Chapter five
Let the games begin
AN: Hello peeps, I'm back with another chapter for The 107th Games: fire and ice. Guess, who I want to thank? I want to thank Over the Weather, atlaluver, JamesProngsLover, alexa-heart and zutara4ever35 for reviewing my story. Now, it's time for new review responses,
Over The weather: Zuko's scar in this story isn't much of a sensitive subject to him. When he was learning how to cook from his mother when he was small he got his face too close to the fire and accidentally burned half of his face. He barely remembers what happened only remembering, barely from joking stories from his father. You want me to stray away from the original story? Good idea but I have to see with the other readers if they want this change to go into this story so, yeah, Readers, do you want me to stray from the original story? Or do you want me to stick with it? Vote, with a review, you can even send anonymous reviews! But for now I'm sticking with the original.
atlaluver: Thanks! You're so sweet!
Zutara4ever35: Hmmm, I never thought of Teo as the kid from district ten, I'll try to change that. Haru as Cato, as unbelievable as it sounds I was being incredibly random by adding OC's and some Avatar Characters as the other tributes. Again, same thing with what I said about changing the way the story is going, I have to check with other readers to see if this is okay. I'm going to say something that's going to be cryptically a spoiler: Azula is going to be Zuko and Katara's problem in the games so it's slightly different. I added the fourth male tribute to chapter four if you wanted to know. Another thing, as much as it pains me to say, yes Sokka is going to die that's why you can vote on who lives throughout the games and who dies in the bloodbath and all that stuff. If you want Sokka to live to the time when there's only lets say four people left, you have to vote, or I'm going to decide Sokka's, or any other tribute's fate myself. So yeah vote on it! Should Sokka live near the end?
Alexa-heart: Thanks! (Laughs)
So yeah, I'm going to try to clear up misunderstandings, and maybe make some itsy bitsy changes to the story since it has a twist of it's own. But lets say, big changes to the story have to be voted on, and little changes I can decide for myself, like who the bad guy's gonna be. If you saw the now updated tribute list and saw a familiar bad guy name, you can guess who it's going to be. Sorry for the corny-cheesiness of the fourth chapter chemistry…. I can't captivate an audience… so I will not win the hunger games… :P
So now! On to the story!
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Zuko POV (third person for now)
He was ten when he saw it, ten, and hoping that when he becomes eligible he'll never get picked into the games. They were all sitting around on the couch or on the floor watching the T.V tensely. The camera was trained on a girl from district five. She had stormy grayish, brownish eyes and a long brown braid that streamed down her back; she did impressive flips and twirls and knows how to knock people down just by poking them. She was sweet during the interviews and nicer than any district five tributes in history. That probably was the first time Zuko fell in love. He'd watch the district five tribute dreamily sighing every time she poked her opponents; she was twelve at the time. Every time she poked her opponents a short time later they would die from the hands of another tribute. Zuko always thought throughout those weeks that she was going to be the victor of the 101st Hunger Games. But no, while she was sitting letting her guard down and creating an impressively discreet fire an arrow shot out driving itself into her stomach. That first shriek of pain, pained Zuko, he didn't want to see someone so nice, so innocent die in these brutal games. She tugged out the arrow and realized too late that the arrow was tipped with poison and barbed to rip out whatever it penetrated. So when she tugged it out, it had pieces of skin and gut skewered in the barbs, she was crying and sobbing hysterically in pain, blood poured out of the wound and she was reduced to whimpers. Emerging from the trees, was a girl with a messy bun, some of her hair fell in front of her face. She had golden brown eyes that filled with bloodlust, she was the girl from district three who was sixteen years old, and her name was Ora. Of course she was no victor, Ora but she did last. The girl from five, Wan Lee was killed by Ora, the bloodthirsty Ora who would do anything to win these games. Ora was laughing when Wan Lee died, saying that she was 'too weak' to win. Zuko swore that no one in his family will get picked for the games and encounter someone so similar. Who knew how wrong he would be when his swear was broken…
Zuko's eyes flashed open and he abruptly sat up a silent dread suddenly stabbing through him. His hands met coolness on the sheets and he was panting heavily, he soiled the dark brown silk sheets with sweat. Zuko waited until he regained his proper breathing and he looked around. It was still night and he was quite tired but still, Zuko stood up tugging the sheets off the bed and replacing them with clean ones. He pulled off his pajama shirt, grabbed a towel and dried the sweat off of his neck and chest. The door creaked, peeking out from behind it was Katara who was in a blue and golden silk gown, "Uh, hey Zuko I heard you get up and I decided to visit,"
It was an awkward scene for both of them. Zuko, shirtless rubbing a towel across his neck and chest, and Katara, in a gown with her shoulders only covered with spaghetti straps.
