The Hunters - The Test

I

The Test was the newest topic in all the districts, also in District 3. Jeongin felt his breath hitch as soon as his father gave him a dark blue letter with the words District 1 in the top left corner. HIs brother, Hyunjin, was still sound asleep when his own world came crashing down. He didn't want to be tested let alone pass the test. His father, who cared for the two boys on his own, frowned when he read the letter. Both Jeongin and Hyunjin were in the age range and needed to go to the Government. Jeongin, being seventeen, was one year younger than his step-brother. Hyunjin's mother married his dad, Mr. Yang, when he was twelve years old and he and Hyunjin got along very quickly. But Hyunjin's character changed after Hyunjin's mother died during the rebellion. Hyunjin became lazy, not caring about others and using the boys and girls who were awestruck by his visuals for satisfying his own needs. Slowly, the affection Jeongin had for his brother changed into hate.

'Kid, can you wake up your brother? He needs to read this too,' his father ordered him.
He nodded and walked upstairs, going to his brother's room. The room smelled like morning sweat and dust, making Jeongin cringe. In the kingsized bed laid his brother, in a starfish position. His hair was a huge mess and a little bit of drool streamed out of his mouth.

'Hyung,' Jeongin tried. No response. 'Hyunjinnie hyung,' he tried again. A slow groan came from the now half-awake boy and slowly but surely the boy opened his left eye.

'What do you want?' Jeongin wanted to hit him for being so rude but he wasn't in the mood.

'It's important.' Hyunjin shrugged and started to close his left eye again.
'It's the Government.' After those words the boy opened both eyes and sat straight up. Without exchanging more words, Jeongin gave his brother the letter and left. He needed some time to let the information sink in. He crashed onto his own bed and let all the questions fill his mind. He wondered when he needed to go to the Government and for how long he'll be gone. Will he or his brother pass? What will happen to is schoolwork? Did his mother know? His mother. He needed to talk to his mother as soon as possible. But when? Today was sunday, meaning that tomorrow he needed to go to school. But he needed to talk to his mom, so tonight he will go.
His mother had an affaire with his dad before he was born, this was before the rebellion. When his mother found out that she was pregnant she gave Jeongin to his father in district 3. His mother was from District 7 and it was illegal to interact romantically with someone four districts lower or higher than your own. Nowadays, his father and mother didn't speak anymore and fell out of love. But Jeongin still visited his mom now and then, to catch up. Nobody knew of this, not even his own father or brother. Everyone needed their mother sometimes, and so did he. Tonight he will see her again.

A range of cuss words came to his mind. Hyunjin read the letter over and over again, not believing what the Government wanted from them. He didn't want to put in effort, but then a genius idea came to his mind. The word heroes stood out to him. If you're a hero, you are famous, and fame meant more attention than he already has. Slowly a smirk started to appear on his face. The idea of more attention was very appealing to him. Not angry anymore by the letter he started to change into some black, ripped skinny jeans and a plain, white shirt. He looked at himself through the mirror and rolled up his sleeves so his biceps were visible. Always look your best. That sentence was stuck inside his head ever since his mom told him to. His mother was his everthing. He loved his mother and was genuinely happy for her when she announced that she was going to marry another man. Mr. Yang has always been good to him and he adored his step-brother Jeongin, but it all took a dark turn after his mother died. The stupid rebellion changed everthinig. Why? Why did his mother need to be at the wrong place at the wrong time? She wasn't even part of it. He didn't like the Government, but he despised the once who rebelled. If they never went against the Government, his mother would still be alive. He slowly walked downstairs and opened the door to the living room. His step-father was seated on the couch, his hands in his hair. When Mr. Yang heard the door open he looked up, there was worry in his eyes.
'Son, I know that this is huge, but you need to go. I can't reason with the Government,' his father said with a deep sigh. He sat down next to his dad and stared at the black tv-screen.