After our close brush with Dracula, Datura, Onyx and I decided to make camp on the edge of the mist section. Each of us has protection based on what we read in the copy of Dracula I find on the ground, most likely dropped by another tribute as they sprinted away from the terrifying Count. Ony has driven our wooden stake into the center of camp and has a clove of garlic in her pocket. I wear my cross on my token, the bracelet of pearls that was my grandmother’s. Detour hung her holy water on her hip and proclaimed that her hip flask was, and I quote, “MINT, almost to the level of Pual!”
This had led into a discussion of our absurd stylists, for she had gotten that phrase from designer Crnogbog Farceletta. Go figure. I get to hear more about the eccentric style Crnogbog before Onyx starts about her own experiences.
When she’s done, I share the best and only funny story of Cronborg.
“So, I’m sitting there at the vanity while Cronborg does my hair before the interviews. My stomach is twisting and churning with anxiety as we sit in silence when I suddenly blurt out to her my worries and fears of failure. Cronborg pauses before telling me that if I get to nervous and tight to just pretend that I am drunk.” This revelation brings peals of laughter from the others before we settle down with Onyx taking the first watch.
It takes almost no time for me to lose consciousness and my last thought is one of peace.
When I wake up, I have absolutely no clue where I am. I am alone with no sign of my allies anywhere around me.The ground around me is smooth granite, similar to the surface where we started these horrendous Games. Sitting up, I carefully take stock of my surroundings.
I am surrounded by what I can only describe as whiteness. There is nothing visible anywhere except before me. I take a few hesitant steps forward, through what seems to be a path. I know this is where the Gamemakers want me to go, but I’m tempted to turn and head into the unknown. However, I know doing so could send me plummeting off a precipice, so I resign myself to being a reluctant puppet.
I notice quickly that there is a steady wind blowing for it threatens to rip my bag from my backpack.