Chapter 24
775 Words
Hunter POV
I took out Reiner's tart just as I was getting in the tube. For one last moment, I'd have something lovely.
An Avox motioned at it and held out her hand. I shoved it in my mouth and at it before the tube was even closed. I smiled at the Avox, who turned away and pretended he didn't see. I hoped he didn't get in trouble. He couldn't have stopped me.
Pray POV
Did she even eat? One day would hardly make a difference. It was too late. What a waste of a life. Ava had drive and stamina like few I'd ever seen. Why didn't anyone help her? This is what the Academy is. They killed her before they ever chose her as volunteer.
Acee POV
"Nothing is beneath you. Nothing is useless. Make the Arena work for you," I told Abigail and Cordin. It hadn't worked since my own Games. Maybe this year I'll get a partner. But how could I root for one? I would wish the other death.
Jonah POV
"Places, please. Here's your mark," I pointed to the tube. "It will bring you to the first scene. It's a battle scene, so get ready to work. Don't worry, it's just a movie." I didn't know I was such a good liar. My smile was good enough to photograph.
Soleil POV
Skyler was wearing a plain blue t-shirt and black pants that reached to the middle of her calves.
"Unless they're playing some dirty trick, it's not too hot or too cold in there," I said. "Did you make a rendezvous plan with Hadley?" Skyler was in too much shock to reply. Most of the Tributes would be. When the gong rang, fight or flight would come without thought. With Skyler, I hoped it was flight.
Toby POV
"Run. Hide. Don't let them find you," I begged Hadley. She was my only chance, even if Lyte was almost smiling through his trembling. I tried not to think about him, but he wouldn't leave me be. Hadley grabbed her stomach and heaved. Nothing came up, and she kept her head down while she took deep breaths. They were hardly gone before I cried.
Sequoia POV
I've had Tributes scream and claw the ground when they were dragged into the tubes. I've seen them charge in with smiles and charge into the Bloodbath to their deaths. Ashlyn looked at the descending tube like a guillotine. Her face was almost empty.
"I'm probably going to die. I'll last as long as I can," she said. She climed into the tube, crossed her arms in front of her eyes, leaned against the glass and shook.
Drone POV
"It's not what I thought it was," James said. "It's awful in there."
"I know," I said. I'd done things to get my Victory. James didn't have the strength to do them. Now he didn't have the heart either.
"It's okay to run," I said. He nodded. I didn't think it would be enough.
Demetria POV
I clenched Chimera's hand and waited for the tube.
"Don't let go," I pleaded.
"Don't worry. Maybe the odds are in your favor," Chimera said. He didn't even seem nervous.
"Here it comes!" he pointed out. "Let's get you in place." Does he really know what he's talking about?
Cornflower POV
They were the strongest Tributes I'd had since Jean. I might be able to go home next year. I did want them to live, but it was hard to hope for, since someone else would have to die. I didn't want anyone to die.
Peppermint POV
I don't need the Avoxes. I scooped Willow up under an arm, carried her across the room, and plopped her into the tubes. She banged on the glass for a while, then pulled herself together and looked up. Dang it, she'll have to do better than that. If she keeps her allies about her, odd group though they are, they might be able to make something of themselves.
Demi POV
I could hardly believe how nice Jamie looked. Instead of the terrible outfits Tributes usually had in the Arena, he was actually wearing serviceable, though plain, clothes.
"Have fun with all the others!" I said as I waved him off. I shot Mary Sue a narrow side-eye and turned back to Jamie. I do hope he does well.
1. If you haven't voted, you have until I get the next chapter written.
2. Hunter got a POV instead of Estrella because his submitter asked for a scene in the tubes.
3. I'm sorry to announce that Demi's ditziness may in fact be terminal.
- Writer
