The RPG Games
Chapter 1
By Lucia Widdop
A/N - For those who are not familiar with the story/concept of The Hunger Games I shall explain. This idea is set in the future the world is made up on one huge continent named Panem and all of Panem is divided into 12 districts. District 13 was annihilated by the Capitol (the rulers of Panem) after rebelling.
Now each year each district but offer up two tributes (between aged 12 and 18 one male and one female) who are selected randomly (although you can volunteer) to fight to the death in the Annual Hunger Games.
There is only one victor.
Districts 1-4 are the richest as they are close to the Capitol, tributes from these districts are called Careers as they are trained in a special academy and then they volunteer. Districts 10, 11 and 12 are the poorest.
If there's any questions, feel free to ask
Xion climbed out of her soft, fluffy bed and stared at herself in the mirror. Today was the day when she would offer herself as a tribute for the Hunger Games.
She should have felt afraid, but instead all she felt was excitement.
For years she had excelled in the academy, her strength greater than any other female in her district.
Her tutors had praised her constantly and this year it was her turn, finally, alongside fellow career Cloud Strife she would be in the arena.
She closed her eyes and imagined what it would be like.
She imagined slaying the other tributes and then defeating Cloud, returning home bringing all of the money and pride back with her.
She would show those other tributes who was the best and she would show those other districts which district was in charge, she knew it would always remain number 1.
Her mother had picked out an outfit especially for the Reaping.
It was a black fitted dress with smart black boots and Xion loved it.
She imagined the face of that woman Larxene as she selected each tribute.
For many children and families the Reaping was the worst day of the year, but every year Xion had stood in envy as all of the other tributes entered the battlefield, faced the others and ultimately defeated each other.
As she pulled on her clothes and sat down for breakfast, Xion couldn't help but notice that her mother was a little pale.
"What's wrong mother?" she asked sweetly knowing full well that her mother loathed the Hunger Games but couldn't do anything about it.
"You know my thoughts on those games, now hurry up we have to get to the Reaping on time." she replied curtly.
"You're gonna lose Xion!" taunted her annoying little sister Marlene.
Xion glared at her.
"You wait until it's your turn kid then we'll see who will lose! I'm going to bring back that prize, just you wait and see!" replied Xion shortly as she brushed through her short hair.
Her mother didn't bother arguing, she hated this same feat year in year out.
Her daughter was actually enjoying this yet she feared for them both, the pain and the dangers they would be up against.
"Xion you still have one year left at the academy, why not train for another year it's dangerous out there, you saw what happened last year…" trailed off her mother.
"Just because some idiot got chewed up by snacker jackers doesn't mean I will, I'm ready mum I have to do this. I have to show that I'm worth something and we'll be rich mum, really rich and we can help protect Marlene." she said eagerly.
Her mother nodded and attempted to smile but Xion could tell it didn't meet her eyes.
How can you smile when your daughter is walking into a war zone?
Xion couldn't helped but be relieved that Marlene wasn't old enough to be in the Hunger Games.
She knew that Marlene would never survive.
The siren call of the bell tolled calling all of the eligible children and teenagers to be identified and then for one of them to be reaped.
Xion marched out of the door not surprised when her mother and sister followed her.
This year was the first year that they had actually gone to a public Reaping, Xion just hoped that her mother wouldn't try to talk her out of volunteering because Xion had made up her mind.
Once arriving each candidate stood as they had their finger pricked and then their blood was used for identification.
Children cried and clung to their parents as they gave their blood and Xion shook her head in scorn.
She likes many of the other teenagers just wanted to get up on that stage already not wait around.
The presenter this year Larxene stove on the stage smirking at each candidate as they all filed into position.
Her long blonde hair was slicked back and her green eyes glinted in the sunlight.
Xion knew that she couldn't wait to get to the poorer districts when she would get to select a whimpering child and then lead them to their death.
Finally, it was time.
The usual clip was shown highlighting events of the last Hunger Games.
Xion couldn't help but grin as a black skinned boy grabbed a Career girl and smashed her head against the Cornucopia.
This is what the Hunger Games was about showing off your talents.
Eventually Larxene gave a quick speech and then drew the first name of the selected tribute.
"Olette Finch!" she called.
A small child aged twelve with large green eyes began wailing as she was pushed forwards.
Xion watched as the girl's family began crying as their daughter walked forwards.
Then she stepped forwards.
"I volunteer." she said.
Larxene stared at her not fazed in the slightest.
"Come on then, what's your name?" she asked.
It was commonplace that the tributes from districts 1-4 were volunteers, Xion didn't even know why that 0lette kid and her family had bothered getting upset, this was District 1 any teenager felt lucky to fight in the games.
