District 4
Zea Chrysler
Ten minutes. That's how long I've been out on the water in my boat and its ten minutes longer than I want to be out here. If only the Peacekeepers weren't on patrol at this hour I'd be hunting for breakfast for me and my little brother's, Zenos and Zephyr, than I wouldn't need to be out here in this horrible sea. I used to love the water. When you spend your life near the ocean it's the best way to enjoy yourself. Also the cheapest for the lower class families like my own. At least how it was before that day.
The memories are vivid, almost as if it happened just yesterday.
Ooh, my very first fishing trip! I'm so excited! I've never been so far out into the water before. I'm so happy I can't stop grinning. The water looks so deep that I can't even see the bottom.
"Now Zea, be careful. I don't want you falling into the water; it's a lot deeper than the water near the shore."
"Don't worry Mommy. I'll be careful. So what're we out here for? Are we looking for breakfast?"
"You're sort of right Zea. We're going to find oysters, but they aren't what we want."
"Wait so we're getting... a pearl?"
"Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!" Oh wow. Pearls can feed a family for about five weeks. We really need food because of how we've nearly run out of the food from the Games that we won. I wonder what it'll be like to enter the Games as a Career tribute. With all of the training I do, it had better be worth it.
"I'll be diving down for the oysters so hopefully I'll be able to get a pearl in one of them."
"And you're sure it isn't a present for your favorite daughter?"
"I wish we could give it to you, but we're going to need it for food. Otherwise I would hang it on a necklace and hand it to you right away."
"That's okay. A pearl won't fill our stomachs. Come back fast Daddy or we might leave you hear."
"I'll keep that in mind, hahaha." Daddy did a dive into the water, and went down until I couldn't see him anymore; the water once in the spot where he dived was now in the air.
"Noooooo!" I hug myself and start shivering. I have to stop thinking about that, it's in the past. It's too painful to remember. We were so happy; everything was great until that day. My parents... I miss them so much. Suddenly I start crying. Why did that have to happen, why! My mother and father... why did they have to... no. No that's all in the past. I can't afford to get caught up in my memories; I just have to focus on taking care of my brothers, that's all that matters.
I take a moment to regain my composure and go back to fishing. A few minutes later I catch some snapper's snapper's for lunch and paddle back to shore as if my life depends on it, which it does.
I run back home to see Zenos and Zephyr still sleeping in late. "Come on guys, it's time for breakfast." Zenos pops up when I mention breakfast and helps me wake up Zephyr. I have the two of them set up the table and get out some water while I cook our meal. The salt is washed off and the fish are skewered over a fire we eat and I remind my brother's about the Reapings today.
"Awwwwww, do we have to? We go every year. Can't we skip it for once?"
"I wish Zenos, but we need to go, after all its compulsory to attend." Just than Zephyr started crying. "Zephyr what's wrong? Is the fish too hot?" This is odd. Zephyr's a little kid but he isn't the type to cry over little things like a scraped knee or hot food. I wrap my arms around him tight as if that would squeeze his troubles away.
"Zea... your *Hic*"...you might be... reaped..." Ah, so that's it. I've just turned twelve and Zephyr thinks I could be sent to the Hunger Games. They both look scared, but there's no way that would happen. This isn't one of the poorer Districts, we're a Career district. Even if I am reaped someone else is going to volunteer to participate. I pat Zephyr on the head and say,
"C'mon that won't happen. I'll stay here forever. It'll be the three of us together."
"Promise...?"
"I promise. Now both of you go get ready. The Reapings are starting soon."
After helping the two of them get cleaned and dressed, I dress myself in my Reaping outfit. A dress that looks like something pulled out from the history books. It has a medieval look to it with butterfly sleeves and even a gold rope as a belt. There are some Dark Age designers who seriously had their work ripped off.
When we're all dressed we leave my small shack of a home holding hands. It's not the coziest thing in the world, but nonetheless it's home. I'm not old enough to get a real job so this is the best the three of us can manage. Most people that know us or knew our parents are always trying to offer assistance. I can't accept that. I've learned to be independent; I am not a charity basket ready to except pity money. I've done well on my own and this is the way it'll stay.
