Hey, so this is a story co-authored by LxZrulez, The Huntress of the Moon, and TikiSun. XD Hope ya'll enjoy it!
LxZrulez: I get to say the disclaimer! So basically...
TikiSun: No, me! Me! Me!
LxZrulez: Shut up, baka! So basically...
The Huntress of the Moon: SHUT UP. Okay, we don't own Hunger Games or anything, just our ideas and characters... yeesh...
TikiSun: But I wanted to say it!
The Huntress of the Moon: ...Okay, well, story's starting...
Finally
Laurel Thorne's P.O.V
Yes. My waiting was finally over. All my sixteen years of training and preparing would finally show as I won the 73rd Hunger Games in honor of District 2. I was ready to win it all and prove my family, full of Game winners, that I could carry on the honor and become famous.
Not only that, but I got to kill other people. I mean, how fun is that?
Also, this year I would get the glory of killing my stupid, foolish, idiotic twin brother, Derrick. I hated him. Hated his guts. Hated his stupidity and lack of devotion to the honor of his District and family name. Thorne's were winners, not losers like him.
Although we looked somewhat alike - the same curled black hair and icy blue eyes - our similarities ended there. I was sly, skilled, and swift. Unlike him. He represented an ox. Slow, red-faced, large, and stupid.
I knew his plans to volunteer. I had heard him talking to Cato, his bloodthirsty sidekick, about volunteering. Ha. Isn't he the brave one. What he didn't know was that I was planning to volunteer too. Just my luck. That thought brightened my day right up. Hopefully I would get to kill him. If everything went to plan, I would smile as I slit his throat and dance around his corpse when I was done with him. Beautiful. My father would be so proud. I leaped out of bed, slipped my black "Death-to-Tributes" T-Shirt on, and thundered down the stairs. I overheard my mother, who won the 56th Hunger games, prattling like the empty-headed fool she was on and on to Derrick.
"Today is the day! You must volunteer today. At all costs. You know that, right? Derrick? Are you even listening to me? Don't just stand there like an Avox, say something!"
Derrick mumbled, "Yes, I know. Shut up, mum," and walked out the door. I smirked. Coward. Beaming, I followed him out.
"Aw, did the itsy-bitsy baby get scolded-wolded by mummy?" I cooed in a voice used to address babies. Not that I ever did, of course. I had no patience whatsoever for their squeals, shrieks, and screams. Unless I caused them. Then it was enjoyable."Poor little-wittle boy. Or, did he perhaps already want to volunteer? You should change your mind before you wet your pants, little brother." Then, my voice hardened. "You should leave the frightening stuff, like raising your pudgy hand, to those who actually have guts, brainless."
He flushed. "Shut up, Laurel."
"I don't think I will. Soooo sorry. You know, I heard you talking to Cato about your volunteering idea. Such adorable, courageous plans you have there. Hopefully you'd have the guts to carry them out. Really. I still remember when you were afraid of your birthday cake's candles. That was funny. But, of course, that fear is nothing compared to this!" I taunted him, watching for his expression.
Derrick turned on me, furious. "I said shut it!"
"Actually, my dear baby brother, you didn't. You very specifically said 'shut up', not 'shut it'."
Derrick fumed, " Just shut up! Or else I'll -"
"No. Why should I? What can you do to me that will actually make me scared? Maybe frighten me? Sit on me with your big butt?" I interrupted rudely. Before he could reply, I pointed. "Hey, we're at the plaza now. You actually didn't see it? Wow!"
"If you didn't notice, I was talking to you! And I was a little distracted at the time!" he growled through gritted teeth.
"Oh, I forgot!" I said, slapping my hand lightly to my forehead, as if I just remembered something. "I'm sorry! You can't multi-task! You're apparently unable to walk and talk at the same time! So sorry!" I smirked at his red face. He looked like a bull now, what with his flaming cheeks, wide torso, and thick legs. Ha.
I left from teasing him and went to stand in the 16-year-old girl section with the others. I waved and smiled at my friend, Clove, as she gestured for me to join her. As I reached her, she murmured quietly, "What did you do to Derrick? He looks mad!"
I merely smiled and said, "The usual." She nodded and grinned, her eyes roaming. As her eyes reached the stage, her grin widened even more and she nudged me. I looked, and stifled a snort.
