Timeless || All Stories

13 || Odds

AU

Dedicated to hdnprplflwrs for giving me the idea and being super supportive. Be sure to check out her amazing Why Don't We books and shoot her a follow (:

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Aurora stands in the midst of a group of girls, all varying between the ages of twelve and eighteen, waiting confidently for the female tribute's name to be drawn. The girls around her occasionally cast her an odd look, not recognizing her, but they were too pent up with nerves to focus on her.

She tucks a flyaway strand of newly dyed brown hair behind her ear, straightening up at the sight of Effie Trinket's hand grazing the scraps of names in a bowl.

When it came to the odds, there wasn't a doubt in Aurora's mind that they were in her favor. After all, how could her name be chosen when it's not in the bowl at all?

"Lilith Wr-"

"I volunteer as a tribute!" Aurora interjects, causing Effie's prim voice to falter in shock.

All eyes fall on the seventeen year old as she breaks away from the group and marches up to the stage, Peacekeepers leading the way.

"And what might your name be, dear?" Effie questions, smiling a painted Capitol smile as she beckons Aurora closer to the microphone.

"Aurora Daniels," she announces with a smile of her own, shocking everyone in the crowd.

District Twelve rarely had Victors, let alone willing volunteers. Murmurs arose as they spoke amongst themselves, all trying to find the answer to one question.

Who was this girl?

"It's time for the boys," Effie announces, regaining their attention as an uncomfortable silence falls.

She prances over to the bowl in her purple stilettos, making a show out of digging around the names. Finally deciding on one several moments later, she goes back to Aurora's side, unfolding the paper dramatically.

"Jonah Marais."

This time, there's no one interrupting her. There's no one volunteering in the boy's place. It's simply silent as he walks up to the stage looking petrified.

Aurora can't help but to stare, already knowing he'd be easy to take down as she examines him.

Jonah was tall and looked rather muscular, but he couldn't hurt a fly even if he wanted to. He was definitely handsome, as much as she didn't want to admit it, which would automatically earn him tons of sponsors.

Something urged her to get to know the boy, possibly even become his friend. But, as Effie speaks again, all of those thoughts go straight out the window.

"There you have it, ladies and gentlemen," the woman clasps her hands together excitedly. "Your District Twelve tributes for the 73rd annual Hunger Games."

Aurora wasn't there to make friends and fall for the cute tribute. She was there to win.

To prove to the world that a girl living in the Capitol could become a Victor just as easily as anyone growing up in the Districts.