Hey guys! This is my first ever story, hope you like it. This is an AU of the 75th Hunger Games. The 74th Hunger Games happened as normal, only one victor (Katniss) survived. The rebellion never happened. The outcome of the 75th Hunger Games in my imagination is like this. It follows Angela, a district four tribute and is in her POV. Read, review, enjoy! :)
disclaimer: I do not own the hunger games and am in no way associated with Suzanne Collins.
The sound of people outside the window wakes me from my dreary sleep. I take a deep breath before sitting up. I was clutching my blankets. No surprise. I don't put off the day any longer and force myself out of bed. I must look like hell; the cat won't even look at me. I've always hated the cat though. He's fat and the color of storm clouds. His eyes always seem to blend in with his fur, and frankly it's creepy. He's sitting there purring at me though, finally recognizing who I am beneath the hours of loss sleep and nightmares. "What do you want Storm?" I ask. I named him when I was about four, he was supposed to be a happy surprise for me but honestly I could do without him. Still Storm belongs to me so I scoop him up in my arms and carry him to the kitchen.
The kitchen is lovely. The walls are a light green, and the cabinets are the light color wood. There's a large window in the kitchen as well. The window looks out on the pier, my favorite place in the world, and gives a perfect view of the world. My world I guess I should say. Storm jumps from my arms on to the counter and begins rubbing against my arm, I know what this means. He wants me to open the window and let him out. I sigh and prop the old window open and he scatters before I can change my mind. I sit there for a few minutes, watching him roll around on the ground in the sunlight.
It's always beautiful here. The sun always shines. I smile watching the stupid cat and return my attention to breakfast. I scan the cabinets for anything good and find some decent choices. I settle on "waffles" which are actually district bread that's fried with some watercress flowers. It's a good meal really; most people can't afford what I eat almost every morning. I'm finished with my food before I've even had time to taste it, honestly I'm starving and manners are the last thing on my mind. After breakfast is finished I head out into the sunlight. I love its warmth, most people complain about it being too hot, but not me. I head down to the dock and plop myself down on the old weathered wood. My feet dangle into the cold water. A small gasp escapes my lips by the sudden change in temperature but soon after; it's soothing and refreshing with the heat of the day. I guess I shouldn't be surprised when my best friend Hunter sits down beside me. A small smile forms on my lips and I glance away to hide it. Hunter knows me better than anyone, he's been my best friend since as long as I can remember, and I refuse to ruin that with a petty crush.
"Hey kid." He smirks breaking the silence. I have to admit—even if I don't want to, he's gorgeous. His blonde hair falls in layers over his deep blue eyes. Those eyes have always been my favorite they remind me of the ocean. His body's as beautiful as his face. He's built, but not in the scary steroid looking way. He's tan from being in the sun all day long, and his white smile appears even brighter in contrast to it. He's got dimples too. I realize I've been studying him longer than I wanted to, and he's waiting for a response. I manage to say the first thing that crosses my mind.
"Uh…hey" I stammer. He laughs, problem averted. I relax as I fall into a normal conversation with him, but part of me is still thinking about when we met. It happened seven years ago. I was eight. My family was out on the beach during summer vacation and I was searching for shells to add to my collection when I first noticed him. He was staring at me, and I wasn't sure why until I realized what I was taking shells from. His Castle.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing? Stealing is a crime punishable by death you know" Hunter warns. A smile crossed my face, I remember that distinctly.
"I'm not stealing these shells belong to the Capitol, not you. Who's to say I can't use them too?" I demand in the snottiest, most confident voice I can muster. I notice a small smile cross his face. He was ten then. We both decided on sharing the shells together, and even feasted on shrimp that evening. I only catch the end of whatever it was Hunter was telling me about as I drag myself out of the memory.
"And my father insisted I come visit you, since you know." He finished. I scanned my brain for any hint as to what he was talking about. His father insisted he visit me? Mr. Donahue dislikes me as much as I dislike him, why would he want his son to visit me? I frown as my brows furrow together in concentration. Finally, giving up I go ahead and ask.
"Erm, what were you saying?" I ask sheepishly, knowing I should've been paying attention the first time. I can feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment and he shakes his head in mock disappointment.
"Angela Lanewood, I'm surprised with you. Weren't you listening to a thing I said?" He laughs. We both know I wasn't. I'm always lost in thoughts it's one of my biggest weaknesses, especially today. Today is the last day I have before the reaping. I hate the Capitol, more than I've despised anything in the world. Their complete savages, and being from district four I honestly should consider myself lucky. I don't. Sure we have careers and if I were ever drawn from the reaping ball, surely someone would step up to take my place. That doesn't excuse the Capitol for what they do. Forcing two kids from each district to fight to the death? Who even came up with that? Of course I know the answer to this, but thinking of his name even will start the angry rollercoaster I try so desperately to ignore. Finally I answer Hunter, who's patiently staring at me, waiting for an answer. He understands my distractions I suppose. I lost my older brother in the games a few years back. Idiot volunteered.
"Uh yeah, I know. I'm sorry Hunter, I'm just really nervous for tomorrow is all." I reply as honestly as I can.
"I know Angie. That's why my father told me to come visit you; he knows this year will be hard on you. Since it's the quell and all." He mumbled, clearly he knows something I don't. Sure I know it's the 75th Hunger Games and all, but I don't even know what the Quell brought. Of course it's some kind of torture for the unlucky kids who get reaped, but why do I need to worry? The careers will volunteer if my name's drawn. He senses my confusion and hugs me tightly, whispering in my ear in the gentlest tone he can find with his deep voice. "Angie. Didn't you listen? Haven't you heard people talking about it? There are no careers this year, volunteering is forbidden." He explains. The news sinks in and tears begin to well up in my eyes. I refuse to allow myself to cry. I don't have many slips in the reaping ball the odds are very much in my favor. Still…even if I had just one slip…I shake the thought away, it's not going to happen. I'm going to be sitting here tomorrow night, with my best friend discussing school or fishing or seafood. I will not be going to the Capitol. Mr. Donahue doesn't have to worry about me—though I still don't understand why he even did, I guess the Hunger Games bring us all closer together—I won't be going to the Capitol, not tomorrow, not ever.
Yes it's a short start! But it's pretty late and I wasn't sure where to begin :) The second chapter should be up later tonight (If I can't sleep) or tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed it :)