In the control center of the games, Head Gamemaker Seneca Crane was absorbed in his work, facing numerous screens, overseeing every detail of the arena. Reports of discontent regarding the mutated beasts that only attacked non-career tributes constantly reached his desk.
Frowning, Seneca Crane pointed out, "This is unacceptable. Viewer complaints are increasing. We cannot allow the games to lose credibility."
The analyst by his side suggested, "Mr. Crane, the reports indicate that the mutated beasts have shown a preference for non-career tributes. It seems they are disrupting the competition."
"I understand. We need to take measures to correct this. The games must maintain their impartiality, and the spectacle must be fair," Seneca Crane said, contemplating the situation.
The head of the technical team asked, "What actions do you want to take, Mr. Crane?"
Now determined, Seneca Crane ordered, "Send a directive to everyone. I want the mutated beasts to attack the careers as well. We need to level the playing field and maintain the public's interest. At least one of the careers must die."
Somewhat surprised, the analyst asked, "Are you sure about this decision, Mr. Crane? There could be unforeseen consequences."
"Yes, I'm sure. The games must be fair and exciting for all viewers. We cannot allow the careers to feel invulnerable. This will change the course of the games, and the audience will find it strange."
The Head Gamemaker signed the order and handed it to the Field Gamemakers for implementation. He knew this measure would challenge the careers and require them to quickly adapt to a new threat. The Hunger Games had to be an unforgettable spectacle, even if it meant increasing the dangers for the most skilled tributes.
Now there were no solitary tributes left. Three healthy tributes from the lower districts remained, and one was injured. On the careers' side, five tributes were in perfect condition, with four going out to hunt while one stayed behind to protect the resources.
"Initiating attack, approaching mutated beast 0-1..."
"Three... Two... One... Attack initiated!"
Ding! Ding! Ding!
But suddenly, an alarm started ringing inside the command room.
Amidst the fierce attack of the mutated beast on the career tributes, the administrators in the control center were in a state of panic. Upon learning of the situation, Seneca Crane wasted no time and immediately gave the order to stop the beast and correct the error.
"Stop the mutated beast immediately! We cannot allow more damage!"
The technician was agitated and shouted, "Seneca, we are trying to control it, but it seems to be out of control. It's not responding to our commands."
"This is unacceptable! Remove it from the arena right now and fix this error!" Seneca was frustrated.
The administrators struggled to regain control, but the mutated beast continued wreaking havoc among the tributes. Two valuable members of the career group lost their lives in the chaos.
"Seneca, we are doing everything we can to remove the beast, but we cannot fix the error immediately. We need more time."
"There is no more time! We cannot allow more unnecessary deaths! Find a solution right now!"
After two intense and distressing minutes, they finally managed to remove the mutated beast from the arena. The administrators breathed a sigh of relief, but the damage was already done. Two valuable tributes had lost their lives due to the failure in controlling the beast.
Seneca Crane slammed the table with force and shouted in anger, "This tragedy should not have happened. We must ensure that it doesn't happen again. We will thoroughly review the security protocols and take measures to prevent future errors."
Although the mutated beast was finally removed, the experience had left a mark on Seneca Crane. The safety of the tributes and the integrity of the games had been compromised, and there was now an even greater responsibility to correct any failures and ensure that the games continued in a fair and secure manner.
...
Approximately an hour ago.
"What happened to those competitors, Cato?" Clove, who caught up with Cato, her partner, asked in a slightly nervous tone.
Cato, who didn't want to talk at that moment, said, "They were attacked by a huge mutated beast. It seems a creature roams the arena, eliminating competitors."
He didn't want to admit it, but that was the reality of what he had seen in that blood-filled place with the corpses of beasts. Marvel, who was behind the group, said, "Maybe the beasts aren't that bad, and those tributes died in a regrettable way. There's nothing to worry about."
"You should..." Clove stopped and looked Marvel in the eyes. "The boy from District Twelve, the one who scored the highest, was apparently in that place, and most likely, he ended up extremely injured."
"He's not that dangerous." Glimmer didn't want to consider Jacob's significance.
"You should, he may have killed more than three competitors, including us. He could be one of the most lethal competitors in this arena. If someone like him was caught off guard, we need to be ready." Cato put aside all his arrogance and took a more open stance towards the situation.
Marvel remained silent; he knew Jacob was a highly talented and deadly tribute. After all, he received a perfect score and the sponsors awarded him those mines that must be extremely difficult to obtain in the arena. How does he know Jacob received those mines? It's easy, no other tribute has drawn as much attention as Jacob to receive such an expensive gift from the sponsors.
But just as he was about to say that they shouldn't worry so much, a scream was heard not far from them.
"Ahhhhh!"
As the scream echoed in the air, Cato's group hurried towards the Cornucopia, alarmed by the possibility that their valuable resources were under threat. Their footsteps resonated in the arena as they ran with determination towards the center, concern and anger palpable on their faces.
Upon reaching the Cornucopia, the scene that unfolded before them was terrifying. The tribute they had left in charge of their resources lay on the ground, his body torn apart by the attack of a pair of muttation dogs. Cato clenched his fists in fury, his eyes filled with a clear intent to kill.
Cato, filled with anger, shouted, "Damn muttation dogs! We're going to finish them off!"
The group launched into the attack, surrounding the muttation dogs with ferocity. Weapons clashed, screams filled the air, and blood spilled with each strike. Cato led the charge, his shining and lethal sword slicing through the air as he confronted the dogs with agility and strength.
Clove moved skillfully, her knife swiftly cutting through the fur of the muttations. Her movements were precise and quick, trying to protect her companions as she fought her way through the chaos of battle.
The muttation dogs were fierce and fast, their sharp teeth and claws threatening to tear apart anyone who approached. Each attack was a desperate struggle for survival, with the tributes dodging and counter attacking with all their strength.
As the battle intensified, the tribute in charge of the resources, who was agonizing, died. His lifeless body fell, leaving Cato and the others filled with rage.
"Ah!" Marvel suddenly went flying to the side as a muttation beast struck him with its body.
Glimmer, filled with determination, faced the sudden appearance of the largest muttation beast in the scene. She knew it was an uneven fight, but she was willing to give it her all for her group. She raised her bow and shot an arrow straight into the beast's heart.
However, the beast was agile and dodged the attack, moving with surprising speed. In an instant, its sharp claws sank into Glimmer's chest, mercilessly piercing her. A cry of pain escaped her lips as she fell to the ground, her life quickly fading away.
"No!" Clove couldn't believe what she was witnessing.
Fury awakened in Cato and Clove as they saw their companion fall. They fought with renewed ferocity, attacking the muttation beast with fierce determination. Their movements were swift and precise, seeking to avenge their fallen friend.
The battle was fierce, with each strike a desperate attempt to survive and avenge the fallen. Cato and Clove fought with all their being, pushing their bodies beyond their limits as they confronted the largest muttation beast.
Despite their efforts, the beast was powerful and resilient. The tributes' attacks barely seemed to affect it. It seemed they were destined to fall before its ferocious power.
However, in a final act of bravery, the beast suddenly retreated, moving away from the battle. Cato and Clove were left panting, their bodies covered in wounds and their breathing heavy.
Breathing heavily, Cato said, "We've succeeded, but at a very high cost..."
Clove felt a tinge of sadness. "We've lost Glimmer, but we won't let her sacrifice be in vain. We will keep fighting until the end and win these games."
The group regrouped, moving the corpses to a more open area, and at that moment, two cannons were heard, indicating the deaths of two of their companions, leaving them as a trio of professionals.