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75th Hunger Games Fanfiction: Blooming Rose

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Chapter 1: The Reaping

It is silent, my breathing the only thing I can hear. I pull back the bow string, taking aim, the arrow in place. The squirrel twitches its little nose unaware of the danger it's in. I take my final breath in and exhale it slowly releasing the arrow then "MISS!!!". I scream startled by the shout. The arrow whizzes pass the scurrying squirrel and lodges its self into a nearby tree.
"Damn it, Jace!!! You made me miss!!," I swing around hitting him repeatedly, he laughs while lifting his arms up shielding himself, "You are an Idiot!!". I give a frustrated sigh as Jace falls to the floor laughing loudly and clutching his stomach. I march out into the small clearing making my way to the ill shot arrow, tugging it free from the tree.
"I'm sorry Rosie, but I couldn't help it, you looked so serene I just had to," Jace says his face smiling and laughing as he wraps his arms around me embracing me in a hug," Come on Rosie". I sigh and hug him back, punching him in the arm the moment he lets me go making him laugh again. "Come on, lets go find my brothers" he says. We make our way through the woods.
It is late morning by the time we found one of his brothers. We found Edward sitting on the ground, absent-mindedly playing with an arrow in the dirt drawing circles, next to the Hollow tree. The large oak tree has a thick trunk and large branches making it easy to climb. The best part about it though, is the hidden crevice at the very base of the trunk, the entrance is covered by a piece of loose bark that if it hit the right way opens, hence its name the Hollow Tree. Me and my father had found it when I was really young. Since then it has become the perfect keepsake for our weapons and now the boy's too.
As we got closer Edward glanced up and stood promptly tackling his older brother sending the two of them sprawling on the ground. As the two of them wrestled, tossing and turning, I made my way to the Hollow tree. Facing the secret door I put one hand directly in front of me, putting all my weight against the tree trunk; I then kick beside the door at full force. The bark door popped open revealing the crevice containing a couple of our bows and quivers filled with arrows. I put our remaining weapons in the hole, swinging the bark door shut afterword. Turning around the boys were still on the ground grappling and wrestling, I sighed rolling my eyes "come on boys we need to get home!"
They stop and look at me, Eddie smiling coyly pushes himself off the ground and runs towards me. I sigh, smiling slightly, dodging to the side as he charges past me. He turns spinning on his heel to face me again. I take my stance keeping my arms near my face, and my legs apart. Standing tall at five nine and all muscle, fifteen year old Eddie laughs smiling wide "I'm gonna win this time Rosie just you watch"
"No you won't Eddie. You never do and never will" Jace replies leaning against a tree, ruffling his spiky blonde hair smiling. I smirk, tensing up as Eddie charges at me. I then duck down under him, between his legs, landing on my back. Taking advantage of his confusion, using both my feet, I kick him from behind throwing him off balance. He went tumbling to the ground, and using the momentum of my legs propel myself up. He got up quickly charging at me again, throwing punches, and sending dirt flying behind him. I walk backwards dodging his blows till I duck down and knee him in the stomach and promptly elbow him in the back, sending him to the ground for the second time. Before he could move I jump on top pinning him to the floor.
Jace starts clapping "As usual Eddie zero, Rosie infinity"
I stood helping Eddie up, both of us breathing hard. We look at each other's sweaty, dirty faces and break out laughing. Jace chuckles while punching his brother "You lost again little bro'"
"I don't know how she does it, she's smaller then me and everything" Eddie says between gasps of breaths.
"It's cause she's older and smarter than you. She actually knows how to fight," Jace finished his explanation smiling down at me. I roll my eyes pushing the hair out of my face "All right guys, enough. Let's go" We head through the woods in the direction of our home in District 12. We live at the very edge of the Seam, near the merchant section. We don't starve but it isn't easy either, especially with so many mouths to feed.
We walk quickly talking light and joking 'till we got to the "electrical" fence leading into the district. That was when Jace spoke "Wait a minute, Eddie where is Alex?"
