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Description
It was so dark in this tiny cell. There were no metal bars, no windows, just four concrete walls and a metal door that was always locked. My stomach ached for food and I had goose bumps covering every inch of my skin from the cold. The smell of the room made me gag every time I took in air, I was totally miserable.
After the two rebels captured me they took me back to the mansion. They had practically moved into the place. Rebels ran around shouting orders and rounding up any capitol people that were left. And many more moved in to take over the remaining streets of the city. Was this really happening? Just like that my life had changed. And it made my stomach turn; I didn't have a good feeling about this.
The first rebel, Gale, left to tend to his wounds and kept mumbling to himself about some girl. Which left me alone with stern face. I still didn't know his name. And I wasn't going to ask either. But he seemed nicer then the first guy, well a few seconds ago he did. I looked back at him now, instead of that sympathetic look in his eyes it was replaced again with a scowl. He just shoved me between my shoulder blades and told me to keep moving.
I think the worst part was entering the building. The snow in the front was partly melted away. Burnt marks and a few blood splatters were the only evidence of the explosion, they must have cleaned up the scene. I couldn't help but think of my poor brother and sister and choked back tears. Where were my parents? I wanted to believe they were perfectly fine but deep down I knew that wasn't the truth, I could only suspect the worst. But there was still hope.
We walked through the doors into the huge marble foyer. The wounded lay on the floor, medics helped bandage them up. Others were spread out around the room, studying maps, cleaning guns, or talking amongst themselves. I just kept my head down and avoided eye contact. I noticed a few Capitol citizens among them; it was easy for me to pick them out even if they weren't very noticeable. They weren't prisoners like I was. Maybe they had surrendered or maybe they had been working with the rebels all along.
Stern face guided me into smaller room. There was a glossy wood desk, shelves full of books and other knick knacks lining the walls. An older woman with shoulder length gray hair was talking with two rebels. She looked over at me and her eyes seemed to boar into mine making it hard to look away.
"President Coin," stern face addressed her, "I found this girl wondering around. What should I do with her?"
Her eyes looked me up and down and her face expression was one of distaste as she said, "Just put her with the others," and then went back to her conversation. As if I wasn't even good enough for a minute of her time. Stern face just jabbed me with his gun again and stirred me out the door. But halfway over the threshold I turned and slid back into the room.
"Wait," I said which got her attention, "I have parents, Hester and Arsen Pierce. We got separated and I need to find them."
She gave me a blank stare, like her mind couldn't process this. She just nodded at stern face. I felt his hands grasp my arms and start to pull me from the room. "No! Wait, please! Can't you at least help me find them?" I pleaded and fought against him.
"Get her out of here," Coin said and he struggled to pull me along.
"No! I already lost my siblings and I'm not leaving until I get what I want!" I ripped out of his hold and planted my feet firmly in front of the desk.
"You're just like the rest of them, always thinking of yourselves. That's why we started this war. So we could be free from Capitol and free to do what we please instead of working ourselves to death to fill your people's needs. As for your parents I do not know, their most likely dead."
"No!" I screamed, "They aren't, they can't be!"
Coin slammed both hands down on the desk top and made me jump, "face the facts girl! I will not help you. But if you haven't seen them yet then their most likely laying in streets dead like countless others!" I shook my head, I wasn't going to listen to her, "get her out of my sights!" she gestured for stern face to take me. He gripped my shoulders and I didn't fight him this time. I let him lead me out of the room and to the cells which were located in the lower levels of the mansion.
So here I was sitting in dark with nothing to do. How long had I been in here? I couldn't tell, maybe a few hours? Minutes? Possibly days? It felt like forever to me. Every once in awhile they'd bring me a bucket full of water which was stall and not that clean. Also a tray of food, which I refused to even touch. It looked like something Titan would spit up and smelled unpleasant.
It went on like this for….well I'm not sure how long. There weren't any windows so I didn't know whether it was day or night. I spent most the time sleeping or morning the lost of my family and friends. I still didn't know what happened to everyone. I wasn't alone in the darkness. I could hear whispering through the cracks in the walls. The voices sounded small and scarred. I tried talking back to them but they'd hush themselves and then start up again a few minutes later.
