Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 10: Obstacles

"We have two more compulsory sessions left. Stick with the plan. Stay out of everyone's way and out of there view. Learn the survival skills and anything you think may help us in the arena, okay?"

"Yeah. Got it."

The elevator comes to a stop, the doors immediately opening to the training floor. The careers are already at it, sparing or practicing their weapons skills. A line is set up by the obstacle course, most of the other tributes waiting for their turn. A few of the younger tributes are at the fire station in the back, two more next door at the rope making station.

"You do the same."

I say, looking towards him before walking towards the right. He nods, going left towards the shelter station. I head towards the snare and hunting station. The instructor smiles up towards me as I walk up. She stands, immediately jumping into explain everything.

Some time passes, my mind only focusing on what the instructor says. By the time she's done showing me how to make the finale type of trap, I feel confident enough to do it by myself. I glance up, surveying the room before looking back up towards her.

"What if I want to catch a larger prey?"

"Like a deer? Elk? Wolf?"

"A person."

"Oh...yeah."

She glances out towards the others, nodding before dropping her voice a bit. I look out myself, spotting the careers laughing at a few of the younger kids falling from the obstacle course. I clear my throat, looking back towards her as she sighs out.

"Well...the bigger the prey, the bigger the trap needs to be. Especially if you're going for more than one. The trap also always needs bait, or the trap won't work. It also takes you knowing your prey enough to know when to set the trap off. I'm sure you can figure everything else out with what you've already know..."

I nod, eyeing more of the tributes as they move to try another of the obstacle course. I glance back towards the instructor, offering a small smile.

"Thank you."

"It's my job."

——

After another hour of tying knots and making ropes, I decide to do one of the obstacle courses myself. They look like fun and I've seen almost every other tribute either do it or fail trying. I join the line, keeping quiet as Acacius looks my way. He shakes his head, crossing his arms as he steps closer. I spot a few of the careers eyeing me from the side, laughing and shaking their heads.

The person in front of me jumps up to start, grunting a bit as they try to cross. He gets about halfway before falling. I glance towards Acacius as the instructor resets the rings. He shakes his head again, giving me a look to walk away. I look back towards the careers, seeing Jovie and Caraty pointing at me as all four of them laugh.

"Go ahead, Sweetie! I'm sure you'll make it past the first hump!"

Jovie laughs, her dark brown curls bouncing as her blonde companion shoves her a bit at her comment. Caraty brushes her blonde strands back, eyeing me up and down while once again favoring her right side.

The instructor gives me the go, making me square my shoulders before jumping up. I grab on to both of them, maneuvering the circular handles through the bars. It takes almost all of my core strength to get past the first hump.

I breathe through the pain, slowly but surely getting through the course. I can hear chatter all around me, more and more people turning to watch me as I get past the second hump. I stop, taking a few deep breathes as I hang there. I spot my brother once again shaking his head as he looks towards me. I see the careers eyeing me, especially the boy from 1.

I also spot Dagan and Ivette watching me, making me realize something. I throw on my best struggling face before 'trying' to move onto the last hump of the course. I fake a struggle, grunting and groaning. I try and make it look as authentic as possible, my hand slipping on one side before I fully fall.

I hit the ground hard, the air immediately being taken from me. Laughter fills the room, no doubt coming from the group ten feet from me. I slowly sit up, taking a deep breaths to try and calm my screaming chest.

"Nice try, Sweetie! Better luck next time!"

Jovie and Caraty laugh as I stand from the ground, brushing myself off. I sigh, glancing towards them before looking towards the other two bigger threats. Ivette is back at tying knots while Dagan moves towards the sword station. The other two careers draw in my attention, Dante smirking while looking right at me. Augustus, on the other hand, watches me with an unrecognizable look behind his dark eyes. I quickly look away, walking towards my brother who stands near the weapons crafting area.

"Did I make it look believable?"

"We'll talk later."

I follow his eyes, meeting the browns of the boy from 1. I sigh, turning and walking into the closest station.

——

"You brought unnecessary attention onto yourself. I thought we were going to do the opposite?"

"I'm sorry, Ace...it just looked so fun and I wanted to try it at least once before being sent to my death."

"Would you quit talking like that!"

"Why? It's true!"

The elevator doors open to our floor, Acacius walking out in a huff. I follow with my own huff. No one but an Avox is in the main area of the apartment. Seeder must be busy somewhere and there's no telling with Chaff. Our designers are hardly here as they work endlessly on our second big outfit.

"Even if you think it's true, doesn't mean you need to constantly remind us both. Okay? I'm going through this too. I might make it out alive. But I'd rather think of that when it comes so I can focus on my goal."

"And what is that?"

I stare at him, my arms crossed over my chest in defense. It's rare for Acacius to act this way. There's more of a chance for Atlas to break down crying...which is as rare as it comes.

Acacius sighs, leaning against the back of one of the many chairs in this big open room. He looks up towards me, his eyes showing nothing but how much pain he actually is feeling.

"You. You being the Victor."

"Ace.."

"No. I know you want the same for me." I go to speak again, immediately being cut off by him. "I know you, Z. I can see it in your face every day. You're once again thinking of everyone else but yourself. Another example of that is the reaping itself."

"Are you telling me you wouldn't do the same? She's twelve! Everyone loves her and-"

"You're fifteen and everyone loves you. I'm seventeen and I can count more than five people who love and care about me. None of that matters when it comes down to these games, Azalea. That's the harsh truth of all of this. No one cares if you have a family and friends, because you are just a piece in their sick game. I've accepted that, Z, and I don't want you to have to do the same. If I have any choice when the day comes, you'll be the one going home."

Tears well up in my eyes as my heart constricts. I know he's right. I've known it for awhile, but didn't want to admit it. A few tears break free, rolling down my cheeks as a sob pushes forth. I meet his eyes as I try and cover it up, shaking my head as his eyes sadden.

"I-I can't live without you, Ace..."

"I know, Z..."

He walks over, pulling me into a tight hug. He starts rubbing my back the way mom used to, the way that comforts me the most. I wrap my own arms around him, not wanting to let go as I breathe in the comforting smell of my big brother.

"I know...."

⚔️

A/N

I'm gonna end up crying before I'm done writing this book y'all....

Anyways....

Drink water!!!!!?!!!!!??!!!!!!!?!!!!!

Love
-the Author