Embers of Hope: The 69th Hunger Games

Chapter Three

The sun beat down in the square as Brooke prepared to line up.

There was a steady rhythm of chatter and footsteps on hard dirt as everyone in District Four found their spot to be.

The square was roped off from the rest of the town by one large square-shaped barrier. Citizens who weren't old enough for The Hunger Games or who were older than eighteen were corralled into the crowded space.

Meanwhile, inside the square, there were more ropes, separating children from twelve to eighteen based on gender. On the left side were the girls eighteen at the front near the stage and twelve at the back. It was the same on the right for the boys.

At the entrance of the square, two desks on either side of the aisle led through the squares of children. Capitol officials sat behind the desks, stony-faced and wearing crisp clothing.

They were taking all the children's names as well as their fingerprints in blood. A good way to keep track that no one was skipping the Reaping.

If someone was found out avoiding the ceremony a proper punishment would follow.

The threat was cruel enough that in her time Brooke had never seen someone try to leave.

Past the desks and the herds of children, a temporary stage rose in front of The Justice Building. The Justice Building was a large gray slab of concrete that was the center of all business conducted in District Four. Brooke had her fair share of time walking its halls. One, because her mother had to make monthly visits to import items for their shop, and two, her sister worked there.

The building rose coldly over the rest of the town and did not pleasure the eye at all.

Brooke's eyes grazed the stage, set up as it always was each year.

One large podium sat in the middle of the platform with two glass balls mounted on pedestals on either side. Brooke looked away from the deathly innocent white slips of paper filling them to a brim.

Just behind the podium in the center was a tall gray door, tall enough for a giant, it provided the only exit in and out of the Justice Building. Long banners hung down on either side of the doorway, bearing the Capitol's symbol and obnoxious colors. Underneath the banners sat four chairs on either side, a total of eight.

On the right sat Mags Flanagan, an aging woman who was the victor of the 11th Hunger Games. Next to her Finnick was talking to an older-aged and crude-looking man, the victor of the 22nd Hunger Games. Finnick looked bored, his eyes searching the crowd. The last chair was filled by a sickly-looking man, the victor of the 47th Hunger Games. Everyone knew he dealt with drugs and Morphling.

On the left nearest the podium sat Maddox Madden. A complete freak of the Capitol and the long-time running escort for District Four. Everyone knew he was completely insane, even people in the Capitol. They said his many cosmetic alters had messed with his brain and made him go mad, but he was harmless and provided entertainment and comic relief to the people. They kept him around as a joke.

Next to him the final victor of District Four sat looking seemingly traumatized from the conversation he was having with Maddox. Winner of the 59th Hunger Games he wasn't liked much and tended to isolate himself from everyone.

Lastly, Brooke spotted Sky sitting professionally next to Mayor Lewandowski. She looked tense and seemed to be having a stern conversation with the Mayor.

Brooke felt pride swell in her chest. Despite her hate for the government ruling her world, Sky looked the part of a good politician, and it was almost certain she would take over once Lewandowski retired. That would be anytime now. The mayor had a red face and balding hair, everyone knew he was always sick and would be going soon. That was most likely the reason he had requested Sky accompany him on the stage this year.