Disclaimer: I do not own Sonic or The Hunger Games!

Well it all started on reaping day, the most feared day of the year. Citizens of district seven lined up in rows, with the girls on one side, boys on the other. I myself had to separate from my little brother, Spark, for the reaping.

"Luna, I don't want to leave you!" The golden hedgehog cried, wiping tears from his eyes. I quickly shooed him to the 'Boys' line.

"Spark, you have to stay put. And don't worry, you'll be fine." I soothed, turning back to my line.

My stomach clenched. I only hoped that was true. Spark had his name only put in the drawing once and there was a very slim chance he would be picked. I still worried though. My head spun with images of past games. The slaughter of children, grass stained with blood… The thoughts made me shiver.

Walking up and down the rows, I noticed the yearly Uprising video had started. I didn't pay attention. Instead, I found a spot in between two girls and watched helplessly as my frightened brother cast an uneasy glance toward me.

My light blue quills turned pale at the thought of being chosen for the games. Not only for my sake, but for my brother, and the thought of him being left alone.

My father had died mercilessly in the clutches of one of Eggman's robots in the 'Uprising.' And my mother passed not long afterwards from a deadly disease spread by radioactive muck that had polluted the ground.

All Spark and I had left was each other. And that vivid memory of the stranger that saved our very lives…

It was a cold night. Snow fell from the sky and searing wind seeped through our fur and chilled our bones. I picked up my brother, praying desperately for a miracle; for someone, something, to save us.

The shivering hedgehog looked up at me with weary, pleading green eyes. I knew in my heart that if he did not get food and warmth soon… he would die.

I began to run. From house to house I pleaded "Please, help us! Save my brother!"

Every door was slammed in my face and my heart began to pound. I could feel Spark's body go limp in my hands and I fell to my knees. No…This can't be happening!

I pressed my pelt to his, giving him all the warmth I possibly could. I wished my tears could bring him back… I really did. My purple eyes trailed into the distance and my heart broke inside of me.

Spark…

I felt a hand on my shoulder and slowly turned around. I laid my head on my brother's lifeless cheek. "W-why did he have to die?" I asked, patting his golden quills. "Why couldn't it have been me instead?"

I shifted as a figure slowly moved from behind me. "Don't worry," said a soft voice,

"Everything will be alright."

Tears streamed from my eyes as I looked up to the stranger. "How can you say that?" I cried, "Everything I have ever known and loved is gone!"

The stranger leaned in closer. A red hood drooped loosely around his shoulders and the storm kept his features hidden from view, but I watched as his warm green gaze rested upon my lifeless little brother.

He reached out gentle hand. "Let me see him." He asked, nodding towards the body.

I don't know what it was that told me to trust him, but I silently and hopefully lifted Spark up in my hands.

The stranger looked him over, taking him in his arms and cradling the little hedgehog. Pulling something gleaming from his pocket, the stranger laid his caring hand on my brother's cheek. He closed his eyes, muttering something under his breath.

I heard a gasp come from my brother's body and I felt my heart skip a beat. Spark opened his eyes and shivered.

"Luna, it's cold!"

I quickly lunged forward, wrapping my arms around the hedgehog. "Spark! Oh, Spark, thank goodness!"

The stranger gave me a gentle smile. "He'll be alright, but for now, he needs shelter."

I nodded my head as tears streamed down my cheek. "Thank you," I cried, "Thank you…"

The stranger gently grabbed my hand and led us down a narrow alley. A small shack came into view and I gasped. Smoke fled from mantle at the top of the building, reminding me of how cold I was.

The stranger opened the door and beckoned us inside. I welcomed the warmth, walking slowly towards the crackling fire. I saw a couch and laid Spark down on top of it, covering his shivering body with a thick blanket. I watched him yawn and close his eyes. A few moments seemed to pass and I heard him let out a soft snore.

I looked up, hoping to see the stranger, but he wasn't there. "Hello?" I called, "Is anyone there?"

I frantically searched the house.

A bright gleam of light caught my eye and I turned towards the dining area. A note was left on the table next to a green gem. I picked up the delicate gem in my hands and quickly read the note.

"The green gem I have left with you is one of the legendary chaos emeralds. Handle it with care and keep it hidden. I ask that you don't tell anyone I was here. You and your brother are something special and I am glad to have met you. Look to the emerald for help and if you need me, I promise I will be there."

I set down the note and ran back to the door, opening it just in time to hear the sound of retreating footsteps. "Wait!" I called, reaching towards the darkness. The figure stopped and slowly turned back around, his warm green eyes glowing warmly.

I nodded my head in a friendly gesture. "Thank you, for everything."

"I just love that don't you?" A loud voice called, snapping me out of my memories. The video had ended and I drew my attention to the pink hedgehog that was standing on stage.

"Well now," she continued, "It's just about time for the reaping."