During the late night, Matt announced, "Tributes, in the afternoon, there will a feast. I invite you to come for something each of you desperately needs. First come first serve. See you then, tributes!"
It also rains for a majority of Day 3.
~
Please pick a tribute to continue with for the rest of the Games if you have two tributes.
Your packs on the wooden table:
The Packs are in a circle and go clockwise according to District i.e. Talisa's is pointing straight north Bolt's is East, Caspian's South, and Jacquelyn's West
Talisa- Medium, Candy Red
Oswald-Large, Burgundy
Leo- Small, Blue-
Bolt- Medium, Lime Green
Technik- Small, Jade Green
Celeste- Small, Canary
Caspian- Medium, Mustard Yellow
Hazel- Small, Forest Green
Jacquelyn- Small, Beige
Aia- Small, Black
Your Position:
-Expect some surprises
-Everyone gets 5 points today
This Task is due Tuesday, January 13th at 8 PM EST
Night 2: Oswald, Nemea, Celeste, Caspian, Arachne, Jacquelyn, & Aia
Night had just begun to fall when Celeste and Aia finished their preparations. They'd gotten supplies for something that spoke to their soul via a parachute that the sponsors had sent them. Aia figured it had something to do with their performance in the Bloodbath, although her near-perfect 11 in training and Celeste's generous district surely didn't hurt.
They'd gotten two sticks of dynamites, four waterproof matches, a large tub of beeswax, and the more important potassium permanganate. Aia had spent the morning using Celeste's knife to pry open the batteries from their flashlights and pouring them into her empty vial, her token. She'd used a rope to heist it up in the air, tying the other end to their zipper. Then she sprinkled the potassium permanganate onto the cave floor, it's intended use only proved useful with her trap.
"Let's stir some up some trouble in the woods," Celeste offered, handing Aia a stick of dynamite.
~
Nemea Leonhardt was nearly a hundred percent sure that she had a concussion, but she wasn't dead yet. She hadn't slept in over twenty-four hours and she was facing exhaustion. The only thing on her mind was staying alive, although Leo was some contest to that. She hadn't seen his face in the sky so she presumed he wasn't dead. Neither was that girl from 7. She was on the border of the woods, which was probably where they'd gone. She'd checked the Cornucopia several times, finding that everything good was gone. She'd eaten and drank but was still on edge. She'd kill the girl and Leo with her bare hands if she had to.
Someone was coming out of the woods, at full speed. He was writhing in pain as little red insects covered his body. His handsome face was covered in grapefruit sized lumps that looked greatly inflamed. At that moment she bolted back for the caves, knowing she was barely any match for the boy now that he had swords.
In her exhausted state, she didn't realize she'd stepped into the wrong cave. There, she found Celeste and Aia's tent. It looked so inviting. It was dark too, making her neglect the rope that was tied to the zipper. She was just so tired. When she pulled down, the battery acid spilled onto the special powder Aia had sprinkled onto the floor.
In the distance, Celeste and Aia heard their trap go off, a huge explosion, followed by a cannon.
~
Arachne Weaver had gotten herself stuck in a sticky situation-literally. While everyone else was fighting at the Bloodbath, she'd been exploring the eastern woods. Deep in the bowels of the canyon was a large spider, the size of bear. She'd been careless enough to get her arm caught in its huge web and the rest of her body trying to get out. The damned thing hadn't bothered to even wrap her up. It was still physically hunting prey. She just needed someone to help her. Someone to break her free. She couldn't count on her district partner anymore, knowing he was dead. Then, she saw two girls-the ones from 4 and 12 if she could see correctly-jumping from tree to tree getting closer to the wall of the canyon. They were her only hope, maybe they'd let her join.
"Please, help me!"
The girls looked in her direction, but shrugged her off. That's when she heard the clicking. The spider had returned. She screamed and screamed but no one came. She watched the two girls flee and a small light on the middle of the canyon wall. Then, the dynamite exploded and the last thing the girl ever saw was a falling rock. It crushed the entire southeastern portion of the woods.
