Everything changes
The night descended upon the arena with its dark cloak, enveloping everything in impenetrable darkness. The rain persisted tirelessly, falling in a constant drizzle that seemed never-ending. The sound of the drops hitting the ground and the leaves of the trees mingled with the whisper of the wind and the distant echo of thunder.
After the fierce battle against the mutated beasts, the arena became a desolate and silent place. Two tributes had lost their lives in the confrontation, leaving behind a trail of pain and tragedy. Their bodies lay motionless on the ground, grim reminders of the brutal reality of the Hunger Games. However, after everything returned to calmness, the organizers entered to collect their bodies.
Rivers formed in the forests, fed by the incessant rain. The water, imbued with a grayish tone, flowed between the trees and snaked across the soaked ground. Small streams formed in every depression of the terrain, creating a landscape where water became the dominant element.
From the tree branches, water dripped constantly, creating a gentle rhythm that resonated in the stillness of the night. Each drop seemed to carry a hint of melancholy, as if nature itself was mourning the tragedy it had witnessed.
As the night advanced, the sounds of life gradually faded, replaced by the monotonous symphony of rain. The nocturnal creatures remained sheltered in their dens, seeking refuge from the relentless storm. The world seemed to be on pause, suspended in a state of stillness and melancholy.
In the midst of this desolate scenery, the surviving tributes sought shelter and rest. Their tired and wounded bodies huddled under the trees, trying to find some kind of protection against the persistent rain. The water seeped through their soaked clothes, increasing the sensation of discomfort and fatigue.
As the night progressed and weariness took hold of them, the tributes plunged into a restless sleep, interrupted by nightmares and the distant echo of thunder. The water continued to fall tirelessly, creating an oppressive and desolate atmosphere.
In the midst of darkness and endless rain, the Hunger Games arena became a place where life seemed to have stopped. Rivers formed, trees wept, and the tributes sank into an uneasy sleep. It was a moment of pause, but also of uncertainty, for at any moment, the deadly game could resume with a new and ruthless surprise.
The end of the games was near, with two professional tributes and two non-professionals still alive!
From a large bush, a figure camouflaged in darkness emerged slowly, supporting themselves with a long pole. Their steps were heavy, as if each movement was accompanied by extreme pain.
"[Master, your vital signs are unstable, and you have numerous wounds on your body. If you continue advancing, the chances of losing consciousness are high!]"
Jacob, who had a tired expression, couldn't stop since he had to reach the cave to rest peacefully.
He continued to limp forward through the inhospitable terrain of the arena, his body injured and his spirit downtrodden. Blood flowed from his wounds, and each step was a constant reminder of the brutality of the situations he had experienced. As he approached the cave where Katniss sought refuge, the weight of the losses grew heavier in his heart.
The deaths of his fellow tributes had left an indelible mark on his soul. The faces and voices of those he had come to know and respect crowded his mind. The void left by their absence was overwhelming. Jacob wondered why he felt so much pain for these losses when he had initially entered the Games with a firm determination to win. But now, the idea of continuing to kill and inflict more suffering was unbearable to him.
Every day spent in the arena, Jacob found himself in an internal struggle. He felt he was becoming someone he didn't recognize, someone hardened by violence and cruelty. The emotional and psychological wear and tear began to deeply affect him. He was no longer the same man who had entered the Hunger Games. The experience had transformed him into a being covered in scars, both physical and mental.
As he approached the cave, Jacob's thoughts became increasingly confused. What did winning the Hunger Games truly mean? Was all this suffering and sacrifice worth it? The weight of his decisions and actions rested on his shoulders, and the internal conflict consumed him.
Finally, unable to bear the weight on his legs, Jacob fell to the ground, his wounded hands gripping the muddy soil, feeling furious with himself.
"Get up, you damn idiot!" Jacob could no longer maintain his facade; in his eyes, he was crying like a child, cracked from being unable to bear the burden. However, in the eyes of the spectators watching his movements, they thought he was extremely angry and worried about not being able to return to his beloved Katniss.
