After Xiaoxiao lectures Sonny, they silently have a snack before leaving for the reaping. Uncle comes over to the kids and says goodbye, Xiaoxiao is clearly irritated. Sonny stomps his feet as they walk the door. Xiaoxiao closes the door behind her.
[[Sonny walks a few paces in front of Xiaoxiao]]
Their presence is calming to each other. They joke a little bit and quickly have a snack before heading into the town square. Before leaving they find Uncle to quickly say goodbye. He tells them to behave themselves.
[[Xiaoxiao and Sonny walk hand in hand towards the town square]]Xiaoxiao and her family live West Hunan. Central Hunan is located in the mountain region, and is considered the wealthiest District among the other 8. The surrounding districts provide silk to the Capitol in exchange for basic resources such as rice, meats, water etc.
Today is the day of reaping for The Hunan Games. The Capitol invented the Games to provide the winner an opportunity at a better life. Shortly after Xiaoxiao was born, her mother was tragically chosen at the reaping and was drowned after The Games. Her father took care of her for several years after her mother died, however he later passed away from exhaustion while working in the fields. Thankfully, Uncle took Xiaoxiao in. She now lives with Uncle and his 11 year old son, Sonny.
It's always been like this since Xiaoxiao could remember, the Capitol always had The Games, they always had the upperhand.
<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Hunan_in_China_%28%2Ball_claims_hatched%29.svg/275px-Hunan_in_China_%28%2Ball_claims_hatched%29.svg.png" width="500">
[[Xiaoxiao and Sonny continue towards the town square hand in hand]]As Xiaoxiao walks through the streets, she notices how intense the people around her look. She notices that the walls that were once plain, are now covered with posters and decorations to 'celebrate' the reaping. Red banners and lanterns are hung all throughout the village.
Xiaoxiao notices a large banner to the right of her that reads <u>**TOGETHER WE CAN**</u>
She scoffs under her breath and thinks to herself "Together? More like wouldn't survive without us."
She sighs and thinks "well, things have always been like this and will never change".
Sonny looks up at Xiaoxiao while they are walking and nervously smiles.
[[They continue their route]]
<img src="https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/previews/000/878/713/non_2x/chinese-red-lanterns-photo.jpg" width="500">Xiaoxiao and her family live West Hunan. Central Hunan is located in the mountain region, and is considered the wealthiest District among the other 8. The surrounding districts provide silk to the Capitol in exchange for basic resources such as rice, meats, water etc.
Today is the day of reaping for The Hunan Games. The Capitol invented the Games to provide the winner an opportunity at a better life. Shortly after Xiaoxiao was born, her mother was tragically chosen at the reaping and was drowned after The Games. Her father took care of her for several years after her mother died, however he later passed away from exhaustion while working in the fields. Thankfully, Uncle took Xiaoxiao in. She now lives with Uncle and his 11 year old son, Sonny.
It's always been like this since Xiaoxiao could remember, the Capitol always had The Games, they always had the upperhand.
<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Hunan_in_China_%28%2Ball_claims_hatched%29.svg/275px-Hunan_in_China_%28%2Ball_claims_hatched%29.svg.png" width="500">
[[Xiaoxiao follows behind Sonny towards the town square]]As Xiaoxiao walks through the streets, she notices how intense the people around her look. She notices that the walls that were once plain, are now covered with posters and decorations to 'celebrate' the reaping. Red banners and lanterns are hung all throughout the village.
Xiaoxiao notices a large banner to the right of her that reads <u>**TOGETHER WE CAN**</u>
She scoffs under her breath and thinks to herself "Together? More like wouldn't survive without us."
She sighs and thinks "well, things have always been like this and will never change".
Xiaoxiao's attention is brought to Sonny who is running towards a flock of calm birds. They immediately fly around the street when Sonny gets close, causing the people around him to stare. Xiaoxiao calls for Sonny to stop as she firmly grabs his arm.
[[Xiaoxiao practically drags him closer to the town square]]
<img src="https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/previews/000/878/713/non_2x/chinese-red-lanterns-photo.jpg" width="500">Xiaoxiao and Sonny look around themselves. The people are quiet, with only the sound of shuffling feet. This is nothing like the normal state of the town square, where everyone is chatting and laughing with the other town members. The people look especially nervous today, Xiaoxiao can't blame them though, this is the reaping after all.
Xiaoxiao looks forward to the place where she must separate from Sonny. She kneels down to Sonny's level and looks him in his eyes.
Xiaoxiao says "You know you have nothing to worry about right? You're going to be fine, I'll be able to see you from where I'll be standing. I'll meet you at the yellow post after all of this". Sonny doesn't even look at Xiaoxiao before running off. But then he stops and turns around back towards Xiaoxiao. Sonny whispers to Xiaoxiao quickly,
[["See you at the yellow post"]]
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*-YvIyZSkTCta8rT-eMq3vQ.png" width="500">
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://ia802900.us.archive.org/5/items/cd_authentic-sound-effects-volume-4_james-christopher-authentic-sound-effects/disc1/43.%20James%20Christopher%20-%20Murmuring%2C%20Medium-Sized%20Group%20Of%20Men%20And%20Women_sample.mp3" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>Xiaoxiao and Sonny look around themselves. The people are quiet, with only the sound of shuffling feet. This is nothing like the normal state of the town square, where everyone is chatting and laughing with the other town members. The people look especially nervous today, Xiaoxiao can't blame them though, this is the reaping after all.
Xiaoxiao looks forward to the place where she must separate from Sonny. She kneels down to Sonny's level and looks him in his eyes.
Xiaoxiao says "You know you have nothing to worry about right? You're going to be fine, I'll be able to see you from where I'll be standing. Remember to not push the kids around you and to meet me at the yellow post after the reaping". Sonny nods his head and hugs Xiaoxiao tightly before running off to his spot. Sonny whispers to Xiaoxiao before getting too far,
[["See you at the yellow post"]]
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*-YvIyZSkTCta8rT-eMq3vQ.png" width="500">
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://ia802900.us.archive.org/5/items/cd_authentic-sound-effects-volume-4_james-christopher-authentic-sound-effects/disc1/43.%20James%20Christopher%20-%20Murmuring%2C%20Medium-Sized%20Group%20Of%20Men%20And%20Women_sample.mp3" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>
Xiaoxiao watches Sonny dissapear into the crowd, heading to his spot before she herself heads to her spot. The crowd falls completely silent as a Co-ed makes her way to the front of the crowd and stands on an upholstered stool. The Co-ed stands out among the people in the crowd. She wears a pink silk dress with a bright white scarf and shoes. Her hair looks clean and is arranged with flowers all throughout. Xiaoxiao looks down at her own clothes. Despite being her 'best' clothes they are clearly old and worn.
Xiaoxiao looks around at the town decorations while the Co-ed recites her regular script. "Welcome all to The Hunan Games..."
Xiaoxiao tunes out the Co-eds speach and reassures herself "Sonny will be fine, he's a boy, even if he does get chosen and goes to The Games at least he will be alive. He will only have to work as a slave in the Capitol". Xiaoxiao knew though that she as a woman would not have the same luxury, and could be enslaved or even drowned if she lost. Xiaoxiao takes a deep breath to calm down.
