District 6

Kaya twisted the bandana around her wrist and traced the scar that ran down her forearm. Even in the dimness of her room, she could still see the dark bloodstains on the light blue surface, stains that were caused by the stream of blood from the wound that had eventually become a red scar. She had no idea how the hell she got to this point, but all she wanted was to be back at home with her parents.

She was aching to be back at District 6. She didn't want to be here. She still had so much unfinished business to attend to back home.

Sure, she had some unfinished projects, some designs that needed refined before a proper prototype could be built, but those things were the least of it.

She had a puzzle to solve, after all. Well, a couple of puzzles.

The first puzzle is why the hell Gig kissed her after she was reaped when he had just been talking about Anka five seconds before. He seemed to realize it was a mistake as soon as it happened because his eyes were wide and he pulled back quick. He was apologizing and blubbering, trying to justify what just happened, and Kaya could barely follow what he was saying through her shock. That was something they could straighten out when she got back and kicked him in the nuts and demanded an explanation.

Not that she hadn't thought about it.

They'd spent a lot of time together, and she'd confessed some things to him she'd never told anyone else, and vice versa. They'd been vulnerable with each other, grieving the death of a common lost love together. They had given each other strength. Any malicious feelings that were between them in competition for Anka's heart had since melted. Still, though.

The second puzzle was a lot more complicated. Kaya was beginning to think they'd never solve it.

It was Anka that ran into the heat of battle, and Kaya and Gig that followed. It was Anka that wanted Kaya and Gig to buy bandanas with her. Gig would've been content hiding and building things to help the cause, and Kaya was nervous about rallying. A big group of rebels in one place? That had to end in disaster.

All of Anka's life, Kaya and Gig had been trying to win her heart.

From the moments Kaya and Anka had together, the black-haired girl was sure that it was her. However, after Anka died and she actually talked to Gig, she found that he had many of the same stories. Only one of them could have had Anka's heart when she died. Only one of them could have been her last thought. Both of them wanted to figure out which one it was.

They had organized and gone through her things after she died, searching for some kind of sign. Emotions were high. Kaya was the one that was with her when she went missing. Gig was the one that wasn't there. Looking for someone to blame, they both blamed each other. They ended up tearing Anka's purple bandana into two. After that, they agreed to be civil with each other while they tried to discover which one of them Anka loved. It just felt like a wild goose chase by that point. They had gone through most anything and had no luck. Maybe that was why Gig kissed Kaya.

Kaya didn't want to think about that. She had to get into a certain mindset. She had to get into the mindset to take more lives. She wasn't ready for it, but that was what she would have to do.

She had no other choice. Dying here was not an option. Not after everything the Districts had fought for. She was still trying to convince herself they would see the light and cut this out before it was too late.

She lied awake and stared at the ceiling. Kaya was smart enough to know that the boys from 1 and 4 would be out for blood. She was smart enough to know that some tributes, like the 12-year-olds and the chipper little boy from 9, wouldn't last two days in this kind of setting.

She couldn't help but feel a little bit stupid for spending so much time invested in Anka. Kaya knew her friend was a flirt, and that she was seeing Gig almost as often as she was seeing Kaya. But Kaya loved her. Maybe not as much as Gig, but Kaya loved her and hoped that in the end, it'd be her that Anka picked. And to think that this whole time, Anka had just been getting satisfaction from leading the both of them on? Maybe she had intended to choose one of them someday.

But… There was always the possibility that she had never intended to. Maybe she just wanted to keep leading them both on. Maybe she liked having them both fawning over her. Maybe the reason she didn't pick wasn't because she just couldn't, maybe it was because she never meant to. Kaya refused to believe her best friend was that manipulative and heartless, but the possibility still existed, and that was enough to break her heart.

The truth was that Kaya struggled to see herself as desirable. She looked fine, with black hair and blue eyes, but that was where the desirable parts of her ended.

