Erika Sonset's POV (District Seven mentor)

It's that time of year again. The time of year that every citizen of Panem dreads, and every Capitalite loves. Time for the Hunger Games. This year, as we were told, will be the most terrifying games for the past 249 years. It makes since though, since this year is the 250th games and the Quarter Quell. Every member of the Districts loathes the Quells, since they are even more devastating than regular games. This is also the year that I have been assigned to mentor two tributes from District Seven. Two more tributes to watch die as pawns of President Hybrus and his games. Of course, I'm sure that some of the tributes will be overjoyed to be a part of their corrupt system, as I was eleven years ago.

When I was in the 139th games, I volunteered for the honor of my district. I was a naïve fifteen year old who though that she was on top of the world and could do anything. When I won my games, I was proud and excited at first, but then the gravity of the situation came in. I realized that there was a price that came with the crown. Everyday of my life, I would have to relive those horrible days in the arena. The days when twenty three kids were murdered, twenty three families destroyed, twenty three lives ended with the swish of an axe. The worst part was that seven of those murders were by my blade. The bloodstains were long gone, but the ghosts linger on, haunting your soul until you feel like your being ripped apart from the inside. That's what victory is. Its non existent. You never win the games, you merely survive.

I turn on my television set, a nice flat screen. Living in the Victor's Village has some pros, I guess. But the cost to get there was too high a toll to pay. The first image that appears is of the president, who's waving and smiling at the citizens. He appears kind and innocent at first glance, but of you look deeper, you can see the hate behind his colorless eyes. The loathing of the Districts, loathing of our kind. He has the shallow mind of a spoiled politician, but the hate of a murderer. After his smiling and waving façade is finished with, he gives his usual Hunger Games speech.

"Good afternoon, citizens of our proud country of Panem. Happy Hunger Games to you all, and may the odds be ever in your favor. As you all have heard, this year, being a Quarter Quell, is going to be special. Therefore, it is now time to announce this Quell's twist!" He shouts boldly and strongly, without a waver in his deep voice. As he goes over to his antique wooden box, I hold my breath. This is the moment where lives will be changed. Hybrus pulls out a single card, which is yellowed and worn with age, but you can still make out the number 250 on it in big bold lettering, followed by the seal of our country. Taking a deep breath, he reads the card.

"In this year's Quarter Quell, as a reminder that even the youngest died in the uprising, the tributes from our Districts will be reaped from a pool of nine to fifteen year olds. Good luck and once again, happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor!"

I can't believe it! How could they? Twelve was too young of an age to be fighting to the death to begin with! But now there are nine year olds? This whole Hunger Games thing is inhumane and horrible! It's an outrage, simply an outrage. In my anger, I take the item nearest to me, which happened to be an olive green table lamp and fling it at the television, causing a large crack to spread across the screen. Whatever. I'll just get another one. This year's games, however cruel they are, are going to be interesting.

A/N

Hey there! I see you've found this story in the midst of cyberspace and thanks for reading! This is my first SYOT so I'm open to constructive criticism. The form is on my profile, so please PM me the forms! Also, check out angelofmusic4ever's SYOT, the 125th Hunger Games: Fearstruck! Thanks and please send tributes and reviews!

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own anything recognizable.

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