46 The First Hours

"I have to be quick and survive!"

Katniss was strongly tempted as she looked at all the things in front of her. She knew that if she didn't take something from this place, someone else would. She remembered Haymitch's words, but the temptation was so great that she couldn't ignore it.

Katniss observed the vast arena stretching before her eyes, full of promises and dangers. An irresistible impulse pushed her to get involved and obtain something that could ensure her survival. Without a second thought, she lunged towards the Cornucopia, where the most valuable supplies were located.

She ran with all her might, feeling the adrenaline pumping through her veins. Her eyes locked onto a bow and arrows, her preferred weapon, but just as she was about to reach it, another tribute rammed into her. In the struggle for the object, Katniss lost sight of it and had to quickly move away to avoid being injured.

Desperate, she looked for another option and found an abandoned backpack near the Cornucopia. Without hesitation, she grabbed it and moved away from the chaos, encountering the girl from District Ten, her ally in this ruthless competition, along with the duo from District Eleven. Together, they started running, aware that they had to get away as fast as possible.

However, in the midst of their frantic escape, a knife flew through the air and plunged into the back of the girl from District Ten. The impact was sudden and brutal. Katniss was stunned, paralyzed by the tragedy she had witnessed in the blink of an eye.

The girl from District Ten fell to the ground, her life slipping away. Katniss, filled with horror and sadness, knew there was nothing she could do to save her. Pain and helplessness overwhelmed her as tears filled her eyes.

Katniss knelt beside her fallen ally, feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions. Anger, sadness, and determination intertwined within her. She knew she had to go on, had to fight for her own survival, but she also felt a deep loss for the death of the girl from District Ten, a young woman who had shared her fate in those cruel games.

With a heavy heart, Katniss closed her eyes for a moment, paying a brief tribute to the fallen girl. Then, with tears in her eyes and a burning fire inside her, she stood up and headed towards the horizon, determined to face whatever the arena had in store for her.

At the edge of the forest, Katniss stopped to examine the battlefield in the distance. There were twelve tributes fighting at the horn, with some dead bodies strewn on the ground.

Those who fled disappeared into the trees or into the void on the other side of the forest. Unable to see any traces of Jacob, Katniss ran until a block hid her from the other tributes, then maintained a slow but steady pace to keep moving forward.

During the hours, Katniss ran in a direction that was not completely straight but not too curved to avoid the other tributes. Her purpose in doing this was to eventually find Jacob, who should now be in the forest just like her.

There were so many deaths to show on the first day that a tribute walking through the forest was not too interesting. However, Katniss knew they would pull her out enough for people to know she was still alive, unharmed, and on the move. One of the strongest betting days was the opening day, when the first casualties arrived, although it couldn't compare to what happened as the battle dwindled to a handful of players.

Late in the afternoon, the cannons began to fire. Each shot represented a dead tribute. Finally, the fight at the Cornucopia had ended because it was known that the bodies would never be collected until the killers dispersed.

On the opening day, they didn't even fire the cannons until the first battle was over because the organization found it too difficult to keep track of the deceased.

Katniss took a pause, gasping for breath, to count the shots.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

One..., two..., three..., and so on until it reached twelve. Twelve dead in total, leaving another twelve who would continue competing.

"What has become of Jacob?" Katniss was nervous, but the answer to that question would be revealed when the sky projected the dead for everyone to see.

Suddenly, Katniss was overwhelmed by the idea that Jacob might be dead, that they had collected his pale corpse and returned it to the Capitol, where they would clean him up, dress him, and send him back to District 12 in a simple wooden box, that he was no longer alive and her ally.

"Where are you, Jacob?" Katniss wondered to herself as she resolved to focus on the present and search for Jacob tomorrow.

...

Jacob heard the booming of the cannons in the distance, each one representing a life extinguished in the bloodbath. Twelve confirmed deaths so far, and the count kept rising. As he and Thresh moved stealthily through the terrain, Jacob couldn't help but think about their next moves.

