Part 4. Meet The Tributes


(On Board The Fierta)

(Julia's point of view)

After the outline of Nordopolica faded into the mists, I walked towards the bow of the schooner. That when I saw it. My word! Just what manner of vessel is this!? Just how do I describe it? This... ship is just hovering above the waves. It was bigger than the ships that transported us to Nordopolica, and it was all white and silver. Wow! Just...Wow! Not only that, but the sea surrounding it was as still as glass.

Our ship pulled up next to this hovering vessel and suddenly, a set of stairs appear connecting it to our ship. These stairs looked like they were...made of light and shone in all the colors of the spectrum. The sight of it was just absolutely...astounding! Surely this is all the creation of the gods!

"Guess it's time to go on board." Natz said as he casually ascended up the stairway into the flying ship, followed by Haymitch.

"Um… So, miss DuBois... You wanna go first or will I?" Phillip asked me as we both looked at this rather unusual stairway, Still quite unsure if it was solid.

"Is it even solid? I asked back.

"Well, it's solid enough for the priest and the mentor… Should be solid enough for tributes like us." Phillip replied. "One way to find out..." He cautiously places his foot on the first step, and puts all his weight on it. We were both surprised that he didn't fall through to the sea. Then he places his hand on the guide rail (made of the same stuff as the stairs if you're wondering) And tries to shake it...It doesn't budge, nor does his hand go through. "Woah, that's weird. Solid enough for me..." And he ascends… cautiously.. up the stairway and into that craft.

Guess it's my turn then...okay… I daintily place my foot on the first step. Amazing… Even thought it's appears to be made of light, it felt as solid as marble. Then I grab the guide rail...just as solid. And I also ascend the steps...Oh, this is just so weird… I mean light shouldn't be able to support the weight of a person, and, yet, here I am walking up a stairway that's made of nothing but light, yet as solid as real stairs. Soon I was at the entrance of this craft and walked through…

The first thing I saw when I entered was just how...elaborate the interior was. The hallway leading in had walls that was a black and silver relief on the upper half and polished metal with silver trim on the lower half. Then we were led up to what appears to be a dining room. It had black stained mahogany tables with luscious fruit salads, pastries and sweets placed on them. There was even finely made wood chairs with plush cushions that were even bluer than my eyes, polished silverware and elegant crystal chandeliers overhead. Let's just say it was EVEN more extravagant than...My former home... I wonder if the Castle's own dining hall is like this?

It was at this point that we were greeted by this... somewhat interesting lady. "Ah, Welcome aboard, Natz, Haymitch..." She greeted the priest and mentor respectively. "…. And are these two darling s next to you our newest tributes?" How to best...describe her…? She was wearing a basket of food in her thick pink-blonde hair. She has on a purple ruffles choker, pink tight fitting jacket with a ruffled collar, pink gloves, a tight fitting pink skirt that reached halfway down to her knees… Oh my! that is just absolutely scandalously immodest! And finally her shoes; pink like the rest of her outfit and really high heels… ouch. Not to mention, her face was completely covered in white makeup with pink eyeliner and lipstick… Talk about garish.

Anyway… "Yes they are, Effie" Natz replied, then gestures towards us, "The boy's Phillip Meagher of Capua Torim… And the girl in the glasses and fancy suit's Julia DuBois from Zaphias's Noble Quarter."

"Ah… Welcome welcome..." Effie… started to cheerfully greet us but… "woa… WOOOAAAHHH!" … She suddenly overbalanced and fell forward, the contents of the basket spilling on the floor and rolled towards us. The large sausage that was in said basket rolling up to the hemline of my own skirt. It was then I noticed that Effie was really wearing a wig! She really had light brown hair that was compressed in the back of her head. "Ugh… That's the fourth time this day..." She moaned, getting back up on her knees. And putting that wig back on.

"Um… Just a thought… Maybe you shouldn't be wearing baskets of food on your head, miss Effie..." I said, picking up the sausage. "I don't think that's good for your posture… And there's the falling over..." I put the sausage on a nearby table… "I wasn't hungry."

"But I thought Seneca said..." Effie started to reply, but stopped… as if she just realized something. "Oh I just can't believe he tricked me… Just wait til I get back home..." She stands back up, re-adjusts her now basket-less wig, and dusts off her pink outfit.

"Now where was I...Oh yes… Ah... Welcome welcome, miss DuBois, mr Meagher. I do trust you two darlings enjoy the trip to the Capitol." She… cheerfully re-greeted us. "Like the rest of the tributes aboard, you two are in for a treat. Crystal chandeliers, platinum doorknobs, and it flies and travels between worlds." Obviously, she's describing this vessel. "We'll be at the realm after we stop to pick up the tributes from District 9 and District 10. Now, before you say anything else...it's almost dinnertime. So why don't you two darling children have a seat." She points us to the two chairs that she wants us to sit at. "...Those seats are reserved only for you two. So sit down, and supper will be with you shortly."

So we take our reserved seats at the dinner tables. Besides our own seats and table, there were eleven other similar tables with four chairs at each table. No doubt for the other tributes on board. I rub my hand on the table, astonished at just how smooth and flawless it felt. Makes the tables back home seem like rough-hewn cheaply made unpolished commoner tables by comparison.

Just then, a door opens and in file a group of teenagers. One of them, looked at us. "Well look what he have here… You must be the D8 kids." The boy gruffly said.

Then this girl, which, oddly enough, looks a bit like Katniss...only paler walks up. "Hey, check it! The D8 kids are here." She said… My word...She even sounds like Katniss. "And get a load of what this girl's wearing."

Then, another girl, with a rather pimple ridden face...Ugh… walks up. "Hey, four-eyes, what's with the get up? Hello, the Titanic like already sailed, Rose Dawson." Huh? Just what is she talking about? And did she call me Rose Dawson?