Our new escort was an extremely overweight woman. She was wearing pink, tight skirts, which only emphasized her bulging fat more. Her pink hair was curly and long, totally contrasting her bloated body. She walked to the podium and began to speak about the Games this year, and all that other crap. It was pretty hard to understand her, what with all the squealing, giggling, and squeaking.
I managed to make out that her name was Helda Lipos. What kind of names do Capitol people have? Honestly! She gestured to one of the Peacekeepers to bring both of the reaping balls to her. Lipos attempted to fit her plump hand into the opening at the top, but it wouldn't go in. I couldn't help but smirk at her attempt. Scowling, she decided to ignore ceremony and just dumped the contents onto the floor. Smart. Bending down, which was an enormous effort I'm sure, she fumbled for a slip and then straightened up to read it. I hoped it would be someone other than my brother. Watching Derrick volunteer would be the time of my life. I wouldn't be in surprised if he started wailing his baby head off in fear of the incredible gift he could be granted.
"Derrick Thorne," she announced. My fool of a brother trembled like a coward before composing himself and striding upstage. At least he wouldn't have to volunteer himself. Then he wouldn't pee in his pants. He glared ferociously - oh, how cute! - at the audience to ensure that no one would volunteer for him. No one did. Cowards. Oh well, it was best. Then, I could enjoy killing dear baby Derrick. What fun! I gave a crooked smile in anticipation.
"And now, for the female tribute..." Reaching down, her pudgy hand found another slip. "Lilian Mi-"
"I volunteer!" I called, savoring my victory already. My brother gaped at me, jaw dropping to the ground, eyes as round as the moon. His expression was priceless. No doubt the cameras would love this moment. The whole of Panem would see how ridiculous he looked, and they'd think he was the idiot he was.
"I volunteer, too!" Clove called from right next to me - wait, Clove? But she knew my plans! Curse her to the deepest pit of the dark gates of the devil. She was my friend! Oh well, I could deal with her easily. Without blinking an eye, I turned around and punched Clove in the stomach and then elbowed her in the temple, effectively knocking her out.
There. Problem solved.
"Anyone else?" I smiled sweetly at the crowd. When all the girls around me, who were previously whispering to volunteer, backed away hurriedly, I beamed at the bemused escort, who I could see was happy for a bit of drama. Perfect for the TV screen. I walked confidently up the stage. The escort gestured for Derrick and me to shake hands. I happily complied, grabbing his hand, making sure to crush it anddig my sharp nails in. He winced. Perfect.
Bad Luck
Fauna Springflower's POV
"Flora! No, don't go! Come back!" I cried in desperation as my little sister walked away from me. I was in the Games. And, for some reason, Flora was in it too, not just the boy. Why was she here? But, now, she was walking into the dark unknown of the black forest. And I was powerless to stop her. My legs felt like leaden weights, my arms useless sticks at my side. Then, my eyes widened in horror. "Flora! Come back!" But to no avail. Flora shrieked as she saw what I saw.
A Career. A filthy, stinking, bloody Career, with a broadsword clutched in his ham-stringed fist. Flora recoiled from him, her arms thrown up in front of her face, in a fruitless attempt to protect herself. He swung his sword. Impact. A thin line of red dotted on her arm. He. Hurt. Her. She cried out in pain and fear, cringing back as he smiled at her. He was playing with her. Finishing her slowly. My temper rose. She's my sister! I ran forward, shoving her out of the way of that deadly sharp, heavy blade. Pain. A flame exploded in my hip where his sword had stuck. He yanked the sword out and stabbed me in my chest. Before the darkness took me, I found my sister's scared gaze.
Goodbye.
I awoke with a start, gasping. Oh. It was a dream. I attempted to comfort myself, that Flora was alive, that she was not in the games. After all, she was only 10. Wait, no, 11. Today, ironically, was her birthday as well as the reaping. Which probably explained the nightmare. As I lay, disoriented, a sudden doubt pushed through my mind.