On our way to the Reapings we pass thru the richer part of town. This is where the careers are. Usually when this time of year comes around all of them are saying that they'll volunteer and boasting about how they'll kill every other tribute in the arena. However today things seem quieter. I can feel a tension in the air from the career tributes heading off to the Reapings. What could that be about?
When we get there I give each my little brother's a kiss on the cheek and leave them in the crowd while I head to where everyone else my age is. Everyone is fidgeting around thinking that they might get Reaped. There really isn't much to worry about if that even happens. A career will just volunteer to participate in the games just like every year and the ones Reaped will get to go home safe and sound. The Capitol's anthem plays and we see the escort Mardel hobbles onto the stage. He's wearing some... are those high heels? How does it make sense for a guy to wear that? It's got diamonds studded in it, it's clearly for girls.
"Good evening everyone, and welcome to the Reapings for the 225th Hunger Games! As you know, this version of the Games is similar to the second Quarter Quell two hundred years ago. Despite how alike they are, there are supposedly going to be twists that will make this one much better than that." After the usual speech we get to the Reapings and the first slip is drawn.
"And our first tribute is..."
Two words. Those two words ruined everything. I won't be able to take care of my brothers anymore. There won't be any more fishing or hunting trips for food. I won't go home. I'll be joining my parents. A memory pops into my head. I don't bother to surpress it, it's already a huge ordeal to keep myself together.
Ten minutes... that's how long he has been under. Could he be hurt? Is he alright?
"Mommy, D-daddy's really g-good at holding h-h-his breath, r-right? He'll b-b-be back son w-won't he?"
"What? Yes... yes there's nothing to worry about. You're father always brags about how long he can hold his breath." Yes, my Daddy ' fine. I know he'll be fine. He always tells us about how he can hold his breath for over five minutes.
Five minutes.
... five... minutes...
...
"Daddy!" I jump, screaming, into the water as if the boat is on fire and start searching. Where are you? Please be alright. I can't lose you!
"Zea! Get back here this instant!" I barely hear my mommy's calls and even if I did I'd ignore them anyway. I keep swimming, my tears mixing into the seawater. Nothing else matters, I just need to find my Daddy.
I hear a splash and soon after my mother grabs me and pulls me into a hug. I scream and desperately try to wriggle my way out of her grip, but can't. After a few minutes I can't struggle anymore and I just cry into her chest with her repeating the words "It's okay" over and over until I catch something in the corner of my eye. Something red in the water. I've seen it before, on the TV's in the square during the Games. Blood.
"M-mommy. What's *Gulp* that...?" My mother and I stare at the scarlet circle in the water. Then, bits of white start floating up. They look like they've been torn, and I realize it's skin, completely drained of the blood. Next was the most horrifying moment of my life. There were very large chunks of flesh and bone rising up, the largest being my father's limbless, lifeless torso with a huge chunk of flesh missing.
"AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!"
My Father died, attacked by a shark everyone says. No one even knew anything as big as that was still alive these days. After my father's death, my mother fell into depression. Like a cancer, it grew and eventually killed her. I've never went into the water since then. There's no telling what's living in there waiting to eat me alive.
"...Zea Chrysler!" For some reason I know nobody will Volunteer. The sea took my parents' lives. The Games will take my own life. My little brother's will be all alone.
I walk on stage and my mind starts racing. Questions upon questions bounce around in my mind. What will happen to Zenos and Zephyr? Who will take care of them? Am I real going to die? My thoughts were interrupted by Mardel's shouting.
Lissel "Liss" Idis Mason
"Lissel Idis Mason!" What? That's my name. I've been Reaped... oh no. This is not good. This is bad, very bad. What am I thinking! This is horrible! I'll have to fight for my life with over fifty tributes. I can't show weakness. If I do there'll be hell for me to pay. Weaklings are targeted first, so I have to act happy. That'll make it at least seem like I'm prepared for these games like a Career. Just act the opposite of how I feel. I perk up and put on a big smile, enthusiastically running up the stairs to the top of the stage.