That pimple-faced girl continues. "What year to you think this is? 1889? You supposed to from Victorian England or something? Never heard of Hot Topic or something? This is like the 21th century. Hello! Get with the times, miss Rip Van Wrinkle." You know, I have a feeling that this person is insulting me and my rather stylish clothes.

Well I most certainly can't have that, now can I. So I got out of my seat, walked up to this person, took off my glove and slapped her with it right across her greasy face. "You dare to insult a daughter of imperial nobility?" I haughtily stated. "I demand satisfaction." I threw my glove at her feet. "Or an apology, you absolutely vapid uncouth foolish greasy faced peasant."

"Did you just call me a peasant?" The pimple-faced girl looked at me angrily, rubbing her still stinging, and somewhat grotesque face. "Oh that's fucking it!" She kicks my glove away. "You think you're better than us 'cause of that stupid-ass dress and that lame-o British accent? Huh? I'ma gonna kick your ass black and blue and tea-bag your face, you stuck-up bitch!" Ruder and ruder… and I take it she accepted my challenge.

"FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" The other tributes were cheering. But before anything else could happen, a group of peacekeepers showed up.

"HEY! Break it up! Break it up! Back to your tables" One of them shouted as the others pulled out their batons. "Save it for the Arena Or spend the rest of this flight in lock down!"

"She's not worth it, Patricia," A boy held her at the shoulders. Patricia…? Isn't that the same name as one of my friends… Well this 'Patricia' certainly isn't very friendly.

"You know what…? Fine! I'll wait til the arena." Pimple-Face (I most certainly will not call her by her name) said. I'll have to find out her last name so that I can refer to her by that… Save me some confusion. "You'll be the first one I'll get, so watch your back, four-eyes."

Honestly… Not the best first impression. Anyway, I return to my chair. "This yours?" A peacekeeper returns my glove.

"Yes it is..." I replied. Putting my glove back on. "That pimply girl insulted me. So I slapped her across her face."

"Yes, we saw the whole thing on camera." The peacekeeper said. "I would strongly suggest you do not do that again or be sent into lock down." He warned. "That goes for you too..." He points at Pimple-Face.

"Manners, you two..." Effie added. "Or else no dessert."

"Whatevs, Effoff..." Pimple-face replied, returning to her assigned table.

"That's EFFIE..." Effie retorted. Effoff…? Now just what's the story with that? "No dessert for you."

Our supper came in three courses. The appetizer was carrot soup and salad. The main course was lamb chops and baked potatoes. And for dessert everybody, but Pimple Face, got cheese, fruit salad and a slice of chocolate cake. Effie walks over to our table."So, darlings, how did you two like your supper?"

"It was marvelous." I smiled. "My compliments to your chef."

"No kidding. This is some pretty good eating..." Phillip added. "Man, I'm full."

"Me too...*burp*..." I belched. "...Oh, pardon me." I dainty held mt hand to my mouth.

"Well you certainly have some decent manors, miss Julia…." Effie commented. "Just like those two tributes from District 1.." She points at the two tributes in question. "They attend a school in Japan called Ouran Academy I do believe." Japan…? They kind of looked like Yurzoreans to me. "The pair we had from last year… Ugh… Titus was just plain rude and that girl… She just ate everything with her hands like a complete savage...Completely upset my digestion."

As I recall, Titus was raised by that assassin guild, Leviathan's Claw. And before that, I remember his father before he died was rather...abusive. (He wasn't exactly nice to me either as I recall). And the girl, poor thing, grew up homeless on the streets of the Lower Quarter, Never had a decent meal in her shortened life.

Whereas I, on the other hand have been taught proper table manors and etiquette to be a proper lady. And Phillip…? Not too sure, but something tells me he comes from a well off commoner family and clearly hasn't missed too many meals either. And I suppose he's decent enough with fork and knife.

Once supper was finished, me and Phillip were escorted downstairs to our own private cabins. Each one with a peacekeeper standing watch. As I entered, I noticed that my luggage was already delivered, and laying on my bed.

"We'll be departing at first light tomorrow. So get some rest." The peacekeeper said just before he closed the door behind me. Besides the bed, there was a cabinet for hanging up clothing. I take out a change of clothes for tomorrow and hang them up in there. I open up a door on the back wall, and saw that it led to a private washroom with toilet sink and mirror cabinet and, I think, A shower stall, okay, I close the door.

Next to my bed, there was a desk and on the wall above it hung a large rectangular shaped plate of dark glass. Well I think it's glass… Looks like glass...Doesn't feel like glass… feels like… unwound horn or tortoiseshell (I'm not sure if they ever had plastic on Terca Lumireis, Author). Or maybe that new infusion of wood powder and cattle blood(Boise Durci).

Next thing I know, a picture suddenly appeared on that rectangle "EEEK!" I recoiled in surprise. That thing just completely startled me! A moment before it was completely black, now its showing me the symbol of the gods on a blue field and below it where the words 'initializing' in Mayoccian language and in Ilyccian script. No doubt this device was tailored to be used by the average Terca Lumireisan. In other words, I can understand it...I hope. After a moment a series of moving pictures appeared on this rectangle… Oh… Now I see, This thing is a moving picture screen. Then I noticed some more words appear;

Welcome to your personal Panemsonic touch screen 10,000k Quantum HD Flat screen Television
Panemsonic, serving your entertainment need since before Atlantis sank beneath the waves

Please touch the screen to read the instructions

So its called a...television… interesting. I touch the screen again and read the instructions. I learned how to use this little hand held device called a remote control to select videos and adjust the sound and screen. Once I finished the instructions, and learned what I could, The television brought up the main menu of pre-selected video lists. I decided to look at the videos featuring the reapings for this year… Not surprisingly, there was no video for Districts 9 and 10 yet. Well might as well start with District 1 and learn what I can about my fellow eighteen tributes…

…..

