Cashmere Combe (15), District One Female-POV

By the time I've dragged myself out of bed, everyone else in the house is already wake. Scrambling, screeching, and praising are easily heard through my wooden door, no doubt caused by my sisters. Despite the fact that only two of them are eligible for the Reaping today, all of them are tearing through drawers in search of the perfect dress. Thankfully, I picked out my ensemble the other day, that way I wouldn't have to face their teasing. Still, I needed to eat, so I braced myself for the mayhem and walked out of my room, hurrying my way into the kitchen.

As usual, my mother is doting over Emerald, as this is her last year in the Reaping. Unlike me, her hair is brown, hanging straightly and almost seeming endless. Emerald's green eyes contrast with mine, even looking dull in comparison, though I knew it was hard to compete, since mine were a gold color, a rarity in my family. Pearl, Diamond, and Sapphire all have crystal blue eyes, while Ruby's is the same color of her twin, Emerald's. The five of them were considered to be quite pretty, and my mother believed that they would make perfect Victors for the Hunger Games. I only really trained once, so my parents never paid me much mind, though it doesn't bother me. After all, my brother Copper, his hair the same color as the beautiful material he was named after, and crystal blue eyes, thinks of me as his favorite sister.

Slipping into my seat, I nibbled on a small muffin, thankful of my father's income. From what I'd seen, some unfortunate people in Panem were starving; while we were fairly well off in my family. The blueberry flavor tasted only slightly artificial, helping me to ignoring the teasing from Diamond, whom was no doubt jealous that she couldn't participate in the Hunger Games. Smiling a bit at her, I reached for my glass of juice, only to have it snatched away from me.

"You're going to get your hair all sticky!" Pearl scolded, bored with nothing to do since Ruby's hair was immaculate as always.

"Thanks…," I replied, "I'll be fine though, so give it back?"

Shaking her head, Pearl's soft blonde hair swayed back in forth. The boys in District One loved her, and the men certainly did as well. As sisters go in my family, I suppose they're all right, but I couldn't help but find them a tad bit annoying at times. Still, I loved them; after all, you can't choose who your family is. Staring pointedly at Pearl, she sighed and gave in, handing me back my orange juice with a grumbled apology. Delicately sipping it, Copper trudged down the stairs, blinking his sleep eyes.

"Is it Reaping day already, Mere?" Copper asked, yawning slightly.

"Been so for about eight hours," I responded, giggling slightly at my brother.

Grinning a bit, he hopped into the chair next to me, taking a muffin from the platter. Reaching up, I ruffled Copper's hair, giggling again as it became even worse then it's formally extremely messy state. My brother never really was one of mornings, so he's been counting down to the end of his final year of school. Emerald looked distastefully at him, as if daring him to try to volunteer on her year. Copper winked at her, causing her petite features to turn a cross shade of red, much to his amusement. Chuckling slightly, I knew I'd never see the day that Copper finally stopped messing with Emerald, and that she wouldn't be bothered by it.

Pearl then waltzed over to me, frowning slightly as she looked at my empty juice glass. Gazing at me, I felt a bit nervous, wondering what she was doing. My sister then shrugged, patted my shoulder and motioned towards the upstairs. Her hair was already up, diamond earrings decorating her dainty little ears, so Pearl must have finished getting ready. And out of all of my sisters, she was definitely the most fashion obsessed, and wouldn't be satisfied unless she dressed me myself.

I didn't mind all too much, following her up the stairs until we reached her room. Walking inside, I saw a series of dresses laid out on the bed, each paired with jewelry and a pair of shoes. While each one was beautiful and would look wonderful, I'm sure; there was only really one that caught my eye. I grabbed it, holding it up in front of the mirror, Pearl's crystal eyes glancing at me.

"That should work, Cashie!" she squealed, a minor teasing edge to her voice.

Playfully rolling my eyes at my sister, I changed into the dress, examining it. Just the way I liked it, the dress was black, one of the best colors ever, and covered in feathers. Gold feathers, if I may add, that seemed to be the exact same color of my eyes. I couldn't help but wonder why Pearl had ever purchased this, since it wouldn't look nearly as good on her, the coloring off. Pushing the thoughts out of mind, I ran my fingers down the sides, smiling when I reached the end of the fabric around mid-calve. Yes, this dress would do quite nicely.

