•| ⊱✿⊰ |•
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄

𝐍𝐎 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐒 what happens to the families of the victors once they pass on. It's either because the Capitol tends to keep it quiet or there are no families left to worry about. A lot of victor's choose not to marry or have children, mostly from their gut wrenching trauma and undying fear that one day they would be forced to watch their children be reaped into the Hunger Games.

For eight year old Sage Rowan, there was no hesitation in the aftermath of her mother suicide. The young girl wasn't even able to process what had just happened long enough before the Peacekeepers were throwing her out and locking up the only place she has ever called home in Victor's Village, the only thing she had was a knife she had managed to sneak out with her and the clothes on her back.

Deirdre Rowan had been District 9's Victor of the 51st Annual Hunger Games. She won her games by seducing two different men from different Districts who she had joined an alliance with, making advances on both of them and using her gift of persuasion to her advantage. Both the boys protected her and had gotten her to the final five before she had them turn on each other. Her methods weren't at all kind and were terribly cruel, but she was pretty frail and not that strong. She needed muscle, so she did the only thing she could think of. It wasn't ethical, but it worked.

She had watched as they fought one another brutally, one of them coming out victorious, but severely wounded. Deirdre apologized to him, kissing him on the forehead once before stabbing him in the heart. The boy died in her arms and left her to take the rest of the others, which she nearly died from her injuries but was luckily saved when they airlifted her out of the Arena.

As a victor, Deirdre was either hated or beloved. The people of the Districts hated her with a burning passion. On her Victory Tour, she was screamed at and nearly killed by someone throwing a knife at her head, which turned out to be the mother of one of the boy's she had manipulated. It missed her by a couple inches and Deirdre was rushed out of there before the woman was executed publicly.

Even some of the other victors resented what she did in the games, especially the boys' mentors. The rest thought she was a badass, and had even earned respect from the careers. Even her own father, who was very sick and dying, was a little afraid of her and what she was capable of.

But the Capitol loved her for what she did in that Arena. For her cleverness and strategy and manipulation. It was one of the most exciting games they have ever witnessed at the time. She had become the Capitol's sweetheart and very desirable. It was no secret to Panem that President Snow prostituted her. Despite her mother no longer talking to her, Deirdre still loved her enough to not gamble her life, even if she was already dying.

Deirdre had become seriously depressed and broken after the games, especially from the backlash she received. But when she got pregnant two years later, no one was really surprised when she declared not to have the slightest clue who the father was.

Sage grew up isolated and alone. Her mother was mentally abusive, hating Sage for just being born. From a very young age, Sage had to learn to take care of herself. It was like as soon as Deirdre learned Sage could walk and talk, she left Sage to take care of herself. Luckily, Sage was born with a brilliant mind, easy to pick up on things faster than most at such a young age. She was very observant and taught herself to do simple tasks by observing how others do it.

When Deirdre Rowan decided she could no longer fight her inner turmoil destroying her from the inside out, she took a rusty old knife after returning from mentoring the 61st Hunger Games and called Sage into the room. Deirdre then said words that Sage will carry around for the rest of her life. No matter how hard she tries, Sage will never ever forget these words or the voice filled with so much hate that said them.

"You will never be enough." Were the final words Deirdre Rowan said to her eight year old daughter before she took that dirty old knife and sliced her throat open.

To say Sage never recovered from that psychological trauma would be an understatement. Not only was she already judged by her peers for who her mother was, but she was officially alone. She didn't have any family to watch after her, no one could really afford another mouth to feed. The Peacekeepers threw her out and she was forced to learn how to provide for herself.

For the first couple of months, Sage was able to survive by teaching herself to hunt, mainly how to make snares to capture rabbits and squirrels and then selling them on the black market, mostly to the same woman who allowed her to sleep in a makeshift tent in the old building where they have the black market. Sage never cared, it was somewhere to sleep, despite how cold it would get during winter, but she always toughened through. She was only lucky that District 9 is one of the hottest Districts in Panem, so that meant when winter came, it was mild and bearable.

By the time she turned nine, she was taken in by an elderly woman whose only request was to help her move around as it was becoming quite difficult for her to do so on her own with her bad hip. She managed, but she felt better if someone was with her. Hyacinth Eager was a lone widow who was looking for company and Sage was a fierce, stubborn child without a home.

