Author's note: So this chapter took a lot of thought. It's also the reason why it took me so long to post it (to my friends who have been waiting). I wanted to think about how this announcement would come across, and I think I got it. Tell me what you think. Sorry it's a short chapter… It will be the only one this way.
Announcement of the Games
It was a beautiful night. A night like no other. Bombs in the distance could not be heard anymore. The war was over. The dark days had passed, yet the districts still bowed before the capital. It was a loss that hit hard for so many.
Tonight there was a televised announcement that was required for all to hear. Families without Tvs walked to the center, and watched on a big screen. Other families sat together and waited in unrest.
It was eleven o'clock when the broadcast came on. There the president sat, all high and mighty, waiting to speak. It was either you hated him or you didn't, but at this point no one spoke their opinion.
"The dark days are over." He began, his voice clear, and as cold as ice. "This war shows that the capital still stands above Panem. In the events leading up to the Capital's victory, district thirteen was completely destroyed." The picture of the president changed to District thirteen. Bombs fell from the sky, setting the district ablaze. Smoke, and ash covered the blue sky. Then the images faded back to the president. "You see? There is nothing you can do to over power us, yet…we didn't think that was good enough. Beginning tomorrow will mark the first reaping for the first ever annual hunger games! A boy and girl from each district between the ages of twelve and eighteen will be chosen from each district and be placed in an arena to fight to the death. In the end one victor will stand. This will symbolize the Capital's generosity. Tomorrow at twelve be in the center, and there your tributes will be chosen. Make sure to look your best. Happy Hunger Games!"
All the Tvs shut off with silence. It was too much to take in. Twenty-four would leave, and only one would return. That night parents talked to their kids, explaining what that meant. There was no nice way to put it. There was a chance they will never see each other again.
That night all of the eligible kids stayed awake, and stared at their ceilings. Whether or not they believed in a God, they prayed. They prayed for their safety, and the safety of their friends. From this moment on they had to grow up, and act mature. Be strong… The innocent will be stained with blood.