So here is my first story! I hope that you all enjoy reading it, I am a big fan of both The Hunger Games books and movies (have already seen Catching Fire twice in theaters, plan on seeing it again later this week). The introduction might seem a tad boring because no familiar characters are brought in, but a few familiar faces will be entering next chapter! Also, I would like to say that I am actually a huge supporter of Finnick x Annie, and think that their relationship is absolutely adorable, I am just a big OC writer, as well. Hopefully that doesn't deter many from reading this story, and feel free to tell me what you think! Unfortunately, I do not own The Hunger Games or any of its lovely ideas or characters and all rights belong to Suzanne Collins.
Although her district was never silent—you could always hear the crash of waves, the yells of fishermen, the pattering of children's feet against the sand—there was an eerie calm that always settled over the residents during this time of year, muffling their enthusiasm and usual vigor. It wasn't something that was openly discussed, but simply understood. The whole municipality falls under a spell until the ceremony is over, and then things eventually return to their normal pace, for the most part.
Winter hated this time of year, just like most people in District Four.
After this year and next year, I'm safe, she thought to herself, as she floated in the waters. She hated herself sometimes for thinking so selfishly, but after everything that had happened, she couldn't help herself. After these next two reapings, I'm safe. She closed her eyes as she silently celebrated the thought.
Being seventeen in the districts had its perks; only two more years of going through the reaping, and she would be safe from the games for the rest of her life. Two more ceremonies, and she would be able to sleep somewhat easier at this time of year. The only problem was, the older she grew, the less likely it was that a Career would volunteer for her in the case that her name was chosen. Winter wasn't sure whether she rejoiced or regretted never becoming a Career, but she liked to think she rejoiced. Logically, it made the most sense to be as well-trained as possible in the case of entering the games; plus, volunteering for a younger, less-able person was always honorable. Yet something about training to kill always made her feel uneasy.
Just as she was going through these mental debates, as she did almost every year, she heard a muffled voice. Opening her eyes and adjusting her position so the water would escape her ears, she realized the voice belonged to Carsten, who was walking towards the water.
"If you don't stop meditating in the water, you're going to turn into sea foam!" She taunted from the shore, and Winter smiled despite rolling her eyes. She applauded Carsten for being up so early as she began to swim towards the shore.
After less than half a minute of swimming, Winter was again on the beach, walking towards her friend. Carsten threw a towel at her.
"All that water in your head didn't make you forget what today was, did it?"
Winter used the towel to dry her hair and then the rest of her body as she answered. "Not really an easy thing to forget," she replied, being more serious than she intended.
"Jacob was worried about you," Carsten told her, looking at her carefully to gage her reaction. "Thought you might try to run, err, swim, away again."
"That was two years ago, he needs to let that go," Winter groaned. Jacob was always concerned over her. It was nice, yet burdensome, at the same time. It was completely understandable why she had a breakdown that year just before the reaping, but that's all it was. A momentary lapse, an emotional meltdown because of what happened just the year before. Winter quickly tried to quit mentally re-visiting the source of her unraveling, but it was difficult.
"You have to admit, it wasn't your greatest plan," Carsten then said with a light laugh, lightening the mood once more, just as she always did. Winter eventually joined in with a few chuckles, and the pair began to discuss her dramatic, ill-advised antics as they made their way back to their homes. Carsten's home was closer, and the two said their temporary goodbyes as Winter made her way back towards her own house alone.
Just as she was walking down the street, she began hoping her mother wouldn't be too angry with her for not trimming her hair and scrubbing under her nails like she promised she would for the reaping. She began to calculate if she still had time to perform these tasks before having to get dressed and check-in when she heard someone yell her name, and immediately recognized it as Jacob.
"There you are!" The relief seeped through his voice unfiltered, and Winter sighed. He ran until he caught up to her. "I've been looking all over for you."
"Apparently, not all over," Winter teased smartly, but added on a more sincere note, "But I appreciate the concern, Jacob." She then looked him over quickly and added, "You look nice. Celebrating your first year of freedom?"
Jacob laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks, Winnie. But you know I won't be celebrating until you and Carsten are out of the tribute pool."
Winter wasn't sure if it was the reminder of the games or the heartfelt remark that made her feel the surge of emotion, but she suddenly found herself embracing Jacob tightly. He immediately reciprocated, swaying her gently from side to side.
"I'm so glad I have you," she told him, even though she knew it probably wasn't exactly what he wanted to hear, but she was never sure if she could spill those words to him in total sincerity. Not the way she was now. "You and Carsten. I'm very lucky." She wanted to laugh at the irony in her words even though she meant them.
"You know I'll always be here for you," Jacob reassured her. "Always." The two stayed in their embrace for a moment longer, until Winter noticed some girls fixing each other's hair.
