Chapter 44: The Bloodbath
Jacob stood in his metal circle, ready to face the arena of the Hunger Games. Sixty seconds was all the time he had before the gong sounded and the race to the Cornucopia began. He looked around, taking note of the supplies and weapons within the giant golden horn.
The Cornucopia was filled with things that could sustain them during their time in the arena: food, water, medicine, clothing, and materials for making fire. However, he also knew that getting too close to the Cornucopia meant facing other tributes willing to fight for the same resources.
He looked around and assessed the terrain. It was a flat earth plain, with a lake to his right and scattered pine forests to his left and behind him. He knew Haymitch would prefer him to head towards the forests, but he was also aware of the risks involved in entering that initial fray.
When his gaze fixed on Katniss, he shook his head and mouthed words that could be seen on his lips: "Don't get involved!"
Jacob pondered his mentor's words and his own strategy. He didn't want to risk getting injured or even killed in the initial chaos of the Cornucopia. His priority was to stay alive and protect himself. But he also knew he needed to find a reliable source of water, shelter, food, and weapons.
With time running out, Jacob made a decision. He decided to run towards the Cornucopia and head for the closest resources, but keeping a safe distance from the other tributes. He knew he had to be cautious and clever to survive in this dangerous game.
As Jacob sprinted forward, he looked determinedly at the Cornucopia, his gaze met Thresh's, his ally from District 11, who also seemed ready for the imminent race for supplies. The sound of the gong echoed in the air, and without hesitation, both tributes lunged into the bloody fight.
Chaos erupted around him as the other tributes desperately fought for weapons, food, and medicine. Jacob had to dodge blows and throw himself to the ground to avoid being hit by flying knives. He looked around and saw some tributes falling wounded, while others clung to their acquisitions.
The scene was terrifying. The ground quickly became covered in blood and lifeless bodies. Cries of pain and desperation filled the air. Jacob quickly searched for a weapon to defend himself and found a curved knife among the scattered items. Gripping it firmly, he plunged into the maelstrom, moving with agility and determination.
He saw a tribute from District 5 fall in front of him, a victim of a fierce attack. Alertness and adrenaline took over as he fought to survive amidst the bloodbath. He made quick decisions, attacking those who posed an immediate threat but avoiding unnecessary confrontations.
Minutes felt endless as the chaos dragged on. Jacob moved cautiously, dodging attacks and seizing every opportunity to advance. He saw several tributes fall, some at the hands of others, and others due to the intervention of the mutated beasts prowling the arena.
As he made his way towards the Cornucopia, he noticed a fierce struggle between two tributes vying for a bow and arrows. As he tried to approach to take advantage of the situation, he saw one of the fighters, a tribute from District 9, fatally wounded. Without hesitation, Jacob seized the bow and arrows, ensuring he was better armed to face the challenges ahead.
The bloodbath continued, but Jacob was determined to survive and protect his allies. With his new weapon in hand, he headed towards Thresh, who was battling another tribute. Using his newly acquired skills, Jacob joined the fight, providing a crucial boost to his ally.
The sound of death and agonizing moans filled the air, but Jacob was focused on his objective. He moved skillfully, avoiding the attacks of the other tributes and defending himself with his knife and bow. Fear and determination intertwined within him as he fought to survive and ensure the survival of his team.
As the bloodbath slowly subsided, Jacob found himself next to Thresh, breathing heavily. Both tributes looked at each other, aware of the brutality they had just witnessed and the harsh reality of the Hunger Games. Although victory seemed to have smiled upon them at that moment, they both knew that the path ahead would be even more challenging and dangerous.
By the time they were heading to one side to grab their respective backpacks and more sophisticated weapons, a tribute with a brutal appearance appeared before their eyes.
"We have to take care of him and get out of here!" Jacob said this as he tightly held his knife and lunged towards the boy who did the same.
Jacob and Thresh faced a formidable tribute, whose strength and skill were not to be underestimated. The three fighters engaged in a violent struggle, exchanging blows and moving quickly. Jacob could feel the intensity of the fight as he dodged the opponent's attacks and looked for an opportunity to counterattack.
In a swift move, Thresh managed to disarm the enemy tribute, while Jacob took advantage of the distraction to deliver a precise blow to his chest. Blood splattered the sandy ground as his first victim fell lifeless. Jacob's gaze remained impassive, devoid of emotions, as if violence and death were mere components of the game.
However, in the midst of the battle, Jacob couldn't avoid receiving a wound on his left hand. The pain was present, but he ignored it, focusing on survival. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, fueling his determination and making him more cautious in his movements.
With the enemy defeated, Jacob and Thresh hurried to loot a large backpack full of supplies and weapons. They briefly glanced at each other, sharing a silent understanding that they needed to put distance between themselves and the dangerous Cornucopia. Without saying a word, they began to run towards the forest with speed and determination.
Jacob's heart beat strongly, a mix of excitement and anxiety for the unknown that awaited them in the dense forest. Despite his apparent coldness in dispatching his enemies, a small unease stirred within him. What else would he have to do to survive? What horrors awaited him in the darkness of the forest?
The speed at which they advanced was impressive, vegetation swiftly passing by as Jacob and Thresh ventured into the unknown. Branches snapped beneath their feet, and their ragged breaths filled the air. As they delved into the thickets of the forest, the sense of isolation intensified, but so did their determination to survive.
Jacob kept his mind focused on the task at hand. Although death and danger lurked at every step, he refused to let his emotions interfere with his judgment. Survival was his primary goal, and he would do whatever it took to achieve it.
The forest seemed endless, but there was no time to stop. Jacob and Thresh continued running, chasing the hope of temporary shelter and a moment to regroup. They knew that the real test was still to come, and they were ready to face it together, no matter the sacrifices they had to make along the way.
As for Katniss and Rue, Jacob trusted that they had ventured into the forest as planned. He couldn't see either of them amidst the bloodbath, as seeing them would result in more than just being wounded.
"We need to take a breather!" Thresh said as he dropped to the ground, his backpack left aside as he examined some of his wounds on his hands.
Jacob, who had received a wound on his hand, took off his backpack and searched for anything to treat himself, stopping the bleeding and preventing infection being essential.
"Did you see Rue or Katniss?" Without letting go of the knife in his hand, Jacob opened a first aid kit and briefly glanced at Thresh, who was also focused on what he had taken.
Upon hearing Jacob's question, Thresh shook his head and said, "No, I couldn't see them, but I did see how our allies, the ones from District Ten, died or so it appeared..."
"What a shame..." Jacob took off his jacket without tearing it. According to Haymitch's words, it was a special jacket that would keep him cool and warm both day and night, so damaging it wasn't a good idea.
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