Hope is the Only thing Stronger than Fear |||| Randomname and Horror_Show

[randomname98766789]

one x one between myself and Horror_Show

Based on the book/movie The Hunger Games

May the odds be ever in your favor​

 

[randomname98766789]

Here's some advice... stay alive.
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In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them to all send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. The children’s names are entered in a glass bowl to be chosen at random. Every year, one extra slip of the child’s name is added into the bowl. The event served two purposes. The first was to demonstrate the overwhelming power the Capitol had over the districts by taking their children by force and forcing them to slay each other in a no-rules competition. It was proof that the Capitol's control over its people was so inexorable and unstoppable that they could do something so sadistic as to force the children of their conquered foes to slay each other in a battle royal. The second purpose was purely for entertainment. The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in the same vein as a reality show, its tributes practically considered celebrities and the events themselves dramatized and glorified. Today was the day known as the Reaping. This takes place in every district before each Hunger Games, where the tributes of the upcoming Games are chosen. Each district's escort randomly chooses the name of one male and one female tribute from two separate glass balls. Those picked are then the official tributes for the upcoming Games. Each age group is contained in roped-off areas in the town square, waiting for someone to be picked. The reapings take place at different times in different districts, so that Capitol citizens can watch them all live on television. Many members of the Capitol often place bets on who will be chosen. Unless someone is already on their deathbed, they receive the death penalty for not attending their district's reaping. For most people, this was clearly a terrible thing. Either you knew somebody that could be picked to compete in the brutal games or you were that person that could be picked. Strangely enough, Districts One, Two, and Four became famous for sending volunteers to the Games. They were known as the Career districts and they were the annual favorite and safest bet to win.

In District Twelve, the reaping took place at the center of the Town, known as the Hall of Justice right outside where the Mayor’s offices are located. In all honesty, nobody really cared too much about this place. It was the longest distance away from the Capitol all the way across the country and it is also the poorest District and least populated District by far. In the seventy-three total games played, only twice has a victor arose from this depressing place. All the citizens were good for happened to be coal mining as Panem’s coal production stemmed solely from here. Despite the hard work so many innocent people put in, they were never rewarded and had short life spans. Working in the mines was dangerous work with many mine explosions in the district’s history, claiming the lives of so many people. However, this district was divided up into two sections: The Seam and The Town. The Seam was the poorest section where all the coal miners worked, most of the time, the people from the Seam were looked down upon by citizens from the Town. Families from the Town were much better off than the Seam but that was not saying too much. They owned shops and usually lived right above their businesses. Though the supplies could be plenty, the Capitol would take nearly all the leftover supplies and leave the owners with next to nothing. If any owners were caught stealing extra product, then they would most certainly be executed or punished in some imaginable way by the police force of the districts known as the peacekeepers.

Despite these odds, one young man from District Twelve considered himself lucky. This man was seventeen-year-old Kolton Smith. The Smith family resided in the Town section, owning a butchering business. They would get a shipment of meat and package it for sell off to the Capitol. Most of their meat came from District Ten and some would get shipped back leaving very little to circle around District Twelve. Anyways, this young man stood at nearly six feet and three inches tall. His hair was blonde and curly, always looking messy. Despite the circumstances, his body looked quite toned for a slender guy. Without proper nutrition and access to any exercise equipment or training, it was difficult to be healthy but Kolton was a curious young soul and often scavenged for books in the Hob. Most books were banned but he could find a few floating around every now and again. Thankfully, he managed to snag himself a read about taking care of the human body and how to exercise and build muscle with only using himself as the equipment. Still, not having enough food made him malnourished and he was not even close to having the physique of a boy from District One or Two but when compared to all his other male counterparts, he was definitely eye candy. Plus, he was rather popular because of his social status though that never went to his head. Kolton was actually one of the very few members from the richer area of Twelve to hang around with the poor group but saying he was from the richer area did not mean his family did not struggle. He could recall stretches where his parents would go an entire day or two without eating so himself and his older sister Brooke would have food to eat on their plate as little as it might be. Through it all, his family persevered. Brooke was now nineteen years old and working at the family business, managing to survive all of her Reaping visits. For Kolton, his name was entered in the glass bowl ten times. Six entries were from mandatory additions due to his age and the four extra entries stemmed from applying for tesserae: which is extra food given for the month to a child for his or her family. The only downside? Their name would be added one more time for the reaping. Ten times might sound daunting but it was actually way less than anyone in the Seam. Some applied for this extra food every month. Hell, his sister dealt with her name in the bowl eighteen times in her final year and survived so the odds might be in Kolton’s favor.

Even with history on his side, Kolton was nervous. Anybody could be chosen at any given time and that was a fact. It only takes one slip of paper and then it’s game over. However, the majority of his preoccupation did not involve himself. Was he worried about being chosen to represent District Twelve in The Hunger Games? You’re damn right he was but he was more scared about something else. This fear built from loving somebody more than he loved himself or anybody else in the entire world. This somebody was a nobody to most people and her name was Katniss Everdeen. The girl was one year younger than himself and she was also from the Seam. Just last month, this unconventional couple celebrated their year anniversary. Anniversaries in this district never meant much but they made it special buy just spending a couple hours together after school because that was all they could do. Oh, how he wished to give her some gift of some kind but all he could do was pick a few flowers and draw her some pictures with his lackluster artistic skills. It was the effort that counted though, right? A few things really seemed odd about these two people being involved together. For one, it was absolutely unheard of for someone from the Town to date someone from the Seam. Scratch that, it was unheard of for someone from the town to even look or speak to someone from the Seam, much less date or kiss. As expected, this did not sit right with a few of the popular Town girls that had their eyes on the handsome boy that always sat beside of Katniss. At first, everyone honestly thought it was a big joke when Kolton started to hang around Katniss but they soon found it was serious. It confused everyone and maddened a few more. Numerous times a fellow parent had talked to his mother, asking why he was allowed to be involved with “Seam trash”. Yeah, it was pretty disgusting to see all this hate back and forth but it never got to Kolton. Everyone knew not to talk about Katniss if Kolton was around. The last few guys that did were laying on the ground soon after they talked their trash. He was so protective over her and that was an understatement at least. If this girl were to get chosen, Kolton had already decided he would volunteer in place of whatever guy was chosen for the males. It was not a rash decision but he thought deeply about it every year. On one hand, he could not volunteer and hopefully Katniss could survive and get back to him. However, there was no guarantees she would survive and he could only hope and pray from a couch that she was alright. If he did volunteer to join her, then he could make sure that she lived. However, it would literally cost him his life and that was a bad predicament to be in but it was the sanest decision he could think of. Katniss living was more important than himself not dying. Plus, he worried about her younger sister Primrose Everdeen. Prim turned twelve this year and it meant this would be her first Reaping. Kolton figured the blonde girl would have nightmares and be worried almost every day as this day got closer each year. It was a long road ahead: Kolton needed to survive two more Reapings, Katniss needed to survive three more, and then Primrose had to survive all seven of her attempts.

Not only do Kolton and Katniss live under dire situations but they met under dire circumstances. Obviously they attended school together but they never had a conversation until one day when they were really young. Katniss was eleven and Kolton was twelve. She had just been through the loss of her father in a mine explosion and her mother had completely shut down and rendered useless. Eleven-year-old Katniss had to feed her mother, herself, and her then seven years old sister Primrose. One winter day, the peacekeeper activity was accelerated because of some possible rebel group stirring up trouble though nothing ever mounted to anything of it. Katniss’ normal route back through to her home in the Seam was blocked and she had to go around because she had just killed the biggest deer ever. One, the citizens were not allowed to have weapons and two, they were not allowed to go outside the fence. If she was caught with this, there was no telling what could happen to her. The route she ended up taking was the very rock bottom class of the Seam. Looters, murderers, and junkies lived here and everybody tended to avoid the area. As expected, she ran into trouble. Katniss was jumped by three older boys looking to steal her deer and do harm to her in the process. Just then, her knight in shining armor appeared. Kolton just sent a few packages of meat off to be sold and he was walking back home. He saw the event and courageously stepped up and gave a nice little ass whipping to the boys and saved Katniss and the food. Sadly, her ankle had been twisted and she could not walk on her own. Of course she had refused any assistance but Kolton was persistent and would not settle until he helped her home. In essence, Kolton carried both the young girl and her meal home safely. They hardly spoke during the walk but Katniss thanked him and even approached him the next day to thank him again. It was at the cafeteria during lunch and Kolton noticed she was alone and had nothing to eat so he offered to share with her. She refused, speaking about how she already owed him a debt but again Kolton insisted and ended up sitting beside of her and sharing a sandwich. Kolton ended up bribing Katniss in a way. In return for saving her, he wanted Katniss to be his friend. It was a slow process but over time they actually became quite close until they did consider each other best friends. Well, Kolton was one of Katniss’ only friends but he still saw Katniss as his best friend.

