Becoming Adamant [#1]

Chapter 14 - The Countdown

Something similar to an alarm clock wakes me up. As I manage to open my eyes I see a clock that’s ringing its head off right next to my head. As the Mason I am, the first thing that comes to mind, and which I end up doing, is throwing it against the wall. Hah, smash! I’ve got one kill already and the Games haven’t even started! After having gone to sleep I didn’t actually sleep much. The thought of what Arena they’re putting us into has been haunting my every waking moment, leaving me unable to close my eyes. My body is tensed. This is possibly my last day in the comforts of a bed. From today on, I fight to stay alive, I fight to survive. I’ll be constantly looking over my shoulder, hoping that there’s no arrow aimed for my head.

As I sit up on the bed, I see something has been put there. It’s a uniform for me. I guess it’s not the Arena outfit. This doesn’t really tell me much about the Arena I’m about to enter. I guess the real outfit comes just before the Games. I put it on and then have a quick look at myself in the mirror. This is it, Feisty Mason, teeny tiny, Mason. By the way, Feisty Mason has really stuck to me. I’ve gotten used to it. I’m actually surprised that Dess and Blight stuck to that name. I’ve never told them anything about what they call me back home. I doubt Talon has said anything either. And I’ve spent so much time doubting them to understand my personality. This is all ironic as I’ve been under the impression that they would never really understand Sylvia Mason, the puzzle.

As I get out of my room, I see Blight standing by the elevator with a couple of peacekeepers. I suppose they’re just there to make sure that Feisty Mason gets on whatever hovercraft on top of the building to be brought to the Arena. Well, here I am, folks! We enter the elevator. Blight and I don’t share a word at first, but as we get out of the elevator, we’re on the roof of the building. It’s all windy and it’s really messing with my hair…not that I care, it’s just that when it gets in the way of my eyes, it really bugs me.

“This is the end of the line for me, kid.” Blight starts as the peacekeepers leave us alone for a few moments. “I guess you and Talon spoke some tactics last night.” Blight then adds. “He pretty much told me to get the hell away from the Cornucopia.” I answer. “That’s right, kid. He’s got himself a deal with the Careers. He’s allowed to take whatever supply he wants but this deal won’t be worth a damn thing if you’re not alive, Feisty.” Blight then says. I’m not stupid, Blight! I don’t actually say that, I just think it loudly in my head. I nod understandingly as I look at the hovercraft on my left. That’s a big ass machine right there.

I turn my face back towards him. “I’m smart, you know? I’ll find a hiding-spot the minute my pod rises up to the Arena. I’ll follow Talon’s every movement from there.” I say to him. “I know you will, kid. I’m gonna do what I can as your mentor, but that depends on what happens in the Arena. You need to stay with Talon as long as possible. That way, you can profit on the gifts he gets from his sponsors.” Blight then says before I see that the peacekeepers are pressing on for Blight to get going. “I better let you go, kid. They are getting impatient behind me.” He then says as I give him this girly and childish smile. It’s like I actually want to cry, but I know that I can’t. He sees that as he sympathetically looks at me.

“I believe in ya, kid. Just do your very best in there. Nobody can expect much else.” He then says as he just stands there. After a while, he’s being pushed back by peacekeepers and they drag me towards the hovercraft. I shake my arms out of their grasp as I’m perfectly capable of getting up that ramp on my own. I’m guided to a seat and they strap me down as I notice that the hovercraft is moving. As I look around those who are in the hovercraft with me, I spot the Career-girls are looking at me with feisty looks. It’s just my goddamn luck, isn’t it? Now they’re all gunning for me. Well, no matter how hard they try they will never ever get to me. I see Talon is sitting on my left on the other side. He just gives me a nod and I nod back. Our plan will be in motion the moment that gong goes off.