Her District partner's voice was higher than hers. When Kaya spoke, everyone thought she was a man. She wasn't a man. She was a female, she was a girl, she was cis and never in her life was uncomfortable identifying as feminine. She was tired of feeling like a freak because even if she dressed in the frilliest dresses and curled her hair and did her make-up, she still had the voice of a 30-year-old man. She couldn't just stop talking. She couldn't change it. It was what she was born with. She hated it. Because of it, everyone always expected her to masculine, but the truth was that Kaya wasn't masculine at all. She loved pretty things, and as much as she tried to act tough, melted in half a second. Anka made her feel like she was beautiful and angelic. To think that it was all fake… Kaya couldn't stand the thought.

She quickly closed her eyes, and tried to get herself to doze off. It would be a very long day tomorrow, and she knew it.

.

Henry was standing out on the balcony, overlooking the city. Compared to his home, it was huge. District 6 was in ashes, burnt to a crisp, so a lot of buildings were half singed and being rebuilt. He had never seen anything like this.

Henry wondered what his siblings would say if they were here. Would they be impressed? Henry hated the Capitol, but he was impressed. His older sister Danica hated the Capitol even more than he did, so she probably wouldn't allow herself to enjoy it at all. The truth was, though, it was awe-inspiring. The large buildings, the lights, and especially the clear sky. When Henry looked up, he saw stars. That was something he never would have imagined back home.

Orville would like to look at the stars. Henry knew that for a fact. He would probably be even more amazed than Henry.

Henry ran his fingers over the pink scarred tissue on his arm and shoulder. Orville wasn't mad that they did this to him. Orville was very mad, and Henry had watched his twin go from pacifistic to up in arms in a matter of days. Danica warned them not to go out and fight, but that didn't stop them. Together, the boys went out into a rally. It was a mistake, of course, they realized it too late. Two sixteen-year-old boys, armed with nothing but a flag and their pride. Henry's injuries came from the same bomb that threw Orville back into a building. Somehow both of them survived. Henry had no idea how. After it happened his vision blurred as he picked Orville up and started moving, as fast as he could. Danica slapped him across the face: luckily, on the other side than the burns had been on: as soon as she came in. Henry definitely deserved it.

It was only slightly terrifying when Orville woke up and had no idea who he was.

Henry scoffed, alone on the roof, just thinking about it. More than slightly. Far more than slightly. It was the single scariest moment of Henry's life, and he prided himself in having balls of steel.

The doctors said the amnesia wouldn't last forever. It was only just starting to clear up when Henry was sent away. Henry had no idea if Orville even knew what was happening to him. If Orville remembered anything about what happened to him. Hell, he didn't even know if Orville remembered his own name. He was getting better at it when Henry left. He knew it began with an O consistently.

The second scariest moment in his life was when he was trying to guess, and guessed his dead name. It made sense, considering it was the name he was called for fifteen long years, that he'd remember it, but… Henry quickly told him that wasn't it. Not after all the hell he'd gone through to finally get people to respect him.

Orville considered, and then just laughed and said, "Yeah, that's not a guy's name, is it?"

Even if Orville didn't know anything about himself or Henry, Henry knew that he would love the stars. He always had, always would. Henry couldn't help but feel homesick.

He heard a voice just then. A voice he recognized well.

"Look, Rosie! Stars! Real stars!"

Henry swallowed a lump in his throat. He had no idea how, but somehow the boy from Three had chosen him to follow around, and though the kid was actually strong as an ox, he was definitely not suited for the Games. Henry didn't have the heart to say no. Maybe it was because Kepler reminded him of his brother. Maybe it was because of pity. Maybe it was because… Dammit, Henry didn't know why. But he knew that he had to keep the poor kid out of trouble. If not, it would haunt him forever, especially because Kepler spent all three days of training shadowing his every move.

"Kepler, I…" she stopped short. Henry couldn't see them, but he could guess she was just stunned. "Oh… This is… Amazing…"

"The moon!" Kepler said happily, and Rosalind didn't respond. Either she had gone back to bed, or was too awestruck to speak.

Henry sat on the floor, glancing down between the bars of the railing on the balcony, trying to get a glimpse of them. For some reason, he hadn't been able to take his eyes off of Kepler the whole time they trained together. Henry couldn't exactly say why he just wanted to look at him. It was weird.

"It's… So amazing…" The girl said quietly.