Xiaoxiao snaps back to reality when the Co-ed says
"...And now to choose the fortunate person who will be representing West Hunan!" Xiaoxiao takes another deep breath before looking around her to catch a glimpse of Sonny, but couldn't see his little head anywhere.
The Co-ed continues,
[["And the lucky person is.... Sonny]]
<img src="https://i.insider.com/572b111edd0895a4708b467e?width=1000&format=jpeg&auto=webp" width="500">Xiaoxiao stood in disbelief. Her ears began ringing and she felt her heart beat fast. She sees people gently nudging Sonny towards the front.
Xiaoxiao's fingertips go numb and feels her blood go cold.
As Sonny reaches the front,
Does Xiaoxiao [[Bow her head and look shamefully at her shoes]]
or [[Blurts out "Wait! I volunteer!"]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://www.soundjay.com/human/heartbeat-03.mp3" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>
Sonny stands beside the Co-ed as she continues her speech and congratulates him for being chosen.
[[Xiaoxiao says one last goodbye to Sonny]]
Everyone turns and looks at Xiaoxiao including the Co-ed. She pushes past the crowd and runs to Sonny who is standing at the front beside the Co-ed.
Sonny has tears streaming down his cheeks as Xiaoxiao hugs him tightly.
Xiaoxiao tells Sonny not to worry, and that everything will be okay. They hug for a few moments, but when Xiaoxiao lets go she feels him tightly holding her. Surrounding people in the crowd must rip him off of Xiaoxiao for her to leave.
Before being ushered away with the Co-ed, Xiaoxiao yells to Sonny,
[["Run home to Uncle!]]
Xiaoxiao shamefully walks home to Uncle. When she gets home, she tearfully tells Uncle everything that happened at the reaping.
[[A few days later]]On the second day of The Hunan Games, Xiaoxiao and Uncle are watching the live feed from an old TV in the bakery.
They watch in horror as they see Sonny get tagged by a teenage boy from another district.
<u>**Sonny becomes a slave to the Capitol**</u>
[[The end]]Xiaoxiao and the Co-ed pile into the sedan chair and make their way towards the Capitol. Xiaoxiao remains silent the whole ride as the Co-ed babbles about The Hunan Games. Despite everything that the Co-ed is saying, she can't stop thinking about Sonny.
The Co-ed exclaims,
[["What an honor it is for you to volunteer for your sweet little brother!"]]
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f6/3e/a3/f63ea34ffa0a8dcff472526e8134df82.jpg" width="500">Xiaoxiao feels the sedan chair come to a sudden halt. The Co-ed states "Oh we've arrived!". They both climb out of the sedan chair, and Xiaoxiao looks around her. She looks around at the beautiful building that is painted and decorated with bright reds, yellows, and greens. She has never seen so many bright colours on so many buildings in her life. The Capitol made her home district look like an old shed.
The Co-ed leads Xiaoxiao towards the grand entrance of a beautiful red and gold coloured building.
[[Xiaoxiao steps in]]
<img src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbu.h-cdn.co/assets/15/18/1430257399-01-singapore-little-india.jpg" width="500">The Co-ed leads Xiaoxiao down a long hallway. They stop infront of a door, and the Co-ed says "This is where you'll be staying while you're in The Capitol. Get settled and head down the stairs near the main entrace to the grand dining room in an hour. There you will meet the other tributes. Maybe try to smile when you meet them? Your family would be so proud".
[[The Co-ed shuts the door as she leaves]]Xiaoxiao sits on the bed and notices the soft sheets with embroidered flowers. She thinks to herself how these could not compare to the rags that she sleeps on at home. She lets our a big sigh and begins to cry.
Xiaoxiao thinks about Sonny and how scared he must be. She thinks of how Uncle must be struggling in the bakery by himself. Even if she were to be enslaved, she would never see her family again. Xiaoxiao thought that death would at least be less shameful than becoming a slave.
Xiaoxiao feels exhausted and emotionally drained from the events.
Does [[Xiaoxiao curl up in a ball on the bed and drift off into sleep]]
or does [[Xiaoxiao wipe her tears, and decide to freshen up by taking a shower]]Xiaoxiao dreams about baking breads with Sonny and Uncle back in her district. She can practically smell the bread in her dream.
Suddenly she snaps herself awake and looks at the clock on her bedside table.
"Oh no I'm late!"
Xiaxiao quickly runs a brush through her hair and ties it with a red ribbon.
[[She rushes down the hall towards the grand dining room]]
Xiaoxiao carefully braids her hair once she is out of the shower. She picks an outfit from the closet near the window. She puts it on and looks at herself in the mirror on the wall. She puts on a crooked smile and walks out of her room, shutting the door behind her.
[[She slowly walks down the hall towards the grand dining room]]Xiaoxiao bursts through the dining room doors. All the tributes are sitting at a long rectangular table. They all stop eating when she comes through the doors.
"I'm sorry that I'm late" Xiaoxiao stammers.
She notices a few of the tribute giggling, some even roll their eyes as she makes her way to the last empty seat at the table. She realizes that she forgot to change out of her dirty clothes. She notices how well everyone else is dressed. She picks up the chopsticks in front of her and begins to eat. She sits there silently eating while some of the other tributes engage in small talk.
[[A Co-ed enters the dining room]]Xiaoxiao gently opens the dining room doors and sees three other trubutes sitting along a large rectangular table. Each seat has a bowl of food and chopsticks in front of it. She smiles at the other tributes as she takes a seat at a empty spot. The other tributes slowly pile into the room, each taking a seat at the table. Once everyone has arrived, they all begin eating. Xiaoxiao picks up her chopsticks and pokes at the food in the bowl.
The woman beside her leans towards her and says "It's stirfried duck blood! I've only had it once for my great grandfather's birthday."
The woman smiled at Xiaoxiao and said "You can call me Grandmama, what's your name?"
"My name is Xiaoxiao"
The two chat among themselves as they eat.
[[They are interrupted mid conversation when a Co-ed enters the room]]She says "Hello everyone and welcome to The Capitol. We are so happy to have you all here. I hope you've all gotten settled in your rooms and have enjoyed this wonderful feast. After you've wrapped up here, head back to your rooms to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day. You all begin training at 8:00am in the training hall. Remember to head into tomorrow with good spirits, it's such a priviledge to be here in The Capitol!"
The woman sitting beside Xiaoxiao scoffs.
"Thank you for all being here, and I will see you tomorrow!"
[[The tributes all stand after the Co-ed leaves and head to their rooms. Xiaoxiao is the last to leave]]She says "Hello everyone and welcome to The Capitol. We are so happy to have you all here. I hope you've all gotten settled in your rooms and have enjoyed this wonderful feast. After you've wrapped up here, head to your rooms to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day. You all begin training at 8:00am in the training hall. Remember to head into tomorrow with good spirits, it's such a priviledge to be here in The Capitol!"
Grandmama scoffs as the Co-ed says this, and whispers to Xiaoxiao "Really?!"
The two giggle a bit while the Co-ed continues,
"Thank you for all being here, and I will see you tomorrow!"
