Hello everyone! I can't believe that this story is finally finished! It's my first published story and I'm so, so proud of it.
This story has gone through many different versions before ending in the story you see today. I thought that, just for fun, I would share a few changes from the original story that I made, and I'll also share some cut scenes that didn't make it into the final story.
Before we get to that, though...
Story Announcements
This story is getting a sequel! I'm so excited! The sequel is called Hunger Games: Ultimate Crown and is entirely written as of right now. However, it isn't up to my current standards, and I'll have to edit it before posting.
While I'm editing that story, I'm also writing a spinoff to this story, called Rising from the Ashes. The story tells Griff's story in the 76th Hunger Games and how he became Victor. It's almost completely written, and I've started posting the first few chapters, so go check it out on my page!
And a quick note before I share some fun facts - THANK YOU so much to anyone who has favorited, bookmarked, commented on, or left a review on this story. it means SO much to me and it really motivated me to keep writing!
Now, here's some interesting tidbits for any nerds like me!
Plot Changes
There were some MAJOR plot/character changes so here are the biggest ones:
- In the original script, Lacie was the winner
- In the original script, the Games lasted three days
- No antagonist was present in the original other than Robin towards the end
- In the original script, Ada was from District 12 and allied with Soren, but she died in the Bloodbath
- Victoria was originally a farmer from District 11 who allied with poor tributes, and she also died early in the Games
- Dalia originally lived until the end of the Games. So did Persephone. They were replaced in the end by Robin and Victoria.
- Murray and Orion had a poorly-written love story going on (yikes)
- There were originally 35 tributes - Lacie and Soren were originally the only the only tributes from Four. The QQ twist was that D4 got an advantage because of Roman's win, which meant they only had to give up 2 tributes. That seemed too tame, though, so it was changed and Wade was added as the 36th tribute
- Because there were no antagonists, minor characters Victoria and Ada were chosen to be promoted for those roles
- There were originally no Careers! The 'Careers' were Carlo, Seffie, Velia, Kala, Orion, and Murray. They were not considered Careers. In the final Version, tributes were chosen from other Districts and moved to be Careers. Victoria was from D11, Felix was from D5, Amethyst was from D5, and Ada was from D12.
- Leon and Angelica originally had no feud
- And many more I'm probably forgetting!
Long Lost Scenes
Here are some long-lost scenes from this story. This story was originally written four years ago in the form of a script, like for a movie. Last year I rewrote the story, still in script form. I then rewrote that version in first-person. Here are some scenes from the most recent version that were cut. Note that lines in () are 'stage directions' while lines are written like this:
Lacie: This is how the lines are written!
Pre-Games - Rose and Amethyst
(Rose is wearing a nice summer dress and simple slippers as she walks down a cobblestone street. She is holding a package in her hand. As she passes the main square of District 8, she glances over to see workers putting up the stage for the Reaping. She takes a deep breath, focusing her eyes on her shoes and ignoring the Reaping stage.)
(Amethyst is wearing a high-end outfit - a pastel pink shirt with short jean shorts along with clean white shoes - she is clearly in District 1. She turns off the light gray paved street up the cement steps to a fair-sized house. She opens the mailbox to find a letter, labeled "Amethyst Gray" on the front in cursive. Smiling, Amethyst sits on the steps as she opens the letter. A loud group of teenagers passes the steps on the sidewalk, but Amethyst doesn't look up as she pulls the letter out. A close shot shows the words 'Congratulations' and 'qualified for the 125th Annual Hunger Games', revealing Amethyst is a Career tribute. Amethyst laughs and closes the letter, opening the unlocked door and entering her house.)
Lacie's Arrival in the Capitol
(Lacie enters a luxurious room with Griff. Griff leans against the doorframe as Lacie sits on the bed.)
Griff: You'd better get a good night's sleep. It gets tougher from here.
(Lacie nods, smiling a bit.)
Lacie: You too. I'll see you all in the morning.
Griff: Alright, then, stay safe. We'll talk tactics for the Games after the parade.
(Lacie nods as Griff quietly closes the door. Almost immediately, Lacie leaps up from her bed, approaching a desk. She switches on a screen, searching 'tribute profiles' and opening up some sort of database to assess her competition.)
Soren's Initial Doubts about Lacie
(Soren looks at himself in the mirror, adjusting his Training outfit as Cressa watches from behind him. Cressa's electric yellow hair is pulled back with a black headband.)
