Transformers Prime: The Hunger Games

by TheGirlWithTheArtFolder

The Decepticons came to Earth, fought the humans and won. The remaining humans have been forced to live under the laws of Megatron, as they are forced to carry out the reaping throughout the Districts. Where each boy and girl will be placed inside an arena and fight to the death until a lone victor wins. Jack Darby, a teenage boy, is about to enter a much bigger game.

3. Chapter 3

Dreadwing

I watched as the last of the tributes had arrived from the Districts, as it has always been since the day Lord Megatron's ruling came into effect. A price to pay for their defiance and punishment of the reminder that we hold the power over their miserable lives.
Yet still…they were just children.

Young, naive and nor the wiser. It is true that like the adults, some have proven themselves to be braver, stronger and smarter than others, even using one or two of those elements to survive the Arena. But still, they were children. Children that were born to carry on the curse and guilt of what was given to their ancestors.

Being one of the commanders of Lord Megatron, this sort of thing should mean nothing too me. They are just living forms born to work and entertain us until the day their life force has run its course. But then again as I watch the reaping being carried out each year, the more I feel something inside of my spark chamber. Especially when gazing towards the faces of the families of those who have been chosen as the next sacrifice for the games…what if something like this, were to happen to me and my deceased twin?
Of course it is entirely impossible since my Twin has been long dead from war and we are the masters of this world. But say if my twin and I were the opposite…we were not in a powerful position, and that one of us were to have our name called out. Skyquake wouldn't have hesitated to accept the call of duty to bring honour towards his district, and I would do the same. Then again we will never truly know since we never understood what it is like to be weak, helpless and haven't got a choice. However, the feeling of losing someone close to you is something I have had to endure with. It is a rather painful stab in the spark chamber, especially since my deceased twin and I shared the same spark. I remember being out in one of the battlefields, fighting those who were fighting against the Decepticons. I was separated from my Twin since he had to do his duty elsewhere, so I had no idea that we was struggling while fighting the enemy, until I felt a strange and painful fluttering coming from my Spark. I knew something was wrong, but didn't have the time to deal with is until my battle was over.

Once I had completed my duty I immediately tried to contact Skyquake, but his life signal was gone. I could no longer feel his pulse beating within in, except just mine alone. That was when I knew, that my brother was gone. I never even had the chance to give him an honourable burial. He was simply lost in space.
I from then on vowed to take my revenge on those who took any part of the Auto-bot's doing, including the earthlings. Very easily many were disposed of. Cities were crumbled, armies had fallen and the planet now belongs to us, including the human's lives.
But why does it feel dis-honourable to continue to punish the humans? They were just defending their home…like any natural creature would against outsiders. They never made us their enemy; we made ourselves their enemy. What am I thinking? It doesn't matter now, what's done is done!

Little did I suspect that someone had just walked out of the elevator, which was located just a meter away from me. I didn't even pick up the sounds of the small footsteps while my consciousness was almost just as clouded as the mountains and the landscape I had been peering towards this whole time.
"Nice view, huh?"

The voice that belonged to the human called Fowler snapped me out of my thoughts as my eyes glared downwards towards him. What did he want?
"Is there anything I can do for you Mr. Fowler?" I responded with my usual stern voice. The one I use on anyone below us. Besides, unless it was an important request like an emergency, why did the Human need to speak to me?
"Oh, nothing at all commander. I just couldn't help but notice you seem to be enjoying the view. It is a rather nice view, like being on top of the world." I watched as Fowler then took a couple of steps towards the viewing window, glancing out towards the horizon of the orange sun slowly disappearing beyond the foggy mountains. I for one must admit, it was a nice view.
"What I do is none of your concern. Now, unless you have an urgent request, I suggest you keep out of the Decepticon's business. Do you understand?" I kept my cold response, yet it hardly seemed to affect him, as he appeared to keep his eyes glancing towards the now disappeared sunset.

