Prologue Pt. 2

It was cold morning.

It wasn't so cold that he needed to return inside, but just enough so that he could see his breath everytime he exhaled. He had left the new television on in the living room and could hear the faint rambles about the games in the background, despite being seated outside on his front porch.

Victor's Village in district 11 was completely empty, in fact it was still under construction, seeing as no one had expected someone from district 11 to win within the first eight games, yet here he was, Sirco Till, the sole victor of district 11. Sirco had been deemed the defier of the odds by his district and a symbol of hope that perhaps others from the lower districts stood a chance in these horrible games. It had become obvious that a pattern was forming- the upper districts with their money and proximity to the Capitol fared far better in the games than anyone else.

He had seen it up close and personal last year- the rumors about the tributes from districts 1 and 2 had finally rung true for him. It was becoming increasingly apparent that they had certainly had prior training for the games and it worried Sirco that the responsibility of his distict's tribute's surival lay in his lap.

"Sirco, come inside darling, you're going to catch a cold and I refuse to send my child to the Capitol with a cold!"

Turning around, he spotted his mother at the door. She was wearing the new nightgown- the one made from textile gifted to him while on his victory tour by district 8- and for perhaps the first time in an incredibly long while, she looked healthy and well-rested.

"Alright, I'm coming in," Sirco grumbled, but there was an unmissable smile on his face as he headed inside, "I picked up some extra apples from the market yesterday. I was thinking we could perhaps go distribute them to the children at the school today. Tomorrow is the reapings and I worry that they won't have anything to eat before then."

"That's a lovely idea. I know the school and the students appreciate your efforts very much."

"It's the least I can do," he replied, softly, "After all, what am I to do with this much money anyways?"

She smiled sadly, "Darling, I'm truly going to miss you when you have to leave. Although I must admit, sending you to the Capitol this time will be much, much easier than it was last time."

"Are you going to go stay with Aunt Maeve while I'm gone?" Sirco asked, as he took a seat in front of the television. A brief recap of President Clarith's speech followed by Head Gamemaker Rollo's speech had been playing for the past few minutes but Sirco found himself as uninterested as ever.

"Actually..." his mother began, her words slow and cautious, "...I'll be staying with Jonathan."

"Oh." Sirco paused, a surprised frown forming on his face, "Mayor Jonathon Orchard?"

"I do hope you're okay with the arrangement," she quickly added, her face aflush.

A few moments passed before he spoke, "Of course. As long as that is what makes you happy."

"Oh Sirco, you know the only thing I need to make me happy is you- everything else comes second."

Sirco looked over at his mother genuinely happy, "Don't worry about me, mother. Things for us are finally good. We've always deserved to have good things in life and now we can finally have them."

His mother sighed heavily, "You can't blame me for worrying, especially after everything we've been through. It's a dangerous world out there, Sirco, a very dangerous world."

a/n: Yay! So, we're nearing our tribute due date! All the info is still on my profile and the due date for tributes is now November 20th (I'm extending it!). It was be amazing if you submitted! I hope you enjoyed another edition to Bloodshot and as always, reviews are greatly appreciated (not to mention, reviews also boost your chance of your tribute suriving if you do review). Anyways, looking forward to seeing more tributes! - Cass