We're back, and we are seeing the Arena for the first time! Well, you are at least… I've had it completely drawn out for a while.

Reviews:

roses burning: WHAT? YOU WENT TO HAWAII? AND YOU DIDN'T TAKE ME? How rude… Thanks for the review though.

Clis2339: You are quite correct, I must admit, about the Arena. It's a jungle, often known as a tropical forest. I tried to use plants and such during training as hints, and you got it! Thanks for the review!

dreams and desperation: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, and I hope you had a good Easter Sunday as well! Thanks for the review!

TranscendentElvenRanger: I'm glad you think I did well with Aran and Malaya last chapter, I have been super excited to write it since you first submitted them :). Thanks for the review!

Seriously peeps, you should check out Forest of Death and Make Me a Match, where my Ata and Belle are vying for the top spot. Seriously. Just go read those stories. After this, of course.

The reference I was talking about last chapter was for a game show called The Price is Right. The Arena hint was Aloha.

Guys, I am so excited, the Bloodbath is the NEXT CHAPTER! Like, how crazy is that?

I wrote most of this chapter way in advance, by the way, making little tweaks over the course of the pre-Games.

The bloodbath should be up soon. Hopefully. You can check out my profile to see how it's coming along.

Go vote in the poll!


Kenzi Williams, Age 16, District 7

District Seven Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


I'm thrashing around in my bed as the sound of pounding echoes through the room. The door bursts open, revealing Javon, my stylist, and he seems angry about something. His face reminds me of the fury on the face in my nightmares. Glowing, red eyes, a sword raised. A feeling of heartbreak, of terror.

"I am going to keel 'im!" Javon screams, stomping into the room. I look up in confusion, and he scowls. "Up, silly girl! Don't you know what today is?" I jolt as I realize: the Hunger Games. The Bloodbath is today.

I jump out of bed, spurred into action mostly by my sudden terror of suffering Javon's wrath. If I'm late to the roof, he'll wonder where I am, and…

Wait.

I look up at Javon, a thin, bearded man in a nice purple suit. Isn't he…

"I thought you were going to wait for me on the hovercraft." I say cautiously. Isn't that what he told me last night? Lumeo was going to show me to the roof, and then…

"Yes, girl! But your eejit of an escort ditched his duty as soon as he got de boy up dere!" I also remember the mention of Logan leaving first, then me, then the boy from Six. But what is he doing here?

Javon screeches again as he tosses me a set of clothes. I look down at them. I simple tank top and sweat pants. Not exactly my style, but I suppose I could…

"Get dem on, girl! We don't have much time! We're so late dat dose dogs from Two are going up! We don't have time for your humorous pranks!" He's visibly shaking, and I imagine him strangling Lumeo. I'd pay to see that.

Quickly, I throw the clothes on, Javon huffing impatiently the whole time. I follow him out of my room, to the Floor Seven common room, decorated as though among the branches of a giant tree. Logan always loved it, but I was constantly looking down to make sure it wasn't that far a fall.

There's a small breakfast set out on the mahogany table, and I sit to eat. I butter some toast, pour me some milk; it's really about as good as what I used to get back home. It's a shame what might be my last true meal for a couple weeks isn't Capitol-worthy.

"Come on, girl, we must go!" He's fidgeting with his hands, when he suddenly straightens. Tapping his left ear, he begins to speak.

"Yes, I know. I'm fully aware, thank you. Well, it's not my fault! No, not hers either. Yes, dey seem to have a strained relationship." I snort, figuring he's talking about me and Lumeo. He glares at me, and I take another bite of toast. "Yes, we will be right up. Yes, three minutes. Thank you."

He taps his com again, and I look up curiously. "The girl from One is on de roof now, Kenzi. We are lucky dey waited this long. We must leave, or we'll miss the Games." He acts like his life is the one on the line, like he's going into the Games.

Then it actually hits me: the Games. Being late is not an option, or I'll lose support in the Capitol. If they hate me, the Gamemakers will find a way to take me out. I have to leave. Now.

