A/N: Hey guys! So I just want to note, sometimes when you read through this and you see stupid mistakes like: "I don't why" and it should be: "I don't know why" just try to ignore it and we'll fix it XD.

Little mistakes happen here and there, they're like writing bloopers. But we completely understand if you see like a complete writing fail, and are just dying for it to be fixed. If something like that is the case then yes, please let us know because it can be embarrassing D: xD

So with that said, here's District 7 ;)


Jordia Pine, 17

District 7 Female


I frown when I look in the mirror, running my hand over my smooth head where my hair should be. I quickly slip on the beautiful wig my father bought for me and sigh. The wig makes me look much more attractive. Without it, I don't know if I'd have to confidence to even talk to my family.

I had trouble talking to them when my hair first fell out. I blamed my father then, after all it was his chemical that he was going to use on the Peacekeepers that I confused with shampoo. I grabbed the nearest bottle, rubbed it in my hair and in a few weeks, my hair was gone. And it was because of my father.

But I'm past that now, he got arrested for making weapons against the Peacekeepers, so did my mother purely by association, and I got justice. When they were arrested I was mercifully handed over to my wealthy aunt and uncle, my uncle being the former mayor of my district. Thanks to his wealth, he was able to buy me a beautiful wig to cover up my imperfection. And I regained my confidence once again.

I fuss with the wig like I would my own hair, and pull it up into a beautiful hairstyle. I braid it perfectly and it falls down my back neatly. I smile then apply some make up to bring out my eyes and lips. I sit back and admire myself in the mirror. I look fantastic.

That's my goal. There's a handsome Peacekeeper named Jakob who just got transferred to my district. He will be in the square today to observe the Reaping, and I will be there to make an impression. I've met him before of course. He's seen me out past curfew and didn't have me arrested probably because I was able to manipulate him. It's not very hard considering my stunning looks.

I've not exactly developed an attraction to him, more like he developed one toward me and I'm simply getting on his good side. I've also wanted to transcend the division between Peacekeeper and citizen. My beauty has granted me so many things in the past, so why not this? I need to look my best today when I see him in the square.

I get up from my spot by my vanity and go over to my luxurious walk-in closet. I smile and pick out a beautiful cotton green dress. There's a wonderful white on the bottom and on the sleeves, and it forms a pattern in the front. A silk bow is already tied in the back and I quickly slip it on. There's not a wrinkle or imperfection in sight.

I then move to my shoes and pick out a tall pair of gold colored heels which will certainly catch the eye of anyone who happens to look at me. I strap them on then stand a little unsteadily. Discomfort comes with beauty.

I make a few more adjustments on the wig then walk out of my room and downstairs. I breathe in the fresh air blowing through the windows and sigh. The smell of leaves from the tall trees right outside our house makes me happy. I love the smell of nature.

"Jordia!" my aunt cries when she sees me. "Oh, you look stunning!"

My smile widens and I look down at the dress acting as though it's not anything special.

"Thank you," I reply. "It's nothing that extravagant though."

My uncle laughs and walks into the room.

"Who's the lucky boy you're trying to impress?" he asks with a playful smile.

I give a huff of annoyance. I can never get anything past my uncle no matter how hard I try. It's probably because he's so used to me making such a fuss over myself to impress a boy. I only really do it for the benefits though.

"It's no one, Uncle Rafe," I say with a small laugh. "I just wanted to look nice in case I get chosen to go to the Capitol!"

My aunt's smile doesn't reach her worried eyes and I shrug it off. She gets worried for me every Reaping Day, but she honestly has nothing to worry about. I'd be able to take care of myself in an arena if I were ever chosen.

My uncle simply gives another laugh and starts heading to the door.

"Right, right," he chuckles. "Well, let's get you to the square so you can meet up with whoever you're trying to impress."

I scowl but then smile. I can't really be annoyed with my uncle, he's given me my confidence back and I'm very fortunate to have him and my aunt. I walk to the door and take my uncle's outstretched hand, using him to balance myself on the heels as I walk down the steps onto the gravel. My aunt follows behind me, her hands out slightly in case I fall. But I don't, nor would I.