(Standard Point of View)

District 1(Representing Luxury)

Location: Japan(Earth)

Thousands of students from over a dozen prestigious academies from around the globe were gathered in a massive ornate golden stadium. Every year a certain number of academies are selected form each continent(except Antarctica, of course), and gathered here in at Ouran Academy's stadium.

Op on the stage stood the recent victors, of which there aren't many, including the mentor, Hoshimi Koroki, an alumni of St Lobelia Girls Academy who won just six years ago. Also present were the usual squad of armed peacekeepers and a locally selected priestess.

Once the opening hymns were sung and the usual message from the voice of the gods was spoken, the priestess approaches the bowl for the female applicants, puts her hand deep in… and pulls out, and unfolds a card. "From Ouran Academy, Class 1A, Kyoko Hoshino… Please come forward."

A girl, wearing a yellow dress with a white puritan collar emerges from the group of similarly dressed female students, and was escorted up to the stage. The priestess asked for volunteers… No one called out.

Then she approached the bowl for the male applicants. "Also from Ouran Academy… Class 3D, Hideo Kitagawa… Please come forward."

A boy, wearing a light blue suit and black pants emerges and is also escorted to the stage. He stands alongside Kyoko. The priestess asks for volunteers, but no one answers

"Very well… District 1, I present yo you, your tributes, Hideo Kitagawa, and Kyoko Hoshino. May the odds be ever in their favor." The stadium applauds as the two newly selected tributes are escorted backstage…

District 2 (Representing Masonry)

Location: Werites Beacon, Legacy, (Shining Blue)

"...And thus it was decreed… That the world of Shining Blue shall offer up a tribute; one boy, one girl, between the ages of twelve and eighteen… For the...Honor… Of representing our world in the annual Galactic Hunger Games." Madame Musette declared as she looked out over the gathered applicants. Accompanying her was her sheriff, Will Raynard and his two deputies, the Bantam Bouncers. Along with Representatives of the three kingdoms and the current mentor, prince Vaclav Bolud.

"… And, before me today, we have a wide selection of fine young men and women from the countries of Gadoria, Rexalia, and Crusand." Madame Musette continued. "We shall now select the young man and women who shall do District 2 the honor of representing us in this years event. First the ladies..." She walks to the bowl containing the names of the female applicants. She reaches into the bowl… And pulls out a name. "Sarah Kibbler, Please approach the stage."

Sarah nervously approaches the stage and stands next to Madame Musette. "Before we continue are there any...volunteers?" She asks...

… And gets her answer. "I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" Came a shout from the female section.

"A volunteer…?" Madame Musette replied. "...Then step forward and introduce yourself."

The volunteer, an eighteen year old blonde, approaches the stage, and stands before the microphone. "I am Clovis Saunders of the Crusand Empire, And I shall Represent this district in the Hunger Games!" Clovis declared.

"Very well… Sara Kibbler, you mar return to your group." Madam Musette said. As Sara fled back into the crowd, thanking whatever gods for her deliverance, Madame Musette approaches the boy's bowl and pulls out a name. "Troy Coleson, Please approach the stage." Troy was escorted up to the stage. "Once again, are there any volunteers?"

"I ALSO VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" Shouted a muscular eighteen year old blonde. He steps into view, thumps his chest like a gorilla and marches up to the stage, and grabs the microphone. "I am Marco Windgarden of the Crusand Empire!" Marco declared. "...And I will bring glory to the Crusand Empire and to prince Vaclav this year!"

District 3(Representing Technology)

Location: Marion Military Institute, Alabama, United States of America(Earth)

The Faculty looked out on the neat rows of cadets waiting as the usual hymns and opening speech was played. Also waiting on the stage was a Japanese lady with red hair and glasses, who just happens to be the district's mentor, Mari Katsuragi, who, at this time was the youngest victor, winning it at age thirteen only a couple decades earlier.

The priest, a local bishop approaches the girl's bowl to pick a name… But he needn't have bothered…

"I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" Shouted a female cadet with red hair and a pimply complexion. She get up on stage and introduces herself. "Senior cadet Patricia Fredendall reporting for duty!"

The priest then heads over to the boy's bowl, and puts his hand over it pausing as if he was waiting for one of the male cadets to shout…

"I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" Shouted a male cadet with dark brown hair. He also gets up on stage and takes the microphone. "Senior cadet Frank Brannigan reporting for duty!"

The priest takes the microphone. "America, the state of Alabama, the city of Marion, and District 3, I present to you all, our brave volunteers for the Galactic Hunger Games. May the odds be ever be in their favor. And may the LORD watch over them. And should they fall, welcome them unto his kingdom." He turns to the volunteers. "Frank, Patricia, The prayers of this academy, Marion, the state of Alabama, and these United States go with you. God bless and good luck."

District 4(Representing Fishery)

Location: Sailor's Island, Meridia(Arcadia)

The applicants from Valua, Meridia, Ixa'Taka, Nasr, and Yafutoma were gathered in the main square of Sailor's island. On the stage stood the representatives of the gods and the recent victors, which included, admiral Galcian Cortes and Laurence Navahl. Above the stage hung a large screen. After the opening hymns and messages were played, the image of Elder Prime, leader of the reclusive Silvite civilization appeared.

"Welcome to the 2006th annual Galactic Hunger Games..." Elder Prime greeted the applicants. As he stood between the two bowls, and the squad of peacekeepers that delivered said bowls to his satellite via spacecraft. "As you are all aware, our district is charged with the task of selecting one courageous man and woman between the ages of twelve and eighteen for the honor of representing District 4." he pauses for a moment before continuing. "Therefore, it is with great...honor… That… We choose our first tribute, the young woman.