"Your name?" asked Larxene getting impatient.
"Xion Castellano" Xion replied coolly.
"Well come up onto the stage." said Larxene chirpily.
Xion walked to the stage smiling and waving as the crowd burst into a round of applause, she couldn't help but notice that her mother and sister weren't clapping instead clinging on to each other.
"Well on to the boys," said Larxene dipping her hand into the bowl of names.
"Denzel Jensen!" called Larxene.
"The crowd turned towards a small twelve year old boy with long sandy blonde hair.
The boy stuck his chin out defiantly but Xion could tell that he was terrified.
"I volunteer." called out a voice.
Xion scanned the crowd to try and find the mysterious boy who had volunteered.
As the crowd parted and the boy began walking towards the stage Xion felt a shiver run down her spine as she realised it was none other than Cloud Strife.
Cloud was lethal with a sword yet he'd always refused to volunteer for the games, he was emotionless, cold and she was not looking forwards to fighting him in the arena.
"Your name?" asked Larxene as he reached the stage.
"Cloud Strife." he replied coldly.
As he climbed onto the stage the crowd erupted into yet another round of applause.
Xion herself joined in with the clapping but Cloud didn't show any joy nor did he show sorrow, instead her just stood staring at the crowd with piercing grey blue eyes.
"Well that concludes the reaping in District 1 give it up for Xion Castellano and Cloud Strife this year's tributes!" yelled Larxene as the crowd cheered, clapped and whistled.
That was the last thing Xion remembered seeing before she was ushered into a room preparing to say her goodbyes…
XXX
Sephiroth pulled his long, silver blonde hair back into a ponytail before smiling wickedly at himself in the mirror.
This year's Reaping was the final year where he would be eligible for the Hunger Games then he was free to watch and laugh as all of those pathetic children volunteered truly believing that they had a chance.
Of course if he entered everyone would be dead and he would be the lone victor, Sephiroth was an excellent swordsman and there was only one person who was evenly matched in his abilities and that was a man named Cloud Strife.
"I suppose I'd better head down to the reaping, could be interesting to see who has been selected so far." he said to nobody in particular.
Pulling on a smart shirt and trousers and grimacing at the feel of the silky fabric against his skin Sephiroth left his house just as the siren call of the peacemakers began ringing out into the air, calling all candidates to be reaped.
Sephiroth sighed as he went through the familiar process of having his finger pricked for his blood stamp, then went and stood alone in a corner wondering who was planning on volunteering this year.
Eventually a woman arrived on stage, she had long blonde hair slicked back and piercing green eyes and she wore a huge flamboyant black dress with several layers of ruffles underneath.
Once every child had been identified she clapped her gloved hands in glee.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome!" she chirped into the microphone as the crowd began clapping wildly.
Sephiroth looked around, how could these people be clapping, knowing that each year 23 children and teenagers died in an arena all in the name of a game?
Firstly the District was shown a small clip of the reaping in district one, whereas Sephiroth did not know the girl Xion he couldn't help but grin when he realised that his arch nemesis had volunteered.
Maybe this year he would do the same.
Next, after watching a rather gruesome clip of last year's Hunger Games, in which a girl from District 2 had her head caved in my a huge black guy, the presenter who introduced herself as Larxene finally got round to selecting the tributes.
"As always ladies first!" she trilled.
The crowd fell silent as Larxene dipped her hand into the bowl until she finally pulled out a name.
"Aerith Gainsborough!" called Larxene.
The crowd began to murmur, shocked whispers echoing through the grounds, as a young and beautiful girl stepped forwards.
The girl had soft, brown hair which she wore in ringlets and large green eyes.
Dressed completely in pink, Sephiroth finally recognised her as the girl that Cloud was in love with.
Licking his lips in anticipation he smiled, this year he would definitely volunteer, he would slice that pretty girl into ribbons in front of Cloud then he would defeat Cloud once and for all, that arena would be their graves.
"I volunteer!" shouted a young girl.
Sephiroth stamped his foot in frustration, he had so wanted to get to that girl.
He would still volunteer, though, just to get to Cloud and he'd slit this girl's throat for getting in the way of his plan.
"Yuffie Kisaragi!" called the girl, Sephiroth realised that she had been asked her name.
He took a good look at her she was small with a short mop hair.
She was fairly pretty with Asian style features.
"Excellent Yuffie, and now for the boys!" called Larxene smiling.
She'd barely picked out and read out a name before Sephiroth volunteered.
"I see, what is your name?" asked the presenter.
"Sephiroth Crescent" he replied as he walked forwards.