"Do you mind if I sit?" She asked coming in and standing in front of Zuko.
"No," Zuko said, he noticed that Katara's hair was down and long some of it, fell in front of her face, to him the hair that fell in front of her face was the hair that gave her the hair loops.
"Thanks," She said and she sat next to Zuko seeing that his face and hair were covered in sweat, Zuko shifted uncomfortably as those eyes pierced his own. Katara frowned, "You're much too sweaty, to be drying yourself off like that,"
Zuko POV (back to first person)
Her hand pressed against my forehead,
"You're burning up," She moved her hands in an intricate manner and I felt water lift off my scalp, out of my hair. I felt water lift off my still sweaty neck, and chest. She was now holding a floating bubble of water. I was dry now, her hand once again pressed against my forehead and she said, "You're still burning,"
My stomach began to ache, it began to clench and unclench uncertainly she brought some water and began to heal me trying to massage the fever out of me. I then bowed my head and I felt saliva slowly ooze out of my mouth and I stood up.
"Where are you going?" Katara asked. I didn't answer I walked over to the bathroom with Katara following me, and I threw up into the toilet. She gasped and went by my side, rubbing my back comfortingly. I didn't stop throwing up until all the contents from my stomach were empty.
"Nervous," I muttered dimly, "I'm sorta nervous," I wiped my mouth and walked over to the sink. I turned on the tap; I was faintly fascinated at plumbing and hoped somehow, back at the Seam we could build a plumbing system.
"About tomorrow?" Katara asked softly.
"Yeah," I answered and I felt my stomach clench again and I felt some acidic substance go up my throat. I turned to the toilet and threw up again. That night was horrible, I guess I could not be blamed, I can die at any moment tomorrow I think I had in every right to go through my weak moments I mean everyone who had to endure these games had to go through their weak moments even if they look strong or say they're strong. I bet even the girl from district three, Azula is her name? Even she has to go through weak moments there is a matter of time before I try to filter out her strengths and weaknesses.
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When morning finally came, I was ready to dunk my face into a bucket of icy cold water. I went down to breakfast and ate as much as I could though Katara, who stayed with me that night limited the amount of food I could eat in fear I would barf again. I was distantly glad she cared about me like that. The last thing I ate was a potato Katara requested for me, it wasn't poisoned or bad tasting either, and in fact my queasy stomach stopped acting like a total jerk to me and began to calm down. We were led to the hovercraft which contained two long rows of seats with our district label on them, for example mine was 'DISTRICT: TWELVE, MALE' I sat in my appropriate seat and I waited calmly for what was going to happen. I spotted a girl who I thought was Wan Lee, the girl from the 101st Hunger Games with stormy gray eyes, and a long braid, she even belonged to district five. I spotted another girl, who looked like Ora, the one who killed Wan Lee in the 101st Hunger Games; Azula, she now that I saw her she looked like one to be feared, she had bloodlust filled in those golden brown eyes, and black hair in that déjà vu messy bun with hair falling in her eyes. I was figuring that these two look alike were relatives of Ora and Wan Lee. I saw Michel sit in his labeled seat his eyes filled with something like fear, or determination. I noticed that he was very small for his age and gender, at twelve I figured him to be slightly taller and have more muscle I think it's normal since he's the farming district. No, he had regular muscles of a regular child. The girl tribute