#quater quell

[expectopatronum81]

For me, the psychology of how the games work is even creepier than sending 23 kids to be murdered on television each year. Because not only are these 12 - 18yr old kids being forced to engage in a bloody fight for their survival, or commit atrocities that'll haunt them for the rest of their lives; they are also forced to do so on the terms of the Capitol audience. The hunger games weren't just created as a punishment to the districts. One of the main aspects of it was to provide entertainment to the people of the Capitol.

So during the games, not only do they have to cope with the fact that they could be murdered any second, they should also be cautious of how their actions affect the mood of their audience. In terms of it being a reality show, showing their expertise is enough to gain them some recognition, but what really gains them audience sponsors is behaving in the exact way that is desirable of them, and playing it accordingly.

Throughout the 1st games, Katniss is constantly aware of how the games are being perceived. Instead of focusing on her emotions about peeta joining the careers, she thinks of how ecstatic the audience vil be knowing she was there the whole time, and smirks to increase their curiosity on what was going on. She thinks of how the wall of fire was to shake up the tributes and how the 'real fun' was watching them dodge the fireballs. She plays a cool and arrogant persona when she's stuck up in a tree with the careers around her despite seeing no hope of escape, knowing the audience will be having a laugh (she most likely receives the burn medicine for the promise of dropping the tracker jacker nest). She gives them enough of a promise by destroying the career pack. Then there's the whole thing with Peeta, where she constantly ponders as to how she's going to believably sell the romance on her part to ensure them food. She passes casual comments on how there hasn't been enough bloodshed or 'excitement' that day, hence fearing game maker intervention. She does her best not to show her remorse for the other dead tributes or her longing to escape from this horror because 'no one wants a victor who snivels over the deaths of her opponents'. How she couldn't end Cato's life sooner out of pity, because that was the 'climax of the hunger games, the last word in entertainment as the Capitol audience wouldn't look away from their screens for even a minute', even though that took a severe toll on her sanity( not that she needed it after surviving the whole games). Then the whole 2 victor rule change solely to ensure 'the most dramatic showdown in hunger games history'. To continue their popularity( as a distraction), they are required to act as lovers in front of the cameras at all times, and would be expected to get married and have children who could take part in the games, just for the 'extra drama'. Even smaller things like how they're required to have a hobby after the games to show off to the audience. This applies to the 3rd quater quell too, but I think I've made my point.

In perspective, the Capitol ppl dictate the terms of their lives. Their likes, dislikes, personal relationships, mannerisms, attitudes are all carefully designed to see what gains them the most popularity. Behaving in a certain, expected way ensures that they r'nt cancelled killed. The constant need to know every single detail of their personal lives ensures they r'nt forgotten. Which is why they go desperate lengths to gain that popularity( Glimmer's see through dress being her angle for the interviews....).

Yeah yeah, ofc its just a rant, totally not about a literary master piece dedicated to commentary on our worsening culture, who'd waste time on that when u have twitter anyways?

[highladyofterrasen7]

Katniss and peeta: having moments in the arena

Finnick and joanna:

[frogsovereign]

I might have hyperfixated on the Huger Games, specifically Catching Fire and the lives of the other victors. There are several unnamed victors in the book, namely those in Districts 6, 9 and 10, and so I started pulling together designs and backstories for these victors: Ophelia Mazarie of District 9, won the 61st Hunger Games at age 15. Her arena was an old, overgrown and abandoned factory full of chemical spills, unstable floors and hiding spots. She won using tactics common in guerrila warfare such as creating false floors, revolving doors with spikes on them, and other traps. During the last hour of her games she fell into a chemical spill, resulting in scarring down her face and neck, and lost her right eye in the last fight. (Left Image)

The victor’s tour to me sounded more like walking advertisement for the fashion designers. They were propaganda for the Games and models to show off more of the designer’s outfits for masses of people on TV and in person to see. We know from the books that they did sexualise these children so I did play into that briefly with one of the designs, it felt incredibly uncomfortable but it feels true to the source. (Bottom Sketches)  She was the victor reaped for the 75th Hunger Games, making her only 29 when she died during the Quater Quell. (Right Image)

I originally tried drawing her smiling for her Victor’s Tour but that just didn’t feel right considering the trauma and facial damage she had been inflicted during her games. I like to think she is a fairly stern person, but all images I drew of her were with masses of flowers and frills making her look smaller and softer. Her capital persona, I think, was that strange contrast of someone who looks visibly damaged but her voice is calm and soothing and she becomes synonymous with a motherly figure almost, despite her young age. 