Celeste and Aia heard the second explosion of the night, earning them their second kill of the night.~
A loud scream echoed around the right side of the forest, disrupting a few birds. Panting heavily, Caspian looked down at his thigh, a sticky arrow held in his bloody fist. Biting his bottom lip he took his undershirt off, tearing it up with his teeth.
Well, guess they got to see me with my shirt off after all, he thought sourly. With an injured leg and a wounded ego he didn’t feel sexy at all.
He poured some of his drinking water out onto the wound, letting out a hiss and pained groan. Not exactly a medical expert, he tied a strip of cloth around his thigh then checked out the gash on his calf. That one was much more shallow, but still needing attention as well. Repeating the process, he soon had his calf tied up as well and put his shirt back on.
As it got darker he slipped the night vision goggles on, relieved he had grabbed those. Everything snapped into focus, the landscape tinted green.
With a groan he got to his feet, testing out his leg. Oh, he would be limping, but with enough determination and adrenaline he could run if needed.
Taking a few bites of his small food supply, he gathered up the rope he had picked up and secured the spears against his back with a small leather strap they came with. He began to head North, using the rope to set traps while also grabbing vines and weaving a net. At the least he could capture some food, at the most a tribute. After setting up the rope traps, he found a relatively dry place to sleep and took a nap.
He woke up to the smell of smoke
~
Jacquelyn King had helped Satyr Braun with his injuries, done all she could really, but he was still really hurt. She really had no idea what to do. He was being as supportive as he could. He told her that he was fine and he’d be himself in no time, but Jacquelyn knew better. He had a fever, that was apparent because of the constant sweating. Every time she looked at him now, she thought of the boy in training, the boy on the train, the boy… the boy that looked sick as can be with a grimace on his face when he thought she wasn’t looking at him.
That was when they noticed the fire brewing in the
“Jacquelyn…” She heard him call his name and instantly she retrieved her arrows and was by his side. “Yeah?” She asked tentatively as her eyes scanned him over, wondering what could be wrong. “You have to leave me. You have to. Please… go, you’re not safe here.” Jacquelyn couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She grabbed his shoulder softly and stared at him and gave a slight chuckle. She shook her head, letting her large curls and her cross shaped earrings sway as she did so. “No. Out of the question… I’m not leaving you.”
"Aw, how sweet," Caspian cooed mockingly.
Jacquelyn grabbed the sickle she received from Misha. "Stay away. I'm warning you."
"I'm so scared," Caspian laughed. He pointed his spear at her. "You better get out of here while you can. This place is burning up and it'll swallow you if you're not careful.:
"Fuck you," tears brimmed her eyes.
The District 4 boy lunged at her, much faster than she. However, it appeared Satyr was the fastest, jumping up in front of her. The head of the spear sunk far into his chest. "Go," he sputtered before Caspian casted his body aside.
Jacquelyn did just that. She ran until her feet could carry her no more. She ended up in the one of the caves on the Northern wall. She heard Satyr's cannon fire and burst out sobbing.
~
A light rain quelled the fire before it enveloped anyone else.
Day 2: Talisa, Leo, Bolt, Technik, Hazel, & Maisie ft Oswald
Talisa had woken up that morning pretty sore from her actions in the Bloodbath. She'd run at least a mile and she'd been in many hairy tangles with tributes she would more than like to forget. The lovebirds from 2 and 7 and Oswald, her own district partner. She'd forgotten how freaking insane that guy was back at the academy. Thankfully, the boy from 9 was there or else he might have cut her head off instead. She grimaced at the thought, the morning sun catching her beautiful eyes. She barely escaped that wench for 7, who left a wound in her shoulder.
From an opening in the trees, she could see a silver parachute flutter down her way. On the inside, there was a slip of paper confirming it was hers. She cracked a stunning smile and pried open the package. Inside was a loaf of bread with 24 thin slices, a flash grenade, and a vial of a disturbing looking substance. Printed on the bottle was a picture of a snake coiling around itself. She smirked to what she imagined to be a camera.
