A/N: Wow. I've completely destroyed the whole updating schedule.

It's mostly because I have time this week; next week will be full of projects and tests… so here we go. Since these are reapings, I'll try to lash out as many as I can in a given time, maybe one or a couple more will be posted this week. I want to get them out as quickly as possible while having decent writing and giving you enough information to remember a couple of tributes (I'm having this issue).

I'll have a quick shout-out to Call Me Fin and Flyere for their new SYOTs! Go check them out!

For once, I don't have any notices for you, so please welcome District Two, Masonry! Representing the stone district will be Graecus Kwan and Minet Nikelle from seventhquill907 and Elim9.


Graecus Kwan

District Two's Training Centre

May 14th, 10:02 P.M. Six days, eleven hours, fifty-eight minutes until the Reapings.

Ding. Ding. Ding. The metallic clang of Graecus' knives embedding themselves into the steel targets rang gloriously for himself and the judges to hear. Glancing at them, he noticed several with light grins and glowing eyes of approval.

He knew what this meant. That finally, after all the years of training, he could win the Hunger Games. It was unofficial, both his victory and his selection, but the two seemed impossible to go any way but his.

"You may go, Mr. Kwan," one judge, who specifically refused to look him in the eye, said nonchalantly.

With a quiet nod, Graecus stepped out of the training room, which thriving students were told greatly resembles the Training Center in the Capitol when he heard quick footsteps thumping behind him.

Graecus swiveled around to catch sight of a Peacekeeper, dressed in the usual white uniform. However the guard's outfit wasn't what intrigued him. It was the note in his hands. Rarely did Peacekeepers serve as mailmen.

The man panted heavily before commenting, "Kwan. You're requested at the hospital." Confused, Graecus took the note. It didn't say anything the guard hadn't told him. In simple, black letters were his full name and a request to see the head doctor. He was feeling fine; why would they need him?

"Uh thanks," Graecus replied in a careful voice before trotting off. Hurriedly, his walk became a jog, and his jog became a sprint. Something about the look in the guard's eye spread doubt through his mind. Is Jace okay? Is this about Mom? She said she was fine…

Graecus arrived at the glowing, white hospital in approximately three minutes and thirty seven seconds, about the same speed as a bike is expected to travel the mile and a quarter distance.

Against his beliefs, both his mother and his younger sister, Jace, were seated and fine. When he made eye contact with his mother, he could easily identify the variety of emotions swamping her mind. Confusion and anxiety were predominant, though hints of anger and annoyance could be identified off of her face. Damn Career courses taught everything…

"Gray," his mother began, her voice rough and displeased, "we need to talk." His mother calmly walked down a hallway; her heels clicking behind her. Graecus nervously ran a hand down his blonde locks before stealing a side-glance from Jace; she visibly shared the feelings he felt. Fear, worry. It was likely she didn't even know.

He eventually caught up to his angry mother, turning a corner to be met with a sturdy hand slapping him viciously, causing stars to spot in his vision. His mother may be old, but she sure wasn't weak.

"Graecus Arbin Kwan. How dare you? How dare you do this to me?" his mother quipped with a nasty sneer across her face.

"Mom, mom. I have no idea what you're talking about," he responded sincerely.

"That damned girl you've been messing with. What's her name? Calypso? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what? I didn't do anything! Yeah, I've messed with her, what's your point?" he snarled back. At this, his mother grabbed him by the collar and slapped him again. Even though he towered a good half a foot over her, his mom would always have full authority over him.

"Do not speak to me like that, young man. You very well know what you did, stop lying. I can't go home and rest for one hour before your stupid girlfriend calls me up saying 'My presence was needed.' If I'd known what you'd done, I would've just hung up! But no, you had to drag me out here with your ignorance of telling me. You bring dishonor to me. You are a disgrace," she finished, sneering.

"Mom, I have no idea what you're talking about. I haven't talked to Calypso in like, a year. What the hell did she want so badly?" Graecus responded with his arms flailing in the air like a child.

