Kapitel 43: The Hunger Games Begin

Jacob closed the door to his room and entered the bathroom. With a sense of exhaustion that had taken hold of his body, he decided to take a cold shower to refresh his mind and mentally prepare himself for the challenges that awaited him in the Hunger Games.

The cold water cascaded over his body, causing a momentary shiver but also a revitalizing sensation. As he felt the water running down his skin, Jacob allowed himself to disconnect from the worries and focus on the present moment.

In that instant, a monotonous and cold voice resonated in his mind. It was his intelligent assistant, the system that provided him with information and strategies based on data and probabilities.

"[Master, I suggest you focus on keeping a low profile at the beginning of the games! Avoid unnecessary confrontations and seek allies who can provide you with strategic support. Your best option is to use your agility and knowledge in close combat to avoid direct clashes with the stronger tributes!]"

Jacob nodded as he continued rinsing his body. The voice continued, offering advice on how to leverage the terrain's strengths, identify sources of water and food, and how to evade traps and dangers in the arena, all of which were a compilation of his own sources of information.

"[Stay calm at all times and be cunning in your movements! Remember that survival is your primary goal. Constantly evaluate opportunities and risks, and make informed decisions based on the probabilities of success.]"

Jacob closed his eyes, letting the cold water envelop him completely. The information provided by his intelligent system was valuable, but he also felt the need to trust his own instincts and abilities. He had trained for years for this moment and was determined to seize every opportunity that came his way.

He finished his shower and stepped out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed and more focused. He knew the challenge he faced was enormous, but he also had the confidence that he had laid the groundwork for his survival.

"I suppose I should have a few words with Katniss before going to sleep..." Jacob thought about this, nodded, and walked toward the door of his room.

...

Jacob approached the door of Katniss's room and gently knocked. After a few moments, the door opened, and Katniss peeked her head out.

"Can't sleep?" She asked, with a slight smile.

Jacob nodded and entered the room. He slumped into a nearby chair while Katniss sat on the bed. For a moment, both of them submerged themselves in an uncomfortable silence until Jacob decided to break the ice.

"Have you thought about anything other than the games?" He asked, trying to divert their thoughts from the impending battle.

Katniss nodded, and they began to talk about trivial things, reminiscing about funny moments during training and sharing anecdotes about other tributes. It was an attempt to briefly escape from the cruel reality that awaited them.

After a while, Katniss looked at Jacob with a serious expression. "How will we act as a team? What will we do with our allies?"

Jacob sighed and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Our friends will be valuable when we encounter them, but we must be cautious. We can't fully trust anyone. Loyalty is scarce in the Hunger Games, and you must always remember that."

Katniss nodded, understanding reflected in her gaze, and asked, "So, what do you suggest?"

Jacob looked up and stared at her. "What I recommend is that you don't get involved in the initial bloodbath. Stay away from direct confrontations and look for an opportunity to break free. I will find you. Together, we can plan and fight strategically from that point."

Katniss nodded again, taking Jacob's words into account. Both of them knew that their survival depended on their cunning and adaptability in a hostile environment.

"I trust you, Jacob." Katniss said with determination in her voice. "Together, we can get through this."

Jacob smiled, feeling a spark of hope. "I know, Katniss. Together, we will succeed. But remember, the ultimate goal is to come out alive. We're in a deadly game, and we must do whatever it takes to survive."

With those words, the conversation came to an end. They looked at each other for a moment, both aware of the harsh reality that surrounded them. They knew they would need each other to face the challenges that lay ahead.

With a handshake and a gesture of determination, Jacob bid farewell and left Katniss's room. Tomorrow would be a decisive day, and they were ready to face it together.

With determination shining in his eyes, Jacob headed to his bed and prepared to rest. Tomorrow, in the arena, he would put into practice everything he had learned and fight with all his might to survive.

...

At dawn, the door to Jacob's room suddenly opened, and Alba, the one in charge of taking him to the arena, entered with determination on her face.

"It's time, Jacob Barber." Said Haymitch, assuming the role, with a firm voice. "You must prepare to enter the arena."

Jacob got up from the bed and looked at Haymitch with a hint of surprise. Though filled with nervousness, he decided to distract himself a bit before facing the challenge. He didn't see Katniss anywhere, so he assumed she would be taken later, possibly already on her way. The tired expression on Haymitch's face was evident, but his usual sarcasm was not lacking.

Haymitch, trying to appear in a different mood, said, "Wake up, kid! Today is a big day."

Yawning, Jacob replied to Haymitch, "Good morning, Haymitch. Is it time to leave already?"

Haymitch nodded and said, "Indeed, kid. We have a long journey ahead. Before we proceed, how about we share some breakfast?"

Jacob agreed, and both of them headed towards the table, where they found some food prepared by the team. While they ate, Haymitch glanced at Jacob, noticing his concerned expression.

In a slightly softer tone, Haymitch said, "You know, Jacob, it's not necessary for you to go to the bloodbath. You can avoid the initial confrontation and find a safer spot."

"Really? Do you think it would be a good strategy?" Jacob was swift, possibly one of the fastest among the competitors, and he wasn't exaggerating.

Haymitch couldn't order Jacob to do things he wasn't convinced of, but he still said, "It's up to you. Remember, each tribute has their own way of facing the games. What's important is that you make decisions that keep you alive."

Jacob nodded, feeling the weight on his shoulders. But he also felt the need to open up a little more to Haymitch, to share some of his story and motivation.

"Haymitch, I want you to know that I'm not here to be a burden to anyone."

Haymitch gave Jacob a serious look, understanding the gravity of his words.

"Just focus on surviving, and then nobody will feel sorry for you..."

The journey to the stadium was long and filled with silence. Jacob and Haymitch walked together, each immersed in their own thoughts. When they finally reached the farewell point, Jacob looked at Haymitch with determination.

"Thank you for everything, Haymitch. I don't know what the arena has in store for us, but I'll do everything in my power to come back."

"That's what I want to hear. Don't give up easily, kid. Show them what you're capable of."

Jacob approached a round metal plate, then extended his hand and said to Haymitch, "You're the best mentor. I recommend you drink less wine, your kidney would appreciate it."

"Never." Haymitch said with a forced smile. "You'll win!"

With those words of encouragement, Jacob parted ways with Haymitch and walked towards the arena. He knew that the path ahead would be filled with challenges, dangers, and difficult decisions. But he was determined to stay true to himself and his ideals, without carrying the deaths of others on his conscience.

Then a glass cylinder surrounded Jacob, forcing them to let go of each other's hands. Haymitch looked at Jacob and saw him with a self-assured expression.

Jacob lifted his chin and stood as still as he could. The cylinder started to rise, and for about fifteen seconds, he found himself in darkness.

Then he noticed that the metal plate emerged from the cylinder, carrying him into the bright sunlight. Knowing this, Jacob closed his eyes slightly and sensed the scent of pure nature.

At that moment, he heard the voice of the legendary presenter, Claudius Templesmith, echoing throughout the arena, "Ladies and gentlemen, let the 74th Hunger Games begin!"