Get ready for a show, Panem.
~
Bolt and Technik nibbled on their provisions later in the day, not sure if there was anything they could really do other than keep a watchful eye. Bolt ever-so-slightly resented Technik for not being able to gather them a weapon. Although, another part of her was thankful he was still alive after seeing the faces in the sky. She'd watched the Peacekeepers remove the bodies from the Cornucopia. There was a headless boy among them, another with her face stabbed in. On one she watched as they tried to keep his organs from spilling out.
The boy was beating himself up enough already. The look in his eyes was heartbreaking. He cleared his throat, "Where are we going next Bolt? One of those monsters might be on their way here..."
"We should try and keep a level head. Maybe we should head deeper into the woods."
"We don't know the woods, Bolt. Anything could be out there."
"There's nothing to fear. Woods are just trees and trees are just wood."
"What is that?" Technik pointed to the silver parachute floating their way.
"Sponsors?" Pure joy filled her body.
She got up from where she was sitting and jogged toward the parachute. At that moment a tribute came barreling out of the woods. Her long black mane flew behind her and a sword hung from her hip. Using the hilt, the girl knocked Bolt in the face, causing blood to pour from her nose. Maisie snatched up the parcel and ran as fast as she could in the opposite direction.
~
"We should keep moving, Hazel," Leo pleaded, washing the fox blood off of his hands. The little bandits had a knack for stealing their food right from under them. So far they'd stolen three beef strips. One even tried to run off with an ax in its mouth. He had a feeling they were mutts.
"Leo, I need to rest. She was tired, especially after having lost some blood in the Bloodbath. I know the woods, anyway. We can stay here as long as we need to."
"So says you. That doesn't mean that there won't be a tribute or some twisted thing the Gamemakers send out way to make things more interesting." He looked at her with his sea green eyes. suddenly remorseful. "I'm sorry, it's just that I thought this was going to be easier, the Games I mean.
Hazel laughed. "Spoken from a true Career. Besides, I think everyone is out licking their wounds like we are."
"Yeah, Talisa isn't going far with that wound in her shoulder." Leo nodded, quietly praising her good work.
Together, they both noticed the parachute coming down to them. At that same moment, a girl who was only fleeing came into their camp. Her hair was loose around her face, which was stricken with panic. The girl thought faster than they did and snatched up their parachute with her free hand. The girl darted on, barely missing an ax to the head as Leo swung.
-
Quietly, Oswald St. Germaine crept closer. He was so thankful for that outlier to have provided an opening for him. With swords in hands he aimed directly for Leo's spine. However, the resting Hazel noticed him lurch forward. With her injured clavicle, she swung her ax at him. Oswald was knocked off trajectory and instead stabbed Leo's back hip. Leo cried out and fell to his knees. Leo grabbed the handle of ax and tried to behead Oswald.
"Fuck both of you," Oswald grunted and managed to get them off of him long enough to flee in the opposite direction.
They considered going after him, but there was someone who had something more valuable than Oswald did. The two of them packed up their supplies and ran toward the girl with the parcels. Luckily for them, the girl had gotten caught on a branch. The girl noticed them and tried to run, leaving the caught package on the tree. Leo smirked, tossing his ax into her back. The girl hit the ground in no time, dropping the package in front of her. Hazel heard the girl's cannon fire and having the best mobility of the two of them went out to retrieve the packages. The one hooked on the tree was a bit tricky to remove but she finally got it after a moment. She scooped up the other one and placed them both aside while she searched the girl. She found a bag of corn kernels and a sword. No other food.
Leo opened the parcels and found a bottle of healing salve in one and another held a loaf of bread. He figured the girl must have been hungry or else she might not have gotten this as a gift.
Hazel leaned down and whispered in the dead girl's ear, "Didn't you hear it's dangerous in the woods?"
