Who's ready to read about the tributes from 5 and 6!? Two more Victorious characters will be introduced.
Angela Zimmerman (14) District 5
I am flat on my back in the middle of the small park that District 5 decided to invest in. It serves as a sort of safe haven from the cluttered atmosphere of our power plants. Next to me is my best friend, Cassie. Our families live next to each other, so it works out perfectly. The two of us have been coming here every day for almost a year. Or at least, every day since about the middle of last year's Hunger Games. That was the day her brother died in the arena.
The tributes had been in the arena for about a week, and George seemed to be doing well. He had managed to find an ally, and the two of them worked together to kill two of the Careers. The problem was that they hadn't killed all of them. George and his ally had been looking for food. They didn't notice that one of the Careers was sneaking up behind them. I can only imagine what Cassie was feeling as she watched a knife land in her brother's back. His ally turned around just in time to see the Career dart off in the opposite direction. The boy knelt down to George, who had collapsed on the ground. It was obvious that he didn't have much strength left.
The minute George's cannon sounded, I jumped up and ran to the nearest window. Sure enough, Cassie came bursting out of her front door, accompanied by worried looks from her parents. I noticed that she was heading in the direction of the park, so I decided to follow her. We've been coming here ever since.
I look over at her, and I can see that she's thinking about that day, too. It's understandable, considering that we're about to head to the reaping for the 100th Annual Hunger Games.
"Hey. Don't worry," I say reassuringly. "We'll be just fine."
"Yeah? Well, that's what my brother said to me when I visited him after the reaping last year," she says, tearing up. "So, how can you be so sure?"
"I guess I can't."
I sigh. There's just no consoling her. Although, I guess I shouldn't blame her. Losing a sibling would make me pessimistic, too. Despite this new outlook on life, I love Cassie like she's my sister. Speaking of which, I hear my actual little sister, Pam, running in our direction.
"Come on, guys. It's time!" she informs us before scampering off to the square. She seems unusually calm for her first reaping. She has sufficient reason to be confident, though. When you're only 12, the odds are usually in your favor.
"Looks like we're about to find out," I say as I stand up and extend a hand to Cassie.
As the two of us walk to the reaping, we are silent. My friend has proven resistant to my attempts at comforting her. When we arrive, we each sign in, and proceed to join the other 14 year-olds. I try to give Cassie a smile, but she is simply too nervous. I search for my sister instead. Pamela waves at me from her spot in the group of 12 year-olds, and I wave back. I turn back to the stage just as the reaping is beginning.
It begins with the activities that usually lead up to the selection. As our escort takes center stage following out mayor's speech, I take Cassie's hand in my own. She manages to smile at me, and I know she is grateful.
"And with that, it's time to select our female tribute!" our escort announces once the video is over.
As she walks up to the bowl containing not only my own name, but the names of two of the people I care about most, I close my eyes. I pray that it won't be one of those three names. Apparently, I should have prayed a little bit harder.
The name she reads is Cassandra's.
No! Her parents already lost her brother. They can't lose her, too. I just can't let that happen. Cassie hasn't even moved before I make my decision.
"I volunteer!" I exclaim, and Cassie's horrified look intensifies.
After ripping my hand away from hers, I make my way to the stage. Once there, I am greeted enthusiastically by our escort. It makes me sick.
"What's your name, darling?" she asks.
"Angela Zimmerman," I reply, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
"Well, Angela, that was certainly brave of you to volunteer. Bravo!"
She's right. That was a pretty brave move. I just hope I can remain that brave for the sake of the people I care about.
Andre Harris (17), District 5
I half-heartedly eat the pancakes my mom was generous enough to make for me. It's the day of the reaping for the 100th Annual Hunger Games, and I'm pretty nervous. Every year, I watch mere children fight to the death in that arena. It's scary to think that I could easily be one of them.
After I finish eating, I thank my mom for the breakfast and make my way back up to my bedroom. When, I enter the room, I immediately sit down at my keyboard. It had been a present for my 12th birthday, the first year I was eligible for the games. As I begin to play, I feel calm and relaxed, at least for a little while. Music means everything to me. It's the one thing that keeps me going in this crazy world we live in.
After I finish the song I was working on, I sit on my bed for a while to think. What would I do if I was selected at the reaping in just a few hours? I highly doubt that I could bring myself to kill a person. Even so, I'd have to appear brave and confident to keep my family from worrying. I look at the clock, and see that it's already noon. I decide to go for a walk to clear my head. I inform my parents of this, and head out the door.
I begin to walk alone through the District I call home. District 5 consists of one large power plant that supplies electricity to the capitol, and several smaller power plants that supply electricity to the Districts. Then, of course, there's the residential portion of the District. I think that may just be my favorite part.
