Sienna Asher, District 12, 14

I had just arrived behind the counter when a burly young man burst into the shop. The door opened and shut, ringing the bell, and he approached the counter quickly. He wore a miner's work uniform, soot buried under his fingernails and in the creases of his face.

"How may I help you?" I asked.

"Name's Vinny," he said. "I need a new helmet for the mines."

I cocked my head. "I thought they provided those for you."

"They do," he said. "Mine went missing, and there's no extras until the end of the month. They told me I can't work unless I've got the equipment, and I can't wait that long. I didn't know where else to go."

"Well, you're in luck, because we have a couple vintage ones in stock," I said. "They're rather old. I hope you don't mind. Everything in here is," I said, gesturing around.

"That's fine," he said. "I'll take anything."

"Follow me," I said. I led him over to some shelves along the back wall, where our array of old helmets sat. "A few of these are relatively new, but the old ones are my favorites."

I stretched up on my toes, lifting one off the higher shelves. I blew off the dust and showed it to him. "This one's ten, maybe fifteen years."

"Pretty dinged up," he said. He was right; it had a few scratches and scuff marks along the top. I passed it to him so he could examine it more closely.

"That's how you know it's good," I said. "It can take a beating. It'll see you to the end of the day and get you home safe. Those flashy new ones? Never been tested. Unpredictable. But this bad boy has been tested- and, as you can see, passed the test."

He considered. "Never thought of it like that before."

"Plus," I added, "it's cheaper."

"Good enough for me," he said.

We walked back to the counter together. Seeing as he was in a hurry, I rang him up quickly, and he soon departed with his new helmet on his head.

"Come back again soon!" I called after him. He waved, and then disappeared out the door.

My father emerged from the back room. "Make a sale?" he asked, tying an apron around his waist.

"Yes," I said. "A helmet. We'll probably get more people asking for those. The mine's out of them for the rest of the month."

"Good to know," he said. "I'm restoring some old watches this afternoon- I can work the register while I do it. You can see your friends this afternoon."

"I like working, Dad," I said.

He smiled. "I know you do. You could sell a glass of water to a drowning man, kiddo. But everyone deserves a break."

I beamed at his compliment. Before I could respond, the front door opened again, ringing the bell. Cole and Penny walked in, with Penny holding a bundle in her arms.

"Looks like the decision's been made for me," I remarked.

"Hi, Mr. Asher," said Cole, shaking my father's hand. Cole had begun taking the occasional shift at the antiques shop after my brother Flint had found another job.

"How are you, Cole?" my father asked.

"Doing well, sir," he said.

"This is for your family," said Penny, offering the bundle to my father. "Fresh-baked sweetbread from my mom."

"Send her our thanks," said my father, taking the sweetbread. "Oh! Still warm!"

"Of course!" she said. "Is Sienna free?"

"She is!" said my dad.

"I am?"

"You are!" said my dad. "Go on, get out of here."

"Dad-" I protested.

"Sienna," he said. "When's the last time you took a day off, huh?"

I shrugged, fiddling with the edge of my work apron.

"Exactly!" he declared. "I've got this handled. Cole, Penny, she's all yours. Don't go having too much fun, got it?"

"Got it!" said Penny, smiling.

I sighed, untying my work apron. "Fine, I'm coming."

I hung up my apron and soon enough, we were off, wandering around the streets of downtown District 12.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Penny asked, skipping over the cracks in the sidewalk.

"A little," Cole confessed.

"You didn't take out tesserae, did you?" I asked.

"No," he said. "Still. Our names are in there three times now. That's kind of scary, right?"

"It is," I said. "But the odds could be so much worse. Just think, when we're eighteen, they'll be in there seven times. Isn't that crazy?"

"I guess," Cole replied.

"And none of us take out tesserae," I added.

"That's what I was thinking," said Penny, narrowly avoiding another crack.

"Doesn't make it fun," said Cole.

"I didn't say that," I argued. "I said we have nothing to worry about."

