Twists and Turns: The 31st Annual Hunger Games (SYOT)

by Musical1Booklover

My first SYOT! When Gamemaker Leto Storm is promoted to Head Gamemaker after Coriolanus Snow's ascendence to Presidency, she aims to design an arena like no other to establish her legacy. Twenty-four new tributes must fight through the arena, through the twists and turns of the games. But only one shall prevail. And who? Only time shall tell. [SYOT OPEN, 17/24 SPOTS TAKEN/RESERVED]

3. EBONY OBSIDIAN - District 1 Female

EBONY OBSIDIAN

DISTRICT 1 FEMALE

18

---

I smile to myself. It's me who was selected to volunteer for the 30th annual hunger games! I did it! Part of me struggles to comprehend that I am to be a tribute. And then, quite possibly, a victor. I don't particularly like to think about the alternative. I can't stop reading. Reading the letter in my hands. The letter that reads 'Congratulations Ebony Obsidian'. The letter that means I volunteer in a week.

Someone knocks on my door. I don't even have time to respond before Lustra runs in. I smile, standing up to embrace my best friend. Well, continue to smile. The smile hasn't left my face since I read the letter.

"I'm volunteering!" I blurt out.

"That's brilliant!" Lustra replies as she beams at me, pulling away. "District 1's going to have another victor!"

My smile falters for a moment. "Not confirmed, there are a lot of factors. But hopefully!"

Lustra nods. "I'm sure you'll win! I'm so happy for you! We need to get you an outfit for the Reaping! Something that stands out when you step up on stage!"

I let Lustra continue to monologue. She's always loved fashion. I start to think about the realities of the situation. What if I do actually die? What if something goes horribly wrong? What if-

My train of thought is interrupted by Lustra's mother calling us downstairs for dinner.

Lustra continues to chatter as she skips the stairs, leaping down two at a time. I follow slightly behind her, taking the steps more slowly.

"Maybe I could design your Reaping outfit!" The idea occurs to Lustra.

The smile that had faded away from my face as the unpleasant thoughts invaded my mind breaks out again. "Sure! That'd be amazing!" It really would. I've seen some of the outfits she sketches in her room. And it'd be nice to have something that reminds me of her when I'm in the Capitol.

I moved in with Lustra's family when I was 14. I'd had enough of my home. I was so sick of my mother. She never had any time for me, unless I did something wrong. And I never met my father, so it was just me and her. Anyway, it's her fault that the other career kids make hell for me. But they won't be laughing when they found out I got picked. The raven-haired girl who's not entirely from District 1, picked as the volunteer instead of all those blonde and brunette empty-heads whose fathers weren't peacekeepers from 2. The ones who didn't get bullied for being different. The ones who I have to prove wrong.

The next morning is the final assembly for my year at the academy. Where I will be revealed as the one who has been selected to enter the hunger games. Where I will be invited up onto the stage, to shake the hand of my mentor – Iris Halo. She won when I was 10, the 23rd Annual Hunger Games. And I will win the 31st Annual Hunger Games. I will come back. I will prove them all wrong.