Chapter Text
It had been almost thirty-two years since Hopper had killed someone. His last kill was a man named Larry Kline. A career from District 3. Hopper had chopped off his fingers and strangled him in the early morning of the ninth day of his games. That was the kill that made him a legend: the first ever victor from District 11.
But now, sitting on his couch with Sara and Jane, he thinks he might break that streak, thinks he might kill again. This time, not for survival. The television had gone dark, the announcement from the Capitol was over, and the three of them sat in silence.
"But that means—" Sara started.
"Fuck." Jane was already up on her feet, pacing the room.
"Dad, they can't do that, can they?" Sara's voice was quiet, she was shrinking into herself at the thought of what was to come.
Henry Creel, the Capitol's Gamemaker, had just finished telling the nation of the Quarter Quell twist. In the past, Hopper had seen double the amount of tributes go in, seen only 11-year-olds reaped, and he heard of the other horrors from his parents. This year, however, was personal. It was tailor-made for his little family.
"This year, for the one hundred and twenty-fifth games, the fifth Quarter Quell will commence." Creel's voice was level, like he had enjoyed this. He looked right into the camera when he said: "Today, we remind the nation that during the rebellions, families were never safe. Rebels put their loved ones in danger when they stormed our city, so the citizens of this great nation shall reflect on the consequences of these actions. The tributes will be reaped from the family members of the victors of each district." Hopper's ears started ringing after that. Sara had just turned eleven last month, making her just barely eligible to be reaped. Now, her name would be one of two in the bowl.
The other: Jane Byers.
Jane was the only surviving member of the Byers family. Her twin brother, Will, died shortly after his victory in the 124th games, and her mother and older brother died in a house fire set in protest of Will's death. Will Byers' victory and subsequent death had been a rallying cry for the undercurrent of unrest growing in the districts, and this had upset the Capitol. So, make an example of the Byers family. Ensure that Jane Byers has to compete just as Will did a year ago. Ensure that Jane is punished for Will's death.
"They can," he croaked out. He needed a drink. He needed to scream.
"Hop, I can't do it, I can't go in there, not after Will," Jane's breathing was shallow, her eyes frantic.
"I know, Jane," he placed his hands on her shoulders. "I know." As close as he was to flying off the handle, Sara and Jane were priority One right now. He had to do whatever he could to soothe them.
Hours later, when the girls had finally gone to sleep, Hopper poured his drink.
"What are you gonna do?" Murray said through the radio. Murray Bauman was a mentor from District 5. After winning his games twenty years ago, he and Hopper mentored their tributes together. More often than not, the tributes from 5 and 11 ended up aligning themselves during the games, despite rarely making it very far.
"What can I do, Murray? They're the only ones here. It's gonna be them." The line was silent for a moment. "I can't lose them, Murray. Not after Joyce."
"Shit, Hop," Murray said, sounding defeated. They were never great at comforting each other, but there wasn't much comfort to be had here. Sara and Jane were going into the games, and it was more likely than not that neither would return.
"Jane is a wreck," Hopper said.
"Does she know about NI—"
"No. She doesn't," Hopper interrupted quickly, knowing exactly what Murray was going to ask. "And you know better than to mention that out loud."
"Right. Sorry. I just..." Murray sighed, "I think you should tell her."
"It won't change anything. She's still going into that arena, they all are." He was just trying to be realistic.
"Maybe not, though. We should reach out to him," said Murray, quietly, as if whispering through the receiver would make this somehow more secret.
Hopper sighed. He wasn't sure what good it would do, or exactly how safe it was, but still: "fine. When we get to the Capitol, we'll talk, okay? I need time to think about this."
"Okay. Talk soon."
"Talk soon," Hop replied before cutting out of the channel.
He sat for a long time in the kitchen. He watched the sunrise out the window, and he contemplated his next move. Either way, he's risking everything. If he reaches out, they could all be killed. If he doesn't, Sara and Jane will face death all the same.