Lillian Crane and her formidable adversary, Coriolanus Snow, epitomized brilliance within their academic and physical competitions, their prowess woven into the fabric of their existence.
However, Lillian's world takes an unexpected turn, stripping...
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After the interview, Lillian made her way to the school cafeteria, determined to find any available food to bring to Wovey before their entrance into the arena. Scouring the cafeteria, she managed to gather a few sandwiches, fruits, and cookies. Loading up her purse with everything she could carry.
Lillian joined the group before they entered the vehicles, similar to the ones from her past experiences. The weight of the impending journey into the arena hung heavily in the air as they prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
In the vehicle, Lillian covered Wovey as she delved into her meal, understanding the significance of consuming substantial and satisfying food. Another critical lesson from the war resonated - when uncertain about the next opportunity to eat, eating quickly became a tactic to feel more satiated. It was another survival trick that Lillian had picked up during the challenging times.
As they arrived at the arena, everyone exited the vehicle. Coriolanus assisted Lillian, helping her down first, and then lifted Wovey out of the car, placing her gently on the ground. The growing smile on Wovey's face warmed Lillian's heart, witnessing a genuine moment of joy amid the challenging circumstances.
Wovey started skipping toward the line as Lillian ran to follow. "Well, you're in a good mood today." Lillian remarked, laughing at the girl's happiness. "Your boyfriend is very nice, he's cute, and he helped me down." Wovey said, causing the girl next to her to stop smiling.
"Wovey, he's not my boyfriend, we're barely even friends." Lillian clarified, attempting to clear the confusion. "Mhm." the youngest girl managed to say before a peacekeeper walked past. The air held a hint of amusement and misunderstanding.
Aligned by district, mentors and mentees walked side by side, beginning their solemn march into the arena. Lillian and Wovey moved forward together, hand in hand, stepping into the challenging terrain with shared determination and unity. Lillian wanted Wovey to make it as far as possible, and maybe even to the end.
"Enjoy the show!"
Lillian observed the cameras at the front, and Wovey, grabbing Lucy Gray's hand, Lillian mirrored her actions by holding onto Coriolanus's hand. Together, they advanced toward the center of the arena. The door slammed shut, prompting Lillian to squeeze the boy's hand, a gesture that led the boy to provide comfort.
As the windows of the arena shuttered open, natural light bathed the surroundings, casting an eerie atmosphere over the assembled individuals. The weight of the moment settled upon them as they prepared to navigate the challenges that awaited in the Hunger Games arena.
"Welcome to the arena of the annual tenth Hunger Games. Tributes, mentors, you have fifteen minutes to survey the space and construct your plan." Dr. Gaul called over the intercom.
As the group began discussing a potential alliance, considering Lucy Gray, Jessup, and Wovey, Wovey spoke up, expressing a plea for safety. She let go of Lucy Gray's hand and grabbed Lillian's other hand, looking at her with pleading eyes.
"I'll do my best to keep you safe, Wovey. We'll navigate this together," Lillian reassured her, a sense of determination in her eyes as they faced the uncertainties of the Hunger Games.
Wovey nodded giving the girl a quick hug. "Coriolanus, please don't let me die in here tomorrow." Lucy Gray pleaded the boy next to Lillian. "I'll do my best." The boy answred.
As they took a step, an explosion from the stands erupted, sending the three girls across the arena. Lillian fell to the ground hard, hitting her leg on the gravel, all she could feel was a shock of pain moving up and down her leg. Coriolanus remained standing, helping Lucy Gray up ensuring she made it to the exit safely. He helped Wovey up sending her to the door. He got Lillian up but the force of the last explosion knocked everyone to the ground. Another explosion shook the arena, causing chaos.
Coriolanus and Lillian tried to escape, but a falling pillar trapped Coriolanus. Lillian, in a burst of adrenaline, screamed and lifted the pillar to free him. Exhausted, she fell to the floor, the pain in her legs too much. Coriolanus, limping, lifted her into his arms, slowly making their way towards the exit. The unexpected events had left the group in disarray, their survival hanging in the balance.
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Lillian awoke in the infirmary, a sharp pain in her neck and legs as she attempted to rise. Her parents hurried to her side, concern etched on their faces.
"What happened?" Lillian questioned weakly. "Rebel bombing in the arena. You and Coriolanus were thrown far. He's still unconscious, you have a mild concussion and when you fell your legs hit the ground hard. Felix isn't doing well; he's burnt all over and has many bumps and bruises. One of the tributes escaped, Clemensia is fine." Her father explained.
Anxious to check on her friends, Lillian slowly moved her legs to the side, preparing to stand.
"Honey, where are you going?" Her mother inquired with concern. "I need to see my friends." Lillian answered. "Let me help you." Her father said lifting her, putting her into a wheelchair.
The TV in her room was on and it was the breaking news with Lucky Flickerman, "Breaking news, one tribute has escaped from the arena after the rebel bombing. There are peacekeepers all around trying to find him, you do not have to worry."
Lillian had no time to worry, she was determined to see the well-being of those closest to her.