Hozier’s Eat Your Young feels very prevalent for this. Both as a reflection of today’s capitalism and the extremes of the Hunger Game’s. The sexualisation and then murder of children is not unique to this world, but it is almost grotesquely blown up to force it in our face in the books. More so than the movie. Think how much more impactful those films would be if an actress who looked younger played Katniss. If Katniss looked like she could reasonably be 15-17 years old in the wedding dress in Catching Fire. I don’t think Jennifer Lawrence did a bad job, but I think there’s something to be said about how much more terrifying and powerful the films could be with a younger or younger-appearing actress. 

I tried desperately to capture Ophelia’s youth here as a 15 year old girl and then as a 28 year old woman. 

[lemecdeliott]

;; quater quell.

—Supongo que ya no importa. —Hace tan sólo unas horas su nombre fue anunciado desde el podio. En un maldito Vasallaje. El doble de tributos y el doble de oportunidades de morir. Vaya, y decían que no tenía suerte. Se rió amargamente mientras el líquido marrón pasó por su garganta. Jamás había probado licor, pero ahora entendía porqué lo hacían. Era un sedante.

💖 @lemecdlucas

[robins]

THE HUNGER GAMES APPRECIATION WEEK day 5: favorite arena → 3RD ANNUAL QUATER QUELL ARENA

[lokiandbuckysdoll]

𝐻𝒾𝓈 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝓉𝑒𝒸𝓉𝑜𝓇

Summary: You will do whatever it takes to protect Finnicnk in the Quater Qulle, even if that means sacrificing yourself.

Pairing: (mention) Annie X Finnick, Finnick x Reader.

Word count: 821

Warnings: unreciprocated feeling (one-sided on the reader's side) ANGST!!, love confessions, the reader being sad about the circumstances.

A/N: I watched TBOSBAS which made me rewatch all the THG movies... I fell in love with Finnick Odair again and wrote this. This is my FIRST time writing anything for the THG fandom so please be kind, this may not be the best but i like how it came out. As always let me know if I missed tagging something :)

Read part 2 here

"The male and Female tributes are to be reaped from the existing pool of victors in each district"

As soon as President Snow said those words, the breath in your lungs physically disappeared from your body. You were immobile and felt as though you had been transported back in time to when you were a little 15-year-old girl and heard her name called at the 68th Hunger Games reaping.

You quickly knew what was to come, you had to volunteer as tribute. If Finnick's name was to be called you were willing to volunteer to protect him at any cost. You deeply loved Finnick even if he did not reciprocate your love back.

You also knew that if Annie were to be called Mags would volunteer to save her, but just like Mags, you couldn't fathom having Mags back in the games either. You stood up wiping your tears away; from this point on you needed to be strong.

Knowing that Annie's house would be where they would all be, you went there. As soon as you walked in, you could hear Annie's weak sobs as Finnick was holding her. The image broke your heart because, deep down, all you wanted was to be Annie, cuddled up in Finnick's cozy embrace, right now.

When Mags emerged from the kitchen, you sprang to give her a firm embrace. You whispered in her ear, "It will be okay mags, I promise I'll bring him back to you both," but all she did was hold you more tightly. You glanced up, meeting Finnick's gaze, and cracked a smile.

The days before the reaping passed quickly as you made an effort to avoid Finnick, which was initially successful. You were fully aware of the need for these precious moments between him and Annie.

When the day came sure enough Finnick's name was called, " Now our female tribute from District Four is Ma-" the mayor couldn't finish as you interrupted. " I volunteer as tribute!" you moved to stand next to Finnick holding his hand. " Wow! Our tributes from District Four Finnick Odair and Y/N L/N!"

Once your goodbyes were said and you stepped foot on the train you let out a sigh, Finnick looked up from where he was staring at the floor. You’ve tried to get him to move and stall the process of talking to him, but his feet are locked in place.