from eleven was called Lily because she represented purity of the mind and soul. She had a lot more muscle than Michel and seemed to have a lot more physical advantages than Michel, but he got a ten…how the heck did he earn it? I was pulled out of my thoughts when a peacekeeper lady took my wrist and inserted a syringe into my wrist. I had no idea what happened and then it hit me…. tracking devices… These tracked the vitals of each tribute and when they died… the cannon. I felt distantly sick at the new thought. After everyone's tracking devices are in place I was led to an empty room with a desk and a seat. Portia was there, smiling grandly at me, I went into my pocket and my fingers grazed the phoenix pin, I pulled it out and pinned it to my shirt. Portia helped me into a thin jacket and she spotted the phoenix pin,
"Very nice," Portia whispered, "never take it off, keep it with you at all times, good luck Zuko," She pressed her forehead against mine and I sighed
"Thanks," I muttered. I was led off to a cylinder and I stepped in without complaint, without rebellion. The door to the cylinder closed and I felt darkness close in, I stood there panting heavily my brain in overdrive, I was scrambling to get ready to run like twenty three other people are after me, and will be willing to kill me…which is going to happen. Then a plate pushed me up to open air I stood there in the cylinder seeing the tributes ready to fly like the wind. Ahead of me was the cornucopia glinting in the sunlight, filled with weapons, and packs, and… a silver bow and arrow! My eyes trained on the silver bow and arrow ready to run fast to it. I barely heard them countdown it felt as if I was pressing my face against the glass of cylinder ready to launch out like some bloodthirsty idiot.
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"…. Let the 107th Hunger Games begin!" The cylinders opened and I didn't think, I acted; I zipped fast down the clearing to the cornucopia. I saw the other coming to the cornucopia just as fast; I grabbed the first pack I saw and the bow and arrow, running fast. Something flew past my face and grazed my cheek. I spun around and saw Ora's relative, who I believe is called Azula grinning madly at me. I said nothing I just turned and ran in the direction of the forest as fast as I could. I didn't stop running until the sounds of war and fighting were now dead to my ears. When I did stop I slumped to my knees and sat on the ground pulling my pack in front of me, I was moderately lucky I had a pot for water, iodine, a sleeping bag, strips of beef and crackers, and a vest full of an array of knives. I was guessing that this was supposed to be for some girl from district one…but I didn't exactly care. I pulled on the vest under my jacket and smiled, "At least it's good for hunting or something," I muttered to myself. When I managed to regain myself I turned and began to climb a tree to sleep in, I set up camp up there…sort of. I took some vines that were twisted up there and cut some branches and made a rather sturdy platform. I stretched my sleeping bag out and lay on top of it. I took my bow and arrow and held it close to my chest, watching…. waiting… I knew very well I could fry people below to human nuggets but I considered myself smart not to if it's a fight the capitol wants, it's a fight they'll have. Night fell and I realized that four died tonight, the boy from district four, the girl from ten, the girl from one, and the boy from nine. The anthem blared and when it ended I fell into a fitful sleep.
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The next morning I took into consideration that I was going to have to find water, I jumped from the tree I felt a sharp pain and something wet was streaming down my neck. I turned around and saw the girl from three, Azula, the girl from five, and the girl from seven standing around me.