"Definitely," Henry said quietly, not particularly meaning to be heard. He knew that trying to have a conversation three floors apart wouldn't go well. Besides, he had to get home. And if he wanted to do that, both of them would have to die. He had to get back to his family and friends, after all.

"Real stars!" Kepler said.

"Woah, big guy, stand back there. Don't wanna fall." There's a silence as a breeze comes, pleasant and cool and soft.

"Henry and I are gonna be allies."

Henry perked up. He talks about me? Henry wasn't sure why he was so interested in what this kid thought of him, but he couldn't help but listen.

"That's nice," Rosalind said quietly. "You know you shouldn't get too close to him, though, don't you? He's not nice. He'll kill you."

"Not Henry!" Kepler said cheerfully.

Henry felt horrible. He wanted to look after Kepler, but knew that Kepler couldn't win. The second Henry would be gone, Kepler would be as good as dead. Henry would watch after him, but still needed to get home. He would still have to kill him, if it came down to the two of them. Kepler didn't… Get it.

"I like Henry," Kepler chirped happily.

"Woah there, stay back. I don't trust you leaning against that railing so heavily."

Kepler continued happily. "Henry's nice! He's fun! He's… cute!" Kepler laughed a little. Henry's ears burned.

"No, Kepler," Rosalind said quietly. "No…"

Kepler hummed happily, barely noticing.

Henry had to force himself to get up and walk away. He tried to shake it off, but Kepler's words stuck in his head. "Henry's nice! He's fun! He's… cute!"

Henry's heart raced as he climbed into bed and hid under the covers, his cheeks burning. He'd never felt like this before, and he had no idea what these feelings meant or even what they were.

As much as he liked Kepler, Henry refused to surrender his chance for someone he just met.

Even if he had a feeling Kepler would do that for him.

~.~.

District 12

Chico Kneller was staring at the ceiling aimlessly.

Of all things that had to happen… This. Her mother said pray, her father said hide. Chico wanted to do both. How was she supposed to… To deal with this?! Everything was happening so fast.

In the blink of an eye, the weeks blended together. It felt like just the day prior that the alarms had gone off at school and everyone was ducking under tables and desks. Just the day before that Presley was hiding under his bed, claiming it would keep him safe from the bombs. Just like that, it was over, and District 13 was wiped out of existence, and now they were all here.

Chicory's toes grazed the floor.

There were so many questions. It felt like, at this rate, she'd be dead before any of them would be answered. Maybe it was for the better. She tried to see a positive, but as time ticked by it became harder and harder to find one. Poor Presley. He was only nine and he knew exactly what was going to happen. Nine.

Chico couldn't help but wonder what their parents were telling him back home. Were they still trying to fool him? Were they still trying to fool themselves? Chico had given up on pretending this wasn't happening days ago. She had to pick herself up and keep on going. There were too many question marks to end so abruptly. Chicory wanted some periods. Maybe even some exclamation marks. Chicory was tired of question marks. Sometimes she felt like she could write in a period, but the next day it was erased and replaced with another question mark, maybe two. She wanted some answers.

Everyone just kept telling her to wait. "You're young," they said, "You'll figure it out." Or, worse, "You're too young to really decide that." Maybe twelve was young. Maybe twelve was too young to make real decisions. Maybe twelve was too young for labels. Chico didn't care. She was too impatient. She wanted to know as soon as possible.

And, now that she was on her way to die, she really wanted to know. She didn't want to end her life with so many questions. She had plenty of time, sitting up, awake, and alone, to ponder her questions, but it was hard. Maybe it was because she was too afraid of the answers. Maybe it was just because she was tired. Or, maybe it was just because she honestly had no idea. She knew next to nothing about identity. She was still developing, but… Something was different. She didn't feel comfortable saying "I don't know" so often. She didn't feel comfortable with herself.

One night when she had a particularly large amount of courage, she asked her parents about it. Her mother just smiled and said that it was normal for developing girls to be awkward and uncomfortable, even insecure. Chico accepted that response, for a long time as well. Now, though, she was starting to think something was wrong with her. They talked a bit about mental health issues in their class at school, and Chico started to fear. Maybe she has one of those problems… None of them clicked, though.

