The Hope of a Free World - The Prologue (2024)

You are threading your coin through your fingers and sigh. Things in the districts were beginning to get restless as rumors of an uprising began to spread. Ever since two teenagers from Twelve defied the Capitol and refused to play by the rules of their game. In the name of love, they claimed. It didn't matter to those in the districts. You found it to be a bold move by the star-crossed lovers of District 12. But anyone paying attention can see that the girl was acting out of survival instincts and defiance. Not out of pure love for the boy she seemed to hardly know.

"The train to the Capitol will be here soon," Finnick says as he knocks your feet off of his coffee table as he adjusts his cufflinks. "You need to get ready and preferably stop crashing on my sofa. You have your own house, remember?" He stops at an extravagant mirror that hangs on the wall to adjust his collar.

You sigh again, "I made a promise to stop drinking excessively. I can't do that and be alone over there. Besides if I recall, Annie said I can crash here as often as I please."

"Wanda is lucky she only has to deal with you a couple of times a year," he gripes as he double checks his appearance. "Get dressed, now," he shook his head because you were still sitting on the couch, moving your coin through your fingers. It was your token in the Hunger Games. This was a coin that your father made you when you were a kid. It was a silver medallion meant to be worn on a chain. But you haven't worn it in years because you rather fiddle with it whenever you are nervous. On the face of the medallion is a trident rising out of thin silver waves. A blue abalone shell provides a naturally patterned ocean blue background. Your father was very skilled with making jewelry. You were excited to return home from your Games to share your wealth with him and buy him all of the material he could only dream of. But, because of your minor rebellious actions in the Games, he was taken from you. By President Snow.

Not the man himself, of course, but he gave the order.

"Okay, okay," you grumble as you stand up from the couch. "You know, I think Annie lets me stay over because I'm the closest thing to a child the two of you will ever have."

Finnick shakes his head with a laugh, "You might be right." Even though you weren't much younger than Finnick and Annie, they took you under their wing. They knew exactly what you were going through when you lost your father. Finnick knew better than anyone when you turned eighteen and Snow first arranged for you to meet with a customer. The mistake you had made was keeping in touch with your friends and falling for someone. Snow threatened their lives and their families lives if you refused to show the customer a good time. None of them deserved to die for your mistakes. Or worse, be turned into Avoxes. The tongueless slaves to the Capitol.

In no time at all, you are on the train to the Capitol. For the past couple of years, you were typically giddy about getting a trip to the Capitol. It meant that you could visit with Wanda. But with talks about an uprising, you wanted to focus on that more than anything. A successful uprising could mean freedom from the segregation of the districts and the oppression of President Snow. Freedom from the Games. Most importantly, it could mean the freedom to love. You never saw yourself falling as hard as you have for someone from the Capitol but Wanda has a certain way about her. Beyond the enchanting green eyes and the vibrant red wig, which she wore to blend in with the Capitol culture. She was a person. She had opinions and interesting ideas. She hated the Games as much as anyone in the districts does.

"Keep your focus, you'll be able to see your girl tonight," Finnick whispered into your ear as the train came to a stop. You roll your shoulders and smooth out your clothing as you stand in front of the exit of the train. Katniss and Peeta had been in District 4 only a few days ago for their Victory Tour and tonight was the final night of their tour. It was going to end with a massive party in President Snow's mansion and every victor that could be sold was expected to be in attendance. Especially since this year's victors could not be auctioned off as they have been in the past.