Beatrix Xenith, District 2 Female, 18 -

Beatrix grimaced as her prep team yanked another wax strip off her leg. Her legs weren't very hairy, but since she had never really cared about her appearance, they weren't very well-kept. Which made this very painful.

Another member of the team got a handful of lotion and began rubbing it over the recently waxed legs. Instead of relaxing them, though, it stung. Beatrix hissed loudly.

"Quiet down," one of them demanded. "It will feel better afterward."

"Well, it hurts now," Beatrix hissed through gritted teeth.

"Honey, you're about to go into the Hunger Games," one of them laughed. "You'll need to endure much more pain than just a little wax!"

Danny Seaworth, District 4 Male, 18 -

Danny sat on the bed, a towel wrapped tightly around his naked body. He was upset that he didn't get to keep his one pair of clothes, but now he had found out many new things. For example, it hurts to get hair yanked off your legs.

His prep team had informed him that usually, the male tributes didn't get their body hair waxed off, but for his costume, it was necessary. Danny wondered what his costume was. They had told him to wait for his stylist, but they hadn't entered yet.

Finally, the door opened and a man dressed completely in purple walked in.

"Are you my stylist?" Danny asked.

"Yes," the man said. "Are you ready to see your costume?" Danny didn't respond, so the purple man revealed it anyway.

"Is it incomplete?" Danny asked, eyeing the lack of fabric.

"Nope," Purple smiled.

Victoria Ribbons, District 6 Female, 14 -

Vicky and Max were led out to the stables by Snowflake. Immediately the three of them plugged their noses, disgusted by the stench of the horse manure.

"Ugh, yuck!" Vicky exclaimed as she was led over to the District 6 chariot. Vicky and Max were dressed up as train conductors. Vicky disliked the outfit, but knew that it could have been worse. The hat was stupid (which is why she threw it on the ground the first chance she got) and the overalls were baggy, but it was a fine color.

They stepped aboard the chariot, but Vicky quickly discovered that not all of the tributes were just standing around the chariot. A handful was walking from chariot to chariot, scoping out allies. Mostly the Careers, but there were a few outer District tributes.

Vicky noticed that one tribute, the boy from District 7 who was her age, stood inside his chariot looking unsure of himself. Vicky wandered over.

"Hello, my name's Vicky," she said to him.

"I'm Pine," he said nervously.

"Are you dressed up like a tree?"

"Huh? Yeah, I am. A tree. It's stupid, right?" he laughed, blushing slightly.

"Yeah. But most chariot costumes are stupid."

"Uh… do you want to ally in the Games?" he asked.

"Yes," Vicky smiled. "That's why I came over here."

Suddenly, over the intercom, a voice said, "All tributes must enter their chariots now."

Damien Zaste, District 8 Male, 13 -

Damien clutched the chariot tightly as it lurched forward, moving him out into the bright sunlight. Damien winced at the sudden intrusion of light in his eyes, holding up a hand to shield it. Spending so much time in a prison cell, he wasn't used to the light.

Applause rang out like a thunderclap, and Damien resisted the urge to block his ears. It was too loud! His ears were too sensitive for this!

Damien vaguely recalled his escort advising him to smile and wave to the crowd to gain sponsors, but he couldn't bring himself to do either. He couldn't pretend to be happy when he was so overwhelmed and afraid.

Damien stared at the pathway with a blank look on his face as the chariot moved. Dressed in a suit of multi-colored rags, he knew he looked pathetic. But he couldn't bring himself to do anything else.

Maine Calicus, District 10 Female, 16 -

Maine's chariot came to a stop just in front of the President's pedestal. A ring of chariots was gathered around President Gold, and he waved for the crowd to be silent.

"Thank you, tributes, for your sacrifice. To mark the 25th anniversary of the first Hunger Games, we have a Quarter Quell. This is a unique year and there were be unique twists in the arena. We're all excited, aren't we?"

The tributes remained awkwardly silent, but the audience cheered.

"Thank you," President Gold said and left the stage.

Kurt Aladance, District 12 Male, 17 -

Kurt and Gemma were led into the penthouse by Roxie, but Kurt couldn't focus on the extravagances. He had tears in his eyes and his miner's costume wasn't enough to distract him from the upcoming threat of the Hunger Games.

While Gemma looked around in excitement, Kurt retired to his room almost immediately. Tears rushing down his face again, he ran into his bedroom. He slammed the door shut behind him and threw himself onto the bed.

Kurt began sobbing into the comforter. How could this happen? He didn't do anything wrong! This was ridiculous! All he did was make sure people followed rules! He always followed rules!

So why was he facing consequences?

Don't forget to review! The training days are next!

Laurence/Bea

Vicky/Pine

- Logan