Forum Thread

Rui watched at the light from the stairs spread into the room slowly, the smell of fear following closely behind. “Honey...? Today’s the day... I’m sorry we weren’t able to provide you anything nice to wear... Please, come and get ready...” her mother called to her, a thick sheet of fake regret blanketed her enthusiasm, it was almost sickening. Well... not like she had a choice... She slowly walked towards the door, trying to ignore their scent as she walked by, her head lowered in sorrow. “It’s... fine... Thank you...” she muttered as she walked up the stairs, got ready, and walked out the door. Everyone was heading the same way, so it was easy to tell where she was going. Her tight and worn out clothing even allowed her ribs to show, she looked like a thin twig that could be snapped in an instant. She tried keeping her distance from the crowd, but her feet had other ideas. The more she resisted, the closer she got. The smell was overwhelming, it was nearly impossible for her to get away. To her it was like smelling your favorite restaurant after a few days with nothing to eat. No... I can’t do this... Mom was right... Leave me alone... Stop stop stop stop...! She stoped in her tracks and without even realizing it, punched her stomach and bit down on her hand. The pain settled in after a few seconds but was quickly clouded with fear and the grumble of her stomach. She wasn’t sure what punching her stomach would do, maybe she though it would stop her hunger? Of course none of this worked... She just had to find a way to get through this without causing chaos... She cupped her hand over her nose and mouth, then charged through the crowd. Hopefully she wasn’t late... She could hear the faint drops of blood falling to the ground as she ran, figuring it was from her hand, and tried to ignore it. It was painful, but she managed to get through.

Once there, she stood in place and took a look at her hand, trying to covering it up before someone asked and so she wouldn’t be tempted. The names began to be called, increasing her anxiety little by little. After 5 names, two being volunteers, were called, she called out the infamous lines. What was she doing? She could live if she didn’t get chosen, but... Did she really want to? “I volunteer as tribute!” Her raspy and high pitched voice called out. She quickly walked to the stage with her head down, shaking in fear.

Lesia on the other hand tried her hardest to stall for time. She would take the longest routes home, take forever to eat, anything that could elongate the last bits of a free life she had. This year was even worse, she just had that feeling that made her even more terrified. Finally, her dad came to her and gave her a sad smile. “I think that’s enough sweetie... I...” a tear rolled down his cheek, every year this happened. He was once the victor of the minegames, but only by pure luck. “I just hope you come back in one piece...” he finally finished. A wave of sadness replaced her fear as she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. All she could do was bawl her eyes out and hug her father. After all that was done, she left her house and made her way there.

She stood there, unable to stand still. She rocked back and forth between her feet as she listened to the names being called. “Lesia Ulteré.” Her heart stopped. Wait.. no... that couldn’t be right... She... was chosen? No... no no no no... She looked to the ground, wide-eyed and shaking. Finally she was forced to come on stage, which was painful for every step she took.

“Echo Darkstar” the mayor announced, a hint of fear in his voice. The crowd’s applause was scattered, as Echo stomped up onto the stage, majorly pissed off. “Why the [censored] was I picked? You bloody well know I never wanted to join”

Echo recalled one of her past memories.....
“OI, BRAT. GET HERE NOW.” Her mother yelled at her. “Disgraceful piece of scum” her father muttered. The both of them were assassins, and basically hated their only daughter. Echo got sick and tired of it one day, and ruthlessly killed her parents. This turned her into a cold blooded, cruel killing machine, and unlocked a psychopathic part of her....

---

Ellie stood between Echo and Katana, Cream knowing full well that her trainer was worried crawled off of Ellie's head and into her arms, Ellie, slightly less nervous gently held on to her as she stared out upon the sea of people. Cream's tail lightly bumped up against Katana's leg as she crawled int to Ellie's arms.

(has everyone been reaped aside from Drip and shards?)

---

It haven't taken Katana long to size up her opponents. Her thought process was annoyingly simple. Poor = weak was her mindset. None of these people has had as much expierence as she had! This was going to be too easy! A furry thing suddenly hits her leg, which distracts her and causes her to look over at Ellie and Cream. Well... Well... Katana thinks to herself. "Aw, you look scared" Katana purrs as she gently places a hand on Ellie's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you have a painless death..." She tightens her grip on Ellie's shoulder and looks over at Echo. "You, on the other hand, you'll get a slow death." She snaps. "That fan was a three thousand dollar export! Are you even worth that amount!?"
....
Charlie ignores the bickering. The only sign that she even heard it was her pressing her fingers against the bridge of her nose in annoyance. Why did she have to go against the most irritating opponent of all time?

