Author Games: World Seasons

Task Two - Blood and Snow - Christmas Tributes

Rudolf Snow

The screen in the sky disappears. A robotic voice starts a countdown at ten.

From what I remember of past years’ games, the countdown leads to some type of bloody battle between all of the tributes. And from what I remember from what our mentors told us, for us avoiding the bloodbath might be wise.

Off in the distance there’s a really big Christmas tree. Under it there are presents wrapped in different bright colors. There’s tags with writing on them, but I have to squint really hard to see what’s written on the tags.

The first tag I read says ‘Jemma’. And the second says ‘Rubyn”. I’m pretty sure those are both names of Tributes in the Games. This leads my eyes to search the other tags to see if I find my name.

I see my name!

Written in messy writing on one of the tags I see ‘Rudolf’. The first thing I realize is that my box is really, really, really big. I have no idea what’s in it, but I’m incredibly excited to get to it!

One!

Something tells me it’s a good idea to run, so I do. I just keep running until I crash into my box. I try to carry the box with me, but it’s too big so I just put it down and start ripping it open.

I’m a little confused honestly. The first thing I see is a machete, like the one I used during my training session. It has a black handle and a silver blade. The next thing I see is a red backpack, containing an empty water bottle, two tiny loaves of bread and a sleeping bag.

But the last thing is well… Kind of weird. It’s just a giant candy cane. But it’s really hard, and I can’t take a bite out of it.

What am I even meant to do with this?

Pouting I pick it up and swing it around a bit. I’m not being careful and accidently hit a random Tribute it the head with it.

Looking down I see blood flowing from a girl I believe is named Mary’s head. At first I feel bad because she was from my District, but that feeling is gone once I realize she wasn’t really my friend.

At least I know what this candy cane does now!

Out of nowhere another body falls dead right before my eyes. An arrow skewers her neck, and her sticky scarlet blood drenches the grass. She was from the Valentine’s District I think…. Named after some flower I think.

I zip my backpack up and sling it over my shoulder. I slide the machete into a spot for it on my belt, and just grip my candy cane tightly. This candy cane might come in handy.

“Hey! Reindeer!” a female voice calls in my direction.

“Huh? Me?” I ask the girl who appeared to say it. I think her name’s Clover but I’m not sure.

“No! Dasher!” she shouts and rolls her eyes.

“Oh, Dasher’s not here now!” I tell her, and turn away.

“Yes you!” she growls.

“I’m not Dasher! I’m Rudolf!”

“I know that!” she groans, “We’re allies Rudolf.”

“We are?” I ask.

“It’s either be my ally or die.” She growls.

“Okay!” I chirp and shuffle next to her.

“Clover, right?” I ask.

“Yes.” She takes the lead and follow only a few steps behind.

“I have a brother named Dasher you know.” I tell her.