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Iris Burnette was district 11's big winner for the 73rd annual Hunger Games. With her winnings she had helped her family, making sure that they were well taken care of.
She had competed and won the hunger games at a mere 15 years old, and this year her sister was eligible to be reaped. That knowledge ate at her in the back of her mind as she sat on the train, leg bouncing on the ground as she waited.
When the doors hummed open, her heart stopped completely when she saw her sister standing there. "Rue..." Iris says softly, but all Rue did was smile softly. "It's okay Iris, I can be just like you now." Rue says as her sister hugs her tightly.
"I don't want you to be like me." Iris says as the train starts moving, the 74th annual Hunger Games has begun.
----the mentor----
Iris stood by the door, Cinna stood next to her with a small smile. "How do you feel about this whole-" "I'm fine Cinna." Iris says, Cinna nodding softly. The duo got close when Iris competed, even though he wasn't in charge of her district, he was there for her until the end.
Rue walked out with a small grimace. "I didn't enjoy that." Rue says as she wraps her arms around her sister in a hug. "I didn't enjoy it when I got here either." Iris says as Cinna sends the duo a small smile, walking to where his tributes were.
"Listen." Iris says as she kneels down, Rue's face softening as she looked into her sister's sincere eyes. "Tonight the capitol will introduce you to the world, don't give in, no matter what." Iris says, her tone holding such seriousness, Rue had no choice but to listen.
"Keep your kind heart Rue, please." Iris says, on the verge of tears. "I will, I promise." Rue says as she hugs her sister close. The act of sisterly affection being passed by everyone else but Katniss Everdeen. She watched the victor of last year's game hug her sister, both of them knowing Rue had no chance of winning.
"If it isn't Miss Iris Burnette." Haymitch Abernathy says, this caused the woman to smile widely and give the man a hug. "Hey Haymitch." She says softly as she takes a seat, a black dress adorning her figure.
"I'm sorry about-" "Don't. Please. It just makes this feel all the more real than it has to be." Iris says as she holds back tears, the man nodding in understanding. Districts 1-10 were introduced, Iris sitting down when she sees her sister staring out at the crowds, a stoic look on her face...just like Iris.
Rue finally locked eyes with her sister, the teen sending a nod to her which Rue returned. When district 12 approached, Iris was shocked but she knew it was all Cinna's work. The fire was ablaze, yet it did not engulf the two. The boy from the district turned and saw the girl, a look of awe made way to his face.
Iris remained stoic, but a look of amusement revealed her true feelings. Peete grinned like a schoolboy, turning back around to face the large crowd. All of the chariots were lined up and President Snow stood up.
"Welcome." Snow starts, the crowd quieting down. "Welcome. Tributes. We welcome you. We salute the courage and your sacrifice." President Snow says, this made Iris scowl in distaste. "And we wish you a happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor." President Snow concludes, everyone but Iris and her row cheering wildly.
"Come on." Haymitch says as the chariots start rolling away, the man and the girl walking to where they first started loading up, Rue grinning as she sees her sister, Iris picking her up and setting to the ground. "You looked amazing out there." Iris says, kneeling down causing her dress to pool around her.
"I did what you did." Rue says, this caused Iris to smile sadly, all of this becoming too real for her. "Iris!" Haymitch shouts, everyone turning to the past victor who stood up. "Stay with Thresh okay?" Iris says, Rue nodding.
The girl walked over with a small smile etched on her face. "Effie." Iris says stiffly, the flamboyant woman smiling. "Hello, Iris." The woman says, Katniss and Peeta looked at the girl in awe. "Do you have any advice for them?" Haymitch questions, Iris smiling sadly.
"No matter what they try to get you to do, don't let them take your spirit." Iris says, grabbing both tribute's hands, Katniss' left and Peeta's right. "But what if you don't have a choice?" Peeta questions, looking into Iris' eyes. "Make your own." Iris says as Rue rushes over to her sister, Katniss' eyes widening.
"Thresh says we should all head upstairs." Rue says, Iris nodding in agreement. "It was nice meeting you all." Iris says as she grabs her sister's hand, both of them walking towards the elevator with Thresh,
--------
Rue and Thresh were currently training the next morning, Iris walked towards the elevator and pressed the button. Haymitch stood on the other side making her smile, walking into the elevator.
They sat in the lobby, betting was occurring and it made Iris physically sick. "Peeta wouldn't stop babbling about you last night. We was in awe to see you." Haymitch says, Iris rolling her eyes playfully. "Cause I was a winner." Iris says, Haymitch shaking his head.
"You gave him hope." The blonde says, Iris smiling softly. The sound of laughter echoed causing both Haymitch and Iris to turn and see a boy holding a play sword, pretending to stab his mother with it. Haymitch turned around and Iris clutched her side softly.
"These scars don't ever heal." Haymitch says, Iris agreeing. "I don't want this for my sister." She says, a few tears falling down her face as she holds her head in her hands. Haymitch frowned as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders as the girl cried.
When training was finished, Iris with the help of the capitol set up a feast for Rue and Thresh. "Tomorrow, you need to show them what you are made of. Both of you." Iris says as she places the plates on the table.
"They're going to rate you based on your ability and on how well of a first impression you make. This can help you win sponsors and keep you alive." Iris says, her heart dropping when she sees the fear in her sister's eyes.
The next day Iris woke up early to wish both Thresh and Rue luck. "Be strong." She says as she turns to Thresh. "Be swift." Iris says facing Rue. "Be safe, do not anger them, but impress them." Iris says as she opens her arms, bringing both of them into a hug.
She remembers from her time here, she merely needed a hug, she didn't have her sister or anybody. She was glad her sister wasn't alone during this time.
Three days passed, the trio from district 11 were sat on the floor, Iris in the middle with Rue to her right and Thresh to her left. "From District 11, Thresh...with a score of 9." Caesar Flickerman states, Iris cheering as she grabs Thresh's hand in excitement.
"Rue Burnette...with a score of 7." Caesar Flickerman says, everyone once again cheering happily as Rue mock bowed. After an hour a knock sounded at their door, Iris answering and seeing Cinna. "Cinna, come in." Iris says as she welcomes the man in, both Rue and Thresh were asleep in their separate rooms.
"Caesar Flickerman wants you on the show tomorrow night, he wants to hear what you think about this years tributes." Cinna says, this caused Iris to sigh. "Will you be styling me?" The girl questions, Cinna scoffing. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He says, Iris smiling. "Then, why not?" Iris says, Cinna grinning widely. "We need our Queen of Snakes back." Cinna says.
