From: Geno Haggerman, District 3, AU
I don't like Christmas. Maybe it's because we don't celebrate the holiday in District 3. But it's more likely because they did celebrate it at the Capitol, and I really REALLY don't like anything that even remotely has to do with the Capitol.
The Capitol always had a big Christmas bash, much like we are now. Part of me doesn't want to live through this. I mean, it is like I experienced in the Capitol. The snotty, obnoxious people asking each other for obnoxiously large presents and acting SO fake it hurts.
Another part of me can't wait, though. Because the people that are getting these huge gifts will be my friends and myself, and all of us deserve a delightful day. Orlick will not stop squeaking about it. He can't wait for this day to come. He can't wait for the presents, the fun, the food, the friendship.
I always forget that he's only 14, still a kid, because in the Arena he acted so grown-up. But I really like to see him so excited. It's refreshing to see him finally getting to be a kid again. Maybe I'll even let myself let go a little, have some fun, laugh a little, be a kid. That sounds actually a little fun.
Maybe I'll do Orlick and Ry a favor and get them under the mistletoe. (I think they both like each other and are just too scared to say it. But you didn't hear it from me.)
Yeah, sure, why not? I'll make a Santa list… Maybe this will be fun!
Ok, well, this year I really want to be taller. But seeing as that is not very possible for someone like you, I'd just like some tall shoes. Like high-tops. Maybe with some moon shoes I'll be the same height as Quinn. Or maybe close. Or maybe still not so close because he's really tall and I'm really small. Oh well, he's taken, anyways, and not by me.
Doesn't really matter, anyways. I really just want to be taller.
Also this year, I want an antique nutcracker to display at Christmastime. I think they're so cool-looking and they fit in really well with me. We both have slightly crooked smiles, I'm sure, if a nutcracker could smile.
And I'm a stickler for soft PJ's and pillows and blankets. Nothing is more wonderful to me than curling up on a cushy couch with a soft blanket wrapped around me and napping. And I'm sure it's even better when there's someone else there. But it makes me happy just by myself, too.
Have a very merry, holly jolly Christmas!
-Geno Haggerman, District 3
From: Reese Schultz, Capitol
No. I'm not from the Capitol! I'm from District 3! I'm a native citizen of District 3, that's where I was born, raised, and that's the spirit I have in my body, not Capitol! I'm from Three!
It's pointless. I will never look like someone from any of the Districts. I'm too far gone.
I'm a whore now.
Well, let me tell you about this. My best friend Geno won the Games and the Capitol took him to be a prostitute.
And, he got scared and had a panic attack right there. Glass was broken, some guy was injured, he got mad and the Capitol was fuming. President Snow threatened him that either he finds someone else to go in for him or he simply kills someone from our group of friends.
Don't glare at him, though. I volunteered.
I don't want to see Theo and Nathalia die. Or even Geno. Or, uh, even myself. It's no big deal. My hair may be pink, my eyes unnaturally blue, tattoos on my back and ankles, but I can still try to be good. I don't think I'll ever be the good-girl I used to be. I already know that. But I can still be good. I'm going to be good.
Geno may be upset with me: I'm upset with myself: but I will prove myself to all of them, including me. I just know I can do it!
So, some simple things to help me do that: some soft, pretty make-up. Not the whorey stuff they force me to wear. I want real clothes! That fit me well and aren't too big or too small. That aren't skimpy or short. I'm not dying my hair again. No, when it grows out, it will be blonde. I'm not even wearing contacts anymore. The tattoos look like they're here to stay, but I'm Ok with that, because they can be easily covered up, if I need to cover them up.
This sounds so perfect… I can't wait for the future. As soon as I get close to the old me again, maybe Geno will really love me! I just know it for sure. We've been friends for so long, all I have to do is be me again and then we can rebuild our friendship into something more than friends. Something beautiful.
It's going to be a good year to come.
Sincerely,
Reese Schultz, District 3