Princess of the Sea

By: CyanideMuffins7

Chapter 1: Reaping Day

Un average girl, Pandora Marshall, is an outcast in her District. She has no friends and spends her time collecting random things on the beach or in the marshes. When she becomes a Tribute in the Hunger Games, she can't help but think she has been led to her doom. But will Pandora follow the rest of the Tributes to death, or will she have to sacrifice everything she believes in to win?

Author's Note: Hello fellow Hunger Games readers. I loved the Hunger Games trilogy (mainly the first book), and I had a itching to start a fan fiction while I've been having technical difficulties with another story I was writing. I hope you enjoy the first chapter and please leave a review!

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Hunger Games, the trilogy or any of the characters Suzanne Collins has created. I only take credit for the characters I have created and the plot I have made.

I squatted in the foot deep lake with my hands swirling around the small pebbles. My hopes were to find something of interest like I always do when I go out to the marshes. I'm kind of a hoarder. But so far, it's slim pickings today.

I wanted to get my mind off today, the day where I might get picked out of the hundreds of kids in my District.

The day where I might be reaped from District 4.

I have always hated the Hunger Games and how they just pluck us from the dumps we live in and pit us against the other children who were picked. And to think it's all meant for entertainment for the Capitol. It was just sick to me. The odds were never in our favor. I've always seen on the Games, District 4 was a part of the Careers, double crossing when they could. Being from a richer District, we can get training for the Games so when we reach twelve, our odds will be increased. When I was young I was trained for a short period of time. My mother taught me how to make leather, and skin animals. My father taught me how to catch fish and make knots. The only weapon I was trained in was how to use a trident, and that was only to catch fish. But my mother had stopped my training pretty much after that. Afterwards she had put me in dancing lessons. It was an odd switch, but I thank my mother for her choice.

I slowly stand up, feeling my back ache as I pick up my bucket. I walk to the edge of the lake and pick up my old steel toed combat boots as I headed out. The lake wasn't far from my home, so when I began to see a fence, I find the blind spot that I always enter through. When I came to the fence, I first decide to check if the Peacemakers decided to turn on the fence. I scanned the area around my bare feet for something heavy I can throw, like a branch. I wasn't able to find one so I decided to take a chance and slipped right through the opening.

I was led right into my backyard. The dirt had liquefied into pulpy puddles of mud practically everywhere. The last couple of times I came through here, I always slip because I'm always in a hurry. So today I keep my steps light and steady in my bare feet. I felt the cool mud in between my toes, I always loved the mud. My feet were hardened after so much I put them through, so the rough earth could not even scrape the skin.

I place the bucket and my boots on top of the deck and I climb through the opening through the railings to get on top of the patio. Once I begin to get on my feet, the screen door opened and my little sister was staring at me. She was wearing her powder blue dress that reached to her knees while the sleeves puffed slightly up on the shoulders. It was my old dress I used to wear on this day. She looked down at my feet then back at my face.

"Put on your shoes! It's the Reaping Day!"

My little sister, Valentine. Valentine was really pretty, and everyone knew it. She had pale skin and sand colored hair that curled past her chest with silver eyes like diamonds. Boys her age are always swooning over her, even at the age of fifteen. Valentine is like most girls though. She gets herself mixed in with what girls loved to do which is talk about boys, clothes, cute things and such.

I look nothing like Valentine though. I have short rust colored hair that melded around my jawline midway down my neck, with mint green eyes and tanner skin then her since I'm always outside. Unlike Valentine, I'm not like most girls. I talk about the things I find and make them into, fishing, and much more. Girls are creeped out by me so I really have no friends that are girls. With guys, it's pretty much the same thing. So all around, I don't really get along with people.

"Relax, it's not like my feet will be the center of attention." I say sarcastically while I roll my eyes.

I pass by her with my bucket and boots in each hand as I enter our shack. I see my Dad sitting at our wooden dining table while his hands were folded on the table. Our Dad is a sea captain, still working for the food. He's rather intimidating at first, but once you get to know him he's a sensitive, sweet man. Very few people experience this. His eyes move to me with a smile.

