Nefeli Brightberry

I suddenly re-emerge from the darkness, my chest suffocating and my head burning. The transfer has never been this painful before, but as soon as I start to cough, it passes away. The first thing that hits me is the less than lukewarm air. It's nothing unbearable but it's still not pleasant.

My vision slowly regathers as I get my first good look at the arena. My mind has to remind myself not to jump onto the field in front of me. The grass...is uncared for and long...longer than usual. It'd reach above my knees. And there's a lot of mossy stones about, easy to trip on. Some cheap fuckers. I feel the sudden urge to sneeze, but I manage to shoot it back down.

Looking forward, the Cornucopia is sitting below, in a crater, dead, rocky and lifeless. Looks like there's the usual supplies about, hmmph. There's also a slight slope leading down but I see a winding path around the edge, which I could use…

So it looks like...we're on an overgrown field, on a crater, on a large mountain? Amazing, the one thing I can't do is climb and I'm going to have to be doing a lot of it. But there could be slopes in the distance…

Why the fuck is it so dark though? The skies are so overcast and grey that no sunlight can get through. It's not pitch black, but I have a hard time telling what time it is. This could never happen in real life.

Fuck this. The more I notice, the more I realise this is so unrealistic. The colours are...darker than usual, but more vivid? You'd never see grass this shade of teal. I feel like I should be cold but I'm able to shrug the wind off. I'm struggling to smell anything, but I can just about pick up on smoke.

I, for one, don't believe that this is actually a death game. It's probably a fucking sick joke, or twist for TV. I…haven't seen any dead yet, so it's all just empty words with no proof or evidence. Well, besides the whole forcing us into the interview hall and bounding us there…. It might break a few laws but there's nothing that can't be paid off. It's just unethical.

Doesn't mean I'm not pissed off though. I don't have the patience to play along with their pathetic games.

Seriously though! Like, thinking things through logically, something like this could never happen! They managed to breach all that security and change all of the systems and keep all of the Capitol guards off without them realising what's happened here? Fuck off! Do they think we were born yesterday?

I don't even try to contain my frustration, as my fingers dip into our black walking trousers. The only saving grace is that these uniforms aren't Capitolly at all, which I'm sure is playing on the minds of many of my fellow competitors. I think it's pretty cool, with these bulky black hiking boots and olive puffer jackets (though the boy's brown is a lot nicer.)

I seem to have spent most of the time getting used to the surroundings, as the gong sounds just as I'm finished observing. I leap from the podium, trudging through the grass and hopping over the stones. I'm not thick or clumsy enough to fall over something so pathetic, so I manage to breeze past everyone else who's taking it more slowly. These fifteen minutes are a huge advantage and I plan to use every minute of it.

As I get closer to the horn, I can see further out to the arena. There's a high tide swallowing up many small coves, a royal dark blue deeper than any other ocean. It almost doesn't look real...because it isn't. There's a lot of birch forestry...that also looks…just a little off. But I can't mamby pamby around and daydream about how I'm going to spend my week here, I have to actually move.

I'm the second to the horn, only behind Tiara. I have my eyes set on one of the larger bags and she has too, but I'll do anything legal to get it. Tiara grabs it, so I try to pry her hands from it, yanking at her hair and kicking her in the shins. It's dirty, but every move is fair in war.

"You bitch!" Tiara shrieks, after I wind her in the stomach. She drops the pack, spending the entire time clawing onto it like an overprotective koala bear. That was easy! But I think I'm pushing the boundaries to the rules, so I'll have to be more careful.

Karrie Cataline

Regardless of this inane twist, I still can easily win. I spend the minute looking at the other competitors, to see many of them freaking out, hyperventilating...crying...I might snap from time to time, but I'd never show such pathetic weakness in front of a potential killer. I'm surviving off a singular hour of sleep and an empty stomach and I'm still not panicking.

Well inside...I am...just a little. You'd have to be a complete psycho to feel completely fine after hearing such a shocking revelation. I...don't believe it to be true, but there's always a small chance of it being real. I've learned through my years that anything is possible.

A more unobservant eye might not be able to notice anything special with this arena, but I've already noted a few interesting points to go to. There seems to be a lake...or maybe a spring...in the distance, that's a strange gunky green colour. It looks revolting, so it's most likely safe for that reason. That tends to be a popular trap as it subverts a tribute's expectations, but that's not always the case too. Sometimes tributes figure it's safe due to it looking like a trap, when it actually is a trap. Double trapception. I believe around three of the games in the last decade have capitalised on a similar twist, yet the tributes never seem to realise this.

Ah...I'm going on a tangent. Though it does seem to calm my nerves. To focus my mind, I yank on the ends of my black fleece gloves, sleek and warm.

I look to my left to see Nefeli, who's clearly not bothered by this twist. She doesn't strike me as the type to be a good actor. She's painfully easy to read. I should avoid her if she truly isn't scared, as she might not be able to hold back. To my other side is...Gratiana, who's crying profusely. She doesn't even cross my mind as the gong sounds.

