The Capitol Games

Chapter Thirteen

~~ Bryony ~~

The Careers always plunge headfirst into the bloodbath. So as much as I don't want to, I know the first thing I will have to do when countdown reaches zero is run forward, grab the nearest weapon, and start killing. It's what Careers do. And for now, I am a Career.

The final few seconds seem to slow down and last a millennium. It's torture - this waiting, waiting for death. It's torture.

At last, it seems, the gong goes and all of the tributes rush off their pedestals, going in all different directions. Some into the city; others, like me, straight towards the Cornucopia.

Now, I have never been a fast sprinter, so I don't reach the Cornucopia first. The side I am on, though, is pretty empty. I spot one other tribute, not a Career, greedily helping herself to weapons, stuffing them in a backpack flung across her shoulder. I know she sees me, knows I'm here; I know she sees the blood-red bangle hanging off my wrist, the tribute token all of the Careers are wearing. But she takes no notice of me, and I take none of her. Unintentionally we make some sort of alliance. I know she will not hurt me, at least not today.

I grab a purple backpack and start stuffing weapons in there, keeping a knife in my hand in case another tribute comes in. I find some food and water and squeeze it in, but I don't risk anything more. If the backpack is too heavy I won't be able to move properly.

Suddenly, a tribute comes rushing in, closely followed by Marco with a sword in his hand. He looks annoyed that he can't catch his prey. He angrily gestures for me to throw the knife I have in my hand. I know I should, or Marco will get suspicious, but...I can't. I can't throw it.

The tribute bows low and reaches for a dagger, still running towards me. I'm frozen in shock, my feet stuck to the shiny floor like in a dream.

I feel a searing pain across my forearm as the tribute slices the dagger across it. This seems to shake me out of my daze, and I lift my knife and throw it towards the tribute. The tip hits his shoulder and then clatters to the floor, but he shouts out in pain, slowing to a stop. This gives Marco a chance to creep up behind him and thrust his sword into his back, just above his ribcage.

As Marco pulls the sword out, the tribute crumples to the ground.

~~~~~

After the tribute is confirmed dead, we patrol round the Cornucopia, meeting another pair of Careers in a tense fight with two tributes, probably allies. Marco steps in and makes swiftly finishes them off, and it isn't long before they are on the ground too, hearts stopped forever.

It takes all of my strength not to throw up and walk away right there, but I push the thoughts away and focus on keeping in character. If the Careers find out about the plan now, I know my death will be sudden and very, very painful.

Once the Cornucopia is deemed clear of all other tributes, the Careers call a meeting and we all gather in the centre of the Cornucopia. I count how many of us there are.

First of all, there is Violet. She and Marco are obviously the two leaders - the others all look at them for orders and opinions. Violet looks annoyed at something, her jet-black hair the exact same colour as her dark eyes. But then again, I have never seen her without her signature scowl.

Marco. He seems to be the only Career that actually notices me, but even then I know it is only so he can make sure I am still under his spell. He looks confident, as always.

The two twins - Max and Marlene. I vaguely remember them; they are in the same team, something I think got them a lot of sponsors. They look alike, with the same shade of blonde hair and the same know-it-all sneer. Marlene is very pretty. I can admit that much.