Ok, so this is a sort of Hunger Games inspired story, but different. Hope you enjoy reading!
Chapter 1.1
I look up at the clock that hangs across from my bed. I haven't been able to sleep for days, with the Passing festival creeping slowly upon our little villiage. During the festival is a yearly event known as the Pickings, where a selected member of The House of Cards comes and knocks on 2 doors. They ask to inspect their home. If they have one child, they take him/her. If they have more, they take the eldest. Then, the children are given 2 weeks to spend freely at their home. Then, the selected member of The House of Cards picks them up to take them to the capitol of our country, known as the White Hill. The un-normal thing about White Hill, is that everything is white. No one can explain it. Well, anyways, within the next week, they go to a camp near the White Hill. They will learn about survival tips and what nots. When that week is up, they have a quick interview with Ava, the host of a popular show, called Live it with Ava. Such a stupid show. And straight after that, comes the room. Each player, as they are called, are given a big, fancy room with treats. After that, they have 4 weeks to do anything as they pleased. Then, the worst comes. They are released into wilderness, which changes every year, and have to survive on their own, with little or no help. The only rule is to not fight eachother. Any chance of survival is far away. For example, they always have a water resource a 4 day's journey, food supply is dangerously low, plus they have armed soldiers just about every corner, which you are forced to fight or die. So ya, it's hard. Though, occasionally they send in some gifts from people who bet on us to survive.
Despite my fears, I get out of bed and dress in a white dress tied with a pale blue bow that ties in the back. I go to my bathroom and find my hairbrush and slowly brush my hair, un-tangeling it. My little sister, Iris, comes in. "Sissy, do you think you will go?" she says, ending in a huge yawn. I stop, and look down at her big, innocent green eyes. I neel down and take her hands in mine. It won't work to comfort her. She is simply too old for that, being 9. "I don't know, Iris. I hope not, though. But if I do, I promise I will come back once the 2 weeks are over. I cross my heart." I say. I stand up, walk with her out to the front porch, and watch as the parade flashes by. Big floats with jungles, lakes, meadows...
Soon, my mother join us, giving us a tight squeeze. "Come on now, children. We need to meet your father at our hat booth before the festival begins." she says. We sell hats every year, just to earn extra money. We head off to the main street where we see our father. How can such fun turn into a nightmare... I wonder. One more day. Just one, before the Pickings.
Chapter 1.2
I wake up to a knock. I sigh, saying "I'll get it!" before I realize who it could be. I drag myself out of bed, stripping myself of my nightgown. I soon re appear in the living room with a simple, plain black t shirt and skinny jeans, along with some simple converse. I slowly open up the door, revealing 2 men in full out black suits, armed with rifles, along with 2 helmets. "Hello." I say, fidgeting with my fingers. I already know why they are here.
"Is this the Hankelhury's residents?" the first man asks. He takes off his helmet, revealing short, messy brown hair and blue eyes, and very pale skin.
"Yes, and may who you be?" I ask.
"M'am, we are White Hill soldiers. Do you have children?"
Just then, my mother appears.
"Yes, only 2 daughters." my mother says, her words choking her with sobs, because she too, knows what is happening next.
"May we see the eldest of your children?" the socond soldier asks. Though, I note that she is not a man, in fact, when she takes off her helmet, she reveals bronze skin, black hair, and hazel eyes. I can tell by the sympathetic look in her eyes that she gives to my mother, that she too, is a mother.
"Yes." my mother walks out of the room.
"Are you the eldest?" the woman asks. I choke up.
"Yes." The only thing I can say. Yes.
I think of how pathetic I am.
"Your name?" the man asks me.
"Poppy, Poppy Hanklehury." I say. My name echos in my head. Why? Why me? Why come to this house?
I notice Iris slwly approaching my bedroom door. I'm laying on my stomach, hair in my face. "Sissy, are...are you OK?" sha asks.
Sissy. The word lingers in my head. It's the first thing she said when she saw me. So many memories. My throat chokes up when I answer. "Yes. Remember my promise, OK? I'll be alright." She scoots on my bed, moving my hair behind my ear. "I love you, sissy." is all she says before she walks out the door.
"Hey, Poppy." a familiar voice outside my door jerks me awake.
"Hunter?" my usually strong voice is now weak, quiet. I look into his eyes, seeing only my reflection.
"I hear you've been chosen." he quietly sits on my bed, placing his hand on mine. Hunter is like my brother, he's been there since forever,
"I don't know what to do." is all I say. He wipes a tear from my face as I feel more tears coming. He gives me a giant hug.
