Injections part 2!


The 2nd day,

From District 6:

Girl – Tamora Pierce. Incredibly loud and hyperactive. Loves to sing or hum to herself, much to the annoyance of the other kids.

Boy – Meteor Cavalier. Shows great resemblance to Maver, though they are not related by blood. Counted as a Career for his skills of handling a knife.

"URGH! ZEUS! SHUT THE GIRL UP!"

Zeus gladly did by gagging her up. "Well that's a relief," Hazard sighed. "Since she's so loud, inject her with the Sonance Serum. She'll be able to distract her opponents with her annoying screeching, thus giving her an opening to kill them. Well, that's that. Take her away once you've injected her."

"Hey! This boy looks just like our Sightless Predator! Now, what should we do with him?"

Hazard pondered for a while before his face lit up, "Ah! That acid serum! What was it again? Right, Serum 178. Immune to acid. Gives you the ability to use this blade, deary." Hazard took out a box and opened it. Inside was a glowing green dagger. "Dipped in the blood of the Hydra, corrodes anything that touches it. It'll be yours soon, boy, along with several other blades."

From District 7:

Girl – Johanna Brahms. A happy-go-lucky girl much liked by everyone. Loves to listen to music, but doesn't like to sing along.

Boy – Ace Cahill. Leave him alone, and he'll leave you alone. Might not look like much, but he has certain tricks up his sleeves.

"Girl, can you throw axes around?"

Johanna timidly answered, "Well, I guess I could. But my axe wouldn't lodge into the tree trunk."

"Well then, this serum is simply perfect for you! Serum Axe-Controller. If the name isn't obvious enough, it makes you be able to, how do we say this, connect, with the axe. Of course, the axe is no ordinary axe. It's got a device implanted in it which responds to the serum and… you know what, you won't be able to understand anyway. So let's say there's this huge 100 year old tree with a huge trunk. You just throw your axe, and command it to chop the tree down with one fell swoop. You'll be surprised that the tree would come toppling down."

"Of course, you're going to need some practice. There's an artificial forest we build not far from here. You can start from there."

"What do you think of reading minds, boy? And I don't mean simply reading body language and all that. I mean the real deal. Ability to know your opponents' next move. If you know their moves, it would be a cinch for you to dodge them, find an opening, and kill them."

"Well, it's pretty sweet I guess.." Ace mumbled, unsure.

"You would know their weaknesses, their vulnerabilities. Serum 50 lets you do all this, and you may thank your lucky stars I'm giving it to you. Since you've got the basic knowledge of using a knife, you'll be quite a contender, yes you will…"

From District 8:

Girl – Savannah White. A fair-skinned girl that comes from a Chinese background. Has a 'little' crush on Drake (introduced later on).

Boy - Felix Vader. Tallest one amongst the 26. Is hesitant, and his movements are awkward and stiff, the exact opposite of how Devious maneuvers her way.

"What would you rather pick, a crossbow or a traditional bow and arrow?" Hazard questioned Savannah.

"Well, I think I would go for the bow and arrow."

"Do you think you'll be able to use this baby then?" Hazard held up a magnificent crimson-coloured bow with black swirling patterns decorating its surface. He handed it to Savannah, who lifted it up to admire the exquisite balance, the elegant design and the curve of the limbs that somehow suggests the wings of a bird extended in flight. The arrows were no less remarkable. There was a variety of them –razor sharp, incendiary, explosive- which turns the bow into a multipurpose weapon. Each one is recognizable by a distinctive coloured shaft.

"It's.. it's beautiful," Savannah whispered.

"It's alive. And it has decided that it likes you."

Savannah could only smile.

"You need quick reflexes for this. You won't have time to think of what type of arrow to choose in the arena. You need to know exactly how to position yourself to apply the maximum potential of each arrow in a split second. Dealing with the different types of arrows are also confusing, for example, the explosive one detonates 5 seconds after you fire, so speed is essential. Not to mention that for the bow to work and ensure maximum accuracy (it is 'alive' after all) , I'd need to connect it to your brain so that it can feed energy off you. So that is why, Serum 12 will do you good. It strengthens your brain cells, quickening your reflexes. It also increases your endurance and energy level, so you won't tire out easily because of the bow."

Savannah scrunched up her eyebrows. "But why would I need the bow anyway?"

Hazard grinned like a madman, "Why, to kill the other kids of course dear girl!"

After Savannah was escorted back to the room, Felix was brought in.

Hazard seemed distressed. "What should I do with this boy?!"

Athena, a blonde woman with stormy, grey eyes residing behind her thick glasses, tapped her chin. "Maybe you could try Serum 99. A slight alteration of his DNA, so that his eyes work all funny."

