Hello, welcome, and thank you for clicking on my story (if it was a mistake of the mouse then why not just stay for a while…rest your hand). As you've probably already guessed this story is going to be based off of 21 Jump Street but in the Hunger Games fandom…obviously. Anyways, nobody reads anything in bold anyway so I guess I'm just blabbering to no one… only adding on my number of words to make myself feel better…
DISCLAIMER
I do not own the Hunger Games or any characters associated with the books/movie or anything associated with 21 Jump Street.
DISTRICT 13
Sweaty Palms and Heavy Qualms
10…
9…
8…
7…
My heart's racing.
6…
My palms are sweating.
5…
I'm not ready for this.
4…
I wonder how I'll die.
3…
Wait…don't talk like that. Maybe I'll win!
2…
Yeah! I have a shot don't I?
1…
Oh fuck me.
Okay, step one…locate bag. Check!
Step two…retrieve bag. Hell yeah!
Step three…run away. Awesome!
Step four…Holy Shit! Avoid dagger aiming for my skull!
Step five…congratulate yourself for being one kickass tribute!
Run. Run. Run. Somersault (you know…sponsors). Run. Run. Run. Dive into bush!
…and run for god knows how long!
So that's how my day began, running for my life in the 70th Annual Hunger Games. Lucky me…
I remember when my life was simpler. When days would start with my mom yelling at me to frost some cakes then smacking me in the head because I piped the flower petals a ¼" too thick.
I miss those times.
So when did my life turn into one big publicized event of my fight to survive against 23 other kids as a means to entertain the Capitol citizens, you may ask?
Well it all started at the reaping…
"Peeta! Peeta get up and frost these damn cakes you lazy, good for nothi-"
"I'm up! I'm up!" Ugh. What a great way to start the most dreaded day of the whole year. Yes folks, today is the reaping for the 70th Annual Hunger Games! Oh, did you detect sarcasm just there? Hmm, that's odd… you think I would enjoy seeing myself, if not, someone I know selected to die in a public event. Weird.
I slowly made my way downstairs. This day isn't going to stop for me, regardless of the countless wishes I've made to the stars or some shit like that… I'm not really sure how wishes work, I thought I heard someone say something along those lines…never mind.
Anyway… cakes. That is my primary focus at the moment. Ice, smooth, pipe, tint, admire, repeat. I know it might sound kind of sissy, but I love frosting cakes. I just get lost in the patterns that the icing can make. It always amazes me that I can create something so beautiful in a world that is seriously lacking it. And I don't mean to toot my own horn or anything but my flowers were looking particularly-
"Peeta! What the hell is wrong with you! These flowers are hideous…the petals are a ¼" too thick! Who is going to buy a cake with a ¼" thick flower petals?"
-good today. Well then…
"Oh I don't know mom? Maybe hungry District 12 residents whose starvation will be cured by the extra icing I'll be feeding them?"
Smack!
Maybe I pushed that one a little too far?
"Are you trying to be smart with me? You ungrateful rat! Don't you realize that by using extra icing we are wasting money, and if we don't have money then we will starve! How could you be so selfish?"
"Oh, I'm sorry mom. I'll stop helping other people who need it and focus only on helping my family so I can be selfless like you."
Smack!
Ouch! Two before noon, that is never a good sign.
"Now fix those cakes and get ready for the reaping… I won't have you embarrassing me by going out like… that." and she finished by gesturing to my entire body.
Thanks for boosting my ever decreasing self-esteem mom!
"Yes ma'am."
And you thought that flower petal line was just a witty comment made to make my life seem worse than it was…how foolish of you.
So after fixing my horrid mistake and equally horrid appearance I was ready for the Reaping, and by ready I mean I want to hurl in the corner.
Reluctantly I made my way to the town square, seeing all the other nervous faces of the kids whose names were in those glass bowls just outside of the justice building. I swallowed the fast rising bile in my throat and made my way to the check-in. Don't want anyone missing out on such an important occasion, do we?
I stood in line with the other 13 year old boys, wondering if one of them, one of my classmates, would be picked this year. Probably not though, we're still too young to have too many death slips.
Before I could get caught up in my depressing thoughts the District 12 escort, Effie Trinket, made her way up on the stage in a dazzling display of feathers and glitter. To be honest, it kind of reminded me of an arts and crafts project I made when I was five. Well at least she toned it down from last year… oh how I wish I was being sarcastic.
She started off with the typical…
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the Reaping for the 70th Annual Hunger Games!"
Now cue the drunken Victor…
"Oh Effie, what are you doing here? Why are there so many people? …Oh right! The Games…hope none of you die too badly…"
Which was followed by a brief video about…
"The tragic history of our great nation of Panem through the Dark Days and into prosperity…"
Then half an hour later President Snow would give us a few words explaining how…
"The Hunger Games is a gift given to all the Districts of Panem as a way to ensure that the Dark Days will never again be relieved."