My stomach groaned as I glanced over at the tray of old food in the corner which was starting to look really good right now. It wasn't that bad once you got past the taste and took control of the gagging. But at least my stomach wasn't hurting anymore.
I jumped as I heard a loud CLANG! From outside my cell. Loud footsteps followed, it sounded like a group of people walking throw the corridor. I heard whispering, then the sounds of doors opening then slamming shut, followed by moans and then footsteps walking away. I listened intently to every sound. What was happening out there?
The metal door to my cell screeched open which made me cringed. A guard stood in the door way and shinned a light at me. I raised my hand to block it because it hurt my eyes. The guard walked forward and gripped my arm and shinned his light right in my face, trying to get a good look at me. I shut my eyes tight and groaned because this wasn't comfortable for me. He forced me to my foot. My legs felt unstable and shook uncontrollably. Then he started dragging me out of my cell down the dark corridor.
"What's going on? Where are you taking me?" I asked and was surprised at the sound of my weak voice.
"It's time for your close up," he said. Close up? What was he talking about?
We ascended a flight of stairs, we were out of the basement but it was still gloomy in this part of the mansion. There were huge windows of the other side of the room, but the curtains were closed which only let a small amount of light trickle into the room making it an eerie gray. He led me to an open door and shoved me inside.
"Hey!" I cried and rubbed my throbbing arm. I giant spot light flashed on and was trained on me. I growled at another annoying light and tried to cover my eyes.
I waited for my eyes to adjust; I could make out a few other people stood in the room with me. There was also a camera focused in my direction and a TV on the wall with a live image of me. I gasped as I saw myself. I had dirt smudged on my face and clothes. My hair was in a mess and I looked like I lost weight, I didn't look healthy, I look liked I come back from the dead or something.
A woman ran up to me and started wiping my face and applying make-up. I tried to push her away but she smacked my hand and went back to work. Another woman came up to me and brushed threw my hair. I could tell they were both Capitol by their interesting hair and make-up, also one had light green skin.
When they had finished they stepped away and I stared at the new image of me. well it wasn't that bad anymore but I looked….hollow.
"State your full name, age, and were your from please," I heard a woman's voice address me. I looked around for the source. She sat next to the camera in a folding chair, her head was shaved and tattooed with green vines. Her legs were crossed and she held a clipboard in her hands.
"What?" I asked confused, "what's going on? Who are you?"
"My name is Cressida, but that's not important at the moment. Now state your full name, age, and were you are from," she repeated and rolled her eyes like she'd been doing this all day.
"m-my name is_" I started but was cut off.
"Look into the camera honey, and remember to smile!" she smiled big and pointed to her lips.
I didn't think I had it in me to smile, but I gave a small grin and started again, "my name is Aradhana Pierce, I'm sixteen, and live in Capitol."
"And cut! That was good, but let's try it again, a little more feeling in it. And remember dear, smile!" she made me repeat myself four more times until she thought I had gotten it perfect and dismissed me. A guard came and took me.
I tried asking more questions but no one would answer me, it was really frustrating. I was escorted into a Capitol vehicle; the guard never left my side. I was beginning to worry as the vehicle started making its way through town. Was I being put on trial or something? And what was with that film crew?
Construction was going on everywhere. I noticed a few buildings that were new and a few others still under repairs from all the damage that was done. I had lived in Capitol all my life, but now it looked so different. I also knew my way around Capitol well enough to know where we were going.
"Why are we going to the Training Center?" I asked puzzled as the building came into view. The Training Center was used for the tributes to get them ready for the Hunger Games, also for peacekeepers. The guard didn't answer me, like that was a surprise. I folded my arms and scowled.
We stopped in front of the building and the guard escorted me out and inside. He led me into an elevator and punched a number. It took us up to the sixth floor and the doors open with a cheery ding! Then he takes me to the dining room where he leaves me. I think I'm free of the guard but when I turn to glance back two more close and block the doors. So much for freedom.
The smell hit me first, like freshly cooked bread, soup, juicy steak, and fruit. My mouth started to water. I looked around and found a table lined with food! Real food! I raced toward it was started savoring a juicy ripe strawberry.
