The Fourth Quarter Quell

The Envelope

I yank on the door knob, desperately trying to pull it open, but it won't budge. I groan in annoyance as I sit on the grass and wait for my father and my brother to return home from the woods. And in about half an hour, there they are, walking towards me, carrying two bags of wood each. We're only allowed so much of the wood we chop, but it's still better than nothing. I stand up and reach for my father's bags.

''Let me help you with that.'', I say and grab them out of his hands.

''Hey, and what about me?'', my brother teases.

''You'll have to carry that for yourself, Jonah. Better get some muscle before you get reaped.'', I smile and nudge his upper arm. He smiles back, but his eyes reaveal trepidation and alarm.

We go inside and drop the bags off by the fireplace.

Today, President Hutt will be announcing the twist for this year's Quarter Quell. I bet it will be something absolutely horrific, as it's the 100th year of the Hunger Games as well. A shudder runs through my body as I grab a knife and slice some carrots for the rabbit stew I started preparing, for I may as well be using a knife to stab people to death very soon, for all I know.

After we finished eating the stew, which was a modest success (or maybe it was the hunger that lead us into thinking it was absolutely delicious), my father and Jonah went into the living room and turned on the rusty old TV, while I stayed in the kitchen to do the dishes.

I heard the anthem playing, and President Hutt greeting the people of Panem. Then went the story of how the rebels lost, killed President Snow and caused chaos in the country.

Amysa Hutt is President Snow's eldest daughter, who took over Panem after Coin killed him. As a reward for assasinating Coin, Katniss and Peeta were granted immunity, but with a few restrictions. I feel really sorry for them, to be honest. So young and yet so wounded...

The TV can no longer be heard. I know what this means - she has the envelope in her hands. Suddenly, Hutt's voice booms through the house.

 ''As a reminder to the rebels that the Capitol remains the strongest force, parents will be reaped and will have to choose what child they want in the Games. No volunteers or sponsors will be allowed, as to show them that the lives of the future generations are completely under our mercy.''