And Effie concluded this lovely tradition with a sincere…
"and may the odds be ever in your favour!"
For some strange reason, I wasn't feeling like the odds were on my side today.
She made her way over to the girls bowl and announced, "Ladies first!" and let the lives of innocent children flow through her hands until she found one worth opening.
"Mallory Mortan!"
Hesitantly, a 14 year old girl made her way to the stage trying hard to wipe away the tears that managed to escape. I guess she wasn't quick enough in her pursuit because Effie started ushering her along saying, "It's alright dear, no need to cry."
Which of course caused an even steadier stream of tears to flow from Mallory's eyes. Leave it to Effie to say just about the worst possible thing without even realizing it. Well, now that I think about it anything you say would be the worst thing in the world considering this girl's life just became a whole lot of fucked up.
"And now for the boys!"
Yipee!
What if someone I know is chosen? Or If I'm chosen? Or my brother! Oh my god I totally forgot about Rye…he could be picked…he could die…unless I volunteer…no that's crazy…District 12 doesn't have volunteers…well I could be the first…wait, what am I saying…he wouldn't even volunteer for me…would he? No Peeta, snap out of it! Who says either of you will get chosen? Yeah neither of us will be picked…I mean, what are the odds of that happening?
"um, dude.."
I snapped out of my inner rant as the guy next to me patted my shoulder.
"hmm…what?"
"It's uh…you."
"Huh?"
"You, uh…were, you know…" he stuttered as he pointed towards the eccentric escort whose eyes were locked on mine.
I looked around and noticed that everybody's eyes were locked on me.
"Come on dear, don't be shy."
I looked back at the lady on the stage in front of me with confusion on my face that soon turned to a look of understanding.
"Oh shit."
So there you have it. My tragic story explaining why I am squatting in a hollowed out tree trunk preparing to sleep after a bloodbath in which nine people were brutally murdered.
Well that's it for Day One folks but stay tuned for more bloodshed, screams, and agony coming soon to a television near you! That's right! In just a few short hours you will see me continue to fight for my life in even more cruel and twisted ways in the 70th Annual Hunger Games!
Day Two
Oh hey! Glad to see you stuck around to see more of this fabulous show!
As of now I'm just walking around aimlessly, trying to find a source of water but coming up with nothing. Maybe dehydration wouldn't be a bad way to go... I mean just think about it. I wouldn't have to deal with the gross bloody type of death; I could just relax, close my eyes and sleep forever. Almost sounds tempting.
Wow…this heat must really be getting to me. I am starting to go crazy.
"AAAUUGGH!"
"HOLY SHIT!"
Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. OH MY GOD!
Okay Peeta…calm down. You got this. Just handle this situation delicately.
"You're going DOWN Twelve! Hahahaha…"
Okay, scratch that. There is no delicate way to handle some crazy tribute coming at you with a spear. This is not looking good for me.
But on the bright side at least I'm not the crazy one.
"Okay, just put the spear down and we can handle this logically…"
"Logically? You really are stupid Twelve! But since you're a nice guy I guess I'll give you a brief summary on how this is going to go down. How does that sound? Hmm?"
"Uhh…pretty good I guess. Not really sure how that benefits me but…thank you?"
"Oh ha ha…always the funny one aren't you Twelve!"
"I try."
Oh shit…this is getting really intense now.
"I think I'll start by breaking your legs…" he began as he circled around me. "and then I'll whip out my handy dandy knife here…you see?"
"Oh, by knife you meant that sharp, pointy thing that you're dangling in front of my face… yes I do in fact see it."
"Shut up! Just wait and see who will be having the last laugh when I cut up your pretty little face…"
Aw…he called me pretty.
"…then knock out each one of your teeth and wear them as a necklace…"
That is so fucked up.
"…and finally chop off your head and impale it on my spear as my first kill!"
And now he officially ruined the mood.
"Uh…that sounds fine and all but isn't there someone else you would much rather be a psychotic killer with?"
"Okay, that's it!"
Great going Peeta! The best way to talk to the crazy guy with the big spear is to make him madder so he wants to kill you.
"It ends NOW 12!"
I started backing up as he narrowed in on me and I swear I saw the words 'KILL PEETA' in his eyes. Well I guess this would be a good time to run.
Run. Run. Run. Faster. Dodge. Run. Run. Run. Run. Faster…Faster!…FASTER!
"AHHH!"
Silence.
Cautiously, I turned around, only to find the gross image of my attacker impaled on his own spear after he, I assumed, tripped.
I walked over to his lifeless body and noticed the dagger he was taunting me with earlier was strapped to his belt loops. Slowly I made my way over to the weapon which was conveniently located underneath his body on the side furthest away from me. Well, I do need a weapon…and it's not like it's stealing, he's dead… so there's nothing wrong with what I'm doing… right?
