Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 3: Ditus

"Welcome! Welcome! My name is Ditus. I will be your escort this year! I just want to say thank you...thank you for your sacrifices and everything your district does for the Capitol."

Ditus covers their chest, sending a small, sad smile towards the stoic faces of the people of eleven. They clear their throat before turning towards the large screen above the building.

"Now...we have a very special treat for you all! A film just for you! All the way from the Capitol!"

They gesture up, the screen changing to show a stack of skulls. Music starts to blast across the courtyard, some people jumping as they turn to look towards the screen.

"War...terrible war...Widows, Orphans..a motherless child...this was the uprising that rocked our land."

I feel Sloan grab my free hand, squeezing it tight as I pull Briar closer to my side. I'm significantly taller than them both, standing rather tall for my age. I stare at the images flashing above as Ditus mumbles along with every line.

"Thirteen distracts rebelled against the country that fed them..loved them..protected them. Brother turned on brother until nothing remained. Then came the peace. Hard fought, sorely won. The people rose up from the ashes and a new era was born. But freedom has a cost..and the traitors were defeated."

My jaw tightens as I look down. Briar gulps, pulling me closer as Sloan tightens her grip on my hand. I offer her a small smile, pulling her hand up to place a small kiss on the back of her milky hand. She smiles, it not reaching her eyes as she lets out a shaky sigh.

"We swore as a nation that we would never know this treason again. And so it was decreed that each year..the various districts of Panem would offer up a tribute..one young man and woman to fight to the death..in a pageant of honor, courage, and sacrifice. The lone victor May then bathe in riches which would serve as a reminder of our generosity..and our forgiveness. This is how we remember our past. This is how we safe guard our future."

"Bravo! Brava!" Ditus claps, looking back towards the citizens before them. "Now. The time has come for us to select one brave young man and woman. Ladies first."

Hearts stop, breathe slowing as Ditus walks over towards the large bowl of names. They sigh, waving their hand around before delicately reaching in for a slip of paper. Walking over to the microphone, they clear their throat before smiling out towards the crowd.

"Sloan Bauer."

Gasps fill the air, my chest tightening as Briar freezes. Sloan slowly lets go of my hand, taking a shaky step forward. My eyes mist over, my faith in everything leaving as flashes of this sweet angel being sent to the slaughter house fill my mind. My eyes meet Briar's, hers holding a silent pleading for anyone to stop what she begged not to happen.

I squeeze her tight, feeling my shoulders squaring as I step forward. My face is stoic, eyes hard as I project a firm voice above the shocked chatter.

"I volunteer as tribute."

Sloan deflates, looking back towards me as Briar stares at me in shock. A scream sets through the air, no doubt coming from the crying Aurelia as peacekeepers move to grab me. Ditus smiles, a breathy laugh coming out as they look on in shocked entertainment.

"My....My....District Eleven's very first volunteer!"

Eyes find me, watching my every move as I'm escorted towards the makeshift stage. I spot Acacius with fear clearly on his face as I send a small smile that doesn't reach my eyes. Ditus meets us at the steps, holding out a perfectly manicured hand as I walk up the steps.

They lead me towards the microphone, my shield cracking a little as I see my baby sister being held back by an angry looking Atlas in the far right corner of the masses. Tears stream down her face, her eyes pleading me not to go as I look down.

"What is you name?"

"Azalea Lantzmann..."

"Azalea Lantzmann...May I ask who Miss Sloan is to you?"

"She's my best friend's sister...I couldn't let her go. She's too pure..."

"Wow...you heard it yourselves folks! Let's get a big round of applause for Miss Lantzmann."

Ditus starts to clap, silence meeting the sound as the people of eleven look at me in mixed emotions. I can see Briar holding her sister in a tight hug, tears streaming down her face as she watches me unblinking. An old woman in the front does the whistle we all know so well.

It's what we do anytime someone important dies. It's a symbol of honor and gratitude that the Mockingjays carry on for miles and miles for all to hear. Others immediately follow suit, whistling out the same melody as tears well up in my eyes.

"Wow...you must be important to your district. Now for the boys."

Ditus walks over, digging into the bowl as I stare out at my best friend. She sends a silent thank you, tears still falling as Sloan looks up towards me in a similar state. Ditus walks back, smiling once again as they open the paper. They stutter for a moment, shock taking over before they force out the name.

"Acacius Lantzmann..."

My knees go weak, my breath completely leaving me as I'm forced to watch my brother leave the mass of kids and teens. He's escorted towards the front, shock following him in every face. Tears stream down my face as I see Aurelia and Atlas watching helplessly from the back.

"Now I do believe this is another first..."

Acacius steps up the steps, no one moving or breathing as he falls onto the other side of Ditus.

"I wouldn't guess wrong if I said you two are brother and sister, correct?"

"Yes..."

I hear my brother answer as more tears roll down my face. I catch eyes with Briar, her's holding everything from fear to remorse. The Escort clears their throat, resting both hands on our backs before stepping back a bit.

"Well shake hands you two..."

I turn and look towards my older brother, my tears not stopping as we meet eyes. He nods towards me, his jaw tight and his hands shaky. I can't stop myself, my body moving by itself as I throw myself at him. My arms wrap around his neck as we hug, a sob ripping through me as he squeezes me tight.

"It'll be okay...I promise it'll be okay..."

I find myself relaxing a bit as Ditus clears their throat. I pull back, wiping my eyes as the escort claps again. I know Acacius doesn't believe himself, that he only said anything to try and help me. I turn to face the crowd as Ditus moves in front of the microphone once again.

"Happy Hunger Games! And my the odds be ever in your favor..."

⚔️

A/N

So?

What would y'all do in her situation? Would you also volunteer?

Comment here to let me know 📥

Drink water!!!?!?!!!!!!?!!!!

Love
-The Author