Congratulations on the fourteen of you that have survived the Bloodbath. An epic battle between you left ten no longer alive. Their bodies have been removed and you are safe the first night. Overnight, it appears that the slops leading up to the platforms are gone, leaving to no way to reach the top. It appears that clouds have formed over the arena, blocking out the sun and most of the light in the canyon-can you survive in the dark?
~
Here's where everyone is:
What do you do on Day Two?
This Task is due Friday, January 9th at 10 pm EST.
The twenty-four tributes were circled around the cavernous canyon. The golden horn and all its spoils lie in the bottom. Many of the tributes couldn't see any competitors except those directly around them, which fueled the fear of the unknown. Some, as Jacquelyn, were shaking like leaves. Others, like Nemea and Ramsay, got into position. Caspian whispered, "Good luck, Twelve," to the female tribute placed beside of him. From across the way Celeste saw her Aia and smirked ever so slightly. Leo and Hazel smiled openly, appreciating the luck of being right next to one another. Some found it more humorous, like the duo from District 1. Talisa had painted a cruel smile while Oswald was straight out laughing, much to Nemea's chagrin.
5...4...3...2...1
The gong sounded.
Immediately, Capian barreled down the steep slope, dragging the District 11 boy, Satyr, by the arm. After a bit of struggling he tossed him down, watching the boy tumble until he hit the bottom and crash into a tree. Caspian smirked. One down. He continued on to the horn, hoping to get something that can finish the boy off.
Oswald had a similar plan with Nemea. He grabbed her by the back of her coat as she went down, stopping her in her tracks. Twisting around, he raised his arm -and by extension Nemea's- head and slammed it down on the rocky slope. Nemea dug her perfectly manicured nails into his arm so hard that it drew blood. Oswald cursed and just as he was about to make a grab for her hair, she sent a boot deep into his gut, sending him fumbling to the bottom of the slope. Before he could even manage to get up, the bleeding and possibly concussed girl ran into one of the caves.
The rich boy's district partner, Talisa, ran down the hill as fast she could in one stride and made it to the bottom with little trouble. Other such as Jacquelyn and Brahaman took it step by step, not sure if they were going to make it down. Celeste and Aia slid down the slopes using the metal plates they'd just been standing on as sleds.
The Bloodbath truly started when Leo sunk an ax into Jaden's back. Hazel winced slightly, knowing it was better that he was out of the way now instead of later. She swung an ax at Talisa, who dodged it with skill and grace. The girl grabbed a vest of knives, pulling one out. She looked the District 7 girl in the eye, really wanting to shove the weapon deep inside the socket. But she retained her calm, knowing the girl was just as competent with the ax as she was with the knife.
The District 7 girl swung again, catching the top of Talisa's right shoulder. The Career girl tossed the knife in her hand into the girl's clavicle, a few inches from her heart. Next time I won't be kind enough to miss, lover girl. The girl fled into the canyon, hoping to run into some unfortunate souls who weren't as fast as those who'd already made it to the horn.
The two District 4 tributes made it to the horn at the same time, though only one of them had an ally. Caspian knew not to mess with the girl just yet, so he let her slip by. It was more probable he was allowing her to deal with the tributes from 2 and 7. He watched as Aia created a diversion with Hazel, drawing her away from the horn while Celeste was stuck with Leo.
That's when he charged the boy, who looked as though he was about to deliver the coup de grace to his partner. The handsome boy from 4 jabbed his elbow into the District 2 boy. He could feel the breath leaving Leo's body and watched Celeste scoop up the pack, a set of knives, as well as the last ax. Caspian left the District 2 boy on the ground and grabbed two spears.
"Help me..." cried Jaden, who was struggling to breathe. Celeste felt poorly for the boy, so she quietly drew one of her knives and slit his throat. The boy was finally dead and her conscience was clear. Although, the girl from 7 was still something to be dealt with.
