Chapter 33:

Dampero Ramin, District Six, Age 16

Victor of the 108th Hunger Games

Entering the arena was almost a relief to Dampero because for the first time in days, he could finally be away from other people. He was so goddamn tired of being forced to parade around in front of the shrill screams of the crowd. It was so overwhelming and gave him such anxiety to be in front of the crowds.

So yeah, he probably could have done better at his interview and he probably lost a few sponsors from acting so cold. 'The unexpected strong and attractive guy from District Six', that's what they called him. If he didn't hate people so much, he would have been a bit flattered by the compliments. But it doesn't matter anymore if he lost some sponsors. He's proved himself in the games and why he earned that 7 in training. He hadn't hesitated in the bloodbath to run in and get himself some supplies and a weapon. He hadn't hesitated when the girl from Four charged at him. Well, now she's dead and Dampero?

He's the only tribute so far in the 108th Hunger Games who has taken out a career.

Fuck yeah, he is totally going to win this and get back home to his dogs.

But not before being paraded some more in front of the Capitol once he becomes victor. At least in the arena he could easily forget about the cameras watching their every move. And he didn't have to have a single person following him around, talking his ear off, and probably drawing other tributes to him with their noise. Really, the arena is almost an introvert's dream place, aside from the whole kill-or-be-killed thing. It's been nearly two days and he hasn't seen another tribute since then and it's been so damn peaceful. He had taken full advantage of the mountainous range that they'll never get the chance to see again, having hiked all day. The only thing that could make this better was having his dogs with him to hike around.

Someone starts yelling and Dampero can hear them running towards him. He lets out a loud sigh before throwing his backpack onto the ground. "Is it too much to ask for some goddamn peace and quiet?" He asks no one as he pulls out the machete he grabbed from the cornucopia as he turns to face the person running down the path towards him. He's not surprised when he sees it isn't one of the careers because they might be dumb but they're not dumb enough to yell and ruin the surprise of their attack.

The boy from Ten races towards him and Dampero watches his movements carefully and he braces himself. The boy dramatically holds his sword with both hands above his head as he runs and Dampero shakes his head at this. What a brilliant way to kill yourself on accident. Dampero twirls his machete once in his hand as the boy gets closer, waiting to see when he brings the sword down.

In a quick movement, Dampero steps to the left of the boy's large swing before striking out once with his machete. The boy's screams stop immediately and Dampero tries to pull his machete out, feeling it getting stuck in his neck. He puts a foot on the boy and yanks with both hands, pulling out the machete with a gush of blood that strikes his chest and accidentally pushing the boy, making him roll down the hill as he holds his hands to his neck.

Boom.

Dampero glances down at his shirt, letting out a small sigh at how it's now ruined before wiping his blade on it. Once his machete is tucked back into his belt, he glances down the steep side of the hill and can see the boy's body at the very bottom of it. Well I guess he's not getting any of his supplies. With a small shrug, he keeps walking on his path as if the boy attacking him never even happened.

"Hey Embla, a new shirt would be really nice," Dampero says quietly out loud, not really expecting to get any response from his mentor. "Oh and if you could add in a hot bath and send me one of my dogs, that would also be great."

He walks for a few more feet before coming to a stop, genuinely surprised to see a small silver parachute floating down to him. He reaches out and grabs it, opening the package right away to find three new shirts for him to wear, various colors that blend in with the mountainous surroundings. Dampero sees a note with the gift and actually laughs out loud when he sees Embla's message.

'I'll get you a hot tub when you're victor.'

"I'm going to hold you to that!"

Another week, another time I almost forget it's Wednesday lol. I love my anti-social, dog loving victor Dampero lol. I haven't read this since I wrote it for Wayward and now that I know he's in the middle of a bunch of career victors, it's an even bigger deal for him to have killed a career. And you know he got a hot tub when he got home lol. Love that meme lol.

Anyways, not much else to say! Renegades is back in business and there will be another update with that on Friday. Haven't actually written much of this in a hot minute but that's the beauty of a stockpile lol. Next week is...who even is next week? Ah yes, a career who shows how things are changing in the Capitol under a new President. Well, I'll see you next week!