“Finnick, move.” You tell him, arms crossed over your chest. “It’s not happening, Y/n, why would you volunteer? You should've stayed here in District Four.” You take in a breath, shaking your head, “I need to start getting ready now if we plan on being on time to the capitol. We can talk about this as I get ready.” You point to the side to get him to move. “I’m serious, Finnick. Get out of the way.”

“I'm not moving” He shrugs. You huff out a sound of frustration." If you want to have this conversation right now then at least sit down please" you gestured for him to sit. He listened and sat down. " Why would you volunteer? I could've protected Mags and Annie"

"You're saying you wouldn't be able to protect me?" you questioned back with hurt. " no i- that's not what I meant, if something happens to you I can't let myself live knowing you died trying to protect me" he leans back looking out the window. " Mags told me what you whispered to her the night Snow announced the Quarter Quell. You'd promise to bring me back safe to them. But I can't let you do that because.." he pauses

"Because what fin?" you already know what he's going to say, every time he says it, it pushes you further into the deep end hurting your heart.

He looks to meet your gaze "Because I love you, and I can't lose you just for the benefit of protecting me. I just can't you mean too much to me"

You scoff at his admission "That's just it, you may love me Finnick, but you are not in love with me! I am the one who's in love with you, and I am the one suffering!" You smile sadly at him as you both know this was true and he hated himself for it."At the end of the day, I am willing to protect you at all costs, because you are the only person I have left in my life who I love. Mags and Annie need you more than I do" You wipe away the tears that are now freely falling. " So that's why I volunteered" You get up from the chair. " I think we should get ready now, we will be at the capitol soon" You leave the room fast to not cry anymore, you know now that Finnick knows he'd tried his best to protect you even more.

[mrsnancywheeler]

Okay so did I just have the most heartbreaking, soul crushing idea/thought? Yes. And will I share it with you? Absolutely! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

Okay so what if finnicks sweet girl gets the thought in her head "would finnick of married me if he didn't think we were going to die ( the quater quell)" and that maybe he only went through with it at district 13 because coin said it would be good for moral and to broadcast. And then she starts second guessing stuff and thinks maybe that's why he didn't want to have sex with her on the marriage night and that he doesn't actually want kids with her.

Sorry I'm a whore for angst

-BNTA💕

yay! I love soul crushing, heart wrenching thoughts, make my day.

this is so, so on brand for her. especially after having time left alone while finnick is starting on the star squad, thoughts get invasive. she's laying in bed at night, sad, missing him, and then the thoughts start saying he probably doesn't miss her. he left, he doesn't want to be with her, he only got married because of the propo but doesn't want to spend time with her, he only ever married her anyway because he knew she would volunteer no matter what and wanted her to die with some hope, that's the only reasons he was even with her, to make her live a life that was less glum, not because he wanted too.

he left because he's hoping if they're separated long enough he can silently leave her when the war is over and keep her in the hospital wing forever. her life feels so glum, so grey, until she finally gets to join the star squad and is so relieved because if he doesn't love her, she loves him and wants to keep pretending.

but I imagine sometime after the war has been won if she was still having those thoughts one day she'd just be like, "you're gonna leave me now, aren't you?"

"what?"

"I can't even beg you not to because you deserve to be happy too, I want you to be happy."

"I am happy." tears are softly brimming her eyelids as she shakes her head.

"you don't have to lie to me, finnick, you don't have to coddle me anymore. there's no impending death, or propo, if you want to be free then, just leave me be. I get it, I wouldn't marry me either."

his eyebrows are scrunched together, he's holding her face, "woah, woah, woah woah woah, no, angel. get those thoughts out of your head, I married you because I love you and I'd do it again. do you want to do it again? we can finally have a wedding at home."

"finnick, I know why you did it, you're not condemned to hold me down. I get it now, you left nothing to keep you back." he wouldn't just understood what she meant if she hadn't brushed her stomach with her hand.

"my poor, sweet girl. I love you so much it kills me. the war is over, we can have as many kids as we want, we can have another wedding ceremony, I'd never dream about lying to you about that." his forehead is pressed to hers, tears of his own in his eyes, "okay?" eventually after some staring into each other's eyes she's nodding, breaking down, bawling into his chest as he holds her. "love my sweet girl, so much, got you forever."