"Finally decide to show up, I see," a voice from behind me laughed. I had a roll stuffed in my mouth but I turn around and see a table. Two people were seated there with an extra empty seat. The men who addressed me looks like he hasn't shaved for a week, his hair is in a mess, and there's dark circles under his eyes. He gestured for me to sit with a flick of his hand. I quickly grab a plate and pile it high with food before taking my seat.
There's a different scent now, like something rotting and also hard liquor. The man has a bottle of wine in his hands, its already half empty. Next to me sits a boy. He's scrawny with long wavy brown hair that falls in his face. He looks maybe twelve or thirteen? He glances at me for only a second then goes back to inhaling his plate of food. Looks like they starved him as well.
I'm not sure what to do first. The man just sits there drinking and staring at the both of us. After awhile I decide to ignore him and dig into my mountain of food. It tastes so good! I hadn't eaten good food for awhile and my stomach begged for more. I swallow to fast and started choking on a piece of meat.
"Slow down! No use in killing yourself just yet," he says.
"What?" I asked after downing some water to clear my throat. "Why am I here? What's going on?" he just grinned and took another swig from his bottle.
I slammed my fist down on the table, "Look mister! I've been through a lot! I lost my family and friends, I'm a prisoner, I'm tired, hungry, and I'm pretty sure a little crazy at the moment! I demand answers!" I glared at him, my nostrils flaring. He just gulped down the rest of the bottle and whipped his mouth.
"Tell me something!" I demanded again, the boy next to me stopped eating and stared up at me, he looked uncertain.
The man raised an eyebrow at me then did something that caught me off guard. He grabbed the empty wine bottle and hurled it in my direction. I quickly ducked, the bottle went sailing and shattered against the wall behind me.
"What was that for?" I asked glaring at him while he got up and took another bottle of liquor from the buffet table.
"Sit down," he told me.
"Not until I_"
"Sit down!" he said with more force this time. I shut my mouth and sat down. I was suddenly extremely interested with the meat on my plate. He sat back down as well, uncorked the bottle and took a swig.
"Don't these people know I'm retired?" he muttered to himself, "just because I voted for this doesn't mean I want any part in it."
"Sir?" the boy next to me asked.
"What?" he turned toward him, spilling some of his drink in the process. The boy didn't say another word, he looked too scared to. "Speak up boy!"
"w-what's happening?" he stuttered, not making eye contact with either of us.
"What's happening? You don't know?" he waited for a response but we didn't make a sound, "bright bunch you are," he chuckled.
"No one's told us anything apparently," I finally spoke up again, "please sir, what day is it?"
"June 12th," he said. June 12th? No it couldn't be! That would mean I'd been in that blasted cell for almost two months!
"Then who are you?" I questioned.
"Haymitch," he hiccupped, "Abernathy, your mentor."
"Our mentor? Why would we need a mentor?" the boy asked. This was all so confusing.
"I'm asking myself that same question. But it's no use, you're stuck with me."
"Hold up, what exactly is going on?" I asked.
As if on cue the TV in the far corner of the room turned on by itself, a familiar anthem started playing. Then a cheery woman's voice started talking and scenes of the New Panem appeared on screen.
"Good evening everybody! As you can see we are slowing but surely rebuilding and thriving after winning the war with Capitol! And tonight is a new beginning for them and us. For years we had to suffer with losing our children and watching them slaughter each other for the Capitols entertainment. For years we have been at their mercy, playing their games. But not anymore, we are free! And tonight it's time for them to feel how we felt for so long…for too long! Tonight is the beginning of the 76th Hunger Games!"
The words 76th hunger games, flashed on screen and the anthem played again.  My heart dropped, it wasn't what I thought it was, was it?
"I think that answers your question, doesn't it?" Haymitch glanced at me. It all made sense now. But it couldn't be true! Capitol would never use its own for the games. But Capitol wasn't in charge anymore, and the rebels were free to do whatever they wanted.