---

Cream reacted to Katana's threat with a subtle growl, Ellie glanced from her Eevee and started scratching her behind one of her ears. "Hush Cream, it's okay," Ellie whispered gently. Cream calmed some, but still fixed a glare at Katana.

Bella and Coraline were next to each other, their hands were subtly grasped to give each other a small sense of comfort as they waited for the last three tributes to be called up.

(@Shards, @Mystic, and @Suvi, your characters need to be reaped yet.)

---

Rui stood closer to the back of the stage than everyone else, it was probably more than she should have. She hated the feeling of everyone staring her way, it was terrifying. She swallowed a lump in her throat and scanned the crowd below her, not even noticing the very visible shaking in her body. She was snapped out of the “trance” when she started to hear bickering. It seemed to be coming from a very wealthy tribute, and a very annoying one too. She decided to not get involved an ignore it, then scanned over the others standing in the line. As soon as she felt a menacing aura coming from Echo, her eyes widened. Oh god... why was she even more scared? She didn’t even think it was possible! A small, barely audible whimper came from her quivering mouth as she closed her eyes.

Lesia was already annoyed by the commotion that had just started. It was even enough to snap her out of it, causing her wide eyes to go to a hateful glare. A snarl creeped its way to her mouth as she turned to the stuck up rich girl snob, observing her stupid appearance. She couldn’t help but to be pissed, she already hated her. Even though she had no intention of harming anyone if she was chosen, she suddenly wanted to commit mass genocide. “Oh shut the **** up you annoying waste of your oh so precious money... Every word you’ve said since you’ve been here has been nothing but unpleasant, no one here likes your sorry ***. Learn to shut up or do us all a favor and step off the goddamn pillar you’ve made yourself. If you don’t like falling to your death, I would recommend stepping off the platform or let us kill ya you stupid piece of ****...” She had never felt so enraged in her entire life, it was masking her judgement and made her say things she would never have said.

---

"Akiro Marshall!" The Govener's voice boomed. A jolt of suprise went through him. While he knew that he had just as much of a chance of being picked as anyone else, who wouldn't be startled to know that they had been picked for death? Akiro's mother's face went white, but Akiro knew that she was playing it up. That underneath, all she cared about was that there was one less mouth to feed. They truly had broken bonds over the years without his father to hold them together. He stood up, and so did his mother. Akiro hugged her, and she choked out, apearing to be on the verge of tears, "Come back. Don't be like your father." "I will come back...Ashley." Akiro knew it hurt his mom to hear him call her by her first name, but it was his way of saying he knew her true intentions. He walked up, climbed the stage, and took his place, not even sparing a glance for the other tributes. He would learn how to kill them soon enough. Akiro's mind was still racing, and it sped back in time as he made eye contact with his mother in the crowd.

(TW:Mention of Blood-Nothing too graphic, just putting that out there.)


Akiro snapped back to reality, straightening up. No matter what past mistakes his dad had made, he would sucseed. He would come back. He would prove that his father made one mistake alone, and that one only-That he put faith in someone. Three rules to follow, he thought. Keep food and water, sleep with one eye open, and above all: Trust No One.

---

Suvansh looked at all of the chosen people carefully. He saw the scared faces, and the excited faces. He started gaping on the idea, that what if, things don't go as he planned. What if he gets chosen now- against his will. He was ready, but not as ready as he wished to be. He knew his parents would happily send him off, not wanting to get rid of him, but having the confidence that he could win. They never once pondered what if Suvansh doesn't win, but dies off. He had to live upto their expectations so and when the chance comes. Partly, due to his heritage. His family was known to house many victors of the MineGames. His grandfather, great grandfather, and even his mother. It was even told, that about 15 generations in his family had been selected and winning the games, exaggerated or not, he didn't know, until his father came upon, who was neither selected, nor did he volunteer. Suvansh's grandparents were disappointed, but all was good once it was known that his mother came to be yet another victor, carrying the lineage. Now it was Suvansh's time to carry it forth. If he won't be ever selected, he would definately volunteer when he's 18, partly in owe to the pact he made with his parents.
As he wondered it all, the governer shouted the next name. "Suvansh Agarwal." He went a bit pale, not sure if he did expect it or not. His parents, on the other hand, were excited. They hadn't sent him off already just due to the pact mentioned before, but they couldn't have any control over the situation now. They wished him luck, kissed him goodbye and sent him off for the stage, where the other horrified participants stood, awaiting their victory, or doom.