Nefeli sprints ahead as I keep my distance. I can easily exploit this time. I decide to linger near the edge, picking up the smaller items at first, though I should be able to gather enough to make an acceptable haul. But I do want to head in further to collect some items for trap making. I think most people will tend to avoid such supplies as it is rather complicated, heavy and time consuming to make a few of them. But I should have no problem with it. And I have all the time in the world now.

As I run into the horn, I bump into someone...Willow, who's not looking where she's going. She elbows my head, which hurts...a little. But I should expect worse pain in this arena. At least it's not a knife in my head. "Watch where you're going." Willow spits the words at me, as she stumbles back.

"Fuck off." I mumble, running away.

I head into the empty horn, which is just as grassy. Ah, inside are a majority of the supplies I need...and oh! A scimitar! That's my best weapon! I can use it like it's an extension to my arm! This is even better than I hoped for!

But before I can celebrate such a success, I hear somebody call my name out. A shaky voice, but probably the one I'm most familiar with.

"Karrie…err…do you want to stick together for now?" Rowan asks, standing attentively like a lost puppy. Such a strong man seems so pathetically scared, but…I can't chastise him for it.

"Is that an alliance proposal?" I wonder, as I pile all the things I've picked up into a neat little camouflaged backpack. A pack of beef jerky, some rope, a water bottle…all the standard shit.

Rowan nods, standing at the frame of the door. "I guess so? I just think we'd do well together."

I don't want to waste any time. Even if the proposal sounds promising, I can't accept it. Even if…I do like spending time with Rowan…

"If we meet up again, later in the arena…sure. But I can't ally with anyone yet. It's too risky to place my trust in anyone else." I mutter, looking away. Rowan looks as if he's been stabbed through the chest, with a spear of a harsh wake up call. He grips the knife he's collected with shaky hands, as he takes a deep breath.

"That's…fine." Rowan smiles, taking a step back. "Good luck in the games…we're all going to need it."

And with that he breaks into a sprint, and I can't help but run too. He took it better than expected. At least he didn't jump at me like any other sad incel would.

Gratiana Lamb

I can't leave them. I can't die and leave Herminia and Dad again...we barely managed to recover when Mom...passed. What will happen once I'm gone? Will Dad be able to keep going this time? Will Herminia ever forgive herself for not stopping me?

I can't die here. There's no way I can die here. Even though there's tears rushing down my face and my mind is screaming at me to run and get away, I have to stay here and keep fighting. Even if I don't want to. That is…if I'm able to hurt anybody. I can't win a fight...what am I and my measly five meant to do? And doesn't everybody have the same attitude and desire to live as me?

I just have to think things through logically. What would the smartest thing be? My emotions are telling me to find Willow and Miri, but will they still want to ally? They can't attack me if we regather in time, but that doesn't mean they won't strike me in the back when I least expect it. I have to stay one step ahead of them at all times…

I just about make it to the lush crater, before I trip over a mossy stone. My mind, panicking and preoccupied with thoughts, failed to stay aware of my surroundings. So now I'm falling in front of everyone, my knees crashing against the floor as I try to brace myself into a defensive position. The fall is shallow and short, but my legs still feel like heavy lead as I propel myself back up. I can't lay there and stare at my bleeding knees…I have to keep going.

Rummaging through the crates, I pick up a few odd trinkets. There's a light backpack which is an odd shade of green. But it'll most likely camouflage in the woods I can just about see. And my uniform is a similar olive colour, so I should be able to hide if need be…

But what will I do about fire? That'll attract attention immediately. And there's enough water to last a while, but what will happen when it runs out? I know what to do but what if I can't do it? I can't see any water sources, besides the deadly lakes and salty calm waters, though I can't purify that surely?

I was lucky to pay full attention during the training days. I think a lot of people just messed about, not caring too much as it isn't that serious. But me and my perfectionist, nerdy self had to learn everything, even though it was hard to pay attention. At least that's in my favour…

"Grati! Have you seen Miri?" Willow runs up to me, rubbing her elbow. She also has a plump bag, which looks heavy.

"No! I w-was hoping she'd be with you." I hiccup, struggling to get the words out.

Willow frowns. "I...Grati, just...run, please. You're not in a good state to help me find her. And I just want you to be safe. So get away to the woods as quickly as you can. We can always find you and group up."

My brain is telling me to do what she says, but my heart tells you otherwise. "Wait, no, I...I'm not leaving you or Miri. We need to stick together and have safety in numbers…"

Willow doesn't look happy. "Grati...actually, we don't have the time to be debating this...just do what you're told and follow me."

So I follow her. I hate to feel like deadweight, pulling her down and I don't want to follow her around like a lost child. But what can I do? I decided to serve my heart instead of my head and now I have to suffer the consequences.

Rowan Augustine

The only thing keeping me calm at the moment is staring at the beautiful arena. I know I'm on the verge of tipping over so the only thing I can do is lose myself in the greenery around me. I can't afford to let my untamed anger get a grip of me, because if I do give in, I'll be signing my death warrant away.