Soon, their lunchtime talks turned into after school chats. Then, those chats turned into sneaking outside the fence and spending all day in a glorious meadow outside of the fences where they could spend hours talking and getting to know each other. By the time Kolton asked her to officially be his girlfriend, they had gotten to know one another on the deepest levels possible and something beautiful was taking place. Over a year later, here they are still going strong. The male obviously knew how lucky he was for all of this. Katniss was so cold and hard emotionally after her father’s demise. Somehow he broke that wall and was able to gain her trust and love. It had to be because he always put Katniss and her family before himself. First of all, Primrose loved him to death. Even before Katniss and Kolton were a couple, Prim liked to call him a brother, always running to greet him and hug him when he spent time at their house. Additionally, she constantly teased Katniss about him almost every day and even Katniss had her teenage, girly moments. Second of all, he made sure that Katniss was fed and her family was too. Countless times, Kolton would sneak meat from the shop for Katniss’ family to have and thankfully he was never caught doing so. Thirdly, he also refused to let Katniss apply for any tesserae after finding out how often she did. Those four times he applied for his tesserae were all for Katniss and her family, to keep them fed if they were barely making it. Among all else, he was not embarrassed by her. Even in public or at school, Kolton would hold her hand and show her off to everyone else no matter that she was from the Seam. Plus, Kolton was definitely handsome and had an excellent personality. The blonde man was always the center of attention and a colorful character. Charming, funny, and intelligent though he did have quite the temper at times. Even Katniss got it once in a while. One day he found out that she went behind his back and got tesserae for her family, not wanting him to do it again and he was fuming but that settled quickly. Essentially, this couple had such a deep connection and a deep love that it seemed impossible for this area and situation, but it was more than possible indeed.

Just like they planned a day earlier, Kolton met Katniss outside her home early in the morning of the Reaping. He had already said his goodbyes to his parents and sister before heading out. He stood in front of the door wearing a long-sleeved navy blue dress shirt with tan dress pants and some brown shoes that his father let him use for this day. Other than this one day out of the year, no one ever had the need to dress up or could even afford to dress up like this. Kolton had already showered and fixed his hair, ready to go. While Katniss got herself and Prim ready, he just simply waited outside on the steps and then walked with the sisters to the Hall of Justice. Everyone's attention is focused to the Justice Building holding three chairs, a podium, and two large glass balls with names of the boys and girls in their own respective bowl. There, they had to check in with the tables that were set up to be accounted for. They dropped Prim off at the twelve-year-old females and then Kolton walked Katniss over to her proper section before taking his stand at the seventeen-year-old males. Departing from Katniss was pure misery but he could only hope that this would soon be over and they would be returning back to their normal, daily lives after today but that would certainly not be the case. The chairs are filled with the Mayor, the escort Effie Trinket, and the only living winner from District Twelve, Haymitch Abernathy. Just as the clock struck two, the Mayor stepped up. Every year it was the same story. He spoke about the history of Panem, the disasters, the war, the Capitol upbringing of the districts, and then the uprising of war again- known as the Dark Days. The Treaty of Treason gave the new laws to guarantee peace and ensure that every year, The Hunger Games would commence. It was a spectacle to those living in the Capitol. They did not care the effect it had on the Districts and the families.

After the little spill was over, bright and bubbly Effie Trinket stepped up to her podium.

"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!"

After another little speech about how happy she is to be here, she begins the drawing.

"Ladies first!"

She crossed over to the glass ball with the girls' names. She reached in, digging her hand deep into the ball and pulled out a slip of paper. Kolton drew in a collective breath with every single person in the square or watching from a screen on the adjacent street. You could hear a pin drop. Even if this wasn't the boys' bowl, Kolton still felt nauseous and desperately hoped it wasn't any of the Everdeen girls. It would have to be someone. But not them. Anyone but them.

Effie crossed back to the podium, smoothed out the slip of paper so properly and then read out the name in a clear voice.

It wasn't Katniss. It was.... No!

"Primrose Everdeen!"

Just then, Kolton felt like all the air had been knocked out his lungs. It was Prim. In her first reaping ever. Only having her name in the bowl once... How unlucky! How tragic! Kolton was both sad and furious trying to keep all of his emotions in check because it felt like he had been destroyed by a freight train.

 

[Horror_Show]

You would think that the day or the reaping would be it. It would be just one day to rule the lives of all the young, after that one day if you beat the odds you were free to go back to your daily lives. That wasn't really the case. For many, that day controlled everything. Even if you had made it past your final reaping, you had to worry about a sibling, a cousin, a friend’s child. It could happen to anyone and there was nothing to protect you from it. For the Everdeen family and the two girls, both Katniss and Primrose it was horror.

For nights on end Katniss had to conform her little sibling, she would wake up with night terrors. So many nights had she slept with her little other half, holding her close as the young blond would fall back to sleep in tears. Katniss had her own fears but she kept it hidden, she had to be strong for her sister, for her mother and herself. There were some occasions where Kolten was allowed to stay later than usual and he would end up also being with both the girls as Primrose had a nightmare.

The morning of the reaping came with the sun shining brightly. Katniss had knew better than to get out of the bed her sister had snuck into early the night before. Katniss would lay there as the sun rose, she would listen to the small village start to wake as she played with her sister’s hair. Their mother was already up in the kitchen making breakfast. Katniss knew Kolten was at his own house on the other end of the town getting ready.

The little one stirred but didn’t move from her sister’s warmth. “I’m scared.” She mumbled and Katniss leaned over kissing the back of her head, as her sisters back was to her front.

“No need to be little duck, this is going to be like any other day…..you will be fine. Mom’s even cooking a special breakfast, can’t you smell it?” Katniss said into her ear. She could sense the fear all over her younger sibling’s body. “Let’s get up and eat and were both get ready.” Katniss said slowly getting up as Prim pushed up as her long blonde hair fell past her shoulders. Katniss crawled out of bed and tickled her sister and pinched her shoulder.

“I’ll get all the biscuits!” She teased jumping out of the bed. Prim gave a weak smile but you could tell she was in another place, a place of fear inside her innocent mind. Both girls headed into the kitchen to see their mother cooking breakfast. Katniss had received the bacon and sausage from Kolten and his family as a gift, Katniss had bought the brown eggs and ingredients in town to make strawberry jam and biscuits. Prim sat down at the table looking like a zombie Katniss helped her mother and they all sat down pigging out. They tried to talk of other things to distract from the big day.

They finished and Katniss had even saved a small plate for Kolten and would give it to him after the reaping, little did she know there would be none of that. The mother got Prim into the bathtub while Katniss cleaned up the kitchen. Katniss kept busy until her mother announced she had readied the bath for Katniss. Katniss was holding a rag and nodded throwing it down, she sighed and headed into the bathroom. Her mother had filled the tub with hot water which she knew must have taken hours to boil in the kettle and cool. She also sat floral soaps and oils, she knew Kolten must have also somehow snuck these to her mother for this day. She stripped and climbed into the hot tub and slowly lit herself sit down enjoying the warmth. She grabbed the soap that smelled of rose and honeysuckle. She soaked in the tub until she almost fell asleep. She quickly jolted awake at the sound of her sister peaking her head in. Katniss started grabbing the soap and scrubbing her body down. After rinsing and ducking to wash her hair. She got out drying off and changed into a blue dress her mother had set out. Prim sat on her knee’s braiding’s her sister’s hair but pinning it up.

“You are do pretty…..I look gross.” Prim said pathetically and Katniss looked back making a face scolding her sister. “No, little duck…..you are beautiful. I am jealous of your blonde hair and blue eyes.” Katniss said kissing her sisters forehead. Their mother stood in the doorway trying to hold herself together.

“Kolton’s outside.” She said and both girls looked up. Prim would have jumped up in seconds to tackle him outside in a hug but she just stayed beside Katniss. Katniss finally nodded and gave a smile. “Alright, were be out.” Katniss said and her mother nodded silently leaving. Katniss got Prim up and they went out and hugged their mother and finally headed outside. Katniss saw Kolton and the look between both of them was a thousand words. He could sense her fear, her sister’s fear and how she was keeping strong, just to get through the next few hours. She saw Kolten had freshly picked flowers and didn’t give them to Katniss but had them for Prim. Prim was confused but took them giving a cheesy cute weak smile. Katniss smiled and winked at her sister.

