Moore Info: I decided to post another chapter. I don't know if I'll continue though. Oh, in this story Primrose will be Prim Rose 'cause I like that better.
Chapter Two
The square was crowded with the people of the Seams. The potential tributes, age's twelve to eighteen, all looked haunted for they knew that out of all of them, two of their names will be called out to fight to the death.
There would be no volunteering—there never was.
Among the reapers was sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen and her twelve year old younger sister, Prim Rose, who would be experiencing her first ever reaping—she was terrified. Prim was clutching onto her older sister's dress as they walked, her eyes wide and anxious as they looked over the crowed square.
When one was born and raised in one of the twelve districts—mostly the non-career districts—you grew up watching the games and constantly having the feeling of dread hang over your head as each birthday brought you closer to the games. On Prim's twelfth birthday, she spent the whole day crying in the strong arms of her sister while her mother just stared out the window with that blank look Prim has come to associate with the woman.
Continuing to look around as her sister guided them through the crowded square, Prim saw three lines leading to a table where three Peacemakers sat.
"What are they doing?" Prim asked her older sister as said woman brought them to stand behind one of the fast paced lines, bringing the young blonde to stand against her front, hands reassuringly on her shoulder.
"They're just going to take a small blood sample." Katniss answered, and when she felt her sister's shoulders tense at her words, she added, "It's just a prick—it won't hurt much. You'll be fine, promise."
They were quiet as they waited for their turn, both lost in their thoughts; Prim's were filled with the fear of being chosen and Katniss' were filed with the fear of his sister being chosen. Though, she would once again reassure herself that Prim's name was only entered in once, as she had done to Prim before they left their house; the chances of her name being pulled was very slim. She kept telling herself that because it was the only thing keeping her going at that current moment.
Once it was almost Prim's turn, Katniss once again reassured her sister that it was only just a prick and that after she had her blood taken she was to go stand with the others in her age group. Seeing that her sister was hesitant about leaving her side, Katniss told her that she would be right behind her.
Prim nodded weakly to her older sister and, after the Peacemaker yelled out that she was next, did exactly what her sister said and joined her age group—that was contained in a roped off area—after the Peacemaker pricked her finger and took her bloody print that was then scanned to confirm the her identity.
Katniss herself went up to the Peacemaker after her sister reluctantly went off, and went through the familiar prick before taking herself to where her age group would be standing towards the back, but not before making sure she knew where Prim was, wanting to keep an eye on her.
After making sure she had a clear view of her sister from where she was standing within her age group, Katniss looked around the square and at the familiar faces she saw—some only once a year during the reaping. A few girls to the right of her, Katniss could make out one of her ex-classmates from when she went to school, Madge, the Mayors daughter. She never really hung out with her, but she could say that the girl was nice.
Looking over to her left and over at the boys side, who were in her age group, she saw Peeta Mellark. Again, they never really hung out, like ever, but Katniss could vividly remember the time where she had been crying in the muddy rain after a disappointing day out in the restricted forest, tired, hungry, and mad at herself for not having anything to sell or bring home to her sister and mother to eat. However, as she was about to pick herself up— because just sitting there was not going to do her any good—she heard a door open nosily, spilling the angry yells of a woman screaming about burnt bread.
It had been Peeta; he had come out of his house/bakery to feed the burnt bread that the woman had been screaming about to the pigs his family owned. That was when he had seen her sitting in the pouring rain watching him as he fed the pigs. And after their eyes met for what felt like minutes, he looked down at the burnt, half-loaf of bread that he held in his hands for a few moments, contemplating, before tossing it towards a drenched Katniss—he went back inside without a glance back. That night, the Everdeen family ate wet bread and goat cheese for dinner.
Katniss moved on; looking one row back from Peeta's, Katniss saw the strong and handsome form that was her best friend, Gale Hawthorne—a friend she, at first, didn't want, but didn't know she needed.
The first time she had met Gale was when she was out hunting; the fifth time by herself since after the death of her father five years ago. He had set up a snare that had been meant for an unsuspecting rabbit, but ended up snaring an unsuspecting Katniss right in the shin. He had come running towards her after he heard Katniss let out a yelp in surprise and pain. When he finally came upon his set snare, he found the girl sitting on the floor grimacing in pain while clutching her injured leg that had blood seeping through her pant leg.
He had been so apologetic, however she had been pissed; it was going to be harder for her to bring back something now that her right leg was injured. Every step she took caused her a large amount of pain, and because of that, she would let out soft hissing sounds that were sure to warn away any potential game, and she couldn't have that. Her father was dead and it was now up to her to take care of her family, seeing as her mother was nothing more than a shell of herself; she couldn't waste this day, she had to bring some game back.
