Prologue: Part 2 – Retribution
(WARNING: Extreme Language, Hints of Abuse)
Jonah Welsh, 32, Capitol:
The tension in the room is very pronounced. The silence is somewhat, deafening as I look at each individuals face. It has become apparent that they are all clueless as to what action we should take next. The solemn expressions make the atmosphere even tighter, and I know, that what we are about to touch on is a very, cringe worthy topic.
Of course it doesn't help with the President in the room, blank eyes, deep frown, and dangerously pale skin. This is how we all feel, myself included. After what District 6 has done, it has left a wave of depression, coldness, and hostility sweeping over our refuge.
I feel as if a part of my soul has been vigorously torn from deep inside. My beautiful little girl, is no more. Now because of this, we need to punish them, all of them. Even District's 1, 3 and 4. District 2 no doubt deserves it, after their betrayal.
District's 5, 6 and 9, they will have it the worst. However, the problem presents itself again. How?
"This is useless, we are getting nowhere", complains one of the other officials.
"We need to hit them hard, show them no mercy, and make sure that this never gets repeated again", I say quietly, observing the events that occurred in District 6, the reason this meeting is even taking place.
"Think, what did they do? They claimed the lives of thousands of our children, wiping out at least a disturbing number of the next generation. What can we do that will beat that? That can show them that we are more superior in them, and to hurt them like they hurt us?" I say.
I get no response. I get the feeling that they may be thinking exactly what I am thinking, however do not have the encouragement to say it. I sigh, just knowing that as much as we don't want to do this, it needs to be done.
Suddenly, the President speaks up.
"We need to hit them where it will hurt, for retribution", he almost whispers. Everyone looks up at the sudden mention from Satchel. He is perfectly correct, in fact, I couldn't have worded it any better if I tried.
"Exactly, and I believe we are on our first step in that path", I state. This earns looks of confusion in response as everyone shifts their attention to me. My lips curl into a smirk.
"Observe", I instruct. I press the button that I had neatly set up in front of me, causing the other officials to gasp at the sudden commotion that occurs when the doors open.
We are greeted by a strain of colourful swear words at the entrance of two Capitol Soldiers and a young man, aged in his mid-twenties. His hands are tied behind his back and are being held there tightly. A rag is hung around his neck, suggesting that he has been gagged for the majority of his time here.
It appears he has seen better days, a fair amount of stubble has accumulated around his face, his face appears worn and tired, and that's not even the worst of it. His left eye is swollen and purple with several layers of grime and dirt covering his whole body. There are dark and tender bruises all over his body as well as nasty cuts.
To top it all off, the man is twitching uncontrollably, suggesting that he has been shocked by electricity numerous times. However, this does not mask the fiery rage that he spits out at us. This just makes me smile more, the District man is getting what he deserves, and from his appearance, he has the same ashen black hair and pale white skin that locals from District 6 have.
I decide that he has had his moment and so I begin.
"What is your name?" I boom.
"Why should I answer to you, you incoherent fuck! Ahhhh!" he screams as he is shocked by a Taser from the right soldier.
"Thank you for keeping the peace, Sargent", I say to the soldier. Suddenly something occurs in me.
"After this meeting, I want you and him to deploy fifty soldiers to each District, you will make sure the Districts remain stable and you shall be called, 'Peacekeepers', is that understood"? I instruct the soldier while pointing at the other one.
"Yes sir", says the one that shocked the man.
"Okay, back to business, what is your name?" I repeat.
"Fuck you", the man mutters, clearly worn out.
The Peacekeeper goes to electrify him again but I hold my hand up to stop him.
"If you don't want to be shocked again, I suggest you state your name", I demand.
He takes a moment before responding.
"Augrillian Shire", he says weakly, clearly defeated.
"Now we are getting somewhere, aren't we?" I say sweetly, but sarcastically.
"Who the fuck are you" he grunts.