He reaches into the girls bowl and pulls out a piece of paper. "Matilda Rachram from Cape Claudia, please approach the stage." Matilda, an average height girl with dark brown hair emerges from the crowd and was then escorted up to the stage.

"Are there any volunteers…?" Elder prime asks. A moment of silence passes. "So be it, Now I shall select a male tribute..." He reaches into the boys bowl and pulls out a piece of paper. "Juan Labrada, from Lower Madera, please approach the stage." Juan, an underweight boy of twelve with curly red hair emerges and is also escorted to the stage. Elder Prime asks for volunteers, but no one replies.

"So be it then… Arcadia, District 4, I present to you our two tributes for the 2006th annual Galactic Hunger Games. May the moons give them strength...And may the odds be ever in their favor..."

District 5(representing Power)

Location: Académie de Magie Beauxbâtons, Pyrenees Mountains, France(Earth)

Olympe Maxime, the half-giant headmistress, looks out on the great dining hall, all its seats filled with students dressed in their silk blue robes/uniforms. She is sad that in moments, two of them will be picked to attend the annual Hunger Games. Next to her sat two wizards from Britain, Cornelius Fudge, head of the Ministry of Magic, and Delores Umbridge, ministry undersecretary and District 5 priestess. Along with the mentor, a wizard from Russia.

Surrounding the students were the peacekeepers, which in addition to their white armor, all wore pink straps over their shoulders. An addition that was insisted upon by Delores when she took over as priestess following District 5's last victory decades ago.

"Mes étudiants de l'Académie de Magie Beauxbâtons..." Olympe stood up and spoke to her students in french. "Il est temps pour nous de commencer la cérémonie de récolte..." Then she switches to English. "It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Delores Jane Umbridge, the Gods representative."

"Thank you, professor Maxime." Delores stood up to the podium, which her eyes barely peered over, to address the students. "And so begins another glorious year of our annual Galactic Hunger Games. As both a ministry representative and a representative of the Gods who, in exchange for one boy and girl from each district, forever protect our worlds from the ravages of the demons that scourged our worlds millennia ago, it is a great honor to learn that Beauxbatons Academy of Magic was selected as a pool for this year's reaping."

She pauses for a moment to let it all sink in before continuing.

"Therefore, it is with best wishes and a sense of proud dignity that I announce this years tributes for District 5." She waves her wand, and two glass bowls, filled with the names of the applicants appear.

"Étudiants, si vous entendez votre nom appelé." Olympe said. "Veuillez vous rendre à l'avant de la salle à manger et rester à côté de las Mademoiselle Umbridge. Elle vous guidera dans vos antichambres, où vous pourrez vous dire au revoir à votre famille et à vos amis."

"Thank you, Olympe..." Delores replied, not hiding that she was a bit...miffed that she was interrupted. She reaches into the girls bowl. "Well then our first tribute is... Olivia Belanger." She declared.

A moment passed before a red-haired girl… with slightly foxy features stood up and walked up to the front of the hall and stood next to Delores.

"Very good..." Delores said as she approached the boys bowl. "For our male tribute we have..." She reaches into the bowl. "Silence, please… Our second tribute for District 5 is... Etienne Giard." She declared.

A swarthy boy, with olive skin and black hair stood up and made his way to the front of the hall. He stood next to the girl.

Delores looked quite pleased with her...catch. "Students, denizens of the other worlds, It is my great pleasure to introduce to you all, Olivia Belanger, and Etienne Giard. The tributes of District 5 for the 2006th Hunger games...Tee hee..."

District 6(representing Transportation)

Location: the Cathedral of Lorelei, Daath, on the continent of Padamiya(Auldrant)

The ceremony always began with the tandem reading of the Treaty Of The Sin, and the score of Yulia Jue, which both explained the importance of the yearly reapings to the continued survival of the world of Auldrant, and the justification for such an event to take place. The fonic cameras recorded pictures and videos as they hovered over the mass of young applicants gathered before the great cathedral of Lorelei.

At the top of the staircase stood the local priest, grand maestro Mohs, accompanied by the leader of the god-generals, and general of the Oracle Knights, Van Grants, along with the current mentor, Jade Curtiss, a colonel serving in the Third Division of the Malkuth military. Also present was emperor Peony Upala Malkuth IX, leader of the Malkuth Empire, king Ingobert VI, ruler of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear. And last, but not least the newly appointed eight year old fon master, Ion.

Unlike the other priest/esses, Mohs prefers to select the male tribute first. He reaches into the boys bowl and pulls out a name. "From the over three-thousand boys before me… Only one will have the honor of taking a spot in the Hunger Games… And that lucky boy is... Anton Morton!"

Anton, a boy of sixteen with light brown hair emerged from the boys section of the crowd and ascended the great stairway, under peacekeeper escort, until he was standing next to the grand maestro.

"And here he is! Anton Morton! A round of applause for this years tribute!" Mohs declared. "And now we shall select our brave female for the same honor..." He reaches into the girls bowl, and pulls out a name. "And from the nearly three-thousand girls before me… Only one will have the honor of taking a spot in the hunger games… And that lucky girl is... Kora Peccia!"

And Kora, a seventeen year old girl with blonde hair, emerged from the crowd of girls and was also escorted up the stairs to Mohs.

"And here she is also! Kora Peccia! A round of applause for this years tribute!" Mohs declared."And so, as ordained in the Score, another exciting reaping comes to a close." Mohs announced. "May the odds be ever in their favor..."

District 7(representing Lumber)

Location: A high school in Portland, Oregon, United States of America(Earth)

The students, both from their high school and a nearby jr, high school, were gathered in the large football stadium. Up on the stage stood their principal, who now found himself in the role of this year's priest. He looks at the bowls before him, knowing that as soon as the opening hymns and messages were completed, he would have to condemn two of his students to their deaths.

