WE'RE BACK BABY! Hey y'all, I know it's been a year, I'm sorry. Life's been chaotic, I've been working on other stories, etc.

But I'm slowly getting back into writing for this book, updates will be here and there until I find my rhythm again.

Nonetheless, thank you for being patient and now, on with the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter wasn't going to sugarcoat it, he and the rest of district twelve were dirtier than dirt poor. The eighteen year old dreamed of living anywhere but his district.

He wished his aunt didn't have to rely on the government. The bare minimum of safety, he wished they didn't have to ration their food to get through the week.

He wanted a better life for them, but first he needed to get out of his district. It was a stressful day in the Parker household.

Today was The Reaping, where one boy and girl chosen from each of the twelve districts were to participate in the Hunger Games.

This happened every year, and Peter always dreaded it. The entire district was on edge, no one wanted their children to go play these games to entertain the rich.

If Peter was to ever be selected, his only goal was to win, if he did that, he'd be able to be with his family.

Everyone got lumped in together, and like every year, Grandmaster in all of his extravagance, stepped up to the podium and began to speak.

"The time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman." Everyone was silent as he continued.

"For the honor of representing District twelve in the seventy sixth Annual Hunger Games."

He picked up a piece of paper and unraveled it, "As usual, ladies first. Michelle Jones!" Peter turned his head after hearing his friend's name announced.

A guard walked with MJ to the stage, and she stood beside Grandmaster, a stoney expression laid upon her face. She didn't want to be there, but she had no choice.

Peter made eye contact with her, his expression filled with worry, but she mouthed to him that it was okay. Now they awaited in anticipation of the next tribute.

The Grandmaster reached into the bowl, grabbing another strip of paper with a name, he smiled before reading out the name, "Ned Leeds!".

Peter whipped his head to his best friend, both of their eyes were fear radiated off of them. There was no way they just announced his name.

Two guards walked toward Ned grabbing him and attempting to walk away, he wanted to resist, this can't happen, Peter refused to let it.

He wouldn't lose two of the most important people in his life, just before they were on the cusp of beginning.

Peter advanced toward his friend as he was dragged away, a guard noticed Peter and stepped in front of him.

He fought, pushing back, yelling out, "No, no, no, no! I volunteer!"

His breath hitched, as he repeated, at the top of his lungs, "I volunteer! I volunteer as Tribute."

The Grandmaster cleared his throat, "I believe we have a volunteer."

Ned looked back at him, everything pleading in him, Peter walked forward, leading himself up to the stage and podium.

"Come on dear. What's your name?" The Grandmaster asked.

"Peter Parker." He answered, his hands shaking.

"Let's have a big hand for our two tributes!" He stated enthusiastically, clapping.

Then he and Michelle were ushered away, Peter only had a few minutes to talk with May. He saw her tear streaked face and puffy eyes.

"Why did you do that Peter?" In all honesty, there were two reasons, the first one being obvious.

The second however, he didn't know. He hung his head, "I couldn't let them die."

She flung her hands in the air, "So you decide to go on a suicide mission?!"

He shouted, "It's MJ and Ned! What else am I supposed to do?!"

"But you're all I have! I already lost Ben, I can't lose you too." Now both of them were crying.

He walked up to her, "May, I will do everything I can to get back home. Just take care of Ned, please."

She hugged him tight, "I love you sweetheart."

"I love you too, May." Peter replied.

Their moment was cut short by guards coming in and taking Peter away, and soon enough he and MJ found themselves headed to the Capital.

The Grandmaster introduced them to the last victor of the games, both Peter and MJ had heard stories about him, he was the youngest victor ever.

At only sixteen years old, Tony Stark won the games, he gained notoriety, but in his own words he hated it.

The games were nothing but a spectacle for the rich. Though the teens were in for the ride of their lives. Having no clue what they were about to be thrown into.

He poured himself some bourbon, sitting across from Peter and MJ, Peter spoke first, "How do we win?"

Tony chugged his drink down, "You two won't make it. You'll be eaten alive by the pack of wolves."

MJ leaned forward, "Then teach us former victor."

Tony poured another drink, smirking at her directness, "I like you already. Now listen closely."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The End of Chapter 251