"He went to the hob early, so that he can be home in time…..for..the…you know?" Eddie replies darting his eyes down as he replies.
"Oh, that's right" Jace says softy, worry washing over his usually cheerful face, his head facing the floor. We walk in silence through the Seam, our heads facing down, because we all knew. Today is the Reaping for this year's Hunger games. This year marks the 75th Hunger games; making it what the Capitol calls a "Quarter Quell". These games only happen every twenty five years but when it does it's utter chaos making the games deadlier. They even started the Reaping earlier this year, instead of a month from now like usual. Who knows what the Capitol's coming up with this year, but what ever it is, there is reason to be concerned.
"Jay the twins are twelve this year right?" Eddie asks, the only response is the heavy silence. I look up at the two of them there olive faces facing the floor, eye's filled with worry and fear. I know just like they do that the twins would be joining them in the boys Reaping block this year. Like the rest of the family including Jace and Eddie, I'm worried even though there not my real brothers.
I can already see the house, little seven year old Tommy rushing through the front door into the house, and on the porch in her usual seat on the rocking chair, was Nana. The usually strong-willed woman looks weak today, almost like a child. A child I used to be, I remembered that fateful night under the pouring rain I was sick and dying. I was too weak to move, I couldn't even call out. I had given up, numb from the cold rain and hunger, I was waiting for deaths embrace. I had shut my eyes losing hope, waiting for the end, until a warm, strong and soft voice told me "Don't you give up my Child, stay strong for your battle has just begun. Your coming home." I was lifted up by arms as warm and strong as the voice taking me into the warm light. I had thought it was an Angel but it was actually my Nana. She stayed by my side and nursed me back to health. I live with her now and the rest of her family, which I call the pack. Every single one of them took me in and accepted me seven years ago, and even through all the trials and difficulties, have cared for me since. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for them; I owed them everything, especially Nana.
We reach the porch hoping Nana won't say anything, but like usual she does.
"Your all late, everyone else is ready and waiting. All of you wash up and get dressed, No excuses" she says very sternly not looking at us.
"Yes Nana!" we all respond in unison.
The boys hurry inside, but I linger looking at Nana. Dressed in a simple white dress she looks small and helpless almost ancient and her white hair hangs lifeless. Though there isn't an expression on her face, I could tell she was worried and tired, not having gotten much sleep last night. I understand why though five of her Grandchildren would stand in the Reaping block today. I feel so sad seeing her this way and I want to comfort her so badly, but I don't know how.
"You should get cleaned up, Katie Anne and I laid out your clothes on your bed" she says quietly all harshness gone from her voice.
I walk to the threshold of the front door, finally knowing what to say, I turn around and say "They're going to be alright you know, all of them, I promise"
She turns her head looking me in the eyes, for the first time today, her blue eyes brimming with tears and with a sad smile on her lips she says "Thank you love, Now go get ready"
I turn away knowing my words didn't do a damn thing.

After I take a bath, cleaning the dirt and sweat off of my pale skin and out of my black hair, I walk into the small room I share with Katie Anne and Nana. It is a simple room containing just two beds, a nightstand, and mirror in the corner. When I cross the threshold a high pitched voice greets me "Rosie!!! You're here!"
Four year old Katie Anne smiles at me, sitting on Nana's bed, her mother April behind her brushing the little girls dirty blonde hair. She jumps off the bed running up to hug me I hug her back smiling and say "Hello Katie Anne, Hello April". April nods me a greeting standing up fixing her light pink dress. "Lookie, lookie, me and Nana picked it out isn't it pretty" Says Katie Anne grabbing the dress off the bed I share with her handing it to me and rushing off. April giggles "She insisted that it would bring out your eyes, heaven knows why".
"And you have to wear this too!" Katie Anne says reappearing in front of us holding out a worn out black tin.