The girl Yuffie's eyes widened in surprise at him volunteering.
Everyone knew that Sephiroth was a loner preferring to avoid large amounts of attention, so it seemed very out of character for him to be volunteering for the Hunger Games.
Little did they all know that this guy had a score to settle.
XXX
Margarete completed adjusting her blonde braids just as the bell tolled calling for all candidates to sign in for the reaping.
"Ah shit!" she cursed, she was going to be late something in which the Peacekeepers and Game makers did not look fondly on.
Charging out of the door she was surprised to see her friend Yuri waiting for her, considering it was Reaping day.
Yuri already knew that Margarete was planning on volunteering and had even been helping her train.
"You'd better not die in these games, who am I gonna talk to if you go?" he teased.
Margarete smiled, she was quite nervous if she was honest with herself but she was not a coward and was determined to enter the games no matter what, especially as she knew that she would be able to outsmart most of the other tributes.
"Don't worry, sonny boy! Everything's gonna be fine!" she said gaily hoping that if she said it enough times it really would be time.
They reached the Reaping grounds and Margarete sighed as she pulled a glove off and allowed a soldier to prick her finger.
Yuri kicked up a fuss until she practically had to hold him whilst he had it done.
"Jeez Yuri show a little gumption!" she hissed, secretly feeling glad that he wasn't entering the games.
She knew that he just didn't have the brain capacity to survive, but once she'd won and she had her money she'd definitely treat him and his family.
As soon as they had been identified they were separated, Margarete couldn't help but stand on tiptoes to try and keep an eye on him.
Like a little brother to her, (a good looking little brother), she was always watching him as he always managed to find a way to cause trouble.
After watching the reaping of Districts 1 and 2, Margarete couldn't help but start to feel a little uneasy, these kids were deadly, strong and smart, she'd definitely have to watch her toes out there.
Eventually this years presenter, Larxene was ready to select the tributes.
The female was a small child named Ellone.
The child clung to her parents crying and screaming, she barely looked twelve.
"I volunteer!" called Margarete.
As she walked forwards she could feel the stares of every other human being in that same area.
She turned catching Yuri's eyes. He looked worried and scared but she smiled bravely despite her fear and continued walking forwards.
"Name?" asked Larxene sounding almost bored.
"Margarete G Zelle" she replied dully.
Suddenly she wasn't feeling as brave as she had been before, why oh why had she volunteered?
When she caught the eye of the child who had been reaped she knew the answer.
To prevent this happening to children like that, to bring pride to her district, to…
"And now for the boys!" the voice of that god-awful presenter interrupted her thoughts.
Margarete wondered who would get reaped, biting her lip as another child a rounded kid named Pence was reaped.
The kid's lip began wobbling and his equally rounded parents began crying, tears sliding down their puffy cheeks.
Margarete couldn't bear it, there had to be some way that the poor little child could be saved.
"I volunteer" called a familiar voice.
No, no, no!
She couldn't believe this what was he doing?!
He wasn't smart like her he might be strong but he wasn't a guy who could outsmart his opponents.
"What is your name, boy?" asked Larxene.
"Yuri, Yuri Hyuga" he replied.
XXX
Axel winced as his finger was pricked for identification, today was the day of the reaping and today was the day where he could finally prove that he was more than a troublesome Pyromaniac.
Standing amongst the crowd of children and parents he craned his neck, searching for someone he knew but could not see anyone that he knew.
As the presenter got up on the stage his heart sank.
It was none other than Larxene a woman who used to come from their district and a girl who he used to be best friends with and even had a crush on until she left for the Capitol to work as a presenter.
Axel stood feeling awkward throughout the video clips not watching the movies but staring intensely at Larxene hoping that she had not yet seen him, knowing that in the next ten minutes he'd be stood beside her on that stage.
"Now for the reaping as always ladies first!" called Larxene.
Axel waited not really paying attention until a young girl volunteered.
She had a huge mass of flaming red hair which she wore high in a ponytail.
She was dressed in a uniform of some kind and she was actually quite attractive.
Axel stood gawking as she revealed herself to be Karin Koenig.
As soon as the boys were reaped Axel felt his heart speed up, as his friend Hayner was called forwards.
Hayner wasn't much good at training and Axel knew that if he ever ended up in that arena he would be immediate cannon fodder.
"I volunteer!" he called out.
Slowly but surely the crowd dispersed, clearing a path for him to get to the stage.
He stepped forwards nearing the stage, as he stared at Larxene her eyes flashed in recognition.
Pushing back painful memories Axel instead focused on the girl Kari who glared back at him.
