Chapter 14
The countdown started, sixty seconds was all we had. I stared around, Dylan was five podiums away from me, Ell was directly next to him, Robyn was a few podiums away and so was Ash. Thirty seconds. I eyed up the cornucopia, there were a range of weapons and I could just see a spear with a long hook on the end, it would be perfect for both fishing and as a weapon. Ten seconds. I was panicking where would I run? Would I stick with Ash and Robyn? I would have to trust them; it may just keep me alive. Suddenly the gong sounded, everyone ran to the boats fighting and yelling. Ash and Robyn called Diamond and Mace and they all jumped into a boat and started rowing towards the Cornucopia. Another two boats set off and everyone else were left scrambling over the other two. I scanned the island, Ell was nowhere to be seen, she must have jumped in. Lucky we taught her to swim. It was only me and Dylan pondering on the island not fighting over boats, he winked at me, "Let's do what District four tributes do best." I smiled and we jumped off the island into the cold sea.
The water was freezing but I set my mind to achieve and swam strong strokes, pulling myself through the water I bobbed up and realised we were swimming directly behind the career boat; we swam and swam until we reached the island. "Good job Annie." Robyn smiled impressed, "Come on!" They ran to weapons and started to kill tributes as they arrived on the island "Grab as many supplies as you can Annie!" Robyn screamed and I bundled my arms with equipment shaking with shock as tributes fell at my feet. I picked up as much as I could and watched the killing scene, it was so quick but horrible. I spun around, Dylan ran towards me, "The girl from nine and the boy from six are dead." He gasped out of breath, I stared at him, "How could you kill them?" I asked shocked,
"I didn't! They jumped in the water after us, obviously believing that it was safe to swim." He gasped and I patted his back as he coughed. "Ok, all the tributes have scampered. I've killed four." Ash stated, "I've done two." Diamond piped in,
"I've done one."
"So that's seven and Dylan's done two so nine are dead and fithteen remain good job guys." Ash congratulated us. "Now let's find a place to set up camp." We started to walk towards the mountains. "There's a pathway round here so we don't need the boat." Dylan exclaimed and we walked round, Ash started to sharpen his knives by scraping them together and I swallowed, he saw me and laughed slyly. He and Robyn started talking to each over whispering and often glancing back at us. Diamond shot me and unwanted look and Mace put his arm round her. The sky got darker and rumbling noises churned up, "It's going to rain, heavily." I frowned as I put my hand out and felt a drop fall. "Well let's hurry then!" Diamond said in a voice as if I made it rain. We meandered until one of the mountains was in front of us. "Well what are you waiting for?!" Robyn took the rope out of the supply bag I was holding and attached a knife onto the end, she threw it high and hitched it into the snow on the top of the mountain. One by one we hauled onto the rope and pulled ourselves up, it wasn't that high but took a lot of strength. I helped pull Dylan up and Mace smiled, "Well at least we have a little view here, we can decide who will die next and see anybody who is trying to invade!" I suddenly heard water behind me, I spun around.
"A dam!" I shouted, me and Dylan shared a brief look. We knew this would be a perfect place to set up, we had a water source and could fish and swim. "Woah, a hidden dam in the middle of the mountains, but all this gushing of water hurts my ears. No way, Robyn?" Diamond persuaded Robyn,
"Hmm, yes I see what you mean, no this won't do." Robyn sighed, "Come on troop." I frowned but we couldn't say anything or we would be the next target. Back down the mountain we all went, Diamond slipped and got covered in snow, I had to bite my lip to stop laughing. She saw me – big mistake. She came right in front of my face, "Annie Cresta I will k-
"Stop it!" She was cut off by Robyn, "We're not killing each over yet! We still have tributes to kill!" Diamond sighed and turned her back. "Let's set up camp in the forest, we can be hidden and perhaps surprise some tributes." Robyn took charge and led us all to the forest, I have to admit it was more peaceful than the dam but I still didn't feel safe, I guess I wouldn't ever again. We placed down mats from the packs and set up a large pile of food, we all had two sleeping bags each and plenty of water. For the whole afternoon we arranged the camp and made sure everything was perfect, no one spoke. We were all too worn out to say anything. Finally Ash broke the silence, "Hey how about we set off late at night, to surprise tributes? Ah you know who would be easy to kill?!"
"Who?" We all asked,
"Um I think that girl, her names...um I think it's something like Ell?"