I need to stop starting new stories but here we are again. I've wanted to write a Hunger Games AU for ages and I've now managed to sort out a cast that I think could make an interesting story.
Takes place time wise in the Miracle Mask flashback era, so with the past versions of adult characters. I'll hopefully make another one when this is finished with the present day kid characters
Why is it not in the Crossover section? Everyone forgets about it (This is our reminder to go check out stories there anyway)
Disclaimer: I own neither franchise
Chapter 1: The Reaping
I run a comb through my curls again but they refuse to flatten. My hair always looks awful when I get up, but it seems like today it's actually fighting to stay in this style. If I don't get this sorted I'm going to be laughed at before I even set foot into the reaping. What am I saying? The day we've all been worried about and I'm fretting over my face now? Ma's calling me downstairs; we have to leave now she says. I grab a red cap form my counter and jam it over the curls, hoping that it'll calm down by the time I get back.
If I get back
No, when I get back. I'm coming home after the reaping for sure.
We walk out quickly; the streets are silent by this time. We're probably late again aren't we? By the time I arrive, nearly every spot is taken. I stand at the side of the line for my section and try to blend in. Clark's stood beside me, so I guess that helpful. He mouths encouragement at me, before straining his neck to see his girlfriend Brenda over the crowd. I can literally feel the nerves coursing through me. If I can just get through these few minutes without panicking I'll be fine. I only have a couple of eligible years after this. A young woman, she can't be much older than us, Dahlia I think her name is, enters the stage, as the video projection behind her closes around the Capitol seal.
"Citizens of District 5. I am proud to stand before you today to see who will bring honour to you!" I can't imagine anyone bringing honour, the only one who's ever beat the Miracle Games from here hasn't been seen since. Dahlia pulls her shrug further onto her shoulders and smiles, her heavily lidded eyes give the impression that she doesn't fully believe it either. "We'll have the ladies first shall we?" She moves over to a large box filled with slips of paper. I don't think Pa's taken out any food in my name this year, which helps my chances. Although, my name's not in this one, so I can at least calm down for this part. She draws a name with a flick of her wrist. "Claire Foley."
I recognise that name; she's one of Brenda's friends, in the same science class as me. I can't recall her having any siblings and its clear from the lack of volunteers. The crowd moves away and she walks forward, she looks around her. She's smiling but you can see her legs shaking. Poor Girl. She runs her fingers along her neck scarf and twirls her hair, she switches between them almost as if she's looking for a coping method but nothing's working.
As she talks to Dahlia I can feel my palms sweating. Just a few more minutes and this will be over. I'll be able to go back home and dread the moment the games come on Television and I have to watch innocent Claire Foley from Science class fight to the death.
"Hershel Layton" Wait. They never announced they were picking the name. Did they? Dahlia repeats my name and Clark grabs my elbow. I guess… I'm the tribute then. I turn to look at Clark, his wide eyes confirm, it for me. The crowd disperses ahead of me, I begin to make my way over. I'm the tribute this year.
I won't have to watch innocent children fight this year.
I'm going to have to fight them myself.
Shout out to the person who commented 'do it' when I made a post about writing this. You caused this story. :)
Reviews would be amazing!