"And this for good luck," Pearl added, twisting my hair into a complicated up-do, keeping it in place with a sparkly golden hair tie, which upon closer inspection was covered with shiny white pearls.

It had been Pearl's birthday present a few years back, and I hugged my sister. Even if she teased me frequently, she obviously did in fact care for me. The other four I wasn't all too sure about, and Copper was guaranteed practically to. Pearl hugged back, a little awkwardly since she would scream if her nails were chipped, and then assisted me into putting on the six inch black heels she had selected. My calves were a bit sore after walking around in them, yet I offered no complaint, and walked downstairs.

Mother looked over at me, nodded in approval, and then went back to Emerald. The latter of which was insisting that her stick straight hair was just too curly, causing Copper to go into the corner, very close to having a laughing fit. Pearl simply shook her hair, and went over to our sister, braiding back her brown hair. By the time she was done, Emerald began to squirm, desperate to go to the Reaping, of which she was convinced everyone would soon know her name.

"Come on, Emmy," Sapphire purred, "I'll take you and Ruby."

Smirking slightly, the three skipped out of the house, heading to the Reaping without us. Mother mumbled something to Pearl about getting herself presentable, meaning that we'd need to leave now or end up arriving after the Reaping was already over. Mother was rather particular, something that I noted Father grimacing slightly at. He must have wanted to see his "baby girl" volunteer for the Hunger Games. President Gremlin promised this year to be an exciting one, and he certainly wouldn't want to miss it at all.

Copper grabbed my hand and pulled me out the front door, Pearl hot on his heels.

Griffin Holloway (17), District One Male-POV

I wake up suddenly, a bouncing pressure ramming itself over and over again against my stomach. Groaning, I blink my eyes open wearily, trying to find a clock, only succeeding in seeing a blurry image. Focusing in, the reality of the situation becomes apparent, and I gently take my little sister off of me. Beaming up at me, little Alura didn't even grasp the idea of the Hunger Games, yet she knew how important today was to me. This year's going to be my year, this fact already decided months prior to the Reaping. And if it somehow wasn't so, there's always next year.

"Ti-Ti!" Alura squealed, her front two teeth missing, "Granny-pa says you gotta hurry or we'll be late!"

Chuckling slightly, I shook my head slightly at her, "Then you best get ready too, Ally,"

Alura's dark hair fell in ringlets, her hazel eyes the same color as mine, but their shape was far larger. Giggling, Alura noted her acceptance and ran out of my room, past what used to be Dragon's, and skidding to a halt outside of her own. Watching her go inside, I couldn't help but wonder what my little sister would end up like years later. I hoped that she'd be intelligent, since if you have the brain power, you can think your way out of just about any situation. Alura still thought of me as her father, and our dad as her, "Granny-pa," so I wasn't all too sure about that. In all fairness, Mother did die when she was only one year old, and I was fifteen. Alura never even got to meet Dragon, my older brother by eight years, whom now resided in a grave. I, on the other hand, had no intention of following his footsteps.

Hanging up on the closet was my Reaping outfit, the same one that my father had worn before me. Adorned with jewels, it shimmered slightly, making myself look dazzling and confident. This time, no one would dare to Volunteer before I did, and if they did, I'd make sure they quickly forgot any silly notions. For my whole life, I've been training as much as possible, and I would have dropped out of school if they'd let me. No one else deserved to win the Hunger Games more than I did.

Pulling on the outfit, I glanced in the mirror and grinned cockily. Yes, this would do quite nicely, I thought as I walked out of my room. Alura sat on the stairs, dressed in a slightly oversized puffy blue dress, which I knew she'd grow into by the time she was twelve years old. I could just picture her, laughing slightly as she rolled her shoulders, climbing up to the stage, striking a pose for the people of Panem. Shaking my head, I scolded myself for the distraction and went downstairs into the kitchen.

