1st POV- Ryun Flickerman- Head Gamemaker- Male- Age of 26.
I remain silent as I repeat the message. It is 3'o clock in the morning, so why would the President want me at this time? I know for a fact he is not a night person, being with close contact with him. He hates when his sleep is disturbed, and he certainly doesn't stay up past midnight at most. Well, guess I have no choice. Once President Cheren tell you to come see him, you come. Simple as that, any other option would not end with just a waving pass come next morning.
Yawning, nearly falling asleep again a couple of times while replacing my silk robes with my business attire, I went out of my manor and started the car. Normally my driver would send me where I needed to go in my limousine, but this time, he is certainly not awake and I am sure he wouldn't be pleased if I wake him just to drop me off somewhere only ten minutes away, unlike certain people I know who would without hesitation do so.
Tonight, however, is a tad bit more rowdier, as many citizens of the Capitol are feasting and partying in excitement for this year's Games. We have seen the kids going into the arena, and I am honestly impressed at the amount of stronger tributes we have this year. Mayors' and Victors' children, volunteers, combined with my plan for the arena, it is certainly giving all of them a reason to celebrate.
After all, who wouldn't enjoy the excitement of watching a high quality battle? Many of the fights, aside from disputes between Careers, are usually one sided. The people don't mind, since it is still enjoyable to watch, but they must be looking forward to more balanced out fights. It would give the same entertainment, but longer and much more quality.
Driving down the streets in between the bustling, towering skyscrapers and the flashing lights of many entertainment buildings, it is truly a sight to see while driving down a mainly open road. I could put the car on auto-drive, but what fun would that be? And besides, this will help my stay awake so I don't dwindle while talking to the President.
Closing in on the Presidential Mansion, I gave my identifications to the Peacekeepers so I am able to pass through the gate and have a valet put my car into a parking space as I enter the manor. Every time I enter into this place, I can't help but be in awe at the delicacy and finesse of the structure and furniture put into this. Of course though, this is not what I came here for, not after I will need sleep for a very busy day tomorrow, having to assign the Stylists for the tributes and doing an ungodly amount of interviews before, during, and after the Chariot rides. The only reason I could survive doing all of that is thanks to the invigoration tablets I never leave my house without.
I followed the guards into his office, where another set of armed gunmen open the door and let me in through. The doors shut closed as I greet the President. He also have the same tired eyes as I do, but he still have that stern, leadership quality in it as well. The look of an experienced, aged person who is full of wisdom and understand how to deal with life. The eyes of true order and leadership.
"Greetings, Flickerman, I am not surprised you manage to arrive quickly even on short notice." He complimented.
"I wouldn't be any less for the President of the supreme lands of Panem." I bowed my head in formal gratitude.
"Now then, I called you here this late in the night for a reason. A reason that involve you and your work. I am certain you are able to accomplish it." It wasn't an exempt request. He knows that I will and must do it. Hopefully, it would be something I can manage with relative ease, but the problem is I don't have at least a solid guess what.
"Anything you command, President."
There was a first moment of silence, before he began telling me his orders.
"I heard words of disturbing news in the Districts. The Career Academies are lacking students, and there have been some tension in the Districts." He starts, as I take in the information. Even with the stronger tributes this year, it is clear the Academies are lacking. The fact that the Districts have reaped stronger tributes means that there is turmoil, and worst case scenario, rebellion output. President Cheren doesn't tolerate anyone who defies his rule, and the Games are the medium to ensure the Districts know their place before the Capitol.
"I will not tell you the more detailed aspects, but I need you to make sure that if you see any tributes doing anything questionable. Deal with them thoroughly." He said with finality.
"Yes sir, I will make sure that if it is the case, the tribute will be serving the Capitol some good entertainment." I stated with some humor to lighten up the situation. The President nodded in acceptance and gave me permission to go back to bed. It is not like I hate the Districts like the more radical people who I work with, but they just need to learn their place, and the world will be a much happier place. Now, because of their resistance against President Cheren's rule over them, they cause themselves to offer up their children to the slaughter.
And, for me, I will serve the Capitol by conducting that. However, with a batch of interesting tributes that haven't been seen in years, I am just hoping I could actually do that without trouble. Knowing my luck, I am doubting it...
1st POV- Kimberly Karalis- Age of 13- District 10 Female Tribute
Standing on a platform, overlooking the golden shine of the cornucopia.
The tributes, all of them have a menacing look on their face. Their eyes either on the weapons strewn across the horn, or at me.
Their bloodlust is overwhelming, as the ticking of the timer is heard ringing across the field, getting closer and closer to zero.