"Shoot!" she exclaimed, breaking away from him and running in the direction of her house. "I'll see you later, Jacob, I really have to start getting ready or my mom is gonna flip!" She could hear his light laughter as she sprinted away, and it left a faint smile on her lips.
Just as she burst through the door, her mother walked towards her.
"Where have you been! Oh, your hair is a ratty mess, did you go swimming this morning? You know I told you not to do that, it always makes it so much more difficult to get a brush through," her mother rattled off, attempting to run her fingers through Winter's hair as she flinched.
"Yes, mom, I know, I know, I'm sorry," she repeated. "Just had to clear my head." Her mother stopped fiddling with her hair for a moment to look at her with sad eyes.
"I'm sorry, dear. It's fine, we'll just throw it up in a bun," her mother conceded with a tight smile, her eyes still expressing sorrow. Winter smiled back as her mother began to work her magic, cleaning her face, untangling her hair, shaping her eyebrows, trimming her nails. She ended up twisting her hair into a formal looking bun, although allowing her fringe and a few stray pieces to frame her face; she brought out a simple—but clean and ironed—light blue dress for her to wear, as well. All in all, she cleaned her up very nicely, and all in record time. It was something her mother prided herself on.
"You look lovely," her mother crooned after she was finished. "It's almost time to check-in, though. So hurry along, and I'll be there soon. Stay safe, and look out for Mendy Pendleton's children, will you? They're still so young."
"Yes, mother," Winter replied, feeling guilty for not considering the poor twelve and thirteen year old neighbor children earlier in her pity party.
"And I'll see you later, for dinner. I'm making lamb stew," she said, as if her safety was already reassured. It may have been overly optimistic, but Winter appreciated it. Winter nodded, and then leaned in to peck her mother on the cheek before leaving. "I'll be there shortly!"
Winter, along with several other children from the same area, began making their way towards the Hall of Justice where the annual reaping was held. She held back for a moment, however, until she spotted two familiar faces—Cindy and Stark Pendleton—and walked towards the two frightened looking children.
"Hey, danger duo!" Winter jokes as she nears the pair, who turn around and now have bright smiles on their faces.
"Winnie!" The children cry as they run into her arms, and she embraces them tightly. After letting them go she holds their hands and helps guide them to the check-in area, making light-hearted small talk to keep their minds away from the games. She drops them off at their respective areas, and then goes to the seventeen year old section, where she sees Carsten has already been registered and waves to her briefly from where she stands near the front. Winter waves back, but her hand is yanked by a Peacekeeper as he goes to take her blood.
Before she knew it, she was standing with the same group of kids she stood with every year, in front of the same hall, thinking the same thing. Not me. Please, not me.
The escort, Kendra Phinkler, began to say the same thing she says every year, except in a different shade. Last year her skin was dyed a nice pale pink—it could almost be considered normal looking—this year it is more of a pale turquoise color. Her eyes are bright and decorated with small rhinestones, and her lips and eyebrows are a matching gold color, that seems to reflect the sunlight. Her dress is the same color as her skin, but simply a much darker, brighter shade, with intricate gold designs. It is tight around the waist, and then poofs out. If she were into all the superficial designs and trends of the Capitol, Winter would probably find it appealing. But at the moment, it just seems outrageous.
Then the video played. Winter stopped bothering to watch it; it was always the same. Instead, she looked towards the surrounding crowd, looking for a familiar face. Everyone was required to attend the reaping, because not attending was punishable by death. She searched until she saw Jacob, who also wasn't paying attention. He rolled his eyes and made a slight funny face, causing her to have to stifle a giggle. After it finished playing, Winter turned her attention back to Kendra.
"Now, it is time to select our courageous male and female tributes!" She shrilled, and Winter's heart jumped into her throat. "First, we will start with our lovely ladies," she said with a smile, tip-toeing in her high-heels towards the female tribute bowl.
Not me, not me. Please. Not me.
Winter looked towards Carsten, who gave her a limp half-smile.
Not her, either. Not me. Not Carsten.
Then she turned around slightly and noticed Cindy.
God, definitely not her. None of us. Why does it have to be any of us? I wouldn't wish it upon any person in this crowd.
She couldn't stop the rush of anxious thoughts as Kendra's finger swirled around the female tributes. Her heart jumped into her throat, as it does every year, causing her to hold her breath. Kendra finally picked a name at this point, and was walking back to the microphone to read it out loud.
She smiled brightly. "Winter Clarring!"
Winter heard a shriek from the crowd. The kids surrounding her all turned to look at her, clearing space. She just now registered the cries as her mother, and her first thought at that moment was, I'm so sorry mom.
So that was it! Just when Winter Clarring was beginning to think she was in the clear, reality comes in and gives her a slap in the face. See how her friends and family react in the next chapter, as well as who her fellow male tribute is, and how the pair react with their mentors! Hope you all enjoyed :)