It's hard to appreciate when I'm trying to run down the dusty narrow path that leads you to the base of the horn, covered in brambles and bushes. One wrong footing and I'll slip down, just like Gratiana has. In the distance, I see Lycoris also lose his footing, though he's able to save himself slightly by sliding on his behind, making it seem as if it was planned. Much more graceful than Miri, who lays there for a second, dusting off her dirty hands.

I'm surprised I am keeping it together though. I've grievously harmed people before, for much less. So the way I'm still keeping calm is honestly shocking to me. Maybe it's because I can't physically attack the perpetrators? There's no point in fighting a group of innocent people yet.

Or maybe it's because of Karrie's rejection. It seems like it should be the opposite, but she's given me hope. Something to work towards even if it's not…not what I ideally wanted when I entered here. It's heartbreaking to hear her turn me away, but I understand her choice…and now I just have to prove that we'll make a good pair, no matter how long it takes.

I stumble around the back of the horn, unsure if I want to head in again. I know I need some form of protection, but what will happen when I grab a weapon? Will I be able to stop myself as I swing at anybody?

I dilly dally around, trying to decide, when I feel a tap on my shoulder. "We should ally." Dae tells me, as I turn around. There's no light or laughter in their voice anymore. Have they always sounded so dull?

"I-I thought I made myself clear." I whisper to them. But they shake their head, unwilling to accept this answer.

"And the circumstances have changed." Dae frowns. "What happened in the pre-games happened in the pre-games, and what will happen in the arena will stay in the arena. So there's no point in you keeping this sob story act up anymore. You should just join us again."

"And what if I don't?" I ask, looking at the centre of the crater instead. I know a part of me is concealing the truth of what I'd rather go with Karrie than them…and that's because it'll harm Rowan more than helping him if they do stick together.

Dae shrugs. "Then you won't only have ten enemies, you'll have twelve." They pause, hovering around slightly. "Meet us in front of the horn if you want to ally with us. But we're not going to wait for you if you don't show up."

With that, they dash away, leaving me to be all alone. It suddenly occurs to me that I don't have the time to be indecisive anymore. The more time I spend without doing anything the more of a disadvantage I'll have. So I pick up the closest things to me, (a knife curved at an odd angle, which also seems to be serrated?), a bottle of water and some rope, before running back.

If I can't go with Karrie…the second best will still do. I still like spending time with Auberon and Dae and any protection is better than none. I think I'll stick with them.

Dae Frazier

In the past twenty four hours, I've had more surprising revelations than I've ever had in my life. Everything I've known has been shaken by the core, as I've slowly begun to piece every loose bit of puzzle together. My entire life has been woven by a string of lies…from Annoa…

And now I'm going to have to outlive twelve other innocent people too. I won't be able to leave without bloodying the waters and staining my hands...how am I even meant to do it? I'm not a murderer. I'm a naive child of a teenager who's never even held a steak knife before.

But I don't have the time to be hating on anyone or feeling pity for myself (yet.) If I don't start thinking things through I'll be dead before I can even curse her name out.

I don't have to run far to find a pack. There seems to be an abundance of supplies near me, all ripe for picking. I don't have the time to search through them, so I just sling on the heaviest backpack I find (which hurts my back a little.) But I'm not going to complain if it's what keeps me surviving.

"Dae! Wait up!" Auberon shouts at me. I curse, stopping myself. I wasn't planning on leaving him...but I don't think it's fair for him to be around someone so miserable and pathetic like me right now. "Where are we going?"

He hobbles over, slowly, making sure every step is planned and careful. He's constantly looking down, so I guess I have to be the eyes of the pair then. But it's not like he has the brains either.

"To the islands." I mutter. I point at the distance, on a small little beach, where you can just about see a few little brown blobs. I think it's a town, which seems like a good place to hide. But most importantly there might be a method of travel to the outer islands which are dotted about, like a depressing archipelago under the overcast skies. The arena isn't large in width so it's easy to see and the mountain is rather high up. (which I believe is a cinder come…Annoa loved teaching me about useless geography.)

Auberon squints. "Oh, oh! I see it now! It's like...some elaborate I-spy game, isn't it?"

I don't answer him.

"You don't have much." I look at Auberon's supplies, seeing a small blanket wrapped around a few items in an odd bag.

Auberon grimaces. "Sorry...I can't really go in, can I? I have to be extra careful."

"Right." I frown.

Auberon looks away from me.. "You can leave me if you want…"

"I'm not going to leave you to die." I scoff. "And you better not keep going on about it."

Auberon awkwardly looks at his feet. I see him turn around to survey the area, which is smart. All I see is...a lot of panic and confusion, which is fair. It's an overwhelming amount of emotions, all pouring in at once. If this happened a day earlier, I probably would be screaming and clamouring about too. But I can't now.

