Nero

> "I'll win. It's all I can do."
>
> - Nero to Venus

**Nero** is a minor antagonist in *The Hunger Games*. He was the male tribute from District 2 in the 70th Hunger Games and a member of the Career pack.

## Biography

### Early life

Nero was born in District 2, one of the wealthiest districts in Panem, and trained most of his life for the Hunger Games, specializing in the use of short, heavy weapons (maces, swords, etc). During the 70th Hunger Games, he was a part of the Career pack along with his district partner, Venus. His odds were the same as Venus's (5-1), making him the third-strongest of the Career pack, after Flourish (3-1).

### Interview

Not much is known in regards to Nero's interview. It can be assumed that he used his physical mass and power to win over potential sponsors.

### Cornucopia bloodbath

> "By the time my feet meet the solid stony flooring of the base of the crater, the Careers are arming themselves and preparing for an all-out war.
>
> - Imogen's thoughts during the bloodbath, Part One: The Arena. Chapter 1. Pg 1

When the gong rings, he runs to the Cornucopia to battle for supplies like most of the other tributes. By Imogen's account, Nero and the other Careers were far faster than most tributes, having reached the Cornucopia first. He spots the District 9 boy and cleaves him nearly in half with a heavy machete. He uses the same machete to kill both tributes from District 5, slamming the blade into their chests one after the other. He then turns and sees the girl from District 11. He grabs her, throws her over a crate, and then slashes her through the head. Nero is attacked by the boy from District 11, but neither tribute sustains deadly blows. The boy from District 11 flees before Nero can kill him.

Nero manages to kill four tributes within the opening minutes of the Hunger Games.

#### Alliance

> "I know the Career Tributes, the vicious pack that'll roam the arena tonight-- I know they'll have sponsors. It'll be the tributes from Districts 1,2, and 4. Who've trained for this."
>
> - Imogen's thoughts during the early stages of the Games

As is traditional in the Hunger Games, the tributes from Districts 1, 2, and 4 form an alliance before the Games even begin. This consisted of Tourmaline and Flourish from District 1, Venus and **Nero** from District 2, and Salton from District 4. The District 4 female, Lola, had been killed surprisingly early in the bloodbath, after fighting Agatha, the girl from District 10. However, Tourmaline later kills both Nero and Venus, as well as indirectly killing Flourish, permanently severing the alliance for the remaining duration of the Games.

#### First night

> "You know, I have to say they set us up with quite a treat this year. All the weapons… Real nice, don't you think?"
>
> - Tourmaline to Salton

On the first night of the Games, the Careers, as well as the other competitors, are greeted with a heavy downpour. This rain stops the Careers from engaging in their usual nightly hunts and affords everyone within the arena one night of pure sleep. Tourmaline uses this time to get close to Salton, who is at first hesitant to talk to her, but later opens up after seeing his district partner (Lola) in that night's death tally.