"It'll be alright. I'll look after them." he whispers in my ear. I feel relief, knowing he wasn't chosen.
"Do..do you want to hunt?" We always seem to hunt, knowing it was against law. We do it to gain money for our family, for emergencies.
"Not right now, I have to got the main street to buy a pack of bandages for Lilly. She scraped her knee." he said, pushing away.
"Oh, ok." I say. As he leave the room, he turns back one time. I tell myself to be strong. For everything. I get out, and I slowly make my way for the door. I go to the main square, where the "lucky" players will be announced.
Chapter 1.3
As my name is called and I walk up the stage, I notice Iris hugging our mother. They seem to be quite depressed, especially Iris. Tears come down her cheeks, and she seems to be mouthing my name over and over again. I moth the words 'don't cry' as I face the whole of my small city.
"Hello, dear! You must be Poppy!" says a cheery voice. A member. I say. What ridiculous person is happy at this time of year?
"Yes." I reply back. I see a pale woman, huge eye lashes, a small mouth, a soft red colored hair that's curled, and a huge hot pink gown. Along with eight inch heels. Figures.
"Well, miss Poppy, my name is Trumpet. Miss Trumpet. Pleased to meet you!" she says. Her voice is high. Annoyingly high like those in White Hill. A give a smile, and she knows that I can't speak. "Now for our next player! Mr. Seeder!" A muscular man, probably near twenties stands, and about to make his way to stage, when another familiar voice shouts out. "I would like to step in his place!" the boy shouts.
"Oh, well! Okay, then! What would be your name?"
The boy stands up. Brown hair, deep blue eyes, and tan skin. He seems pretty strong.
"My name is Crispin." he says.
Now I remember. I was sitting up against a tree after stepping on a piece of broken glass. My foot was aching and bleeding. I was under the shade tree near the shoe store. And through the window, I could make out a boy of my age. He ran out once he saw my foot. He measured it, then went inside. He soon came out with a bandage and wrapped my foot in it. I remember saying thanyou, but he never said anythinf. A week later, abox with new shoes arrived. I knew it must've been him.
I snap back to reality as he walks up the stage. Trumpet gives a boring speech of what our goal is. Remids us that we have 2 weeks to survive. Anyone could go home after those 2 weeks. Whoever dies, dies.
We walk off the stage. He meets me in the square. "Hi.Poppy, that's your name right?" he says, flashing a slight smile.
"Ya. Don't you work at the shoestore?" I say, trying to bring up a topic. I can tell that he doesn't want to talk about it.
"Well, ya, a little bit, I guess." I decide to cut the topic, he obviously doesn't want to talk abut it.
"Ok, well, I guess I'll see you soon." I say, turning around and leaving. I get my hood and put on some boots and grab my arrow and bows. I notice that Hunter has on his usual hunting gear, and I meet him outside.
"Hunting?" I say.
"Ya. Usual spot?" he says, already knowing my answer.
"You bet! Now you just gotta catch me!"
I run up ahead, leading to the small wooden gate that leads to the forest. Seriously, if they don't want people in there, they should make better reinforcements. I climb over it, it being only around 5 feet tall. I race to the forest, the trees in my vision. I hear panting behind me, so I know he's right behind me. I reach the first tree, successful. Due to my sudden stop, my hair flies out, only to fall back down, in my face. Before I know it, Hunter is moving my hair aside, behind my ears, staring into my eyes.
"Are you sure you're OK?" he says.
"About what?"
"You know. Leaving." he shuffles his feet, his hands fidgeting.
"I am. I just need a distraction and make the next 2 weeks the best I can. Ok?"
"The best? So...you do you want to know the truth?
"Well, ya. Of course I do."
"Then, I think Crispin loves you." I'm not shocked.
"Ya, I kindof guessed by the way he looks at me. And what he says."
"Do you feel the same way about him?"
"No! There are more important things in my life!" I march off silently through the trees. I spot a young deer grazing on grass. As I load my bow, a sudden movement catches it's eye. I look around, spotting Hunter.
"Hunter! You scared off my game!" I exclaim. I see the hurt in his eyes, so I calm down.
"Sorry." I say quietly. I shuffle down to the rock near the stream. I hear him coming up to sit next to me.
"Hunter, I-" I am cut short as he puts his finger to my lips. "Listen." he whispers.
I hear movement. Not made by any animal. It could only be one thing. A human.
