Muir Jansen, District Four, 16

When I arrived home, my mother was standing in the kitchen.

"Hi, honey!" she said brightly. "Good day?"

I nodded. She gave me a quick hug and then returned to her cooking. Seafood, based on the smell of it. My favorite.

She smiled at me. "Prepping for your last dinner tonight. Did you invite Nineve and Zale?"

I nodded again.

"Great," she said. "Just want to make sure I have enough for everyone. Cayman and Lynetta are in the backyard."

I flashed her a thumbs-up and headed towards the back door. I stepped out into the warm afternoon sun, and my sibling's shrieks quickly filled my ears.

"Muir!" Lynetta shouted. She ran towards me and flung herself into my arms, latching on tight. I spun her around, laughing softly. Cayman, a year older at six years old, waited patiently for me to put Lynetta down before hugging me himself.

"Hi, Muir," he said. "Want to play hide-and-seek with us?"

"Sure," I said. "I'll seek, okay?"

I put my hands over my eyes and started counting down. "Ten, nine…"

They shrieked again and ran, their small feet pounding on the backyard grass. When I got to zero, I opened my eyes. They had disappeared. Our backyard was full of nooks and crannies: perfect for hide and seek. There were several large trees, and a shed in the back right corner filled with rakes and other yard stuff. Next to it was a rack with a small canoe that we used for fun in the summer.

I stepped forward and began to search, peeking around the trees for any sight of the kids. No sign of them. Had they been practicing or something? I walked deeper into the backyard, towards the back fence. Maybe they were in the shed. I peeked under the canoe; no kids. I opened the shed door and poked around, finally finding Lynetta huddled behind a watering can.

"Got you!" I said, tickling her. She shrieked with joy, attempting- and failing- to wriggle away.

"No Cayman?" I asked.

She shook her head, still grinning.

We left the shed, Lynetta slipping her small hand into mine. We continued the search for Cayman along the side fence, taking our time to be very thorough.

"The only spot left is back there," Lynetta said. She pointed towards the back left corner of the yard, which was occupied by a thick tree.

"He's probably not there," I said, feeling my throat tighten.

"Fine, I'll go look then," said Lynetta, already impatient. She broke free of my grasp, dashing toward the back corner.

I chased after her. "Lynetta, wait-"

"Got you got you got you!" Lynetta shouted, jumping around. Cayman dropped out of the tree, where he had been hiding.

"No fair!" he said. "Muir was supposed to find me."

"I helped," she said.

"Let's go inside," I said, stopping a few feet from the tree.

"I want to climb too," said Lynetta.

"No," I said, my stomach twisting. "Inside, now."

"I like this tree," said Cayman. "I like how the grass is a different color underneath it."

"It is?" asked Lynetta, peering at her feet. She squatted down to get a better look. "Oh! It is."

"Guys," I said.

"Why is it a different color?" she asked.

"It's newer," I said, trying to push down the heat rising to my cheeks.

"Why?" said Cayman, ever curious.

"Doesn't matter," I said. "Let's just-"

"Maybe there was a hole," Lynetta suggested. "What if there's buried treasure? We have to find it, Muir!"

"Buried treasure! Buried treasure!" Cayman chanted.

"Maybe when I get back, okay?" I said, my voice rising. "Let's go inside. Now."

"You're no fun," Lynetta whined. Still, she returned to me, putting her hand back in mine. Cayman followed, and we returned inside.

I still didn't like even looking back there, let alone being back there. Hopefully I could distract the kids from digging in that spot. Not even my mother knew what laid under that tree in the back corner, six feet below the ground. And as long as I could do anything about it, they'd never know.

At dinner, I sat next to Nineve and my mom. Zale, her younger brother and my best friend, sat next to Cayman, who was next to Lynetta.

"This is really good, Mrs. Jansen," said Zale.

Nineve nodded in agreement. "It's great."

"Thank you," said my mother. "I splurged on the nice salmon for tonight, in celebration. I'm just so excited."

