Ai Latier, 12
District 3 Male
I was trembling violently as my pedestal began to rise. Adrenaline, terror, and lack of sleep were combining to keep me in a state of disarray. I'd spent all night curled up with my dad on the couch in his room. He wanted to help me relax, but it was impossible to sleep. My Games were about to begin and Beetee's never truly ended.
When morning came, all the tributes were loaded onto a hovercraft and then marched to a tiny room under the arena to be prepared for slaughter. I'd briefly wondered if Virgo and Shepard were already familiar with the process before I was distracted by my odd arena outfit.
My guess was that we were dressed as farmers. I was dressed in sleeveless gray coveralls, a blue gingham shirt, and low black boots. A red handkerchief was tied around my neck. I'd never seen anything like it, and it didn't make any more sense once I saw the arena.
A strange green light poured into the chute as my pedestal rose, the intensity shifting with the passing clouds. It was a wet, foggy day, but the glowing buildings around us provided more than enough light.
We were in a city, but it was nothing like any city I'd ever seen. Every building was made from shimmering green stone and an emerald wall encircled it. It must have been grand once, but now it was falling to ruin. Everywhere, moss and vines were reclaiming their territory and the buildings were cracked and crooked.
The Cornucopia was in the middle of what looked like a little park, and the metal structure itself resembled a witch's hat lying on its side. Unlike its verdant surroundings, it was a deep black color. Outside of the grassy courtyard, cobblestone streets led off in all directions. Some were marked with primary colors, though the paint was chipped and faded.
Green sparkles shot into the air above the Cornucopia, drawing our attention. With a loud fanfare, Claudius Templesmith welcomed us to the 69th Hunger Games. The sparkling lights began to count down from 60. In one minute, I'd be fighting for my life.
I felt dizzy as the reality hit me. But I had to focus. Trydan and I had a plan, and we had to stick to it. I started to scan the area for supplies. I was supposed to get a weapon and then defend Trydan while he grabbed the things he'd need to set up our camp.
He was only three pedestals to my right, which soothed my nerves. Our eyes met in the final seconds of the countdown and he swiftly jerked his head towards a narrow street beyond him. I nodded in understanding.
5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
The sound of the gong reverberated in my bones as I lunged forward. All my conditioning with Annabeth had turned me into a fast runner, so despite my age and size, I was one of the first tributes to reach the Cornucopia.
My target was a small backpack with a belt of knives attached to the side. My heart pounded in time with my feet as I raced to reach it. When my hand closed around the handle, I felt like I could breathe again.
But as I turned to find Trydan, the air was sucked from my lungs with a horrified scream. Yarrow was only a meter behind me… with a sword sticking out of her stomach. Her eyes were wide with fear as Dorian pulled his blade out, splattering us with my district partner's blood.
I didn't stay to see more.
Alara Banks, 17
District 4 Female
I was trembling even before I saw the arena. Cold air poured into the tube as it rose and I folded my arms so I was gripping my elbows. I'd been hoping for a mild arena, but the gleaming green city revealed nothing like that. Just cracked stone, narrow roads, and rogue gusts of wind ruffling my hair.
I wanted to cry. I wasn't supposed to be here! My mom was District 4's mayor and my family had already lost so much. I couldn't bear the thought of my mom and Reif sitting at home, clinging to each other and praying to anything and everything in the universe that I would survive. Tilly would be trying to climb into Reif's lap and purring to help to soothe him, the way she did whenever he had a panic attack.
5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
I stumbled off my pedestal and almost fell as my feet hit solid ground. Terror made my head foggy and my movements slow, but I had to shake it off. I was class president! I was the daughter of the mayor, and a future politician myself. I had allies who were relying on me to lead them. I had to pull it together!
I started to run faster, letting the cool breeze clear the cobwebs from my brain. I didn't see Amberlynn or Persi, but I could find them later. Getting supplies was my top priority. I picked up a small backpack and slung it over my shoulder as I ran, but I wanted to find a first aid kit. Old buildings were full of glass shards and rusty metal.
Someone cut me off and I jumped back to avoid colliding with him. The paralyzing fear returned when I saw it was Kendall. He was a Career! Luckily, he wasn't going after me. He was going after the boy from District 8 instead.
He picked up a small dagger when he saw the Career approaching but Kendall was faster. He stabbed him twice in the gut and side with his knife before running toward the Cornucopia again. The boy collapsed to his knees and then dropped onto his side, supporting himself with one arm and pressing on his wounds with the other. He started to cry.
He flinched when I went over to kneel beside him.
"I can help," I murmured, reaching for him.
"No, you can't." His voice shook with bitter laughter and tears. "No one can save us."
I was crying now too, but I put a gentle hand on his shoulder and helped him lie down. "Hush. don't talk. Just try to breathe," I told him softly. "It'll be okay."
