Promises, Promises
The 95th Hunger Games
Rating: T
Warnings: None for this chapter
A/N: Heya! This story was inspired by the recent release of the Hunger Games Trailer. I have always been obsessed with the Hunger Games series (Although I hated Mockingjay -_-) but I didn't have the guts to write a story about it. So here is my first attempt! I have several hundred thousand HG OCs, but Khione is one of my faves. So, here is her story in the dreaded Hunger Games. I know I shouldn't be starting another story, but plot bunnies keep raping me! oO
BTW: While reading the Hunger Games, I imagine District one to be pretty fabulous…not like the Capitol famous, but like, better than the other districts…So don't review about how I portray District 1! Nobody except Suzanne Collins really knows what it looks like (yet…). So don't give me crap about it!
1
"Again."
The spear flies straight and hits the center point of the target for a fiftieth time.
"Again."
This is repeated again and again until little drops of blood fall from the hand of the thrower. The spear clangs to the ground.
"Again."
The spear remains on the ground and the thrower makes no move to take it up again. The blood doesn't stop. Moans of pain begin.
"Khione, again."
No movement. All that is heard is the soft whimpers from the small, eight-year-old girl.
The owner of the voice is a young boy of the age ten. He has cropped, silver hair, and glowing green eyes that reveal a hint a pity. He comes forward and takes his little sister's hand, kissing it.
"It'll be alright, Ki." He says, brushing his fingers through her long, ivory hair. "You can stop now, I'll tell Dad you did one hundred. You've done well. You've done enough."
The little girl shakes her head. "N-no," She whimpers, withdrawing her hand from her brother's. "N-no, I can- I can d-do it, Kadis"
Kadis shakes his head. "You don't have too, Khione." He stands to his feet and backs away. "Again."
Khione stands to her feet, her bluish-silver eyes shining with determination. She takes the spear in her uninjured hand, her left and her non-dominant hand.
Kadis notices. "Khione…."
The spear flies forward and sticks in the target, just below the center. Kadis can't hide the look of shock on his face.
"Again."
This time the command comes from Khione.
…
"Again!"
Khione, now ten, grabs hold of a tree branch and catapults herself in the air, flipping several times before landing, with her bow loaded with an arrow. She lets the arrow fly, heading straight towards her brother.
Kadis blocks the arrow with his sword, leaps forward and swings his blade, scarcely missing his
sister as she jumps back to avoid the blow. However, she is not fast enough to block his next attack which is a punch in the face.
Khione falls to the ground, skidding to an uncomfortable stop. She is up and on her feet in a split-second, dagger in hand. Kadis barely avoids the dagger as he ducks to the side.
This battle continues on for hours. Neither of them stops. Every once and a while, they might run and hide in the forest, but the battle quickly resumes.
By the time night falls, Khione feels like she is dead. She has multiple gashes on her body. She is sure they are all bleeding since they have not been properly cared for. The only thing comforting her is the knowledge that Kadis is experiencing the same pain. She has managed to wound him just as much as he has her.
She leans against her tree, breathing hard.
You can do this, you can do this, you can do this…
In the distance she hears the faint sound of a horn, but in her current state of mind, she is sure she imagined it. It is cold and wet from storm from the previous night. Khione is sure she will freeze to death if she doesn't bleed to death first. In her hand she fingers a silver necklace given to her by her mother, Sabine. She says silent prayers, whispers ancient verses from religious text and rocks herself back and forth to keep warm.
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. I can do all things…I can do all things…
She is sure she will die of frostbite now. The blood is probably frozen anyway. She imagines another horn sounding. Normally, if she were in her right mind, this would be the signal to come home, but her father can't possibly be calling them in this early…
A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man perfected without trials.
Her hand is glued to her bow. She tries to pull it away. She tugs and tugs. The ice breaks with a loud CRACK!
"Ouch," She mummers, the pain barely registering in her brain.
Alte Füchse gehen schwer in die Falle. Old foxes go with difficulty into the trap.
She attempts to stand, but her legs aren't reacting to her commands. She sits back down, laying her head against the tree trunk.
A green fruit gets ripe early. A green fruit gets ripe early.
"Khione!"
