A couple of weeks before the Reaping

Roger Olympus (18)- Chosen tribute

I look at my reflection in the mirror. I'd like so badly to loosen my tie, but my parents would certainly scold me, if I went out with something out of place. Everything must be perfect tonight. Tonight, there's the Chosen Tribute Ceremony. Every year, the academy selects two trainees to represent District 2 in the Hunger Games, and the chosen ones are officially appointed during this ceremony. This year, it's my turn. I smile at the thought. I look forward to using the weapons of the Capitol, they're said to be far more sophisticated than those we have at the academy. Of course, Capitolites can afford to buy the best armaments. Here, in District 2, we can only count on academy fees and victors' donations, and the enthusiasm for the Games has quite cooled down since the last rebellion, not to mention the fact that we haven't had a victor in years. But things are about to change.

I hear some footsteps approach, and then the door of my room opens. I turn around and see my best friend in the doorway.

"Victor Blade, I didn't expect you to come get me at home," I greet him.

"I'd be a bad friend, if I didn't accompany you to your ceremony, right?" he replies, grinning.

"I thought you were still too disappointed to speak to me."

There's always been a bit of competition between Victor and me. Certainly, being excluded from the Games has been a blow to him. He's eighteen like me, he has lost his last chance.

Victor shakes his head. "It's like you said, Roger… my lack with long-range weapons has cost me the opportunity to compete in the Hunger Games. I can't blame anyone but myself."

"I hope nothing has changed between us. We're still friends, aren't we?"

"Of course! Don't worry, by the time the Games are over, I'll find a new purpose in life," he says with a weird smile.

I hope he truly means it. Yet that smile… it doesn't bode well, it's the kind of smile you may have when secretly plotting. But Victor is not the type. Yes, he's too competitive at times, but not two-faced. And he's my best friend, after all. I know he will overcome his disappointment.

"What are we waiting for? You don't want to be late, do you?" he says.

Neither says a word while we're heading to the academy. Yet Victor seems to be particularly happy. I wonder why. Is he sincerely happy for me? Or is he just trying to hide his disappointment? What is he thinking? No, tonight I should think only of myself, that's my moment! Whatever is going through Victor's head, it's not my problem.

The Ceremony is reserved to academy members. It's quite simple: our trainers compliment us on the excellent work and encourage us to carry on; then, the names of the chosen tributes are said aloud, and they mount a little stage set up for the occasion. It's a sort of dry run before the real Reaping.

"Roger Olympus!"

When my name is called, I flaunt my most winning smile and mount the stage. "Good evening to all of you! I'll do my best to be up to the honour of representing District 2 in the annual Hunger Games. Our proud district deserves a victor, therefore my father, the owner of the Olympus weapons factory, has decided to invest money to sponsor our tributes!"

That wins the crowd. I receive the cheers till the trainers are forced to silence the crowd to announce the name of my district partner.

"Scarlett Pearce!"

A girl with straight, dark hair, bowl haircut, and stunning, ice blue eyes mounts the stage. She doesn't say anything, just nods in the direction of the trainers. We shake hands. The expression on her face is something unintelligible. She looks untroubled, her lips slightly curled to form a subtle smirk that makes me freeze.

After the Ceremony is over, I take a walk with Victor before going back home.

"What do you think of Scarlett?" I ask him, when we're finally left alone.

"In what sense?" he replies.

"What was your impression of her?"

"It was the first time I saw her, and she didn't say a word, what impression do you think I could get!? Anyway, she has to die, so who cares?" he answers.

"You're right, but…"

"What do you want to be told, Roger?" Victor interrupts me. "Scarlett has been chosen, so she's capable of something, I suppose."

"I don't know if I can trust her as an ally," I say.

"She's likely to join the pack, but don't take it for granted, wouldn't be the first time Careers betray their allies too soon. By the way, why do you think she's not trustworthy?" Victor asks me, suddenly interested in the conversation.

"Don't know exactly… that's just the impression I got… there was something in her that didn't convince me. But I'll find it out soon, I suppose."

"Live and learn."

…...

10 years ago

Kara Pearce (40)- Trainer at the academy

Another year's gone since the last Hunger Games. Time just flew. We have worked hard to select the tributes for this year, for the 89th edition of the Hunger Games. District 2 won twice in a row in the last two years. Two victors in a row, but we can do better, that's just a record to beat.

"What do you think of the tributes of this year?" I ask Markus.

Markus Schwarz is one of the oldest trainers of the academy. He has great experience in training young pupils for the Games, therefore his opinion is held important.

