Work Text:
Etho stood in the center of the room, surrounded by his classmates and friends, neck craning to see the stage at the front of the auditorium better. The announcement they’d been waiting for was imminent and the room was buzzing with excitement and chatter. He was staring too at the headmistress whom had thought him everything he knew, who was standing tall, stern and well dressed as was expected from a woman of her caliber. She looked over them, none of them where the scrawny District kids one would expect, but a graduating class of strong 18 year olds, all dress the same, in their training gear. They looked much like an army, and many of them would go on to join the army indeed, becoming Peacekeepers and enforcers of all sorts. But one of them, one of them was destined for greater things. They would be chosen, and they would be allowed the privilege to volounteer for the Life Games. They’d win and enjoyed the lavish life that winning awarded them, and they’d lead the next generation of Victors to glory. Etho just hoped he’d been good enough to be chosen, hoped he’d trained and studied hard enough.
“Good morning, dear students.“
The class responded in unison once the headmistress spoke, no microphone needed for her powerful voice to be heard clearly throught the room.
“Good morning, Headmistress.“
“I hope you are enjoying the incoming summer now that you are done with your exams, take the time to live a little, because soon you all will recieve your assignments, and well, the next time you will have a holiday will be when you retire.“
There was a murmur of assent and a chuckle throught the crowd, and the headmistress chuckled aswell, retirement rarely was an option, more likely people worked until they died, at least that’s how it was in the Districts.
“Now, as you very well know, this will not be the case for one of you. I want to make it clear, that being chosen today is an honor, and was not the product of blind luck. You are chosen for your merits, your skills and excellence. This year’s graduating class was incredibly impressive, many of you have been considered to become our next Tribute. We are certain that this year will be the year we break our nine year streak of bad luck and unfortunate happenings.“
She winced as she said it, thinking back to the lack of victories that the academy had produced in recent years, an uncaracteristically long streak since it had been established.
“I see that you are all eager and excited to know who has been chosen, so do allow me to end the suspence…“
The normally very disciplined group was squiming and agitated, struggling to mantain their composure has the most important moment of their life approached them.
“Our Tribute this year is going to be Etho! Congratulations, you earned it!“
The room exploded in roaring applause, and soon everyone was piling on top of Etho to congratulate him, sportmanship was one of the most practiced things in the training academy and they were encouraged to grow close with each other and be happy for each other. Etho himself was elated and almost in tears with joy. All his hard work had paid off, and now he could soak in the moment. He had been chosen.