The Spark

Another Day

When I open my eyes, it was morning. Well, in the arena, it's morning, who knows what the actual time is.

I groan, not wanting to move.

"I could just lay here. I got enough food to last at least a day, even if it's just berries," I mused to myself.

I did actually lay there for quite a while, trying to sleep (which was a stupid idea, I don't sleep that well), when an explosion and a scream cut short nearly threw me out of my bush. A moment later, a cannon shot echoed through the forest.

Another one down, I thought. Who was it?

You really suck at realizing that the more you think about it the more you worry, and then you'll get a panic attack and you really can't afford that right now.

Shut up, voice in my head. I didn't ask for your opinion.

I'm well aware, but you do realize that you're practically arguing with yourself right now?

And when has that ever stopped me from arguing with you in the past?

Fair point.

I need a name for you. I can't just keep calling you voice in my head.

I sat there staring at the sky.

I'm calling you Sky.

At this point, I knew I'd fully lost it, but I needed someone to keep me company. And if that someone is a voice in my head named Sky, then so be it.

I decided to keep moving. Someone is killing off my friends, and I don't want to be trapped here like a squirrel.

I collected the few things I had and climbed out from my hiding spot, then started trudging through the snow, shivering. Why did it have to be so cold here? Ugh. Stupid Gamemakers and their stupid Games. They think this is funny. Maybe it is. At least Azul isn't laughing. Trilly might be, though.

I walked in the same direction that I had been going, hoping to find the edge of the arena. If there even is one.

There has to be an edge, right? I mean, they can't just let us wander forever. What do you think Sky? Dammit, I'm really going crazy.

You think? Also, there is definitely an end to the arena.

Thank you, my mind friend.

I stopped, seeing a faint shimmer. I squinted at the spot and hesitantly got closer.

Wait. What if it's rigged?

Good point. I grabbed some snow and packed it into a ball with one of my hands, then hurled it at the shimmer. It sailed for a few seconds before thudding against something and then being obliterated.

"I guess that's the edge," I said to no one in particular.

I continued to go along the edge and found some sort of hiding place for the night that was quickly approaching.

This looks like a good spot. Whatcha say, Sky?

Easily defendable and escapable if someone appears in the distance. This is home for the night.

Home. I clenched my fists and started to set up a little fire.

Once I got the fire going, I began to munch on the berries I'd collected. In all honesty, I hated them, but food was food and I didn't really get to complain when this was all I have. Not like squirrel or rabbit would be any better.

I only noticed the sponsor package when it hit me in the head.

"Ow." I looked up to the sky, grabbing the package. "Thanks person who sent this. Screw you, Gamemakers who hit my head."