Finally! The Games shall begin! Enjoy this chapter! And I hope you've liked what you've read so far!
Ruby and I were escorted from the elevators when we reached the bottom level, where we first entered the training center a few days before in our golden horse-drawn chariots. The guards took us out of the back of the room; where we were taken to two large open doors. Outside of them, lines of the other tributes were forming to enter two large hovercrafts. We got into line, and waited our turn to be pulled into the large aircraft. We were seated into two rows on either side of the aircraft, with six seats on either side. Ruby and I were seated towards the front, opposite of each other. Livia was seated to my left, while the girl from 5 was on my right. I realized that we were separated by district and Carson would be on here as well. Before I could look for him a lady in a white suit appeared in front of me.
"Give me your arm please." She said in a monotone voice. She took my arm and got a device with a needle from her assistant. "This is your tracker; it measures your heartbeat and will notify us when you are out of the competition." This was her nice way of telling us it was keeping track of us until we died. "It will sting a little at first, but the pain will go away." She wiped my forearm clean before sticking the needle in my arm; she pulled it out and walked over to Livia to continue the injections. I rubbed my finger over the spot. My flesh poked out a bit more where the little machine was hidden.
The aircraft took off and were in the air for what seemed like almost two hours. I spent my time looking at the floor, only looking up to look straight ahead where Ruby and Dion were. Trying to interpret their last minute game 'plans'. They were trying to get our alliance ready for the bloodbath that we would soon partake in. I only looked for Carson once, and we locked eyes. I could see our whole conversation happening before me. I wanted to reach out to him, but I knew I couldn't. I looked back to the floor for the rest of the time.
"Remember, stick to the group. The first few minutes are crucial for us. We have to give the people a bloodbath. No less than seven dead. Gloss warned us that there are stronger outside districts this year, so don't stray away for supplies." I nodded at her words, trying not to imagine spilled blood, so I wouldn't lose my breakfast. We were waiting for the elevator, which would take us down to meet the others for the Arena. "If District 10 or 7 run at you, yell for someone. That will signal all of us, don't take them on by yourself. We can't have a Career down in the bloodbath. And please…" I looked at her, and tried to read her thoughts from her distant green eyes. "Don't lose it when you see people die in front of you. Be strong, that's what they'll want to see."
The aircraft roughly landed, and the hatch opened for us to exit. We were separated down long hallways; where we were escorted by two guards. I was soon by myself, with a guard on either side. We were walking for a couple minutes before they stopped me in front of a large door. It opened, and they signaled me inside. I was put into a windowless room with a couple of chairs. Everything was metal, and I forced myself to sit to calm my nerves. I was alone for a few minutes before the door opened again and I was greeted by Nikias.
"My Shine, look at yourself." She grabbed me in her arms, and gave me the strongest hug I've ever had. "Don't be nervous darling, you'll be great. And look at this…" She pulled out a bag that had my outfit in it. "Now let's get you into this before they start the games without you." She handed me clothing, that I situated myself in it. I faced a mirror and looked at what I had been given to wear. I had a black latex long sleeved shirt, with a larger grey thin shirt over top of it. I had grey shorts that reached above my knees, and black legging type pants underneath of them. I was given a pair of black gloves that were thin, but felt very strong. My shoes were small, and fit snuggly on my feet. They had grips on the bottom, for extra traction. I was completely covered, but with thin material. I turned to face Nikias confusedly.
"Oh, sweetie. I don't know about the Arena, not allowed. But I'm guessing it'll be a rough terrain. Expect some climbing." I was nervous. This was it. I wasn't ready for this. What if they dropped us in a volcano and we had to climb out before it exploded? What if we were thrown onto a mutant invested mountain? The possibilities of torture seemed endless to me.
"Now look at Nikias." She took my face in between her fingers. "Do not worry your little pretty head off. Now give me a smile…I said give Nikias a smile." I faintly smiled, and she released me and kissed me on the cheek. "I have faith in you sweetie. Oh! I almost forgot! The piece de resistance." She pulled out Shimmer's necklace, and placed it around my neck. "Give the capitol the handsome and angelic victor they deserve honey."
"Thank you Nikias, for everything." We hugged, and soon the buzzer went off. A large clear tube opened up. I looked at Nikias before stepping inside of it.
"Remember, be safe! Be careful! Don't drink the water before you test it!" The doors shut around me, and I waved through the glass. She continued talking but I couldn't hear her. The tube started elevating me upwards where I would finally meet my deathbed.
The first thing I noticed was the smell. It was dusty and thick. I covered my eyes from the bright sun as I reached ground level. We were situated in a circle of dirt and sand, and the wind was kicking it into our eyes. We were in a pit of death. There were rocks and sand all around us. The golden cornucopia was at least 100 feet away, and set on a decline away from us. I looked around, and there were walls of rocks that went up for about 10 feet, before ending. To the north, there was a sparse forest of trees without leaves. To the east and west there were boulders and rocks all around, and behind me to the south was a mountain, colorless and eerie.
"Ladies and Gentleman! Welcome to the 72nd annual Hunger games!" The voice of Claudius Templesmith rang out across the hole.
60, 59, 58…
I scan the circle, and find Ruby a few places to my right, Straten on her right.
51, 50, 49, 48…
I find Dion situated across from me, with Livia a few from his left. Bit from 3 is right next to her, looking smaller than before.
45, 44, 43…
Colleen is two down from me, with Deliah on her left. I pray that she doesn't cross Coleen's path.
37, 36, 35, 34…
Demzie from 11 is on my left, and the District 8 boy is on my right.
31, 30, 29…
I find Carson in between Hall and Tawnie. I hope he runs. I don't want to watch him die today. Not by a Career. Not by them, not by anyone.
23, 22, 21, 20…
20 seconds left. I hurriedly scan the sandy floor. I spy some large bags in between me and the golden horn, with a dagger close by. It sparkled like a diamond on the sand, and I figured it would be the best bet.
11, 10, 9, 8, 7…
I kiss my angel and tucked it into my shirt.
6, 5, 4…
My stomach starts to turn, and my nerves are uncontrollable. I took a breath, trying to calm myself.
3…2...1!
Let the Games begin!
Hoped you liked this short chapter! The arena is basically a large plateau, with a mountain and stuff. Well I hope you want to leave a review, and next time…Bloodbath!
