Forum Thread

Welcome all! May the Hunger Games begin! Team up and fight to the death, or perish at the hands of the new, improved Capitol!

Chan-Juan stands in front of her mirror, adjusting her dress, as she swipes off the fine specks of dirt. Once done, she leaves her house, a beautiful emerald necklace around her neck. Today was the Reaping, and she heard that it would be special this year. Finally, finally she was allowed to participate. Unlike others, Chan Juan couldn’t wait to kill or get herself killed. “It’s all very exciting, isn’t it?” She asked one of the district civilians, who looked at her in pure horror and fear. She arrived at the Town Square, and the first thing she noticed was that the new Peacekeepers were wearing silver masks stamped with a black wolf. She wondered what that meant for the Games. Perhaps it would be more fun!! Her patience was soon rewarded though, as a woman, equally lavishly dressed, stepped up onto the podium and cleared her throat. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you all so much for waiting! Your feet must be aching. This is a momentous occasion— the first Hunger Games under our new leader! As a special little treat, our leader has decided to switch it to a team battle! No supplies, just two opposing sides in a large domed arena with all kinds of different terrains! Now…let’s see…” The lady reaches into the box to pull out a slip of paper. She reads the name out, only for that poor child to burst into tears. “Excuse me, my lady. Me please! I volunteer as tribute!” Chan-Juan yells out, raising a gloved hand. The lady looks surprised, before arranging her face to one of calm. “Very well then. You are part of the Red team. Step up here with me.” Chan Juan obliges, first pressing the emerald necklace into the hand of the child that would have gone up. “Consider yourself lucky, little one.”

“Lilith? Time to go dear. We must head to the Reaping now, lest we are late. We shouldn’t make a bad impression on the new Peacekeepers.” Zoe’s voice rings through the shabby apartment they lived in, causing Lilith to stir from her slumber. Sitting up, she rubs her eyes groggily, mumbling something about it being way too early for anything, despite the sun having long risen. Zoe yanks Lilith out of bed, wiping her face with a rag before handing over a simple blue dress. Lilith puts it on, then sits down to let Zoe tie her hair into plaits. “What if you get chosen Lilith? What am I to do without you?” Zoe asks worriedly, her hands shaking slightly. Lilith smiles, and reassures Zoe. “Then I’ll win and come back, I promise.” Zoe doesn’t look all that comforted, but sighs and continues. Zoe, despite being older than Lilith, had no powers, hence wouldn’t need to participate in the Games. Once done, the pair headed over, just in time for the start of the reaping. “Zoe Amberstar” is the name read out by the announcer, causing the townsfolk to look confused. Everyone knew Zoe was powerless. So why was she picked? “NO! I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!” Lilith yells, standing defensively in front of her sister. The announcer smiles and nods, before gesturing for Lilith to join him on the podium. “The Blue Team for you, young lady.” He tells her. Zoe tries to protest, and hold her little sister back, but to no avail. Lilith had already joined the announcer on the podium, leaving Zoe looking worried and upset.




(think minecraft terrains kids)

A young girl, short and thin, snores, arms splayed across her bed, her thin blanket barely covering her frame. She awoke with a jolt. She rubs the sleep from her eyes, stretching as she gets into a sitting position. Then, her eyes widen. She rushes over to her windowsill, where a calendar lies. She groaned.

She walked to her closet, dragging her feet, posture slumped, running a hand through her messy, wild locks. She opened the closet, rubbing the dirty glass of the small mirror with the cloth of her shirt. Inside was an old hoodie, hanging from a dented hanger. She pulled it off the hanger, slipping it on. She walked to the kitchen, where a single, clean apple rested in a bowl. she took it, biting into it as she pulled her boots on.

She headed for the door but seemed to remember something. She walked back to her bed, this time to the small table next to it. She rummaged inside the drawers, pulling out a necklace, a four-pointed star hanging from it. She put it on. She glanced at herself in the mirror. She put on a confident smile and nodded.

She bolted out the door.

"Hullo, world! Macaria is ready to take you on!"

---

literally 5 minutes later

"Macaria Galanis. Red."

Macaria froze, as the man on the stage, lavishly dressed, called her name out. he gestured with his index finger, seemingly annoyed by her slow movements. Murmurs from the crowd sounded out.