"I present to you your tributes!" the voice sang. Images of kids appeared on screen, they all stated their names, age, and where they were from. I recognized a few, like Damian Stanton who was a year older than me and was a total jerk. I went to school with him and he always pushed people around. One time he insulted Neo, which Neo being Neo he had to start a fight. Getting them both suspended for a week and he gave Neo a black eye.
Also Lystra Craft, who was only ten and the sweetest little girl I knew. She lived in the neighborhood. Her mother was one of our best customers. This wasn't right; the required age for the hunger games was twelve through eighteen.
"My names Cosmo Pate, I'm thirteen, and I live in District 2," my eyes widen when the boy who was sitting next to me flashed on screen. He looked terrified and his hands kept shaking.  So far everyone who was a part of this was from Capitol but he was from district 2? I thought all the districts were part of the rebellion?
Right after Cosmo my face appeared. I look tired and not like myself. The smile on my face looked force, and it probably was. I groaned and rested my head on the table. It was just so much to take in. Never in my whole life did I think I was ever going to be part of the Hunger Games. Sure I'd imagine what it might be like but never had I wanted this! Plus with this guy as my mentor I was already dead.
"My name is Ajax Stone, I'm seven, and I'm from Capitol," my head shot up as I heard his familiar voice. No, anyone but Ajax. For sure he was too young for this! He was seven! They couldn't do this to him! I slammed my fist down in anger. At least I knew he was alive, for now.
More faces came on screen, it was already up to twenty-eight tributes. Usually there were only twenty four. "This isn't fair!" I cried. They just ignored my comment, Haymitch was too drunk to care, and Cosmo kept his eyes glued to the screen.
Finally the last tribute appeared on screen, and my heart just about broke into a million pieces.
"My name is Neo stone, I'm sixteen, and I live in Capitol." He had a stern expression, as if he was mad at the whole world. He had a bruise on his cheek and his lip was split, like he'd recently been in a fight. He said each word with pride. He wasn't ashamed for being who he was. But deep in his eyes I could see fear.
The anthem played and an image of a Mockingjay appeared on screen and the woman's voice spoke again, "may the odds be ever in your favor."

Description
It was so dark in this tiny cell. There were no metal bars, no windows, just four concrete walls and a metal door that was always locked. My stomach ached for food and I had goose bumps covering every inch of my skin from the cold. The smell of the room made me gag every time I took in air, I was totally miserable.
After the two rebels captured me they took me back to the mansion. They had practically moved into the place. Rebels ran around shouting orders and rounding up any capitol people that were left. And many more moved in to take over the remaining streets of the city. Was this really happening? Just like that my life had changed. And it made my stomach turn; I didn't have a good feeling about this.
The first rebel, Gale, left to tend to his wounds and kept mumbling to himself about some girl. Which left me alone with stern face. I still didn't know his name. And I wasn't going to ask either. But he seemed nicer then the first guy, well a few seconds ago he did. I looked back at him now, instead of that sympathetic look in his eyes it was replaced again with a scowl. He just shoved me between my shoulder blades and told me to keep moving.
I think the worst part was entering the building. The snow in the front was partly melted away. Burnt marks and a few blood splatters were the only evidence of the explosion, they must have cleaned up the scene. I couldn't help but think of my poor brother and sister and choked back tears. Where were my parents? I wanted to believe they were perfectly fine but deep down I knew that wasn't the truth, I could only suspect the worst. But there was still hope.
We walked through the doors into the huge marble foyer. The wounded lay on the floor, medics helped bandage them up. Others were spread out around the room, studying maps, cleaning guns, or talking amongst themselves. I just kept my head down and avoided eye contact. I noticed a few Capitol citizens among them; it was easy for me to pick them out even if they weren't very noticeable. They weren't prisoners like I was. Maybe they had surrendered or maybe they had been working with the rebels all along.
Stern face guided me into smaller room. There was a glossy wood desk, shelves full of books and other knick knacks lining the walls. An older woman with shoulder length gray hair was talking with two rebels. She looked over at me and her eyes seemed to boar into mine making it hard to look away.
"President Coin," stern face addressed her, "I found this girl wondering around. What should I do with her?"
