The Bloodbath

[Tori]

The running start hadn't helped much since she was still behind everyone. Tributes had started attacked by now, and chaos had begun to erupt. "Let the games begin." Clarisse muttered to herself and looked around for a weapon. Spear, no. Bow, no. There had to be something of use. Any weapon was better than no weapon at all, but she wouldn't fall that low. She was getting the weapon she wanted, even if she died before she had the chance to do so. It was happening.

The blade of a falchion caught her eye as she ran in the direction of it. Items lay scattered around the cornucopia and Clarisse rushed to get the sword. It was her weapon. She knew it. This was what would assist her with completing her goal. "Occisor." The word rolled off her tongue. She didn't know what it meant, but it seemed to fit. Occisor would be the friend she needed in the games, her falchion.

A girl ran in front of Clarisse, and without really thinking, she aimed a punch at the girl's face. "Excuse me."

(attacks Estelle Havenporth [Glitter])
Unarmed: [dice=200+5000]
Miss

She continued running towards her weapon, not caring about the girl.

Clarisse greedily took it into her hands and then swung it against the air a few times. Like an extention of her arms. "Thanks," she whispered. Maybe the gamemakers had taken her proposition. A scream came from somewhere, awakening her senses. The fun was just beginning.

[rand=0430445519614732760842675863807327826284597443520269435961985560401]

[∂αмєη]

I watch as Ocean gets injured, and it enrages me. I want to smash Anthony's head in. But I watch him run. I want to kill him so bad. So instead, I swing my hammer at the District 10 girl.

[[Attacks Emma]]
Hammer
[dice=200+7000]
Miss

I miss, and curse. Then I reach down and grab an empty water jug.

[rand=208895541727542889126538606360555504693145863711819421037007123232]

[clovegoodshot]

~Hermione Easteallas

Death.

It is among me, I can feel it coursing through my veins. I don't think about my death, it's the death of the other Tributes that haunts my mind at the moment. I fear for my life, for their lives. . . . .for Will's life.

Will's life.

What if he doesn't make it past the Bloodbath? What if he is killed for my eyes to see? I know if I witness Will's death, I will shut down and be killed. I can't help my love for him. Love. It isn't until this moment that I realize I love Will. He is so strong. Accepted my alliance, and when we hugged. . . . .

Focus Hermione. Focus.

I only have a few minutes until I am put in the glass tube that will lift me through the air, into the Arena. I haven't thought about the Arena yet. I have practically hit myself to keep my mind from straying into what horror awaits me in there. Mutts. Tributes. Cameras that flow the images of my death from the Arena to my Mothers eyes, my Fathers, siblings. But what will the environment be? Snow? Desert? Swamp? Forest?
All of these things rush through my head as I sit in the Launch Room, or as we know it back in the Districts, the Stockyard. Representing stockyards, where animals are taken for slaughter.

I put my head in between my legs, (on the uncomfortable uniform that they have put me in to wear throughout the Games, which consists of my favorite color, orange and black pants and a green headband), to make that nasty noxious feeling in my stomach dissapear, and fiddle with my Token, a small wooden necklace with a heart, and an axe. For a second, I believe it is starting to work. But no, I am just so nervous, just so-

Acid is what I taste when I vomit. I am embarrassed, yea, but the only other person in the room is my stylist Narvila. She tip-toes over to me and puts her hand on my back, while she tries to reassure me. I apologize for throwing up on the floor, but she tells me it happens all the time. I don't see how someone couldn't vomit being this nervous.

I wonder how the others are handling this. I guarantee that people like the Topaz girl from 1, and maybe even my ally, Timothy, from 1, is just standing there, waiting for the tube to open so they can sprint in and go kill some people. I wish I felt that way at the moment. I attempt breathing, but my lungs object. I feel as if my body is not under control, like it's not going to move when the tube does open.

I stand up, to pace the room, when I hear a soft whish, and I know what has just happened. I turn slowly, and see that I am correct. The tube is open. I can almost hear violins playing in the background, this is so movie-worthy. I breathe one heavy sigh, and take five steps forwards, putting me on a metal plate.
My stylist winks at me, (she isn't the emotional type, but it works for me), and I smile. Maybe my last smile. Not saying I will die, I have a fair chance, but I probably won't smile even if I win. Maybe I will be a bitter Victor. Never know until you try it. I would like to try.