"Name?" asked Larxene her voice wavering.
"You should already know my name Larxene, but for those who don't…I am Axel Bass." he said as the crowd gasped in shock…
XXX
Namine gasped in fear as the bells tolled calling everyone to the grounds for the public reaping.
"Don't worry it won't be you." soothed her mother as she began shaking and tears squeezed out of her eyelids.
"Come with me?" pleaded Namine.
"Always." replied her mother.
For Namine Spring each Reaping was her worst nightmare.
She'd seen children be forced into the games and then had watched as they were killed brutally in the battlefield.
Every year she stood with her mother and prayed that her friends would make it through the Reaping.
But this year was different, this year her name was in the mix, although chances were slim that she would be chosen her name was still going to be floating around in that jar.
She could either run away and become an Avox and have her tongue cut out or she could enter the games and pray for a miracle.
This year she was the vulnerable, it was her that her friends were praying for and she felt sick to the stomach thinking about it.
Namine wore a simple white dress and pulled her long, pale blonde hair into a bun wrapping a small fishing net over it for good measure.
Namine and he mother walked to the grounds in silence.
Namine's mother didn't want to distress Namine by lying when she said she would be fine and Namine didn't want to distress her mother by crying, it was a going to be a difficult day for the both of them.
She managed to block out the pain as her finger was pricked, her mother holding her hand was a comfort in itself, Namine had always been terrified of needles.
Suppose she did get in the games. She had an excellent aim ad long as she could get her hands on some throwing knives or even make her own slingshot she would be fine, she just had to hope that she would have a strong team-mate who was willing to help her out.
The soldiers marched in after the final children has signed in and stood by the exits should any child try to escape.
Namine swallowed nervously as she watched the clip of last year's Hunger Games, she watched as tributes were ripped apart by these weird animals and grimaced as tributes slit other tributes' throat.
It was horrible.
When watching the video of the Reaping's of other districts, Namine felt a cold sweat bathe her body.
These tributes were like monsters every one of them were volunteers and were not fazed about the fact that they would be slaying each other.
The presenter Larxene finally gave a small speech as the video clips came to an end and Namine bit her lip in anxiety, it was time.
Larxene seemed to be enjoying the sheer terror which was written on each child's face.
"Ladies first!" she announced dramatically and then slid her hand in the glass jar fumbling around until finally she picked out a piece of paper.
It can't be me, my name is only in once what are the odds of me being chosen? Namine told herself but she could not stop her heart from racing.
Larxene unfolded the piece of paper and then took a step forwards to the microphone.
"Namine Spring!" she called.
Namine turned to her mother whose face was wrought with anxiety and upset.
Namine tried to smile but ended up fighting back tears.
"Would anyone like to volunteer?" asked Larxene knowing full well that volunteers only generated from Districts 1-4.
Silence, not one person was willing to take her place.
Namine walked forwards her legs shaking beneath her, as she reached the stage, Larxene seized her arm pulling her onto the stage.
Namine gazed at the crowd her eyes wide in fear, as she spotted her good friend Hayner he smiled weakly at her but then bowed his head.
Everyone knew that nobody was willing to take Namine's place.
"Now for the boys!" called Larxene mockingly.
Namine squeezed her eyes shut and prayed that it wouldn't be her dearest friend Hayner she just knew that she wouldn't be able to kill him.
"Squall Leon heart!" cried Larxene.
Namine opened her eyes and watched a tall boy with light brown hair stepped forwards, she could tell that he was strong watching his muscles ripped beneath his clothes.
All she could hope was for an alliance.
"Would anybody like to volunteer?" asked Larxene.
Namine noticed a boy with blonde hair smirk at Squall but he did not offer to take his place.
Both Namine and Squall were doomed together.
"Now we have our courageous tributes from District 5, shake hands tributes!" called Larxene.
Namine offered her small hand to Squall who grunted and then shook her hand with his gloved one.
The tributes from District 5 were the first of the many unwilling…
XXX
Riku smirked as he watched the clip from last year's Hunger Games.
Really with last year's tributes it was a surprise that anyone had won.
I mean come on a Career got taken down by Snacker Jacker's? The boy just laid in pile of mud waiting for that annoying 'girl on fire' to save him?
The whole thing was ridiculous, not that he wanted to take part, he just wanted to get to nineteen already so this stupid charade would be over and he wouldn't have to watch as creaming kids were dragged away from their parents to fight.
The next clip was of the other reapings in districts 1-5 which had already taken place.
Riku surveyed his possible opponents, the girl Xion didn't look like she'd be too much bother but she was a Career so he'd have to make sure he didn't underestimate her, the boy Cloud looked dangerous but Riku reckoned he'd be able to hold his own in a fight against him.