I jump up, banging my knee on the edge of the table. I ignore it, though. Maybe they can get rid of the pain on the hovercraft. I look to Javon, who seems to light up. He bolts for the door, and I'm right behind him.

I brush away the memory of the sword from my dream, the glowing red eyes.

I have to play the Game. Infiniti is my opponent, and I will treat her as such.


Jasper Blue, Age 16, District 4

District Four Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


"So why exactly do I have to leave before Mera?" I ask, shoving another forkful of pancakes into my mouth. It's beginning to taste like dust, but the syrup is incredibly delicious. I'd drink it if I thought Seaweed wouldn't freak a fit.

"Because women need to sleep longer, apparently." He snorts, rolling his eyes. "And so the men of the District get to suffer more by getting up longer. You should count your blessings, Jasper. I had to get up at four this morning." I hold back my question of whose house he woke up in this morning, and instead say calmly:

"Please. Call me Blue." My teeth are clenched, and I wonder why the heck this idjit just can't call me Blue. I'd almost die in the Arena so that I don't have to see him again. I wonder if all the escorts are like this.

"Of course, Jasper, I can be so forgetful. But, I do believe it's time to g-o." He gestures to the elevator, and I get up reluctantly. When I get back, I'm going to have the best time punching his stupid head in.

I march past him, into the elevator. It forces me to wait, and Seaweed takes his own sweet time getting in. The doors close silently, and I wonder if anybody would notice if I just beat the tar out of him now.

After an eternity of silence, there's a high-pitched DING, followed by the annoying voice that haunted us tributes during the training days.

"Floor Thirteen! Good luck in the Arena, Jasper Blue!" I growl and step off, waiting for my escort. I turn toward him, and he points to my left, where a pair of Peacekeepers are standing on either side of a door. I figure it must lead to the stairs, as the Thirteens' door is across from the elevator.

"See you on the other side!" He calls as the doors close. I sigh, turning to the guards.

"Jasper Blue?" The one on the right asks. I simply nod, and he reaches out to open the door. His partner pushes it open and starts down a short hallway. I follow him, and the first Peacekeeper follows me, closing the door behind us. The hall is unimpressive, nothing but white marble covering the floors and walls. Bright overhead lights make the marble difficult to look at, so I keep my eye on the stairs leading to the roof.

The Peacekeepers turn back after we reach the harsh sunlight. But there are even more up here, at least two dozen. I wonder if they expect any tributes to try and run for it.

The hovercraft site silently to my right, on a raised steel platform. The loading door is open, and I'm given the time to walk there myself. I can feel their eyes on me, watching my every move. It isn't far to the landing pad, but each step I take seems to weigh more on my mind and heart. Do I really want to do this?

It's too late now. I decide as I mount the steps. The hovercraft is larger than I might have imagined, definitely big enough for a whole squadron of Peacekeepers.

Or twenty-five tribute corpses.

I smile as Ariellana greets me, her usual smile lighting up her face. I wonder if she gets this attached to all her tributes. She certainly does seem to like me. A lot.

She leads me to my seat, and leaves me as she walks to the front of the hovercraft, disappearing from sight for the moment. She returns seconds later, a Capitol attendant at her back. The female attendant stands in front of me, raising a small box like a Taser.

She grabs my hand, pulling me to my feet. "This is your tracker." She explains, turning me around. "It will help us pinpoint your exact location in the Arena." I feel a small pressure in the back of my neck, then a sharp pain. I stand still for a moment, unsure of what to do.

"You can take your seat now, Blue." Ariellana says from behind me. I relax, and take my seat awkwardly. I rub the back of my neck, wondering if there's a mark from the device entering my body.

I'm in the Game now. There's no turning back.


Soot Maloy, Age 13, District 12

District Twelve Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


I'm not sure how long I've been sitting here, listening to the soft hum of the engine. Tara is chattering incessantly, about how she's sure I'll be okay. I ignore her in favor of the small stone I've been flipping in my palm. It's surprisingly smooth, the grooves in its surface like mere bumps as I run my thumb along it.

