1967

America's heel pressed against her frail back. Vietnam felt helpless under him, and called out for China.

"Say that you hate communism and I'll maybe let you go!"

"I hate communism!" Vietnam shouted, tears running down her face. She struggled to get his boot off her back. "Let me go!"

"I said maybe! Tell me you love capitalism!" America ordered, rubbing his boot across her shoulder blades.

"I love capitalism! I hate communism, I love England, I am not pretty, my family is dishonorable, and I love capitalism! I've said it all twice now!"

South Korea stood by America's side, watching his sister shame herself. He felt like telling America to let her go, but feared the consequences.

"South Korea! Tell her she is a disgrace to your pathetic family."

South Korea took a deep breath, trying to resist the temptation to punch his ally. "Vietnam, you're a disgrace to our...pathetic family."

Vietnam knew her brother still loved her, and wasn't a traitor. He just didn't want to go against his practically crazy friend. South Korea finally built enough courage to tell America to leave her.

"Be quiet or I'm confiscating your eyesight!" America shouted, swiping at South Korea's frightened face. "Shoot her!"

"No." South Korea murmured, avoiding eye contact. He looked down at Vietnam and shivered. He had a strong desire to save her, but it was too risky. The thought of his family finding out what he was doing would hurt their trust I each other deeply.

"What'd you say!?" America asked, putting more force onto Vietnam's back.

South Korea's finger's trembled as he brought out his rifle. He set it on the nape of Vietnam's neck, then closed his eyes. Before he could pull the trigger, his rifle flew out of his hands. Opening his eyes, he saw China holding a dagger at America's face.

When South Korea turned back to his sister, who was slowly standing up, he shook in terror. She was so strong, unlike him. Vietnam staggered, but maintained balance. He looked back at China, who was now desperately trying to pull America's hands off his neck.

"Everyone will see me as their hero once I get rid of your communist ass. When you're out of everyone's hair, I'll make sure Vietnam goes down with you. Russia will catch up to me, and when he does, I'll bash him back down to the bottom. I could kill you, and he could just consume your left overs. Does anything I say make sense?"

South Korea told himself he'd heard worse from North Korea, but seeing tears in China's eyes gave him a guilt trip. "America, I'll take them on myself. Just let go of China."

"South Korea, do you have a problem with my influential speech?" America asked, pushing China onto the ground.

China took his dropped dagger and tossed it to Vietnam. She caught it safely, then lunged at America. He caught the dagger, right before it could pierce his abdomen. It sliced through his hand, leaving Vietnam speechless. Dropping the dagger, America smeared his bloody hands on his neck, grinning in ecstasy.

Quickly, Vietnam made a run for it. Her back was killing her, and she collapsed. China came back for her and lifted her off her feet. He raced away and into the dark fields of tall grass. Vietnam could recognize the bridge he rushed across, for it was the same one she had walked on every morning that year.

When China grew tired, he gently set her down. His eyes were full of vengeance, but also disappointment.

Vietnam began to wonder if her brother would've actually shot her. Usually, he didn't fall for peer pressure, but in that moment he had. She was too stunned to tell China what happened, and just let him ask her questions.

Thailand was the only one who was allowed to skip the world meeting, due to getting a fever. Everyone else had to go.

Vietnam hid her phone under the table, then began to play an app. She had been playing the game for weeks, and had built an entire empire on it. The game was her addiction, and of course, Japan had programmed it with the help of South Korea.

China caught her playing with her phone, then said, "Hey! Put that away!"

Australia began to snicker, so Vietnam blushed. Australia was everyone's dream man: muscles, generous, and funny.

"Oi, China, let the girl play with her phone. It's not like there's anything important being discussed."

England stopped his speech and glared at Australia.

Vietnam didn't want to give him the pleasure of making her laugh, so she looked away, smiling to herself.

"Aye, Prussia is late! G'day my German friend!"

All eyes were on Prussia now. "He's not a nation though..." Poland whined.

Germany slapped his face, embarrassed by his brother. "What are you doing here?"

Prussia took a seat in Thailand's chair, grinning. "How's it been kicking yo? Spain and France were up all night playing video games with me. As you all know, I only play the most awesome games so it was a pretty rad night!"

It was silent before everyone burst out laughing. Prussia: the long gone nation who believed he was still one.

Italy, who was sitting by Prussia, hugged him. "We're all happy that you're here."

Italy: everyone's favorite party-animal. He was very good at getting woman, and cared for those who didn't get the love they needed. His obsessions lied in pasta, drunk driving, and drawing.

Germany stood up, obviously jealous that Italy touched someone besides him. "Prussia, what are you doing here?"

"I'm chillin' with the squad!"

Poland sashayed over to Prussia, then laughed. "OMG! Get out!"

"What's your opinion China?" Prussia asked.

China turned to Prussia, then said, "You stay. It's alright Poland. Let him be with his 'squad' and 'chill' with us."

Two seats down from Vietnam was America, whose grip was so tight on his Starbucks that it burst. The drink spilled across the table, hitting Canada in the face.

The attention turned to him. China smiled peacefully, saying, "Care to explain why you just created a scene with that beverage?"

"I'm just curious to why Prussia asked for your advice..."

Vietnam could sense an argument. She went back on her phone to keep her mind off joining the fight.

"I agree with America!" Japan said, raising his hand. "China doesn't deserve this recognition."

Prussia grew pale, feeling awkward for starting the entire argument. He snuck out of the room, followed by Italy. They seemed sensible enough to leave.

Vietnam was about to stand up and leave when China shot out of his seat, slamming the table with his hands. "America, where your dignity? You greedy, selfish jackass!"

The room was completely silent. America got out of his chair and walked up to China. He knelt forward, then spat in his face. "The world is mine. We can't share it."

He left the room, along with Japan. China wiped his face angrily, then walked up to the podium. "Let's just continue this meeting."