The morning after

In the dimness of the cave, Jacob lit a small kerosene lantern to illuminate the area around him. With caution, he began to remove the bandages that someone else had applied to his wounds.

As the bandages peeled off his skin, Jacob experienced a slight stinging pain coursing through his body. The wounds he had received during his struggle for survival were more extensive than he had imagined. Cuts and bruises had left their mark on his body, reminding him of the dangers and challenges he had faced.

Despite the pain, Jacob remained determined and persevering. He knew he had to clean and properly treat his wounds if he wanted to avoid complications and stay in optimal condition to move forward.

With trembling yet steady hands, he carefully cleaned the wounds with a clean cloth and water. Each touch and contact with the injured areas reminded him of his vulnerability and the need to be more cautious in the future.

Once the wounds were clean, Jacob applied an antibacterial ointment and covered them with fresh bandages. The process took time and effort, but he knew it was essential for his survival.

In the darkness of the cave, Jacob took a deep breath, trying to calm the lingering slight pain. He looked at his newly dressed bandages, reminding him that each wound was a testament to his strength and determination to survive amidst the deadly games.

While the wounds reminded him of the dangers and sacrifices he had faced, they also reminded him of his resilience and willingness to move forward. He knew he had to take care of himself and heal in order to face the challenges that still awaited him.

With the kerosene lantern still casting a faint light, Jacob settled in a corner of the cave and prepared to rest. Darkness enveloped the place, but his determination continued to burn within him.

...

Jacob was awakened from his rest by his intelligent assistant, whose voice echoed in the cave after gathering information for over three hours. The report provided by the assistant contained intriguing details about the mysterious disappearance of the giant beast.

According to the report, the beast's corpse could not be found in the vicinity. While it was impossible for the organization to have removed the body due to the evident bloodstains on the ground, there was no trace of its whereabouts. This raised the question of what could have happened to the creature.

Regarding the mutated dog corpses, only half of them could be visualized. This situation left uncertainty in the air as the fate of the other missing bodies could not be determined. The most logical theory, according to the assistant's analysis, was that the giant beast had devoured the mutated dogs, satisfying its hunger and explaining their sudden disappearance.

"How is it possible for the beast to vanish without a trace? And what has happened to the other mutated dog corpses? This situation raises many questions," Jacob murmured with doubts in his words, completely shifting the course of his thoughts.

The intelligent assistant, floating around Jacob, responded to his doubts. "[Based on my analysis, it is likely that the beast devoured the mutated dogs, which could explain their disappearance and the lack of corpses. Additionally, the observed damages on the beast indicate it was in its final hours of life before dying in a frenzy state.]"

"So, could it be that the beast was on the brink of death and became more aggressive due to its condition? Could this have been its last act of survival?" If what Jacob just said is true, possibly the giant beast will die in a random place.

"[Master, that is a logical possibility. It is likely that the beast entered a frenzy state due to its weakness and its instinct to seek prey before succumbing to death.]"

"If that's true, it means we were facing a desperate and dying creature. I can't help but feel some compassion for it, despite the threat it posed to us." Jacob felt nervous at that idea.

But now there is a very serious question: if his calculations are correct, there are now three professional tributes, and Jacob has three more. Three against three, but the disadvantage for Jacob is quite clear. But beyond all that, if the beast attacks in numerical patterns, now everything is left to luck.

"It's us or the professionals..."

"[Master, now that the beast has disappeared, it is crucial that you remain alert and prepared for the challenges to come!]"

"You're right. Although this information brings us some reassurance, we cannot let our guard down. The games are not over yet, and we must be prepared for anything..."

With these new conjectures in mind, Jacob mentally prepared himself for what would come next. Although he had gained some clarity about the situation, he knew that dangers and uncertainties still lurked in every corner of the arena.

"I suppose the course of the games must change..." Jacob murmured as he closed his eyes.

...

Jacob woke up early in the morning, feeling relieved to know that they hadn't been attacked during the night. He calmly got up and received a report from his intelligent assistant, indicating that no deaths had occurred the previous night.

"That's a relief, but I'm fine with that beast dying..." With a sense of relief, Jacob headed towards the tent where Katniss was resting and began to assess her health: he measured her temperature, evaluated her wounds, and observed her breathing.

"[Master, I have completed the analysis of Katniss' vital signs! Her body temperature remains stable and within normal parameters. The wound on her leg shows signs of healing, and there are no signs of infection. Her breathing is regular and deep, indicating good oxygenation. Overall, her condition is stable and out of immediate danger.]"

Jacob nodded upon hearing the reassuring words of the intelligent assistant. Tranquility filled his being, knowing that Katniss was making progress in her recovery. He approached the tent where she was resting and carefully lifted the flap to personally check on her.

Jacob examined Katniss' wounds, observing how the skin around the injury was slowly closing. As he gently passed his fingers over the bandages, he could tell they were securely in place, indicating an improvement in her condition.

Katniss' calm and peaceful breathing while she slept brought him a sense of relief. It was a reminder that despite the dangers and challenges they had faced the previous day, she was still fighting to survive. Knowing that she was resting and recovering filled him with hope and determination to move forward.

Jacob emerged from the tent with a smile on his face, grateful for Katniss' progress. He felt inspired by her strength and resilience, and he knew he couldn't afford to give up. With each passing day, their bond grew stronger, and his determination was reaffirmed.

Once outside the tent, Jacob saw Foxface awake and approached her. He extended an invitation to have lunch while explaining the upcoming plan that would depend on both of them.

"I'm glad to see you awake and well. It seems we made it through the night without any incidents. Are you ready for lunch?"

Foxface nodded and said, "I'm hungry. Do we have food?"

Jacob looked at Foxface and spoke directly, "Before I tell you the plan, I want to make sure you understand how important you are in this. You are valuable, and your alliance is crucial for our survival. Now, about the plan... After lunch, we need to approach the professionals. We have something to discuss, and if everything goes well, we may be able to get rid of some of them. Are you willing to help me with this task?"

Foxface hesitated for a moment but, remembering how Jacob had protected her yesterday at the cost of his own life, she trusted in what he wanted to do. "Of course, Jacob. I'm ready to do whatever is necessary. We're a team, and I trust you."

Jacob nodded with determination, and together they began to prepare lunch. As they shared the meal, they discussed the details of the plan and mentally prepared themselves for a risky endeavor with incredibly satisfying potential rewards.