Sage had never been kind to the woman, probably causing her more trouble than she was worth, but over time Sage learned to appreciate Hyacinth, since she was the only one who offered to take her in. Hyacinth even gave Sage one of her old, but nicer dresses when she turned twelve and was forced to attend her first reaping ceremony.

It was a good arrangement, seeing as Sage was able to start working on the farms when she was eleven. She wasn't old enough to work in the factories, but was able to do the odd jobs no one wanted to do on the farms. Grain. District 9's known industry. The lands to which the grain is planted and harvested is a little over 400 acres, stretching just before the gates into the forest. There are two separate fields located on opposite sides of the District, with about three factories to distribute them.

At the age of fourteen, she was able to start working in the fields as a harvester. There were no machines to help them anymore. Not after some worker rammed one of the two they had into the weakest factory, which ended with a public execution and punishment to the workers by removing the other combine harvester. Harvesting was now done by hand and distributed to the factory's in wheelbarrows.

Every June during its first two weeks is considered to be the hottest and longest days in District 9. The sun shined brighter than ever in the horizon and it was the worst two weeks for the residents, especially for the farmers who are subjected to work in such harsh conditions of the blistering heat.

The young fifteen year old girl hurled a large sack of fertilizer over her shoulder from the wagon, carrying it a few feet before dropping it onto the ground. Sage took a second to catch her breath, this being the seventh sack she has carried over. It was one of the reasons she was allowed to work so young, because of how surprisingly strong she was. She showed a lot of men up, but she never cared enough to acknowledge their surprise glances.

Her strength came from determination, one she has had since she was eight years old and being thrown out of her home... that she will never let herself be defenseless again.

Sage knew the world she lived in, the reality of just how low in the barrel she was. District 9 may not be the poorest District in all of Panem, but it was definitely not the richest. It was in fact one of the largest Districts, but the second least populated right behind 12. She knew the real reason she was denied work in the factories was because they didn't have enough help on the fields. Women normally do not work on the farms, they usually relied on the men, but because it seemed men were getting hurt and dying from heat stroke as of lately, they decided to bring in younger help, boys and girls from younger ages.

Sage has to admit, she was happy she was denied factory work. Farming was more her speed, keeping her hands busy and gaining muscle. She was never one to sit still. Used to drive her mother crazy, always squirming in seats and running around rampage. Sage would always be happy when it was her mother's turn to mentor tributes, meaning she could do whatever she wanted and truly be herself without fear of her mother finding out.

The young redhead sliced the sack open and poured it into her pile before starting to shovel. Beads of sweat dripped down her forehead and neck, soaking her old, dirty gray tank. Her breathing was a bit labored, but after a couple years she has learned to keep it steady and controlled. Still, the heat was more brutal than normal and Sage was definitely feeling it.

"Rowan!" At first, Sage didn't hear her name being called, just dug her shovel back into the fertilizer, before she felt someone tap her shoulder. Out of pure instinct, Sage whirled around, gripping the shovel in both hands, only to come face to face with Tanner, an older worker. He was holding a metal canteen in his hands out towards her, Sage lifting her gloved hand over her eyes to block the sun. "Drink up, girl. Before you pass out."

"I'm fine." Sage brushed off, not wanting or needing his help. The young girl has always had a problem accepting help from anyone. She was very stubborn like that, so much so it drove people mad. It is why the list of people she loves is little to non-existent. She learned at a very young age that loving someone meant caring for them, which Sage has refused to allow herself to do for many reasons, one of them was to save her the gut-wrenching fear of losing them.

"Take the damn water, girl!" Tanner snaps in irritation. "I'd rather not carry your ass out of here like I had to do with Jerry."

"Jerry passes out from heat stroke almost every day," Sage points out, looking at the older male who was not amused. Seeing as he wasn't going to leave until she took the water, Sage took the canteen and looked three large chugs from it, trying not to admit how much she really needed that before handing it back to the old man and getting back to work.

Tanner shakes his head and shuffles away. "You're welcome, you ignorant little shit."

As usual, the young redhead ignored his comment and continued on with her work, unphased by his words. She was used to them. She has to be. When you walk around icing everyone out and making sure people don't get close to you by harsh words and brutal honesty, hatred and ridicule are to be expected in return. She didn't care. They were only words. They couldn't hurt her.

