7Author's Note: This chapter gives us a brief look at the first twelve tributes lives before the reapings. The other twelve will be shown in the next chapter. I have always wondered what the 23 tributes were doing the day before they were reaped. The girl that replaces Katniss is an OC. Hope all of you enjoy reading about the first set of tributes.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT, in any way, shape, or form own the "Hunger Games" series. Suzanne Collins is the rightful author of the series.
Warning: This chapter contains foul language, violence, suicidal thoughts in one part of the story, and a brief mention of love making.
District One Male
Marvel Atkins (17)
Leaning on a statue, I look up and observe the Justice Building with pride. The walls are made of gold that make the whole building shine whenever the Sun comes out. A huge garden full of rare, exotic flora grows on the rooftop. It is an absolute masterpiece in architecture.
Of course, I'm not really looking at it for its beauty. I'm looking at it for what it represents. Order, perfection, and most of all, power.
"Hey Marvel! Over here!"
I turn around to see my friends, Greatness and Richie, run toward me, their Academy outfits drenched in sweat.
"There you are Marvel…" Richie says while trying to catch his breath, "Whatcha… whatcha doing?"
"Just staring at the Justice Building," I say to them. Greatness rolls his eyes and catches his breath.
"You're still dreaming about becoming mayor?" Greatness asks. "Come on Marvel, people aren't going to vote for some middle-class furrier."
"Unless I win this year's games," I add, smirking.
It has always been my dream to lead District One. To follow in the footsteps of the other mayors, especially the late Karl Zircone. He's responsible for the purges that have wiped out the few thousand rebels that have severely crippled our district. He's also responsible for leading the district out of hardship after the Rebellion and worked with The Capitol and our district's first victor to create the first Career Academy.
"If you can win, that is," Greatness retorts, kicking the ground.
I raise an eyebrow at Greatness's sudden change in attitude. He composes himself and starts to head back to the Academy.
"I'll be at the sword fighting station," Greatness mutters back. He isn't usually this moody. He's just jealous that the Academy and the victors chose me to participate in the games over him.
"Marvel!"
We turn around to see my girlfriend, Jade walking toward us. She's wearing a fine, blue Summer dress that matches perfectly with her red shoes. I notice Richie staring at my girl behind me, so I quickly punch him in the arm. He stops to rub his arm and starts to walk away.
"Have fun you two," Richie says, winking at me. I huff and shake my head, Richie can be annoying at times.
I feel Jade tapping my shoulder softly. I turn back and lean in so Jade can peck me on the cheek. That's when I notice she's holding out a small box, so I look at her, curiously.
"Open it," she says, smiling.
I take the box out of her hands, untie the ribbon, and open it. Inside is a golden necklace with a small ruby crown hanging from it.
"Jade… did you make this for me?" I ask, looking at the necklace in awe.
She nods and stares at me in the eyes.
"Please be careful Marvel," she says, serious. "I know how you can be overconfident at times."
I give her a reassuring smile and warmly hug her.
"Hey, don't worry about me. I'll be fine," I tell her as she puts her arms around me.
"Promise?" she asks, still unsure.
"I promise," I say. Don't worry Jade, I'll make sure I come back to you as soon as possible.
District One Female
Glimmer Fairchild (17)
"Glimmer! Glimmer! Glimmer!" chants the crowd of Academy students.
"Come on Glimmer! Beat her into submission!" yells one of my admirers.
"You can do it big sis!" shouts my sister, Felicity.
The crowd cheers as I continue to dodge and block several blows from my opponent's wooden sword.
"Stop running away like a coward and fight me you bitch!" yells Diamond, some low-level Career who challenged me because she thinks my parents bribed the Academy to make sure they chose me.
In response, I give her a grin that stretches from ear to ear.
"With pleasure," I say, gripping my sword so hard that my knuckles turn white.
I picked up the pace and I went from being the defender to the attacker in a matter of seconds.
Diamond tries her best to block and dodge my attacks, but she fails miserably. Wanting to play with her some more, I keep poking at her stomach with my sword, aggravating her even more.
"Did that hurt?" I tease.
"I'll kill you rich slut!" Diamond yells.
