Addison POV
I made my choice; I'm going to volunteer for the Games this year. District 5 hasn't had a winner in over 20 years but that doesn't mean that we haven't made it farther year-after-year. Our male tribute from last year placed 2nd in the arena if it wasn't for the poisonous bite he received earlier that morning from the deadly viper. It just goes to show that my district is not as weak as the rest of Panem prefers to think.
Our current district mentor, Alastair Filch, is eying all the teenagers that are standing in our town square. He's possibly one of the oldest mentors for the Quarter Quell this year but his experience could come in handy especially when dealing with deadly weapons and threatening competitors. His facial hair is scruffy and wild but he stands on stage with the authority and poise of an aristocrat; not like someone who grew up in the slums of District 5 that ended up winning the Hunger Games at 17 years old.
I haven't told my aunt and uncle that I've signed up for the Games but they wouldn't understand. I'm not like one of those freaks from District 2 who wants to compete in the Games because they're tough warriors that want to experience the bloodlust and thrill of taking down a tribute. In fact, I want to compete for the complete opposite reasons. If I win then I could get the money for my district that could be used to create all the cures and vaccines for any type of illness to be sent to all the people of Panem. Being in the district, we may not get access to the vaccines but all I care about is that one exists out there just in case.
Alastair's attention is pulled away from the crowd when our escort from The Capitol arrives on stage with a few of the Peacekeepers surrounding her. Mille Pommes is a timid elderly woman with greying hair and an atrocious swamp green dress (and glasses to match) whose been taught by The Capitol to believe that all the districts are ready to attack and revolt against any Capitol citizens. Truthfully, District 5 is one of the nicest districts but she would never understand that; she will never understand me.
Mille pulls a handkerchief from her purse and clears something from her face before she begins her speech. "The Quarter Quell is a time where the districts are to show The Capitol that you can handle any change in life and follow the will of your leader. This year, you children have chosen to volunteer and entered your name to compete in the arena but which incredible young lady and gentleman were selected to fight. As with tradition, I shall start with the ladies. Alastair...the name please."
Alastair reaches into the container which I can only assume to be the girl's jar. Only a few scraps of paper are inside and I can assume that maybe five girls in our entire district submitted their names to compete in the arena. The tension is mounting and in some ways I hope that my name isn't called but we shall see if luck is on my side or not but what do I really want: do be called in or to be saved just in case?
"...Addison Frost!"
I'm pulled back to the square when I realize that Mille has just said my name. Guess the decision was already made for me and I'm competing in the Games. I could back out but I know that my reasons for competing will always outweigh the reasons for backing out and quitting. The cameras turn towards me and I smile to all of Panem and to the entire crowd in the town square of District 5. Not even looking in the direction of my aunt and uncle but I can tell that they must be mixed with both confusion and sadness. When I win the Quarter Quell this year, they'll all understand and they'll all be thanking me. Sometimes you have to do something stupid to benefit everyone; they just don't know it right now.
Sam POV
I've known Addison my entire life but I would never in a million years think of her as the type to sign up to compete in the Hunger Games. I guess it goes to show that you never really truly know someone until they do something crazy like this. Maybe she made the right decision and will come back a winner or she could be in a small wooden box like all the others.
Alastair, Addison and Mille do the small chit-chat and show on stage to give Addison's introduction to all of Panem. She could get some sponsors because she definitely stands out with her sweet face and light blue streaks in her hair but in no way does she have the appearance of a fighter or the killer-instinct. My prediction: first day victim at the bloodbath, sad but true.
The male tributes from District 5 tend to do much better in the arena. Last year's male placed 2nd while the District 5 girl made it to the second night before she was betrayed by her alliance that consisted of the District 8, District 9 and District 12 girls. They took her out when she was sleeping but the Career pack came quickly and returned the favour in some sick joke revolving karma. One thing I learned from her mistake is not to try and sneak food when your alliance is trying to preserve what they can to survive.
Alastair and Mille are prepared to announce the next person to be selected as a tribute. Unlike Addison, I did volunteer but I think people would actually believe that I could stand a chance in the arena. My parents died when I was young and I've learned how to survive ever since. I've provided a living for my little brother and have taken care of him by stealing or finding any means possible so if some bratty or weak tribute does get in my way then I won't have any problem of eliminated them if I meant I can provide for Wesley.
Alastair hands our escort the next name but this time from the male container. Mille always loves to look over the names before she announces the results; something about keeping it more dramatic and the knowing that she won't look like a fool on camera. "Gentlemen, it's now time to reveal which one of you strapping young men will be selected to compete in the Games. May the luck be ever in your favour..."
Wesley's only nine years old so he won't be affected by the reapings for this year. I've prepared my friend Fitz to take care of Wes if me volunteering has paid off. When I come back a winner then we'll move in to the new house and our lives will be changed forever; no more stealing and no more doing unnecessary things just to survive. Nobody needs this victory more than me and I will be me.
"The male tribute of District 5 will be...Samuel Egan!"
The Quarter Quell better watch out because I'm coming back to this district as a winner. I'm perfect at hiding and nobody will be able to see me when I move. The sponsors should keep me at the top of their lists because no other tributes can deliver what I can promise. I can be the silent killer in the arena and that can translate to being a victor.