"I understand Commander, forgive Me." he simply replied.
Thinking that the conversation was over I started to turn to walk away, but then something inside made me feel like I should stay a little longer. The look of Fowler's face told me he was thinking of something deeply in his mind.
"I… heard you have two volunteers this year. A first time for your district."
Fowler gave a nod in response, "Of course, no child wants to be ripped away from their family and home before being forced to fight a battle where only one comes out alive. Unless they are either arrogant or foolish enough to try it…like one of mine", Fowler rolled his eyes as he sighed with annoyance.
I raised one of my brows, "What about the other? He volunteered to spare another, did he not?"
The one called Jack Darby. He wasn't the one that was picked, yet when the name was called out of a younger and shorter boy then him, he immediately ran at the chance to take his place.

Fowler went quiet for a moment before looking towards me with another nod of response, "Yes, he did. Why do you ask?"
I could have easily told him it was none of his business and walk away, put an end to the conversation right there and then. But there was something that I needed to understand and had to be explained to me.
"From what I can understand, they are not truly brothers. They do not share the same bloodline or were created together, yet one of them sacrifices himself for the other. Why would he choose to do that?"
Immediately, Fowler placed his hand on his chin as he hummed to himself for a moment.

"Ah, the wonders of brotherhood. I suppose it is true that the term "Brother" is the meaning of your male sibling that share the same family. Whereas Brotherhood, well...that goes beyond simply having the same blood. It's more about the partnership you both share. Just because some brothers may have not been born together or come from the same family or background doesn't mean it should stop them from feeling like brothers. I guess what I am trying to say is, Brotherhood is all about being there for one another. Being there to protect you, to make you feel hope in the times of doubt and to pick you off the ground which you fall on."

Once he was finished explaining, I began to think even more about the relationship between my fallen sibling and I. We were both very similar with our honour and the pride we had for working for Lord Megatron. So were all the other Decepticons, like Knock Out, Breakdown, Soundwave and Starscream. Did this mean we are brothers in a kind of way? No. There is a difference between work partners and brother-like partners. For instance, if Starscream and I were in a situation where I was the one on the verge of death, he wouldn't think twice of assisting in anyway. In his mind, there is only survive or die with no risks. A Con like him could never understand honour like Soundwave does. Out of all the Decepticons I have come across, he is by far the most honourable one to swear his elegance to serve Lord Megatron, no matter what the risks were. He would never let his mater down, and that has brought the silent Decepticon the pride he owns today. As for Breakdown and Knockout, they both have their faults but their faith and serving of Megatron seems very mutual. Knock Out wasn't must of a fighter, but his excellent medical skills would make up for it. Breakdown on the other hand, he wasn't the brightest soldier but had his strength, which was useful from time to time.

As for where I come in, I admit that from time to time I have faulted, especially when I tried to extract my revenge on our enemies for the death of Skyquake. I almost paid the price by disobeying my master's command, but thankfully he has forgiven my thoughtless actions while I have learned from my mistake. I swore to never again disobey, unless it was anything urgent to save my masters and comrades.

I looked down towards the human with a simple nod, "I think I do understand what you are suggesting Mr. Fowler, thank you for your answer. Now, if you excuse me, I have some duties to attend too".
"I understand, I too have my duties", and with a gesture salute, he began to walk away in the other direction down the long and dark hallway.

I knew what his duty was. Prepare his tributes for another day or two of slaughter. It was how it was and how it will always be. Even he knew it by the look in his eyes. There was no spark or life coming from them. Only the eyes of hopelessness and loss. All of these games have destroyed a once victorious warrior.

Once I arrived at the commanding centre I could already hear Starscream's annoying whines as he himself had just arrived back at Darkmount.

"I really cannot see any reason why Megatron couldn't pick anyone else of less importance as the reaping's host, like Dreadwing, Knockout of that buffoon Breakdown for instance", he grumbled aloud before turning around, clearly startled to realise that I had been listening the whole time.

