Title: SYOT: One Last Game
Author: KatTheGreat
Summary: After the rebellion, the officials want one last game, including 2 tributes from every district. It's a battle to survive and win - forever.
Rating: T
Chapter: District 1 Reaping
Authors Note: Yes, I managed to get a male just in time! Thanks to EZS and AfterAllThisTime for their awesome tributes!
All you people look at me like I'm a little girl.
Well did you ever think it be okay for me to step into this world.
Always saying little girl don't step into the club.
Well I'm just tryin' to find out why cause dancing's what I love.
~Britney Spears
District 1 | Star Ackles | 16
"And, like, he was totally staring at me!" Thenya O'Donnell, part of the popular crowd – actually, probably the most popular girl in school – screeched on the phone, causing Lena Bridge and Ace Vienna, my other friends, to screech along. Since they couldn't see me, I rolled my eyes. Really, these girls over react for everything, but I play along. "No way!" I squealed back.
"Uh, yes way!" Thenya responded. She was stupid, didn't understand much, but I had to get over it. It's already been 3 years and I'm still trying to understand why poor Thenya was born retarded. Oh, right, she's not. The girl's acting.
Anyways, I'm Star Ackles, daughter of the infamous Apollo Ackles. If you've heard of him, then you've heard of me. I have 2 older brothers, Orion and Orpheus Ackles. Also, 2 younger siblings, Luna and Skye. You could say I'm spoiled, and I am, but I decided it's best to not act like it. I really can't see myself acting mean to Orion or Skye, so I decided to settle for a normal person who belongs on the popular crew at my high school.
My 'crew' liked bugging others, and I had developed a habit to make sure that the victim was ok before I followed them. I guess I'm like a shadow – I really didn't do much but act as best as I could as an annoying popular kid. Boys loved us, and I have had a few relationships, but I'm currently single. And the guy we're currently screeching about? Michael Edwards, my most recent ex. I know I just had to get over the dude, but damn, he was dreamy. And we broke up because I found him making out with Thenya, who was apparently clueless that we were dating. Ace offered a sleepover to get over it, but I rejected it. I'll get Thenya back, one of these days.
"Gosh Thenya, why don't you guys go out?" Lena, the wicked witch of the west, suggested slyly. Lena was perfectly aware that I had been going out with Michael and didn't give a flying fuck; she would much rather please Thenya. I have some suspicions that Lena wanted to overthrow Thenya from her royal tower, and really, I think I prefer actress Thenya then scary Lena.
"He's still not over his ex." Thenya scoffed. My eyes widened at that.
"For real?" I dared ask. For all I know, she can be lying.
"Yea!" I could practically see Thenya pouting. "But no worries, I'll get him sooner or later. Just some nice time with him, a few stolen kisses, and he's mine."
Bitch, bitch, bitch! She can't possibly steal him from me! Gosh Star, think of something! "Hey, Thenya, what about Derrick?"
"Derrick? Uh, I don't know. He's sort of pissy, if you get what I mean." Thenya responded. "Gotta go girls, it's almost time for the reaping and I still haven't gotten my nails done!"
Right, I almost forgot. Today is reaping day. I hadn't really put too much attention on it, but now I realize that if I don't get there soon I'll get in trouble. I say a quick goodbye before I get working on my reaping outfit. I decide to take a simple white tank top, some ripped jeans and a pink cardigan, my hair tied up in a messy bun.
I can't help but stare at myself on my full size mirror. Rich brown hair, large hazel brown eyes. Soft skin, slim, perfect. I can't find a defect on the outside, but in the inside, there are so many countless ones. I stand on sideways view and touch my stomach. I'm perfect; why did Michael cheat on me? Am I ugly to him? I mean, Thenya isn't half as pretty as me. Maybe he wants someone beyond popular? I sigh, shaking my head, snatch my satchel, and walk downstairs.
"Star," my father growled. "What took you so long?"
"I was talking to Lena and Thenya, sorry daddy." I answered mindlessly. "Good morning, guys."
"Hey little Star." Orion grinned. Orpheus simply nodded, and Skye walked towards me. Luna was busy with her nails. Honestly, Luna is too small to be worrying about that, but who am I to be talking? The girl already has a guy. Still, didn't stop me from being naturally annoyed by her. My mother, Nyx, simply huffed as we walked towards the family convertible. The ride to the square was quiet, something rather unnatural between us all.
When we arrive, my mother drives me and Luna towards the lines to sign our names. I see Thenya and the girls, but they don't look at me. When it's my name, I carefully scribble my name and age before walking towards the designated section for 16 year old females. I feel a poke on my side and I turn to see Ace grinning.
"Reaction on Thenya and Michael?"
"One; yuck, and Two; Michael's mine." And with that, we laugh. It feels nice to have a good friend by your side, a real one. Our escort, the ever annoying Lattie Prewett, is styling a very intense ocean theme outfit, literally stands out on the stage. Her long hair is so straight it's almost scary – annoying to Ace, at least. How the woman manages to keep her hair like that, only God knows. She smiles widely as the crowd finally settles, waiting to hear there name or so.