The plate starts to rise, and the Launch Room is out of site in seconds. The violin music gets louder as the movie shows shots of every Tributes actions on the plate. I would go see that movie. If I weren't in it.

I am in complete and total darkness, the only thing I can see is the occasional golden arrow pointing up, towards the Arena. Like I don't already know where I am going. The plate keeps rising, keeps rising. I am almost positive it is never going to stop, (maybe mine is dysfunctional or something), when I see light.

The flash of light surprises me, and my eyes play tricks on me putting bright colors and bending shapes in my head. What awakes me from this is the fall breeze across my skin, cooling me down. I immediately prepare myself for extra cold nights. I keep my eyes closed, but realize I must open them or I will miss the gong and not know where to run.

My eyes widen quickly, at the site of my temporary residence, the Arena. To my right, I see a lake. Water is on the top of my list, under just a few things:

• Don't die at Cornucopia.
  
• Get Water.
  
• Protect Will.
  

My list is growing by everything I see in the Arena. The Pumpkin Patch puts, "eat some pumpkins" on my list. Fall trees, with red, orange, and yellow leaves puts, "Nutrients in trees" on my list, and so forth. I also see dead trees, across the Arena from me, an Oak forest behind me, a field of grain to my right, just a little closer to me than the lake. I see a large field of rock pillars to my left and a creek to the left of that. The ground is mostly dirt and grass and the multicolored leaves from the fall trees coat the ground in a bright, beautiful arrangement of something so pretty, I don't want to step on it.

I take a few seconds to close my eyes and smell the Oak trees, just like from back in 7, back at home. Memories flood through my head, but I shove them away in hopes of being able to focus once again.

I realize that I only have a few more seconds before the gong rings, so I decide to take everything in a more detailed manner.

The Cornucopia is stunning. It stand at least twenty feet high from the ground, resembling the golden horn we use at Thanksgiving. Ironic, isn't it? It spews out bows, a few spears, maces, knives, and backpacks. Then I see it. There is a small pile of maybe about three axes. Exactly what I need for this. With an axe, I would at least make it to the top fifteen. My goal is at least to make it past the Cornucopia. I think I can manage that.

I notice Will is beside me, on the plate to my right. I send a slight smile to him hoping he doesn't feel bad enough to not send me one. I could use a smile right about now. I feel more cool breeze penetrate my skin again, it whispers of cool nights, soft fall days, and sweet victory. I love the Fall. It is my favorite time of the year. Not too cold, not too hot, just peaceful. I am going to miss peace. Even if I win, peace will be a rare thing.

I start getting in "the zone", my adrenaline pumping, my blood rushing, my head going crazy with thought. I realize a camera might be on me right now, so I give a cocky smile to myself. I would send s cocky smile at another Tribute, but I don't feel in the mood for having an enemy before the gong. So I pace myself to do this the right way, To prove to my Dad I am not a failure. That I am worth something, and that I can and will do this. But then panic sets in.

Panic.

It is the only word that I can form a definition of in my head. Definition;

"Standing on a metal plate in the middle of an arena, with twenty-four other people all around you, planning how to kill you while you plan how to kill them."

Yea. That's the definition, most definitely. There is nothing else that is so nerve racking than what I am doing right now. I brace myself, take deep breath, position my feet towards the axes, lean forward, and get ready to run. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

Gong

I can do this.

[Bane]

Emma Jenning-

Well, know I've hit one of the people that tried to hurt Anthony. I dive for a bow and quiver of arrows and flip back up, aiming for the other one who I think I recognize. But the rage is building up, tearing me apart. A red tinge comes over everything, and I suddenly feel calm. So calm I fire the arrow.

((Attacks Trace Rowgan [Damen]))

[dice=200+4000]

Shallow cut on right thigh: 3.5 damage.[rand=15700566695710877592594848458725230712505221189704967942948147]

[Skylar]

She threw the spear once more. Aimed at the girl that'd made the swelling lip of hers. It hurt like hell itself, but she wasn't giving up.
emma. spear.
[dice=200+3000]

[rand=188112593023106465750173830892891732400116277858610045118839479983]

[Tori]

Her blood was pumping and adrenaline rushed through her veins. "Who's first?" Clarisse was shouting. The sword in her hands felt good. She swung it once more and looked for someone to attack. New people were entering the cornucopia. And it provided even more possible targets. Clarisse wasn't sure who to choose. A girl was dealing pretty hard damage to one of the tributes. She looked like fun.