"Katie Anne!!! What have we told you about going through Rosie's things! It's-"
"It's Okay April, It's fine" I say interrupting her scolding. Katie Anne looks at me, her big blue eyes filled with hope bright against her olive skin, her dirty blonde hair framing her face making her face look innocent and angelic. I crouch to look the little girl in the face taking the tin slowly I say "It's okay, I'll wear it just for you, Katie Anne, just for you". Katie Anne beamed at me and ran out of the room, probably to go show off her dress to Nana.
"Go ahead and get dressed, I'll be outside waiting, call me when your done" April says smiling softly leaving the room.
Katie Anne is right the dress is pretty; it is a simple pale blue with scoop neckline and short sleeves and it reaches my midcalf. I managed to tie the ribbon in the back with more difficulty than I expected. After I put on my black combat boots, lacing them up tight. I look in the mirror and twirl in the dress's smooth material, the dress rising around and moving with me. I look at my reflection to see a familiar face, one that I had long since forgotten.
"She was right you know, Katie Anne I mean"
I spin around my long hair whipping behind me, April smiles watching me. "Here let me help you," she says re-tying the ribbon on the back of the dress properly. As I look in the mirror she walks to my bed sitting down softly patting the space beside her. I sit with my back facing her, knowing what she wanted. She starts to hum as she untangles my locks of hair. I hum along swaying with the tune remembering a song I used to sing in a past life. I stop swaying looking at the black tin. I reach for it my fingers wrapping around the cold metal. I open it, the perfumed smell of dried roses filling my nose. Inside the tin were old photographs, a small silk pouch, and a scatter of dried roses and blue ribbons. I gently grab the silk pouch opening it, dumping the shiny contents on my lap which caused a tinkling sound.
I picked up the charm bracelet off my lap examining it like an old friend. It was given to me ages ago by my parents. It consists of a thick shiny silver chain with a clasp that holds three fixed silver locket Hearts, each with a different colored gem face set in the sliver of the locket, evenly spread apart on the chain. The other charms are removable, each placed between the heart shaped locks, and were given to me over time. Each one meaning something special to me. The charms, in order from left to right, are a little silver bell, the Emerald faced locket heart, A onyx teardrop set in silver, the Sapphire faced locket heart, the porcelain white lily with yellow and green accents, and finally the Ruby faced locket heart.
I run my fingers over each charm remembering the memories. I open the Sapphire Locket seeing those familiar faces smiling back at me.
"You look a lot like her you know, your mother I mean, but those eyes and your smile there all your fathers" April says looking over my shoulder at the open locket in my hand.
I nod in agreement, running my thumb over the worn picture. We were in a meadow of flowers I was about six in the picture and behind me were my parents; we all looked happy and glad .April is right though, I Look just like my mother the only difference are her dull blue eyes and wise smile. My father has light olive skin and spiky blonde hair but he and me share the same bright emotional eyes and happy smile.
"All done Rosie" April says as she stands up from the bed. I close the locket putting the bracelet on my wrist the metal tinkling. I close the tin shoving it back under my bed from where Katie Anne took it. April looks at me and I spin for her causing her to smile for a split second before her face goes blank. I knew what was on her mind so I grabbed her hands gently, look her in the face, and say "They're going to be alright you know, all of them, I promise". She nods and hugs me tightly, I just hoped she believed me a lot more than Nana did.

The Reaping takes place at the center of town and people are organized in three blocks; the girl reaping block, boy reaping block, and the parent's block in the back. After saying goodbye to the back and registering, which consists of taking my blood, I stand in the girl block looking around waiting for this to start so it can be over and done with. I look to the left at the boy block trying to find my boys. My eyes catch Eddie's who gives me a small wave. While Jace, who is standing next to him, stick his tongue out at me playfully. After giving them a playful wink back I turn to look at the Parent block. I spot our dark haired Alexander, with his back to me. talking with his friend Gale. I watch them talk until suddenly Gale waves at me, obviously telling Alex I'm here, who turns and seeing me gives me a small bow. I curtsy smiling slightly; an exchange we have been doing since we met.