"It's okay, Sienna," said Cole. "Not a sale. I'm with you."

"Ah, my bad!" I said, laughing. "Still in sales mode."

Penny grinned, and Cole even let out a laugh. We dropped the conversation and moved on to talk about something else, winding our way around the town. Walking with them, I was grateful to have the two best friends any girl could ask for.

Dale Orion-Poplar, District 12, 17

I sat in front of Mr. Wolfe's desk, already dressed for the Reapings later that afternoon. Vinny sat next to me, also dressed nicely. I couldn't remember the last time I saw him so clean- he was always in a dirty uniform. Maybe that was why.

"Do you know why I called you in here today?" he asked, playing with a trinket by his window. Mr. Wolfe was a large, muscular man, with auburn hair and a stern voice. He was close to my father's age, but looked at least a decade younger. Most of the other miners were scared of him. I was not.

"No, sir," I said.

"No, sir," echoed Vinny.

"I've noticed both of your hard work lately," he said, turning towards us. "I'd like to raise both of your wages."

"Thank you, sir," said Vinny. "I really appreciate it."

I stayed silent, watching Mr. Wolfe.

"No," he said. "Thank you. Hard work must be rewarded. It's a principle I live by. Don't think I didn't notice your initiative in finding a replacement helmet yesterday, Vinny. Not everyone would've done that."

"Thank you, sir," said Vinny.

"You're dismissed," he told Vinny. "Keep up the good work."

"Yes, sir," he said, rising from his seat. "Thanks again, sir."

Mr. Wolfe nodded, and Vinny left. He turned his attention to me.

"How are you doing?" he asked me, much more relaxed now that we were alone.

"Fine," I said.

He raised an eyebrow. "But?"

"But I was wondering if I actually earned that raise," I said. "I've been working the same as always. Vinny deserves it, but me?"

"Dale, you know I like to look after you," he said, crossing the room to come sit next to me. "And," he said, leaning in closer, "I've been… especially appreciative of your company as of late."

I smiled. "I have, too."

"You look handsome today," he said, his voice lower. "Is that the shirt I gave you?"

I glanced down at my clothes: worn loafers, worn jeans, and a blue button-down.

"It is," I replied.

"Matches your eyes," he said, brushing his hand on my sleeve. "That's why I chose it."

He slipped his hand around my waist and kissed me. I kissed him back, and he brought his other hand to my cheek. We lingered there for a moment before he pulled away.

"I have some work to do before everything closes for the day," he said. "I'll have to see you another time."

"I should get going, anyway," I said, rising from my chair. "Nova asked me for help with something."

"Don't keep her waiting," he said, standing as well. "I'm looking forward to seeing you again."

I smiled. "Me, too."

I left his office, feeling his eyes on my back as I went. I had just stepped outside when I spotted Leo leaning on a building across the street. He spotted me and waved, jogging up.

"Thought I might find you here," he said, casting a meaningful glance at Mr. Wolfe's office.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.

He frowned at me. My older brother Leo was the only one who knew anything about Mr. Wolfe and I's relationship. He found out last year, after Mr. Wolfe had visited me once at home. It was a mistake, I knew, but it had been a year at that point, and he wanted to see our home. Leo had walked in on us. He still didn't believe that my feelings for him were real. I'd tried to convince him multiple times, but I'd long since given up.

"Forget it," I said, waving him off. "What did you want? I have to meet Nova."

"We were going to walk to the Reapings together, remember?" he asked. "You're the only one eligible now. We worry about you."

"I'll be fine," I said. "You can walk me to Nova's."

"I'll take it," he said. "It's been too long. How is everything?"

"Fine," I said. We started to walk in the direction of Nova's.

"How's everything with Woody?" he asked. "Been hard to get a hold of him lately."

I sighed. "Not great," I said. "I think Linna is moving in with us soon."

We turned left. "Let me know if I can help with anything," he said. "Rough situation."