From District 2 Yuffie looked small and easy to defeat but who knew what skills she had? The male Sephiroth looked incredibly challenging, but the way he'd reacted after seeing Cloud and that girl who was reaped Aerin? Aeris?
Well he obviously was in the games for his own reasons.
From district 3 the woman looked confident but not overly strong, the boy seemed more strong but Riku reckoned that he'd be able to outwit him easily enough.
From district 4 that Axel guy looked like a wuss and the girl? She was just acting brave she'd been slain easily enough.
That left the boy and girl from District 5 the girl with the blonde hair was cute but Riku knew that she would go down straight away, the boy was difficult to read bur Riku made sure not to underestimate this guy as well.
If he was reaped he'd have a fair shot at winning he believed he just had to wait and see.
The woman Larxene was currently choosing a piece of paper which would choose the female tribute, it was a young girl named Hildegard Valentine.
Riku looked around trying to spot her and there she was and boy was she hot!
It would be worth entering the games just to be on her team, it'd be a pity when she died.
Nobody volunteered to take her place but she didn't seemed afraid despite seeing her opponent's so far. Instead she smiled revealing sharp and pointy teeth and tossed her mane of golden blonde hair.
Now for the boys.
"Riku Crawford!" called Larxene.
Riku stood stunned, he hadn't expected to be reaped this year.
He'd actually be fighting with that blonde hottie Hilda.
Riku smiled arrogantly and tossed his head, silver blonde hair flying out behind him as he walked towards the stage.
As he stood next to Hilda and was forced to shake her hand she actually winked at him!
Riku suppressed a blush and smiled back icily.
This years Hunger Games were going to be interesting.
XXX
Tifa waited in anxiety as she stood with her little brother and sister twins Fuujin and Raiijin. She was thankful to the stars that they weren't old enough to enter the Hunger Games, but as she stood with her co-worker Barrett she couldn't help but fear for both herself and him.
The clips of the other reapings and then the clip of last year's Hunger Games was being shown.
Tifa insisted that both children kept their eyes firmly shut, although she knew that it time they would have to face the dangers of the Reapings and possibly the games themselves she couldn't help but want to protect and shield them from the horrors even if it was only a little while.
"Tifa, you won't get picked will you?" asked a small Raiijin quietly.
Tifa shook her head.
"My names only in 6 times just like Barrett it sounds like a lot but compared to the other's and in the grand scheme of things it's unlikely." replied Tifa hoping that the odds would be in her favour.
"Mine's not, mine's in 18 times." whispered Barrett.
"18! Why didn't you tell me?" whispered Tifa back.
"Because you're better with the kids than me and I have a higher chance of winning than you" replied Barrett shortly.
Tifa imagined Barrett in the arena, it was true, being ex army he was strong and muscular and he was smart as well, he'd definitely have an advantage over the other tributes if her got picked.
"Well let's just hope neither of us are chosen then." whispered Tifa.
It was time.
Larxene was on the stage and she was preparing to chose the female to represent District 7 in the games.
Tifa squeezed her eyes shut.
"Are you okay Teef?" asked Fuujin.
Tifa lifted Fuujin up onto her shoulders.
"I'm fine but you must both be quiet else we'll all get in big trouble." she answered patiently as Barrett lifted Raajin onto his shoulders.
"Tifa Lockhart!" sang Larxene.
Tifa's eyes snapped open, she'd actually believed that she was safe.
She turned to Barrett who looked equally as shocked, he stood there in silence.
Tifa slowly lowered Fuujin to the ground who instantly clung to her leg.
"No, Teef you can't go!" cried Fuujin.
"I have to, Barrett take care of the kids!" Tifa called as the soldiers bustled her forwards.
Her heart aching Tifa finally climbed onto the stage and stood next to Larxene blinking back tears which would mark her as a victim.
As Larxene called for any volunteers, Tifa prayed for a miracle but nobody was willing to take her place.
Her heart ached as she watched Fuujin and Raijin bury their small faces into Barrett and Tifa prayed that he wouldn't be reaped.
There odds were against her but he still had a chance, all she had to do was stay alive.
Larxene was ignorant to Tifa's pain as she pulled the male's name from the jar.
Please not Barrett, Tifa hoped.
"Halley Brankett!" called Larxene.
Barrett was save, Tifa exhaled a sigh of relief until she saw the small child head over towards the stage.
Again small children began whimpering as their big brother was taken away from them.
Tifa shot a glance at Barrett who nodded back, he was willing to look after these kids as well.
