The Bloodbath

[HEY, ALEX!]

The earth was shaking. The buildings of District 10 cam crumpling down and the cows moo in fear. The goats cried out for their felloe species and the sheep ran away in a flock down a small, grassy hill. A girl about the age of eighteen stood where the woolen creatures once laid, a small blood-covered switchblade gripped tightly in her hand. Her blonde hair was tangles while her face was covered in a mixture of dirt and blood. Even in the midst of an earthquake, one could tell the girl was shivering. Through all the death and destruction, the girl stood there, without the fear of fallen. The earth was shaking. But, now that I think about it, it was only my bed.

It was my mentor that decided to wake me. The day I had been dreading. It was because of this day that I cry in the corner of my shower and then slap the wet wall, frustrated for acting so weak. Though I wished to stay here in my bed, I found, no matter how much I don’t want to move, I would be still forced into the games. So, before I rose from my soft bed, I flipped onto my stomach and screamed loudly into my pillow. I wasn’t practicing my screams for the games. I was screaming because I felt it was the only thing that both sides of me agreed on.

I want to get this over. I want to get this over for everyone else. I want to be sacrificed. I want to live. I want to go home. I want to go home as a hero. I want to see my family. I want to see my family celebrating my victory. I want to die and put out of my misery of my disorder. I want to be cured once I win. I want to survive. I want to kill.

Though there were more desires running through my head, I could not recall all of them. The thoughts came in such a large quantity, that I hadn’t noticed I had be placed on metal plate to go into the arena. Air whipped my blonde hair as I advanced up the tube. The ring finger on my right hand felt heavy since my token as rested there. And, for some odd reason, I smiled. And then I was cold.

I want to cry my eyes until they become raw but there was no use. My tears may freeze. I could end my life here it I wish. All I would have to do is step on the ground. The gong beat me to the punch. Damn. For a moment, I remained in the same spot. There was no rushing. Actually, I should be rushing. Trying to get to all the good things before they all disappear. So, regretting my decision to be slow, I ran into the Bloodbath. Getting out is a different story.

[Eastern Orange]

I see a pair of pliers, and I have a weird feeling about them. What would I do with pliers in the arena? But I’ve already seen them, and I decide to pick them up anyway, shoving them securely in my bag with everything else. Despite my various pains, I’m feeling confidant about these Games, I already have a good supply of stuff.

[attacks Mike– hatchet]
[dice=200+11000]
Shallow Cut on Left Calf -- 3.5 damage

I smirk as I inflict another wound. I've never felt so alive!
[rand=2872370342159435593646662469302396341494217034479516923638926964]

[Lulu]

Sapphire was astonished when she saw bright red blood flow from the face of the tribute she had attacked, staining the pure white snow a foreboding, ghastly crimson. It was an awful sight, but she knew she had to continue for sake of survival. Kill or be killed, that was the policy in here. So she moved on to another tribute, picking up a rucksack while she was at it.

[attacks mike, knife]
[dice=200+2000]
[shallow cut right calf, 3.5]

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[Ev]

I swing at the boy and completely miss, the sheer nervousness consuming my body. Moving forward, I spot a small dagger and immediately pick it up. This is the kind of thing I used to use at home, cutting leaves and trees. Suddenly, I spot a fierce girl attacking Mike and my nervousness turns into excitement, my arm barreling towards her, knife poised in my hand. She wasn't about to take any of my allies on the first day, I wouldn't let it happen. I manage to slash the side of her arm and pick up a rucksack.

[/left][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/color]
[Attacks: Charas (Knife)]
[dice=200+2000]
(Shallow cut on left forearm- 3.5 damage)[rand=183238057224810447428581429813480528314026749077728531377219909903]

[aya]

Sperring reached 41.5 damage before Cass posted about him fleeing, and therefore has died.

[/blockquote]

[Spesh]

The flood gates have opened up on me, people are attacking me left and right. Even my district partner is attacking. I hate her so much. She is a disgrace to all of District One. She should die, she will die. I have no problem killing her, she is just a waste of air. I focus all my energy on her and attack.

Sapphire cleaver
[dice=200+2000]
[stabbed in eye - X]

The is the greatest moment of my life. I pick up the poncho that is right next to me.
(picks up Sapphires 10 throwing knives)
(Will edit for mikes reaction.