“See…..you’re so stunning, Kolten got YOU flowers.” Katniss teased as they made their way to the justice hall. Prim took a flower and broke it and put it in Katniss’s hair. Kolten would laugh and all three of them walked hand in hand. Both girls on either side of Kolten, until they got closer to the hall and Prim started getting anxious. Kolten squeezed her hand but she somehow moved over to her sister starting to breathe heavy. Katniss moved her forward and stayed with her in line. Kolten stayed for a few minutes watching.

“Primrose Everdeen!” The check in woman said and Prim stood there frozen. Katniss pushed her forward and Prim started to cry. “No it doesn’t hurt, it just a little prick, it’s so they can register you….it be over so soon little duck, I promise.” Katniss said holding her shoulders as the women annoyed took her blood sample and nodded for her to go off. Katniss kissed her finger and bent down pointing.


“You go over there, I will be right there. I promise.” Katniss said and watched her sister slowly walked forward standing beside her peers. Katniss got in line and would glance over at Kolten. He would look at her and she would finally pull away as she stuck her own finger out to get pricked and registered, the woman would scream NEXT letting Katniss know she was good to go.

Moments later they would all go through what they did every year. Effie would act happy and ecstatic and the video would play and then was the final moment. Katniss was quiet and was just wanting to get this moment over with, then they was %50 safe, it least with her and Prim. Effie walked over and picked the first name and announced who it was.

"Primrose Everdeen!"

In that moment everything went to hell. Katniss stood there shocked, paralyzed as everyone was silent. Prim was also peterifed but hadn’t moved until Effie had called out, “Where are you dear…..come on up” Prim still hesitated as everyone moved to the side showing who she was. “Come on dear, don’t be shy….come on!
Effie coaxed as Prim slowly walked forward. As she walked she fixed her shirt as a nervous tick on the way.

Katniss had watched her little sister from a distance like a hawk. Then she slowly left her placement and walked out into the opening behind two guards watching her slowly make her way up to the podium.

“PRIM……,” Katniss tried to walk forward but the guards caught her, “PRIM, let me go…..PRIM!!” Katniss screamed as the guards held her back. Her sister stopped to look back at her and before she could do anything else Katniss screamed out in desperation.





“I VOLUNTEER…..” She broke free as the guards let her go hearing her. She pushed them off and walked forward eyeing Effie. “I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!” She said tembling. In seconds she ran forward and Prim jumped in her arms crying.

Effie looked stunned and said a little confused, “Ugh I believe we have a volunteer.”

Katniss gripped her sister and forced her down and had one hand gripping her shoulder and the other cupping her neck. “You need to go find mom, go find mom now!” Prim was crying and refusing to leave her sister. “Go now baby girl, I ams o so sorry. I love you….go!” She ordered. In seconds Kolten had come forward and grabbed Prim lifting her off her feet as she screamed bloody murder. Katniss eyes were already swelling with tears and she could see Kolten was already upset. She held her place holding back more tears as her lover took Prim to safety. Everything was happening so fast. Katniss licked her lips and nodded and slowly made her way to the podium. The guards escorted her.




“Dristrict tweleve very first volunteer, nring her up here…let’s see her.” Effie spoke as Katniss was guided up the podium next to Effie. Effie grabbed her hand and put the microphone in front of her.

“What’s your name dear?” She spoke and Katniss spoke up softly saying her name. Effie made a face and spoke. “I bet my hat, that was your sister.” Katniss nodded and Effie put her hands together. “Let’s put are hands together for our very first volunteer, KATNISS EVERDEEN!” The crowd clapped, but you could tell there was no pleasure in it, it was forced. Katniss stood on the stage in shock, her eyes watering. The wind slightly brought a few stray hairs in her face.





“And now for the boys!” Effie spoke trying to break the awkwardness of the moment. She waked over and pulled out another name and came back reading it Katniss saw Prim in her mothers arms, she also saw Kolten out of place still not to far from his mother and sister but far enough to be on the edge of the boys line where he would be in the fat back. He looked mortified.

“KOLTEN SMITH!!!” Effie said smiling and everyone turned back to the man who was out of his place but still present. Katniss felt her breth leave her body, her knee’s felt weak. Kolten quickly made his way to the stage. Effie motioned for him to come over to the microphone as she tapped it, it made a noise a few times.

“Here we are, are tributes from district twelve!!!Well go on you two shake hands!” She said. Everyone knew the two was dating and that Katniss had volunteered for her sister and then he had by coincidence gotten chosen. Katniss looked over to him, her face flushed and silent tears trickling down her face. Katniss went to raise her hand out and as he grabbed her hand, she fell to the ground on her knee’s crying, balling. She was in Kolten’s arms a nervous wreck. Effie looked a little concerned. She was about to have them cut the cameras but left it going as Kolten held Katniss as she was on her knees a mess. Effie heard him say I love you and her eyes went wide.

“Oh my……love, did you just say l love you to the young lady….are you two together?” Effie asked and the young man looked up at her and nodded. “Oh dear, how tragic and brave of you both! Are first lovers and are first volunteer, how exciting and bittersweet!!" Effie aid clapping her hands together.

 

[randomname98766789]

The Reaping
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It felt as if hearing Primrose’s name being called created such an impact that every wisp of air from Kolton’s lungs had been knocked out. For the first few seconds after hearing this tragedy, the male stood there struggling to inhale, to exhale, or to do anything for that matter. It was so stunning to watch the scene unravel in front of his dark brown eyes. All at once, so many memories flooded back to him. All of those nights spent with Katniss and Prim when the young girl had nightmares and fears about this very moment. Kolton promised her that things would be okay and she would never get chosen. For God’s sake, her name was only in the glass bowl once! Katniss made sure of that and so did Kolton. However, just as everyone realized, it only took one slip of paper to send you to your immediate death. Nothing about this situation was fair and Kolton felt so powerless. If he could trade places with Primrose and keep the blonde home and safe with her older sister, then he would do it in a heartbeat. The Games did not work in such a way though. The only answer to this was volunteering for whatever male was chosen just so he could ensure that Prim got back home safely. A twelve-year-old child should not be thrown into these circumstances. How in the hell could she match up against an eighteen-year-old male from District One or Two? Needless to say, the odds were certainly not in their favor and their luck was only starting to dip. Somewhere far away, Kolton could hear the crowd murmuring unhappily as they always do when a twelve-year-old gets chosen because no one thought this was fair. Then Kolton saw her, the blood drained from her young face, hands clenched into fists, walking with small, stiff steps up towards the stage. Then, Prim's name elicited from somewhere in a strangled cry, and then in a shout. It was Katniss and Kolton had a twisted feeling in his gut about what would happen next. Katniss had tried her hardest to keep Prim out of this situation in the first place so of course she would do anything to continue that trend. Regardless, Prim would not be going in the Games this year. Instinctively, Kolton wanted to move towards Katniss as the guards heled a yelping, crying Katniss. His heart sunk deep into his stomach when he heard those two words that made the Peacekeepers let go.

There was some confusion on the stage. District 12 has never had a volunteer in decades and the protocol has become rusty. The rule stated that once a tribute’s name has been pulled from the ball, another eligible child of the same gender may step forward to take his or her place. In some districts in which reaping is such a great honor, people are eager to risk their lives, the volunteering was complicated. But in District 12, the word tributes is pretty much synonymous with the word corpse, volunteers have been all but extinct. Needless to say, protocol did not matter here and the Mayor just nodded to Effie and said to let the girl come forward. Prim was screaming hysterically behind Katniss, wrapping her skinny arms around the older girl like a vice. This was definitely something worthy to catch on TV so all the cameras were pointed right here at the breakdown ongoing in the middle of the Square. Clearly, Prim did not intend letting go of Katniss so Kolton hastily dashed through the guards who quit chasing him once they realized what he was going.

He pulled Prim off Katniss and lifted her off the ground as Prim continued thrashing in his arms. All Kolton could do was flash a weak, sad smile towards the girl that held the key to his heart. No words were needed now because their time together was not over quite yet. From the very second Katniss volunteered, Kolton knew that he would volunteer as well. It was not because of feeling pride in “winning” the reaping nor was it because he wanted to save whomever the male tribute might be, but it was because he wanted to go into the Games with Katniss just to make sure he could save Katniss and help the brunette escape home. It meant he would have to die for this to unfold but that was such a meager price to pay compared to the alternative. Kolton would die one million deaths if it meant Katniss could live freely and happily. She could move on without him and still find something else with her life. Kolton continued carrying Prim to the edge of the ropes dividing the tributes and the attendees watching from outside. After placing her in the older woman’s care, he meekly nodded and returned back in line with the other males. Brown eyes turned towards the stage to see Katniss standing there and he immediately felt mortified and furious. No, he was not upset at Katniss for volunteering, he was upset with the Capitol for even placing them in this kind of position. What if things were different? What if this world was not so evil and disruptive? What kind of life might they have? They could have children, get married, and things would be so much better. All they could do was do the best with where they are and what they have but that was not saying too much. Even worse, Effie seemed so fucking happy about everything, cheerily introducing Katniss and moving onto the next part of business which was for the male names. She crossed the stage over to the glass ball which held the boys’ names and grabbed the very first slip that she encountered. Again, the entire square drew in a collective breath while the flamboyant woman zipped right back across to the podium where she is reading the name. And it’s a name that Kolton is all too familiar with. It’s his own.