"You should get ready." He said, "The faster you get there, the faster this ridiculous Reaping can be over."

I smile back to agree with my father. I place my boots by the door and place the bucket on the table. Valentine then led me to our room where she already picked a dress out for me. The dress was the same style dress as hers but this one was the color of the sea foam that floats ashore, and it looked fresher, like it hasn't been worn.

"Where did you get this one?" I ask as I let my fingers feel the soft material of the sleeves.

"I made it." She responded with pride.

"Only you would make me wear such an ugly color, Val." I say with a smile as I look over my shoulder to her.

Valentine just placed her hands on her hips and stuck her tongue out at me. I laugh as she began to leave the room for me to change. I take off my dark colored pants, then my striped shirt and tossed it on my bed. I then take the dress and slipped it over my slender body, put one arm in at a time. Once I put it over my head, it fit. I wondered how Valentine knew my size, but I decided not to question it. It was a beautiful dress, but if it was a different color, I would have liked it better. I kind of looked like a rusted boat that floated ashore. I then slipped on my white heelless shoes that I've been wearing for the Reaping since I was Valentine's age.

I head over to the window and opened the drapes to let the light in. Our house was part of a small neighborhood near the wharf. Even though our father was a sea Captain, we still didn't have enough money like some in our District.

I remember when I was little I would play in these streets with Valentine and my two older brothers, Evan and Ian. We would play hide and seek, or catch the fish together when Dad was out fishing. I know it was so long ago, but it had only felt a few months ago.

Valentine came in and stood behind me. I turned around and smiled. I grabbed her hand and began to pull her towards the door until I noticed that she wasn't moving.

"Are you scared?" She muttered softly, "You've always been cheery on Reaping. I try to be calm like you on this day, but I just can't. I sometimes wonder, aren't you scared?"

I kept my hand and eyes on the doorknob. Of course I'm scared, I've always been scared. I sometimes want to run and hide under the house and never come out. When I think about the Reaping, I just want to rip out my hair or scream at the top of my lungs how I hate it. But I learned from Evans and Ian that I need to stay strong for the people who are worried. I turn to my bed and let go of Valentine's hand. I walked over to my bed, pulled out an old box from under my bed and placed it on top. I removed the cover for the box and rummaged through the charms I had made and found the one.

It was a bracelet that was a thin metal circle with small fragments of seashells attached to it. The position of the fragments was organized in a way if it were in the sunlight; it would shimmer like it was made from a dozen jewels. The circle was then attached by a light blue string to hold it together.

I quickly rush to Valentine who was looking at me confused. I then show her the charm.

"I made it a while ago when you were twelve. I was meaning to give it to you then, but I couldn't find it." I said as I began to tie the charm around her right wrist.

When I was done, I looked into her amazed eyes as she stared at the charm. Her eyes then looked up to me and I smiled.

"If we ever part, the odds will forever be in your favor." I say to reassure her.

Valentine then pulled me in for warm embrace. She held me tight while I wrapped my arms around her and held on tight. We then released each other and giggled. She then pointed at my chest.

"Are you going to wear that?"

I looked down at my necklace. It was an intact light pink seashell attached with a sand colored string that hung around my neck. This was actually the first thing I ever made.

During one festival when I was about six, I was mad at Evan since he doubted that Dad would come back from fishing since it was stormy out at the sea. So I ran to the beach to get away from him. I sat on the cold sand wearing only a white pinafore dress while the cold bit away at my skin. I grumbled to myself and watched the sea hoping Dad would come back and prove Evan wrong. But while I was waiting I was playing with the sand and noticed the seashell. I had picked it out noticed how intact it was. I had placed it in the pocket of my pinafore for later. When we returned home, I found some string and attached the seashell to it. When Dad came home, I gave it to him as a charm for safe trips. Every trip he went, I would give it to him and after each trip he gave it to me to wear. Yesterday I was going to give it to him since he said he was going on a big fishing trip this year but he told me to keep it.

