บท 45: An Honorary Actor

"You're the best mentor!"

Haymitch felt a burning pain inside as he watched Jacob step into the arena of the games. The suffering that overwhelmed him was unbearable, a constant reminder that his proteges were now in mortal danger. His bloodshot eyes and desperate gaze reflected the helplessness that consumed him.

There wasn't a day when Haymitch didn't seek refuge in alcohol to numb the pain. Each sip was a desperate attempt to find some relief amidst the anguish that gnawed at him. He drank relentlessly, as if he could drown his worries and fade away from the impending reality.

But not even the deepest drunkenness could erase the images of Jacob and Katniss fighting for their lives from his mind. Every time he closed his eyes, his mind filled with horrifying images of violence and death. He felt the need to protect them, to be by their side, but he was doomed to be a mere spectator, incapable of doing more than watching and waiting.

In this moment, seconds after Jacob entered the arena, a voice resonated in the air, announcing that the games were about to begin. Haymitch, who was motionless, staring at the empty spot where Jacob had stood, walked towards the nearby screen to witness the first moments of bloodshed, his heart racing with anticipation.

His trembling hands gripped the edge of the screen as he watched Jacob and Katniss standing in that familiar place. Anxiety consumed him as he saw them preparing to run. He was tormented at the thought of anything going wrong, not wanting to see them die, not either of them.

"Come on, guys, don't die!"

...

Jacob sat on the ground, his backpack open in front of him, as he tried to tend to a wound on his left arm.

He had killed again, and it wasn't an easy feeling to process after committing the act and knowing that someone else couldn't live because he had killed them. What gave him some solace was that he was focused on the arena. Both the people here and the boy he killed in his world were potentially deadly threats.

"We're both fighting to survive, of course it's not like being in the games..."

At that moment, Jacob heard the voice of his intelligent assistant, flying around him.

"[Master, you are safe, but immediate intervention is required for your injury.

*Minor Injury*

A case of a cut wound on the master's left arm has been recorded. The cut has been inflicted by a knife and presents as a deep wound in the forearm region, approximately 10 centimeters from the wrist. Significant bleeding has been observed as a result of the cut, posing an immediate danger to the master's health. Additionally, there is a potential risk of infection and other diseases due to the nature of the injury.

Detecting dangers... Dangers detected

Bleeding: The cut on the left arm has compromised blood vessels, causing a considerable loss of blood that needs to be stopped immediately.

Infection: The exposed wound provides an entry point for pathogenic microorganisms. The presence of bacteria or other pathogens may result in a localized infection or even spread to other parts of the body.

Damage to adjacent structures: Depending on the depth and exact location of the cut, there is a possibility that important structures such as nerves, tendons, or muscles have been affected...]"

The more Jacob heard this, the more alert he became. He remembered when in his original world he would feel some discomfort, and all the results would lead to deadly diseases, but in the end, it was just a simple cold. His intelligent assistant was very similar.

"Any recommendations for treating my wound?" Jacob whispered, unheard by Thresh.

"[Calculating, Master!

Recommended healing method:

Stop the bleeding: The first step is to control the bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound with a clean dressing or sterile cloth. If possible, elevate the arm above the level of the heart to reduce blood flow to the wound. In case the bleeding persists or is severe, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Cleaning and disinfection: Once the bleeding has been stopped, it's important to carefully clean the wound. Wash the area around the wound with warm water and mild soap, avoiding vigorous rubbing. Make sure to remove any visible debris or dirt. Then, apply an appropriate disinfectant, such as a diluted solution of water and hydrogen peroxide, to prevent infection.

Bandaging and Protection: After cleaning and disinfecting the wound, a sterile bandage should be applied to protect it from external contaminants and allow the wound to heal properly. Use sterile gauze bandages and make sure to completely cover the wound without applying too much pressure.

Monitoring and Medical Attention: It is important to closely monitor the wound in the following days and be attentive to any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If these symptoms occur, immediate action should be taken to counteract the infection...]"

Jacob followed all the advice given by his intelligent assistant and felt a mixture of pain and frustration as he tended to his wound, but he forced himself to focus on his task. With a trembling hand, he applied disinfectant and then covered the wound with a bandage from the first aid kit he had brought from the bloodbath.

While tending to his wound, he listened attentively to his intelligent assistant's reports on the surrounding situations. The assistant provided updates on the movements of the tributes, potential threats, and available resources. Jacob knew he had to stay informed to increase his chances of survival.