Again, the air was taken out from his lungs. The pure shock of the entire moment was registering on his face and the struggle to remain emotionless for Kolton was very obvious. Even though the male wanted to volunteer and join Katniss, he had definitely not expected for him to just outright get selected. Everything was already so devastating but adding to the peril of this situation was Kolton being chosen and not volunteering. The odds were seriously not in their favor today. Slowly, the male approached the stage and climbed the wooden stairs to take his position a few feet from Katniss. Effie followed protocol and asked for volunteers but nobody offered to take his spot of course. The Mayor began to read the long, dull Treaty of Treason as he did every year at this point because it was required but Kolton was not listening to a word he had said. After the Treaty had been announced, Kolton and Katniss were motioned to shake hands. The look on Kolton’s face when he turned to Katniss was one full of alarm. Those brown eyes of his were wide and his breathing was unsteady. Seeing the tears falling on Katniss’ cheeks broke the male’s heart. The familiar feel of Katniss’ hand in his own made him not want to let go but they hardly even touched before she collapsed into his arms and the blonde sunk down with her as well. As she cried into his shirt, he wrapped his arms tightly around her and a couple tears fell from his own eyes.

“I love you, Katniss. I love you so much.” He whispered in such a sad, defeated voice. Effie asked him to affirm what he said and Kolton did just so the woman would leave them alone for the moment.

As the couple sat in the embrace, the Panem national anthem played throughout the square and drowned out everything else. Usually this moment showed the two tributes prepared for war standing and ready to play the Games with the anthem playing. This scene was much different. Here, two lovers sat embraced together and holding one another tightly. The moment that the music ended, the tributes are taken by a group of Peacekeepers and marched through the front door of the Justice Building. They had to be literally torn apart because their grips were so tight on one another. Once inside, they were conducted to separate rooms and left alone. It was the richest place that Kolton had ever been in, with thick, deep carpets and a velvet couch and chairs. The time allotted for the tributes to say goodbye to their loved ones is one hour. His first guests were obviously his parents and his sister. All three were crying but his sister was perhaps the most hysterical. They were really close, kind of like the Everdeen siblings were. They all engaged in a group hug and just held each other. They were all trying to convince Kolton to win and come back home but they should have known better. After saying goodbye to a few more friends, it was only his immediately family remaining. It was time to have a true heart to heart chat before anything happened.

“I’m sorry. I love all of you so much but I can’t come home. Not without Katniss. What kind of man would that make me to be so selfish and not worry about her? I would rather die than to see Katniss die. She has to live and she has to win. The only way I get home is if she’s with me and we know that’s not possible. Besides, don’t you remember what you said to me, Dad? Right when I said I thought I loved Katniss a couple years ago. You gave me advice and you said to not ever tell a girl that I loved her unless I was willing to die for her because that’s what true love meant sometimes and that’s how you knew if you were in love. Well I do love her and I will die for her. I can’t be in a life where she’s not with me, I hope you understand. I’m sure she’ll take good care of all of you after this is over. I just can’t do it… if she died I wouldn’t know how to live.”

Obviously, they were still trying to convince him out of it or at least if something happened to Katniss, he would still try and win for her and for his family. Kolton reluctantly agreed and decided to not go through with his original plan if something happened. If she were to be killed, he actually had thought he would end his own life because it would be too much but he knew that if it was reversed, he would want Katniss to keep fighting. They had much to talk about between now and then. Back in the present moment, Kolton continued his back and forth between Brooke and his parents. When the time was up, they finally came to the realization of what the reality of the situation was. On one hand, they were proud of Kolton. He was being a true man, willing to sacrifice himself to save the woman he loved but on the other hand they did not want to lose him. It was a completely disgusting thing to endure but once those doors were slammed shut with his family wailing and crying for it, it was done. Kolton felt at peace with his decision though. They were all okay and said their proper goodbyes. It was time to focus on the present moment now. It was a short ride from the Justice Building to the train station. He had never been in a care before and rarely even ridden in a wagon because traveling in District 12 was mostly done by foot. The station was swarming with reporters with their cameras trained directly onto both his and Katniss’ face. At this point, Kolton looked like he was pulled together and just tried to look straight ahead and reach the train. Their faces and a recap of the Reaping was being broadcasted on multiple screens. Once they reached the doorway, the tributes were forced stand outside and have the cameras snap plenty of pictures before they were allowed inside. The entire time, Kolton was holding Katniss’ hand tightly. He tried to look at her and speak but they were harshly scolded to look forward and Kolton was not in the mood to deal with pissing anyone off, especially not peacekeepers so he did just as they were ordered.

 

[Horror_Show]

Katniss’s face was bright red and her eyes were reddening from the sudden outburst of emotion. As both tributes were torn apart, they were led inside the justice building and put in different rooms to say goodbye to their family and close friends. Katniss was leaning against the window sill trying not to let out sobs; she was choking on her own spit trying not to fall to her knees. She was so emotionally and mentally weak.

The odds were not forever in her favor at all right now. She knew the moment she had volunteered, she had the biggest hope that she had protected her sister, that Kolten would possibly not be chosen, that he would take care of her mother and sister. She also knew had she not volunteered, Kolten may have also volunteered but she would not let her sister be put into these vicious and cruel games. She had to survive to protect her sister again and again, but how could she? Then Kolten had been chosen and her whole world was collapsing. How in the fuck was it that not only did Prim get chosen, but he did as well? Then again they had seen it happen before with siblings or people from the same family - but never like this.

Katniss was sucking in a breath when the door was opened and a peacemaker gave both Prim and her mother three minutes to say goodbye. Katniss held her ground trying not to get emotional. Prim had run into her arms, gripping her tight. Katniss hugged her as if Prim was her own child. She hugged her so tight and sniffled, with tears coming down her cheeks. She pushed Prim back, holding her shoulders as she directly looked into her young siblings eyes.

“Listen to me, I’m going to be fine. You don’t need to take any extra food, use your goat for cheese….I’m sure Brook and Kolten's family will help in whatever way they can.” She said crouched on her knees on Prim’s level.

Prim was crying, she could barely get words out. “How are you going to come home, how will any of you come home……Kolten.” She gasped. Katniss cried not being able to hold it in any longer and her emotions flooded out. Her mother had stood watching both of her children embrace and covered her mouth, trying not to cry out.

“We will figure something out; just do whatever you have to do to survive.” She said shaking Prim as she nodded. Katniss got up, wiping her tears and looked to her mother. “You cannot shut down, you cannot shut down, you need to take care of her….she is all you have now. Do you hear me…..you raise her with everything you have.” Katniss said in a low voice on top of tears. Her mother just kept nodding over and over as they embraced.

Her mother knew not to say anything only because there was nothing to say. She had no idea if her daughter could survive the games, not when her lover had been pulled into the games with her. She could only hope she would see her child again...but who wouldn't want that? She knew her daughter’s world was hell right now.

The guards came in and forced both of Katniss' family members out. Prim left screaming and screeching which made Katniss fall back into the wall as she heaved in and out trying not to go unconscious. Katniss had nobody else close, so for the moment she was safe to be just let the rest of the emotions out. That was until the door was opened and out of nowhere, Kolten’s sister came in as the guard shut the door.

“Brook?” She said confused and Brook just came up and hugged Katniss. Kolten's older sibling held Katniss tight, she was only a little older.

“Be strong, you are so strong…..I asked permission as your second visitor to see you. I am so so sorry Katniss. Kolten is going to protect you,” Katniss cried out in the older girls arms but the girl kept going holding her, “listen to me Katiniss, he is…..face it. I will make sure your family is safe and fed. Just do your best to keep it together. Whatever happens, we love you….we all love you.” Brook said and Katniss was shaking her head, she didn’t know what to say.

“I will bring him home.” She choked and Brook was also swelling with more tears knowing that was probably not going to happen.

“Be strong.” Brook just said, as if avoiding any more direct conversation. Katniss nodded while rubbing her shoulders, using one hand to wipe her eyes and nose. Brook gave her one last hug and kiss on the cheek before being dismissed.

