The Hunger Games Galaxies
District 7 Introduction: Part 2
Even as they stood with their arms raised, the screens around the auditorium began to fade from the faces of Hamuko and Akihiko, changing into the usual static image of space that was always present when the Voice of the Gods spoke. The seal of the Gods appeared briefly as the first Hymn began to play. Once it was finished, they waited for the Voice itself to begin to speak. Hamuko felt Akihiko's grip tighten on her hand, his face still set in defiance.
"Citizens of the Twelve Districts: welcome to the Reaping. As you send your courageous Tributes off to the field of battle, keep in your hearts the hope for them to return victorious! It is only with your encouragement and prayers that they may have an edge in battle!"
Out in the audience, Minato felt himself boiling with rage. Next to him, Junpei shook with fury, muttering quiet curses under his breath about the Gods and their bullshit game. Since everyone was focused on the Voice of God, it gave Minato a chance to scan back around the audience to try and find the other SEES members. Across the small gap from where they were, Fuuka, Yukari, and Hamuko's teammates were in various stages of distraught. Several rows behind them, Mitsuru looked stunned, but was still keeping most of her other emotions in check.
"As with each year, we attempt to up the entertainment value for the Games, finding new and exciting ways to increase competition and spectacle, and this year is no different," continued the Voice of the Gods. "However, this year's Hunger Games will be an undertaking like nothing we've seen before, with multiple, surprising changes hidden around each corner."
Back behind him, Minato could see Shinjiro's eyes wide with horror and anger. Even from the relative distance, it was easy to see his fists clenched. A dozen or so rows in front of them, he could barely make out Ken's frame, half doubled-over with sobs wracking is body. The sick feelings and rage inside Minato consumed him at that sight, and he turned back to the static space screen, his eye twitching.
"You've already experienced the first: the relaxation of the age restrictions," the Voice said. "But, this is only the beginning. Another is that we will not be permitting any Gods to act as sponsors; the tributes will be on their own."
"That's dumb as hell," muttered Kenji. "How are they supposed to fight without the Gods acting as sponsors?"
"No talking," hissed a Peacekeeper that was passing by.
"Each year," continued the Voice. "The 24 tributes provide ample opportunity for not only the Gods but all of you in the Districts to observe each other in a cultural exchange of sorts… but we were wondering… how could we make this exchange even stronger and more varied…?"
"Wait a second…" Minato said, his stomach dropping out. "You don't think…?"
"I said, 'no talking!'" snarled the Peacekeeper, turning to glare at the three.
"And therefore, the Gods have decreed that, from each District, we shall Reap a second group of tributes, ensuring this year's Hunger Games provides even more entertainment than the last!" the Voice of the Gods announced.
Gasps and screams of shock ran throughout the auditorium as Minato's fears were confirmed. The Peacekeeper who had been about ready to hit Minato was even caught by surprise, and he rushed back to the perimeter to join the others in quieting down the angry crowd. Luckily for them, District 7 was usually a pretty mellow district; none of the riots certain other Districts were famous for ever happened in 7 or 12, usually due to the double Peacekeeper presence.
"You gotta be friggin' kidding me…" slurred Mutatsu from on stage. "I… … I all right I guess.. gotta pick another… two names…"
He nearly knocked over the bowl with the girls' names this time, but he did finally manage to get a small slip of paper. He wandered to the microphone, opened the paper, and slurred out the name, "Yukari Takeba."
Akihiko and Hamuko both gasped despite themselves on stage. Even above the surprised reactions from Gekkoukan's populace, they could still hear Yukari's shriek of despair and terror. She had sunk to her knees, as Fuuka tried in vain to help her stand. The Peacekeepers were already working their way to her, but there was a surprise to be had seconds later.
"I volunteer," came the monotonous, yet resolute, call of Aigis.
"It would appear that we have volunteers! Or… I guess… just one…" Mutatsu said. "Very well, dear, come forward!"
There was some confusion as Aigis rigidly walked to the stage and ascended the stairs. She smiled as she approached Hamuko and Akihiko, standing right next to Hamuko after she made it onto the stage. Mutatsu moved over to stand next to Aigis, holding the microphone to her to allow her to introduce herself to the Gods and the Other Worlds.