"Hurry up now, little lass. We don't have all day."

"Oh, poor girl, She's been working so hard since her father passed away..."

"What a shame... but at least it wasn't us, right?"

The whispering continued. Macaria swallowed, though her throat felt dry. she balled her hands into tight fists. She walked up to the stage, sweating. She pressed the four-pointed star into her chest, closing her eyes. She whispered a few words as she walked up to the stage.

"Oh, cruel god. What did my past self ever do to deserve this life?"

---

Athena couldn't care less whether the Peacekeeper had found her that day, and the subsequent series of events had happened. But she had to admit there was a slight thrill of excitement at the prospect of being able to stretch her limbs a little. Standing casually at the front of the crowd, she found no reason to volunteer, as she would be picked anyways. She didn't look for fame like certain others.

At the announcement of team battles, she didn't even blink. Though it was slightly annoying that she would have to work with others, instead of killing them. But nontheless, she was going to win.

Upon her name being called, it was like she was a puppet come to life, suddenly brightening and straightening, just before all eyes turned to her. Stepping gracefully up to the podium, she smiled and gave a light wave to the assembled crowd. And it was extremely satisfying watching the disapointment of those who had tried so hard, but alas, just weren't good enough.

---

The heavy smell of cleaning supplies surrounds the air. Chains hold a man's wrists up as he slouches onto the ground, resting on his knees as he patiently awaits his fate. His eyes stare towards the ground. They were clouded, life-less, not a single thought moved through his head. Nearby sat heavy machinery. They were used to steal his blood, taking away the white blood cells before returning it to his body. He was important, he was immune to every germ or poison the capital could throw at him. He had the potential to create the base that would cure many diseases. Never once had they asked for his permission. District 8 would send more than textiles and uniforms to the Capitol. They would also send his blood. He believed in the the old saying: 'an eye for an eye.' He would get his revenge one day and they would pay in their own blood.

Darkened eyes look up to gaze at the door where a Peacekeeper emerges. He simply lifts up his face, not wanting to fight right now. Instead, he would save his strength. The Peacekeeper roughly shoves a mask onto his face before unchaining him. He collapse onto the floor and winces when the Peacekeeper lifts him up. His sore muscles screaming out in pain from the effort of moving. They give him a simple white shirt and jeans to wear, since he wasn't going to be picked, there was no effort in having him dress up. The shirt was too big for him, but he didn't care about that.

That's when they finally release him. He pauses to stare up at the sky, blinking from the harsh light. He knew the Peacekeepers wouldn't stray far, but they also wouldn't stay too close, they didn't want anyone to find out about their little project. He scoffs at this thought and continues forward towards the Reaping.

He wasn't paying attention to the announcer. Instead he stood with his head down, enjoying the feeling of the sun on his skin. He nearly jumps when he hears a gasp. He glances up, seeing a young boy be called. He knew the kid wouldn't survive. The kid looked terrified and when he limped fully into view, he saw a cast on the boy's leg and crutches under his frail arms. With a sigh he lifts a hand up, then winces when a hand snaps out and grabs his arm, tearing it back down before it could be spotted.

"I volunteer!" He shouts, his voice muffled by the mask. "I volunteer! I will take his place!" Slowly, heads turn at the sound of his muffled voice. The undercover woman standing next to him glares at him, but it was already too late.

Without them knowing, all these eyes protected him. He moves towards the stage and gazes at the announcer. "Maverick Ashenfall?" He questions. "Team red!" He declares. Oblivious, the crowd claps for the man that saved the kid. But his pride is shared by Lilith, who did the same for her sister. Maverick simply nods in greeting towards Lilith, but says nothing as he gazes at the crowd with the same life-less stare.

Atticus watched carefully, nervously fidgeting with his fingers. Inside, panic was flowing throughout him. He would've only volunteered for one person, but that one person was dead.
Please don't call me.
An old man was called up.
Atticus. Do not volunteer.
The old man locked eyes with him.
Atticus. Do. Not.
"I-uh- I volunteer as tribute for District One."
Damn.
The old man smiled as Atticus slowly got up to the stage.
"Atticus Redding! Team Red!"
A Peacekeeper whispered in his ear as he looked for the other District One tribute.
"The Capitol's District Golden Boy. You support the Capitol, why would you want to volunteer."
Attcisu glanced up and tried to smile.
"I- I'm putting on a show. Just like the President wanted."
The Peacekeeper chuckled.
"Good, but don't expect me to bet on you."

