"My country is split into twelve districts and the Capitol. A long time ago, the districts rebelled against the Capitol. They lost. Every year since, one boy and one girl between the ages of 11 and 18 are chosen from each district. They are put in a specially made arena - which can be anything from a desert to a jungle - and are forced to fight to the death. They call it the Hunger Games."
That's a simplified version of what life in Panem is like, but it's enough to provide the basis for what Peeta actually wants to get to.
"Everyone is forced to watch the Games. People in the Capitol view them as entertainment. And if they like one of the competitors, they might send things to them in the arena, like food or weapons or medicine." He's avoided Sunshine's eyes as he's talked, staring blindly out the window instead, but now he meets her gaze. "You want to get them on your side."
He pauses again and takes a deep breath, not looking away from Sunshine.
"I was picked for the Games, along with a girl my age, Katniss. There is a lot of pageantry in the few days before the Games actually start, a chance for the people to get to know the kids, and a chance for the kids to impress possible patrons. I used it to tell everyone I was in love with Katniss. It was true, but it also set us up as star-crossed lovers. That, and everything else I did in the Games, was to protect Katniss. She returned the favor when an announcement was made that two victors would be allowed if they came from the same district. She found me, and played along with being in love. It helped us win, especially when they changed the rules back to allowing only one victor."
His gaze grew distant as he talked, but now he blinks himself back into the present. "We'd defied the Capitol, though, so we were conveniently chosen for the next Games. I was there when the Rift pulled me out." He gives Sunshine a small, crooked smile. "Anyway, my point is I know something about fake relationships and saving someone's life."
no subject
That's a simplified version of what life in Panem is like, but it's enough to provide the basis for what Peeta actually wants to get to.
"Everyone is forced to watch the Games. People in the Capitol view them as entertainment. And if they like one of the competitors, they might send things to them in the arena, like food or weapons or medicine." He's avoided Sunshine's eyes as he's talked, staring blindly out the window instead, but now he meets her gaze. "You want to get them on your side."
He pauses again and takes a deep breath, not looking away from Sunshine.
"I was picked for the Games, along with a girl my age, Katniss. There is a lot of pageantry in the few days before the Games actually start, a chance for the people to get to know the kids, and a chance for the kids to impress possible patrons. I used it to tell everyone I was in love with Katniss. It was true, but it also set us up as star-crossed lovers. That, and everything else I did in the Games, was to protect Katniss. She returned the favor when an announcement was made that two victors would be allowed if they came from the same district. She found me, and played along with being in love. It helped us win, especially when they changed the rules back to allowing only one victor."
His gaze grew distant as he talked, but now he blinks himself back into the present. "We'd defied the Capitol, though, so we were conveniently chosen for the next Games. I was there when the Rift pulled me out." He gives Sunshine a small, crooked smile. "Anyway, my point is I know something about fake relationships and saving someone's life."