the chosen 100th hunger games Chapter 4: the coldhearted and the favorite, a hunger games fanfic

Flare Lockwood, 18, District One Female.

"The shadows betray you because they serve me."

To everyone in the District, she was simply second.

Second best in the academy and second best to her twin brother.

Now, don't get her wrong, she loves her twin brother and would always be there for him. But it was the fact that she was always seen second to him that made her feel some emotion she couldn't quite put her finger on.

To everyone, Flare was simply a quiet, reserved and shy person. She wasn't one for social situations or for hanging out with large groups of people. This all changed once she stepped foot into the Academy everyday for whatever training they were to do that day. Once she stepped foot there, it was like she could just be herself and not have to worry about anything or anyone.

She was just Flare, in that moment, when no one else was around.

Growing up, she and her twin were as thick as thieves, always causing some form of trouble. Of course, it was mostly Grayson causing it but she would be the mind of the operation. And the one to get them out of trouble as she was her mothers favorite. She would just get a soft smile thrown her way and a ruffle of her hair before being sent on her way to do something else.

But things have changed since then.

Now, she was eighteen and the Games were finally here.

Now was her chance to prove herself, if she was chosen.

Sure, she still loved her brother and was more like her old self when she was with him at the Academy. But, after they left? She went back to how she usually was.

The morning of the Reaping, if you can even call it that, she found herself lying in bed a little longer than normal. From the clinking and cabinets slamming she gathered that her parents were making breakfast. A timed knock of one knock, a pause and then two back to back sounded on her wall.

Grayson.

Flare knocked back the same three beats with something akin to a grimace on her face. As much as she despised everything the family has done for her and made her feel, a part of her would still feel something for them. Certainly not love. Blowing out a breath, she pushed herself up into a sitting position. Making her way to the shared bathroom between her and Grayson, she locked the door and stared at herself in the mirror.

If she was chosen, it would be her chance.

Her chance to prove herself.

A chance to redeem her name and to make a name for herself.

Heating the shower up to the right temperature and after taking her clothes off, she stepped in, letting the heat relax her tense muscles. Training the last three months had been brutal in preparation for the Games. She had more one on one sessions than most other kids as that was what she preferred.

Even her trainers noticed that she worked better alone rather than with large groups of other students.

After washing her hair and body, she stepped out and wrapped her blue towel around herself. Her mind running a million miles a minute. Wiping the condensation from the mirror, she took in her appearance. Her long blonde hair that went down to her back, she needed to get it cut sooner or later. Maybe that was something her stylist wanted to do when /if/ she got to the Capitol. Her tanned skin that had darkened a little more since summer had started. Her light brown eyes that used to have so much life in them when she was younger, now seemed cold and emotionless.

The cause of it all?

Her Family.

Her lips curled into a sneer at the thought. They all preferred Grayson anyways. That's why her mother and father always took him and the younger siblings out and about when they had important places and events to attend. Flare was always the forgotten one. Never taken out and always shoved to the side. It wasn't like that when it was just her and her brother, she was loved, cared for. He still tried to make an attempt to reach out to her but she always pushed him away.

And then it just stopped.

She couldn't tell you how many times she found herself crying at night, just wanting to get the same attention and love that her siblings were getting. It was like she wasn't seen and never heard.

Getting dressed in a flowy and loose dark green dress, she moved on to her hair. Everyone had to be at the town square in about forty five minutes and her family lived on the far end and it would be a decent walk there. Placing her hair into a tight bun at the top of her head, she lined her eyes with eyeliner and dark red lipstick.

Was she ready?

Had she been prepared enough and had she trained hard enough?

Blowing a sigh, she took in a deep breath, clearing her head of any thought.

The noise from downstairs got high pitched voice of her younger sister made her ears ring. Flare couldn't help but sneer.

The only thing she looked forward to these days was training. She would go in around five am and stay there until they closed around eleven at night. It was the only place where she could relax and be who Flare once was.

She missed younger her. The carefree and happy young girl that she was. A part of her wishes that something would have been different. But this is now and things are how they are. A glance at the clock showed she had thirty minutes. Moving back into her bedroom, she grabbed her favorite pair of flats and slipped them on and after checking herself in her mirror once more, headed out of her room and down the stairs. Her family was laughing, and enjoying themselves.

They didn't even notice her.

As she would have it.