The first day in the Hunger Games was crucial for establishing alliances and ensuring they obtained the necessary resources to survive. The bloodbath had created a chaotic and dangerous environment, but it had also left some opportunities open. Jacob knew he had to stay alert and make strategic decisions to maximize their chances of survival before finding Katniss.

In his mind, he reviewed the mental maps he had made before the games, calculating possible routes, water sources, and potential hiding spots. He also considered the skills of his ally, Thresh, and how they could complement each other to face the challenges ahead.

As they advanced, Jacob focused on remaining stealthy and avoiding any unnecessary confrontation. He couldn't afford to be swept away by the frenzy of violence and chaos reigning in the arena. He had to remember that his main objective was to survive, not to fall into the trap of becoming a ruthless killer.

Amidst his thoughts, Jacob visualized his next step: finding a safe shelter to spend the night. He knew the danger wouldn't disappear, but if they could find a hidden and well-defended place, they might have a slight advantage to face the coming days.

Night approached, and with it, uncertainty and tension became more palpable. Jacob looked at Thresh, his unexpected ally in this fight for survival, and knew they had to trust each other. Together, they would carve their path in the games, face the dangers, and do everything possible to stay alive.

With a knowing look in his eyes about what he would do next, Jacob mentally prepared himself for the challenges that still lay ahead. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to fight with all his strength. The Hunger Games were a cruel and ruthless battle, but he was determined to overcome it and return home, carrying with him the courage and the memory of those who had fallen along the way.

"We have to find a water source. We have food, but water is essential..." Jacob said softly as he touched the ground, picking up some clues about where to find water.

"We must be close to a reliable water source, I have to be sure of that..." Thresh murmured with a serious look on his face. He was a man of few words, but it didn't hinder his communication with Jacob.

Jacob and Thresh cautiously advanced through the terrain, their eyes scouring every corner in search of any sign of a water source. The sun began to descend on the horizon, and time was running out. Thirst had already become a constant annoyance and a need they couldn't ignore.

As they walked, Jacob's intelligent assistant provided suggestions and advice through his communicator. The synthetic voice resonated in his ear, offering information about possible places where they could find water in the arena. Jacob appreciated every indication, knowing that the technology at his disposal could make a difference between life and death.

The arid and desolate terrain didn't offer many evident options. However, the intelligent assistant mentioned a small oasis nearby, hidden among a group of rocks in a clearing of the forest. It was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.

Jacob and Thresh quickened their pace, moving with determination toward the oasis. Thirst intensified with each step, but the hope of finding water drove them forward. The terrain became rougher as they ventured into the forest, but the promise of a little relief kept them going.

Finally, they reached the oasis. It was a small body of water, but to them, it was an invaluable treasure. Jacob knelt by the shore and drank eagerly, letting the fresh and pure water quench his thirst. Thresh also approached and leaned down to drink, sighing with relief.

As they replenished themselves, Jacob's intelligent assistant continued providing useful information. It mentioned the importance of purifying the water before drinking it to prevent diseases. Jacob followed the instructions and used the purification equipment he carried in his backpack, ensuring that the water was safe for consumption.

After quenching their thirst and filling their canteens, Jacob and Thresh took a moment to rest and regain their strength. They knew they had to find a safe place to spend the night before darkness fully enveloped them. The intelligent assistant suggested a nearby cave that could provide shelter and protection against nocturnal dangers.

Following the assistant's directions, they headed toward the cave. The path was treacherous and demanded caution, but they eventually made it. They entered cautiously, checking for hidden threats inside. Satisfied that they were safe for the moment, they settled down at the back of the cave, ready to rest and recharge for the challenges of the next day.

As Jacob settled into his makeshift bed, he heard the voice of the intelligent assistant in his ear, providing him with advice and recommendations for his safety during the night. Grateful for its constant support, both of them waited to see the faces of those who had already died.

"Where are you, Katniss?" Jacob murmured with a slight concern.