A/N: So glad you guys are happy with our writing, part of the reason we update so quick is because of your responsiveness.

Speaking of writing, if you guys notice different styles of writing just remember that's because two different people are writing this story.

Typically I, (Liz) write the odd districts like 1, 3, etc, and Anna writes the even ones. If you want to leave advice for us, just check to see who signed the A/N and that'll tell you who wrote the chapter.

If you find you prefer one of our styles over the other, you can request I write your tribute over Anna, or vice versa.

~And just one more thing you guys probably didn't even notice, but in case you did, Bellamy's last name has indeed changed like twice, because the first time his name was taken straight out of a show and the second time the name just didn't flow right. So we just changed it again and this is the last time it'll change LOL

So now, without further adu, here is District 9, hope you enjoy. ;)

- Liz


Juniper Bow, 15

District 9 Female


I stare with disdain at the boy lying at my feet. Judging by the force of my punch, his eye will turn black before the Reaping, no doubt. Serves him right. I land a hard kick to his side and he quickly rolls, avoiding the second kick aimed at his face.

"Get away from me!" the boy cries, scrambling to his feet.

I scowl at him and cross my arms.

"I will when you hand over the money, Blake!"

The boy fishes in his pockets frantically then pulls his hands out and shrugs, glaring at me. He already spent the money that he stole from me the other day.

My money.

If it was possible for me to not get flogged for it, I'd give this boy more than just a black eye and a bruised rib. I growl in annoyance and turn away from him before he can call the Peacekeepers over. Without the money I earned from working in the field, I can't help my mother.

Looks like we're going hungry again.

My stomach growls loudly, a dull ache filling the gap where food should be. I wrap my arms around myself, feeling a wave of nausea. My mother and I will starve to death if I don't get my hands on some food soon. Starvation is what got my little brother Ash two years ago. Just the memory of him makes my stomach ache more and I keep walking.

I wish the terrible starvation my mother and I suffer upon Blake, the infuriating boy who stole my money. Although I blame myself just as much, it was foolish of me to leave my money in my back pocket. Any desperate little thief can get their hands on your money when your back is turned like that.

I stumble around the final corner to get to the shelter my mother and I are staying at, but hesitate when I pass a dumpster. I groan but I'm almost positive it's drowned out by the growling of my stomach. Glancing around carefully, I shuffle to the dumpster slowly and haul the lid off.

I recoil at the sudden stench, but stand on my toes and look into the pit of rotting food anyway. The dumpster has been sitting in the sun long enough already, but I'm desperate for anything that could stop the pain in my stomach. It's humiliating that I have to resort to dumpster diving just to keep myself from starving to death.

I reluctantly sift through some of the trash and find a ripped bag of soggy grapes near the top of the pile. I lift the bag out of the dumpster and look at it, wondering if it's worth it. My growling stomach answers for me. I grip the bag firmly and continue my walk to the shelter, pushing open the door.

The pleasant cool air from the fans they set up by the door refreshes me. I look over the crowd of tired, coughing refugees and spot my mother sitting on one of the creaky beds. I walk over to her and smile when her worn, sunburned face brightens when she sees me. I sit down beside her.

"How are you doing?" I ask her quickly.

She was ill the night before, and if you get sick enough, the people running the shelter can through you out onto the street. Something about not wanting to spread illness.

"I'm doing much better, don't worry." my mother responds with a reassuring smile.

She eyes the bag of grapes in my hand hungrily and I let out a small laugh. I open the bag and pluck a gooey grape from it.

"Are you sure you want these?" I joke half-heartedly. "They're from the dumpster."

My mother gives an unsure look but takes the grape anyway. She pops it into her mouth and fakes a delighted expression. I know it probably tastes awful. The grapes are warm, undoubtedly sour and probably unpleasantly soft. But it's food, and food is something we need desperately. I give a smile and eat one of the grapes as well, managing to keep the spoiled fruit down.

"Do you have anything to wear?" my mother asks, taking my mind off of the food.