"I am Aigis," she said. "And I will volunteer for Yukari Takeba. I wish to stay by her side…"
She wrapped an arm around Hamuko as she said this. A couple of nervous laughs echoed around the auditorium at that, but nobody could say much. A smattering of applause rang out for her as well, for being so brave and volunteering. Mutatsu had just started to move back to the boys' bowls when a Peacekeeper suddenly ran onto the stage and spoke with the Head Peacekeeper. The latter's eyes widened behind his visor, and he looked at Aigis for a moment before stepping forward, speaking quietly to Mutatsu, and then approaching the selected tributes
"Attention District 7. There has been a violation of the rules of volunteering. Aigis will not be permitted to volunteer for Yukari Takeba," he said.
"What?" snarled Akihiko. "Why not?"
"Because Aigis is not a humanoid, and does not meet the requirements to partake in the Hunger Games," said the guard. "Original tribute Yukari Takeba, come on to the stage. Aigis, you must return to the crowd."
"I will not do that," said Aigis, her voice dropping dangerously low.
Suddenly, she raised her hands and pointed them directly at the Peacekeeper. The finger tips flipped open and the tiny barrels stuck out of them. Screams of shock and surprise rang out through the auditorium, as the front rows of tributes started to push backwards into each other, with pandemonium breaking out in the group. From further back, the other members of SEES screamed out Aigis' name and began to fight against the tide of backwards-collapsing students. The Head Peacekeeper, unfazed by Aigis' actions, merely shook his head.
Out of nowhere, a massive blast of lightning struck the stage, narrowly missing Hamuko, but catching Aigis in its radius. The robot short-circuited and fell sideways to the ground, her last lips an apology to Hamuko. Akihiko and Hamuko both gasped and leapt backwards; Mutatsu fell over completely. Across the stage, a Peacekeeper holding some large rod moved forward, stowing the weapon, and joining several others who pulled Aigis off the stage.
"We will launch an investigation. Whoever is proven to have orchestrated this deception will be severely punished. Head Priest, please continue with the Reaping," said the Head Peacekeeper.
Yukari, under heavy guard, was finally brought to the stage. The shock of the previous few minutes seemed to have rendered her completely unable to react, because she merely stood still and quiet, unable to react at all. Hamuko and Akihiko had to hold her up just to make sure she wouldn't fall to her knees again. The crowd had finally settled down, though many of the youngest students were still crying openly.
"Our second guy, then…" Mutatsu said, after he'd finally been righted up. "… Shinjiro Aragaki."
The already-picked tributes let out fresh screams of shock, but Akihiko and Hamuko were easily the loudest. Like Akihiko, Shinjiro was on stage before almost anyone could react. He stomped over to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Akihiko, leering at the crowd and the cameras. His angry scowl was reflected in the screens around the school, and probably across the world.
"Shinji…" Akihiko began.
"Not now. Don't show weakness… or at least any more than you have already," he said, barely turning to look at them. "Don't make yourself a target."
Hamuko nodded and turned to look back out at the audience. Akihiko nodded and did the same, and Yukari finally supported her own weight and stood, staring off at the audience as well. Mutatsu again introduced the District 7 tributes, soliciting a round of applause, though the Gekkoukan student body was still unhappy about how many tributes had come from their school.
The Seal of the Gods appeared back on the screens and soon the Voice spoke again. "This shall be my final announcement. To each of our Districts… and to our viewing entities… there is one additional rule change to this year's Hunger Games. If the last 2, 3, or 4 tributes are from the same district, they shall be declared the victor, and the Games will end."
"Well… isn't that interesting…" said Shinjiro, grinning sickeningly. "In that case… glad we've got one our leaders with us, huh?"
"I… I guess…" muttered Akihiko.
"We have a slight advantage, then… least over most people from our District… we've fought before…" muttered Hamuko.
"But… but will it be enough?" asked Yukari.
"Of course it will. We'll just have to train extra hard over the next few days," said Akihiko.
"And since we've got the Dark Hour, we'll get extra time," said Shinjiro.
They were split up and given different classrooms to receive well-wishers and friends before they were sent off. Hamuko sat alone in her room for a few minutes before the tennis team members came to wish her well. Rio especially was tough to say goodbye to, but Hamuko promised she'd be back to help lead the team to victory. Saori, though clearly full of sorrow, kept on a brave face during her brief visit with the girl, wishing her well on the journey.
