Jelsa Hunger Games

This will mostly follow Elsa, although it is not like the book, except for the Games of course and two victors from one District! Some of the characters may resemble characters from the book. I own nothing (sadly)!

Chapter 1

Elsa

My name is Elsa Winters. I am from District 8, textiles. I am eighteen years old, and thankfully, this is my last year for going into the Reaping. I lost my little sister two years ago to it. She was 12. I work in the female clothing for Panem. I made most of the clothes my family wore. It's a hobby, I guess.

District 8 is not a Career. We may provide clothing for the Capitol, all of their wacky materials they need, and make the Peacekeepers uniforms, but we don't get the sponsors like they do. It's hard to represent a place that makes clothes with clothes, so that knocks out the Chariots and the Interviews, unless you can win someone over with charm.

I woke up at 5:30, the time I get up to go to the factory, and began to scrub myself in the tub. It was the one time of the year I actually could do something for myself. And I was doing it to say, "Pick me, I want to die." I would be long dead if I weren't good at making clothes, and not for my fear of death.

I looked at my hands, worn and frail thanks to the long hours of sewing together patterns. My dad was the town blacksmith, and we lived in what we call the Slump. Seamstresses didn't live there. I guess I changed that. I still live in the Slump. After my parents and Anna passed, three flowers sprouted by my door. I was going to pull them up until I felt a strong wind. I left them be. I went into a depression after that. The Capitol gives me enough money to live off of, but that goes away after my name leaves the Reaping.

I would have volunteered for Anna, if she weren't a volunteer. She had spoken to death to me many times, but I didn't think she was serious. She didn't want to live and I didn't see that. She had volunteered for another twelve year old girl who I didn't recognize. Anna may have known her.

Thousands of slips are in the barrel. What are the odds of my name being picked? More likely than when Anna went in. At least she wasn't the first one dead. I don't really understand why the Capitol people like the Games. And I wonder why the people in the Capitol get to live in the Capitol. I mean, why not me? Why am I not good enough to be safe from death?

I don't know.

I got out of the tub and brushed my hair. The Reaping wasn't until eight o clock. I didn't know why I was up and why I was getting ready in the first place. It's habitual, I guess. I pulled my hair into a braid and then into a simple up do. I slid into a dress that was given to me by my mother. It was simple, blue, and fit me perfectly. Being social isn't my main priority. I waited after that. I watched the sun rise and then, almost in a flash, it was time for the Reaping. I walked with all the other eighteen year olds, solemnly and slowly, to the Square. I knew a few names, but others were a mystery.

Our announcer, Izabelle Quimby, said, "Welcome, welcome, one and all to the 74th Hunger Games. Two tributes will be chosen to represent your District. Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever. May the odds be ever in your favor! Ladies first, of course." I try to hold in a laugh when she speaks. I have to find something to laugh at.

This year, she is wearing a complete water themed outfit. Thankfully, her dress was not see through. Blue glitter covered her eyes and her hair was a watery blue color, like the lake that's nearby.

She pulls a slip out and I feel my stomach drop. That could be me.

"Kai Winslow!" I finally breathe. I am safe. I will never have to face anyone in combat in the Games. Then the little white skinned thirteen year old girl walks up to the stage, tears streaming down from her green eyes.

"Can we give this brave young girl a round of applause?"

Silence.

I hear someone yell, "Kai, no!"

I shut my eyes tightly and yell, "I volunteer as tribute!"

I did not know this girl. But Anna volunteered for someone she didn't know and this little girl was going to die. I didn't care how strong she was, there would be someone stronger and I would not be able to watch her die when I knew I could have died for her.

Silence was still looming over the Square.

"What was that, dear?"

"I volunteer as tribute." I repeat. My voice cracks and I realize what I've done.

"Oh, then come up here, dear. This is quite untraditional. Yes, Kai, return to where you came from."

The little girl leaves the stage and I walk up to the stage.

Izabelle asked, "And what's your name dear?"

"Elsa Winters."

"Why, what was Kai to you?"

"I've never met her before."

"Oh you didn't want her to take the glory!"

That was not the reason. This is little girl had an entire life left to live. I, on the other hand, had nothing to live for. I stand on the stage while Izabelle makes her way over to the boys' bin.

"Jack Frost!"

I had never met him before. I immediately knew he was from the Slump. His nice clothes were tattered and his features were like everyone else's. Everyone except my father and sister had white hair and blue eyes. He was good looking, but I immediately knew by the panic in his eyes he was terrified. I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear as he gets on the stage.

Nobody volunteers for him. I feel sorry for him, until I see a woman of about forty crying, holding the hand of a small boy and cradling a baby. I feel sorrier for her and the children.

Izabelle said, "This year's Tributes, Elsa Winters and Jack Frost!"

I was put in a small room in Town Hall with velvet everywhere. I am familiar with the material. We wait for about twenty minutes to see if anyone will come and see us. I know Jack was visited by his family, but with his looks, he may have gotten all of the girls. I rub the velvet.

My name is Elsa Winters. I am eighteen years old. I am going to die in the Hunger Games.

God what have I done?

Then, to my surprise, the door does open. I expect a Peacekeeper to tell me that it's time to go, but instead I see the girl I volunteered for and who I concluded was her mother.

Her mother said, "Thank you."

I have no words.

Kai said, "I know that I would have died in there, but God is good and he will help you. You saved someone and I know that he'll let you into Heaven."

I look at this little girl. She looks nothing like Anna. And yet I want to hug her.

She was telling me this because she knows I am going to die.

But then she said, "God will let you live. He is good to those who are kind." She pulled off her necklace and gave it to me. It was a delicately crafted snowflake.

I look at her. "Thank you."

"No. Thank you."

And with that, the Peacekeepers took her away. Better it me than her. I didn't get any more visitors after that. When the Peacekeepers told me it was time to go, I got up without any hesitation. I got myself in this mess. And now I have to get myself out of it.

I was put on the train and I saw Jack again. He and I were seated in a car with Izabelle and who would be our mentor: Nicholas North, a drunk man. I nervously toyed with the snowflake charm.

Jack said, "I'm Jack Frost."

"I know."

"And I know you're Elsa Winters, but it's polite to introduce yourself anyway."

"I'm Elsa Winters."

Izabelle said, "Now, Gaston will bring in the food momentarily. North, North, wake up!" The drunk man woke up and said, "Wha-?"

"These are your Tributes this year."

"Stand up." He ordered us. I immediately didn't like him.

Jack and I stood.

"The boy may live, but I have no hope for the girl." I wanted to slap the drunkenness right out of him. Jack had on a sly grin.

Izabelle said, "Well, we have to try for both of them."

Right. Let the Games begin.