a flicker of hope | tmnt 2012 hunger games au

Reapings Part Three

A/N: I, being the big forgetful goof that I am, made a really big mistake. Galaxy has a little sister, who I forgot to include in her chapter. She's been added in now, so I suggest rereading it, otherwise this chapter might not make much sense. Also, there's a cameo appearance by a certain character, who I'd like to say belongs to hope_forever_18. Other than that, enjoy!

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Casey's dark eyes were glued on the stage in front of him, nervously eyeing the glass ball. He stood with the others sixteen-year-old boys in f the district, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. Meanwhile, Destiny and April waited with the sixteen-year-old girls. April dragged the toe of her boot along the ground, her blue eyes focused on her feet, while Destiny's dark tail twitched restlessly back and forth as she crossed her arms back and forth.

A leopard mutant leaped onto the stage with ease, her long, spotted tail lashing impatiently as she landed on two feet. Her golden eyes glittered irritably as she ran her claws through her caramel-colored pixie cut, a bored expression on her furry face. In her hand, she held a microphone. She strolled to the middle of the stage, clearing her throat and beginning to speak into her microphone.

"Hello, District Nine," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "My name is Emery, and I'll be your announcer for this year's Hunger Games. I suppose we'll just get this Reaping over with now."

She reached into the glass ball, shuffling around a bit before pulling two paper slips out. All eyes were on her as she unfolded the tiny piece of paper, reading it over.

"April O'Neil," she called out.

Near the back of the crowd, a balding red-haired man cried out in sorrow. Destiny's tail fur spiked in horror as April gulped, her eyes widening. Slowly, the redheaded girl emerged from her group, walking out in front of the district toward the stage. She was almost there when four words were shouted in a familiar voice.

"I volunteer as Tribute!"

Destiny burst from her group, the determined look in her wild green eyes unmistakable. She strode past April, flapping her raven wings a little as she fluttered lightly onto the stage. April stayed where she was, her eyes huge with shock and her mouth gaping, and two Peacekeepers marched up and carried her off. The teenage girl did not object, only looking even more shocked.

"A volunteer, huh?" Emery's eyes locked with Destiny's, sparking with interest. "What's your name, wolf?"

"Destiny Luna," was the firm reply.

Emery acknowledged her with a flick of her tail tip, then unfolded the second slip of paper and called out the name. The wolf-raven's face remained blank, but inside her stomach churned fast and hard.

"Casey Jones," called Emery, staring around Town Square.

Casey felt as if he would drop dead at any moment as he trudged up onto the stage, his hands stuffed impossibly deeper into his pockets and balled into nervous fists. The mournful cry of a little girl rose up from the gathered district, which Casey knew belonged to his little sister. Grief hacked at his heart like a scythe at wheat, slowly breaking it to pieces.

"Well, here they are, so get a good look away 'em before they're gone," Emery announced. "Your Tributes for this year's annual Hunger Games, Casey Jones and Destiny Luna."