"Foolish boy, you really don't know, do you?" Quickly, Graecus shook his head. "Great. Dishonorable and stupid," she said, pinching her bridge, "Graecus, Calypso's pregnant."

Graecus, in fear and anger, remained silent.


Graecus Kwan

District Two, Kwan Household

May 22nd, 9:14 A.M. 46 minutes before the Reapings.

He still couldn't believe it. The girl he'd screwed months ago was pregnant for nine months and decided against telling him. When he'd confronted her, the dunce claimed she hadn't known herself. What kind of woman doesn't account for a huge belly and missing monthlies for three quarters of year?

In his dark, red dress shirt, and black tie, Graecus fiddled with his watch, originally from his father, as thoughts of the devilish girl continued to flow. It didn't take a genius to know why she'd done it. She wanted attention. Calypso, born in a big family with a Victor as a sibling, had always been overlooked, so in return, the crazed girl decided to get pregnant. Willingly. Knowing how crazy she was, Graecus began to wonder how much he'd had to drink that night…

"Stop thinking about it. You can't change your stupid actions," his mother spat. He looked up at his mother, who'd only become slightly less explosive for a period of time when they'd received the news of Graecus's success in the selection. He'd been selected to win the Games.

Of course, when she'd realized she'd be responsible for Arisson, his newborn boy, in his absence, she'd gone nuts for the second, third time this week. The woman couldn't stop yelling about how stupid he was.

"Graecus, are you even listening?" she screeched, with her hands behind her and her eyes demonized. "My Lord, what kind of mishap are you?" She threw her hands down and let out a grunt of anger.

Jace quietly descended the stair; his mother's gaze softening at Jace. Though their mother was nowhere near nice even to Jace, she wasn't at insane as she was when he was involved.

"Let's go, kids. I don't need any more stress. We need to get to the reapings. If we're lucky, the Nikelle girl won't volunteer just like the District One selection, and Calypso'll get reaped. That'd be grand," she muttered.

Only silence remained as the Kwans left for the Reaping.


Minet Nikelle

District Two Training Center

May 11th, 4:15 P.M. Ten days, seventeen hours, forty five minutes until the Reapings.

"Trainees," the judge called, "as you know, there are many of you who thrive to bring our district the honor and glory it deserves. While all of the selection and coaching staff greatly appreciate your efforts, we can send only the brightest, most cunning tributes to the Arena."

A thick silence continued after the judge ceased to speak. All around her, tributes of all ages, sizes, and age sat tersely, anxiously awaiting the training results.

Sadly for the girls, Minet would be chosen. She knew it. She'd perfected her intelligence and mentality tests long before the others had, and her physical finesse was undeniable. The only test she'd had trouble with was the appeal test. Though she was deadly and bloodthirsty, the glowing image of a Career, she wasn't the prettiest to look at with her stocky body and short limbs. Not to mention she didn't exceed four feet. Nor did she reach it.

To Minet, her size never stopped her from becoming the best. Even though there were girls nearly twice her size, she had never lost a match in the Training Center. The selection committee must've understood the skills and intelligence she possessed. She was sure of it.

"And with that, I'll announce her two ambassadors for the Games," the woman called in a steady voice. The entirety of the trainees inhaled a big breath as her next words came out.

"Representing our boys will be Graecus Kwan, and our girl will be Minet Nikelle."

A howl of excitement rang out from the male section. A tall, handsome boy with blonde hair was the apparent winner. She'd seen him around; his group was among the most successful trainees. Though many of his friends congratulated him full heartedly, many were obviously saddened. For most, this was their last chance. And they hadn't done enough.

Looking around, several girls shot envious glares her way. They didn't affect her. The judge motioned for the two of them to approach as she got a better look at her competition. His hands had scars. Knuckles were obviously used often. She guessed archery. Perhaps knife throwing. His arms had muscles, but their even spacing gave away that they weren't gained by spear throwing. The palms of his hands, though scarred, seemed to be smooth. Sword training wouldn't be likely.