"Students, if I may have your attention..." The principal spoke.

He waits a few minutes to let things quiet down before he starts. "Students, the time has come for me to...select a boy and girl to go to the gods realm and participate in the Hunger Games..." The principal announced. "First, the girls..."

He reaches into the girls bowl, and pulls out a name. "… Leigha Lysander from 9QD, please come forward."

Leigha, a blonde junior high student is then escorted to the front of the stadium and is made to stand next to the principal. "And now for the boys…" The principal reaches in to the boys bowl. "Samuel Hancock from 11GB, please come forward."

Samuel, a Chinese-American, is also escorted up to the stage, and stands next to Leigha. "District 7, It is my...honor to give to you, your champions for this year's Hunger games: Samuel Hancock, and Leigha Lysander… Let's give them a big applause..."

District 8(representing Textiles)

Location: The Coliseum of Nordopolica, Desier(Terca Lumireis)

*NEW, Just uploaded an hour ago*

The applicants were gathered in the Coliseum, and arranged in order of year with the last years in the front row. And they were arranged front to back, nobles/upper class, then the middle class and finally, the lower class rows. The only exception were the royal cousins who were in in front of the first row, The camera blastias buzzed around them. And all around them as well, stood the peacekeepers. Once they were lined up their attention was directed towards the stage where they heard the voice of Belius, the reclusive leader of the guild, Palestralle, speak:

"Welcome, brave applicants to the coliseum and the annual reaping. And may the odds be ever in your favor. Now before we begin, we have a very special message. By the voice of the gods himself."

Inspirational music started to play, and they look up at a large moving picture screen above the stage. At first we see this white spiraling mass slowly twirling against a starry night sky, then the anthem starts up and the symbol of the gods appears. Then the voice of the gods was heard, reminding them of why they have this event.

Then Natz reads the list of past District 8 victors.

The symbol of the gods appeared once more on that giant screen, and everyone's attention was focused once more on the stage as Belius spoke. "And now the time has come for us to select one courageous young man and woman for the honor of representing District 8 in the 2006th annual Galactic Hunger Games…." She pauses for but a moment. "...As usual, Natz, please select our female tribute."

Natz, the one-eyed, scarred co-priest and second in command of Palestralle, approaches a large glass bowl that contained the names of all the female applicants in the arena. He reaches in, pulls one out, and inserts it into a slot in the wall…

"… Clara Dior from Halure, please approach the stage!" She calls out.

There was a long moment of silence as the girls looked over their shoulders to where the middle class fourth years where. A squad of peacekeepers march to the middle class girls section. They were about to go in when Clara, a bespectacled blonde of fifteen, slowly, and nervously emerge from the rows and into the main walkway. She started to walk... haltingly towards the stage with the peacekeepers behind he to ensure that she didn't try to flee. Attempted escapes by those picked aren't all that uncommon. After a moment, she was at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the stage. Just as she was about to ascend...

"STOP!" Someone shouted from the nobles. "I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" The camera blastias turn towards the direction of the shout, and home in on a noble girl with dark brown hair, holding her hand up as if to get their attention, and, as they got closer, they noticed that she had an expression on her face that seemed to say, 'Me and my big mouth'.

There was quite a bit of confusion up on the stage. For District 8 never had a volunteer from the nobility in many decades. The nobles never volunteer for the games. And if one of them got picked, a person from the lower class would volunteer in their place in exchange.

After a brief moment of silence, Belius's voice was heard. "...Interesting...A volunteer from the nobility...But I believe there's a simple matter of introducing the reaping winner and then we ask for volunteers. And if one comes fourth then we bring that person on stage and introduce the volunteer in question…. Let that volunteer come forward so we may know her."

A group of peacekeepers come to her row to take her to the stage. She put on her glasses, and go out to the main walkway and proceed up to the stage, looking quite calm and dignified as if she was going to attend a formal ball. She walks past the still trembling girl that she volunteered for, and ascended the stairs to the stage.

The co-priest Natz looked at her with no small amount of interest. "Well, like Belius said, this is interesting, A noble volunteering for the games. Guess you could say you're quite the example of noblesse oblige, eh?" he said to her. "...So tell us your name, miss." He gestures towards the microphone blastia in the centre of the stage.

The noble girl walks up to to the microphone blastia, and take it in her hand. And takes a deep breath before she speaks. "J...Julia DuBois..." Julia speaks into it. Her voice resonates throughout the arena. "...From the Noble Quarter of Zaphias..."

Then Belius's voice was heard. "...So be it… Clara Dior, you may return to your line..."

Clara looked up at Julia with her tear streaked face.. "Merci. Merci beaucoup..." And quickly runs back to her line, disappearing onto the mass of female applicants, no doubt all sighing with relief.

Then Belius spoke again. "Now let us continue...Natz, please select our male tribute."

Natz approaches another glass bowl that contained the names of all the male applicants in the arena. He reaches in, pulls one out, and inserts it into a slot in the wall…

"… Phillip Meagher from Capua Torim, please approach the stage!" She calls out.

Phillip, a boy with light brown hair and a sturdy build, makes his way towards the stage from the lower class section. He ascends up to the stage and stands next to Julia…who inches away from him slightly.

"Now then...Are there any volunteers?" Belius asks. But no boy calls out to volunteer to take his place.

Then Natz reads out the treaty of the sin. "In penance for their uprising against the Gods, each world shall offer up a male and female between the ages of 12 and 18 at a public 'reaping'.These tributes shall be delivered to the custody of the realm of Panem. And then transferred to a public arena where they will fight to the death until a lone victor remains. Henceforth and forevermore this pageant shall be known as the Galactic Hunger Games." Then he turns to the newly selected tributes. "Okay, you two, shake hands."