[[The tributes all stand after the Co-ed leaves and head to their rooms]]Xiaoxiao waves to Grandmama goodbye before closing her room door. As she is waving, she accidentally bumps into one of the male tributes. He smiles at her before heading into his own room.
She crawls into bed feeling a little bit better about her day.
[[Xiaoxiao suddenly wakes]]Xiaoxiao closes her room door behind her.
She crawls into bed and drifts off into a deep sleep.
[[She wakes up suddenly]]Xiaoxiao hears knocking at her door. She quickly gets up to open the door and finds a bun wrapped in cloth. She takes it into her room and eats it while she gets ready for her day of training.
[[Xiaoxiao catches up with Grandmama down the hall as they head to training]]Xiaoxiao hears knocking at her door. She opens the door and sees a bun wrapped up in a cloth sitting on a small stool. She takes it as she closes the door. Xiaoxiao eats it as she gets ready for training
[[Xiaoxiao makes her way towards the training hall]]
<img src="https://thewoksoflife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_00612.jpg" width="500">When she arrives at the training hall, she looks all around her. She notices the different zones within the hall.
On the right side of the hall, she notices a sign that says
**MEN ONLY**
With training equipment like weights and tools to start a fire.
On the left side of the hall, there were zones for painting, basket weaving and botany books.
[[Two men approach her]]
When she arrives at the training hall, she looks all around her. She notices the different zones within the hall.
On the right side of the hall, she notices a sign that says
**MEN ONLY**
With training equipment like weights and tools to start a fire.
On the left side of the hall, there were zones for painting, basket weaving and botany books.
Grandmama and Xiaoxiao looks at the available zones, and decide to try out [[basket weaving]]"That was quite the entrance at dinner last night" the tall one says. The shorter stands beside him. Xiaoxiao looks away silently. As she ignores them, she notices a girl around the age of Sonny silently working away at the painting zone. Xiaoxiao admires her beautiful work.
Xiaoxiao snaps back to her conversation with the taller man when he asks
"So are you the famous Xiaoxiao who volunteered for her little brother?"
Xiaoxiao spits back "That's none of your business!"
"Well I'm just saying you signed your own death certificate" he scoffs.
The woman who was sitting beside Xiaoxiao at dinner interupts them,
"Leave her alone now Motley Mutt, go mind your own business elsewhere. That goes for you too Mute".
The tall man, who she now knows as Motley Mutt says,
"Oh whatever Grandmama. I'll see you both later".
He gives Xiaoxiao a wink before him and Mute walk over to the weight zone.
[["You must be Xiaoxiao" says the woman]]
While Xiaoxiao and Grandmama begin basket weaving, Grandmama tells her about all the other tributes.
Xiaoxiao learns that the 'know it all' man from North Hunan is Grandfather, he is the oldest of the group. She learns that the youngest is L.H. She comes from South Hunan. There is also Mute from South East Hunan. He was the one that she bumped into last night. She learns that the man from East Hunan is Zhang, and that the woman from South West is Mama Xu. And lastly she learns that the arrogant man, Motley Mutt, is from North East Hunan.
<img src="https://www.edussori.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Montessori-Compass-Rose-Cards.jpg" width="500">
[[They move onto the painting zone]]"Hi, you can call me Grandmama. I'm from North West Hunan. You know you're quite famous around here!" she says. Xiaoxiao smiles at the woman. Grandmama offers Xiaoxiao to join her at the basket weaving zone.
While they are practicing their backet weaving, Xiaoxiao learns that the 'know it all' man from North Hunan is Grandfather, he is the oldest of the group. She learns that the youngest is L.H. She comes from South Hunan. She learns that Mute is from South East Hunan. The man from East Hunan is Zhang, and the woman from South West Hunan is Mama Xu.
And lastly she learns that Motley Mutt is from North East Hunan.
<img src="https://www.edussori.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Montessori-Compass-Rose-Cards.jpg" width="500">
[[They move onto the painting zone]]
After their day of training, they gather for dinner before heading to sleep.
[[This marks the end of day 1 of training]]
The following day, the tributes take part in training again. However today, there was a nervous energy in the air. Xiaoxiao looks at the faces of all the other tributes and couldn't help but notice the fear in their eyes.
A few hours into training, Zhang drops a weight on the floor causing a large **BANG**
Everyone is startled. Motley Mutt turns to him and yells "You fool! You idiot! You won't last a day in The Games with those butter fingers!" Grandfather snaps at Motley Mutt "Oh relax, everyone is stressed! You don't need to project that onto him! Go cool off elsewhere."
Xiaoxiao knew everyone was on edge because The Games were coming up in less than a day.
Following their training, Xiaoxiao and the other tributes head to their rooms before coming together again for dinner.
[[Xiaoxiao enters the dining room]]
Xiaoxiao is a 17 year old girl from the West region on Hunan.
As Xiaoxiao is kneading dough, she remembers when she was much younger, seeing a Co-ed coming through her village. She remembers how the Co-ed came into her family's bakery. When she entered she looked all around, looking at the baked goods Xiaoxiao's family had made. Xiaoxiao watched the Co-ed pick up a bun, take one bite and then throw across the room. Xiaoxiao looked at her in disbelief as she tunred around and left the shop without paying.
Suddenly, Xiaoxiao snaps out of her daydreaming when Uncle yells "Pay attention little girl, the cakes are going to burn!"
Xiaoxiao quickly rushes over to the oven to remove them.
She removes one from the pan and blows on it gently to cool it.
[[Gives it to Sonny]]
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8146/7391846058_3f22ab59f2_b.jpg" width="500">
Uncle tells the kids that they need to change into their nice clothes and get ready for the reaping. She tells Sonny to wash his face while she rebraids her hair. Xiaoxiao watches Sonny struggle with the buttons on his shirt.
Does Xiaoxiao [[help Sonny with the buttons]]
or is Xiaoxiao annoyed that Sonny can't do up his own buttons.
[[She scolds him while she helps him with the buttons]]
<img src="https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/little-child-trying-to-wear-shirt-student-button-unbutton-his-home-kid-boy-kindergarten-self-study-learning-change-190336451.jpg" width="500">When Xiaoxiao enters,
[[She sits beside Motley Mutt]]
[[She sits beside L.H.]]
[[She sits beside Grandmama]]"Well isn't it my lucky day" Motley Mutt says as Xiaoxiao sits down beside him. Xiaoxiao rolls her eyes and sighs.
Once everyone is seated, they all begin eating and chatting quietly among eachother. Xiaoxiao notices Motley Mutt glance over at L.H. Motley Mutt notices Xiaoxiao looking at him and breaks his stare.
"Why are you staring at her?" Xiaoxiao questions.
"She won't last one night in The Games, she's too young" he says.
Xiaoxiao continues to eat silently.
"They shouldn't include kids that young in the reaping" he continues.
Xiaoxiao's eyes become fixated on his now almost empty bowl, as she thinks about Sonny.
"I didn't mean it like that... It was really brave what you did. You know, I have a little brother too. I love him, but I could never imagine doing what you did" he says.
"If you really loved him, it wouldn't even be a choice. You risk everything for family." Xiaoxiao states firmly.
Motley Mutt starts "I know, but-"
Before he can continue speaking, Xiaoxiao slams down her chopsticks and storms out of the dining room.
