maple-mackintosh

[maple-mackintosh]

Hunger Games IR

The cold, sterile walls of District 13's underground bunker seemed to close in on me as I go about my daily routine. Life in the rebellion has its own set of struggles, but the constant threat of President Snow and the Hunger Games looms over every member of District 13, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty. 

I sit alone in my cramped quarters, my thoughts swirling with discontentment and frustration. I’ve always felt like a misfit, someone who doesn’t belong in the confines of this hidden society. District 13's underground existence has never sat well with me. From a young age, I had longed for the freedom and open skies of the world above. But now, my defiance has brought me face to face with a terrifying reality. 

I grab my friend Lily to climb above surface. What I normally do on these boring days. 

The desolate landscape of District 13 stretches before me as I walk through the remnants of what once was. Years of rubble and destruction surrounding me, a testament to the horrors of the past. I was above ground, relishing the rare moments of freedom and solitude that the surface provides. 

One of my friends, Lily, approaches her with concern etched on me face. “Avery, you should get back underground,” she urges, her voice laced with worry. “Someone from District 12 might see you. It’s not safe!” 

I wave off Lily’s concern dismissively. “Oh, come on,” I reply with a hint of defiance. “No one’s going to see me out here. Besides, I’m just bored and want a change of scenery.” 

As we continue our conversation, a distant rumble fills the air, growing louder and more ominous. My heart quickens, and a sense of unease settles over me. I turn to Lily, my eyes widening with apprehension. “What is that?” I ask, my voice tinged with worry. 

Lily’s face pales as she points to the sky. “Look!” she exclaims, her voice trembling. “An aircraft! We need to get underground now!” 

It was lowering fast, too. 

My heart pounds in my chest as I realize the danger we’re in. Without hesitation, I begin to move towards the nearest entrance, my instincts kicking into overdrive, but before I can reach the entrance, someone grabs my arm, stopping me in my tracks. My heart pounds in my chest as I turn to face my captor, only to find myself staring into the eyes of HaymitchAbernathy. 

“What do you think you’re doing, wandering out here?” Haymitch's voice is gruff, his grip firm on my arm. 

My eyes widen in surprise and confusion. “Haymitch? What are you doing here?” I stammer, my mind racing to make sense of the situation. 

Haymitch's gaze flickers to someone standing beside him, and my breath catches in my throat. It’s Effie Trinket, her flamboyant appearance a stark contrast to the desolate surroundings. The realization sinks in, filling my heart with dread. “Well this can’t be good.” 

Effie steps forward, her voice filled with sympathy. “Avery MacKenzie, I’m so sorry,” she says, her voice almost quivering. “But you’ve been reaped for the 77th Hunger Games.” 

My world spins into chaos. The ground beneath me seems to give way, and I struggle to find my footing midst the overwhelming news. This can’t be happening, not to me. I’m safe. I’m in Distract 13. We don’t compete in the games. So what’s changed? 

“What? You’re fucking with me.” I say and Effie makes a face. 

“Excuse me?” She says, appalled. 

“I’m just saying. I live in District 13, we’re not apart of the Games anymore. It’s why our District looks like this,” I gesture to the ruble surrounding us before continuing to say, “I’m not going.” shaking my head. 

“Um, you have to, kid.” Haymitch says. “if you don’t, President Snow is going to kill you and everyone you love.” 

“Yeah and you sound like you’re from a book right now.” 

“And you are on thin ice with the Capitol. Choose.” He spits back. 

“This is absurd! I live in District-” 

“13 yeah yeah we got it, sweetheart. You’re coming with us.” 

“You’re giving me no choice?” I argue. 

“You have no choice.” Effie interjects. 

My heart races ans I stand at the threshold of the aircraft that would transport me to wherever they’re ordered to take me. I turn to my friend Lily, my voice filled with emotion. 

“Lily, I need you to do something for me,” I say, my voice quivering. “Say goodbye to my parents and everyone else for me. Obviously I can’t do it myself or I would.” 

I watch as her eyes fill with tears as she says “Of course, Avery,” her voice trembling. “I’ll make sure they know.” 

