EMERALD CLAIRE, DISTRICT 9

I woke up in a frozen stupor. I wasn't drunk, I've never been, but I felt like I imagined it would. Shyianne, my little sister, and Kaila, my adoptive mother, were curled up on the floor wrapped in blankets. I got off the couch and I walked into the closet space that we have. I put on a nice blue dress and a big jacket that I sunk into. I was freezing because, of course, we have no heat here in chilly District 9.

Shyianne and I were born in the warm paradise of District 4, but our parents were in a train crash many years ago. I took young Shyainne onto the next train (ironic, huh?) heading north, and we ended up in District 9. We were starving homeless kids until Kaila, our rescuer, took us in. We live in a small shack far away from town.

I walked over to the mirror. I guess some people would call me sexy, some would say I was average. I had a tan and curvy body, and I had long blonde hair that I combed into a ponytail for the Reaping. My parents named me after the color of my enchanting eyes. Luscious, gem-like eyes that glowed a marvelous green.

I woke Shyianne up on accident as I walked into the kitchen. She yawned and stretched as she looked at me. "Emmy, why are you dressed so fancy?" She was seven, but we had no physical resemblances. Heck, I didn't know if we really were kin, but I still loved her. "Today's the Reaping." I said monotonously, trying to avoid her attention. I knew that she knew what the Hunger Games were; I just didn't want to have to explain the specifics.

Kaila woke up. "Morning, girls," She stood up. She was middle-aged, but she was still very pretty compared to most other middle-aged District 9 women. She took us in not out of pity, but because she wanted children. She was married to an abusive man, and when she left him, she found us. She says that we saved her, but it was the opposite.

I helped Kaila make breakfast. We had rice patties with a cranberry topping, and it was delicious. After I brushed out Shyianne's long brown hair, we all walked the long trek to the city square together. I don't know how I really felt about the Hunger Games. I mean, of course, I don't support them. I'm not the very brightest, but I think I would be smart enough to understand the motives somewhat. I have no clue.

I kissed Kaila goodbye and I hugged Shyianne before I ran off to join my amazing boyfriend Colton. "Hey, babe," He said as I ran into his arms. "Hey! You nervous?" I tucked my cold body under his warm arm and I wished that I would've worn long pants. "No. We'll be okay." He brushed a loose strand of hair out of my face. Colton was the best-looking guy in all of District 9, and even though he was nothing compared to the gorgeous typical District 4 guy, I loved him. Well, I thought I did before that lust feeling hit me.

I suddenly felt a rush of desire right there in that city square. I wanted to have everything, to be admired and sought by everyone because I was successful and beautiful. "Listen," I pulled him in and let my new feelings out. "I want something more than this." I looked deep into his beautiful blue eyes. "What do you mean?" He said. "I mean, I want to be rich, powerful, and beautiful." "You already are beautiful." He laced his fingers into mine. I looked away from him. "You don't get it, do you? I just want more." "Why? You have more than a lot of people." I pulled my fingers out of his. "You don't get it."

As I stormed off, the escort Marmalade jiggled onto the stage. She was a gooey, fat orange woman who had bright pink pigtails. "Welcome, ladies and gentleman! We will start this Reaping off with the ladies' bowl!" She hovered over the bowl, and I waited for the right time. "Jen-" "I volunteer!" I yelled, knowing that with my inherited knife-throwing skills (my dad was a knife enthusiast) that I could win the prize. For Shyianne, for Kaila…

But mostly for me.

MASON SAMUELS, DISTRICT 9

I stayed up all night practicing with my blowgun. I shot again and again, hitting right on target every time. I played my brother's words over and over again in my head like a broken record, and they pushed me to practice until sunrise. He was a glorious victor, and he was showered with gifts, affection, and women. Lots and lots of women.

I got up and fixed my shaggy black hair before I got dressed. I slipped on a cuffed polo shirt and black trousers with shoes to match. My family, thanks to my victorious brother, is pretty rich for District 9 standards. We live in a penthouse in the center of District 9. I have a girlfriend, but she's nothing too special. If I won the Hunger Games, I could have the best.

I walked downstairs in a pretty eager mood. I couldn't wait to volunteer, to fight, and to win. My brother moved away a few years ago, but I still lived with my mom. She was still in bed, as she normally slept late, but she knew I was volunteering. She was okay with it because she knew how much time I put into perfecting my aim with my preferred weapon, a blowgun.

I grabbed an apple as I walked to the city square. I was tired, but the apple energized me enough to look somewhat awake. It wasn't a very long walk before I got to the city square. I threw the apple core down as I looked around. I walked to meet a few of my friends from school. My girlfriend Shauna was there, too. "Hey, Muscles," She said as she squeezed my arms like she always did. I guess I did have big muscles for my size, but my real appeal was my aim.

"Hey," I said calmly, because none of my friends or Shauna knew that I was volunteering. I went ahead and kissed Shauna, even though I didn't like it all too well. She was alright for District 9, but I wanted more. Like my brother, whose house is crawling with the hottest chicks you could find. I wanted it all. The escort lady walked onto the stage. Her plump fingers grabbed a slip, and I waited for the woman that would fall victim to me. "Jen-" "I volunteer!"

A hot blonde chick that was a year younger than me walked onto the stage. I smiled. Yes, someone who I could use. Shauna smacked my arm. "Why you lookin' at her?" She said. "I'm not!" I ran my fingers through my hair. Shauna, being the jealous bitch that she was, walked away to gossip with some of her girlfriends. I smiled again. I was ready for the Games.

Before the escort could even open the slip, I yelled, "I volunteer!" as loud as I could. I walked up onto the stage looking as smug as I could. I winked at the girl, and she just stood there. It wouldn't take long for me to convince her.

It wouldn't take long for me to convince anyone.

Hey guys! Another update. Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow… if I have time tomorrow night I might post, but no promises. Enjoy the holiday! :)