6 The Game Is On

As Lara and Shawn walked into the doorway. The creepy wrestler guy was standing in the way. He had cut marks all over him and he always looked angry. He had a badge that says his name, York.

Lara: Creepy Wrestler Guy.

Shawn: His name is York.

York: I can hear you guys.

His voice was low and deep. A child would easily get scared by this. He walked stiffly close to Shawn as if he was gonna murder someone.

York: Where's your invitation card?

Just then it hit Lara. The letter in the envelope said that the guard would ask for the invitation. That meant, Creepy Wrestler Guy was the gaurd.

York: I said, where is the invitation card??!!

This time he yelled in anger. Shawn opened his bag and took out his invitation and Lara did the same. It would've been a shame if either of them forgot their invitation.

York took the card and stamped something on it with red ink. At least, looked like red ink. York kept the cards with him.

Lara: Uhhhhh....

Aren't you gonna give it back?

York: Does it look like I'm gonna give it back?

Shawn did not wanna start a fight. He whispered in Lara's ear.

Shawn: Lara. Please. Don't wanna start a fight.

I'm so sorry sir. You may keep the letter. May we go in?

York nodded and the two stepped into another doorway. The door was the perfect size and the jungle was dark and damp.

The two walked in further, trying to avoid vines and insects.

Lara: Shawn this is crazy. Where do we live? How are we gonna survive? This is insane. Let's go back.

Shawn: Lara, we didn't come here to give up. Don't worry, we'll find a way. For now, let's focus on the reason why we decided to come here in the first place.

Lara: Fine. But, when shit happens, we find that damn gate and leave.

Shawn: Yes, of course Lara.

Shawn gave Lara a hug, but just as last time, Lara pushed him away. Shawn had now realized how offended Lara was by the whole 'just a friend' thing. There was a huge rock near by. Even though Lara was angry she obeyed Shawn when he gestured her to sit down on it. She sat and Shawn sat beside her. He held her hand and Lara tried to break free.

Shawn: Lara please. We need to talk about this.

Lara: Fine. Make it quick. Friends don't sit so close and hold hands.

Shawn: Look, so, maybe I went a bit too far with the friend thing.

Lara: Bit too far? More like way way way too far.

Shawn: But, you were about to kiss me and at that time I didn't feel close enough to you. Our kiss at my place was just a moment and I thought at that time maybe you took the moment way too seriously.

Lara: Shawn. I understand you. But it's obvious, the kiss meant something there and even if it didn't then there was no need to act like this.

Shawn: It's just that, I treat you and consider you as a great friend. One I would want to stay my whole life.

Lara: You consider me as a friend but you treat me like I mean more to you. Here's the truth. I like you Shawn Trevor. I really like you. I started liking you the moment I saw you and still really like you. My issue isn't that you don't like me back but, it's that you don't respect anyone's love and affection towards you.

Shawn: You like me and you didn't tell me? Lara, all I wanna say is I've realized that I was wrong and you more than just a friend to me. I really mean it. Please Lara, can we try again?

Lara: Wait, you really mean it?

Shawn: Have a doubt?

The two giggled and smiled at each other for a while. Lara came closer to Shawn and rested her head on his shoulder.

Just as they were enjoying the moment, Dixie and Troy came up to them.

Dixie: Hey Lara. Hey Shawn. Come and join us. We've built a big enough shelter out of wood and vines and leaves for all of us to fit.

Lara: Why would you help us?

Dixie: We fight all the time. That doesn't mean I'm no longer your bestie. Come on, it's not too far off.

Lara: Okay..... But I think it would be best me and Shawn make our own shelter. Anyways, we are rival teams and I know exactly how much you love being competitive.

Troy: Oh please, Lara, come on now. This jungle is said to be very dangerous. It's best that we stick together. It'll be best for us.

Shawn: Lara, can I talk to you for a second?

Lara: Sure. Be right back Dixie.

Lara and Troy walked off to a corner. They moved far from Dixie and Troy so that the two wouldn't hear their discussion. Shawn decided to stand in a way that Dixie and Troy were visible just in case they tried to snoop in the conversation.

Lara: Shawn, what it is ?

Shawn: Lara, what's the issue ? I guess since we're still new here, it won't be wrong to have a little help. I think we should go with them and probably stay there for at least the night.

Lara: Shawn. We can't trust them. It's a huge risk. We can't go there.

Shawn: Lara, seriously ? So basically, you can't trust your bestie ?

Lara: All I'm saying, is, I can't trust Troy.

Shawn: Ok fine. We'll do exactly as you say.

The two walked back,

Lara: Dixie, it's really nice of you to invite us to share your shelter. But, me and Shawn have decided to be on our own for now.

Dixie and Troy gave each other a look. A look that Shawn and Lara just didn't understand.

Troy: Ok. But do stay close by just in case we wanna reach out to you.

Shawn: For sure. See you guys later.

Lara and Shawn started walking down on their own path. The two held hands and gave each other a dreamy look.

All of a sudden a boy came out of the bushes and began to tug Lara towards himself. By the time Shawn noticed, the boy was choking Lara. Shawn quickly grabbed a rock and threw it at the boy. The unknown boy fell to the ground and so did Lara. She was in a large shock. Shawn helped her up and hugged her close to him.

Another boy came out of the bushes and on seeing the injured boy he fell close to him and began to attempt waking him up. It was clear that the two boys were partners. Lara looked towards the scene.

Lara: He's dead!

The boy was in tears of anger and pain and it was clearly visible to Lara and Shawn. The boy spoke up in a frightening voice.

Boy: You guys are murderers. I won't spare you. I won't.

Saying this, the boy ran away. Shawn and Lara had understood that they were the ones who started the hunger games. The game was on and it was time to put their survival skills to the test.