Even if she brought it up, she'd receive the same advice that she'd get with literally anything else she tried to say about herself. "You're too young to know for sure. After all, you're still in puberty."

Chico sighed before getting up and walking out to the roof. She sat up there for a long time, all by herself, looking out at the city. It was… Actually kind of pretty. Not like District 12, which still reeked of smoke and was half-destroyed.

She lay on her back, knees tucked to her chest, almost like a turtle on its shell, or a fetal position except on the back. It was a somewhat calming position. Sitting on her bottom and drawing her knees to her chest reminded her too much of sitting under her desk, hiding from the bombs. Maybe it was a strange position, but it was calming, at least to her.

Chico heard shuffling feet and when she looked up, saw her District partner standing there. He was huge, a beast of a guy, tall and built fairly strong. He had brown hair and gray eyes, from the Seam. He lived near Chicory, she saw him in school sometimes. She went to school with him, but never talked to him. Dill was an intimidating presence.

As soon as he stepped closer, Chicory got up and started on her way. She didn't stop until she heard him say, "Woah, um, do you need help?" It was the first thing he said to her that wasn't a low mumble.

Chico turned around. "Wh-What?"

"You've got some…"

"Hm?"

Dill just sighed and said, "You're bleeding."

"What?! Am not!" Chico was confused. Suddenly, she put two and two together, and her face flushed red.

"This is your first period, isn't it?" Chico was stunned. She had no idea how he knew. She was embarrassed.

"Yes, but-"

"It's okay. I have sisters."

Chicory had no idea what to do. "Do you have any idea… Where I could find… Pads?"

"No, but I can ask. You might want to head back to your bedroom. Just hang tight, okay?"

"Er… Sure." Chicory hurried back to her bedroom and paced. She felt generally uncomfortable, and couldn't believe she had no idea it was coming. Now her District partner, the scariest guy ever, was about to help her.

Just great.

After what felt like years, Dill knocked on the door. Chicory hurried over, taking the package he handed to her.

"Do you know how to use them?"

"I can figure it out." Chicory drew the line at being taught how to use pads by her 18-year-old District partner. She didn't care how many sisters he had. "Thanks though."

Dill just gave a nod, and closed the door again to give Chico privacy as she hurried to the bathroom to clean up and change clothes.

.

Dill Archer missed home more than ever.

He remembered his sister Miranda's first period: their parents weren't home for it, and he had to figure out how to help her. Luckily for Dill, he was at least somewhat experienced in the field, after having a girlfriend for a year and a half. He knew what to do for her.

If Cliff had been the one in charge or, God forbid, Crawley, it would not have been nearly as smooth. Cliff had a general dislike of people, not to mention a temper unlike any other, and Crawley was just… very awkward. Dill was entirely sure that the middle Archer child didn't know the first thing about vaginas. He wasn't entirely sure that Crawley would ever want to know.

Luckily for Dill, Miranda was pretty calm about it. She asked where their mother kept the pads, and Dill found them for her. She wasn't scared. She was just disappointed that she bled through to her pants, but Dill washed the stain out for her. That was just the life of being the oldest.

When the Archer parents heard the news, they were excited. Mrs. Archer took her daughter to the bakery to get a treat, while the boys stayed home with little Rebecca and toddler Natalie. Dill remembered playing with her on the floor that night, while Rebecca braided Crawley's hair. Cliff just went to the room he shared with Dill and sat out.

Miranda was Cliff's favorite sister. He was very protective of her. Dill liked each of his siblings equally.

He was the oldest at eighteen. He was the protector, and did most of the housework as both of his parents worked. Dill didn't mind doing chores, keeping up the house, and caring for his siblings. He liked it. He thought he might like to be a stay-at-home Dad someday. If he ever got out of the Games, that was. He liked babysitting, he liked keeping everything in line. He made meals and did laundry. He was the man with a solution, the one that everyone went to with their problems. However, he was bothered when he didn't have a solution. Especially with one of his siblings depending on him.

Dill went to the kitchen, and put in an order for a late-night snack. The cupcakes came out on a platter that was pristine. Dill didn't know how the food arrived so quickly, or what disgruntled Avoxes must be wishing he would just go to bed, but he was incredibly thankful. He took the platter and knew that he was going to regret this.