I look at the words carved in again, wondering how long ago they had been placed there.

Garrett

Sarai

Soot

Maddie

Tomas

My siblings. My family. And written in charcoal on the back, probably meant to be cut out later:

You are so much

stronger than

you know

-Coalette

Much of the message has rubbed off since it was given to me in the Justice Building, but I know I won't forget it. It will be a reminder of home in these Games, a beacon of hope. I pocket the stone again, hoping I won't lose it in the Arena.

Everything goes dark in front of me, and I jump up in a panic. Did we crash? Am I already dead? What kind of afterlife is this?

I know I'm hyperventilating, and I realize that I can't be dead. I call out to Tara as the lights come on.

"I'm sorry, sweetie, I forgot to tell you. The windows go dark as we approach the Arena. And, well, we have a new pilot, he probably forgot about the lights." She smiles brightly, as though it isn't of concern. I grin sheepishly, realizing my foolishness.

"So we're close?" I ask nervously. I wish I could see the Arena, just to know what to expect, but that would be considered an advantage. And tributes with advantages are often killed.

"Yes, my dear, we are. I suspect we are already in the Catacombs. We'll be landing shortly, I'm sure." She still has her smile, but I see a flicker of sadness in her eyes. I remember her telling me about the one time she nearly had a Victor, only for her hopes to be dashed in the glint of a knife.

"We have now landed." The voice from the elevator chimes overhead, "We hope you'll fly with us again, Soot Maloy. Tara Quince, you will board Hovercraft D16Q after the launch. Have a nice flight!" The hangar door opens as the voice cuts off, and two Peacekeepers board, standing on either side of me. I get shoved forward, to Tara's dismay. I follow them into the Catacombs, trying very hard to keep my breathing steady.

The wall on my right curves away from me, and doors stand closed every dozen or so strides. I imagine these are the launch rooms, in a half-circle around the Cornucopia. The lighting is dim, the floor and walls a stone grey. It looks like something out of a horror film, and I shudder.

We stop in front of the thirteenth door, and I sigh in relief. I can run straight for the Cornucopia, instead of having to run around the side.

They open the door and shove me inside. I stumble, but don't fall. The door closes, and Tara helps me stand. "Barbarians." She mutters.

The new room is much like the hallway to the roof of the Tribute Center: Marble walls and floor, tiled ceiling and bright lights. There's a curtain covering a corner, creating a small dressing room. Are tributes really going to be wary of their stylist after all the time they've been seen by them? I know I'm not, not that Tara would let me.

Next to the door is a set of shelves, and I catch sight of boots and a poncho. I'm curious about that, but my attention is drawn to the massive tube in the center of the room. The walls are clear like glass, and the tube is about a meter in diameter. The floor inside the tube is metal, and I know I'm looking at my launch plate.

"Now what?" I ask, looking to Tara.

"Now, we dress." She gestures to me, and I know to strip while she gets my Arena uniform. She helps me slip into it, then stands back for a moment, looking me over.

"Well," she starts, taking a deep breath, "the rubber boots are certainly an interesting choice, often too loose to run in. However, as they seemed difficult to put on, I'd say they fit snugly." I nod, flexing my toes slightly in my ankle-high boots. "The pants are common enough, though the choice of color leads me to believe there will be a lot of greenery." I look down at my cargo pants, the many pockets going down either leg. My hand sneaks to one of the regular pockets, below the waistline. The feel of hard stone is reassuring; my token is safe.

Thick socks first appear at my ankles where the boots stop, and stretch about halfway up my shin, over my pants. I have a black tank top under a three-quarter sleeve black khaki shirt. A black poncho jacket, with some kind of fabric lining the inside.

"I think it's safe to say it will be hot and wet." Tara continues, "Something like a rainforest or marshy jungle." I nod. If she knows what it could be, the other will too. I need a game plan, now.

