Cato cottoned on to what was happening. The sound of the starting cannon must have been masked by that of the mines exploding! The Hunger Games had started, and they were all standing there like morons whilst Peeta and Clove were already fully armed and battling it out.
''Fuck!'' He roared in fury.
Bolting forwards, he absently noticed the rest of the districts charging after him, but he was sure he'd reach the Cornucopia first. Ahead of him, Peeta and Clove had halted in their fight and were watching the other tributes charging the bridge. The pair leaped away from each other, Cato was surprised to see his boy grab a bow and arrow from his back and aim the weapon right at them.
Peeta fired and Cato heard a cut off scream of pain, signifying a direct hit. Clove threw a knife with her usual perfection, and Cato heard someone behind him shriek and hit the ground. Clearly his district partner was covering his back.
Cato reached the Cornucopia and began swiftly arming himself. Just as Peeta was turning to run, he was waylaid by the boy from seven who charged at him with a spear. Peeta dodged the boy's clumsy attack and whipped out another arrow. He stepped in close to his assailant and in a smooth motion slammed the shaft into the boy's eye socket. Then, without missing a beat, he wrenched the weapon free of the boys skull and notched it on the bow, before firing it into Treasure's shoulder as she ran at him wielding a trident.
The girl from four dropped her weapon with a shriek of agony, while the boy from seven slumped lifelessly to the ground. Cato it all watched in awe.
The smaller blonde then grabbed a backpack of supplies and darted away, down the bridge into the grassy area. He shot off like a bullet. Cato nodded briefly at Clove, who smirked and leapt forwards to meet the oncoming horde of tributes. He however snatched up a nearby sword and ran off after the boy from Twelve.
One of the male tributes, he didn't know or care which, stumbled in front of him. Cato wasted no time in burying his sword in the boy's throat. He ripped his blade back out again and watched in fascination as the tributes blood gushed forth. The boy's body fell to the pristine marble floor and his life poured out, forming a pool of red on the clean white stone beneath him.
Cato barely paused to acknowledge his kill, as he charged down the bridge to the grassland quadrant, chasing the 'Boy on Fire'. Peeta now had a decent head start, but fortunately the boy paused at the edge of the tall grass, which came up to his neck. He seemed cautious to enter, but quickly turned when he heard Cato's thundering footsteps.
Obviously he hadn't thought that he'd be pursued, because his eyes widened in surprise to see the larger tribute barrelling towards him. So quickly, that Cato almost missed it, the blonde drew an arrow and fired. Cato barely got his sword up in time to divert the projectile, so instead of lodging in his chest it nicked his arm.
The sting of his first cut drove him wild, and he threw himself at the boy before he could reload. Cato tackled him, knocking his bow clattering to the ground. He tried to pin the younger tribute beneath his bulk, but Peeta proved to be shockingly strong. They rolled across the grass and the smaller tribute managed to kick his sword from his grip.
Cato finally managed to get a hold on the boy's wrists and pinned them to the floor. He sat there, straddling Peeta's waist, his chest heaving with exertion. Peeta was panting beneath him, his face flushed and a light sheen of sweat upon his skin. He looked delectable.
''Watcha gonna do now pretty boy?'' Cato growled.
Peeta's response caught him totally of guard. Instead of struggling or cursing at him, the blonde surged upwards and kissed him. Cato froze, as the smaller tribute pressed their mouths against each other feverishly. But not for long, as he quickly responded, kissing him back eagerly. Finally, he was getting some action! He pushed down, crushing himself against the smaller form, feeling his warm body writhing beneath him. Cato skillfully nipped at Peeta's full bottom lip and deftly slipped his tongue into the boy's hot cavern. Peeta pulled him closer, clutching at his back and wrapping his legs around Cato's midriff. He seemed almost desperate. Cato could scarcely wait to get inside him.
With a burst of strength, the smaller blonde suddenly flipped them over, so that he was now straddling Cato. He wrenched his lips away with a gasp, causing the Career to whimper in displeasure at the loss. Just as he was about to tug Peeta back down and show him who was boss, the boy spoke.
''Wow...not bad stud.'' He whispered huskily, sounding like he'd run a marathon.
Peeta then reached between them, teasingly sliding his hand along Cato's hard stomach muscles and into the waistband of his pants. The elder groaned, as Peeta reached in and firmly grasped his growing arousal with nimble fingers.
''Hmm, not bad at all.'' Peeta breathed.
''Oh fuck! You dirty little tease.'' Cato growled thrusting his hips needfully.
He was very aware that all of Panem was watching this right now, but the thought only made him harder. He desperately needed the little fucker to move his hand.
''You have no idea baby.'' Peeta chuckled.
Cato opened his eyes, which had slipped shut in bliss, just in time to see the other boy's fist rocketing towards him. The blow slammed into his temple, briefly stunning him, and Peeta's warm weight abruptly disappeared from his groin.
He scrambled on to his knees, feeling a little dazed, just in time to see the 'Boy on Fire' vanish into the long grass. The boy's laughter echoed in the air as he swiftly fled out of sight.
Cato briefly considered pursuing him, but knew that he had other things to attend to for now. Climbing to his feet he went to gather his sword and readjusted his manhood, before heading back to the Cornucopia, where the battle was still raging. He'd have to find that little fucker later. And when he did he was going to take care of his blue balls, before giving the bastard a taste of what being punched in the head feels like.
Right now he had to get back to the others and secure their home base. They'd put off hunting down the remaining tributes until tomorrow. He was looking forward to it. Gratuitous violence and he'd be able to get his rocks off? His teachers were right, the games were awesome.
AN/Was this too short? I kind of figured that the bloodbath should be a quick blur of mass violence, but don't worry, the rest of the action will be far more detailed and drawn out. Reviews are appreciated.