Last games. It's the last ever games to be done in Panem ever again, says the Mayor. I'm relieved, because right after this we won't have to worry about the games ever again and any family deaths or so, like it devastated my mother. I know none of us will be chosen – I mean, we're 2 from the millions of girls of District 1. Impossible for me or Luna to be chosen. I look around the crowd to see Michael looking at me. I look back at stage, trying to look distracted.
When the Mayor is done with his speech, Lattie steps towards the girls bowl. "Now, for District 1's tribute for the 76th and Last Hunger Games is – Luna Ackles!"
My family looks devastated. Luna looks broken. And my expression? I think you can pretty much guess.
About 4 more girls are jumping to volunteer, but I'm the one who walks towards the stage, Peacekeepers or no Peacekeepers, and says, "Star Ackles, District 1's volunteer for the 76th Hunger Games."
Lattie looks rather surprised from my approach, but her lips slowly form a grin as she pulls me towards her. "Ackles? Was Luna your sister?"
Did she really care, or was she just happy to get it over with? "Yes, Luna is my sister." Not was, is.
"Well, District 1, here's our female volunteer!" It's not until I hear those words when I process what I have just done.
District 1 | Brock Wolf | 16
"Show no mercy, Brock!" My father shouted as he set his water bottle down, towel on his shoulder. "Another miss! Brock, watch where that halberd is going unless you plan on chopping your own head off!"
Honestly, here in the Capitol, parents or trainers never gave up. And when it's reaping day? You're put to practice until you have everything etched in your brain. I give my halberd another nice swing towards an old rag person, chopping its head clean off. My father clapped proudly.
"As long as you stick to the strategy, you'll surely win!" Father babbled on, grinning. I rolled my eyes as I rested the halberd on my shoulder, looking at the doorway. There stood my best friend Nat, who had an eyebrow raised towards my dad. "Hey Nat."
"Hey Brock, Mr. Wolf." Nat nodded. "Volunteering this year?" She added. My father grinned eagerly and nodded.
"I've been waiting for this day since forever – the day my Brock goes into the Hunger Games and wins it! Forever will he be seen as the last victor of the Hunger Games!" Nat let out a laugh as my Father simply lost himself in glee. I glared at him for embarrassing me, glanced at Nat who was holding her stomach, and back at my dad. I shrugged. My Dad took everything seriously, and with my female best friend laughing, this wasn't going to end well.
"Yea, sure, whatever." I commented. Now this time Nat looked at me. "No Brock, not whatever, you're coming back to your family, got that?"
"Of course he has to." My father began. "It's a tradition for our kids to win the games – and since these are the last, you must win, Brock, unless you want to be disowned." And with that, he turned on his heel and left.
"Are you serious? If I don't win I'll be dead – it's impossible to disown me then!" I exclaimed angrily as Nat simply shook her head. "Come on Brock, we're going to be late for the reaping. Last thing I need is for my mother to holler at me."
"Planning to volunteer?" I asked as I packed up my weapons and materials. Nat simply stood crossed armed, deep in thought. She answers eventually, but she looks doubtful. "Yeah."
"You don't look to happy." I say as we head upstairs towards my bedroom. Nat shrugs, looking down. "I guess I'm not. I mean, I've been trained my whole life – but I still don't feel ready for this."
I nod, sort of understanding. I have had that feeling for the last few years, but this year, it's my turn to shine. Nat heads towards the kitchen to grab a quick snack as I change into my reaping clothes, a simple blue shirt, jeans, and sneakers. I head downstairs and meet my mother, who's already ready to leave.
"Brock." She grinned, proud of me. "This year, you'll volunteer, right?"
"Sure." I answer as I grab a grape and pop it into my mouth. "Are you guys ready?"
"Natalie's already at the square." I hear my father say. "So I think it's time we leave."
We head towards the square in a matter of minutes, where the mass crowd is settled as Lattie Prewett, our escort, babbles her head off. I sign my name before heading towards the 16 year old male crowd.
A little girl named Luna Ackles is called, and her sister, Star, jumps up on the opportunity. I think I recall seeing Star around school, but we have never talked. Star looks depressed and a bit fidgety, but I roll my eyes. Why'd she volunteer then? Well, it's better than having Nat chosen.
The male tribute is a 12 year old whose name I don't bother to recognize. When Lattie asks for volunteers, I step up. "Brutus Wolf!" I shout as I make my way towards the stage. Star's eyes widens as her eyes lays on mine. We lock eyes for a second before Lattie begins to babble again, and finally, asks us to shake hands.
I take Star's small hand and give it a firm shake, and she looks at me. We let go, and she looks towards the crowd, looking for someone. I don't look for anyone, I look straight, because now, I'm District 1's male tribute – and I have to win.
Win the last games ever.
District 1 | Star Ackles | 16
I had a good reason to be terrified of this dude. Ok, yes, I have been trained, but this dude looks like he can crush me with only a flick of his wrist. Yeah, that scary. We're led inside a building where we can say our last goodbyes. I sit in the rich room, wondering who would come and say bye to me. No one? Someone?