[http-finnick]

𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞

finnick odair x fem!pregnant!reader

cw: vomiting/morning sickness, swearing, worrying, fluff!

wc: 400

request: hiii, i love your writing and wanted to request! btw there is barely anyone writing for finnick anymore so i salute you <3 could you write something like finnick finding out the reader is preganant right before the third quater quell and he gets emotional. basically just TOOTH ROTTING FLUFF. Lots of love <333

you bit your lip as you watched your insides get flushed down the bowl, nausea still prominent as you faced the wrath of morning sickness.

you fall back against the wall as you sit there breathing heavily

it's a knock that startles you out of your daze, you jump and watch the door but no one dares to enter

"baby?" fuck, it's just Finnick.

"uh- yeah?" you answer unsteadily, unsure how long he's been up to hear you vomiting your guts out

"can you open the door?" he asks softly, you melt as you reach for it before snapping back at the mirror and making sure you look fine -aka making sure you don't look like the room is spinning

and, of course, you look like a mess. but that doesn't matter right now. you unlock it and the door bursts open to see a worried Finnick

"are you okay? whats..whats been going on with you lately?" he asks, gentle with his words but still his anxious eyes can't shake the facts he's frightened for you

"I'm..scared about the quell" you lie, well, not really. you are scared for the quell. just not vomit-worthy.

"for the past month?" he catches you red-handed, he knows you've been acting strange and the face you have when you're overcome with nausea is unmistakable.

"baby, just, please...tell me what's going on" he walks into the bathroom. closing the door behind him so he can lean back on it, making you feel trapped

it's silent, so silent. you wait for him to give up and abandon his conversation but he stands strong

well...he was gonna find out sometime.

"Finnick I'm pregnant." you say breathlessly, watching as his eyes widened completely, he wasn't expecting that..at all.

"... you're pregnant?" he asks, as if he misheard you. you cross your arms over yourself as your worst fear becomes a fact, he doesn't want it.

and then, another shock, he grins. full-on toothache grin as he picks you up and smashes his lips into yours

"your pregnant, your gonna have a baby! my babies!" he repeats, kissing you over and over as you sit on the sink still in shock

then his face floods with worry as he is reminded of the quell

"you, me, and that baby are gonna get out of there. haymitch's plan is perfect, I'll carry you out of that arena if I have to" he says before kissing you again, reaching his hand up to your stomach to caress it.

you watch as his eyes gloss over, and a grin finds his lips even tho he tries to bite it back

"I promise I'll protect you both" he whispers as his tears fall, and your own tears you had no idea about begin to rush down your face.

"i love you so much" he kisses you again, salty lips as his tears coat his tongue as kisses you so deeply, so lovingly.

"and I love you even more"

an: OMGGG! my first request! I was so so so excited when i saw this! thank you so much for the request, I loved writing this! and thank you for your kind words, they mean so much to me!! i hoped you enjoyed it!

[thgfanfictionlibrary]

Sign Up Now Open! (Click Here)

Sign up for writing a fic by simply completing the linked google form so you can be added to the AO3 collection! Once that's complete, you can begin writing based on the prompt!

Prompt: After the 74th games but before the Quater quell! Can be anywhere between missing moments in canon to a complete AU! All lengths accepted!

Submission due May 8th, 2024!

On May 8th, the collection on AO3 will go live and the comment feast begins!

For additional information, visit the FAQ page!

This comment feast is not about which author has the most comments but rather focuses on the commenters! Which commenter can engage with the most fics in the collection?

This blog will be highlighting comments for all fics in the collection once posted!

If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to send an ask!

[nickeverdeen]

Hey there! Since i didn't find any headcanons in Hunger Games Masterlist, can i request one? Perhaps a relationship headcanons for Johanna Mason with a female s/o? Please, don't feel forced to do this. Stay safe, healthy and happy!

Of course! I’m sorry it took me so long, but school’s been stressing me out and thank you!