"We did a great job in the last two years, but we cannot afford to flatter ourselves. The tributes of this year are certainly promising, but they'll have to play their cards right. Training at home and competing in the Hunger Games are two different things. And then, as for allies, there shouldn't be too much cohesion in the Career pack… cohesion can also mean rebellion," he answers grimly.

"Rebellion?"

"I believe that district pride is better than cohesion among tributes from different districts, at least in the eyes of the Capitol. You know, the pack serves only to get rid of the weakest tributes before the real competition starts. The Hunger Games are a lone fight, in the end," he explains.

"You're right."

"Anyway, I've heard that you've got a niece, Kara. Does she attend the academy?" he suddenly changes the subject.

"Her name is Scarlett, she's my brother's daughter. She doesn't attend the academy though, her parents are against it," I answer with a frown.

I don't like talking about my family.

"Why?"

"My family belongs to the working class, Markus. We're simple people, and certainly not in the pool of the wealthiest families that can afford to pay academy fees. At the time, also my parents were dismayed when I decided to attend the academy. I had to drop school and start working to pay the fees myself, since they didn't want to help me."

"But it was worth it, wasn't it? You weren't chosen for the Games, but now you have a high-paying job," he offers.

"I've tried to convince my brother, but he's too stubborn, he'll never listen to reason," I say, shaking my head.

"I see."

Markus has given up. Finally! I respect him as a person and as an older colleague, but he's so curious! If he had gone on with that conversation, I would have said too much. I would have said that my brother is about to divorce, because he suspects that his wife cheats on him. If it's true, he could get custody of little Scarlett. But that wouldn't change his mind about the academy. He would certainly make his daughter finish school and then work in a factory like him. With such an insecure family situation, the Hunger Games are the last of his thoughts. My brother has invited me for dinner tonight. I hope this invite isn't meant to give me bad news.

I have a shower as soon as I go back home from the academy. I need to relax, to think positive. But I have the feeling that something will go wrong tonight, and this unpleasant sensation won't disappear with a simple shower. Maybe I should bring a bottle of wine, it might lighten the mood. I don't like showing my brother that I can afford to spend more money than him, but showing up empty-handed would be impolite. I can afford to buy luxuries like wine because of my good income; secondly, I haven't got a family to support. I've devoted my whole life to the academy. In any case, I've never been fit to marriage.

My brother lives on the outskirts of town, near the largest industrial zone of District 2. There are mainly weapons factories in that area, while stone working- District 2's other industry- is concentrated in the small villages scattered across the mountains surrounding the main town, where the academy stands. It takes a while to reach his house by foot, but I don't mind a little exercise.

When I arrive, all the lights are off, and you can't hear any noise from inside the house. I start worrying. Where have they all gone? I enter with my heart in my throat. It's a single-floor house. The first room you see when entering is the kitchen, and now it's in a mess. Pieces of dishes and glasses are scattered across the floor along with cutlery and other kitchen utensils. I put my bottle of wine on the table, then head carefully to the narrow corridor that separates the kitchen from the other rooms- a bedroom, which Scarlett shares with her parents, and a restroom. Thanks to the light coming from the window in the corridor, I spot some bloodstains on the floor. I'm covered in cold sweat, but I decide to follow them, nonetheless. They lead to the bedroom. The door is slightly open. I work up the courage to enter, and then switch on the light. I'd like to shout, but no sound escapes my throat. I'm scared stiff. The corpse of my sister-in-law lays on the floor in a pool of blood! She has been stabbed to death. Next to her, my brother lays prone. The only evident wound he has is a hole that pierces his jugular. He's dead too. Then I see her. Scarlett is on her knees with a piece of bloodied glass in her hand. She's watching me, her blue eyes widened, her lips slightly curled to form what looks like a smirk.

"Scarlett," it's the only thing I can say.

She stands up with a wild-eyed expression on her pale face. I back off.

"What has happened?" I manage to ask her.

"My father killed my mother, so I avenged her," she answers coolly.

"You… you…" I stammer.

"Don't make that face. I know he was your brother, but he didn't deserve to live after what he'd done."

"How can you talk that way about your father?" I yell, snatching the piece of glass off her hand. "This will have consequences, you may even be executed!"

"I don't think so, District 2 needs people like me," she rebuts, watching me right in the eye.

"What do you mean?" I ask, bewildered.

"For the Hunger Games, dear aunt. I know you'd like me to attend your academy, and I agree. Now that I know what killing a person means, I want more blood. I'm a born killer. Look! Look how many blows took that bastard to kill my mother! Me? Just one single lethal blow to get rid of him!" she answers with growing excitement, as if she was having fun.