Cressa: Don't worry yourself too much. Try and blend in a bit so you don't make yourself a target, but look out for any allies. I'm sure Lacie will do enough of that for both of you anyway, but keep a lookout.
(Soren glances at Cressa in the mirror.)
Soren: About Lacie…
(Cressa nods her head.)
Cressa: I understand your hesitation.
Soren: She's too smart. One wrong move and she could honestly trick me into killing myself if she wanted too.
Cressa: She won't. She's very smart - smart enough to see the consequences of killing her own District partner. She's already told Griff she wants to ally with you. As your mentor, I can see the benefits of this as long as you add other allies and choose them wisely. In the end, though, it's your decision.
(Soren nods absentmindedly.)
Lena and Tanner's Fight
(Rex is walking through a hallway when he pauses, hearing voices. In the distance, he can hear Lena and Tanner fighting.)
Lena: You can't just cut me out of your life, Tanner, it's not right!
Tanner: I have to, Lena! This is my one chance. Who knows what'll happen after that psycho bitch attacked me, but I won't take my chances. I'm in with the Careers and I plan to stay there. Don't bring me down or I will make sure you both disappear.
(Rex reaches the doorway.)
Rex: Is that a threat, Tanner?
(Tanner turns to face Rex.)
Tanner: Yes it is. It is, Rex. What're you gonna do about it, kill me? If you want an actual Victor from 10 for once, you'll let me do my thing. If any of us can win, it's me. And we all know we need one, with people like Wayne and Misty walking around. I mean, Brandy? That bitch didn't even know how many days of Training there were. We're a laughing stock. If you know what's best for the District you'll stay out of my business and distance yourselves.
(Lena shakes her head, defeated and upset.)
Acacia preps for her Interview with her mentor, Mallory
(Casey is sitting in a small room across from her mentor, Mallory. Mallory's black hair is pulled back in a low ponytail. She is one of the older mentors, looking to be in her early forties. She huffs a bit as she pulls her reading glasses on.)
Mallory: You know I love you, dear, but let's get this over with quick. Someone hid all the alcohol at lunch.
(Casey laughs a bit.)
Mallory: What are we working with? You got a pretty good score… right?
Casey: Yeah, a 7.
(Mallory raises her eyebrows.)
Mallory: Great start. Haven't seen a 7 in a while… Not high enough to build on though. High-scoring tributes can use that to their advantage. Do you have a sob story you can tell?
Casey: Uh… My sister was killed when the fire ruined the city. Trapped inside. We weren't close, though.
Mallory: Perfect, the Capitol twats will buy up any sort of story as long as it has some truth to it. You're the lovable farm girl from 9 who's fighting for her sister. You want to live the life she never had because you two were so close back home.
Casey: The people in 9 know that's not true, though. My family knows it's a lie.
Mallory: And? They're not here. It's our little secret. Play up your love for her sister and how much you want to live for her. You'll have sponsors lined up.
(Casey nods.)
Casey: Okay… I can do that.
Mallory: Well, do it or not, my job is done here. I wonder if the concierge has any District 9 beer on hand…
Lacie's Full Interview
Lacie: Well, Ross, I would never doubt the credibility of the Gamemakers, but it is clear that some of the scores were unfairly judged.
Ross: Interesting… How so?
Lacie: Well, for instance, Nia's score was lower than it could have been considering her skill shown in Training. Betters should take this into consideration - just remember that life and death is a fragile balance and anyone can win.
Jomilee's Interview
(A clip shows Robin in the back of the stage with the other tributes. He is standing between Della and Cada and is wearing a suit made of stark red velvet. He looks out at the huge crowd from a platform as Jomilee is doing her interview. Bright lights shine in Robin's face.)
Jomilee: Yeah, my score was definitely a surprise, being from 6 and all. I guess I'm more skilled than I thought I was.
(Ross laughs quite loudly at the remark, and the audience follows suit.)
Ross: So cheeky, I love it!
Kala's Interview
(Kala is on-stage.)
Kala: My passion has always been bookmaking. There's a small book manufacturing section in 7 where we make paper and use printing presses. Making my own book has always been a dream of mine.
Ross: Very sweet! And can we expect a novel for your Victory Tour?
Kala: I won't get too far ahead of myself, Ross. If I win, though, you can certainly expect a memoir of my experiences.
Ross: Sounds like a very interesting read, doesn't it, folks?