Maisie, Rhys, Ramsay, and Brahaman had formed a circle around Aia and Hazel. Maisie and Rhys had spears while Ramsay and Brahaman had swords. The girls hovered over Hazel while the boys hovered over an unarmed Aia. Celeste felt a sense of urgency and pulled a knife from her vest. She tossed it into the tribute nearest to her, which just so happened to be Brahaman. The knife sunk into his lower back, sending him to his knees. Following the open lead while the other three tributes were still stunned, Hazel buried her ax into Ramsay's chest. Maisie and Rhys fled in opposite directions, with Maisie heading west while Rhys went East. Aia took the boy's fallen sword and stabbed him through the back, finishing him off.
"Thanks," Aia whimpered.
Celeste handed her the ax that was rightfully hers."Let's get going."
"Wait, this could come in handy," Aia said, reaching for the cutting board.
Caspian cleared the Cornucopia as soon as Oswald arrived. He didn't trust the boy with the swords. Hazel and Leo also were re-thinking their options. Hazel had nearly been killed had it not been for Celeste. Leo was on his feet again and he was trying to figure out what Caspian was trying to do. Smart and cute...too bad he has to die. He chucked his spear like he would a trident at an open fish. However, Leo was expecting it and ducked. The spear lodged itself in Denzi's chest. The boy staggered and fell backwards, the spear sticking straight up. Caspian ran to retrieve the spear as his calf caught the brunt of Leo's blade. He limped ever so slightly, pulled out the spear and began to retrace his steps to where he left Satyr.
Little did he know that Satyr was making his way to Jacquelyn King, who was just outside the horn. There she saw both the District 1 and 4 boys take notice of the broken and wounded boy. His arm had a thick bone jutting from it and and was covered in blood from the shoulder down.Seeing no other option, she went for the bow and strapped the quiver on her back. She was incompetent with it, she knew, but it was the only shot she had-literally. She nocked an arrow into place and aimed for the District 4 boy, who was closer than Oswald. She let the arrow fly and it sprouted in the back of his thigh. He went down pretty easily. Thankfully, he'd been running in a straight line. She watched him grab some food, water, a length of rope and a pair of goggles and flee to from where he came. She aimed for the other boy, the one from District 1. He was so scary.
The boy she had been aiming at was distracted it seemed, by worthier prey. The District 9 boy-Rhys. She retracted her arrow and ran for Satyr. The District 1 boy and girl met for the first time in the arena. Talisa's shoulder was bleeding and Oswald's sleeve was drenched in blood. Not to mention his face was scratched to hell. The two stood on either side of the boy, who only had a sword. Rhys wasn't scared. He wouldn't go down without a fight. Oswald clashed his swords together, creating a flash of sparks and a horrid sound. Talisa was still smiling. As was Oswald. When Rhys swung for Talisa she bolted, leaving the District 9 boy for the other Career. It didn't take long for Oswald to swing and watch as the head of the District 9 boy rolled away. Blood splattered his face and the goggles that hung from his neck by a cord. Across the way, he saw the girl from 4 and the girl who bested him in training. Those girls were done for.
Talisa sunk one of her knives into the District 5 girl, Pagoda. It didn't take long for the girl to fall to the ground, dead. Talisa smiled and retrived the blade from the girl's lifeless body. Her first kill. She would savor it well. She saw the District 6 and 12 male tributes struggling against the District 9 girl. She race over as fast she could, just in time to see the District 9 girl pierce North through the gut. She drew out her sword and when she saw Talisa, ran for the woods. Smart girl. Talisa took the knife she had just used to kill Pagoda to throw into Ferus. It hit the boy's temple, killing him instantly. She walked over to the two bodies, only to discover the District 6 boy was still breathing, blood dripping from his mouth. She pulled out the weapon from the dead boy and used it to slit the throat of the other one. "I honor your sacrifice," she mumbled, mimicking the Capitolites when a tribute died. She huffed and grabbed food and water, fleeing into the western wood.
Celeste held Arius by his throat via her crystal pendant. Then she let Aia bury her ax into the boy's stomach. Foolish boy thought he could help a seemingly defenseless Aia. She let the dying boy free when she felt someone grab her by her hair. She struggled to reach for one of her knives when Oswald held a sword to her throat. She could feel the weapon draw blood. He was nearly two seconds from killing her.