Using the last of her strength, she raises her sword with both hands and swings it downward toward my head. Unfortunately for her, I step to the side and swing my sword into her liver.
The crowd cheers as I lean into her ear.
"Pathetic," I whisper into her ear, as she falls to the ground, clutching where her liver is.
Everyone in the Academy chants my name as I raise my sword victoriously. My little sisters enter the ring and tackle me to the ground, giving me tight hugs.
"You did amazing Glimmer!" yells Felicity, squeezing me tightly.
"You'll win the games for sure!" shouts Lumi with a big smile on her face.
While my sisters and I continue hugging one another, I see Diamond being carried on a stretcher, glaring at me. I smirk, admiring the damage I've inflicted on her.
No one challenges a Fairchild and gets away with it.
District Two Male
Cato Lang (18)
"Whoa Cato, that's some tank," Clove comments after looking at my sketch. I smile as I put the finishing touches to my design. Once I'm done, I look at the design with satisfaction. It has taken me months to finish this, but it's finally done.
Clove and I laugh as we discuss how many kills this thing can rack up, but we are interrupted when we hear the coughing of the announcer through the intercom.
"To all Academy students, please head to the courtyard immediately. It is time to reveal who will represent District Two in this year's Hunger Games," says the announcer.
All of our peers begin running with eager expressions on their faces while Clove and I walk to the courtyard.
"Finally. I thought the Academy and our victors would never choose this year's tributes," Clove says, stretching her arms. "Took them long enough."
"To be fair, this year has produced a higher number of skilled Careers than usual," I respond. "It will be hard to choose when most of this year's bunch are so skilled."
"I bet Gladius and Javelin are going to be picked." Clove says.
"Really, those two?" I question. "Sure they're great and all, but they hate each other. I think Caligula and Vipsania have this in the bag."
We continue to discuss who will be our tributes until we've entered the packed courtyard.
"Hey Clove, after we're finished here, we need to pick up my mom's wedding dress," I remind her.
"Okay bro," Clove says while heading to the fifteen-year-olds section.
"And don't call me bro. Not until our parents are married," I remind her.
"Oh lighten up!" Clove shouts from afar. I lightly laugh and proceed to head to my section.
I stand with the other eighteen-year-olds, looking at my surroundings. Most of my peers are excited to be here. Some even pray that they'll be chosen. We stand at attention when Headmaster Tacitus appears on stage along with the victors who take their seats.
"At ease," he orders. "I don't have to remind all of you how important this day is. After assessing all of your abilities, the Academy and our victors have finally decided who'll represent our district in the Seventy-fourth Annual Hunger Games."
Many of the students cheer loudly until the Headmaster raises his hand to silence them.
"Without further delay, I will now announce our tributes," Tacitus says as Killian Patton, Victor of the Nineteenth Games, hands him a piece of paper. He unfolds it and begins to read out loud.
"The female representative of District Two shall be…" Tacitus reads.
Probably Vipsania will be-
"Clove Chambers!"
Wait, what!? As the crowd cheers, I jerk my head towards where Clove's section is. She slowly comes out of the section with a confused expression. She walks toward the stage, where she stands next to the Headmaster while looking at the crowd.
Right now, I'm trying to wrap my head around everything that has happened so far before I barely hear who will be the male tribute.
"Cato Lang!"
The people around me congratulate me as I stand, looking lost. I look up at the stage where I can make out Clove who is trying her best to control her emotions. I quickly head to the stage, ignoring the cheering of my peers and stand next to Clove.
"Cato's strength, endurance, and prowess in close quarters weapons have earned him the honor of being the male tribute. Clove's skill with a knife rivals that of a typical eighteen-year-old, her intuition will prove vital in the arena," Tacitus explains. "Not only do they prove to be excellent fighters, but their teamwork and absolute trust in one another makes them a well-suited pair that will lead District Two to victory."
Tacitus walks between us and raises our arms to the air as the crowd chants our names. Clove and I both put on our best smiles, but deep down we are terrified at the prospect of killing kids like us. What's more terrifying is that only one of us will win.
