Tributes by 2oo92 and Holly Blossom

District Ten Reaping

Farris Hallen, 16

District Ten, the district of livestock. This meant that every family had to own some animals. Frankly, Farris didn't like animals. He pushed his way through the pig pen, shovelling muck out the way. He dumped a bucket of pigs swell onto the trough and then looked at it with utter disgust. Not so different from what he ate, he thought. Still, only this day to go and then he would be off to the Capitol where there is the finest food and the greatest company. This was the day he was going to volunteer, get out of this pit in the ground. He wasn't close to his family and he didn't really have any friends. So why stay here? He walked out of the pen and shook the mud from his boots. He wasn't staying here any longer, not shovelling crap for creatures that did nothing but eat. He took the back door out of the small shack he lived in with his parents. The open air of the district was delightful and he almost felt sorry for the kids in the Districts like 3 and 5 who were stuck with billowing smoke. He made his way down through the streets until he reached the reaping area. Flags were up everywhere while chairs were being set up for the mayor and his buddies. A little way of the two mentors, Tammy and Roxanne stood. They were both looking around, sadness in their eyes. The two were sisters and were always together since they had won the Hunger Games. Farris hoped that he would be the one to join them.

He travelled through the city until he stood at the end of the town. From here, fields spread in all directions. Most were used for crops while others had animals lazily grazing on them. Now here's where he really had some fun. He waltzed over to the stables, and checking that no one was there, he opened up one of the doors. A majestic black stallion slowly made its way out. He grabbed a saddle out of the stable and, smiling slightly, he fixed it onto the horse. The horse whined as Farris jumped onto the horse's back and started to pull her with the reins. He saw as a man walked towards the stable, noticing Farris. He cursed, pulled the reins and made the horse move. "Oi, you! What do you think you're doing?"

Farris cursed again, kicked the horse and they sped off. He could hear the man behind him shouting. He was so dead. Still, he wouldn't have to worry about that. They zoomed away, kicking up dust. The man behind him was coughing and Farris laughed. They rode into the fields, the blue sky shining down on them. He patted the horse lightly as they trotted along. Finally he reached a spot on top of a small hill and settled down. He brought a few berries that hadn't been swashed out his pocket and happily ate them. He was going to volunteer for the Games. The only one from District 10 to ever volunteer. It was surprising though, many from different districts had volunteered this year so there was going to be some tough competition. Noise echoed from below and Farris froze. He got closer to the horse and tensed up. Three figures walked up the hill. One of them, the female, was ahead, a little smirk on her face. Farris knew her as Juniper Willows. The two that followed her were fighting over something. Listening in to the conversation, Farris realised that the two were shouting to each other about her, trying to win her heart. Farris pulled a face, who would want to do that. Juniper was a real bitch. If there was someone that was supposed to be in District One, it was her. Not looks wise, with her frail body from lack of food and her bony hands but because she was just like any girl from that district. Sharp, arrogant, cocky and cunning. She saw Farris and she then looked to the horse. Farris sighed. What would happen now?

Juniper Willows, 17

Juniper spotted Farris a little way off. Behind her, the two boys, Sol and Drake argued and tried to get her attention. Juniper smiled but ignored them. She looked over at Farris and raised an eyebrow. He was in deep trouble; didn't he know that stealing a horse was punishable by whipping? Still, he stood, looking at her with his brown eyes. She gave him a little salute, leaned against a tree and laughed slightly. "You shouldn't steal horses" she said, adding a little superiority to her tone.

He shrugged, put one hand on the horse and narrowed his eyes. Sol and Drake stumbled up the hill and stood behind her, staring at Farris. "I know, just wanted a bit of fun before the Reaping" he said, smiling slightly now, "After all, my troubles will soon be over."

Juniper knew exactly what he meant. He was going to volunteer. She raised an eyebrow and then looked to the horse. It whined slightly. She knew the owner of the horse and she could get paid well for the return. "Well, you don't strike me as the sort to volunteer. Do you want to get in with the Careers? Be their little pet?" she said, teasing him.

He bristled slightly, his nostrils flared and for a moment Juniper wondered whether he would attack. However he settled down and shook his head. Clicking his fingers, he asked "What are you here for Juniper?"

She laughed, a snarky little laugh. Sol and Drake smiled behind her, and she felt Sol's hand on her shoulder. She didn't like him or Drake, not in that way but it was nice to have people around who would do what she wanted. "Originally I was here for a quick look around before the reaping. Reflect in case I got reaped. However as you are here, I'll take the horse of you. Give it back to the owner at a price. I'll be seen as a hero" she said, and his eyes darkened.

