A silver parachute drifts slowly to the ground. A small box is attached with a note from mentor Glitter Caulder. Inside is a trail mix pack and two granola bars. The note reads: “You can do this."
She was taking her time studying the arena when the newest parachute dedicated to her beeped its way down on the floor of the ship. Just as she was to turn away and leave the filthy third class cabins that caused her nothing but disgust, especially since it was obvious the beds - what remained of them - were slept in and used. Yet, she luckily heard the signal and turned around to embrace yet another present. She was pleased to receive so many of those in that fifth day, ready to hold an entire speech about being lucky and blessed to have the best supporters in the world.
Yet, as much as Regan on the first day in the arena would have rambled on and on about that, this Regan as decreasingly willing to talk in vain and waste her breath on theatrical schemes to get people to like her. She knew deep down that it was what she had to do and her strategy from the beginning, but she felt tired. And she didn’t know where to sleep anymore. The night between the third and fourth day she spent under the desk of the lobby, as one of the other girls watched, but ever since, she’s lost her weapon and one of her allies. There was no time for sleep anymore, and as young and restless as she was, she was starting to feel that.
Regardless, she pushed herself to smile brightly, though wearily and waved at the closest drone. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Only you give me strength, but, now, I really need something to defend myself with.” Her eyes were hopeful and that kind of glimmer almost always got her parents to do things her way and get her whatever she desired. She could only hope it had the same effect on the people behind the televisions, or that the knife she was waiting for was already in the small box - which she doubted from its weight.
The letter she hugged briefly, wanting to show kindness and appreciation for the mentor as well, as much as she wasn’t head over heels about her, and then, she threw it away for other weaker tributes to find. Food. Too late. Her stomach was filled and fulfilled, but the pockets of her rain jacket welcomed the trail mix and the granola bars for later. She knew she’d need them. But right now, what she needed most was something Glitter couldn’t send.
With a yawn, she approached one of the ugly cabins she found disgusting at first sight, shutting the door carefully before throwing herself on the ruin of a bed. It was better than nothing, and she felt fairly shielded. Nothing, if not swallowing water, three hours later, opened her eyes back. The ship was sinking. Soaked in water and confused, Regan didn’t wait before opening the door and running up the stairs where it was still dry and nice. She had to find the girls. She had to tell them that this ship will sink. Joy was on her way of becoming Regan’s best friend for the outstanding swimming skills she had. Not that Regan would ever leave Lola behind.