Dating Johanna Mason hcs

You’re the couple that’s either:

Badass couple

Black cat and a golden retriever

Black cat and another black cat

Protective of each other

You’re the only person Johanna fully opens to

She’s traumatized af, please comfort her

Talking shit about Capitol

Johanna usually smiles when you walk into the room

You’re either living with her or she’s living with you, there’s no way she won’t move into your house if you don’t wanna move into hers

Of course she wouldn’t force you to let her live with you

She’s a huge tease

Kissing your lips, cheek or forehead

You’re her soft spot and she wouldn’t forgive herself if you’d die

Johanna doesn’t like it when someone is flirting with you

Getting through the Quater Quell together

During the 75th Hunger Games, she was really worried about you

She made sure to remove your tracker, but hates the fact that in order to do so he had to hurt you

Very relieved when she sees you in District 13

Cuddles with you when she can

Holding onto you tightly as if you’re gonna disappear at any minute

Johanna knows you can handle yourself, but she still doesn’t like the fact that you’re gonna fight in the rebelion

If you’re shorter than her, she’d definetly make fun of your height

Saying “I love you” whistl hugging

Helping her get through her PTSD

She helps you with whatever you’re suffering

You are the only person who can touch or brush her hair

Hand holding 24/7

————————————————————

[marooncardiganlover]

"Don't let fear hold you back from something that could be amazing."

Pairing: Finnick Odair x Reader

Word Count: Under 1k

Summary: Finnick confesses his feelings before the Quater Quell

Author's Note: Sorry if there's any inaccuracies, it's been a while since I've read or watched Hunger Games

-

You were sitting in the garden of the training center, watching the sunset over the Capitol. The vibrant colors of the sky were reflected in the glass buildings, creating a breathtaking sight. You were lost in thought, thinking about the upcoming Quarter Quell and what it would mean for you.

As you sat there, you heard footsteps approaching. You turned to see Finnick Odair, the handsome victor from District 4. He was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans, and his sea-green eyes sparkled in the fading light. He smiled at you as he sat down beside you.

"Hey, Y/N," he said, his voice warm and friendly. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

You nodded, feeling a flutter of nerves in your stomach. Finnick had been a good friend to you since you arrived in the Capitol, and you had grown to care for him deeply. He was always there to offer a kind word or a helping hand, and his charming smile never failed to brighten your day.

Finnick took a deep breath and looked into your eyes. "Y/N," he said softly. "I have something to tell you. I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I can't keep it to myself any longer."

You felt your heart race as Finnick took your hand in his. His touch was gentle yet firm, and you could feel the warmth of his skin against yours.

"Y/N," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I have feelings for you. I care about you more than I can say. You're smart, kind, and brave, and I can't imagine my life without you."

He paused, looking down at your intertwined hands. "I know we're facing uncertain times," he continued. "And I know that the future is uncertain. But all I know is that when I'm with you, everything feels right. You make me feel alive, Y/N. You make me feel like anything is possible."

Finnick looked up at you, his sea-green eyes shining with emotion. "I don't know what the future holds," he said. "But I do know that I want to face it with you by my side. I want to be there for you, support you, and protect you. I want to be the one who makes you smile when everything else seems dark."

He squeezed your hand gently. "I know this is a lot to take in," he said. "And I understand if you need time to think about it. But please, Y/N, don't push me away. Don't let fear hold you back from something that could be amazing."

Finnick's confession was heartfelt and emotional, and it was clear that he cared for you deeply.

You felt a wave of emotion wash over you as Finnick spoke. You had feelings for him, too, feelings that you had been trying to ignore. You cared for him deeply, and the thought of being with him filled you with happiness.

But even as your heart swelled with happiness, fear crept in. The Quarter Quell was right around the corner, and the thought of losing Finnick was too much to bear. You couldn't bear the thought of putting him in danger or causing him pain.

"Finnick," you said, pulling your hand away from his. "I can't do this."

Finnick looked at you, confusion etched on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked.

You stood up, tears streaming down your face. "I can't let myself fall for you," you said. "Not when the Quarter Quell is so close. It's too dangerous."

Finnick stood up and reached for you, but you stepped back. "Y/N, please," he said, his voice pleading. "Don't push me away. I care about you."

But you shook your head. "I'm sorry, Finnick," you said, turning to run away. "I can't risk it."

And with that, you ran off into the night, leaving Finnick standing alone in the garden.