After she left, Hamuko was visited by SEES members as they worked their way around each room. First came Fuuka, Junpei, and Ken. Ken's eyes were already read, and Fuuka sniveled through it. Again Hamuko put on a brave face, urging them to keep up on their training in Tartarus with Minato leading the group. As they left, she hugged each of them, though Ken burst into loud sobs when the Peacekeepers began to pull him away.
Next came Mitsuru. For the first time since the ceremony, she looked absolutely exhausted, and even a little scared. They sat in silence for a few moments, simply looking out the windows onto the grounds, which were crowded with people leaving the auditorium, news crews capturing the scenes of the Reaping, and all manner of other curious onlookers.
"I… am sorry that there was nothing I could do to assist you," said Mitsuru. "And… things are only going to get more complicated from here."
"No problem," said Hamuko. "So… what will happen now?"
"First and foremost, I need to retrieve Aigis from the Peacekeepers," said Mitsuru. "With my family's connections, that shouldn't prove too difficult. From there… I… suppose we will continue with our investigation into Tartarus. Minato should be able to lead us from now on… until you and the others return, I mean."
"That's the spirit," said Hamuko, smiling. "We've survived how many battles against Shadows now? This isn't too much different; we can do this."
"They will seal your Personas, though. All of your combat abilities will be handicapped to give a more level playing field. But… if you can find a way around that… I have no doubt you will lead the others to victory," said Mitsuru. "Just be wary. With the rules from this year, you're on your own in there. And all the Districts will be teaming up to fight the others. Watch yourself."
"I will. And you be careful, too, don't get in trouble with the Gods while we're gone," said Hamuko.
There was a knock at the door, and a Peacekeeper came in to escort Mitsuru away. After she left, Hamuko was left alone for a few more minutes. Finally, just as their time to visit with others was winding down, the door slid open and Minato sauntered in.
"Hey," he said.
"Sup," she replied.
"You forgot these," he said, tossing her music player and headphones to her.
"Ah! Thanks," she said. "I was hoping to have something for the train ride."
They sat on the shelves next to the window, watching as the chaos became more controlled down below. The Peacekeepers were already setting up barriers to create lanes for the Tributes to safely make their way to the waiting cars that would take them to the station. They knew time was almost up.
"You'll have to say goodbye to the ones I couldn't see… Maiko… the old couple at the book store… Akiniri, if you see him…" Hamuko said.
"I will… but, you know, it's 'see you later,' isn't it?" Minato interrupted.
"Yes, but what if we don't make it?" asked Hamuko. "I mean yeah there's no sponsors so it's not like District 1 is going to get the best weapons and armor automatically, but 4, 6, 8, and 9 are probably still going to send strong fighters…"
"So? You can still beat them," said Minato. "You've got Akihiko and Shinjiro… and Yukari, too, she'll be great once she realizes her potential. The Gods won't know what to do with any of you."
"I… I guess you're right," said Hamuko. "But… I'm scared…"
"We're all scared… especially of losing you guys," said Minato. "But I know you better than anyone else. You're going to come back to us as the winner. No matter what happens, you will come back."
The final knock came, and the Peacekeepers came to take Hamuko away. Minato stood up with her, hugging her tightly one more time. Outside, Akihiko, Shinjiro, and Yukari waited, each one with a mask of determination plastered on their face. Minato bade them farewell once more, and then took off to try and get a better location to watch them outside. The Peacekeeprs, along with Mutatsu and a couple of other Priests and Priestesses, walked them through the halls, escorting them to their waiting rides.
"Do you think Aigis will be all right?" asked Yukari in a quiet whisper.
"Mitsuru will make sure of it," said Hamuko. "If not… she'll execute people until she gets her way."
"Hey. Once we get outside, don't talk anymore," said Shinjiro. "Heads high. Walk straight. You're total badasses. Don't forget it."
"He's right. Unnerve your opponents and you'll already be halfway to beating them in the ring," said Akihiko. "This is no different than another jaunt in Tartarus. You ready?"
"Yeah…" said Hamuko, as they approached the huge, glass doors that would lead them out of Gekkoukan High for quite possibly the last time. "Let's give 'em Hell, guys."
Author's Note:
This completes the introduction for District 7. Once the remaining introductions are uploaded for the remaining districts, I will finally be able to start writing the story of the actual games, starting with the introductory parade and interviews.