I shake my head. We had to sell most of our belongings when we were first kicked out of our home. None of our few family friends could afford to take us in, so we had to move to the shelter and get rid of the unnecessaries. My last nice item of clothing was sold to a wealthy mother of two, and probably given to her spoiled looking daughter.

"This is okay," I say, looking down at my clothes.

My blouse is too small, and my pants are bit baggy, but they go well together and it's the nicest thing I can wear for the Reaping.

My mother sighs and gives a tired smile, standing stiffly. I take her hand and help her stand up, knowing she's sore from working long hours in the fields. I wish she didn't have to, but it's the only way to earn money.

We just have to live with the discomfort until we can eventually get back on our feet. I guide my mother to the door and open it, suppressing a groan when the harsh sun hits us like a train.

I just hope our suffering ends soon.


Bellamy Grey, 17

District 9 Male


I keep my eyes glued on the turkey just inside the bakery, using the crowd of harvesters leaving the field as cover. If I can get my hands on a warm meal for my family, I can finally shake the guilt that's been plaguing me ever since my mother and sister went hungry last night. It's my job to take care of them, and if that means stealing then I won't hesitate.

It's not the first time I'd be stealing of course, you stop feeling bad the first few times you do it.

I pull my faded scarf up over my face a little more and slip silently out of the crowd, sticking close to the walls and away from the window. I peer into the window briefly then move out of sight again. The baker is preoccupied with decorating a large cake, most likely one for the post-Reaping party at the mayor's house this evening.

I take a few steps forward, making sure to step on the smooth decorative rocks and not the dirt. If I make even the slightest sound I'll miss my chance. The smell of the fresh food only fuels my determination. Maize would love a big dinner, she's so small. It'd be good for her to get a decent meal at least once a month and unfortunately this is the only way to make that happen.

I make sure that the baker is still occupied with his decorating and start to move toward the window. The turkey is right there, I can just reach out and take it. I keep my gaze on the baker the whole time, not risking to look away for even a second. I get closer.

Then there's loud shouting.

I quickly duck under the window as the baker turns around then swiftly sidestep into the alley by the bakery. I scowl and look around for the source of the fighting that kept me from getting the turkey. I spot an old man and a familiar face engaged in a heated argument over what looks to be a loaf of bread. I growl in frustration and glance back at the bakery.

The baker has moved the turkey away from the window and into a more secure spot. Perfect. But as the shouting grows louder, I become less concerned about what I lost.

I jog over to the fighting and quickly pull the boy away from the old man who's waving a large butcher knife. The man scowls and tries to snatch the piece of bread back from the boy but he's too quick for the old man and keeps the bread out of his reach.

"I should call the Peacekeepers over here and get you flogged, boy!" the old man practically shrieks. "You either pay the full price or scram!"

Harvest Miller, my best friend, turns red with anger and keeps a hold of the bread. He clearly has no intention of paying the price the old man is asking for. I fish around in my pockets and come up with a few coins, holding them out to the man. I just want to defuse the fight.

"Will this cover it?" I ask.

The man flicks his fiery gaze to me and glances at the coins in my hands. He grunts and nods curtly, roughly grabbing the money out of my hand. Harvey gapes at me in disbelief, wanting to protest, but I shoot him a glare to shut him up.

"Be lucky your friend was here Miller," the man snarls. "Or I'd make sure those Peacekeepers would leave you half dead and bleeding in the square."

Harvey glares at the man. If looks could kill the old man would be the dead one. I quickly pull Harvey away from the man before he does something he'll regret, as usual. I make sure to walk quickly so he doesn't get a chance to change his mind but glance back.

"Duck," I tell him as a pot flies over our heads.

Harvest whips around to face the smug looking man, fire burning in his eyes.

"No Harvey," I snap forcefully. "Turn around, walk away. Do you want him to call the Peacekeepers on you?"

Harvey hisses through his clenched teeth and slowly turns around, matching his pace with mine.

"That's right keep walking if you know what's good for you, street rat!"

Harvey curses under his breath and struggles to keep walking beside me. I fear what would have happened if I wasn't there to stop him from getting in yet another fight. Harvey is my best friend but, he can be a bit hotheaded.