[/blockquote][/justify]
[rand=936425006715580890795863769017162439563916996121443670941423624754]

[Eastern Orange]

Gloves find their way in front of my and a snatch them up without thinking. I?m doing a lot of things without thinking in this arena. What was I capable of? I don?t know, and I don?t care. It?s so exhilarating! Mama shouldn?t have kept me cooped up so long! I?ve never tasted the pleasure of running free and wild! I laugh manically, and swing my hatchet once more, only wincing when pain sears up my side.

[attacks Mike? hatchet]
[dice=200+11000]
Miss

I just about snarl with rage as the hatchet goes swinging by him harmlessly. I need to aim better, but I feel so empowered right now![rand=523822985421088699054729154611451601245222281479373082551268139]

[HEY, ALEX!]

I ran into the frozen tundra in fear in not only dying but also in fear that I would slip and fall. If this was to happen, I figured I would break limb or harm myself in more ways than one. Or set myself up to be destroyed. Frightened, I slowed my pace into the Bloodbath. In the Hunger Games, it was best to be safe than sorry. However, once I slowed, the stupid part of my speed up. She didn't care. She takes what she wants.

Once in the midst of all the chaos, my decent side wanted to run the other way. The other side of me wanted to attack every human being that past. One wanted to find Mace and hope he would have mercy on me. One wanted to seek him out and kill him. One side wanted to cry. The other wanted to make other people scream in pain. In this situation, the terrible, crazy part of me won. I attacked.

[unarmed - attacks mike]

[dice=200+5000]
[Black Eye - 3]

[rand=15231878915801644642452006461098865544066647998995357045291457325]

[Ashley (Ember, Wren, August)]

People always have said that your life flashes before your eyes when you are dying but they've got it a bit off. It's when you know you are going to die. A lot of people have their life flash before their eyes when they die because they don’t see it coming. It's a complete surprise to them and the last few moments of their life recap their entire history fast forwarded. But Ember had known since the Reaping that she was going to die and she lived it over and over again in slow motion. At random times, sentimental moments would flood her mind and fog up her thoughts. Her whole childhood replayed in her mind over the past week; at the Reaping, in the Justice Building, on the train, during the Opening Ceremonies, while practicing in training sessions, during her private training sessions, her interview, and now during prep for going into the Arena. Now it was her favorite memories, the ones that stood out the most.

She remembered her youngest brother being born. Her first day of school. The days she spent in the textile factory with her mother, working but bonding. The first time she beat her brother Lennor at wrestling. Her first kiss with Griffin. Learning how to sign with him. The nights her father would read to her and her brothers, telling them ghost stories and old tales from the past. All those memories were there and she tried to savor them all before her last breath when her mind would be emptied of all thoughts and she would lose them forever. It was tough to stay strong thinking of the face of her mother, father, Gram, Lennor, Kaniel, Arden, and her boy friend, Griffin. Yet, somehow Ember felt detached, as if she was watching another tribute on the television and not actually being one.

Her stylist helped her get ready and had been a detached expression with stony eyes and pursed lips. It was like she was holding in any possible chance of appearing human. To Ember, the affect she had on her stylist was an honor. The two had gotten along quite well and it was sad to say goodbye to her. Ember got in her outfit, which was pre-chosen by the Gamemakers and was the same of all the tributes. Something about the clothing told her she was in for some extreme cold. She wore a grey fur jacket with fur-rimmed hood, a black turtleneck shirt, grey snow pants, white wool socks, winter gloves, grey snow boots, and a white scarf. The thought of extreme conditions made her anxious, knowing she was going to face some rough weather along with everything else she was going to suffer.

Finally, Ember hugged her mentor goodbye and got some last encouraging words. She couldn’t really hear her mentor’s words from being in a daze. All she could remember were words like 'brave' 'quick' 'don’t trust' and 'run'. She knew her mentor's words were valuable, priceless even, but her mind wandered without her permission and went back to her memories. Her mentor waved goodbye and she rose up into the Arena. When she got to level ground, the world was one of pure white. Chills went down her spine and it wasn’t just her anxiety. The Arena was literally a tundra. 'Great,' she thought, 'Now we all get to freeze to death instead of killing each other.'

