Broken by the Games

Finally

"So you're REALLY going through with this Mitch? You aren't planning to back down and stay and take care of us?"

*Sigh* I know my sister is only eleven, but I think she would realize by now that I'm not putting all these years to waste.

"Emily, I know what to do by now, I am going to volunteer and I am going to win for you guys and District Two. Besides, Armin and his dad are going to take good care of you ok? You and Mat both will get all the delicious pastries and cooked pork and steak that you want.

"But Daddy said that the victors go to live in a different village."

I get a slight lump in my throat and water in my eyes at the mention of Dad and think of the days when we got to go fishing or hunting or just going for a swim at the lake. He taught me all of the major skills that the academy didn't and always was so impressed when I perfected them. Like the time he saw me first use a bow, first two shots, I missed the target completly. But on the third one, he told me just to relax and focus. I didn't hit the bullseye, or anywhere close, but that was still much better than not hitting at all. The look in his eyes I remember to this day as he told me how proud Mom would have been of me and as a silent tear fell from his eye at the thought of her. He died two years after that from disease.

"Don't worry Mat, I'll make sure to come and visit you guys and Armin all the time so we don't have to feel separated." I say as I ruffle his hair.

"You know I hate it when you do that" he says annoyed.

"Yeah, I know Matt" and he gives me a little punch in the shoulder with a smile.

And then I realize, we've got a reaping to go to! I grab them both by the hands and jog out the door to the spot I recognize so well, having seen people I knew get the privilege of volunteering and then getting showered in the honor. And today, it was finally my turn.

"And the young lady who gets the honor of representing District Two is...
Julietta Scarlet! Please step up now, don't be shy!"

The poor girl walked up slowly and looked around as if searching for somebody, just anybody to take her place. She hadn't spent her life training to win, she just enjoyed a plush life of luxury in a Career district.

And then, someone did stand up and recited those famous words: I volunteer as tribute. I recognized the girl as Meena Pearsons, age 17, with her purple-maroon hair and sea blue eyes, she was tough from when I saw her at the Academy, and she always stood up for ones who were too weak to stand up for themselves. No surprise that she's here, volunteering for this girl.

"And what a surprise! It looks like we have a volunteer! Now what would this lovely young lady's name be?"

Meena steps up and tells the announcer her name with a glare.

"Now everyone let's congratulate our female tribute, Meena Pearsons! Now tell us Meena, was that girl a friend of yours, maybe a lover even, or are you just wanting to get into the Hunger Games after a life of training?"

Meena responds with that same glare "I don't know this girl, nor do I give a shit about her. The only reason I volunteered is because I would rather take her place and have a chance of living then let her go into that slaughterfest and have no chance of survival for your entertainment."

"Geez, someone's a bit saucy today." I couldn't help but think to myself.

The announcer responds, puzzled and possibly offended "Okay then, why don't we pick our young gentleman then shall we?"

He reaches into the bowl of names, pulls one out, and reads in aloud.

"And our male tribute is...
Armin Mattson!"

Well now, isn't this a real twist! Now I feel even better about volunteering since it's saving my old buddy! He even shoots me a little smile from the front as if a cue.

"I vol-un-teeeeer as Tribute!" I say with a trademark silly voice as I walk up to the podium and tell the announcer my name.

"So, tell me Mitchell, do you know Armin?"

I couldn't help myself, it was my moment to milk the spotlight for all it was worth. "Yes, I do. He's been my best friend as long as I can remember. I wasn't planning on going to fight in the games, but I couldn't bear to put such a good frien-

"Bullshit" Meena murmurs loud enough for everyone to hear. "You trained all your life for this day and while you and Armin still are best friends, you would have volunteered either way just to bask in the glory of being a success.

A few people in the audience gasp in hearing this. "No n-" I stammer trying to deny it, but it's clear to everyone now from my face turning red and that stutter."

The announcer breaks the silence, "Ok and that's the reaping for the 70th annual Hunger Games!" We were then ushered off stage through crowds of people and then before I know it, we're on a train being served delicious looking food on our way to the capital.

It was then at that moment, that I realized how this bitch of a girl just ruined my one true reward for my fucking lifetime of training.