At the end of her shift, it took Sage about forty minutes to walk home. Hyacinth's small little house was in the poorest part in District 9 called the Dread. It was located not too far from the Justice Building, which was currently being set up for tomorrow's Reaping Ceremony, as it is officially that time a year again. The 68th Annual Hunger Games.

Just like most of the Districts, Sage aggressively despises the games with every fiber of her being, but her reasons cut much deeper. The games were a result of the First Rebellion, as a way of punishing the citizens of Panem for their defiance. It was a way to make a mockery of innocent children, forcing them to become killers with promises of riches and glory and fame if you are the one to come out victorious. Only one winner. Only one crowned.

As the daughter of a victor, Sage has witnessed first hand what the repercussions of winning the Hunger Games can cause. She had woken up plenty of times to her mother's endless nightmares. She had walked into her mother talking to herself in an empty room, pinching her legs and arms to make sure she was truly awake so many times to the point bruises constantly plagued her pale skin. She grew up hearing terrible things being said about her mother, even the speculation of who her father was. She was mocked a lot as a child, repeatedly called a 'Capitol baby', the accusation being that her father was someone from the Capitol.

No one calls her that anymore... not without consequence, that is. She has had to prove to many that she wasn't someone to be messed with. Starting work young had its benefits, seeing as it built up her strength. Sage taught herself to punch properly by observing the way Peacekeepers fight. She had taken a sack of grain into the barn and would practice punching it. She made sure to practice her balance as well, as she noticed fighting was all in the footwork as much as it was in the fist.

Lets just say the next person who brought up her parentage did not leave without a few bruises and broken bones.

By the time she reached the Dread, she was in desperate need of rest. The day had flown by, but the sun was still in the sky even in the late afternoon. The walk from the field to the tiny shed she calls home was always worse than on the way to work, because she was always exhausted and weak. What she wanted was a bath, but unfortunately she is going to have to settle for simply washing her hands and face as it was Hyacinth's night for a bath. She doesn't think she will have enough energy to take one herself after that.

Pushing open the door, which required a lot of force since it always got stuck on the hinges, she threw her gloves onto an old chair before walking further until she reached the living room where she found Hyacinth sitting up on her cot- her curly, messy gray hair was sticking out all over the place. She was reaching from her cane that was leaning against the wall, nearly out of bed. Sage immediately rushed to her side before she could slide off.

"Damn it, Hyacinth!" Sage managed to catch her before she could fall down, wrapping her arms underneath hers and hauling her back onto the lumpy mattress. The older woman grunted, but once Sage secured her onto the cot, she pulled back and crossed her arms. "Where's Gladis? Why isn't she helping you?"

"Whose Gladis?" Hyacinth grumbled.

Ignoring her words, Sage went to the window that looks into the Lyons place, searching for their neighbor who she gives most of her money to in order to look after Hyacinth while she is gone. She could not see her anywhere and pulled back.

"Hyacinth, you know you can't get out of bed without help."

Hyacinth leaned back into her pillow. "I was just looking for Rusty. He won't come when I call. You know, he always comes when I call. I hope he's alright."

Sage brushed the strains of hair out of her face before sighing. "I'm sure he's fine, Hyacinth. He's probably digging through whatever trash he can get into just like he was when you found him."

Hyacinth nodded shakingly. "Yes, you are probably right. He likes to dig."

Sage forced her lips to tug upwards into the best comforting smile she could manage before talking in a much calmer tone. "I'll go get you some water."

Hyacinth simply nodded, rubbing her boney hands together in a circle as she rested her eyes. Sage immediately went into what resembles a kitchen and leaned down on the counter, inhaling and exhaling in order to calm down. It was hard for her to see Hyacinth like this. She is the only person who helped her after her mom died. She is the only one who offered her a roof over her head. Despite her rule not to let anyone in, it was impossible with Hyacinth. She wasn't blood but is the only family she has left.

About six months ago, Hyacinth started losing her memory. It was little bits at first, forgetting where she placed things or what month it was, but it has progressed. It is why she didn't know who Gladis was. She would know her if she saw her, but names have been her biggest issue lately.

Rusty is a dog she had saved long before she even met Sage, but he had died of old age last year. At first, Sage used to remind Hyacinth of his passing, but after being forced to witness that pained look in her eyes when she tried to pretend like she knew that, having to live with the reality that her memory is going and that her dog was dead... Sage found it too hard to give that news to her anymore.

So she doesn't.