Dad sat down at the table, scratching at his stubble, only grunting slightly at me as I walked inside. Giving him a curt nod, I gave him the same treatment, though I do love him, he never just really noticed me. Since I was little, the affection had always been spent on Dragon, no matter how hard I'd try. After he passed away in the Games, Mom and Dad took more notice of me, informing that I should enter when I'm eighteen years of age, in peak physical condition. Ignoring this, modifying Mom's dying wish; I tried to enter the Hunger Games frequently. Waltzing over to the cabinet, I pulled out a protein bar, downing it quickly as Alura burst into the kitchen.

"We got's five minutes!" she cried, placing her hand dramatically on her hip.

Dad and I each looked at her, used to her antics. Always trying to be grown up, Alura had declared herself the woman of the house and demanded lots of shiny things. It could have been a common rock, idly thrown on the ground, yet she'd treasure it dearly. Faking an accent, it would have been considered adorable or highly annoying. To me, it was just simply irritating.

"Thank you, Alura," Dad spoke after a pause, "I think we'll make it in time though."

Huffing slightly, Alura strutted over to Dad and bent over, whispering something in his ear. Turning red, he stuttered something unintelligible and hastily excused himself. Striking her forehead, Alura groaned, then turning to face me, as if she intended to deal with me next. Cocking an eyebrow, I reached slowly into the cabinet behind me, purposefully messing with her head. Her eyes narrowed, and I downed another bar, finally feeling the familiar full feeling in my stomach. Shrugging lightly, I walked out of the room, knowing I'd need a clear head if I intended to win this thing.

Taking a few deep breaths, I leaned against the speckled white wall. I must have been the smartest person in District One, in all of Panem for that matter. Keeping that in mind, I rethought through my strategy, focusing on being able to win sponsors and attain membership in the Career Pack. District One is traditionally in it, and in fact, we were actually the ones that began in way back in the very first Hunger Games. The name of the Victor escaped me, and I clenched my fist slightly, angered at myself for that. After a couple minutes, I released my grip, resolved that it really was of no importance. My mind must be kept clear and void of any disturbances, or I may lose my chance now, and have to wait yet another year. Confidence surged through me, as usual of course, as I knew that my training had been top-notch and anymore time certainly wouldn't make a difference.

Walking out of the house, where Dad and Alura stood waiting, I tipped my head slightly at them. Understanding the silent signal, each of them began to walk towards the Reaping with me. Alura started up a meaningless conversation, the only bit I caught was that her and her friend Stelle loved to play Hunger Games at school. Grinning slightly, I continued to listen, until it was obvious that the game wasn't nearly as intense as I remembered it being. And so for the rest of the walk, I tuned out their conversation, going back through the mental prep work I'd need to complete before heading into the arena.

Upon arrival, the familiar process of DNA confirmation ensued, leaving a miniature wound on my finger. By the time I stood among the other seventeen year olds, the bleeding had already ceased, and a small scab had formed. Tia, the bubbly Capitol woman, stood up at the stage with the remaining Victors of District One and the Mayor. A stupidly happy grin on her face, I found myself scowling at her, deeming her unworthy of my time and attention. Even more so, the video they showed, identical to the same each year, seemed as if designed to prolong the Reaping. By the time Tia finally shuffled her way over to the glass bowl, filled with the names of thousands of District One females, a couple of the boys around me had dazed expressions, half asleep.

"Miss Cashmere Combe!" Tia chirped, looking around expectantly for the female Tribute.

A pretty girl, her dark hair pinned up and her odd golden eyes looking mysterious walked up to the stage. Smiling, Cashmere faced the crowd of District One, ignoring the several protests of the others. Looking as pleased as could be, she announced that she didn't want any Volunteers for her, and swept her eyes over the crowd. Her eyes paused, seeming a bit surprised at something, yet then her grin broadened and I thought nothing more of it. Winking into the crowd, the other boys started cheering, someone even crying out her name, and I knew she'd have no trouble at all getting sponsors.

Tia next went other to the second glass bowl, "And now for the male Tribute!" she squealed, the pitch in her voice going up more than usual at the end of her sentence.

Clenching my hands, I watched, feeling slightly pained as she drew out of the process of picking the Tribute. I just wanted to volunteer already; no one could then try to take it away from me, since this was my year. This would be the year that I, Griffin Holloway, won the one hundred seventy fifth annual Hunger Games, in honor of my parents!

