47 The Fallen

"[Master, no visible threats have been detected in the vicinity! The area within a hundred meters has been explored, and no enemies or any living beings representing a threat to the master's safety have been found...]"

Jacob was covered by darkness on moderately high ground. Upon Thresh's suggestion, the area they were in was perfect for both evading animals and remaining undetected by any tribute.

Jacob and Thresh were concealed in a small cave located in an area with pine trees and a steep descent. The entrance to the cave was partially covered by dense vegetation, making it difficult to spot from the outside. The surrounding terrain was rocky and rugged, with cliffs and steep slopes providing a natural barrier against potential intruders.

As the darkness of the night took hold of the landscape, the cave provided a shadowy and hidden refuge. Moonlight barely penetrated the interior, creating a mysterious and dimly lit atmosphere. The cave floor was covered in loose soil and rocks, offering an uncomfortable yet functional surface to rest upon.

The cool night air seeped into the cave, carrying with it the scent of dampness and moss. The sound of the wind whispered through the cracks in the nearby rocks, adding a silent yet unsettling ambiance. As the darkness deepened, the sense of isolation and protection grew stronger.

Jacob and Thresh huddled in a corner of the cave, attempting to make themselves as small as possible to go unnoticed. Their bodies blended with the darkness, allowing them to merge with their surroundings and avoid detection by prying eyes. They remained silent, sharpening their senses and staying alert for any signs of danger.

Although the cave provided them with a temporary shelter, Jacob and Thresh knew they had to be prepared for any eventuality. They checked their weapons and supplies, ensuring everything was within reach and in good condition. The uncertainty of the following day loomed over them, but there was also a spark of determination in their eyes, reminding them why they were there and the need to survive.

In the darkness of the cave, enveloped in the stillness of the night, Jacob and Thresh waited, prepared to face whatever fate had in store for them. The rugged terrain and the concealment of darkness offered them a brief respite, but they also knew they couldn't let their guard down. Survival in the Hunger Games demanded constant vigilance and a sharp mind, even during moments of rest.

But now, after a brief moment of silence in the cave, Jacob decided to break the ice and engage in a conversation with Thresh. Although Thresh was known to be reserved when it came to communication, Jacob felt the need to establish some kind of connection with his ally.

"Thresh, is there anyone waiting for you back home?" Jacob asked, curiosity in his voice.

Thresh kept his gaze fixed on the ground for a few seconds before responding. He seemed to weigh his words carefully, as if deciding how much to trust Jacob.

"No, there's no one left waiting for me at home..." Thresh said in a somber tone. "Two years ago, my sister participated in the Hunger Games. She fought bravely, but couldn't survive in the end when she faced the career tributes."

Jacob felt a knot in his stomach upon hearing Thresh's story. He was aware that each tribute carried their own burden of loss and suffering, but hearing about Thresh's sister made him realize the brutality of the Hunger Games.

"I'm truly sorry about your sister..." Jacob responded sincerely. "I can't imagine how difficult it must be to lose someone in this arena. How have you dealt with her loss?"

Thresh looked up and met Jacob's eyes. There was a flicker of pain and determination in his gaze before he answered.

"Since her death, I've dedicated my life to honoring her memory and fighting against all odds to survive..." Thresh explained, revealing a bit more of himself. "I don't want more families to go through the pain we suffered."

Jacob nodded, admiring his ally's strength and determination. Though there were moments when Thresh seemed distant and reserved, his personal story revealed a deep resolve and a willingness to fight for justice.

"Thresh, I want you to know that we're in this together..." Jacob said, his voice filled with sincerity. "We've both been through a lot, and I know we can overcome any obstacle if we stay united."

Thresh nodded, a hint of gratitude and camaraderie crossing his face.

"But I still don't quite understand, why did you volunteer as a tribute if you didn't have the need to seek something?" Thresh asked after sharing a bit of his story with Jacob.

Upon hearing this question, Jacob remained silent for a minute before saying, "When Katniss, my fellow tribute from District Twelve, volunteered to save her younger sister, it filled me with courage. I protected my brother when he was younger, but he betrayed me because of it..."

"I no longer considered him a brother, for me, the family that eventually became my truth is dead... I was never someone loved, but when I saw Katniss volunteer in place of her sister, I believed that if I participated, I could at least help her win the Games..." Half of what Jacob said was true, and the other half was a lie.

Thresh remained silent. If he had that cherished opportunity to save his sister, he would take it, but if he imagined a betrayal from her, he might not be alive right now due to the pain and confusion.

"But now we are here, the things of the past don't serve much purpose in the arena, not when death is lurking everywhere we turn," Jacob said with a discreet smile.

"I agree," Thresh responded. "We are allies, and we will help each other. Together, we can resist and emerge victorious from this place."

Jacob and Thresh shared a brief but significant moment of connection. They knew the path to survival would be difficult, but they were willing to face it together. In that moment, they realized their alliance was more than a mere strategy; it was a bond based on trust, respect, and the will to protect each other amidst adversity.

...

Just as the surroundings sank into darkness, they heard the anthem that precedes the memorial for the fallen. Through the cave entrance, Jacob saw the Capitol seal, seemingly floating in the sky.

But as everyone knew, they were currently in a massive stadium, and what they were seeing was a giant screen transported by one of the silent hovercrafts.

The anthem ended, and the sky darkened for a moment.

Under normal circumstances, well, for most people right now, they would be watching the replay of each and every killing, but for those in the arena, they considered this would be an unfair advantage for the survivors.

For example, if someone had made a weapon and killed someone, their secret would be exposed. But this is not the reality for the competitors. In the arena, all they see are the same photographs that were televised when the training scores were released—simple headshots. However, instead of scores, the district number is placed beneath each photograph.

Jacob breathed nervously, but as the deaths progressed, he felt increasingly calm.

The first death was the girl from District 3, which meant the career tributes from Districts 1 and 2 had survived. This didn't surprise Jacob. Then, the boy from District 4.

That was expected; Jacob had killed him with Thresh's help, but for the others, it was unexpected because the careers usually survive the first day.

The boy from District 5... The girl known as "Weasel" was still alive. The two tributes from Districts 6 and 7. The boy from District 8. Both from District 9. Doing the math, there were only two deaths left to confirm, and those were the two tributes from District 10, who happened to be their allies.

"Our two allies are dead, what bad luck..." Jacob murmured as he watched the Capitol seal appear again with a final musical flourish. Then everything returned to darkness, and the sounds of the forest resumed.

Jacob was relieved to know that Katniss was still alive. If she was alive, with only twelve tributes remaining, they were halfway there, and now they were one step closer to winning.

"We managed to kill a career tribute; they shouldn't have a good night. Sleep, I'll take the first watch, and at first light, we'll move to find our allies." Jacob looked at Thresh and said.