Chapter 2: Archery

A week had passed since Brandi had done the ‘Girl on Fire’ trial as Katniss 33 and it was time for another cabaret. Word had got around about the excellent show that Brandi had put on as she burned to death, and the restaurant had been busy all week with customers wondering which Katniss would be running the trial this weekend.

It was now Saturday and the restaurant had been rearranged a little to squeeze in an extra couple of tables. The delicious gyno was of little importance to most of the diners, they were really just here for the cabaret.

The katnisses cleared away the last plates from dinner and the compère took his place. “Who will it be tonight who has to run the trial?” Called the compère. “Have you bet on the right Katniss, Have you bet on her endurance?”

The drum roll started, and the Katnisses took their places between the tables.

The compère went on. “And tonight, the Katniss that will be running the trial is...”

The spotlight went on.

“Katniss 27! A big round of applause for Katniss 27 please.” Said the compère.

Loretta was Katniss 27. Unlike most of the other waitresses who had never run a trial, Loretta was one of the few that had done so and survived. She had been lucky in that the knife throwing had been one of the more survivable trials, but was in no illusion that today’s would be a lot harder.

“so, we have had plenty of bets for Katniss 27, and bets for every duration too! Some think she will survive the whole minute, and some less than ten seconds. However long I am sure that Katniss 27 is going to put on the fight of her life for us tonight. To help her tonight please a big round of applause for our Glimmers!” Said the compère as the four blindfolded Glimmers were spotlighted high up in balconies around the room.

As the glimmers loaded their arrows in to their bows Loretta began to dart about in her allotted area. The timer had barely started as the first arrow hit the floor just in front of her, quickly followed by a second piercing her leather outfit and lodging firmly in to her bottom causing her to yelp.

Undeterred Loretta continued to dart, turning at every opportunity.

The blindfolds were effective in prolonging the trial. Four arrows completely missed Loretta before another struck its target straight in to Loretta’s shoulder.

“She’s doing well now isn’t she. Ten seconds already and only two arrows. A round of applause please for Katniss 27!” Called the compère.

A third arrow hit home as the audience applauded, this time in Loretta’s thigh slowing her down a little before she composed herself. In quick succession two more arrows found their target, first in loretta’s other leg and the second right through her arm just below her elbow.

As a couple more arrows clattered on the floor the compère announced. “The Glimmers are slacking today, only four arrows on target. Twenty seconds now so a round of applause for Katniss 27. Let’s see if the glimmers can slow her down a bit.”