It wasn’t too long after the guards came and took her to meet with Kolten. As they made their way to the car, they would ride out of the district to the train station. The car ride felt surreal as Effie was in the middle of both Katniss and Kolten. She forced herself not to look at him just to keep herself together; one look at him would send her into overdrive with tears. Effie kept going on and on about the luxury they would soon get to have, as if she was oblivious to the actual situation. They arrived at the train station and both were guided - but it was like Hollywood, with reporters and journalist and photographers. Katniss had at some point found Kolten’s hand as soon as they had gotten out of the vehicle. Cameras were both directly on them until they were forced look forward. They then boarded the train. Katniss had been offered to go first by Kolten.

She stopped in a zombified state looking at the small compartment, it was beyond anything she had ever seen her life. Everything was luxury from the furniture, the food, and the decorations. Katniss felt Kolten behind her, squeezing her hand leaning his chin on her right shoulder. She took a deep breath and proceeded forward as Effie was ecstatic and rushing them in.

 

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It was an odd relief to be ushered inside of the train. Once the doors closed, all the noise was drained out and Kolton tightly gripped Katniss’ hand while leaning his chin on her shoulder. His other arm wrapped around her waist and held her with a gentle touch, ignoring Effie’s blabbering behind the couple.

Letting out a trembling breath, Kolton let his hand run through his hair quickly, ruffling it up a bit. Never having been on the train, the quick acceleration startled him, causing him to grab onto one of the couches beside of him. Traveling between districts was restricted unless it was for some kind of official, sanctioned duties. Participating in The Hunger Games seemed to fall under that category. Kolton learned in school that these trains possessed a high speed of 250 miles per hour and the journey to the Capitol would not even take a full day. They were told it was built in the place called the Rockies, on the other side of Panem from Appalachia, where District Twelve was.

This information wasn't something that interested Kolton. All children were forced to hear a weekly lecture about the Capitol, its history, and other boring, irrelevant and awful things about the country's history. The tribute train happened to be even more fancy than the room in the Justice Building. The tall, strong, declared boy could only wonder how the Capitol would look. Each tribute was given their own chambers, bedroom, a dressing area, and a private bathroom with both (running) hot and cold water according to Effie. Hot water was never something Kolton had access to back home. She went on another little rave about the fascinating clothes they had access to in the drawers to "do whatever they wanted with it.” Everything is at their disposal, they just need to be ready for supper. Effie was completely oblivious to the situation still, just going through her normal speech to her new tributes before leaving them alone in an effort to locate their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy.

Finally alone, Kolton released Katniss for only a moment just so he could spin Katniss around to face him. A large hand started tangling in her hair so her up-do was released and her brunette hair was falling down her back in beautiful waves. His fingers twisted around to twist all the knots out and somewhat straighten out her locks.

Looking into her gray eyes, it broke Kolton’s heart to see her eyes all red and the tears on her cheeks literally broke Kolton’s heart. Oh, how he wished to stop this mess! In the past, he could always get Katniss to stop crying or stop feeling sad when she was feeling down and depressed. In this situation though, he was completely powerless and there was not a single thing he could do to help himself or Katniss. This was the situation they were in and nothing could change it though Kolton wished that he could. It was so fucked.

Both of his large, toned arms wrapped around Katniss’ body and pulled her into a tight hug again. Tilting his head slightly, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips and only let it last for a couple minutes to keep it chaste and sweet. Clearly, there was so much that the young couple needed to discuss but Kolton was in no mood for it right now. Effie would collect them for dinner within a few hours from now. In between then and now, they had access to showers and clothing, something that was scarce back home. Kolton figured they might as well make the most of it and not spend all their time worrying and being sad. They might be headed to their death but right now they were safe for the time being. They needed to make the most of their time together. Regardless of who wins and who loses, one thing was a fact: Their time together was running low and Kolton wanted to spend every single second he could with the love of his life.

“I think we should check out the bedrooms. We could shower together.”

The blonde male suggested and linked their arms together before walking through the narrow corridors until they reached the bedroom cars. Two rooms were side by side and exactly the same other than male clothing in one closet and female clothing in another. They just decided to head into what would be Katniss’ bedroom to get started.

One’s thing for sure though, they were not sleeping in separate beds tonight. Kolton would not spend another second away from Katniss during this trip and that was a given. Once inside, the boy closed the door for some privacy and finally released Katniss.

The bedroom was massive and so was the bathroom. It contained both a stand-up shower and a large bathtub. He had always wanted to bathe with Katniss but they obviously never had any kind of resources to do so.

Back in District 12, Kolton really enjoyed venturing to the Hob. One of his favorite purchases were reading material. Hardly any books remained legal in Panem but Kolton loved to read and learn about all he could. One of the books he read involved sex and other things which was how he knew what to do with Katniss and why he liked the things he did. Another book was about couples and things to do as couples. He once read about showering together was a very intimate and romantic thing so it was always a big fantasy of his. Fantasy because he never thought it would be possible.

“I love you, Katniss. Come here. We do have to talk about everything but can we just wait? Let’s shower and change clothes then eat dinner. We can talk about everything tonight.”

Kolton whispered and allowed the girl to be pulled tight against his chest again. While he hugged her, he worked on undoing the back of her dress so it was easy and ready to fall off her body. Another kiss was pressed to her cheek and then to her jaw bone. Kolton was trying his very damn hardest to stop this sad feeling and trying to make Katniss feel a little better. He had no idea what the next few days would pertain but he hoped that with Katniss with him, he could figure out a way to survive these days.

 

[Horror_Show]

Katniss couldn't explain in words how betrayed and heartbroken she felt. Her world, what of it she had was turned upside down. It would be a matter of days before she would be thrown into an arena expected to fight for her life, even against Kolten. The thought of it made her paralyzed. She listened to Kolten’s words as she willingly followed him into the compartment that was to be her room. She looked at Kolten, her eyes swelled with yet more tears as she felt him pull her close. His words were calming and held a hint of pleading, for her to just listen to him for the moment. Was it allowed? Would they get in trouble for being together like this? Her thoughts as her light blue dress fell to the heap around her legs revealing her bra and plain cotton underwear. She moved in a slight daze as she felt his kisses along her body, she already knew what he was trying to do.

Katniss let her lips briefly kiss his but it didn't last long before another sob almost came out. She held her hands over her mouth as she was lead into the small but clean bathroom. So many things she had never seen in her life, clean fresh towels, and all kinds of good quality hygiene products. In her bathroom which they was in there was lots of oil soaps, scrubs and cleansers. Katniss mind was distracted only momentarily. She felt Kolten’s precious mouth ravishing her body, before she knew it she was in the nude. She was stuck in her own mental hell, was this how it had to be? They hadn’t been able to enjoy each other in so long, it had been a few months and even longer than that they had actually slept with each other.

She watched as Kolten turned on the shower and adjusted the temperature. He was making it extra hot because he knew they would both want to experience it. Though Katniss mother had gone out of her way to boil gallons of water today for both her and Prim to put in the tub. The thought of her family made her so sad. She watched Kolten undress. She stayed quiet, what really could she say right now. Kolten slowly climbed into the shower with Kolten and he let the water run over the both of them, mainly hitting her first.

 

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Seeing Katniss in such a state of disarray bothered Kolton. Usually, he could combat whatever problem she faced and make her happy again. However, there was nothing to be happy about right now. No matter how many times he kissed her or touched her, she kept crying. It truly broke Kolton’s heart to watch helplessly as the love of his life was feeling so awful. If he could send her home to be with her family, he definitely would no matter the cost. Still, they had so much to talk about but he wanted to wait. They had little time left together regardless of the outcome of the arena and whatever time that they did have left, he wanted to spend every second with Katniss and he wanted to show Katniss just how much he loved her.

Once the water was nice and steamy, he turned the cold water to balance the temperature in a comfortable way. He also allowed his girlfriend to give input on the temperature and when it was finally at a level where they both enjoyed, Kolton stepped inside of the shower with Katniss.

It felt wonderful, feeling the water cascading down his body. He relaxed immediately and wrapped his arms tightly around Katniss for the time being. Knowing they did not have much time to waste, he pecked her lips and grabbed a wash cloth before squirting some nearby shower gel onto the material. After lathering up the cloth, he went to work on Katniss’ body.

First, he started around her neck, then went down to her shoulders and then down her arms before traveling back up, underneath her arms and down the side of her body. Katniss’ back was next on the list before he traveled around the front to scrub her abdomen and then her chest. He flattened out the cloth so it was long enough where he could fit both hands onto the material and in doing this, he began to wash and fondle her breasts at the same time. While lathering them up, he was kneading her flesh through the cloth and spending a great deal of time doing so while he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her lips.

Kolton squatted in front of his girlfriend and started to wash down the front of her legs all the way down to her feet and then the back of her legs. Still squatting down, he lathered up her ass and continued massaging and kneading the flesh off her firm butt just like he did with her breasts when he washed them. Showering together has not disappointed Kolton at all. Hopefully this would lead to something more than just showering together afterwards but for now he just took it one second at a time until Katniss was clean, constantly kissing her and saying “I love you.”