…...

Present day

Victor Blade (18)- Citizen of District 2

I drift off early, but my slumber is troubled. I wake up in the dead of night, unable to go back to sleep. I look out of the window of my room, waiting for the sun to rise. The images of the party Roger gave tonight are still flashing before my eyes. He got drunk on only one shot. I shake my head. Too easy. Tomorrow will be Reaping day... or is it already today? In any case, I shouldn't worry about it, I already know what I must do.

When the dawn light finally comes into the room, I get up and do some stretching. Only now I realize I went to bed with the same clothes I wore for the party. I snort. Ok, I'll iron them, because they're my best clothes, and I'm going to wear them at the Reaping… to be honest, they aren't that great- just a white shirt and a pair of beat-up jeans- but I can't afford too much with my father's wage and the money I earn thanks to my odd jobs. For now, at least.

I hear noises come from my father's room. He's already awake. Even though he has the day off, he's used to waking up early in the morning because of his job. In addition, he suffers from insomnia. Anyway, he has never been able to sleep well since my mother's death. She died in childbirth. My father has never blamed me for that, but I still wonder whether he resents me a bit. Certainly, he has not approved my decision to join the academy, but he has never deprived me of his economic support either. Telling him that all my friends attended it and that I didn't want to be excluded was enough to convince him. On the other hand, he expects me to find a stable job soon, which I'm not going to do, though.

After ironing my clothes, I go to the kitchen to have breakfast. My father is already there, making coffee.

"Morning, pa'," I greet him.

"Good morning," he greets me back with a hint of a smile.

I open the kitchen cupboard and pull out a small box. "I've saved some money and bought these cookies yesterday. We can have a decent breakfast at least on Reaping days," I say.

He just nods in response. He doesn't like wasting money on unnecessary things, but nobody minds indulging in some goodies occasionally.

"We could afford to buy such things more often, if you had a stable job," he points out.

I roll my eyes and decide to ignore his comment. When coffee's ready, he pours it into two teacups. We sit at the table and have breakfast.

"I hope that after this folly will be over, you'll settle down, Victor. I know we've already talked about that thousands of times, but, believe me, it's for your own sake. There's no use in pretending to be what you can't be," he continues.

I snort. "Please, pa', spare me the lecture, at least today."

I do know what he means by "what you can't be". He refers to my friendship with Roger. We can be friends, but I'll never be his equal, as filthy rich as his family is. This slavish attitude of my father pisses me off, but I don't want to argue with him, not today. I finish my breakfast in silence.

There's a bus service to bring those who live on the outskirts to the main square, where the Reaping is held. There are mainly workers with their families on the bus. You recognize them by the way they look. Tired eyes and wrinkled faces. Even though they're wearing better clothes than the ordinary ones, you can see that they're humble people. I clench my fists. I don't want to look like them in the future! I deserve better!

Once at the square, those of Reaping age have to show up to the peacekeepers and sign in. Reapings are mandatory for everyone, though. I sign in and head to the front row, where the other eighteen-year-olds stand. The Reaping proceeds as planned. First of all, the mayor reads the boring Treaty of Treason, then the escort from the Capitol- a young man who's wearing a ridiculous, bright blue leotard with peacock feathers popping up all over it- mounts the stage.

"Hi, everyone! My name is Cornelius Flamingo! This is my first year as an escort, and I'm so happy to be assigned to District 2! I hope to start my career with two brave tributes! So, let's find out who they are! Ladies first!" he says, excited.

As expected, Scarlett volunteers to take the place of the reaped girl. Now, it's men's turn.

"Ludwig Kent!"

A skinny boy with messy, dark hair emerges from the fifteen-year-old section. He mounts the stage slowly, staring at the crowd with frantic eyes.

"Does anyone want to volunteer for this young man?" asks Cornelius.

No answer. The crowd around me starts murmuring. "Where's Roger?" someone whispers. I wait a moment just for show before shouting: "I volunteer!"

"Excellent! What's your name?" Cornelius asks me with a grin as soon as I'm onstage.

"Victor Blade," I answer.

"Let's give a round of applause for the tributes of District 2, Scarlett Pearce and Victor Blade! As always, happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour!"

The crowd cheers. I shake hands with Scarlett. She glares at me, as if she wanted to draw out of me why Roger is not here with her gaze. But I'm not afraid of her.

I pace back and forth in the waiting room of the Justice Building, waiting for my father to come. I don't wait long. As soon as he enters, he slaps me.