I turn and gaze at Clove for a while. I can't help but seethe on the inside. How could the Academy do this to us after everything Clove and I have been through. There are many students willing to be tributes, but instead they chose us! I don't care if they think we're the best chances of victory, this is wrong! I begin to calm down when Clove senses me gazing at her and looks at me.
After calming down, I give her a smile to let her know that everything's going to be okay. Her eyes widen, realizing what I'm thinking.
If anyone's going to win, it's going to be Clove.
District Two Female
Clove Chambers (15)
Laying on my bed, I can't stop thinking about tomorrow. It's been a few hours since Cato and I were chosen. I'm just glad that my dad and Cato's mom didn't notice anything is wrong with us.
I hope, no, I pray that a student from the Academy will volunteer for one of us. If we're lucky, maybe two students will volunteer for both of us. But I know that's a very small chance of happening. There's always the option of not volunteering, but the entire district will lynch us for cowardice. So… that choice is out.
I sigh to myself. Not everyone who goes to the Academy wanted to train for these damn games.
Cato goes to the Academy because he loves using the weapons there. He even decided he wants to become a weapons designer. Using the weapons there is also a good stress relief for him. I guess the Academy misinterpreted Cato's love of weapons with him being one of those killing machines.
As for me, I had… issues following my mom's death. Ever since Cato showed me the Academy, however, it helped me a lot. As a result, I've become really good at throwing knives. So good that I even surprised myself. In hindsight, I should've just pretended I was awful.
I can never see myself or Cato killing innocent people. The very thought makes me sick, but… if someone does try to kill us, we won't hesitate to defend ourselves.
I'd be lying if I tell anyone I'm worried about what I'll have to do. To be honest, I'm worried about Cato. It's only been three years since we've met, but he has always been like a brother to me and in a few weeks he will be my brother.
"I don't want him to die," I quietly say to myself, shedding a few tears.
I just… I wish there was a way for both of us to live! Like a rule change or something, but that's never going to happen. No way will The Capitol ever allow such a thing.
"Clove, Cato, can you two come down in a minute?" my dad says from downstairs. "We want to discuss something with both of you."
"Umm, sure! I'll be right down!" I answer trying to sound cheerful, wiping away my tears.
I get out of my bed and look at my mirror, taking deep breaths. Cato and I both agreed that we should tell our parents when the time is right, now's a good time to do it.
I exit my room the same time Cato exits his room. We both go downstairs and head to the living room, where our parents are. Before we head inside, we share a brief glance and nod to each other.
When we enter the living room, we sit on the couch across from our parents, who are gazing at each other longingly and holding hands. Okay Clove, it's now or never. But before I have the chance to speak dad and Mrs. Lang notices us.
"Ah, there you are, you two," says dad, smiling alongside Mrs. Lang. "We've got something to share with you two."
"We've… also got something to say," Cato says, trailing off. "You two first."
Both our parents look at each other, blushing and chuckling at the same time. Mrs. Lang then takes something out of her pocket and shows it to us. We are both stunned when we see what Mrs. Lang is holding.
"Mrs. Lang… when did you and dad… are you…" I say, trailing off while looking at the small blue socks in her hands.
"Yep," Mrs. Lang says while nodding. "We're expecting."
Just like that, it hits me. I'm going to be an older sister
Me and Cato smile at the thought of being older siblings. I hug Cato tightly as our parents watch us.
"I know that we haven't gotten married yet," dad says, turning to face Cato. "If you're angry at me Cato, it's alright to feel that way."
"Why would I be angry?" says Cato "That's great news!"
"Speaking of news, Cato, you've said you two have something to tell us, right?" Mrs. Lang says, putting away the socks. "What is it?"
We both stop smiling when we realize what we need to tell them. We look at our parents hesitantly, as they look at us expectantly. We share a brief glance before Cato begins to speak for both of us.
"Mom, Dad," Cato hesitantly says, taking a deep breath. "The Academy has chosen us as our district's tributes."
I close my eyes, dreading what their reactions are going to be.
District Three Male
A.I. Thatcher (14)
Almost got it… and… there we go. I breathe a sigh of relief as soon as I'm done making another landmine. I slowly pick it up and head to the warehouse where the other mines are being stored.
"Don't you dare screw up kid," orders a Peacekeeper who keeps his distance from me.