I nodded. My brother Woody, who was 23, had gotten his girlfriend Linna pregnant. They were getting married next month. My father wasn't too happy about the whole situation. Personally, I wasn't excited either; I wasn't looking forward to having a crying baby in the house all the time.

"Reed and Roan are the same," I said. "You should swing by sometime. It'd be nice to see you."

"I think I will," he said. We turned again. "I've been too busy with work lately."

"Makes sense," I said. Jobs outside the mine were rare, and I'd be working hard to keep one like that too, if I were him. "How's Anna?" I asked, referencing his girlfriend.

"She's good," he said.

"Nice," I said. We arrived in Nova's neighborhood, quickly finding her front door. "I'll see you later?"

"Sure," said Leo. "I'll swing by tonight, how does that sound?"

"Good," I said. "I think Linna will be there, by the way."

"Thanks for the heads up," he said. "See you then."

He waved and headed back towards the town square.

I knocked on the front door. "Nova?" I called.

She opened the door, already dressed for the afternoon. "I was hoping you could help me rearrange some stuff," she said, "but I don't think we have time right now. Besides, you look nice. Don't want to mess it up."

"Thanks," I said. "No worries. We can do it afterwards."

She nodded. "Want to walk over with me?"

"Sure."

Aurelia Charm, District 12 Mentor, 21

I'd been in District 12 for maybe an hour, and I already wanted to take a shower. Seriously, this place was disgusting. Most of the people in the crowd were dirty and wearing old clothes. I could feel the soot sinking into my pores. I'd need a good facial once we arrived at the Capitol. This whole situation was ridiculous.

The Mayor finished the speech and sat back down.

"Thank you, Mayor!" said Effie Trinket, clapping enthusiastically. There was scattered applause from the audience. I scoffed. The Mayor glanced over at me, having heard me. Oh well. It was a boring speech. They might as well know that.

"Now, ladies first!" she quipped, practically dancing over to the bowl filled with the girl's names. She reached around for a moment before removing a name to read aloud. "Let's see… Sienna Asher!"

All eyes turned to the younger end of the girl's section. Among the fourteen-year-olds, a blonde-haired girl stood, frozen, her eyes wide. After a moment, she plastered on a shaky smile and began to walk forward, breathing heavily. How was I supposed to Mentor this kid? She was short, skinny and definitely weak. At least she was one of the few clean ones.

"Welcome, dear!" said Effie. "And now, for her male counterpart…"

She repeated the process in with the boy's bowl, extending the suspense. I rolled my eyes. I knew Effie was a Games veteran or whatever, but couldn't she speed this up?

"Dale Orion-Poplar!" she announced. "Come on up!"

The crowd shifted towards the older boy's section, where a boy stood, clearly distraught. He mumbled something too quiet for me to hear, glancing around wildly, before the boys around him gently pushed him forward. I had to admit, he's handsome. He could easily fit in in One; blond, muscular, nice jawline. If I were his age, I'd be swooning. Maybe I could work with him. The Capitol appreciated hotness; anyone could tell you that.

"Sienna and Dale, may the odds be ever in your favor!" said Effie. The crowd applauded halfheartedly.

I groaned. Here went nothing. Augustus had better pull off a win this year. I didn't intend on making another trip to this hellhole.

Sienna Asher, District 12, 14

"Oh, honey!" said my mom, hugging me tightly. Tears streamed down her face, dotting June's hand-me-down dress. My dad and siblings, Flint and June, stood behind her, also tearful. My father walked up and wrapped his arms around both of us, crying silently. Eventually, they broke away to let each of my siblings hug me too.

"I'll try my best," I promised.

"We know you will," said my dad. "We'll miss you around the shop."

"I'll miss the shop a lot," I said. "But I'll miss you guys more."

"Oh, Sienna," said my mom, hugging me again. "I don't know what to say."

"That's a first," I joked. If anyone talked more than I did in my family, it was my mom. Sure enough, for my efforts, I got a few sad smiles.

"We'll be watching every day," said my brother Flint.

"Be safe," said June quietly.

