The Hunger Games has been proven to test everyone's virtue, not just the young and unfortunate kids plucked from their districts and thrown into the arena. Venus Hummingstill has never cracked under pressure. Regardless of everything being stripped...
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District 11? Female?
Venus was grappling with the fact that she was given the bottom of the barrel as a tribute. It was already treacherous enough that she was competing for her life as well in these Games, now she had to somehow pull a plan so flawless from that big brain of hers to transform a girl into a Victor. Why couldn't it have been someone from at least 4 or 5? 1 and 2 would have been a long shot, but at least the closer districts would have given her a chance.
At least it's not District 12, she took the small victory. Only basking in it for a second until she heard the cursed words.
"And last but least, District Twelve girl ... she belongs to Coriolanus Snow."
Turning her head in the blonde boys direction, he wouldn't even meet her gaze. His eyes locked on Dean Highbottom while trying to maintain his composure and not embarrass himself in front of everyone. As if his name being called last wasn't embarrassment enough.
Winning wouldn't be fun now for Venus, against a runt kid from 12 it almost seemed unfair.
A small part of her would have felt pity for Coriolanus if her own safety were off the table.
The Hunger Games were largely about brute force, even with the girls being naturally smaller than the boys—which some would think is a disadvantage—girls had the potential to think like women. Cunning, calculated, and manipulative. The right mind games and skill could turn even the smallest of girls into a top dog winner.
Through the Capitol anthem and message from President Ravenstill, Venus anxiously awaited for her District to be flashed on the screen. She listened to Coriolanus and Sejanus speak, the latter being shaken to his core with his assignment of District 2.
"What is it?" Coryo asked. "Aren't you happy? District Two, the boy - that's the pick of the litter."
"You forget. I'm part of that litter," said Sejanus hoarsely.
Deciding not to insert herself in their squabble, she tried to think of her next move. Surely seeing her girl would put things in perspective and let her know how to lead her mentorship. Eyes glued to the floor-to-ceiling screen that aired the Reaping live from each District, she tapped her heel in impatience as her peers studied their own tributes.
The Gamemakers cut to the cracked and outdated square of District 11, mid reaping, as Venus was able to only catch the first and last name of her tribute being called.
"Dill Whiltstrom!"
Peacekeepers lined the stage, the Mayor standing unamused off to the side as two Peacekeepers from the crowd manhandled a young girl. Dill looked to be no older than sixteen, just a few years shy of Venus. Her copper-blonde curls wildly framing her face. She looked weak in stature. Small tears brimming her bloodshot eyes, not in sadness for being chosen for death, but in agony.