Julia...with some reluctance… and Phillip shake hands. And they turn back to face the crowd as Belius speaks. "I present to you all the tributes for District 8. Please extend to them the honor and pleasure of District 8's support." She announced. The audience breaks out in shouts of approval and applause. "This will bring us to the conclusion of this year's reaping ceremony. At this time the tributes will be taken to to the final resting area for preparing their affairs and getting everything in order...After which, they will be escorted to the port and taken from this place to the staging area for transport to the realm of the gods and the Hunger Games Staging area. I bid you two good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor."

Then the anthem of the gods plays. Once it had finished, Julia and Phillip were escorted by the peacekeepers into the coliseum and taken to separate rooms…

District 9(representing Grain)

Video not yet available(Sorry about that)

District 10(representing Livestock)

Video not yet available(Sorry about that)

District 11(representing Fruits &Vegetables)

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America(Earth)

The selected students were gathered at a local high school car park that had been cleared for the reaping. Augustus Grey, a local deacon, acting as priest stood before the bowls. After the opening hymns and message was played, he made his announcements. "My brothers and sisters, as you are all aware our local high school and junior high school were selected via lottery to sent in one of our own daughters and one of our own sons to be sacrificed to those heathen gods, lest they unleash the demons from Hell upon our many worlds. Hopefully one day, our one true God will send his son, Jesus… Or at least, borrow Hercules from Zeus or Thor from Odin to put an end to this suffering and sadness. But until that wondrous day comes… I have no choice...but to do this damnable task that has been thrust upon me… May the LORD forgive me."

He solemnly steps up to the bowls, and reaches into the girls bowl. "And now, I shall select a girl..." He pulls out a name. "… So be it... Ruth Davidson, please come forward."

Ruth, A twelve year old negro girl was then escorted up to the stage. She stands next to the deacon.

"Before I continue with this regretful task… Does anyone wish to volunteer…?" The deacon asks… But only receives silence. "...I see… Ruth I'm sorry." He apologies to her before he steps up to the boys bowl. "And now I shall select a boy to...represent us in the games..." He reaches in and pulls up a name. "Tyler Okoronkwo, Please approach the stage..."

Tyler, a muscular eighteen year old negro is escorted up to the stage. He immediately takes the microphone. "I won't accept any volunteers!" He declared. "Nobody volunteered for that girl… So I don't want nobody volunteering for me! GOT THAT!? Good… Here you go, Padre..." He hands the microphone back to the deacon..

"So… That's your decision then, Tyler?" The deacon asks.

Tyler nods. "It sure is, Padre… I'm gonna see to it that we both come home. I don't know how, But I'll find a way."

The deacon turns to his congregation. "Well I guess that's it. On behalf of the great state of Louisiana, I present to you, your tributes for District 11. Friends and relatives have three minutes to say their goodbyes, or wish them luck in the next hour before they're taken away. Ruth, Tyler, Our prayers and hopes go with you..."

District 12(representing Coal)

Location: Selzberg, Pennsylvania, United States of America(Earth)

The applicants were gathered in front of the town hall. On the stage stood the mayor, and few representatives of the gods. The mayor steps up to the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, as you are all aware, Out town has been selected to represent District 12 in the 2006th annual Starving Games." He pauses for a moment. "Now I would like to take the time to introduce you all to yous priestess, all the way from the God's realm… Lets give a hand to Effoff Trinket."

Effie frowned at those two errors in that speech. "'Starving Games'? 'Effoff'? What idiot wrote this!?"(Don't look at me, Author). Well that's what you'd expect from Selzberg, the most vapidest town in America, where most of the people here have the mental maturity of a ten year old...even the adults. "Oh brother". Anyway… Effie walks up to the microphone to address the crowd of applicants. "Welcome to the 2006th annual Galactic Hunger Games..." Effie greeted the crowd… Fight before she overbalanced and fell flat on her back...Thanks to that heavy basket of food that she was wearing on top of her wig.

As she got back up on her feet, and put her wig back on. A sausage that was in that basket rolled to the edge of the stage. An old man tried to the grab the sausage, but was swatted in the hand by a peacekeeper's baton. "But that was my sausage!" He complained as two peacekeepers escorted him away like he was a basket case.

"And now a video from our esteemed leader, Game God Alpha." Effie said as she looked towards the big flat screen hanging just above the stage. What she saw next wasn't exactly what either she, or the other representatives had in mind.

The first image showed what looked like a child with thick white hair and a beard(?) shooting an older woman through the chest as the announcer spoke. "He once killed his own mother. Because she forgot to cut the crust off his PB&J sandwich.. And to watch her die..."

"Wait a minute… This isn't the message from the Capitol!" Effie stated. "Find out what's going on..." She points at two peacekeepers.

The fake message continues to play. "His only Facebook friend was Mel Gibson..." A picture of not!Game God Alpha was shown with him standing next to Mel Gibson. It was clear to see that it was photo-shopped...badly.

Next image shows not!Game God Alpha typing away on his laptop. "He has an online blog, that gives away the ending of movies, without ever using the disclaimer; Spoiler Alert."

"He is… The most terrible man in the universe."

Then an image showing not!Game God Alpha sitting at a ritzy restaurant table, holding a beer bottle, and surrounded by attractive young women. On the table were several glasses of beer. "I don't always like beer..." He said. "...But when I want one...I choose Dres Eqquis..."He takes a sip and spits the beer out. "..BLUGH! Tastes like piss water!" He throws the bottle away, only for it to hit one of the women square in the head shattering the bottle, and knocking her unconscious.

Then the image changed to show the face of not!Game God Alpha against an orange background as he begun his… speech.