Ember was surrounded by her fellow tributes, all lined up by district order. Quickly, her eyes fell on her allies from district 5 and their gaze met hers. They gave each other a quick nod and focused on the Cornucopia. 60 seconds until people would be fighting to the death for its treasures. Inwardly, Ember wanted to run off by herself and hide. There was no way she wanted to go into the blood bath and was afraid her alliance would turn on her but she felt a tug on her heart that told her to trust them and she knew she could until, if and when they were some of the last ones surviving. And Ember found that unlikely. They would be friends for as long as they could survive.

The clock was ticking and Ember crouched into a running position like a lot of tributes had, most positioned toward the Cornucopia. Every fiber of her being was telling her to run the other direction but her allies felt like this was the best strategy. The first goal though was to not fall of her platform before the time was up. How embarrassing it would be to be blown to smithereens before the Games even began.

After several moments of bated breath, the gong sounded and it was time to run; to head towards the Cornucopia and fight for equipment to survive. Ember had to try to survive.

[Nofo]

The day almost all twenty-four tributes dreaded had finally arrived. This was the day where the stylists would be drawn into the now darkened rooms in the Training Center with plastic covered outfits hinting at the theme of the year’s arena. The tributes would be asked to eat their breakfast if they can then change into their uniform. They would have one last chat with their team, wishing them the best of luck. For most of them, this would be the last time they ever saw anyone over eighteen. Then they would be forced upon the Hovercraft taking them to the seemingly infinite arena that could hide anything inside it. The sixty seconds between arriving on the plate in the arena and fleeing would be the longest sixty seconds of the tributes’ lives.

Waking up with a start, Arden realized that the night prior may have been the last time he ever sleeps in a warm bed. He hadn't slept well anyway, tossing and turning in the night. The day that was upon him would be miserable. Anxiety and stress would plague him for the hours before he would finally be in the arena. Once in the arena, he still hadn't planned out what he was to do. Arden and his alliance were at an understanding, but they had no real strategy for the Bloodbath. They would stick together and protect each other, but they had no idea what they were to do. Arden looked across the room as he woke up from a knock at the door. It was his stylist with the uniform. He couldn't make it out while it was inside the bag, so he waited for the stylist to come closer. He was anxiously awaiting the clue for what hell he and the other twenty-three were in for. Maybe water or ice, then he could use the soap he had brought along.

When it became clear that the stylist before him wasn't even aware Arden was awake, he decided that maybe he could prolong the reality of his situation. Maybe he could go back to sleep. Maybe he would even die in his sleep. That happened all the time, right? Dying in his sleep was preferred to what he could suffer in the arena. Then again, getting his throat slit would be much quicker than dying of hunger or thirst. So many thoughts crossed his mind as he struggled to fall back asleep to prolong his own sense of freedom. Arden didn't want to die, but he knew that death was all but certain for a boy from a District fresh off a victory. No one liked consecutive victors from the poorer districts. Twelve winning three times in four years was three too many for the Capitol and every other District. A boy from Five who rarely had enough to eat was as good as dead when his mentor was from the year prior. Arden tried to rush the thoughts from his mind and replace them with happy and comforting thoughts but none would come to his head. He hoped that maybe his stylist would take pity on him.

Finally, Arden realizes he isn't going to fall asleep. There's no hiding anymore. This day was bound to come, and he had to accept it. He threw the covers off his naked body. The capitolites and their stylists were more like pets, not people. There was no hiding from them and Arden didn't need to be ashamed of his nudity in from then. He sat up and walked over to the dresser and drew some plain white clothes, a shirt and boxers and threw them on. He was worried about his life more than anything. Looking over to his stylist, he realized that he should be itching for those clothes the stylist carried. He wasn't. The clothes were only a minor detail. He couldn't prepare anymore. If the arena was a fiery desert like last time or icy tundra, there was no more preparing for it. He sighed and tried to figure out his strategy for the last time. Maybe he should just skip over the cornucopia and try to live for as long as possible, but all would tell in time. Once in the arena, his instincts would take over him and he would make the decisions then.

