The Equestria Games

Princess Luna looked down from her throne room at the top of the highest tower and surveyed the destruction. Across all of Equestria, everything was

burning. Black smoke bleached the sky, broken only by the flames. As her eyes took in the devastation, she smiled. She was the princess of the night, strong enough to defeat her

sister, trapping Celestia in the sun, and bring the whole of Equestria under her rule. She'd kept it that way for over fifty years; did they honestly think they could change it? A handful

of so called rebels, equipped with weaponry that couldn't even hope to stand up to her magic.

And so this was their punishment. Their homes destroyed, their families wiped out. But it wasn't enough. They deserved to suffer even more, to be reminded forever of the

consequences of their rebellion. An idea forming, Princess Luna magically summoned her scribe and began to dictate her orders…

It was the year of the 52nd Equestria Hunger Games, and six friends were spending their last night together before the reaping. Tomorrow, they would face the drawing of the names,

without even each other for comfort. As much as they tried, their laughter and smiles were forced, a sense of fear and dread lingering in the atmosphere. They watched films, baked,

played games; subconsciously putting off having to say their goodbyes.

The time finally came, none of them being able to delay any longer, knowing their families would need them this night more than any other. They all hugged, holding each other a little

tighter and longer than usual, knowing the next time they saw each other, the tributes would have been chosen. Though they all knew any one of their names could be pulled out, the

thought went unspoken, as if by not acknowledging the possibility they could prevent it. As the friends went their separate ways, the stars shone down sympathetically. No sleep

would come to Equestria tonight.

The sun shone fiercely the next morning, bathing Equestria in a golden light. Every house was empty, the occupants making their way to their assigned reaping stations; the Earth

Ponies to the Ponyville town hall, the Pegasi to the Wonderbolt's training compound in Cloudsdale, and the Unicorns to the square in Manehattan. The three locations were far apart,

yet they were strikingly similar. Those old enough to have their names entered were crammed at the front, silent except for the shuffling of feet and the occasional nervous sob and muttered words of comfort. Behind them, friends, family, strangers. All holding each other, all feuds and arguments forgotten, all united in this moment through the potential loss of

their loved ones.

Twelve names would be chosen this day. Twelve ponies would be taken away from all they know and loved. And only one would survive.