"… Every year, I make you watch this video, because...well you're dumb. People forget how in the past, shit really hit the fan." An image of… Honey Boo Boo…? Is shown as an example.

"Corporations got too big, and people soon lost trust." An image of several corporate logos are shown. The crowd boos.

"You staged sit-ins, and rioted. And elected Lady Gaga as president. And her running mate Niki Minag" An image of both individuals, wearing their most garish outfits are shown. "That's why we wear those kooky clothes now. And have bizarre hairdos now… Not to mention… All this led up to a minor demon infestation, and we had to call in the exterminators to clean up the mess."

"Really..." Effie thought as she looked at the video. "...Who wrote this? A ten year old…?" She just face-palms in exasperated dismay at the sheer nonsense played out on the screen...

Not!Game God Alpha continued his gag speech. "Then I took over and separated the worlds into districts so that stupid shit… and a demon invasion never happened again." Then an image was shown of a bunch of crazy teenagers pulling a prank on an unsuspecting passerby.. Before they all suddenly got incinerated by a D&D beholder.

"...Proving that democracy doesn't work, I'm here in my five hundred and first self proclaimed term as your game god alpha to insure that all free will is expunged. Never to rear its ugly head again." While not!Game God Alpha was saying that, a pair of devil horns grew from his forehead and his eyes turned red. And when he finished his sentence, he...lets out a deep evil laugh as a crudely drawn unicorn pranced behind him… and ended up getting skewered on a pitchfork. And he breathes fire.. All of which was crudely done using MS Paint. The crowd boos.

"Yes...That brings us to today. Just to prove what a sick sadistic prick I am, and how you have no control… And, admittedly, after watching the Running Man and the Japanese cult-hit, Battle Royale, I came up with the Starving Games."

A poorly acted Cornucopia bloodbath scene is then shown. "...Where two kids from each district play a game to the death with only one survivor."

"The winner is to be showered with a bounty… Including an old ham..." Which not!Game God Alpha shows. "This coupon for Subway… "He shows a coupon. "Buy a foot-long for a six inch price." Then he takes a bite out of a pickle. "A partially eaten pickle." The crowd looks excited at those...prizes.. Well, this is Selzberg after all.

"So happy Starving Games...and may the odds be never in your favor." Not!Game God Alpha alpha finishes his speech.

The screen changes to a picture of not!Game God Alpha done in multiple. "A president Snowballs production." was heard in a distorted voice.

"Did you find anything…?" Effie asks one of the peacekeepers.

"We're still looking..." The peacekeeper replied. "It might take us a couple of hours to.."

"A couple of… Oh, screw this..." Effie retorted. "We're continuing the reaping!" She declared. "The sooner we're done, the sooner we're outta here." Shaking her head over the childish prank that was supposed to be the speech, Effie walks back to the two bowls and the microphone. "Now let the reaping begin… Starting with the girls..."

Effie reach into the girls bowl and pulls out a name. "… Hugh Janus." She said, apparently not realizing that the bowls were sabotaged by childish pranksters…. REALLY childish pranksters.. The crowd starts to laugh. "… Oh no! Don't tell me they pranked the bowls… No…? Alright...pick again… aheh heh..."

She reaches in again, and pulls up another name. "...Phil Mahooters..." The crowd guffaws at that one. "… Please, Phil Mahooters!" Effie calls out eliciting even more laughs from the (mentally) immature crowd of applicants. "… Wait a second...Phil Mahooters… Fill my hooters.. I don't believe this. I'm obviously dealing with five year olds. Why me…?"

Starting to show disappointment, Effie reaches in again. "… Third time's the charm, I hope..." She thought as she pulls out another name… No such luck. "Dean Gulberry!" She called out. The laughs get even more raucous as Effie… "Everyone look around! Check behind you for a Dean Gulberry…."

The laughs and giggles get even louder and one of the applicants somehow managed to sneak in a light pen and was even using it to tease Effie by shining it in the face. It was getting ridiculous until…

"...Lady Trinket!" One of the peacekeepers, with his helmet off, showing his red hair, interrupted.

"What is it…?" Effie asked..." Lieutenant Spartacus is it…?"

"Those bowls have been replaced with ones with...fake names..." Spartacus answered. "We found the real ones… And the ones that swapped them..." He signals and a group of peacekeepers march up on the stage carrying the bowls with the real names… and a group of college age young adults in handcuffs. "Not to mention they even admitted to replacing the speech video with that president Snowballs film."

"Really..." Effie glares at the frat-boys. "That was a very… Stupid thing to do… How dare you…?"

"Do you want us to shoot them…?" Spartacus asks.

"That would be too easy..." Effie replied. "Take them away… and make sure to give them a good thorough beating… preferably one where they'll need a dentist, a chiropractor and a proctologist once you're done with those punks..." She ordered.

"With pleasure, lady Trinket..." Spartacus grins as he cracked his knuckles. The pranksters were all dragged away, kicking and screaming that they were just carrying on with them. "Nobody… carries on with the servants of the gods, punk!" Spartacus reminded as the marched out of sight.

Effie turns her attention back to the still giggling applicants. "...This is being televised around the universe!" She stated. "You won't be laughing when two of you are picked and thrown into the arena for your almost certain death!" It was clear that she had just about enough of their childish crap.

The applicants quickly stopped giggling.

"Ah that's better..." Effie smiled. "...Now where where we…? Oh, yes...the girls… They'd better be real this time." She reaches in, pulls out a name, and unfolds the paper. "...Petunia Evershot." She calls out.

