Marybeth Wylda, 47
Ex District Ten Tribute
Victor of the Third Annual Hunger Games
Victor's Village
District Ten
June 23rd, 32 A.D.D.
It has been three months since Marybeth narrowly escaped death once again. However, the aftermath of the incident left her with a divided group of friends - half of them deceased and the other half confused. Marybeth herself was perplexed by the events that transpired. The official explanation was that rebels had tainted the wine with a deadly toxin, but Marybeth had her doubts about the veracity of the story. Nevertheless, she chose to keep her thoughts to herself. She was no fool, after all. Marybeth had always been known for her intelligence, which was evident in her strategic gamesmanship. She devised a plan to eliminate every career in the bloodbath, and remarkably, she succeeded. Marybeth single-handedly claimed the lives of three careers, while her allies executed the rest. Her achievement made her the sole tribute in Hunger Games history to accomplish such a feat.
As a result, Marybeth gained immense popularity among the outlying districts and even in the Capitol. However, the career districts despised her. During her victory tour, a man from District Four attempted to assassinate her while she was delivering a speech to the crowd. Fortunately, the attempt failed. Following her tour, Marybeth ventured into acting and has since maintained her fame. Unlike many previous victors, Marybeth continued to be a topic of conversation long after her victory.
Now, only one house remained in District Ten's victor's village. Ever since Nox's murder at the party, his home had fallen into silence. Although his family still resided there, Marybeth had not seen them since the memorial service for Nox.
In just one week, the reaping for the 32nd Annual Hunger Games would take place. As the sole surviving victor from District Ten, Marybeth was obligated to attend and mentor the tributes. She had hoped for a year of relaxation, but her plans had been completely derailed. She was undoubtedly frustrated, but at least she would have the opportunity to reunite with her friends once again.
Marybeth was busy in her kitchen, preparing a meal for her youngest daughter, Marona. Meanwhile, her oldest son, Albie, was assisting her parents on their ranch, taking care of the cattle. Marybeth cherished her children deeply, as they brought a sense of normalcy to her life.
Sitting at the dining table, Marona asked her mother, "Mama, do you have to go to the Capitol next week?"
"Yes, Marona. You know I have to fulfill my mentoring duties since Nox passed away," Marybeth responded, multitasking as she cooked bacon and eggs.
Marona's face displayed a soft frown as she replied, "I understand, but I'll miss you, mama." She then got up and tightly embraced Marybeth.
"I know, Marona. I promise I'll be back in a few weeks. In the meantime, grandma will take care of you and Albie until I return," Marybeth assured her daughter, turning to face her with a gentle smile and planting a kiss on her forehead.
"Okay, mama," Marona replied, releasing her hug and returning to the table.
"Breakfast is almost ready. I made extra bacon for you because I know how much you love it," Marybeth said, smiling at her daughter, who smiled back in return.
"Thank you, mama!" Marona exclaimed, jumping up and down with joy. "I love you, mama," she added.
"I love you too, Marona," Marybeth replied wholeheartedly to her daughter.
Marybeth completed the preparation of the eggs and bacon, arranging them on a plate before setting it on the dining table for Marona.
"Please enjoy your meal, Marona. I will be in my bedroom. Once you finish, you can proceed to school," Marybeth informed her daughter, who nodded and began eating her breakfast.
Marybeth ascended to her bedroom and retrieved a letter from her nightstand, containing the emblem of the Capitol. She unfolded it and commenced reading.
"To the esteemed victors, it is with regret that we inform you that the individual responsible for poisoning the wine at the annual victor's gathering remains unidentified. Our efforts to resolve this dreadful incident are ongoing. In the meantime, you are required to travel to the Capitol to mentor the tributes for the 32nd Annual Hunger Games. It is crucial to acknowledge that all of you are considered suspects and will be expected to provide additional statements regarding this tragedy. Until then, on behalf of Leonardo Harma, President of Panem."
Marybeth perused the contents of the letter, fully aware that most of it was mere deception. Nevertheless, she could not refuse to comply with its demands. Folding the letter neatly, she returned it to her nightstand.
Ding Dong!
"Mama! There is someone at the front door!" Marona called out to Marybeth.
Marybeth let out a sigh, wondering who could be visiting her. Victor village was off-limits to the public, so she knew it had to be someone of importance. She got up from her bed and made her way downstairs. Peering through the peephole, she saw Windora Reese, the escort of District Ten. Marybeth hesitated for a moment before finally deciding to open the door.
"Hello, Marybeth! You look stunning as always!" Windora exclaimed.
"Thank you. You look great too, Windora," Marybeth replied.
"Thank you! I must say, I do look fabulous, don't I?" Windora giggled.
Cutting straight to the point, Marybeth asked, "Why are you here, Windora?"
"Oh, Marybeth! I've only been here for a few seconds and you're already asking why I'm here? Couldn't we have had a cup of tea and a chat before you interrogated me?" Windora teased.
Rolling her eyes, Marybeth responded, "Yeah, yeah... So, why are you here?"
"Well, if you must know, I've been instructed to stay in District Ten for a few days, and that includes staying with you!" Windora cheerfully announced, revealing her luggage bags. "They said it's necessary for me to watch over you in case there are any rebel attacks on the victors again. It's mandatory for all escorts to be in their respective districts now," she explained.
Marybeth was taken aback. "I don't need to be watched over, Windora," she stated bluntly, crossing her arms. She was not a child; she was a middle-aged woman.
"Well, you don't really have a choice because I'm not risking my job just because someone is being difficult!" Windora retorted.
Marybeth opened her mouth to respond but stopped herself. Did she really have a choice in this matter? Letting out a sigh, she stepped aside and allowed Windora to enter her home.
"Come on in. You can sleep in the guest room," Marybeth said, leading Windora to the guest room.
"Excellent!" exclaimed Windora as she wheeled her assortment of luggages into the guest room, prompting Marybeth to roll her eyes.
"What now, Marybeth? You're aware that I require three new outfits each day!" Windora said with a grin.
"Yes, I remember. You've mentioned it before," replied Marybeth, sighing.
"Well, I'll start unpacking. Once we're finished, we can have a delightful conversation over tea. How thrilling!" exclaimed Windora, swiftly closing the door before Marybeth could inform her of her busy schedule.
Marybeth let out a sigh. She wasn't particularly thrilled about spending the next week with Windora. She could barely tolerate her during the Hunger Games. However, she had no choice but to try and get along with Windora, despite her being the most exasperating person in Panem.
"If you need anything, I'll be downstairs with Marona. Just come down whenever you're ready," Marybeth called out through the closed door.
"Of course!" Windora shouted back from behind the door.
Marybeth made her way downstairs and joined Marona in the kitchen. She knew that the upcoming weeks would be both lengthy and intriguing.
And with that the second prologue of Blood and Bones is finished! I wanted to introduce you to Marybeth, who is one of the surviving victors and will be a mentor for the District Ten tributes. Next chapter will focus on Maylis, so I hope you will enjoy it! If you're interested in making a tribute please go back to the first prologue for the form.
Have a amazing rest of your day!
- Gomex Fiona