Extras

by barbiescult

The cruelty of the Capitol is demonstrated once again. For the fourth Quarter Quell and the hundredth year of the games, 100 tributes will be reaped. Jacinta Combe of District 3 is a typical poor girl from the slums of District 3, but when she is reaped for these extra deadly Games, her life will be forever changed.

1. Prologue

Prologue

"I'm holding a meeting today for the Quarter Quell," I start. The members of my committee look eager, like they're ready for the Games to start again. Grandfather would've been proud of me for having such an enthusiastic and prepared committee. He said his biggest regret was hiring the wrong team.

"Any ideas? I've been thinking about it and I've realized that this is a lot of work! I've got a lot of respect for you, Taviril!" Taviril, my head Gamemaker smiles and the rest of the committee chuckle. I intertwine my fingers and place my hands on the mahogany table. "No, seriously, I need ideas."

My annoying secretary raises his hand. His glasses are far too big for his head, and that pinhead of his is always stuck in his notepad. Worst of all, he calls me by my first name. Such an odd man. "Yes, Cilo?"

"If I may, President Maxima-,"

I cut him short and interrupt him. "How many times have I told you, it's President Snow. Continue."

"Yes, President Snow. I suggest not doing a...," His voice trails off.

"Come again?" I say, leaning forward, left hand cupping my left ear.

"A-a Quarter Quell. We sh-shouldn't do a Quarter Quell."

I look at him like he's crazy. His resume said nothing about him being insane. No Quarter Quell? Grandfather would've killed me. Of course we're doing a Quarter Quell. I really don't even know why I have Cilo at these meetings, he never offers up any good ideas. I clasp my hands together as calmly as possible. I stand up out of my chair and lean forward. I jab my index finger at him. He's shaking. "Out. Now." I fix him with a glare he scurries out of the room, notebook and all. The guards don't even have time to open the doors before he opens them himself.

"Finally," I chuckle. The rest of the committee laughs with me. "What a nuisance. Now. Any good ideas?" My younger sister raises her hand. I'm surprised. She's normally silent in these committee meetings. "Yes, Marianne?"

"Well, President Snow," I give her an approving nod. "It's the hundredth year of the Hunger Games. I say we do one hundred tributes." She says, cheeks reddening. This causes a stir in the group. They whisper to each other frantically. Taviril leans over to me and asks, "Can we do that?"

"Of course," I say with a smile. "Marianne," I say loudly. She nods, wide eyed. "That is an amazing idea."

Taviril nervously starts. "President Snow?"

I nod. "Yes?"

"Keep in mind we only have twelve Districts. One hundred is not a multiple of twelve."

Dammit.

"President Snow?" The general of the Capitol's Army pipes up.

"Yes, General?" I ask with a smile.

"We could have 8 tributes from each district, but four extra tributes. From...certain Districts. Like, say 3, 8, 11, and 12. They've proved to be...well, problems in the past. When we make the official announcement tomorrow, say the four others were 'randomly chosen'."

"Yes," I say. "The extras."