Chapter 90

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Both Anakins returned to their group and explained what they had been through. This encounter left them with a new ally, but did not leave them any closer to finding Dawn. Then they heard of a "game" in this particular game. It was the Hunger Games, desperate children forced to fight and kill each other for food, for the amusement of the sadistic crowd. The idea had come from ancient Rome, and from a world called Panem. Suppossedly the one and only victor would live pretty well, would get enough money and other comforts to enjoy whatever life they still had here in Hell. This seemed like exactly the kind of "game" that would be played in Hell, exactly the kind of game that people who belonged in Hell would enjoy watching. There was a rumor that one of the contestnts in the upcoming game, was a potential vampire slayer. In Buffy's world, Dawn was never a potential slayer, but these spectators might think she was, or just outright lie to get more people to watch these games. Buffy decided to bring her group to the training complex where the contestants trained. Getting in would be difficult, but it was easy to simply buy a program. There were photos of all 24 tributes, all except one. One female tribute was not named or photographed. Buffy heard others talking about this. Some seemed to think they were witholding information to generate speculation and interest. Others thought she was protecting herself from enemies, or her sister's enemies. It might be a stretch that this unidentified tribute was Dawn, but it was the best lead they had so far.

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Buffy and her group made plans to break out Dawn, and the other tributes, before these games began. They had little time, the games would begin in a mere three days. The two Anakins and Willow were powerful, and Buffy was definitely determined. But they didn't know the area particularly well. That would be helpful, but if neccessary they would go in blind. They had to plan this covertly, they feared that "police" or informants would be desperate enough to report these strnagers planning to interrupt the games. But somehow or other word got around, and they were soon approached by a mysterious woman, known as Katniss.

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Katniss: I hear you're planning to break into the training complex and free the tributes.

Willow: And if we are?

Katniss: I want to help. In my world I was one of these tributes, I always told myself I did what I had to do to save myself and my family. But in the end I couldn't save my sister, and I ended up here. I have yet to see my sister in this world, but if I ever do I might need allies in saving Rue. So yeah, I want to help this, vampire slayer, save her sister.

Buffy: Then welcome to the team. Do you know who this mystery tribute is?

Katniss: No, but this is not the first time they've kept a tribute's identity secret to generate interest. Whether she really is you sister, is anyone's guess. But I can tell you some things about this training complex. It's pretty similar to the one from my world. President Snow isn't particularly creative, he goes with what works, not what's original. I can create a diversion. Trust me he'll still want punishment for me, he still blames me for losing his precious empire.

Anakin: I don't like putting someone in uneccessary danger.

Katniss: I'd say it's neccessary. I'll tell you what I can about the rest of their defenses, and hopefully I can rejoin you when this is over. But like I said before, if you ever find Rue, and have a chance to bring her back to your world...

Buffy: We'll do what we can, you have our word.