"Nice to meet you Mardel! It's a pleasure to be Reaped." I shake his slimy hands and immediately pull it away after. They're slimy with apple scented hand sanitizer. Man this fruitcake sure is girly. Now I smell like a scented candle.
"Likewise." Mardel turns to face the audience with his hands on his hips. "Well that's the girl's; now let's move one to the boy's." I make sure to keep my smile big and wide for the world to see. Ugh, I feel like one of those bitchy mean girls at school trying to act like something I'm not. The difference between me and them is that I'm doing it to stay alive, while they're just beasts.
I hate the Hunger Games. Always have, always will. My perfect day would be having a good laugh on a velvet cushion and enjoying a delicious cupcake. While watching news about the Hunger Games being cancelled of course.
As the bowl full of names is searched thru, I grip the cupcake shaped charm on my silver chained necklace. This is making me sooooooo nervous. I guess this will be my token. I take a look at my mother's and father's faces. They may not be together anymore, but they still care about me like good parents would.
I remember why it is that they broke up. Apparently I was a bit odd when I was a little kid. My mother was really worried about me and decided to take me to sessions. She's always been pretty OC with keeping things perfect, which apparently included how I acted. My Father got angry because the sessions were behind his back and he knew I was fine and the two of them broke up. It's hard to believe that they were once a young happy couple years ago before I was born. They met at a Reaping at age 18, dated for six years, married, and had me. Seeing their faces now, distressed and full of fear, this may the first time in a while where they feel exactly the same about something.
I take a quick look at the other girl Reaped. Zea isn't paying any attention to me or Mardel, just focusing her attention on somebody on the crowd. Her brothers probably. What happened to her was pretty big news. No one has ever heard of any attacks from underwater creatures in District Four or any District. She's as tough as nails, I can tell by the way she declines any help at all from everyone offering it.
Could she become an ally of mine? Or will I have to kill her?
Cobalt Gernsey
Alright, a few more blows to this dummy and I'll head to the Reapings. I just hope it can take that many. As a career, I always make sure that I'm in top physical condition. I have to be since I'm going to be in the Games next year, when I turn eighteen and I'm at my strongest. Being a Career tribute means being the best of the best. I know that that's already what I am, but it doesn't hurt to wait another year.
Okay that's enough training for today. This dummy's nothing but a pile of straw now and I need to get ready. God I'm sweaty.
"Hey!" I call out to a guy with blonde and brown hair near the towel rack. He doesn't notice me at first and I have to repeat myself. "Hey you! Clean out your ears! I'm talkin' to you."
"Me...?"
"Yes you. Throw me a towel. I'm sweating buckets over hear."
"Oh, umm... sure." He tosses me a towel and I dry myself off. When I try to thank him, I notice he vanished. Well whatever. I probably don't even need to thank him, after all he didn't do it out of the kindness of his own heart. I ask and receive, that's how it's been all my life. There are those disobedient ones, now they're serious jerks. I hope no one like that is in my Career pack when I go into the Hunger Games.
Taking the scenic route, I marvel at the ocean in its endless, blue glory. I'm really lucky to live here; I get to swim in the water whenever I want no matter where I am.
When I get to my very humble abode-a dirty little shack of a house-to begin changing out of my clothes and get dressed for the Reapings.
"Ah Cobalt. Good to see that you've been training." Oh, it's my Dad doing his usual thing, wood carving. Being a craftsman isn't the usual job that you get in District Four, and it isn't paying as well either. We're pretty poor even though he crafts boats, which I would expect would sell better in a place where fishing is how you survive.
"I don't know why I'm wasting my time there. I'm the strongest Career in the District. It's a serious waste of time." Suddenly my Dad slammed down his tools and looked upset. Not so much angry, but more sad.
"So it's a 'serious waste of time' is it? It's a waste of time to make it so that you have a winning chance?"
"Look, I'm-"
"It's a waste of time to train you to come back home from the Hunger Games?"
"I just-"
"Well I don't believe so and neither did your Mother!" What? He's bringing her into this? ...Damnit! Why am I crying...? I don't... I'm a Career, I can't cry. But whenever I think of my mother's smile... that was harsh and wrong in so many ways, and I think my Dad realized it. "I'm sorry, that was too much. I shouldn't have said that. Just... get showered and dressed for the Reapings. And please just don't give me a hard time about taking a shower this time, okay?"