I've worn heels enough to learn to balance on them. No matter what people think, I'm not some shallow, incompetent girl who can't even walk on heels.

My uncle then lets go of my hand when I reach the bottom of the stairs and smiles.

A group of loggers file out of the dense forest behind our house, carrying axes and logs. I marvel at how strong they must be, they sure look it too. The group passes us and I wrinkle my nose a bit. Even though they look pleasingly strong and beautifully tanned, they're covered in dirt and their faces are smeared with mud.

I look away for a moment, acting disinterested then flip my braid onto my back. A few of the younger men steal a glance at me and I decide to offer them my sweetest smile. Almost all of them smile back except one who looks a little too young to be sporting a beard. That one person quickly turns his head away from me to look forward again, as if nervous to take his attention away from what he's doing. Which is just walking with a piece of wood on his shoulder. How rude of him.

I watch a few Peacekeepers follow them out of the forest and march in formation around the workers. I can't help but wonder if Jakob is one of them. But he's not. I'd know him if I saw him.

I take my mind of the loggers and think ahead to the square, already imagining the faces of the other people there when they see my dress. Imagining Jakob. The thought brings a small smile to my face. Maybe I like him for a little more than the benefits.

He's the real reason I'm dressing up like this. I don't really have many other friends, even though a lot of people pretend to like me. They just know not to get on my bad side, so they do their best to act like a decent friend. I don't put the effort into my appearance to look good for them though.

There's always a bigger prize to be won.


Alastair Brindley, 16

District 7 Male


I swing the axe firmly into the small tree, cutting it clean in half in just two strokes. I catch the tree with one hand before it falls and hurl it into a stack of other wood I've collected for the day. I use my sleeve to wipe the sweat off my brow and lean on my axe, taking a second to catch my breath. The stack of wood is better than what I've collected in the past two days. I'm improving, something I'm always happy to find out.

I pick my axe and move to another tree, ready to continue working, but the Peacekeepers march into the clearing and blow a whistle. I can't help but smile with relief. That whistle means work for the day is over. It's over early I may add, but that's only because of the Reaping.

I grab up my pile of wood and put it on my shoulder, keeping a firm grip on it, and file out of the forest onto the street. We walk quietly back to the warehouse where we bring our wood and receive our pay. None of us have a word to say to each other, all of us too worn out to even speak.

The thing is, I don't have to feel so worn out. I don't really have to work, I just want to. Both of my parents were chosen to go into the Hunger Games, and they both came out alive. My father won the year after the first Quarter Quell, my mother followed in his footsteps two years after. My mother and two others are the only remaining Victors in our district.

They received their yearly money for winning, and with both of them being Victors and married that's quite a lot of cash. But that only lasted for a few years since my father died of a heart attack.

My brother would have contributed to bringing in all that money if he had won the Games he volunteered for. He was too confident, too sure that he would win just because our parents were Victors. But he died within the first two days of the Games, causing heartbreak in our whole family. My mother says that it was this tragedy that killed my father.

Unlike my brother, I know better than to volunteer for the Games and go in like I know I can win. My parents are the ones who won the Games, not me. To be honest, I'm not sure if I'd be able to take another person's life. Especially a young child.

I'm pulled from my focused thoughts when I hear quiet murmuring rippling through the group. I blink and glance over to where they're all looking and sigh. An attractive looking girl with beautiful cocoa skin is giving our group a charming smile. The other workers smile back dreamily, they're practically drooling over her. I roll my eyes and look ahead.

I only have one girl in mind, and it's not this stranger. It's my good friend Majesty. I've never told her that I've felt anything special for her of course, I don't think it'd go anywhere. Some people are just closer by simply having a good, solid friendship.

The Peacekeepers then create a formation around us, making sure we don't go anywhere with the wood I guess. I hear muttering of disappointment as the Peacekeepers block the view of the ridiculously flirtatious girl. I keep my mind focused on where were going and what I'm doing after.

