A/N: Let the games begin! This chapter is where it all kicks off. It's quite short but is action packed so I hope you like it. Enjoy reading! Also, please, please review. I really would love to know what you all think of my writing and whether you like how the story is going.

Chapter 10 – Let the Games Begin

I looked around me as the sixty second countdown began. All of the tributes were stood in a circle around the Cornucopia. I was stood facing the left side of it. To my right and to the front of me was barren land that stretched far into the distance. To my left was a large lake, and to the left of that was what looked like an abandoned city. There were derelict buildings with dirty, grey brick walls and broken and boarded up windows. All of my fellow tributes were just as curious of their surroundings as I was, with everyone craning their necks to get a better look at the arena. I spotted Ashton opposite me. His eyes were fixed on me and he had a worried look on his face. I locked eyes with him and gave him a small smile to try to reassure him. He didn't return it. I watched the careers get into their positions, readying themselves to run straight to the Cornucopia. That was when I realised I had no plan for when the gong would sound. I would have to make my mind up, and fast. I could run to my right, but then I would have no cover because for as far as I could see there were no trees or buildings in that area. I could run to my left. That would mean I would have the protection of the buildings. But it would also mean I would have no supplies to keep me alive, and more importantly, no weapons to protect myself from defensive tributes. That only left one other option: the Cornucopia. If I ran to it I may have the opportunity to collect water, food and weapons. But it would also mean I would be right in the middle of the bloodbath that would commence when the countdown ended. I had to make my mind up. Going right was definitely not an option, I would have nothing there. That left two other options. All of a sudden, the gong sounded. I saw the careers jump off their plates and sprint to the Cornucopia, pushing over anybody that got in their way. Other tributes ran off in the direction of the city. I even saw one tribute, who I thought was from 12, run to the right in the direction of the bare land. I stood there, not knowing what to do. I saw Ashton follow the boy from 12 and that pushed me to do the same, to pursue him and finally talk to him. Just as I had stepped off of my plate and had begun to speed away, an arrow flew past my head. I turned in the direction it had come from and saw Rikki holding a bow. She gave me a wicked grin and then reloaded her weapon. Instinctively I ran in the opposite direction, straight into the mouth of the Cornucopia. Another arrow soared past my ear, only just missing me. Rikki's aim was getting better and I knew that next time she wouldn't miss. I entered the giant horn and crouched behind a large backpack, hoping it would conceal me. I sat there, trying to come up with a plan. I had been so stupid. I shouldn't have tried to follow Ashton and should have just legged it to the city. It was too late now. I was trapped like a rat in a cage. I knew I was a goner for sure. That was, until I spotted the sword, glimmering on the ground a short distance away and suddenly knew what to do. Quickly, I grabbed the sword and then picked up the backpack that had been my hiding place and held it in front of me like a shield. Once I was certain it was covering enough of me, I charged out of the Cornucopia, sword brandished, ready to fight anyone that got in my way. I ran towards the city, splashing my way through the lake until I reached the first building. From there I sprinted on, dodging buildings and piles of rubble. It was only when I was sure I was a good enough distance away from the lake and had begun to slow down was I aware I was being followed.