"Of course! I need to have some piece of my work with me at all times!" I say cheerfully as I turned to the door.

The two of us entered back into the living room where my father was standing by the entrance. He smiled as we approached him.

"You two look so beautiful." He said boldly.

Valentine giggles and I smile. Dad was using his strength to coat his sadness. I know Dad enough to tell when he's scared or sad. He placed his hand on Valentine's bony shoulder and looked at her straight in the eye.

"You never know what might happen, so I think it's right that I give you my advice about boys."

Valentine smiled and laughed while she rolled her eyes.

"Dad…"

"No, no." he protested, "Boys are the filthiest dogs there are. If they try to get at you, you just smack them and keep walking. I don't want a boy in this house unless I approve and consent to his affections for you."

Dad had given me, the talk, before. He didn't say the exact same thing he said to Valentine however. He had told me that girls like me should find the right guy for them. But he also added on to choose wisely. I think he only gave me that talk to find a guy while he was only giving the talk to Valentine to repel the boys. I guess it carried the same message.

Dad then turned to me and placed his hand on my shoulder and looked at me straight in the eyes.

"If your mother was here she would be proud to how far you have come." He began, "Remember, next year will be your last Reaping and then you're free to do as you wish."

That's right, I'm seventeen now. The year after the next, I won't have to do the Reaping anymore. I would be considered an adult so I would live the rest of my life free from the Games but still watched over by the Capitol.

Dad then patted me on the cheek and opened the door for us. Valentine walked out first then I was next. We walked off the patio and down on the streets where we used to play. I doubt Valentine even remembers since it was such a long time ago.

"Hey Pandora." My face cringes and my fists tightened. I turn around to see a boy my age with short black hair that reached his jawline. He wore black trousers and a white button up shirt. His almond shaped eyes were on me, just staring at me with a grin.

That was Hei, my enemy.

Hei has been harassing me ever since I can remember. He actually bullies everyone, but it's like I'm his favorite. He would throw rocks at me, ruin my work, follow me around, he just irks me.

I feel Valentine move slightly so that she was practically behind me as he approached the two of us. He was tall, but compared to me he was only about a half foot taller than me while he towered over Valentine.

He looked at my dress then looked back at me, "That's a terrible color on you. you looked like you pissed yourself. You must be dehydrated, you should drink more water."

I glared straight into his evil light brown eyes. I felt Valentine clutching onto my upper arms while she held me back. I guess she didn't want me to ruin her dress even more. So I use my eyes as my weapon and stared him down. He then chuckled and left, heading to the Square. I stop Valentine from following him, and I have us stay back until I think it's safe for us to head to the Square.

I lead Valentine down the street, passing by the wharf. I noticed that only a few boats were out at sea today and that most of them were docked. I guess most of the sailors were going to be at the square today to watch the Reapings.

We then make it to the Square where the justice Building was. Valentine and I just joined in the crowd that was being herded into the Square. We were stopped by a Peacemaker who was glaring at us.

"Names." He ordered.

"Pandora Marshall." I stated as I looked at him in the eye.

"Valentine Marshall." My sister added after me.

He nodded and nodded over to our left to where the girls were going. We join them and enter the Square where the girls were divided from the boys. Valentine stood where the girls her age had stood while I stood by the girls my age. Some of the girls just looked at me, then my dress and giggled.

The anthem started and the usual happened. The cameras were all over the square and on us. On the stage was the mayor of the town with three chairs behind him. In the chairs were the previous Victors, Mags, Finnick Odair and Annie Cresta. The Mayor begins to give his speech that bores me to death.

