A/N: Okay. This story is set in District Seven in Panem, at the time opf the 63rd Annual Hunger Games. The main character is a 15 y/o boy called Aedan Freeguard, who is on his way to the Reaping with his mum, dad, older brother and younger sister.
My little sister Poppy grasps my hand as our family makes our way towards the District 7 market square. As we walk along the winding road with dozens of dozens of other people, I squeeze hers in response.
I don't know why she's so anxious; she's not eligible for the reaping, since she's only just turned nine. I'm the one who should be nervous. I'm fifteen. I've taken out tesserae. I could be chosen as a representative for District 7. I could be entering the arena in a few days as part of the Hunger Games.
The Games are a series of really sadistic annual events that were devised by the ruling Capitol sixty-three years ago, in response to the thirteen outlying districts of Panem rebelling against it. The Capitol won the war, Districts 1 through 12 were subdued, and District 13 was destroyed as a reminder to the rebels of the Capitol's power. That happened in the Dark Days.
The Hunger Games take place every year, after the Victory Tour of the previous Games. During the Games, twenty-four children, known as tributes, are selected to fight to the death in a televised event, which is compulsory viewing for everyone in the nation of Panem. There are two tributes from each district. This rule might not apply for Quarter Quells, in which anything could happen... But one thing is certain; only one tribute can survive.
I've only just realised that Poppy's fingernails are digging into my palm. I relinquish her hand quickly, massaging the four weals in my palm.
"What's your problem?" I ask. She leans her right temple into my forearm and I automatically put my arm around her.
"I hate this, Aedan," she mumbles. "I want to go home."
"Pop, you know we can't; we have to go to the reaping. The Peacekeepers'll come round to all the houses in District 7 and check that we're all there. Besides, it's more than an hour's walk back home."
She sighs. "I just hate seeing some of your friends getting drawn."
She's right. Maisy, my friend Stan's girlfriend, was reaped for the Hunger Games a few years ago. She was thirteen. Maisy was slaughtered by a Career pack on the third day.
"I know, but we have to go. The choice is out of our hands."
The rest of the journey passes in a slightly disturbing silence. But as we file into the market square, Poppy squeezes my forearm again.
I saw this method of closing chapters in a book, but I can't remember which.
STRIPYTIGER98: Aww, Aedan, you're such a comforting brother!
AEDAN: Well, it's just what my brother did for me when I was younger. So I guess you have him to thank.
STRIPYTIGER98: I will. Somehow... So, how many times is your name in today?
AEDAN: Twenty. I guess you could say the odds are in my favour.
STRIPYTIGER98: You could... Anyway, as always, Read, rate and subscribe! And until next time, Sayonara!
AEDAN: "Sayowhat?"
STRIPYTIGER98: It's Japanese...
AEDAN: Japan? Where's that?
STRIPYTIGER98: Don't you know where... ? Oh. I forgot. Panem. The Capitol... The next chapters should be interesting, so don't forget to check back here often!
AEDAN: Is that just a way to attract more fanfiction!ers? (to readers) And may the odds be ever in your favour!
STRIPYTIGER98: Um...