"Luster Fillows!" Tia calls out.

A timid looking boy steps forward, probably not having trained for the Hunger Games more than once in his life. That's the required amount here, since it usually helped us sort out the Careers from the Cheerleaders, so to speak. I had been a natural talent, no surprise there, and had been granted the privilege of frequent training sessions. While this may have been illegal, the Capitol didn't have any intention of stopping the Career Districts anytime soon, since we added that zest to their Hunger Games.

"I volunteer!" I call out, walking up to the stage proudly, "I volunteer as Tribute!"

My excitement rose, seeing as no one else tried to volunteer. Good, it really was my year then, I thought as I took my rightful place upon the stage. Looking down upon everyone else in the District, I felt like I could sprout wings and soar, flying high above the puny little specks known as people. That feeling wouldn't help me win, and I gruffly pushed it aside, analyzing my opponent.

Cashmere, I recalled, was only two years younger than me, and looked as if she was sweetly natured. Despite this, an aura of confidence and competition radiated off it, and I smirked slightly, knowing that she may very well be a worthy ally. A couple of the boys talked about her, comparing her to her older sisters, so the Combe name was known quite well.

"And what might your name be?" Tia inquired, jerking me from my analysis of Cashmere.

Turning to her, my eyes looking stormy, I answered, "Griffin Holloway," and just like my parents had intended, my name would strike fear into the hearts of the twenty five others for sure.

Cashmere Combe (15), District One Female-POV

Our escort, a teetering woman with vibrant pink hair hobbles onto the stage. Her heels must have been even higher than my own, adding a good ten inches to her otherwise short stature. She looked slightly like an oddly colored bird, trying to walk on its tippy-toes without looking silly. Sadly, she didn't manage to accomplish that feat, a couple of the younger children snickering at the odd Capitol woman.

Soon, a clip was played, first about the time period over one hundred years ago called the Dark Days. It went over the basics, about how the Thirteen Districts wrongly rebelled against the Capitol, and we were defeated easily. And so, they created the Hunger Games, something which we called a contest of glory here in District One. Yet seventy five years afterwards, we entered the Mockinjay period, which most of us never speak of, since the punishment is severe. Everyone knew what happened next; President Gremlin destroyed the Mockinjay, and returned Panem to its former glory, reinstating the Hunger Games. I practically knew the entire speech by heart, and I felt rather glad when it finally ended.

"And now," the escort sang, "let's see which beautiful young woman will have the great honor of representing District One!"

Walking over to the glass bowl, which shone in the bright light, she reached her perfectly manicured nails inside. Smiling slightly, she mixed the slips around, trying to make sure that it would be completely random. After a short period of time, the escort erected her back, holding up the tiny piece of white paper as she read into the microphone.

"Miss Cashmere Combe!"

I smiled politely towards the cameras, walking calmly up the stage. Feeling utter elation, I didn't even mind looking at Emerald; her eye's burning a hole into my back. Upon standing next to the escort, she embraced me in a warm and caring hug, which I felt obligated to return. Since this was a Career District, it was expected that people would try to volunteer for me, and at least five of them did. One of which, I noticed was my sister Emerald, and another, I believed was Ruby.

"No volunteers please," I requested, showing off my competitive edge.

Both of my eligible sisters faces were stony, enraged by my words. I simply grinned brightly out at the crowd, winking into the camera to attract sponsors. There, I'll be able to win this no problem, and it didn't matter at all what Emerald or Ruby thought.

"Yeah! Go Cashmere!" Copper cheered, getting his large group of friends to join in.

Once they had calmed down, I made sure to keep a winning look on my face. The escort hobbled over to the other glass bowl. Grinning out at the crowd, she fumbled with the slips, someone in the crowd shouting at her to hurry up. Frowning out, Tia, which I recalled as the escort's name, made her way over to the microphone.

"Luster Fillows!" Tia read, her voice extremely clear as a trembling twelve year old came forward.

Before little Luster could even make it to the stage, a boy from the seventeen year old section volunteered. His black hair was cropped, most likely to keep it out of his eyes while he's training, and made it easy to see his excited hazel eyes. I recognized him slightly, remembering as he tried in vain to volunteer for the Hunger Games on several occasions. A bejeweled suit covered his tall and muscular body, an easy smirk on his face as he halted next to me on the stage.

