Lir Thornsen, 18

District 4 Male

Markian and Maybelline were sitting on the couch, talking in hushed tones as I sat at the table, digging my steak knife into the wood. An Avox was standing nearby, looking nervous, but I ignored her. This could be one of my last nights alive. She could stand me screwing up her precious table.

"It'll be on soon," Wavecrest said, sitting down across from me. "Want to come watch?"

"It doesn't matter," I growled. "Scores won't save your life in the arena." Wavecrest stiffened up, narrowing her eyes.

"Maybe not yours," she snapped. "But they could save mine." She stood up and shoved her chair back, marching into the sitting room.

After a minute, I jammed the knife into the table and joined them. Wavecrest shot me a look from the corner of her eye, but didn't say anything as an old-looking Caesar Flickerman took the screen, dressed in canary yellow.

"Welcome viewers," he said cheerfully. "Tonight, I'm here to announce the training scores for this year's tributes! In wake of the President's death, our country is in mourning. But we must forge on, as she would want us to do. And so, without further ado, here are the scores!"

"Hiro Kuromori with a score of 10.

Seraphine Devereaux with a score of 10.

Kalmin Brykman with a score of 9.

Cloelia Ferro with a score of 9.

Oren Fitzpatrick with a score of 5.

Kaysa Baines with a score of 4.

Lir Thornsen with a score of 9." I grit my teeth."

"Wavecrest Lore with a score of 10." I shot to my feet and stormed out of the room. How dare those idiots give me a 9. And Wavecrest got a 10? Impossible? She was flashy, but there was nothing more to her. All shimmer, no sharp.

I ripped my knife out of the table and stormed to my bedroom, slamming the door. I heard Maybelline cry out in shock and I kicked the door for good measure. She was one of the brainless plebeians too.

I looked at the knife in my hand and threw it across the room. It impaled itself in the wood paneling above the dresser and stuck there, wobbling slightly. I grabbed a pillow, threw it on the floor, and then tossed myself onto the bed, teeth clenched.

The door creaked open and I shot up, ready to throw a knife I didn't have. Wavecrest shut the door and crossed her arms.

"I thought scores didn't matter," she taunted. I grit my teeth, trying to keep from yelling at her.

Wavecrest sighed and sat down beside me.

"Look, we're district partners. For better or worse, we have to be there for each other. I'll have your back in the arena if you have mine."

I narrowed my eyes at her, but accepted the handshake she offered.

"Deal."

Christa Hewey, 12

District 9 Female

I was frustrated. Just because stupid Rudi couldn't control his anger, we were saddled with two Peacekeepers who followed us wherever we went. Tallulah said it was for our safety, but if they really cared about our safety, there'd be no Hunger Games. Oh well.

We were watching Caesar Flickerman go through his scores. I chewed my lip nervously. I needed a good score to prove I was more than a babyish 12-year-old.

"Pascal Glenn with a score of 5.

Candela Watkin with a score of 6.

Martin Blayze with a score of 8.

Wilhelmina Meyer with a score of 5.

Ceras Ambrette with a score of 6.

Hollie Loveland with a score of 8.

Tibalt Redmond with a score of 7.

Anastasia Valor with a score of 6." I took a deep breath. We were next.

Rudi Carlson with a score of 7.

Christa Hewey with a score of 5." I sighed heavily and leaned back, closing my eyes. A 5. Same as the little wimp from 6. No one would take me seriously with a score like that.

Arian Roan with a score of 5.

Hesper Monad with a score of 5.

Alann Cabada with a score of 6.

Sasha Macedon with a score of 6.

Mason Ambers with a score of 8.

Asha Morrow with a score of 8."

As soon as the final score was announced, Rudi jumped to his feet and shut off the television. The Peacekeepers jumped into gear but relaxed when he sat back down.

"I did pretty good, huh," he said smugly, staring at me.

"Good for you," I grit out through clenched teeth before standing up and marching to my room. I slammed the door and took a few deep breaths. I wasn't normally an angry person, but Rudi was really pushing my limits. I'd be coming for him in the arena.

The door opened and I turned to see Max come in. He gave me a gentle smile and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"So, a 5," he said quietly. I nodded and sat down next to him.

"That's a very good score," he said. "And besides, everyone scored high this year. Lothario must have been feeling generous."

"If you're trying to make me feel better, it's not working," I informed him snottily. It was the type of tone my parents would ground me for using. But Max just laughed.

"Sorry kid," he said. "But I still think you stand a good chance. You're young. So what? You're tough. That's what matters."

I swung my legs out and smiled a little hiding behind my hair.

"Thanks Max."

Author's Note

So, I told a lot of lies. I said there'd be two chapters tomorrow, and there will be, but there's also two today. Also, I've opened submissions for Pillars of Salt. I'll be accepting three tributes per person, but may not choose all of them. It's not first-come, first-serve. The link to the submission form is on my profile, and this way, even guests can submit. My submission rules are in the form.

I really hope you guys liked this chapter, even though it was short. My goal is to write longer ones for Pillars of Salt.

Please leave a review telling me your thoughts. Reviews make me so happy!

Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

- Fiona