I only nod in response, I remember the huge explosion two years ago. Wouldn't want that now would we? Everyone in the factory tenses up as I make my way toward the warehouse.
"Please God, let me live another day," a man mutters as I pass him.
I enter the warehouse where a Peacekeeper points to where I should put it. I set the landmine gently on top of the others and head back to make another one.
I grab a rag out of my pocket and wipe the sweat off of my face as I head back to work. I see the factory overseer on the balcony, looking down on us like we're all trash. We make eye contact, but I quickly look away as he narrows his eyes.
Ever since District Three was established, there has been a class system based on one's intelligence. For decades, it divided the population into two.
Those with a high intelligence are called the Gifted. They only make up a minority in Three, but they hold all the management positions. They are also our scientists, inventors, and engineers.
People like me are called the Untouchables. Although we're smart, we're not as smart as the Gifted. We do all the menial work for the Gifted. Not to mention we live in absolute poverty.
Basically, District Three is a dystopia within a dystopia.
While I'm working, a janitor enters my workspace to empty the small trash can next to me. He glares at me.
"Welcome to our world, idiot," the janitor says as he empties the trash can. I sigh as the janitor leaves. A year ago, I was considered to be part of the Gifted class. Not anymore.
Not only are you labeled a Gifted or Untouchable based on your intelligence, but it also depends on other factors like if you have a learning disability or how severe the mistakes you've made are. If a Gifted chooses the wrong answer for a simple question, he or she will immediately be labeled as an Untouchable. If someone from the Untouchable class is shown to have a great mind, that person will be labeled a Gifted.
A year ago, I made a mistake that is widely considered a taboo among the Gifted that got me disowned by my father. What is my mistake you asked? My mistake is that I got ninety-eight percent right on a spelling test instead of one hundred. I know, it's ridiculous, stupid even. But in Three, intelligence and perfection is everything to the Gifted.
Fortunately for me, my mother became disillusioned with the system when one of her co-workers made the harmless mistake of getting a multiplication problem wrong. She divorced my father after failing to make him see sense and we moved away. I haven't seen him or my siblings ever since.
During the first few months of being Untouchables, we lived on the streets with no one to help us. Many of the Untouchables didn't exactly like us since my father is known for his contempt for them. I even had to steal food from time to time. Eventually, my mom and I got jobs at the landmine factory. It's dangerous work, but at least we won't starve any more.
Still, despite everything my dad and siblings put me through, I forgive them. I know that seems unbelievable, but think of it this way. My father would've been a kinder man if not for the class system. My siblings and former friends are still too young and naive to understand that the system is wrong. I hope Karma spares them the reaping tomorrow.
Really, I blame The Capitol for the creation of Three's class system.
"Morse, Scientia, Cody, Rockette," I mutter the names of my siblings to myself as I work. "Wherever you guys are, I'll pray for your safety tomorrow."
District Three Female
Rockette Sharpe (13)
"Well done Miss Sharpe," Mrs. Hoffman says, impressed by the work I've done. "You may go home now."
"Thank you Mrs. Hoffman," I politely say as I make my way to my desk. As I begin putting my notes into a folder, two of my classmates, Wira and Photon, start approaching me. Ugh, what do they want now?
"Hi Rockette," Wira says. "Photon and I are wondering if you can come over to my house to hang out. Is that okay with you?"
"Wira, Photon, I hope you two don't take offense, but I got a lot of homework to do," I say to them as I begin leaving the classroom.
"Come on Rockette," Photon says as they both start following me out the hallway. "You need to relax a little."
I abruptly turn towards them, scaring them a little as I stare down at them. I turn my attention toward Wira.
"Wira, your love for sappy romance novels sickens me. If I were you, I would read something more thought-provoking so you can give your poor brain a break from thinking about guys," I coldly say.
As Wira opens her mouth in shock at my remark, I turn my attention to Photon.
"Photon, after observing you more closely. I really want to say something bad about your face, but sadly nothing about your face is anything special to look at," I say, walking toward the exit.
Before I leave, I turn back to see Wira and Photon glaring at me.
