[location.] eastern side’a the raincloud.
[food.] none yet.
[weapons.] sling shot. length of rope. 2 throwing knives. golden sea plant. kukri. 2 shuriken.
[items.] fishing kit. two flowers. sewing kit. bundle of ashoka. backpack.
[events.] lost a tent running from some birds, then went south. noor has an iron will. ran into essa. killed essa. bleeding a lot.
[injuries.] got some bad cuts on my ankle and wrist, but those're bandaged and stitched up. forearm acid burns. abdomen stabbed nearly clean through. back'a calf stabbed.
Gamemakers Are Evil. Evil, n’ no-good, n’ murderers. I try my best not to hate them, but mosta the time, I don’t succeed. And it’s rare I hate people.
Yet, even knowing their bloodthirsty ways, I didn’t expect them to be this damn cruel.
Cruel enough to wake us via more birds. More. Birds. A whole flock of pecking feathered fiends, coming down onto Noor n’ I. Both of us even yelp a bit when we wake, the shock of claw jolting us outta our slumber.
Now, usually I’m a light sleeper-- but it’s Noor who’s up first in this case. By the time I’m able to so much as fumble for my crossbow, m’girlfriend is waving around a chain whip like there’s no tomorrow. Anger’s in her eyes as she does it. ‘Cause, hell, is she pissed that another beaked-creature dare bother her. Had they not seen what she’d done to the pelican?
“Fucking birds!”
I pray for any goldfinch she sees in the future.
With another claw to the cheek, I’m finally woken enough to move into action. Unfortunately for me, moving into action means losing my grip on the crossbow bolts, and instead, swinging the whole weapon around to hit the birds. Essentially, I’m knocking ‘em down the same way Noor does, except less effective. S’a little sad.
Puffs of feathers fly about, blood zipping in streams as Noor slashes through their skin and I bash their brains out. But after only a couple minutes of this, we both realize it’s getting us almost nowhere. We’re still getting cut every now and then, and the flock hasn’t thinned. We need to get them away somehow... scare them away, if we can.
But what the hell scares birds?
With another battle cry, Noor flicks the whip, beginning to pant with effort. Her noise draws my attention to her, then to her feet, where I catch sight of our weapons bag. I notice a taser. And a letter. Taser, and paper.
S’like a lightbulb in my head. I sprint from my pathetic attempts at batting the birds off, and slide to my knees next to Noor. She don’t even look down.
“Keep at it, Cherry,” I shout.
I know she can’t hear me. But, hey, the thought that counts, yeah?
Tearing open the backpack, I grab for the taser, then the letter. Flick the switch on. Press the current t’the paper. And suddenly, there is fire.
Tapping Noor’s leg, she drops the whip. However, this time, when the chain goes down, the birds don’t come dive-bombing back in. Instead, the stupid owls start screechin’. Hooting and hollering and backing the hell up as they see the quick-burning paper in my hand.
Memories of field fires and birds bolting away from ‘em come back to me. Smoke, singed meat. ‘Course birds don’t like fire.
But don’t have time to dwell on that. Noor locks eyes with me and the paper, then springs into actions once again. She’s smart, that girl, and snatches the burning paper from my hands. Runs to our tent-- now in ruins due t’the claws ‘n beaks-- and throws it onto the fabric so it also begins to burn.
Now the owls are really freaking out, breaking away from the cave and themselves as we gather the remaining items we can, shoving weapons n’ food into our packs. We run into the cave just as the tent reaches the peak of it’s burn, driving the owls away for good.
To the right of me, I hear Noor murmuring something. More about whats good.
Scraped and cut, we head deeper into the tunnel, eventually slowing down when we realize we’re safe. We walk forward.
A few more bites of penguin meat was enough for the morning, so I finished up another mince pie and an apple, trying to get the strange flavor out of my mouth. Still, not knowing when I’d find fool next, I saved the rest of the penguin meat, before packing up. At least this way I could reason out killing them since I used as much of them as I could.
Packing up the rest of my things, I glanced around, unsure of where to move next. Shrugging to myself, I began making my way south, hoping that I wouldn’t run into anyone else.
What’s Black And White And Red All Over?|| Arena Day Three
I woke the next morning feeling better than I had when I went to sleep, surprised to find that I had slept relatively well through the night. I barely had enough time to regain my bearings, being at only 25% of my best vision, before I realized I was surrounded by ten large...birds?
Tilting my head, I tried to make sense of what I was looking at. The birds(?) stood only a few feet high, but they had large bodies and small wings and seemed to waddle more than walk on their orange, rubbery flippers. Vaguely, I remembered Sawyer mentioning a strange, flightless bird, but I couldn’t quite remember what she had called them, not that it really mattered. Picking up my whip, I snapped it loudly.
“Shoo.”