[[Xiaoxiao returns to her room]]Once everyone is seated, they all eat together, chatting quietly. Xiaoxiao notices L.H. practically inhale the food in front of her. Once she is finished, Xiaoxiao sees L.H. look around the room at the other tributes, and then look at her. Xiaoxiao realizes L.H. is watching her eat. When Xiaoxiao turns to L.H., she looks away quickly.
"Here, have some of mine. I could enver finish this all" Xiaoxiao says.
She uses her chopsticks to fill L.H.'s bowl. L.H. softly smiles at Xiaoxiao before picking up her chopsticks.
Everyone slowly finishes their meal
[[Xiaoxiao returns to her room]]Once everyone has sat down, they all begin eating and engage in small talk.
Grandmama asks Xiaoxiao about her home district. Xiaoxiao knows that she doesn't really care. She is just trying to get Xiaoxiao to think about something else other than The Games tomorrow. Before they are about to leave the table, Grandmama gently pulls Xiaoxiao in for a hug. She thinks to herself, I hope Grandmama makes it out alive
[[Xiaoxiao returns to her room]]
Before Xiaoxiao reaches her bedroom door, Grandmama taps her on the shoulder.
"Is everything okay Grandmama?" Xiaoxiao asks.
"Can I give you some advice?" Grandmama replies.
"Of course" Xiaoxiao says.
"Just remember... If you get tagged, remember to smile at the Co-eds. If you smile at them they are more likely to take you as a slave than drown you. I hope you make it out of here okay".
Xiaoxiao smiles at Grandmama "Thank you".
Xiaoxiao lays down for one last sleep in the Capitol. She dreams about the reaping. She dreams that Sonny has been called, but when she tries to yell and volunteer, her voice remains silent. She tries screaming but no words come out. She dreams about Sonny crying and yelling for her, but she can't get to him through all the people. She plays it in her head over and over again.
Xiaoxiao wakes from her nightmare abruptly and realizes,
[[It's time for The Games]]Xiaoxiao hears two knocks on her door. When she opens it, she is greeted by a Co-ed.
"Hi, I'm here to bring you to The Games. Please turn around, so I can tie your blindfold"
"A blindfold? Why?" Xiaoxiao questions.
"Oh yes, a blindfold is protocol for The Games".
Xiaoxiao reluctantly turns around to let the Co-ed tie the blindfold. She sees red silk coming towards her eyes until it is tied tight. All Xiaoxiao sees now is darkness.
<img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71fDDGagi2L._AC_UX385_.jpg" width="500">
[["Here, take my arm" says that Co-ed]]
Xiaoxiao feels the Co-ed leading her down the long hallway. She hears lots of footsteps around her. Xiaoxiao and the Co-ed have been walking for quite some time now. She hears chanting coming from the distance and thinks they might be outside the building but she's not sure.
**"TOGETHER WE CAN"**
**"WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER"**
**"BUILDING A STRONGER HUNAN"**
Xiaoxiao continues with the Co-ed. She hears doors open in front of them.
Once they enter she feels a gust of wind. She smells the fresh, crisp air and notices that it's not too cold, but it's also not so warm that she's sweating. The Co-ed leads Xiaoxiao up two steps and she feels her let go.
"Okay we're here. I'm going to leave you now. Keep your blindfold on until you hear the horn." Before Xiaoxiao can say anything to the Co-ed, she hears her walk down the steps.
[[Xiaoxiao feels her heart thumping]]
crowd murmuring <audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-stadium-chaotic-loud-applause-drums-and-chants-363.wav" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>She's breathing heavily. Xiaoxiao waits nervously.
Suddenly, she hears the horn sound. She jumps back and loses her footing, and falls backwards off the podium. She gets the wind knocked out of her and begins coughing and gasping for air. Xiaoxiao rips off her blindfold and immediately squints her eyes. The brightness burns her eyes. She looks around her and sees that she's surrounded by a forest. Xiaoxiao turns her head and notices the other podiums and sees a few of the tributes. She notices that all the podiums surround a pile of what looks like camping gear. She sees Grandfather running towards the pile to grab what he can carry, and then run into the forest. She sees Zhang get tagged by Motley Mutt.
"NOOO!!!"Zhang yells.
Xiaoxiao is low to the ground, trying to decide when to run. She locks eyes with Motley Mutt as he takes a bag of gear. He gives her a wink before running off into the forest.
<img src="https://wallpapercave.com/wp/wp3567788.jpg" width="500">
[[Xiaoxiao begins running towards the pile of gear]]
Xiaoxiao looks at all the different colours of bags in the pile.
She chooses to
[[Take the blue bag]]
<img src="https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/NjN5E6xONDEwPFJX-UtgOnzaLs4/w_1500/backpacks/standard/front/~artwork,fw_3900,fh_4575,fx_-338,iw_4575,ih_4575/s6-original-art-uploads/society6/uploads/misc/f5dba985149f4136aa978c057532668b/~~/luxe-royal-blue-backpacks.jpg" width="500">
[[Take the yellow bag]]
<img src="https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/p5a3cB-u8xZ8DStpEk_eOpl-Be0/w_1500/backpacks/standard/front/~artwork,fw_3900,fh_4575,fx_-338,iw_4575,ih_4575/s6-original-art-uploads/society6/uploads/misc/5c42c9806c0044d5aa17ef748a6d8c7c/~~/simply-pastel-yellow-backpacks.jpg" width="500">
[[Take the red bag]]
<img src="https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/7Cm5lQCvGRzLzXH2GJ4SQIE7l00/w_1500/backpacks/standard/front/~artwork,fw_3900,fh_4575,fx_-1481,iw_6862,ih_4575/s6-0081/a/32191773_6326289/~~/ff0000-bright-red-backpacks.jpg" width="500">
Xiaoxiao runs with the bag in her hands as fast as she can. She runs as deep into the forest as her legs will allow. She stop when she finds a wide and tall tree. She takes a second to catch her breath before sitting down at the base of the tree. She looks down at the bag and begins to open it up.
[[She looks through the contents of the blue bag]]Xiaoxiao runs with the bag in her hands as fast as she can. She runs as deep into the forest as her legs will allow.
She stops running when she finds a wide and tall tree. She takes a second to catch her breath before sitting down at the base of the tree.
She looks down at the bag and begins to open it up.
[[She looks through the contents of the yellow bag]]Xiaoxiao reaches for the red bag. She fumbles with the straps as she tries to put it on her back. Xiaoxiao turns around and before she can react,
is tagged by Mama Xu.
Mama Xu runs off into the forest.
Xiaoxiao stands there for only a moment, before a Co-ed comes to escort her out of the arena.
[[Xiaoxiao begins crying]]
The Co-eds decide to drown her.
Xiaoxiao dies.
[[The end]]She takes out:
* a tarp
* matches
* rope
* a blanket
* a spoon
* a pocket knife
* a compass
* a cup
She puts the contents of the bag back in.
[[She puts on the straps and heads out looking for a place to camp for the night]]She takes out:
* a water bottle
* a blanket
* a compass
* matches
* a pair of socks
* a rope
* a panga machete
Xiaoxiao puts the contents back into the bag.
