Let the Games Begin

Chapter 1

I pulled my hood up higher, making sure it covered my ears and shadowed my face as I walked through the crowded and filthy streets. I kept a package inside my jacket, secured by my crossed arms. 

Somebody bumped into me and I stumbled, quickly regaining my balance and walking away quickly before whoever it was tried to start a fight. The last thing I wanted was to stand out in this type of area; I was just asking to get killed.  

Thankfully I didn't stand out much, even without my hoodie on. My messy black hair and dark brown eyes blended in easy with the crowd. And I was pale, but so was almost everyone else. The pollution   had clouded the sky so much in the city areas that the sun hardly shone through, unless you went out away from one of the cities, and there was hardly any countryside left. Trees were preserved as much as possible now, with the limited amount of air. The government  now limited human society even more. You were only allowed to have two children at the most for fear of even more overpopulation and you were only allowed certain luxuries. Unless you were of the upper class, of course. They had more benefits then us lower class. It is amazing what money or a title can get you.

I felt the package start to slip and quickly pushed it higher so it wouldn't fall. It contained food I had earned from helping a elderly lady earlier that day. If somebody noticed I had something they might try to rob me so I tried not to look obvious, just cold.    

A sudden gust of wind had people around me grumbling and walking quicker, me included. 

After walking a little more I quickly ducked into an alleyway and jogged down it. Looking both way before knocking out a tune on what looking like an average wall.  A panel slide open and I smiled at the eyes that inspected me for a few seconds before going to open the door.

"Hey Reece, you took longer than usual."

I shivered and rubbed my arms as I tried to regain my body heat from the long walk. I nodded and walked past the young boy. I honestly couldn't remember his name, we were never really around each other except when I came back or left, but apparently he knew mine. He was the little brother of the 'owner and leader' of this place. I don't want to seem rude by calling it a gang, but, that is pretty much what they were. They let me stay here in exchange for me cleaning up around here and helping with the cooking. There were only two women in the group and one of them always managed to screw all the food up while the other one...well..she wasn't the greatest. And I may not be a girl but I knew how to cook.  

This gave me much needed shelter. My parents died when I was ten and living in the orphanage was hard. It didn't help matters that the building was in bad condition and they didn't keep the bullies or thieves in line. Still grieving over my mom made it harder. Though as for my dad he wasn't really there for me. Always being busy working and drinking didn't leave him much 'time' for me or mom. He cared for mom though, which I was glad about. He made sure she had everything she needed, and she, in turn, made sure I was taken care of. Then dad had to go off to war and me and my mom were left alone for a while. Mother had to get a job as a nurse on the field of a nearby war and a surprise  bombing killed them both. 

I still kind of missed them and it made me sad to think of them, but I was usually so busy I didn't have much time to dwell on such things.

~

As soon as I walked into the large main room I was surrounded by noise. I sighed and glanced to the corner of the room where a couple of the new and young members were throwing punches at each other and arguing  over some stupid thing while several others laughed and drank themselves silly at one of the tables while they watched and placed bets on who would win.   

I walked past them and into the kitchen as I slipped an apron on, stopping to wash my hands.

"Hey boy, get to work."

I smiled at Beth, one of the women, before nodding and grabbing some of the limited produce to wash and chop. She was a little rough around the edges but an honest and nice person when it came to us. Though I hear she is brutal in fights.

I loud clatter came from the doorway and I froze at the sight of one of the guards holding up another man who's shirt had quickly spreading blood spots. The guard gave us a grim look as Beth hurried to tend to the man and he jerked his head at me gesturing to the other side of the kitchen. I quickly nodded and walked to the door on that side, opening it and walking into the 'meeting room' so to speak. Almost everyone was gathered there and our boss sat at the head of the table, a scowl on his face. 

I quietly leaned against the wall, watching as he stood and his eyes brushed over everyone before he spoke. 

"One of our members was attacked and robbed today. He barely escaped with his life and we lost some important papers in the process. They left their symbol on him too. This was done by a rival group of ours that has given us troubles before. Our resources say they are gathering at a place close to here tonight, too close in fact.  They are planning a raid and we WILL NOT-"

I twitched as he raised his voice.

"-let that happen. Prepare for a fight, a big fight. We are going to attack them before they attack us. Be ready to move out in two hours. I want every single male going except the guards and a few of the younger men. We will leave them to protect our base should it be discovered."

The meeting ended and people quickly hurried from the room to get ready. Reece was about to leave but his name being called halted him in his steps.

"That means you too, Keeton."   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sorry for the wait to anyone actually reading this. I'll try to not let it happen again. 

Let me know what you think of it so far?

Also add me on instagram? My username is BlindParadox. Also a few shout outs to get this story some attention would be nice! 

Thanks for reading!