"[Master, I recommend you not generate too much noise due to possible issues!]"
"Yes, I remembered..." Jacob slowly lifted his body from the ground, a cruel smile on his face. "I will win these games. We will win, Katniss..."
…
Katniss woke up suddenly, her heart pounding. She called out to Jacob, but there was no response. A sense of anxiety overcame her, and she quickly stepped out of the tent. Outside, in the darkness of the night, she found a small oil lamp and an inscription made with charcoal. It said, "Katniss, we will return tonight after dealing with that beast. Don't worry if you wake up early."
Fear gripped Katniss as she read those words. The night felt oppressive, and there was no sign of anyone in the cave. Sensing an imminent danger, she decided to go to the cave entrance. It was then that the anthem of Panem began to resonate in the air, accompanied by the images in the sky of the faces of Foxface and Marvel, one being her ally and the other from the group of professionals.
Katniss's heart sank in her chest as she speculated on what could have happened. Had Jacob and Foxface encountered the other tributes? Had they fallen into the hands of the professionals? Uncertainty and worry took hold of her, but she knew she had to act quickly.
With difficulty, due to her injury and the fear that engulfed her, Katniss set out to search for Jacob. With every step she took, her senses were alert, attentive to any sign that could indicate his whereabouts. The silence of the night was occasionally interrupted by the distant howls of the mutts and the rustling of leaves under her feet.
Katniss advanced with determination, her eyes scanning the darkness for any clue. Every moment that passed without finding a trace of Jacob increased her concern. Where could he be? Had he managed to escape? Fear and uncertainty intertwined in her mind, but she refused to give up.
Finally, she caught sight of a figure in the distance. It was Jacob, standing in the middle of the forest, his face overshadowed by worry. Katniss hurried toward him, relieved to have found him alive. However, the shadow of uncertainty persisted. What had happened to the other tributes? How could they confront the professionals and survive the challenges that awaited them?
As Katniss approached Jacob, she could see all the wounds on his face, body, and clothes. Without a doubt, Jacob had faced many difficulties to get here.
"Jacob, you..." Katniss didn't know what to say.
"Thresh, Foxface... They're all dead, but the professionals are no better off than us..." With these last words, Jacob collapsed to the ground unconscious. Only now could one appreciate his willpower to reach the outskirts of the cave despite his injuries.
"Jacob!"
Katniss dragged Jacob to the back of the cave, away from the entrance. There, she lit a brighter light to illuminate the area. Based on her observations, they were sufficiently hidden and wouldn't be visible from the outside. Carefully, she began to remove the bandages from Jacob's body and discovered that his wounds were open and bleeding.
Desperate to help him, she searched Jacob's backpack and found a first aid kit with everything needed to treat him. Quickly, she started cleaning the wounds and applying the necessary medications. Minutes passed as she focused on her task, determined to heal Jacob and alleviate his suffering.
Suddenly, an announcement came from the sky. Normally, the tributes only received the daily death count, but this time it was different. The trumpets sounded, and the voice of Claudius Templesmith resonated in the air, congratulating the remaining four tributes and announcing a change in the rules of the games.
The news left Katniss bewildered. They had changed a rule, something unheard of in the Hunger Games. The new rule stated that the two tributes from the same district could declare themselves victors if they were the last survivors. Excitement and hope seized Katniss as she absorbed the news. It meant that both she and Jacob could have the chance to live, to survive together.
Claudius paused, aware that the tributes might not fully grasp the magnitude of the change. He repeated the rule once more, making it clear that both could live, that both could win. Katniss assimilated the information, and overwhelming emotion flooded over her. It was a unique opportunity, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of the games.
In that moment, Katniss realized that, despite all the challenges and horrors they had endured, there was something more important than individual survival: the possibility of saving Jacob and herself. The idea that the two of them could survive together gave them a new motivation and a reason to fight.
Determined to do whatever it took to protect Jacob and ensure their survival, Katniss prepared to face the upcoming challenges. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but now she had a renewed hope and the certainty that she would fight with all her might to keep her companion safe and find a path to victory in the Hunger Games.