[[She stands up and begins walking, looking for something to eat]]Xiaoxiao is thrilled when she sees a blackberry bush. She bends down to pick off some berries. As she lifts her head to eat a few, she notices L.H. looking right at her from the other side of the bush. They lock eyes for a few moments, but the stare is broken when they both hear laughter coming closer. Xiaoxiao gestures to L.H. to hide behind the trees. Xiaoxiao does the same. Xiaoxiao silently mouthes to L.H. "Be quiet", before turning away.
<img src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yTIAAOSwq5pXQQk1/s-l400.jpg" width="500">
[[They hide quietly]]Xiaoxiao walks through the forest, through the trees and bushes. Twenty minutes into her walk, she notices how thristy she is. She thinks to herself where she could find some water. While walking, she notices the sound of running water.
Does [[Xiaoxiao follow the sound]]
or does [[Xiaoxiao ignore her thirst and continue walking]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-natural-ambience-with-flowing-water-and-birds-61.wav" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>Xiaoxiao is thrilled when she sees a stream. She quickly takes out the water bottle from the bag and bends down to fill it. As she lifts her head to screw the cap on, she notices L.H. looking right at her from across the stream. They lock eyes for a few moments, but the stare is broken when they both hear laughter coming closer. Xiaoxiao gestures to L.H. to hide behind the trees. She does the same from across the stream. Xiaoxiao silently mouthes to L.H. "Be quiet", before turning away.
<img src="https://www.ausableriver.org/sites/default/files/styles/900x450/public/2016-09-09_14.17.54.jpg?itok=kJSJ_12h" width="500">
[[Xiaoxiao hears voices come closer]]After around an hour, Xiaoxiao has found a place where she feels safe to sleep for the night. The sun is slowly setting as she lays out the tarp.
Xiaoxiao lays down and shuts her eyes, trying to ignore how hungry and thristy she is.
Suddenly, Xiaoxiao wakes in the middle of the night. She cannot go any longer without water. Thankfully she can still hear the running water from where she is.
[[She follows the sounds]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-natural-ambience-with-flowing-water-and-birds-61.wav" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>Xiaoxiao walks for a few minutes in the dark and finally reaches a stream.
She bends down to take a sip of water. Suddenly she feels a hard jab in her back. Xiaoxiao turns around and sees Mama Xu standing over her.
<img src="https://www.ausableriver.org/sites/default/files/styles/900x450/public/2016-09-09_14.17.54.jpg?itok=kJSJ_12h" width="500">
[[Xiaoxiao has been tagged by Mama Xu]]A Co-ed comes to escort Xiaoxiao out of the arena.
Unfortunately, the Co-eds ultimately decide to drown her.
Xiaoxiao dies.
[[The end]]"It'll be so easy to tag the women in here" Grandfather says with arrogance. "Those basket weavers won't last more than one night!" Motley Mutt replies. Grandfather, Motley Mutt and Mute all laugh together. Xiaoxiao and L.H. stay hidden behind the trees until the group is long gone.
[[Xiaoxiao comes out of her hiding place]]Once L.H. sees Xiaoxiao coming closer towards her she starts to panic. Xiaoxiao notices the panic in L.H.'s eyes. "No, don't worry! I won't tag you" Xiaoxiao says. L.H.'s shoulders relax and her face becomes calm. "Have some water" Xiaoxiao says as she hands her the water bottle. Xiaoxiao is careful not to touch her hand. "That must have been scary for you" Xiaoxiao says. L.H. smiles back at her. "Try to relax, take it easy. Try to find somewhere to sleep tonight before it gets too dark". L.H. hands Xiaoxiao back her water bottle.
[[Xiaoxiao smiles at L.H. before continuing her route]]The sun has almost set by the time Xiaoxiao finds the perfect spot to sleep for the night. She sets up her gear under the roots of a tree. It looked like the tree was so tall that the roots that were once in the ground have now lifted up in a wide 'U' shape, almost like a cave. As she is laying out her blanket she notices L.H. nearby. It was clear that L.H. was afraid and didn't want to sleep alone. "You know you can stay with me for the night" Xiaoxiao says to L.H. "Are you sure?" L.H. asks. "Of course, come here" Xiaoxiao replies. Xiaoxiao stretches out her blanket for L.H to lay beside her. L.H. curls in close to Xiaoxiao, but is careful not to touch her.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fleetnation/image/private/c_fit,w_1120/g_south,l_text:style_gothic2:%C2%A9%20Christopher%20Burn,o_20,y_10/g_center,l_watermark4,o_25,y_50/v1556602209/jxbqmimlumrimepfbeqh.jpg" width="500">
[[They both drift off into a slumber]]The following day, Xiaoxiao and L.H. wake up. They decide they need to keep moving and begin their route finding another place to camp. They take out the compass from Xiaoxiao's bag.
<img src="https://images.wallpaperscraft.com/image/compass_hand_blur_149325_2560x1440.jpg" width="500">
[[They go North]]
or
[[They go South]]
"It'll be so easy to tag the women in here" Grandfather says with arrogance. "Those basket weavers won't last more than one night!" Motley Mutt replies. Grandfather, Motley Mutt and Mute all laugh together.
Xiaoxiao and L.H. stay hidden behind trees until the group is long gone.
[[Each of them slowly comes out of their hiding place]]
When they both come out, Xiaoxiao notices the panic in L.H.'s eyes. "No, don't worry! I won't tag you" Xiaoxiao says. L.H.'s shoulders relax and her face becomes calm. "Have some blackberries" Xiaoxiao says as she hands her a few. Xiaoxiao is careful not to touch her hand. "That must have been scary for you" Xiaoxiao says. L.H. smiles back at her. "Try to relax, take it easy. Try to find somewhere to sleep tonight before it gets too dark"
[[Xiaoxiao smiles at L.H. before continuing her route]]They walk through the forest, in search of something to eat. They are careful of their surroundings. L.H. and Xiaoxiao notice a delicious smell and hear the crackling of a fire. They follow the sound and smell cautiously through the forest, hiding behind trees and bushes. When they reach the smell and sound, they see Motley Mutt and Mute eating some sort of cooked meat. Xiaoxiao and L.H. watch the two men for quite some time.
Once the two abandon their now extinguished fire, Xiaoxiao and L.H quietly discuss if they should check out the food remains or find food elsewhere.
Do [[They investigate their leftovers]]
or do [[They find food elsewhere]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://www.soundjay.com/nature/campfire-1.mp3" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>They walk through the forest, in search of something to eat. They are careful of their surroundings. L.H. and Xiaoxiao notice a delicious smell and hear the crackling of a fire. They follow the sound and smell cautiously through the forest, hiding behind trees and bushes. When they reach the smell and sound, they see Motley Mutt and Mute eating some sort of cooked meat. They hide behind a nearby bush
"I can't believe how easy that was!" Motley Mutt exclaims.
Mute nods his head.
"Poor Mama Xu! Well that will teach her to not take a nap during The Games!"
They continue eating.
[[Xiaoxiao and L.H stay hidden]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://www.soundjay.com/nature/campfire-1.mp3" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>The two carefully come out of their hiding spot and slowly walk closer to the fire pit. They see what they think is cooked rabbit. It looks like Motley Mutt and Mute didn't eat all of the meat around the bones.