We walk all the way to the warehouse, practically panting in the harsh heat of the sun. We get in line to drop our wood off in the boxes that will be sent to the factories to be chopped up.

I dump my load into one of the large boxes and lean my axe against the warehouse in line with the others. I'm now free to go home, take a cold shower and get ready for the Reaping. I walk back to my house, stretching my sore muscles and walk through the door. I'm met almost immediately by my younger sister, Alice.

"Alastair's back!" she grins happily and hugs me.

She quickly pulls away from me though, and makes a face.

"Ugh you're all dirty!" she teases, brushing the loose dirt off her dress.

I laugh and shove her gently into one of the tables. She scowls but then grins and follows me as I walk into our kitchen. My mother is cooking something that smiles delightful and I sit down at the table with a tired sigh.

"Hi mom," I say quietly, running my gloved hand through my hair.

My mother smiles and glances back at me then walks over and sets a sandwich down in front of me. She sits down across from me and helps my little sister into her chair then leans back calmly.

"Hurry up and eat that so you can get to the square in time." she says. "You don't want to have the Peacekeepers come to our door like last year when you were late."

I nod and quickly down the sandwich. Last year I was just walking out the door after realizing I was going to be late, only to be met by a Peacekeeper. Luckily, the Peacekeeper wasn't that angry or anything, and certainly wasn't violent, he was just told to come get me and escort me to the square. I think they thought I was trying to skip out of the Reaping.

Once I finish my sandwich I push my chair back and hurry to my room, messing up Alice's hair as I pass her. She gives a protest but I ignore it and go into the bathroom.

I take a quick cold shower then put on my Reaping clothes, a simple dress shirt and dress pants. I sit on my bed, lace up my boots and stand stiffly. I wish today wasn't Reaping Day so I could just stay in bed and sleep all day like I normally do after a long morning's work.

I walk out of my room and glance at the clock. I'm just in time. My mother and sister wait by the door for me and we all head out together. I glance down at Alice as we walk to the square. She only has two more years until her first Reaping and I can't help but wonder if she'll be like my brother. The thought of her volunteering for the Games just to get killed in the Bloodbath makes my stomach start to hurt.

But I shake the thought. If I can set an example and not go into the Games like the rest of my family, maybe she won't feel the need to volunteer when she's older.

We get to the square and watch as my mother and sister pass through the gates and into the square. Alice looks away when the Peacekeeper pricks my finger to sign me in. She never really was a fan of blood, and neither am I. The Peacekeeper nods and waves to me to go in so he can keep the line moving.

I smile at Alice when she sees that I'm okay after getting signed in and we keep moving to get out of the way of the people still coming in. I look around for my two friends, Majesty and Christopher, knowing that I don't really have much time left to talk with them. I catch the two talking and hurry over to them after waving goodbye to my mother and Alice.

Majesty sees me first and smiles.

"Hey Alastair!" she says happily, hugging me.

Christopher acknowledges me with a quick nod and smiles, walking over to us.

"Late again?" he asks teasingly.

I shrug.

"Hey at least I'm working to earn my money." I smirk.

Christopher makes a face then exchanges a quick glance with Majesty.

"Not that you really need to," he mumbles back.

I'm not really too surprised that Christopher is a little bitter. One could say his family is dirt poor. I've offered him some of my family's money to help him out but he always refused, I think it's a pride thing. I respect him greatly though, the poor families always work the hardest to just barely get by.

Majesty scowls and elbows him sharply, but he only huffs and gives her a glare. I know it's true that I don't really need to work, it just, for some reason, gives me a feeling of purpose.

I'm about to apologize for accidentally offending him when the escort comes up to the microphone and starts the Reaping.


Jordia Pine, 17

District 7 Female


I walk with my aunt and uncle all the way to the square and try to hide my discomfort. My ankles are already starting to hurt a little bit even though we got off the gravel a few blocks before. I walk up to the Peacekeeper that's signing everyone in and try not to wobble. I give her my hand and she pricks my finger and waves me on.