"I will," I said.

"We'll leave so you can say goodbye to Cole and Penny," said my dad. "We love you so, so much, sweetheart."

I felt my eyes prickle with tears. "I love you too."

Each of the four of them gave me a quick hug before departing. They were still sniffling on their way out. I wiped my tears away so my friends couldn't see.

Cole and Penny burst into the room soon after, wrapping me up in a group hug.

"We must have jinxed it yesterday," Cole remarked after we pulled apart.

"Must have," I agreed.

"You'll try to win, right?" asked Penny, her voice hopeful.

"Of course," I said. "I want to come back and see everyone and the antiques shop again. This can't be the end."

"I'll keep bringing your family baked goods," Penny said.

"I wish I had some to take with me," I said. "That sweetbread yesterday was delicious. We finished it already."

"Already?" she asked.

I nodded. "It's so good."

She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'll let my mother know," she said.

"Thanks."

"We'll be rooting for you," said Cole. "You can win. I know it."

"Me too," Penny chimed in.

My eyes filled with tears again. "Thanks, guys."

They wrapped me up in another hug before they left. I watched them go. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd see any of them again.

Dale Orion-Poplar, District 12, 17

My family all burst into the room, Nova included. My dad and brothers each hugged me quickly, thumping me on the back. I hugged Nova tightly.

"You can fight," said my father, Cliff. "You have it in you, son. Show them what a Poplar is made of."

I took in a shaky breath. "I will, Dad."

"That's my boy," he said.

"We believe in you," said Nova. My brothers all nodded.

"This isn't goodbye," said Leo, blinking back tears. "This is 'see you later.'"

I nodded. "I'll be back soon."

"You're taking the bracelet with you?" Leo asked.

I held up my wrist, where Leo's handmade wooden bracelet hung. It read eternal protection on the inside.

"I'll never take it off," I said.

He smiled grimly. I received a few more thumps on the back, and then my family turned to leave. "Dad?" I asked.

They all turned around. "What's up?" he asked.

"Do you think…" I trailed, gathering the courage to say my suspicions aloud. "Do you think Mom had anything to do with this?"

He searched my face. Leo raised his eyebrows. Nova looked confused. Reid and Roan shuffled around, kicking at the floor. Woody looked away.

"With you being… Reaped?" he clarified, forcing out the last word.

I nodded.

He hesitated. "I don't think so," he finally said. "You're still her son."

"But she's not coming to see me, is she?"

He sighed. "Probably not."

I looked away. If only I were a girl. Then Mom wouldn't have left.

"Don't worry about her," he said. "She's not worth our time. We love you, okay?"

"Okay," I whispered.

Then they were gone.

To my surprise, the door opened again. I looked up, thinking it was perhaps my mother. Instead, it was Mr. Wolfe.

"I can't believe this," he said, hugging me tightly. "You, of all people."

I pulled away. "I think my mom had something to do with it," I mumbled.

He raised his eyebrow. "I didn't think the Orions had that far of a reach. A little cold of them, don't you think? You're still her son."

"I don't know," I said, raking a hand through my hair.

"Come here," he said, pulling me in. He kissed me passionately. I kissed him back for a moment, then pulled away.

"You can win this, you know," he said, his breath hot on my skin. "We're overdue for another Victor. That girl onstage won't care about you, but you have what it takes. I can't lose you."

I nodded, my throat tight. He kissed me again, and then left.

I was alone with my thoughts.

*Hello friends! Just to be absolutely clear: I do not condone the relationship between Dale and Mr. Wolfe. It's portrayed as normal because that's what Dale thinks it is. Dale is 17, and Mr. Wolfe is in his fifties. Yikes.

Anyways... how did you like Dale and Sienna? Props to StephenSwiss and glimmerglint for submitting them! Thanks guys :)

I think the glitch is finally gone, so hopefully everyone can read this chapter and the others like normal! :) See you next time with District 7 (followed by District 12)! Hope everyone is doing well.

-r-b*