"Oh, before I forget. Tell your parents that rubbing elbows with me isn't going to make my father have a high opinion of them, okay? Thank you," I say cheerfully, exiting the school.
As I begin walking home, my older siblings join me once they see me.
"Hey Rockette," says Morse walking beside me. "Was class easy as usual?"
"Yep," I answer. "Though Wira and Photon tried to be friendly towards me again."
"What did you say to them?" Cody asks, listening attentively along with my other siblings.
After I told them what I said, we all started laughing uproariously.
"Oh man little sis!" Scientia says, trying her best to stop laughing.
"Hey, look over there," Cody says as he points at a homeless guy looking through a trash can from afar. We all look at each other and smirk. "Are you guys thinking what I'm thinking?"
We all nod as we scoop a hand full of mud from the ground.
"On three, we all throw the mud at that Untouchable," Morse says.
"One…" I whisper as my siblings and I take aim. "Two… Three!"
District Four Male
Don Rivers (12)
"I can't wait to volunteer," I say to myself, heading home from the Academy with my friends, Volga and Ohrid.
"Don, you've said that like, twenty times already," Ohrid says, carrying his book bag.
I stop to shake Ohrid while Volga giggles at the sight.
"Ohrid, do you even know what this means!?" I ask him. "If I win, I'll be the youngest victor in Hunger Games history!"
"So?" Ohrid asks after I stopped shaking him.
"So!? Look at Finnick! He's now famous because he's the youngest to ever win the games," I tell him.
"You mean the youngest to ever survive," says Ohrid.
"Uh?" I say, not exactly hearing him.
"The youngest to ever survive," repeats Ohrid. "Don, are you sure you want to volunteer? I mean, you're twelve."
"So, Finnick killed ten people when he was fourteen and I don't see him regretting it," I remind him.
"Yeah Ohrid, you've seen how skilled Don is," Volga cheerfully says. "I mean, he scores a bullseye every time he throws his harpoons."
"I know that, it's just that I'm worried for you pal," Ohrid says, kicking the dirt. "I have a bad feeling about this year's games. Maybe you should wait until you're eighteen?"
Ohrid does have a point. If I were to volunteer at eighteen, I might be invincible. I could even become one of the few Careers from Four that leads the Career Pack. However, as much as I like the sound of it, being the youngest to win the games has a much better ring to it.
I stand next to Ohrid and pat his shoulder, comforting him.
"I understand your concerns Ohrid," I tell him. "But I'm sure I'll do well in the arena. Plus I'm sure people in The Capitol would want to help me make history by sponsoring me."
"Okay Don, just… be careful," says Ohrid. "But make sure you watch your back when allying with the Careers. I know they let prodigies like you join them, but still."
"Please, if they ever try to gang up on me, I'll kill them with ease like how Finnick killed the Careers from One and Two in the finale," I say. "But okay Ohrid, I'll be careful."
As we continue walking, I imagine what life will be like once I win. Why, if I win, Mom will never have to work for that awful rich family ever again. Dad will never work another 18-hour shift in his life. My older brother Sheldon will finally have a prosthetic for his leg.
For their sake, not only do I want to win, I have to win.
District Four Female
Marina Kennedy (16)
The Sun is shining brightly as the beams of light reflect off the ocean nearby. Along with the sound of the crashing waves, it creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. I should be happy, but I'm not. Not today.
After lighting a candle, I put it on top of the gravestone. I don't come here very often, but my parents made me come today. Might as well get this over with.
"Hey Coral, how's it been?" I ask, looking down at the grave. "Nice weather we're having, isn't it?"
I wait in silence as I let Coral's ghost answer, even though I don't believe in ghosts.
"The reaping is tomorrow," I say, sighing. "Hope the escort won't pick my name."
Ever since the Hunger Games were established, support for The Capitol in District Four has gradually deteriorated. Right now, only around twenty percent of people in Four truly support The Capitol. The rest of us harbor rebellious thoughts, but we all act like we're still loyal so we can keep our Academy.
Many of the youth only train at the Academy so that we can be prepared for when one of us gets reaped. Sometimes there will even be one or two people willing to volunteer out of greed, glory, or both. Like that little, arrogant twelve-year-old who wanted to volunteer tomorrow. Stupid boy; he's going to get himself killed.