I walk steadily into the square and glance down at the blood pooling on my finger and scowl. I rub my index finger and thumb together then shake my hand out to get the blood off. It wouldn't be very proper to use my dress, besides I wouldn't want to stain such a wonderful item of clothing and get it all ruined.

I glance back at my aunt before going to stand in my section. When she catches me looking at her she tilts her head as if asking what's wrong. I gesture subtly to my wig and she smiles, giving me two thumbs up. It would be terribly embarrassing if someone looked at me and saw that my hair was crooked. I would be horrified.

Feeling confident enough, I sweep my gaze across the crowd and spot Jakob standing by the stairs near the stage. He seemingly sees me too and nods, giving a subtle smile. I quickly smile back and wave. I start to walk over to him but the escort comes out of the justice building. I sigh with disappointment. I guess I can still talk to him after the Reaping, or when I'm out past curfew again tonight.

I hurry to my section right as the escort walks up to the microphone and taps it, getting everyone's attention. I ignore his welcoming statements and focus on his outfit. I love his style, and his hair.

He's obviously trying some kind of District 7 style and I personally believe it's working. He's wearing dark brown pants and light green shirt. His brown hair is sticking up in the front, held there with some kind of gel. There are dark green streaks that contrast very nicely with the color of his hair.

I stop focusing on his clothing right as he announces the start of the video. I sigh and once again start to drown out the video as well. It wasn't boring the first time I saw it, but after 5 more years of watching the same video over and over, it got annoying, so I choose to just ignore it. No one wants to hear anything depressing like orphans and widows, it's the end of the video I like, the very end where they show the victor surrounded by gold.

Part of me wants to go the Capitol, but of course never the Games. I appreciate the Capitol, it has very nice style, in fact, my wig came from there. The video fades with a final shot of a man surrounded by riches, then our escort taps the microphone again.

"What a wonderful video, it never gets old!" he says happily.

Actually it does.

"Now," he begins excitedly. "Let's pick our lady tribute for this year!"

I watch as he plucks a name from the bowl, then look down at my dress. It's already starting to wrinkle a little bit and I quickly start smoothing it down. But my hands freeze on my dress when I hear the name echo through the silent square.

Did I hear that right? Was that my name? It couldn't have been.

But it is.

"Jordia Pine?"

I look up when the escort announces my name once again.

No.


Alastair Brindley, 16

District 7 Male


I peer past the heads blocking my view at the girls section across from us. The escort announced the name twice and still no one has come up. I silently hope that it's not a terrified little 12 year old like it was last year. Seeing her walk up the stage, then faint right there beside the escort was enough to make me want to cry.

But as I continue to watch it's not a 12 year old. It's a girl from the group of 17 year olds that walk out onto the path to the stage. I quickly identify her as the one flirting with the loggers when we were coming out of the woods. Normally I would think that someone as flash as her deserves something like this, but I don't. Because no one deserves this.

She is clearly frightened, though she's trying hard not to show it. She walks a little unsteadily to the stairs and I'm not sure if it's because she's just so scared, or if her heels are just too high to walk on.

She hesitates when she gets to the stairs, looking around as if expecting something. I fight the urge to roll my eyes as the Peacekeeper by the stairs takes her hand and helps her up onto the stage. I guess she wasn't expecting to get Reaped if she wore those kinds of shoes.

She stops beside the escort and waits, biting her lip. You'd think she would be crying by now but she's not, she has a pretty tough face on. I think I'll learn to respect her once she's put in the arena.

The escort announces her name again then smiles and gives a quick remark about how lovely the girl's outfit is. I scoff and cross my arms.

Capitol people.

The escort seems to refocus and gives an embarrassed smile.

"Why don't we move on to the boys now!" he says quickly, then hastily walks over to the other bowl.

He takes a name from it and walks back, still red. I take a deep breath, ready to feel the pleasant relief that comes when it's not your name that's called.

