Malia Crosswire- District 12 Female- 16

Another round of gunfire pierces the air followed by a squeal from someone. Was it me? I didn't even know any more. All training, practical and verbal had been shut down ever sense a grenade had created a new hole in the lunch room door. We had been rushed into the far corner while Titana and the other trainers had rushed outside to meet the rebels. In the tributes from the outer districts, a new hope had been kindled. People cared about our situation and cared enough to attempt to free us. I too, silently hoped the rebels would flock in here and rescue us from our peril.

I continued to entertain my daydream of freedom when Ciera nudges my shoulder with her long slender fingers. I follow her finger towards the door and see Titana walk in with around twenty of the fifty trainers that had gone outside with her to fight. Titana's hands are stained red along with her short straightened black hair. She a long cut running from her left temple all the way across her mouth to the right side of her chin. It doesn't look life-threatening, but it has a fair amount of blood oozing out. I shudder thinking of how she got it. She spits out a glob of what looks like a mixture of blood and saliva.

She has hate in her eyes and she raises her hand indicating silence among the murmuring tributes. She gives a shrill whistle and one of the trainers drags in a man by his hair. He throws him in front of all of the tributes. The man skids across the floor until he is only ten meters away from the closest tribute, which happens to be me. I get a closer look and see an older man, probably in his fifties lying in a puddle of his own blood. He is missing his left leg completely and his right arm is only attached by a single ligament. He looks up to us and gives a desperate look. With the remnants of his energy he looks up and manages to say, "I…I'm sorry." His head droops back down, but we can still see his chest rise and fall in a semi-rhythmic pattern.

"Shut up!" snaps Titana. She pulls out a gun from her holster and looks over the tributes as if we were a prize. She points the muzzle at him and glares at him with distaste. "This man was a rebel, a traitor, a pathetic dog clawing for a bone. He wanted to free you." She scoffs. "You will never be free! Do you understand? This is what enemies of the Capitol deserve!" Without breaking her stare at us she applies pressure to the trigger of the gun. An ear pierces crack sounds as the bullet enters the man's lower back. He moans and arches his back at a dangerous angle. He closes his eyes, obviously wishing for the ordeal to be over. The gun fire again and again, a total of five times, completely emptying the chamber. I feel Ciera's grip on my arm tighten.

I realize that I had closed my eyes and slightly open them. I immediately wish I hadn't. The poor man is a bloody hunk of flesh. His back reveals his spinal cord, completely in splinters. His right arm was finally separated and his head has been separated from his torso. Titana reaches down and grabs the head. She gives it a final look of disgust and flings it in our direction. I hear several screams echo across the room as it lands, right on my lap.

I look down and see empty eyes stare into my own. I feel a warm liquid seem into my uniform and trickle down my leg. I scream. I scream louder than I have ever screamed before. I shove the head off of my lap and watch it roll away like a soccer ball. I run my hands over my legs, trying to rid myself of the warm fluids. I skootch back until I reach the wall where I pull my legs close to me. Sobs tear through my being and I begin to rock back and forth. I feel Ciera's warm hand stroke my arm, ignoring all of the blood. Her soft voice becomes the only sound I hear and slowly, but surely I begin to calm down.

Even though my tears begin to calm, my heart doesn't and I doubt it ever will. Those blank eyes will never leave my mind and they might never cease to mimic my own new blank orbs that stare into Ciera's worried sapphires.

Ciera Levin-District 3 Female- 17

I resist the temptation to roll my eyes as Malia gives another scream of fear. The other tributes and trainers had gone off to lunch an hour ago, leaving me to tend to our new traumatized victim of the year. This morning, before the whole lockdown thing, she and I had met at the edible plants station. She had seemed nice enough and also capable which helped, but after what happened today she seemed fragile. My mind reeled, considering how I could still make my situation beneficial. I knew I wouldn't be allies with her for long. She would only hold me back and eventually break down again when something traumatic happened.

I wince as Malia squeezes my hand once again. I would probably help her survive the bloodbath and then steal her supplies while she was sleeping. The plan was to then kill her, but I couldn't always count on my resolve to take a life.

Malia rocks back and forth, supporting her body weight on the balls of her heels, which by now must be hurting. She sniffles again and lets out a high pitched whimper.