"Soot Maloy, please enter your tube and prepare for launch. May the odds be ever in your favor!" It's that cheeky voice again, clearly digital but with a touch more emotion than a machine. I bow my head slightly, stepping onto my plate. I look up as a slight hiss fills my ears, and I see a wall of glass begin to drop. I shake slightly, my fear sending me into panic.

I look to Tara, whose own gaze is staring at me sadly.

"I wish I could have kept you." She says. Then the tube is closed and I'm being raised into the Arena.

There's harsh sunlight, and heat. And a steep mountain with the promise of supplies between me and the top.

You are so much stronger than you know.


Julius Incandes, Age 29, Capitol

Master of Ceremonies


"Good morning Panem, and welcome to the start of the One-Hundred Fiftieth Annual Hunger Games!" I roar into the camera as I gesture to the blank screen behind me. "We have met our tributes, we have watched our tributes, and we have scored them and interviewed them. Today, many fates will be sealed, and a few fates shall seal them!" Behind the camera, a red sign begins to pulse with the word Arena. "And it's time!" I shout happily.

I turn toward the screen, Nero copying my action.

On screen is a steep mountain, the platforms forming a semi-circle around its perimeter half way up the slope. The Cornucopia stands on a flat plain at the very top, a peninsula surrounded by magma. The hot lava hisses as it flows down the sides of the volcano in all directions. The entire Arena is covered in volcanic rock and jungle, though the mountain itself hasn't a single plant or animal that can be seen. A single, massive river snakes its way through the Arena, with rapids that are a danger for near anybody to cross.

I am still examining the terrain when the red neon sign glows again, and we see the tributes start appearing out of their tubes. I look at the clock. Only five more minutes!

"And it looks like on the farthest left of our tribute platforms is Miss Willow Orchids from District Eleven. Oh, I do hope she does okay. Next to her we have Keola Foeba from Twelve. Poor girl, she's coughing in excitement! And here we have Tulle Salane, our sweet artist from Eight! Surely, Tulle will go far! Oh my, would you look at that!" I stop, watching Mason's gaze hone in on Tulle.

"It looks like Mr. Lepodolite from Two already has himself a target! Let's hope Tulle has a skill or two up her sleeve, eh? On Mason's other side is Infiniti Reagan from Three. She looks like she might just make a break for it, which simply couldn't be that fun in this Arena, could it? Oh, she could be in trouble! Jasper Blue from Four is on her other side! This can't end well for Three."

Nero speaks up as I take a sip of the drink I made sure I was provided. "To Blue's right stands Logan Woodson, the boy from Seven! If he plays this smart, he should make the top Eight. And there's our youngest competitor: Sparky Montgomery from Thirteen! Check out that look in his eyes, folks! Oh, and here's Denny Rico, from Ten. Denny may not be predicted to pass the Bloodbath, but I'm sure he'll try!" Denny stands there, steadying his breath.

Nero continues as the next tribute is lifted into what could be their final resting place. "And Devon Rose of District Five seems to be in luck, with two vests of throwing knives before her. Let's just hope that- Oh no! Cassia Maurise from Two is right next to her! I don't know about you, Julius, but I believe the rumors: Cassia is a knife thrower!"

I take that as him giving me the spotlight, and I take it, relieving his voice for a moment. "Oh, yes Nero, I'm certain they're true. Two almost always has a knife thrower, so Devon could be in serious trouble here! Now we have Malaya Garnet from One! People of Panem, nothing good can ever happen to the tributes next to two Careers. This could be catastrophic for Devon and… Thorn Ashburry of District Eleven! He's in the same boat as Five, but his youth could remove any potential targets."

I'm shaking in excitement after half the tributes have shown up. I can't wait for the Games to begin! "From District Twelve we have Soot Maloy, the boy who got "in" with the Careers. And next to him is his ally, Esmeralda Dawn! Another Career on the field, and a favorite at that. The ever-terrifying Thanatos Rize from Nine is to her right, calmly surveying the mountainside around him. And there she is! The once-missing daughter of the Victor of the One-hundred Thirty-seventh Hunger Games, Rebelle Rine!" I laugh with glee, until I'm gasping for breath. Nero continues for me.

