Disclaimer: I don't and never will own the Hunger Games!


Augusta Yang

Augusta Yang woke up with the sun, for the first time in months. Normally, like any dedicated trainee, she woke up before sunrise. Just seeing the sun shining through her window told her that it was reaping day.

Augusta got up and looked out her window, staring at the sun that was just rising over the mountains. Realistically, this would be the last time she ever saw the sunrise fromm this window. While she did hope that she would win, Augusta's main goal was to give the Capital a show. It was only fair that she be the one to redeem her family, especially considering she was the one who shamed them.

Looking down, she stared at her missing pinky, a painful reminder that it was her fault.

Augusta had always been close to her grandfather, and it was him who taught her how to be a Buddhist. He taught her how to put her mind over her body, and she had him to thank for much of her skill. However, he also started talking about how the capital was unfair, and that their president was a tyrant.

Augusta was young, and she saw his words as a plea for help. She didn't think that they would all be shamed, and she now regrets not handling the situation better.

If she had been smarter, Nero wouldn't have to worry about becoming a Peacekeeper and being sent to an outer district. He could easily become a capital Peacekeeper, or even a Head Peacekeeper.

She wouldn't have to look down at her hand and remember being caught in an alleyway, surrounded by older trainees who thought that she was a traitor.

Sighing, Augusta turns away from the window, showering, before putting on her lacy knee length black dress. She slid her opal ring on her finger. She had hoped that she would be allowed to take a Buddha figure, but her father wouldn't allow it. Augusta hadn't protested, knowing it might cause trouble.

Staring in the mirror, taking in the lean girl of Japanese and Chinese descent, with black hair cut in a pixie cut, dark brown eyes, and a grotesque scar stretching from the left side of her forehead to her right jaw. It was supposedly a katana accident, but from the other girl's smirk, Augusta wasn't so sure. All she knew was that she definitely wasn't getting any sponsors based on looks. Well, staring at herself wouldn't change that. And with that, Augusta descended down the stairs, where Nero and her parents were waiting for her.

Wolf Hunter

Wolf Hunter entered the dining room to find his parents, Drake and Olivia, and his little sister Tiger already in the room. His parents beamed at him, already glowing with pride at the fact that their precious son was going to volunteer. And of course come home. Who could resist his amazing good looks, especially his perfect curly brown hair, stunning jade green eyes, amazing figure, and-"

"You're running late dimwit." And who could forget the fact that he was going to be spending weeks away from Tiger, the little sister no one wanted.

"Tiger! Be nice, your brother is going to be volunteering! This is a big day for him!" Wolf smiled charmingly at his mother. Olivia Hunter really should have been born in District 1, with her stunning looks. Which Wolf inherited, if he did say so himself. Flawless curls, large muscles, handsome smile-

"And people call me vain." Oops. He must have said that out loud.

"Tiger!"

Wolf glared at his sister. She was probably just jealous. After all, she wasn't volunteering, he was. Plus, she clearly wasn't as good looking.

To be fair, Tiger was pretty. But Wolf was the most handsome person in the district, and she had nothing on him.

"Tiger, stop insulting your brother!" Blinking stupidly, Wolf realized that he had missed his sister's latest insult. He finished breakfast and headed upstairs, after all, being this good looking didn't come easily.

Lethe Fulminata

Lethe Fulminata had perhaps the best family in the entire district. She had two loving parents, three of the best siblings a girl could ask for, an adoring aunt and uncle, a stern but kind grandfather, an amazing step-grandmother, as well as plenty of extended family whom had taken a liking to Lethe after Octavian had married Rachel.

Sure, she knew she was in danger today, but she hoped she wasn't. She knew Augusta and April were volunteering (she was proud of the fact that she knew about April, as few did), as well as Mason and Wolf. She hoped Mason would win, as the two had become pretty good friends after his sister had married her uncle.

Hopefully, if she and her siblings were reaped, they would be reaped when one of the four were volunteering. Of course, she knew she couldn't assume anything, especially after Aunt Cassie had been reaped during a normal year.

Honestly though, Lethe had a feeling things weren't going to end well. The Fulminata's had been very lucky in the games, with Grandpa, Dad, Aunt Cassie and Uncle Tavi all making it out as Victors. Aunt Vera, however, died after she volunteered at 17. And Aunt Cassie could go on and on about Uncle Tavi's stupidity for volunteering.

The whole Fulminata clan was walking towards the District 2 town square. Tagging along was several members of the Valda family, including Mason. Lethe had chosen to think of Mason as her cousin. Mason could be a bit arrogant, and definitely had a temper, but he had been nice to Lethe so she had decided he was okay.

Styx, on the other hand, greatly disliked him. Lethe's sixteen year old sister often complained about him, and Saturn, ever the adoring twelve year old brother, had taken to disliking him too. Thankfully Augustus thought he was cool, otherwise Lethe was afraid Aunt Rachel's feelings might get hurt.