Outside of the area is just darkness. A sheer cliff with nothing outside.
No escape.
I can feel the tears falling from my eyes, the pressure of my eminent death overtaking my stomach. Strong conjectures are tumbling in it, as it is a pain even to stand up.
As the clock reaches zero, I couldn't stop the pain. All the other tributes have their eyes set on murdering each other, and I am scared, no, terrified. Trembling at the thought of being sliced up, being torn apart while mom, dad, and even my little brother will just sit there and watch.
Unable to do anything.
Just watching.
The gong rang, as the other tributes instantly start rushing forward. Yet I am stuck. Frozen in place. I couldn't even move my fingers or close my eyes, as I watch the first deaths occur.
A boy getting speared, his fresh blood painting the floor with the blade's thrust, while the girl from District 7 smile in glee with her kill.
A young girl screaming as the girl from District 2 slicing her chest with a gleaming sword.
An older guy getting pummeled by the guy from District 4. His fist glistening with the blood of his victim, disfiguring his face with each punch.
The atrocities, the suffering, and the screams are too much to bear. Tears clog my vision, but in this case I am grateful to not be looking at what is in front of me.
How could anyone enjoy this? Why would anyone willingly do this the other people?
I hear footsteps growing louder and louder. I tried to close my eyes, waiting for my death to be over quickly.
My eyes couldn't close, the tears are drying up, as I look into the twisted eyes of my soon to be killer.
Yet, it is the same eyes as of a child, stripped of his innocence, of his hope, and of his sense of reality.
The same eyes of my District partner. Who with the smile of a murderer, plunges the bloodied knife into my throat.
I screamed out, trying to fight off that sense of dying. I am in the bed though, not in a twisted version of an arena. Not in the Games, yet.
The fear, it felt so real. It feels so terrifying, like I was so close to dying. I cry into my pillow for a long time. The fear is still there, as I couldn't sleep anymore. Not because of that dream, that scary, horrifying nightmare that entered my sleep, but because of what is happening to me. I just want to be home right now, not being sent to a place where people will be cheering on my death. To laugh as the knife plunge into my throat. To care about only those who kill the other one. It is sickening, twisted, and I can do nothing about it but die, or somehow make it out alive.
I need to get out of this room. Maybe something to drink might get rid of some of the thoughts of that nightmare. Slowly getting out of bed, I walk out of the room barefooted and went towards the table. Outside the window the farms of District 10 is no longer passing by, but now empty plains with an abandoned town from a time before Panem. It is barely visible, but the light from outside the train helps me at least see what is there.
"You are taking interest on that town Kimberly." A feminine voice stated from behind me. It was Sarah Parker, Victor of the 10th Hunger Games and our mentor. She have brown hair that is cut toward her middle back, and with a small scar just below her throat. A slash mark from a fight in her Games. Only a little bit higher and she might have been dead.
"Yeah, it is just, so empty. To think people used to live there..." I said, still staring out of the window, as the town slowly passes by out of view.
"It was when there was over ten billion people on this planet. People had to live somewhere. Sadly, the wars taken away those people, and their lives are lost now." She looks out beside me. The plains almost seems never-ending, and I desperately hope it stays like that. To just go around the planet and back to District 10.
"You are here because you can't sleep." She said, with as much certainty to know that it isn't a question.
"The nightmare... tomorrow... next week. I am not ready for it. I don't want to go." The tears are coming back, one falling from my cheek as I quickly try to wipe it off.
"Don't stop the tears, let me tell you, it is better to get it all out than doing it again and again once we get to the Capitol." She said, sympathy in her voice. I did what she said, and she continued to comfort me. I cried, and cried, letting it just flow out until I could feel it no more. The thoughts of the Games is still coming back at me, but at least I don't feel fear when I think about the nightmare.
I don't know how long I have been crying, or when I even woke up from the nightmare, but out the window, the sky is becoming brighter, if only a little, as the train is still on the tracks, heading towards the Capitol.
"There, now isn't that better?" Sarah asks me, a warm smile on her face.
"Yes... thank you." I look at her, then closed my eyes, thinking about how to make it out alive. I don't know how I got this motivation, but I haven't feel as calmed since a few days before the Reaping.
"It is only about four o clock, get some rest. An extra two hours will make a long difference." She told me. I nodded my head, as I walk towards the room, and heading back on the bed, slowly drifting off into a dreamless sleep.
1st POV- Harvey Giles- District 9 Male Tribute- Age of 15
Ever since I have been dismissed to the room, I have not once gotten off the bed. My head set firmly on the cold and damp pillow, not even bothering to change. Not out of laziness, but out of dread.
