Author's Notes: Hey everyone! Welcome to my hunger games fanfiction! I wanted to do a hunger games story since 2022 and I'm now doing it. I tried to write a story for halloween but i just couldnt make the deadline so now I've decided to do this. I'm almost done with chapter 2 and I plan on making this a 10 chapter story. I dont know if I can finish by thanksgiving, but if I can't then I shall work through December.
This story will be set in an alternate hunger games universe so characters like Katniss, Peeta, or President Snow don't exist. But it will still have references from it. All the characters' names, I got from a hunger games name generation to help. It's where I got the idea to write a hunger games story. Here's the link to the generator: .
Now without further adu, I give you, the 51st Hunger games.
Mason Saffron woke up to the sound of running water, outside he and his brothers' room. He rose up in bed and rubbed his eyes before looking at the window, seeing the sun shining in. Today was the day, of the reaping. Mason sighed as he got out of bed and walked to the door. He had smooth black hair, white skin, and blue eyes. He exited his room and saw Will and Copper at the table.
Mason: Hey guys.
Copper: Morning.
Mason walked over to his seat at the table and sat down. For breakfast was water and some bread, as usual in District 3. Mason began to eat and glanced at the end of the table, where Gordald would sit whenever he was home.
Mason: Dad at work still?
Copper: Yep. But he said he'll be back in time for the ceremony.
Gordald Saffron worked in the tech factory, like every other parent in district 3. But Gordald started to pick later shifts. It took for the boys to adjust to that but they used to do it eventually.
Mason: Good. How'd you both sleep last night?
Copper: Okay.
Okay was the word Copper would say whenever he didn't want to discuss something.
Mason: You Will?
Will: I slept fine.
Mason: Fine?
Mason folded his arms and looked at Will. He could tell he was lying.
Will: Okay, maybe really fine. I had trouble sleeping because of today and I asked Copper to sleep with him.
Copper: Yeah. Your feet were cold!
Mason: Copper! Be nice. Its not easy for him now he's 12.
Copper just rolled eyes as Will leaned back in his chair in shame. Copper was a brother who believed that he was the stronger then Mason or Will and felt like he could speak his mind without holding back. Will on the other and was shy, timid, and couldn't find his voice to stand up for himself.
Will: I'm just scared Mason. What if I get chosen this year?
Mason: You wont, Will. I'm certain.
Will: But what if I do?
Mason: You wont-
Will: BUT WHAT IF I DO!?
Will banged his fists on the table and Mason and Copper leaned back, surprised from Will's outburst. Silence fell at the table for a few seconds before Will realized what he did and slumped back into his seat again. Mason didn't blame him. He was understandably freaking out. He reached his hand across the table and took Will's hand. He squirmed at first from his brother's touch, but allowed it.
Mason: It will be okay. I promise. I won't let anything happen to you. Alright?
Will: Okay.
Will made half a smile, but his eyes showed he didn't fully believe his brother's words. But it was enough to comfort him. Mason let go as they went bakc to eating. He glanced at Copper and saw him eating, but trying to avoid eye contact. Mason knew that Copper really did care about them and felt for Will. He just didn't want to show it.
Just then Door opened and the boys looked over to see a man in his 40s walk in. He had blackish gray hair, white skin, and bronze eyes. It was their father.
Gordald: Hey boys.
Saffron Brothers: Hey dad.
Will: You're home early.
Gordlad: So my boss let me go home early because of today.
Mason: Oh. So, how was work?
Gordald: Same always.
Gordald took off his coat and sat down at the table with his sons. He started eating his breakfast and his son continued to eat too. Silence fell over the table, no voices but the sounds of chewing bread and slurping water. It was always like this for years.
Suddenly silcene was interrupted again when a small rock hit the window above their sink. Will approached and looked outside to see a boy about Mason's age with Blonde hair and white skin.
Will: Mason there's someone outside for you.
Mason got up and walked to the window to see the guy Will was referring to outside. Mason knew who it was.
Mason: I have to go dad, but I'll be back.
Gordald: Where are you going?
Mason: To meet with Lane.
Gordald: Why? There shouldn't be any reason for him be out today.
Mason: Well...
Mason trailed off. He turned back to his father and saw Gordald glarting at him concernly. Mason didn't know what else
Mason: You know, it's reaping day. Just wanna check on each other.
Gordald: I'm sure Lane is alright. He should be home with his family.
Mason: I know, but the sooner I see him them the sooner he'll go home. It will only be a few minutes. I promise.
Gordald raised his eyebrow suspiciously, like to somehow trick or guilt Mason into revealing something. However Mason made his straight face to conceal.
Gordald: Fine. But don't be very long.
Mason: Thank you. But first, I need grab something for him.
Mason rushed back to his and his brothers' room and went put on some clothes to go out. Shoes, pants, and clean shirt. When he was dressed, Mason approached his bed in the corner of the room and knelt down on the edges. He carefully looked over his shoulder to check no one was looking, and pulled up the mattress, and grabbed a red cardboard box that was hidden underneath.