---

Lesia words shocked Katana. By her reaction, it was obvious that nobody has ever spoken to her like this before. She was use to the side comments. It was to be expected. They were just jealous. But this! This was new. I like her, too bad I'll have to kill her.
"Why you little" Katana growls. She takes a step forward, but her pursuit is quickly stopped by a Peacemaker. Who impatiently reaches for a taser. It was obvious he was itching to use it. Especially on her. "Tch, you're lucky I can't make my way over to you." Katana says with a pout. She crosses her arms together and hangs her head, looking like a child who has just been told 'no.' Which was ironic, since she rarely heard that word be used on her.

---

Akiro was trying, really trying, not to go out on these other tributes. Obviously they were going to cause trouble at some point, and he wanted it to be in the Hunger Games. He didn't want to let out his anger too early, or he would be a mess, right before the games. He didn't care about what this would do to his mother's reputation, but he was careful. His father had been one of the most lenient tributes, and he had gotten fairly far into the games. Akiro would take that as far as he could and then some, winning the games on his own strengths. But if that girl didn't shut up soon, he would be very much tempted to lift a taser off of one of the Peacekeepers and use it, just so he could concentrate. He clenched his fists and muttered, "You sound like a yapping puppy dog the way you're going off."

---

“Oh? Too scared by a puny taser? If you weren’t so scared of ruining your looks you care so much about, I be you actually could! It really is a shame, I bet you’re a massive disappointment right now...” a small grin tugged at her mouth as she spat these words in her face. The fact that her reaction resembled a little kid’s angered her further, but she had to remind herself to stay calm. If she continued, she would be no better than her. She also had her parents to think about, they were watching from the crowd, just as shocked as she was. She bet that hearing her like this made them slightly uncomfortable. She let out a sigh and closed her eyes, returning her stance to face the crowd.

Rui couldn’t stand it anymore. She held her hands up to her ears and snapped her eyelids shut, hoping that everything would stop.

---

"Errgg" Katana grumbles as she childishly stomps her foot on the ground again. "You just wait. I'll make all of you pay! Nobody gets away with speaking to me like that!" Bearing her teeth, she turns her head away from Akiro and Lesia. But that meant looking at other opponents. So she glares at the floor. She didn't care that she was making herself look bad right now. Heck, her family should be happy that she was managing to hold herself together.

---

"Mare Eliv."

Everything froze. Mare, was frozen to the spot. Fear flickers across her usually calm gaze. No, no, no, no, this can't be happening. I was going to help the doctor today! I was going to- Her thoughts are cut off when peacekeepers attempt to grab her arm. Without even realizing it, she has gone Specter. One peacekeeper reached for her arm again, only this time his hand went right through her arm. People start looking over, to see what's taking so long. Lots of noise, some laughter, some disgust. Mare can feel her pale face tinting slightly red. She tried to ground herself, make herself... normal again. But it doesn't work. Feeling the tears start to well in her eyes, Mare just runs. She runs through people up to the stage. People marvel at how fast she goes. She sort of floats off the ground for a little while, before finally calming herself down enough to turn solid again. "Great." she thinks. "Now my embarrassment really is complete." Mare thought bitterly.

---

The final tributes were rounded up on to the stage there was several sickening moments as the cameras locked onto the chosen tributes before finally they were ushered into the building behind them. each tribute was ushered into a separate room where they'd be allowed to say goodbye to their loved ones if they had any.

Ellie's parents and two older sisters came in and embraced her in a teary-eyed hug, fearin the worst for her.

Rita's parents, siblings, and Scarlet all hugged her and gave their best wishes for her.