"Brilliant Athena! I do not appreciate the comment about his eyes working funny though. Don't listen to her boy. You'll be able to do all sorts of amazing things! For example, night vision and shooting lasers out of the eyes. Nothing will escape you too. No one, not even those best at hiding, or those best at camouflaging, will be able to escape you once he/she passes your field of vision."

Felix's mouth gaped open. A minute later, he asked, incredulous, "I get laser-eyes?!"

From District 9:

Girl – Vanellope Castellan. A stone-hearted girl who lives in a ' I, me and myself' world. She's happy as long as she gets what she wants, not caring that she might be hurting others in the process.

Boy – Eric Valdez. There's only one thing he loves best. Food. You should see him roar (literally) when someone takes his shares away. That's why he's faring quite good, though he isn't part of the careers.

"I believe in the power of words. Do you, little miss?"

Vanellope stayed silent, staring daggers at Hazard. If looks could kill…

"Imagine that every time you open your mouth, words as sharp as knives would come out. They would target an individual's insecurities, letting their deepest, darkest secrets out of the bag. You have the ability to distress them, crush away their sanity, within a few sentences. Once they're broken, you simply take out your knife, and show them mercy, by slitting their throats, freeing them of their misery."

Vanellope remained indifferent. "You mean kill them right?"

"No, girl. Call it the freeing of their souls. Now, give me your arm, so I can inject you with Serum 35…"

"ZEUS! WHY THE HELL IS HE MUNCHING ON… WHATEVER THAT IS HE'S MUNCHING ON?! THERE'S A STRICT NO-FOOD POLICY HERE!"

Zeus answered sheepishly, "He roared at me when I tried taking his food away."

Hazard took a deep breath, calming himself. In an eerily calm voice, he answered, "Would you rather him roaring at you, or me raining down my wrath at you?"

Zeus gulped and snatched Eric's food away. He was awarded with a roar from the greedy boy. Zeus rolled his eyes and punched him to shut him up. Eric yowled loudly.

"That punch hurt didn't it? What if I tell you I can make you not feel any pain? A spear might be piercing your stomach right now and you'll still be up and about, eating, not feeling a single prick, until of course you drop dead due to loss of blood."

Without hesitation, Eric said suavely, "Bleh. That's impossible."

"NO! that's where you're wrong my dear obese friend. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Especially not when I'm around. Serum 199 boy! It'll make you immune to pain. Whether it's emotional pain, physical pain, or whatever. You won't be affected."

"Hey, that's pretty awesome!"

"Here's the catch though. You don't know when you're gonna die. You might be bleeding to death, or bitten by something poisonous and should be feeling lightheaded, but no, you feel nothing. That means you can just drop dead at any given time. You're also not invincible young man, you can be killed if someone beheads you. So don't go thinking you're Superman."

Eric was silent for a while. Then, he looked up, stretched, and said matter-of-factly, "Well, at least I've got Superman's looks."

From District 10:

Girl – Cyan Wilder. Has a peculiar hobby of throwing cards and picking locks. Also has a thing for scythes.

Boy - Asdf Qwerty. The nameless boy who always keeps to himself. No one know anything about him, except that he came from District 10.

"Do you know who the Grim Reaper is, girl?"

"The guy that collects people's souls… I think."

"Would you like to be one?"

Cyan's eyes brightened at this. "Well, I also heard that he uses a scythe, so, why not?"

"Perfect! You have been chosen to wield this magnificent death scythe deary!"

It was indeed magnificent. Raven-black and gleaming, polished so perfectly. Cyan could barely tear her eyes away from it. "There's a special serum that matches your scythe too! Serum 23, otherwise known as Master of the Weapons. With this, you'll be able to communicate to your scythe, and it to you. Your scythe might also react on it's own, to let's say, protect you from incoming weapons behind you. "

"You can also control other weapons, but only those made out of metal. When someone is trying to skewer you with a sword, you can command it to stop or command it to reduce itself to millions of tiny fragments. But of course, a strong mind is needed for you to control weapons that are not rightfully yours. You only have complete control of your scythe. With the kind of power you have now, you are only capable of controlling the operations of your scythe and one foreign weapon. You would instantly be at a disadvantage if you're faced with multiple foreign weapons such as throwing knives. So I advise you to train girl, and be smart."

"Seriously, your name is Asdf?! Who the hell named you?! But whatever. Hmmm… Asdf Qwerty.. that would be Serum 31 for you! Ditch your jacket, your heater, your fire. You won't need them anymore. You will be immune to cold. I've got a special weapon for you too. The frost blaster. Shoots enough frost and ice to freeze a mammoth per use. Kills them instantly. Pretty awesome, eh?"

