The X-Games

Our Tributes...

“Welcome! Welcome, welcome. Happy X-Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!”

Charles winced at the high pitched voice and Gale giggled next to him.

That was Effie Trinket, the escort for the Club.

She simply calls and escorts this year’s tributes to the Club, and their death. 

Effie clapped her hands and announced, “Now let’s get down to business!”

Gale’s grip on Charles tightens.

Effie smiles, showing her bleached white teeth, “Now who will it be?”

Charles gulped, who will it be?

Charles remembered last year was two girl tributes who were slaughtered before they could even reach Cornucopia, the area where the mutants could gain weapons.

Who will it be?

Effie walked towards a medium size glass bowl where thousands of names were held.

She placed her pale hand into the bowl, digging eagerly.

Finally she picked one card and carefully opened it.

Charles breathed in slowly, “Not Gale. Please not Gale.”

And it’s not Gale, it’s him.

“Charles Everdeen!”

Charles’s eyes widened. They said my name!

Gale’s worst nightmare became true.

Charles’s hands became clammy and his knees wobbly.

I’m dead! I’ll never make it! At least it’s not Gale.

What was he going to do, speak to the animals? Better me than him.

Effie kept on smiling, “Where are you dear?”

The boys made room for Charles, who was led by Peacekeepers to the stage.

“No!” Gale and Katniss were going hysterical; they were screaming and kicking trying to make it through to Charles.

Charles ran to them, embracing them close to him, whispering “Don’t volunteer” over and over again.

Finally, one Peacekeeper rips them apart, shoving Charles to the stage.

But Katniss and Gale wouldn’t stop until Scott had to drag them back.

Charles’s vision began to grow blurry and he almost tripped on the first step.

Effie helped him up but he still felt sick.

On the stage, Charles searched for his family only to find them crying on Scott’s chest.

Charles faced Scott, his eyes meeting his red shades.

Take care of them, Charles pled to him.

Scott only nodded.

“Well…A round of applause for our tribute, Charles Everdeen!”

The place grew sullen.

No one was moving.

Then slowly, simultaneously, everyone pressed their ring, middle, and index fingers against their lips then held them towards the stage.

Charles softly gasped.

That sign hasn’t been used for years; it was thought it became extinct.

Each finger represented a word that said “Mutant and Proud.”

It was used by mutants but when the first games begun, they felt no pride in being a mutant anymore.

Effie must have been lost because someone had to nudge her to choose the next name.

Effie collected herself and said, “Oh yes! And our next tribute…”

Again she picked another name.

Charles held his breath, Even though I’ve been chosen that still doesn’t mean Gale can’t be chosen next. And if he was chosen, who would volunteer? I can’t. Scott? Maybe, if he’s willing.

Effie opened the card and with a clear voice she proclaimed the next tribute.

“Peeta Mellark!”

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A/N: Didn't see that coming did you?