Tifa couldn't mask her look of disgust as the boy was pulled onto the stage by the evil Larxene.
"And that concludes the reaping of District 7! Shake hands tributes!" called Larxene.
Tifa took Halley's small hand in hers.
"Don't worry I'll protect you." she whispered to him.
If I can protect myself, she thought…
XXX
Alice Elliot silently prayed to the lord that she wouldn't be chosen for the Hunger games this year.
So far she had managed to avoid the games for three years in a row.
But this year…her name was in more than the average 16 year old, her father Morris Elliot didn't believe in her hunting which meant that she had been taking out Tesserae as often as she could.
Whilst Alice had never minded taking the Tesserae it was a scary thought that this year she might actually be in the arena.
She could make excellent traps and snares but was not strong enough to wield a heavy weapon and her aim was bad which meant she'd be hopeless at killing a person.
Her father stood with her holding her hand.
"Do not fear Alice, the lord is merciful if you are chosen it is his will as long as you believe, he will protect you." he said.
Alice nodded, she'd always been a Christian and was very religious but for the first time she was doubting her beliefs.
Although she hated to admit it she wasn't sure that God would be able to save her not this time.
The woman Larxene was dressed very inappropriately Alice couldn't help but think, in revealing dress.
Alice felt almost silly in her green blue church dress, black sturdy shoes and white stockings.
"Father, if I get picked you'll pray for me won't you?" she whispered to her father as Larxene stuck her hand in the jar ready to reap the first female.
"Of course I will Alice." he replied his brow furrowed with stress.
"Alice Elliot!" called Larxene.
Alice stood stock still as the ground fell silent and then parted, almost like Moses and the red sea.
She looked at her father a single tear slipping down her face.
Her father bowed his head and Alice realised that he was already giving up on her.
Alice waited patiently hoping for a volunteer but nobody offered to help her and so she walked unsteadily to the large platform.
Once stood on the platform, whilst Larxene insisted on making a huge show of picking the next name Alice kept trying to catch her father's eye but he refused to look at her.
Alice bit her lip in anger, she had risked her life to help feed him and now he was giving up on her?
Giving up she focused her gaze into the distance towards the shining sun wondering if this was the last time she would see her district.
"Johnny Garland!" hollered Larxene.
Alice looked around to see what her fellow tribute would be like, he was small with blonde hair and large blue eyes.
He looked the same age as her.
There was only one person standing with him, a large man named Lenny who was shaking his head in sorrow.
Johnny climbed onto the platform and finally shook Alice's hand.
"I'll do everything to protect you Alice." he said quietly and Alice stared at him amazed that he wanted to fight for her.
"Thank you." she said in response.
He was already fighting harder than her father…
XXX
Roxas walked towards the grounds with his best friend Selphie in tow.
"Happy Hunger Games!" he roared mocking the Capitol.
"And may the odds ever be in your favour!" quipped Selphie in return.
Both of them had their names in way more times than anyone else in their district but both were laughing all the way to the grounds.
Selphie had insisted that they not get down about it stating that if they were chosen they were chosen but at least they'd die laughing.
Roxas secretly thought that Selphie was being way more cheery than necessary but he was going along with it.
That way if either of them were reaped then they would at least have happy memories.
Roxas detested the capitol his older brother Tidus had died in the Hunger Games, Roxas had tried to volunteer but they refused him saying he was too young.
Tidus had been killed by the game makers, he'd come second and the game makers were creating a finale they'd done a huge explosion which had killed Tidus making some Career named Reno the winner.
Roxas had hated the Capitol ever since and so every year he and Selphie insisted on making a huge joke of the games.
So far they'd never been reaped but were determined to win and then badmouth the Capitol should they ever get reaped.
Once they reached the arena Selphie sneezed as they took her blood spraying a huge wad of snot onto the card which had sent Roxas into hysterics.
They were lucky not to get punished but had insisted it was fate as they danced to their allocated places.
Throughout each clip that they were shown Roxas had to bite his lip from laughing when he caught Selphie's eye and she mimed sneezing.
Eventually the dreaded time arrived and Roxas was surprised to feel a surge of panic rush through him, strangely enough though he was more worried about Selphie than he was himself.
Larxene made yet another dramatic show of pulling a name from a jar.
"Selphie Till mitt!" she called.
Roxas's heart sank as Selphie boldly walked forwards head high in the air despite the dangers she was going to face.
As expected nobody volunteered to take her place.
"Roxas Colton!" called Larxene.
Seriously the both of them?
Selphie's face fell as she heard Roxas' name and he walked forwards shoulders slumped.
This was very, very bad if one of them was to make it home they'd have to kill the other one.