But we both knew it wouldn't. His shallow breathing stopped abruptly and his hand dropped onto the grass. I took it and held tight, ignoring the blood that now covered my hands. All I could do was hope that wherever he was now, he was safe.
A shadow crossed over me and I looked up, but it was too late. All I saw was a flash of black metal and purple eyes the same color as the sea lavender I left at my dad's grave. I was going to see him again. My skull exploded with pain but it was gone just as fast. My vision went dark as I collapsed onto the chest of the boy from 8. I didn't even know his name.
Robbie Emmer, 18
District 9 Male
The pounding in my chest lightened up when I saw the arena. The city that sprawled out all around us was strange and unfamiliar, but it would be safer for Yarrow, Josie and me. We wouldn't be fighting the elements as well as the other tributes.
But first I had to get us through the bloodbath. I located my two allies in the ring of pedestals and made sure they saw me too. Then I shifted my focus to the Cornucopia. It was time.
5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
I was a burly guy, so speed wasn't on my side. I'd been worried about that, but there were plenty of smaller items scattered closer to the pedestals. I scooped up a folded plastic square and an empty water bottle as I ran.
I caught sight of Yarrow's white-blonde hair and began to run toward her. She was near the mouth of the Cornucopia and was holding something against her chest, though I couldn't make out what it was. Her district partner Ai was next to her and I picked up the pace. I didn't think he would attack his own district partner, but I wanted to be close enough to help Yarrow.
I wasn't.
I wasn't anywhere near her when Dorian came up behind her and put his sword through her back. Ai dashed away and Dorian turned to half-heartedly pursue him, leaving Yarrow's corpse crumpled on the ground.
My chest tightened until I couldn't breathe at all. I distantly felt myself gasping for air but it was hazy and felt miles away. Yarrow's body morphed into Kat's, then Dana's, Mara's and back to Kat's. Then Yarrow again. Josie….
Josie!
The thought of my other ally shocked my body back into a functioning state. I looked around wildly, desperate to find the fiery-haired girl. When I heard her scream, I ran toward it.
Cactus, the pseudo-Capitolite boy, had cornered Josie against a pile of crates. I could see the blood and gore on the blade of his axe; the remnants of a life he already took. I slammed into him at full speed, sending the two of us to the ground. Then I shoved his head into the dirt as I got up.
I grabbed Josie and slung her over my shoulder. She was shouting something about supplies, but I didn't listen. I wouldn't stop until we were safe from the death behind us.
Alley Parker, 17
District 6 Female
5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
I'm a tough girl.
I repeated the mantra like a sacred chant, keeping time with the pounding of my feet on the ground and my heart in my chest. Every muscle in my body burned as I ran for Cornucopia. I had to get there first.
Clover's plan was to send Rowena and I deeper into the fighting to gather supplies while he and Trayne watched our backs. They were both barehanded fighters so they could protect us if needed. Enzo was our loose end because he wanted specific materials. But if he needed help, the other two boys would cover him.
There was a big backpack with a coil of rope attached to the side placed directly in my path, but I was racing the boy from District 2 to get it. Valerius was next to me during the countdown and we clearly had eyes on the same prize.
He had longer legs, but adrenaline and desperation were helping me keep pace with him. If I got the backpack first, I could use it as a shield or blunt weapon to protect myself. If I didn't, I would die. I'd gone all in and there was no backing out.
Pain flared white-hot in my legs and I almost screamed from both frustration and fear. Every fight I had in prison wore away at my body and overtime I developed chronic pain. It made me sick with its intensity and I slowed my pace. Valerius reached the backpack as I stopped entirely, but he didn't pick it up. Instead, he snatched up a dagger and turned back to me.
I tried to retreat, whimpering softly at the pain radiating through me. But I knew I would never get away. I closed my eyes and waited for the blow.
It never came. Instead, I heard a dull thump and then a groan. I immediately looked to see Trayne standing over Valerius with a metal staff in his hand. As I watched, my district partner brought the weapon down on Valerius's head with a sickening thud. Trayne hit him twice more, but I couldn't bring myself to look at the boy's face.
Octavia was behind Trayne before I could even open my mouth to warn him. She was clutching a long dagger and screaming a bone-chilling scream. She stabbed Trayne in the back and then shoved him down. She dropped onto him as he fell and began to tear him apart like a madwoman. I knew I should run, but I couldn't make myself move. I could barely even breathe.
The girl from 10 ran over, saying something to Octavia I couldn't hear over the ringing in my ears. She gripped her ally's shoulder and I felt a hand on my own. Clover was there, trying to pull me away. I let him.
I vaguely registered Enzo and Rowena joining us, but dull shock still clung to me. The only friend I had in years was just brutally killed in front of me.
I'm not a tough girl.
Taylor Treadle, 15
District 8 Female
I was already adjusting my strategy when my pedestal clicked into place. I was prioritizing water, but in an urban arena I had more flexibility. The thin, towering buildings reminded me of home but the green glow was unsettling. The scene was both magical and mundane.
