Chapter 11

It's completely dark now. I can see by the bright moon shining down on us. I can see my breath curl like clouds in front of me. Cash, Shelby and I sit beneath a tree huddled together shielding ourselves from the chill of the cold air. Cash's hands are clasped together with mine and Shelby is leaning into his chest.

The seal of The Isle appears in the sky and a montage of the dead flashes across the sky. 18, 46, 47, 51, 69, 74, 81, 82, 88, 93, 94, 98, 103, 115, 118 and 119. I recognise 118 and 119 as the couple I killed. I look down at our grasped hands and the wave of guilt hits me again. Then I remember that they tried to kill me so really they asked for it. That's what I have to keep telling myself else I fear I'll go insane.

Before this ends and darkness returns Conrad Sanford's voice echoes around the arena.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I congratulate you on surviving the first two days. Now, we all know what time it is. It's time to announce the first vote off. So, the next person to leave the 93rd Annual Hunger Games is… Sector 14. Thank you for listening and goodnight."

As the seal disappears Cash mutters, "I hate the way they say that. It's so…barbaric."

"Hmm." I mutter in agreement, my beating heart slowing down to its normal pace. I knew it wouldn't be me but it is nerve wrecking nonetheless. My leg twitches and I get a burning pain inside my wound.

I get up, using the branches to help me.

"Where are you going?" asks Cash.

"On patrol,"

"Like that?"

"Yes. Is that a problem?" I snap.

"No," says Cash, remaining where he is. "I just think you need to rest."

"Look, the knife didn't get very deep. It was just a flesh wound. I'm fine, just a little twinge in my leg." I reassure him. I pick up my axe just as the first snowflakes begin to fall. "Stay warm." I say as I limp into the forest.

For a while I walk in a circle around our area. I don't see anyone thankfully; however the snow has gotten heavier and is now just above my feet. I keep moving trying to keep warm. My hands are red so I keep them in my pockets. My axe hangs from my belt. The strap on its handle clips open and closed so it's easy to get to if someone creeps up on me which would be quite easy in this weather because I can't see more than five meters in front of me. I get the feeling I'm being watch and spin to face nothing. I must be getting paranoid. But can you blame me?

I move back towards Cash and Shelby, deciding it's one of their turns to patrol. Then, thumping through the fog, a boy storms at me, rage – or anger – blazing in his eyes, sword raised high above his head. My first instinct is to scream. The sound startles him, and me, just long enough to distract him from his concentration. I lunge to the side just in time to see him tumble to the floor with force. Angry, the boy gets to his feet and we circle each other, weapons poised ready for the first move. I see his rigid breath circling the air around him.

For a second I swear I see fear flicker in his eyes. He shakes his head as if to shake off the cold night air to focus his mind. Deciding not to wait any longer I charge forward and swing my axe towards him, ignoring the pain shooting through my thigh. He meets my swing with his sword and the rebound echoes through my arm.

I drop my axe and keep my arm tightly to my chest as my arm starts to recover. The boy instantly swings his sword down with a swoosh. I roll and jump up, grabbing my axe. His sword hits the cold hard ground with a clang. Angrily he strides toward me, gripping the handle. I run and leap, swinging the axe above my head. I force it down with all my might and it lodges itself in his back. He drops the sword and falls to his knees. He blinks up at me, not dead, with an axe stuck in his back. Snow comes down heavily, his blood soaking it red. He slumps face down, he makes a suffocated gurgle and finally I hear the cannon. I look up to see the face of Sector 87.

The adrenaline high drowns and the nausea hits me. I stare down at my now bloody trouser leg. The gouge stings like mad. It looks infected. It smells infected. I look around, the snow blocking my view of anything. I don't know where I am. It's quiet and terrifying. My head is pounding. So is my heart.

The wind and snow whip against my face and body. Everything hurts and it's starting to wear me out. I set off for shelter. I know I have left Cash and Shelby but I'll find them later. Or not. They'd be safer without me; trouble always seems to find me.

The ground seems to spin beneath my feet as I trudge in an unknown direction. I give up. I'm too exhausted to carry on. I lean against a frosty tree and feel lumps up and down it. I trace my hand around each bump and realise I can use these to climb up to safety. Placing my feet carefully into the nooks I give all my energy to clambering up this tree. I can feel the fresh blood trickling down my leg. I find a large branch and decide to sit and tie myself in. I pull up my hood and tuck my hands in my pockets as I cry myself to sleep.