After washing her hands and bringing Hyacinth her water, she was about ready to make up her bath when a knock sounded at the door. Assuming it was Gladis with whatever bullshit excuse she has for leaving Hyacinth all on her own, Sage was about ready to demand the early payment she had given her this morning back. But when she opened the door, she halted when she saw a perky brunette standing there, a big grin on her face.

"Surprise!"

Sage's features went from anger to annoyance in seconds. "Adrian... what are you doing here?"

The young girl didn't hesitate before she pushed through the door and invited herself inside. "I have come bearing gifts for the birthday girl."

Rolling her eyes, Sage realized she should have suspected this as she closed the door and turned to face the girl before her. "Your father is going to kill you if he finds out you came to the Dread again."

The brunette only shrugged her shoulders, setting the box she was carrying on the table. "Well, what my father doesn't know won't hurt him."

Adrian Pine is the daughter of District 9's mayor. She lives on the opposite side of the Dread which is basically where the more wealthy citizens of the District reside. Wealthy being a very loose term, basically those who do not live in the Dread were way better off.

Being the mayor's daughter, her family is definitely considered wealthier than anyone else. Adrian was an only child with two parents who loved and worshiped her. Same could be said about the rest of the District as she is cherished by all, mostly for her kind, bubbly, carefree and affectionate personality. All she wants to do is help those who can't help themselves. She gives food to those she sees starving and she even looks after a couple kids when their parents are at work. It was her way of keeping herself busy.

Sage has not been able to shake her since she met the girl three years ago when she helped the girl out when she was nearly attacked by a wolf. Sage had managed to sneak out hunting, as she had learned to do long before her mother had died, but what she didn't expect was to have been followed. Upon asking her, Adrian claimed she has been watching her leave suspiciously and was curious to what she does in the woods almost every day.

Sage had managed to scare the wolf away by throwing a large branch at it and had immediately taken Adrian back through the fence. She had yelled at her for her stupidity, causing a bit of a scene. Adrian had cried, it was a whole dramatic disaster. Sage knew she had been too harsh and normally she didn't care, but she could see that the girl had a curious mind and truly wasn't thinking of the dangers. Sage didn't apologize for yelling, just told her to wipe her tears and think things through.

Sage had thought that would be the last time she spoke to the girl, but it was clear Adrian Pine was almost as stubborn as she was. She had shown up in the Dread, asking people if they knew where Sage lived. Next thing the redhead knew, the young brunette was at her doorstep, a basket of bread and fruits Sage could only get by stealing or trading. Sometimes through tesserae, but that would only add her name in the tribute bowl more than it already was, making it more likely for her name to be called.

Sage had tried sending her away, refusing her gifts, but Adrian was not having it. She would then claim she was giving it to Hyacinth, which the older woman wasn't as stubborn as the Sage was and would always accept the generous offers. Over time, especially after Hyacinth's memory started getting worse and the money she was making was going towards the only caretaker she managed to find, Sage stopped complaining about Adrian's bread and fruit deliveries.

Adrian was convinced they were best friends, the girl constantly talking her ear off and would sometimes accompany Sage on her long walks to the wheat fields. Sage would engage here and there, but Adrian always did most of the talking. The young girl was convinced that Sage viewed her the same, but Sage didn't have the heart to tell her that she was just taking advantage of her generosity. Sage swore from a young age that she would never let anyone in, Hyacinth being the only exception. She couldn't have anyone enter the wall she built around her heart. Adrian knew this, without Sage having to tell her, but it didn't stop her from always trying to break through those walls.

Sage has to admit, she respects her dedication.

The redhead moved over to the table and looked down at the brown box, frowning. "You know it's not my birthday."

"Yes, well, since you refuse to tell me when your birthday actually is, the 10th of June is your deemed birthday in my mind." Adrian says, smirking at the redhead. "Go ahead, open it."

Sage crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't want it."

Adrian tossed her head back, groaning. "Ugh, here we go... we do this every year. Every year I get you a present and every year you say you don't want it. Then I say I am not leaving until you open it, then you try to forcibly remove me but I end up screaming bloody murder to cause all the unwanted attention you absolutely hate until you cave. This is why I waited until after you got done work, so you would hopefully be too tired and we can save ourselves this dance."

On rare occasions, Adrian is able to get genuine, amused smiles from the redhead. This time was no different as the corner of Sage's lips tugged upwards in amusement. "You are breaking tradition."