I wonder how long these emotions will last, and whether I'll ever be able to get over them, in an environment with births trauma such as this. Am I just being melodramatic or are my feelings truly valid? But who do I need approval from and why do I keep clambering onto this uncertainty and self doubt?

So as I wait, I try to find one exact person though who I've agreed to regroup with, but they don't catch my eye until I see them stomping over to us.

Auberon Laurier

I don't like how much Dae has changed overnight. I know I'm in a literal death game and I should probably be screaming over that, but for some reason my main concern is them. Maybe it's because this doesn't feel real yet? There's not any blood splatters or mutts or terrible painful deaths…

Hmm...I think I'm fixating on this silly little drama because I'm really terrified of dying actually and considering I could probably die in this arena in seconds without even realising, I really want to tear my hair out, strand by strand. At least this all seems so much more insignificant to all the bigger problems out in this world.

Elowyn gets annoyed a lot, but it never lasts for this long. Should I ask them if they're ok? But I understand that Dae is going through a lot and it might be pushy or disrespectful to console them when they don't want to be. For now I should just wait...I wish I had Elowyn or Lachlan here…

The first thing that catches my eye is Rowan quickly running over to us, with a blank expression on his face. I can feel my face light up as I realise that he's probably regathering with us! We're all reunited again...even if they've both changed a lot. I haven't changed that much, have I? When's my character arc coming?

"Is that all you've got?" Dae asks, not even saying hi or welcome back or whatever icebreaker you could say.

Rowan looks down. "It's all I need."

A sword...and some bandages? At least I have an excuse on why I shouldn't head in! I'll probably die immediately by falling over a box and impaling myself. Dae mutters something underneath her breath before looking to the sky, noticing the grey clouds. Why couldn't the weather have been nice on the day I could possibly die?

"If you ever need anything else though...you'll have to be frugal. I'm not giving up all my supplies for you now." Dae announces. Neither of us have much to say, so I just stare awkwardly at Rowan, who seems to have no expression either.

We start to hobble away from the horn while we still have some time left. Obviously we can't go too fast as there's tons of tripping hazards here. I've already stepped on some odd sticks that poke out and grass knots. And it's slightly downhill so I could slip and stumble at any time. This entire place is a death trap for me!

Oh…and there's still the other things I noticed! Lycoris seemed to have his eyes set on Blu, as he sprinted after him, as if he was a lion in an ancient mutt documentary preying on the gracious and serene gazelle desperate to survive. If Blu noticed, he hadn't let on…my heart shakes for him, but what can I do?

And I also noticed Grati lumber after Willow, who has bitter tears in her eyes. They seemed to be heading…away from the direction where something fell from the sky. Like a fallen angel, wings stolen, the weird…lump just sort of fell down. Maybe I'm seeing things, but…my eyesight has always been 20/20!

I focus back on the real earth, thinking that maybe…perhaps my hobbling does help a little. Just as we leave the outskirts, I notice a fragment of wood poking out of the wisps of grass. I should stay away, but curiosity is a lion that takes over my reasonable nature, and I find myself peering inside.

A…gas mask?

"Rowan?" My shaky voice pathetically calls. I don't want to dig through, in fears of splinters and loose edges that could easily pierce my skin. But…he seems like he'd be able to handle this well.

Rowan trudges over, a brief moment of curiosity taking over his annoyed expression. He lifts up one of the masks by the straps, yanking at it like a baby with a new found toy. He taps on the goggles a few time, as if it'll blow up in his hands.

"Is this some sort of…oxygen mask?" Dae questions.

"No…it's a gas mask! Did you never do those bombing practices in school…" Rowan's voice trails away, already realising the answers.

"Do you ever think before you speak?" Dae frowns, taking one of the masks for themselves. There seems to be four in this box, so everybody grabs one. (Well, Rowan hands me one but pedantics!). It does seem like one of those things that stand out so much that you have to take it.

I only know what it is because I…truthfully went through a gloomy war aesthetic for one of my art projects before, but it was just a phase. I shove that cringy memory behind as I choose to focus on rambling once more.

At the bare minimum, we've found a crossing path which we won't have to leap down like a mountain goat.

We make some good distance, before we hear the timer beep...that must mean...we can kill each other now? I worriedly look at the other two, though Dae doesn't even acknowledge it while Rowan only takes a momentarily pause, before continuing with his slow crawl.

"So...we're an alliance again! Yahoo!" I clap, trying to lighten the mood. The forest is only a minute or two away now...but it looks ominous. It's not as dense…and it looks like birch...but I still can't really make out what's inside. It's also...very muddy. We don't want to leave footsteps.

Nobody answers. "Erm...why did we decide to ally again? You couldn't resist me, Rowan?"

"Strength in numbers." Rowan answers in that usual sarcastic tone. It must have been an unspoken agreement then! It's like we can read each other's minds.

But I go back to silence. I guess nobody wants to talk.

Willow Frazier

The plan in my mind that I concocted was so easy. Just sweep the mid-central parts of the Cornucopia, picking up supplies, as you try to locate your allies. It seems relatively simple yet easy to act out and there's not too many disastrous variables, as long as the time limit doesn't go up.