It was no surprise since I knew that Starscream always felt more Superior compared to others, so I didn't even bother to show any emotion as I made my entrance.
"I am sure Lord Megatron has his reasons. Perhaps he feels like the humans need someone important for them to look up too. In my opinion, I would take it as an honour of whatever duty would be given to me by my master", I gave him a look of disapproval, not that I took any of what he said to spark. But only because I wanted to make him feel rather foolish of himself.
Obviously taking the feeling to neutral, he sighed in annoyance before giving a gesturing bow, "My apologises if you heard that Dreadwing. It has…been a rather long day".

Before I could speak another word, the doors that separated the commanding room from the hallway opened once again. This time two more familiar Decepticons entered the room, Knock Out and Breakdown.
"You could say that again Starscream, you should have left District Twelve and arrive here three hours ago", Knock Out suggested as he walked over to Starscream with Breakdown following close behind him, "What took you? Debris jammed in your air systems again?"
The medic did have a point. Why was Starscream late? Especially when he hated humans so much?
"Of course not! I had business to attend too down at that inferior mining district. There has been quite a few accidents in a past and we cannot afford to lose any valuable energon that gets mined by those miners. It's simply the matter of security", Starscream scowled towards the medic, as he appeared to look insulted by his remarks.
I suppose he did have a fair point. Energon is a very valuable power source that is always needed. Still, I could not help but feel there is something else going on behind the story. Starscream had a rather large reputation of being deceitful and sneaky.
"Of course. Oh, and I must agree with Dreadwing's statement. I too would find it an honour to have an audience watch while I be the one to pick the name of those who are destined to face a death sentence. It can bring me such glee to even thinking about it", the medic smirked while Breakdown chuckled a little behind him.

"Did you see the girl from Twelve? She had some spunk! But I bet she would be a lot more fun to play with rather then watch", Breakdown turned one of his hands into his weapon, a large hammer before gently bounding it into his other hand, as a gesture of what he meant by "play".
"Now now Breakdown, you know the rules. None of the tributes are to be touched until the time comes when they enter the Arena. If you wish to find a human to play with, I suggest you find one at the training academy. They should last you a while", Knock Out suggested to the bulkier decepicon, but he seemed far from impressed.
"Nah, those humans don't last too long. They don't have the spunk or rebellion that human girl had. Then again, there might be others like her down at the same district. After all, some of the lower districts did have some feisty girls in the arena. Especially the one from D-Seven."

This seemed to have suddenly caught Starscream's attention as he instantly strolled over towards Breakdown, 'In all honesty breakdown, I wouldn't concern myself with the ones from the lower districts. The humans there are rather weak compared to the higher districts".
"Really Starscream?" I began to speak up, "You claim your concern for the human workers due to our needs of the energon that is mined, yet despite all the security and safety perceptions there have been several accidents in the recent past, while the district's wealth fare doesn't deem any better. So tell me…if it really is a concern, then why have you not taken it upon Megatron to discuss the issue, especially when it could affect our own well being?"
Silence filled the room for a few seconds while I watched and waited for Starscream's reaction. His optics were flinching, an obvious sign he was trying to find an answer to help him slip out of this explanation. Another sign I picked up was the view of his grinding teeth, he was furious.
"Exactly what point are you trying to make Dreadwing? Because if you are looking for one, there is nothing to find. Not to mention the decepticon you are talking to is the commander who helped Megatron lead to victory against any of the Auto-bot scum's battles. If it wasn't for me, then the Decepticons would probably be non-existent, therefore I think I deserve a little more respect coming from a lieutenant like yourself."

That was when Knockout intervened as he tried to widen the gape between Starscream and myself, "Now now, it's keep things calm. There will be plenty of fighting, but only in the arena of course. Actually, I just thought of an interesting idea. Why don't you both choose a tribute for this year's hunger games and see which one will last longer, or even win?"

Starscream began to place a couple of his fingers against his chin while a devious smirk appeared, "That does sound like a very interesting idea Knock Out, and I already know which Victor I shall be betting on", I watched him was he began to circle around me a little until he reached the other side of the room right next too the door. He always kept his devious smirk.