Her eyes looked me up and down and her face expression was one of distaste as she said, "Just put her with the others," and then went back to her conversation. As if I wasn't even good enough for a minute of her time. Stern face just jabbed me with his gun again and stirred me out the door. But halfway over the threshold I turned and slid back into the room.
"Wait," I said which got her attention, "I have parents, Hester and Arsen Pierce. We got separated and I need to find them."
She gave me a blank stare, like her mind couldn't process this. She just nodded at stern face. I felt his hands grasp my arms and start to pull me from the room. "No! Wait, please! Can't you at least help me find them?" I pleaded and fought against him.
"Get her out of here," Coin said and he struggled to pull me along.
"No! I already lost my siblings and I'm not leaving until I get what I want!" I ripped out of his hold and planted my feet firmly in front of the desk.
"You're just like the rest of them, always thinking of yourselves. That's why we started this war. So we could be free from Capitol and free to do what we please instead of working ourselves to death to fill your people's needs. As for your parents I do not know, their most likely dead."
"No!" I screamed, "They aren't, they can't be!"
Coin slammed both hands down on the desk top and made me jump, "face the facts girl! I will not help you. But if you haven't seen them yet then their most likely laying in streets dead like countless others!" I shook my head, I wasn't going to listen to her, "get her out of my sights!" she gestured for stern face to take me. He gripped my shoulders and I didn't fight him this time. I let him lead me out of the room and to the cells which were located in the lower levels of the mansion.
So here I was sitting in dark with nothing to do. How long had I been in here? I couldn't tell, maybe a few hours? Minutes? Possibly days? It felt like forever to me. Every once in awhile they'd bring me a bucket full of water which was stall and not that clean. Also a tray of food, which I refused to even touch. It looked like something Titan would spit up and smelled unpleasant.
It went on like this for….well I'm not sure how long. There weren't any windows so I didn't know whether it was day or night. I spent most the time sleeping or morning the lost of my family and friends. I still didn't know what happened to everyone. I wasn't alone in the darkness. I could hear whispering through the cracks in the walls. The voices sounded small and scarred. I tried talking back to them but they'd hush themselves and then start up again a few minutes later.
My stomach groaned as I glanced over at the tray of old food in the corner which was starting to look really good right now. It wasn't that bad once you got past the taste and took control of the gagging. But at least my stomach wasn't hurting anymore.
I jumped as I heard a loud CLANG! From outside my cell. Loud footsteps followed, it sounded like a group of people walking throw the corridor. I heard whispering, then the sounds of doors opening then slamming shut, followed by moans and then footsteps walking away. I listened intently to every sound. What was happening out there?
The metal door to my cell screeched open which made me cringed. A guard stood in the door way and shinned a light at me. I raised my hand to block it because it hurt my eyes. The guard walked forward and gripped my arm and shinned his light right in my face, trying to get a good look at me. I shut my eyes tight and groaned because this wasn't comfortable for me. He forced me to my foot. My legs felt unstable and shook uncontrollably. Then he started dragging me out of my cell down the dark corridor.
"What's going on? Where are you taking me?" I asked and was surprised at the sound of my weak voice.
"It's time for your close up," he said. Close up? What was he talking about?
We ascended a flight of stairs, we were out of the basement but it was still gloomy in this part of the mansion. There were huge windows of the other side of the room, but the curtains were closed which only let a small amount of light trickle into the room making it an eerie gray. He led me to an open door and shoved me inside.
"Hey!" I cried and rubbed my throbbing arm. I giant spot light flashed on and was trained on me. I growled at another annoying light and tried to cover my eyes.
I waited for my eyes to adjust; I could make out a few other people stood in the room with me. There was also a camera focused in my direction and a TV on the wall with a live image of me. I gasped as I saw myself. I had dirt smudged on my face and clothes. My hair was in a mess and I looked like I lost weight, I didn't look healthy, I look liked I come back from the dead or something.
A woman ran up to me and started wiping my face and applying make-up. I tried to push her away but she smacked my hand and went back to work. Another woman came up to me and brushed threw my hair. I could tell they were both Capitol by their interesting hair and make-up, also one had light green skin.