Why must this happen to me? Why? The Reaping, why me? Isn't it already enough that the Capitol took my mom and dad? Just for trying to bring food to the table? Are they not satisfied? Do they want to see me suffer some more, only this time with my blood out on the floor?
I couldn't even just weep to sleep, for the thoughts of even tomorrow still rests inside my mind. The other tributes are all so terrifying, so capable of killing me off without a second thought. I wouldn't be able to do anything but stay still as they murder me and leave me to die without a care. No one to call for help, for all around me no one would care.
It... couldn't happen this way. This all have to be some sort of dream. The Reaping never happen, I won't face the Capitol, I won't face the Games, it will all be just a horrible, twisted dream, and I will be home with my aunt safe and sound.
More than ever I want to just see my mom and dad again. Why must the Capitol take them? To be spared from death, just to suffer a fate far worse in the Capitol. I was happy then, before it happened. I used to live carefree, I had many friends, and even though hunger and the tyrannical rule of the Capitol existed, I was still, happy. They, yet even though, took them away without a second thought. My life, all taken away that same day. The hunger was unbearable, and we were desperate. They just took one chicken, just one. Not a whole coop or even the biggest chicken. Just one. The Peacekeeper took them away, and I was sent with my aunt that night.
I couldn't forget how much I cried that night. It is as much as I am crying right now.
Now, even after all of that, the Capitol wants me to be taken away.
To the Games.
Would I even survive? No, I can't. Even if I ran as soon as that bell ring away from the Bloodbath, the strong tributes still hunt the weak even in the deepest forests and jungles. The bloodthirsty always had gotten the helpless. The ones who never wanted to be there. Those who manage to escape the blades gets killed off by the people working behind the scenes. The ones who control the arena, the ones who organize our deaths.
My death.
Maybe, just maybe, when I wake up tomorrow, it will all disappear. I wouldn't be killed by the Careers, or by any of the stronger tributes. I would not go in the Games, and maybe even me and my District partner would not be chosen. Maybe I slept through the Reaping, and the Peacekeepers thought I was insignificant enough to be ignored. If only that is possible.
Maybe if I believe enough, I could wake up with this dream forgotten. Back in my aunt's house, and not going to where they prepare me for death.
Just maybe...
1st POV- Edward Lexington- District 12 Male Tribute- Age of 18
This bed is way too soft for a night like this. I can barely sleep in one like this. Any other time I wouldn't be complaining about this at all, but this is not one of those times. Not when I am heading off to the Games.
I have already accepted the fact that I am going to die. It is inevitable. I am nowhere near the capabilities of the Careers, who have won the Games for nearly the past decade, nor am I skilled enough to fight back. I have no prior training, and they have been preparing for their whole lives. Experienced soon to be killers, if they not already are. Ready to murder anyone once they are let loose in the arena, even on themselves as proven last Games. Even if I don't face them, I would be killed off by one of the Outer District tributes that are strong. Like District 6, 7, and even Brooke, my District partner.
She is by all means a very easy person to befriend. Good hearted, generous, and probably one of the few people in District 12 that I could trust. Even though we haven't really talked to each other much before we both were forced into the Games. She comes to my house on occasion, help my mother with the large workload that comes with living in a large family with plenty of mouths to feed, and sometime talking to us about some minor events happening in school or around the area, then leave towards either her home, or someone else. It really lessened the stress on mother, and my sister who had taken drastic means to help provide for the family some comfort, and for that I am essentially indebted to her.
Unfortunately, however, I know I would never repay that debt. Not with the Games. Even if by a stroke of outright luck I manage to get out of the Games alive, I know that no amount of money could be a replace for a lost daughter.
Then, there is the case of the fact that what exactly would my parents be when I am gone? My siblings? We already spent all of our waking days in the mines, my sister selling off her body, and my mom out of job. How would they manage? Could they even continue on? A loss in a family is common in District 12, it happens to nearly every large households, but I know without a doubt it doesn't lessen the pain.
Damn, maybe a sweet snack from the table would keep my mind away from these thoughts. If there is one thing that I would actually praise about the Capitol is their cooking.
Putting on a pair of complimentary slippers, I walk out into the dining compartment of the train to find the food still there untouched, aside from what we ate earlier. No one is there, so Brooke and Karan, the escort, are still sleeping. From the small clock in the table, it is three in the morning, and from what Karan said, we would be in the Capitol by eight thirty. Eating a pastry known as cinnamon rolls, I calmed myself down by focusing on its unique taste. Sweet, doughy, and still warm.