Roxas was prepared to die for Selphie although he knew that her stubbornness wouldn't allow it.
As he reached the stage Selphie caught his eye and smirked and when they were forced to shake hands they couldn't hold out any longer.
They gripped hands and burst out laughing shocking Larxene into silence.
Their luck had finally ended.
XXX
Sora ran his hands though his unruly, spiky hair as he watched the clips from last year's Hunger Games.
They had been brutal he thought as he watched the large, black guy Thresh kill the Career from District 2 Clove.
There had been two survivors that year and he knew that this year they wouldn't allow it.
Sora just hoped that it was nobody who he cared about that would be reaped.
A popular and upbeat guy Sora was always willing to stand up for his friends in any situation.
Finally the presenter Larxene was ready she almost knocked over the jar of names as she pranced on stage and Sora bit back a laugh.
"Rinoa Heartilly!" announced Larxene.
Sora thought his heart was going to stop, he recognised that girl with the ink black hair, she was the one who had saved him when he nearly got caught hunting.
She'd helped him over the electrified fence and distracted the Peacekeepers so they didn't catch him. In other words she'd saved his life, and he hadn't seen her since.
Looking around Sora hoped that someone would volunteer but nobody saved her..
Rinoa's face paled but she stood there bravely waiting for the next tribute to be called.
"Vexen Madgett!"
Sora felt sick, Vexen was not a fighter he was a good friend of Sora's and suffered from a blood condition named Haemophilia.
Sora shook his head as Vexen stumbled towards the stage defeated.
"No!" Sora cried before he could stop himself.
Vexen turned around his face ashen but his eyes wide from hope.
"I volunteer as tribute!" cried Sora.
The crowd gasped in surprise and Vexen stood still.
"Sora you've done enough for me in my life this is not your time." he replied calmly.
Sora shook his head.
Despite being ill Vexen was excellent at identifying plants and he's taught Sora plenty over the years.
"Vexen you can't I won't let you!" he cried.
"Well come up onto the stage young man, what is your name?" asked Larxene.
"Sora, Sora Mitchell" replied Sora.
"Well Sora, your friend is safe for now, come onto the stage!" called Larxene.
Sora climbed onto the stage and glanced at Rinoa.
Judging by the dad expression on her face he could tell she recognised him.
"And we have the tributes from District 10!" yelled Larxene.
She was expecting a huge round of applause but instead everyone raised their hands in the classic District 13 way.
Sora smiled and then looked at Rinoa.
You might have saved me once but now it's my turn! He thought.
Then they were taken away.
XXX
Rikku brushed her shaggy blonde hair out of her eyes and gripped her cousin's arm.
Yuna was scared she could tell, both girls aged 15 were stood waiting for the presenter to call the names of the two children who would be sacrificed for the Hunger Games, the worst part of it was that everyone who escaped and was left behind was forced to celebrate.
Rikku had seen families wrought with grief, she' watched as young children were killed in despicable ways.
She was afraid for herself but she was more afraid for Yuna.
Yuna was an important member of the district she was the Mayor's daughter and so Rikku had dedicated her life to protecting Yuna.
In four years time Yuna would be safe but Rikku's destiny was to keep Yuna alive.
She didn't mind though, she loved her cousin very much and both had even undergone training in the past few months in preparation, just in case.
Rikku was a born fighter fighting swiftly and effectively with twin blades, Yuna however was much better at survival tactics being skilled at concealment, identifying plants, and making weapons and traps.
The entire district had been ordered to volunteer should Yuna's name be drawn, Rikku wasn't sure that people truly would risk their lives for her and so Rikku had ensured that she stand with Yuna just in case.
She was sure that it would be Yuna's name not hers that was drawn.
Rikku watched closely as the film of every reaping so far was shown.
She knew that she would have a lot of trouble with the careers but she was sure that she would be able defeated most of the tributes from the outline district.
"Isn't it just amazing how many brave tributes we have this year?" gushed Larxene.
Rikku glared at her, she didn't think anything relating to the Hunger Games was amazing in the slightest.
What was so amazing about 23 children and teenagers dying every year, the winner was called the lucky one but Rikku couldn't imagine how traumatised some of the winners must have been.
She'd witnessed the aftermath, she's seen parents rioting, children screaming in horror as their siblings were killed on television.
The HUNGER Games were sick and they were nothing more than an arranged massacre all to prove that the Capitol controlled everything.
"On to the part you have all been waiting for the reaping of the district eleven tributes!" called Larxene.
She raised her arms in the arm signalling for a huge round of applause but did not get the desired reaction.