Why do I hurt where that Career stabbed me? I panicked, standing up suddenly. I realized. Oh. I had fallen out of bed on my hip, banging it on a picture frame that was lying on the floor, and then a book had fallen when my arms hit it while flailing around as I fell. I gently lit my oil lamp, looking at the picture frame. I hadn't damaged it, thankfully. I peered at the dim figure. Who was it? Oh. Mother. She had been a prominent figure in my life until she had been shot while working in the fields. I missed her so much, her warmth, her words... Gently, I pressed my lips to the picture. A silent salute.
Suddenly, the door banged open. I jumped to my feet, an adrenaline rush coursing through my blood.
"Fauna! I - I had - a nightmare - reaping - y- you- you - chosen -" My precious, beloved sister Flora stuttered as she collapsed in my arms. As I sat us down upon my bed, cooing softly at her to comfort her, hate filled my mind. At the Peacekeepers who had murdered my unprotected mother, at President Snow for having the Hunger Games that so frightened Flora, and myself for not caring for Flora. Not even now, just a few months from my mother's death. I will protect her, I vowed. With my life.
When dawn came, Flora was asleep, but I had to wake her up to go to the reaping. "Come, Flora, little flower." I whispered in her ear as I shook her gently. "Wake up." Memories flooded back to me, of when I was four, and Flora was born. Mother decided to have us match. Flora and Fauna.
"Flora, come, let me dress you. You need to look nice for the reaping, remember?" I murmured fondly. She nodded timidly.
After we dressed, she took my hand and whispered, "We need to hurry. I know you want to meet up with Rue, right?" I nodded. Rue. My beloved friend, the fierce caretaker and protector of her sisters. Although she was Flora's age, and I was five years older than me, we both understood each other well. We both need to protect our loved ones.
We walked out of our ragged cabin, holding hands. Soon, after a silent walk to the plaza, I hugged my sister once, and kissed her forehead once. "If anything happens to me, just remember to stick with Rue and her dad, okay? Promise me you won't do anything stupid if I get chosen. All right? Please, just for me."
Flora's eyes began to water. "Just don't get chosen, okay, sis? Promise?"
"I promise. I love you." I gave her a final hug, and walked over to the other sixteen year old girls, who were all clutching their clothes nervously. A few were crying. I didn't say a word to anyone around me, though I knew most of them. Miranda, Lindsay, Autumn, Skyler.
Then, the escort came. She was a thin woman that had really frilly clothing. She had rose tatoos all over her body. Her hair was yellow, but it wasn't a natural blonde color. It was more like a bright, glowing yellow, like the sun. However, her eyes were the most startling. One was a bright pink while the other was green. Whoa.
"Okay, quiet down please," she said in a surprisingly deep voice. Her voice was low, but it still sounded girly. Weird. "Okay, this is the 73rd Hunger Games! I know how excited each of you are, but I need quiet!" When everyone settled down, she continued. "My name is Minnie Pero, and I'm so excited to be your District escort! All right, let's get started with the reaping!"
"And... for the boy, we have..." she cleared her throat and smiled falsely. Then she daintily picked up a slip and said, "Caleb Hawkeye." Caleb. I frowned and my heart really went out to the stunned boy. He rose and made way to the podium. His family were probably distressed beyond words. He was only fourteen for crying out loud!
"Okay! Now for the girl tribute! Alrighty, and we have..." I squeezed my eyes shut. Please not me. Not me. Please. Flora needed me. Not me. Anyone but me. I know it sounded selfish, and heartless
"Fauna Springflower." It was me.
No. How could it be this way? If I were in the Games, I wouldn't survive. And then, Flora wouldn't survive. Sure, she might survive the starvation her and I shared all the time. But emotionally, she'd be torn to pieces. How could the Capitol love this? This ripping apart, destroying... No. For now, all that mattered was... was... nothing. I was as good as dead.
My steps were slow, small. I stepped up to the stage, and heard a small cry of despair. Flora. I almost turned around, but if I did, I knew I would cry. And that wasn't going to help me anyway. I pulled a smile on my face with much effort, hoping very much it wasn't a grimace. I had to pull myself together.
"And we have our two tributes from District 11! Everyone, give a hand to these brave volunteers!" Minnie cried out. The whole of District 11 clapped, but it was a dead sound, exactly in sync.
"Well? Go ahead and shake hands!"
Caleb and I shook hands. His hand was extremely sweaty, and he was biting his lip as he looked up. "Best of luck," I whispered to him.
He nodded. "Best of luck."
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