Currently, Styx was glaring at Mason's back, her and Saturn exchanging glances and whispering at each other.

"I think she likes him." Startled, Lethe looked at her Aunt.

"What?" Cassie smirked, looking at Styx and Mason. Her aunt's blue eyes sparkled with humor.

"Styx. I think she likes Mason. It's a shame though, since technically they are related now."

"You really think so?"

"Yep. Trust me." Cassie then proceeded to walk a bit ahead, grabbing her fiancée's hand. Lethe watched as Jupiter turned to smile at her. Lethe wished someone would look at her that way. She though it must be nice, to be that in love with someone.

They soon reached the square, and Lethe walked toward the already long line.

Mason Valda

Mason sighed, rolling his eyes at Styx's not so quiet insults.

He stood in line, wanting to just get this over with, being forced to listen to her and her brother talk about him. At least he rarely had to see her.

Rachel was Mason's favorite sibling, so he tried to get along with the Fulminatas. He had no problem with most, but some, like Styx and Saturn, he had a problem with.

Spotting Thor and Terra Ryker a few spots ahead of him, he quickly slipped through the crowd to catch up with them.

The Ryker siblings were about as similar as the sun and the moon when it came to their personalities. And even though they were siblings, just fifteen months apart, they looked completely different. Terra had straight dark brown hair and eyes, as well as pale skin and freckles, while Thor was a honey blonde with wavy hair, tan skin, and sky blue eyes. Thor was also taller than his younger sister by a good foot and a half.

Mason had met Thor and Terra when he had first entered training when he was eight. They were the only ones who hadn't been scared of Mason's older brother, Jason, who'd threatened everyone else about being Mason's friends.

Jason was a jerk, and Mason knew winning the games was the only way he'd ever get Jason to leave him alone. Thankfully, Jason had dropped out of training when he was fifteen, choosing to spend his time learning all about the art of continuing on the family business.

Jason, the perfect son with the perfect wife and soon to be the perfect head of the family. Mason couldn't marry a victor, or into another rich family like his sisters. Rachel and Julia were also considered perfect in their parents' eyes. Mason couldn't even become a successful peacekeeper or enter district politics like his cousins Argo and Daphne. No, volunteering was his only choice at being good enough. After all, part of the reason Jason dropped out was because he wasn't doing as well as others. Mason, on the other hand, was the best boy in the academy.

"Mason! Are you nervous?" Terra asked him, looking concerned. "I would be. I mean, 59 other tributes, that's a lot of odds. Plus, it's a Quarter Quell, so the arena should be pretty tough too. And who knows what the other careers are li-"

"Terra. Shut up." Thor was a boy of few words, unlike Terra. Terra could talk to anyone, and Mason had figured out long ago that part of the reason Thor talked so little was because Terra said more than enough for the both of them.

"Right sorry. Anyways Mason, good luck. Oh look, it's my turn! Bye!" And with that Terra went up to the table, checked in, and walked off towards the sixteen year olds section.

Thor and Mason were next, and they walked towards the seventeen year old section together. Mason smiled, imagining himself sitting on the stage next year. It would definitely beat standing in this crowd.

April Somerley

April nervously shifted from foot to foot, trying to tune out Aella's chattering. Her knee length green dress was a bit itchy, and April could already feel sweat forming. Hopefully, the reapings would start soon so that it wouldn't be noticeable.

April let out a sigh of relief when she saw Skylla Tyro enter the stage. Skylla was definitely a unique escort, with her gold eyes, sky blue skin, and white cotton like hair. She was also wearing a gold floor length gown, hiding her usual six inch heels.

"Ah, District 2, how I've missed you! Why, I can't believe it's already been a year since I last saw you! Hopefully we will have a victor and it won't take a year, sound good to you?"

Skylla's answer was the crowds cheering, and April did admit that she wouldn't mind Skylla coming back if it meant that Skylla was escorting her back.

"Well, then, let's start with the reapings! It's a Quarter Quell, so boys first!" And with that, Skylla walked over to the giant glass bowl on the left.

She reached in, picked out a slip, and walked over to the microphone.

"Maximus Aluma"

"I volunteer!" April looked over and saw a tall brunette walk onto the stage. He looked over the district smiling, and told everyone his name was Wolf Hunter. April will admit that he is handsome, but she also knows he's not the brightest and extremely shallow.

Skylla walked over to the bowl on the right, taking out a slip and reading it.

"Livia Opale!"

Before April could say it, another girl cried "I volunteer!"

As she went to stand beside Wolf, April realized it was Augusta Yang. This was confirmed when Skylla asked for her name.

Skylla went back to the boy's bowl, where she once again grabbed a slip.

"Lucius Romi!"