Being here in the Square again begins to stir something inside my stomach as I stare at the stage. I remember five Reapings ago I was here with Evan and Ian. Valentine was still too young and this was my first Reaping. I remember that year a girl was called up. They said her name was like Monday or something. Then when the representative for District 4, Iza, dug her gold hand into the bowl with the boys' names, she called out Evan. But then Ian had volunteered. Instead of letting the two switch out, the Capitol added a twist by taking them both. My Dad, Valentine, and I had watched the Games from our TV every night to check on them. Evan and Ian had formed an alliance with each other. But later on, when they were offered to join the Careers, Ian refused and for Evan as well. While Ian was sleeping, Evan had crept into the cave when he was supposed to be on guard and was about to stab him in his sleep but Ian had caught him. We had to watch as Evan and Ian fight each other to the death. Then Evan had tripped Ian and smashed his face in with a rock, with pieces of Ian's glasses jammed into his eyes. Evans then joined the Careers after that, but once it came down to him, a girl from District 1, a boy from District 5 and the girl from District 4, he was stabbed in the back. After that Game, Dad never wanted to talk about Evan and Ian anymore. I could see in his eyes that his very two sons, that hated the Capitol, fell under their influence. I still think about it at times, while Valentine had forgotten all about it.

IZa trotted on stage with blue heels, blue skirt with a light blue coat that had white frills coming from the opening in the coat. This year, her skin was tinted a light powder blue while her light blue hair was like silk as it draped down her back that curled at the ends. She fluttered her golden eyelashes once the mayor handed the spotlight over to her and then she gives her whole speech. Personally, I think each year she tries too hard to represent our district. Last year she wore a giant puffy dress that was the color of sand while her hair was light blue and her skin back then was practically white. She then smiles to the cameras.

"I feel like changing things up a bit. Let's start out with the gentlemen!" She says with enthusiasm.

Iza dug her hand deep into the bowl and swished her hand around. She kept smiling to the crowd.

"I think I should have baited this one." She says looking at the boys side.

I always hated Iza's humor too. She wasn't even funny at all. The constant fish puns had made a few people chuckle nervously but altogether created no laughter.

Her bony fingers then pulled out the sheet of paper from the glass bowl and unfolded it. She read the paper for a second then looked out into the Square.

"Hei Kasen."

I looked over to my right to see the crowd of boys part to let him through. He walked onto the stage and stood beside Iza. I could hear two distant voices crying out for him, and I can assume that it was his parents.

"Any Volunteers?" Iza offers to the crowd in the Square.

None of the boys utter a single word, or even make a sound. All I can hear is Hei's parents crying out for someone to volunteer. But no one does. Hei's parents were actually nice. His father was the butcher who would cut the heads of fish, or butcher the game that would be sent from the Capitol while his mother washed clothes. I don't know how two nice people can make someone like Hei.

"Alright, then lets end with the Ladies!" She said as she hopped over to the girl's bowl.

Iza dug her hand in the bowl and swirled around repeatedly. This was agonizingly long.

"Let me just ,fish, out the lucky lady!" Iza said with a chuckle.

I roll my eyes and began to feel like storming out of the Square if she doesn't hurry up.

Iza then pulls the slip out of the bowl, unfolds it, reads it, and then looks out into the square.

"Pandora Marshall!"

I felt my heart beat rapidly within my chest. The crowd of girls part for me to walk up on the stage. I move my weak legs and began to walk through the path the crowd had made for me. I began to hear someone screaming my name from behind me, but I continue walking until I get to the stage. I walk up the stage and stood on Iza's right side, looking into the Crowd. I see a few Peacemakers holding Valentine back. Even at this distance, I can see her tears shine in the sunlight.

"Any volunteers?" Iza offers to the girls.

The girls remained silent, even Valentine began to quiet down. Iza smiles to the crowd as well as the cameras.

"Well that's the end for Reaping Day." Iza began as she went to her closing speech.

I could still feel my heart beating at a fast rate while my skin began to get goose bumps. I have just been chosen to die this year for my district. I look over to Valentine who was on the ground crying in her hands. I notice the sunlight shine the charm around her wrist. I knew the odds will always be in her favor.

I then turn my head slightly to my left to look at Hei. He was looking into the crowd in the square. I wonder what was going through his mind right now. But I then found out…

"Happy Hunger Games, may the odds be ever in your favor." Iza said as she blew a kiss to the crowd.

I saw Hei's cynical grin. He enjoyed this…