Going Hungry

***Going Hungry*** is the sixth chapter of the alternate universe (AU) fanfic, Dawn of The Walking Dead. It introduces Mark and Ben Paul, main characters from the original Walking Dead series by Telltale games. The chapter also introduces brothers Andy and Danny St. John.

## Cast Guide

Starring
Clementine
Rachel Paul
Travis
Lee Everett
Kenny
Katjaa
Duck
Ben Paul
Mark

## Summary

*Three months into the apocalypse, the world is harsher to the survivors than ever. When they're down to their last scraps, a couple of new faces make them an offer that's hard to refuse...*

## Plot

In the midst of their struggle for survival, Lee and his group face a setback as they discover a partially eaten rabbit, their latest attempt at securing a meal. Dependent on rations from a commissary provided by Mark, a former U.S. Air Force employee, the group had been fortunate until their supplies dwindled after three months. Forced to resort to hunting, they find themselves in a precarious situation as not only do they compete with each other for food, but they also contend with the constant threat of walkers, who have been increasingly in number by the day. The once optimistic outlook on surviving the apocalypse is replaced by a tense atmosphere as hunger sets in, eroding positive attitudes within the group.

Mark expresses disbelief at the quick depletion of their commissary food over three months and acknowledges that it seemed abundant initially. As they traverse a dirt path into the woods, the conversation touches on a recent incident where Mark mistakenly grabbed Carley's rations, prompting a humorous exchange. The group faces growing tension due to food scarcity, and Lee suggests returning to Robins for potential Military Rations (MREs). However, Mark is resistant, recalling the overrun situation there. The discussion turns to the group's dynamics, particularly dissatisfaction with Lilly's ration distribution. Lee defends Lilly's prioritization of essential roles, though tensions persist among the group members, including vocal dissent from Carley, Doug, and Kenny. Lee thinks back on Kenny's willingness to share his limited rations with his family and the challenges of prioritizing food distribution within the group.

Mark inquires about the fortunes of Kenny and Travis in comparison to their own (or lack thereof). He shares concerns about growing tensions at the Motor Inn, specifically Kenny's contemplation of leaving if he can get the RV running. Lee defends Kenny, recognizing his loyalty despite family being his top priority. The conversation shifts to Larry's antagonism towards Lee, suspecting him of endangering the group. Mark questions Larry's motives, suggesting Lilly might be skimming rations for him. They encounter a crow, and Mark contemplates shooting it for food, but Lee advises against it due to attracting walkers. Suddenly, a scream interrupts their conversation, prompting Mark and Lee to react anxiously, unsure if it's Kenny or Travis in trouble.

At the Motor Inn, Rachel and Clementine engage in a makeshift soccer game with a found ball, providing a temporary distraction from the hunger and the absence of the hunting group led by Lee. The girls, not accustomed to irregular eating, have seen their meals decrease from every other day to once or twice a week. Lee had explained to them that it's essential for the adults to eat more to maintain strength for finding enough food for everyone else. As the hunger persisted, Rachel questioned Lilly about alternatives, prompting Lilly to suggest focusing their minds on something else. The girls continue their soccer game until a sharp whistle from Lilly interrupts them, signaling danger. The returning hunting party is met with urgency, bringing wounded individuals and prompting Lilly's frustration with their unexpected actions.

At the Motor Inn, a group led by Lee arrives, carrying an injured man. The existing group, including Katjaa, Carley, Kenny, Lilly, and Larry, responds with a mix of concern and anger. Lilly confronts Lee for bringing in new people, emphasizing the strain on their limited food supply. Lee defends his decision, explaining that they saved the man's life by amputating his leg trapped in a bear trap. A heated argument ensues about whether to accept the newcomers, with Lilly and Larry opposing, citing the dwindling food resources. Carley and Mark argue for compassion and potential help from the newcomers. Tensions rise, and Kenny challenges Lilly's leadership, asserting the need for collective decision-making. As the dispute continues, Carley, frustrated with the power struggle, walks away. The disagreement escalates, leading Kenny and his son to leave, emphasizing the need for individual choices. Lee intervenes, urging the group to focus on the presence of the newcomers and decide collectively.

In a moment of frustration, Travis calls over Clementine and Rachel to introduce them to a new boy. The girls, focused on drawing, look up to find Travis standing with the newcomer. Rachel, recognizing the boy as Ben, her big brother, excitedly embraces him. Clementine joins in, surprising Lee, who learns that Ben is Rachel's brother and had been mentioned by Travis months ago. Mark subtly communicates something to Lilly, leading her to delegate the distribution of food rations for the day to Lee. With minimal provisions, Lilly insists that Lee experience the difficulty of deciding who gets to eat. Lee is left with the challenge of distributing limited food among the hungry group, highlighting the ongoing struggle for resources and the interpersonal dynamics within the survivors. Mark welcomes Ben to the group, while Rachel and Clementine eagerly try to involve him in activities near the RV, and the reluctant Ben eventually follows along.

After the encounter, as Ben and the girls walk away, Travis takes a moment to address Lee. Expressing confidence in Lee's decision-making, Travis subtly suggests that, if it were up to him, he would prioritize feeding the kids for the day. Lee, contemplating the limited food rations in his hands, reflects on the recent meals for the scavengers and the lack of food for the younger kids. Acknowledging Travis's advice, Lee decides to prioritize the youngest members of the group, choosing to give them the available food.

