Title
The Hungry Beast
Author
Sar'Kalu
Summary
Harkin Black, District 1 Volunteer, 51st Hunger Games Tribute, Beloved of the Capitol. Murderer, Liar, Cheater, Betrayer: Survivor. Bearer of Harry James Potter's memories; Master of Death.
Disclaimer
Harry Potter is the intellectual property of J.K Rowling, Bloomsbury, Warner Brothers and their affiliates. The Hunger Games is the intellectual property of Suzanne Collins, Scholastic Publications, Lionsgate Film and their affiliates.
Rating
R18+: Extreme gore and violence; torture, physical, mental and emotional abuse. Do Not Try This A Home.
[Reaping Day, Justice Square, District One, 61 A.D.D]
Hot and heavy, the sun shone on his dark head. His starched shirt collar, rubbed uncomfortably against his neck. He was the only one entered into this years Hunger Games. He was expected to volunteer. He would do so to avoid the retribution of his peers.
He'd lost the bet and he would pay it with his life.
"Welcome to the 61st Hunger Games!" The Reaper was a genteel man dressed in lime green and navy blue, one half of his face striated with gold paint, the other, swirled with red. He looked like a dogs breakfast. "May the Odds be ever in Your Favour!"
The crowd clapped politely, some of the more loyal families letting out cheers. But no one forgot that this started the period of mourning. The other districts may well have claimed One to be the first of the Career Districts, teaching their children to fight and defend themselves. But that never stopped District One remembering that this was a day of pain, death and suffering.
They would be loosing two of their own.
"Let us start with the girls!" The Reaper announced cheerfully, swivelling his head to stare at the long line of 15 to 18 year olds, his yellow eyes anticipatory of their volunteering. District One was the favoured district, and with reason. They almost always won.
"I Volunteer!" A girl, no older than sixteen stood firm, her eyes a glassy blue with long brown hair. The daughter of the 38th Hunger Games winner: Effie Snow.
"Your name, dear?" The Reaper is pleased as punch that Effie has volunteered, his yellow eyes gloating and victorious.
"Effie Snow," the girl replies. He knows, that like him, she'd been taken as a child and shoved into the School. Trained for this moment. A true tribute with no ties to the community. For District One, it was better this way.
"And the boys?" Expectation was rampant, yellow eyes turned to him, staring like a hawk at a mouse.
He stepped forwards, "I volunteer as Tribute to the Capitol."
Overly formal, but it got the message across. He joined Effie on the platform, his eyes sweeping the crowd of townsfolk staring up at them. They were contrite, apologetic even. It didn't matter. In the end, one or both of them would die.
"Your name, my boy?" The Reaper is immune to the solemnity of the moment, gleeful that he had the easiest and cushiest reaping gig.
"Harkin Black."
[End Part One]