『 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡 』𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

The Arena

( Please, if you're bothered by violence and graphic scenes, don't read this chapter. And maybe, just don't read this entire book. I'll still put a Trigger Warning before each chapter that involves that stuff – but since this is the Hunger Games, it's probably gonna be like every chapter from here on. I want you guys to be safe and take care of yourselves, don't be ashamed if you can't handle it. What's important is that you don't push yourself. Love you guys 🤍)

TRIGGER WARNING: BLOOD, VIOLENCE, AND MENTIONS OF DEATH.

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— — —

" You love me... Real or Not Real?"

" ... Real."

— — —

Your eyebrows scrunch together as your body begins to wake up – the hardly risen sun shining through your window. You swear you heard voices a few moments ago – familiar ones. You sit up and look around the room, only to find it completely empty. Maybe it was a dream...

Suddenly your door opens and Haymitch walks through – not even bothering to knock first. When he sees you awake and staring at him puzzledly, he wastes no time in speaking up.

" When the gong sounds, get the hell out of there. The Cornucopia is always a blood-bath, and you're not up to it. Just clear out, put as much distance as you can between yourself and the others, and find a source of water. I'm not gonna send you anything you can find on your own. " He advises, his voice quiet but full of urgency. You, taken aback by his sudden intrusion, take a moment to process his words before opening your mouth to respond.

But before you can, the screen on the TV in your room pops on, " Reminding all Tributes to wake up and gather in the Lobby of the Training Center!"

The two of you eye the screen anxiously, silence filling up the room as the TV shuts off. You turn back to Haymitch as he begins to speak once more, "Remember this - it's important: You don't win in there by killing people - despite what Seneca thinks. You win by not dying."

You nod, soaking up his advice as much as you could - you'll need it.

" Run. Hide. Cheat if you have to. Let them kill each other. But stay alive. " He concludes, looking you in the eye before briskly walking out of the room.

====

You sit silently in the dressing room under the arena as Cinna braids your hair. You have been changed into simple but durable clothing: khaki cargo pants, army green t-shirt, brown belt, thin hooded black jacket, and a pair of hiking shoes over thick socks.

You can't find it in you to speak. You know you have a plan, but you can't help but wonder if it'll work or not. You're taking Haymitch's advice, making sure you separate yourself from the others as much as you can. You plan to find high ground, and hopefully some water along the way.

" Expect some cool nights. The jacket's designed to reflect body heat." Cinna tells you as he finishes your hair. You silently nod in understanding, fiddling with the Mockingjay pin in your hands.

You stand up from your seat and try to affix the pin to your jacket – but your hands are shaking so badly, you can't do it. Cinna smiles at you warmly and gently takes the pin from your hand, securing it to your jacket for you. Your lip quivers slightly at his kindness, something that he has shown you ever since you arrived in the Capitol.

" Do you want to talk, Y/n?" He asks you.

You shake your head – the last thing you want to do is talk about your feelings. Cinna simply takes your hand, not saying a word. You meet his gaze and all the emotions you feel become his own; fear, sadness, dread.