-

[savannahsdeath]

well ive always liked the trope with katniss like she didnt realise how in love she was until it was to late ? (maybe like reader passes or falls in love with someone else)

Katniss with a district four reader so the two of them swimming about in a lake

Katniss with like an entertainer reader in district 13. (sort of similar to reader = happiness and life katniss = sadness and dealth)

the reader trying to convice herself its for the better when peeta returns and katniss is like wtf no i love you , your my person

katniss with a capital!reader where katniss basically just used the reader but the reader fell in love

maybe career reader whos close to cashmere and that but katniss and reader had a secret relationship and when it came to the bloodbath she picked katniss

just them with the song inbetween by gracie abrams

reader with katniss slowly falling out of love and back in love with peeta

katniss believing reader was dead and gives peeta a chance but then reader chance (please dont be in love with someone else)

district 12 reader being like "im not in love with you anymore" and katniss being like "i didnt know you ever where" when they reach 13

youve always got the sacrafice trope

katniss waiting a little to late and now she watches your life though her hologram screen

katniss lashing out because no one gets her or understands and she doesnt know readers in that capital before the quater quell and then the reader sort of shows up like heyyyyyyyy

-from your fav katniss enthusiast? (how on earth do you spell that?)

im going feral youre a genius😮‍💨😮‍💨 ill try to write at least one drabble today cuz im so in love iahxhavs i cant omg (and you spelled it right !!)

[thgcommentfeast]

Sign Up Now Open! (Click Here)

Sign up for writing a fic by simply completing the linked google form so you can be added to the AO3 collection! Once that’s complete, you can begin writing based on the prompt!

Prompt: After the 74th games but before the Quater quell! Can be anywhere between missing moments in canon to a complete AU! All lengths accepted!

Submission due May 8th, 2024 (Pacific Time (PT))!

On May 8th, the collection on AO3 will go live and the comment feast begins!

For additional information, visit the FAQ page!

This comment feast is not about which author has the most comments but rather focuses on the commenters! Which commenter can engage with the most fics in the collection?

This blog will be highlighting comments for all fics in the collection once posted!

If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to send an ask!

[laughing-with-god]

Would quater quell jk joined the rebellion like in the hunger games movie ?

first of all - omg I missed you! You always have such cool questions lol

Secondly, actually idk.

It's been established that QQ JK is a career, and it's implied in the books that careers are kind of brainwashed to believe that serving in the games is an honor. Districts 1, 2, and 4 also have good relationships with the capitol. I don't remember the exact order districts turned but I do believe 2 was one of the last districts to join the rebels.

I think if he's a victor, he would feel like he owes everything to the capitol. His home, his money, meeting and being with Y/n. He'd most likely be put on television as a victor speaking out against the rebellion. Sure, the president most likely commanded him to, but I don't think he'd be annoyed or anything. I can see victor JK looking at rebels like "what if u guys got a job ? unemployed behavior." lmao. I think MAYBE if Y/n was into the rebellion, then he'd reluctantly support it. But his protective ass would try really hard to talk her out of it bc he know the capitol would target them next.

Now if he was a tribute / pre games,

Well....I think JK would side with whoever is winning. he doesn't really have any principles other than "the strong should dominate the weak" For years the capitol was stronger than the districts, so he sees it as the natural way of things. now if the rebellion were to win and prove that they are stronger than the capitol, he'd accept that outcome. I do think he'd be slightly annoyed though at having to find a normal job, as QQ JK always wanted to play the games and live as a victor. so his first thought if the rebellion wins is like, "shit i gotta download indeed now"

[123pixieaod]

Hunger Games AU

The people he's killed visit him. They sit beside him, the two boys and two girls and Orange Lady. Their presence like stones settling into water, sinking further and further into him.

Daniel keeps his eyes shut. It doesn't help. He can still hear them.

Max was never haunted by the people he killed. He would just shrug, say if he hasn't killed them they would've killed him. It was called the Hunger Games. All a game and he was just a player.

You want someone to blame for their deaths, blame Snow and every bastard in Panem who watched, he'd tell Daniel.

But Snow hadn't been the one to hold the handle, listen to the gurgled screams, hold them still as he pulled the knife through.

Blood. Even with his eyes closed there's so much blood.

It's cold in the cave. He shivers, even though Max has left him under moss and foliage. At least, he presumes it was Max.

Max left. Daniel told him not to, told him he was being a fool, was looking to be killed.

You'd said you'd protect me, he finally resorted to, teeth chattering.

You have a fever, Max whispered, brushing a hand over Daniel's clammy forehead. You'll die if I don't go Daniel.