Her mother was slipping another piece of toast onto her younger brother's plate and her father was talking quietly with Grayson about something. They were a happy family. Slipping out the back door unseen, she started for town square. The afternoon was nice. It was a clear day, no clouds in the sky and it was a nice temperature out. Flare allowed herself to enjoy it.

She wasn't the only one making their way down, and spotted several people in her year at the Academy along with some of her trainers who sent her a smile. After a bit she could see the place coming into view and she picked up her pace. It was busy, with parents and the young kids milling about. She could see that some of them were scared, some excited and others, emotionless like herself. The air was static as she got into one of the smaller lines for check in.

Her last year.

It was luck, or rather, unluck that she didn't get reaped in previous years. She wanted to volunteer last year but another girl was chosen instead. This had to be her year. If not, then she wouldn't have her chance and opportunity.

It wasn't about winning, well a little bit of it was. But it was mostly for her. She wanted to show others not to underestimate her.

Wincing a touch at the prick of the needle, she pressed her finger to the spot that held her name. After it was processed, she stepped out of line and headed to an almost empty row with other girls her age.

Her fingers twisted together as the place started to fill up as time passed. Turning back, Flare noticed her brother already there and back further were her parents and younger siblings. Unnoticed once more. Tapping her fingers against her hip, she turned her attention back to her thoughts.

There was a part of her that wanted both her and her brother to be the chosen ones this year. Flare already had a plan in mind if that was the case. Something that she had been thinking up since she was younger and knew what she meant to her family. Protect her brother for as long as possible and then when the chance comes, turn and stab him in the back.

Literally.

At least, if she could.

If not, she'll take other methods.

The familiar tune of the anthem started to play over the speakers as she noted that their escort making her way to the stage. Gaia Vera had been their escort since Flare was about ten years old. Her hair had changed once again, from a teal to a dark red. She always liked her style. Delicate fingers tapped the microphone, gaining everyone's attention.

"Welcome, District One, to the Choosing for the 100th Hunger Games. Now here is a new video from the Capitol!"

The video showed past games clips as the voice of their current president reminded them that this is why the games were in place. If not for them, then another rebellion would sure to occur. It continued on for a few minutes before the video and audio faded out. Flare sighed out.

Gaia took her spot again, heels clicking on the ground.

"And now for the female tribute to represent District One!"

That was when Flare noted that there was only one slip of paper in each of the bowls.

Huh.

Makes sense though, to have the tributes already picked.

"Flare Lockwood."

It took a sharp elbow to the side that made her wince to realize that it was her name that was called. Clearing the smirk of her face, she made her way from her row and down the aisle to the stage. The blonde made sure to keep her body as small as possible and kept a smaller smile on her face, eyes lit up with joy for a split second.

After nodding at the escort, she took her spot to the left of Gaia. Brown eyes started out onto the crowd, and she noticed then her parents were paying attention to her, a look on their face almost as if they forgot they had another child.

The male slip was selected and her brother's name was called out. A brief flash of surprise appeared on her face before her cold mask took back over. Her brother's eyes locked with hers as he came onto the stage.

His hand grasped hers tightly as they shook hands. His eyes were soft and his lips quirked to a grin that she didn't return.

"You're tributes for the 100th Hunger Games, representing District One, Flare and Grayson Lockwood."

They were separated by peacekeepers as they were taken in to the justice building to say their goodbyes. Her family would most likely go and spend their time with Grayson and she was okay with that.

They would see what she was made of.

Just you wait and see…

Grayson Lockwood, 18, District One Male.

"Family is not an important thing, it's everything."

To everyone in the District, he was always first.

First best in the academy and with a sword and first best of the twin set he was in. Leaving his younger sister by 2 minutes to be second best.

Now, don't get him wrong, he loved being first at most things but sometimes he wanted the attention off of him. He didn't really want to be in the spotlight. Because with the attention all on him, it left his sister behind. And he hated that.

And he's seen how that has affected her over the years.

To everyone, His sister was simply a quiet, reserved and shy person. She wasn't one for social situations or for hanging out with large groups of people. This all changed once she stepped foot into the Academy everyday for whatever training they were to do that day. Once she stepped foot there, it was like she could just be herself and not have to worry about anything or anyone. He often peaked in on her lessons and in those moments, he saw glimpses of his sister from when she was younger.

Without all the coldness in her.

But things have changed since then. His family all but forgot about her as the years went on. Sure they acknowledged her but for the most part, it was all about Grayson.