I focused on the area around the Cornucopia as the countdown began. I had to decide what I needed from the bloodbath and what I would likely be able to find in a shining fantasy city.
I spotted a clear plastic bag with several shiny packets inside and squared my shoulders. I wasn't a runner but the bag wasn't too far away, and my pedestal was second to the end of the semicircle. Clover was on the end and Birdie was to my right. I didn't think either of them would bother me.
I took off as soon as I could, but it was clear that I was in the back of the pack. By some miracle, no one went for the bag I wanted. As I snatched it up I saw a pair of thick wool socks several meters away. I hesitated for a moment, but the thought of spending the night in an old drafty building pushed me forward.
I grabbed the socks and looked around, surveying the scene before I made my escape. As I watched, Kendall fired his crossbow and the bolt sank deep into Amberlynn's throat. Then my gaze landed on Persimmon, who was also watching the scene, and I recognized her expression all too well.
Grief. Overwhelming, debilitating grief.
I vaguely remembered her talking about her siblings in her interview. She'd said she was raising them and I understood what it meant to hold a child's life in your hands. I cursed under my breath and threw my hard-won socks.
I had good aim, so they hit Persimmon's shoulder. She flinched violently, then looked wonderingly down at the soft bundle, and then glanced up at me. I beckoned her over and after a heartbeat of confusion, she picked up the socks and ran to me.
I chose a direction at random and grabbed her arm. She let me pull her along but glanced back once.
"My allies…" she muttered.
"It doesn't matter," I panted. "We need to move."
My new ally kept pace with me as I led us further into the arena.
Happy New Year! Let's start 2025 with a bang, shall we?
I was determined to get this chapter up today and I did! I only had to rewrite three POVs and have two breakdowns to make it happen. Bloodbath chapters are STRESSFUL. I have to get the pacing right, keep the POVs even, avoid too much repetitiveness, and still make the POVs cohesive. Hopefully I did it.
We are now in the arena! I think everyone can guess what it is, but if not: it's the Emerald City! Thanks to Willuna for the amazing idea, which I am SO excited to flesh out. I love The Wizard of Oz and Wicked. One of my cats is actually named Elphaba. So I've got a million ideas for this arena.
I know none of the Careers had a POV this chapter, which was intentional. The next chapter is going to focus on them, I promise. And as always, please leave a review. I would absolutely LOVE to hear your thoughts on this chapter.
EULOGIES
24th: Yarrow Venus (killed by Dorian Sargasso)
Yarrow keeps getting the short end of the stick in CR stories. She's a great character who had a lot of room for growth and development, but her submitter is not active and I want to give others a better shot. But Robbie will always hold her close to his heart, and she's with her family now. Thanks NyanToDaMax145
23rd: Tommy Jute (killed by Kendall Delancy)
Tommy is another tribute whose submitter isn't active anymore and actually requested he die here. I really enjoyed writing Tommy and exploring how his cynical worldview and tireless perseverance fit together. Tommy fought until his dying breath and he will be remembered for that. Thanks 66samvr
22nd: Alara Banks (killed by Cactus Cleo)
Alara was a lovely tribute, but I struggled to connect with her. She was multifaceted but a lot of her important characteristics were dependent on her life back in District 4. At home, she knew who she was. She wasn't meant for the Hunger Games. But she's with her dad now, and Tommy is probably hanging around too. Thank you DaughteroftheOneTrueKing
21st: Valerius Vella (killed by Trayne Treadwell-Lang)
Killing Val hurt me, but I promise I did it for a reason. Val was a wonderful and nuanced character who would need a story of his own to be written to his full potential. I love this man so much and I'm SO sorry I killed him Gaia. Just trust the process, okay? Thank you Carlpopa707
20th: Trayne Treadwell-Lang (killed by Octavia Jacobs)
I AM SO SORRY QoM! Trayne was such an awesome character and I absolutely adored him and his dynamic with his allies - especially Alley. But his submitter isn't reading the story or active on the site at all. It just felt unfair to keep him alive and kill a tribute whose submitter is reading. He (literally) took one for the team. Trayne was a blast to write and he will be missed. Thanks Alicia
19th: Amberlynn Hyde (killed by Kendall Delancy)
Oh Amberlynn... she was submitted as a bloodbath so I killed her but she had so much potential. A Games-loving up-and-coming socialite from a rural district who ends up in the arena is a character concept that could go so many different directions. I wish I'd had time to explore them, but some tributes just needed to die. Thank you Aemma Arryn
ALLIANCES
The "Careers": Kallik, Kendall, Octavia, Dorian, Virgo, Shepard
Strategists: Ai, Trydan
Gardener Gang: Birdie, Cactus
Wild Things: Alley, Rowena, Clover, Enzo
Family Girls: Taylor, Persi
Two B or Not Two B: Robbie, Josie
Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!
- Fiona