The First Annual Hunger Games

by Callidora Medea

Following the Dark Days, the President of Panem announces the beginning of the Hunger Games. District 4 girl, Cass, District 1 girl, Silver, and District 7 girl, Oak, are all thrown into the turmoil that is the first Hunger Games, and must choose their alliances; decisions that can mean life or death in the arena. All intend to win. But there can be only one victor.

43. Chapter 43- The Night is Silent

Chapter 43- Oak Peacewood

I wake up with a gasp and a cry of pain. It feels like my ankle is on fire and being stabbed with broken glass simultaneously. I can't catch my breath, I just lie on the ground gasping. Aldar bends over me. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

I manage a weak smile as I start breathing normally again, breathing through the pain. "I think the ankle stuff works." Aldar smiles back. Already he's lost weight by being here in the arena, and it makes me worry.

It's twilight now and I can barely see anything except for what's close to me. "We'll catch some food tomorrow," Aldar says. "Then we can make a small fire and cook what we've caught." "Sounds good to me." "Can you try your ankle? Like stand on it?"

With Aldar's help I stand up and take a few steps; nothing hurts, except maybe my knee. Whatever Capitol medicine was in that needle didn't cover sore knees. "I feel much better. It doesn't hurt anymore," I tell Aldar.

"That's good! We're going to make it, you and me, Oak. And if not together…" I finish our old childhood pledge. "…Then not at all!"

The problem is, I don't want it to be not at all. If he died out here I'd still try to win for both of us, and I'd hope the same if I died here too. I don't want to die here though, I want to win! And now that I'm back in commission, there's no reason why I shouldn't.

The Capitol seal flashes above our heads and the anthem plays. Aldar and I settle back to watch who died today. The one and only face that appears is the boy from 9. I didn't expect that one; he was really strong in training, and I think he even got a 10. I wonder how he died for a minute, then decide I don't want to know.

The Capitol seal appears again, then disappears into nothing, leaving us in the dark. "I'm glad someone took him out for us; I don't think I could have beaten him," Aldar says to my left. "Don't sell yourself short. You're pretty strong too." "Not like Flick was." "Was that his name? Flick?" "I think so." I feel Aldar shrug. "One closer to getting back to District 7."

"I'll take first watch," I say, sitting up. "I slept all day." Aldar is too tired to argue and he goes to sleep almost immediately. So I sit up, hands around my knees, and watch the darkness for something that never comes. Be it tributes, beasts, or anything in between. The night is silent.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I want to be ready for it.