Together || Klance

Chapter I

The Reaping

Keith Kogane is a 16-year-old boy from District 12 who lives on the streets. He hunts with his friend, Pidge Holt. The Holts tend to let Keith sleep in their house since his father died and his Mother is gone. Keith never cared about being a tribute, having lived on the streets for two years before meeting Pidge. of his life. He's agile and skilled with a knife.

Lance McClain is also a 16-year-old boy from District 12. He lives in a small house with his many siblings. He is the second oldest of all seven of them. His best friend, Hunk Gunderson the son oft he baker, sometimes sneaks bread to him for his family. Lance sometimes will sneak with a sibling or two to hunt, considering he has a big family, one loaf of bread every week isn't enough for all nine of them. 

Today is reaping day. Two boys will be chosen to enter the Hunger Games since the population of women went way down. Lance wears a dress shirt and bow tie, Keith wears one of Pidge's traveling older brother's dress shirts. 

Allura Altea comes out of the door. "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" She says and continues with her speech. Her hair is in the weirdest bun, her blue tattoos under her eyes are brighter, and she's wearing a long dress.

She reaches for the first name. "Keith Kogane!" She says. Keith's throat dries as everyone turns to him. He steps out of the line and walks up the stairs. Allura grabs his arm and stands him on a piece of tape nervously.

"Princie McClain!" Keith recognizes the last name. "WAIT! I-I volunteer as Tribute!" Lance McClain, Princie's older brother yells. The guards lead him up the steps and on to another piece of tape. "Well, our first-ever volunteer in District 12!" Allura says with fake enthusiasm. "Tell us, was that your brother?" She asks Lance. He leans near the microphone, "Yes." Is all he says.

"Well, there you have it!" Allura says, "Keith Kogane and Lance McClain!". No one claps, but Lance's brothers raise three fingers. Others do the same. The pair is taken inside the building and are told they can say goodbye.

Pidge and her parents come in. Pidge hugs him tightly. "Promise you'll win," She says. "I'll try," Keith replies. She lets go and gives him a small pin with a Lion on it "Wear this" she says.

Mr. and Mrs. Holt hug him too. "Be careful," Mrs. Holt says. "I will," He says as she kisses his forehead. The guard comes in and takes them away. 

Out of the door, Keith can see little Princie McClain crying as he's being dragged out by one of his sisters. Hunk exits too, "Hunk!" Keith yells and the guard lets them talk. "Promise they'll be okay, Lance's family too," He says, Hunk nods but is also taken away.

Keith and Lance are taken to the train, where Allura says they'll meet Shiro, their mentor. Allura shows them to a room that is filled with food. They sit at the table, Lance holds his head in his hands as he cries. Keith looks at him with a soft expression. "That was a hard decision that you made back there," Keith says as he puts his feet on the table. 

"That is Mahogany!" Allura says, slapping his foot. Lance raises his head and wipes his tears. "You would have done the same," he says. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't- I meant Matt, Pidge's older brother-" Lance is cut off. "It's fine, I know what you mean," Keith says, looking out the window as someone enters.

"Shiro!" Allura shouts as she hugs him. "Boys, this is Takashi Shirogane!" She exclaims. "Just Shiro is fine. Keith Kogane and Lance McClain," He holds out his hand for Keith to shake, then Lance. 

"That was brave, what you did for your brother," He says. "Well, Princie is only twelve, I couldn't let him go, he'd get killed immediately," Lance says, "It's an honor to meet you,". Shiro smiles and sits down. "So, what would you like to know?" Shiro asks. 

"How to not die," Kieth deadpans. "Well, that depends on the arena, this year should be something with a forest," Shiro says. "When you get the arena, don't go for the Cornucopia, run as far away as possible, if you leave your stump before the countdown is done, you die. And use your skills to your advantage." He says.

"You should get some rest now," Allura says as she leads them to their rooms. Keith enters, stands by a wall and punches it, repeatedly. He's afraid. When he's done, the wall and his knuckles are bloodied. He leans against it and slides down, hugging his knees as he cries. 

He hears the door slide open and looks up. Lance is there. "Go away," Keith sniffs, but Lance doesn't listen, he comes in and sits beside Keith. "It's gonna be okay," Lance softly says. "No, it's not," Keith replies. 

Lance gets up and leaves, but returns with rubbing alcohol and some cotton balls. He sits in front of Keith and takes his hand. "What do you think you're doing?" Keith growls as he pulls his hand. 

Lance glares at him before taking it back. "Fixing you up, what does it look like I'm doing?" Lance says. Keith blushes slightly but lets him as he wipes his tears. "You hunt, I'm sure you'll be fine in the arena," He says. "Well, you can shoot, they'll probably have a bow and arrow something," Keith shrugs. 

When Lance is done, he wraps them in bandages and says goodnight.