The First Night

Avalyn Bellona (17) D5F

I didn't know where they were, or what became of them. All I knew was that there was an excruciating pain in my chest.

Fighting those Careers was hard. The only thing that had kept me alive was my rage, adrenaline rush, the fact that Virgo was not physically very strong and the hesitation that had gripped Cress. At that time, the only thought on my mind was of my brother, so I had an extra boost of strength. Now, I was barely able to stand.

I was on the ground, leaning against a tree, or what I thought was a tree. I couldn't really tell in all this darkness and eye-aching blue surroundings. The undergrowth was too dense, I was separated from all my allies and brother, one of them was already dead, I was in too much pain to even think properly and my throat was parched. Even after hours of exploring I couldn't find a single source of water. There were no supplies either. How could things be so bad?

Five people had died in bloodbath. It was strange, especially because nobody had any weapon to kill. I was relieved that at least I hadn't heard any other cannon. At least Astreus was alive. But for how long?

I got to my feet. He had to be found. I trusted Amari enough to not kill him now but who could tell? I felt dizzy and I slowly forced myself to move forward, holding the trees so that I wouldn't fall down. Astreus…

I wasn't so lucky. My feet gave way and I couldn't find the strength to get up again. And my throat was arid. Water… not a single drop of water the whole day. Everything appeared to be hazy. Maybe I should rest, I thought. Dragging myself to the nearest tree I collapsed on the ground. A little rest wouldn't be too bad…

Tyler Axton (17) D7M

I considered myself lucky. I had the sense to escape from the cornucopia before anything actually started. I had covered a good distance without anyone spotting me and had found a small creek. The sight was water was like elixir to my eyes. I ran over to it and fell down on my knees beside it. I was about to dip my hands in but stopped myself.

It could very well be acid. What to do? I saw a twig nearby and slowly dipped it into the creek.

Nothing happened.

The water could have been poisoned but I was feeling too weak and dehydrated to think about it. So I drank as much as I could. It was completely fine by some miracle and I was thankful for this particular location. It was quite secluded and very deep so it was unlikely anyone else would come here.

As I lay beside the creek, looking up at the sky, my thoughts wandered off to Edith. Five cannons had gone off. I hoped anxiously that Edith had not died. I didn't know why she mattered so much to me. Was it because she was my District Partner or was it because she was sweet and innocent like Dawn? I couldn't understand it but I just wished that she lived.

My ears pricked. I sat up, looking at the foliage that loomed over me. The sound, which I thought were of footsteps, seemed to be coming the way I had come. As quietly as I could, I stood up, squinting. Who could it be? I contemplated whether I should run, hide or fight. The sound was too near now and there was nothing else to do apart from discarding the first two options. My mind and body were ready to fight off whoever it was.

I saw Jasper and Halen come to a standstill. They were as shocked to see me as I was to see them. Halen had a bag with him.

"We don't want to fight you," Jasper said, raising his hands to show what he meant, "We just wanted some water."

I nodded. Of course, I could have fought them but I didn't want to. They had not tried to attack me so attacking them would be wrong. And the Capitol obviously would like us to fight. I wasn't going to give them that satisfaction unless absolutely necessary.

"Sure," I replied. Jasper came forward to have a drink but Halen didn't move. My eyes widened. Oh no…

From nowhere a knife came at me. I moved aside but I was slow in anticipating the movement and it buried itself in my shoulder.

"AAHHH!" I cried. Tears threatened to spill. The pain was too much…

I saw Halen yell in frustration, Jasper frozen in shock. He hadn't known…

Halen tackled me to the ground but I pushed him off myself. I extricated the knife from my shoulder, slammed him down and stabbed him in the heart.

The cannon went off.

I was panting. I had killed him… This was my first kill.

I stood up slowly, unable to believe what I had done. I had killed another child… I was- I was a murderer.

"What did you do?!" Jasper cried as he ran over to Halen's body. I didn't reply. How could I? I had killed someone. I was no better than the capitol. I had taken a life.

"Go," I said softly, "Go Jasper. And don't let me see you again. Go!"

He stared at me for a moment and then ran off towards the direction he had come from. I fell on my knees, putting my face in my hands. Tears rolled down my eyes but I couldn't let the camera see.

My first kill…

Carmen Diego (18) D1F

The castle was huge. And it was not like a castle. It was in fact, so confusing that I almost gave up my search for those little twerps. Almost.

There were uncountable chambers here, dungeons that loomed on endlessly. I had no idea where Edith and Roland were. They had simply vanished. If that wasn't enough, I was alone here. I didn't know where my allies were. Were they alive? I shook off the thought. Of course they were alive. Maybe they were stuck because of that earthquake.

