A/N: Hello everyone~ First off, Satin belongs to IamHydra, while Suede belongs to OboeShoes. Sorry if her characterization was a bit off, but I tried. She was sorta tricky, did what I could... Yep, I was dead for awhile.. -w- Lost internet, but I made good use of the time~ I've got chapters 1-7, so expect lots of updates~ Reviews alway appreciated.

S

A

T

I

N

I disliked dresses as much as I dislike shoes. I was only able to get away with that, though the blouse wasn't able to slip as easily..I tug at the tight and uncomfortable reaping blouse, hoping I can tear this off soon. Lodanna Mares, (or Lodie, as we call her) our tall Escort finishes rallying the crowd. I wrinkled my nose at her appearance. Her face was as white as flour with the a red strip of makeup in the middle of her lips, while her eyes were outlined in gray or black, making her look like some insomniac. I really don't understand Capitol culture. They really should appreciate their true faces. I shook my head, and stampled the ground with one of my bare feet.

"Now time for out tributes!" She squealed in that obnoxious, high pitched voice of hers. She stuck her hand into the glass ball, mixing them around for awhile. The crowd was murmering in anticipation and annoyance. Lodie always made us go crazy with her mixing. Finally, she had a folded paper in between her fingers, and started waving it around in excitement. I widened my eyes.

"Myra Jenkes!"

I frowned, pursing my lips. That girl... I could already tell she wouldn't last the first few minutes of the bloodbath. Quivering lip, watery eyes, thin and fragile frame...

Before I knew it, I'm up on the stage in Myra's place. I think I volunteered for her, running up and calling out. It all happened real fast. She blinked and looked at me sincerely, hugging another girl who held her tihgtly. She was thanking me. I simply shrug, and dip my head slightly; it wasn't much of a favor. I mean, everyone in this district would've done the same. We all knew Myra wouldn't put on a good show for the games. I gave a half smile and a shrug at the crowd as Lodie announced, "Let's give a round of applause for Satin Hallestir!" Of course, everyone traditionally roared and clapped, all of them pretty sure I would be the killing machine of the games.

I raise and lower a brow at the same time. In truth, I really wasn't.

The thought of killing something other than game made me highly uncomfortable. Instead of the traps that we would set for some little creature every now and then, we would have to learn to be the trap, be the trap that could take down a human being. Taking the life of someone and watching it slip away... I don't think I'd be able to pull it off.

Mother would frown upon me now if she knew what I was thinking. But thanks to her and Father, I was one of the best fighters in this part of the district. She taught me the basics of survival, and that I had to do whatever it took to keep me alive and win, even if it meant being one who stabbed allies in the back. That didn't sound like a pleasant idea though. My eyes scanned the boys' side of the Reaping crowd, wondering who would be standing next to me. Lodie grinned, and I frowned in disgust; her teeth were dyed lime green, specked in brown. "Eugh..." I murmered, inching away from her slightly. She didn't seem to notice as she began to mix up the names, humming some tune as the boys whispered and muttered. I frowned. I don't see how the mixing is necessary. It's childish if you ask me.

Hundreds of us are anticipating the sound of our names for a competition that we might have been training for all their lives. And this woman's reply is to smile and run her fingers past their slips in the ball to mix them up, lowering someone's chance to be called? After at least three minutes...

"Suede Merrin!"

The male crowd began to shift and whisper. An awkward looking, green-eyed boy had to be pushed forward slightly before he put on a mask of confidence and walked up to the stage. "Now let's give a round for the Tributes of District One!" Lodie announced. The crowd went wild again, even louder than last time. I saw a man with golden-brown hair cut in the same style as the Suede boy yelling louder than the others as he raised his arm.

My eyes went to Suede, who was smirking and waving at the crowd with a hand on his hip. He looked at me. Lodie encourages us to shake hands, looking ecstatic. I slowly extended my hand towards him. He raised a brow then shook it. He quickly pulls his hand away, wordlessly turning his head back the crowd to resume his waving. I stood there, half smiling and shrugging at the cameras, hoping to get on the train soon.

...

My goodbyes were quick and simple. Mother and Pa were more than confident I would come back, so there weren't any waterworks. Same with the other tribute's parents, though they seemed more harsh... His mother had a forced smile that seemed to have been plastered on. She was pretty tense, gripping the kid's hands as she said things to him. His father was scowling as usual. He shoved his finger at Suede's chest, making him stumble back with a submissive expression. He seemed to threatening him to win. I really didn't see the point in that— I mean, if he didn't win, he would be dead anyway.

I frowned at the sight, while Mother slaps my back one last time, handing me what seems to be my token; a flat metal ring? I looked at her. "Mother..?" She laughed and leaned forward. "Tell them it's an accessory. A.. New tradition, in the District," She said, before lowering her voice to a whisper, "Use it when the time comes," She grinned and slapped my back. "Get 'em kiddo." She and Pa chuckled as I nodded sincerely. "Time's up," A peacekeeper came in to escort them out. In a little bit, I was escorted to the train.

I suddenly realized why Suede was getting fussed at; he had a lot to live up to. The Merrins were a powerful, wealthy family. He was the son of Copper and Pearl, literally. His father was a vicious, power hungry (and rather rude) man that yearned for the place of Head Game Maker or any other significant position, while his mother Pearl is a rumored witch.. Quite an interesting bloodline. Pearl's older nephew, Malachite Merrin, was the winner from the 77th Games, earning his family quite the reputation.

It was common for someone from this district to come home after the games, but Malachite was one of those real special ones. One of those who were true, competitive killers, you could say.

I jump as the train began to move. Sighing, I leaned against my chair and stared out my window. I haven't even arrived at the Capitol yet, and I'm already wondering on how things work out. I've got a strong feeling my training all these years will pay off now.

A/N: Sooo what do ya guys think? Sorry if the ring idea is lame, I pictures Satin's mom pulling something like that off, being competitive and wanting Satin to win and all. R & R!