"Alastair Brindley!"

I quickly release all the air I was holding in, but not out of relief. The quick huff of air sounds more like a choked rasp and I stare at the escort in disbelief. He couldn't have announced my name. I can't go into the Games, I have to show Alice that she doesn't need to follow in our family's footsteps. But I can't.

I quickly walk past the other boys that make a path for me and glance at Christopher's shocked expression. I guess I'm just happy it wasn't him.

I will myself to keep a blank, yet confident expression so when they show the recap later I on, no one will be able to read me as anything but unconcerned. I walk up the steps in two big strides and nod to the escort.

"Alastair and Jordia!" he says happily. "District 7's brave tributes for the 49th Hunger Games!"

I turn and shake Jordia's hand firmly. I try to silently reassure her that I don't have any plans to go after her, but end up glaring at her instead. The small smile she's giving me rubs me the wrong way. Is she already trying to flirt with me? She seriously thinks she can manipulate me?

I let go of her hand and turn, following the Peacekeepers into the Justice Building. I won't allow myself to be manipulated by just another pretty faced girl. I need to come out a victor.

If my parents can do it then so can I.


Jordia Pine, 17

District 7 Female


I take a few deep breaths to keep my eyes dry. I'm very pleased with myself that I didn't allow myself to cry like most tributes do. Crying is something that the old Jordia would do. I'm confident, beautiful Jordia now. So I don't cry.

I glance over when the door opens and smile when my aunt and uncle come in, but I also smile at the Peacekeeper holding the door open for them. Jakob. He helped me up the stairs like a gentlemen, and is smiling at me now. But he quickly closes the door and leaves me alone with my aunt and uncle.

My uncle looks very worried and quickly wraps me in a hug, and my aunt looks like she's been crying. Don't they see that I'm perfectly calm and relaxed? I'll make the best of this opportunity and enjoy my time in the Capitol. I'll also be getting to know my district partner on the train. I know what I'll do.

I'll act like I just want to make friendly conversation, then offer to play a game of truth or dare with him or something. Depending on what he says or does, I may learn some of his strengths and weaknesses. My main weapon is manipulation, and I don't even have to wait until I get into the arena to use it.

Only when my uncle hugs me again tightly do I realize he's been trying to say something to me.

"Jordia, try not to draw attention to yourself, okay?" he says quickly.

I'm confused, isn't the whole point of being in the Capitol to draw as much attention to yourself as you can? After all that's how you get support and sponsors. But maybe he isn't talking about the Capitol citizens. Then I remember the careers. They get terribly jealous if you succeed in overshadowing them, even just a little bit.

I remember briefly watching the Reapings for Districts 1 and 2 and the tributes seemed a little intimidating, the boy from 2 especially. But as careers they normally are.

I nod and look to my aunt as she speaks.

"Only get as much attention as you need to get sponsors." she says. "Your uncle and I will try to get you some sponsors in case you can't."

I smile at them. It's wonderful to know that my family will still be able to look after me even after I'm sent away to the arena. I hold both of them close until Jakob opens the door and politely tells them it's time for them to leave. As I watch my worried aunt and uncle go, I wonder if he would have been as kind about asking if it wasn't me who was chosen.

Probably not.

Although I feel crushed that I'm being forcibly taken from my family to go fight to the death, my determined part of me remains strong. I won't allow myself to revert back to the old Jordia, the shy, ugly Jordia. Not even one no one else comes in to say goodbye to me.

That's not me anymore.


Alastair Brindley, 16

District 7 Male


I'm already mentally preparing myself for the train. I have no doubts that my snake-like district partner is already plotting to manipulate me in some way. Well it's not going to work, I won't allow myself to be taken advantage of so easily.

I close my eyes and think back to my parents' Games. I've seen the reruns enough to memorize their strategies and know what to do and what not to do. In a way I seem to have an advantage. Not only do I have my parents' Games to reflect upon, but I can also utilize my strength and skills with an axe in the arena. I guess choosing to work as a logger wasn't such a bad idea after all.

