The 100th Hunger Games- Fourth Quarter Quell

Chapter 23

Primrose POV

Carmen and Crystal are alive. Lux and Renee are alive too. That's good. But when the announcement blared through the arena, that gave me a shock. Why would he possibly do that? Why would Snow keep them alive? For the Capitol children like Lux, it's reasonable. But why the district children? Why?

Mum told me that the Capitol was cruel with the Hunger Games. She was in the 74th Games and the 75th one has well. She managed to keep her and Dad alive for both. She had me when during the 76th Games. Nevertheless, I was reaped once when I was carrying Clifford but someone volunteered. That person died in the Games. I couldn't believe that she would sacrifice herself for us. I told myself to never let the Capitol hurt my children. But they did. They killed Clifford. Now, they are out to hunt down my twins.

The Capitol broadcasting told us that the Games would continue in two days and we were expected to return to our usual lives.

The apothecary has been bustling with business after the mines had another mine accident. Burnt people were rushed in. I charge nothing for our services. The bandages were in shortage. The medicines ran short. With my mother's victor's money gone, we had to feed ourselves. Mum used to buy us the medicines and bandages or herbs we needed for the apothecary. Without her, we had to feed ourselves.

Clarissa still has the hunting touch though, although being not used to it. She killed a rabbit yesterday. But she did tear a little. It gave us a good rabbit stew.

So far, Clarissa is doing okay. She managed to get wild dog and sell it to Greasy Sae, managing a few coins for some bandages and medicine. However, when Mum calls back about her granddaughters, something is definitely amiss.

"How's the twins?" I asked.

"They... They're great! All well-fed! All healthy! Nothing's wrong!" She replies me.

I wonder what's going on. Are the twins alright?

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Katniss POV

I'm with the sponsors. It's 2.30am. They are all drunk. Most are anticipating the pictures from the photo shoot.

Peeta's right beside me. We both stare at the blank screen awaiting the results of the mandatory broadcast from President Snow. I wonder what's going on.

As most of the sponsors are drunk, I get to see a glimpse of the new arena. It shocks me how much it has changed. It's totally different from before.

Suddenly......

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Carmen POV

I walk towards the elevator. I see the button Training Centre and push it hard. In a flash, I'm here. I head stealthily to the entrance and push the doors open. There is complete silence.

I see that there are no cameras in the training room. Perfect. There is no sign of any security measures whatsoever. I sneak in, only to see the archery station and dash towards it.

The lights automatically turn on as I step onto the platform. It rises and three targets come. A bow and a single arrow appears in front of me.

A voice speaks through the speakers.

"Get ready. If you miss a target, you will have to face a punishment. If you hit one, another arrow will appear to allow you to shoot another one. Good luck."

As it ends, the targets start moving at a rapid pace. I calm my breath and aim. The arrow soars and plunges into a target. Another arrow appears. I take aim but fall short and the arrow misses it and hits the floor. As it does, a electricity shock sends shivers down my spine. I curse and send another arrow. The arrow hits it target and breaks the wood.

Suddenly, all the targets with arrows disappear, leaving a empty one. A silver arrow is placed in front of me. I take aim. The target could move at any time. My breath quickens. I stare intensively at the target. Just then, the target sways back and front before it lifts up. I fire and the silver arrow pierces into the bulls eye.

As it hits, the platform lowers down and I place the bow on the ground. As I pant, I see a shadow forming.

I turn to see a face that holds authority.

Before I can ask, he says,

"Miss Lart, I don't think you are supposed to be here. Can you remember me? It hasn't been that long, has it?"

"You... You are.... Ti-ti-Titus Crane." I stammer.

"Yes, Miss Lart. I am. And Head Gamemaker by the way. Would you mind explaining why you are here? It's 2.50am. You'll going to be late for the broadcasting." He retorts.

"Well, Mr. Crane. I also would like to ask a question. Would you mind explaining why you are here?" I answer back.

"Well,Miss Lart. I'm here to stop you. And I think you might want to explain to your mentors, stylist and your darling sister why you were in the archery station. The sponsors can detect the trackers. The sponsorship room can see your every move. Your mentors were all there. I'm sure Katniss and Peeta are dying to know why you were in this training centre." Crane replies.

I see the dangers. I nod and explain,
"Well, I got bored. With a half hour."

"Better go back." He orders. I dash back to the elevator and push the 12 button. In a flash, I'm back in my suite. They are 5 pairs of eyes fixated on me.

No one speaks for a moment. Silence is in the atmosphere. Just then, Katniss speaks up.

"Where have you been?!"

Luckily for me, I had inherited the gift of my grandfather, Peeta. Lying convincing.

"Titus Crane told me to test out the archery station. He said that he was going to recommend me as a trainer for the archery station if I won the Games." I calmly reply.

Katniss stares at me for a moment, trying to see if I will break and explain what has really happened. But I don't move a bit. Katniss nods slightly, as if approving of my reason. I guess it seems valid.

Just then, the television screen lights up. I walk towards the sofa and sit down. The screen flashes a image of our ruler, President Snow. However, this isn't the same President from my Grandparents' Games. This is President Gunner Axel Snow, the grandson of the infamous President Coriolanus Snow. He stands at a podium and reads,

"As the time comes for a new beginning to these Games, it has been a Hundred Years since the Dark Days. With this, we must spice up the festivities. With the last 7 that will soon become 2, the Gamemakers and I have decided that we shall add something that has never happened before. We give you The Family Reaping."

"WHAT?!" I exclaim with Katniss in unison.

No, this can't be happening. That means....


"That means that all tributes, Dead or Alive, will have a family member enter the arena. That means that we will start again from 24 and adding on the 7 remaining tributes. These are those who are reaped. Starting off we have...." Snow continues. This time, I manage to catch some of their names.

From 1, its Felix's siter, Devious with Krissy's sister, Florence.

From 2, its Kat's grandfather, Gale. He's around his 50s. Katniss starts bawling. I've heard that Gale was Katniss' hunting partner until he moved to District 2. Tears start flowing from Katniss' eyes and flow freely down her face.

Just as we are distracted, Clover's sister, Clove is reaped. She looks very familiar. She looks just like Clover, only younger. She's 16.

I don't get 3's names though. But I do catch Kimberley's. It's her sister, Ashley. She's 12 and is very petite. She shivers in fear as she is interviewed over this. I pity her. Now, no one can take her place.

For 7, Thimble's mother is reaped. I pity her. She's in her late 40s. I don't see how she will win this. Doe's brother is reaped. His name is River and he's in his early 20s. Very strong and fit. Probably can kill.

I don't pay attention till I hear our District's reaping. Before I can hear the names, I realize something. Crystal and I only have two more in our family. Our Grandparents can't be reaped. They're victors. Clifford's dead.That means....

Katniss tears even more. Because we know what has happened.

The Lart family is going into the Games.

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