Farris shook his head, "I'm not coming back until the Reaping. Otherwise I'm in huge trouble. I'm not that stupid." She laughed; she wasn't going to get him into trouble, besides he was only going to get himself killed anyway. She just wanted the horse.

"Idiot, I'm only taking the horse back" she said, growing impatient. She walked forward, moved Farris out the way and took the reins in her hand. Farris watched, getting her pass. She waved goodbye to him, giving him a wink and then said a quick bye to the boys.

"You're not coming back with us?" Drake asked, his eyebrows knitting together. She rolled her eyes, how dense could these guys get?

"No, make your own way back. I'll see you at the Reaping" she responded, hopping onto the horse. She settled herself into the saddle and then turned the horse. Kicking its side slightly the horse set off, galloping away from Farris and the others. She arrived at the stable where the owner stood talking with two peacekeepers. He gasped at the sight of the horse and ran over, the two Capitol guards running after him. She hopped off the horse and the man smiled, embraced her quickly and then admired his horse. "You got her back" he exclaimed.

She put on a sweet smile and held out her hands. He nodded, opened his pockets and poured some coins into it. Thank god the owner was wealthy. The two peacekeepers didn't seem happy; they probably hoped that someone would get into trouble. And they waltzed off, talking about the upcoming games. Thanking the owner, she zipped home. Maybe they could afford something good to eat tonight. She opened the doors and put the coins onto the table. Her little sister, Lavender, gasped as she put the coins down. Juniper smiled, hugged Lavender and bounded up the stairs. She heard her sister call from below, "Gideon was looking for you today." Juniper stopped, Gideon, her best friend. She told him that she would see him at the Reaping. Shaking the thought from her head, she took to the bathroom to get ready for the reaping.

Farris Hallen, 16

Farris was back at the reaping area in his worn white shirt and black trousers, borrowed from his father. The crowds were picking up now as more entered the area and found theirs spot. The mayor was already on stage, his fat figure bouncing around as he talked with peacekeepers. How people even got fat in this district was unknown to Farris. Finally the place started to settle down and he pulled out a manuscript of the Dark Days. Hooray, Farris thought sarcastically. Frankly, he just wanted the name to be picked out. Fame and fortune here I come! They had the same escort from last year, Farris could tell from the Jamaican accent and the rainbow dreadlocks. He nodded to the audience, his bright silver eyes glittering in the sunlight. Surgery, obviously. "Right then all of ya, how is we doing?" he asked to a silent crowd. The silence stretched out as the man chuckled nervously.

"My name is Shockwave, mon, and let's get on with the District 10 reapings!" he carried on, nodding to himself more than anybody else. Farris took a deep breath as he pulled out a male name. This was his chance to show what he was made off. "Blizzard Wicks!"

A twelve year old stumbled to the stage and he cried uncontrollably as he climbed the stage steps. Farris had never met him before. Still, this was great; volunteering for a 12 year old would make him look even better. The words took a long time to come but eventually he heard Shockwave ask, "Any volunteers?"

Farris pushed past the kids in front of him and walked into the gaps between the audience. "I volunteer as tribute!"

A shocked silence settled on the crowd. He swaggered to the front, bringing out the arrogance in himself. Blizzard, mouth open, scuttled off the stage. He heard a cry from the audience and saw his mother crying, mouthing the words 'no, no.' Farris rolled his eyes; he didn't need his mother anymore. He shook hands with the escort and his mentor, Roxanne. Then he looked out towards the crowd. Who's coming with me?

Juniper Willows, 17

And there she thought Farris would chicken out. She looked across to Gideon who breathed a sigh of relief and nodded to her, checking she was okay. Juniper nodded, she only needed to get through this. Shockwave put his hand into the reaping bowl more cheerily than before. For a moment images flashed through her eyes, of her past love and the betrayal she felt. Then the beating, the walking home in the dark. Crying, wishing her life could be over. Juniper froze and shook the images from her mind. She didn't need this now; she didn't need her past haunting her. That's why she was how she was, emotions are only a weakness. Her past still haunted her but she needed to move on. A name rang around the reaping area, "Juniper Willows!"

Her heart thudded in her chest, threating to burst out. She blinked once, confused and then she realised, that was her. She was in the Hunger Games. Clearing her head of emotions, she walked to the stage, passing murmurs. On the stage she glanced to Farris. The reaping was concluded and they shook hands, Farris giving her a cheeky smile. Cocky scum. A tear nearly spilled from her face but she stopped it, she needed to be strong. Emotions are only a weakness.