Asdf resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

From District 11:

Girl - Rhea Thorne. Fair and just, always defends the right and condemns the wrong.

Boy – Drake Oblivion. Easy-going and friendly. Also has a 'little' crush on Savannah.

"Well hello you lucky girl! Do you know what kind of serum you're getting?! No of course not, I haven't told you yet. The Charmer Serum! Ability to perform charmspeak. Very useful I tell you. You can tell them to do anything, like 'stab yourself with your sword' or 'go jump off the cliff'. Of course, you'll be too powerful if that happens. So later on, in the arena, five will be getting ear plugs. Protect themselves from you. There are also a few people who you can't control. The mutant and the laser-eyed boy. Remember to always concentrate when charmspeaking. Once your concentration wavers, the effect will vanish. Watch out for those immune to you too!"

"For the boy, I will give him the gift of silence. Serum 75. You won't make a single noise at all, not when you move. Those with enhanced hearing won't hear the sound of your breath and the beat of your heart (yes, that's how sensitive their ears are). It would be as if you don't exist at all. Of course, you won't be able to speak any more, but that's nothing isn't it?"

Drake didn't think it was nothing though. "No more talking?! But…"

He was thinking of how he won't be able to talk to Savannah again.

"Lose your voice, or lose your life. That's your only choice. Now take it or leave it."

Drake sighed. There was nothing he could do. "Fine, I'll take it."

From District 12:

Girl – Fawn Albarn. A plain-looking girl that's small for her age. Was stolen along with her best friend Rey Evans.

Boy – Rey Evans. Loves to draw and paint. A nature person/tree-hugger. Cares a lot for his best friend Fawn.

"You're really small aren't you, little Fawn? That's really bad, since all your opponents are much bigger and stronger that you are. Tell you what, I'm gonna give you Serum 57. It gives you the ability to change your size at will. You can grow to any size you want, big as an elephant, or tiny like an ant. Be warned though, there's a time limit. I'm also gonna be extra kind to you and let you pick your own weapon. So what'll it be?"

Fawn mumbled, "Ermm.. ermm.. do you perharps have a katana?"

"Do I now? Of course I do! State-of-the-art deary! You do have to practice though, the katana won't be much help if you don't know how to use it. "

"I heard you love painting Rey. For that, I'll inject you with Serum 107. It works together with a special brush that is currently still being manufactured by Daedalus. This brush doesn't need paint to work. It just needs your imagination… and your body. Once you'll have the serum inside your body, your ability to camouflage will be greatly enhanced. You will blend into your surroundings so perfectly that, it's as if you're invisible. All you've got to do is imagine, and trace the brush on your skin. The serum and the brush will then work their magic."

From District 13:

Girl – Nessie Swan. A dark-haired girl whose thousand-year-old eyes captivate others.

Boy – Silver Aero. Shows certain fascination to Alicia Carstairs , either as a crush, or as a prey. Frequently bullied by Cyan Wilder.

"Athena, inject the girl with Imaginary Constructs Serum."

Curious, Nessie asked, "What does it do to me?"

"You are able to project your thoughts, and make them seem real. Of course, it's just a very realistic projection. A sword will pass through it, because it's not made up of matter. Just a projection for your thoughts. It's still useful, however, when you need a distraction. Your creations might be the only thing that'll give you enough time to escape."

Nessie thought out loud, "That's actually pretty neat."

"Yes it is. But you can't be distracted or your creation will vanish."

"For the boy, it will be the Survivor Serum. You, boy, will be able to survive without water for weeks, and you'll be able to eat anything. Tree bark, leaves, poisonous berries. They all won't make you sick. You can last without water for two weeks, but your energy will significantly decrease faster if you don't drink for more than 5 days. You won't die from eating poisonous things, but you will always feel hungry if you keep on eating food not meant for humans. And you can't fight with an empty stomach, so I advise you to eat 'healthy' food more than the 'junk'."

The two kids were injected and two hours later, their bodies connected with the serums.

Hazard threw up his hands in the air, laughing maniacally. "Finally! My tributes are completed! 26 killing machines, all ready to tear each others throats out."

Devious came in then, and reported, "Sir, we currently have 25,000 men that are willing to take our side. Will that suffice our needs?"

"No! We need more! At least 10,000 more! We'll be keeping the kids for another 6 years, for them to train. Use this time to collect more men, I don't care using what technique. Once the children reach the age of 13, we will officially start the Death Carnival, and start our reign of terror!"

Devious bowed respectfully. "Understood sir."