As I pass the park, I catch sight of something interesting. I see two girls, and they appear to be talking. They both appear to be upset about something. It probably has to do with the reaping. I watch them for a few minutes, curious. Soon, I notice a younger girl run up to them, and they get up to follow her. Where are they off to in such a hurry?
I get my answer when my parents run up. "Andre, it's time for the reaping."
It's time already? I've been walking for longer than I thought. Well, time to see if I make it through another year. We walk to the reaping together. We remain together until I have to join the other 17 year-olds. I'll admit that I'm not entirely patient as I wait for the reaping to begin. I want to get it over with. For this reason, I am relieved when our mayor takes the stage. His speech is as bland as usual, as is the video that follows.
I sigh when our escort announces that she will be selecting the female tribute. I decide that I won't even pay attention. That's when things get interesting. Our escort reads the name, and one of the 14 year-old girls tenses up. I gasp. I recognize her as one of the girls I saw at the park. Almost immediately, the girl she was with volunteers. Judging by the urgency in her voice, I can tell that they're really close friends. I feel sorry for both of them as she steps onto the stage.
"And now, we will choose a boy," our escort says.
This is it. It's time to hear my fate. I watch as she grabs a slip of paper.
"Andre Harris."
My eyes widen with fear at the sound of my name, but I quickly snap out of it. I try to take the stage with as much dignity as possible. I'll have to be brave if I am going to make it through this.
Angela Zimmerman (14), District 5
"But I don't want you to go!" an indignant Pam exclaims, shaking with tears.
"Pamela, listen to me. I had to volunteer! I didn't want to watch my best friend fight in that arena."
She sniffles, but it appears that she is starting to calm down. I return to my parents' arms, thinking that the worst of this goodbye is over. Boy, was I wrong. That's when Cassie storms in. Her expression is an unsettling combination of sadness and anger.
"Liar!" she screams, smacking my arm. "You said we'd be fine! You said I wouldn't have to lose another person to the Games!"
"I'm sorry!" I say. "Your parents already lost George! I couldn't let them lose you, too!"
"Well, now I might lose you. Did you think about that!?" she retaliates.
"At least my parents would still have Pam! Your parents would be all alone, Cassie. Would you really want that to happen?"
Cassie realizes the truth of my argument, and relents. She wipes the tears from her eyes, and says, "You're right. Besides, we shouldn't be fighting, especially not here." I smile, and she continues. "At least I'll always have this," she says, gesturing to the friendship bracelet on her arm.
"Yeah," I agree, glancing at my own bracelet. I am caught off-guard by my best friend wrapping me in a tight hug.
"Good luck out there, Angie," she says.
"Thanks," I reply, and I return her hug.
After giving final hugs to my parents and sister, I say goodbye to my loved ones for what may very well be the last time. I tried to appear brave for Cassie, but deep down, I am worried that I may come to regret my decision. For now, though, I am confident that I did the right thing.
Andre Harris (17), District 5
I wait patiently for my family to arrive. While I wait, I try to think of exactly what I should say to them. Should I tell them I'll be okay? That seems like a bit of a lie. One thing is for sure, I can't let them worry about me too much.
A big grin breaks out on my face when my parents enter. I am surprised to see that they are followed by my grandma. She may be crazy, but I love her.
"Grandma!" I exclaim, wrapping her in a hug.
"Hey, Andre!" she says.
My grandma was never quite the same after losing her sister in the Hunger Games when she was younger. At the time, she was 21, and her sister was 17. She had married my grandpa at the young age of 19, and had given birth to my dad shortly before the reaping. After her sister was killed, my grandma sort of lost her mind. My grandpa ended up doing most of the work when it came to raising my dad. I have no idea why my dad felt the need to tell me all of this. I guess it just made him feel better about not getting to really know his aunt. Anyway, my grandpa died a few years ago.
After I finish greeting my grandma, I turn to my parents. They look worried for me. I wish I could make them feel better, but I don't really know how.
"I wish you guys didn't have to worry so much. All I can say is that I'll do my best," I say.
My mom wipes a tear from her eye. "We know you will. And listen, the best strategy is to try to make some allies. They'll help you in the arena."
"And don't forget about the essential. Starvation, dehydration, and cold can kill just as easily as any weapon," my dad adds.
"Got it," I reply.
When a Peacekeeper informs us that visiting time is over, I give up. I allow myself a few tears as I say my final goodbyes to my family. Once they leave, however, I wipe them away. In the arena, I'll have to maintain my mask of bravery. It's the only way to ensure that they won't worry.