"Wanna play?" Clarisse yelled as she ran over, brandishing her sword. She swung hard and fast at the girl, hoping for a good hit.

(attacks Ocean Jones [skylar])
Sword: [dice=200+1000]
deep gash on neck - 10 points

"Score." She whispered under her breath. "Who's next?"

[rand=3397480689474758320123468112246288581630717760593189972851626647]

[∂αмєη]

I watch as Ocean gets hurt again. I can't take this. I need to kill them. I scream loudly, and swing my large hammer, hoping to crush a skull.

[[Attacks Emma]]
Hammer
[dice=200+7000]
Bruised Right Knee

I run by, grabbing another empty jug.

[rand=138745266944171922899233177304345797389000654229428865537047386]

[clovegoodshot]

Death all around me. Ugh. My feet dig into the hard packed earth as I sprint to the Cornucopia. I was wanting a Axe but a Trident is nearer. I run for the Trident, but I am stopped by a person in my way. Stupid b*tch. I run at a random person, I met her eating, with my fists, waiting to crush her skull with the Trident that I will soon have.

{{{{{Attacks Emma }}}}}
Unarmed
[dice=200+5000]

Total success I bruise her left forearm and smile as they whimper in pain.

[rand=135082052594308282952207198515157793232070070504469153113370296098]

[Skylar]

OCEAN LEFT THE DAMN PLACE.

She was all bloodied up and she had to leave. She desperately fled after picking up some rope, despite the blood pouring from her neck.

items: spear, satchel, jug, trowel, jug, rope.

[Bane]

Emma Jenning-

I get hit once more by Ocean, and Trace takes a swing at me. I manage to avoid Ocean. But Trace bruises my knee. I grab a Rucksack and put the string over my shoulder. I reach into the quiver on my back and pull an arrow, quickly loosening it into Trace.

Attacks Trace [Damen]
[dice=200+4000][rand=7461332951949311631748566261852668271835803386497692883690471694]

[∂αмєη]

Trace sees Ocean leave, and runs after her.

Trace has left


Items:
Hammer
Jacket
2 Empty Jugs
Backpack

[clovegoodshot]

Trace and Ocean leave without killing me. Thank them later I will. So to settle I attack the girl I attacked earlier. But I have my chance, so I run in, grab the Trident and throw. While I attack-what is her name? Emma?

[[[[[Attacks Emma]]]]]
Spear: [dice=200+3000]

I stab her in the thigh.[rand=057035382841149628302759696414584634524704354070727465737490595066]

[shrimp]

Late at night
Things I thought, I put behind me
Haunt my mind

It’s very obvious that I couldn’t sleep last night.

I mean, how would I be able to? I know that I have to sleep sometime, but I can’t; not with my impending doom approaching in less than twelve hours. My heart was pounding like a jackhammer. Beads of sweat rolled down my forehead. I was gasping for air the whole night. I thought of my mother for a moment, hoping that I’d be able to give her hope. But I can’t bear to think of her any longer. She wouldn’t be proud of what I was about to do. So instead, I attempted to wipe all traces of district 8 from my mind. My mother was first. Her eyes were always so dark, and hollow – staring off into the distance. Senalia is next. Poor girl. Now she’s all alone; even I’ve deserted her, although not intentionally. The faces of my past flash by one last time, and disappear forever. I’m no longer Will Atlas, boy from District 8. I’m Will Atlas. The Tribute.

My prep team got me ready. They comb my short hair and wash my already clean face. They’re preparing me for the slaughterhouse. And I’m letting them do it. It’s just not worth it anymore, to continue to speak my mind. Nobody in the arena is going to care about what I think. They’ll just want to see my rotting corpse. And I feel the same way towards them. They all need to die. And they all will. We’ll all be walking corpses by the day’s end.

And as the prep team finishes with me, in walks in my stylist, who dresses me in an orange and gray ensemble. I haven’t bothered to learn her name. It won’t matter in the arena. And she hasn’t tried to learn mine. We both know what’s gong to happen. At least one person from our district will die this week. And it could be me. I think of Agatha for a second. If my alliance is wiped out, I’d like it if she won. She’s got smarts, and she got a 7, so she’s not incompetent. At least if she won my mother would be able to get food on the table.