So, she had cursed at him and told him that the only way she was going to forgive him was if he were to teach her how he made his snare. She wanted to be able to bring back something without having to go all over the forest on her injured leg. He did as she asked, and as they both waited for their snares to catch their dinner they had talked.
Katniss had found out that Gale's dad had also died in the same mining accident that had took her father's life, and that the older boy had seen her at the ceremony the town had held in honor of the miners who had died that day.
After that day and a few stitches, they had become each other's best friend, each promising to look after one another and their families should one of them ever be drawn to fight in the games—a fear that was great for Gale, who had quickly racked up quite a few tesserae each year since he turned twelve. He was eighteen now and had his name entered in forty-two times, and it was all for his mother, two younger brothers, and sister.
As if Gale could feel the eyes of his best friend on him, he turned towards the pale-gray eyed girl with crossed eyes and his tongue out, causing the brunette to let out a giggle at his silliness; especially with where they were and how heavy the atmosphere felt around them. The young man gave Katniss one last smirk and a wink before turning back to look at the front where there was a stage set up; in the middle of the stage on a pedestal were the two dreaded bowls of names, and to the right of that was a large jumbotron that displayed the Capitol's logo boldly and proudly.
Deciding to have one more look around, knowing the event would be starting shortly, the brunette took a look over her shoulder. She quickly scanned the many faces of the older female reapers until she came across a mop of shaggy blonde hair that belonged to the girl she almost ran down a couple of hours ago in her haste to get back home in order to prepare herself before the games. At that exact moment, the older blonde's hazel eyes met hers through the gaps of the two rows between them.
A shiver ran down Katniss' body as she continued to lock eyes with the older blonde's, and she had no idea why, only that the blonde's eyes were the most intense eyes she's ever seen. It wasn't until the enthusiastic sounds of Effie Trinket boomed over the square that Katniss was able to break eye contact with the stranger and turn her attention back towards the front with a shake of her head in confusion.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome! Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor. Now, before we being, we have a very special film brought to you all the way from the capitol" Effie Trinket, a very pale woman with white hair that had a pinkish tent, and an outrageous dark pink dress that was puffy at the shoulders, said into a modernized old fashion microphone before gesturing over to the large jumbotron that began playing the familiar video that every one that's ever been to more than once reaping knew by heart.
"War, terrible war…" the deep voice of President Snow said gravely as soon as the video started, showing the silhouettes of driftnet people in front of a setting horizon.
As soon as Quinn heard the voice of Panem's President, she could feel the anger start to bubble inside of her as she listened to him talk about the Dark Days, and what lead them to "celebrate" the games in remembrance of that time, and the generosity that was bestowed to the Districts by the Capitol after the war was over and done. She couldn't help but bring up the horrific memory of her helpless brother being repeatedly beaten over the head with a metal bat that was wielded by a career from district 2, who would then go on to become the victor for that year's game.
They were all slaves to the Capitol, and there was nothing that could be done about that. And though there were talks of starting a rebellion against the Capitol, those very people instigating those talks would find themselves mysteriously missing. No, people would rather become slaves than dead, and the capital knew this.
"…this is how we safeguard our future." The voice of President Snow said to end the video.
"I just love that," Effie Trinket said happily with a big grin to the reapers after mouthing the ending of the video along with President Snow. "Now, the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing District 12 for the 74th Hunger Games—as usual, ladies first." The pink cotton candy haired woman said excitedly into the microphone with a slight bounce to her feet before going over to one of the large, clear bowls that had all the names of the female reapers inside, not noticing that the air had become tenser with her words.
Standing in front of the bowl that was place on a wide, black pedestal, Effie stuck a pale hand inside and swirled it around—to create suspense no doubt—a few times, before finally digging into the sea of white slips to pick one that held the name of the unfortunate person who would become the female tribute of District 12.
Taking a dramatic pause, Effie spoke slowly and clearly, "Prim Rose Everdeen." No one spoke.
As soon as Prim's name fell from the pale woman's lips, Katniss could feel the breath leave her body as if she were suddenly punched in the stomach with an iron fist. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she looked over to where her sister was with eyes wide in shock, and watched as her sister shuffled her way down the line and into the aisle where there were two gun wielding Peacemakers waiting for the young blonde.
No! This couldn't be happening. This was only her first reaping; she told her sister that this wouldn't happen. Her name was only in there once. The odds were supposed to be in her favor! She couldn't let this happen.
Without even thinking about, Katniss found her feet suddenly moving towards her sister
Quinn couldn't help but let a breath of relief escape her lips when Effie spoke the name that was not hers. She was safe yet again and on the day that was to be her last reaping. She could go on with the rest of her life without worrying about being reaped, or having any of her children being reaped for she had already promised herself to remain childless.
All she had to do now was follow the rules that were established by the capitol and take care of her mother.
"Prim!"