I nod and wash myself up, dressing into a T-shirt, shorts, some slip-on shoes and a cap. I don't really care what I look like since I won't be volunteering this year, and frankly I won't when I do volunteer. I may be training for them, but I don't see the Games thru rose colored glasses like most other Careers. Killing people, the only upside to doing it and winning the Games are the rewards Reaped from winning. I'll finally get the life I deserve just like the richer people in the District. A big house, three square meals being a frivolity instead of a luxury, money to spend at my leisure, all of it should be mine.
Why were they so lucky? It should damn well have been the one who was given such an easy life, but instead I have to slaughter people to do it. That's definitely unfair.
When I'm finished getting dressed, my Dad and I stay silent on our trek to the Reapings. It's been that way since this morning since he brought up my Mom. I can't believe he used her in an argument. I know he didn't mean it, but I'm still mad over it.
It was five years ago. My Dad had tried to hide it from me, but the newspaper was left on the table. On the page that my Dad was reading was the obituaries. I read it and one name caught my eye. It was my mother's name. Written under it was what caused her death. She drowned around eight o'clock this morning during her daily swim.
How does that happen? ...How do you drown when you swim every single day of your life...? Why is she dead! Why did she have to die! It isn't fair! I want my Mom back! I want us to be a family again! ...I want us to be together again...
"Cobalt? You're looking a little pale, are you alright?" I was sweating and breathing heavily because I got so angry and I never even realized it. I've got to learn to control my emotions.
"I-I'm fine. Let's go." He knew the opposite was true, but didn't press me on it. I guess he can tell who I'm thinking about.
The two of us split up and I take my place in among the other seventeen year olds. Mardel does a combination of a balancing act and a walk up the stage. Every time I have to see this freak, the phrase 'cross dresser' pops into my head for some not so mysterious reason.
"And the first tribute is... Zea Chrysler!" A tiny girl with pigtails walks up the stage nervously which is strange. She actually walked up the stage as in nobody volunteered, which was really weird. Most of the time, the Careers can't wait to become tributes and get in the fray, but somehow things seem different. Everyone looks excited, and not in the good way. It's more like they're anxious about the Reapings like the poor Districts in Panem.
Next some girl called Lissel Idis Mason is Reaped, with as many people ready to volunteer as the first girl. She's got a tan, long dark hair, freckles, no real distinguishing characteristics other than a cheerful attitude. What's with all of these weak tributes? Neither of the ones we have so far are real Career's, anyone can tell that. I wish I was Reaped so that our district actually had a fighting chance this year.
"Cobalt Gernsey!" My wish is granted. I'm going to be in the Hunger Games. No, I'm going to win the Hunger Games like I've always wanted. This is supposed to be the greatest moment of my life, as if fate is telling me that I can win. Unfortunately it feels bittersweet, and I have to look at my Dad to realize why. It's because of my Dad that I have a sinking feeling in my stomach. I might not be able to ever see him again, and then he'll be all alone. The only Gernsey left. I don't want that happening, so I'll have to win and beat all of the other tributes. I'm the strongest and they're all weaker than me. That's all there is to it.
I snap back into reality only to realize that I've missed the name of the last person Reaped, though it doesn't really matter because of two words that this Reaping has been seriously deprived of.
"I volunteer!"
Austin Merril
*Stab* my trident goes thru the block of wood set up for me like its tissue paper. I toss the impaled lumber into a wall hard enough for it to shatter ihto pieces. "See that Mom? That's going to be what happens in the arena, only it'll be a tribute I impale instead of wood." I hope they like this. I tossed it as hard as I could.
"...Were you trying to impress me just now? If so you weren't doing a very good job. I've seen dozens of teens throw around a hunk of wood, and you're form with a trident is only mediocre at best. Also, this" she points to the wood fragments "isn't even enough damage to kill a boney twelve year old. And don't get me started on how slow you are. Wipe the sweat off of you. We're leaving for the Reapings, I'll see you home." And with that she leaves. Urgh, why can't they just say anything good just once? No matter what, I can't get their love.
