Dependence - Book Two (Wattys 2013 Finalist)

‘’ Ladies and gentlemen of Panem, for the Pageant of the one hundred and twenty fifth annual Hunger Games, or the fifth Quarter Quell, we have a special treat in store. Here in Panem, we are all depending on something, the Capitol depends on the twelve districts for goods, the districts depend on the Capitol for food and protection but also, the districts depend on each other.

To highlight the fact that the districts of Panem are so dependent on each other, the tributes in this year’s Hunger Games will be randomly paired with one another. The pairs will be connected via a new Capitol invention that will mean when one of them dies, so does the other. This will mean that the pairs will have to protect each other, because their lives are in their partner’s hands and vice versa.

As you may be wondering how this will affect the final outcome, I am very excited to announce that for the first time ever in Hunger Games history, two tributes will be able to win! Yes, you heard me correct. There will be two victors! You will all hear more about this after the Reapings have commenced, until then, I bid you all adieu. The one hundred and fiftieth annual Hunger Games has officially begun!’’