I smiled at my mom, who smiled back.

"I'm very proud of you," she said quietly.

I nodded. "I know."

"How long will he be gone?" Cayman asked.

"Not long," I said.

"But you'll be able to see what he's doing on TV!" Nineve told the kids. "Isn't that exciting?"

"Yes," said Lynetta. "I like TV."

"Who doesn't?" Zale said, poking Cayman playfully. He giggled. Zale treated him like his own little brother, and Cayman loved it.

"When Muir gets back, we're finding buried treasure," said Lynetta.

I choked on my fish. My mother thumped my back until it was clear and handed me my water glass.

"Buried treasure?" my mother asked, returning to the conversation.

Lynetta beamed. "Under the old tree!"

"That sounds like fun," my mother said. "Maybe you could go digging at the beach, too!"

"Maybe just the beach," I said. "Less messy. And pirates like beaches more."

"I didn't know that," said Lynetta.

"That's where pirates keep their ships," said Cayman. "Right, Zale?"

"Of course, little buddy," Zale replied.

I sighed, grateful that the conversation had shifted away from the backyard.

After dinner, I said goodbye to Nineve and Zale at the door.

"We're gonna miss you," said Zale, thumping me on the back. "See you tomorrow?"

I nodded. He stepped back and turned around, giving me and Nineve some privacy.

"See you tomorrow," she said softly. She pressed a kiss to my lips gently, lingering there for a long moment. When she pulled away, there were tears in her eyes, but she didn't say anything. I watched them walk away together until they turned the corner and disappeared into the night.

Isla Evenair, District Four, 18

When I woke up, it only took seconds for me to remember what day it was.

The Reapings.

A smile played across my lips- a real one, not the one I used for politics- and my heart fluttered with excitement. After all this time, the wheels of my future would finally be put into motion. I stood, stretching deftly, and peeked out the window. The sun was barely up. Good, I had enough time to prepare for the day.

I took a quick shower, spending most of my morning pampering for the stage. I took my time with my hair and makeup, making sure to really highlight my dark features. As a woman of color, I already stood out in Four, but I wanted to make sure I was the primary standout in all of Panem this year. I'd had my clothes picked out for months in advance, and my heart fluttered again as I put them on.

Finally, I looked in the mirror.

I was perfect.

My thick, curly dark hair, ending just above the shoulder, was left loose and wild around my head. Unrestrained, the way my mother hated. The makeup made my eyes even wider and bigger, which I loved. My green dress was draped just right to avoid showing my privates, but seeing as it was nearly translucent, it didn't help much. Adding to the look were fishnet stockings, which my parents didn't know I owned, and bright lipstick. I was stunning. I represented everything my family hated.

I was perfect.

After several hours of perfecting my look, I pulled on my heels and headed downstairs.

My father, mother, and sister were already eating. As I made my grand entrance, my sister looked up, her jaw dropping in disbelief. She dropped her fork, which clattered against the plate. At the sound, my parents looked up as well.

"What the hell are you wearing?" my mother snapped. "You look ridiculous."

"I'm not changing," I said smoothly, grabbing a granola bar from the pantry.

"Listen to your mother, Isla," my father said, much more gently than my mother. "It's your big day. Do you really want-"

"Yes, I really want to dress like this," I said. "There's nothing wrong with it. I'll stand out."

I glanced at Niven, whose jaw was still on the floor. "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

"Please don't talk to your sister that way," my father said.

I shrugged.

"Change, Isla," said my mother. "You're not going onstage like that. You-"

"Represent the family, blah, blah, blah," I said. "It's my choice. I'm eighteen, Mom. Besides, Kennedy is already outside to pick me up."

"Isla-"

"Toodles!" I said. I waved, then strode out the front door, ignoring my family's protests. Right on time, the car I had ordered was waiting outside. I climbed in, and Kennedy was already in the backseat.