He always thinks that it's the other guy who starts the fights, he's too proud to realize it's actually him getting into trouble. Once we're far enough away from the shop I turn and step in front of Harvey.

"Seriously?" I ask, snatching a piece of bread from his hands and holding it in front of him. "You almost died at the hands of Peacekeepers over some bread?"

I throw it back at him and he barely catches it as he glares at me with his intense, fiery eyes.

"He tried to sell it to me for more than it was worth." Harvey snaps back. "It's not my fault I'm starving and have no money."

I can barely believe what I'm hearing. He's not the only one starving, and he doesn't have a family to feed.

"Times are tough for all of us Harvey, not just for you." I say. "Can you think of anyone else but yourself for once? If the Peacekeepers came-"

Harvey growls and turns away from me.

"You're not my mother quit lecturing me!" he hisses.

"Well, your little fight over there cost me a decent meal for Maize!" I growl.

Harvey glances over his shoulder and gives me a pitiful look, crossing his arms. I bite my lip as guilt begins to wash over me. I never notice when I'm being too assertive.

"I need to get back before the Reaping starts, I promised Maize I'd be there..."

Harvey huffs and breaks the bread, handing half to me.

"Tell them I said hi." he says.

Before I can refuse to take the bread, he walks off and disappears around the corner. I watch him go, then look down at the bread in my hand. I'm surprised that I feel like I should give it back, for some reason it makes me sick just to look at it. Guilt is a strange thing.

I sigh and walk back to my small family and my small house, wedged between two wealthier families whose houses seem like mansions compared to mine. The house seems to sag in the heat, giving it the appearance that it'll melt. I walk through the door and place the bread on the table, looking for my mother.

"You're back early,"

I turn around, hearing my mother's tired voice behind me and then smile. She's young for a mother of two, but her pained emerald eyes hold a distant sadness that no one like her should suffer with. That pain has been there since my father was killed 9 years ago. Killed by Peacekeepers for speaking out against the Capitol.

Maize barely remembers it, and I could never tell if that was because she was simply too young or if she chose to try to forget him. But because of that incident Peacekeepers are now one of the many things that scare my little sister.

"Yeah, Maize seemed more nervous than usual. I promised to see her before the Reaping."

My mother smiles and brushes some loose grain off my shirt then walks to the couch and sits down with a long sigh. Maize was terrified of the Reaping. I was nervous. But after 5 years of going through them, I never once thought of how my mother must have felt.

I watch her silently for a moment as she leans back in the couch. She must be as terrified as Maize, as nervous as me. If one of us was reaped not only would she have lost her husband, but a child too. I linger for another moment and then turn and walk to my sister's room. I knock on the door quietly and hear a muffled: "Just a minute."

And a minute later my sister opens the door and grins, twirling in a beautiful dark blue dress. I can't help but smile as well.

"Is it nice?" she asks with her gentle smile. But I can see the fear in her eyes she is trying desperately to conceal.

"It's very nice." I respond, tying a loose ribbon back on her dress for her. "I'll bet anything that Etta Queen will be jealous of it."

Maize scowls at the name for a moment but then smirks.

"I'll bet you're right, she thinks because she's rich she's better than everyone but," she twirls again. "This dress is better than her."

I give a short laugh and ruffle her dark hair earning a loud protest and a slap to my hand. But Maize stops protesting as I start to walk away.

"Where are you going?" she asks, her voice shaking nervously.

I glance back at her. The Reaping really does terrify her.

"I'm only going to get ready too, don't worry so much." I respond.

Maize gives me another strained smile then returns to her room silently. I walk into my room as well and put on the nice white shirt and brown vest my mother put out for me. I slip on some tan dress pants then attempt to comb my curly black hair off to the side. I then finish with my work boots, tying them tightly.

I guess I don't look that bad, aside from some mud stuck on my boots and a little dirt on my face. But I'm not going to worry about it, it shows I've been working hard. That I've been living my life. The Capitol can take us from our Districts but they can't take who we are. They don't deserve it.

I won't let them have that satisfaction.

I walk out of my room and smile at Maize who's still waiting in the same spot by her bedroom. She walks beside me and smiles at my mother as she passes, obviously very pleased with her outfit. My mother gives an amused smile and rolls her eyes at me.