Do [[They eat the scraps there]]
or do [[They take the scraps somewhere else to eat]]
They both continue walking in the forest and notice how many rabbits are running around. "They move too fast to catch them" Xiaoxiao sighs.
"Well... I actually know how to set traps. My dad taught me when I could start walking". "I have some rope in my bag, would that help?"
"Yes, I'll set it up over here because of all the weeds"
Xiaoxiao watches in amazement as L.H. ties several knots and creates a trap.
"We need to hide somewhere, otherwise the rabbits won't come" L.H. says.
Xiaoxiao replies "Okay, where should we hide?"
Do [[They hide in a tall tree]]
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/37/70/7c/37707c24eba64956c22ed0a7331e8a67.jpg" width="500">
or do[[They hide behind a bush]]
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/04/71/8e/04718e45294613953e09ade5d1e815cd.jpg" width="500">
They both crouch down and begin eating the bits of meat. Suddenly, they hear a tree branch snap. They both stop eating and turn their heads around to see where the noise came from. They both lock eyes with Mama Xu.
Mama Xu realises what she has done and tries to run away in the opposite direction. L.H. drops her food and runs quickly after Mama Xu. Unfortunately, given Mama Xu's age, she is no match for L.H. She catches up to Mama Xu, and tags her.
[[After L.H. tags her, Mama Xu freezes and turns around to face L.H]]As they walk through the forest, finding somewhere to safely eat their scraps, they notice two feet laying behind a bush. They quietly walk around the bush to see Mama Xu taking a nap. Xiaoxiao and L.H. both look at each other. Xiaoxiao signals to L.H. to go tag her while she is sleeping. L.H. creeps over to Mama Xu and grently taps on Mama Xu's leg.
[[Mama Xu wakes up startled]]
"I'm so sorry" L.H. says.
Mama Xu glares at L.H. until a Co-ed comes to take her away.
[[L.H runs back to Xiaoxiao]]They both decide to get some water.
<img src="https://www.ausableriver.org/sites/default/files/styles/900x450/public/2016-09-09_14.17.54.jpg?itok=kJSJ_12h" width="500">
[[They head towards the stream]]
After only a few moments, a Co-ed comes to take Mama Xu.
[[L.H runs back to Xiaoxiao]]They wait patiently for a rabbit to get caught in their trap. After a few minutes of waiting they hear the trap go off. They smile at one another when they see a rabbit hanging from the rope. Their smiles quickly turn to panic when they hear footsteps coming closer. They see Mama Xu approach the trap with the caught rabbit. While she tries to take the rabbit out of the trap, she doesn't notice another set of footsteps coming closer to her.
[[Xiaoxiao and L.H. watch Motley Mutt tag her]]
They wait patiently for a rabbit to get caught in their trap. After a few minutes of waiting they hear the trap go off. They smile at one another when they see a rabbit hanging from the rope. Their smiles quickly turn to panic when they hear footsteps coming closer. They see Mama Xu approach the trap with the caught rabbit. While she tries to take the rabbit out of the trap, she doesn't notice another set of footsteps coming closer to her.
[[Xiaoxiao and L.H. watch Motley Mutt tag her]]
Before a Co-ed come to take away Mama Xu, Motley Mutt takes the rabbit from the trap and runs off. Xiaoxiao and L.H. watch the Co-ed take away Mama Xu as she cries silently. Xiaoxiao and L.H. come out of their hiding spot once everyone is gone.
[[They continue looking for something to eat]]Xiaoxiao and L.H. reset their trap and finally catch another rabbit. L.H. prepares a fire while Xiaoxiao prepares the rabbit. They both eat until nothing remains. Once they finish eating, they decide to get a fresh drink of water.
[[They head towards the stream]]
They reach the stream with excitement. Xiaoxiao watches L.H. jump from rock to rock across the stream. L.H. is now standing on a large rock in the middle of the stream. She smiles at Xiaoxiao.
"Here take this and fill it up with water" Xiaoxiao says to L.H.
Xiaoxiao fumbles with her bag and takes out her cup.
<img src="https://www.ausableriver.org/sites/default/files/styles/900x450/public/2016-09-09_14.17.54.jpg?itok=kJSJ_12h" width="500">
[[Xiaoxiao tosses the cup towards L.H.]]
or
[[She looks up at L.H.]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-natural-ambience-with-flowing-water-and-birds-61.wav" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>They wait until Mute is several paces in front of them to follow his tracks. They follow Mute for quite some time, trying to decide when they should make their move to tag him. They stop behind a tree when they see Mute approach a deer. Mute notices that the deer's foot is stuck between two rocks. They watch as he attempts to set the deer's foot free. Xiaoxiao and L.H. decide that now is their chance to tag him. They look at each other trying to decide who should tag him.
[[Xiaoxiao tags him while L.H. hides]]
or
[[L.H. tags him while Xiaoxiao hides]]They follow Motley Mutt for a few minutes, but realize he walked in the shape of a circle and is now headed in the same direction as Mute. Xiaoxiao and L.H make sure that they are several paces behind him and well hidden.
They see Motley Mutt watching Mute standing beside a deer. They notice the deer's foot is stuck between two rocks. They see Motley Mutt carefully walk up behind Mute while he's bent over the deer's foot. While his back is turned, Motley Mutt quickly tags him on his shoulder. Mute slowly turns around to see Motley Mutt. "I'm sorry pal, it's part of the game". Mute stares blankly back at Motley Mutt until Co-eds come to take him away.
<img src="https://www.wxpr.org/sites/wxpr/files/styles/x_large/public/202007/deer-5367751_1920.jpg" width="500">
[[Co-eds come to take away Mute]]
Xiaoxiao carefully walks up behind Mute while he's bent over the deer's foot. While his back is turned Xiaoxiao quickly tags him on his shoulder.
Mute slowly turns around to see Xiaoxiao. She looks at him in his eyes
She sees him smile softly and nod his head in respect.
<img src="https://www.wxpr.org/sites/wxpr/files/styles/x_large/public/202007/deer-5367751_1920.jpg" width="500">
[[Co-eds come to take away Mute]]L.H. carefully walks up behind Mute while he's bent over the deer's foot.
While his back is turned she quickly tags him on his shoulder. Mute slowly turns around to see L.H. She looks at him in his eyes. She sees him smile softly and nod his head in respect.
<img src="https://www.wxpr.org/sites/wxpr/files/styles/x_large/public/202007/deer-5367751_1920.jpg" width="500">
[[Co-eds come to take away Mute]]
Motley Mutt runs off while L.H. and Xiaoxiao stay hidden. They both look at each other in disbelief. After a few moments, they begin walking to find some water.
[[They head towards the stream]]
L.H. reaches out to catch the cup but loses her footing on the rock and falls hard into the stream.
Xiaoxiao yells "Oh my gosh!"
Xiaoxiao watches L.H. emerge from the stream soaking wet. She sees her crawl on the grass beside her.
[[Can you walk? Xiaoxiao asks]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-natural-ambience-with-flowing-water-and-birds-61.wav" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>"No that's okay! I'll just use my hands!" L.H. replies.