Arden hugged his shoulders awkwardly as he walked over to his stylist. He wasn't ready for this. So many conflicting emotions ran through him. He needed an outsider opinion. He decided that maybe it would be in his best interest if he asked his stylist. The stylist's job was to control how they came across and what they looked like. Surely they had some insight into strategy. And his stylist looked old, so they must know something from working for however many years.

"Can I ask you something?" Of course, he didn't wait for an answer. "What do you think I should do when I get in the arena?" He hoped for an intelligent and well thought out answer. He didn't want to follow foolish advice. Arden wanted to look calm and collected. He couldn't be the one with the cleaning OCD. He wouldn't allow himself to be defined by his germaphobia.

"Well," They spit out, not fully expecting the question. "I don't know what the arena includes, but it seems like the clothes are heavy. You might want to go for something warm and wood. It might be really cold in the arena. So, go for the cornucopia. I think it might be good for you. I wish you the best of luck. I want you to live."

Arden shook his head. He wasn't so sure that was a good idea. Why should he go to the Cornucopia? The careers would be there. He had seen what had happened with The Bad Kids last year. They completely owned the Cornucopia and the Bloodbath last year. If he went for those items, he might just die from domination from a bigger alliance equivalent to the careers. He could easily die in five seconds once grabbing a single item.

"But, why? What if there's a big alliance there? What if they kill me?"

Now he was just worrying too much. Death was imminent in the arena, why question it? Why prolong it? Because the longer he lived, the more likely it was that Arden could live. Arden didn't want to die. His stylist didn't want him to die. His family certainly didn't. Maybe he could have done what could prolong his life. Or maybe he could grab a weapon and make prolonging his life a little bit easier. But what if I die in the process?

"That's a good question. Do you have people to back you up?"

"Yeah, I do. Sundra and Ember."

"Good. Nothing to really worry about. Go for it."

Arden sighed and shook his head. Maybe he really should. What did he have to lose except his life?

Breakfast went by fine if you didn't count the fact that Arden felt like he was going to vomit right across the table at Lethe ten times throughout it. Arden knew his nerves were rational, but they felt stupid when he thought about them. Death wasn't something to be afraid of in the arena. It was going to happen. He shouldn't be trying to make it not so. He kept playing the bar of soap in his meticulously cleaned hands that the prep team didn't have to mess with them at all. He was more concerned with his death than anything else and didn't even seem to mind the times the older stylist coughed next to him. In fact, he was numb to everything except the nerves and worry that ran across his mind with every thought. Arden didn't want to die. No tribute did. They all had someone they wanted to go home to. All of them. All of them wanted to go home, or so Arden thought. He knew that people were crazy and went crazy in the arena, but no, he didn't like to think about anything like that. Arden didn't want to think about the people who could already be sizing him up as prey even before they saw him in the arena. Arden, however, did know that he would have to work harder than he ever did before back in District Five, or he wouldn't last ten minutes.

The hovercraft ride made him sick to his stomach, but he kept his food down. He wouldn't let his last meal go to waste. Any amount of food or water he could hold down the better. Hydration and starvation was very common in every single arena. It didn't matter the biome it took the shape of. Food was scarce in The Hunger Games save the Cornucopia and Feasts. This could have been his last chance to keep his body nourished in the arena. He hoped the meal would help him for at least a little while in the arena.

Finally, he was on the plate, moving up through the tunnels into the arena. This was the most nervous he had ever felt, but Arden would not let the food in his stomach come up. Vomiting now could mean his death from starvation. He needed whatever foot he could get, so there was no vomiting allowed. Not if he wanted to live. The plate moved up and closer to the arena. It was dark, of course, but it was somewhat calming to him. He was finally alone for the first time in a week. He no longer had people nagging him to to train and do any little thing. Finally, Arden had a little peace and quiet and it put him at ease. He was finally calmer for a little while. He knew that once the plate was in the arena and the announcer spoke, he would probably be vomiting and setting off his own mine. But now, he was calm.

Finally, the plate arrived at the top. He was blinded by the light reflecting of the shiny white ice. So, now he knew how cold it really would be. "Let the 59th Hunger Games begin!" The words echoed in his head as he realized that he only had sixty seconds before he would either run one way or the other.

