As my platform rises in my tube, Briar scrunches her eyes shut, fearful to see what is in front of me. Dipping her hand into her pocket she withdraws the small silver thimble token intended to keep her grounded and take a deep breath.
The seconds count down, ticking slowly while the whole of Panem waits with bated breath TV sets switched on throughout the districts. I wonder how my parents feel...
Blinking back into focus she scans the area, what little of it she can see, looking across the vast blackness, illuminated only by the cornucopia. She looked across at the Golden cornucopia as the lights shined out from within it, hoping to follow the rays of light bouncing off of it far enough to the tributes so that she could find her allies. The light barely stretches far enough to show what supplies are up for grabs.
Briar glances to her left, trying to make out who stood next to her when she heard a shriek and a loud bang. The explosion reverbetated around the small cave, the sound unbearably loud. She whimpered slightly, covering her ears as people become startled on their own podiums, trying to stay still in an attempt to not fall off of it.
The time ticks by, every second lasting an age. Briar changes her stance, ready to break off in a sprint in the opposite direction of the cornucopia when the gong sounds. The dark tunnel behind me is the only hope she can latch onto at this moment.
Her eyes wander, shifting across where the other tributes would stand and checking who stands at either side.
Briar wonders where Tristan and Athamus are again while precious seconds tick away. Her thoughts begin to linger sadly on the probability of them getting past the Cornucopia...
Her eyes welled up with tears as she thought of her family, almost mentally saying goodbye to each of them.
Her mentors final words ring through her mind “God speed Briar and good luck.” Paparia told her softly as she wrapped her in a small hug. Briar didn't think her mentor thought she'd survive long. Athamus on the other hand, both mentors thought he had a bit of a chance.
Briar thought she will surely have to sprint fast with these blood hungry monsters surrounding the cornucopia, but god knows what lay outside this cave... It could be worse. She shuddered at the though, an unatural chill creeping up her spine.
Dragging her eyes across the darkness, she gulps as her eyes flit back to the dark path she intend to sprint for. I hope that no one else has the same plan as me because it’s far too late to make a new one now. She thought worried.
She could feel droplets of sweat collecting at her forehead now, maybe the thermal black outfit wasn’t the best idea to go up to the arena in. Although this was just the cave, maybe outside was bound to be cooler. I thought caves were generally cold though. Maybe it's just the anxiety and stress? I'm glad I thank my stylist though. I probably won’t get the chance to do so again. Her thoughts raced through her mind.
She shifted on the platform uncomfortably, her gaze fixed on the darkness. She felt blind but she was sure everyone else did. The ringing wouldn't stop in her ears from where some unlucky tribute had fell off of her platform. What a way to go... At least it was quick.
Everyone seems to be in a trance, just waiting. It’s as if the worlds stood still. She could imagine all of their families acting in a similar fashion, breath held on the edges of their seats, whereas we balance precariously on the edge of our platform, cautious to not trigger the deadly explosives at our feet.
Her muscles start twitching and her body ached to dart off of her podium down the nearest tunnel behind me. I can do this. I tell myself. I can do this.
The gong cries out, breaking the silence that had settled over the arena and everyone darts off of their pedestals at a full on sprint, the careers make their way to the Cornucopia, followed by those who are either too caught up in the adrenalin of the moment, or too stupid to avoid the imminent bloodbath.
Briar spins on her pedastol and runs blindly into the mouth of a tunnel she thinks she can see. She darts towards it and keeps running down the dark cold tunnel her footsteps echoing and bouncing off of the claustraphobic walls. The darkness was suffocating and she could barely breath. Angry tears formed at her eyes and she tried to feel herself around, the angry cries of pain and battle travelling down to her ears from the cornucopia.
Tristan... She thought softly as she lunged towards a wall accidently, she crashed into it bumping slightly before she laughed. She grabbed her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide.
Stupid girl! She thought angrily, she couldn't afford to make any sounds. She slithered next to the wall and pressed her body against it, waiting for her allies to come meet her... Hopefully.
Briar held her breath as she pressed her body to the wall hard. She didn't want anyone to know she was there until she was ready for them. She didn't plan on encountering anyone, but plans don't always work out.