Well, that's all for now! Please tell me what you think!
Chapter 1.1
I look up at the clock that hangs across from my bed. I haven't been able to sleep for days, with the Passing festival creeping slowly upon our little villiage. During the festival is a yearly event known as the Pickings, where a selected member of The House of Cards comes and knocks on 2 doors. They ask to inspect their home. If they have one child, they take him/her. If they have more, they take the eldest. Then, the children are given 2 weeks to spend freely at their home. Then, the selected member of The House of Cards picks them up to take them to the capitol of our country, known as the White Hill. The un-normal thing about White Hill, is that everything is white. No one can explain it. Well, anyways, within the next week, they go to a camp near the White Hill. They will learn about survival tips and what nots. When that week is up, they have a quick interview with Ava, the host of a popular show, called Live it with Ava. Such a stupid show. And straight after that, comes the room. Each player, as they are called, are given a big, fancy room with treats. After that, they have 4 weeks to do anything as they pleased. Then, the worst comes. They are released into wilderness, which changes every year, and have to survive on their own, with little or no help. The only rule is to not fight eachother. Any chance of survival is far away. For example, they always have a water resource a 4 day's journey, food supply is dangerously low, plus they have armed soldiers just about every corner, which you are forced to fight or die. So ya, it's hard. Though, occasionally they send in some gifts from people who bet on us to survive.
Despite my fears, I get out of bed and dress in a white dress tied with a pale blue bow that ties in the back. I go to my bathroom and find my hairbrush and slowly brush my hair, un-tangeling it. My little sister, Iris, comes in. "Sissy, do you think you will go?" she says, ending in a huge yawn. I stop, and look down at her big, innocent green eyes. I neel down and take her hands in mine. It won't work to comfort her. She is simply too old for that, being 9. "I don't know, Iris. I hope not, though. But if I do, I promise I will come back once the 2 weeks are over. I cross my heart." I say. I stand up, walk with her out to the front porch, and watch as the parade flashes by. Big floats with jungles, lakes, meadows...
Soon, my mother join us, giving us a tight squeeze. "Come on now, children. We need to meet your father at our hat booth before the festival begins." she says. We sell hats every year, just to earn extra money. We head off to the main street where we see our father. How can such fun turn into a nightmare... I wonder. One more day. Just one, before the Pickings.
Chapter 1.2
I wake up to a knock. I sigh, saying "I'll get it!" before I realize who it could be. I drag myself out of bed, stripping myself of my nightgown. I soon re appear in the living room with a simple, plain black t shirt and skinny jeans, along with some simple converse. I slowly open up the door, revealing 2 men in full out black suits, armed with rifles, along with 2 helmets. "Hello." I say, fidgeting with my fingers. I already know why they are here.
"Is this the Hankelhury's residents?" the first man asks. He takes off his helmet, revealing short, messy brown hair and blue eyes, and very pale skin.
"Yes, and may who you be?" I ask.
"M'am, we are White Hill soldiers. Do you have children?"
Just then, my mother appears.
"Yes, only 2 daughters." my mother says, her words choking her with sobs, because she too, knows what is happening next.
"May we see the eldest of your children?" the socond soldier asks. Though, I note that she is not a man, in fact, when she takes off her helmet, she reveals bronze skin, black hair, and hazel eyes. I can tell by the sympathetic look in her eyes that she gives to my mother, that she too, is a mother.
"Yes." my mother walks out of the room.
"Are you the eldest?" the woman asks. I choke up.
"Yes." The only thing I can say. Yes.
I think of how pathetic I am.
"Your name?" the man asks me.
"Poppy, Poppy Hanklehury." I say. My name echos in my head. Why? Why me? Why come to this house?
I notice Iris slwly approaching my bedroom door. I'm laying on my stomach, hair in my face. "Sissy, are...are you OK?" sha asks.
Sissy. The word lingers in my head. It's the first thing she said when she saw me. So many memories. My throat chokes up when I answer. "Yes. Remember my promise, OK? I'll be alright." She scoots on my bed, moving my hair behind my ear. "I love you, sissy." is all she says before she walks out the door.
"Hey, Poppy." a familiar voice outside my door jerks me awake.
"Hunter?" my usually strong voice is now weak, quiet. I look into his eyes, seeing only my reflection.
"I hear you've been chosen." he quietly sits on my bed, placing his hand on mine. Hunter is like my brother, he's been there since forever,
"I don't know what to do." is all I say. He wipes a tear from my face as I feel more tears coming. He gives me a giant hug.