"Hi," she said. She kissed my cheek, careful to avoid my makeup. I'd snapped at her about it too many times for her to make that mistake again.

"Let's go," I called to the driver. "I want to be early, and get a nice spot in the front. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," he replied. He started the car, and we took off down the street.

"Are you excited?" Kennedy asked.

"Duh," I said, peering out the window. In the distance, the ocean waves sparkled under the sun, temporarily blinding me. I wrinkled my nose, turning back to Kennedy. "I've been waiting for this day for eighteen years."

She nodded. "I'll… I'll miss you while you're gone."

"Thanks," I said. She hesitated, perhaps hoping for more, but I didn't give it to her.

"You'll come back, right?" she said quietly.

I looked at her. She was staring at the floor. "Kennedy, it's me. There's no way in hell anyone else even has a chance."

"I heard your partner is some kind of prodigy or something," she replied. "Got picked at only sixteen."

I scoffed. "Only because there were no better options. You're not doubting me, are you?"

"Never," she said.

We didn't speak for the rest of the ride. When we arrived, we got our fingers pricked and waited at the front of the eighteen-year-old girl's section together, Kennedy on my arm like I'd instructed. I kept my eyes trained on the stage, impatiently waiting for my moment to arrive.

Finnick Odair, District Four Mentor, 34

Another year, another typical opening speech. On the stage, I sat next to Annie, who was gazing blankly into the distance. The Reapings were her least favorite part of the entire Games. I didn't love them either- it always brought back the memories. Both she and I had entered the Games before the Training Academy became popular here. What a nightmare. I glanced at her. Her red hair flowed nicely in the gentle sea breeze. She was beautiful as always.

"Let's pick our tributes, shall we?" said Leto, stepping up to the microphone. She'd been Four's Escort for several years now, and we got along fairly well. Some Escorts were overly vain, and some were too bloodthirsty, but Leto was alright for a Capitolite.

She dug around in the girl's bowl, selecting a slip after a moment. She returned to the microphone and announced, "Sia Rivulet!"

"I Volunteer!" a voice in the crowd replied. Standing in the front of the eighteen-year-old girl's section stood the girl in question. She was on the shorter side, with darker hair than is typical for Four. Her chin was held high as she sashayed- there was no better word for it- onstage, arriving proudly next to Leto.

"I am Isla Evenair," she announced.

"Welcome, Isla!" Leto replied. The crowd applauded politely, although clearly not enthusiastically enough for Isla's liking. Regardless, Leto continued on to the boy's bowl.

"And for our male tribute…" she trailed, reaching into the glass bowl. She yanked a name free. "Wade Seaton!"

"I Volunteer!" a boy shouted from the crowd. He strode forward, confident and quick. I'd heard about him- on the younger side to be chosen by the Academy, but clearly capable. I could already tell that the Capitol would love him. Wavy blond hair, sea blue eyes, muscular- he wasn't too far off from what I looked like when I was younger.

"And what's your name?" Leto asked.

"Muir Jansen," he said, his voice low. He flashed a smirk at the camera. The crowd cheered, much more loudly for Muir than for Isla. It took a moment for Leto to calm them down so she could continue.

"Isla and Muir, everyone!" said Leto, taking a hand from each and raising them into the air triumphantly. Both flashed a smile at the crowd. The crowd cheered again, and then began to leave the pavilion.

I turned to Annie. "Ready?"

She met my gaze, her eyes sorrowful. She nodded, and I took her hand in mine. We walked to the train together.

"I wonder how Piers is doing," I said. "I worry about him."

"Me too," Annie said softly. "We'll see him soon?"

"Yes," I said.

She nodded. "Good."

Muir Jansen, District Four, 16

My mother and the kids crowded in first, Lynetta and Cayman both throwing themselves at me with abandon.

"You'll be back soon?" Cayman asked.

"Of course," I said.

I looked at Lynetta, whose small face was screwed up with sadness. "What's wrong?"

