Countdown
Dillion Ricci, 18, District 2
My jaw clenched as I glanced at the clock- 5 minutes left. 5 minutes until it began. From the way my heart beat in frantic anticipation and excitement, I had a sinking feeling that the waiting was worse part of it all. I was ready.
The Capitol had all dressed us in our '9th Annual Hunger Games' clothing- a deep navy blue nylon tracksuit with our names and districts in gold embroidery across the back of the light jackets we had been given. In the past years, tribute outfits had never included jackets and I couldn't help but wonder if the jacket had been given for a reason- either to help us or throw us off.
If we were about to be thrown into a hot climate of any sorts, we'd be thrown off guard seeing as we'd be expecting a cooler climate- it would the perfect trick and would make for an interesting bloodbath. Or perhaps I was overthinking it all and the Capitol just wanted some more easy merchandise to sell. I assumed that the latter of my two thoughts were correct seeing as how after the last games, everyone wanted Sirco Till's glasses. The games were just one part business, one part entertainment, one part a reminder.
Going into the Bloodbath, I knew I had an advantage- one of the first to have formal training for the games and proceed to volunteer. My mentor, Claudius, was the first volunteer but had volunteered without any formal training. Even within the other upper districts, few chose to train like us- they preferred to not tamper with their fates.
My parents had me when they were young- 18 and 19 years old to be exact and didn't come from the wealthiest of backgrounds, despite being able to make ends meet without much struggle. I had already decided they wouldn't be joining my brothers and I in Victor's Village when I won.
When the Academy was first established, my parents automatically enrolled my younger twin brothers and I into the Academy, in hopes of gaining a son as a Victor, as they so selflessly thought that it would be just splendid for them to live the rest of their lives in luxury.
It was so easy for the both of them to put on the facade that they cared about my brothers and I public, but only the three of us knew it was a farce. As I chanced another look at the countdown clock, it felt as if time couldn't move any slower. Barely a minute had passed and I could feel the excited energy begin to fade away only to be replaced by sheer determination.
I had gone over my Bloodbath strategy multiple times with Claudius- one of the perks of having my own, personal mentor. I would do what I did best- rack up a kill count, and show the Capitol exactly who I was and unlike the boy from 4, I didn't plan on playing dirty- torturing the other tributes. I just wanted simple, clean kills that would get the job done.
As I leaned against the tube that I knew would be carrying me up into the arena, I heard the sound of a knock before the door opened and in walked Claudius.
"Celia's with Brigid," he informed me, as he took a seat on the opposite side of the room, "so I figured I'd pay you a visit. Besides, your irritating escort, Berrick insisted I wish the both of you a quick good luck, as if it'll change anything in that arena..." he muttered off.
"Thanks," I responded, flatly, knowing that neither of us were fans of these pleasantries. I could appreciate that politeness wasn't necessary between us.
Claudius gave me a quick nod before looking at his own watch, then back to the large countdown clock on the wall, making an apparent adjustment on his watch to match.
"Any last questions?" he inquired not bothering to look up from his watch and he continued to fiddle with it.
I shrugged, "No. I'm good...just tired of waiting."
"Well, boy, you better enjoy you last few moments of promised life before you lose all sense of certainty," he responded, "don't be in such a rush. That'll get you killed in that arena."
I sighed, knowing he was right, but I couldn't help it. I was just ready.
Winston Grainelle, 12, District 9
"How are you doing?" My mentor, Reyna asked me as she hurried into the holding room, "Sorry, I know came later than expected. President Clarith had me entertaining one of her friends and I wanted to make sure I checked in with Khara, as well..." she trailed off apologetically.
"I'm alright," I responded with a trace of a smile on my face. I didn't know if 'alright' were the right words to describe my feelings but it seemed to be the right choice for the moment.
I noted the smudges of makeup on her cheeks and certain sadness in her eyes. I supposed that it could be because she was sending Khara and I into the arena but I had a feeling it had more to do with President Clarith's agenda, than anything else. It didn't take a genius to figure out what was going on in the Capitol and I truly felt bad for Reyna. She was only 16, the same age as Khara and already responsible for so much.
"Is there anything you would like me to do?" Reyna asked me as she took as seat next to me a wrapped a comforting arm around my shoulder.
I thought for a moment, "When you get back to district 9, if I'm not there, just make sure my sister's okay and tell her that I love her."
I could see the tears brimming at her eyes as she responded, "I promise you I'll do that Winston, but don't give up hope yet. Okay? I want you to promise me you'll try. I know you're young, but I was young too when I won. I was 13, not much older than you, so I know you can do it."
"Thanks, Rey," I grinned laughing lightly as I thought about my sister, she had practically raised me my entire life seeing as my parents had drug issues. After the rebellion failed, my parents who were fighters turned to morphine as their escape from district 9's poverty so my sister and I were left to fend for ourselves. Things were far from perfect at our house but I figured my life could be worse.
I was lucky to have amazing friends back home and a sibling who never abandoned me even in our darkest of days.
"So, do you have any guesses for the arena?" Reyna asked me, her mood apparently lighter, as well.
I smiled sheepishly, as the both of knew I wasn't exactly the best at guessing, especially because my memory didn't allow me to remember too many of the other arenas, "I think that would be a better question for Khara, she's good at this kind of stuff. Personally, I hope it's just a giant wheat field like the ones back home," I joked, knowing that a giant wheat field would make for very boring games.
Reyna looked as if she was about to respond both both our eyes were instantly drawn to the tube as it finally clicked open.
"Tributes, please enter your boarding tubes now, there are now 45 seconds until the games begin. Mentors, please exit the training room at this moment." the same female voice from the training room announced over the speaker, her voice ringing loud and clear.
"Well, looks like that my cue to leave," Reyna said with a small smile, giving me a quick hug as one of the room's guards helped her out of the room while the other motioned for me to enter the tube. "Do your best and don't worry about anything else. You have solid allies and you're quick on your feet."
"Good luck, Win! I believe in you." Reyna called out as she was rushed out of the room, giving me one final wave as I watched the last hint of her long blonde hair disappear behind the door she had entered just moments ago.
I felt my heart drop to the floor as I slowly entered the tube, as instructed, swallowing deeply- 10 seconds left.
The time seemed to be flying as my heart rate sped up and I felt my adrenaline begin to kick in. The guard closed the door from other side and I did my best to control my breathing.
5 seconds left.
4 seconds left.
3 seconds left.
2 seconds left.
1 second left.
"Am I going to die?" I whispered to myself, fearfully as the clock flashed 0.
And then all the lights disappeared.
a/n: Omg! I did it! I got through all the POV's! *Mini dance party* But anyways, next chapter is Arena Reveal and I hope you guys like what I have planned. I just wanted to say, thank you all for all the incredible support, it means so so so much to me. Also, along with the Arena Reveal next chapter will have a little recap so you'll be reminded of all the tributes, I'm not sure how I'm going to do it yet, but I'll make sure that everyone gets a quick refresher! Also, sorry this took longer than I thought. I did my best to get it out as quickly as I could so there might be some errors. Don't mind them XD!
1. What did you think of Dillon?
2. What did you think of Winston?
3. Who will you be rooting for in the games? (Basically, any favorites, other than your own?)
Thanks for sticking with me this far! - Cass