Chapter thirteen:

I gasped as I saw my surroundings. The arena was indoors indeed. I was in what seemed to be a fancy 3 floor shopping mall. We don't have one of these in District Two, but I have seen them sometimes I get a glimpse of Capitol TV.

The cornucopia was where I would suppose, should typically have been a fancy water feature or fountain in a big circle. You had four options off where to go in this arena, with four openings for tributes to run down.

The arena, from what I could tell but looking into the distance was shaped like a huge number Eight.

I checked out the cornucopia, and saw the various types of weapons. I needed to get to it, and find me a set of knifes.

Next to me, I had the boy from Ten who looked like he was about to pass out, and the girl from Eleven, who looked surprisingly determined as she also looked ahead at the array of weapons.

I looked for Topaz and noticed him on the opposite side next to the boy from Twelve and the girl from Three. Not far from him was Gilly, who was next to Topaz and the the girl from Six.

The countdown started had ended, and the majority of us jolted forwards. Topaz made it to the cornucopia first and grabbed his Spear, instantly threw it killing the boy from Ten who had been next to me almost instantly.

I entered the cornucopia and saw the set of knifes laid out as if they were specifically put there for me. Grabbing them, I looked around eagerly at what was happening around me. The boy from Twelve was running towards me, fear on his face but one that looked like he was going to try and attack me with the Mace he had acquired. Even though I knew he had no idea how to use it, I didn't take any chances and let my knifes fly hitting him directly in his forehead causing him to fall backwards and his eyes roll into the back of his head and blood squirt out of his mouth.

I felt a lump hit the back of my throat, and I pulled out my knife just in time to see Gilly, shoot down the girl from Three with Sharp bullets from a slingshot, hitting her in both eyes, and then repeatedly in her heart.

I had decided a long time ago that I wouldn't actively kill anyone in the bloodbath that wasn't trying to kill me, and so I decided that I would instead watch what was happening around me. Being a career, I knew that most tributes wouldn't dare try and attack me, and will fear me in some way, but you can never be too careful, so I was making sure I was looking in all directions. I saw the boy from Seven grab an axe and kill the girl from Nine so easily as was trying to grab as much food as she could as he rushed by her, all while Firenze was slitting the throat of the boy from Three, eliminating the threat of being killed by smarts.

Chanel had jumped on the girl from Ten on my other side was stabbing her with such ferocity, I actually think the girl may have some kind of demonic spirit inside her, as she laughed maniacally. I must remember to keep an eye on her. Her sweet demeanour by killer instinct is quite worrying.

Quentin, it seemed had been trying to run after the boy from Seven. I think he wanted to try and prove himself somehow. But when he realised he wasn't going to catch up, he seemed to think he would just kill off the other tribute from Seven, and found the girl and decapitated her, kicking her head away from him in frustration as he watched his rival run into the distance. I guess it was the next best thing for him.

And finally, I watched as the boy from Five as he pushed a small knife into the heart of the boy from Eleven after they had been fighting over some bread. The boy from Eleven obviously didn't see him pick up the knife only moments before, and had a shocked expression as he felt the force of the knife pushing down into his heart.

The girl from 11, collected a small knife and a bag before running down one of the passages and escaping unharmed, she didn't stop to fight anyone, just got what she needed and left.

I was contemplating killing the boy from 5, knowing it would be quick and easy as he wasn't too far away from me at the point, but figured I would let the boy live just a little longer more. After all, this was still the bloodbath and he was not attacking me. I watched as he ran away with his bread, looking confused at all the various shops around him. As I watched him run, the knife still in his hand, I couldn't help but hope I made the right choice.

We gathered around the cornucopia and gathered in our group. We all as a career pack all survived the bloodbath, and we all got one kill in each, with two kills going to non-careers.

"How many died?", Chanel pouted trying to count the bodies.

"Eight", I answered for her. "16 out of 24 left".

"Probably the worst bloodbath result in years", grumbled Quentin next to me.

Topaz was glancing around taking in all the surroundings, "There was four ways we could go, and three levels. Not to mention all the shops", he huffed. "I am guessing that will include stock rooms, and back passages not usually for the public. Lots of hiding places. I am guessing that the Game-makers this year wanted a long games".

"When do we get to rest", I laughed. "My feet hurt".

Topaz it seemed did not see the funny side. "Seriously, considering you just stood there the whole bloodbath".

I raised my eyebrow at him. He clearly hasn't gotten over my interview yet. "I was checking out the competition. Not only the people at home can spectate. Besides, I removed the boy from twelve from the list of tributes to look out for. I mean, it was hardly hard, but at least we don't have to worry about finding him. And you only took out the boy from Ten. Hardly a success story on your part".

I could see the vein on his neck bulges, but he closed his mouth and decided he wasn't going to fight me so early into the games. Something I have to admit I am thankful about.

"Well, I guess we should go and explore then", Firenze smirked looking at the various directions we could take. "Let's just go that way….", I am sure I saw some of the tributes running off down that way. More tributes decided to run then try and get a bag or weapon this year. Not surprising, with all the stores and props this year. Anything could be a weapon".

We walked slowly along the path, checking out each shop as we did so. This arena was incredibly nuts, but somewhat entertaining as well. Shops specifically for just Wool, Shoes, t-shirts, sofas, passed along the way. Topaz stopped and walked into Art Supply store. "Let's check the back room theory", he called and crossed the store to a room at the back of the square shop labelled 'staff only', but as he went to use the door handle his hand was zapped by an invisible force field. "Ah… there we have it…. The edge of the arena", he called. "Look's like we are confined to the public areas".

Interesting. We all strolled into the shop, and I was looking at the colouring books all lined up next to an array of coloured pencils. I couldn't help but wonder if the audience would mind if I took these and coloured in my spare time when not hunting for tributes. Maybe when it's my night watch. Would they be amused by this?
Just in case I stashed them in my bag, and gave a little happy giggle. If I win, I wonder if they will let me keep these… although, id probably be able to afford anything I wanted then.

I heard a rustle in from the other side of the aisle, and saw a bit of movement in the cracks in the shelf. I saw a the print of a number 6, shuffling slowly, clearly trying to go undetected amongst the careers as we leisurely played with art supplies.

"Guys….", I called "We have District Six with us". My voice wasn't excited like most eager career tributes usually give off. But I don't think it mattered as the cheers of those around me got excited, and all zoomed in.

The District Six boy tried to run off, but in his fright he went crashing into a stand of paintbrushes which both went rolling across the floor until he stopped at Topaz's feet, who smiled down at him, excitement in his eyes, before bringing his spear down through his eye.

He thrashed around uncomfortably and screamed out in pain. I watched uncomfortably from behind, but I tried to show no emotion, even though in side I was horrified.

His cannon sounded, and he removed his trident. "He didn't even have a weapon", Quentin rolled his eyes. "All the places he could have hid in, and he chose the shop where the most dangerous item was a pencil….".

I laughed, because he was right. The boy was clearly stupid. They will be writing essays on this death for years to come in the academy.