"How about it Dreadwing? I see no harm of having a little competition. We choose a warrior to fight in the battlefield until only one of ours remains. It seems like it could be a rather honourable game, and I know just how much you respect honour".
He then opened his hand out towards me, waiting for my response. But I knew it wouldn't just be a game about winning.

"What is the catch, Starscream?"

Starscream

I knew that fool wouldn't hold back when it comes to honour as a grin formed upon my face just before I answered his question, "You will show your full respect towards me, in fact, if the human I choose wins this year's game, then you are to become my personal servant, and no matter what requests I command you, you will follow them without question or denial."
Immediately that annoying Knock Out let out a chuckle while looking rather awkwardly uncomfortable, "Take my advice Commander Dreadwing, I would suggest you simply walk… away".
But the Buffoon, Breakdown disagreed as he shoved the medic out of his way, "Nah, only a coward would walk away from this, and Dreadwing is no coward…aren't you Dreadwing?"

The Decepticon glanced towards him while Dreadwing Kept watching me with his focussed eyes. I could tell he was struggling to make a decision and was thinking about it. But like I already knew, Dreadwing would not fall back on his honour.
It seemed to grow rather quiet as my patience was growing increasingly thin, that is until I felt his hand grasp mine before pulling me slightly towards him so that his eyes were peering right into mine.
"And if I win, you will start reporting everything too me about the conditions of all the Districts, and answer my questions without hesitation. Deal?"
I could not help but feel myself swallow a lump down my throat, even as there was nothing to swallow inside. The truth of the matter was, I actually did not realise until at that moment if I were to loose the bet, then I myself would have to pay a price.
Giving a grieving sigh, I shook his hand, "Agreed".

The moment between us felt rather tense, as we couldn't stop glaring into each other's eyes. This glare I knew all too well; the same type of glare of which my past foes would have given me before they would be destroyed during battle. I almost noticed on the side that Knockout and Breakdown were unusually quiet as they watched us with a small concern on their pitiful faces.
After what felt like eternity, Dreadwing released his grip on me as I took a step back to make space between us, "And so the Deal is sealed", he simply commented before finally departing the room.
"So, got any ideas on which Human you will be choosing?" Knock Out bluntly asked as I regained my attention.
"Of…course I have…why else would I go through a deal like this? I already have the ideal human that would be able to defeat any human Dreadwing chooses", I frowned towards Knock Out who just raised one of his brows.
"Really sir? Because I'm pretty sure that it isn't until the training assembly begins that we do not get to see any of the results of the tributes, except for background information which of course is pointless."
"I already know about that you idiot! Which... is why…the Human I already chosen… is to be kept classified with no one… but myself. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise and risk having Dreadwing find out too soon", I smiled mischievously towards the two decepticons as Breakdown groaned like a pathetic little child.
"Aw, come on Starscream…you can't even tell a few of your loyal partners your little secret?" he waved his arms a little.
"Yeah, come on Starscream…unless you're fibbing towards us", Knock Out gave one of his annoying and mischievous smirks towards me as if he was expecting me to slip up.
But I wasn't that foolish, "Absolutely not…though I may consider it later on. As for now, I must take my depart". With that, I began to finally exit the room and leave the two of them behind.

Thank the spark that was over! I didn't know how much longer I could tolerate those infidels. This day seemed to have begun with the usual unpleasant duty of visiting the Human Districts and host each of the reaping, followed by the irritating cries coming from those pathetic little insects.
And then to make my day far worst, Dreadwing just had to start throwing his accusations towards me and accuse me of not doing my job correctly. Who does that mindless fool think he is? I am second in command and he is just a mere lieutenant. He should be showing more respect towards me!

