My Hunger Games

Chapter One

Twelve Districts, twenty-four valiant tributes. Many will enter, but only one will exit. Far into the wilderness, upon the glorious land of Panem, these tributes will prove themselves to their families and districts back home. Only the bravest, boldest, most courageous, and smartest tribute will succeed. These tributes will rely on quick wit and their intellect to get them through the dangers of The Hunger Games. 

Far away from the catacombs of the arena, away from the quiet eeriness of the districts, lies a majestic land where everything seems worth ten times its value, and the people living there are said to be those out of this world. The only downside of the Capital is that only the people who live there ever get to see it in person, unless you win The Hunger Games. And we all know, no matter how many times that woman with the rainbow hair says it, the odds are never truly in our favor. 

This time of year, the people of Panem surround their televisions in their small homes, watching, and waiting, for any news. Not much comes, and sooner than later, it's time to crowd the square for the reaping.  The reaping is the same every year. As crowds of hopeless people emerge from their houses, common condolences are shared. An elderly woman prays for her grandchildren, a man breaks down at the thought of his beautiful twelve year old girl being picked her first reaping. A little boy tugs at the hem of his mother's dress, staring up at her with fear behind his green eyes.  

The reaping is over as quickly as it's started. The cries and wails of parents losing their children, brothers and sisters losing siblings, friends losing friends, family losing family, can be heard for miles round. The people who have been blessed comfort the less fortunate, but soon everyone are forced into their homes once more.

"Ladies and Gentlemen; I am pleased to announce your tributes for this year's Hunger Games!" And the names are listed. From District One, Carlos and Savannah. From District Two, Brad and Rom. Three, Bobby and Iris. Four, Niall and Annie. Five, Luke and Calum. Six, Michael and Dani. Seven, Rhett and Karalyn. Eight,  Jake and Joey. Nine, Liam and Abby. Ten, Harry and Sarah. Eleven, Brandon and Kendahl. And Twelve, Ashton and Angelica. 

Twenty four strangers, about to be thrown into an arena where only one, if any, will survive. Not knowing what could possibly happen, these twenty four tributes are in for the shock of their lives. 

***

Come training day, the newly aroused tributes wake and are sent straight to the training area. This was the time for enemies to make allies, and level the playing ground. Looking around, most of the tributes just looked scared, and confused. They looked as if they didn't believe that they were really there, in the moment. However, the careers looked as amped and ready as usual. Particularly noticeable were a certain young couple, who seemed to be joined at the hip.

Her partner having disappeared to learn knot tying, the brunette girl from District Seven stood by, in line for learning camouflage, watching the couple. Seeming to have read her mind, suddenly, the boy from District Five appeared out of nowhere beside her. "That's Annie and Niall, power couple of District Four," he explained, watching them also. "When Annie was picked first, no one dared try to volunteer for her." The girl, confused, turned to the boy. 

"What? But she's a career. Wouldn't people want to steal the glory?" He scoffed.

"Glory... To hell with Glory. Even if they had made it back alive, Annie would have hunted them down. She's not one to be messed with."

"So what about him?" she pointed.

"Niall? He volunteered. He just couldn't help himself. I think they're relying on a miracle; on some way where they can both make it out alive. Me? I'd like to see them try." When she turned back to face the boy from District Five, he was gone.