PROLOGUE

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Nothin' like some Hunger Games and murder on Christmas Day!

I know I shouldn't be writing yet another story, but I have to because of Catching Fire. It was a good movie. You should see it if you haven't. Now, onward!

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SONIC'S POV

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The Reaping was to take place in five minutes.

Everyone was already gathered in the center of town, waiting for those final moments to vanish. Everyone wore a mask of fear and horror. I didn't spot a single smiling face in the crowd.

The stage was set up, constructed by the Capitol leaders within the week. One of their spokesperson, a cat with bright yellow dyed fur, was already at the podium, eyes glued to the clock in the midst of all the people. Banners and flags waved everywhere, bearing the black and red image of our president's face or the green and orange logo for the 174th annual Hunger Games.

The clock began to chime a low, rusted tune. The spokesperson smiled brightly. I couldn't believe she was actually excited for this.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, of Zone 1!" She grinned. It was unnatural among the stoic faces. "Welcome to the 174th annual Reaping for the 174th Hunger Games!"

The Peacekeepers lining the stage along with the Capitol personnel began a slow, mechanical clap. They were the only ones.

The lady continued, turning to small note cards in her hands. "This is sure to be an exciting year! A brand-new Arena awaits you! New challenges are waiting to be overcome!" She gestured to the two glass Reaping balls. I knew, somewhere in the one on the right, my name had been entered five times.

"Let us not waste any more time with this idle talk! You will all witness the spectacular Games individually. Now, on with the Reaping! Ladies first!"

She gestured to the first glass Reaping ball. The left one. She slowly, almost painfully, reached into it and drew out a name, taking her sweet time to unfold it and clear her throat.

Everyone in the crowd held their breath. No one blinked. I felt myself grow tense. This was who I would most likely form my first alliance with…

"The female Tribute from Zone 1 is…" the speaker trailed off.

I wanted to scream. Just say it. Come on, spare us more torture and just say it…

"Amy Rose!"

Silence. I supposed this Amy girl was too stunned to move. Slowly, as though afraid the ground would break and swallow her whole, she broke away from the crowd and slowly ascended the stage's stairs.

She was a pink hedgehog with short quills, a red headband, and a red dress. Her green eyes were glazed over and her muzzle was pale. She didn't seem to register the fact that she had just been chosen to die…

"And now, the male Tribute of Zone 1!" the spokesperson said gleefully. She gave a merry giggle and reached into the other Reaping ball.

I couldn't hear anything but my own blood rushing in my ears. She seemed to take more time in reaching into the ball and drawing out the paper. It slipped from her hand and she stooped to pick it up.

Come on, hurry up…just get this over with…!

"The male Tribute for Zone 1 is…" she took another unneeded, drawn-out pause. "Sonic the Hedgehog."

I watched as those gathered around me slowly turned, gluing their eyes on me. Some of them moved out of the way to clear a path for me… To clear a path to my death.

I took a step forward. My knees were shaking. I didn't know if I would make it to the stairs of the stage.

Somehow, I found myself standing beside Amy, who was softly crying now. She didn't face the crowd as the spokesperson clapped and grinned at us. My Zone seemed to be staring at me, as though thanking Chaos that it was us and not them.

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Zone 1 Tributes have been revealed. Join in next week or something for more people and murder and stuff.

Hasta la Vista, Readers!

Lordoftheghostking28