Hello everyone! This is my first Hunger Games fanfiction, and I finally decided to upload it after writing nearly 40 pages of this story, so if you are in for a long read, this may be the story for you!
Set just a few years after the rebellion, with the Dark Day's still fresh in the minds of the Panem citizens, the 25th Hunger Games takes place, the first Quarter Quell. The Districts voted and chose who to send off to fight as the terms for this years Games, and for reasons unknown, District 8 chose to send in Teddy Halrow, the gentle dress maker who had no chance of coming home.
The Hunger Games belong to Suzanne Collins, the characters belong to me! Please feel free to leave a review if you like it! 3
As I sit on the train, beside the window watching the colourful patterns of the outside world flash before my eyes, I allow myself to think and remember where I am, what has happened, and what is about to become my new reality. It wasn't long ago that I was voted by District 8 to represent in the annual Hunger Games, perhaps only a few hours, but I honestly couldn't even recall. I remember the shudder throughout my body as my name was called, as my mother and brother screamed, as my fiancé hurled himself against the wall of Peacekeepers, my name ringing in the air as he called out for me.
I remember the goodbyes; all the tears shed in that small Justice building room, my mother with her arms around Isaac, my little sweet brother, who clung to me without a word, the only sound leaving his lips as small sobs. And then Barney, my soon-to-be husband, shall I survive the Games, clenching my small hands so tightly in his huge rough ones, comforting me as I sobbed into his warm chest. His tears upon my hair made the numbness I felt within my body become more and more painful, as fear started to settle in. There was no way I was expected to return. They are already mourning for me.
I remember boarding the train, being escorted by Verha Golding, the Capitol representative for District 8, along with my District partner, Thread Carnam, who looked a lot calmer than I assumed I looked right now. I wonder if he was scared though. I wonder if he was just as upset as I was, for being the only two chosen by our District, our families, to be sent off to fight and murder for honour and for sacrifice.
The first part of the train ride was a blur of beautiful furniture made of stunning silks and corduroy, and a bevy of foods and pretty drinks in pretty glasses arranged neatly on small tables around the spacious carriage. We were soon introduced to Ridge Turner, our mentor, and so far, the only Victor from District 8 in the history of the games. He was still quite young as well. He worked us through what was to happen once we reach the Capitol, how we must appear gracious and excited, and how we must "flower under the attention we will receive from the Capitol."
That's when I ended up here, in my room, with the previous hours of the day floating around in my head, my body tensing every time I see the crying faces of my family. I suppose I could cry now, with no one watching, and no one would have to know either, but I honestly don't even know if I have the emotional stamina for it right now. My everything feels so incredibly weak. I make my way over to the bed, and lay down between the multitudes of pillows, curling up into a ball as I sink into the fluffy feeling.
I am woken from my restless sleep by a somewhat impatient Verha, informing me that dinner is served and that attendance is required. I can't deny myself how hungry I am, even though I feel drained and depressed, and food really is the farthest thing on my mind. I don't know what time it is, or how long I've been on the train, but I think about home, and I wonder if they are eating their dinner. I wonder if Barney brought them the rare "after-reaping" strawberries he secretly grows. Probably not, I think as I take a seat at the table. There is nothing to really celebrate after all anyways, is there?
Dinner was delicious, and I could see Thread packing away as much food as he could, realizing I was doing the same thing. We'd both never seen so much delicious and plentiful food, and we'd might as well make the most of it, or so our stomachs seemed to be telling us. I saw him glimpse at me from across the table, his eyes boring right into mine. I wasn't sure how to react, was staring back too unfriendly? Should I smile instead? Or would that just be strange? Maybe he was trying to figure out the best way to kill me in the arena. Oh, that thought didn't go down well with my huge dinner. I skipped dessert and headed for my room, so I could try and lose myself in the pillows once again.
As I neared my carriage, I heard quickening footsteps, followed by my name being whispered. A warm hand grabbed my forearm and I turned sharply, feeling a little nervous. It was Thread, and it seems as if he skipped out on dessert as well. Oh, what the Capitol would say about that. "Teddy," he said again, letting me go, stepping back a little. I must have looked frightened.
"Listen…. I know Ridge says we can't really rely on each other in the arena, but…." He broke off, looking around to see if anyone was approaching. He opened the door to my room and pushed me inside, closing the door as footsteps sounded outside in the carriage nearby. Thread obviously wanted this plan to be a secret from anyone else on this train. "I think we should stick together, until it gets close to the end. I don't want to be the one to kill you,"