Welcome to my first story on ! I've been a long time reader and commenter, but only just decided that I had a story I wanted to share!
Disclaimer: This story was inspired by the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, anything you recognize belongs to her. I only own the Romes Family and the characters that you do not recognize.
Constructive criticism is appreciated! I hope you all enjoy!
It was the morning of my 15th birthday. Though this year, I'm afraid that there wouldn't be much celebrating. It was bounded to happen sometime, my birthday always seemed to fall around the event. Something about this year felt different though. I prayed to god that it was just the fact that I was upset about where this day laid this year. I made my way into the kitchen, straightening out my new dress as my mother bustled around the kitchen.
"There she is. The Birthday Girl." My father looked up from the papers on the desk, following my mother's gaze.
"Morning Terry." My dad grinned. "Happy Birthday!"
I walked over to the table, kissing my dad on the cheek. "Good morning Mother, Father." I sighed as I sunk down into my seat at the table.
"Now, I know it's not much, but your father and I wanted to splurge a little." She handed me a small package. "Especially considering this isn't the happiest of birthdays."
"Oh, mother." I smiled as I turned the package over, beginning to unwrap it. "You really didn't have to."
Inside the box was a necklace, with a 12-sided star pendant.
"This must've cost a fortune!" I gasped, looking up at my parents. Compared to some of the other families, mine was pretty well off. My father was the Mayor of District 5 and we never went hungry, but that didn't mean I felt any frivolous spending was justified and neither did my mother.
"Nonsense." My mother grinned. "This is a big year. I can feel it my little star." She ran he hand along my hair. "I'm just sorry your birthday has to lie on reaping day this year."
"It'll be okay, Luna." my dad smiled encouragingly. "we'll attend the ceremony, and be later on we'll have some cake and sing happy birthday to Terran. Just like every year."
—
I parted ways with my parents as I made my way towards the line to check in.
"Name?"
"Terran Romes" the woman crossed off my name on the list and pointed to the finger prick machine. I jumped as the metal pierced my skin, and she took my finger to confirm my identity with the machine in her hands. When it beeped, she released me, nodding to her right and I walked away. Sticking my injured finger in my mouth, I made my way towards my age group, nodding to the classmates I was knew. The mood was somber, and no words were said.
Before long, the rest of the kids had filed into their positions and our District 5 escort, Lonnie Day was making her way up to the microphone on stage. The already quiet crowd seemed to straighten up, facing towards her, you could feel the tension in the air as each person prayed to themselves that their family and friends would all survive another year.
"Welcome to the 69th Hunger Games!" Her voice was cheery and dramatic as always. "I'm Lonnie Day, as most of you know." She chuckled. "As you also know, it is an honor to represent your district in the Hunger Games. Two of you will be chosen to for that such honor today! But first, a message from the Capital."
She stepped away from the microphone as a video played on the screens. A reminder that we were under the control of the Capital, and the threat of what would happen to us if we chose to rebel against their generosity. District 13 had done just that, and they never passed up an opportunity to remind us of their grim fate.
"Wonderful, wonderful." Lonnie grinned as it finished with the symbol of the Capital, "as always, ladies first."
She walked over to the bowl on her right, I could feel my heart pounding in my ears with every click of her heels on the wooden stage, I could hardly hear anything above the noise until...
"Ah, Terran Romes."
That was me, that was my name, and I heard it as clear as day. Just as the tributes I'd seen called before me, I felt the shock set in. A classmate next to me reached out, squeezing my hand and it seemed to sink in that I had to walk up there now. I nodded to her as she released my hand, it was Gertie March, and she was a friend from school I'd surely miss.
I made my way out into the aisle way, my mind devoid of all thought except one: I was going into the Hunger Games.
"Come come." I stepped onto the stairs and Lonnie took my hand, pulling me to her side to face the rest of the district. "Congratulations Terran." She grinned into the microphone, but the look in her eyes as she turned towards me said otherwise, and this confused me. I didn't notice as she released me, walking back to the microphone, announcing that the male tribute was next.
My ears perked up as she pulled the paper out, praying that the lightening wouldn't strike twice, please don't be my brother, please.
"Chord Blake." I let out a breath. I didn't know him too well, and I guess that was good. We couldn't very well be friends in there, knowing that one or both of us were going to die. I sent a quick prayer into the sky, thanking them for sparing my younger brother another year and asking that I be the last to be reaped from my family.
Chord looked strong, confident as he made his way to the stage, Lonnie grabbed his hand just as she had mine and pulled him to her other side. "Your tributes for the 69th Hunger Games." No one clapped, but Lonnie took it all in stride. We weren't a career district, and we were never proud to send some of our own off to fight for their lives. Chord and I shook hands as Lonnie went on, "May the odds be ever in your favor."
Chord and I were ushered through the doors behind us that led to the Justice building. Peacekeepers led us in opposite directions into the rooms where we would say goodbye to our loved ones. After I entered, he promptly shut the door behind me.
A few moments of eerie silence later, my parents and two brothers burst through the door. "Oh baby." My mom cried, throwing her arms around me squeezing tightly. "Not my baby." She sobbed into my hair.
I hugged her back just as tightly, tears streaming down my face. "I'm sorry mom."
"Don't be sorry, Terr." My dad smiled sadly, tears filling his eyes. "You just come back to us, alright?" Ever the optimist. "I want to hear all about the Capital, so try to remember every last detail so you can tell us all about it when you get home. We'll celebrate your birthday and your return all in one. It'll be a great party." He was trying to be strong, but his voice broke, giving him away.
I wanted more than anything for what he was saying to be true, and I nodded. "Okay." My mother loosened her grip, stepping back and allowing my dad to hug me.
"I love you, baby girl." My dad sniffled, and I felt a few tears fall on my head.
He released me, wiping his eyes so I wouldn't see as my youngest brother stepped forward. "Terra?"
"Yes, Oli?" I wiped my eyes with my hand, trying to be strong for him.
"Come back okay?" He sniffled, tears rolling down his face. I kneeled down to his level.
"I will do my very best." I promised, and he fell into my arms hugging me tightly.
"I love you, Terra." I squeezed him tighter, trying to hold back my tears.
Jupiter cleared his throat, trying to find words as I stood up, Olin wrapped around me, resting on my hip.
"Kick their butts, Terra." he finally decided and I nodded as a few tears escaped down my face.
"I will, Jup." He hugged me, squeezing tightly. He was a boy of few words.
"I love you." He whispered in my ear.
"Take care of them." I pleaded, running my hand over his hair frantically, trying to sooth him.
"I will. Just come back." I nodded into his shoulder.
The peacekeeper from before came into the room, coldly telling me I needed to go.
I let go of Jupiter as my parents hugged me again, my dad having to pry Oli off me as he sobbed, turning to hide his face in my dad's shoulder. "I love you guys. So much." I nodded at them, before I followed the peacekeeper out of the room and to the car, where I rejoined Chord.
He had dried tears on his face. Without thinking, I reached out and took the older boys hand. We were about to be enemies, but we were both in this together.
Today is my 15th Birthday, and I've been reaped for the 69th Hunger Games.
