Holden Hayes, District 5
The anthem comes quicker than I expected. I take a look at the sky, wondering who remains.
First they project the girl from Eight. I feel guilt that I don't remember anything about her. I had hoped one of the Careers would have been in the sky, but luck hasn't been on my side recently.
She is followed by the girl from Eleven, the girl who's brother was murdered in front of her. I hope wherever they are they're together. I hope they are blessed with peace.
My heart drops at the thought of fighting the pair from Four. From what I remember, both are deadly with most weapons. And they're smart, not like some of the others. They won't make the fight easy.
The sun rises quicker than it should. The Gamemakers must be eager for a fight.
I gather my things and take a look around the forest. The rain has finally subsided, leaving a light fog to cover the forest. I slowly walk in no particular direction, hoping to warm up before I come across a threat.
The trees settle behind me and I come across the field the cornucopia used to lie in. The metal structure never reappeared after the feast. Nothing remains except the indentation of the grass marking the outline of the structure.
I see movement to my left and immediately crouch down, hoping the grass helps conceal me. The boy from Four reveals himself, his eyes fixated in my direction. I grip my dagger tightly and dodge his first trident throw. He pulls out a machete and runs at me. I duck under his first swing and stab my dagger in his hamstring. He swears, kicking me with his uninjured leg. He stabs the machete down on my stomach. Pain takes over my body and the metallic taste of blood fills my mouth and nose.
He pulls the dagger out of his leg and as he is about to bring it down on me, the sound of branches breaking makes him turn around. His district partner throws her sword at him, barely missing him. He pulls his machete out of me, dropping my dagger, and weakness takes over. I can't fight, let alone move. All I want is the pain to end.
Neptune Kingsman, District 4
The cannon doesn't fire, but the boy is too injured to move. I want to put him out of his misery, but I can't keep my eyes off of her. I try to ignore my pain in my leg as I face my competitor. Callista, who has always been my biggest competitor. Callista, who has the upper hand. If I can keep a weapon away from her, I can defeat her.
I pick up her sword and swing it at her. She dodges and picks up the boy's dagger. She can't get close to me, so we stand facing each other, waiting for the other to make the first move.
The cannon of the dead boy distracts her for just a brief second, long enough for me to get a good swing at her face. I get a deep cut on her cheek and blood immediately starts flowing. Anger takes a hold and she throws the dagger at me, hitting my shoulder. I fall to one knee and she manages to get behind me, kicking me to the floor. I manage to get on my back and hold the sword up as protection. She makes the mistake of grabbing the blade. I push it deep into her skin, causing her to scream. She pulls her hands back and I see both her hands are covered in blood. She punches my face and I use my good leg to kick her off me. I manage to get on top of her, worn out from the injuries, the days in the arena, the stress that has taken its toll on my body. As I go to stab her, I feel an awful pain in my temple. She hit me in the head with a rock. My vision goes blurry and I lose track of the sword. I find it only when it enters my back. I collapse on the ground next to the boy from Five, joining Majesty in death.
Callista Beaufort, District 4
I fall to my knees, the tears flowing out of my eyes as Neptune's cannon fires. Emotions control my body, affected by pain I've never felt before. Blood blinds one eyes and the fear of losing my hands makes me start hyperventilating. They said being crowned victor would be a good feeling…a feeling of relief, of joy. Instead all I feel is pain and sadness.
The hovercraft comes to take me away from what will haunt my nightmares for the years to come.
I fade in and out of consciousness as the doctors work on my face and my hands. I don't fight them, I don't have the energy too. I lost the energy to do anything.
Hours pass before I regain enough willpower to sit up.
I see my mentor enter the room, a proud yet sad look upon her face. She hugs me.
"You did good." She whispers. The tears start up again and she holds me tighter.
This is it. This is what my life will be like, from now until the end of time.
A fight, it was. Congratulations to Callista, victor of the 101st Hunger Games!
Holden-You and Layla were my favorite pair together, had you not had to fight two Careers I think you could have done it. Rest in peace, my man.
Neptune-Deciding between you and Callista was extremely hard. You were so kind and such a fighter.
There will be a recap chapter after this, but I just wanted to thank every single person who read and reviewed this story. I'm excited to start on the next one!