They did not. Instead the herd started waddling towards me until one dropped on it’s stomach and slid towards me. It moved through the grass as if the green turf was ice, and then I was on my ass, the bird having slid right into my weakened leg, taking a moment to peck at me before sliding away once more.
That seemed to be the signal to the rest of them, and a moment later they were all attacking, some slamming into me, others pecking me, picking at my clothes skin. Scowling, I swung the whip lowly, the chain catching a few and knocking them back.
Pulling out my hunting knife, I held it in my weakened hand, stabbing at the bird- penguin! thats what is was!- red soon stained white and black. With some companions down, the remaining penguins seemed to take it upon themselves to intensify their attack. Every attempt I made at standing was tragically derailed, and I grit my teeth in pain and frustration.
Growling low in my throat, I stayed down, swinging my whip with more power, the gained momentum making it easier to neutralize the offensive force until all ten of them were sprawled out on the grass. The penguins made loud, pained noises as the chain knocked them to the ground before I followed up the knife, driving the blade through their throats.
They seemed to be catching on to my strategy, though, as they began to hang back, just outside of the whip’s reach unless participating in an attack. With only a few left, their attacks were more sporadic to my advantage. However, the lower amount and small size made them harder to hit. . Luckily, this wasn’t my first rodeo.
Getting to my feet, I felt prepared for the predictable attack. Keeping my legs apart for stabilization, I snapped the whip once, before swinging it onto the ground, the chain slamming into the creature’s skull and shattering the bone with a crunch.
The penguin bodies that surrounded me became obstacles for the penguins that still lived, and I used it to my advantage, taking a more offensive role in the altercation. Without the flat ground to glide on, they had to go slower, making them sitting ducks for my skilled whip work. The chain wrapped around a penguin and I jerked it to the left, catching another before whipping them, once, twice, three times until they were all neutralized.
Gashes marred their white and black coats, the blood clotting and matting their once fine, sleek feathers. Thankfully, due to their size, I was relatively unharmed beside a few more cuts and a sore leg. Pulling over some brush, I started a small fire with the requisitioned matches, quickly skinning the penguins before cooking their meat. It wasn’t that good, but it was food, and food is fuel.
I steadied myself as the chute rose, my adrenaline leveling off and breathing slowing. I didn’t know where I was going, who would be in front of me when I was released. The nightstick was still attached to me, and as an extra precaution I kept an arrow at the ready.
I couldn’t see much, just a dim light that revealed concrete walls around me. This went on for about five minutes or so before I stopped moving and the panel opened up to what looked like a prison cell. There was a small bed, food, water and what I assumed was something to clean up with.
I didn’t trust this, and stood at the ready for several minutes before it became apparent I was in the clear...for now.
I dropped down onto the clunky mattress and put my belongings down, and finally taking the gas mask off. I took off the track jacket and my shirt, caring little for how self-conscious I usually am and began cleaning the blood, sweat and dirt off. Just as I did with Judas I didn’t dwell on what happened with Sawyer too much. It was a necessary evil of the situation at hand.
I can only hope what I did caused her little pain.
Setting my clothes and shoes aside I dug out half of the ham sandwich and began picking at it along with the soup, the water being a welcomed change compared to the sugary iced tea I had been drinking, likewise the broth against my throat. Then I pulled out the first aid kit and began patching myself up.
I was just finishing up when the Capitol anthem began playing in the room and a screen appeared on a wall. I had heard a number of cannons throughout the day. Our numbers were drawing to a close.
The first to be shown was Salem, taken out by...Cypress. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed that he managed to hold his own, nor did it surprise me the Career went down on his ass. Pride does come before the fall.
And then I saw Dani, being torn apart by Meredith.
I couldn’t zone in on one emotion. But before I became too wrapped up in myself I remembered that this wasn’t the time or place to be concerned for others, mourn their loss and wish I could have been there to protect them, ”And sometimes acknowledging that change is in its’ own way a sign of bravery, courage, to overcome yourself.”
Averting my eyes for the briefest moment I remembered our time together at the pool, showing her how to light a fire and cooking. And then there was that last night in the Capitol, and I couldn’t help but smile slightly at the memory of that scene. “Buddy, I know I’ve asked for a lot already but...take care of her for me will ya?” I looked back at the screen as the fight faded, letting the memories go with it.
Judas came up next, followed by a birds-eye view of myself taking him out. It didn’t phase me much seeing myself like that. I did what was necessary.
Brunelle and Angus came up next, both of them taken out by Meredith. That girl had to have been going mad by this point.
I stood up and stretched a bit when my fight against Sawyer was shown. My calf wasn’t ailing me too much and I ran a few tic-tacs to keep it from getting stiff. As far as I can tell it was just a bit bruised.
And then I saw Cypress, slaughtered by Wednesday. I sighed and leaned against the wall. At least they’re with each other again. Just as I did Dani I didn’t let myself dwell too much on what happened.
