AU: The Hunger Games
Pairing: FredHermione


the reaping


When Ron's name gets called, Fred's stomach lurches. It's only a firm shake of Ron's head that stops him from calling out—from trying to take his place. His hand reaches for his mother's shoulder, trying half-heartedly to stop her from wailing. He can see the guards making their way towards them, ready to silence any unrest. He gives Ron what he hopes is a reassuring nod. Not to reassure him that he'll make it alive…no one can promise that. Just to reassure him that they'll carry on either way.

Then Hermione's name gets called, and Fred feels the world beneath his feet falling. He tries to reach for her, only to be pulled back by his brothers. He feels George's arm wrap around his waist, keeping him firmly in place. It's through blurry eyes that he sees Ron and Hermione standing on stage, hand in hand, and announced as the Tributes of District 12. She looks stoic, with her shoulders pushed back and her lips in a thin line. Fred thinks it makes her look younger than she is, like a child pretending to be a warrior of the day's past. It makes him feel sick.

"Ron will bring her back," George whispers. "You know he will."

Knowing that Ron would die for her doesn't do anything to quash Fred's nausea.

The cameras wrap, and Fred cranes his neck, desperate to see them every second that allows. But Ron and Hermione are quickly hurried away by the guards, not offered even a moment to look back—or maybe mouth a few words—at their families.

"Let's go tonight." George nudges him in the side. His voice is hushed. "We can get into The Victor's Village, right? We've done it before."

Not after a Reaping, Fred thinks. Not when there was actual security.

He doesn't say it out loud because it doesn't matter. It wouldn't change his mind.

"Yeah," he agrees. His mouth feels dry. "Let's go tonight."