The Equestria Games: Even the Innocent Don't Stay Innocent Forever

Ponies were squashed together in the square, hoof to hoof, with those not eligible for the reaping spilling out into the side streets. Just looking up at the immense stage sent shivers down Rarity's spine. It was magnificent. Silver, gold, even platinum designs decorated it, and Rarity could easily identify the several kinds of precious and semi-precious jewels that District One was so famous for.

A single mare stood on the stage, but her beauty was more than enough to hold the attention of every pony there. Her slim frame was unusually curvy, and she looked trim and fit. Her light pink mane was streaked with accents of cream, falling in floating waves down to her delicate shoulders. She wore a simple black dress, which exposed her elegant fleur de lis cutie mark. It was Fleur de Lis. Next to her stood two immense glass balls.

"Hello, my good ponies," she said in a clipped Canterlot accent. "I'm sure you're all very excited about the fifth annual Equestria Games."

The sound of several hundred hooves stomping filled the cramped square.

"Now, before we proceed, the Capitol has very kindly provided us with a short educational film about the bloody past that has led to this momentous occasion," Fleur announced.

Her horn briefly glowed, and a large screen nearby flickered to life.

"Our queen...Nightmare Moon," a voice announced, displaying a picture of the mare rearing back on her hind legs. "She liberated us from the tyrant Celestia, but we were not grateful. We fought against her, and for that we must pay. Each district must offer up one mare and one stallion every year to compete in the Equestria Games."

The movie went on to describe the Equestria Games in greater detail, and Rarity tuned out. It seemed impolite to look away, however, and Rarity flinched with all the others as violence exploded on the screen.

Once the video had played to completion, even Fleur looked slightly disturbed at what had happened.

"Well," she said shakily. "Let's give a hoof of applause to the Capitol for providing us with this accurate history of what these games are all about!"

Everypony clapped, more out of relief that it was over than actual gratitude.

"Now, it's time for the reaping!" Fleur announced, relieved. She turned to the crystal ball on her left. "We believe in etiquette here, so let's do the ladies first!"

Rarity squeezed her eyes shut, heart pounding. Sweetie Belle would not get reaped. Rarity wouldn't let that happen. She had promised her parents that she'd protect Sweetie Belle, and she wouldn't break her promise.

Fleur levitated a slim slip of paper out of the ball, unfolding the crumpled paper.

"And the female tribute will be... Sweetie Belle!"

Rarity froze. Surely she must have heard that wrong. Fleur couldn't have said Sweetie Belle. She must have meant something else.

And then she saw her. Sweetie Belle was walking up the path, her steps fearful and pained. She glanced back at Rarity.

Rarity knew what she had to do.

"I volunteer as tribute!" she screamed, her voice raw with emotion. "You can't take her! Take me instead!"

Fleur looked confused.

"Um..." she whispered. "Is she allowed to do that?"

A Capitol cameraman sitting near the stage filming nodded discreetly. Fleur's anxious face turned relieved.

"Well then," she continued. "Come on up here, young lady."

Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity, a mixture of relief and fear on her face.

As Rarity carefully made her way up to the stage, she could feel everypony's eyes boring into her, but she had no doubt she was doing the right thing. She couldn't let Sweetie Belle go off to the Equestria Games like that. The little filly didn't deserve a death sentence. And she wouldn't be doing her job of protecting Sweetie if she let her die.

When she took her place at the top of the stage, she noticed Sweetie Belle's grateful face and smiled. Even if she died in the arena, she had still saved Sweetie's life.

Fleur was announcing the male tribute.

"And the male tribute will be... Time Turner!"

A stallion began picking his way up to the stage. Rarity couldn't say she found him particularly memorable, with a mane and coat in shades of brown and light blue eyes. He had an hourglass cutie mark, which made her wonder what his talent was, but other than that, he was completely unremarkable.

When he came onto the stage, he stood close to Rarity- Rarity felt it to be a little too close, but that didn't seem to be the most prominent of her problems.

"Let's give a big round of applause to our District One tributes!" Fleur said.

The applause was deafening, echoing through the stadium.

After Fleur finished up the mandatory speech, she dismissed the hectic crowd, beckoning Rarity and Time Turner into the Justice Building right behind them.

The only time Rarity could remember being inside the Justice Building was once several years ago, after her parents had died. She remembering riding the elevator with Sweetie Belle clinging to her side. Fleur had presented her with two small medals... two medals she still had, tucked on the shelf above her bed. At the time, she didn't understand how two little bronze scraps were supposed to be compensation for her beloved parents. Now, she realized the Capitol didn't care about compensation.

Her attitude was very different than those of many District One ponies. Rather than revering the Capitol because of the special privileges One received, she hated it for all it had taken from her.

After a few seconds, she realized everypony was staring at her.

"Oh," she said with a nervous laugh. "I do tend to get carried away with my thoughts. This place just brings back some uncomfortable memories."

Fleur nodded, her face screwed into a sympathetic expression.

"As I was saying," she continued. "First you'll say goodbye to your families, and then you'll be meeting here with your mentor, who really should be here by now, then you'll take a train to the Capitol. It's not a very long ride, maybe overnight or a little bit longer. Next comes the Parade, where you'll probably be wearing something with jewels. Then, of course, you'll be headed to the Training Building, where you'll receive three days of rudimentary fighting lessons and survival skills. Then come the Interviews and then you're headed straight for the Arena. Right now we're just waiting on your mentor."

Rarity had to say that she was terrified of what was to come, absolutely petrified. But at least Sweetie Belle was alive.