"You, ungrateful son! You told me you joined the academy not to lose your friends, you didn't tell me that you wanted to be in the Games, that you are the chosen tribute!" he shouts, beside himself with rage.

"I'm not the chosen tribute, pa'. Roger was the chosen tribute, but he got cold feet, I suppose," I say, rubbing my cheek.

"Why did you volunteer, then?"

"To save the situation. I'm one of the best trainees of the academy. This is my occasion to redeem myself!" I answer with a self-confident smile.

"Redeem yourself? What do you mean by that?"

"Changing things, pa'. When I win, we'll have a better life, we won't have to worry about money any longer! And, as for that bunch of filthy rich snobs like Roger, we'll look down on them! Can you imagine that?"

"I thought Roger was you best friend," says my father, bewildered.

I laugh at that. "Best friend!? Roger always says that he doesn't care about social distance, but he's a liar! All that lending to me… it's like he said that I can't live without his charity! And he wanted to compete in the Games too, to become even richer than he already is! He has already everything, I have nothing instead! I couldn't let him volunteer and take all the glory for himself! Can you understand that?"

I bite my lip, maybe I've said too much.

My father is watching me, gaping. "Apparently, Roger was not at the Reaping. What have you done to him, Victor?" he asks, worried and terrified, grabbing me by the collar of my shirt.

I make him release his grab.

"Roger was dead drunk yesterday, that's all I know," I answer, watching him right in the eye.

"Victor, if you… if you've done anything… oh, Victor! His father is my boss! If you've done anything to Roger and they find it out, I could… I could…"

"You'll be fine as long as I'll be alive, pa'," I say.

"Don't be selfish, Victor!"

"I'm not selfish. I'm doing this for us, for both of us."

When time's up, my father hugs me and then leaves the waiting room with a sad smile. I tell the peacekeeper at the door that I don't want to get any other visits. He just nods in response and closes the door.

…...

Scarlett Pearce (18)- District 2 female tribute

Where's the hell is Roger? He should have volunteered! He's the chosen tribute, not that Victor! Maybe I've misjudged him. He seemed a worthy opponent, not a coward. I shake my head, disappointed. I sit on one of the couches of the waiting room, trying to look at the bright side. No matter who my district partner is, he has to die by someone's hand- hopefully mine- in the end. I smirk at the thought. I look forward to being in the arena. If it were up to me, I would skip all the first part of the Games and start right with it.

My thoughts are interrupted by my aunt's arrival. When I see her, I stand up and smile. Since the death of my parents, I've gone live with her. It's thanks to my aunt that I could attend the academy and be here today.

"I'm proud of you, Scarlett. You've worked hard to be here, and now your efforts have been rewarded," she says, hugging me.

When she breaks the embrace, I immediately ask her: "What has happened to Roger?"

"He was not at the Reaping. I've heard that he has been taken to the hospital, don't know why, though," she answers.

"Do you think that Victor is responsible?"

By her expression, I can tell that my question wasn't unexpected. My aunt has thought the same thing as me, namely that Victor's volunteering is suspect.

"If so, he's really capable of anything to reach his goal, even of betraying his friends. Victor and Roger are always together at the academy. He's not as good as Roger, but he may play a mean trick on you in the arena. If you think he's too dangerous to join the Career pack, get rid of him as soon as possible," she says grimly.

"No problem," I reply.

"Scarlett, you've already killed, you know what it means, and this is certainly a great advantage, but remember that you fight to come back home, so don't take unnecessary risks," she goes on, watching me with a straight face.

"You said, I've already killed, and I'm not afraid of doing it again. We'll see if the other Careers are trained also to handle with killing," I say, defiant.

"Don't underestimate them. In any case, killing a man who didn't expect to be attacked is different from trying to kill someone who expects it."

"There's no difference, instead! Twenty-five tributes have to die in the end, doesn't matter whether they expect it or not!" I shout.

Being reminded of my father gets on my nerves. Remembering how he treated my mother, to only person who was always on my side… my aunt lost her brother that day, but I've lost more. I've never been able to get the image of her blood out of my mind, because her blood can be washed away only with other blood. I want more blood, I need it to forget.

My aunt backs off. She knows that my outbursts might be dangerous.

"Scarlett, I'm just giving you advice," she says with her hands forward in a defensive posture.

"I don't need it, I know what to do!" I rebut, beside myself.

"Very well, then. Just remember that I've always tried to protect you," she says, and then leaves the room.


So, this is the Reaping of District 2. What do you think Victor has done to Roger?- if you think he's guilty, of course.

Thank you for reading. Leave a review if you liked this chapter!