The Flame Of The Game: A Shadamy Story

Ch. 1

Screams. There were sure to be a lot of those on this morning, it is the reaping day after all. This scream in particular belonged to a young mobian girl of the seam in district twelve. It was normal for nightmares to occur on this day...
A male red and black hedgehog about the age of 18 was comforting a young human girl about the age of 12. The screams had most definitely come from her.

"Maria... Maria.. It's ok. I'm here.. It was just a nightmare.."

The hedgehog tried to calm the young girl down.

"It was me Shadow,... They chose me..."

The young girl sobbed and hugged the hedgehog until she calmed down.

"It won't be. I promise"

The hedgehog named Shadow tucked the young Maria back in and kissed her forehead before heading for the kitchen. Shadow grabbed a leather jacket and threw it on before pulling on some boots and heading for the door. A yellow Chao sat at the door and made a growling sound.

"I'll still cook you."

He glared at the Chao before leaving the house and heading to the edge of the seam in district 12.
Now there is a fence that lines district 12 and it is supposed to be electric as to keep out the flesh eaters such as wild animals, however since district 12 was lucky enough to get about 2 hours of electricity, the fence was nearly always off.
Ducking under the fence, shadow headed to the woods, a place that was just along the small clearing that separated the wood from the district. There shadow would retrieve a large hunting bow and a sheath of arrows from a hollowed out log that was waiting for him.
He had to keep them there in order to hide them from the weather and animals. Shortly after retrieving them he met up with his hunting partner rouge.
Rouge was a bat with a knack for hunting. She had been the only person who me he had grown comfortable with.

"hey hun!"

rouge had said flying up to him
Shadow nodded in response, though few words his demeanor completely relaxed.

"hey bat."

he smirked. It was just a small thing he did to annoy her.

"oh c'mon! It's the reaping day! Your supposed to be nice to me today!"

Rouge stuck out her tongue and shadow rolled his eyes.

"mhm. Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor."

Shadow mimicked the phrase that was always said during these "festivities".... The hunger games... 24 tributes... One male and one female from every district fighting to the death until only one remains.... What a complete joke... It's just sick.
Rouge smirked and sat down on a rock.

"oh hey! I completely forgot, look what I got!~"

Rouge reached into her bag and pulled out a loaf of bread. Shadows eyes widened at the sight of this beautiful golden colored treat.

"Oh wow. Bet you had to pay an arm and a leg for this."

Rouge smirked triumphantly. As she handed him the bread and placed her hands on her hips.

"I know, I'm the best~"

Shadow took out his knife and cut it up for the both of them to enjoy. As they were eating rouge had a distant look in her eye.

"we could do it you know.... Run off... Live in the woods. You an me... We could make it" she spoke now looking at him.

Shadow shook his head his eyes focused on the river.

"no.... I have Maria... I can't leave her behind. Besides where would we head.. We would just get caught... No better to stay here."

Finishing his bread shadow stood up before rouge could continue the conversation.

"c'mon.. We still have work to do. I want to sell some game before the reaping begins."

Three hours of hunting and gatherings later, they had about two rabbits some strawberries and a whole goose. They divided up the spoiled and headed back to the fence.
Now normally poaching is punishable by death but the rules were a bit lax due to district 12 already not having enough. Peacekeepers tend to turn a blind eye because in the end, everyone has to eat.
After going their separate ways, Shadow headed to the hob where he would sell most of his catch for the day.
The hob was located in a worn down warehouse where people set up shop. So whenever he needed necessities, he would usually go here.
After selling the last of the strawberries Shadow was just on his way out when a small golden pendant caught his eye. It had a small bird taking flight with an arrow in its claws. He looked at the old woman who was a red fox that he usually got yarn and buttons from.

"what is this?" his crimson eyes still fixed on the bird.

"hm? Oh, that's a mockinjay."

She replied watching him carefully. Shadow was about to ask how much she wanted for it when she smiled and raised her hand.

"You keep it.. A gift"

Shadow nodded and put it in his bag before heading home.