Saving Grace

1

Sophia Clarke. She won her Games at 18, the final year of her being in the age to be reaped for the annual Hunger Games. The other tributes were terrified once they saw what she could do, with bows, knives, swords, tridents, spears. She was called a beast, someone to look out for. Her games lasted a total of 18 hours. 

The shortest Hunger Games in Panem history. 

Sophia Clarke killed 14 tributes alone.

***

My mother died shortly after I won the Hunger Games, leaving me as guardian to my younger sister. 

Adrianne and I sat around the table, watching with bated breaths as President Snow announced the newest Hunger Games. 

Peeta and Katniss, winners of District 12 had pass through only days ago on their victory tour, leaving the district...sated, I guess. Finnick and I were both left unamused. 

"This years annual Hunger Games, the 75th Quarter Quell, will be reaped of the existing pool of victors!" President Snow's voice echoed through the living room. 

"What? But you already won, why do you need to go again?" Adrianne shouted, as tears fell down my face. 

I raked my fingers through my hair as I stood up. 

"I need to go." I whispered, quickly making my way out of the house. 

I ran through the village and made my way to Finnick's house. 

"Finnick!" I shouted, bursting through the door. 

"Sophie?" He called. "Did you see?" 

"Yes, I saw." I cried, sinking to my knees. "Why? Why would they do this?" 

"It's to get back at Katniss and Peeta. I heard that there's been uprisings in the lower districts, 10, 11. A couple others. They don't want the games to continue." Finnick said, kneeling besides me, tears falling down his cheeks as well. 

"All this to get back at one measly little girl?" I asked, wiping my tears. "We have to fight for our lives, AGAIN, because of a girl and her boyfriend from District 12?" 

"Yes, Sophia, that's what I'm saying." Finnick replied. 

"I don't want to do this, Finnick." I cried. 

"I know, Sophia, I know." He placed his hand on my back, rubbing in slow circles.

***

After Finnick's name was called the next day, I stood besides Mags as we waited. 

"The female tribute from District 4...Mags Flannagan..." The announcer said into his microphone. 

"I volunteer as tribute." I shouted, stepping forwards as Mags cried, shaking besides me.

"Sophia, no." Finnick said grabbing my arm.

"I can't let Mags go back, Fin." I said to him. 

"Sophia, darling, you can't go. You just found out you're pregnant." He whispered in my ear.

"I'll be fine, Finnick." I started, "We'll be fine."