The First Annual Hunger Games

by Callidora Medea

Following the Dark Days, the President of Panem announces the beginning of the Hunger Games. District 4 girl, Cass, District 1 girl, Silver, and District 7 girl, Oak, are all thrown into the turmoil that is the first Hunger Games, and must choose their alliances; decisions that can mean life or death in the arena. All intend to win. But there can be only one victor.

16. Chapter 16- A Good Score

Chapter 16. –Cass Oceansong

I'm curled up in a chair in the living room, this time biting on an apple instead of my nails. "Are we all ready?" Plinia asks in a chipper voice. "Sure," I answer. She turns the television on. "Welcome back to the first annual Hunger Games!" announces Vibius Frigidian, the idiotic announcer. I stroke the shell necklace that Tempest gave me. "Now for the scores from our tributes!" The tributes from 1 and 2 all get high marks, as I knew they would. The District 3s, Volt and Keek, pull a 3 and a 4. Not good signs for them. Then it's us. Rigg's face flashes across the screen with the number 7 underneath. "Good job, Rigg," Plinia says. Then it's my face, with an 8 underneath. I smile broadly at Plinia and Riva. "Great job, Cass!" says Riva. "Thanks!" I say. Maybe I do have a chance in these games.

We watch the rest of the tributes. Violet from 5 gets a 5. She's so small and not very strong I don't think. The person who gets the lowest score is the scrawny twelve year old from District 10, Cinder, who gets a 3. Then the 11s, Buck and Willow. I'm not surprised that Buck gets a 10; he's a formidable opponent in these Games. Willow pulls a 7, which I think is pretty good. Then the District 12s, and I don't even pay attention to them. Plinia turns the television off and claps her hands. "Excellent job tonight! Off to bed with both of you! Tomorrow are your interviews!" Oh. I forgot. "We'll work on angles tomorrow in the morning!" Plinia continues cheerfully. "And I have a lovely dress for you to wear," Riva says. I smile weakly at her. "Goodnight you two!" Plinia says, shooing Rigg and I towards our rooms.

I go to my room, but I don't sleep. I stare out the window at the Capitol, watch the tiny people come and go. Was it only a few days ago I was home with my family? I wonder how they are all faring. They've seen me in the parade, and they've seen my scores. I hope they think I have a chance of winning. All I want is to go home, back to my ocean. I go to the wardrobe, leaving the window, and choose a long, warm nightgown. I climb into the bed and dream a dream about rolling waves and the color blue all night.