The freezing chills that brushed over his face told Arden to run for the Cornucopia, pick up something to keep him warm. He knew that he had too. He had no choice if he wanted to live a little while longer than anyone expected him too. Arden would not be one of the faces in the sky that night. The boy couldn't allow is brothers to be shut down that early. He wanted to make them proud. He wanted his family to be proud of the boy they knew for all his life. He didn't want to be one of those few who went insane in the arena. He had seen the ways the arena changed tributes. It sure as hell changed Aenor Kembry.

He looked around for Sundra and Ember. Sundra was a few plates down. Arden desperately wanted to give her a smile. But Arden knew others would be looking. He didn't want to tip anyone off on his alliance. So, Arden just glanced around and found Ember. He left it at that and tried to count down from the sixty seconds.

Fifteen

Get ready, Arden.

Fourteen

Bye mom and dad.

Thirteen

Good luck everybody else.

Ten

What am I gonna do?

Five

Damn it, what about the dirt and blood?

One

Fuck. Bye.

Boom! And off he went along with everyone else.

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[Eastern Orange]

I don?t even feel the pain anymore. I?m so hungry for more! I look around and grab some tweezers. What I?ll do with them, I don?t know. Maybe I?ll stab someone through the ear, or tweeze someone?s eyebrows for them, extract a splinter; I don?t care at the moment! I swing my hatchet again, praying for a hit this time, a significant one! I want to deal as much damage as I possibly. I?ll make myself remembered. I won?t be anonymous anymore!

[attacks Mike? hatchet]
[dice=200+11000]
Deep Gash on Left Calf -- 8.0 damage

My hatchet connects, and I give a shout of mirth! This is the way to be remembered! This is it right here! Why did I not do this sooner, back at home?[rand=6804653998659241976876223012058551392524408449356255167031396719]

[Ev]

After I pick up my rucksack, I fling it over my shoulder and go to help Mike. He is getting attacked by everyone, coming from every direction. Moving forward, I stop in my tracks as I see him spear the victor's sister straight in the eye, trying to hold back vomit. I see another boy attacking him ferociously, so I swing my knife as hard as I can. (Will edit for attack) Suddenly I reach down and pick up a snow shovel, surely it would come in handy.

[/left][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/color]
[Attacks: Berkley (Knife)]
[dice=200+2000]
(Shallow cut on stomach- 4 damage)[rand=5143771757982394523143341706305898397626116547844760757032266649]

[Spesh]

After killing Sapphire, my head is spinning. I do not feel any remorse at all. I have ridded the earth of an awful person, she deserved to die. Finally I have brought justice, but I also need to hurry up and get stuff because people are attacking me. Time to get in and get out. Avoid getting hurt further. I have already accomplished one of your goals, don't want to let it be the only one.

Attacks Berkley
[dice=200+2000]
Two Severed Fingers on Left Hand -- 9.0 damage

I pick up pliers, but knowing they are unlucky, i throw them right way.

[/blockquote][/justify]
[rand=957865856587886837360961362719536930071640294045215553141036070883]

[HEY, ALEX!]

I may have angered the incorrect person. Only moments after slamming my fist into his eye, the guy had stabbed the District one girl in the eye. Shit. The little girl in my heart rose above. I was scared for my very being. Scared of being next. Frightened, I search for a weapon to attack the other human being. Everything was being picked up so quickly. I was surprised to find a small black object. Once in my hands, I noticed it was a blade. Hell yes. Smiling my devilish grin, I flipped the blade from the socket and lunged for the guy again. I didn?t want to kill. Actually, I really wanted this person to fall to her feet, a knife in his eye as well.

[blade - attacks mike]

[dice=200+2000]
Deep Gash on Left Thigh - 8

[rand=529169189510867612358914921060214656358165666469301592404954135]

[Nofo]

Arden ran as fast as he could. Two were already dead before he reached a switchblade he decided to use as a weapon. He didn't have time to use it before he had to attack his first tribute. He swung out with his own flesh. He waited for the bone to connect on bone.

[Attack Mike; Unarmed]
[dice=200+5000]
[5154 -- Tripped -- 0.5 damage
(Unarmed)]

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