By Alan Gilfoy in the world of Suzanne Collins. Chapters 1 and 2 ofGale's Hunger Gamesfrom Glimmer's perspective. To win the Games will take everything she has – including her looks, and that's where Cato comes in.
A couple centuries ago, the world had been battered by natural disasters and the subsequent wars. The Capitol brought order to the land surrounding it – a northern continent divided into thirteen districts and now called Panem. The districts dared to break out in open rebellion decades ago. All paid the price; District 13 was entirely obliterated as punishment for instigating the defiance. The surviving districts were to be reminded every year – 24 people aged twelve to eighteen, a boy and a girl from each district, would fight to the death. One survived and was well rewarded, emblematic of the Capitol's mercy. They showed restraint in not killing more.
Tomorrow was the big day, when the contestants of the 74th Hunger Games were determined. Here in District One, it was unnecessary to select someone at random – there were so many volunteers that there was competition to receive the honor. We had many past victors, and they determined who'd get a chance to join them.
I would win the competition to get into the Games, and then the Games themselves. I had wanted it ever since I was a fairly little girl. When I was six, one of our boys won. One of our girls won the next year, and another did when I was fourteen. After our District trained them (an open secret), it honored and rewarded them. That could be me, and I was resolved that it would be me. I was now one year shy of the age maximum, but still felt ready.
Cashmere was the girl from ten years ago. I knew her particularly well; many of us identified with her more so than some of the old-timers. I started making my case. "I want to go a year early."
"How come, Glimmer?"
"Next year would be my last chance, and it's a Quarter Quell – you know how they change the rules for those; the alternate rules might not allow me in or be in my favor."
"Glim, I've always liked you. Let's see if the other victors see it like we do." I hope so. Her brother Gloss and our predecessor Emerald would likely be on my side, but I wasn't sure about District One's other victors.
They delivered their decision later in the day. "Here's who we'll let volunteer." The group of victors spoke in unison, then paused. "Glimmer and Marvel." I don't know why they picked Marvel – fairly big and strong, but a few links shy of a chain. Well, I'd have to work with it/him.
Now to get dressed for the big day. Emerald, who won a couple decades ago, had already given me a ring set with her namesake stone. I picked out a green and gold dress to go with it. The thing barely cleared my knees, just the way I like it. The rules of the Games allowed tributes to bring a piece of home into the arena. We were given standard outfits – ugh – but I could use this ring as my token.
With the volunteers arranged beforehand, the actual ceremony was usually fairly uneventful. The district mayor read the usual spiel about the Games. He made the handoff to our Capitol escort – Jane, what a glamorous woman. I loved her style – I wanted to be that well made-up. I was also a fan of her voice – high pitch, distinctive vowels, clipped except for a long S. It was a common accent in the Capitol, but it worked particularly well with her.
I zoned out when she went to pick a name at random. We knew it was just a formality – even the person selected didn't care. However, I was patient in waiting for my moment. "I volunteer as tribute." Marvel's followup was similarly anticlimactic.
"And the honor of representing District 1 in the 74th Annual Hunger Games goes to Glimmer and Marvel! Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" For thirteen people from our district, the odds were in their favor. Most of them were still alive, and they led the district in applauding its brave youngsters.
People close to the tributes went to the Justice Building to see them off. Family members generally went in first. A few years ago, I got a boy to do some heavy lifting for me with just a smile. When I told Mom, and she said that only got bigger and better as you got older. Maybe the Games involved taking that to its logical conclusion. She still didn't quite understand why I was doing this. I tried to explain my volunteerism in language she'd appreciate.
"Mother, someone's gotta do it, might as well be someone like me with a good chance."
My little sister Lustre was more enthusiastic. "Of course you'll win, you're awesome. And maybe it will be me up there so day." She had started the Career training.
"If you prove yourself worthy, I'd be glad to help you make the Games a family affair. Maybe it runs in the district – after all, Cashmere won the year after her brother Gloss. You're more than a year away from being ready though."
"Shine on, Glim. See ya in a few weeks."
I'm single right now, so no significant others to say goodbye to. I had boyfriends before, but none of them had stuck. I've been focused on training for the Games anyway. There'd be plenty of opportunity for that afterwards.
Most of my social circle was fellow Career trainees. Some were jealous that I'd been chosen instead. Others came by out of professional respect, but I don't think I had any real friends amongst them.
Cashmere was lined up as my mentor, so I'd be seeing plenty of her. However, she hurried to say something to me before we even got on the train. "You got the looks, and it seems like you know how to use them. But don't forget about the blades." High heels and daggers. I sure do like both kinds of stilettos.