When The Canary Sings

STAY TUNED: ITS MANDATORY

First Person Point of View: Becca Blue: 

* 

Katniss literally just had her wedding photoshoot, and now it's all over the country. Tonight was a mandatory viewing for some reason. It didn't really make sense, it was just her wedding dress. Why does a revolting country care about her dress?

What's worse is I'm stuck watching it alone since Sae and Will went back to their home in the Seam. They went back to pack up some final things before their house gets sold to someone else because they're both living here. Unfortunately, they left too close to dark, and now they can't come back because of Thread's stupid curfew.

Then, I hear it.

It's Caesar's loud voice, booming and happy. "And make sure to stay tuned for the big event of the evening! It's the 75th year of the Hunger Games! Meaning the third Quarter Quell!" He booms...weird. The games aren't for months now, it's only the end of March. My screen goes dark, and a message that is sent to all the districts shows up. STAY TUNED. ITS MANDATORY.

A few moments later, President Snow appears on screen. He gives us the story of the dark days. I feel the room swaying around me just at the sight of him. I nervously tap my feet on the ground and snap my fingers, needing a melody to ease my worries.

After a small speech, he tells the nation about the past Quarter Quells. On the Twenty-fifth, districts had to vote for the children. Did they vote for a trouble-maker? Someone who had a good chance? A bully? Did friends vote for friends?

In the fiftieth, the playing field was doubled. That was the year Haymitch won. I've never seen his games, but how he could've outlasted all of the forty-seven children....I'll never know.

Then, he gets to this year.

My stomach knots up.

Who will be tortured this year?

My stomach only knots further when I hear President Snow chuckle as he glances at the card. Before he reads it, he stares straight at the camera. I know that to everyone else, it looks like he's looking right into their eyes...but this feels personal. I feel like he's looking straight into my eyes. He chuckles again before reading it. "On the Seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest and the most of them can not overcome the Capitol the male and female tributes will be reaped from the existing pool of victors." He says, my stomach drops to the floor, and my vision is blurred by tears. It might not be me, It might be Katniss. It might not be me, It might be Katniss. It might not be me, It might be Katniss.

"But that's not all!" He chuckles, flipping the card.

"As a reminder that even with the numbers, the rebels could not overcome the capitol, there will be three tributes reaped from each district. Districts One to Six will provide two males and one female. Districts seven to Twelve will provide two females and one male." He says, and the crowd absolutely goes crazy. They're so loud the sound cuts out.

I'm left staring at my screen.

"I'm so screwed." I mutter to myself through tears. So much anger just...wells up inside of me, but my body wouldn't let me let it out yet.

This arena...it's being made to kill me. To kill me and Katniss and Peeta. All the problem victors. Katniss had already sparked rebellion, Peeta with her, and I brought back a history that was supposed to be erased. Forgotten. And now, like the woman I accidentally have succeeded, I will be erased too.

This arena. There's no telling what It will be. The Capitol will spare no expense at all. And obviously, it won't be a ruinous city. It'll be something new and incredibly dangerous. With twists and mutts around every corner to come and kill me. The games are already rigged for someone who is not me to win.