But what he and the others didn't know was the truth, for I did have a particular reason go to that wretched District often. But not for the concern of our energon supplies …instead it was something of a project I was working on. Something in which could finally change my current position and put me on my rightful place, where my true destiny meets. However, it was something that would take time to plan and with many of Megatron's loyal minions around at every corner, it was far too risky to work on it inside, let alone near Darkmount. So where else could I go where no Decepticon would suspect of something going on behind their backs?

The out-zone forest of District Twelve, where No Decepticon or human would dare to venture into. It was the least place where anyone would expect to find the project I was working on alone. But because of the sudden arise of suspicion coming from one of the Decepticon minions, It seems that in this current position I will have to be more scarce of my whereabouts. If that Decepticon was taking note of my actions, me then who knows who else could have done the same? From now on, I may have to avoid taking my trips to that District until I feel satisfied that Dreadwing's suspicions have died down.

But now it seems that I have another problem on my hands…the bet. Much as I despise Knock Out pointing the obvious, I knew that he was correct. Until the training assessments begin, I do not told any information about any of the humans that have been chosen…except for their backgrounds.

Of course! The background checks may prove to be essential, but mainly for the humans from the higher districts since they often volunteer and are the strongest and most equip to training from a young age. Perhaps once Soundwave decides to take his rest, then I will take the opportunity to hack into the system and find out a thing or two about them.
I could not help but literally feel a chuckle my lips as I continued to walk the hallway. That foolish Dreadwing had no idea what plan I was up too. But it was when the ship's announcer spoke which caught me off guard.

"Starscream, you are to report to Megatron in the throne room. Come immediately".

I could have sworn that a feeling of a sharp metal object slivered up my spine was felt after hearing the announcement.
Lord Megatron wanted to see me? Not that I haven't before, but ever since he decided to make me the reaping host that he has barely called for me. Mainly because there wasn't much to report on unless there was an incident of an uprising or a major problem, but so far there hasn't been any large scale problems.
Or maybe he's discovered my plans? Maybe he had someone spy on me the whole time? If he discovers what my intentions then he will have my Spark! No, just keep calm Starscream…you are his loyal second in command. You are his humble servant, so act like it!

Once I finally reached the throne room, which was a rather dim-lit room where all the trophies or the Decepticon battles were kept secured all over the walls. These battle trophies consisted of body parts that once belonged to the scum Auto-bots that dared to challenge us. Knock Out had insisted to Megatron that we use the body parts to experiment on and create a better army or weapons with, but Megatron felt it only fitted perfectly that they just remained as what they were. Shameful symbols of the filature of war which the Auto-bots were not able to win. Some of the trophies were even heads of the fallen which had no spark left in their eyes. I suppose as Knock Out would suggest, it was as if you were in a "zombie-movie".

In the front of the room was a large screen that would show Megatron the full view of what was happening during the Games since he was the one that created it in the first place, it would only be fitting for a King who rules this planet to watch and view the events taking place. While on very end of the room would be his throne, which wasn't just an ordinary throne, but one that has been melted and carved out as one by the weapons which also once belonged to our enemies. This idea was actually taken by Megaton who saw a similar chair created like that, only it was from an old, fictional human show about Kings, Dragons and Thrones. In fact, it was also from that show in which Megatron decided had decided to create a game of his own, but it wouldn't be about Thrones. Instead, he explained that it would be about the feeling of what all great warriors and gladiators go through. The hunger we all feel. The hunger for survival, the hunger for battle and the hunger for glory.

So it was from there, the Hunger Games was created.

I nervously approached Megatron where he sat in this throne, trying to keep myself at bay with calmness before I kneeled in front of him. It was rather dark that only his red eyes appeared in the shadows.
"Lord Megatron, you requested my presence?"

For some unknown reason, everything seemed to feel rather…odd; and the sight of the decapitated bodies of the fallen didn't help either.