By this time, Khione has lost consciousness. Kadis takes her in his arms and carries her back home, their father leading the way with a lantern.
…
It is the first time Kadis qualifies for the Reapings. He is twelve, the appropriate age for a Hunger Games participant. Khione hasn't stopped crying. Her mother Sabine holds her to quiet her, but it is no use. She won't stop crying unless Kadis holds her.
When he separates from his family to go stand in the twelve-year-old pit, Khione's cries can be heard all across the courtyard where the Reapings are held.
He isn't ready. He isn't ready for the games yet.
Not yet.
Khione isn't ready to let him go yet.
The escort, Scottie Hines, is smiling as he reaches into the crystal bowl to pick a slip of paper.
"And your female tribute is…"
Khione drones out the noise, crying extra loud. Her father, Orion takes her from her mother and gives her a no-nonsense look. She quiets.
The girl tribute looks strong and defiant. She will most likely be a winner. District 1 will prevail again.
Khione's heart stops as Scottie Hines calls attention back to him so he can announce the male tribute.
"And your male tribute…"
Khione is sure she will die.
No please, please, not Kadis…notreadynotready….I'm not ready can'tloosehimcan't…
"Attica Lares!"
Khione starts crying again. This time, tears of joy.
When the Reapings are over, Khione runs into Kadis' arms, hugging him tight.
"Khi, you can't cry like that anymore, okay?" Kadis picks her up.
Khione latches on to his neck. "You can't go to the games, not yet…not ever."
Kadis says nothing more.
Khione doesn't let him go for the rest of the day.
….
They aren't supposed to train. It's not allowed. Sure, some people turn a blind eye to it, you can't do it often. This is why Khione Gaiden, at age eleven, is stuck at home on a perfect, summer day. She is looking out the window, absently twirling a dagger around her pale, lithe, fingers.
Kadis is at her side in a millisecond. "Put that down," He hisses. "Do you want the entire district to know about our weapons? Dad went through a lot to get that, but if the Peacekeepers saw-"
"Aright Kads," Khione says. "Quit lecturing me and come keep me company." At her brother's hard look, she adds a "please?" Kadis' harsh looks fades and he's smiling brilliantly. He sits by her side and they begin a game of chess.
…
They are very rich.
Khione knows this, because unlike most kids in District 1, she has a silk dress studded with blue jewels. None of the other girls have this.
…
This is one of the many signs that show Khione that she is very different from the rest of her District.
…
She has private lessons. Her tutor is brilliant. He is a victor from the hunger games. He teaches her to be smart, to always have a strategy for everything, and to be strong. Yes, these aren't normal lessons for a child to learn, but she is Khione Gaiden, future victor of the Hunger Games. For her, nothing is normal.
…
Her father, Orion Gaiden, isn't strict. He is firm yet loving. He just wants his children to make names for themselves as he once did. They were born for Victory. He instills this in Kadis and Khione at a very young age.
…
Khione is twelve. She is old enough to participate in the Hunger Games. She holds Kadis' hand as they walk to square where the Reapings are held. She is scared. She has never been more frightened in her life. Not only does she have to worry about Kadis, but she also has to worry about her safety. But, better she go to the games than him.
Scottie Haines is still smiling. He reaches into the bowl, once…twice.
Khione can breathe again. They are both safe.
…
Khione has two best friends. Kista and Magde. She loves them both. Kista is funny and smart. She understands what it's like to be rich like the Gaidens. It is easy to talk to her. She has silk dresses too. But sometimes Kista acts childish. Khione leaves her for Magde at this time.
…
Magde is her older sister. She is wise, even though she is only one year older than Khione. She gives her advice and keeps her out of trouble. She is beautiful, but she is not rich. She doesn't understand how Khione feels sometimes. This is when Khione runs to Kista.
…
Khione didn't understand many things when she was little. She used to say, "I'm going to marry big brother one day! I'm going to marry Kadis!" Kadis would just laugh and her parents would join in. Her mother then proceeded to tell her that was impossible. Now, at age thirteen, Khione sees it is not so impossible.
Jaede. He is perfection. He is tall, muscular and smart. He has bleach blonde hair and eyes as golden as the sun. He treats her like she is gold. He protects her, tells her what is right or wrong, he looks out for her. He is Kadis.
