Author's Note: It has been a while, hasn't it? I wasn't planning on writing anything for a few more months but a friend of mine has asked I write this and I couldn't say no. Most likely after I have completed this story I will be leaving FF. I will continue to post on other sites like Moonlightflower though...
-

Prologue

The Hunger Games started over 58 years ago. Then there was no districts, only a few small surrounding villages around the capitol. The villages were free to do as they wanted except one thing, they could not fall in love with demons.

The demons lived inside the villages to but were not violent. They protected the humans, giving them strength and sometimes, falling in love. When this happened both the parents and children were killed by the capitol. Eventually this led to a war, the humans and demons of the villages against the capitol humans.

The humans mostly relied on the demons to do most of the fighting because of their super natural powers. The Capitol noticed this and began to work on a way to subdue them, trying many methods until one finally worked. This method of subduing drew on the yokai's yuki, the energy that gives them the powers and immortality.

Because of this the demons withdrew the alliance they held with the humans, breaking away from the fighting. Without the help, the revolver's were easily defeated by the capitol.

Over time the subduing method was toned down so it only held the demon's powers at bay, not destroying them.

The districts were set up, the humans mostly being forced into the outer edges of each district.

A year later the capitol came up with a way to keep the districts under control. Every year they demanded one human and one demon tribute from each district be sent to compete in a fight to the death.

The rules:
The tributes may bring one item to remind them of home.
Half demons count as full demons during the games.
If a demon lives with humans they are considered a human and vice versa.
Only one winner is allowed.
The only power the demons are allowed to use is speed.

Chapter One

When I wake up that morning I am cold. My fingers instinctively reach for Shippo's warmth. Nothing. I turn over, facing the bed on the other side of my wooden hut where my mother, Kikyo, sleeps. I see Shippo, curled up beside her. Most likely he had nightmares... it is the day of the reaping. Shippo is a demon but because he lives with humans, the capitol views him as a human.

I watch them for a few minutes, smiling softly at the sight. My mother is turned towards the wall, her soft features hidden from me. Shippo rests his head on her shoulder, his tail between his legs. On his feet lay the cutest cat in the world, Kirara.

Kirara is a two-tailed yokai cat. She is a light creamy yellow with black markings. Her paws are black with a stripe above that. Her two tails have two black stripes on them and her for head holds a black diamond that is complemented by her scarlet red eyes. Kirara and Shippo get along great but I don't particularly like the yokai.

A few years ago when Shippo and Kirara came to live with me and mom, the cat tried to kill me. Kirara has another form, a giant cat that looks just like her. Ever since then my distrust of the cat has grown and she knows it. I intended to kill it long ago but Shippo begged and cried so hard that I had to give in.

Shaking my head with a soft sigh I slowly sit up, slinging my legs over the bed. Pulling out a small chest that holds my things. I take out a good working kimono and my old, worn out sandals. Inside is a small box that holds my left over coins and my necklace, a small purple crescent moon that symbolizes my district, the Inu.

I stand up, walking over to the table where Shippo leaves the snacks he always makes me on Reaping Day. I lift the bowl and find a small strip of dried rice that has been sweetened with rare sugar layed out on a leaf. Smiling I pocket the special treat and grab my bag and bow and arrows, walking out the door.

The part of district 12 that me, Shippo, mom, and Kirara live in is called 'The Seam' or the human area. The demons in the district, mostly Inu, forced the humans to live on the edges. My house is right beside the fence that keeps us inside the district. The Capitol claims it is to keep out wild animals but no one believes that one bit, not even the demons. The fence is supposed to be electrified 24/7 but since most of the power lines in the seam are non-working so it is usually safe to touch.
Swiftly I slip onto my belly and slide under the fence. We aren't supposed to go past the fence, it is punishable by death but the 'Peacekeepers' don't really mind. Almost everyone in district 12 goes a little hungry and the peacekeepers turn a blind eye to us as long as we give them a discount. By we I mean me and my friend and hunting partner, Kohaku.

I make my way into the trees, continuously glancing over my shoulder to make sure no one is following. Even though the fence is rarely electrified it has succeeded in keeping all the mutations and demons that the capitol has released on the districts in the past, In Order to scare them and keep them in line, out.

During spring and summer a few brave villagers venture beyond the fence to collect fruits and other wild foods. It is during this time that me and Kohaku practice our hunting skills. I am pretty effective with a small sword or spear but I can also aim a bow and arrow pretty well. Kohaku excels in setting traps and using a range of old demon slayer weapons.
Reaching the spot I hide my weapons I grab a small dagger and strap it to my hip before taking the bow and arrows back up. My spear is missing and I assume Kohaku took it.

I begin to make my way down to the lake where me and Kohaku always meet. Seeing him sends my heart racing. He waves and I wave back, a grin on my face.

A few hours later after our illegal hunting and selling, Kohaku and I head our seperate ways, ways to get dressed for the reaping. Shippo has already got water ready for me, cold but water. After my quick scrub I silently slip into one of my few kimono and go to help Shippo with his hakama.

My mother silently braids my hair, weaving a few small flowers into it.

After all of us are dressed we head to the village square. It's a pity that the reaping is held here, otherwise it would be a good place for humans and demons to meet.

The demons, especially the inu, have an interesting story that I would love to hear. I silently bend down, giving Shippo a hug before walking off toward my section of the roped off areas.

Kohaku meets my gaze and I give him an awkward smile in return. The smile doesn't reach my eyes though, truth is... I am afraid. Afraid for Shippo, afraid for Kohaku, and afraid for myself.

Soon enough Effiee Trinket comes onto the stage. Eiffee isn't the most pleasant site to see with her large pink wig, pale white skin. And her lipstick... it is a bright neon green.
I roll my eyes as she babbles on and on with her famous 'may the odds be ever in your favor' speech. "Now for our first tribute. Humans first." As Effiee says this I begin to pay attention. Slowly, so agonizingly slowly she reaches into the Crystal ball.

Everyone holds their breath, including myself, and it is in this moment that you could hear a pin drop.

"Shippo Sakura."