Sang is chosen for the Culling, a series of fights to the death that are generally played by men. In fact, Sang is the first woman selected, well, ever. As the games start, and Sang forms bonds with a group of nine men, she comes to realize that the...
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Sang
I was pulled into North's lap during the announcement.
I had known that I didn't stand a chance from the beginning, but the news was still stunning. I was even more out of my element now than ever before. I had hoped that I could at least find a handgun or something.
Not that I'd ever be able to kill... I don't think. But holding something familiar for defense would have been nice.
However, now that idea had been completely shattered. If the theme was going to be medieval... Well, it's not like I'd be able to swing around a mace or something.
There were just so many things wrong with that picture.
After Thomas' announcement, he had given us a few moments to decide where we wanted to start our individual training. The boys talked to each other around me, but I couldn't focus on anything they were saying.
I was too busy thinking about how screwed I was right now.
"Sang." Kota knelt in front of me and lifted my chin with a finger as he met my eyes. "It's alright, we won't let anything happen to you."
I bit my lip and looked down at his knees. "What do I do? I was going to try a handgun..."
"Miss Sorenson." Mr Blackbourne was standing behind Kota. I looked at him. "Do you know how to shoot?"
"Yes." My finger was to my lip again. "My father used to own a gun, in secret of course, but we ran out of ammunition a long time ago. I also used to set traps and stuff to catch food, and sometimes I've had to use a slingshot. My father used to say that I had pretty good aim. He taught me how to use one."
"You can set traps?" Luke spoke up. "Do you know how to track?"
"A little. I needed to know to find the best locations to set up traps."
Mr Blackbourne, Dr Green and Kota exchanged glances again.
"Archery?" Dr Green spoke up, studying me again. "If you are able to shoot and use a slingshot, then it shouldn't be too hard to learn archery."
I had always wanted to try archery actually, but... "Thomas said not to focus on long-range weapons."
"Don't worry about that." Mr Blackbourne looked thoughtful. "If he knows that the sole female tribute learning archery, McCoy is the kind of man who'd stick at least archery set into the selection. He would think it would be funny, he wouldn't assume you would be competent in it. He is known for underestimating women."
Kota spoke. "McCoy probably thinks he has Sang all figured out."
I swallowed hard. "What if I freeze up? I'm not very brave."
Laughter surrounded me.
"Aggele mou, after you saved me from that moron's goons-" Silas spoke in a proud tone.