But now there's only five minutes left and Miri is nowhere to be seen and Gratiana is awkwardly following me around like a confused baby and I'm beginning to panic as I realise I only have minutes until my potential death and everything is going wrong and I'm going to die, aren't I?

It seems like my legs are freezing over like a statue, but I have to keep pushing myself. No matter how much I'm sweating and shaking. I refuse to die in a hellhole like this. I have to stay on top form and ignore my worries. I grasp onto my silver crescent moon pendant…but that doesn't even comfort me.

I pick a lone bottle of water, placing it in my outfit insides pocket's. I see Gratiana pick over some wire, inspecting it quickly, before deciding on a thicker one. We move in silence as we try to ravage as much as possible.

At one point, I see Lycoris and Nefeli shove each other to try to get a large canteen. Thankfully neither of them seem to have a weapon on hand, as the worst thing that lands is an awkward punch.

I speed up, realising we only have three minutes and the horn is emptying out and Miri is seemingly missing. Where could she have gone and how didn't we see her? I can't even think straight now as I struggle to add two and two.

"Willow, we really have to go." Grati pokes me, as I realise I've just been hovering over a crate for a couple of seconds.

"R-right...we can find Miri at some other...point." I can't find the words.

Grati points down the distance. "I've seen a pink lake."

"H-huh?"

"Oh...sorry, that was out of nowhere...well pink is her favourite colour! There might not be any correlation, but I think she could be attracted to it...maybe? Like her entire online aesthetic is drowning you in the pink too! It's our best chance of meeting up with her in the arena…potentially, if she decides to be sentimental and go there." Grati tells me! Less with the long explanation and faster with the answers please!

I nod. "That's a good assumption, Grati. Well, it's the only idea we've got. We should head there."

So we sprint, as fast as we can. I'm already out of breath by the first minute as Grati starts to fall behind, but I push myself even if my lungs are filled with poisons and my feet are on fire and my head is about to burst. No matter what, I'm not letting my blood spill on this grass.

Blu Saint-Germain

The minute before we jump is both a blessing and a curse. It gives me a minute to prepare myself mentally and decide what I'm going to do, but for the entire time, I keep jumping back to the worst case scenarios. I can hardly think straight and reasonably when I keep needing to plan out how I'd react to every imaginable twist possible.

This arena looks like it'd facilitate most of my needs however, so it's not like I have to head into the horn. I should really spend more time just running as fast as I can. I'm not sure how likely it'd be for people to actually fight, but I shouldn't underestimate anyone. Certain people won't have the nerve too, but even those who seem rather innocent might be deadlier than expected.

As soon as the gong sounds, I leap off my podium, going further than anyone else. The supplies are spread thick and close, meaning I have no problem picking up the few essentials. Nobody is interested in the small bottle of water, or a few packs of dried jerky or a small machete that's enough to protect me but not eye-catching for anyone else to see. So I have no problem scooping them all up.

Nobody comes close to me. In fact, most people avoid each other. I already see a few people tussling over promising items, but it's not anybody I didn't expect to fight. Like the provocative Nefeli or slippery Lycoris who clearly values his own life more than others. But neither of them even come close to me. Why would they attack the simple minded, quiet kid who sticks to the edges?

Content with the few belongings I have, I sprint. I think most people are darting it to the few islands spread about in the ocean. For now, I think it'd be best to stick to the main island...in the wooded area? I try to outweigh the pros and cons but it's hard when you're potentially running for your life.

Err, lots of coverage, easy to hide and ambush, can easily set up traps, lots of animals and food, probably has water somewhere...lots of things to step on and make noise, so I can hear approaching enemies. And it's large enough to seem dangerous enough that people might be put off. Shame it doesn't seem to be thickly packed or dark, but what other option do I have? I'm not sure where else I can go.

And…oh shit! As I take a quick final glance to the horn, which I may never be fortunate enough to see again, I notice a beast barrelling towards me. Lycoris, dagger flying freely in hand and expression still as stone, is covering a lot of distance. And he's getting closer and closer to me.

I use every ounce of the strength I have to sprint into the woods, knowing the only choice I can make now is to survive. The entrance isn't forgiving, as I barrel down the slopes, sliding through a thick pool of mud. My gaiters and thick socks get very dirty, but they're the least of my concerns at the moment. I'm sure I can find a shallow stream somewhere.

I keep up my pace somehow, adrenaline clouding my mind. The entire time my hand is clutching the handle of the machete which is poking out the sheathe. It comforts me, almost, despite it being a hazard. It might be the only thing that stops my blood from splashing onto the wood in these next minutes.

Taking a deep breath, I stop myself as I've fully submerged myself into the woods. Every birch tree blends together as if they've been identically planted, by some sort of AI creation. But I hear no noise, not even a pin drop, other than my panting. I can't stop, I must push, but…Lycoris must have lost me. He'd be foolish to leave his advantage point completely to kill a filler tribute like me. I hadn't paid attention to his movements, so I can never be truly sure but…

The probability of him being near must be low.