"I volunteer!" April watched as a grey eyed black haired boy walked on stage. She recognized him, but couldn't remember his name.

"Another volunteer! What's your name?"

"Mason Valda."

Skylla walked back over to the girls, and April got ready to volunteer.

"Alana Stai!"

"I volunteer!" Pleased with herself, April walked onstage.

"And what's your name dear?"

"April Somerley." Looking over at the crowd, April saw her best friend Aella look at her with sadness and a bit of fear. Aella had been gone the day she had announced in training that she planned on volunteering.

As Skylla walked over to the middle mixed bowl, April found her girlfriend Clarisse in the eighteen year old section. Clarisse looked at April sadly, and April found herself regretting her decision. She might not come back, and April realized that she was potentially losing a lot.

"Lethe Fulminata!" Looking away from Clarisse, April watched as the small caramel haired eighteen year old walked on stage.

She was emotionless as she moved to stand next to April, and April felt bad for the girl who was just reaped.

Augusta Yang

Augusta sat down on the couch, and waited for her family to come. She didn't have to wait long, and soon her mother was hugging her, beaming and looking at Augusta proudly. Yuki Yang had always wanted to participate in the games, and Augusta had never told her the true reason that she was volunteering.

"Oh, Augusta, I'm so proud of you!" Augusta smiled at how happy her mother was, and then noticed that neither her father or younger brother was with her.

"Where's Dad and Nero?" Yuki simply smiled.

"They wanted to wait and see you after me. Now, Augusta, I suggest you try and earn your allies trust. For example, Lethe is sure to get a lot of sponsors, even if she was reaped." Augusta listened intently to her mother. Yuki was one of the Academy's top trainers, and Augusta knew her mother's advice was very valuable.

"I will." Yuki nodded, then smiled once again at Augusta.

"I mean it when I say I'm proud. You do your best to come home. Failure is not an option." And with that, Yuki Yang kissed Augusta on the forehead before waving and walking out the door.

Her dad was next. Julian Yang seemed almost disappointed with Augusta when he looked at her.

"Even though you trained, I always thought you were smarter than that." He spoke so quietly, and Augusta immediately rushed to reassure him.

"That's not why I did it! I did it for Nero, so he can eventually get any job he wants! Dad, he works so hard and I'm the one that told on grandfather-" Augusta faltered off as her dad visibly flinched. She knew that he hated thinking about what his father did.

"Just come home Augusta." Augusta stared at her father's retreating back with tears in her eyes.

She quickly wiped her eyes as Nero entered the room. Her twelve year old brother smiled at her and she smiled back.

"You're going to come home, right?" Nero's voice faltered at the end, and Augusta smiled reassuringly at her favorite brother.

"Of course I am. Why else would I volunteer unless I'm sure I'll win?"

Nero quickly hugged her, before pulling away and slowly backing toward the door.

"Just come back, okay? Please."

As the door closed Augusta sank back onto the couch. Tears slid down her face as she wondered if she had done the right thing. Remembering how badly Nero wanted to be a peacekeeper, Augusta decided that she did.

Wolf Hunter

Wolf smiled as his parents and sister walked into the room. Olivia and Drake both beamed at him. Olivia immediately pulled him into a hug.

"Oh darling I'm so proud of you! Now, you just have fun and come home in a few weeks."

"Of course Mom." Olivia kissed him on the cheek and started to leave, with Drake quickly shaking Wolf's hand and following his wife out the door.

Tiger remained, looking at Wolfe. Sighing, she quickly hugged him before pulling away.

"Look, I may act like I hate you, and you're definitely a vain idiot, but you're still my brother, so just ... Come back, alright?"

Wolf stared at his sister in shock as he left, before a genuine smile slid on his face. He may dislike Tiger as well, but he did love her too.

Lethe Fulminata

Of course. She had told herself not to get her hopes up, but, well, she had actually thought she'd be okay.

She played with her necklace as she waited. It was a sapphire heart on a silver chain, and on the back Vera was written. It had been her aunt's, and Lethe hadn't ever taken it off since her father had given it to her. She had already decided it would be her token.

She looked up as her siblings and parents entered the room. Vulcan stared at Lethe sadly as Calypso hugged her daughter.

"I'm sorry, Lethe, I feel like part of this is my fault. Maybe if I hadn't ever volunteered..." Lethe shook her head at her dad.

"Dad, you can't think that way. Even if you hadn't volunteered, Grandpa did, as did Uncle Tavi, and you can't forget that Aunt Cassie was reaped."

Calypso looked at Lethe with tears in her eyes. "Just remember that I love you, and that I believe in you. You're trained, and just think about all the people who will sponsor you."

Lethe could feel her eyes start to tear up. She hugged both her parents. "I love you mom and dad."

"We love you too." Vulcan told her as they pulled away. He took Calypso's hand and left the room, leaving Styx, Augustus and Saturn.