When they had finished they stepped away and I stared at the new image of me. well it wasn't that bad anymore but I looked….hollow.
"State your full name, age, and were your from please," I heard a woman's voice address me. I looked around for the source. She sat next to the camera in a folding chair, her head was shaved and tattooed with green vines. Her legs were crossed and she held a clipboard in her hands.
"What?" I asked confused, "what's going on? Who are you?"
"My name is Cressida, but that's not important at the moment. Now state your full name, age, and were you are from," she repeated and rolled her eyes like she'd been doing this all day.
"m-my name is_" I started but was cut off.
"Look into the camera honey, and remember to smile!" she smiled big and pointed to her lips.
I didn't think I had it in me to smile, but I gave a small grin and started again, "my name is Aradhana Pierce, I'm sixteen, and live in Capitol."
"And cut! That was good, but let's try it again, a little more feeling in it. And remember dear, smile!" she made me repeat myself four more times until she thought I had gotten it perfect and dismissed me. A guard came and took me.
I tried asking more questions but no one would answer me, it was really frustrating. I was escorted into a Capitol vehicle; the guard never left my side. I was beginning to worry as the vehicle started making its way through town. Was I being put on trial or something? And what was with that film crew?
Construction was going on everywhere. I noticed a few buildings that were new and a few others still under repairs from all the damage that was done. I had lived in Capitol all my life, but now it looked so different. I also knew my way around Capitol well enough to know where we were going.
"Why are we going to the Training Center?" I asked puzzled as the building came into view. The Training Center was used for the tributes to get them ready for the Hunger Games, also for peacekeepers. The guard didn't answer me, like that was a surprise. I folded my arms and scowled.
We stopped in front of the building and the guard escorted me out and inside. He led me into an elevator and punched a number. It took us up to the sixth floor and the doors open with a cheery ding! Then he takes me to the dining room where he leaves me. I think I'm free of the guard but when I turn to glance back two more close and block the doors. So much for freedom.
The smell hit me first, like freshly cooked bread, soup, juicy steak, and fruit. My mouth started to water. I looked around and found a table lined with food! Real food! I raced toward it was started savoring a juicy ripe strawberry.
"Finally decide to show up, I see," a voice from behind me laughed. I had a roll stuffed in my mouth but I turn around and see a table. Two people were seated there with an extra empty seat. The men who addressed me looks like he hasn't shaved for a week, his hair is in a mess, and there's dark circles under his eyes. He gestured for me to sit with a flick of his hand. I quickly grab a plate and pile it high with food before taking my seat.
There's a different scent now, like something rotting and also hard liquor. The man has a bottle of wine in his hands, its already half empty. Next to me sits a boy. He's scrawny with long wavy brown hair that falls in his face. He looks maybe twelve or thirteen? He glances at me for only a second then goes back to inhaling his plate of food. Looks like they starved him as well.
I'm not sure what to do first. The man just sits there drinking and staring at the both of us. After awhile I decide to ignore him and dig into my mountain of food. It tastes so good! I hadn't eaten good food for awhile and my stomach begged for more. I swallow to fast and started choking on a piece of meat.
"Slow down! No use in killing yourself just yet," he says.
"What?" I asked after downing some water to clear my throat. "Why am I here? What's going on?" he just grinned and took another swig from his bottle.
I slammed my fist down on the table, "Look mister! I've been through a lot! I lost my family and friends, I'm a prisoner, I'm tired, hungry, and I'm pretty sure a little crazy at the moment! I demand answers!" I glared at him, my nostrils flaring. He just gulped down the rest of the bottle and whipped his mouth.
"Tell me something!" I demanded again, the boy next to me stopped eating and stared up at me, he looked uncertain.
The man raised an eyebrow at me then did something that caught me off guard. He grabbed the empty wine bottle and hurled it in my direction. I quickly ducked, the bottle went sailing and shattered against the wall behind me.
"What was that for?" I asked glaring at him while he got up and took another bottle of liquor from the buffet table.
"Sit down," he told me.
"Not until I_"
"Sit down!" he said with more force this time. I shut my mouth and sat down. I was suddenly extremely interested with the meat on my plate. He sat back down as well, uncorked the bottle and took a swig.