Frowning, I start to hike, wondering when's the next time I'll see anybody...and how long I'll be in here for. This may very well be the place I die...but it could be worse. I'm glad it isn't a desert, or tundra.

Baxter Parthenon

Fuck this.

I've gone through hell in the past week...and it's going to probably lead to my fucking death? What have I done to deserve all of this punishment? Which imaginary God or President have I pissed off this time? And why aren't I being spared like all the other times?

I can't even think as I'm searching through all the supplies. My anger's blinding me. And I need it to stop somehow...but how am I meant to calm down?

I breathe in and out heavily, my nose flaring much as I smash a crate open with a hammer. The wood fractures and splinters onto the floor and I crush it with my feet. Inside is a lovely looking axe, which I have barely any experience with, but it can't be that hard. Just swing and land. That'd be enough to kill.

The satisfaction of getting such an overpowered item in the horn is enough to please me for a moment. I have to use it now. Get ahead of my competitors somehow. I know I was trying to act like a good guy for a while but that's went out the window...I can practice that whenever I escape (or just later on in the arena.)

So I pounce at the nearest person I see. I swing my beautiful, shiny axe at Miri's head. She turns around in time to see it just about to land at her neck. She's too shocked to do anything and she can't roll or move, as I've trapped her in this little corner. Miri lets out a terrified scream, which makes me hesitate and stumble…

Oh fuck, that was a deafening noise. I...fuck! Her screams reverberate in my ears for a second, as I regret it the moment I fall. But it's too late and I'm already swinging down until…

Darkness. I quickly blink again and move my hands, to see I'm not feeling anything. My eyesight starts to work again, as I see I'm in front of the horn again, but far enough that I can't get any supplies easily. Every single thing I had is now gone to some fairy land probably. And worse of all…

'Baxter Parthenon...for violating the third rule we told you, you've been respawned into the Cornucopia, now that the immunity phase is up, with no supplies. We suggest you run as fast as you can. Happy...Saturn Games and may the odds ever be in your favour.'

Ah shit! I hadn't even looked at the clock. I've gotta run before a knife is lobbed at my head. But I can't go defenceless, can I? There's a knife I see that I can snag, nestled in between an empty bottle of water and...a long patch of grass. Dunno what else I was expecting.

Hoping no one sees me, I quickly swipe them and bolt it around, sprinting faster than a marathon runner. I've never moved so quickly when not on drugs. I've kind of shocked myself actually...but where the fuck am I going?

Miri Sunburst

I made such a stupid mistake coming this close to the horn. I know I'm really just a stupid girl who can't think logically and can't make the right decisions and can't remember what's the best thing to do. But I never thought I'd make such a silly choice like this one.

My thinking pattern was that I could regroup with Willow and Grati there, as I had no idea where they were and I couldn't see them as we were raised up. But what ended up happening was some raging alcoholic swung an axe at me. No matter how much I screamed and begged him to stop and prayed and apologised in my head, he didn't stop attacking me.

I thought I was going to die there. In one clean swoop...I would have...ceased to be. I would have died and...never got to see my parents and Casimir again...oh and Mersault and Noir. Now's not the time to have a guilty conscience, but I can't help but wonder why I just abandoned all my old friend's like that. Now I'm going to die without ever apologising to them properly.

However, as soon as the axe was about to slice my neck open, my vision turned black. And as soon as I blinked, I realised that I crashed into the floor, at the bottom of the hill. Looking up, you can just about see the golden horn glittering and shining, poking up at the distance.

The grass cushioned my fall, like the fortresses of mattresses I have at home. My legs should be broken. I shouldn't be able to walk right now. But I leap up and I run, as if I'm aiming for a gold medal.

They had saved me. I know that sicko Baxter had violated the rules, but I still didn't think they'd save me. But…fuck them anyway! I'm not showing gratitude to the people who are eventually going to kill me. I'd rather kill myself than show any signs of thankfulness to them.

And at least it's taught me one thing. I can't afford to be a snivelly mess. I'll have to fight to protect myself. Nobody's going to take pity on me and stop attacking me just because I asked them not to.

I look down, patting my pockets. Ok...I can feel the crumpled up food and match box. And I still have that knife clipped to me. They just...respawned me elsewhere. They didn't take anything.

Realising the time is almost up, I desperately try to run away. There's no way I can go back up there and restock. The only people who'll stay back are the people willing to kill me. And Willow and Gratiana are really smart girls, so they probably would have left by now. I'm a bit pissed off still but it can't be helped.

My body's already aching and screaming at me to stop. I'm not a fast runner so I don't cover much distance, but I make it to a small clearing filled with sparse, pink, tulips. It's just an open, overgrown field, like the rest of what I've been too, but it's where my body decides to stop. I collapse to the ground, physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.