He knocked on his District partner's door.

Chicory opened the door, eyes looking confused, but not tired.

"Did I wake you?" Dill asked. She shook her head, so he continued. "I brought some dessert."

"Why?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Well…" Dill shrugged. "My family thinks that getting your period's a big deal. I thought… Y'know… You might want one."

"Oh… Um… Sure, thanks." She took a cupcake hesitantly. "Did you want to…"

"Oh, sure." She went in, waddling slightly as she tried to get used to the feeling of wearing a pad, and Dill followed. The two tributes from District Twelve sat on the floor together. Each of them unwrapped a cupcake and ate in silence.

"You have a sister?" Chico asked, glancing at him with gray eyes.

"Three, actually. And three brothers."

"Really? What are they like?"

Dill shrugged. "Cliff is the second-oldest. He's seventeen. He's really passionate and strong. Though it didn't seem like it, he cares a lot about the family. He's just bad at showing it. Horrible, actually. I think he might be jealous. But, in the end, Cliff's very loyal. He just goes too far, sometimes. But I can usually pull him back to earth.

Crawley's next. He's fourteen. He's very kind, and often reaches out to people. However, he's teased because people think him to be awkward and strange, and he's also extremely sensitive. I can usually help him with whatever emotional needs he has.

Next is Miranda, at twelve."

"Like me," Chicory offered. "She's in my class."

"Oh, yeah. I guess she is. Well, you know Miranda, always making sure her voice is heard. Though she can get too rough sometimes, even if she doesn't mean to be. I usually just have to keep her focused on schoolwork."

Chico giggled. "Yeah, she's a bit flighty."

"After her came Rebecca, who is nine."

"Really? My brother Presley is nine too." Her face took on an expression of pain for a moment.

"Oh… I didn't know that. Interesting. Rebecca… She's very bright and studious. However, when bored, she knows exactly how to stir up some major trouble. I have to find ways to put her mind to work even after her homework is done.

Natalie's the youngest. She's three. Natalie's… Really a beacon of light. She's so loving and smiley. She usually pushes Cliff too far, though causing him to recoil, which only makes trouble. Though… It's so fun to just… Sit and play with her and forget for a while that you're living in a rotting mudhole."

"True," Chicory said, mouth full of cupcake. She swallowed a bite of food before saying, "All I've got is my parents and Presley. Very average. It's better that way, though. Can't be strange or weird. Just average. Coasting in the middle."

"Hm. Bet it's weird being here, then. Here, where they treat you like a celebrity."

"I don't even feel like one."

"It's hard for any of us to."

"Except for that douche from District 1." Chicory smiled a bit.

Dill smiled a bit back. "Yeah, total douche."

"It's… Not just… Y'know, feeling weird here because of being from the Districts… I always feel… Weird being who I am."

"How so?"

"I…" she stopped. "No, this… Isn't a good time."

"I'm listening. If you want."

She shrugged. "I don't know. I guess puberty's just… Weird. Messing with me. I'm too young to make decisions for myself anyways." She gave a bitter laugh, finishing off the last cupcake on the platter. "I should probably get some sleep."

Dill got up to leave her, but couldn't help adding his two cents. "Whoever told you that is being plain ridiculous. Of course you can make decisions for yourself. Who knows you better than you?"

Chicory just shrugged, showing him out the door. "It's pretty challenging when I'm a total stranger to myself."

She muttered a "Night," and shut the door, leaving Dill to go back to his room and try to sleep before the Games began the next morning.

~.~.

District 8

Duff was lying awake, throwing a pillow at the ceiling.

The pillow bounced off of the ceiling and came back down, and Duff leaned over to pick it up off the floor before he threw it back up again. The room was dark, but Duff could see the pillow. He threw it and caught it, threw it and caught it. The routine was somewhat peaceful. Somewhat.

Duff couldn't sleep, no matter how hard he tried. And he really tried.

He got up, rubbing his eyes and pulling on a sweatshirt as he decided to go out and get some hot chocolate from the kitchen. Maybe that would help.