"Don't these people know I'm retired?" he muttered to himself, "just because I voted for this doesn't mean I want any part in it."
"Sir?" the boy next to me asked.
"What?" he turned toward him, spilling some of his drink in the process. The boy didn't say another word, he looked too scared to. "Speak up boy!"
"w-what's happening?" he stuttered, not making eye contact with either of us.
"What's happening? You don't know?" he waited for a response but we didn't make a sound, "bright bunch you are," he chuckled.
"No one's told us anything apparently," I finally spoke up again, "please sir, what day is it?"
"June 12th," he said. June 12th? No it couldn't be! That would mean I'd been in that blasted cell for almost two months!
"Then who are you?" I questioned.
"Haymitch," he hiccupped, "Abernathy, your mentor."
"Our mentor? Why would we need a mentor?" the boy asked. This was all so confusing.
"I'm asking myself that same question. But it's no use, you're stuck with me."
"Hold up, what exactly is going on?" I asked.
As if on cue the TV in the far corner of the room turned on by itself, a familiar anthem started playing. Then a cheery woman's voice started talking and scenes of the New Panem appeared on screen.
"Good evening everybody! As you can see we are slowing but surely rebuilding and thriving after winning the war with Capitol! And tonight is a new beginning for them and us. For years we had to suffer with losing our children and watching them slaughter each other for the Capitols entertainment. For years we have been at their mercy, playing their games. But not anymore, we are free! And tonight it's time for them to feel how we felt for so long…for too long! Tonight is the beginning of the 76th Hunger Games!"
The words 76th hunger games, flashed on screen and the anthem played again.  My heart dropped, it wasn't what I thought it was, was it?
"I think that answers your question, doesn't it?" Haymitch glanced at me. It all made sense now. But it couldn't be true! Capitol would never use its own for the games. But Capitol wasn't in charge anymore, and the rebels were free to do whatever they wanted.
"I present to you your tributes!" the voice sang. Images of kids appeared on screen, they all stated their names, age, and where they were from. I recognized a few, like Damian Stanton who was a year older than me and was a total jerk. I went to school with him and he always pushed people around. One time he insulted Neo, which Neo being Neo he had to start a fight. Getting them both suspended for a week and he gave Neo a black eye.
Also Lystra Craft, who was only ten and the sweetest little girl I knew. She lived in the neighborhood. Her mother was one of our best customers. This wasn't right; the required age for the hunger games was twelve through eighteen.
"My names Cosmo Pate, I'm thirteen, and I live in District 2," my eyes widen when the boy who was sitting next to me flashed on screen. He looked terrified and his hands kept shaking.  So far everyone who was a part of this was from Capitol but he was from district 2? I thought all the districts were part of the rebellion?
Right after Cosmo my face appeared. I look tired and not like myself. The smile on my face looked force, and it probably was. I groaned and rested my head on the table. It was just so much to take in. Never in my whole life did I think I was ever going to be part of the Hunger Games. Sure I'd imagine what it might be like but never had I wanted this! Plus with this guy as my mentor I was already dead.
"My name is Ajax Stone, I'm seven, and I'm from Capitol," my head shot up as I heard his familiar voice. No, anyone but Ajax. For sure he was too young for this! He was seven! They couldn't do this to him! I slammed my fist down in anger. At least I knew he was alive, for now.
More faces came on screen, it was already up to twenty-eight tributes. Usually there were only twenty four. "This isn't fair!" I cried. They just ignored my comment, Haymitch was too drunk to care, and Cosmo kept his eyes glued to the screen.
Finally the last tribute appeared on screen, and my heart just about broke into a million pieces.
"My name is Neo stone, I'm sixteen, and I live in Capitol." He had a stern expression, as if he was mad at the whole world. He had a bruise on his cheek and his lip was split, like he'd recently been in a fight. He said each word with pride. He wasn't ashamed for being who he was. But deep in his eyes I could see fear.
The anthem played and an image of a Mockingjay appeared on screen and the woman's voice spoke again, "may the odds be ever in your favor."