Styx spoke first. "I'm sorry Lethe. I know how much you wanted to stay out of the games."

Lethe hugged her sister. "I'll be fine. It looks like you'll have a shot at being the first one to not go into the games after all."

Styx just nodded, and Lethe could see she was trying not to cry. She quickly left the room. Augustus was trying not to show how upset he was, but Lethe could see right through it.

"Aunt Cassie and Uncle Tavi said they'll see you later, and Aunt Rachel said to tell you that she's sorry that she couldn't make it." Lethe sent a reassuring smile at her brother.

"Thanks for telling me."

"I'll miss you Lethe, but I now you can do it." He left after that. Saturn just looked at Lethe before he burst into tears, clinging to Lethe.

"Don't go. If you go you might not come back, and you have to come back." Lethe felt tears slip down her face as she hugged her baby brother tightly.

"I'm going to try to come back Saturn. I promise."

He nodded and left, and Lethe felt a crushing wave of sadness as she cried.

Mason Valda

Mason paced around the room. It was done. He had volunteered. Now came the hard part. He looked up as his parents and siblings entered. You could tell they were rich just by looking at them. Isaac and Regina Valda may be in their forties, but you wouldn't know that by looking at them. Regina barely had any wrinkles, and Isaac had few gray hairs.

Regina smiled proudly.

"I'm so happy to see all of your hard work pay off!" Mason couldn't help but smile at his mother's words. It was true, nine years of training day after day was finally being put to use.

"Oh please, I doubt he'll last a day." Jason's sneer caused Mason to turn and glare at his brother.

"Jason!" Valerie's shocked voice was accompanied by Rachel's punch to Jason's arm.

Rachel was glaring furiously at her younger brother while was his wife was looking at him in shock.

"Rachel don't punch your brother! It is unbecoming of a victor's wife, and Jason do not insult family!" Regina was using her I-am-your-mother-and-you-are-going-to-listen-to-me voice.

Isaac was staring at the ceiling with a weary look and Mason figured he thought he was done with Mason and his siblings arguments.

Julia, as usual, was standing silently next to her fiancée Max. Max had a slightly amused expression on his face while Julia simply looked annoyed at her older siblings.

Rachel turned away and gave Mason a hug. "Be safe, and please, just don't be the one to kill Lethe. She is family now."

"I'll try my best." Rachel smiled before walking out the door, Jason following her along with Valerie who gave Mason a quick wave goodbye.

"Don't get killed and leave me alone with those two." Julia gave him a smile and quick hug.

"Course not." Mason smiled back. Max simply nodded at him as he and Julia left.

Regina gave him another hug, as did Isaac.

"We're proud of you, and we can't wait for you to come home a victor." And with that Isaac and Regina walked out the door.

Mason smiled, and continued pacing. For perhaps the first time in his life, his parents were proud of him.

April Somerley

April was near tears as she sat on the couch. She felt she had made a huge mistake. The only reason she had volunteered was because her mother hadn't reacted well when she told her parents about Clarisse, her girlfriend.

She nervously played with her blonde hair, and still was when her parents and brother came in. Well, her dad and brother came in. Her mother just stood in the doorway and yelled. "Try not to die you stupid girl!" And with that she turned and left. Her dad just looked at her with sad eyes.

"Is it true?" He spoke very softly. She nodded and everyone was silent for a little bit.

"Stay safe and come home. I love you." Maximus quickly gave April a hug before both left and Aella came in. She quickly hugged April and both stayed that way for a bit.

"Promise that you won't ever forget me, that you'll find a new best friend and that you won't watch."

Aella pulled away. "I will, but only if you promise to try your best."

"I will." They hugged again before Aella left, looking at April with tears in her eyes as she went.

Clarisse entered and April could tell that she was angry. "Why? Why would you do something so... So... Stupid?!"

"I told my mom." Her voice cracked at the end, and Clarisse's face immediately filled with understanding.

"I just wish you handled it differently."

"I know." Clarisse kissed April, and then took off her necklace.

It was a heart shaped ruby on a gold chain, and it was Clarisse's grandmother's.

"Clarisse..."

"Take it as your token. Please."

"Okay." Clarisse put it on April's neck and looked her straight in the eye.

"I love you never forget that." April nearly started crying at that.

"I love you too." As she watched Clarisse leave, some of the tears slide down her face.

She had made a horrible mistake.


A/N: I'm so sorry this took so long, but I had had the chapter nearly written out when I lost everything, including my complete list of mentors/victors (which took me five hours to write up and another three of editing with tributes submitted) and so I was discouraged for a while, and then I was really busy with basketball, but now that's over so I had the time to write this! I'm sorry that some of the tributes weren't written very well; I had a hard time writing them. Also, I need two more tributes for three before I can write the District 3 reapings, so feel free to submit! Thanks to all who submitted a character for District 2!

-Misty