So, you are in high school? Congratulations, and welcome to the Hunger Games. The only difference is, almost all of you will survive because, after all, actually killing each other is a capital offense. But in the end, the question is this: Will you survive as an Ally by helping other people? Or will you survive as a Career Tribute by making fun of other people and tormenting them?
Will you be an ally like Rue, who kept Katniss alive and hidden for two days while she was helpless? Will you be an ally like Peeta, who refused to give up caring for other people, who refused to become the traitor that others wanted him to be? Will you be an ally like Katniss, who stepped up and volunteered to go to certain death (or in the case of high school, popularity death) instead of someone else?
Or, because you are fast, strong, beautiful, or likable, will you band together with other Career Tributes in order to torment and humiliate those you think are not worth your care and consideration?
Hour by hour, day by day, we are given many opportunities to help and care for other people, even by doing such little things as smiling at someone, or listening to someone, or, as Jesus said, by giving them a cup of water.
If, instead, we participate with the in-group's game of talking trash about other people --- If, instead of caring for people, we stand at the back of the crowd and don't speak out against the bullying and tormenting, then we are guilty of abetting the conspiracy, we are guilty of aiding the evil which is being done.
So, welcome to high school. Welcome to the Arena. This is where you learn to be the person you want to become. Will you conquer your fear and step forth to stand up for what is right and good? Or, will you cringe back to hide behind the crowd, allowing evil to succeed in crushing the weak?
Remember this. When your name was called out at the Reaping to send you to your death, it was Jesus who cried out and said, "No! Take me instead."
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