The First Runner

I'm back bitches

Jess POV

After two long months of rest, recovery, and an endless amount of frustration at being sidelined, the day finally came when I got the all-clear to start running again. It had been weeks of sitting on the sidelines, offering advice, and feeling like I was missing out on what I did best—being out there in the maze with the other Runners.

The Med-jacks had been thorough, making sure I was fully healed before they'd even consider letting me back out there. But today, Clint finally gave me the nod I'd been waiting for.

"You're good to go, Jess," Clint said, giving me a reassuring smile as he finished his final checkup. "Just don't push yourself too hard on the first day, alright?"

I couldn't suppress the grin that spread across my face. "Don't worry, Clint, I'll take it easy... for today, at least."

I stepped out of the hut where Minho was leaning against the wall waiting for me. The sun was just starting to rise casting a warm glow across the glade. 

Minho cocked an eyebrow in question, his arms crossed over his chest. "Well? What's the verdict?"

I couldn't help but let the grin spread wider across my face. "Clint says I'm good to go. So, you ready to stop slacking and actually get some work done today?"

Minho let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Slacking? You've got some nerve, Tiger. We've been out there busting our butts while you've been lounging around."

"Hey, it's not like I had much of a choice," I shot back playfully. "But now that I'm back, I'll show you how it's really done."

"Big talk," Minho said, pushing off the wall and falling into step beside me, "I recon I'm faster than you now,"

"In your dreams, Minnie," I retorted, giving him a playful shove as we stepped into the Runner's hut.

I made my way over to where my pack was hanging on the wall. As I grabbed it, I couldn't help but notice how meticulously it had been cleaned—every strap in place, not a speck of dirt or blood in sight. Minho must have taken care of it, making sure it was ready for my return.

"Thanks for cleaning it up," I said, glancing at him with a genuine smile as I checked the contents of the pack. Almost everything was there, though I noticed a couple of knives were missing—probably used or misplaced during the time I was out. Other than that, everything was just as I'd left it.

Minho gave a casual shrug, but there was a hint of pride in his eyes. "Figured you'd want it ready to go. Can't have you making excuses if you fall behind today."

I chuckled, slipping the pack onto my shoulders and adjusting the straps. "No excuses, Minnie. But I might need to grab a couple of knives before we head out."

"Already ahead of you," Minho said, reaching into his own pack and pulling out two blades, handing them to me. "I figured you'd notice."

I took the knives, sliding them into their sheaths. "You know me too well. Thanks."

Minho gave a mock bow. "Anything for my fellow Keeper. Ready to get back out there?"

"More than ready," I replied, feeling the familiar surge of adrenaline. The Maze had been calling to me for weeks, and now, finally, I was about to answer.

With everything ready, I slipped on my running shoes and followed Minho out of the Runners Hut and made our way toward the kitchens, where the morning sun was just beginning to bathe the Glade in a warm, golden light. As we approached, the scent of fresh bread and cooked eggs filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. It felt like ages since I'd had a proper breakfast with the rest of the Runners.