But that still doesn't stop me from crying as soon as I lay my head on the floor. I'm going to die here. And even worse, I've spent my final days playing a character. I don't care about what I look like to anyone anymore. I don't care what they think of me and changing myself so I'll make for a better channel and get more subscribers! I'm sick and tired of fucking the appeasing the audience! And I'm not going to keep up this bubbly, disgusting personality.

So I cry and I cry and I cry, letting all the tears out. They can finally see the raw and real me. I'm tired of just holding everything in for everybody. This has really angered me. This has really scared me. This has made me feel so lonely and pathetic and manipulative. And I'm not going to hide that, even if it destroys my camera personality and isn't pleasant to watch. Whether my subscribers like it or not…

Tiara Christal

I stumble back, falling against the wall as I draw my legs upwards and place my head down. Nefeli just easily beat me...without a weapon. What will happen if we have to fight again with them? I'll have no chance of winning! I'll be dead meat before I can even crack a smile at her.

I'm doomed. I'm fucked. There's nothing I can do but sit here in this corner, looking pretty. I'm meant to be a career and I can't even beat one of the weakest tributes here! The entire world is going to see me fail pathetically and cry as I stumble over the laces…

The…entire world? They're all going to see me acting like this…if they can watch…

I stand up, trying to ignore the queasiness in my stomach. If I have to die here I'm not going to die from being mercilessly slaughtered in this horn without fighting back, I'm going to die with spirit and vigour! I am a Christal and I'm not some...some fucking District coward who lasts ten seconds in the game before having their throat slit!

That still doesn't stop me from putting my feathery boa down, stuffing it behind a smashed wooden crate. Easy to get to it, but I don't need…this tribute token right now. I don't need to look so garish.

I hang around in the horn, but I search every box and bag and crate. If we don't have any opposition, we'll have all of this to ourselves but...I still want to pick the best stuff! It sounds twisted but I just have to imagine I'm birthday shopping for myself or being gifted Kronia presents of...daggers and rope and fire making kits. It seems so conceited now but I can't change what distracts me.

And it takes my mind off the stress. I don't know if I believe that we're going to die. Like...that's so insanely cruel! We're all innocent people. But so are the Hunger Games tributes. And nobody cares when they die…

Will I die forgotten and uncared for too? Will I just be placed in a wooden box and shipped to who knows where? That'd be such a disservice to me! That'd be a disservice to everybody here.

Trying not to worry over it, I poke my head out, to see the field is practically empty. I think most people are smart enough not to hang around. Everybody is filtering out, until it's only me and Lycoris.

"Tiara! We're all alone now!" Lycoris shouts. For some reason, I'm not eager to go out and see him. I think I'll have to think things through tonight.

"I'm...coming out, ok? I don't have any weapons." I'm honestly shocked at how easy those words come out. I never thought I'd have to say anything like that in my life.

Lycoris suddenly jogs around me, looking better than ever. He's so cute, even when he's a mess like this. His hair is all ruffled and he's so sweaty and he really needs to shower and wash that dirt off. "And neither do I."

"Can I...trust you though?" I question, thinking about it. "How do I know you won't kill me?"

"Ah, I didn't think you'd be so wary." Lycoris says, which is a massive blow to my self esteem. Just because I like sometimes play into stereotypes it doesn't mean I'm stupid, right? "What would I get from it? You're way too useful as an ally…and maybe it's because we're friends."

But it's those words which make me realise everything. No matter how nice he sounds and how charming his smile is, he only cares about himself. I'm only a number to him to help him out and get him further. He couldn't care less about me unless he can use me to his benefit.

This friendship shit was only tacked on at the end. Does he truly care for me? And why do I even care if he does or doesn't?

Lycoris Ashford

After looping the horn for the fifth time, I've finally finished roaming through the supplies. I've created small piles of the most useful items that we can take on our hunts, while Tiara is dealing with sorting through the rest. I hate to give her the general, menial, boring tasks but somebody has to do them. I'll help her out in a minute once I've had a quick rest.

My main concern is obviously...the death and killing side, though I don't know what I truly think of it. While it seems utterly impossible to comprehend, those gunshots were real and I don't think those bodies were fake. I witnessed the guards dying as I hid in that closet door. It'd be more foolish and naive to assume that we'll all be safe no matter what happens.

And really, Tiara and I have the best chances of winning, statistically. For starters, we have the entire Cornucopia at our disposal, we have a view of the entire arena, we'll be able to outclass every opponent...and we have no major disadvantages at the moment either. I can easily knock out Tiara too whenever…

I'm rather confident in my chances. At the very least, I think I can last long enough before I face any major problem.

My other concern at the moment are our captors and whether they'll be willing to follow the plans I've come up with too. Everything can be ruined if they decide they've had enough fun with me. Is there any way I could appease them?

And of course, losing Blu is a shame…but I don't let it get to my head. There's nothing in this world that could get me to go past that ring of trees. And I give him…two or three days most in there, before he gets turned into a wolf pack's dog food.