But it's this thought that makes me begin to wonder if my mother only approved my working because it would give me experience with a potential weapon. Has my mother only been supporting my work because she views it as some sort of training?

When the door opens, I'm surprised to find that it isn't my family that comes first. I suppose it could be because my mom wants to look like she at least has a little faith in me when she comes in. She probably sent Majesty and Christopher in first so she can pull herself together.

Majesty throws herself at me and hugs me quickly, Christopher is a little less emotional. He stands by the door with his arms crossed while I hug Majesty tightly. I may be wrong, but I also may see a hint of jealousy in his eyes.

"Majesty," I say pulling her away from me. "I can do this, it's not like I'm just another scared, defenseless tribute."

She nods and starts wiping the tears from her eyes with her sleeve.

"I know, I know," she says quietly. "You're just my best friend Al, and best friends are hard to come by."

I notice Christopher shift slightly behind Majesty as she speaks. Then he walks over to me and gives me a smile.

"Just try to come back okay?" he says finally, interrupting Majesty. "You're an amazing friend."

He sticks his hand out to shake mine, but I hug him instead. I know he knows Majesty and I are close. Maybe even a bit too close for his comfort. He can't hide the fact that he likes her, and I don't know if Majesty just doesn't notice, or doesn't want to notice. Either one probably bothers him, and I feel bad that he feels the way he does.

The Peacekeeper then opens the door and Christopher puts his arm around Majesty and leads her out. I watch them leave and sigh, feeling a bit of annoyance creep over me. Maybe this is how Christopher has been feeling.

Luckily, my mother and Alice come in before I have time really think about what just happened. Alice bounces over to me and hugs me, she seems happy.

"Alastair!" she smiles. "You're going to be a Victor now! Just like dad was."

I quickly look up at my mother who laughs nervously and chews on one of her nails. She always did that when she was scared, and she's scared now. Alice doesn't know any better but it still bothers me that she's happy about me being Reaped for something like the Hunger Games. But I don't have the heart to be mad at her. I only have the heart to lie to her.

"That's right I am," I say hugging her tightly. "Don't worry."

Alice grins and hugs me again then steps back so my mother can talk to me.

"Hey Alice, why don't you go and leave a little early so I can have a talk with Alastair?" my mother says softly.

Alice looks at her with a bit of confusion, but then nods, hugs me again, and bounds out the door. She'll probably entertain herself by training to bug the poor Peacekeeper stationed outside.

I quickly look to my mother and stand from where I was kneeled down to hug my sister. Her eyes are more serious than I've ever seen them and her face is void of expression.

"Alastair, no matter what your father said to influence your brother, these Games, aren't games." she says. "The careers can be monsters and the arena is a nightmare. Do not be fooled by what anyone tells you."

I nod quickly, surprised by her sudden change. They say if you come back from the Games, you can't be the same person you were when you went in. I always thought my mother was fine, but I was wrong.

"Listen to this year's mentors, play it smart." she continues. "You're not a career."

I know I'm not. I don't know if I could even hurt another tribute unless they tried to hurt me first. Anything I would do to kill would only be self-defense. I quickly hug my mother tightly, and she starts to cry. I'm about has heartbroken as her.

The Peacekeeper comes in and opens the door. My mother glances back then pulls away from my hug.

"Stay strong," she says as she walks out the door.

Her words echo in my head like the slam of the door echoed in the room. I will stay strong. For her and for Alice. My family doesn't deserve anymore tragedy. She lost my brother three years ago, my father two years ago.

But she won't lose me.


I lied! I said District 7 coming up in a few days but it came in only one day. I'm evil aren't I? :D

How's District 7?

Thoughts on Jordia?

Alastair?

Do you think Alastair will follow in his brother's footsteps? Or his fathers?

Do you think Jordia's confidence will break once she gets out of the Capitol and into the Games? Or will she stay determined?

Thank you all for reviewing! You're great people and reviews keep us motivated!