Suddenly, everyone looks towards a brunette sporting a braid and wearing a blue dress as the flying cameras closed in on her. Suddenly she starts...celebrating? "WOOHOOO! Yes...YES! I didn't get picked!" Guess she wasn't Petunia. "WOOHOOO! OOOOH YEEEAAAHHH!" She dances around and even… Jumps into a peacekeeper's embrace? Then she starts singing. "I didn't get picked! I'm eighteen now! No more games fore me! Now unch unch SUCK IT!" And does a Degeneration X crotch-chop. "Whooo! Good bye! Give it to me!" And she...chest-bumps a couple of the peacekeepers.

As she eventually stops to catch her breath, she looks at the younger girl with blonde hair done up in twin braids and smiles at her. "But I got picked." The blonde girl sobbed, an expression of despair on her twelve year old face. Guess the blonde's Petunia.

A moment of silence passes before "Petunia, I'm so sorry..." The girl in blue replies. Petunia just gives her the puppy-dog eyed expression. "Petunia no. It's not fair. Do not give me those puppy-dog eyes." She pleaded. But petunia just makes her expression even more pitiful.

It was enough to make the girl in blue to finally cave in. She steps into the open walkway. "I VOLUNTEER!" She calls out. "I VOLUNTEER FOR THE STARVING GAMES!"

"Thanks, big sis..." Petunia smiled as the girl in blue was about to be escorted up to the stage. "Oh, And if you never make it back from the games, can I eat your pet hamster?" She pulls up a hamster cage out of nowhere(?).

"What?" Was all the girl in blue could say as she was quickly escorted up to the stage. Petunia licks her lips at the now worried hamster. Seriously… where did that hamster come from?

"Come here..." Effie gestured to the girl in blue, and escorts her up to the microphone. "What's your name?" She asks.

The girl in blue answers into the microphone. "Kantmiss Evershot."

"Really..." Effie replied. "Well, I bet my suit that was your sister, wasn't it?"

"Yes..." Kantmiss replied.

"And how did she manage to smuggle in a whole hamster cage…?" Effie asks. Kantmiss just shrugs. "Anyway never-mind that..." She heads over to the boys bowl. "...Now lets pick a boy to join you in the games..." She reaches into the boys bowl and was about to pull out a name when…

"I VOLUNTEER ALSO!" Came a shout from the boys section.

"Who said that?" Effie asks looking out into the crowd.

Then this skinny, average looking kid with short brown hair steps into the main walkway. "I did..." He declared. "Peter Malarkey." He wastes no time getting up onto the stage and stood next to Kantmiss.

"Hey, Kantmiss..." Peter said. "I volunteered because… I like you. A lot. And..."

"Um...I'm sorry. Do I know you?" Kantmiss interrupts.

"Um… I'm a baker's son..." Peter replied. "… I once fed you when you were hungry."

"Oh right..." Kantmiss remembers. "...You gave me that walnut bread."

"Yeah..."

"Yeah..." Kantmiss continues. "I have a severe nut allergy and I almost died."

"Let's hear it for our contestants." Effie joyfully clapped her hands. Kantmiss solemnly… flips the bird, Followed by the crowd of applicants. Peter just sillily waves and grins.

"And don't forget to tune into the Hunger Games after the season finale of Downton Abbey." Effie announced.

"Can't we say our goodbyes?" Kantmiss asked.

"Of course, dear." Effie answered. "You got three minutes."

Petunia, accompanied by their catatonic mother and one of the male applicants, runs up and hugs Kantmiss. "Don't worry, Petunia. You're in good hands with mom." Not so sure about that, however.

Kantmiss then hugs the male applicant. "What's up with that Peter dude?" He asks.

"What, dale?"

"Well, he's a total dork, right?" Dale replied. "Ow, what's heating your benches?" The two talk back and forth until...

...Effie interrupts. "Time's up."

"Dale!" Kantmiss calls out as she and Peter was escorted to the shuttle bus.

"Yeah?"

"Promise me you'll take care of Petunia!" Kantmiss asked.

"I will, Kantmiss!" Dale shouted back. "I promise!" And then walks away. "Later."

Both tributes were loaded on to the shuttle bus. Peter, with a silly grin plastered on his face, continues to wave bye bye to Selzberg.


(Julia's point of view)

I eventually turn off this… moving picture device. A rather interesting blastia when you think about it.

Anyway, I learned the names of my fellow tributes. That boy from District 2 seems to be quite a monstrous brute. Certainty not someone you wish to run into on a dark night.

I must admit that witch from District 5 is rather… how do I put this...foxy.

Watching the District 8 video, All I could say is… Is that what I looked like when I volunteered? I just looked absolutely...silly in that outlandish getup… And the expression on my face… Oh good grief.

The two tributes from District 11 have even darker skin than our own local dark-skins. I didn't think that shade was even possible. Not to mention the boy looks just as monstrous as that District 2 chap.

What concerns me the most, however, was the boy from District 4 and the girl from District 11… both only twelve years old, They will obviously not make it.

And then we have District 12… Well As I probably mentioned earlier, this… Kantmiss girl, Definitely a paler version of Katniss back home. And that boy, Peter… Looks like a… rather wimpier version of that young baker back at Mellum's Bakery. Peeta I believe his name was. Rather strong chap, only sixteen and he could toss a hundred pound sack of flour with one hand. Peter Malarkey, on the other hand, doesn't look like he could lift a ten pound sack… even with both hands. And clearly doesn't realize what he's getting into.

Matter of fact, neither does the rest of us, I fear.

Anyway, It's late. Might as well get some sleep. Tomorrow, I believe we're headed for District 9.


End Part 4

Author's Notes:

I thought it would be interesting to see how my OC would react to seeing a television set for the first time. Among other things.

I probably mentioned earlier that I am also referencing the Starving Games(2013) by Seltzer and Friedberg. The district 12 reaping is pretty much taken from that movie.

Next chapter, We leave Terca Lumireis, Visit two more places. And finally, Panem.