However, all that went out of her mind when she laid eyes on the small, blonde girl that came out and into the aisle. She knew without a doubt that this little girl was twelve and this was her very first reaping.
Suddenly, flashes of her brother entered her mind as she continued to watch the girl. When his name had been called, her brother had walked down the aisle and onto the stage with an ashen face and a dazed look; the same look the blonde girl had on hers now.
"NO! Prim!"
This girl was to become the Tribute for District 12 at only twelve years old. Quinn knew she would not come back as their Victor, but in a wooden casket; just like her brother.
It was those thoughts that had Quinn sprinting down the line and into the aisle to do something that shocked even her.
"I volunteer as tribute!" "I volunteer as tribute!" Quinn and Katniss yelled simultaneously before both of their heads snapped over to look at one another in shock.
Quinn's heart dropped when she saw who it was that had spoken those damning words along with her, while Katniss just stared at an openmouthed Quinn in confusion before turning back to comfort her hysteric sister who was crying her displeasure at her sister's sacrifice.
"Oh," Effie Trinket said with a surprised gasp; she wasn't the only one in the square shocked at what just happened.
District 12 has never had a volunteer for as long as the games have been played, and now, all of a sudden, they have two. Effie doesn't even know what she was supposed to do. If one of the volunteers had been a boy, then that would have made things much easier. She could have just brought both of them up and on their way, however, this situation was different. They were both girls. The only time the games has seen more than one female tribute was during the second Quarter Quell, but those were always special. No one has ever seen two female or two male tributes from the same District during a regular Hunger Game.
"Let them; there will be no male tributes from district 12." A male voice stated in Effie's ear that caused her to jump slightly; she forgot that she had an earpiece in her ear. She hasn't had anyone speak to her from it in a long while. She had a feeling this year's Hunger Game would be quite interesting.
Letting a face splitting grin take over her pale face, Effie spoke into the microphone: "A Dramatic turn of events here in District 12." Looking over to where the volunteers stood, she could see that the older blonde had her head down and was being held by two peacemakers on either side of her, and four other Peacemakers where trying pry the Everdeen sisters away from one another, but were confused as to who to bring up once they finally were able to separate them both.
"Yes, well, District 12's very first volunteers. Bring them up." Effie said, trying to get things moving; they had a schedule to follow.
Katniss quickly turned to her sister and told her to go find their mother and that she would be okay, but the young blonde didn't want to hear anything her sister said as she continued to try and break free from the two Peacemakers that restrained her. It wasn't until Gale came up from behind and picked up the girl and into his arms before taking her away from her older sister.
Now that that was handled, the two Peacemakers that were holding Quinn forcefully guided her to stand beside a stunned Katniss before going to walk behind them while the other two, who had been holding Katniss, walked in font. Quinn looked over and at the girl silently walking beside her, her face not showing any kind of emotion but that of disbelief.
They were herded up the stairs and on to the stage to stand on either side of Effie Trinket and her microphone.
With the two Tributes finally on the stage, Effie was able to continue on with the show.
"Now, what's your name?" the pale woman asked as she put an equally pale hand on Katniss' shoulder, who was staring down at her feet.
After a short pause, Katniss looked up and at the woman before answering meekly, "Katniss Everdeen."
"Well, I bet my hat that was your sister, wasn't it?" she said with a knowing smile before looking out to the crowed as if she were expecting them to laugh at her joke; which, of course, no one did. She really wished she had been assigned to one of the career District's all those years ago. It was hard representing a District this sad, really. Though, District 12 was proving to be very surprising this afternoon.
"Yes"
Getting her answer, Effie turned to the other Volunteer and asked for the girl's name.
"Quinn Fabray." Quinn said huskily, looking out into the crowed and to the back where she saw her mother silently crying with her arms crossed protectively in front of her.
"Well there you have it, let's have a big hand for our very first volunteers Katniss Everdeen and Quinn Fabray." The representative said enthusiastically as the gestured her hands to both of the Tributes.
No one clapped or said a word. Instead, one by one, the people of District 12 raised their right hand, presenting three fingers held together in a sign of respect for the two volunteer Tributes.
Katniss looks over to where her fellow Tribute stood to see the blonde saluting back with a clenched jaw. She had no idea who this girl was. She hadn't even seen her before today and suddenly the girl was volunteering herself for her sister. The blonde was a mystery to her and she planned on solving it. Turning back to the crowed, Katniss gave her own salute.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our Tributes for District 12—well go on you two, shake hands." the pale woman moved off to the side so that the two Tributes could turn and meet each other in the middle of the stage where they took the others outstretched hand to gently shake. Pale-gray met hazel once again, but this time it was different.
"Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor."
Moore Info: This chapter was a freaking bitch to write. I'm thinking this story will be very challenging for me. Hope you guys enjoyed it, let me know what you thought.
Rae out!