I guess I'll just reach over him here…oh god this is so gross…why is there so much blood… damn spear is in the way… his eyes are really creeping me out… yes! I got it.
Okay now just pull it out slowly…
"yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck… finally!"
That… was nasty.
So, today has been quite productive. I mean, I did win a battle to the death against another tribute… well deranged tribute… and granted he did fall on his own sword… but I'm still alive so I'll count that as a successful fight.
Let's hope tomorrow goes a little more smoothly.
Day Three
Water.
I need water!
Okay Peeta…think! Where did you last see water? Where-oh-where?
The cornucopia!
That's it! I'll go to the cornucopia, take some water, and then be on my way. That should work…wait, no. The careers.
Shit! How'd I forget about them? Well I guess I can go at night, they won't expect anyone to do that.
Maybe because it's stupid…
Well whatever, I've made up my mind. It's either die of thirst or die trying…right?
Wait. Why did none of my options include me living? Let's redo that.
It's either die of thirst or die trying or live and succeed. Yep, that works.
Okay now…we wait!
Target is in sight.
All I need to do now is pick my moment to make my move. Maybe I'll countdown…you know, to prepare myself.
10…
9…
8…
7…
6…
5…
This seems familiar…
4…
What could it be?
3…
Hmm…
2…
Okay Peeta, focus.
1…
And strike!
I'm running, running, running…
Snap!
Shit.
Alright, just keep calm and wait it out. No one is stirring, they're all still asleep, this is good.
That trainer was right; I do need to work on my stealth. I mean, that wasn't even a small twig. It wasn't even hidden under a leaf or anything…
But on to more important things: water.
Alright…I'm almost there. I just have to walk a little closer…reach out…and…yes! I got it!
Okay, now all I have to do is go back.
This actually worked out pretty well. I can't believe I pulled this off. Not going to lie… I really thought something bad was going to happen…
Snap!
Seriously! Was that the same fucking stick?
"Hey! Who's there?"
Well… fuck.
"I said… who's there!"
Well I'm not going to answer…if that's what he wants. But I should probably run.
"Whoa! Hey you! Stop Running! God damn it, why do they always run?"
Way to go Peeta! You try to get water and instead manage to fuck everything up…congrats.
Damn, the guy is gaining on me…well I might as well keep running; it can't really hurt at this point.
"I'm going to get you, and then I'm going to kill your sorry ass!"
Come on Peeta, are you going to let him talk to you like that?
"Yeah…well…you'll have to catch me first!"
What?
"I…know? That was the plan!"
"Well you're plan is stupid!"
"Fuck you!"
"Fuck yourself!"
Okay Peeta…shut up.
"Alright, that's it!"
Damn.
"Aaah-oughf… hey dude…could you get…off me?"
"Hm, should have guessed you were District 12."
"Hey! I take offense to that!"
"Yeah I know…that was the point!"
"Kind of a rude point…"
"Well I'm not a nice guy!"
"Yeah, I got that when you kneed me in the gut."
"Oh ha ha, funny boy. How about you get it from this!"
Oh shit he just pulled out a knife! Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. I'm going to die!
"Not so funny now, is it?"
"I never said it was funny when you kneed me in the gut!"
"Shut the fuck up! It was a retorcial question."
"Ha! I think you mean rhetorical big guy."
Great going Peeta, laugh at the guy who has a knife to your chest. This is deranged tribute all over again.
"We'll see who's laughing…when you're dead!"
"Could you have said anything more cliché?"
"That's it! Lights out funny boy!"
"Yeah, I guess-AAAAAH!"
Oh shit that hurts! I always imagined how this would feel but this is so much more painful than I ever thought it could be. Why is everything getting blurry? Why is it all white? Why can't I feel anything? Oh my god I can't feel anything! Oh no that's not true; I can still feel the pain of getting stabbed! I don't know what's going on. I'm so tired. I just want this torture to end.
Well fuck…this sucks.
Boom!
Hey! You made it to the end of the first chapter! Thank you for wasting time out of your precious day to do that, I appreciate it. I just wanted to say that I do have a plan for this story, as it slightly follows one that was made already, but I still may be slow on the whole 'update' thing. With that being said I will always be trying my hardest to get chapters done as quickly as possible! I feel like that needed to be said since I'm a new writer, just so you guys understand that it is not because I am a mean person who wants to withhold this 'amazing' story from you. No, it is simply because I am a big promoter of the Procrastination Movement and am an avid victim of writers block…what an award winning combination. So basically, I just wanted to forewarn you about that instead of making a promise to update weekly and then breaking it, because that just isn't good behaviour. Now that all that crap is out of the way I just want to say that I am very excited for this story and I hope you all like it!
Till next time, MYC :)