 

[Horror_Show]

Katniss stepped into the shower and Kolten followed shortly behind. Katniss long hair fell to the middle of her back, cascading waves from being in braids so long. She stood there motionlessly until Kolten wrapped his hands around her body pulling her close. Katniss clenched her eyes shut and did her best to control all of the emotion that dying to come out. She knew what Kolton was doing and she didn’t want to ruin it. She also didn’t know when and if they were be separated at any time.

Kolten didn’t waste any time and went to work grabbing a nice washrag that was softer than any material they had ever known, he squired some of the lavender body wash and delicately started washing her body. Katniss stood there, her eyes watching him but also zoning in and out. The hot water along with the sensation of being this intimately close and him washing her body with the refreshing aroma of lavender calmed her senses, but not her active racing mind.

He then began to fondle and knead her breast and Katniss would have otherwise been smiling, laughing and being engaged, but all she could do was be quiet and let him lavish her until his lips met hers. She gave the weakest kiss but leaned her wet forehead against his. She didn’t have to speak; he could already read her mind. She didn’t need to apologize for the state she was in, who wouldn’t be?

Then he squatted and Katniss stood in a straight but slouched position, as Kolten lathered up her legs and eventually her rear. Even in her worst, she was beautiful and could be a model, though that was the least of her concerns or worries right now. The hot water was giving both of them color as they were normally very pale.

“I love you to.” Was all she could barely breathe as she stood to let the shower wash away all the soap on her body. She wished she could have returned the favor but she knew in her state of mind she couldn’t.

Before she could even respond she saw her boyfriend reaching out to grab one of the fancy hand made floral shampoos and he was squirting it into his hands. His look and she obeyed and turned around so her back was to his front. She felt his hands lathering the soap in her hair, working it into her scalp as a massage. This was a weak spot and actually gave her a few real moments of distraction. She arched her head back as he worked his hands through her hair and the aroma filled the small bathroom. It smelled like a garden.

 

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Upon realizing Katniss was not in the mood for anything, Kolton decided to leave it alone for now. The young man continued cleaning his girlfriend until all the floral soap was washed away from her body. Next, he took a separate wash cloth and began washing himself as well, making sure to scrub himself clean. If anything, Kolton had never been this clean in his entire life so there was that. The scars and other blemishes were obviously still on his skin but no dirt and grim were to speak of. While it honestly felt nice, it just felt… different.

Turning the water off, he took one towel and began drying Katniss’ body. Knowing she would still probably just stand there emotionless, he did not talk to her or engage her. Hopefully his touch and presence would be sufficient to help the girl at the moment. After she was dried off, he took the second towel repeated the process with himself before stepping out of the shower and pulling Katniss with him. Once they were out of the bathroom, Kolton slowly urged her behind of him and into the large, lavish bedroom. They needed to get dressed soon and on cue, Effie arrived at the door and knocked.

Ironically, she knocked on the bedroom next door as if they were not together. He simply shook his head before finally removing himself from Katniss. It was a pain to be removed from her at all but he needed to make the walk down the hallway to his room for some clothing. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he pressed another kiss to her lips, letting it be chaste and quick. “I’ll be right back and then we can go to the dining car.” He murmured before releasing her from his grasp and turning towards the brass doorknob, turning it slowly and exiting the room.

The male’s bedroom was right beside of the female’s. It could easily be connected if designed that way. Inside, he searched for some kind of clothing to wear. Everything was the exact same as Katniss’ room except for the clothes of course. It was the most lavish place he had ever seen and it was utterly disgusting even so. Finally, he settled on a navy blue t-shirt and a gray pair of pants called sweatpants according to the label. Unsure of what it really was, he just understood it felt soft and comfortable. He also pulled on some underwear and slipped his bare feet into some night shoes before walking right back down towards Katniss’ door and standing in the doorway until she was prepared.

 

[Horror_Show]

Katniss heard the knock, looked at Kolten, and felt his gentle lips give her a peck before he vanished to his designated cabin. Katniss was naked and has also not felt so clean and smelled so good. Her skin even felt softer due to the moisturizer and oils of the soap. It felt nice but foreign. Soon as her door slid shut she grabbed the big towel and did some last minute drying and walked over to see a closet full of items she could change into. She had never seen such different designs and materials, only on old books and magazines she had found with Kolten or on her own past adventures, then of course on television through the broadcasting they did every year of the event.

She chose an outfit and got changed into dark gray leggings that fitted her legs perfectly, pulled over her tank was a navy blue tank over a fitted black bra, she had a cardigan left open for more coverage pulled on over the tank. By the time she had finished and was sitting on the bed brushing out her hair. The door slid back open and it was Kolten. She saw him and for a minute just admired him. He was just in jeans and a t-shirt and though it was casual, she always saw him in simple clothing from district twelve. She gave a glimpse of a small smile that would give Kolten major relief until she heard Effie behind him.

“Come out dear….you two need to meet Haymitch!” She urged and Katniss got up and without even grabbing shoes or socks left to follow behind Kolten, but not without finding a way to clasps her own hand in his.

They came back out to the main social area but it was empty, just all the snacks and appetizers available. Katniss stood by Kolten, her side pressed into his, her head leaning on his shoulder as their hands were intertwined. Effie watched them and didn't know how to react so she gave an over dramatic smile and laugh.
“How adorable….you two are really lovers then? How----“

“Tragic.” A drunken voice filled in for her. All three turned their attention to an older man who was dressed in a good suit but looked a little on edge himself. It was Haymitch, their mentor. He completely disregarded all of them and went to a side table and poured a glass of whiskey. Katniss didn't move but raised her head, eyes alert as she observed and tried to figure out this man. He stumbled and fell into a chair while holding his glass and gave a sarcastic smile to the both of them, he cocked his head and nodded to himself.

“Not bad......,” you couldn't tell what his comment was or who it was directed at as he continued, “congratulations on being chosen to be district twelves pawns this year.” He took a sip of his drink and made a toast. “Too bad both of you will die together out there. Such a shame.” He said without seeming like he really gave a damn.

“Haymitch!” Effie scolded glaring at him.

 

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Almost immediately after laying eyes upon Katniss, Effie interrupted the moment. Kolton watched Katniss all the way until she reached the door. Her body was gorgeous and whatever pants she was wearing hugged her backside and he found himself staring for a couple moments longer than necessary. From that point forward, he decided to keep their hands locked together as they entered the empty dining car.

Haymitch did not seem all too sociable so far and Kolton doubted that would change. As they walked, he heard Effie gushing about them but made no answer. Obviously, they were lovers. This was not for show. Then, the blonde man stumbled in. The scent of alcohol burned into Kolton’s nose and mouth. It was absolutely deplorable and disgusting. If that was not bad enough, their mentor went on this drunken rant, seeming to already dismiss his tributes as being dead.

Kolton was absolutely furious. Unconsciously, his grip on Katniss’ hand tightened slightly because the anger was nearly steaming and his face became pale and his eyes were wide and dark. This man was supposed to help them. This man was supposed to help them get sponsors and give them tips. It hardly looked like he could control himself at all.

“At least this year my job’s easy, Trinket! Nobody will expect anything from two hopeless lovebirds. I don’t even have to try.” Another crude laugh emitted from his throat and he nearly dropped his liquor. Finally, Kolton had seen enough and dropped his girlfriend’s hand. Taking strides towards the drunk man, he heard Haymitch continue bantering. “Oh look… he thinks he’s tough. Ha!” In the middle of trying to stand up, Kolton’s right fist connected with Hamitch’s jaw.

To everyone’s surprise, Kolton was not in the mood for talking or accepting this fate. He was ready for a fight but so was haymitch. Taking his glass, he threw it violently towards Kolton’s head but he ducked in time for it to crash into the wall. Then, Kolton essentially tackled Haymitch and they were both flailing punches at one another. By the time a couple peacekeepers broke up the skirmish, Kolton had landed quite a few punches onto Haymitch’s face but his own face was bruised, too.

Breathing heavily, Kolton eyed the man before he was laughing again. This liquor had really damaged him but a new tone was taken this time. “I’ll be damned, kids. Do I actually have a pair of fighters? You leave that mark on your face. It’ll look like you’ve been tossing around with a few tributes before the Games. It’s illegal but it’s good for show.” This was the first piece of advice given.

Looking left and right at the tributes, he continued. “Look… if you don’t interrupt my drinking then I’ll try to help you. Is that a deal?” Finally unclenching his fists, Kolton nodded slowly and looked to Katniss. If that’s what it took for Haymitch to actually help, then he would do it. All they needed to do was show their mentor that they would fight and his entire mindset about them changed.