Would my alliance be wiped out? I think about this for a moment. We’re only four people. There are two other alliances with four people in them, therefore making a grand total of twelve members in larger alliances. Other people have become partners, but it seems like the bigger alliances have a winning member. Arbor, Aranica – both were from larger alliances as well. So we’ve got a chance

I just know there's no escape now,
once it's set its eyes on you,
but I won't run, have to stare it in the eye

It’s time. My stylist leads me to the metal platform. It’s cold, hard and unfeeling. Perfect, just like death.

It’s time to die now.

No, no it’s not. We can still survive. We can ma-

Stop imagining. Today is the first day of the end of your life. The very end. You’ve gotta believ-


No. Stop it.

It’s true Will. And you know it. So stop denying it. There’s no turning back now.

I’m not going to give in, you know that.

I know Will. But just remember it.

My subconscious has been conversing with me since the Reaping. I guess it knows something that I refuse to believe. But still, I can’t ignore it. I will die. Right here, right now. The Will Atlas I once knew is gone. My attempt at becoming Tribute Will – that’s gone. There’s just one Will that exists now. And he’s insane.

I turn my head in acknowledgement. My stylist thinks it’s a farewell to her, so she sniffles, and waves a bit. But it’s not directed at her.

“Well, hello there.” I smile and turn to the translucent figure next to me. He’s got ash-colored hair, and blue eyes that are the same hue as mine. He smiles back.

Hey.

If having your own subconscious talk to you in a visible form doesn’t qualify you as crazy, then absolutely nothing does. I chuckle a bit. I really am crazy, ha. How ironic that I’ve gone insane before the games have even begun. But I don’t want to alienate my allies, so Will #2 is going to be my little secret. For now at least.

And before I can see the arena, I put my headband back on my forehead. It fits snugly on my head, just like my old hat. Damn. I miss that hat. Will #2’s doing nothing to help me with that, because he’s wearing the freaking thing. A slight breeze makes his hat fly off of his head though. And I see the see-through item fly off into the distance. Past a forest, whose leaves are all gone. That part of the forest is dead Nearby, I spy a water source, as well as a forest with hues of reds and golds. A field of grain lies over to my left as well. What? Is the capitol yearning for fall weather already?

The other tributes are looking around. Some have their eyes set on the cornucopia. Others are just gaping at the scenery. I look for my allies. I see Gerrard and Hermione. Timothy’s blocked out by the cornucopia though. I wave a bit to them, just to let them know where I am. I hope none of them die. They don’t deserve it. But yet here we are, waiting for the gong to sound, and for the gore-fest to begin. I turn to the other me, who looks out into the distance, like he’s thinking about something. But suddenly he turns to me.

It’s time. And with that, he fades away. What? Did he jus-

[GONG!!!]

And with that, the tributes race off of their plates. I mentally kick myself for not being ready as I sprint towards the cornucopia.

I can do this

Yes, yes I can.

[/color]

[Bane]

Emma Jenning-

I book. I have to. With a look at Clarisse, I realize she helped me in that fight.

"Clarisse, run!"

I grab an empty water jug. and run in the direction of Anthony.

[Tori]

When no one offered themselves up to Clarisse, she took it upon herself to find someone else to toy with. A girl was swinging a trident around like a stick. She seemed to be having fun. Clarisse didn't recognise the girl, but that didn't mean they couldn't be good friends. She thought of Rocko for a moment. The boy who had been so careful as not to hurt anyone during the games. And here she was looking for kids to attack.

Well, that's why we were never meant to be. We were too different. And you, too sweet. "Hey!" Clarisse called out to the girl as she ran towads her. A bag sat lying on the ground and she grabbed it as she ran by. It would be useful for picking up whatever was left at the cornucopia later. Or whatever else she grabbed.

It felt light on her back as she carried it, and she held her falchion out as she swung at the girl she was approaching.

(attacks Hermione [clove])
Sword: [dice=200+1000]
Shallow Cut on Right Forearm - 3.5 points

The attack wasn't satisfying, but it would have to do. She spied an empty water jug and ran off away from the girl, not caring if she was being chased. The water jug would be very useful. Actually, there was another one near by, so she might as well grab two. Clarisse only had time to shove one in her backbag though, as another tribute got dangerously close.

[rand=5354620972858932074274198535503620371106693771495837706712013848]