~ The 99th Hunger Games ~ (UNDER EDITING)

Chapter 1 - The Reapings Districts 1-3

Animal Anikin's P.O.V - District 1

"Animal, you bring shame to our family name! Your mother and I have spent time and money to get you this far!" My father complains. The constant accusation has become a daily routine. "You refuse! You refuse to do the one thing that will make me happy! You don't care about us, you're just doing this for yourself you selfish bastard!" My father roars.

"Angus, that's enough." My mother whispers inaudibly.

Five days ago I told my father something that I had been terrified to confront him about for years, that I would not be volunteering for the Hunger Games.

My father softens his tone, but the hate can still be heard in his voice. "I just don't understand. This is your last year to volunteer, you have the skills to win. Why wouldn't you? Even if you didn't win we would be proud of you. So what do you have to lose?" He smiles sympathetically, although 18 years with my father has taught me that there is nothing sweet about him. My faces morphs into a scowl.

"What would I have to lose!? I'd be dead! I don't want to die! I don't want to kill people! I never wanted to do this in the first place!" I scream at him, I can feel the silent tears begin to run down my face. Before he picks up on it, I flee upstairs to my room, slamming the door shut behind me. My parents' voices echo up the stairs. Their constant use of the words 'coward' and 'pathetic' suggest that the conversation is still about me. I lay on my bed, listening to my parents bickering, letting the silent tears continue to run down my cheeks.

~~~

I make my way to my last reaping, alone. I know this will be the thing that drives a final wedge between my parents and I. We have never had a good relationship, although now they must surely hate me. All they ever wanted is for me, since the day I was born, was to win the games and make them proud, but I could never stand the thought of it.

The square is packed tightly with excited teenagers. A few feet from me is Storm, my former best friend. Over the last few years I drifted away from him, along with my other friends, which has resulted in me spending most of my days alone. I could never understand what I did to make everyone hate me so much, but it's been that way for a while now. My strong disliking of the games makes me feel like an outsider in District 1, which is quite possibly the reason I stand alone. The annual celebration to see the country's youth fight to the death has never been something that I fancied.

The sound of fancy capitol shoes clapping across the stage silences the crowd. Our district escort, Bondi Blouse is welcomed by a crowd full of smiling teenagers.

"Welcome and good morning District 1! Let's let the 99th annual Hunger Games begin!" She sings, the crowd roars with applaud. After a short pause, she continues; "my favourite time of year is here again, and I am grateful to share this experience with my favourite district once again." Bondi explains the history of Panem, the rebellion, Katniss Everdeen, the 75th Hunger Games and how the acts of our trusted victors 'tried to destroy this country'. I slip out of concourses temporarily, until I hear the familiar words that our long running escort says every year.
"The time has come to choose the two brave, young tributes that will represent District 1 in this year's games." As she smiles, her golden teeth make her look like a circus clown. "So, without hesitation, let's start with our courageous young male tribute shall we?" He sticks his hand in the enormous reaping bowl and picks out a single slip.
"Animal Akinin!"

Ami Portercollus's P.O.V - District 1

An attractive guys walks out from the eighteen year old section. My friend Anna nudges me with her elbow and whispers into my ear.
"Mmm."
I roll my eyes at her. Anna has devoted her life to flirting with guys. Animal walks up to the stage, his face is pale white and his eyes are wide with shock. I hear someone cheering for him loudly in the parent section.
"Any volunteers?" Asks Bondi. The crowd is quiet. It has been a long time since there hasn't been a volunteer in district one. "Well you don't see that very often in district 1! Congratulations Animal! Everyone give a round of applause for district 1's male tribute, Animal Anikin!" We all roar into applause, I know that the boy doesn't have a very good chance, I doubt he has even trained, and I know he won't be this year's winner, especially if I have anything to do with it. Bondi continues. "Now let's move onto the girls."
Anna squeezes my hand one last time, I will be sad to leave her but I know that I will see her again, although next time I will be a victor.
Bondi draws a name out of the female bowl, but before he can say anything I make my move.
"I volunteer!" I yell. I skip up to the stage with a smile on my face smiling making sure to wave at both the cameras and the crowd.
"Wonderful! We have a volunteer! What's your name and age?" Bondi asks joyfully.
"I'm Ami Portercollus and I'm 17!"
"Isn't that a love name! I can't wait to see you in the games Ami! Give it up for our district representatives competing in the 99th annual Hunger Games, Animal Anikin and Ami Portercollus!"