---

Today was the day, the Reaping. Ayran smiled giddily to himself as he walked towards the town square with a little hop within his steps. Unfortunately, because of a little inconvenience he was late, so he wasn't even sure if there were any space left!

Musing on the thought, Ayran stopped smiling and frowned, the sudden change of attitude made other people stand further away from him. After all, they fear the rumors may be true, they feared that they themselves may be killed if they stepped too close.

Ayran scoffed, how boring, these people have never experienced anything as thrilling as life in death, so of course they wouldn't understand.

Therefore, when he reached the town square, a whole area was empty because he stood there. It almost made him laugh out loud.

"Oh, how funny this is.." Ayran didn't bother hiding that he was excited.

Other civilians stepped back further in fear and horror, they didn't want to be even 6 feet within this man!

When the woman upon the podium called out the first name, he hoped that they'll say his, but was disappointed again and again every single year, he wanted to leave this place, and experience the thrill of walking on a tightrope, where the God of Death's sickle is always on your neck, where a slight miscalculation will get you killed.

That was the thrill he wanted to experienced!

While he was busy envisioning that, the women called out another name, the last one of this year, in this district, after all they only allow 2 per district. In the utter silence of the Town Square, a loud burst of sobbing rang out.

It was so loud that it even cause Ayran break out of his euphoria. Unhappy, he looked through the crowd and at the teenager who was sobbing on a friends shoulder.

Ayran clenched his fist, if he doesn't say anything now, then he won't have a chance ever in the future! Even though somewhere in the back of his mind, something that's more cowardly, screams no, don't say anything, and let the kid go!

That prayer was unheard of to Ayran. "I volunteer! Let me go in his place."

In the quite crowd where nothing else was heard except for sobbing, a clear voice shot through. The Peacekeeper glanced at Ayran for a moment before looking away, jotting down something.

"Ayran, Team Blue of District 2."

The teenager couldn't believe his ears, someone else wanted to go in his place, more tears bursted from his glands, he looked around for his savior, but when he found him... he was completely frozen, the only thing he could do was stare at Ayran in horror.

---

Shaking. Even more shaking. Then a sigh of frustration comes out, and two arms yank the blanket off the bed, revealing a skinny and pale girl lying in the bed, awake. A yelp of surprise echoes around the house, and two adults rush into the bedroom, with alarmed looks on their faces. But those alarmed faces slowly morph into relieved ones, then once again to those 'not again' faces that have no word that I know of using. The man speaks up, "Kaori... not again. When you are awake, come out of bed. Don't lie in bed and scare your sister... you know how much it scares her... And besides. Today's the day of the Reaping. There's a chance your sister might get chosen to be a tribute!" Kaori stares blankly at the man and points upwards, towards a slight red smear among the old wood on the ceiling. Kaori is fidgeting with her fingers, obviously triggered. Her parents sighed and left the room, leaving Kaori to get ready for the Reaping. Which meant to lie in bed until they had to leave.

Just thirty minutes later, the family were in the square, watching as a lady pulled out a slip of paper from a glass bowl. The audience quickly silenced as they listened for a name, any name, the name of the unlucky person who would have to participate in this year's Hunger Games, different from all the others.

The citizens held their breath as the lady slowly opened up the slip of paper, and held the paper out for everybody to see. Holding the mic close to her face, the lady called out the unlucky person's name. And that unlucky person happened to be Kaori's little sister, whose mouth was wide open in shock. Tears fell as she slowly went towards the stage, but an arm held her back. Kaori. Kaori pushed her sister back to their parents, who were sobbing quietly, and walked towards the stage wordlessly. The crowd parted, and made a path for her, a path that led all the way up to the stage, where the lady was smiling down at her. Whispers were everywhere. People were trying to understand why Kaori, the emotionless girl, was volunteering for her sister. They all wanted to know. But they went silent when Kaori reached the stage.