I smirk and walk out the door, holding it open for my mother and sister. I close the door behind me, making sure it's locked, then turn and catch up with them.

Maize falls silent when we get closer to the square, her eyes wide, and I quickly try to think of something that could cheer her up.

"So here's what we'll do after the Reaping," I begin with a smile. "We'll go crash the mayor's party and show off that dress to Etta Queen."

Maize instantly brightens and starts to laugh.

"Then I'll sneak some eggs from the bakery and we can throw a few at her house."

Now I know I've got her happy. She laughs and nods, probably already thinking ahead to it. But her joy doesn't last long when it comes to be our turn to sign-in. Maize has always been terrified of signing in and the Peacekeepers make her nervous. It's probably because of our father's death. She doesn't understand that not all Peacekeepers are the same, they're just doing their jobs and following orders.

The Peacekeeper grabs Maize's hand but I quickly make a funny face at her right as they prick her finger. She laughs, not even showing any signs of discomfort from the quick pain and I grin.

The Peacekeeper who witnessed my bizarre face gives me an odd look as I walk into the square, but I ignore it.


Juniper Bow, 15

District 9 Female


I'm practically panting by the time we get to the square, the unmerciful sun beating down on my mother and I relentlessly. I squint and glance up at the sky, seeing a wall of dark clouds, heavy with rain. Hopefully they will pass over the sun soon and give us all some shade.

I let go of my mother's hand and stand in line to get signed in. My mother walks through the gates, glancing back at me then stands with the other parents. I wipe my damp hands on my jeans and wait a little impatiently. I quickly stick my hand out and flinch when the rookie Peacekeeper carelessly pricks my finger. He waves me on, and I ignore the blood dripping from my finger.

I walk over and stand beside my mother since I have a few minutes before they draw the first name. I scan the crowd, watching as the other kids talk nervously to each other, trying to cheer themselves up. Part of me wishes that I had tried to make some friends, but even if I tried I probably wouldn't be able to.

I've been told I'm kind of aggressive, even my mother says I have a violent attitude. But I really do try to be nice to those who take the time to be nice to me back. If someone respects me, I respect them. Otherwise I don't waste my time.

My mother puts her arm around me and holds me close. We both look at each other and smile with relief when a dark cloud does end up passing over the sun. The square darkens a bit, but people look about as relieved as I am. The relief doesn't last long, because the escort hurries onto the stage and starts telling us to get to our spots.

I give a quick hug to my mother and walk to my spot. I watch the escort with critical eyes, taking in his extravagant clothing. The colorful, unflattering outfit even hurts my eyes a little bit.

The escort smiles happily. Is he wearing lipstick?

"Welcome to the start of the most exciting event of the year!" he announces happily.

Everyone is silent. I hold back a laugh when he looks a bit disappointed that no one clapped, but was he honestly expecting us to? I roll my eyes when he announces the start of the video, and I cross my arms when it starts to play.

My eyes wander and land on the boys across from us. I can't help but wonder which one of them will be picked to go in. I hope it's not someone who solely takes care of their family like the boy last year. He oversold his sob story during the interviews, but got a ton of sponsors. They didn't do much good though, since he died anyway.

I pull my eyes from the boys and back to the stage when the video ends and our escort continues. I'm surprised that he doesn't get all emotional over the video like most other escorts do. He just gets right to the point.

"Now, without further delay, let's get started!" he squeaks. "Ladies first."

I wonder what name is written on the slip of paper the escort takes out of the bowl.

But when he announces the name, I wish I didn't want to know.


Bellamy Grey, 17

District 9 Male


Maize and I are some of the last people in and our escort is speaking quickly into the microphone, telling us to hurry to our spots so we can begin. I give Maize a quick, tight hug and smile.

"You're going to be just fine, you won't be reaped I promise you." I tell her as she clings to me. "Now go over with the others, okay?"

She still clings to me and starts to cry so I have to pry her off as some of the Peacekeepers look over, expecting a problem. I walk her over to the other 14 year old girls then look back at her and hurry over to my spot, afraid that she'll try to follow me before I can get there. The last of the kids sign in and scurry to their spots as our escort begins to speak.

