𝔞𝔪𝔭𝔥𝔦𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔱𝔢 ✩ 𝔣𝔦𝔫𝔫𝔦𝔠𝔨 𝔬𝔡𝔞𝔦𝔯

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CHAPTER TWENTY

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Surveying the arena of which she had been stripped from District Four to be placed into, Odelya stood upon a circular platform. Each of her fellow tributes, of whom had their own waiting place and wore identical clothing to her, seemed to be observing the arena in a similar manner.

Perplexed astonishment muddled with an array of fearful emotions.

A Cornucopia stood in an overbearing position in the centre of the arena, carefully constructed upon a lake which was frozen by the arctic climate. Once symbolic of abundance and nourishment, now was filled up with survival resources and weapons galore.

Surrounding said landmark was a pine forest, blanketed with a rather thick layer of snow. Perhaps, a storm had just passed, which would explain the presence of misty fog, causing a limited visibility for the tributes.

What dangers lurked deep with the forest, were unbeknownst to her. Being uninformed in such a situation could genuinely be the difference between life and death.

But, for now such worries needed to be pushed to the edge of her mind and strategies for the upcoming battle against her counterparts were beginning to emerge.

Regarding a flight or fight instinct, Odelya had such a little amount of the former that she considered it to be insignificant. So, fight would be the outcome of any such encounter with a non-ally. Allying with her fellow careers in training may just be her lifeline in the bloodbath.

Being too wrapped up in her own subconscious, Odelya had barely a chance to recognise the sound of an important cannon, which signalled the beginning of the Sixty-Seventh Annual Hunger Games.

Heading straight for the excitement, Odelya disregarded the luminous blue backpacks which seemed to be strewn in decreasing intensity around the lake. Screams of dying children rung in her ears but in her eyes they were ever so irrelevant to her Games. As long as neither of said cries belonged to Apollo or Florence, she would sleep peacefully that night.

Of course, it had such a low chance of being either of the two she cared for, as Apollo was a born warrior and had valued the rest of his life on the protection of the little girl from the poorest District.

The immediate moment she came with almost four feet of a rather alluring mace, Odelya was tackled to the ground by the male tribute from Eight. Such a brave boy, attempting to take her on. Too bad it would cost him his life. Those were the thoughts which filled her as she rolled out from underneath her enemy and strangled the life out from his throat.

One.

There was no time to dwell upon the fact that she was now a murderer, so she stood up as quickly as she fell and continued upon her run to the mace which seemed to be calling her name.

Before she could be interrupted a second time, she reached it in all its violent glory.
Encasing the handle in her gloved hand, she whirled around and struck the head of the tribute nearest to her. Thankfully, she wasn't one of any importance to her, but she must of had family back in Ten. Family that would mourn her as she did Melody and Orion.

Two.

Continuing on her journey of destruction, she bludgeoned the life of three more innocent victims. The male tribute from five, the female from Seven and her previous fatalities partner from Ten.

Three. Four. Five.

Odelya now had no moral high ground over the monsters who forced her into this position, for she too was a murderer. Who, would most definitely not hesitate to slaughter another.

In a the confusion, Odelya had not noticed that whatever non-career tributes remained alive, had fled deep into the forest. Leaving behind the bodies of the fallen - there were nine in total. Over half of them slain by her own hands.

Odelya praised the God of the Sea, for none of the bodies inhabited her true allies. Oh, how she deeply hoped for their safety and protection. Reminding herself that Apollo would do but everything in his power to keep the two of them safe, once again she was forced to turn her attention away from her overwhelming thoughts.

Looking up, the Career pack had joined her at the mouth of the Cornucopia and in silence, they looted it of all its valued possessions.

Food and Water, Warm Clothing and Weapons, Medicine and Survival essentials were now stuffed into a rather large backpack which lay at the feet of Odelya as she discussed strategy with her newfound allies

"We should stay here," Orla from One, piped up, "Guard the Cornucopia."

"I agree," Romulus added, "The others are bound to return for supplies."

"No," Odelya blurted, "Nobody will return with us stood here and besides, we'd be sitting ducks for any attacks. We should head for the forest, take only what we need and can hunt along the way."

"I agree," Mars spoke, "There's no point in waiting around. Let's find the rest on our own, there will surely be animals in the woods of which we can eat if our supplies run out."

Seemingly the leader of said alliance, Mars managed to convince both of the tributes from District One into following along with such a tactic and took the initiative of leading the Careers into the deep unknown.

Nine Cannons would light the air that night, in mourning of the fallen children.

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