After a moment of silence, the lady held her mic up to Kaori and asked eagerly, "What is your name, little girl?". The entire crowd sighed. Everybody knew that Kaori never spoke, and for all they knew, she hadn't said a word her entire life. And just like they expected, Kaori said nothing. The lady tapped her foot impatiently, and asked again "What is your name?", and held the mic closer to Kaori, trying to force words out of her.

One of the citizens of District 11 ran up to the lady and whispered in her ear, "Her name is Kaori. Kaori Kim. And she doesn't say a word. Don't expect her to. She won't." Hearing this, the lady sighed and faced the audience once again. She spoke loudly, "We have a tribute! Kaori Kim, District 11, Team BLUE!"

---

How boring...

Every year the same thing happened- Kara was forced to waste her morning at the Reaping. Didn't these Capitol scum realize that she had better things to do than stand here? She watches as families clutch eachother nervously, not sharing the same feelings as them, the odds of her being picked were small and if she were chosen. No doubt she would win. She could take down a team by herself!

Her confidence only rises when a familiar name is called out. "Kara Rhys!" The announcer shouts. She grins and moves onstage. There wasn't a flicker of fear within her gaze. She would make her family proud! "You will be on team blue" the old announcer informs her.

She goes silent while waiting for the male tribute to be chosen. A shocked look appearing on her face when she realizes that they were on different teams. Did the Capitol really expect Districts to slaughter eachother?

She glances at the boy- Atticus Redding, with an amused expression. Whatever, you are going down. "Good luck" she whispers to Atticus venomously.

Reyna rubbed her eyes as her eyes grew accustomed to the light, she blinked a few times to clear her brain from the tiredness she felt from staying up most of the night to read, Reyna half glanced at the calendar on the wall and almost jumped out of her skin.

’Oh Dammit, I’m going to get into soo much trouble for this, how could I forget that today was the Reaping Day?’ Reyna thought as she mentally kicked herself. She got out of bed and woke up her sister, then went downstairs and started making breakfast.

Reyna quickly got ready and headed for the town square, most of the citizens where there already and the peacekeepers glared at her as she arrived late. She gave the a cold glare and kept looking ahead, the overly dressed (in blinding neon pink) fancy lady was talking about the history of the Hunger Games and all that stuff, as Reyna fidgeted with a small chain dangling from her jacket pocket, it was a silver chain with a gold lace entwined in the gaps, and on the top a elegant dragon design with a small ruby for its eye, Reyna had gotten it for her 18th birthday a year ago, shortly before her parents passed away from a disease called (covid).

The overly dress lady looked down at everyone with a sweeping look and pranced over to the transparent bowl with all the names.
’Ladies first.’ She said in her singsong voice and reached in. She slowly picked a name and unfolded it.
’Reyna Simaria, team blue, please come onto the stage.’
Reyna stood still, still not processing the information, what felt like thousands of heads turned her way, she closed her eyes and shook her head, willing her body to wake up from its ‘dream’.

Finally, for what felt like decades, and millions of eyes staring at her, 4 peacekeepers stroked up into her face and grabbed her tightly by the arms and dragged her onto the stage, people murmured and whispered as she was dragged past them.
’Isnt she the one with the younger sister? The pair living alone in the cottage by the lake? Great shock for poor Evelyn, how will she manage on her own?’

’You’re worried about the Simaria’s? We have bigger problems to deal with.’

As she passed, Reyna made sure to meet every eye with a icy cold stare, even though she didn’t look menacing, her aura of cold and menace was clear and apparent. She was taken to the stage and soon to the waiting area, she put her head in her hands and one single tear rolled down from her cheek, she thought about her sister having to cope on her own, and after 3 years having to enter the Hunger Games as well, with the traumatising picture of her sister being a victim to the government’s stupid games, Reyna didn’t remember who the other tribute was, she was so shocked as she stood on the stage she didn’t remember hearing any noise at all.

Atticus glanced at Kara warily.
"Thank you...?
He tried to smile, but anxiety was piling up in him.
Atticus you unholy idiot. Why would you ****ing volunteer? You literally have no fighting experience and this girl is probably going to be the death of you.
He swallowed nervously.
"So. Kara Rhys. How long do you think I'll stay alive? I think maximum is two weeks, though that may be a stretch. I hear the pool for me dying first may be the largest."
He nervouslu laughed.
"Sorry. I- I just feel stupid for volunteering. We're Distric One and we're expected to be on different sides?" He sighed. "I think I'll stop talking now."

