Rhoda Hamilton, District One
When I opened my eyes, I was back in the Games Center hospital room. I knew what that meant. I would have been excited, but until I got a very important question answered, I was terrified.
"How long has it been?" I asked the nurse by the bed. I almost died with relief when she smiled.
"About seven months," she said. I covered my eyes with my hands and sighed in relief.
"Wait, why are we having a Resurrection Games in the middle of the year?" I asked.
"You're better off asking someone else," the nurse said. She brought in some more medical staff and they checked me over. I sat for a few impatient hours as they filled out charts and checked all my vitals. They finally pronounced me free and I was out of there like lightning. Peridot was waiting for me outside the door.
"Guess who's going back into the Games? Not me, unfortunately," she said. She started down the hall and I followed.
"So what's the deal?" I asked. I was so curious about it all, it didn't occur to me to think about the fact that I was dead yesterday.
"A lot of people were pretty pissed when you died," Peridot said as we speedwalked. "It was pretty awesome, to be honest. There were riots in the streets. People were smashing windows and burning torches. I haven't had so much fun since my Games. Anyway, people were sending petitions to the Capitol to get you raised up so you could go back to being pretty and whatever. Normally they'd just ignore it, but the Capitol likes you, too. You're the ideal citizen of Panem. So they rigged up a little something."
"They let me come back?" I asked. I didn't think they liked me that much. I was popular, but so popular I broke every rule of the Games?
"Not exactly," Peridot said. We reached a room at the end of the hall and I saw a bunch of familiar faces. Other people were still trickling in. I saw Onyx on one couch and gave him the side-eye.
"What is this, a mini Career Games?" I asked. "No wait, there's Jack."
"Once everyone gets here, Tits over there will explain it," Peridot said, pointing at Head Gamemaker Titian Qin. I stifled a laugh and snorted at the irreverent nickname. I took a spot on one of the couches and we all looked around at each other awkwardly. I counted fifteen of us, which probably meant we were missing one. Margo Caspian from a few years back walked through the door, and we all looked at Titian expectantly.
"I suppose you're wondering why I've gathered you," he said. "You're all here for a very special purpose. You're some of the best and brightest of Panem. In recognition of your valor, the Capitol has selected you for a once-in-a-lifetime chance."
"Bull," Peridot said under her breath. They had a neat cover story, but we knew the drill. They might not give me any special treatment, but this shenanigan was because of me. I hoped I was worth it.
"You will all go through a series of trials that will test your merit, your mettle, and most importantly, your loyalty. The Tribute that rises to the top will be crowned Victor and will enjoy a position as the Capitol's loyal servant," Titian said. Some of the others groaned, but I was ready to fight for it. This was my second chance to repay Panem. I'd give anything for it.
"You may have noticed a certain distinction among yourselves," Titian went on. Some of you represent the valorous side of the Capitol. Others," he looked at Beth, "represent the regrettably necessary forceful side."
"So we're the heroes and villains," Mary Ellen said. "Heroes suck."
I knew which side I was on. I looked my teammates over. They were a bunch of the greatest Careers to ever have victory elude them. I was proud to be on their team.
