This is a one-shot that I wrote in about ten minutes about an idea I had for the fourth Quarter Quell of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Catching Fire happened as it did, but it's attempts were easily thwarted by the capital. This takes place in the 100th Annual Hunger Games. All of the tributes who contribued in the 75th Hunger Game were killed even if they won or survived. And thus our story begins...

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I have always dreaded this year. Ever since the rebellions of the 74th Hunger Games were stifled and the third Quarter Quell was not a revolt, but an example, the 100th Quell would be important. That much I know.

Once the "mutinous radicals" were put at bay, the Games were more intense than ever. And the coming Quell would have to prove to everyone that the capitol was all powerful. I didn't know what more could happen that could be more dramatic than before.

I remember being told that the first year, people elected their tributes. The second quarter quell, they doubled the amount of tributes. The third quarter quell was reaped from existing victors…and the fourth quarter quell was happening right now.

"This year, at the Fourth Quarter Quell, the 100th Annual Hunger Games, individual tributes are not to be selected. The two names pulled from the reaping will each nominate a family," President Snow announces. My eyes flash open. Two people could send certainly more than five people to an almost certain death. Who knew how many people were going to die at this quell? I continue to watch in horror. "Then the families selected will come to the Capitol and compete in the annual Hunger Games and all will proceed as normal."

And then the reapings begin. Being from District Four, we wouldn't have much time to contemplate what was going to happen. The only nice thing about this year was that in the Career districts, people don't want to be picked, they want their friends to be picked, and you couldn't volunteer so it went much more quickly. There is a family of three selected and a family of five selected from District One and a family of two and a family of four from District Two. District Three was a blur for me and I am just hoping to get through another year.

"Ladies first, as usual!" Effie Trinket smiles. Having Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark go through, even though they were "mutinous radicals", she had been promoted to District Four. "I nominating person for one family is…"

I hear my name. Of course, I think to myself. It was destined to happen. I know I'd never make it out of the reaping age alive. Over one-hundred tesserae, it was nearly impossible. I stand up calmly and go up to the platform to call out a name of a family. I take a long walk, trying to think who I would call. A pin could have dropped and all of Panem would have heard it. Everyone is holding their breath. Then I have an idea. It wouldn't make sense to most, but I'd give it a try because of the desperation of everyone in the audience. No one had tried it, and it hadn't been contradicted, so I'll give it a try.

"So, who will you nominate?" Trinket askes with a theatrical smile.

I grin back at her and say, "I nominate my family."

I felt the breath of the entire audience exhale, and Trinket takes in a gasp. I eye the President who says nothing in objection. Trinket looks at the slip of paper she chose and calls out for my family, and I smile inside. I will be punished, but it will save one miserable family from having to die this year.

"Please name your direct family," Trinket grits through her teeth, loud enough to hear, but not unfemininely loud.

"I am an orphan, Ms. Trinket," I say. I could see Snow's jaw drop and go up to the chair for the tributes and sat down, waiting for the boy to be chosen. I am satisfied. I have saved at minimum, two people from dying. Now I had to go, and face my own death. Survival was zero percent for me, but I'd give it my all and certainly not go down trying.


I think I actually WILL continue, so add an alert if you're interested! Reviews are welcome and please check out my other stories!

Thanks for reading,
Marionettes