Eventually, my family appears. My older brothers look distraught, Luna's eyes are rimmed red, Skye has no effin' idea what's going on, my mother is sobbing, and my father looks proud.
Wait a second – proud?
"Ah, my darling Star." He begins happily. "It's great to know that the training I have been wasting all my money on will now be put to good use."
My mother glares at my father, my brothers' look at him in disbelief and Luna's crying too loud to even listen. I, myself, am shocked. I simply look down as my father and mother walk out, leaving Orion and my siblings.
"Listen Star," Orpheus starts. "Grab whatever you can and run out of – wait, you're from District 1. You're automatically a career."
"Pretty much." I sigh.
"Don't look so depressed." Orion says. "Think positive, won't you?"
Skye looks up at Orion and Orpheus, confused. She finally moves and hands me her beloved teddy bear – Penny, I think. I look at her. "It's your token. I know it's big, but hold on to it. I love you." She gives me a hug, and I almost let a tear out.
"We love you too, Star." Orpheus says as he hugs me, Orion and Luna behind.
"Star, you're too sweet." Luna sniffs delicately. "Thank you for volunteering for me." She gives me an extra tight hug before they all leave. I feel like falling down crying when Ace steps in.
"Star," She sighs. "What happened? Why'd you volunteer?"
"I couldn't just let Luna go." I said, sighing. "Did I do wrong?"
Being the most honest friend I have, Ace nodded. "I mean, no, but still – What will I do if you die? I mean, you're the only friend I can really trust. Thenya and Lena are impossible."
"You're right. I don't know – but look, I'm from District 1, right? That makes me an automatic career. I can stay with the group and kill the last one off whenever the rest are dead. I'll come home." I say.
"But what if they kill you off first?" Ace asks sadly. The Peacekeeper is knocking. "1 more minute." He says gruffly. I turn towards Ace desperately, and all she does is look at the ground, a tear almost slipping. "Just – come back home, ok?" She says before she gets up and leaves.
Well, I guess that's it. I begin to get up when I see Michael. My first instinct is to yell, but I'm too sad to do anything. I fall back on my chair and bury my face into my hands.
"Star," I hear him begin. I don't dare look up. The last thing I need is pity from my most recent ex; that would be the new low for me. I hear him walk in front of me before he crouches down, his hands resting against my biceps. "Look at me."
"Get away from me." I snap, my voice cracking. "I don't need pity."
"I'm not here to offer pity." He responds softly. "I just wanted to tell you something."
"What?" I sniff.
"I…I still love you." He responds. I don't really care much; I guess I must have known. Seeing no reaction from me, he must be taking it as a good reaction. Before he can continue, I dare interrupt. "Oh yea, sure, tell me before I get thrown into an arena, huh?" I ask bitterly.
"Star, let me finish." His voice is calm, but I take this in a hostile manner.
"No thanks. Leave." I respond, taking my hands away from my face, meeting his eyes. "You wanted some nice reaction, didn't you? Expected me to babble away how much I loved you back? Well guess what? I did love you. I thought you were the perfect one. Guess not. Please, leave."
"S –" I swear, if he said my name one more time, my fist would end up on his nose.
"Times up." A peacekeeper says, entering. I look at Michael. "Bye."
He stands up and walks out, but not without a look back. It's time for me to head towards the train. Time for me to process all of this. I'm going to win – I have to. Show these people that I'm worth more than just appearance. I'm not a toy. I'm not stupid.
I'm Star Ackles. And I'm going to win the last Hunger Games ever.
District 1 | Brock Wolf | 16
I'm led to a small luxury room, and instructed to sit on a plush chair. Being as active as I am, I refuse and scare the peacekeeper away with a cold glare. First visitor is Nat, whose eyes are rimmed red.
"Nat." I grumble. "You didn't volunteer." Liar.
"You didn't really expect me to volunteer, did you?" She attacked back sarcastically. "…Brock, just promise me you'll come back, safe and sound. I mean, you're capable of winning."
"Of course I am." I retort. "I will win, you just watch."
"Like if I had another choice." She growls back before storming out angrily. I can't help but let out a bitter chuckle as my father enters, looking happy.
"Brock, my son!" He announces proudly. "I will be watching you. I want you to win these games, give the Wolf family a better and proud reputation."
I simply nod at whatever he says. He repeats our little strategy and gives me a manly hug before leaving, and I can't help but notice something. I hate this man. I hate him for caring more about how the public looks at my family instead of checking on us, acting like a real father.
And I decide I'll fuck up to piss him off.
I'll still win – but I'm undergoing a new personality change.
By the way – where's my mom?
And that's how Brock become's the brutal and menacing Brock Wolf! (Not like he wasn't already)
Hey guys, here's the first reaping of this story. I hope you liked it! I honestly am not too happy how I expressed these two, but the next ones will be expressed greatly, no worries. Next chapter should be up in a few days. Review, I'm a review whore! Nah, just kidding. But seriously, review!
~KatTheGreat~