2nd generation Victors (A Hunger Games fanfic)

Chapter 3

The sun shines bright in my eyes. Mom leads me up to the stage in front of the Justice Building. I take my seat and Rye sits next to me. Dad is next to him. Mom goes off to speak to a man, who Dad says is called Plutarch. I don't really care. I see my friends in the crowd, but they don't wave at me. Instead, they look away.

Soon, the ceremony begins. The mayor steps up and reminds us of what happened on this day 25 years ago. But he then goes onto say how this is another Quarter Quell year, but tradition dictates that we have to open the envelope. Mom looks at us, and then Dad. Is there something she knows that we don't?

Someone comes out with the envelope. Dad looks like he is about to kick off, and we don't want that now. Plutarch comes forward to open the envelope. He draws a big breath,

"On this, the 4th Quarter Quell and the 100th Annual Hunger Games. I hereby decree that this games tributes will consist of one, and one only child of a previous victor of age, and one tribute of age from the opposite gender. If there are no children of victors who are of age, there will be only one tribute, who is of any gender. They shall be selected as usual, but no one may volunteer." He reads. Mom is crying. Haymitch is shocked. Dad is muttering traitor over and over again. Me or Rye is going into the games.

They wheel out a clear bowl with only two slips of paper in. Plutarch picks one out.

"Willow Everlark."

I guess I'm in for a great time. I walk over to Plutarch's side and give him a death glare. Another bowl is wheeled out. This one has a blue tint. Blue for boys, somethings never change. He dips his hand in and pulls out a slip.

"Fredrick Bowleaf."

Why does it have to be him? He hates me, as demonstrated in school today. His first target will be me. I notice him walking up the steps to join me. We get pushed around and into the Justice Building. We walk the halls, which I've walked many times before, into a room for keeping.

"Look, I know how much you mean to your family and Panem. So I'll look after you and make sure you get back safely. I know how to fight. Just promise me one thing. You'll share everything you and your family know about the victors kids and families with me. Every weak spot. Every embarrassing story. I need them all. Anything is better than nothing." I'm speechless. I didn't know that Fredrick was capable of such niceties.

"Okay. I'll agree Fredri-"

"Call me Fred."

"Alright Fred. So long as I don't have to kill anyone I know." He was just about to respond as we got called out to see our families.

Mine were already gathered in a room, crying. No, bawling. I try to calm them down but it's not working. So I ask them a question.

"Who are my mentors?"

"I think it's going to be Haymitch and us two. I hope that Effie will be our escort."

"So now we get three?"

"We've been told it's the child's parents and another victor, if there is one."

"And Rye?" They shrug their shoulders.

"Rye. I am going to miss you so so much. If I don't come back, remember me as I was this morning. And keep up the violin. One day, I know you'll be Panem's greatest violin player who can play off key ever. And don't take over my room. Someone will tell me. Just remember that I'll be here, even when I'm not."

"Time up." A voice from outside says.

As I go outside, you can see that t he districts mourning. I get into the cat that Fred's already in. The ride is silent, but it speaks volumes.

The train is the one that Mom and Dad went on to their games. The first of many similarities, I think.