"It'll be alright. I'll look after them." he whispers in my ear. I feel relief, knowing he wasn't chosen.
"Do..do you want to hunt?" We always seem to hunt, knowing it was against law. We do it to gain money for our family, for emergencies.
"Not right now, I have to got the main street to buy a pack of bandages for Lilly. She scraped her knee." he said, pushing away.
"Oh, ok." I say. As he leave the room, he turns back one time. I tell myself to be strong. For everything. I get out, and I slowly make my way for the door. I go to the main square, where the "lucky" players will be announced.
Chapter 1.3
As my name is called and I walk up the stage, I notice Iris hugging our mother. They seem to be quite depressed, especially Iris. Tears come down her cheeks, and she seems to be mouthing my name over and over again. I moth the words 'don't cry' as I face the whole of my small city.
"Hello, dear! You must be Poppy!" says a cheery voice. A member. I say. What ridiculous person is happy at this time of year?
"Yes." I reply back. I see a pale woman, huge eye lashes, a small mouth, a soft red colored hair that's curled, and a huge hot pink gown. Along with eight inch heels. Figures.
"Well, miss Poppy, my name is Trumpet. Miss Trumpet. Pleased to meet you!" she says. Her voice is high. Annoyingly high like those in White Hill. A give a smile, and she knows that I can't speak. "Now for our next player! Mr. Seeder!" A muscular man, probably near twenties stands, and about to make his way to stage, when another familiar voice shouts out. "I would like to step in his place!" the boy shouts.
"Oh, well! Okay, then! What would be your name?"
The boy stands up. Brown hair, deep blue eyes, and tan skin. He seems pretty strong.
"My name is Crispin." he says.
Now I remember. I was sitting up against a tree after stepping on a piece of broken glass. My foot was aching and bleeding. I was under the shade tree near the shoe store. And through the window, I could make out a boy of my age. He ran out once he saw my foot. He measured it, then went inside. He soon came out with a bandage and wrapped my foot in it. I remember saying thanyou, but he never said anythinf. A week later, abox with new shoes arrived. I knew it must've been him.
I snap back to reality as he walks up the stage. Trumpet gives a boring speech of what our goal is. Remids us that we have 2 weeks to survive. Anyone could go home after those 2 weeks. Whoever dies, dies.
We walk off the stage. He meets me in the square. "Hi.Poppy, that's your name right?" he says, flashing a slight smile.
"Ya. Don't you work at the shoestore?" I say, trying to bring up a topic. I can tell that he doesn't want to talk about it.
"Well, ya, a little bit, I guess." I decide to cut the topic, he obviously doesn't want to talk abut it.
"Ok, well, I guess I'll see you soon." I say, turning around and leaving. I get my hood and put on some boots and grab my arrow and bows. I notice that Hunter has on his usual hunting gear, and I meet him outside.
"Hunting?" I say.
"Ya. Usual spot?" he says, already knowing my answer.
"You bet! Now you just gotta catch me!"
I run up ahead, leading to the small wooden gate that leads to the forest. Seriously, if they don't want people in there, they should make better reinforcements. I climb over it, it being only around 5 feet tall. I race to the forest, the trees in my vision. I hear panting behind me, so I know he's right behind me. I reach the first tree, successful. Due to my sudden stop, my hair flies out, only to fall back down, in my face. Before I know it, Hunter is moving my hair aside, behind my ears, staring into my eyes.
"Are you sure you're OK?" he says.
"About what?"
"You know. Leaving." he shuffles his feet, his hands fidgeting.
"I am. I just need a distraction and make the next 2 weeks the best I can. Ok?"
"The best? So...you do you want to know the truth?
"Well, ya. Of course I do."
"Then, I think Crispin loves you." I'm not shocked.
"Ya, I kindof guessed by the way he looks at me. And what he says."
"Do you feel the same way about him?"
"No! There are more important things in my life!" I march off silently through the trees. I spot a young deer grazing on grass. As I load my bow, a sudden movement catches it's eye. I look around, spotting Hunter.
"Hunter! You scared off my game!" I exclaim. I see the hurt in his eyes, so I calm down.
"Sorry." I say quietly. I shuffle down to the rock near the stream. I hear him coming up to sit next to me.
"Hunter, I-" I am cut short as he puts his finger to my lips. "Listen." he whispers.
I hear movement. Not made by any animal. It could only be one thing. A human.
Well, that's all for now! Please tell me what you think!