"I don't want you to leave," she said. "I want to look for treasure instead."

"We just have to wait a little bit, okay?" I said. "I'll miss you a ton."

"I'll miss you too," Lynetta said, burying her face in my shoulder.

"Me too," piped in Cayman.

Once the kids were off of me, I hugged my mom.

"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart," said my mom. When she pulled away, her eyes were shining. "You're my hero. I can't wait to watch you win."

"Thanks," I said. "I love you too."

She kissed my cheek, and then it was time for Nineve and Zale to visit. Nineve hugged me tightly.

"Be careful in there, okay?" she said, touching my cheek. "Remember everything we worked on in the Academy."

"I'll be the best trapper there, thanks to you," I said. "There's nothing to worry about. I'll be back soon."

"Seriously," she said, blinking away tears. "Be careful. I can't lose you."

"I will," I said softly. She kissed my cheek, and then stepped aside to let Zale give me a hug.

"Kick some ass in there, buddy," he said. "But come back soon, yeah?"

"I will," I said. "I want this more than anyone. I'll be back, I promise."

Nineve hugged me again, and then I was alone.

Time for the Games to begin.

Isla Evenair, District Four, 18

My family came to visit me first. My father hugged me tightly, kissing my cheek. I thought I saw his eyes watering. My mother gave me a quick nod. Niven hugged me too, which caught me off guard. We didn't interact often.

"Watch the dress," I said. "It's fragile. I don't want it to rip."

"Sorry," Niven said, backing away.

"Isla," said my father. "Be nice."

"Fine," I said. "Sorry."

"We're proud of you," he said. "Be safe."

"I will," I said. They waved as they left, and then they were gone.

The next to come see me were my best friends, Fen and Gemma. They both hugged me quickly.

"Dude, this is, like, so rad that you're doing this," said Fen. Gemma nodded, popping her pink bubblegum.

"I know," I said. "I've been waiting for this my whole life. It's crazy."

"I can't believe you'll be on TV," said Gemma. "That's crazy."

"Crazy," I agreed.

"The waves won't be the same without you," said Fen.

"Don't worry," I said. "I'll be back soon. Ride some big ones for me."

"We will," said Gemma. "See you soon?"

"Duh," I replied.

My last visitor was Kennedy.

"Oh my God," she said, hugging me tightly. "I can't believe this is happening."

"It's all part of the master plan," I reminded her. "Games, become famous, then the presidency."

"I know," she sighed. "But be careful, yeah? I don't want something terrible to happen to you."

"Don't be ridiculous," I said. "I'll be fine."

"Isla…" she said quietly.

"What?"

"I still worry, you know…" she trailed.

"About what?"

She looked me in the eye and lowered her voice. "I know your fighting skills aren't the best. I've seen you. And my cousin told me what you did to be chosen."

"What are you saying? That I don't deserve this?" I snapped, heat rising to my cheeks. "You're only in the Academy because of your damn cousin. I earned my spot, Kennedy."

"Thalassa should have been picked this year, and you knew it," Kennedy said. "She's stronger than you, and she fights better."

"If you're in love with Thalassa, then go date her then!" I said, struggling to keep my voice down. "How dare you. How fucking dare you."

"I'm worried about you!" said Kennedy. "What if you're doing something stupid? Can a kid from the districts even be president? It's never happened before! I don't want you to come back in a coffin, Isla!"

"Get out," I said. "Get out."

She looked at me again. "Goodbye, Isla. Good luck."

"Get out," I repeated. Kennedy left, the dress I'd bought her swishing around her ankles as she made her exit.

I took a shuddering breath, steadying myself. She'd come around. When I came back, and proved her wrong, she'd see I was right. I was always right in the end.

I was perfect.

*And that's District Four! How did you like Muir and Isla? Thanks to averyrandomauthor and Paradigm of Writing for sending them in :)

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you celebrating today! One... Reaping... left... almost... there...

-r-b*