"There's the ever-comedic superstar, Kenzi Williams from District Seven! Could our love for her give her the crown? We'll have to see! After Kenzi is Aran Quade from Six! I heard rumors buzzing through the studio talking about a secret alliance. I hope we figure out who it's with before it's too late! After Aran is sweet Harvest Miller from Nine. Her brother and mentor, Wheat, told us in an interview yesterday that she was just going to make a run for it, but she has her eyes on the yellow bag before her. Darius Line from Five appears ready to make a run for it! And there's the last of the Careers, Marcus Caelum! He has his eyes on the Cornucopia, seemingly eager to fight!"

"Cordin Bolt from Three is in a very unfortunate spot, as he'll have to run around the side of the Cornucopia to get in. Henry Reynoso is out of his element for sure. There surely isn't anything a tribute from Eight can have advantage over in an Arena like this. I can almost hear the crowds screaming as Cheyenne Bruno of District Ten comes on screen. I'm excited to see how she does, personally. And last but certainly not least, we have Jetta Carter from District Six! It seems Jetta has decided against the red backpack fifty meters up the slope, and is going to run away!"

We continue making remarks about each tribute, and their likelihood of survival, even as the countdown reaches 53 seconds.


Henry Reynoso, Age 14, District 8

District Eight Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


52

Running for supplies will be too dangerous.

51

I hope Jasper actually plans on meeting up.


Rebelle Rine, Age 13, District 13

District Thirteen Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


50

The only way out is to kill.

49

I'll take out Four, and get out.


Marcus Caelum, Age 17, District 1

District One Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


48

Lots of Victors Volunteered a bit early.

47

I hope there's a hammer in the Cornucopia.


Harvest Miller, Age 14, District 9

District Nine Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


46

Run away. I'll help you from there. He said.

45

I'll take your advice, Wheat. But I want that yellow bag!


Cheyenne Bruno, Age 13, District 10

District Ten Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


44

District Ten is always a bloodbath. The Careers told me.

43

The nearest threat is three pedestals to my left. I could grab that pack.


Denny Rico, Age 14, District 10

District Ten Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


42

We decided I'd help get supplies.

41

But I don't want to die.


Cassia Maurise, Age 18, District 2

District Two Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


40

This should be easy enough.

39

I will be Two's third Victor in a row.


Mason Lepodolite, Age 18, District 2

District Two Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


38

If my sister can take down three in the opening hours, so can I.

37

I've already found my first target.


Willow Orchids, Age 13, District 11

District Eleven Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


36

The girl from Twelve is looking hungrily at the red bag just up the mountain.

35

Sorry, sweetie, it's mine.


Cordin Bolt, Age 16, District 3

District Three Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


34

Stealing from the Careers is going to be hard to do here.

33

But running in is suicide.


Infiniti Reagan, Age 17, District 3

District Three Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


32

Thirty seconds to decide what to do.

31

Thirty seconds to decide my fate.


Darius Line, Age 17, District 5

District Five Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


30

The boy from One is between me and the lava.

29

As nice as it would be to push him in, I'm running.


Esmeralda Dawn, Age 18, District 4

District Four Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


28

The girl from Thirteen is glaring two pedestals to my right.

27

You wanna dance, girl? Let's dance.


Kenzi Williams, Age 16, District 7

District Seven Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


26

The river of lava to my left is too close for comfort.

25

I'm trapped on this wedge.


Tulle Salane, Age 15, District 8

District Eight Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


24

Why couldn't the lava have split Mason and I?

23

Papa, I don't wanna die.


Thorn Ashburry, Age 13, District 11

District Eleven Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


22

I was hoping the Arena would be a field.

21

Weapon and bag, Thorn.


Devon Rose, Age 17, District 5

District Five Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


20

I'm lucky to have been provided with throwing knives.

19

The question is, can I get out in time?