---

How strange. Kara expected him to either be terrified or angry by her words. While he was scared- which was expected given their situation. She hadn't expected him to be cracking jokes about his own death.

Ever so slightly, she smiles. "Don't sell yourself so short. After all, we are District One- the strongest District. Our presence alone should terrify the others, which is unfortunate... It's not fun fighting someone who has no will to fight." While her words sounded slightly encouraging in a dark way, her gaze remained hard, with zero ounce of sympathy.

Atticus nodded.
"You're right. We are the best District. I just didn't expect to volunteer for someone I don't know. I made an oath with another, but she's dead... ANYWAY..."
Atticus took a deep breath.
"You seem eager to kill me. May I ask how you would kill me? I'd strangle you, but I'm not strong enough."
He glanced out to the crowd.
"Do you think we'll have stylists this year or are we just going to be thrown in the arena?"

---

Lilith turns around, curtsying to her District mate. “I do hope we never see each other in the Arena, lest we have to take up arms against one another. You seem nice.” She says. Adding in a lower voice, she adds “I do hope you’re alright. Having blood extracted from you can’t be all that pleasant” She then turns back to face the crowd, smiling and waving at them from time to time.

---

She frowns. Why was he surprised? Of course she was eager to kill. They had a reputation to maintain. They were apart of the 'Careers.' They had to strong, had to be deadly, had to be heartless. Their enemies would be the same, they would expect the same, so one had to be prepared. "How will I kill you?" She bristles slightly, does he know that I am currently powerless? "We'll just have to wait and see" she replies ominously. She lifts up her chin and grins. "Too weak? Now, that's an interesting thing to reveal..." What is his ability? Is it worth stealing? Could he be a far ranged fighter?

She shrugs at his final question. "We'll have stylist. Our audience is cruel. They'll want to pretty us up before slaughtering us" she answers bitterly.
...
"Heh, I don't really feel like fighting. My power is very uncomfortable to use." His gaze softens as he glances at Lilith. "I do apologise, my power will be a major inconvenience for you and your team."

A surprised gasp escapes out of Maverick at Lilith's words. "How did you know such things?" He asks quietly, keeping his voice low so that nobody could overhear them.

“No-one pays attention to pesky little girls, do they? Especially not the Capitol. They think I’m just another stupid little kiddy playing with their pretty doll, and they think to themselves That girl can’t do much harm, can she? After all she’s just a little girl. My height and my age are my advantage. No one pays any attention to the little girl, so they just chatter away while I’m still there. I hear a lot of things that way. Some of them rumours, some fact. I heard rumours of you, and your surprise was confirmation for me. My first comment was more of an educated guess, I didn’t actually know if it was true, to tell you the truth.” Lilith replies.

---

Today was a day off for Li Fengyu because it was The Reaping, sighing, as he stood in the crowd, witnessing the same thing happening every year, 2 people being called up as tributes.

Lamenting to himself as to why he has to spend his spare time with these matters, Li Fengyu looked up at the stage, where the first girl was called up.

It was a semi-familiar face, it was Reyna Simaria, the older sibling of the Simaria pair.

Li Fengyu scratched his hair sighing, it truly was a pity. Seeing the poor girl standing upon the stage, blank faced, he could already tell that it'll take her a grate deal to accept her fate.

But there was no point in pitying her, Li Fengyu thought, in this world, only the strongest can survive.

Impatient to himself, he tapped his foot, can't wait to hear the next unfortunate soul who is going to be chosen as tribute. The quicker this can be done, the quicker he can go back home.

"Li Fengyu, Team Red, please come upon this stage!"

Li Fengyu paused, he couldn't believe his ears, he raised his forehead, and looked back at the announcer who was staring at him.

Even without looking, he could feel the others gaze at him, whispering and murmuring upon themselves. 'Oh isn't that Dr. Rain? How unlucky...' 'He saved my son once, poor guy.' ' How disappointing, I suppose we just lost another doc in town..'

His mind was all fuzz, trying to understand all this information, those 9 words just decided his fate. Unwillingly, he stepped upon the stage, and looked down among the people gossiping to the people next to them, bearing their judging gaze.

