TMNT Hunger Games (Featuring Your OCs)

Chapter 16: Welcome to the Games

Interview dresses for Districts 9-12 ^

Destiny and Shelby are called down to the plane much earlier than everyone else the next morning. The wolf-raven groans heavily, trying to push herself from bed. Leonardo's arms surround her tightly, pulling her back against him.

"Don't go yet," he whispers, almost pleading.

"I have to...there's something that they need from me before we go," she explains.

"I just wanted more time with you before the Games," he admits, looking incredibly crestfallen.

She turns over, smiling sadly at her boyfriend. She leans over and presses a kiss to his lips, caressing his cheek gently.

"I'll see you soon. I promise," she whispers.

His face falls as he loosens his grip, allowing her to head out. He rolls onto his shell as his door swings shut, trying to keep himself from crying.

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Shelby peeks into Tyler's room before she leaves, wanting to check up on him. He snores softly, his mouth hanging open and his blond hair sticking up all over the place. She laughs softly, whispering goodbye to her little brother before heading downstairs. She meets up with Destiny on the way down, the two of them choosing to exchange sad smiles instead of talking.

Peacekeepers escort the two girls to the rooms that had previously been the prep areas where the tributes had been plucked and shaved and waxed and prettified. The two girls are asked to sit down, something they obey.

One of the Capitol doctors come in, her face straight yet oddly pleasant. She holds a tray with two needles that she sets down on a nearby table.

"I apologize for waking you so early, but this had to be done before the hustle started," she says softly.

"What?" Destiny asks. Shelby nods in silent agreement.

The doctor glances to the both of them. "As much as we love a good Hunger Games, you two have some abilities that have to be...masked, for the sake of a little more fairness. So, this serum with inhibit you from shifting into your wolf forms for any reason." She glances at Shelby. "And it will cease your rapid healing."

Destiny frowns, not liking that she won't be able to morph. Shelby looks slightly relieved to only have her half-shift be available. The doctor injects the serum into the bases of their necks, sending warm tingles through their bodies.

"All done. Happy Hunger Games!" she chirps, turning and waiting for the Peacekeepers to return.

Shelby glances at Destiny, who still looks less than pleased.

"Annoyed?" the shorter mutant asks.

"Let's just say, my plan for hunting is now gone," Destiny answers with a fleeting smile. The green-eyed wolf meets Shelby's pale blue ones. "Good luck out there, Shelby."

She nods. "You too, Destiny."

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The plane ride to the arena is tense and quiet. Trackers are injected into each tribute's arm, allowing the Capitol to keep tags on them within the arena. A few of the nicer tributes have gone silent, scared out of their minds but not daring to show it. Others remain stone-faced, unwilling to show their true feelings.

Once they reach the arena, everyone is shuttled off to prepare. Their outfits have durable hiking boots and strong jackets with durable pants, as well as simple t-shirts.

"Mountains or rocky terrain," Stitch tells Jason as she finishes helping him with his outfit. "Be prepared for climbing."

Jason nods, watching the dove woman that's been his mentor. She places a hand on his shoulder as he presses his lips together in a thin line.

"Good luck out there," she whispers, her beady black eyes growing emotional.

Jason nods. "Thank you for everything, Stitch."

She smiles lightly. "You're very welcome."

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Master Splinter moves into Leonardo's room, finding the turtle turning his promise ring over and over in his fingers. He looks up at his considered father, a sad smile gracing his handsome face.

"Hey Splinter," he murmurs.

"Hello Leonardo," Splinter returns. His eyes become misty as he looks towards the tubes, his heart aching. "I wish you good luck out there. Remember what I told you."

Leonardo looks up at his mentor, his face serious. "When you go to Destiny, tell her that I love her and I'll find her as soon as the Games start."

The tall rat nods. "I promise."

They hug, Leonardo wanting to hold onto his father for as long as he can. The announcer calls out that there's one minute till launch, making the turtle's heart race with fear.

"I love you, Leonardo. Fight hard," Splinter murmurs.

"I love you too, father," the blue-masked turtle returns.

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"30 seconds to launch."

Tyler climbs into the tube, Xever watching him from the outside. The pink fish nods solemnly, hating that his friend's children are heading into the arena. Still, he feels a sort of comfort knowing that he trained them well.

"Never give up, Tyler," Xever says. "Promise?"

"Promise," Tyler says with a final smile.

The tube slides shut, the platform slowly rising upwards. When he emerges, the bright light blinds him for a second, and he blinks rapidly to regain his focus.

The Cornucopia and the pedestals sit on a large plateau of rock, pillars of the same rocky terrain surrounding it. Tyler knows instantly that you have to be able to jump across those gaps, hence the agility training beforehand. There's a scarce amount of bushes with a few trees dotted here and there, dizzying drops at all edges of the arena.

The boy instantly searches for his sister, finding her a few spots away next to Kayla and Elsie. Their eyes meet, the countdown ticking loudly.

"5..."

"4..."

"3..."

"2..."

"1..."

The horn blows, and the Games begin.