Kapitel 51: One on One

After the surprise attack by the male tribute from District 8, Jacob was taken aback and furious.

"How dare you be so brave as to attack a duo of competitors?" Jacob looked at the boy who was still not far from him and Katniss.

"He's from District 8, it seems like he has no plans to leave here..." Katniss murmured slightly concerned.

The attack came from someone Jacob didn't recognize immediately, but Katniss did. The swiftness of her reaction prevented Jacob from suffering serious injuries, but fury burned in his eyes. However, instead of acting impulsively, Jacob decided to assess the situation and make sure there were no more enemies lurking nearby.

With an attentive and vigilant gaze, Jacob scanned the surrounding area, his sharp mind searching for any signs of danger. His experience in the arena had taught him not to trust anyone and to stay alert at all times. Once satisfied that there were no immediate threats, he turned his attention back to Katniss.

With a determined gesture, Jacob handed his bow and arrows to Katniss, trusting in her ability to use it and knowing that she was a valuable ally in this battle for survival. He knew they had to stick together and support each other if they wanted any chance of surviving the Hunger Games.

Katniss immediately placed the quiver on her back, nocked an arrow, and aimed at the boy from District 8, who seemed to have other plans.

After handing over the bow, Jacob moved away to a not-too-distant distance, where he retrieved his signature weapon: his Kusarigama, a long chain attached to a sharp knife. Holding the sickle in his hand, he stared directly at the tribute from District 8, a clear challenge in his eyes.

But before that, Jacob tried to buy some time as he analyzed the situation. Without his AI assistant, he had to improvise.

He knew that in the Hunger Games, the chances of a non-professional tribute attacking other tributes in the arena were a constant reality in extreme situations, but in the early days, it was almost impossible. Although professional tributes often had an advantage in terms of training and combat skills, non-professional tributes were not exempt from engaging in violent confrontations, but this was still rare.

One key aspect of the Hunger Games is that the tributes are pushed to their physical and emotional limits. The pressure of the competition, the need to survive, and the desire to win can lead even the most peaceful and reluctant tributes to be forced to confront each other.

There are several circumstances in which a non-professional tribute might choose to attack other tributes. Firstly, the scarcity of resources in the arena can trigger a fight for survival. Supplies such as food, water, medicine, or weapons are limited and highly coveted. Faced with the prospect of starving or dying of thirst, a non-professional tribute may choose to attack others to obtain the necessary resources for survival.

Furthermore, the lack of solid alliances and widespread distrust can lead to violence among the tributes. In an environment where everyone is considered an adversary, trust is scarce, and alliances can easily break apart. A non-professional tribute who feels threatened or distrusts other tributes may choose to preemptively attack to secure their own survival.

Similarly, the psychological pressure and constant fear can push a non-professional tribute to make desperate decisions. The fight for life can lead to a state of paranoia and desperation, causing non-professional tributes to take extreme measures, including attacking other tributes to ensure their own safety.

Jacob knew it was important to emphasize that the decisions and actions of each tribute are unique and influenced by a combination of individual factors and specific circumstances in the arena. Some non-professional tributes may choose to avoid conflict and focus on more peaceful survival strategies, while others may be more aggressive and willing to fight, but this had not happened, or rather, it was not clear in the story.

Therefore, although non-professional tributes may lack the training and experience of professional tributes, the circumstances of the Hunger Games can lead any tribute, regardless of their background or initial abilities, to make the decision to attack others in search of survival. Fierce competition, limited resources, and constant pressure are factors that influence the actions of the tributes in the arena.

"This shouldn't be so simple..." But Jacob believed, or rather had a feeling, that it was a trap.

Knowing this, if they were separated from their allies at this moment, the disadvantage was more than clear.

Jacob, who had devised a plan, approached the tribute, who now seemed uncomfortable under Jacob's cold gaze and emanating confidence. The atmosphere grew tense as Jacob uttered a few words, making his love for fair fights and his desire for a confrontation on equal terms clear. His voice, filled with conviction, resonated in the air.

"I like fair fights." declared Jacob, his voice firm but devoid of hostility. "I'm not interested in unnecessary battles in the arena, especially when my opponents are non-professionals, but judging by your eyes, an alliance won't be possible. If you want to fight, we'll do so on equal terms. But I warn you, do not underestimate my determination or my ability to protect those I consider my allies."

The tribute from District 8 seemed bewildered by Jacob's stance. Perhaps he had expected a more violent reaction or an impulsive response. But Jacob displayed a serenity and inner strength that puzzled his opponent.