And you'll die if you do, he replied. Max had just smiled grimly, running his fingers through Daniel's curls until he slipped into a restless sleep.

He doesn't know how long it's been. Days? Weeks? Maybe the game is actually over, Max murdered by Charles or Carlita or someone. A new winner of winners. Pack up, leave, Daniel left behind.

The girl sitting beside him starts to choke. Daniel keeps his eyes tightly closed, even when he feels the water splashing his cheeks and arms.

Daniel, Max says softly. Not a ghost, because he's not dead. He can't be. How are you feeling? Fingers ghost through his hair.

It was so stupid. The tribute from District 6. Max had wanted to kill him immediately, but Daniel knew him. He had stood beside him a few years back during the screening of the Hunger Games, commiserated each other on the inevitable deaths of the children they tried to protect. He knew him. He was sane, usually drunk or high, but sane. Not rambling, drinking sea water and trying to tear out his own tongue.

The 75th Hunger Games. The Third Quater Quell. What a fucking joke. They survived the games with the promise of never getting sent back in. That was the deal.

They had gotten separated. The alliance Sebastian helped him and Max form. The two of them, then the career tributes from 1 and 2, Lando and Carlita, District 5's Alex, Disticts 10's Pierrina and District 11's Charles.

Sebastian had grabbed Daniel, pulling him into the shadows.

You have to keep Charles and Max alive. Nobody else, not even yourself matters. Just those two.

And Daniel had nodded, understanding all the unsaid things Sebastian meant, everything that rided on Charles and Max's survival. The fanning of the rebellion already kindling across the country. And now look where he is, how far he's failed.

"They're probably both dead," the District 10 boy says. Daniel had beaten his head with a stone until he stopped twitching. He speaks as if he can't quite remember how words should be formed. The District 5 girl is still chocking.

It was his fault. He was the one who suggested going to the shore.

Maybe there'll be dolphins we can watch, he has said, stupidly, trying to lift the mood.

Dolphins can kill too, Pierrina has muttered. She walked close to Charles, eyes flitting between the rest of then. Daniel knew she wouldn't hesitate to kill any of them, even Max, if it meant keeping Charles safe.

It'll mean we can keep our backs to the water, give us an easier defensive position, Georgina piped up. She and Daniel got on well, had always done so since the very first time they first met, years ago. Georgina, newly crowned victor, shoved in front of Panem aristocracy, young and naieve and blue eyes like a startled deer. Daniel was there, a quiet voice in her ear, guiding her through it. Max told him he was stupid, especially considering Georgina had been the one to murder their Distrct 8 girl, Monique. Daniel had shrugged, unable to reply.

"Maybe he's left you," the District 2 boy says. His blood still feels tacky on Daniel's hands.

"No, Max wouldn't do that," the Distrct 12 girl says confidently. She's the kindest of them all because Daniel had found her after the Careers had. A slit throat was a mercy.

It had been a tsunami. Alex had spotted it first, screaming at them all to run, and then Daniel had seen it too. Just a body of water, an impenetrable wall of grey gliding towards them.

Max grabbed his hand. They ran. Max was quick, faster than his blocky build suggest is possible. They ran together, breath burning as the noise of rushing water built around them. The wild birds of the rainforest fled overhead, painting the azure sky a watercolour of terror.

The sounds filled his ears too, the squaking of the birds, the frantic huffs of their breaths, the crackle of leaves and twigs underfoot. The shaking, the roar of water hitting land. Max speeding, legs pumping, pulling Daniel along with him, faster, higher, on and on.

"You're lucky the hut was there to climb up on top of," the girl from 12 says softly.

"It wasn't luck," the boy from 10 snaps. "Of course the game makers couldn't have Max Verstappen being taken out by a big wave. That's no fun."

The girl from 5 is still chocking.

-

Max killed 12 people in his games. It was a new record. 'Mad Max', he was dubbed. The 13 year old from District 8 who dominated his games the second it had started. He had volunteered for it too. He wanted to cause pain, he wanted to kill.

He volunteered for these games too, but for an entirely different reason.

I need to be there to protect you Daniel, he had said simply, and from anyone else it would be superfluous, hyperbolic. From Max, it was painfully earnest, painfully truthful.

I won my own games Maxy, Daniel whispered, running his fingers through his tawny hair. I know how to kill.