Adrian's brows rose, giving the girl a side smirk before holding out her hands. "Oh, well, since it's tradition, then by all means, start pulling. Just fair warning, I drank lots of water and rested my windpipes just so my screams will be extra effective."

Rolling her eyes, Sage slapped her hands away and turned towards the box, opening it without any fighting this time around. Adrian just giggled and bounced up and down anxiously as she watched the redhead examine the contexts inside the box. Reaching in, Sage pulled out a mint green linen dress, clean and very pretty.

Sage gave Adrian a blank look. "You got me a dress?"

"I made you a dress!" Adrian basically sings in excitement. "I think I got your measurements correct, hopefully."

Sage examined the dress more closely. She couldn't deny how very nice it was. Puff short sleeves, five textile buttons on the front, deep pocket on the right and a zipper on the left. She knew Adrian has a secret love for designing dresses. Unfortunately she was born into the wrong District, seeing as District 8's industry was textile. But her father being the mayor gave her the advantage, and her father buys her cloth and fabric as well as needle and thread and pretty much anything else she needs.

Sage still didn't understand the gesture. "Why did you make me a dress, Adrian?"

Adrian brushed her long brown hair behind both her ears innocently and smiled. "Because that dress you wear to the Reaping Ceremony needs to be burned."

"Hyacinth gave me that dress."

"Which worked for you when you were twelve and thirteen. But last year you were complaining how small it was and how two more buttons fell off. It's even ripped at the seam."

Sage opened her mouth but closed it after a moment. She had her there. Sighing, Sage examined the dress and can't remember the last time she had a new item of clothing. She was in desperate need of new boots, but saving for them is a struggle. She will admit, for someone who made this all by hand and no sewing machine, it was very impressive.

So swallowing her pride, mostly because she knew Adrian was right and the dress Hyacinth had gifted her was practically falling apart, she placed the dress back in the box and nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Adrian."

"You are so welcome!" Adrian beamed, before hearing Hyacinth cough and smile wider. "Is she up for visitors?"

"Yes, but she's asking for Rusty again so if she brings him up, don't tell her the truth."

Adrian rolled her eyes. "Come on, Sage. You act like this is my first time here."

Adrian disappeared into the room immediately after, leaving Sage to stand there shaking her head, not realizing the amused smile that slowly formed on her lips. Adrian Pine... the girl with the heart of gold. And a big pain in Sage's ass.

><><><

𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐃 passed, Sage insisted Adrian must get home before her father really worries and figures out she returned to the Dread. Adrian had insisted on staying back and helping give Hyacinth a bath, which Sage didn't complain too much. Adrian's presence always lightened the mood for Hyacinth, making her smile and laugh more. Sage admits she likes seeing that, so allows Adrian to stay longer than she should.

But because the sun was beginning to set, she did not believe it was safe for Adrian to walk home all by herself. She was grateful Hyacinth went to bed early today, so she felt comfortable leaving her for a little bit. It was hard knowing that some days she has to leave Hyacinth by herself, but sometimes she has no choice. Paying someone to look after her was getting harder and harder. Hyacinth insists she doesn't need a babysitter, but with her memory getting worse and worse, it just made Sage worry that she is going to go wandering and get herself into some serious trouble.

The walk was silent the first half, but after they passed the Justice Building, Sage noticed the way Adrain shuddered and crossed her arms, instantly becoming anxious. The redhead knew why she was acting this way. She always gets this way when the Hunger Games circle back around. Sage hadn't really thought much about what would happen if her own name was pulled. She honestly doesn't know what she would do... if she would even fight in the games.

They were barbaric and disgusting, but Sage knew first hand what being a victor of these games is truly like. She witnessed it tear her mother to shreds, driving herself slowly mad. Becoming a victor was not an honor or a ticket to freedom as they praised it to be. If anything, it was like being on a tight leash. You are a puppet for the Capitol that will pull strings to make you dance even when you don't want to.

Winning the games doesn't mean you actually won. It just means you signed yourself up to be a toy for the Capitol's amusement for life. So... if Sage's name is ever pulled, she isn't sure she would fight to win. In fact... she just might allow herself to be killed in the bloodbath just to get it over with. No need to prolong the inevitable. It's not like she wants to die... she just doesn't think she could handle the consequences of becoming a victor.

