Writing for Fun
September 2021
The Hungry Games - Lynn Gale
An excited hum echoed around the woodland arena as eager spectators gathered in their thousands for the annual May Day extravaganza.
'This is my favourite day of the year,' Dill leaned towards the attractive female in her figure-hugging gold outfit. 'The entrance, the surviving, the rising, the dance, then finally, the fall. A truly magnificent display.'
She twisted her neck and looked him up and down with olive-brown eyes. 'Not me, I'm only here for the slap-up meal you promised me.'
'Of course, my sweet,' he gave her his most charming smile. 'And what a feast it will be, an abundance of succulent delight.
She pursed her lips, rolled her eyes and leaned forward as a roar went up from the crowd. The first contestants had emerged from their underground bunkers. Well-fed on an organic-rich diet in preparation for their life-changing battle ahead.
As more and more competitors appeared, the crowd howled with delight as they watched the slower ones grabbed by creatures hiding in the reeds.
'This is my favourite part,' Dill told her excitedly.
'Really,' she yawned, giving him a bored stare.
Reaching the relative safety of the bank, the survivors of stage one changed their attire and took to the air, soaring skywards in a shiny, glossy press of beating wings and desperation.
The crowd oohed and aahed as they watched them reach dizzying heights, each trying to outdo the others with elaborate aerobatic displays.
Female players flung away all inhibitions as the males parachuted towards them.
Clinging together in a spinning courtship dance, they floated down gently on the breeze towards the pond,
Dill's eyes narrowed as he focused on the most prominent couple. Their impressive wings were catching the sunlight in a myriad of brown, yellow and green shades. 'Majestical,' he mused, 'I wonder if they will make it?'
'Who cares,' his companion declared, running her tongue around her mouth. 'I'm starving.'
He watched intently as the couple landed on the filmy surface, a tangle of legs and wings. The female managed to push herself away as a giant mouth rose out from the murky depths, taking her partner in one huge gulp.
She released her eggs just in time as Dill's large green head suddenly loomed over her.
'Oh, do excuse me,' he purred, turning towards his lady friend. 'I forget my manners. After you.'