"Give me your things, and we won't have to fight!"

Upon hearing these words from the boy from District 8, Jacob smiled and pointed, "That won't be possible, but if you defeat me, of course, you can take my things. Since I am fair and do not like to hide, we will have a fair fight."

Katniss, observing from a distance, understood the implicit message in Jacob's words. It was an opportunity for her to reunite with Rue, her ally, and perhaps find other companions. Jacob would face the tribute from District 8 alone, ensuring that the confrontation was fair and without interference.

But even so, Katniss hesitated for a moment, but Jacob's words dispelled that doubt.

"Katniss, Thresh went to find Rue. I want you to guide them here as there may be other tributes in the vicinity or running in our direction!"

"Can you handle him?" Katniss thought it would be easier to kill him between the two of them, but Jacob's explanation was convincing.

"It won't be a problem, not with my favorite weapon. Besides, I'll try to talk to him and tell him that the true allies are the professionals."

"Be careful!"

With a farewell gesture, Jacob signaled to Katniss that she should go and join the others. She nodded, feeling a mix of concern and gratitude for her friend. She knew she had to trust her instincts and her ability to survive. However, a sense of anguish invaded her as she walked away, leaving Jacob facing his opponent.

"Do you see? I am a fair person. Well, let's stop talking." Jacob smiled and began to close the distance with the boy from District 8.

The battle was about to begin, as Jacob's determination and skill became evident. The tip of the chain where the knife was attached moved with agility and strength, creating a dangerous barrier around Jacob. Despite his previous injury, Jacob demonstrated superior mastery.

Hurrying towards her destination, Katniss felt a mix of relief and worry for Jacob's fate. She knew he was a formidable fighter, but she also understood that the Hunger Games were unpredictable and cruel. Every step she took resonated with the urgency to reunite with Rue and the others, but her mind and heart remained attentive to the battle unfolding behind her.

"Let's go!"

After the District 8 tribute accepted Jacob's challenge and decided to face him in a fight, the tension in the air was palpable. Both tributes prepared for the battle, each wielding their respective weapons. Jacob held his Kusarigama, a lethal combination of chain and knife, while the District 8 tribute wielded two long machetes with impressive skill.

The arena became the stage for a bloody confrontation. Jacob, relying on his ability and dexterity, began to move his weapon with grace and precision, trying to maintain a safe distance between him and his opponent. The chain of his Kusarigama slid through the air, tracing swift and accurate movements, while the sharp knife became a constant threat.

The District 8 tribute, on the other hand, displayed surprising agility. He swiftly approached Jacob, skillfully and swiftly using the machetes. His attacks were fierce and direct, seeking to exploit any opening in Jacob's defense. The steel dance unfolding between them was frantic and filled with danger.

Crack!

As the fight continued, the District 8 tribute managed to close the distance between them. His machetes found their mark, cutting Jacob's skin and causing bloody wounds. Despite his skills, Jacob was being overpowered in strength and aggression by his opponent.

However, Jacob wouldn't easily be defeated. He used the length of his chain to keep the District 8 tribute at bay, spinning his Kusarigama in a defensive circle. He seized every opportunity to counterattack, aiming to weaken his opponent and find an opening in his defense.

At a crucial moment in the fight, Jacob disarmed the District 8 tribute with a swift movement of his chain. The machetes fell to the ground, leaving his opponent momentarily defenseless. Jacob saw his chance and didn't hesitate to seize it.

In an agile and lethal motion, Jacob revealed his hidden weapon. With his right hand, he drew a blade that was concealed on his wrist. With precision and coldness, he plunged it into the District 8 tribute's neck. Blood quickly gushed out, staining the arena and part of Jacob's body with a dark red.

The District 8 tribute fell to the ground, his life fading rapidly. Jacob, breathing heavily, looked at the lifeless body in front of him. Victory belonged to him, but the price had been high. The wounds on his body bled profusely, and the pain grew more intense.

With a mix of satisfaction and sadness, Jacob distanced himself from the lifeless body of the District 8 tribute. He knew that the brutality of the Hunger Games forced them to make difficult decisions and that survival often required ruthless acts.

Jacob retrieved his weapons and walked away, searching for Katniss and medical attention for his injuries. Amidst the spilled blood and the scent of death, the District 8 tribute lay as a somber reminder of the cruelty and sacrifice demanded by the Hunger Games.