"What now then?" I chuckled my hand pressed against my ear and something warm was gushing from it. "Now," Azula laughed, "we kill you," the girl from five flipped forward and I recognized her, not as Wan Lee, but Ty Lee, Wan Lee's cousin. She punched near my shoulder and I ducked, I backed off and I felt something cool graze my shoulder. The boring girl from seven- Mai was throwing knives with precision and accuracy. I fumbled with my bow and arrow and pointed it at Mai, she did look pretty she also looked like some assassin, calm, cool, collected. I knew I had to get rid of her first, I could shoot them all in the neck if I wanted to, the three can all die at once. It seemed as if I was soft on them, Ty Lee jumped at me and sort of punched my elbow. I felt them arm slump and I clung onto my silver weapons. Ty Lee was near and smiling,
"You're cute," She said jubilantly. I staggered backwards and ran from the scene about three knives flew in my direction. The fourth knife sort of flew through my fingers; it felt like it was flying in slow motion. I grabbed it when I felt the hilt and saw some of the serrated edge, smeared with blood. I took the knife into my other hand and saw that there were two bleeding lines on my palm. I hastily wiped my hand on my pants and sprinted as far as I could carry myself. When it felt like to me that the trio whom I predict aren't careers, were a fine distance from me I sat on tree roots and saw that the lines were still bleeding. I rolled my eyes to myself, thinking, if only Katara was with you she would heal these stupid cuts. In my wandering mind somewhere I had a floating thought of being her ally, I can help her and she can help me. We can change the fact that fire and ice are rival elements. I sighed and took a cracker and nibbled on it, a lot has happened so far and I still didn't find water. So I stood up hoisted my backpack up and walked forward having no sense of direction whatsoever. Hours past and the feeling of thirst crept into my mouth and throat. I just didn't stop walking, it felt like the idea of finding water, left me, yet it was a goal at the same time. I, several times went into my pack assuming water was there. I shook my head and realized that I wasn't sweating… that's a problem. I needed to find water, the hot sun was supposed to make me sweat but I realized that my skin was dry and moderately brittle. Around, of what I assumed was the afternoon, it was painful to swallow and I couldn't walk any faster than my two miles an hour. My neck was stiff and sticky and when I scratched that part of neck my nails were encrusted with blood. After another hour my throat was burning as if I sprinkled hot spices into my own mouth. The temperature was raised several notches. I tried to wipe my mouth and realized that it was impossible. Every time I wiped my lips it took a second slower to realize they were bone dry. I wanted to sit down, but I couldn't in fear I wouldn't get back up. I'm figuring that I still don't have sponsors, maybe I do I just haven't shown any reason to need them. Then it hit me, water! Maybe Peeta can send me water! Just a pint, yes it's pricey but it would strengthen me to find my own water. I looked up and saw no clouds, I'm probably miles from the lake, so yes, water from sponsors is a good option. I look to the sky and say as loud as I could, "Water," there was a silence and again I said, "Water,"
Somehow Peeta is holding the sponsors back from giving me water. I felt some sense of déjà vu again, Haymitch held back sponsors for Katniss when she wanted water. I heard that she called for water and they didn't give it to her because she was near it. I took a deep breath through my nose, because my throat was still burning and I sprinted fast into the direction I was going then my feet sank into something cool and dirt like. I stopped to realize that I was at the source of water. That was mud and the scent of lilies were in the air, I saw reeds and plants around it: A pond. I sprinted forward and stopped sighed deeply and realizing my downfall, you have to wait for it to purify when you get it. I took out my pot and the water bottle, which I found in another pocket and the pond water rushed inside the pot. I lifted it and dropped two drops of iodine into the water. I could easily boil it but I couldn't risk the capitol's reaction. I waited for what felt like an hour when I drank it. It was the sweetest thing I have ever tasted, it felt like a hundred fires in my throat were put out. I could've sworn I heard the laugh of the Gamemakers and I realized steam was flying through my teeth. I let my own laugh ring out but I stopped when I heard my laugh sound bitter and high-pitched: mad. I spent two hours just slowly drinking water, until my supply was replenished. I filled a small water sack I found along the way from walking and put a few drops of iodine in it. Afterwards I stood up getting my things together and kept on walking.
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The scent of smoke filled the air and I momentarily thought I accidentally fire bended in front of all of Panem. Then I turned to find the scent of smoke and saw a large wall of fire come right at me.
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End of chapter five.
Eh, it's a little weak in um transition from the capitol into the arena and I told you I would give the story a bit of a changeable twist! I changed chapter four a bit so I advise you to check it out. Sorry it was a long time since I updated I was writing drafts and excerpts on other chapters. I also had a bit of writer's block on this particular chapter.
Updated list of tributes:
District one Male: George Mein
District two male: Haru
District two female: Heather
District three female: Azula! Nonbender
District three male: Ran (from the beach)
District four female: Suki
District five male: Sokka (believe it or not in here Sokka is not Katara's brother sorry… :/)
District five female: Ty Lee
District six male: Leven
District six female: Toph
District seven female: Mai
District seven male: Kid! Zhao (Admiral Zhao as a kid -_-)
District eight female: Jin
District eight male: Kid Pakku
District nine female: Faynora
District ten male: Teo
District eleven female: Lily
District eleven male: Michel
District twelve female: Katara Hamasaki
District twelve male: Zuko Takenaka