I'm Not Here For Your Entertainment (A Hunger Games Story)

by sami.kristene.johnson

Terra Byrne won her Hunger Games when she was 15 years old, just three months after her parents died in a tragic fishing accident. She has always been a loner and an outcast due to the strict parenting styles of her mother and father, but after her Hunger Games victory she completely shuts everyone out-never talking to people that care about her and hardly ever leaving her house. S

1. Do It

Chapter One: Do It

Do it.

I wake up, screaming and covered in sweat. Two years since my Games and I still can't get rid of these nightmares. I turn on my light and go downstairs to get some water, completely naked. That's one of the great things about living by myself: I don't have to worry about other people's opinions. I can walk around my house butt naked without having to worry about people freaking out over nudity.

I grew up in District 4 as the only child of very strict, very weird parents. I was never allowed to do fun things like sing or draw pictures, I had to wear clothes that my mom picked out (these usually consisted of turtlenecks and loose-fitting pants that would hide my figure) and if I wanted to leave the house for something other than school I had to check in with my parents every half hour. Growing up, my hobbies pretty much consisted of school work, chores, and physical exercise that my parents made mandatory.

My father won the Hunger Games when he was 17 years old, and always expected me to follow in his footsteps. My mother was from a family of working-class people that rode the seas, catching fish and other sea creatures that would get sent to the Capitol as food. Bascially, both of my parents were extremely hard working and had way too high expectations for me. They wanted me to participate in the Games, come home a victor, find a husband, and have tons of kids that would also participate in the Games or become great fishermen. What they never seemed to understand was that I never wanted any of that. I was tired of them trying to determine my life for me, and I was tired of them treating me like I was nothing but a piece of clay they could mold to their liking.

Pulling myself away from these bitter memories, I pour myself a tall glass of water and head back up to my room. I know I will not be able to fall back asleep without some help so I swallow a couple morphling tablets and crawl back into bed.

The next thing I know sunlight is streaming through my window and my phone is ringing very loudly. Groaning, I roll over and pick up the phone.

"Ugh..Hello?" I answer.

"Terra, please tell me you are up and somewhat presentable," my assistant, Tatianna says, clearly annoyed, "It is almost 11:30 and the train leaves at 1"

Shit, I murmur. I completely forgot. Today is the start of the victory tour for District 4's newest victor, Adelfo Dunn. I don't particularly care for him or this tour, but I was one of his mentors so it is required for me to accompany him on his tour of all the districts.

I tell Tatianna that I am up, and she tells me that she will be at my door in half an hour to make sure I look decent and to escort me to Alelfo's house, where I will be part of a short interview before we have to leave for the train station.

I get out of bed and head to the bathroom, where I turn the shower on and get in. I hardly use any cold water; the burning hotness relaxes my muscles and at the same time the pain from the hot gives me a sort of rush, giving me something to think about besides the fact that I am not prepared to leave my house and deal with the awful, triggering Hunger Games celebrations once again.

Once I am squeaky clean, I brush my teeth and hair and pick out a tight-fitting blue dress, fishnet stockings, and tan combat boots. I am not worried about whether the colors of the ensemble clash, but I am sure Tatianna will have something to say about it.

I am just getting done putting on my eyeliner when the doorbell rings. I open the door to see Tatianna in a bright blue wig and gigantic wool scarf that wraps around her entire body like a blanket. She looks me up and down, then lets herself in.

"Good afternoon, Terra. Your outfit looks good but you aren't wearing nearly enough makeup. I can see bags under your eyes and that is just not acceptable if you're going to be on live television".

I roll my eyes at her, but grudgingly let her coat my face with concealer and blush, then watch her inspect me once more. Once I am camera-ready enough for her, she pulls me back downstairs and out of my house, and we are on our way to Adelfo's house.