lost in paradise || AV:LNC vs The Sloshed

There weren't anything like these mutts back in District Ten. Everything was slower, lazier. Thick, fat bodied horse flies buzzed around smacking against cow hide. Worms wiggled through wet soil, and hounds sighed in the afternoon sun. Everything was soft and calm yet rough, like burlap.

The Arena was not home I knew that going in, but living it was much different. I could tell myself how bright everything would be, how fast people would move but I could never prepare myself for the reality of it. Even the clothes I was in were too bright, and as the bats swung around for another attack I slipped out of their way, their claws snatching at air.

It was like music. A rhythm I was only beginning to learn. A fast paced, break neck song that would blare on with or without me.


My only solace in this fast, bright place is that for the first time I am not alone in a field with cattle. I am flanked by friends.

Are they trying to perch on me like songbirds? Their claws cut open my shoulders and I'm starting to wonder if they're attacking me or trying to be like the bright red cardinals that would chirp up in the trees. Kahinta could get them to sit on her finger, feed them little bits of bread. Ma would always get mad at her for wasting food, but it was such a pretty thing to see. She loved everything around her and everything, in turn, loved her back.

I bet if she was here these bats would simply sit on her shoulders and nuzzle against her neck. Instead they're cutting in shoulders and biting open necks.

One of the two remaining mutts fly at Bette and sink their fangs into her throat. Blood gushes from the wound and I'm almost positive a canon with fire.


And one does. Like thunder smacking the air, it shakes gravel and rattles my eardrums.

No, not like this. I'm not ready.

However, she stays on her feet, flashing at bat who attacked her but misses.

The canon doesn't sound for her yet. I swallow back my fear and rush to her side.

I slash at the vicious bat, blood dripping from its furry body.

"Are you okay?"