Out in the Battlefield

Trial and Error, Trial and Error

I hate that feeling when everything seemed like they were blurred out. Everything that was happening was slurred and unclear. I felt like I was in a dream, or a dream that will turn into a nightmare, perhaps.

About an hour from now, I would–me and all the other tributes–would be sent to our death. Well, except for one would die. I wonder who? I don't think like I can still back out now.

As I was leaning on the wall in the lobby, I saw another tribute, the one from six, Holly Jones, walk up to me. She had a genuine smile on her face, just like how she's been to the other tributes. I wonder how she could do that smiling-all-the-time thing. It's pretty hard. For me, at least.

She stopped in front of me, her smile still on her face. "Hey. I'm Holly, Holly Jones."

"Delancy." I nodded once as a sign of my greeting. It felt awkward talking to her. I think she's the third tribute I've talked to.

"Nice to meet you," she said, her smile becoming even wider, if that was even possible. "So, what it's like to live in District Seven?"

"Oh, it's a pretty peaceful forest. You should go there if you can, you know, get out of this alive," I said, trying to make everything I said sound nonchalant and light, and chuckling after. I wonder what will happen if I didn't volunteer? Then I would be at home without the worry of my short-lived life ending already. But then, Alacia would be the one here in my place. And that is what I don't want.

"Well, we can only hope to come out alive. Your district sounds like a great place," she said.

"Yes, I know," I said with a shrug. "Well, I wish you good luck, or something like that."

"You too. So, I guess I'll see you later. Try and stay alive and maybe there will be a fancy rule saying there can be two victors. I'd need a tour if I were to go to District Seven," she lightly joked. For some reason, I didn't find it worth my effort to laugh. I was too worried about what will happen next.

I nodded. "Yeah, that's a great idea. Maybe too good to be true?" I paused, re-thinking in my mind about what I said, before shaking my head in embarrassment and smiling a bit. "Oh wait, never mind that. I'll see you later and stay alive too."

She laughed a bit. "Yeah, thanks. Well, see you later."

With that and one last wave, she walked off. Well, that was kinda awkward. But I just shrugged and walked away too, towards the room where Calix told me to go to so I could be dressed.

* * * * *

I stood on top of my metal platform, scanning the arena around me to try to calm myself down. It looked beautiful, with sunlight pouring down on the garden-like place. Birds and butterflies flew and fluttered everywhere. Flowers of every color were everywhere, and for a while, I felt like I was back in the forest back home, only this was much prettier. But being pretty doesn't mean that it's not deadly. Every flower has their own kinds of thorns, anyway. I should keep an eye out for any danger.

"Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four. Three. Two. One."

A honk-like sound sounded, which seemed like it came from everywhere, and tributes sped in every direction. I hesitated for a while and stayed on my platform, but I figured that someone could shoot or attack me here if ever they get their hands on a weapon.

My heart pounded in my ears as I looked around tensely, suddenly forgetting what I should do. 'What should I, what should I... Oh! Backpack!'

My eyes scanned the area before me for any backpacks left. I couldn't see one, though. Suddenly, I heard a screech behind me and I turned to see who it was.