Desolate: A Hunger Games Fanfic

NOTE 1: This is a Fan Fiction and in no way an official sequel to the original Hunger Games trilogy.

NOTE 2: I do not claim ownership on Suzanne Collins concept of the Hunger Games, the places, characters, et cetera.

NOTE 3: The rebellion led by Katniss Everdeen, known to all the districts and the Capitol as the “Mockingjay”, failed. All districts were rebuilt (except the thirteenth) and, as usual, the Hunger Games continued. This was the year of the 4th Quarter Quell.

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HISTORY IS MY least favorite subject. I despise it even. I do not understand why the Ministry of Education always put ‘The Birth of the Hunger Games’ in all educational level syllabi.

        The Hunger Games is an annual fight to the death on live television. According to President Snow (the second President Snow, that is; his father preceded him), “The Games are held to keep fresh the memories of the rebellions led by your forefathers.” By ‘your’, he meant the district citizens. By ‘your’, he meant us.

See, exactly a hundred years ago, the thirteen districts which composed Panem led a rebellion against the Capitol, its seat of government. Despite having a larger number, the districts lost. Twenty-five years ago, there was another rebellion. They almost won until the Capitol brought out its greatest weapon: traitors on the Panem resistance. It was the worst war recorded. This is the very reason I hate the subject.

        “Homework: write an essay answering the question, ‘If you were a tribute, what will be your strategy in the Arena?’ Minimum of 500 words. Due the next day. Goodbye,” Mr. Fuller announced before he got out of the class. Good riddance.

        I closed my notebook and stuffed it inside my bag. I was about to go when someone called my attention. The voice was familiar. Of course, when the same person bullies you since you were five years old, his/her voice would register in your mind. The moment he spoke, I know it came from Lux.

        Lux Giuseppe is the mayor’s youngest son. We’re neighbors until they transferred to the Mayor’s Mansion when we were twelve. We are eighteen now. He’s tall, well-built, and handsome. He just need more brain cells though (I’m not saying he lacks it). In case he’ll be in the Games, he has a great chance of winning. He has the skills due to training (which is not allowed but the Capitol has been dismissing that for several decades) and he has the looks to win sponsors. And yes, he has been bullying me since we were five.

        I turned around and was about to say something like “What?” when water splashed to my face all of a sudden. They snickered at my misfortune.

        “You should’ve seen the look on your face!” Lux teased between laughs. I did not comment. I just brought out pieces of paper from my bag and tried to dry myself. “Kennan, water you doing?” he quipped and the whole room burst out laughing harder.

        “Fuck off,” I muttered. That sent them to silence.

        Lux looked at me with one raised eyebrow. “What did you say?” he asked.

        I tried to muster every ounce of courage I have. “Fuck off,” I replied emphasizing each word. I was afraid I’ll get in to a fight. But for the time being, I don’t care!

        But Lux reacted calmly, “Wow, Kennan. I’m impressed. Really. But I wouldn’t think you have won this time.” And he smiled a sinister smile.

        “Shut up,” and with that, I bolted out of the room. I sprinted down the corridor and went out of the school building. Then the rain poured down suddenly. I stood motionless as the water pelted my clothes and skin. It took me a few seconds to realize that raindrops can’t “fall” sideways. Damn it. Then the “rain” stopped. I can hear them laughing. I turned around to see two guys holding hoses, water still dripping; and Lux leaning on the doorway, grinning.