There would be time for that later.
The anthem aired again and I was left in silence.
I slipped my clothes back on. Focusing on what was before me I took some time to sort through what I had brought out of the fight with Sawyer, finding uses for some of her items that would normally be overlooked and discarding those I knew I would need no longer.
Three of us left: myself, Meredith and Wednesday. I could only imagine tomorrow brings the final fight.
Finally calm, I cautiously exit the tube and enter the accommodations with Cypress’s left arm still in my grasp. It’s a surreal feeling really, getting this far in the Games. I mean I never doubted my potential, but I did question if was going to die. Yes even I, self proclaimed ‘queen of the banter’ had uncertainty about death.
Dropping my weapons to the ground I roll onto the bed, still in pain from my open wounds. The burns were the most severe of course; so severe that all of my nerve endings in my back are pretty much destroyed. The pain was dull, but mostly I just feel solid blackness. My guess is third degree judging by the looks and symptoms. What a fuck fest. thank you Cypress
The Fallen begins to play while I start tending to myself, cleaning up the bits of excess blood. Only a cloth and water this time around, no first aid kid. Not much, but it’ll have to do I guess. I at least have some water and something to eat so theres that as well.
On closer inspection, I start to laugh tasting the soup, noticing its technically all broth,“Chicken noodle soup, chicken noodle soup, chicken noodle soup with a soda on the side!” Bitches making me remember these dumb childhood songs and shit, I doubt anyone has a clue what I’m talking about.
I’m almost as mad as the girl who believes in wonderland...
One by one tributes begin to fall, a record day it seems like. With my kill being the gruesome end I realize only three of us remain... Holy shit, just three.
The duo from Three are the only ones standing in my way of becoming a Victor. I can take them, I can do this, I have too.
Meredith walked into the small room, her eyes quickly falling onto the bed that was positioned in the center. She dropped all her weapons and pack, then ran to the bed. It has been a while since she actually slept on a bed, and even if it was slightly uncomfortable. She grabbed the bottle and washed out her mouth before eating the soup. Meredith felt content, her happiness levels slowly rising after what she has been through. Killing three people in one day was serious work and Meredith felt like she was a Career of some sort.
Meredith took off her jacket and threw it onto the floor, her gaze focusing on the knife wound in her arm. She winced at the pain, now it was finally kicking in for her as her anger and adrenaline slowly waned. She placed the soup onto the floor then grabbed her medical kit. She was beat up from the battle she just made it out of, scratches on her arm, a broken nose, the knife wound in her arm.... Meredith had taken a punch from five tributes - and she killed four of them. Fox. Canary. Saphir. Jamdani. Brunelle. Angus. All dead because of she - all dead because she wants to win - all dead because of the Hatter.
The Hatter rested at the corner of her bed, petting the Cheshire Cat whom laid in his lap, purring gently. “I don’t like you.” She broke the silence, her eyes glaring at his as she bandaged her wounds. “I thought you died and then you want to call that little girl - that waste of air - the new Alice. How dare you, Hatter. I thought we had each other’s back!”
“Oh Meredith. You’ve gone mad.” He snickered, the Cat joining in. The White Rabbit appeared, joining in on the laughter. She was a joke. Nothing but a fool and insane. “You’re deranged Meredith.” He stood up, the Cat disappearing and the White Rabbit going down the tube she came up in.
“If only you knew how mad you truly are, Meredith.”
It was so strange to hear her own real name. Years and years of being called Alice -- Meredith was no one. She stood up and gripped the sword's handle. “Get out. And leave me alone.”
The fallen music began to play and Meredith noticed the Hatter has vanished. She curled under the blanket, her hands gripping onto the duvet. She watched Salem die by the hands of Cypress, then she re-watched the death of Jamdani. Judas was next and Meredith almost screamed at the sight of Naxos killing him. “Naxos!” She cried out, happiness overwhelming her. Brunelle then Angus. Sawyer was next and the girl from Three grinned for two reasons: one, she did not like the cattle herder and two, Naxos was the one that ended her life. Cypress died quickly afterwards, Sunday reigning victorious -- not for long, Meredith thought. It was then did she realize who she was up against. Wednesday Mason from Two and her district partner, Naxos Cadfan.
injuries: superficial cuts on side, bandaged and nearly healed. a few minor bruises.
allies: alone, again.
inventory:
pack of six knives
quarter of a litre of water in flask
empty orange juice bottle
can of purple glitter hair spray
can of energy drink
purse with 10BN
events: woke up hot and sweaty in a room with that girl from 10, but managed to trick her into not being able to kill me and went down the trapdoor. probably should have gone out into the fair. the tunnel was dark and dull and not very nice. ate the last of my food supplies there and then kept travelling forwards. i don’t know what’s going to happen now.