"My mom won't stop crying," Adrian randomly blurts out, breaking the deafening silence. Sage looked over at her in confusion, but Adrian was staring down at her shoes, watching each step she took. "She always cries the day before the reaping ever since I turned twelve. She fears the worst, that my name will be chosen."

"That's ridiculous." Sage deadpanned, brushing the strains of hair out of her face. When she felt Adrian's eyes on her, she looked down at the smaller girl. "Your name is only in there four times. It's an unlikely probability that your name will be pulled."

"There are plenty of kids whose names are only in there once who've been reaped." Adrian points out.

Sage shook her head. "Yeah, well, not really. It's very rare. You really shouldn't worry about it so much."

Adrian gave the redhead a sad look. "I don't only worry for myself, you know?"

Sage rolled her eyes. "Don't waste your energy worrying about me."

"I can't help it," Adrian mutters, kicking the dirt. "How many times is your name in the bowl?"

"I don't remember." Sage lied, not really wanting to say.

Adrian huffed in disbelief. "Yeah, I'd believe that if I didn't know you never forget anything... ever. Not with that freaky brain of yours. Still don't know how you do it."

By freaky brain, she means Sage has a very good memory. She remembers everything she reads or sees, even those she wants to forget. Sage tried not to let her cockiness of that factual statement show too much on her face, as she cleared her throat. "It's in there nineteen times."

Adrian paused for a brief second before humming. "Huh, I honestly thought it would be a bigger number."

Sage glanced over at the brunette and pressed her lips into a thin line, choosing not to respond. She isn't wrong, but Sage didn't want to admit the real reason why she hasn't had to put her name in more times. That reason was because of Adrian. Adrian and her stupid generosity and insistence that she takes her offerings. With the money she makes on the farms and hunting, Sage was getting by better than she was before but it was only because of Adrian's help. She was still struggling severely, but not as bad as she was.

Sage may take advantage of her kindness, but what she has never told Adrian was how much she actually appreciated all that she does. She wants to, but their relationship was built strictly on Adrian's naivety and Sage's bluntness. Why ruin something that worked perfectly?

Once they were in front of Adrian's house, the brunette turned to her, a small, timid smile on his perfect pink lips. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Well, attendance is mandatory so- yeah."

Adrian rolled her eyes. "Okay, smart-ass. Once we make it through tomorrow, we have three more years before we don't have to worry about these reapings anymore."

Sage nodded stiffly. "We are all already playing in the Hunger Games, Adrian. For every citizen, our District is our Arena, and we are fighting for survival every day. We just aren't being forced to kill each other. The Capitol likes to save that for television."

Adrian frowned at her words, looking down at the concrete. "I've never thought of it like that before."

"That's because you've never had to." Sage tells her, gesturing to her nice house and pretty dress. "Some of us aren't so lucky to be the mayor's daughter."

With that said, the redhead turned, heading back to the Dread but didn't make it five feet before Adrian's voice called after her. "Is that why you dislike me so much? Because of who my father is?"

Sage turned to her, a bit taken back by her question. Adrian didn't look angry, just sad and curious at the same time. When Sage didn't respond, Adrian let out a deep sigh. "I'm not an idiot, Sage. I know you don't see me as your best friend like I see you. And I don't care. I know you've been through some deep shit. I keep coming around because I think you are a good person. I just... I just think you deserve to know you have someone who truly cares about you, even if you will never care for me in return. No one should ever feel alone and if you get reaped tomorrow, or next year, or the year after that- I don't want you to leave on that train without knowing you have someone routing for you back home."

Adrian didn't wait for Sage to say anything, just turned and disappeared into her house, leaving Sage standing there in a stupor. And for the first time since she could remember, Sage felt a twinge of regret forming in her chest.

_____________________________

Welcome to Guardian Angel! Guys! I am so excited for this book, it's crazy! I have had this idea for a long time but never explored it, but after recently watching the Hunger Games again, I got inspired and revamped my entire doc, so I'm really happy with how it's going so far.

To clear things up, part one will be of Sage's games and some time after that to build up her character. This will eventually become a Finnick fic, so please be patient on that front. Part two will start Catching Fire, which is going to be amazing!

I think you are all going to love Sage. She is a sassy, trouble young girl but has a real backbone and is very skilled in a lot of things. She's been through too much at a young age.

I hope everyone enjoyed this first chapter, which I wanted to just introduce Sage with a brief backstory as well as introduce Adrian and Hyacinth and her relationship with them! Next chapter will be more exciting!