---

Akiro and his mother's final goodbye was just as cordial and cold as it had been before. They exchanged a breif hug, nothing more. "Bye Ashley," Akiro said coldly. He could see his mother flinch visibly, but he wasn't in the caring mood at the moment. "Take care of yourself, my dragon," his mother said. Anyone else would think that it was a fond pet name, but it was the name his father had given him before he was born. His mother used it as a weak spot whenever they were arguing, and she wanted to get the better of him. He gave her an akward pat on the shoulder, and the two seperated. They did not make eye contact, though Akiro glanced at the others and their families around him. He wished that his could be like that. Why did his dad have to be chosen? All of this had happened because his dad got unlucky. What would have happened if he never left? Akiro ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frusturated breath. At least now he would change the pattern. He didn't intend to be shipped out in a poorly made coffin for his mother to bury next to his father. Akiro would walk out alive, even if that meant dying right after. He would change things.

---

Katana didn't expect anyone to actually visit her. This was nothing new for her family, in fact, it was actually an honor. They had no real reason to show.
Yet someone did come visit her, and it was the last person Katana expected. Her brother, almost hesitantly, steps into the room.
"What do you want!?" Katana snaps. "I don't want to see you! I don't ever want to see you!" She tears across the room and shoves Milo, who simply stands there, easily withstanding her push. Being unable to cause him damage this way, she moves to the next resort. Fury and pain cloud her judgement. She allows herself to explode and shouts: "You are out of the family! Out of my life! How dare you return! I hate you!" She gasps at the final words, it was unexpected, even to her. Milo stands in place, his face darkening as he listens to her words.
"Don't you dare blame me. I gave you every chance to leave the family with me. Everything I did was for your safety." Milo explains evenly. As if he were scolding a child.
"No! That's all a lie. You just wanted me out so you can hold my position. Father even told me that... Don't act all heroic either! I heard nothing from you! Not since you left!" Katana argues.
"I sent letters. Did you not receive them?" Milo asks. Katana winces at his words. He sighs and shakes his head. "I see, nevermind all of that. Katana listen to me. I know mom and dad haven't given you anything so please. Take this-" he presses a small box into her hands. "This'll protect you." He assures.
"I don't need protecting." Katana snaps.
"Then please hold onto it for me." Milo turns to walk out the door, pausing in front of it. He suddenly turns around, pulling Katana into his chest. The gesture was so unfamiliar to Katana, she barely has time to react. She stiffens up for a moment, then relaxes. The hug was nothing but a constant reminder that Milo was the only family that cared about her.
-Yet he still betrayed her.
"I'm sorry I left. I know you'll never forgive me. But everything will be okay now. I promise."
"No" Katana replies, pushing him away and moving towards the Peacemakers, who would escort her to the train. "You've lied before, I can't trust you." She turns away cowardly, as to not see his tears and leaves with the Peacemakers without offering a final goodbye.
...
Charlie didn't have any family. So she wasn't expecting a visit. Still, it would be nice to have her boss at least pay her a visit. That was the reason why she was here afterall. She sits in her chair, filing her nails until a Peacekeeper rudely snatches it away.
"You can't have this." He barks. She sighs and shakes her head. She stands up to move to the train, quickly realizing that nobody would pay her a visit. Why did she feel disappointed? Like she was let down? The Peacemakers curse and grab her arm, probably assuming she was escaping. She allows them to drag her to the train.

---

Mare says nothing, as she is embraced the the workers who work under the doctor. The worst really did happen. she thinks, remembering Lacy's final words to her. Mare's blood suddenly runs cold. "Did she know?" she wonders, but quickly brushes the painful thought to the back of her mind. Mare watches as other people get said goodbye too. Mare feels another stab of bitterness. Mare winces as she gets onto the train. For a split second she debates running. She could probably make it...but it was too risky. She had to face her death like an incoming train, and not turn around to dull her fear.

---

Bella and Coraline were waiting for Coraline's parents when the door opened and revealed not Coraline's inkling mother, but a very stern-looking female Octoling. Bella looked up and looked at her with a slightly opened mouth Bella stared at her. Was this. . .her mother? Suddenly the female made her way to Bella, and Bella thinking it was to be embraced opened her arms up. But instead, the female suddenly struck Bella across the cheek so hard that a faint hand mark could be seen, then came the horrible screaming in octo tongue. Tears flecking her eyes, Bella stared up at the angry shouting Octoling in shock as a hand gingerly covered the mark.