I pull her in close and whisper into her ear, "Hey, it's going to be okay. Do you want me to go get a sandwich or something?" I feel her head wobble up and down against my shoulder.

I stroke my slender fingers through her dark brown hair, "I'll be back in a minute, okay?" She nods again and lets out a low moan when I remove my arm from her shoulder. I place my arms against my knees and push myself to my feet. I roll my neck around and recoil when I feel the wetness of the tear stain on my shoulder. I bring up my hand and wipe my freshly wet check and shiver.

I begin to walk towards the open cafeteria doors. They remained open, one because of the splintered hole from the grenade blast, and two there was no time limit on lunch. They let tributes wander in and out from the time lunch started to the end of the day.

I walk past Alexia, the two girl, sword fighting with Shine, the five girl once again. I had to admit, Shine was becoming talented under the firm teaching hand of a master. Alexia whirls around the ring simply blocking all of Shine's moves and attempting to strike back. The odd thing was, it looked like Alexia was losing. I take a closer look and notice that every time Alexia strikes, she her muscles tighten as a method to hold back. I am curious. Why would Alexia be faking her skill in front of Shine? I come to the conclusion that there was something off about the careers this year. I can't believe they allowed three outer district tributes into their ranks! I shake my head. There was no way in a nuclear generator that I would ally with the Careers. They were too sneaky and unpredictable. I mean, Beverly had already been detained along with that crazy Four girl and the Three boy.

I finally reach the large oak doors and step into it, immediately taking into account that there was only one tribute in the room; the 9 boy. I briskly walk past him in search of a sandwich when I hear him clear is throat. I look over in exasperation not wanting to engage in a tedious conversation with a tribute, I had already marked as a bloodbath.

He gives me a little smile as he beckons with his hand to come over. I briskly walk over my arms crossed; hopefully he will get the message. He doesn't say anything, instead he sizes me and purses his lip a little. "What Basrin!" I snap.

He gives a little look of shock by raising his eyebrow and widening his eyes, "You know my name?" He gives a chuckle without waiting for my reply. "I should have guessed that. You seem to be the clever tribute this year." He says it with such an indifferent and monotone voice that it almost makes me want to blush.

I shake my head and take a deep breath in and then I exhale slowly. "Flattery will get you nowhere. Do you need something, or do you wish to engage in idle chitchat? I suppose you want to talk about the romantic relationship between the Six boy and your own pretty little district partner." I snort.

My sarcastic remark seemingly bounces off of him and he continues, "I saw you at the knife fighting station yesterday. You seemed good."

I wait for him to continue; he doesn't. "I know. It wasn't very hard. I just had to predict where the trainer would strike based on the tension in her muscles."

He laughs again; a deep hearty laugh that makes me irritated. "You like to get to the point I see. So I guess I shall follow ye example." I frown; I wouldn't have pegged him as a person to use the word, 'ye.' "I'm mocking you," he laughs.

My face flushes, "I would appreciate it if you hurried this along. I have places to be."

His face grows serious, "I know. That Twelve girl is sure a helpful ally." He scratches his chin with his index finger and thumb. He gives me a knowing look and I immediately know what he wants.

"I prefer a slightly traumatized girl over an addict who will certainly be overcome with withdrawal symptoms any day." I say quietly. My mind is racing.

"Slightly damaged," he scoffs. "She can't even keep her eyes focused. At least I am physically capable enough to get my own food. And besides, who will get more sponsors? Me or her?" His left eyebrow rises up a little bit and he turns his hand palm side up, with his index finger sticking out.

I want to think of a retort that would benefit me, but I can't. "Fine," I say. I look at him strait in the eyes. "On one condition. You avoid me until the bloodbath. We'll meet up there. I don't won't Malia freaking out." I reach out my hand. He meets my eyes with his own and shakes my hand. He gives me another annoying smile. I roll my eyes and turn before he can see my grin. This was going to be harder than I had first anticipated.

Alexander Hall- District 5 Male- 18

I stand in the elevator with Shine and Karter, heading up towards the sixth floor. Since Shine had all but abandoned me, I completely ignored her in favor of Karter. He gave me one of his rare chuckles as I make a joke about how District Three might reproduce. I was currently musing about how they might use mitosis. After seeing that Three boy this year, it might entirely be a possibility. I had heard that one from Joe. I feel the familiar ache of home sickness when I think about my friend.

