Of course they picked me, Red thought as she pushed her way forward. Of course they picked me. I'm the granddaughter of a former victor, and I'm already a murderer. I deserve to be picked. Why send someone to be made into a monster when Dictrict 6 already has one?
Of course, only Granny and Snow knew she'd killed Peter. Everyone else in town blamed the wolf that had been plaguing the District for generations. Little did they know she was the wolf, or at least the most recent incarnation of it.
Just like Granny, she was the wolf. Just like Granny, she would go to the Games.
Unlike Granny, she probably wouldn't survive it.
Granny wrapped her in a hug when she walked up to the stage. Mr. Gold, the District's only other living victor, nodded to her. Which Games had he won, anyway? The first one? He was old enough to have, surely.
Snow was even paler than usual. She'd be okay. Better off without a monster for a best friend. David would look out for her, protect her from her stepmother.
"And our lucky boy tribute is . . . Baelfire Gold! What a lovely name!"
A deadly silence descended over the town square. "What did you just say?" Mr. Gold asked in a quiet voice. He stood up from his chair, leaning on his cane. Red wondered if anyone else could smell the dried blood on it.
The woman looked startled. "Baelfire Gold. Oh, don't tell me you're related! How perfect! Two relatives of former tributes in the Games this year!"
"Check again," Mr. Gold said through gritted teeth.
"It's fine, Papa," Baelfire said quietly. "Really. I don't mind."
"I do. Check again."
Confused, the woman looked down. "Baelfire Gold. It says it right here."
Mr. Gold snatched the paper from her hand. He crumpled it up in his hand. Red's sensitive nose smelled a faint whiff of smoke.
The Peacekeepers started edging closer.
"Remember the Dark Days," Granny muttered.
"The Dark One has no fear of Dark Days," he snarled.
"You made a deal," she reminded him.
"And they've broken it."
"Not yet, they haven't. Or have you finally given up on Belle?"
Mr. Gold deflated, and the painful scent of dark magic started to fade from the air. He pulled Baelfire close to him. "You'll be all right," he promised. "I'll make sure of it."
The Capital might be getting more than they bargained for this year.
YOU ARE READING
Hunger Games: Fandom Style
FanfictionThe Districts struggle, not just to survive, but also to hide their secrets. Magic (and things far more dangerous) lurk at the edges of Panem. Werewolves, wizards, spies, and even a Holmes just try to keep their heads down. But this year, Artemis F...