Sure enough, he did answer, "Starscream. I have requested your presence because of reports or your…lack of duty with one of the Districts. But before I judge, I would rather have heard your version of the story."
I could see one of his knife-like fingers scratch against the metal chair, causing a horrible screech, which made me wince a little.
"I…well, I wouldn't call it a lack of duty master, just some…unfortunate occurrences. Unpredictable accidents", I tried to explain myself.
"Really Starscream? Well…then I suppose it would be an unfortunate occurrence if something were to happen to you…due to an unpredictable accident of all of our energon mines getting blown up…all because of one commander who couldn't do a simple task".
I felt myself swallow another lump as he placed one of his finger under his chin, "Now that would be a disappointment, wouldn't it Starscream? And I do not tolerate disappointment with my commanders! Do you understand?"
His said with a stern voice as I almost stumbled back a little with surprise.
"Y..yes Master, I promise you that I shall be more vigilant with the way things are run at the district", I responded quickly though I could feel myself fury inside. It must have been that accursed Dreadwing who told Megatron. I swear to the spark once I am in control of things he will pay for trying to cause me trouble.
But then a sudden idea went through my thoughts. So Dreadwing wants to play that kind of game, then I shall simply play it with him.
"Um, actually Lord Megatron, there is something I was meaning to talk to you about, but I wasn't sure when I should have ever discussed it with you".

There was a brief silence as his eyes kept watching me, 'I'm listening."
"Well…it's about Dreadwing. I am not quite sure how to explain this but…lately he seemed to have been showing some rather…troubling signs of his loyalty."

Right away I could see Megatron's eyes stare at me with confusion and disbelief, "Troubling…signs of loyalty? What of the all sparks are you trying to tell me Starscream? Because I am not in the mood for one of your theories."
"Oh, its no theory Master. It's more of a fact. The thing is…lately he seems to have been showing more concern towards the Humans rather then towards us and seems to ask too many questions of how our system is run. In fact, I could have sworn he muttered something about having a better leader in charge".
"What?" Megatron spoke aloud with outrage right before he burst into laughter, as if I had told him a joke. It felt rather humiliated for me.

Once he was done with is roaring laughter, he calmed himself, "Don't try to make a fool out of me Starscream. As far as I have known, Dreadwing and his departed twin have always been the most loyal of my lieutenant. Do you honestly expect me for a moment to believe his intentions are to overthrow me?"
I took a step back as I tried to explain, 'No Master, I mean…I don't expect you to believe me right away. But I can assure you…I only meant to tell you because of the fear of your safety.'
Another chuckle came out of Megatron, "My Safety? Now you are truly mocking me Starscream. Have you not forgotten of my background as a gladiator?"
"If course not sir, but at the same time, Dreadwing has proven himself to be rather flexible and sneaky with his battles. Who knows what kind of plan he might be pulling at this very moment? Or…perhaps this could be part of his plan, to break the trust of his master and those most loyal too him".

There were a few moments of silence in the room as I could tell by his beaming red eyes; Megatron was trying to figure out what the best course of action to take. Of course, I myself was one who could be concerned, for if Megatron finds out of my true intension, then he will spend no time beating me to the scrap. Now that would truly be a raw end of my worst day.
Finally, with a sigh, Megatron responded, "Until you can show me some proof of his plans to betray me, I would suggest you keep to your duties. If anything of this little fact of yours appears, then I suggest that you will alert me immediately."
"Thank you my Leigh, and I promise that as your humble servant, I shall now let you down", I bowed once before as I began to make my way towards the exit.

"One more thing Starscream…"I could hear Megatron speak up towards me as I peered my head over my should to stare at him, "Tell this to no one…I'd rather it did not cause any problems with the upcoming event."
"Of course, Lord Megatron", I responded before leaving the room feeling rather relieved that I have left without a scratch.

So it seems that my main priority for the time being, until it is Megatron's turn that I take my focus on getting rid of his most loyal decepticon. It is kind of a pity since my plans for him in the beginning was to keep him as a slave for me to torment until I grew bored of him. But I suppose his death would just have to do.

But in order for this plan to work, I must begin by hacking the computer system and find out which humans will service better for the bet.

Then soon the Games are sure to begin…