Logan Woodson, Age 16, District 7

District Seven Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


18

My nearest threat is across flowing lava.

17

I can probably grab the bag.


Thanatos Rize, Age 15, District 9

District Nine Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


16

I've had my plan prepared before I entered the Games.

15

Now I have to act on it.


Jetta Carter, Age 17, District 6

District Six Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


14

I'm really beginning to wish I hadn't given all my food away back in Six.

13

My immune system may kill me alone.


Soot Maloy, Age 13, District 12

District Twelve Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


12

I still can't believe I'm with the Careers!

11

I give a thumbs-up to Mera, who only grins back.


Aran Quade, Age 17, District 6

District Six Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


10

I can see Malaya from my vantage point.

9

I can also see a bag 20 meters from the Cornucopia.


Jasper Blue, Age 16, District 4

District Four Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


8

I really hope I made the right decision in an ally.

7

Get in, get out, Blue.


Sparky Montgomery, Age 12, District 13

District Thirteen Male, Sixth Quarter Quell


6

I am trapped on the wedge with the boys from Seven and Ten.

5

Ten is about to run. Therefore, I can get the bag next to the lava flow.


Keola Foeba, Age 13, District 12

District Twelve Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


4

I need to pull my own weight in this Alliance.

3

But the ash is making me cough too hard.


Malaya Garnet, Age 17, District 1

District One Female, Sixth Quarter Quell


2

Am I really ready for this? I wonder.

1

Let the Games begin.


So, there it is, the last moment before the Games! Woohoo!

You know, there are 403,291,461,126,605,635,584,000,000 different ways this could end, placing-wise.

A website placed the tributes in this order. I had nothing to do with it.

dreams and desperation: 158 (Cassia Lyra Maurise, District Two Female)

The Fangirl in Pink Jeans: 79 (Infiniti Reagan, District Three Female)

caitiebug007: 85 (Devon Cynthia Rose, District Five Female)

roses burning: 95 (Devon Cynthia Rose, District Five Female)

ElvenRangerRysel: 176 (Aran Quade, District Six Male)

JaymanRepublic: 95 (Logan Woodson, District Seven Male)

Clis2339: 123 (Henry Reynoso, District Eight Male)

Wolfie McCoy: 59 (Thanatos Rize, District Nine Male)

Mystical Pine Forest: 163 (Cheyenne Bruno, District Ten Female)

Jaybird8101: 130 (Rebelle Sunflower Rine, District Thirteen Female)

Alliances!

Queens and a Pawn (158 points): Marcus (1), Malaya (1), Mason (2), Cassia (2) (158, dreams and desperation), Esmeralda (4), and Soot (12).

Reluctance (72 points): Infiniti (3) (72, The Fangirl in Pink Jeans), and Kenzi (7).

Brains and Brawn (123 points): Blue (4), and Henry (8) (123, Clis2339).

Sacrificial Lambs (163 points): Denny (10), Cheyenne (10) (163, Mystical Pine Forest), and Keola (12).

Children of Amber: Thorn (11), and Willow (11).

Confusing/maybe Alliances!

Malaran (Araya?) (176 points): Malaya (1), Aran (6) (176, ElvenRangerRysel)

Loners!

Cordin (3)

Devon (5) (182) (85, catiebug007) (95, roses burning)

Darius (5)

Jetta (6)

Aran (6) (176) (176, ElvenRangerRysel)

Logan (7) (95) (95, JaymanRepublic)

Tulle (8)

Harvest (9)

Thanatos (9) (59) (59, Wolfie McCoy)

Rebelle (13) (130) (130, Jaybird8101)

Sparky (13)

Maybe Loners?

Aran (6) (176) (176, ElvenRangerRysel)

Questions!

Thoughts on my countdown setup?

Favorite POV?

WHAT THE THRACK IS GONNA HAPPEN PEOPLE?!

Who would you like to hear from in upcoming chapters?

What would you do when faced with an Arena like this?

Let the Games begin!

Lord Zagreus