Chapter 1
The Announcement
I listen as my best friend, Aisha, hums the Valley Song. It's a very old song, and everyone knows it. "See you tomorrow. Remember, you'll love your birthday present from me!" she calls as she turns towards her house. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I turn 18. I think about how the whole country of Panem is now as I walk towards my house. Things used to be different. Things weren't fair, The Capitol forced the districts to do their work, and forced them into the horrible Hunger Games every year. I know how my parents played major roles in changing things. My mom, Katniss Mellark, played a major role in the revolution, as the Mockingjay, the symbol of the rebellion. Shortly after the rebellion, a month after Paylor was elected president of Panem, the mayor of District Four began to make his own domain. It was at first just District Four, and the leader, Octavian, Victor of the 73rd Games, named it New Roma. A month after that started, New Roma invaded Districts One and Two, and then they became part of New Roma. A few weeks after that, District Three was invaded, and became part of the new empire. The citizens of invaded Districts were happy to be rid of the rebels. After they had the four lowest numbered Districts, New Roma took a short break from growing. Six months later, they invaded the Capitol, and the Capitol joined New Roma. At first, interactions between Panem and New Roma were hostile, but, with time, they became more tolerant of eachother. I walk in the door, and set my backpack down. I glance at the clock. 3:58. Good. My favorite TV show, Voice of Panem, a singing show, is on at 4. Right now, I'm the only one home. My little brother, Finnick, is at a friend's house, Mom is out hunting, and Dad is at work in the bakery. I grab a handful of berries from the kitchen for snack, then sit down on the couch to watch Voice of Panem. The winner is a 19 year old from District 9, singing The Hanging Tree. It's a pretty weird song, but the tune is catchy. It used to be outlawed, and if you read the lyrics you'd understand why. The lyrics go:
"Are you, are you
Coming to the tree
Where they strung up a man
They say murdered three
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight
In the hanging tree
Are you, are you
Coming to the tree
Where the dead man called out
For his love to flee
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight
In the hanging tree
Are you are you
Coming to the tree
Where I told you to run
So we'd both be free
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight
In the hanging tree
Are you are you
Coming to the tree
Wear a necklace of rope
Side by side with me
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight
In the hanging tree"
At 4:30, when the show ends, I'm about to turn the TV off, when something startles me. "Announcement," the screen says in blinking red letters. It goes to a lady holding some papers, talking.
"It has recently been discovered that the used to be other land masses, besides North America. Former President Coriolanus Snow knew about it, but, knowing that they would try to end his cruel government, decided to avoid all contact with people outside of Panem."
A map appears on the screen, it is of an area I've never seen before, although part of it is clearly Panem. She continues talking,
"That place below us is South America. To the east, there are other places. Europe and Asia are those two land masses that should be counted as one. Africa is below it. To the southeast, there's Australia. And way below it, on the bottom of the map, is Antarctica."
The screen goes back to the lady talking.
"President Paylor has decided we need to send people out to see if there are still people living in those places, and, if it is possible, help them. Unfortunately, since our hovercrafts require exact coordinates to fly somewhere, we can't use those. We have to do it the old fashioned way, and go across the ocean in boats. This will require very brave people. Anyone ages 18 to 30 who would like to go, please get on a train to The Capitol at 4 pm tomorrow. There, people will select the bravest, strongest, cleverest, wisest people to go on ships to contact other people. Remember, 4 pm, get on the train to The Capitol. You will be given further instructions from there. Thank you, and goodbye."
I stare in shock at the TV. Finally, I gather my bearings enough to turn the TV off. Obviously, I have to do it. But my parents and Finnick and Aisha would be very upset and worried.