"Welcome to the start of one of the most exciting events of the year!" he squeaks.

I hate escorts. They're loud, annoying, prudish. Their voices are like nails on a chalkboard. I roll my eyes as he rambles on and on about how amazing the Hunger Games are. Then the video plays. I steal a glance toward Maize who's watching the video, her terrified eyes as wide as dish plates. The video ends and our escort steps back up to the microphone.

"Now, without further delay, let's get started!" he squeaks. "Ladies first."

I freeze, close my eyes and hold my breath.

Please not Maize anyone but Maize, anyone... please not her...

"Juniper Bow!"

I let out all the air I was holding in a loud sigh of relief. Thank God...

Not that watching the terrified girl stumble up to the stage relieves me or anything. She's obviously very scared and I only pity her. It's sick what the Capitol does, and if I could do anything to stop them I would. But I can't. They wouldn't just hurt me, they'd hurt my family, and that's worse.

As I continue to watch the girl, her startled expression twists into an angry way. She doesn't she scared anymore, she's resentful. I shoves the Peacekeepers aside and walks up the stairs by herself. She plants herself next to the escort and shoots him dirty looks. I'm about as surprised by the girl's sudden change of attitude as everyone in the square.

"Ahem, yes now we will finish up with the boys." he smiles and reaches into the bowl, slowly pulling out a slip of paper.

He walks back to the microphone and fumbles with the paper, trying to unfold it, then grins and reads the name.

"Bellamy Grey!"

What?

"Come on up! Don't be shy, don't be shy!" he grins and looks around.

The sympathetic faces of the other 17 year olds look back at me.

No.

The Peacekeepers move in.

I can't be reaped. I can't. Maize needs me. We need to egg Etta Queen's house!

I hear the desperate screams and sobs of a girl. It sounds like it's coming from the 14 year olds section.

The Peacekeepers grab me and drag me toward the stairs, I stumble a few times, not fully aware of what's even happening.

My mother! She can't be left alone. What will happen to them?

The escort announces our names. I turn to my district partner and hazily shake her hand.

This can't happen.

It can't.


Juniper Bow, 15

District 9 Female


I stare blankly out the window at the seemingly endless rows of grain, sitting in one of the large chairs. Even though it's a hot, I feel cold. The idea of going back to the shelter and sifting through the dumpster doesn't seem so bad anymore. In fact, I want to do that.

How could I have been so foolish? Complaining about my life so much when I was actually fortunate for what I already had. And now I'm losing all of it. I try to keep myself from crying, but fail when my mother comes into the room.

She starts sobbing as soon as I hug her. We stay like that for a few moments, just hugging and crying, then I step away from her.

"I'm so sorry," I say quietly. "I never once tried to help you, I was too focused trying to make myself feel better."

Once I say it, I only feel worse. How could someone be so stupid? Everything I was doing was in my own interest not my mother's! She only went along with what I was doing because she wanted to make me happy. All I was doing was throwing myself a pity party and telling everyone how horrible my life is. But I have my mother, and that's what makes my life not so horrible.

"Juniper," my mother begins firmly. "Don't you dare say sorry to me."

I look her in the eye, surprised by her response.

"You've worked so hard to keep us both healthy and alive," she continues. "I know I've told you fighting will only get you into trouble, but ignore that. The Games are completely different."

I nod. Maybe my numerous scuffles with Blake and his gang of no-goods was enough to toughen me up a bit.

"Don't stop fighting Jun," she says, gripping my shoulders tightly. "Never stop fighting."

I quickly pull her into my arms again and nod. That's all I can do, because if I try to talk I'll only cry. Not that I won't anyway.

Then the Peacekeeper opens the door and my mother glances back at him. They're taking my mother from me. They're taking the one thing that I hold dearest, the one thing that keeps me fighting. I watch her try in vain to fight the Peacekeeper dragging her out of the room, and I finally snap.

The door slams and I let out an angry shriek, collapsing into the chair by the window. I bury my head in my hands and finally allow all the tears I was holding back to come out at all once.