He's a long distance performer. No close combat skills… She would keep that in mind. Minet knew that her skillset would be unknown to those around her. She had purposefully practiced multiple instruments of pain in order to confuse those who read her. Of course, she had a favorite, the rapier. She could wipe out several towns, if districts if she had a rapier in her hands.

The Games? Child's play.


Minet Nikelle

District Two Town Square

May 22nd, 10:13 A.M. Thirteen minutes into the Reapings

The entirety of District Two stood in a dirty puddle. Acidic rain poured down from the black clouds above; so much that District Two's drought record was wiped off the map. Minet stole a quick glance at her brother, who no longer stood one age group in front of her, but far behind, with eased parents and young children.

In the past year, Anders had been thought to be a shoe-in for the selection committee. But when Klimp Neville was selected, Minet had her doubts. Anders was a class above the rest when it came to fighting. Unlike her, he towered above his competition, with a bulk of a god. His blonde locks and deep brown eyes made so many girls fawn over him, Minet was pretty sure they didn't share the same gene pool. He was everything the selection committee looked for in a tribute. There could only be one thing keeping him from the Games. Himself.

Minet had taken note of years past, when he'd been taken note of by the committee. Every time he saw one staring right back at him, he would miss. Badly. Consecutively, he would drive the attention away from him, and onto another trainee. Anders' failure wasn't due to his lack of skill or talent. It was because he failed to remain safe.

As much as she cared for her brother, Minet couldn't help but be disgusted. Anders had a chance of proving himself to the other brats around the District. On several occasions, Minet had wondered if she was the only one who needed to prove herself… but she had always shooed the thought away. She wasn't the self-pitying type.

Looking at her brother, who was encased on either side by their parents, she caught a hint of a grin on his light lips. He gave her a thumbs up, but she saw right through him, as she was trained her whole to do. His eyes gave it away. They weren't their usual warm shade; instead, a darker, blacker tint of brown stared into her own.

Despicable. Her own blood was doubting her. Anders had never been like this. He'd always supported her. Perhaps there was a reason he was being concerned… Nevertheless, she had a Games to win. His doubt wouldn't spread to her. She wouldn't allow it.

She escaped her thought when a pudgy girl next to her nudged her with her overly large elbow. Normally, the imbecile would've hit someone in the chest, but as a shorter person, the monstrous bone nailed Minet in the nose.

"Crap! I'm sorry," the buffoon squealed. Minet glared at her, tasting the metallic tang on her lips. Her sharp, dagger-like teeth had sunken into her lips. Thick, coppery blood left her mouth in coughs; her nose had its own steady stream of red ink spilling downwards.

"You little… forget it! I'm not going to bother," Minet swallowed. Against her better judgment, she walked away from a fight she could easily win. She never doubted herself, but she'd seen the District One Reapings. It was pretty obvious by the amount of times cameras swarmed two, beaten-up kids that they were supposed to volunteer.

It wasn't uncommon for Career Districts to give the Capitol a heads-up.

However, when the names were called, both remained silent. Due to injury, of course. But Minet wouldn't allow herself to be taken out of the Games by an obese gorilla.

If that… thing could do so much damage on you, imagine really being hit. Maybe Anders had the right idea… It was no use now. If a Career who was chosen refused to volunteer… there were consequences. Consequences that included being hated and being shunned by your district. Consequences that included your family receiving the same treatment. Consequences that caused disappearances. Deaths.

So no matter her odds, Minet was going in. She shushed the little wimp in her and stood tall. She wasn't backing down now.

Finally, the Capitol man accepted that he'd get wet. The mayor had made his speech aches ago, but this man had refused to stand up until the clouds dissipated. The escort, Narus or something along those lines, was a birdlike… thing. He had crow wings and a colorful head of hair, perhaps to resemble a parrot. His voice, even, had been transformed to occasionally scaw! That couldn't pleasant to sleep with.