Mason opened the box, peeked in and saw everything was still in there. He looked over his shoulder again and pulled out 2 small lightbulbs, putting them in his pocket and closing the box. Mason was taking them because he probably knew what this was about. He put everything back the way it was before he walked out of his room and past the table to the door. He walked down the stairs of his apartment and out the door where Lane was leaning against the wall and waiting for Mason.
Mason: Hey Lane.
Lane: Hey Mason.
The 2 friends shook hands.
Mason: So, what's up?
Lane: It's Catlina. She's back and got that capacitor you need.
Mason: Awesome. I got what she needs too.
Mason and Lane slow jogged down the street of their town to Catlina's place. Catlina was the owner of The Back Alley, a secret trade and market in District 3. Mason took part in Catlina's business to provide for his family. It was shady business but it was worth it. As Mason and Lane went down the streets they saw few people.
But then when they reached the end of their block, around the corner came 6 people in white uniforms with armor, marching in 2 rows with guns in their hands. Mason and Lane stopped walking and watched as the troopers pass, not before they glared at them quickly.
Lane: Tsk. Peacekeepers.
The Peacekeepers were the soldiers of their country. Their job was to "Keep Peace" in the 12 districts of Panem. But that wasn't the truth. They were patroling the streets much more because it's reaping day.
Lane: So, how prepared is your family?
Mason: What's there to be prepared for? Whence your chosen there's no stopping it from happening.
Lane: Yeah. But isn't Will already 12?
Mason: Yep. He's scared as ever today, but I doubt he'll get picked. The Saffrons never got picked before.
Lane: I don't know Mason. I mean, it's a matter of chance. So anything can happen.
Mason: I guess. But how about your family?
Lane: Well, I can't even think of the face mom will make if Daisy is picked.
Mason: What about you? What will she think if you're chosen.
Lane: I don't know. Maybe feel less dramatic then my sister.
Mason nodded as they reached the alleyway. They looked around for no watching them before they went into the alley and walked up to a large green metal door. They knocked 4 times, beofre door answered and a woman in her early 60s with dark skin answered.
Catlina: Oh, hello boys.
Mason: Hey. Lane told me you have that capacitor.
Catlina: Oh, yes.
Catlina reached into her pocket and pulled out the small blue, metal cylinder wrapped in bronze wires. Mason gingerly took it.
Mason: Thanks, Catlina. I have something for you too.
Mason reached into his pocket and pulled the lightbulbs from his pocket, giving them to Catlina. She smiled and looked back at Mason.
Catlina: Thank you, Mason. Now, go home...You should.
Catlina slowly closed her door with a displeased face. But Mason and Lane knew why. Before, Catlina started out as a factory, then son was chosen at the ceremony 12 years ago. That was the last time she ever saw him. Then Catlina became the a owner in The Back Alley, which she treated Lane and Mason very well.
They both walked out of the alley and looked both ways so no one was looking, then exiting and going their separate ways.
Mason: Bye Lane.
Lane: Bye. And...Happy Hunger Games, I guess.
Mason: Same to you.
Mason and Lane mocklying shook hands again and jogged in opposite directions for home. The next time they'll see each other may as well be their last.
Mason was in his room getting on his best uniform. After getting back he finished breakfast with his family and went to the bathroom to take a bath. Then he went to his room and hid the capcitor in the red shoebox and changed into good clothes for the ceremony. It was time.
The Saffrons walked out of their apartment and walked down the street of town, where crowds of people were walking with Peacekeeper soliders viewing them from trucks. They were going to a single destination in town. Together they followed the crowd and arrived at a big gathering in the center of town. The ceremony.
Gordald wasn't allowed to be with his sons, but he wished them good luck. When they separated Mason, Copper, and Will got in line with other boys around their age. For the ceremony they had to print a small piece of blood. Will was already begin to tremble.
Will: Mason...
Mason: It's okay, Will. It's just one piece of Blood. It will be okay.
Mason placed his hands on his shoulders for comfort. Now it was Will's turn. Mason walked Will forward up to the desk where the peacekeeper took Will's hand and poked him with a syringe. Will flinched in the poke and but did it and printed his blood on the paper, allowing him to leave.
Copper: What a baby.
Mason glared at Copper from over his shoulder. Mason went on after Will, and then Copper. After that was done they followed in line with the other boys where they stood in front of a large stage with another huge crowd on the opposite side. Mason glanced over and saw they were all girls. It was part of the ceremony. There even guards wearing those uniforms, no one was leaving today.
Mason looked up at the stage and saw some important people sitting on chairs. Sarrel Laird, the mayor of district 3 was among them. There was also a lady in blue and green clothes, with her hair all yellow. It was the escort for the district 3 tributes, Rosette Fellork. But Mason turned back to the crowd of boys he was in, scanning them for his friend. He saw him further up. Lane saw Mason looking at him and gace him a thumbs up.