I'm quiet as I don't have anything else to say to Coral. Though I do have something in my chest I have always wanted to get out. Question is, do I want to?
…
You know what, my parents aren't here to hear this. Might as well tell Coral how I really feel.
"I hate you," I flat out say. "I. Hate. You. So much."
You can do this Marina, just let it all out.
"Why did you do it?" I ask. "What was the fucking point of slitting your throat!? Of all the ways to kill yourself, you chose slitting your throat!?"
I'm trying my best not to shed tears for her, but it's so hard, especially when the person you're dissing is your own older sister.
"Even now I have nightmares about it!" I yell. "But you know what pisses me off more!? In your note, the reason why you took your life was because the Academy didn't pick you last year!"
I fall to the ground, kneeling, wiping my tears away.
"You didn't even write that you're sorry," I say, weeping again before looking at the grave. It takes a lot of strength just to slowly stand up and turn away from Coral's grave, but before I leave, I look back one last time.
"You know, sometimes I wonder if you care more about the games than your own family," I say before walking away.
After leaving the cemetery, I sit on the ground to cry my eyes out. I feel so ashamed at myself for saying those awful things, but at the same time, I'm glad that I got it out of my chest.
District Five Male
Raijin Shibata (15)
I impatiently kick the empty can toward the wall repeatedly, bored out of my mind as the rain pours down on us.
"When are they going to be here?" I complain to our leader, Geo.
"Any minute now," replies Geo, who's leaning against the wall.
I snort and bash the can in with my pipe, imagining that the can is the head of a member of the Predators, the Lightning Bolts' worst enemies.
The gang and I suddenly hear footsteps coming toward us. We face the direction where the noise is coming from and get ready to rumble, only to lower our guard once we see it's just Turbine running toward us.
"The Predators are heading this way boss," Turbine informs Geo.
"You hear that guys? Let's give these Predators a warm welcome!" yells Geo.
We all make noises with our weapons as loud as we can as howling can be heard from the approaching gang.
All of us stop making noises as soon as we are a few feet from each other. Some of the Predators stare back at us, grinning, while we just glare at each and every one of them, unaffected by their attempts to intimidate us.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't little gay orphan Geo and his little bitches," mocks their leader, a hard-ass known as Boil, as his men snicker in the background. "Why have you called us over here? Oh wait, let me guess. All of you want to be our bitches!"
Boil and his gang laugh uproariously while we are unaffected by their insults. Geo walks in front of Boil as we try to contain our laughter, knowing full well that our boss is going to drop a bombshell of a confession.
"I just wanted to say that yesterday, I slept with your whore of a sister," Geo flat out says.
Boil's gang are livid at what Geo said, but none more livid than Boil.
"Bullshit!" Boil yells as he's about to punch Geo, only to stop when Geo pulls out a photo of him and Boil's sister making love to each other in an alleyway. I should know, I was the one that took the picture from afar.
"Guilty as charged," says Geo, while we laugh hard at the sight of Boil's horrified face.
Boil takes the picture out of Geo's hand as our boss returns to our side. Judging by Boil's quivering lip, I think he's going to cry of embarrassment. Boil seethes as he crumbles the picture into a ball. He drops it and takes out his brass knuckles to put on.
"Kill them all!" yells Boil as his gang charges at us.
Geo signals us to go on the defensive. When they crash into us, I take a punch to the face, but I recover and swing my pipe at the Predator's jaw, breaking it as he falls to the ground.
"Who's fucking next!?" I yell out, trying to find another person I can beat the shit out of.
I get my answer when I see two Predators charging toward me, gripping their weapons.
District Five Female
Foxface Eszes (14)
I cover my red hair with my hood before I walk into the crowd. People are also wearing hoods since it's raining outside, perfect for blending in.
I wander around the market, observing my surroundings. Hmm, there's more Peacekeepers than usual today. Plus, I recognize a few people here who collaborate with them.
I sigh. On days like this I wish my family was here to help me. But they aren't. They're dead. Mom and dad died in a power plant accident and my little brother was executed for stealing a measly apple, too hungry and desperate to know that one of those collaborators was nearby. Now it's all up to me to fend for myself.
