The Tulsa Games

Chapter 2 - My Nightmare Begins

(Thank you for actually reading past chapter one! You actually must be interested in my story! Yay! Yes, this chapter does continue right after the countdown ends and it's still in Ponyboy's view. This chapter is supposed to end with a cliffhanger too. Please enjoy it! <3)

At first, all I hear is the pounding of my heart in my ears along with the feeling of fiery panic bursting within my chest. One millisecond later, I force my numb legs to move. I turn, opposite of the rushing tide of people, going backwards towards the circle of backpacks. Brief memories of running cross country flash into my head, such as: sprinting across grass, people running behind me, and the burning urge to run as fast as I can. If only the Games were that simple; the only things I had to fear in cross country were someone passing me or tripping.

My leg muscles burn as I push them to the full limit. Then, out of nowhere--

Boom.

The deep bang vibrates through me, shaking my body more than it already is. Somehow, a sense inside me knows what it means... It means someone has been killed. And I could easily be next, for all I know. I force my legs forward, fighting off the terrified screams and tears inside me. My ears are now ringing as intensity builds up inside me, the pressure threatening to crush me. I hardly slow down as I reach down and grab a backpack. It's dark brown, crossed with many pockets. It feels heavy with supplies. Another backpack is temptingly close to me; I reach down to grab it, and in that exact moment I hear a whoosh and the flashy glint of something metal whizzes by my ear. A sharp gasp escapes me and I whip around to the source.

We all have had training for the Games, but this skill is amazing and particularly difficult to master. Marcia just threw a knife at me and missed, but she is already reaching for another. I don't have to think twice on what to do. I rapidly grab the two backpacks and race into the shelter of the foliage.I hardly breathe except short inhales and exhales as I run from everything.

It's only when I feel as if I ran a mile that I stop. The ringing has faded from my ears, but it still feels as if my hearing is muffled. I topple forward and allow myself to fall, panting heavily. I grow quiet as my heart rate slows, and I press my sweaty face into my hands. There was a cannon, and who knows how many more sounded. I couldn't hear anything over the ringing. Just thinking about who died is already torture.

My backpacks made me slower, but I know I'll be glad for risking it if they give me good supplies. I grab the dark brown one and tear it open.

Inside, there's a rope, tough and tight. There's also a water bottle, half full. I set it next to me, my dry mouth begging for water from my desperate run. I also find an apple and a little bottle of water purifier - iodine. I am searching for more things when my fingers touch a handle that they slip onto familiarly. I pull it out, and sure enough, it's a switchblade.

I close my eyes, terrible memories rushing at me like a current. Despite the thoughts, I simply put it by the water bottle and push the occurrences away from my mind. Rummaging through the second backpack, I find a bag of dried mangoes, a rolled up sleeping bag, a blade sharpener, and thermal gloves. I am confused at first why I would need gloves, but then I remember that the arena can rapidly change weather at any given second. I should be thankful for this extra protection, too.

I know all the good weapons would be in the Cornucopia, but I can't risk going back there, especially so soon. Plus, do I even know what some of those things are? I glance back down at the glistening switchblade, but my eyes travel to the bottle next to it. I want to chug my water but instead I take a little gulp, just enough to soothe my throat. I am able to somehow stuff everything I received into one bag, so I shove the other empty one deep into a bush.