Something switched in his sister once they were about ten or eleven. Gone was the sweet girl who always was by his side and in her place was a cold, ruthless and emotionless shell. What he wouldn't do to make her smile again.

The morning of the reaping, or as he started to call it, the selection arrived and he found himself staring out the window, taking in the late morning. There were a few people walking from where he could see but for the most part, it was quiet. Most likely people want to enjoy the morning before the event that afternoon.

Doing his three knock sequence on the wall that separated him and his sister, he felt a grin appear when he heard her responding back in the same way. The reaping was to take place that afternoon and by the sounds of pots and pans, he estimated they had about an hour and a half before they had to be there. Luckily, having showered the night before, he could forgo without one and go and help his parents with breakfast.

As he made his way down, he found himself getting lost in his thoughts. Everything had changed when they were ten, that's when his parents started to take him, and his younger siblings when they were old enough out with them. His parents were highly respected throughout the district and it didn't surprise him when they started to pressure him to be the best.

It never stopped.

And with all their love and affection for him, no wonder his sister was the way she was now. Helping his parents with breakfast was an everyday thing for Grayson, so it didn't take long at all to finish.

From upstairs, he could hear sounds of his sister getting ready.

As they ate, his father got his attention.

"If it's you, you know you're our only hope to bring pride and honor to this family." His father, Hayden, spoke as Grayson forked more eggs into his mouth.

"I know. You know there's a chance of Flare getting chosen as well." He responded back.

"She wouldn't get that far, you know that."

Grayson felt anger swell in him at that remark.

"You know damn well she's as good as I am Father."

His father's face twisted, and he took a deep breath.

"You're our hope, Grayson. Don't ruin it for your mother and I."

"Of course not."

From the corner of his eye, he noted his sister heading out the back door, already dressed. Blowing a breath out, breakfast was quickly finished and his mother sent him and his siblings ready for the Reaping.

Donning a simple dark blue shirt and black slacks and his finest pair of shoes, he combed his hair and headed out of his room. Looking into his younger sister's room, saw that she was ready and then peaked into his younger brother's room. Reassured that they were ready, he himself headed down the stairs.

The family walked as one to the town square, and Grayson found a few of his friends and they talked quietly amongst themselves until they reached the check in counter. After pressing his bloody finger down onto the book with his name on it, his mother pulled him into a hug and his father clasped him on the back.

He took his spot in the first row he saw, noticing his sister a bit ahead of him.

The familiar tune of the anthem started to play over the speakers as he noted their escort making her way to the stage. Gaia Vera had been the escort for District One since he was ten or eleven. Her hair was always changing every year and this year was no different. Last years teal was replaced with a dark red hue.

It looked pretty nice.

"Welcome, District One, to the Choosing for the 100th Hunger Games. Now here is a new video from the Capitol!"

The video showed past games clips as the voice of their current president reminded them that this is why the games were in then switched to clips of the failed second rebellion and the murder of the so called 'Mockingjay.' It went on to mention that is why they have the Games again.

Gaia took her spot again, heels clicking against the tile of the stage.

"And now for the female tribute to represent District One!"

That's when he noticed the bowls. And then how there was only one slip in each bowl.

Huh.

Makes sense though, to have the tributes already picked.

How long had they had them picked for?

"Flare Lockwood."

Air rushed from his lungs at the call of his sister's name. Sure, he had no doubt that she would go far but a part of him hated that he wouldn't get to protect her from anything that would happen in the arena. Grayson knew that this would be her chance, the one she has always wanted in life. The chance to prove her worth to their mother and father.

The slip from the other bowl was chosen and his name was called out. A rush of pride went through him and he couldn't keep the smirk as he walked to the stage, head held high. His hand grasped hers tightly as they shook hands. His eyes were soft and his lips quirked to a grin that she didn't return.

"You're tributes for the 100th Hunger Games, representing District One, Flare and Grayson Lockwood."

The two of them were separated as they were taken inside the building to say their goodbyes to their family.

Alright alright!

This concludes District One's reaping and I hope you enjoyed an introduction to Flare and Grayson who were submitted by N3b. Thank you so much for them, I love them already! I tried my best to flesh them out the best I could and I can't help but feel as if Gray's part is rushed and I apologize about that.

Be sure to read and review as well as leave your thoughts on the two!

catch ya next chapter!

simply aspen