(The crowd murmurs in agreement.)
Dalia's Interview
(Dalia is now on-stage. She is wearing a light yellow dress with dangling earrings.)
Dalia: Well, I think our alliance is very prepared. Lacie's thought everything out. She's the brains of the operation. Robin is very skilled with complicated weaponry. Soren and I are both fit and mentally sharp, and Nia is one of the most agile tributes.
Ross: Wonderful. Let's talk about your Cornucopia strategy. What's the plan?
(Dalia gives Ross a small smile, as if sharing an inside joke.)
Dalia: Ross! Are you trying to pry industry secrets out of me?
(The crowd roars with laughter. Dalia points at Ross accusingly.)
Dalia: I know your tricks!
(Ross laughs with the crowd. Jordinia and Wolfgang, the mentors of Dalia and Nia, laugh a bit as well and look very pleased with their tributes' interviews.)
Snippets of the Bloodbath
(The small island is swamped with tributes now as tributes arrive. Orion grabs a bow, quickly turning and shooting at Karrie. While Karrie ducks out of the way, the momentum forces her to tumble into the poison below her. Rowan is shown looking through a bin of swords before he quickly snatches a sickle. Persephone runs past Victoria, who is stabbing Alf with a long knife, and runs up to Carlo.)
Persephone: Let's go before we get cornered! It's too dangerous.
Carlo: I grabbed some supplies, we should be good.
(Persephone nods, grabbing an abandoned sword before the two take off running.)
(Rex stands quickly and efficiently, looking around and spotting something in the distance. He heads towards a figure, likely Lena, but suddenly, Tanner steps in the way and blocks the path. As Rex walks up to him, he looks nervous. Tanner instinctually raises his sword as Rex approaches.)
Rex: Don't do it, Tanner. Just let us go.
(Tanner keeps his eyes on Rex, but he lowers his sword and allows Rex to pass.)
(Maisy and Kala are ducked behind a large tree as Jordan, Greta, and Rose sprint towards them. Glancing at each other nervously, the two emerge from their hiding place as their allies approach. Jordan throws a pack in Kala's arms as Rose hands Maisy weapons.)
Kala: All good?
Jordan: We had a run-in with Ada but we made it out alright. We also thought Greta was dead but luckily we found her in time.
(Greta smiles sheepishly at the group.)
Rowan and Ada's Fight on Day One
(Rowan is walking confidently through the woods. He looks down to see a squirrel scurry by his feet, and he smiles a bit. Suddenly, he hears a crack from behind him and whirls around, reaching back to grab his sickle. He turns to see Ada, who sprints at him, tackling him to the ground. She gives him a demented grin as she pulls out a knife. Rowan's face is of pure shock and fear of Ada, and he struggles to break free. As he wriggles around, he manages to knock Ada's knee from his arm, and he throws her off, her knife leaving a shallow cut on the side of his neck. Ada looks stunned as Rowan throws himself to his feet and sprints away.)
Jordan's Death (Hydra Vines)
(Jordan is looking around, confused, as the ground shakes beneath him. Suddenly, he spots something approaching in the distance - a wall of vines. The vines move rapidly, weaving into one another to form a chaotic yet organized wall, growing extremely rapidly in Jordan's direction. Jordan drops his basket of berries, suggesting he was collecting them, and turns to his group in a distant clearing.)
Jordan: KALA!
(Kala looks over at Jordan, her eyes filled with fear. Jordan begins to sprint towards the group as the vines grow closer. Grabbing their stuff and leaving a few items behind, Greta, Maisy, and Rose sprint after Kala as she runs away. A cannon shot booms loudly over the rumbling as Maisy trips on a root, tumbling to the ground. Greta stops behind her to avoid tripping over her, hauling her back to her feet as they follow Kala and Rose. Suddenly, Kala screams.)
Kala: JORDAN!
(Greta sees Kala looking back and looks back as well to see Jordan, lying on the ground. He scrambles back as the vines finally reach his body. The vines whirl around wildly, enveloping Jordan until he disappears completely.)
Rose: Come on, let's go!
Jomilee and her allies ambush the Careers (Night One)
(Tanner jumps down from a low tree branch where Felix and Victoria are waiting for him.)
Tanner: This way. We're close.
(Felix and Victoria follow Tanner as he heads through the woods. A fire comes into view through the trees, and the group approaches it. They stop a short distance away from the fire, examining it from a distance.)