"Alright District Two! Let me hear you!" Much to Minet's dismay, the majority of the crows actually screamed and yelled. She just lost about half the respect for her district.

"That's how I like it! We have some… weather problems here, but that's not gonna stop us, is it?" The crowd roared again. "I'm not sure I heard Scaw! you. The crowd responded louder, though Minet couldn't decide if it was because they were screaming louder or cracking up at this guy. Maybe a bit of both.

"That's better! Let's get us some rockin' tributes!" he yelled for the last time. He sauntered, waddled might be a better description, to the large, now dampened glass bowl. Many strips of paper were wet and unreadable. Not that it mattered, or anything.

The man's hand plunged in the bowl, and grabbed a strip deep in the bottom.

"Kiara Love!"

A strong-looking seventeen year old strolled to the podium, but she should've known better.

"I volunteer!" Minet cried out. Some adults and other trainees groaned, sure that Minet wasn't the vicious fighter they were promised. Even the escort lost his composure for a bit. Without a care in the world, Minet sassily walked up to the podium and bluntly stated her name. The escort, slightly stunned, walked to the boys' bowl.


Graecus Kwan

District Two Town Hall

May 22nd, 10:25 A.M. Twenty-five minutes into the Reaping.

Graecus sighed profoundly. The girl he'd met in the Training Center wasn't an illusion. The little thing really had been picked. He glared at her, then Calypso. He couldn't decide who he hated more. In the arms of Jace behind him was the little creation with his blonde hair. Arisson.

He still hadn't decided where he was with the kid. Sure, he was his, but it's not like he meant to… make him. He had just been drunk.

Honestly, he wouldn't mind just paying some guy to take on the role for him. Last thing he needed was another life form who either depended on him or hated his guts.

Narus moved from his shock to the transparent bowl in front of him. He appeared to have closed eyes, probably praying for a tribute with a shot at this.

Don't worry, Narus. I've got you.

The bird man yanked out a strip magnificently, and just as his mouth (beak?) opened up to speak, Graecus stepped out.

"I volunteer," Graecus said blankly. Bored was a good look, you know.

Though Narus was usually annoyed with early volunteers, he let Graecus slide. At least this one was normal height.

The crowd visibly eased up as well. Though the trainees had gotten word of the girl's legitimate training and selection, the crowd was still doubtful. At most, the girl was a couple of inches shorter than Jace.

Graecus' luck had just gotten that much better.


A/N: I feel like a sucky person for updating abnormally, but this chapter was technically slated for this Saturday. Since I sent out District One early, I guess it… oh whatever. Free time + Reviews = Earlier updates. Simple math.

Talking about reviews, I did get substantially less. I'm not overly obsessed with the number, but I want to give the crown to a submitter who actually reads, and lets me know. It'd be unfair to let a tribute win, even though their submitter decided to not read for a couple months, or so.

LET'S TALK ABOUT SOMETHING POSITIVE THIS DEPRESSION IS ANNOYING.

Sorry. Had to get that out. These two tributes are… two high contenders with (in my opinion) pretty unique stories. Surprise pregnancy and Dwarfism don't pop up in SYOTs too often.

Let's answer questions! *Crazy Career level yells*

How was the portrayal of these two?

Who do you like more and why?

Do you have some critique for me? (No is a good answer, Yes is a lot better).

If you guys didn't catch on, I'm asking for critique. Please don't huddle in a corner with legitimate advice, fearing for your tribute's safety. Hit me with everything you've got; it's a learning experience.

BIG FAT JUICY NOTICE

I really need a beta reader. As much as I appreciate the lot of you, I'd like to have a non-submitter as a beta. (Bias reasons, yadda yadda yadda)

If any of you wonderful people know an equally wonderful person who will thoroughly go through some chapters with grammatical, mechanical, sentence flow, development, and other advice, PLEASE LEAD ME TO THEM. I'm relatively new here, and I don't really have a buddy ring.

Thanks! Expect an update… Oh, I feel like I'm going to lie to you. Just be ready… they'll come when you least expect it…

-Bobo