"Catch her!" I hear someone yell. I see that the Peacekeepers are chasing after some girl all over the place. Probably because she was stealing.
Most of the people are watching the scene unfold. Now's the perfect time to grab what I can.
I snatch two carrots from a nearby vegetable stand and pocket it while the vendor and the people surrounding me are distracted. I could grab more, but I would rather steal a small amount so that people won't notice.
I reach into the pocket of the person next to me, taking out his wallet. I only take a single dollar bill from the wallet before putting it back.
I walk away from the vegetable stand as fast, but discreetly as possible. So far, the Peacekeepers are catching up to the girl, only for her to overturn a milk can, causing a few Peacekeepers to slip and fall.
I end up next to a bread stand, where I almost take a piece of sourdough bread. I instinctively put my hand back into my pocket when the chase winds up near the bread stand.
Unfortunately for the girl, one of the collaborators trips her, grabs her by her hair, and hands her to the Peacekeepers.
"Thanks for the help," says a Peacekeeper while giving the collaborator his reward.
The collaborator tilts his hat toward the Peacekeepers and walks away. Some of the people, including me, stare at him in disgust as the Peacekeepers drag the struggling girl to the gallows located in the center of the market.
I quickly leave the bread stand after noticing the vendor is now focusing on maintaining her stand.
I notice a crowd is gathering around the gallows to witness the girl's execution. I head toward there in the hopes of pickpocketing a bit of cash.
Once I'm in the middle of the crowd, I make sure they're all looking at the gallows. Sure enough, their depressed faces are watching as the girl gets punched in the gut after spitting on one of the Peacekeepers. I reach into the pocket of the person to my right, but there's nothing inside. Damnit!
I try the pocket of the person to my left where I take her wallet. I count the money while the Peacekeepers are putting the noose onto the girl's neck. There's fifteen Panemian dollars here. I only pocket three before I put the wallet back.
I leave the crowd to see if there's any more I can steal, but before I do I turn back to look at the girl, who's standing defiantly in front of the crowd. She looks calm, at peace even. She spots me from afar and for a brief moment we stare at each other.
I don't know why I looked back, but I wished I hadn't. Because five seconds after we made eye contact, a Peacekeeper kicked the stool from underneath the girl, breaking her neck as she fell.
The crowd and Peacekeepers disperse, leaving the dead girl hanging for all to see. I rub my precious neck and gulp as her dead eyes continue to stare at me. I turn to leave, not wanting to stare at her any longer.
I won't end up like her.
District Six Male
Janusz Gauge (16)
"I've said it once and I'll say it again, ten bucks for each vial," I say, feeling impatient with this kid in front of me.
"B-b-but it was five bucks yesterday!" yells the kid. That's it, I've had enough of this little shit.
I grab his shirt and slam him into the wall, glaring into his scared little eyes.
"Ten bucks per vial, take it or leave it," I tell him, through clenched teeth.
"O-okay, okay! Here!" He shouts as he takes out the money. I grab the money from his hand and count it to see if it's the exact amount. Pocketing the money, I let the kid go and hand him the morphling.
"Now beat it!" I say rudely, kicking the boy away from me.
I must be despicable in the eyes of most people. Being a drug dealer can have that effect, especially when District Six is experiencing a crippling morphling addiction crisis.
That's okay though, I don't mind being despicable. If it keeps me alive, then so be it. It's not like I'm the only one here who's despicable anyways.
District Six runs on nothing but greed and savagery. There's no room for decency. Don't believe me? Just ask anyone in the district what they did in order to survive. From people selling their kids to pimps and madams to people acting as hitmen, there's no limit to how low people are willing to go for a small piece of bread.
The people who cling onto their morals and belief that there's still good in the world are delusional. Trust me, I've learned that the hard way.
"You sure he's somewhere around here?" I overheard a familiar gruff voice say. I instinctively take cover behind a stack of crates, knowing that they're looking for me.
"Yeah, I just saw him around here," another voice says. I clench my fists when I recognize who that voice belongs to. That fucking traitor, Rodney.