I mentally slap myself for getting sentimental. I couldn't show that I missed him. That would only paint a larger target on my back than there already might be.

Karter's chuckle turned into a lower rumble in the back of his throat as he attempts to put his scowl back on his face. I grin because getting any sort of reaction out of Karter is hard, much less a laugh. I give him a friendly punch on the shoulder which causes him to return the favor, but a little harder this time. I wince and reel back my arm in preparation for a real slugger when I hear a soft and feminine snort of derision.

I turn and see Shine with her left hand on one hip with the other hip cocked out to the side. "Such pathetic lower district humor. Alexia was right. I should have been born in One."

I feel the blood rush to my cheeks and prepare to give a retort when Karter steps in. "Whatever girlie. Keep telling yourself that. If you really are listening to ever word that witch is telling you, it's not just your angle that's stupid."

Shine gives a humph. "Well Volunteer, I'm sure you are a perfect example of intelligent." She lets her arms hang loosely in front of her and she puts on a dumb, contorted face. "Me District 7. Me think me smart. Me volunteer to get in with Chelsea." She swings her waist in and out to demonstrate how Karter will supposedly 'get in' with Chelsea.

This apparently strikes a chord with Karter. "I have my own reasons for volunteering which are none of your concern! Anyway, why are you talking bad about Chelsea? She's in your alliance after all. Does district honor mean nothing to you?"

"I spit on district honor," Shine sneers. "I'll do anything to get home to…never mind." The elevator dings and the metal doors on the opposite wall slowly part prompting Karter to step out. He gives Shine one last look of distaste before the door closes.

I lean in towards Shine's ear and whisper. "I know you want to get home to Sarah, but it doesn't mean you have to forsake your district honor. The careers are bad news."

Shine backpedals until she is at the far wall. "The careers will get me where I need to go. You'll see it was worth it when Alexia pulls her sword out of your throat."

I shake my head. "Just be careful. If I don't win, I want you too."

Shine gives me a look of shock, "Don't you have an alliance? What was that about loyalty?"

"This is about loyalty," I snap. "Loyalty to my district. Tawni and Karter are great, but their parcels won't come to district 5. Yours will. So be careful alright?"

Shine's chin begins to quiver, signaling she is about to cry. "I don't need your advice. Alexia is the one who will help me get home. Not some jumped up joker who will end up dead." She stalks off pass out startled escort.

I shake my head and whisper, "I'm sorry Shine, but it is not going to be me with a knife in my back." The doors close in front of me and the floor begin my feet begins to lower once again towards the bottom floor.

Hey guys AaronIris34 here! These past few weeks have been crazy. Last week was the Pre ACT test and the week before was midterms week. And the week before that was the PSAT. (Which was dumb because I have already taken the normal SAT.) Things should get better update wise. I am a little bummed though. I only got a few reviews last chapter and that is dis-heartening. I know ya'll are sometimes busy and don't have a lot of time, but reviews don't have to be long. It could be something like, "Good chapter! I thought you did the 8 girl really well, but I feel that you need to explore the 1 boy more." (Random example btw.) It makes me want to write more when I get reviews. Also, if you have a character in this story, definitely review at least once soon or your character will die. I have several submitters who I think just dropped the story because I haven't heard from them yet. It makes me nervous.

Recommendations, hmmm. Oh yeah! If I were you I would go to the search bar right now and type in "Second Chance" by CreativeAJL and also "From Utopia: The Final Hunger Games" by Hoprocker. Both are great stories. Second Chance just got started, but Utopia is well into the Games. Definitely check them out. Also if ya'll see a good SYOT give me a PM. I love to submit to those things. They inspire me to write more. If I didn't mention. PLEASE REVIEW IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD ABOUT MY LIFE!

Now for the Review Questions/Prompts

What was your favorite POV and why?

Who should I try to give more attention?

What should I work on in future chapters? If you say nothing, I will flip out because I know there are things I can work on. I just need to hear from ya'll.

How was the chapter?

I'll try to update within the week.

*AI*