[ tw: mentions of blood and death ] huff… huff… huff… journey had been running from the law for so long today, her paws were exhausted, and her stamina was running low. she needed a break, but in such an open area? that was a thing she couldn’t just do! not without being arrested that was, and journey, was not trying to get arrested. she couldn’t simply picture the charges, and the years where she’d be stored away. she’d probably get beat half to death! journey shuddered at that thought. it’s not her fault for wanting to survive! just because she took some goodies that were, and sold them, or stole food, it wasn’t her fault! it wasn’t her fault! the sounds of a crowd quickly drew journey’s attention. her eyes flicked to the yelling law enforcers, their voices making her haunches raise. journey sprinted off with a sudden burst of speed. “ STOP! IN THE NAME OF THE LAW. “ journey didn’t stop, her paws thumping against the ground, leaving wet paw prints where she went, only stopping once she was in the crowd. she slid to a stop, blood now staining the ground from the force of her slide. journey then surveyed her surroundings. cats were shaking, pressing into each other as if they would die from the cold if they didn’t. which felt rather ironic considering how warm it was. journey weaved through the crowd until she reached the front, where she sat down promptly, as if she wasn’t just running a minute ago. there was a stage, banners, it almost was like an extravagant ball. journey’s eyes locked onto the symbol on the banners. it seemed familiar. journey’s face scrunched up, digging through her memories. something finally came up. she had been here before. in the crowd, confused, when one of the cats yelled out a name. so this was the hunger games her family had whispered about. journey scoffed, it wasn’t like anyone was actually gonna die. what was so bad about it? they probably would get free food and medicine behind the scenes when the higher ups weren’t watching. “ clover cranberry “ a voice boomed, and a pink cat walked up to the stage, escorted by guards, making sure they wouldn’t escape. a forced smile was on clover's face, while tears pricked at their eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. journey watched apathetically. so dramatic and for some stage play? it quite frankly amused journey. “ sugar schroeder “ the voice declared, and a gray and white cat was escorted to the stage, eyes flicking around nervously as if there would be anyone to save them, their body shaking like a leaf. same guards that almost made journey laugh. they were going to paradise, and they were complaining? if journey was to be picked, she wouldn’t throw such a fuss, she would be delighted even. free food, free care, at the cost of a few dramatics? It wasn’t that bad for a trade off! “LAW ENFORCEMENT!” voices screamed, quickly weaving through the crowd, causing journey to panic. she lunged onto the stage, turning back to the crowd with wild eyes. her paws starting to become soaked in sweat once again. “ I, journey elizabeth underwood, will volunteer as a tribute. “ she projected, panting. journey left no choice for objections from the president, her claws dug deep into the stage. “...very well.” journey smiled a smile that reached her eyes, believing she had won. she looked at the law enforcement in the crowd and gave a quick salute to them with pride. journey just knew she’d come back better than ever. or rather, that’s what she thought. she didn’t know she was just walking into a place where blood that wasn’t her own would be on her paws, because she didn’t think any cat would have the cruelty to kill another just for fun. right?
SFX found on Pixabay Rocky Mountains by Gary o'slide
