That Sinking Feeling [Julian Bryze, Day 1]

Julian spat into the sand with disgust at his performance in the bloodbath. Blood in his spit sparkled in the sunlight, and Julian brought his hand up to his lips to find the source. His face contorted with anger as he realized the blow dealt by Fledger Rells of District 4 had left him with a bloody lip. His rage was temporarily lost to the pain in his right knee however. It was extremely swollen and he was sure that pushing himself to continue running on it as fast as he could manage had not helped.

His blue eyes darted around for any sign of danger and when he decided he was as safe as possible for the moment, he plopped down into the sand. He winced for a moment as the pain overcame him. The adrenaline from the bloodbath was wearing off and all that was left was agony in his leg. That wretched boy from District 12 had broken his knee… How was that even possible! Julian stifled a scream of rage by gritting his teeth. How could a starving little boy do so much damage to him? He swallowed hard as suddenly it all dawned on him. No one can be underestimated in these Games.

For the last year Julian had stewed over the fact that his tank of a boyfriend had been taken down by a girl and a low District boy. After the adrenaline from the bloodbath though, Julian realized that this could be anyone’s game. His training would certainly help, but he wasn’t the only one who wanted to live… and he had just seen first hand how far people will go to get out of here. District 12 had broken his leg… what a joke! Well, he certainly wouldn’t make the mistake of brushing anyone off as no competition again… He was Julian Bryze and he was here to win!

Well, the show must go on… he thought to himself as he realized cameras must be all over him right now. He dug through the satchel he had grabbed out of the Cornucopia and took out the roll of bandages. His training had not only included combat; he could take care of himself, and he was happy to show that off to Panem now. No silly little boy from District 12 was going to take him out of the Games.

As he went to bandage up his bum leg, he heard a little pop from above. His eyes lifted up toward the sound to find a silver parachute floated down into his hands. Sponsors already? Excellent… he smiled to himself with the thought. He bit his fat lip with excitement as he found a medical kit inside.

After quickly stitching up his leg and setting it properly, Julian stood up triumphantly and smiled for the cameras. He bent his knee a bit to stretch it and stifled a wince to look strong for the audience. Sponsors were valuable and he would like to keep them coming. He took the bandana from his satchel and tied it around his forehead to help keep his bangs out of his eyes.

He looked around the barren sand landscape trying to decide which of the three ominous towers to head towards. If only he knew where Shrol was… Baylee was down, unfortunately not by his hands. That was quite alright though… Shrol’s predecessor dealt the final blow to Midas so he took far more precedent. Besides, Julian at least got a few hits on Baylee before having to take his leave.


Perhaps he could find Liliana… they now had unfinished business. He had left Mace with a warning he could kiss them goodbye after all. Mace… his words from the last day in the training room flooded his memory.

You don’t even know what it’s like to kill someone else. Their ghosts – you’ll never be free… Don’t make them haunt you, Julian…