The water bath

"Ladies and gentlemen, let the Seventy-Fifth Hunger Games begin!"

The voice of Claudius Templesmith, the announcer of the Hunger Games, thunders in their ears.

Jacob has less than a minute to adjust to the light. Then the gong will sound, and the tributes will be free to leave their metal platforms.

But which way should he go?

"Smart assistant, give me information!"

"[Master, you can reach the center faster if you go through the water. Going through the rocky platforms may result in injuries, slowness, or exposure to enemies.]"

Jacob had to observe the competitors from districts one and two, who were not his allies. There was an unspoken truce, which was not to kill allied tributes. After reaching the center, those closest would grab their weapons and move away from the center in search of a secluded spot.

On the second day, the rebellion would begin to rise in District Two. At that moment, Jacob would be the face of this new war that was about to come.

But now there were much more important things, and those were survival. He knew that anything in the arena, especially in this one, could kill him, so he couldn't trust even if he already knew what would happen.

This arena was similar to the one he remembered, with blue water, pink sky, and a blazing white sun shining with full force. In the center stood the Cornucopia, the gleaming golden horn, about forty meters away.

At first, it seemed like he was situated on a circular island. But upon closer examination, he saw thin lines of land radiating from the circle like spokes of a wheel.

"[Eleven spokes, it is recommended to go through the water and be fast!]"

Between the spokes, there was nothing but water. Water and a couple of tributes. That was it, then. There were twelve spokes, each with two tributes balancing on metal platforms between them.

The tribute in his water position was Finnick, his ally. He was nearly as far to his right as the strip of land to his left. Beyond the water, wherever he looked, there was a narrow beach and dense vegetation.

Jacob glanced at the circle of tributes, looking for Katniss, but she must have been blocked by the Cornucopia.

"[There's no danger in the water, free from dangerous beasts!]"

Jacob knew he was safe from living beings, but just like in previous games, everything changed within a matter of days, so this could represent a threat.

There was only one way to reach the Cornucopia.

Looking at the woman with sharp teeth on the other side of Jacob, he smiled coldly and waited patiently.

When the sound of the horn marked the beginning of the contest, Jacob plunged into the water without hesitation. His muscles moved skillfully, propelling him through the cold and turbulent waters. He swam with all the speed he could muster, feeling the adrenaline rushing through his veins as he approached the Cornucopia.

His mind was focused on one objective: to arrive before the others. Each stroke was powerful and coordinated, cutting through the water with determination. He ignored the voices of the other competitors around him, concentrating on his own rhythm and reaching the goal he had set.

Although they were all supposed allies, from District 3 to 12, there were more things that could threaten his life and the lives of his closest allies.

The distance between Jacob and the Cornucopia rapidly diminished. He could see the other tributes fighting to reach the shore, but he was determined to surpass them. His determination was unwavering, his mind focused on the goal in front of him.

Finally, Jacob emerged from the water and swiftly headed towards the Cornucopia. The rocky platform beneath his feet became his ally as he quickened his pace, ignoring any distractions around him. His determination was palpable, his determination to survive and overcome his opponents.

He reached the Cornucopia before the others, his body still vibrating with the energy of the race. He took a deep breath, feeling the air fill his lungs as he prepared to grab a weapon.

"Jacob, throw!" Finnick shouted after he took a detour and encountered Gloss, the male from District 1.

"[To your left, by the arch!]"

Upon hearing his smart assistant's reminder, Jacob threw the weapon to Finnick, who was approaching the Cornucopia. Upon receiving the spear, Finnick submerged in the water and began his hunt.

Jacob moved swiftly and determinedly, grabbing a nearby set of knives. Katniss's cry echoed in his ears, propelling him to run towards her without a second thought. With his heart pounding, he pushed through the chaos of the Cornucopia until he reached her side.

"Jacob, hurry!" But at that very moment, he heard Katniss's cry, and he ran to the other side of the Cornucopia after grabbing a bow and arrows.

The scene unfolded frantically before his eyes: Cashmere chasing Katniss, who moved with agility to escape her reach. Without hesitation, Jacob interposed himself between them, raising the knife in a defensive position. With a swift motion, he diverted Cashmere's pursuit, allowing Katniss a moment to catch her breath.

"Katniss, get down!" Jacob had left his bow on the ground, then raised the edge of his knife and attacked his enemy's abdomen.

"Ahhh!" Cashmere's scream was piercing as she used both hands to hold the blade of the knife, unable to dodge it.

In that instant, Katniss seized the opportunity and grabbed a nearby bow and arrow. Her aim was precise, and with an indifferent act, she shot directly at Cashmere, instantly eliminating her. The body of the District 1 tribute fell to the ground, putting an end to her threat.

"Cough!" Jacob then spat out some saliva, realizing it was salty. He moved Cashmere's body and, after making sure she was dead, walked towards Katniss.

"The others need help," said Katniss, moving towards the other side. Jacob nodded, ready to support his ally and the other tributes who shared their struggle for survival.

"We're fine." Finnick shouted as he approached Johanna.

"Where are the others?" Jacob didn't stop and walked toward the interior of the Cornucopia. He grabbed a backpack, opened it, and began filling it with supplies like food and medicine.

Then, he put the backpack on his back, and his eyes focused on his favorite weapon, his hidden Kusarigama tucked away in a corner of the weapon rack.

"That idiot went off course," Johanna said after grabbing a set of single-handed axes.

"Take the essentials and let's get out of here. Finnick, take care of Mags on your own. We'll cover the center." Jacob threw another spear to Finnick.

"Yes, thank you." Finnick nodded, knowing the next phase of the plan.