Felix: It's empty…
Victoria: Why would there be a fire with no people? They must be nearby.
(Suddenly, Victoria screams as an arrow embeds itself in her arm. Jomilee drops from the trees, bow in hand, followed by Della and Casey. The girls run at the other group, but Tanner jolts into action, grabbing Victoria and dragging her away, Felix close in tow. Felix ducks and narrowly misses another arrow that flies over the group. Felix looks back to see that Jomilee, Della, and Casey have stopped their pursuit, satisfied with injuring a Career. The girls turn and run.)
(later - new scene)
(Tanner is sorting through his pack as Felix examines Victoria's shoulder. She is pale and winces as he pokes the wound.)
Victoria: I said not to touch it!
Felix: Too bad, I can't see how bad it is without touching it. You would know that.
(Victoria rolls her eyes aggressively. Suddenly, a beeping can be heard overhead, and a parachute falls into the clearing with the number '1' on it. Felix picks it up and cracks it open to reveal a small tube. He cheers.)
Felix: Healing cream!
(Victoria sighs in relief.)
Rose and Maisy split up after the Feast
(Maisy is also walking through the dark Arena, with Rose trailing behind her. Rose looks around before stopping.)
Rose: Maisy.
(Maisy turns around, slightly confused.)
Rose: I think we need to split up.
Maisy: ...Okay.
Rose: Jordan and Kala are gone, Greta's gone crazy… Of all of us we just haven't been the closest. I think it's time to go on our own.
(Maisy nods.)
Maisy: I get it. Let's split the supplies.
(later scene)
(Rose and Maisy hug before heading in separate directions.)
Maisy: Thanks for everything.
Rose: Good luck out there.
(The two wave and separate.)
Dalia splits from Soren and Lacie
A/N - in the original, Robin has enough rope to tie up Dalia as well, so she does not die. Robin still leaves the group, though. This scene is right after the group survives the tidal wave.
(Lacie is picking berries off a nearby bush and eating them. Dalia clears her throat nearby.)
Dalia: Uh… you guys…
(Soren and Lacie look up to face Dalia.)
Dalia: I don't know how to say this, but I think it's time for us to split up.
(Soren stares at Dalia, shocked. Lacie breaks the silence.)
Lacie: If that's what you think is best. Why, though?
Dalia: Well, Robin stole everything we have and it's near the end now anyway. We're the last alliance left if Tanner and Victoria really split up for good. I get it if you two want to stay together, but Nia and I joined you guys as our own pair. Quite honestly, I considered disappearing the day after she died. It didn't seem worth it anymore. Obviously I trusted you guys enough to stay, but now that Robin's gone I'm the odd one out here. I think it's for the best.
(Soren envelopes Dalia in a tight hug.)
Soren: It's okay. You do what you want. I'll miss you, though.
(Dalia nods. She hugs Lacie briefly before walking away awkwardly.)
Lacie: Bye, Dalia!
(Dalia looks back and waves at Soren and Lacie before disappearing into the forest. Soren lets out a shaky breath.)
Soren: That could be the last time we see her… ever.
Lacie: That's how it goes. The same goes with Robin. Eventually, we'll both see each other for the last time.
(Soren winces.)
Soren: Not now, Lacie.
(Lacie shrugs.)
Dalia's original death scene
(It is now light as Dalia walks through the woods. She pauses as a small bird circles close above her. She pauses, holding her hand up. The bird lands gently on Dalia's finger, twittering and looking around. Dalia smiles up at the small creature. After a moment, the bird departs when a small noise comes from nearby. Dalia looks around, caught off-guard, and spots Orion from behind her. The two stare at each other for a moment, neither wanting to make a move. Orion sighs, upset about what is about to come. Dalia begins to back away, defenseless without a weapon. Orion sprints towards her, and she screams.)
Soren's train ride back from the Games
(Soren is sitting at the front of a train car, looking out the window at the landscapes as he passes them. He looks out to see a station with the words 'DISTRICT 11 - AGRICULTURE' above it. Two young children are watching the train, running alongside it and waving gleefully. Soren's eyes watch them. He turns slowly before heading into the train car, not being able to watch any longer. The screen fades to black.)
I'm so sad to see this story go. It's come such a long way from the story I wrote four years ago and I'm so proud of the progress I've made! Stay tuned for other HG projects in the future, and for now, peace out!
~S