Rosette tapped the microphone and the sound got everyone's attention to Rosette speaking.
Rosette: Welcome District 3! I wish you all happy Hunger Games, and my the odds ever be in your favor. Before we begin our chosing, we have a video from the captial to watch.
All eyes in the center turned the big screens hanging on opposite sides of the stage. Lit up and the video began playing with a narrator speaking.
Narrator: Many years back the land we live on was once North America. But soon natural disasters teared the whole world apart and reducing civilization to nothing. From the ashes of the old world emerged Panem, a country of modesty, hope, and rejoice. Years later though, the 12 districts of Panem revolted against the captial and throwing the nation into darkness. But eventually the war was over and peace was restored in Panem. However, the capital never forgetten the 12 districts' treason. So it was degreed that each year. One young man and woman, between the ages of 12 and 18, from each district must be chosen in a grand fight to the death. The last one remaining shall win and gain wealth from the capital as a sign of our forgiveness. This how we remember our past, in order to protect our future.
The video finally ended. Rosette clapped her hands and turned back to everyone with a wide smile. None of them however were amused.
Rosette: I just love that, don't all of you? (Everyone didn't say anything) Now then, it's time chose our tributes for representing district 3, in the 51st hunger games. As always, ladies first!
Rosette walked over to a large glass bowl on her left, filled with envelopes of the girls' names. There was another bowl of boys' names on her right. But first Rosette was chosing the girls. She dove her hand into the bowl, digfing deep and pulled out one. She walked back to the microphone and opened the envelope. Everyone was silent and tense until Rosette said the name.
Rosette: Laurel Caspian.
All the girls in the crowd looked at the one with that name. Mason glanced right thought she saw her with horror on her face. She was a year older then him, had blonde hair, white skin, and brown eyes. Mason watched her as she slowly walked out of the crowd and the guards surrounded her as she walked to the stage. When she got up she turned to face the crowd next to Rosette next to her.
Rosette: Well, then. Let's give a big round of applause to Laurel Caspian everyone!
But no one clapped their hands as Rosette did. The girls all looked at Laurel, so sympathetically. Mason lowered his head and he understood them.
Rosette: And now for the boys!
Mason watched as Rosette walked to the bowl and dug deep. He's eyes focued on the envelope in her hand as she walked back to the microphone and opened it. Then she spoke...
Rosette: Will Saffron.
Mason felt like his heart had stopped beating. His face became pale as he, and every other boy in the crowd looked at Will. He was looking at the stage in horror, looking even more pale than Mason. The guards pushed through the crowd of boys and grabbed Will by his wrist, bring him towards the stage, while Mason could only just watch in terror.
He had promised. Mason had promised that Will's name wouldn't be drawn. He swore it! But now he watched as Will was being taken to the stage. Without thinking Mason left Copper and pushed through the crowd, who actually stepped by and allowed him to pass. Mason tried to reach him along the aile, if it weren't the guards trying to hold him back. Mason tried to break through the guards were too strong.
Mason: Wait! Don't take him! Don't take him, please! I...I'll take his place! I VOLUNTEER!
Everyone all turned to Mason, all surprised and amazed.
Mason: I volunteer as tribute?
There was never a volunteer for district 3. But here was Mason volunteering to save his brother's life. Rosette looked at Mason from the stage and made a small smile.
Rosette: Wow! We seem to have a volunteer. Come on up!
Finally the guards let go of the brothers and they both rushed to each other. They embraced as tight as they could muster before they looked each other in the eye. Mason was trying to be brave for Will.
Mason: Will. I need you to go back to Dad.
Will: Mason, what are you doing?!
Mason: I...I'm sorry, Will. I thought you wouldn't get picked...I love you, okay. Now go to dad.
Will: Mason wait! No! No!
But Mason turned away from Will and walked to the stage with the guards around him. Will tried to reach his brother, but the guards grabbed him and were dragging him away. Mason clinched his fists tightly as he tried to ignore his brother's cries and walked up the steps where Rosette was waiting for him, then moved him back to the microphone.
Rosette: What's your name son?
Mason: Mason Saffron.
Rosette: So, Mason, I take it that was your brother?
Mason: Yes. Will.
Rosette: Well, then. Let's give a big round of applause for District 3's first volunteer!
Rosette once again clapped her hands but again no one applauded. Instead, Mason watched as both crowds, boys and girls, they all took their left hands, pressing their lips on the 3 middle fingers and held them out to Laurel. This was a common salute among the district of panem. It stood for unity, gratitude, and saying goodbye to someone. Mason was so grateful for them. He had volunteered and now there was no going back. He had to be ready for the most dangerous game.
Rosette proudly smiled and placed her hands on Mason and Laurel's shoulders.
Rosette: I present to you, Laurel Caspian and Mason Saffron, the tributes of District 3! Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be in your favor!
The End
To Be Continued In:
The Parade of Tributes