The X-Games

Our Tributes Charles Everdeen and Erik Mellark

“I volunteer as tribute!”

            Peeta rushed to his brother, tears running down his face. Prim joined. Charles was stunned; he didn’t know Erik was a mutant. Charles knew Erik, half because of Peeta and half because he saved Erik’s life when they were young. Charles closed his eyes, yes he remembered it perfectly.

            It was late, almost two in the morning. Charles was fourteen when he snuck out of his home one night, heading towards the lake for some fresh air. By now he was already a father figure. He was raising his two youngest siblings since he turned thirteen. The Peacekeepers came a few times a month to take the children away to foster homes but when that happened, Charles would erase or change the man’s mind. The same thing happened earlier that day but there were multiple of them and they almost took them away. But Charles was able to erase their minds before they could call the Club.

            Charles knew there was a lake at the end of the forest and he usually went there to clear his head. But this time, someone was already there. Charles stopped in his tracks when he saw a small figure half way in the water. He couldn’t see the face perfectly but he could see the figure was putting stones in its pocket, going deeper in the water. Charles gasped; the figure was trying to kill itself! Charles ran towards the figure, “Stop!” The figure was shocked to find someone but he kept on going deeper until he was fully gone. Charles ran into the water, searching the figure. Soon Charles found arms and hauled them up. The figure happened to be a boy. “LET ME GO!” The boy began fighting and struggling, “Let me die!” Charles had to restrain the boy, even though it appeared the boy was older than Charles. “Calm your mind!” Charles ordered and the boy stopped, he heard the voice in his head.

            The boy stopped fighting and asked, “How did you do that?” Charles hesitated, “I’m a mutant, Erik.” Erik calmed down but was still a little overwhelmed about hearing an unknown voice in his head.

Charles asked, “Why are you trying to kill yourself?”

Erik shook his head, “You don’t understand.”

Charles insisted, “I’m sure I will.

Erik sighed, “My parents are dead.”

Charles said, “Mine too.”

            Erik was surprised to hear that. “My parents are dead too, Erik. I know what you are going through but you cannot kill yourself. What about your family?” Erik’s eyes widened, “How do you know about them?” Charles simply answered, “Telepath.” Erik only nodded. Charles sighed and said, “Erik I can feel your pain and anger but think about your brother and sister. Think what will happen to them if you were dead.” Erik was shaking and muttered, “You’re right.”

            Charles helped Erik to the shore where the boys went separate ways. Charles found out a few days later that Erik’s aunt was raising the children but her liquor problems often led Erik being in charge.  That was the last time Charles and Erik ever spoke and now after all this time; they are now forced to kill each other.

“What is your name dear?”

            The sudden voice of Effie woke Charles from his flashback. Charles turned to face Erik; this was his first time seeing him in four years clearly. Erik looked nothing like his siblings. He was tall with short slicked back auburn hair with dark green eyes, unlike his short blonde blue-eyed brother and sister. Erik faced Charles; the boy who saved him was now the boy who will try to kill him. Effie seemed annoyed, “Your name?” Erik looked at Effie then said in a low voice, “Erik Mellark.” Effie smiled then turned to Charles, “What is your ‘gift’? Charles gulped and answered, “Telepathy.” Effie said, “Wonderful!” Charles said nothing, Wonderful? I’m going to be the first one killed! Effie turned to Erik, “And yours?” Charles held his breath, he wanted to know. Erik inhaled deeply before he proclaimed his mutation to the world (this was being televised), “Metal bender.”