Li Fengyu grit his teeth silently, and stood next to Reyna, staring at the crowd with a cold gaze, there were many familiar faces in the crowd, some where crying or shocked, the others were laughing.

He didn't have anything he cherished in this world, he didn't understand why some people were crying to him, but he didn't understand why they were laughing.

Li Fengyu scoffed, he has already lost hope.

---

A chuckle bubbles out of Maverick. He was beginning to like this strange girl. She almost reminded him of himself. She was self aware of herself and how others perceived her- and she used that to her advantage. "Very interesting. What other rumors have you overheard?" Maverick asks while turning his head slightly. He laughs again at her final comments.

"Unfortunately, it's true. I'm nothing but a human experiment to them... I don't know what compelled me to volunteer. Perhaps I just wanted to see how the Capitol would react to see me potentially walk straight into my own death... Perhaps it was something else entirely..." He sighs and shakes his head. Look at me, rambling on like a fool. "I do hope you survive, so you can see your sister again" he tells her while offering a kind smile.

The sea was turbulent today. Julian stared out into the rolling waves as they lapped at his toes, watching as the sea foam frothed up in a frenzy. Perhaps because it was reaping day, under a new government. So many new and unknown factors that plagued the minds of his students, all of them eager to participate in the unknown thrill the new regime could provide. In the end, all would unfold and Julian would only watch.

"Julie." A voice called and Julian immediately turned around for one of the few people who could match him. "Its time to go." A hand reached out for him and he took it gratefully. Twining their hands, Julian out of the beach. Squeezing the hand that he was grasping, Julian strode towards the grounds with a wide grin, greeting those who he passed. His words were warm, encouraging even as he passed families and career hopefuls on the way. For District 4, these events were always celebrations and festivities, abundant in the way that its people went about talking about the reaping. Julian continued to chat with those who approached him, entertaining them as he spread assurances and good will to those he talked to, only pulled along by the slight tug on his hand. It was a comfort that he never took for granted, holding steadfast to it as he steadily made his way over to the podium.

It was interesting to see that nothing had really changed. The structure was similar enough that Julian could hear some of his students murmuring in anticipation as he himself droned out the rabble. In the end it was only with his partner's help that he even jolted awake for the calling of names. Even when it was his own that was called, it didn't matter. It only began to sink in for him when he had to let go and climb on stage, unwilling to do so for a brief moment. With a charming smile, Julian introduced himself to the whooping and catcalls of many other citizens, very clearly a crowd favourite. To those who were watching, it was clear that Julian had been waiting his whole life for this moment, basking in the empty glory for a fleeting moment.

-
(I'll write for Hwa and edit this to be better later)

---

“Lots of it. Nothing particularly pleasant either. Neither are they very true. Most are just pure gossip, but some are of use. My favourite place to hear such things are small shops where you can sit down and have a drink— not those popular cafes though, the cheaper, more run down ones. I buy a little something, and sit down to play teaset with my dolls. That way they can’t chase me out, and I can stay to hear the rumour that spread from mouth to mouth.” She pulls out an elegant china doll, with raven black hair and glassy black eyes, before continuing. “You might have wanted to defy the Capitol people for once. See how they like it when not everything is under their control. And you should not wish that, for my survival would mean your death, seeing as we are on opposing teams. Regardless, thank you for your wishes. I’d wish something similar back to you, if I knew how to phrase it in such a way that I wasn’t lying to both you and I.” Lilith answers, as she brushed her dolls hair. “Do you know this doll’s hair is real? It’s my sister’s hair. She has a doll too, but with my hair. It’s like a pact for the both of us, to always return to each other. I made both of them.” Lilith looks proud as she says that last sentence.

---

Athena gave a light smile to Julian. Interesting. So this was who she'd be up against. They were quite well matched, she knew from training. She found his attraction of attention quite annoying at times, always the perfect one. Not saying she wasn't, she just didn't flaunt it. Getting noticed, but not too much. She had her fair share of fame. Anyways, she was still going to win. But no need for hostility, she continued to stick to her friendly persona.

Already, she could hear the whispers in people's minds as they betted on who was going to win. It was a hard choice for them. Both were able, charming, and top picks for the games. Both were eager to win. Most decided on Julian in the end, not particularly surprising, and she couldn't care less. That just meant they were about to be disappointed.

---