And for this reason, Khione knows he is the one for her.
…
At fourteen, she and Kadis have the "talk". Kadis tells her that one day he will go to the games. He might even volunteer. He is sixteen now, and Khione can understand is agitation. She feels it too.
She has all this knowledge of the games, and she wants to show Panem what she can do. She nods in agreement to Kadis' rant. She wants to go the Games, yet at the same time, she doesn't.
She enjoys her life. She likes her friends. Kista, Magde…Jaede.
Next to Kadis, Jaede is the most important person in her life. These two men are the only thing keeping Khione in District 1.
"I feel useless." Kadis says, frowning. "We've trained for years! It seems like a waste to let all this go to waste, don't you think?"
Khione nods. "I feel like I should be going to the games, but…really, Kads, I kind of don't want to go at the same time."
"Because of Jaede, huh?"
Khione's normally pale skin is blooming red. "N-no! He's not the only reason…"
"Me?" Kadis says.
Khione nods. "I don't want to be away from my family and friends. I love you all so much, I just can't bear the thought of…leaving you all."
Kadis looks up at Khione, his green eyes sparkling. "Tell you what. Let's make a deal."
A smile plays at Khione's lips. "I'm listening."
"We won't volunteer for the games until we are eighteen. If we aren't Reaped by the age Eighteen, we volunteer, alright?"
Khione nods. "Deal."
…
"I hate the Hunger Games."
Jaede's voice is so filled with anger and distain, it frightens Khione. They are sitting in a small garden near the courtyard where the Reapings are held.
"They are terrible. The Capitol thinks they can just kill children for entertainment with consequences…there will always be consequences. They just don't know it yet."
Khione looks around, nervously. She is worried someone will see. She tries to quiet Jaede.
"No, Khione. Let them hear. Let them! A revolution is coming; and when it does, I'll be the first to join it."
Khione whirls to face Jaede. "Stop!" She hisses. "If the Peacekeepers heard you, you'd be publically executed or worse, sent to the games!"
"Well I'd give those bastards a show." Is the retort.
Khione shakes her head and wrings her hands. "No Jaede, you can't talk like that! I don't want anything to happen to you."
This seems to calm him. "I'm sorry, Khione." He looks up at her, his golden eyes and hair reflecting the luminous sun above. "I just get carried away sometimes."
Khione smiles. "You're just very passionate."
Jaede laughs and it is music to Khione's ears. "Is that what they are calling it these days?"
Khione joins in his mirth. When the laughter dies down, Jaede turns to Khione, all playfulness gone from his face.
"Seriously Khi, something needs to be done."
Khione shakes her head again, blushing. She is not brave enough to talk or even consider such things. "Just let it be, Jaede. Just let it be."
…
They have other argument. Jaede is so fired up about this idea of insurrection and he can't seem to hold it in. He shares his ideals with Khione, trying to get her opinion which she keeps to herself. She is brave, but not like Jaede. He is completely without fear.
Khione envies his courage.
…
Year fifteen is the worst of Khione's life, because it's the best. She and Kadis are closer than ever; She and Jaede are starting to admit feeling for each other; Kista and Magde are still her best friends; her parents are well. Everything is great. Life is great for Khione.
….
As it turns out, life isn't as great as Khione once believed it to be. It is reaping day. She is standing in the fifteen-year-old pit, waiting for this dreaded day to be over. She is ready to go home and lay on Kadis' lap and go to sleep. She looks over at him with the other seventeen year olds. He rolls his eyes at her and yawns as Scottie Hines drones on about the capitol.
Laughing, Khione turns to the sixteen-year old pin to look at Jaede. He looks angry and determined. She prays that he isn't considering volunteering. Jaede is impulsive like that. Khione waves him down, and when he meets her eyes, she shakes her head, mouthing "no". Jaede starts to laugh-out loud. Scottie Hines stops his speech and glares down at Jaede.
Being the dangerous, idiot he is, Jaede tilts his head, and gives a slight wave.
Oh gosh, he will die! Khione covers her eyes; luckily Scottie Hines continues to read, ignoring the sudden outburst.
Looking back at Kadis, he is shaking his head. Khione shrugs.
"Now for this year's tributes!"