Max looked up at him, eyes dark and blue and as expansive as the sea, only ever like this for Daniel. I know. But you will not need to do it if I am there.

Nothing I can say will make him not volunteer, Sebastian said later, over hot midnight rum. Daniel looked away, hands wrapped around the glass. I've told him. I've told him that these Quarter Quills are only happening because Snow is scared of us, of the Victors. If what Max and Charles represent, what they can do. The rest of us are just people. The two of them are the idea of rebellion. They can't be allowed to die.

I presume he didn't take well to that, Daniel finally said, a wry smile tugging on his lips. No other choice; humour or tears.

No, Sebastian says stoutly. He did not take that well. Think he wanted to punch me for daring to suggest your life was worth less than the rebellion we've worked decades for. He laughed humourlessly. Why did it have to be you, Daniel? Anyone else, and he'd remain that angry, silent boy we sent into the games. Uncaring, blindingly obedient. The rebellion would be over by June. He shook his head, voice turned bitter from the rum. Or better yet, why couldn't he have taken in love with Charles? Solve all our problems in one fell sweep. Max would storm the capitol by himself and kill snow with his bare hands to keep Charles save. But not. It had to be you, Daniel.

Daniel managed a thin smile, looking out Sebastian's window. Max's house is in darkness but Daniel's is bright, his bedroom lit and waiting for him to come home.

It was two out of three. No women Victors from District 8 for over a century, so there had to be two men sent. Daniel, Sebastian, Max. Either Daniel would go or Max would. Best case scenario.

He had stood very still on the stage when his name had been called. Vaguely, he was aware of a wailing, a mother's cry as she was forced to live through it all again. Her son, to be murdered or to murder - which was worse.

Daniel didn't breathe. The defeat was crushing, listening to Max volunteer before the presenter even finished reading Sebastian's name. He stared straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge Max as he stepped up beside him, refusing to even return the touch when Max brushed his shoulder against his.

"You were secretly glad he volunteered though," the boy from District 2 sneers. "You're too selfish not to have him with you. I hope he dies and you survive, just so you have to live with it. I hope he haunts you, just like we do."

Daniel squeezes his eyes shut even tighter. He can't stop shivering.

Part 2!

[mega-aulover]

Mind Blown Hunger Games Discovery:

Lucy Grey, Haymitch, and Katniss were Mirrors of each other:

They won their Hunger Games by exploiting a loophole in the Arenas.

Lucy Grey realized that the snakes were not going to attack her and used it to her advantage to win the 10th Hunger Games.

Haymitch discovered that he could use the forcefield to his advantage to win the 50th Quater Quell Hunger Games.

Katniss used the berries to her advantage to save her and Peeta's life and win the 74th Hunger Games and destroyed the 75th Quater Quell Hunger Games.

They shared other similarities

All three came from D12 -

All were related to the Covy or were Covy-

They didn't need to use brute strength to win -

They each played a pivotal part in the Hunger Games' history

They were all witty

They were all smart - street smart and could have been book smart had they the proper education

All three changed Panem -

Lucy changed the culture of the Hunger Games in Panem

Haymitch caused harsher punishments in the districts and severe penalties for the Victors

Katniss caused the revolution/war - that the rebellion won

All three interacted with Coronialus Snow at some point in his Life or Career:

Lucy when he was known as "Coryo" a student at the beginning of his career/life - when everything still seemed possible and Snow always land on top.

Haymitch when he was President Snow during the height of his Career and Life - Snow had molded the Games to his specification, had control of the Capitol, and had control of the entire nation of Panem.

Katniss at the end of President's Snows Life and Career - when he was sick and dying and he was trying to maintain control of a situation that was bigger than him

All three had a partner that could have been constricted as romantic helping them in the Arena in some capacity:

Lucy had Snow

Haymitch had Maysilee

Katniss had Peeta

All three have an association with birds:

Lucy was known as a Songbird - she always said it ain't over till the Mockingjay sings. - Was the original Mockingjay

Haymitch's ally - district partner Maysilee was killed by Candy Pink Birds and she was the owner of the Mockingjay Pin

Katniss was given the Mockingjay Pin by Maysilee's niece and was known as the Mockingjay - she sang in the arena like Lucy -