"And what might your name be?" Tia piped, smiling brightly at him.

"Griffin Holloway," he replied coolly.

Tia nodded, happy with this year's Tributes, "Shake hands, you two!"

We shook hands, his grip a bit crushing, and then promptly let go. Everyone stood cheering for us, and I knew that'd I'd be this year's winner. After all, I have this secret talent of mine, which I believe will be immensely useful when I go into the arena. And with the guarantee of being in the Careers, there's almost no way I can't win.

After about five minutes, I find myself sitting in the elegantly room. Located within District One's justice building, it's even more extravagant than the richest homes I'd ever seen. Satin rugs, silk curtains, and about a million pillows surround me, beckoning for me to kick back and relax. No one had come in yet, so the danger of being teased for being lazy would be exceptionally low. Smiling slightly, I laid down on the couch, feeling the exquisite fabric it was constructed of. Closing my eyes, it was incredibly easy to imagine myself floating on a cloud, if it wasn't for an abrupt squealing.

"Cashmere!" my sisters chorused, with the exception of the twins.

Opening my eyes, I smiled up at them, searching for Copper. He stood off to the side, grinning slightly at me before prodding Emerald, whom scowled up at him. Mother and father weren't there, most likely because of the limit of visitors at a time. Still, I didn't really mind all too much, as I'd be fine if only Copper came. He always said that I'm his favorite sister, and I have to admit, he's got to be my favorite family member.

"You're going to be a great Victor," Copper promised.

"Thanks," I replied, grinning widely at him.

Emerald scoffed once more, muttering something under her breath before leaving the room. Ruby glanced at me, gave a slight half wave, and then ran out after her. Those two always went together, even if I sometimes wondered why Ruby doted over her twin so often. I never really asked though, finding that question rude and thoughtless. Pearl pranced over directly afterwards, wrapping her arms around me in a hug.

"You'll look so gorgeous in all of those brand new Capitol clothes, little one!" she told me, affection evident through her playful tone.

Giggling slightly, I hugged my sister back, not bothered in the slightest when my siblings were my only visitors.

Griffin Holloway (17), District One Male-POV

Alura spun around the room, shrieking with delight as she stumbled, the high heels too much for her, and she fell upon the cushy floor. Dad merely laughed at his little princess, obliging her request to be picked up and slung her over his shoulder. In other rooms like these, Tributes would be shedding tears, mumbling goodbyes and apologizing for any wrongs they had done. But in this room, in my room, the atmosphere was one of contended success. Alura was positive that her, "Daddy," would be able to conquer the Hunger Games with ease, and Dad seemed to share the same opinion as her.

"Hmm…You've been training well, Griffin," Dad commented, "your mother would be very proud."

Smiling slightly, I nodded at Dad, being the more strong and silent type. While I've been accused of being arrogant, it's mainly by those of lesser intelligence, which in my opinion explains the whole matter effectively. As soon as I won the Hunger Games, I'd be honoring, partially, my mother's last wish, and each of my parents. I'd then train Alura, and hopefully, we'd have another Victor in the family. Once this happened, no one would be able to forget the Holloways, and our names would inspire fear to leach into their minds.

"Ti-Ti!" Alura cried, springing skillfully from Dad's shoulders to hang around my neck.

I caught her with ease, adjusting her into a place the benefited each of us. Alura wrapped her tiny arms around me, blowing into my ear in an attempt to get my attention. Knowing this game quite well, I tuned her out, picturing myself in the arena. Sometimes, it looked like a dark coal mine, then shifting into a vast ocean, before ending in an endless field of smoldering ashes. Just because the arena would be in Old District Thirteen, that didn't mean they wouldn't construct something for us to, "play," in while we were there. If I hadn't been training for this moment before I had even learned the alphabet, I might have been scared. Instead, I smirked slightly, gently tossing my sister off of my shoulder as the Peacekeeper came in. Upon leaving, I waved slightly at them, and went back to my thoughts. Everything came up as being an advantage to me, or a disadvantage to someone else, to my immense pleasure.

Oh yes, the odds certainly were in my favor.