The Simpson's Hunger Games

Chapter 24

Lisa: 

I sprint down the tunnel, taking in my surroundings as I go. Like floors 1 and 2, these tunnels are dusty and every move I make is projected across what seems like the whole floor, it is so silent. Once again, I get a sickening feeling that comes into my stomach. I can still hear the flood behind me coming closer, and picking up pace. I try to run faster, but my legs, like in a dream, move as if they are in slow motion. Frustrated, I move my legs more quickly, however it seems as if I am getting slower, rather than faster. By this time, I can feel waves of water lap against my heels, and I yelp. I do not want a repeat of a few minutes ago. 

I desperately look to the sides of the walls for footholds, to climb away from the flood. To the everlasting credit to the Capitol, I find no way to escape my worst nightmare, other than run. Tears come into my eyes, but I instantly brush them away, finally starting to pick up a faster pace, and I reach a kind of underground junction. I run to the different tunnel; this one is lighter, and looks more safe. A few metres down the new tunnel though, and I run into more trouble. Coming up the tunnel the opposite way to me, are a huge colony of very large insects. When they reach me, they do not stop, they just carry on. This makes me wonder what is ahead.

The answer to my question is soon given. I turn a corner, to be met with the sight of a green transparent liquid making it's way towards me. I see a smaller insect than the ones I have just encountered, running away from the green liquid. Unfortunately, the liquid reaches the insect, and I hear a sizzling noise. Within seconds, the insect is consumed in the liquid, and completely dissolves. Horrified, I can only watch for a few seconds, as this green acid comes towards me. Those big insects were clever to run away. And once again, I made the wrong choice. 

Frantically, I try to think of a plan. My eyes fall on a nearby pebble. I notice that there are more around it, creating a trail. Following the pebbles, I eventually see a boulder, trapped in an alcove; the pebbles stop at it. Suddenly, an idea comes into my head. I run over to the boulder, and with all my might, push. At first the stone doesn't budge, but with more effort, it moves slightly towards where I want it to be. I look to the acid. It's about ten metres away. Forcing myself to gain more strength, I push and pull the stone out of the alcove. When it is in the tunnel, I push it to the acid. I don't have much time left. A few metres away, the tunnel walls are narrower, and are just long enough to trap the boulder, blocking the acid from me. Sweat comes down in rivers into my eyes, and down my nose, but I ignore it. I only focus on the goal ahead of me. Soon, my legs feel like they're about to give way, but I lean on the stone, and use my arms more instead. But, my arms start to feel the extra strain, and soon they are in agony. All I need is a rest, but, peering over the boulder, I can see the acid coming closer. With one last gigantic heave, I roll the stone into place, acid just coming out the sides of the boulder. I've spared myself some more time, at least.

Unable to do anything else but flop down on the floor, I lie there for a few minutes, taking deep breaths. My heart feels as if it's about to jump out of my chest, and it must be sheer luck that keeps me from not falling apart. Slowly, I attempt to get up, and I lean onto the stone for support. Legs shaking, I stagger back the way I came. But, I forgot about the flood. When I go back around the corner, I find half the tunnel submerged in water. Gulping, I look around for something to save me. 

I slip on a pebble, and I put my hand out to the side for support. I fall to the floor, my hand on the wall. I look up. The wall didn't feel smooth, like I thought it would,  but jagged and rough. There are footholds! I stand up. It seems as if there is a rock built into the wall. It's strange, but I leave no time in hauling myself up, and climbing to ceiling level, for the second time today. I watch the water rush by, clinging to the rock. 

Help me, I silently pleaded to the Capitol. But, unsurprisingly, I got no answer.