Taking a few more of the rolls, I heard soft footsteps coming from the bedrooms assigned to the tributes. Finishing up, I turned to see the tired eyes of Brooke, staring at me with a hint of surprise.
"Couldn't sleep either huh." I stated as she took one of those seeded breads from the table.
"If only I could. Would make the night much more relaxing and less horrifying." She said with dry humor, as she took small bites from the bread. We both sat in silence for a while, her eating her bread and I just watched the window of the train. The sky outside is not the pitch black dark that was there when we were going to bed, but now it is becoming brighter, now a dark greyish color with specks of sunlight surrounding the east. Already it is a day closer to the Games...
"You think that District 5 would want to ally?" She asked. We were talking about so with Karan, about allies and other tributes who might help us. We already got each other backs should anything go wrong, which will come sooner or later no matter what happens, but two people could only do so much against six trained Careers. Even though two are very young. The girl who was reaped no doubt had some type of training, so it would make sense to put her alongside the other four. But, as shown many times, an alliance only lasts for so long, and they might just kill me and Brooke off when we think that they are actually trustworthy. Look at last year.
"I doubt it. Even if they do, later on they would just poison us when we aren't paying attention." I said, not bothering to take my eyes off of the sky.
"You saw them as well as I did, do you think they would want to actually betray us? Besides, even if they are planning too, as long as we look up the poison station in Training and stir them away from a batch of some poison berries, then it would be very unlikely for them to do so." She explained, staring at me with a look of intention, like she's trying to figure something out.
"I would just prefer us too. After all, the larger the group, the harder it is to stay out of sight." I reasoned out. It is not that I wouldn't mind having more allies, but then again, when have an alliance been loyal before they either die or fight each other off?
"That is not the reason why you don't want to ally with them." She stated, never leaving her look off of me. "To be honest, I wouldn't be pushing towards an alliance, but this is our lives on the line. Maybe we can work something out..."
"And get killed in the end. Only one can win, and I don't want to be put as a guardian to kids we don't even know! Unlike you, I don't have as big of a heart as you do, so if you do decide to ally with them, I will be the one to rid them off." I snapped, interrupting her, and stressing out the last part with gritted teeth. To my mild surprise, she doesn't seem shocked, angry, or any other emotions on her than the same one she had staring at me. I breathed out a huff as I sat myself down. "Look, Brooke, I don't want you to be the one who will have to die for the alliance you are proposing. Think about how I would feel if I was indirectly a cause in your death that I could have..."
"That you could have stopped. Then you keep living and not let a death put you down." She interrupted, stopping my speech dead in its tracks. "To be honest, I believe you do have a chance at living. You, without any doubt, have a 'bigger heart' than me, and I am not saying this out of pity. I am dead serious, Edward."
We sat in silence, as I pondered on her words. How could I care as much for other people as her? She have done so much to my family, so why would she say that? More importantly, I should make it up to her. After all, I don't have much valid reasons why we shouldn't ally if we take the necessary precautions...
"I still don't believe a lot of what you just said, but you do have a point. I'm sorry." I apologized.
"No, I should apologize. I shouldn't have forced you into agreeing to an alliance with some of the other tributes." Brooke got out of her seat and hugged me. I returned the gesture and we just embraced each other. Any fear that I had previously had gone away. The Games are just an obstacle, a long winding path in a forest heading towards home.
"I don't care now. We will have to ally with the other tributes. There is always a strength in numbers, and we would need their help anyways." Only one could go home, yes that is true, but I will make sure it is her that comes back. This is the way to pay her back for what she have done to my family. I just now have to survive alongside her and this alliance. All this, in just a week more.
Looking out of the window, the sun is now peaking out of the once known Rocky Mountains. Near where the Capitol is located. In just a few hours, I will meet these other tributes up close, knowing both allies, and enemies. A few hours ago, I would have been anxious, nervous about this, but now, I could be confident I would be the few with an ally. Confident that I could survive long. Confident I could make a difference.
In just a week's time.
-Slams head on desk-
Finally, this chapter is now out of here! A present for the Spring Break. Cheers.
This part was in particular, a pain, and a stick up my butt to write. Trust me, writing parts for filler characters are harder than it seems. Combine with the fact I got a new game I have been immersed in, and the tests that the school board is barfing up is killing my brain with so much questions and a time limit that I kind of lost the will to write in a while.
Better news? I won't make promises, but I believe that the next chapter, the Parade, will be much more soothing to write and read.
As always, Happy Hunger Games! And a Bountiful Spring Break!
~Danny