L-13

They never really needed us.
They used us- abused us- for their sick and twisted lies.
They told us we deserved it for being naughty children.
I'm not gonna let this happen anymore.
I'm gonna end it, and if no one wants to say anything; I'll do it myself.


"Good morning everyone! I'm sure you may all be- confused- about this sudden arrangement, but it's just a minor set back before your real tasks. Carry on with your business as usual until your next instructions."

I could tell that she was faking. She really didn't care about us. I rolled up the cuffs of my khakis so they ended a few inches below my knees. My name was Jem. I just started training for the tournaments. I had my bangs gently brushed over my forehead. We had uniforms to wear in this camp. White button-up, and khaki pants. I left all my buttons undone, tying a long shoelace around my waist. I wore an old white beanie over my head.

People could tell I had a free-spirit, the over-seers hated that. They tried to snuff it out before a spark started. They could never brake me. I had no family, and they never knew who were my friends. I made up a secret language to confuse the guards. I taught it to the students. This wasn't the case for most children here. They were taken away from their families in the city. After the tournaments were over, they shipped the eldest group out to do the over-seers' dirty work. We were stuck here from 13-19.

I lived in the block with the other thirteen year old kids. The camp was divided into blocks, and each had a waist high wall on the borders. We could talk to the students in the block next to us, but couldn't cross over. When someone turned a year older, they were taken into the next block. Each block had twenty-six houses, labeled with a letter of the alphabet. I could usually find myself witnessing a transfer. It's not as bad as you'd think.

Anyways, I was heading out the door in my unique looking uniform when a girl came down the block carrying a suitcase. His stamp was still wet from entering. "Hey!" I called to her, catching up. "You must be new here. I see you're headed to L-13." I pointed at her stamp, then pointed to mine. "I'm Jem of H-13. What's your name, kid?"

"Sakari. Sakari of L-13, I guess." She was having trouble gripping onto the handle of her luggage.

"Need any help?" I asked, not wanting to be rude.

"I got it, thanks." She started walking down again.

"Well Kari, let me show you to your new living arrangements."

"It's Sakari, Jem of H-13."

"No need to be so formal, just call me Jem."

"Are you usually like this? Because I'm getting a little uncomfortable."

"Listen, I get that you're new and all.. But you might wanna take my advice for later."

"Okay.. What's with this place anyways? How come I had to get a stamp on my arm? Do I have to stay here long?"

"It's a training facility. It tells the over kids where your living quarters are. And yes, you'll leave here after the tournaments when your twenty."

"Will I return home after then?"

"Nope, you'll be shipped off somewhere to work until they let you leave."

"How do you know these things?"

"You hear what goes around." I stopped at the house. "Here we are, Kari. You're new quarters."

Sakari peeked inside the window, then opened the door. "Where do I set my suitcase, Jem?"

"Just pick a room that's not occupied yet and put it there. I suggest the one in the back with the mustard yellow carpet. No one else ever wants that one, so you'll get it without a fuss."

"Thanks. And why are you being so nice to me? We've only met and you have no idea who I am."

"Isn't that the point of meeting someone? For the surprise?"

"Yeah, I guess."