"How are the twins?" I mouth lifting my shoulders in a questioning manner; his face turns grim, his eyes shifting jerking his head. I follow the jerk seeing the twins at the younger boys block. They were easy to spot what with there black hair spiking in opposite directions and always being together. The usually talkative, playful, prank loving Gregory and George are as still as statues, holding on to each others hand. Anyone looking could see that they are terrified.
I turn back to face Alex who's face is still grim, and knowing he needs it, I give him a reassuring smile and a thumbs up mouthing "There alright! I promise"
He smiles wide shaking his head at me and my silliness. "Where is Nana?" I mouth quickly as they ring the bell for everyone to be set. Gale mouths back "She'll be with me, alright? Good luck" as Alex says goodbye running to his place next to his younger brothers, the bell chimes and the Reaping officially begins.
After the Capitol Movie, which included Jace Pretend sleeping through it, and a Speech by the Mayor, this District's Capitol escort Effie Trinket, dressed in a Turquoise suit and dark orange hair, took the Microphone and announces in the funny capitol accent " Happy Hunger Games!!! and May the odds be ever in your favor! Now before we begin may I present our past Victors; From The 50th Hunger Games, Haymitch Abernathy!"
Applause fills the courtyard as a middle aged blonde haired man walks across the stage waving politely at the crowd, and giving an exaggerated bow at Effie, taking his seat.
Effie Scoffs at Haymitch, who looks content in having managed to Annoy Effie, she then announces "Next I welcome the Victors from last year The 74th hunger games, Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen."
The roar of applause drowns the area, deafening me, as a blonde haired boy and a dark haired girl walk across the stage holding hands. I watch the two of them on stage waving at the people of the district. They were the first people to have ever won the hunger games together, and the first, since Haymitch, to win from district 12. I catch Katniss's eye, and for a moment that made time stand still, a small understanding passes between us. I see her sit down in-between Peeta and Haymitch keeping my gaze on these brave victors until Effie's bright and bubbly voice pulls me away.
"Now as you can tell, this year is A Quarter Quell, and besides beginning a month earlier there is a complete set of new rules. At the moment you only need to know one of those which is that," Effie says as a man, dressed in white armor places only one glass bowl containing names on the pedestal, "This year we will not get two, but one tribute from each district to represent it in the Hunger games".
Hushed whispers are heard from the parent block and confused looks on almost everyone's face. This was definitely new, but knowing the capitol, there was a twist involved somewhere.
"So let us begin" Effie says walking to the bowl. The confusion and hushed words were silenced and over-taken by the worry and fear in all of us. Who would be Reaped? I look at George and Gregory then at Eddie, Jace, and Alex. Every single one of their names were in the glass bowl. Effie fishes into the bowl pulling out a slip of paper then made her way back to the microphone. I put my head down, closing my eyes tightly hoping and praying that they weren't called, that it wasn't one of the boys. I hear the feedback of the mic and Effie says "and the tribute for District 12 is..".
I shut my eyes tighter clenching my fists concentrating on my silent hopes and prayers as if they could change reality. Please don't let it be one of them please, please!
"Saphrose Crystal"
I unclench my fists and open my eyes, slowly raising my head, hearing my name called.
Well here it is the first chapter please excuse any grammer issues if there is any. I also really hope you enjoy it <3
I would like to Thank a couple people first those being:
My little sister for winning our bet and forcing me to write this XP
Three important people who had to listen to me drone on about this and ask for opinions. Sorry but thanks you guys XD
and Finally the bestest person in the world and my editor Crystal, love you!!!
© 2012 - 2024 Nellyg1315
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theolivethief14's avatar
OMZ. Wut. *dies*
THIS IS SO GOOD!!! :wow:
I love how you made her like Katniss but not. And "understanding passes between them" YES. I like how it actually connected back to the book, but the Quarter Quell is different! That was cool :3 PLEASE WRITE MOAR! :iconmoarplz: