I really, really want more Icarus and Scorn content and not just because they look fucking great and I wanna giggle at them serving face.
But like, their relationship with Maul is so interesting and they are clearly very loyal to him, with Maul trusting them back in return and I just WANNA KNOW MORE ABOUT THAT.
What we got:
They’re fighting hand in hand.
Immediate stopping as soon as Maul jumps in front of them, not a moment of shock when he just jumps up. They knew he was there, that he had their back and are able to react to his sudden appearances.
They are the ones Maul also choose to take with him to break into prison, as well as being responsible for Devon.
Icarus is trusted with Maul’s lightsaber. Adapt enough to play a believable sham.
They're often with him in general, with one of them shadowing him, protecting his back.
Not to mention that he locks himself away with them to get his legs fixed. Like hiding with them in a closet?
Showing a fucking softness on his face that makes me go feral. Like all of them. No judgment from Icaurs, Maul closing his eyes when it's over and only tensing when Rook shows up.
Like when have we ever seen Maul like that? There's only ONE other person he was so fucking perfect in sync with and now we get to see glimpses of it again, but what did we get so far about this very obvious very saying relationship??
We heard them laugh, Icarus growl and now we have a spoken "Brother". Like as a casual watcher you would not even know their names. WE know their names, because we looked them up, but NOT ONCE were their names mentioned in the show so far.
And I just... I want more. I want to know more. Where are they from? Did he pick them up somewhere in the galaxy or on Dathomir? What did he say to them to gain such trust? What did THEY say to MAUL to gain such trust? Is it nostalgia? Guilt? Familiarity?
Just give me more. Make them the bridge between Maul and a tribe he was never really part of and yet it's all he has left. Substitutes for a family he got to know too late.
Summary: The 68th hunger games is upon us. Follow district 4’s tribute Nokoa Fontaine as she fight for her life and others to survive these games.
Read chapter 1 here (x)
This part was supposed to be out long before but I got sick and I’m out for summer sooooooo yeah
Word count: 2613
Warnings: cannon typical violence and death, blood and gore, child death, murder but I mean it is the hunger games so it shouldn’t be a surprise
Nokoa watched ahead of her as once again a Peacekeeper jabbed her partner in the back how was dragging his feet. Even though she didn't have any problems with Koi growing up, since he tended to keep to himself, she would say that this behavior was unwarranted to his actions
Of course as a conditioned district citizen, Koi did a good job of keeping his mouth shut. If it were her the hard stares wouldn't be the only thing getting thrown at the Peacekeepers.
The pair that had their rough gloves around her arms squeezed tighter. For a moment Nokoa could have sworn a glance was thrown back by her partner but the moment was fleeting.
Instead taking up most of her view was a large sleek train parked in the station. Only once has Nokoa really seen the beast. Dropping of and exporting their good didn't require this much style and pizzazz of the Capitol, but the train was parked only a bay over.
Nokoa could recall that the train was only there for a drop off that day she saw it. and she really hoped it wouldn't be for the same reason that she'd be shipped back to her district after the games.
She could feel the rumbling below her feet. Her certain doom was guaranteed at the end of this ride. A fact that truly resonated into her bones now and one that, against her own will, made her step closer to the older boy as they entered the train.
Inside was just as extravagant as the imagine of the capital she had in mind. She felt the Peacekeepers let go of her finally and gave Nakoa one final push before they forgot about her completely.
They wouldn't lay away at night, haunted by the day they just had. Nokoa was almost positive they had no awareness to anything at all, sending children to their death without a bat of an eye and a hard shove in the back.
No one from the Capitol would mourn her, for it was just a game for them.
Koi brushed passed her and stepped silently further into the luxury car. Silently. Nokoa couldn't help but notice, a fact that unnerved her more-could this be how she died? Stabbed in the back without ever knowing it was coming.
The car had a long navy couch at its center facing a glass stand with fishes swimming inside of it. The rather fragile looking coffee table had the same details, clearly a set. Perched in the center of the table were the dress shoes that belonged to the man already lounging on the couch.
His gelled hair sparkled in the lighting and Nokoa could clearly see just how much it took to create these pikes atop his head
Dendron Rosewood draped a sparkling clad arm over the side of the couch and smiled at Nokoa and Koi, overjoyed he spoke with enthusiasm.
"Well would you look at you two!"
His attitude clearly wasn't left on the wooden stage back home. Dendron's genuine happiness made Nokoa want to jump across the room at him. Did he enjoy this work? Watching pairs just like them go by every year? Draping them in fine fabrics in an act to try and help them.
"So much better already than the two last year," he started with a wave of the hand. "Couldn't take constructive criticism, made my job loads harder."
Eva, Reid's girl was a tribute last year. Nokoa could remember the heart filled goodbye that was given and the 3 Fontain kids refusing to watch to games until someone gave the news.
Reid couldn't stand to watch her demeaned in the games, though he knew she was strong he was prepared for the worst. They were no better than animals in the games in their eyes. Would her brothers watch her fight, take the lives of others? Did they truly think she could win?
Nokoa's body shivered with the hollow cries she could still hear coming from her brothers room after word came in that Eva's time in the arena was up.
A blank expression crossed her face. This man that sat lounging in front of her didn't even care to remember Eva's name, let alone say anything positive about her. Nokoa was now certain Dendron Rosewood wouldn't be making it to the capital with his over caked up face in tact.
With a hard step Nokoa was half way across the room before an arm shot out to stop her. Her mouth opened ready to snap at anyone at the moment but the wide eyes of Koi stared back at her.
He gave her a slight shake of his head. Even though she didn't like being told what to do she stopped at gazed at him perplexed.
Koi's expression didn't reprimanded her or scolded her for the anger so evident on her face. Instead it read more as a 'not right now'. He seemed to promise her a time to explode at this bedazzled capital man.
Strange. The DeCastellos back in 4 were jewelers. A snobby household that were prided on the finest things in life. More times than not, Nokoa would watch the huge, lumbering man that turned out to be Koi's father sell his wares directly to the capital.
Their big house back in the district seemed to suggest that the family was good at what they did, and their overly full bellies concluded it.
Nokoa wasn't a fan of capital kiss-ups, she'd seen what the peacekeepers could do on a whim, what they did to her family already. The boy standing in front of her couldn't have been more opposite to what she thought of them in this moment. Though maybe that's what he wanted her to see, she still wasn't fully trusting of his intentions.
Volunteering usually means a great deal of determination to win. Koi's a volunteered tribute. Just like the other districts that called themselves 'Careers'
"Feisty," Dendron quirked his eye brows up and flashed his teeth at her. He waved down the peacekeepers staring at the scene. "That's the spirit we need in the games, already to play are we?" His tone suggested that she was about 5 years old. Nokoa scoffed but didn't return the punch.
She caught a glimpse of Koi rolling his eyes before he took returned to a semi-relaxed stance.
"Well hopefully you already know but I'm Dendron Rosewood and I'll be your Capitol escort and one of your stylists.
"Let's test," he started and sat up straight with both feet on the floor. Nokoa was confused by what he meant until he spoke.
"Nokoa was it? What a sad scene with who I could assume was your brothers." He stuck out his bottom lip at her but continued turning his attention to her district partner.
"And of course our lone wolf, Cod. No distractions and all determination. I like it." He clapped his hands, some of the pearls in his suit hit together with a 'clunk'.
"Koi." The younger boy corrected him in a monotoned voice. He didn't raise his voice nor moved at all but something flashed across Rosewoods face.
It was Nokoa's turn to roll her eyes.
Dendron's composure was back in an instant and he stood now. "A fish is a fish." He walked over to the pair and was brave enough to clasp them both on the shoulders. Nokoa glanced around the car for a moment, her eyes landed on the peacekeepers and she fought the urge to shrug this Capitol man off.
"Speaking of which, I know I'm hungry." Does he ever stop talking? Nokoa glanced at Koi's face but his attention was elsewhere. Undeterred by the lack of response Drendron continued. Clearly he never gets the hint either
"Come on I'll show you the dining car."
The highly decorated cars hurt her eyes a little bit as the trio passed through them. Her family back in 4 weren't the wealthiest but comparing her town with this train alone- there were nights the nets weren't filled and the stomachs felt a little hollow-
and the stories she's heard of other district, Nokoa could determine no district would ever truly live up to the Capitol.
Dendron ducked a bit so his spiked hair could fit through the train cart. Once they got to the dining cart Nokoa looked around with wide eyes.
There was a water fixture towards the side of the car making it look like it was raining. The carpet was a deep blue and the long table was the same fish tank idea as the coffee table. Nokoa scoffed a little, they were really leaning heavy into District 4's trade
"Bet I can guess what's for dinner." Koi spoke over his shoulder quietly when Nokoa's steps fell next to his.
Already sitting at the end of the long table was the blonde hair boy from the reaping. His eyes racked over both tribute in front of him but a grin filled his face when his eyes landed on Dendron Rosewood.
The Capitol escort sauntered over and lounged in the seat next to their mentor, as if they've been friends forever. The pearly suit man pointed to both kids in turn. "Nokoa, Cod."
"Koi." This time Nokoa felt the venom lace her words along with Koi who corrected the man once again.
"Well," started the blonde on the end standing up from his seat and making his way over. "I'm Finnick Odair." He stuck out his hand for a firm handshake.
"You won, what? Like 3 years ago?" Koi started dropping his hand back down to his side. "You were 14?"
"Meaning I was good." Finnick flashed his signature Capitol smile. It didn't really fool Nokoa since it didn't reach his eyes.
"Meaning," Koi stepped back slightly, taking a real look at their supposed mentor. "You're still a child."
Nokoa eyes blew wide for a second. She never really connected the dots yourself. Everyone in 4 knew about how Finnick was the youngest victor.
They took pride in that.
"You're 17?" Nokoa spoke quietly. A child was going to teach them to kill other children. Great.
"It doesn't matter honey." Finnick's smile wavered for a moment. "I know how the Capitol works, I'm your best shot at getting home." His last word dripped with something different than venom.
Nokoa pushed her lips into a fine line. That's all she wanted. She wasn't sure if she really wanted the glory and respect from the districts and Capitol alike, she wanted to be back home. In her creaky house helping her brothers fish and sell. The run her hands along the tall grass and see her birds.
Who would feed them when she's gone?
But most importantly she just wanted her family. Reid and Theo were there her entire life, she couldn't let their family break even more.
Koi scoffed beside her but remained quiet. The tension was broken by Dendron speaking up of course. "If you 3 are done can we get this meal started."
Finnick gestured for the table and Nokoa glanced at him slightly before taking her own seat at the right of the table. Before Koi could sit as well the blonde grabbed Koi's arm and reached up to whisper something in his ear.
Nokoa couldn't quite make it out but Koi remained with his hardened expression.
It was starting to drive her mad really, he didn't seem to care what would happen to them at all. The most emotion she saw was him correcting his name.
When everyone was once again seated serves flanked the room with plates adorning their arms. Within the bunch there were exotic fruits Nokoa only ever saw at the market. Other main dishes were unfamiliar to her but the Salmon at the center of the table brought her back home.
She spared a glance from the fish to Koi but his eyes were trained on his own plate.
Finnick cleared his throat and wiped the blonde locks from his eyes. "We should arrive tommorow afternoon, closer to sunset." He shoved some bright orange fruit into his mouth and then continued. "I was thinking about talking about more serious matters over breakfast."
His sea green eyes landed on Nokoa who was about to speak up. Perfectly straight teeth flashed at her. "Someone's eager but let's save it for later."
"I-" Nokoa said bitterly, "was actually going to ask about the older women with you today." God was that really today? The reaping felt like a distant nightmare already, but she was barely far from home.
"Why do we have two mentors? This isn't a quarter quell." Koi spoke up again. All facts as usual. "Mags isn't it?"
"Someone's brushed up on their history. Smart boy." Finnick pointed across the table. "She's...helping me. Smart as a whip and has been around a while for her share of games." Finnick paused every once in a while to find some words. For the first time since meeting him, Nokoa saw his confidence waver.
"She's resting at the moment. But she'll be a good asset to you both."
Nokoa sat back in her seat for a moment, her plate was still half full but thoughts of tomorrow spoiled her appetite. She'd was sure she'd be kicking herself for not eating the rest later tonight.
Since Dendron wasn't the center of attention for the last half an hour, he decided it was time to add. "And you'll be meeting your stylist tomorrow- preparation for the interviews is always my favorite."
"I could guess why." Koi spoke under his breath only to Nokoa, and she huff in amusement.
The platters and cutlery was the only sound for the rest of the meal. Orange hues from the setting sun filtered into the room. The blue that was wrapped around almost every surface was becoming discolored by the orange. Nokoa's plate still sat half untouched
Though her day normally didn't end this early, Nokoa only wanted to be harried in her bed away from the people that constantly watched her. She couldn't shake the feeling she wouldn't have time to herself again.
As if their mentor could read their minds, Finnick shot a look towards Dendron before speaking. "Im assuming you weren't shown your rooms. When I was here for the first time I remember the reaping caused me to turn in early."
Nokoa felt her body move on autopilot and droned along between the two boys. Her tired mind finally presented the fact to her. Both boys were a year older than she. All three were now in the same boat, heading towards a foreign land.
Her ears rang, she watched as Finnick opened the door to what she assumed was her quarters. Nokoa barely registered the quiet voice of Koi wishing her a goodnight. How could it be good? Despite her training Nokoa wasn't sure she could be a victor. Could she do the unthinkable?
Nokoa came to the end of her large bed in the darkened rooms. Her feet felt around for a second, the floorboards didn't squeak. Of course they didn't.
Of course Nokoa couldn't leave her room and be met with her other brothers lounging on their couch, their feet propped up with no fish in the table.
Of course she couldn't be normal ever again.
She stood for a moment in the room, the weight of truly being alone finally hit her.
Nokoa moved to the side of the bed, no lingering smell of Banana pudding or of the oceans salty air.
Everything was different here and Nokoa was alone.
This is my version of a hunger game novel with mostly original characters and crazy twists and turns!
Stay tuned to follow 16 year old Nokoa Fontaine as she takes on the 68th Hunger games! Please enjoy!
4K words. Proofread-ish
Warnings: cannon typical violence and death, blood and gore, child death, murder but I mean it is the hunger games so it shouldn’t be a surprise
i. The Reaping
Coming around the bend on an old dirt trail, Nokoa could already tell some of her goslings were dead.
The soft yellow goslings feathers that littered the ground were highlighted in the warm July sun. A soft huff escaped her lips, normally the Coyotes didn't leave a trace.
Nokoa brushed the dark hair from her shoulder before crouching down in front of the Goose that came running over once she got to the pastor. Salty air from the ocean near ruffled the feathers and her shirt alike.
"Sorry about the babies Ma." It seemed only about 3 of the goslings were unlucky in the night as she took a headcount of the remaining babies..
The Goose pecked at her fingers and boots for a moment before walking back to the small shelter in the clearing. A line of the goslings followed not far behind. And so did Nokoa.
She reached for the pack at her back and wrapped her hands around the goose feed. Breathing in the quiet serenity of the peaceful summer morning Nokoa threw the feed around and watched some of the curious babies waddle around her feet.
For a moment she wished that she could freeze this moment forever. The sun warmed her tanned face with the salty breeze that always reminded her of home, and the now satisfied squawks that filled the air.
The day was ruined however with the inevitable.
Placing the remaining feed back in her pack and re-slinging it over her shoulders. "Wish me luck, see you guys tomorrow." Nokoa finished and stroked the head of the mother goose.
With that she headed back towards the beaten path, away from the salty air and back into the center of district 4.
More people rose today with the sun than any other. Friends, parents, and families all seemed to be shopping around the district square together. Finalizing purchases for the big day.
How she loathed the love some of the community had for the games. Side stepping a peacekeeper, Nokoa kept her strides even around the market. Finally her eyes landed on the shop she wanted.
Her brothers and her ran a small business selling their catches and wears to the others in the districts. Both Reid and Theo Fontaine were 18, though they weren't twins even if Nokoa herself wasn't convince at times, and weren't in their shop window.
Must be out still. She tried to ease her mind for a moment, shoving her hands in her pocket as to not pick at the skin around her nails. The habit for which she was scolded by her oldest brother Reid for.
Though more times than not his own fingers were splotched and bloody. Nokoa scoffed at the thought and turned back around to head home if the rest of her family weren't home yet.
"They better not be late." The voice of a big, brooding girl rang out. Many onlookers spared one glance before deciding to mind their own business as a stink eye was shot their way. "Hate for the peacekeepers to get envolved. Especially on a special day like this." Blare threatened. Her shadow covered Nokoa's entire body and the rising sun say perfectly on her shoulder.
The large girl was the epitome of a career. Trained from birth and it showed, her wealthy important parents made sure of it. Though Nokoa couldn't keep up with the family drama, it always seemed to like higher. Maybe this year Blare would volunteer and leave Nokoa safe for another year.
"If I wanted to hear your concern I'd have to get the peacemakers dick out of your mouth first."
Nokoa kept her voice even and low so the spectators had to strain to keep the facade that they weren't listening. The comment earn a snicker from the older girls entourage.
"This year," Blare's huge paw landed on Nokia's shoulder and gripped hard. "Maybe I'll let them call out a name, and then when it's you I'll forget to speak up."
Nokoa scoffed but was smart enough to remain silent, a peacekeeper was already glancing over at the only conversation that seemed to be going on in the square.
"I always have next year to win anyways." With that she shoved off of Nokoa and returned to whatever cave she came from. If Blare would really volunteer for the games Nokoa's not to sure she'd miss her, a terror at school and in the world.
Too bad she's only brawn.
Nokoa rung out her shoulder and headed home. Soon she'd have to be back in the square, but not yet. Worried thought ran through her mind for a moment, could any of her family be picked?
It was both Reid and Theo's last eligible year, though Reid was unlucky enough that his 19th birthday fell only a few days after July 4th.
Tesserae also wasn't fractured into Nokoa's calculating mind. Being from district 4 had its perks. If you couldn't selling your catchings at least you could always eat it.
Entering through the front door of the house two familiar faces loomed up at her. Dark wavy mops sat at the top of each of the boys heads, the same identical rounded eyes as her own stared back at her. For them not truly being twins they could fool anyone.
"No catch?" She asked dropping her bag and toeing her shoes off at the door. Her parents when they were still around had a weird rule about shoes in the house. "I was looking for you at the square today"
"This one was too lazy, I guess I just caught too much for him to handle." Theo rolled his eyes teasing the oldest Fontaine boy.
"Don't believe fish lips over here Koa, almost went overboard with a large fish." Reid defended himself as stood bringing her attention to the stove.
Her eyes brightened and a smile spread across her lips. "When did you get the bananas for the pudding?" She asked joining Theo in the kitchen.
"That large fish," Theo started putting his sentence in air quotes. "Traded it away for you."
She laughed for a second before all 3 siblings were crowded around the stove looking at the special dessert. "We need something happy for today." Reid concluded. He stirred the old pot and blew out the burner underneath. Their mother use to make the pudding for the reapings, always something that remind her of the women.
"At least you're almost out." Nokoa spoke quietly getting bowls from a wooden cupboard. The exchange at the market rattled her a little bit. There was a small chance she'd be picked anyways.
"Don't say that." Reid's expression became hard and in an instant she wished she didn't say anything at all. It probably would hurt the two boys more if her name was called when they got out the following year. Reid's girl got reaped the year before, properly reaped with no one intervening and volunteering. She was a sweet small thing but definitely didn't live up to the career title.
Winning respect for your district. Though Nokoa wasn't sure if there even was a winner of the games. You die or become praised for being a murderer with no choice.
"You won't." Theo spoke confidently, he seemed to be convincing himself of it more than her. "Some idiot will open their fat mouths and they can be shipped off to the capital. As simple as that."
As simple as that, though was it really.
The pudding was shared by the small family in silence for the rest of the morning. She wanted to ask about their morning, their fishing trip, anything really to get all their minds off of the days ahead. Theo's spaced off expression did little to calm her nerves even after his words.
Strange, he could hide his anxieties the best with simple jokes. Clearly this morning weighed down.
Abruptly coming out of his thoughts, Reid rose from his chair and collected their bowls. "Get ready, both of you. Whoever's above knows that you could use it."
A dark blue dress laid on her bed for her. The floorboards squeaked as she came to the end of her bed as it always did. Some things were just reliable.
Like the dress, Nokoa could remeber her mother wearing it year after year. Her small hands would hold the hem of the dress as they watched the reapings together. Her brothers annoying each other behind the pair.
Nokoa could almost hear her father's voice, splitting the two with his own body. She'd give anything to go back to that moment. When her whole world was safe.
The year her brothers had to stand with the other 12 year olds she was barely 10. Though the hem of the dark blue dress was lower down now she still held onto it for comfort.
Nokoa wasn't sure how the thought of her finally being able to fit into the dress affected her.
Numbly looking into the small mirror in her room, she was a spitting image to the women she remembered.
Walking back into the kitchen both boys cleaned up nicely. A white and light green dress shirt hung off of their frames. Their father always was a little bigger but Reid filled his out pretty well.
"My lady," Theo intertwined his arm with hers and started for the door. "I'll be your escore so the boys don't come running because for once you look half decent."
"Haha," She laughed sarcastically paired with an eye roll. With a glance back Nokoa extended her left arm to her other brother who watched them with a smile on his face.
The trio walked up the path to the town square, arms crossed and a weight leaning on their shoulders they didn't look back at the creaking house.
"See you after Koa." Reid rubbed a hand at the base of her neck. She could tell he thought about ruffling her hair but decided against it.
Theo wasn't as concerned as his big palm smacked her hair. "Yeah and then you can help us lug the fish to the shop. The extra smelly ones already have your name on it."
She batted his hand away and embraced her brothers one last time before he watched them go and stand with the other 18 year olds at the back of the boys designated side of the square- one more year and the worry would be over for them.
Nokoa slipped through the girls crowd. Coming to stand next to the kind face of Silas. The only girl her age that was halfway decent. Silas was a little taller, though didn't have nearly as much muscle mass compared to Nokoa. Based on appearances alone you could tell that someone like Silas wouldn't volunteer willingly.
"Happy hunger games." She said with a smile and a small bump of her shoulders. She didn't let Nokoa get a word in before she rushed into talking again. "I think Blare would have a good chance this year, of course the other tributes are a mystery, the arena and basically everything else. What if she doesn't even volunteer, I mean all that talk for nothing-" Nokoa turned her attended back to the stage that was being set up. She was use to tuning out the other girl. Maybe that's why they were only really 'friends' at school.
Commotion and shuffling of feet were heard somewhere over Nokoa's left shoulder. It wasn't until a big shoulder found its home in her shoulder before she decided to finally turn around.
Blare and her posse pushed past the other girls to stage along the other 17 year olds just behind where she already stood.
"Good luck." She sneered. Her voice dripped with something that Nokoa could barely place. Pure joy.
A smirk found her lips before a fat finger found its way to Blare's lips and she pointed to the stage. "Shh It's starting."
An elderly woman made her way to the stage, a dramatic hunch caused her to rely heavily on a bedazzled walker. She, as Nokoa concluded, could have totally avoided the painful bend if she only stopped wearing pounds of jewelry. Laciatus Stafford assumed her spot on the stage as the Mayor.
Next to appear was what Nokoa assumed to be their capitol escort and the one to draw the names. It was an older man, though not nearly as wrinkly as the mayor. He stood with an air of confidence as he adjusted his completely sparkling dress suit. The white of clam pearls blinded most of the younger children in the first row. The man's hair was spiked going in every direction and was probably about 6 inches in length each. Hidden behind a huge diamond and chain was the man's crooked pale nose. Nokoa couldn't place a name to his face, and hopefully she wouldn't find out.
Peacekeepers lined the stage as finally the show of importance was almost over. A younger looking man, correction, it was definitely still a boy, with blonde hair and a tall muscular build stood to the end of the stage. He flashed a sly smile to the crowd and gave a small wave. Though Nokoa couldn't miss the contrasted look he flashed to the older women who followed him up the side steps. Her gray curls poofed in all directions and the kind eyes of the women landed on the smaller faces peering up.
The previous district 4 winners: Finnick Odiar and Mags Flanagan took their spots on the far right of the stage.
The Anthem of Panem blared over the speakers on the sides of the impromptu wooden stage. Nokoa watched as some of the youngest kids in the front rows jumped from the unexpected noise. For a moment they squeaked and grinned her ears and Nokoa fought the urge to cover them.
Thats disrespectful to our nation. The peacekeepers would say. Blocking out the beautiful anthem? Unacceptable.