I manage to give her a faint smile, gratitude mingling with sorrow. I knew that Lily would be the bearer of my final farewells. I turn to face the aircraft and steel myself for the difficult journey ahead. 

As I board the plane, Effie stands nearby, her vibrant appearance a stark contrast to the somber mood that hangs in the air. She approaches me. “Avery, we’re going to disguise you as someone from District Four,” she explains. “It’s crucial that your true identity remains hidden. The Capitol mustn’t suspect any ties to District 13.” 

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. I understand the risk and the importance of maintaining my cover. The Capitol’s prying eyes are everywhere, and any hint of my true origins could jeopardize not only my life but the lives of everyone within District 13. 

Effie continues, “Your mentor in the Capitol will be Finnick Odair,” she reveals and her gaze meets mine. “He’s a previous victor of the-” 

“Yeah I know.” I interrupt her. I know who Finnick Odair is. Everyone knows who Finnick Odair is. 

“Well good! I won’t have to introduce you two as in depth as I thought I would. He’ll be instrumental in helping you navigate everything…well water.” 

“Yeah, I figured.” I scoff, rolling my eyes. He’s a pretentious asshole, I’d rather have anyone else beside him. I’ve heard tales of his charisma and strength, of the battles he has fought both in the arena and against the Capitol. The prospect of being mentored by someone with such an attitude fills me with complete dread and annoyance. “Hate him.” 

“Well it’s not as though you can do much about it.” She says, gently and hesitantly patting my shoulder. The journey to District 12 is a somber one, the aircraft slicing through the sky with a sense of urgency. As they touch down, my heart quickens, the reality of the Capitol’s grasp on Panem becoming all too real. I glance at Haymitch who’s weathered face is already deep in a bottle of rum. I can’t even believe he’s drinking this high up in the air. 

Effie and Haymitch lead me towards the shuttle train that will transport us all to the Capitol, where the cruel spectacle of the Hunger Games awaited. My heart flutters with dread. I’m stepping into the lion’s den, but I refuse to be devoured. 

As the train’s doors close behind us, I prepare myself for the journey ahead. The Capitol looms on the horizon, it’s glimmering facade hiding the darkness that lay beneath. As the shuttle train begins its journey, I gaze out the window, the desolate landscape of District 12 fading from view. The Capitol awaits, and with it, the 77th Hunger Games. 

~~~~

The sun casts a golden hue over the bustling square of District Four as the Reaping day arrives. A sense of trepidation hangs in the air, mingling with the salty breeze that wafts in from the nearby coastline. I stand among the crowd of potential tributes, my heart pounding in my chest.

As Effie takes the stage, her attire drawing eyes, a hush falls over the square. She clears her throat, her voice amplified by the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the Reaping of the 77th Hunger Games!”

The crowd holds its breath, their gazes fixed on Effie as she reaches into the glass bowl containing the names of the female tributes. I know I’m going to be picked, but my mind still races anyway. Effie’s hand emerges, holding a slip of paper. My name. She unfolds it, her painted lips parting to reveal the name that will seal someone’s fate. My fate.

“Avery MacKenzie!”

Time seems to freeze as those words hang in the air. The crowd erupts into a mix of gasps and murmurs, their eyes darting to mine. Deep inside, I know that my true identity is safe, but the weight of it presses heavily on my shoulders.

With my heart pounding heavily in my ears, I step forward, my face a mask of calm determination. Effie beams, trying to act as though she’s meeting me for the first time. She extends her hand towards me, and I meet it with compliance. I hold my breath as I stand on the precipice of the Hunger Games.

Effie’s eyes flicker briefly, a silent acknowledgment passing between us, playing her part flawlessly.

“And now, for the boys,” Effie declares, her voice regaining its cheerful tone. She reaches into the other glass bowl, her hand emerging with a slip of paper. She unfolds it, her voice carrying across the square. “Allio Lark!”

A young boy steps forward, his eyes wide. My heart aches for him, knowing the cruel fate that awaits us both. Effie guides Allio towards the stage, her grip firm yet gentle. As we stand side by side, Effie offers a reassuring smile. I glance back briefly, catching a glimpse of District Four’s residents, their faces mixes of hope and fear. I can’t risk exposing my true origins, but I carry the weight of District Thirteen on my shoulders.