Why do I even try? I'm useless! I'm weak, I can't swim, I can't fight, and I can't even use a sword! My survival skills- I don't have any! I'm the world's weakest tribute, I'd be more useful just fishing for the rest of my life1 At least then I'd be doing more than wasting my parents time trying to train me! And if i can't do that than maybe I should just crawl into a hole and die. That's all a weakling like me-
"Hey you! Clean out your ears! I'm talking to you."
"Me...?"
"Yes you. Throw me a towel. I'm sweating buckets over hear."
"Oh, umm... sure." I toss a towel to some kid with a mullet and I leave for home and get dressed into what I'll be wearing later on. I consider thanking him for snapping me out of my mental rant, but I'm on a serious time crunch.
I walk into the home and instead of a hello I'm greeted with the usual looks of disapproval from my mother and father. I change into a light blue shirt and some black dress pants. I put on a tie and my silver necklace. I take a moment to look at my family. My full family, me, my parents and my older brother before he died. I can still hear his voice enthusiastically volunteering for the Games. I can see him in his Reaping outfit during the interviews, and acting all cocky like he always was. I can see the moment that he was killed in the arena.
I'm going to be in the same position as him within an hour, volunteering, being interviewed, going into the arena and... dear God this is horrifying. Those gruesome deaths look so painful; I can't believe they make children watch that. Even as a teen, for me the Games were like watching the twisted dreams of a serial murderer. No matter what, I'd curl up and try to block out what was happening on the screens.
I make a mad dash to the Reapings and get in my section, with some abnormally nervous teens my own age. I bet this is because of the Quarter Quell. Whatever the new part of these particular Games is, we can be guaranteed that it will make the tributes suffer for the Capitol's entertainment. I've watched all of them and each of those Games are twice as vicious as the last.
The first few Reapings pass and all eyes are on the escort who pulls out the last name to be Reaped. Alright here it goes. I'm gonna do it.
"Guller Hii!" A fifteen year old starts walking onto the stage, darting his eyes everywhere.
The time is finally here, the day that I enter the Hunger Games. My whole life I've trained for this so I should be ready... Damnit, stop shaking! I can't be scared I know I can do it. I think.
"I volunteer!" I shout out with all my heart. The next thing I know I'm passing by Guller who mouths "Thank you," to me. "My name's Austin Merril."
"Finally, a volunteer. It's about time, why isn't anyone here as lively as usual? Oh well, I need you each to shake hands with your female District partner's. Give it up for the tributes for District 4!" As I shake hands with Lissel, I can't help but wonder why she's so happy.
"Nice to meet you Austin, I'm Liss, hehe."
"Back'atcha." At least she seems friendly, but her smile seems a bit out of place. Is it just my imagination? Probably, I don't really think my gut instinct is really reliable. I mean it has been good before, but Dad says that the way I always think about doing things in the arena will get me killed in the bloodbath. I think of things that are better and better, but they are never good. How will I survive the next few weeks?
Time for the goodbye's. Lissel and her folks are crying their eyes out. On the monitor I can see the little girl Zea having a tearful goodbye with her brother's while Cobalt, who's in the same room as her, chatting with his Dad. Cobalt must be stronger than the rest of us, or at least me. I'm just a few seconds away from totally breaking down.
"Austin." They're here. Well I guess I'll get the usual, "Do better," speech. That's what I believe until both my parents wrap themselves around me, doing their best not to tear up.
"Austin, please come back. We couldn't live with ourselves if you... if the same thing happened to you as your brother." What?
"Austin, we're so sorry for always having to push you so hard. Me and your Mother just wanted you to be as strong as you could get so you could return home to us."
"We need to go; we can't cry in front of the cameras and make you look weak..." And without another word they left. My... parents... my loving parents...
Mom... Dad... I don't know what'll happen, and I'm terrified right, now. But I'll do whatever it takes to come back home to you. No matter the cost!
Corella Reeefs
Man, what a letdown. Most of these tributes aren't warriors; they're weaklings, except maybe Cobalt. It'll be an act of God if any of the other three make it past the bloodbath. Maybe I can charm the two guys into training until they can't move. Any man will do whatever I want them to.