"Stop this game, you weaklings! Show yourselves!" I yelled.

Obviously those cowards didn't respond. In fact, I was flabbergasted by that girl's behaviour. She always appeared like a day-dreamer to me. Maybe I was wrong, maybe she wasn't as dumb as she showed herself to be.

I heard some sound, as if machines were turning. Machines?

I looked around. There were statues in armours, holding swords. Swords! I could get one!

I bounded over to one statue and grabbed the sword by its handle. Now I just had to take it and-

The statue opened its eyes.

I stumbled back in fear and shock. What?! All around me, the statues were coming to life. They were stepping off their pedestals. I had to leave now, before I was surrounded. Raising my speed I ran towards the exit, only to find it blocked by a statue. I was trapped. I was utterly trapped.

I looked around for an opening and found none. There was only one statue guarding the gate. I had to take my chances.

I ran towards the gate. The statue, sensing my motion, swung its sword. I ducked and it barely missed my neck. It got a big chunk of my hair though…

Wherever I moved, it moved its sword there. I hear the other statues coming towards me. I couldn't die like this! Not on the first day! Not by the hands of some damned statues!

I aimed a kick at its gut to distract it then attacked it head. Its grip loosened slightly and I snatched the sword, running through the gap between its legs. They were coming now, all of them. I ran out of the hall and shut the gate behind me.

They banged on it. I didn't know whether it would hold or not. I prayed that it would. At last they gave up and the banging stopped.

I let out the breath that I hadn't realised I was holding. I was alive. I was alive.

As soon as I recovered from this latest horror I felt a thrill go through my body. I had got hold of a sword! I had a weapon! Now nobody would be able to save those kids. Yes, there were many rooms to explore and I had to be cautious. I didn't want another episode like this.

And that was when I heard the sixth cannon of the day.

Kinnie Duff (15) D8F

There was no sign of them. Amari's absence worried me. Six people had died and I had no idea whether he was alive or not. I was worried about others as well but…

As it was, our guide was Arcturus. Yes, little Arty. When I had thought he would break down just like he had at the Reapings, he led us deeper into the forest and found a pond. Impressive kid!

The three of us decided to make camp there. There was no point of continuing any further. We would get lost, well we were already lost, but I wanted to stay near the water source. I rested back against a tree while Ciera told Arcturus about her friends. Arty listened intently. In fact, he was opening up to Ciera. I smiled.

A little bit of sleep wouldn't harm anyone. I shut my eyes and shifted myself in a comfortable position.

It was impossible to sleep when you were worried about your friend. I tossed and turned, Ciera's voice drifting in my tired ears. They picked up some other sound too.

My eyes snapped open and I jumped to my feet.

"Arty, Ciera, get ready. Someone's coming."

Ciera gasped and Arty, who was trembling violently at my words, hid himself behind her. I almost groaned. It was time to fight, not to hide.

My breathing hitched. And then relief washed over me.

Amari was staggering towards us, holding a bundle on his shoulders. Did he get supplies?! Wait, no. it wasn't a bundle, it was a person. I tried to see who it was. I gasped.

It was Astreus. He was…bloody. His forehead was drenched in blood, his eyes closed. Amari dropped him down with a groan and collapsed on the ground. We ran over to them. I checked Astreus' pulse. It was there, slight and irregular, but definitely there. I heaved a sigh of relief.

Amari tore a piece of his shirt and dipped it in water. He laid it on the unconscious boy's forehead.

"What happened?" I asked as I helped him.

"We were attacked by Careers," he replied curtly.

"Where's Avalyn? What about Brynn?" Ciera asked.

"I have no idea," he replied. He was panting and he looked as exhausted as a person could.

"You should take rest. I'll try to patch him up," I said.

I didn't know whether Astreus would make it or not. But I had to try.

I just hoped I would be successful.

There you have the first night. The games wouldn't go on for many days but I'll do each day in two parts. And two hundred reviews?! Thank you all of you! I never, NEVER thought I'd get that many! You all are really nice!

Goodbyes:

19th- Halen Moons: I really, really liked Halen. He was a guy with potential and he was really sweet. However, the poll results were not in his favour. It was painful to write his death but… Rest in peace Halen. You were an awesome kid.

Death list:

Coleen Mines- Blown up by a mine

Coal Telve- killed by Adela Martins

Jessika Bowers- killed by Devon Lark

Misaya Despain- blown up by a mine

Brynn Stone- killed by Silver Cantello

Halen Moons- killed by Tyler Axton

Have a lovely day!