Lee engages with Clementine, who has lost her hat, offering to help find it. Clementine, unsure of its whereabouts, accepts Lee's promise to notify her if he finds it. Lee then gives her an apple half, and she expresses gratitude, enjoying the treat. He also hands Rachel a package of crackers and cheese, with Rachel playfully suggesting marshmallows for next time. Clementine mentions Duck's hunger, and Lee provides him with a piece of jerky, eliciting enthusiasm from the hungry boy. Duck happily shares that they are coloring, and Clementine shows her drawing to Ben, Rachel, and others, leaving everyone guessing its subject, but Clementine becomes frustrated when her artwork is not identified correctly.

Lee addresses Ben's concerns about the injured Mr. Parker, assuring him that Katjaa will do her best to help. Ben introduces himself as a student from Stone Mountain, along with his sister Rachel and Travis, who Lee had already met. Lee offers Ben the last packet of crackers, but Ben, feeling hesitant, suggests prioritizing Lee's group. Rachel insists that Ben eats and offers him one of her crackers, to which he eventually agrees. Lee observes a broken radio, and Clementine tells him its sentimental value, explaining that it makes her feel better, even though she knows the notion of functioning is only pretend.

Carley pulls Lee aside to discuss the situation with the new guy, Ben, who is revealed to be Rachel's brother. Carley questions whether Lilly will still kick Ben out, considering the apparent soft spot Lilly has for the girls in the group. Lee points out that Lilly was initially willing to throw out Ben and Rachel before their friends vouched for them. Carley predicts that Lilly might let Ben stay if he proves to be helpful. The conversation shifts to the injured teacher in the truck, and Carley expresses doubt about his survival due to the severity of his injuries. She also mentions that even if the teacher survives, Lilly may not extend mercy to him. Lee acknowledges the challenges of accommodating more people in the group. Katjaa interrupts their conversation, calling Lee over to the truck.

Lee approaches Katjaa, who is attending to the injured teacher with an amputated leg. Lee inquires about the man's condition, to which Katjaa responds uncertainly. She asks Lee for assistance in applying pressure while she stitches the wound. Lee reflects on the difficulty of the situation, affirming to Katjaa that he did the right thing. Katjaa acknowledges the challenges of making the right choices in such circumstances. After completing the task, Katjaa suggests that Lee check on the others and mentions that Travis could use a friend. Lee looks over to Travis, who appears distressed and is standing by the burnt wall.

Travis is distressed and feeling overwhelmed after the traumatic events involving Ben and Mr. Parker. Lee approaches him, expressing concern and asking how he's feeling. Travis is uncertain but mentions that everything is "fucked." He shares his struggles with finding Ben, only to face the tragedy of Mr. Parker's situation. Lee empathizes with Travis, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. Lee reassures Travis that he did all he could, echoing similar advice given to Ben. To provide some relief, Lee suggests that Travis check on Ben, who might appreciate some company other than his talkative sister.

Rachel enthusiastically recounts her experiences during the early days of the apocalypse to her brother, Ben. Despite the grim nature of her stories, Rachel narrates them with a sense of detachment, as if they were tales from a comic book, which leaves Ben both amazed and horrified. Travis joins the conversation, and Ben reveals the dire situation at their camp, detailing the dwindling numbers and the eventual raid by bandits. Travis, in turn, explains his journey to find Rachel, their stay in Clementine's treehouse, and the loss of their friend Sandra. Both boys express uncertainty about the fate of their parents, falling into silence.

Katjaa calls Lee and Kenny over to the truck, revealing that Mr. Parker didn't survive due to excessive blood loss. Kenny reacts angrily and storms off in frustration. Lee advises Katjaa to let Kenny have some space, understanding the difficulty of the situation. However, their conversation is abruptly interrupted when a zombified Mr. Parker in the truck bed grabs Katjaa. Lee rushes to her rescue, and a struggle ensues as the group tries to fend off the attacking walker. Larry attempts to kill the walker with an axe but accidentally damages the truck's window. The situation becomes chaotic, and Carley eventually shoots the walker, saving Lee. Larry directs his anger at Lee for bringing Mr. Parker to the group, unaware of the infection. Kenny accuses Ben of withholding information about Mr. Parker's bite, leading Ben to clarify that the infection spreads to everyone, regardless of a bite. As the group confronts the shocking revelation that everyone is infected and will eventually turn into walkers when they die regardless of a bite, a set of bells (an alarm system created by Doug) start ringing, causing the others to react by hiding. Two men are heard conversing as the come up the road. Lee ask Ben if he recognizes them, to which Ben says no. Lilly urges caution and to follow routine. Kenny, growing impatient, decides to confront the newcomers, holding them at gunpoint. The men introduce themselves as Andrew and Danny St. John. St. John brothers explain that they are looking for gasoline to power generators at their dairy farm, which is protected by an electric fence. They propose a trade: gas for food. The group, struggling with limited resources, considers the offer. Lilly suggests sending Lee, Mark, and Travis to check the dairy for legitimacy. After a brief discussion, Lee agrees to the deal, and a tentative agreement is reached between the two groups.

## Cast

* Clementine
* Rachel Paul
* Travis
* Lee Everett
* Kenny
* Katjaa
* Kenny Jr
* Ben Paul
* Mark
* Andrew St. John
* Danny St. John