 

[Horror_Show]

Things escalated a little quickly than Katniss had thought they would. Kolten made sudden moves and him and the drunken man was in a brawl on the floor. Katniss normally would have cried out, calling Kolten’s name to stop him like any other significant other would but she couldn’t. Her voice had been stolen by her own hell. As they threw punches and rolled around on the floor Katniss stepped back, wide eyed as Effie was shrieking. Peace keepers separated the two as they were restraining Kolten as the drunken man was laughing. Both of them looked horrible, both bad bloody noses, Kolten had a busted lip and would have a swollen eye.
“That’s enough!” Effie said, with a weird sort of confidence, she sounded distressed and disgusted. This wasn’t how things were supposed to play out.

“Look… if you don’t interrupt my drinking then I’ll try to help you. Is that a deal?”

Katniss was looking back and forth between the both of them as Haymitch was dusting himself off and making a new drink. Apparently winning the games gave you a life of luxury brought also brought you back into hell every year to mentor, they didn’t know what secrets he had but Katniss could guess his life had been ripped from him.

Effie still looked a little shaken up and was throwing menacing glares at Haymitch. Katiss looked at Kolten, beaten and saw he was doing whatever it took to get them help. She still felt in a daze, but Haymitch was right, they would both die…..not unless she could save him, she knew he would be trying to do the same, it was fucking hopeless.

Haymitch looked at the young woman and looked a little intrigued as he drank straight from a bottle. “Go on, go take care of your boyfriend.” He said, but she could see the pain and horror in his eyes. Katniss stood her ground and kept eying him. There were words and emotions passed back and forth just between the eye lock before Katniss turned away. She stormed past Kolten and paced back to her own room letting the door slide shut, but didn't lock it. She could hear echoes of voices outside, of the peace keepers talking to Haymitch, Effie and Kolten.

Katniss sat on the bed wanting to scream and to keep screaming but once again, sat in silence. Prim was safe, for now……her goal was to always to protect her sisters, to protect her family. If she died, if Kolten died….who would save her in the next reaping? Her own father had been taken in an accident and left her mother in the same state of shock, a shock Katniss could do nothing about as she became Prim’s mother, now here she was with Kolten, having to go into the hunger games. Talk about bad luck.

 

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On rare occasions, Katniss would completely shut down, even to Kolton. Watching her storm out of the dining car meant she was really giving up. Sighing quietly, Kolton finished talking with Haymitch and Effie, devoting apologies upon his behalf. Before being dismissed, Effie reminded him to make sure he and Katniss both get plenty of sleep. In the morning, they would arrive in the Capitol. Finally, Kolton managed to slip away from these two people and follow the same, narrow corridors towards the bedrooms. At first, the blonde boy wondered if Katniss locked him out but thankfully the door was only pushed closed.

Gripping the knob, he twisted the brass and entered the bedroom. His brown eyes landed on the girl while she sat like a statue on the edge of her bed. Realizing that his normal, comforting words would not help Katniss, he decided to try a different approach. His next actions would be nothing more than bold and risky. So far, himself and Katniss’ sex life seemed very vanilla. She was much more worried about other things rather than sex and could never allow her mind to travel to those places often. Kolton wanted to change it.

No matter what happened in the arena, they had little time left together and he wanted to make the most of it. There were so many fantasies of his they never explored and no time was better than the present, right? Not speaking to Katniss, he walked towards the closet and grabbed three silk scarves. One red, one blue, and one dark green. Turning on his heels and walking towards the bed, Kolton stopped in front of Katniss and looked down at her. A new side was about to spring out of Kolton, a side that he hoped Katniss would really enjoy and take her mind off things.

Placing his rough hands onto the girl’s shoulders, Kolton shoved Katniss down onto the bed. Reaching down, he untied the cardigan she wore and quickly disposed of it onto the ground beside of the bed. Not slowing down, he immediately gripped the hem of her blue tank top and threw it off to the side as well. Kneeling over her, he pressed his mouth firmly against her own, grabbing at her leggings and sliding them down her long, slender legs. His kiss was dominant and forceful, making her open way to allow his tongue inside of her mouth. One hand twisted into her long hair and started pulling and the other finished shedding her leggings so now she was only clad in her fitted black bra and panties.

After pulling back from the kiss, he pinned both of her arms down above her head and onto the mattress, allowing his groin to rub against hers. “I don’t know what you’re thinking right now but you will listen to me, Katniss. Let’s have some fun tonight and forget about everything else.” Kolton growled into her ear heated and passionately.

 

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Katniss was sitting in her compartment becoming less and less conscious of reality when the door slid open from the other side and she turned to see him opening the door. Her look was enough to let him know her state and he simply stayed quiet and walked toward the closet. Katniss still wasn’t focusing on what he was doing as he mind was preoccupied with everything else.

That was until Kolten eyed her and walked forward, she just gazed up at him confused until he pushed her down undoing her cardigan, it was gone and in minutes so was her tank top and leggings in a pile as Kolten had her pinned down as he forcefully gave her a kiss. She could taste just a small bit of his blood from his busted lip. He didn’t seem to mind. He broke from the kiss and she breathed out a little wide eyed as he glared at her.

His words were dominant and aggressive, in his own way behind those dark eyes she knew he was pleading, begging her to just give in and let him take control. This was his way of not hurting her but distracting her. For a brief moment she thought of fighting, of just crying and knew he would immediately stop, but maybe he needed this even though he was doing it for her? He had done so much from giving her family extra food, helping around the house, the extra belongings, treating Prim like a princess and her own mother with such happiness and respect. She saw a future for them in her hidden fantasies. His growl was somewhat attractive but foreign.

She loved Kolten and because of that would submit. In the process it wasn’t hard because her body was already reacting slowly. Her body was slightly turned, arched where his groin was against her own. Her eye’s looked up at him, fearful but lovingly. Right now she could not be fierce or in control. She simple just nodded, it was her way of giving him permission.

 

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Even with a busted lip and bruising eye, Kolton’s focus could not be broken. Scrapping with Haymitch served to prove his passionate love for Katniss yet again. The blonde boy refused to lay down and give up; he would also refuse Katniss the same luxury. It would be rather easy to sulk the next week before entering the arena and accept the fate of dying. However, Kolton would not accept anything other than a burning fire in his core to fight for Katniss and keep her safe despite their lackluster circumstances. The Capitol and the arena would not change who Kolton was as a man, that was for damn sure. The Capitol had already taken so much from both of these tributes but Kolton repudiated The Capitol from taking their fight.

Looking down into Katniss’ gray eyes, his own brown eyes continued growing darker. A mix of passion, love, lust, and even fear suffused within his orbs. Everything happening sent the young man on an emotional roller coaster ride. He had hardly any time to process his surroundings or understand what was happening. In the present moment, the only prevalent thought in his broken mind involved Katniss and the most primal instinct and need to feel alive. Funnily enough, he wanted to feel alive more than ever before once faced with death. Trying to rationalize the situation, Kolton realized they faced the possibility of expiring every single day back home but this was a completely different situation. Twenty-three of their fellow tributes would cease to exist in approximately one month from now. Time was of the essence.

Roughly grabbing Katniss’ hands, Kolton crossed her wrists over each other. Taking the blue scarf, he started on the bottom of both of her wrists and pulled upwards on the ends of the scarf. Then, Kolton wrapped the ends of the scarf around Katniss’ wrists four times and completed each rotation with a taut pull on his upwards stroke. The pressure would be applied on the center of her wrists and restrain the brunette from escaping. Countless hours were spent by Kolton, studying the art of bondage and how he might go about tying someone up with a variety of items. Peering into his girlfriend’s eyes, Kolton licked his lips and felt an erection beginning to grow inside of his jeans. His knee was still in the center of her legs and he still straddled Katniss while grabbing the red scarf.

“Close your eyes.”

The voice was deep, gruff, and demanding. It was not a question, it was not a suggestion, it was him stating a fact and a command. After the girl complied, this scarf was wrapped around her closed orbs and pulled firmly around her head with a tight knot being tied to hold the blindfold still. Hopefully the deprivation of her senses would allow Katniss to enjoy this kind of sex even more. Without being able to move, talk, or see should heighten her tactile sense according to a few articles he found. Happy with her predicament so far, Kolton gripped the hem of his t-shirt and quickly discarded the material from his torso, tossing it onto the floor. His slender but toned abdomen was revealed and though Katniss could not see his body, she could feel his rippling muscles against her soft hands because Kolton immediately grabbed her bound hands and placed them against his abdomen. Kolton hoped she would finally release all of her emotions and only focus on him and this moment they shared together.