Jasmine Leek (14), District 6
I sit next to my boyfriend, Jason, on the trolley that is taking us to the reaping for the 100th Annual Hunger Games. Speaking of anniversaries, we just celebrated the first anniversary of the day we started dating. Jason is pretty much the only reason I'll be able to make it through this. He gives me strength, and I am so glad to have him. It amazes me to think that we might not even be together if it weren't for a mutual friend of ours, Beck Oliver.
It all started two years ago. Jason and I had been friends since we were 5, and it is still the best friendship I've ever had. However, things started to change when we turned 12. That's the year I started to notice how attractive Jason is. I found myself staring at him for minutes at a time. He must have thought I was a freak, and that bothered me more than it should have. It was at that point that I realized I had a huge crush on him. I've always been a little shy, so I chose to do nothing about it. One day, a group of 15 year-olds decided to pick on us, and tease us. Amidst the taunting, I couldn't help noticing that one of the boys wasn't joining in. He asked the other kids to stop, and, sure enough, they listened to him. The boy stepped forward, and introduced himself as Beck.
Beck has been like an older brother to me ever since. I do have two siblings of my own. I have an older sister named Ashlynn, and a younger brother named Preston. Even so, older sisters aren't as protective as older brothers. After we met Beck, things continued as normal for a year. That's when Beck noticed my crush on Jason. He must have decided that we'd make a cute couple because he started giving me advice. He told me what boys like in a girl, and what I should say. I finally got the courage to try his suggestions, and was pleased to find out that Jason liked me, too. He kissed me, and we've been dating ever since. That brings the story to where we are right now.
Jason, perhaps realizing that I'm lost in thought, asks, "Are you nervous?"
I snap back to attention. "It's the Hunger Games. I'm pretty sure every kid in our District between the ages of 12 and 18 is nervous," I reply.
"Right," he says with a laugh. "Anyway, looks like we're here."
He's right. The trolley slows to a stop, and we hop off to get in line.
Soon enough, Jason and I stand with the other 14 year-olds, waiting for the reaping to begin. The nervous tension in my body increases when our mayor steps onto the stage. His speech and the video that follows do nothing to reassure me, since they talk about the importance of the Hunger Games to the Capitol. I use this time to find my brother and sister. I see Ashlynn with the 18 year-olds, as expected. I turn in the opposite direction, and see Preston with the 12 year-olds. He seems more nervous than I am, as this is his first reaping.
By the time I finish locating my siblings, our escort is ready to make the selection.
"As always, we shall start by selecting our female tribute," she announces.
She makes a show of reaching into the bowl.
"And the lucky girl is," she begins as she unfolds the slip of paper, "Jasmine Leek."
Jason turns to me, wide-eyed. I have to force my feet to move in the direction of the stage. Once I finally reach my destination, I am greeted by our escort. I wonder if she can sense how terrified I am. Now, all I can do is hope that the male tribute isn't Jason or Beck.
Beck Oliver (17), District 6
I can't believe I missed the first trolley to the reaping! I couldn't fall asleep last night because I was so nervous. When my mom finally shook me awake, it was noon. By the time I had ate and got dressed, it was already 1:30. Jasmine and Jason are probably on their way by now. Luckily, I was able to catch the second trolley.
As I ride, all my thoughts are about the reaping. My own fate is at the forefront of my mind, of course. I also think about Jasmine and Jason. They're sweet kids, and I sure hope they make it through another year. They make a really cute couple. It's not every day that I protect kids so much younger than me, but it always feels good to do something nice. One thing you should know about me is that I'm fiercely loyal to the people I care about. To my relief, one person I don't have to worry about is my older brother, Drake. He's 20 now, so he is no longer eligible for the reaping.
The trolley jerks to a stop, and I exit with the other passengers. After signing in, I join the other 17 year-olds. I see some of the guys I used to hang out with, but ignore them. Instead, I search for Jasmine and Jason. I easily spot them in the group of 14 year-olds. Satisfied, I turn back to the stage and wait for the reaping to begin.
The beginning of the reaping is as dull as any other. I'm more focus on wondering who the tributes will be. Finally, our escort announces that she is ready to select a girl. She quickly grabs one of the slips of paper from the glass bowl. I cringe when she reads the name.
"Jasmine Leek."
This is awful! I watch as she sheepishly makes her way to the stage. I can only imagine how Jason must be feeling right now. It would crush him if she died. That's all I can think about as our escort greets Jasmine. Once this is done, she announces that she will now select the male tribute. One good thing that can be said about her is that she certainly doesn't waste time. After selecting a name, she casually reclaims her place at the microphone.
"Beck Oliver."
