Hayffie Stories - Oneshots (#Wattys2016) (Fanfiction)

The 74th Hunger Games

I sit on the plush Capitol couch as I anxiously watch Katniss and Peeta fighting to survive in the Hunger Games. Haymitch is in the other room, probably getting a drink, but my attention is drawn to the bloodshed and death that displays on the screen. Only Katniss, Peeta, and Cato are left, and I find myself wrapped in a large blanket with only my eyes and blonde hair peaking through the top. 

Haymitch finally comes into the room, and I manage to slip my head out from under my cocoon. 
"Hey." I say to Haymitch as he sits down beside me. I can see that he looks overwhelmed, which is an inevitable emotion when your tributes are fighting for survival in the deathly arena. He probably feels the same way that I do: anxious, jaded, afraid.

Katniss and Peeta are running away from the mutinous dogs, only one of thousands of the Capitol's creations. I am thoroughly impressed by their endurance and receptiveness to the arena's deadly creations. I could never survive in the arena. I always wonder what was going on in Haymitch's head when he was summoned to his end. 

While watching my tributes run through the forest, I have made my way to Haymitch's side. I hold his arm tightly, as if my grip on his arm will determine Katniss and Peeta's outcome. Either way, I sit way too close for both of our comfort zones. They finally reach the Cornucopia where Cato awaits, ready to fight. Cato is the kind of tribute that does not care what others think or feel. Katniss will befriend a tribute in order to save not only her life, but also the life of her trusted ally. Peeta is a master of disguise. He could win the whole thing by just camouflaging himself to look like a tree or bush. Three very different people summoned to the same situation. An outcome that can only be the utmost pride of the Capitol. 

We both watch anxiously as the game of cat and mouse continues. Cato has Peeta in a death grip and Katniss points her arrow at them. If she shoots Cato, then Peeta will also be taken with him, and be eaten by the creatures below the Cornucopia. She has a very risky decision to make, and I hope it involves both of our tributes coming out of the arena alive. 

I didn't realize but I am crying into Haymitch's shoulder and he has his arms wrapped around me. He protects me from the dangers that protrude from the screen. Katniss shoots Cato's hand, releasing Peeta and falling to his death. Haymitch and I both scream for joy and jump up from the couch. At that same exact moment we hear a voice coming from the gamemakers. We both freeze in mid-excitement. "What?!" Haymitch yells as he comprehends that news that only one tribute can make it out alive. "They can't do that!" I respond. "Its the Capitol; they can do whatever they want."

A single tear streams down my face. I do not want to represent a society of deceit and deception. Because of all the thoughts that flood my brain I didn't realize that Katniss and Peeta were both about to eat nighlock. "NO!" I scream, but Haymitch holds me back from running to the TV and falling to my knees. "Its their plan." 

Sure enough, the gamemakers announce the winners of the 74th Hunger Games: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. 

We both stare at the screen in amazement, and I feel my lip creep into slight grin.