"So Rodrick, how about you get the little losers and I'll take Cobalt and Austin."
"I was thinking the other way around." Tch, he really just wants to spoil my fun doesn't he?
"Aw, Rodrick, I'm hurt that you'd try to keep me from having my way just to get my goat. But... it won't work, because I'm a pure and innocent soul! Nothing gets me upset." Like I've ever needed to get upset over anything.
"You're memory's as faulty as ever. And my suggestion makes more sense than you having your way with them."
"That's not what I meant you rat bastard!"
I know I didn't see a smile creep up on his ugly face, because if I did I'd cut his mouth off.
"You see," Don't just brush it off! "I'll teach them my fighting style, for those with a lot of fighting style, and you'll teach the girls who aren't as strong you're fighting style."
"Don't be such a meanie. I'm strong."
"...You have more mood swings than a pregnant woman."
"GRAAAAAAAGH! I'll kill you!" My anger gets the best of me and I charge sat him with a knife I keep hidden in my sleeve, only for him to grab me by the head and stop me in my tracks. As I slash at the air and scream he says. "I'll meet you on the train." And pushes me onto the ground. I hate this guy so much!
Name: Zea Chrysler
Age: 12
District #: 4
Personality: Since young she has been an intelligent girl. She might be timid and shy most of the time because she's always so busy taking care of her family she has no time for others. Being the eldest of 3 siblings, it was her responsibility to make sure her two younger brothers Zenos and little Zephyr and are properly fed after their parent's death. She has learnt to be independent and not depend on the sympathy of the people in her village. After being chosen for the game, she feels scared and alone but very determined to get home for her siblings.
Appearance: Flowing, silky straight dark brown hair down to her waist. She usually wears her hair in pigtails tied with thick blue ribbons. She has big sea green eyes fringed with long, thick eyelashes. She looks elfin, and has delicate features with slightly tanned complexion, full pink lips and rosy cheeks. She has a petite, small and slender figure that does not look life-threatening in any kind of way. Therefore, she is always dismissed as weak and useless.
Name: Lissel "Liss" Idis Mason (LISS-ell, IDE-iss)
Age: 15
District #: 4 is preferred, but any district is fine, really.
Personality: Nice, but not a total sweetheart. She has her rude moments, but tries to keep things passive. She gets giggly over hot guys, but isn't a total girly-girl. Liss is likable, but not much more than average. She doesn't have any really notable personality points, aside from the fact the you don't really notice her if you aren't her friend. She is basically a typical teenage girl.
Appearance: Lissel has wavy dark brown hair cut exactly three inches below her shoulders, which she can never get to have much volume. Her eyes are a light teal/aqua/blue-green, and her skin is tan. She is neither beautiful nor ugly, but is a little less than decent-looking because of her non-flawless skin and the freckles sprayed all over her face and arms. She is also short (which she hates,), but her eyes are very pretty.
Name: Cobalt Gernsey
Age: 17
District #: 4
Personality: He is a very arrogant little brat. He wants things he can't have and thinks he's the boss of everyone. He is very protective of his family and thinks he's the best at everything. He is an overconfident kid.
Appearance: Tall and weighs 75kg. He has brown long hair in a mullet style. He also has light brown eyes and is very muscular.
Name: Austin Merril
Age: 18
District #: 4
Personality: Ever since he was a kid, his parents had wanted a victor child so they trained him for the games. When he started training his parents always criticized him and told him he was weak. This hurt him a lot so he tends too easily put up a mask too cover up his emotions. He is an overall nice person and whenever he has an emotion that he doesn't want to show, he just bottles it up and puts a mask on. He is actually deeply afraid of the hunger games even though he trained his whole life. Every once and a while he will have a little melt down cause he think he isn't good enough because everyone has suck high expectations of him.
Appearance: Austin has short messy light brown/dirt blonde hair. He has bright big brown eyes and is about 5'11. He is pretty muscular and tanned. Overall pretty good looking but not amazing. Water is one of the few things/places where he feels like he can feel like he has no worries or troubles.