"Split up, he can't have gotten far," the gruff man, Trak, orders his goons. I hear footsteps go to different directions in the alleyway, occasionally hearing them pushing away crates and barrels.
I tense up when I hear footsteps coming toward my direction. I look around to see what I can use to defend myself with. I eventually make do with a plank as I prepare to make a run for it.
Once the goon gets close enough, I bash him with my plank, push him away, and vault over the nearby wooden fence.
"There he is!" Trak yells from the other side of the fence as I make a break for the Steel Forest, an area full of abandoned factories where the Metal Boys, Trak's worst enemies hang out. He wouldn't dare enter their territory.
I push through the crowd, trying to keep as much distance as possible between me and Trak's gang. They have enough and fire their guns in the air to scare away the people. I turn to my right just before Trak fires his pistol in my direction, entering a garage in the process. I weave my way past the workers and cars as I make my way to the door. I run out of the building and enter the alleyway. The Steel Forest is just up ahead.
As I turn to my left, I spot a few Metal Boys hanging around, guarding the alleyway that leads to their territory. Shit, I was hoping I wouldn't have to give up my money and morphling for passage, but oh well. They see me approaching and point their guns at me.
"Wait!" I shout raising my hands. "I have money and morphling, I'll give them to you if you just let me go."
The Metal Boys look at each other and laugh at my proposition. One of them approaches me and puts his revolver to my head, looking all smug.
"How about we just shoot this kid and take his stuff!? What do you say gu-" Before he can even finish, the Metal Boy falls dead after a bullet enters his head. Trak and his gang open fire at the Metal Boys as they take cover. I take this moment to run deep into the Steel Forest. As I keep running, the gunshots are getting less and less loud.
Eventually, I stop in the middle of an abandoned factory, looking around and listening for any noise. Nothing, I guess I'm now home free. Before I leave the factory, I look both ways to make sure I'm alone. I run away as fast as I can. I ain't safe until I reach my hideout.
I hope the Metal Boys filled Rodney with lead. If not, I hope he gets reaped for these games. He's the sole reason why my life went to hell in the first place.
District Six Female
Enid Davidson (15)
"She hates me," I say in a slow, depressed voice. "She wants me to die."
"I'm sure she forgives you," my psychologist, Valentina, reassures me, though I know she doesn't care about me. She just wants the day to finish so she can get her paycheck.
"No, no she doesn't," I say as I stare at the ceiling.
Just when Valentina tries to halfheartedly comfort me again, the door opens and a Peacekeeper comes in.
"Time's up," barks the Peacekeeper as two more come in to put me in hand and legcuffs. I'm escorted out of the room as another prisoner takes a seat on the couch. The door closes as I make my way to my cell.
I wish I was dead… I should be dead… I don't want to live anymore…
"I heard she was on drugs, hallucinogens I think, when she did it," whispers an inmate. "She thought the girl was a mutt coming after her."
I don't want to remember… please don't remind me…
"Anyways, she used a broken bottle to slash open the poor girl's throat. After that she… oh shit, it's her," says an inmate as she and the rest of her friends back away from me.
I start to break down in tears as the horrible memories start to come back.
Make it stop, please, somebody make it stop!
"That girl proceeded to stab her in the gut, poor girl screamed for her life," says an elderly inmate, pointing at me for her cellmate to see.
I'm sorry Ava! I'm so sorry!
When I finally arrive outside my cell, the Peacekeepers remove the cuffs, open the cell, and shove me into the cell where I hit my head on the floor. They then lock my cell and leave me in here… alone.
I roll onto my back and stare at the ceiling, weeping.
After what seems to be an hour, I get up and lay on my bed. I take Ava's doll out from underneath my pillow and hug it tightly.
"I never should've used those drugs," I say as I stroke the doll's hair. "Ava… your big sister is sorry."
I start to cry again when the memory of me turning my little sister into a bloody mess plays over and over again in my head.
What do you think? Are the lives and personalities of the first twelve tributes interesting or what? Which of the first 12 tributes are you rooting for so far? Which POV is your favorite and/or worse? Which of the next twelve tributes are you most excited for? Write a review or PM to let me know what you think. I'm also open to answer any questions if you have any. Hope you stick around for the next chapter.