The Musical Games - A TMF Hunger Games AU

Chapter 2 - "I Volunteer"

What?! No way, why me? This must be a nightmare, what are the chances? Hailey was frozen with fear, as the peacekeepers pushed her towards Mrs. Jones. She was absolutely petrified, along with every other one of her friends. Although, there was only one person who feared this choice of tribute more than Hailey. 

Jake. 

Jake was terrified that his closest friend was going into the Hunger Games. He even promised her that she wouldn’t get picked, let alone go in alone. He was thinking so fast he barely heard Mrs. Jones call the name, “Elliot,” as the male tribute. He knew who that was and that he would help Hailey, but didn’t care. 

His thoughts were moving so rapidly, he spat out the first words that he could muster, hoping they would help in any sort of way, or even just change things slightly. 

And oh they did. And the change those two words made was much greater than he thought. 

“I volunteer.”

Everyone in District 12 was shocked. This was the first time anyone from District 12 had volunteered in history. 

“Lovely! But I believe there is a specific protocol we must go through that includes introducing the reaping winner, and then…” Mrs. Jones was interrupted by the mayor. 

“What does it matter? Let him come forward! This will be more interesting.”

(Fun fact: I actually searched through the book to make sure the last two sentences matched what Effie and the mayor said. It was slightly altered, thought, because you know- copyright lol)

As Jake walked up, peacekeepers making sure he stayed in line, he looked over to his friends. All of them gave him worried looks, even Zander. It made sense, though. Two of their friends were going into the Hunger Games, ready to die. 

When he got up next to Hailey, she gave him a look and mouthed, “What are you doing?!”

He gave her a reassuring look, telling her that he would be fine and he would explain later. 

The rest of the ceremony went as it was expected to, until they got to the part where they had to say their goodbyes. Jake was expecting his family members, or even Milly - who he was second closest to - but the first person who came in wasn’t either of those options. 

It was Zander. 

“Look, I know what you’re gonna say, and no I’m not here because I like you any more than I have my entire life,” he said before Jake could even open his mouth. 

“Oh um, ok?” Jake was confused, but at the same time intrigued and wanted Zander to keep going. 

“I know everyone else has no idea why you wanted to volunteer, but I do. I know how special Hailey is to you, and I know how close you two are. As much as you annoy me, I have to thank you for trying to protect her. It was more than what I had done, and I’m grateful.”

“Oh, thanks, Zander,” Jakke started. He wasn’t sure if Zander was insulting or complimenting him, though, so he continued. “Hailey is very special for me, but if I’m being completely honest, I still have zero idea on why I volunteered. I guess it just happened.”

“Well, either way I’m glad she’s not going in alone. But take care of her, because if you survive through the games without her, I’ll make sure you’re dead the night you return.”

And just like that, old Zander was back, Jake laughed nervously and nodded. As he expected, the next people to come in were the rest of his friends. 

“JAKE!” Milly tackled him in a hug, followed by Sean and Luke. “Why would you do that you idiot?” She asked, punching his arm. 

“I had to, Milly. I couldn’t let Hailey go in alone, plus you still need to confess to Elliot,” Jake said, trying to change the subject.