Frowning, I wander up to Tiara, who's moving all the foods into different categories. I join her, plopping a bunch of apples down in the fruits. We have to eat these quickly then, before they perish. "You're going to bruise them." Tiara giggles, though she doesn't sound happy in the slightest.

"They're still edible, aren't they?" I smile, picking one from the bag and taking a big crunch. How does hunger even work? Will I feel hungry or will I just be notified that I'm starving in this world?

"They're icky when they're bruised." Tiara looks away. "And you should clean that first."

Lycoris shrugs. "It would be rather unfortunate if I swallowed a worm."

Tiara giggles again, though she's not fooling anybody. She's clearly stressed out, so I decide to leave her be for the moment. I should console her, as she's so clammy and strung up, but I'm struggling to console myself. She'll be more fun to talk to when she's finally settled in a little.

Instead, I pull out a parchment and pen (rather old timey) and begin to note out the different parts of the arena I see. Obviously, there's the islands which seem perfect to hide in. There has to be some form of sea travel then somehow (though you might be able to swim.) Then there's the different lakes which are a myriad of colours...pink, olive, red, cyan...I wonder what's the trap there?

I also notice the small town in the distance. The architecture...is odd, from what I can see. I've never seen anything like it before, so I'd like to check that place out soon. But I guess we should start off local with the forests and peaks of the mountains and hills. The tributes will show themselves either way.

Osiris Casimir

Running away from the Cornucopia at full speed with these weak legs isn't really a good idea. I wasn't expecting it to be this hard...they must have done something to make it harder for me, because I'm already wobbling after doing such a short distance. But I can't just flop like a fish out of water, because then I'll be gutted like one!

I should be panicking right now, but I'm not. I used to experience near death moments all the time when I was younger and I had no problem with them either! Wait...holy shit, I am way too comfortable with the idea of dying. That's kind of freaking me out now as I hobble away. Am I really that fine with giving me life away? Do I not have much to live for?

I mean...I have my parents who don't...really care much about me. And it's not like I have any real friends. How long will people pretend to care for me after I die and when will they start to move on? Trying not to lament on these silly irrational thoughts, I continue.

I make it to one of the entrances to the forest, which is a small little trail that I'll probably struggle to crawl through. But before I can even crunch on a leaf, my legs give away and I fall to the floor. "Oh shit!" I whisper, as I twist my foot when falling. It should be fine though...I don't think I've injured myself? My legs just can't support myself for that long. I'll have to take regular breaks and the first one is here...right in the open…

Frowning, I drop most of my belongings onto the floor (the ones that I can quickly pick up again.) which takes some weight off of me. It should be easier now after I rest for a little bit. I pushed myself too hard trying to get things, but it was worth it. I've got my main weapon, a katana, a lot of food and water that should last for like three days and a sleeping bag. I've got everything I need, so I can't complain.

I wouldn't anyway. I'm too competitive to give up some of the best loot right away.

"What are you doing?" I hear a voice and I suddenly leap up. Well, I don't, as my legs won't let me. As soon as I get up, I slump to the floor again, sprawling across the floor awkwardly.

It's Nefeli, who looks like she's struggling under the weight of a massive bag. She drops the bag too as soon as she sees me, crushing the floor. "Err...just inspecting the grass?"

"Right where anyone can see you?" Nefeli raises her eyebrow. I can't disagree with her, it does sound very stupid. "You'll be dead before the sunset if you don't move."

She has a point.

"I'd rather live to see my eighteenth birthday...so I'm not going to die yet, no matter how stupid I act." I decide, as I slowly stand up. I have to find my balance for a few seconds, but I seem to find a stable footing.

Nefeli offers her hand out to me, signalling to her shoulder. I wrap my arm around her as she supports me. "Sure. I know your legs...aren't helping you. So I'm going to help you until we get to a point where you can hide. I'm not sticking around afterwards though."

"Thanks...I appreciate it either way." I smile, honestly feeling touched at what she's done. It'd be so easy for her to leave me, but she didn't. She's taken the time to help me, yet I can't help wonder why.

Tribute Uniform

The tributes are adorned with bulky black hiking boots which are sturdy and uncomfortable to run in, as well as matching black gaiters and thick black walking socks.

They've also been provided with a short sleeve olive moisture wicking t-shirt and light brown polyester fleece. On top, they have lightweight puffer jackets, brown for the boys and olive for the girls ( navy blue for Dae!). It all seems a bit excessive, but it seems to be preparing tributes for changing weather patterns.

The tributes are provided with black walking trousers and lightweight black fleece gloves.

Aqua blue water shoes and black wetsuits are easily accessible throughout the huts on the beach.

Bloodbath time! After two years, the games have officially started!

The blog, which is created by ShunKazamis-Girl, has the full details on the arena and tribute uniforms. The arena page does contain slight spoilers for some of the tricks and quirks of the arena, though it's relatively minor and will hopefully not impact your enjoyment of the story at all. So make sure you check it out, as it looks so beautifully made and high quality!

the-saturn-games. weebly .com

Thank you for reading if you're still around! See you soon for the next chapter.