Zara Benedict, District 11 Female, 17 -

"Zara? Is that you?" Rose asked after Zara tapped on the window.

"Yes," Zara called back. "Quickly, let me in!"

Rose rushed over to the window and opened it, allowing Zara to climb into the bedroom. Zara landed on her back, but laughed off the probable bruise and flopped onto Rose's bed.

"It's Reaping day," Zara reminded Rose as she sat down next to her.

"I know," Rose said, biting her nails. Zara softly pulled her girlfriend's fingers away from her mouth, trying to get her to stop the habit. "Sorry. I'm just nervous."

"About me?" Zara grinned. "I'm flattered."

"I know it would be stupid for the District to vote you in, but the District's stupid. And… no offense, but -"

"They hate me," Zara completes. "I know. But what do you expect when you're the bastard daughter of a Peacekeeper and one of the only out lesbians in a homophobic District?"

"I don't think anyone would vote you in just because of that, though…" Rose muttered nervously. She began drumming her fingers against the bedspread. Even though this was another nervous tic Rose was trying to stop, Zara let her drum away.

"Neither do I, but…" Zara sighed. "I suppose I have worse odds than every other year. At least I know you're safe," she shrugged, kissing Rose's nose. Despite herself, Rose smiled softly.

Zara knew that no one would ever write Rose's name down. Not only was she a sweetheart who could do no wrong, but no one knew that they were dating. Despite hating Zara for her sexuality, no one knew Rose's. Therefore, Rose was safe.

And while Zara feared for her own safety, she held Rose's higher than her own. She was glad about the twist - even if it put her in more danger, at least Rose wouldn't be.

Thorn Weaver, District 11 Male, 15 -

Thorn stuck his hands deep into his pockets as he walked through the streets of District 11, trying to go unnoticed. The streets had gotten considerably more packed in the last hour, and Thorn had been present for all of it. Growing up a homeless orphan, he knew when the streets were the most crowded. It was a helpful thing since it helped him go more unnoticed when he pickpocketed someone or snagged a loaf of bread off a vendor's booth.

Thorn tightened the strings so his hood would fall more in front of his face. His slim, tiny body helped conceal him from all of the pedestrians. Even though they knew of Thorn Weaver: Thief of the Marketplace, they rarely acknowledged him before he had taken their wallet.

Thorn didn't think of himself as a bad guy. He needed to eat, so he stole from the more fortunate. If he didn't steal, he'd starve. Besides, at this point, he was beginning to think he deserved the stuff he stole. After all, it took skill to evade the Peacekeepers who chased after him and to stay unnoticed even when his picture was plastered everywhere.

Thorn spotted a wealthy-looking man and wandered over to him. The man was distracted, buying a fresh set of apples from a merchant. He didn't notice Thorn until he darted in front of him, snatching both the apples and money out of his hands.

"Hey!" the man shouted angrily. "Thorn!"

Thorn groaned when he heard his name. Usually, it would take longer for people to realize they had been robbed by none other than Thorn Weaver, but this guy was sharp. Immediately, Peacekeepers emerged from the sidelines, hoping to seize him.

Thorn ducked into a nearby alleyway, hoping no one would tail him. There was a brick wall at the end, blocking his path to the next street, but Thorn easily scaled it, the apples and money tucked over one arm and leaped to the ground on the other side.

On the other side of the brick wall, he heard Peacekeepers run in and shouts of, "where'd he go?"

Thorn sighed, shaking his head with a small smile on his face. They never learned.

Bacchus Zale, District 11 Escort -

Bacchus was ready for the Hunger Games to begin already. He didn't see the point of all of the pre-games formalities. The Chariot Rides were stupid, the interviews were boring, and the training days were useless. All Bacchus wanted was the killing. He was a bloodthirsty Capitol citizen, he didn't want to see the tributes dressed up and paraded about first.

He was no-nonsense and straight to the point, unlike the mayor. She had spent half an hour on her speech, even though it was the same one distributed to each District's mayor. She had chosen to speak slowly and delve into greater detail on each of the points. Bacchus was so ready to be promoted.

Unfortunately, that didn't look like it would happen too soon. As much as he liked straightforwardness, the Capitol preferred the more… elaborate escorts. The ones who took their time and dressed like clowns. Bacchus wore a crisp, clean suit, and that was enough fanciness for him.

When the mayor finally wrapped up the speech, Bacchus jumped to his feet and walked over to the stage. He wasted no time in announced the first tribute.

"Zara Benedict."

A pretty girl with dark skin emerged from the seventeen-year-olds section with a strong look on her face. Bacchus inspected her as she walked toward him. She may have a determined expression, but Bacchus could easily tell she'd break into tears the second she was alone. She wasn't as strong as she was trying to make everyone believe.

"Thorn Weaver."

At first, no one stirred. Even the audience was looking for the boy. Eventually, someone began to slip out of the fifteen-year-olds section. He looked like he was trying to escape and surprisingly, very few people noticed. However, with the whole District looking for him, a handful managed to spot him before he made his getaway.

A group of Peacekeepers rushed toward him and grabbed onto his arms, even though he tried to run back the way he came. They dragged Thorn up to the stage, even when he stopped fighting to be released.

Thorn was a small, forgettable boy with dark skin and a starved appearance. However, he glared at Bacchus and the Peacekeepers holding him. Bacchus smiled. Zara may have been pretending to be strong, but Thorn was. Maybe not physically, but he wouldn't be going down without a fight.

"Shake hands, you know the drill," Bacchus sighed. Zara reached for Thorn's hand, but he was unable to shake it as his arms were held back by the Peacekeepers. Zara let her hand drop. "District Eleven's tributes for the 25th Hunger Games: Thorn Weaver and Zara Benedict."

Thank you to Lilah32 and SnowflakeIsland23 for these tributes! I love these two and I'm really excited about them. I know I'm kind of churning out chapters right now, but I'm just really excited to get going. Please review!

1. What did you think of Zara?

2. What did you think of Thorn?

3. Who did you prefer?

4. Who will make it further?

- Logan