"How dare you show your face! You should've stayed down there! Do you even know what I had to go through for you to go through what you did?" Bella stared up at her in shock. "It's an honor! YOU'RE A DISGRACE TO OUR FAMILY!" The stern female Octoling turned on her heel and left. Bella tried to go after her but Coraline gently held her back, Bella sobbed openly into Coraline, and the Cyan Inkling stared daggers at the Octoling aggressor until she left, then turned all her attention to her heartbroken friend.

---

Jason wook up to a house that was completely silent. ' Where is everyone?' He thought. That's when he realized what day it was. He immediately rushed to put on some clothes and grabbed a bit of toast to eat. As a child, Jason's father died to an unknown illness, leaving only him and his pregnant mother behind. His little sister was born about 6 months after his father died. He didn't get along with many kids in school. He usually sat alone at lunch or played by himself during recess. After he made it to where everyone was gathered he immediately heard the mayor announce his name. " Well. Atleast I made it here in time." he said as he walked up to his mother. " I guess this is goodbye, Mom." he said as he hugged his mother and sister.

---

Rui repeatedly shook her head as she saw others walking into the building behind her. This... was bad. Not only did she have to embarrass herself, she was going to be stuck in a confined space, an unfamiliar one. Her feet, yet again, had other plans and moved on their own. She started to slowly move away from the door as tears began to flood down her face. Then, a peacekeeper came up to her and violently grabbed her arm and yanked her towards the building. She screamed and tried to get away, almost getting violent. She kicked and tugged but she was easily overpowered. “Stop! Please, stop! You don’t understand, let me go!” She let out during the piercing calls for help. She was almost at the entrance by this point and the peacemaker started to get rougher. With a final kick, she somehow managed to knock them down and make her escape. She couldn’t do this... she couldn’t go in there... She was a monster, and everyone would know it if she walked through that door. Her feet almost never touched the ground as she ran, until a firm hand grabbed the collar of her shirt. She jerked her head behind her and gasped when she saw who did it. It was her own father... But... why? Why did he not let her go...? If he wanted to keep that fake mask, wouldn’t he have just let her go...? Did he really hate her that much...? “Monsters like you deserve to burn in hell... Get in there you damn freak... And don’t you dare come back...” His dark eyes glared at her like they were digging into her skin, unforgiving and cruel. She didn’t even try to fight back, she was just stunned. Her father lifted her up and nearly threw her into the building. He followed her inside and stood beside her mother, who had the same amount of hatred in her stare. “I... I’m sorry! I just wanted to...” Rui stopped when she saw the cold expressions of her parents, they were ignoring her. They didn’t care anymore. They had to watch her eat her own flesh in order to live for 12 years, they were done. They didn’t even try to love her, give her what she wanted most. All she wanted was to live, even after they told her to let herself die. She fell to the ground in disbelief, tears pouring out of her blank and lifeless eyes. “I...” was all she could muster. At this point some of the tributes and their parents were looking at her with mixed emotions. She just wanted to kill herself right then and there...

Lesia walked into the buildings with shaky breaths, looking at the tributes and their families as she walked by. Some of them smiled at her, seemingly thanking her for standing up to Katana. Or... that was just her ego getting to her. A tear managed to escape her eyes as she walked up to her parents, who were crying as well. For almost her entire life she was their only child, they didn’t want to see her go. They knew she hated violence, they knew she wouldn’t last a second. All of a sudden, she was reliving the terrifying scene that had happened years ago, one that resulted in the death of her twin brother and the loss of her arms. She was raised on the mountains, a very dangerous one too. She was always told to not go too far from the house, but she managed to convince her brother to come with her to do some tricks with her power. Her brother was somehow born powerless, so he always loved when Lesia found new ways to do things. While there, she was showing him how she could make shapes in the thick trees that grew there, and this time she was making a cut-out of her family. All of this was blurry in her mind, almost non-existent. Next thing she knew, her brother had pushed her out of the way, somehow resulting in her cutting her own arms off. Not only that, she cut a large portion of her brother’s legs off as well. They began to tumble, and she saw glimpses of a large bear each rotation of her body. After that... She never saw her brother again... Before she could remember anything else, her parents shook her body and called her name. Her face was drenched in tears, so was her parent’s. “I’m sorry... Please... Do whatever it takes to come back...” her mother said, but that’s all that they managed to say before she was pulled away.

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