 

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Katniss was attracted to Kolten with the kind of heady trance that brings butterfly to nectar. He was just the right blend of bold and sweet. He was the kindest and most reliable person she had ever met. Though reliable doesn’t mean that she doesn’t love him with a fiery passion, reliable is everything, for without it how could love flourish and grow. In a world where games were played to the death and humans were treated with less respect, reliability was the cornerstone of trust, and she trusted this young man with her and her family’s life.

No matter the distance her attraction would remain constant, Katniss would always feel a pull towards him. There was something about the two of them together that matches, each half loving the other so fully that life alone would be meaningless and its why her world had come to a complete stop hours ago during the reaping. Kolten would be her only sort of light in the darkness to come.

Katniss stayed quiet and obedient as he easily and accurately tied the scarfs around her wrist and then his voice commander her to close her eyes. She had never seen this side of him and was still In shock so she could only rely on her body right now to give the correct signs she loved him. Soon as her eyes were blind folded she only had her other senses.

In minutes she felt his warm abdomen on her stomach and slightly turned her head, moving her neck in a way that would let him know she was aware of his body on her own.

 

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Looking down at the naked, bound, and blindfolded girl reminded Kolton how lucky he was. Hardly anyone from District 12 actually found true love. Their story was undeniably special and sweet even though it was all going to end soon. The present moment was just too precious to waste. With that in mind, Kolton wrapped his warm mouth around her left nipple and started sucking around the pink flesh until her nipple became hard. His mouth trailed open mouthed kisses across her chest to her right nipple and repeated the same process. Already his breathing was heavy and he pulled back again, quickly shedding his jeans and boxers in one swift motion.

Still, one more scarf remained at it was for her mouth. Before gagging her, he leaned down to kiss her lisp one final time, holding it for a good five or ten seconds. The next silk scarf was placed in between of her teeth and wrapped tightly around the back of her head with a tight knot being tied at the base of her skull. A nice, proper cleave gag had been tied. Already, his arousal increased by tenfold immediately. Licking his lips, he rubbed that thick cock of his against her thigh.

Just looking at her in this predicament was enough to make him go crazy. A quiet moan left his lips and he could not resist but giving her another kiss over her lips.

“Let me hear how much fun you’re having.”

He whispered just so she wouldn’t stay silent. Before she was just in some kind of shocked state but with that gag in her mouth she better start talking and moaning or it would make Kolton quite upset with her. Nonetheless, he reached down to spread open her legs before puckering his lips and pressing a soft kiss to her sweet pussy lips, allowing his tongue to just graze her labia and tease her entranc

 

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The last touch was tying the last scarf securely but softly around her mouth making a cleave gag. Katniss at first was a little shocked. Kolten had never ever expressed his sexual desires? Why would he? In district twelve they had more concerns than getting aroused about sexual advances. Not that they couldn’t run off and find some secret private place to make love, it wasn’t important. It was the last thing of Katniss’s mind…..it still was until pushed to the forefront.

“Let me hear how much fun you’re having.”

His moans also sounded so foreign but welcoming. The girl was being thrown into a world in which she had no experience, but to be truthful this was Kolten’s first time as well, he had just fantasized so much and had a motivation that wouldn’t let anything destroy tonight.

It wasn’t long before she felt his hot busted lip give soft kisses between her thighs and a muffled gasp escaped her mouth. Kolten would smell her natural nectar slowly starting to soak below. Katniss reacted and without meaning to arched her rear so her back slightly lifted up, almost giving him better access to enjoy. The whole time her movements were rigid and restricted because of the other restraints.

 

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Kolton intended to provide a mind-blowing experience for Katniss, hoping after tonight she would think about sex more often. An area where they differed was sex: she hardly thought about it while Kolton hardly DIDN’T think about it. Being the respectful guy he was, Kolton never pressed the issue to Katniss until now when their time was limited though it should be very understandable why all of this was happening at once.

Pulling back from her wet lips, Kolton licked his own lips with his tongue and decided to comment on how wonderful she tasted.

“I’ve never tasted anything sweeter in my entire life.”

Before, his erection had not reached its full potential but after that first muffled moan, Kolton was fully erect. Taking the tip and circling her labia to tease her, Kolton started to press kisses over her gagged lips. His hands grabbed her bound hands, squeezing them for reassurance as he ardently pressed his thick member into her tight, wet opening. Immediately, he struck deep within her core and moaned out her name against Katniss’ mouth. Then, he shifted his head to give open-mouthed kisses all along her neck again, allowing his hips to remain at a rather slow pace so this would draw out longer.

 

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Kolten’s touch sent electricity through her skin. Her hormones shutting down of her higher brain as the rise of her animalistic self surfaced. From there on it was all about passion, intense, intoxicating. Kolten was her release, her escape from their current demise, her drug. The only thing that made it difficult was the desire to break free and touch him back, to embrace him as he was her but he didn’t want that. He only wanted himself to be in control while she felt nothing but pleasure.

As her body ached he wasted no time in letting himself fill her. The cool room already felt warm. As he kept a steady pace, Katniss completely submitted and would let soft moans and breaths out over the gag, she had use her nose to keep a steady flow of air. It was hard to hold back, to make the moment last. His pace was slow and sweet and as he slowly moved in and out she savored every minute as her loins did anything to keep him in.

 

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If Katniss paid any attention to Kolton, one thing would hopefully be obvious. A direct correlation existed between her muffled moans and his pace of thrusting. Whenever she released a soft groan behind the gag, the young man would start thrusting harder, his breath would become heavier, and his eyes would become darker. Such a simple thing really impacted him in unspeakable ways. Continuing to press their lips together, he released her bound hands before placing his calloused ones onto her firm breasts. They just felt so soft and perfect within his hands, allowing him to squeeze and fondle them with ease.

Before long, his pace was faster than they had ever done before. His thick cock was striking deep inside of her cervix before pulling almost fully out of her velvet lips and then pounding right back inside of her. His breath remained hot and heavy, busy with kissing her neck for the next few moments and playing with her breasts. Pre-cum was already being emitted inside of her and the bed was rattling and shaking violently. The headboard was being slammed into the nice walls of the train. Moans began leaving his mouth too which should also show how much he adored having Katniss tied up. Usually during sex, he was rather quiet and less vocal but it sounded like he could not stop moaning even if he tried.

 

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There was a dark side of Kolton and Katniss had never been exposed to it. All her mind and body could do was take in and ride out the pleasure Kolten was giving her. His thrusting got harder and luckily her body naturally made it easier by getting more soaked in her natural nectar. It gave Kolten easy access, so there would be no uncomfortable friction. It helped Kolten had blindfolded, gagged and restrained her for heightened pleasure.

As a surprise he released her bound hands giving her a little freedom. She wasn’t expecting that but quickly took the chance to wrap both hands around his slim muscled body and pull his closer as more sounds escaped her clothed mouth. Her hands combed through his shaggy blonde hair. The headboard was slamming against the wall and whoever was nearby would hear the passion and rawness of the two tributes.

His moans are something that turned her on, she loved him and not ever hearing him like this was something she had never been exposed to. Her own breathing and moaning got slightly heavier and louder, but was muffled making it harder.

 

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While Kolton wished to indulge himself in this moment forever, his body was not cooperating. With Katniss in such a compromising position combined with her sexy, muffled moaning, he could not hold back for too much longer. After a few more thrusts and a few more passing noises, Kolton reached his peak. Another kiss was planted right onto her lips and two fingers were shoved in between the girl’s legs, slowly rubbing circles on her clitoris.

He hoped she would orgasm too, that they would orgasm together for that matter. After applying ample pressure to her sensitive bundle of nerves, his own orgasm reached and his hot, sticky semen spurted out in four massive explosions inside of Katniss. Usually, they were not this powerful or euphoric but the loudest moan ever released by Kolton just emitted from his throat.

After his hot seed filled her up, he would continue rubbing her clit if she had not reached the climax yet but if she had, he would work on untying her hands first and then removing the blindfold while taking off the gag last but he did keep himself buried inside of her, just in love with the feeling.

 

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In the hot passion that had lasted it least of the last half an hour or so Kolten had exerted himself and within the heightened pleasure they had both climaxed. Katniss was clouded with pleasure and ecstasy as it happened. She felt his hot seed fill her and all she could do was let out a desperate and satisfied moan. It was like she had been cleansed of all the negative emotions that had been consuming her. She had forgotten they were on their way to train for their death, she had forgotten everything except how she loved Kolten. There was this brief euphoria of imagining if they were able to get married and have a child but who would want to do so in such a world?

Katniss had been freed of her restrains and the gag but felt Kolten bury himself inside of her. Katniss wrapped her arms around Kolten and let him stay exactly where he was.

Who knew if in the other compartments, if Haymitch or Effie had heard them or anyone else. They had been extremely loud.