"Let her go!" Aia screamed. "Or you'll be sorry!"
"Ooh, just because some little outlier got an eleven she suddenly thinks she's hot shit," Oswald hissed. "Guess what, you're staring at the future Victor!"
"As if!" Aia nodded to her as soon as her finger had found a blade.
Celeste took grip and stabbed his hand and used her free arm to elbow him in the gut. He staggered back and the girls ran to the southwestern cave with supplies such as goggles, food, tent, and water as well as previously acquired goods.
Oswald was once again duped out another kill. Although, he did see two tributes whom he had not seen. Bolt and Evelyn were rummaging through supplies. Bolt gathered food and water and bolted as soon as she'd seen him. Evelyn was none the wiser and was still trying to wrap a length of rope around her wrist. He crept up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. The minute she looked up, he buried his sword in his face.
Technik, who was back in the woods with Bolt gasped in horror. As did Jacquelyn who was aiding Satyr into the woods on the opposite side of the arena. Fucking monster she thought just before she disappeared with some food and water.
Oswald collected some supplies such as food, water, and rope and headed north, into a cave. Before he entered, he blew a kiss for the camera.
Once there was no one in range of the horn, the cannons boomed ten times.
Tributes, your days of being in the Capitol are over. At least they are for now. Your mentor/escort wakes you up early on the opening days of the Games. You get dressed in your transitional uniform and meet your mentor/escort on the roof of the training center. There, you see the people that may very well end your life. Perhaps you might end theirs. Before you can step any farther onto the aircraft, you're frozen on the last rung of the ladder. A man in a white labcoat approaches you and sticks a syringe into your arm. You watch as the tracker surfaces beneath your skin. Best they not lose a tribute. You're free and you take your seat next to one of your fellow tributes.
The hovercraft ride lasts about an hour and a half. When you approach your destination, the windows tint black.
You reach the Launch Room and meet with your stylist. They present you with the outfit you'll be wearing in the arena:
They tell you that the coat, while unfortunate in color is great for waterproofing as are the boots, which come up to your knees. The shirt is thin and the pants are flexible. They inform you that you may encounter some water.
You say goodbye to your stylist and watch as the glass tube envelops you.
Your slowly begin to rise, as does the pressure, and you can hardly wait the anticipation of the Games filling your veins with adrenaline and with some of you, fear.
After a couple moments you can see it just over the top of your head-the arena.
Your plate stands on a slab of rock that stretches as as far as you can see. Although, you had a sinking suspicion that trying to go anywhere but down was not encouraged. The golden horn sat at the bottom of the basin, atop a patch of gravel. Surrounding the edges of the canyon were trees as well as caves. It was such a massive canyon, it must have stretched for at least a mile. You were thankful that at least the Gamemakers sloped the canyon so you would break your bones trying to get down.
The Cornucopia and it's contents:
These are your positions on the ledge of the canyon. Use the arena picture as a reference as to where you are. They are all equidistant to the cornucopia. There is wildlife in the woods (bunnies, birds)
Outside on the ground:
1-Gallon Jugs of Water
2-Food Parcels (Contain eight beef strips and a loaf of bread)
3-Flashlights (battery life is approximately two days)
4-20 feet of rope
5-Tents (large and waterproof)
6-Night Vision Glasses (Do not work in sunlight)
7- Wooden Cutting Board
Inside the Cornucopia:
1-Swords
2-Spears
3-Throwing Axes
4- Throwing Knife Leg Holsters (6 Knives)
5- Bow and Quiver (12 arrows)
6- A Bright Red Pack
~
Your Task is to tell me what you do in the Bloodbath and if you partake-how you survive. Do you have any allies? Enemies? Do you target anyone? Do you purposefully avoid people? If you choose to hang back, where do you go?
There are no rules, although do not step off your plate for sixty seconds.
I do not require a length but at least write enough to make me want to keep you alive.
This Task is due Wednesday, January 7th at 10 PM EST