Embarrassed Larxene hurriedly picked a name from the jar of possible female tributes.
"Rikku Tweedie!" she cried.
Rikku glance at Yuna who was already starting to cry.
"Don't cry Yunie, I have a good chance you've taught me all about the plants and stuff I'll be fine I promise" soothed Rikku.
"P-please just try and win" pleaded Yuna.
Rikku nodded "I will just make sure you sponsor me 'kay? I'm gonna need all the help I can get." she nodded.
"I'll make sure you get the best medicine there is!" promised Yuna.
Rikku turned and walked towards the stage when Larxene smiled at her sweetly Rikku turned her head away in defiance.
She wouldn't give Larxene what she wanted at all!
"And now the male tribute…Auron Westling!" called Larxene.
Rikku watched as a tall male dressed in a huge red jacket stepped forwards, he had black hair and wore sunglasses concealing his eyes making his facial expression impossible to identify.
He climbed on the stage and the grounds was filled with eerie silence.
Auron was mysterious, he lived lone and had no friends, Rikku had no idea if he was skilled of not, they couldn't have chosen a worse ally.
"Shake hands tributes!" called Larxene.
Rikku offered her hand, Auron looked at it and quickly shook it then jammed his back in his pocket.
Damn it he's not going to be any use! Thought Rikku.
Shaking her head in worry she looked at her cousin one last time.
I'll fight everyone I have to, even if I have to work alone I'll do it, just so I can protect you Yunie!
Those were her last thoughts before the crowd dispersed and she and Auron were marched into a room.
XXX
Kairi bit her lip as her finger was pricked for identification for this year's Hunger Games.
She really hoped she wasn't going to get picked, the entirety of the games relied on being skilled in fighting and with weapons and Kairi wasn't much good with any weapons.
All could do was hope that she wasn't selected then she could go back to helping her grandmother make medicine and could go back to hunting and selling game in order to feed their family.
"Grandmother I'm so afraid." said Kairi to her beloved grandma.
"I know, I too Kairi, I would do anything to keep you save, hell I'd even volunteer myself if it was allowed." she said.
"It'll be okay my name is in ten times, compared to some of the other kids…" Kairi trailed off.
"I should have never let you take that Tesserae, forgive me child if you are chosen and if you want to leave now and make a run for it we can child." said Kairi's grandmother.
"Grandmother, we'd be caught and we'd have our tongue's cut out, I have to face this if I'm chosen then I'll fight, there's nothing we can do." said Kairi.
"Child, if you are chosen and I hope that you will not be do not do anything reckless, do not run to the Cornucopia, I've seen you make weapons and you are excellent with traps and snares, please child do not risk your life." pleaded her Grandmother.
"I promise Grandmother I won't." she said.
Her Grandmother nodded and Kairi stepped forwards into space as clips were shown of other reapings and the previous Hunger Games.
Although Kairi knew that she should be watching to get a look at her possible opponents she couldn't bring herself to watch the clips and when she looked at her Grandmother, she could see that her Grandmother couldn't bear the sight either.
"They were two very special films brought to you all the way from the Capitol so I hope you were all paying attention!" said Larxene her eyes landing on Kairi.
"Now let us select the final two tributes to fight in this year's Hunger Games, I'm just so excited!" exclaimed Larxene not realising that she was angering the majority of the district.
"Ladies first as always!" she chimed and selected a name.
"Kairi Dawson!" she called.
Kairi gasped and clamped her hands over her mouth.
"No Kairi!" cried her Grandmother.
Kairi spun round desperately but nobody was going to save her.
Tentatively she began walking towards the platform when there was a large thump, spinning around she realised with shock that her Grandmother had collapsed to the ground.
"Grandmother!" Kairi screamed ready to run to help her.
The peacekeepers grabbed her and dragged her towards the stage, Larxene pulling her unwillingly into place on the stage.
"Now, now, we don't have all today ahem onto the male tribute!" cried Larxene desperate to grab the crowd's attention.
Kairi noticed with dismay that some villagers had taken her Grandmother home, she was all alone.
"Irvine Kinneas!" called Larxene.
Kairi swallowed nervously as a male with long, wavy, brown hair walked towards the stage.
Kairi stood as Larxene finished her speech and then shook hands with the male.
As they did so he leaned in.
"You poor thing, don't worry I'll do everything I can to help" he whispered.
That was the last thing Kairi heard or saw before everything went black…
A/N - And there we have it the Reapings! Don't worry not every chapter will be this long, don't forget to vote for your favourite characters you can vote for up to 4 preferably two males and two females but I will make exceptions. Remember you can also promise characters items in advance, let the story begin!
