Hunger Games FanFiction
Okay, this is my first ever fanfiction story written so I don't know how people are going to like it. English is my second language, so there might be some errors in this story. Hopefully those won't district you from reading. If you like my story it's advisable to comment or something, because I don't have any motivation without any readers. I also don't know how everything goes with copyright, so I'll just say: I own nothing. Enjoy Reading, and the song for the Chapter is Comes and Goes by Greg Laswell.
Brief is life, but love is long
'Comes and goes in waves'
Katniss POV
It's the morning of the Reaping and I'm walking to the academy to the Picking of the volunteers. I have been going to the Career Academy since my father died and my mother stopped taking care of me and Prim, my sister. The Academy offered me a scholarship which also included payment for my family. My dad taught me archery before he died at the archery station in town and when some of the school faculty saw my shooting they immediately offered me a scholarship. It's hard to think that I can be chosen to volunteer at the Reaping but I'd do anything to keep my little Duck save.
Once I arrive at the big and fancy building I am being escorted in by a staff-member. Everything in District 2 is very formal en organized and there is nothing spontaneous about my District. District 2 always has its volunteers ready before the Reaping and that's why nothing happens at our Reapings.
I remember the Reapings of other Districts which have more unexpected outcomes and I both envy and pity them. I want the same kind of freedom but I like knowing that prim will be safe.
I walk in the Picking-hall and am being directed to 16 year old place. I stand next to Clove who is my frenemy. We actually hate each other but we act really friendly when Cato is around. Cato is the most popular guy of the academy and happens to be my 'boyfriend'. Clove has the biggest crush on him and sometimes Cato and Clove hook up behind my back. I don't really care because I don't love Cato. He is nice when he wants to be, but I'm only with him because no one turns down Cato and I don't want my family in trouble.
"Ready to lose?" Clove asks me.
She really wants to become a tribute and get the glory she thinks she deserves. I, however, don't want to be in the games, but if I say It out loud I will be kicked out of the Academy.
"In your dreams Clove, in your dreams. And while you're there, say hi to Cato for me, since that's the only place where you will fully get him" I respond bitchily since that's the only way to shut her up.
She scowls at me, but also looks sad at the realization that Cato will always pick me over her.
We put our attention to the stage where the headmaster is standing to announce the volunteers. It's a hard process to decide who volunteers and the students don't know how it actually works.
I pray that my name won't be called. I haven't been the best at everything, especially the social skills that the person needs. We get lessons in interviews and I always get it wrong. I'm not really anything. Not friendly, charming, cruel or any other thing that would get me sponsors easily. So I'm always relieved when the teacher says I'm awful, since my chances are slimming because of that.
Headmaster Carter has been assigned to lead the Academy and has close relations with the District 2 victors. Victors often show up at trainings to pick their favorites for the Picking.
Carter starts with a speech about the beginning of the Hunger Games and how the Academy was formed. Then he introduces the two victors who have been chosen to mentor the tributes this year. The victors are Brutus and Hellena, the most vicious victors in the history of the Games.
After the victor introduction Carter asks for the envelopes. Brutus gives them.
" This year's volunteers and therefore tributes are Cato … and Katniss Everdeen."
When I hear my name being called I go numb. I don't hear anything he says and hardly see what happens around me.
I do hear people applauding and some people congratulate me. As if it is something to be happy about… Cato, however, acts the opposite of me. He is jumping up and down and runs to the stage to give a little speech:
" Let's show the other districts who's boss in Panem!" He shouts out loud.
A little shove in my back brings me back from the first shock. I walk to the stage and stand next to Cato to accept the honor of being a volunteer.
When I'm back home I have to tell the 'bad' news to my mother and sister. They both see that something is wrong and don't have to guess what I have to say.
"So you're going in." My mother says without any emotion. Prim starts crying immediately. I don't know what to do but hug her. I try to keep calm, because nobody can know how I really feel. I don't want to be a target.
The Reaping starts in two hours, so I have enough time to say goodbye to my family. At one point Gale comes in. Gale is my best friend ever since I met him at the archery station. His dad owned the station, but died at the same accident my dad died in. Gale now runs the station and I sometimes help him with it.
"Catnip, I know you can win! You just have to get rid of Cato before he gets rid of you. You know much more about nature than him so that won't be a problem. I know you've had problems practicing the interviews, but just think of Prim or someone else when you do them. Just be yourself."
"Gale, there's 24 of us and only one can win. I know how to hunt, but people is a different thing than animals." I plead.
"There's no difference. Just shoot straight and you'll be a victor." He says with determination.
I can't hear any more of this sickening stuff. I notice that it's time to go to the justice building.
"I appreciate you helping me, but it's time to go to the Reaping. I will see you in the building?" I ask.
"Okay, yeah, I will visit you and think of things I have missed in our strategy." He says.
We hug goodbye and I go to my room to change into the outfit that has been brought to me when I was talking to Gale.