Xiaoxiao watches L.H. slowly bend down and cup her hands into the water. She sees her lift her hands to take a sip but loses her footing on the rocks. She watches L.H. slip into the stream and fall hard on the rocks
"Oh my gosh!" yells Xiaoxiao
She sees L.H. emerge from the water and crawl towards the grass beside her.
[[Can you walk? Xiaoxiao asks]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-natural-ambience-with-flowing-water-and-birds-61.wav" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>L.H. soaking wet replies "My ankle really hurts"
"Here, let's find somewhere to sleep for tonight" Xiaoxiao replies.
Before they start moving, Xiaoxiao finds a branch for L.H. to lean on while she walks. The two walk slowly to find a nearby place to sleep for the night.
[[The next morning]]Xiaoxiao wakes up to L.H. grabbing at her injured ankle and groaning. L.H. folds her pant leg up to reveal a purple and swollen ankle.
"That does not look good" Xiaoxiao says.
L.H. looks at Xiaoxiao with sorrow. Xiaoxiao rips a strip off of the blanket.
"Here, wrap this around your ankle tightly" Xiaoxiao says as she hands her the piece of fabric.
L.H. groans as she ties the strip tightly.
"Stay here while I go find something for us to eat" Xiaoxiao says.
She smiles at L.H. before getting up and leaving.
[[Xiaoxiao heads out on her own in search of some food]]Xiaoxiao takes out her compass trying to decide which way she should go.
<img src="https://images.wallpaperscraft.com/image/compass_hand_blur_149325_2560x1440.jpg" width="500">
[[Xiaoxiao heads West]]
or
[[Xiaoxiao heads East]]As Xiaoxiao is walking she sees Grandfather bent down, picking berries from a bush. She walks up to him cautiously and quietly. Before Grandfather can turn arround, Xiaoxiao quickly tags him.
"You'll rot in hell! I didn't even get to taste these stupid berries anyways" Grandfather yells at her.
"Oh relax, you would have been dead in minutes if you ate any of those nightshade berries" Xiaoxiao replies.
Before Grandfather can reply, a Co-ed comes to take him away
<img src="https://wildfoodgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/black-nightshade-Colorado-1.jpg" width="500">
[[Xiaoxiao runs back to L.H. to tell her the good news]]
Xiaoxiao walks through the forest. She's collecting enough blackberries for both her and L.H. Xiaoxiao climbs down the side of a large boulder and sees Motley Mutt standing with his back facing her.
Xiaoxiao slowly comes up behind him.
<img src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/766/everything-you-need-to-know-about-blackberries-main-1499890002.jpg?crop=1xw:0.786xh;center,top&resize=1200:*" width="500">
[[Suddenly, Motley Mutt turns around]]
Xiaoxiao is only a few paces away from L.H. when she sees her holding berries in her hand. L.H. is about to put them in the mouth when Xiaoxiao comes running at her, smacking them out of her hand.
"Those are deadly nightshade berries!! You would have died in minutes!" Xiaoxiao yells.
L.H. looks at her stunned. They stare at each other.
Xiaoxiao realizes what she's done, she's tagged L.H.
She looks at L.H. with tears in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it" Xiaoxiao says as L.H. gets dragged away by a Co-ed.
"It's okay" L.H. says sincerely before she fully disappears.
[[Xiaoxiao looks down]]Xiaoxiao is heartbroken when she realizes that the berries were only blackberries. Xiaoxiao cries silently.
<img src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/766/everything-you-need-to-know-about-blackberries-main-1499890002.jpg?crop=1xw:0.786xh;center,top&resize=1200:*" width="500">
Suddenly, Xiaoxiao hears the Hunan anthem.
She is confused, she doesn't know what's happening.
[[A Co-ed appears]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://mobcup.net/d/4v54jeg6/mp3" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>"Xiaoxiao, congratulations you are the winner of The Hunan Games!" the Co-ed exclaims.
"What do you mean?" Xiaoxiao asks.
"Well, you are the last tribute left in The Games, everyone else got tagged" she replies.
Xiaoxiao looks at her in disbelief.
"Here come with me to claim your prize" the Co-ed says.
She takes Xiaoxiao by the arm through the forest until they reach a set of doors.
[[Xiaoxiao continues walking with the Co-ed]]She leads Xiaoxiao into a sedan. They both ride in there for a few minutes.
The sedan suddently stops and the Co-ed helps Xiaoxiao out.
As she steps out, she is blinded by flashing cameras and overwhelmed by the cheers of the surrounding crowd.
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f6/3e/a3/f63ea34ffa0a8dcff472526e8134df82.jpg" width="500">
[[They walk through the gate]]
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-ending-show-audience-clapping-478.wav" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>The gate doors close behind them.
"Welcome to your new home Xiaoxiao!" the Co-ed says.
Xiaoxiao looks around her. The home is painted red with gold accents. There are potted flowers all around. She's never seen luxurious homes like this in real life.
"Here, you will live a Capitol lifestyle, with plenty of food, entertainment and slaves to take care of you" the Co-ed says.
Xiaoxiao remains silent as she looks around her in amazement.
"Speaking of slaves... **BRING OUT THE SLAVES**" the Co-ed yells
[[Doors open]]She sees one older man, who is maybe middle aged. Beside him is a much younger boy. Both look quite pale and malnourished.
She realizes after a few moments that the two slaves in front of her are Uncle and Sonny.
Xiaoxiao gasps in disbelief.
"Welcome you your new life Xiaoxiao!"
[[The end]][[References]]
"I've been waiting to see you in here" Motley Mutt says arrogantly.
She stops in her tracks.
"You shouldn't have left her alone" Motley Mutt says.
"What do you mean?" Xiaoxiao asks.
"The girl.. L.H... She didn't see it coming" Motley Mutt says.
Xiaoxiao's heart begins pumping, her fists tighten with rage.
"I'll kill you" she says.
She is about to lunge at Motley Mutt when she feels a soft hand on her shoulder.
[[Xiaoxiao turns around]]
Standing there, she sees Grandmama.
Xiaoxiao is in disbelief.
Grandmama smiles at Xiaoxiao softly and says,
"Don't forget to smile sweetie".
[[Xiaoxiao stares back at her blankly]]
A Co-ed appears after a few moments and takes her away.
[[Later that day]]Xiaoxiao sits in a room full of Co-eds.
