Chapter 10: The Wounded Enemy

The Career Tribute's words hung in the air like a challenge, and Katniss's eyes locked onto his, a fierce determination burning within her. She could see the pain and the hatred in his gaze, but she also saw something else - a glimmer of fear. The Games were taking their toll on everyone, and even the ruthless Career Tributes were beginning to crack. Johanna lowered her spear, but her eyes remained fixed on the wounded man, her expression unreadable. "What do you want to know?" she asked, her voice firm but controlled. The Career Tribute coughed, a faint trickle of blood escaping his lips. "The Gamemakers...they have a plan," he gasped, his voice barely audible. "Something big is going to happen soon. Something that will change the game entirely." Katniss leaned in, her ears straining to catch every word. "What is it?" she pressed, her voice low and urgent. The Career Tribute's eyes darted around the circle, as if searching for an escape route. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice weak. "But I heard the Gamemakers talking about it. They're going to shake things up, make the game more...interesting." Finnick's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in thought. "I think I know what he means," he said, his voice measured. "I've heard rumors of a new twist in the Games. Something that will make it harder for us to survive." Venia's eyes widened in alarm, her face pale. "What kind of twist?" she asked, her voice trembling. The Career Tribute's gaze locked onto Katniss, a hint of malice in his eyes. "You'll find out soon enough," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "But I'll tell you this - it's going to be bad. Very bad." As he finished speaking, the Career Tribute's eyes glazed over, and his body went limp. Katniss's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications of his words. A new twist in the Games? What could the Gamemakers possibly have planned? The group stood in silence, their faces grim and worried. They knew that the Games were unpredictable, but a new twist? That was a whole different level of uncertainty. As they pondered their next move, a sudden noise echoed through the forest, making them all jump. It was a low rumble, like thunder in the distance, but it was getting louder by the second. "What is that?" Venia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Katniss's eyes scanned the darkness, her senses on high alert. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice low and cautious. "But I think we're about to find out."