Khione stops breathing. Kadis stiffens. Even Jaede straightens up. Everyone is frightened. Khione reaches beside her for Magde's hand. She turns to the fourteen-year old pin to see Kista, visibly shaking, but looking tough.
"Gentlemen first!"
Khione prays for Kadis and Jaede. She prays for their safety. Khione can't bear the thought of losing either one of them.
"Baylor Riddle!"
What kind of name is that? Khione looks to see a small, beastly sort of boy step towards the stage. He is scrawny and-
"I volunteer!"
Everyone turns to see a boy step forward. He is older and bigger than Baylor, but they favor each other. They both have shocking red hair and equally engaging blue eyes. Maybe a relative?
"What is your name, brave fellow?" Scottie asks.
"Harlan Riddle."
Baylor is clawing at Harlan's arms, crying. "No, no." Harlan keeps face and shoves his sibling back.
"Get lost Baylor!" He shouts, stepping on stage
Khione knows that look on Harlan's face. He is trying not to show weakness. He is brave. Khione feels for him. He is-
"Khione Gaiden!"
Khione squeezes Magde's hand. It is over. Great, now she can, wait, what-? Khione's legs don't seem to be working. She can't move.
"Move, Khi, don't appear weak!" Magde is pushing her, harshly, but she still can't will her body to react.
"Khione Gaiden!" Scottie Hines calls out again, searching the crowd.
Everyone is looking at Khione. Khione knows they are counting on her. Not much is known about Harlan, but everyone knows Khione. They know what she can do. They are counting, betting on her return.
"Ms. Khione Gaid-"
"Shut up, I can hear you!" Someone yells. Khione realizes it's her. She stiffens and walks towards the stage with a mask of strength.
"There had better not be one volunteer," Khione manages a smile, despite the pain in her heart, ripping it apart. "I am going to win the games for District One!" She thrusts her fist upward, to the sky. She meets Kadis' eyes. He is nodding and smiling, but he knows that this is all a front.
Jaede refuses to look at her. Magde looks proud, but is crying. And Kista is howling.
Her parents smile at her, and wave, happy that District One will have another victor.
So they think.
…
Khione picks at the soft, velvet throw on the chair in the Justice Building, as she waits for her next visitor. Her parents have already come, Kista and Magde just left. The two most important men in her life are next.
Jaede walks in.
"If I could have volunteered for you, I would have." He holds her tightly and Khione fights tears. She will not look weak- not in front of him- not now.
"I would have punched your lights out," She laughs.
Jaede doesn't join in. "This is serious, Khi."
"No, it isn't," Khione says, a little harsher than intended. She calms herself. She is only worked up because she needs to drop her mask. But not now. "I am going to come back to you; I will win the Hunger Games."
Jaede avoids her eyes.
The guard announces times up when Jaede grabs Khione and kisses her. The kiss is far too short for Khione likes, but she lets him go before they get in trouble.
"You better not be lying…. I need you, Khione." Jaede rushes from the room.
Kadis had better be next. Khione can't keep up her façade, not after that. She needs to let go, she needs to…
"Kadis!" She clings to him and weeps, falling to her knees and taking him with her.
"I don't want to go, I don't want to go-" She sobs.
"I know Khione, I know."
"I wanted someone to volunteer so badly-"She whimpers.
"You know you can win, Khione." Kadis says, looking deep into her eyes. "You know you can."
Khione nods. "I know, but if I do win, will I be the same person when I come back?"
Kadis shakes his head. "No." He answers truthfully. Kadis has never been one for lying of covering the truth. He tells Khione things straight. That is how she likes things. "You will never be the same Khione as you are today. But at least you'll be alive. And that is how I want to see you again, Khione. Alive. With me. Here. "
He stokes her hair then reaches in his pocket for something. "Take this, it's yours. It was supposed to be for your sixteenth birthday next week,"
He gives her a shining, gold locket with her names embedded on the front. Inside is a picture of her family and her three best friends.
"To remind you who you are."
Khione hugs Kadis, body shaking with tears.
Khione squeezes her brother tighter. "I love you, I promise to come back to you, Kadis. I promise."
Don't make promises you can't keep, Khione! What do you think? Reviews are worshiped