The justice building with its large sleek marble columns trying to emulate a period before, or at least it resembles what Nokoa tried to learn in school once, stood looming behind the stage.
The sun, now almost risen into the sky , still caused the justice building to cast a large shadow over the square. Over all the onlookers. Over all the district citizens.
A projection of the dark days came next. She could almost see the slides even if she closed her eyes. Finally the brutal noises of the reminder of the districts failed rebellion stoped and the annoying frequency of a microphone being tapped didn't give the ears any rest.
"Welcome everyone!" Spiky hair shinning man spread his arms out wide, inviting. "I, Dendron Rosewood, am here to present to you the reaping for the 68th Hunger Games."
Oh so that's his name.
Two peacekeepers made their way but the sides of the stage to place two glass fishbowls in front of Dendron. "Thanks you boys now who's ready to let the fun begin."
The crowd was dead silent. Nokoa could see some of the younger kids in front of her looking around at one another. Though there always was a hotshot kid with an air of cockiness about the games. This was created by being from a Career district. They'll learn.
A bead of sweat rolled down Dendrons temple however not induced by the summer sun. Quickly changing gears he started to reach for the first glass bowl. "Ladies first is what I was always taught, let's see who the lucky lady is."
Nokoa so desperately wanted to go up there and punch the stupid smile off his face, or just burry her head to block out the comments from Dendron that didn't land with the audience.
Five times. My name is entered only 5 times. Nokoa reasoned in her mind for a moment. Her pointer picked at the skin around her thumb for a moment.
He reached a pearl clad hand into the clear bowl, the gems clinked and scraped against the glass. He flashed a smile at the crowd before solidifying a fate in the palm of his hand. In what felt like slo-motion he pulled out and unfolded the slip of paper.
"Nokoa Fontaine."
Her breath caught in her throat and she almost lost the ability to stand altogether. She first glanced up to the stage, eyes landing in the man who had just announced her doom to the games. Dendron looked expectantly to the crowd, possibly waiting for the added drama of a volunteer.
Taking a few shaky steps Nokoa first looked back toward where her two brothers stood. She watched as Reid rapped a strong arm around Theo keeping him back and his mouth shut.
Fear overtook her for a moment as a thought dawned across her mind. She mouthed a hard 'don't you dare' to her brothers horror stricken faces.
If 2 of the remaining 3 siblings entered the arena it would be worse than just her being lost to history.
Shoving pasted the other girls Nokoa tried to make her way to the stage. Within 3 steps her path was interrupted by the hulking hand of Blare once again pressed to her shoulder.
"What are the odds." She whispered into her ear.
Though she was from a well respected family, who normally spent a lot of time in the capitol for being born district, there wasn't any way she could have done something to the drawing. Right?
The stairs creaked under her weight as she quickly climbed them. Both previous victors gave her a small nod and an expression that could be read as pity. Nokoa was sure that by now all the color was drained from her once sun-kissed face.
"Now who will be joining Ms. Fontaine hmm?" Dendron asked giving her the tiniest glances back, not truly worth his time she was guessing.
Once again is lanky arm reached into the bowl and clanked around a few times. Nokoa could barely pay attention with the blood rushing around in her ears and her heartbeat going a mile a minute.
Dendron's voice though it seemed underwater at the moment to her called out the second district 4 boy
"Kit Alesky"
Before Nokoa could register the name a hand shop up in the crowd.
"I volunteer as tribute." An older looking boy about a row or two in from of Reid and Theo called out into the crowd.
Great. She thought as once. A cocky know it all who most likely will kill her 10 seconds into the game.
The older boy puffed out his chest and stuck in chin more into the air. Some of the fellow kids patted him on the shoulder and gave him curt nods. As he made his way to the stage Nokoa could finally get a good look at him.
He was quite tall compared to her with a strong build from hard work, no doubt paired with the training provided by the capitol. His dark skin shone in the sun and the dark curls making a halo around his head were barely moved by the salty breeze.
"What is your name sir." Dendron gestured to the mic with a smile.
"Koi DeCastello." He spoke firmly with a nod. He didn't have any expression on his face, which striked Nokoa as odd since most volunteers were convinced that they would win.
"Well there you go lady and gents you're two tributes from district 4." He tried to start a slow applause which some people join but most just looked ready to leave. Ready to go home once again as they guaranteed they survive another year.
