Next, we meet Magus Lander, our eighteen-year-old male from District Two! Thank you to his submitter for getting his form in so fast so I could write this.

I have two spots left so feel free to submit unless you already have a reserved spot or a character in the story, I want to give everyone a chance to submit. If after three days, no one else submits, you are welcome to submit again.

I hope you enjoy this chapter and Magus and be sure, if you have time, to answer the questions at the bottom!

25th June 0100

Capitol Train Station

There was at least half an hour to between the Train from One and Two, to allow time for any issues that may arise. However, Kallias was such a good Tribute, it left at least twenty-minutes for Nikea to stand and wait for the next.

She closed her eyes and rocked back and forth on the soles of her feet, listening to the sound of the birds darting through the cloudless sky above. They sang a cheerful song Nikea wished she could relate to, the constant strain of acting proud and happy about taking her father's place and usurping her brother under his nose starting to take their toll.

As she swayed in time to the song, the rumble of a nearby train sent a wave of relief shimmering through her veins and her eyes opened once more to see the slick, silver train pull into the station.

As it arrived, more Peacekeepers flooded the station, standing strong around Nikea, their guns at the ready. The blonde girl looked up at a nearby official and scowled.

"What is this?" Nikea asked sternly.

"Although Two is loyal to the Capitol, their Tributes can be short-tempered, as it's your first year, we were worried-"

"They won't hurt me, they wouldn't have trained all these years to get themselves killed before the Games end. For now, they will try and get me on their good side." Nikea sighed, turning away from the man and looking towards the train door that opened.

The Two Tribute this year was expected but Nikea expected a female Tribute. He was about the same height as Kallias yet far more menacing. He was built like a bull. His sharp, strong jaw showed signs of being broken in the past along with his nose that was crooked and twisted. He looked like a good looking man, maybe the same level as Kallias but that was lost under the thousands of scars that were etched his tanned, freckled skin. When he saw Nikea, he showed a large, toothy grin, also showing some of his back teeth were missing.

"Ma'am, this is Magus Lander, eighteen, representative of Ares," the official sighed as they allowed Magus to come close to. Nikea held out her hand for him to shake but Magus took it and kissed it instead.

"Lovely to meet you in person," he said, his voice a lot higher pitch than the President had expected. It sent butterflies off within Nikea's stomach but these we not like the ones she felt with Kallias, these were ones of unease.

"Thank you," Nikea smiled before walking off towards the cars that would take Magus to the Tribute Center. "Was the journey okay?"

"Yes, thank you...it's a great honor to be here," Magus said as he walked behind the President.

"I am sure that Ares is proud of your District's choice, he will protect you in the Arena."

Magus gave a silent nod. "I'm sure Hera is very proud to have you leading," he said with a smile.

Nikea sighed. "I hope so."

24th June 0100

District Two, Lander House

Magus walked around the small room, cradling a small rabbit within his arms. He stroked the animal with his thumb, smiling at the relaxed animal. To his right, perched on a worktop was Magus' younger brother, Feld, a skinny, sickly looking boy who trembled even in the warm summer air.

"You know, for a guy picked to represent Ares, you are a bit of a girl," Feld said with a wink. Magus just gave a small grin.

"Ares cares about how you perform in battle...I have never been beaten, I'm skilled with almost every weapon and almost the whole District voted for me-"

"You also have two kills under your belt," Feld reminded his brother.

"Those were accidents," Magus muttered. "But my point stands, I think that makes me qualified enough, I doubt Ares cares if I do a few magic tricks on the side." he placed the white rabbit back in the hutch and picked up a nearby stack of cards and started to shuffle. "How are you feeling today?"

Feld sighed. "Worse than yesterday...and yesterday I was worse than the day before that, so not different." the fifteen-year-old tried to offer up a smile but Magus didn't return it so he turned on the television instead.

The projection flickered to life, showing an image of President Nikea Hubris conducting her first interview as president.

"Has mum taken you to the doctor?" Magus asked his brother, his eyes focused on the screen.

Feld let out a small laugh. "No point, it's a waste of money by this point...The doctor said even Capitol technology couldn't save me now." Magus, cleared his throat, his green eyes darting to the floor as he ran his hands through his brown hair. Feld looked over to his brother and frowned. "You didn't enter this to try and save me...did you?"

Magus took a sharp intake of air then shook his head. "No...mum told me there was nothing we could do." Feld could hear the lump in his brother's voice but a grin stretched on his face.

"At least I will be able to sleep at night knowing it isn't for nothing." the brothers fell silent after that, Magus' eyes moving back up to the screen were Nikea still stood, answering questions on that year's games.

"I look forward to meeting all the strong representatives of the Districts this year, and I wish any child who knows they have been chosen, the best of luck." As she turned to answer another question, Magus couldn't help but smile.

"Oh," Feld smiled "You did it to meet the President, didn't you!"

Magus cleared his throat and scowled. "That wasn't my reason-"

"But it's a bonus, right?"

Magus didn't answer, quickly switching the conversation topic, his cheeks red. "How long do you have left?"

Feld's smiled dropped as he looked down at the ground. "My health declines every day... cancer has spread... I'm already on borrowed time...weeks at most?"

Magus gave a shaky intake of breath, biting his lips so he wouldn't tear up. "So I won't see you again...even if I win?" Feld gave a sad nod, a stray tear rolling down his cheek. "Then, I trust you will wait for me in the underworld?"

"Of course," Feld chuckled. "I expect to be waiting a long time, though...at least eighty-years."

"I'll try my best," Magnus said, pulling his little brother into a large hug.

Questions:

What do you think to Magus?

What do you think Magus and Nikea will think of each other come the Games?

What would your character think to Magus?

How do you think Magus will do?

Do you think Ares will support Magus?

What do you think of this introduction format?

I shall see you soon, with hopefully District Three!