The report included a brief summary of what had happened since they entered the arena. As he heard the names of fallen tributes, he felt a mixture of sadness and relief. Each death was a stark reminder of the brutality of the games and the importance of staying vigilant.

...

"Moving to the end of the forest is not a good idea, especially when we need to find Rue and Katniss..."

"[Movement detected a hundred meters away, proceed with caution, Master!]"

As Jacob and Thresh discussed their next moves, a sound from the nearby bushes made them stop. Both of them went on guard, gripping their weapons tightly, ready to face any approaching threat.

However, when a bloodied figure emerged from the bushes, Jacob's intelligent assistant confirmed that it was their ally from District Ten.

"[Ally detected, extremely delicate!]"

Jacob quickly remembered that this was the ally he was supposed to protect. He looked at Thresh with a vigilant gaze and reminded him of the importance of their alliance but also told him to stay alert.

"He's our ally, Thresh." Jacob whispered with a strained voice. "We have to help him, but don't let your guard down."

"I'll look around; it could be some kind of trap... How did he find us?"

"I don't know, but if we don't help him, he'll die..."

Both of them lowered their weapons and cautiously approached the wounded figure. It was a moment of tension and concern but also camaraderie. Jacob and Thresh examined the wounds of their ally from District Ten, assessing the severity of his injuries.

"We're going to take care of you." Jacob said with determination as he began administering first aid. "We'll be here for you; we're allies."

The boy from District Ten nodded, expressing his gratitude with a look of appreciation. Despite the desperate circumstances and the dangers surrounding them, the bond between the allies was something Jacob didn't want to let go of, especially when the cameras were filming them.

"Analysis..." Jacob's eyes widened as he saw all that blood.

Jacob's intelligent assistant thoroughly analyzed the wounds of their ally from District Ten. It accurately observed the injuries on his body, providing a detailed report on the severity of the wounds.

"[The ally of the master from District Ten presents multiple penetrating wounds in the torso and back!]" Jacob's intelligent assistant reported.

"[The wounds appear to be caused by knives or similar weapons. There is considerable bleeding and signs of internal damage!]"

"This is a lot of blood," Thresh murmured, deeply nervous.

Jacob and Thresh looked at each other, sharing a profound concern for their ally. Although they desperately wanted to save him, the evidence of the wounds was overwhelming. The determined gaze to heal him transformed into a mixture of sadness and compassion.

"We have to do something, at least not let him suffer." Jacob said, his voice filled with emotion. "We can't let him suffer like this. We have to make a difficult decision."

Thresh nodded, his face reflecting a mixture of sorrow and acceptance. Both knew there was no easy solution at that moment. But they also knew that prolonging their ally's suffering was not an option.

With the words of his intelligent assistant echoing in his mind, Jacob made a decision that weighed heavily on his heart. He approached the ally from District Ten, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, conveying a sense of peace and compassion.

"I'm sorry, my friend..." Jacob said with a trembling yet resolute voice. "I can't let you continue to suffer. It's not fair to you or your family."

Thresh joined Jacob, placing a hand on the shoulder of the ally from District Ten, expressing solidarity and respect. Though words were unnecessary at that moment, their gazes shared a mutual understanding.

With care and respect, Jacob and Thresh performed an act of mercy. They fulfilled their duty to release their ally from unbearable suffering. It was an act filled with conflicting emotions, but also honor and compassion.

As they bid farewell to their ally, Jacob and Thresh exchanged words filled with gratitude and sadness. They acknowledged his bravery and committed to honoring his memory. They knew his sacrifice would not be in vain, and they would carry with them the lessons learned on the battlefield.

"Rest, you have earned it." As he said this, Jacob drew his knife and plunged it into the chest of the boy from District Ten. After feeling the warm blood on his hand, he moved the corpse aside and took off the jacket.

"What are you doing?" Thresh asked, doubting what he was witnessing.

"My jacket is torn. This one seems to be the same size as mine, so I'll take it as a keepsake..." Jacob uttered some random words for the audience that was watching.

With heavy hearts but renewed determination, Jacob and Thresh ventured further into the arena, carrying the memories and spirit of their ally with them. They knew that every step they took from that moment on would be in his honor and in memory of all those fallen in the games.

"Let's search for our exits!"

...