"May the odds be ever in your favor."
With the conclusion of the ceremony the others waiting on stage quickly made their ways to the exits, only if you could call Mayor Stafford hobble hasty.
Nokoa's eyes locked on that of her remaining family. Both boys still stared at her, their wide eyes no doubt were identical to her own.
Reid and Theo both were lead away from the square a back behind to the Justice Buildimg.
A final goodbye.
Would it really be the last time they would see her, would the two boys need to cope with another family member gone?
She herself was then gripped on the arms by one of the peacekeepers and shoved rather harshly to the side steps of the stage. Behind her slightly the loud voice of Dendron Rosewood projected around the now deserted area. Clearly he didn't really need the microphone. It was something about Koi volunteering, though she wasn't to interested in listening.
She's seen Koi around in school a lot. With him being more popular he remained a reserved him when by himself. Koi was strong sure but he didn't seem the volunteering type. During the reaping his father much like Koi himself rose his chin a little high once his son volunteered and spoke quietly to the people beside him.
Opening the doors to the Justice Building Nokoa wasn't no time flinging herself into the arms of her family. Reid's large had cupped the back of her head and her face buried in between both of the boys.
"It'll be okay." Theo spoke into her hair, both seemed to be shielding her from the outside world. As if the capitol didn't know she was there this whole nightmare would soon be over and the trio could go home to the rest of the banana pudding.
She was sure he was trying to convince himself along with her. In a moment Reid pulled back and took her right arm in his hand. With his free one he rolled up his dress shirt sleeve to reveal a plethora of leather bracelets.
He quickly slipped a chunky braided one onto her wrist, his favorite, their dad's favorite once. Taking the example Theo slipped his own bracelet made of thin rope with a dull fishing hook incorporated into the design.
Nokoa could almost see the memory of when he was younger parading around the house after he finally learned to weave the piece of rope.
Looking down her eyes welled up but were wiped away by her oldest brother. "You can do this." He made her eyes meet his own. "Show them who you are."
"Trains here kids." Dendron's voice carried, maybe now on the train she could wipe that smile off of his face, what else did she have to loose.
Her eyes went to the spiky haired man and then fell onto her fellow tribute who stood all alone. He glanced at her for a second and when he caught her eyes his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Her brothers embraced her once again, the smell of salty hair mixed with the warm spices of home made her want to grab on tighter and never let go. A peacekeeper came to break up the siblings and start to try and corral her to the waiting train.
For a moment she could only watch as both Reid and Theo were starting to be ushered out of the justice building. Reid however put his hands up for a moment and quickly made his way over to Koi.
The peacekeeper grumbled but allowed it to happen quickly. Reid stuck out his hand for the other boy who only happened to be about 2 years younger than him. Koi glanced up at him with glass eyes and returned the gesture.
Reid quickly pulled him into a hug and patted his back before breaking away. Word were shared between the two none were audible to the rest of the room.
"We don't have all day you too." She was already staring to get sick of Dendron's voice and wasn't sure if she could avoid him for the whole trip up tot he capitol.
Sparring one last glance at her family and her old life, she was forced to leave it behind and walk into the unknown. Utterly scared and utterly alone.
______________________________________
Here I’m just tagging some people who seemed to be interested in this series (if you want or not want to be tagged for future parts please let me know!)
would anyone, AND I MEAN ANYONE, be interested in my rendition of a hunger games game?? LIKE LITERALLY JUST ONE PERSON AND ID WRITE IT
It would basically be an OC thing I guess and written obvi like an actual hunger games book… but I’ve had such crazy ideas and I’m still reading SOTR and I’m obsessed!
So yeah it would probably be set maybe the 70- something hunger games but the tributes and the arena would probably be up to my imagination.
Omg WHEN I TELL YOU THE OBSESSION IS COMING BACK I STARTED THE REPUBLIC COMMANDO BOOKS-
Hooked. Oh my god. New baby boys unlocked frrrrrrrr….no favorites but NINER OMG 🫠
Also happy new year!
W WAY TO BRING THE FIXATION BACK OMGG 🤟😩💖💖 I have the books I just need to actually sit down and read them hhhhhh Happy New Year to you too bestie hehe 😘