This can't be happening! I can't go into the arena with Jasmine! Swallowing hard, I walk towards the stage. I soon find myself standing next to Jasmine.
"Alright. Now, shake hands you two," our escort requests.
Jasmine and I exchange nervous glances as we extend our hands to each other. I can tell that she is just as upset by this as I am.
"Okay, District 6, let's hear a round of applause for your tributes. I'm sure you'll all be rooting for Jasmine Leek and Beck Oliver," our escort says to the audience.
I frustrates me that there is nothing I can do about this. All I can do is put on a mask of bravery for Jason. I have to let him know that his girlfriend will be safe, even though she won't.
Jasmine Leek (14), District 6
I sit in the room I was shown into. As I wait for my family to arrive, I am focusing on the weeks to come. How am I supposed to compete against Beck in the Hunger Games? How can I kill a guy who is like a brother to me, and is the reason I got the courage to tell my boyfriend I like him? It sure won't be easy. That's a guarantee.
My siblings arrive first. Our parents arrive a minute later. I collapse into Ashlynn's arms.
"What happens if Beck and I are the final two? What am I supposed to do then?" I ask her.
"It'll be okay, sis. Just be glad it isn't Jason," she reassures me.
That statement is true enough. As hard as it will be to go into the arena with Beck, going in with Jason would be even harder. I would probably just kill myself to get it over with. That's when something dawns on me.
"Wait a minute. Where is Jason?" I wonder, wiping away the tears that have begun to escape.
"I don't know, sweetie. He wasn't behind us," my dad informs me.
"Doesn't he want to say goodbye to me? I thought for sure that he'd come here," I say, growing worried.
"I'm sure it's not as bad as you think, honey. He may not be here, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care about you. On the contrary, he probably thought it would worry you to see how upset he is, or maybe he just couldn't bring himself to say goodbye to you," my mom says.
I nod in agreement, and walk over to hug both of my parents. The next few minutes consist of hugging and crying. There are words of encouragement as well. After I reassure Preston once more that I will be okay, it is time for them to leave. I wave as I watch my family walk out the door.
My mom was right. I'm sure Jason has a very good reason for not coming to say goodbye to me. Besides, getting mad at him would be the worst possible thing I could do right now. Still, I can't help but wonder where he is.
Beck Oliver (17), District 6
"Why can't you just form an alliance with her?" Drake asks me.
"It's a nice thought, but it would make things that much harder if we end up as the final two. I'd be betraying her in more ways than one," I explain, trying to keep my cool.
"I see your point," my brother admits. "Well, good luck to you, kid."
"Thanks. I'm going to need it," I say, tearing up.
It's funny. I don't normally let anyone see me cry. I try to appear brave and tough.
"It'll be okay. You'll figure something out," Mom says, rubbing my back.
"She's right," my dad adds. "Besides, it's not your fault. There's nothing you could have done, and I'm sure you friends know that."
I smile appreciatively at my family. They always know just what to say. As I am hugging them all once more, I'm surprised to see Jason walk in. His expression appears serious.
"Beck, I need you to promise me something," he says.
"If you want me to promise that Jasmine will win, I'm afraid I can't. I wish I could," I tell him, shrugging my shoulders.
"I know," he replies. "I just want you to promise me you'll keep her safe, at least for a while."
"I'll try my best, man," I assure him, putting my hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sure you will," he says, repeating the gesture. "I trust you."
Then, he takes a step back. If it's possible, I'd say his expression becomes even more serious.
"Just know this. If you kill my girlfriend, or she dies on your watch, I will never forgive you for it."
With that, Jason exits the room. Perhaps sensing that there is no more to say, my parents leave as well. The time for visiting was up, anyway. As I watch them leave, the full reality of my situation hits me. I am about to compete in the 100th Annual Hunger Games, and one of my opponents is a girl who I know I won't be able to kill.
Finally! Another chapter is complete. Sorry this took so long. I said I would update sooner, and it's been over two weeks. My summer class eats up most of my time. Even my weekends are busy! On top of that, I have a bit of a procrastination problem. Anyway, I hope everyone had a great 4th of July yesterday! I would tell you I'll try to be quicker with the next chapter, but we all know how that turned out. So until next time my lovely readers! Please review!
Shout-Outs!
knd number 7- I forgot to thank you last chapter! Well, a late thank you is better than no thank you. I still really want to say thanks for favoriting and following, as well as all those private messages you exchanged with me. Now, I have an idea to turn to if I ever get writers block.
nevergoneforever- Thanks so much for favoriting and following! I'd especially like to thank you for giving this story its first review! If only my silent readers would follow in your much appreciated footsteps (Hint! Hint!)