One Co-ed announces "The Co-ed council will now decide Xiaoxiao's fate"
Does [[Xiaoxiao stare at the council emotionless]]
or does [[Xiaoxiao forcefully smile at all the council members]]"We the council has decide to drown Xiaoxiao"
[[The end]]"We the council have decided to sell Xiaoxiao as a slave to the highest bidder in The Capitol"
[[The end]]**Films**
Spring Silkworms (Chun can 春蚕, dir. Chen Bugao 陈步高, 1933)
A Girl from Hunan (Xiangnü xiaoxiao 湘女萧萧, dir. Xie Fei and U Lan, 1986)
The Hunger Games (Lionsgate, dir. G. Ross, 2012)
**Images**
House in the woods. Digital image. Flickr. https://live.staticflickr.com/8146/7391846058_3f22ab59f2_b.jpg
Boy with buttons. Digital image. Dreamstime.
https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/hands-unbutton-button.html
Cardinal compass. Digital image. Edussori.
https://www.edussori.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Montessori-Compass-Rose-Cards.jpg
Red lanterns. Digital image. Vacteezy.
https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/previews/000/878/713/non_2x/chinese-red-lanterns-photo.jpg
The Reaping. Digital image. Medium.com.
https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*-YvIyZSkTCta8rT-eMq3vQ.png
Fish bowl with names. Digital image. Insider. https://i.insider.com/572b111edd0895a4708b467e?width=1000&format=jpeg&auto=webp
Red sedan chair. Digital image. Pinterest.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f6/3e/a3/f63ea34ffa0a8dcff472526e8134df82.jpg
Colourful doors. Digital image. Heartsapp. https://hips.hearstapps.com/hbu.h-cdn.co/assets/15/18/1430257399-01-singapore-little-india.jpg
Buns in cloth. Digital image. The Woks of Life.
https://thewoksoflife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_00612.jpg
Hunan map. Digital image. Wikimedia. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Hunan_in_China_%28%2Ball_claims_hatched%29.svg/275px-Hunan_in_China_%28%2Ball_claims_hatched%29.svg.png
Red scarf. Digital image. Amazon. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71fDDGagi2L._AC_UX385_.jpg
Forest scenery. Digital image. Wallpaper Cave.
https://wallpapercave.com/wp/wp3567788.jpg
Red backpack. Digital image. Society6.
https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/7Cm5lQCvGRzLzXH2GJ4SQIE7l00/w_1500/backpacks/standard/front/~artwork,fw_3900,fh_4575,fx_-1481,iw_6862,ih_4575/s6-0081/a/32191773_6326289/~~/ff0000-bright-red-backpacks.jpg
Yellow backpack. Digital image. Society6.
https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/zhtTZNrv8CesET-xqjNfIpyGOx4/w_700/backpacks/standard/front/~artwork,fw_3900,fh_4575,fx_-338,iw_4575,ih_4575/s6-original-art-uploads/society6/uploads/misc/5c42c9806c0044d5aa17ef748a6d8c7c/~~/simply-pastel-yellow-backpacks.jpg?wait=0&attempt=0
Blue backpack. Digital image. Society6.
https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/NjN5E6xONDEwPFJX-UtgOnzaLs4/w_1500/backpacks/standard/front/~artwork,fw_3900,fh_4575,fx_-338,iw_4575,ih_4575/s6-original-art-uploads/society6/uploads/misc/f5dba985149f4136aa978c057532668b/~~/luxe-royal-blue-backpacks.jpg
Stream/river. Digital image. Ausable River Association. https://www.ausableriver.org/sites/default/files/styles/900x450/public/2016-09-09_14.17.54.jpg?itok=kJSJ_12h
Blackberry bush. Digital image. Ebay.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yTIAAOSwq5pXQQk1/s-l400.jpg
Tree roots. Digital image. Cloudinary. https://res.cloudinary.com/fleetnation/image/private/c_fit,w_1120/g_south,l_text:style_gothic2:%C2%A9%20Christopher%20Burn,o_20,y_10/g_center,l_watermark4,o_25,y_50/v1556602209/jxbqmimlumrimepfbeqh.jpg
Compass in hand. Digital image. Wallpapers Craft. https://images.wallpaperscraft.com/image/compass_hand_blur_149325_2560x1440.jpg
Tall tree. Digital image. Pinterest.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/37/70/7c/37707c24eba64956c22ed0a7331e8a67.jpg
Larger bush. Digital image. Pinterest.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/04/71/8e/04718e45294613953e09ade5d1e815cd.jpg
Deer. Digital image. WXPR: Mirror of the Northwoods, Window on the World.
https://www.wxpr.org/sites/wxpr/files/styles/x_large/public/202007/deer-5367751_1920.jpg
Nightshade berries. Digital image. Wild Food Girl. https://wildfoodgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/black-nightshade-Colorado-1.jpg
Blackberries. Digital image. Heartsapp. https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/766/everything-you-need-to-know-about-blackberries-main-1499890002.jpg?crop=1xw:0.786xh;center,top&resize=1200:*
Mute. Screenshot. "湘女萧萧 = A Girl From Hunan." , directed by Xie Fei, and U. Lan. , Privately Published. Alexander Street,
https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/xiang-nu-xiao-xiao-a-girl-from-hunan.
Motley Mutt. Screenshot. "湘女萧萧 = A Girl From Hunan." , directed by Xie Fei, and U. Lan. , Privately Published. Alexander Street,
https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/xiang-nu-xiao-xiao-a-girl-from-hunan.
**Sounds**
Christopher, James. “Murmuring, Medium-sized Group Of Men and Women”. MP3 File. Internet Archive.
https://ia802900.us.archive.org/5/items/cd_authentic-sound-effects-volume-4_james-christopher-authentic-sound-effects/disc1/43.%20James%20Christopher%20-%20Murmuring%2C%20Medium-Sized%20Group%20Of%20Men%20And%20Women_sample.mp3
Heartbeat. MP3 File. Soundjay.
https://www.soundjay.com/human/heartbeat-03.mp3
Stadium Crowd. WAV File. Mixkit. https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-stadium-chaotic-loud-applause-drums-and-chants-363.wav
Natural Ambience With Flowing Water. WAV File. Mixkit.
https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-natural-ambience-with-flowing-water-and-birds-61.wav
Campfire. MP3 File. Soundjay.
https://www.soundjay.com/nature/campfire-1.mp3
Ending Show Audience Clapping. WAV File. Mixkit.
https://assets.mixkit.co/sfx/download/mixkit-ending-show-audience-clapping-478.wav
Panem Anthem. MP3 File. MobCup.
https://mobcup.net/d/4v54jeg6/mp3
<audio autoplay loop>
<source src="https://mobcup.net/d/4v54jeg6/mp3" type='audio/mpeg; codecs="mp3"'>
</audio>Xiaoxiao and L.H. watch Motley Mutt and Mute amicably smile at one another before turning around and heading off in different directions. Xiaoxiao and L.H. decide that now's their chance to tag one of them.
Do [[They follow Mute]]
<img src="http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1_ThimF3i2qHyPZj2B_ZPKrT91g4rZrcy" width="500">
or do [[They follow Motley Mutt]]
<img src="http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kkK2Yekxj53GBYOB7YKcB7U3jyt3SAs1" width="500">
↶↷Xiaoxiao is a 17 year old girl from the West region on Hunan.
As Xiaoxiao is kneading dough, she remembers when she was much younger, seeing a Co-ed coming through her village. She remembers how the Co-ed came into her family's bakery. When she entered she looked all around, looking at the baked goods Xiaoxiao's family had made. Xiaoxiao watched the Co-ed pick up a bun, take one bite and then throw across the room. Xiaoxiao looked at her in disbelief as she tunred around and left the shop without paying.
Suddenly, Xiaoxiao snaps out of her daydreaming when Uncle yells "Pay attention little girl, the cakes are going to burn!"
Xiaoxiao quickly rushes over to the oven to remove them.
She removes one from the pan and blows on it gently to cool it.
Gives it to Sonny