Bellamy Grey, 17

District 9 Male


I sit in the chair staring blankly at the door. What just happened? I'm not supposed to be picked. I was supposed to go home with Maize, help her brag to snobby Etta Queen about her dress. Egg their perfect house.

Tears start to spring to my eyes. What happens to them now? I was the one bringing home the food for them. I sat with Maize when she was scared. I'm always there for her. Always. My mother, I talked with her when she had nightmares about my father. I'm always there for her too. Always.

The door swings open and Maize lets out a broken sob as she throws herself into my arms. My mother follows, seemingly in a daze. Her eyes linger on us for a moment as she watches, the pain in her eyes growing. She walks toward me as Maize moves away and I rise to meet her. I hug her tightly and let a few tears out myself.

But then I pull myself together. I have to be strong for them. I'm still there for them. That's how it is. That's how it's always been and nothing will change. We sit in silence hugging each other when Maize speaks.

"Don't let them hurt you Bellam... don't. You can do this." she says.

She looks at me and grabs my shoulders firmly, looking me in the eye. For once the fear is gone, replaced with burning determination.

"Come back."

I will. I know I will.

My mother pulls me into her arms again and continues to hold me, hugging me tightly.

"I know you can do this Bellamy.." she says quietly.

The Peacekeepers come in, my mother starts to cry, hugging me one last time before they drag her off. A second Peacekeeper comes in and starts to pull my screaming sister away from me but I shove him away from her.

"Don't touch my sister!" I snap, pulling Mazie back from him and ushering her out of the room myself.

The Peacekeeper shoots me a withering glare then pushes me away from the door, slamming it so hard the pictures on the walls shake.

I still watch the door minutes after the Peacekeepers slam it shut. I huff, holding back my own tears and move back over to the chair, expecting no one else. But someone else does come in.

"Who's going to keep me out of trouble now, Grey?" Harvey's sarcastic words don't match the intense worry in his eyes.

I smirk and try to act as nonchalant as he.

"Looks like you're going to have to do it yourself from now on." I respond, leaning on the wall.

Harvey scowls.

"No, because you're coming back. You're going to win."

I shake my head as he speaks.

"Come on Harvey, with the careers? The mutts?" I say quietly, realizing all of this for the first time. "Not likely."

He storms over to me.

"Shut up, you're winning." he snaps. "And you're winning for your sister and your mother and for your friend, that's how it's going to be."

I watch him for a moment then nod. He gives me a slap on the shoulder then starts to walk out before the Peacekeepers come in. He glances back at me once.

"Good luck, Bellam."

The door closes and I am once again plunged into silence. But from the silence comes something that startles me.

An angry scream from the room beside me. I then hear loud, frustrated crying. My district partner. Poor girl... poor me... No.

No my family is right. Harvey is right. I will win. I will come back for them.

The girl cries harder.

And I will help as many people as I am able in the meantime.


These guys were pretty interesting to write. I hope you enjoyed it. Also, if you find that our quick updates are like a little too quick and you feel like it's being rushed, just tell us to chill and slow down lol. But I know I like quick updates when I send SYOTs so xD.

And I apologize if I did a bad job with this chapter. Bellamy had a lot of good info that I may not have gotten all in there, and Juniper was the exact opposite. Her description and backstory was like two words.

{Rant Warning:} I think I may have been trying a little too hard to make District 9 one of the most interesting ones because everyone's usually like: "What's a District 9". Well, a District 9 is the least mentioned district in the books. They're just kind of there. But these characters and D9 are awesome so put that shade back in your pocket before you throw it at this district. ^_^ {Rant Ended}

Thoughts on Bellamy?

Juniper?

Do you think Bellamy's protective nature and loyalty to his family help him or hurt him?

Do you think Juniper will change now that her opinion on her life has?

Anything to say about District 9 in general?

{Question for the authors} Do you think the story is getting better? Anything you like/don't like?

Reviews make our day, you readers are wonderful people ;)

Thank you MusicalTheatreCake and CDinga for your tributes!

District 10 is next.

- Liz