"Well, I shall answer politely and without hassle, show you how it's really done. My name is Jonah Welsh, Vice President", I inform him.
"Now, we have brought you here for a purpose, and once you have helped us with that, we will bring you back to that pathetic slum of a home, District 6", I say, starting to pace up and down.
"I'm not helping you with shit, you oppressive bastards", he shouts, starting to get fired up again. This time, the Peacekeeper on the left punches him, shutting him down instantly. He spits out blood and lets out a groan.
"Well, regardless if you want to help us or not, we have a way of making you do so", I say, smirking at him. He appears genuinely confused at this statement, before his expression suddenly drops drastically. This is due to what has just entered the room.
The two new Peacekeepers hold a little girl by the arms, she too has multiple bruises and layers of grime. Augrillian shows absolute fury, struggling to control himself.
"What the FUCK DID YOU DO TO HER!" he roars, trying to throw himself at me, but ultimately failing miserably.
"We found her near you, while you were unconscious, she was close to dead, but fortunately for her, her mother's body had been shielding her. May I ask, are you the Father?"
"No, I'm not" he grunts through gritted teeth. The girl begins to whimper, tears rolling down her dirty cheeks.
"Where is my Mommy?" she sobs, eyes shining. She is ignored.
"Either way Mr Shire, it would be a shame, for something to happen to her…", I trail off as one of the Peacekeepers holding her raises a gun to her head.
"NO, I WILL FUCKING DESTROY YOU!" he roars as he manages to throw off the Peacekeepers. He runs at the one with the gun and completely knocks him over. However, the one that shocked him before brings out a tranquilizer, and shoots Augrillian in the neck.
Augrillian slumps over the Peacekeeper that he attacked, now unconscious. Shortly after, the girl is shot too, falling into the arms of the Peacekeeper holding her.
"Please men, deport the two of them back to District 6, they have been more than helpful for our cause", I instruct the Peacekeepers. They nod and drag them out of the door, and then out of sight.
"So, there is our answer folks, the children are the key to punishing them", I say with a smirk.
"Technically, it's an eye for an eye. They killed our children, and we shall do the same in return", I say as I plonk myself down back on my cushiony seat.
"Yeah, but… how can we do it? Surely we can't just grab thousands of children from each district and kill them, that will destroy the whole next generation", says one of the men.
"Exactly, I've thought about that, and I believe I have the solution. They thought they were so superior to us, all allied together, thinking they were strong while fighting alongside each other. No, not anymore, because each year, we will hold a competition, that holds their children. Yes, one boy and one girl from each District, and they will be forced to kill each other, until one survives", I suggest.
Everyone begins nodding and stating their thoughts on the idea. We come to the conclusion that it's the right step to take.
"It's perfect Jonah, punishment for the District's, and entertainment for the Capitol! Brilliant", says President Satchel.
"Just two questions", he says.
"What's that?"
"Firstly, how old will the children be?" he asks. Everyone nods in question.
"The youngest child to be killed out of ours was twelve, sorry Mr President", I say gesturing towards Satchel who bows his head down. It was his child after all.
"The oldest would have to be eighteen as they become an adult the year after, so I believe twelve to eighteen year olds", I say. I get nods of agreement in response, perhaps because they are too scared to oppose me.
"The second question, what shall we call this competition?" asks Satchel.
I smile, as I already know the exact answer to this.
"You know how District 9 starved us for months?" I ask.
"Indeed", President Satchel says bitterly.
"Well they have brought the name upon themselves", I state.
"What is it?"
"It shall be called, The Hunger Games".
A/N: Hope you enjoyed, please be sure to review as that helps me know if people actually read this. Also, the way I shall write the story up until the games will be in the same style as Author of Ice and Fire's SYOT, History Repeats Itself. This story is inspired by it and the format it is written in really does seem to work. Be sure to check it out! One last thing, I should get the last part to the prologue out soon as it is Easter holidays here.
Until Next Time, - Ares