He walked out to the kitchen and stopped short when he noticed his District partner. Knut was kneeling on the floor by the table, hunched over.

"Hey, are you alright?"

The fourteen-year-old jumped and looked up. He was obviously startled, his green eyes wide.

"Fine, thank you." He turned back around.

Knut seemed fine. To Duff, he was just a strange kid. Not too pleasant, really, but just… Strange. This was the icing on top of the cake.

"What are you doing?"

Knut looked up again. "You don't really want to know."

Duff's curiosity was peaked. He moved in closer. "Sure I do."

Knut gave him a side glance before reaching into his shirt and pulling out the wooden charm on his necklace. "Do you know what this is?"

Duff took it between his fingers. It was rough and somewhat crude. "You're not telling me you're one of those people." Not Knut. He may have been vain and slightly rash but Duff was sure the kid at least had a head on his shoulders. Apparently Duff had misjudged his District partner.

"What's that supposed to mean?" The fourteen-year-old's lip went up in a snarl that signified he knew exactly what that meant.

"You can't tell me you believe in all that bullshit. It's nonsense, Knut."

Knut's lower lip quivered and his eyes filled with tears, and Duff knew he hurt him.

"I'm sorry Knut. You know that religion was made to divert attention away-"

"Shut up!" he shouted, and Duff drew back. "I thought of all people you'd not buy into that bullshit. I guess I misjudged you."

"Knut-"

"Finish the fucking textbook definition, you fucking hypocrite."

Duff started to feel defensive. "Excuse me!? Of all people to call me a hypocrite-"

"LOOK ME IN THE EYES AND SAY THAT REST OF THAT DAMN DEFINITION YOU COWARD!" A tear rolled down Knut's cheek but he stared at Duff with a gaze that burned like fire.

Duff swallowed hard to keep from kicking him in the nuts. The eighteen-year-old stared the fourteen-year-old in the eyes and spoke very slowly. "Religion was made to divert attention away from contributing to society. It misplaces the heart and takes away from hard work the Districts do for the Capitol."

As soon as the last word came out, Knut looked away. "Who do you think wrote that textbook?"

"It's not just the stupid textbook. Christians hate everyone that isn't white, straight, and cis."

Knut's voice was quivering. "That's not true."

"Christians forbid sex, don't they? Christians spend all their time waiting for some fairy to come down and save them-"

"HOW DARE YOU TRY TO TELL ME ABOUT MY OWN PEOPLE!" Knut shouted, sobbing into his hands. "YOU KNOW NOTHING!"

"I always knew you were a bit over the top, but really?"

"I believe in a God that loves the people and the world he made," he said through clenched teeth.

"The world's pretty fucked up. Why hasn't he come to clean everything up yet?"

"I don't have all the answers. But I have faith. I don't care if you don't have faith, but don't come here and tell me that I'm overreacting."

"Look, Knut, I'm sorry if I offended you, it's just that it's so…"

"My father was a preacher."

"Huh?"

"My father was a preacher," he repeated, his voice still quivering. "He was a fucking pacifist. He never hurt anyone. He talked against the war. He never hurt a single person, rebel or Capitol." Knut grit his teeth. "He. Did. Nothing. Wrong."

"I believe you-" Duff was interrupted by a sob coming from his District partner.

"Peacekeepers broke into our house and shot him on our fucking doorstep!" Knut buried his face in his hands and sobbed. "Tell me he deserved it! Tell me he wasn't innocent! Look in my face and tell me, Duff!"

Duff didn't know what to say.

"We believe in a God of peace and love. Hate and violence isn't Christianity. It will get us nowhere. And yet we're hunted and killed. We're scapegoats! After the Capitol killed so many innocent people I figured you'd be able to see that. Guess I was wrong."

Duff was stunned into silence.

"Maybe you think I'm stupid. But my faith is strong. And I'm not going to stop praying. So you can just go."

"I was just going to get some hot chocolate," Duff said quietly. "Do you want some?"

"Sure."

Duff got some hot chocolate as Knut stayed there. Knut was trying not to cry out loud, but Duff wasn't fooled. As soon as the first cup was made, he handed it to Knut before getting his own.

"I'm sorry Knut. You're right. I was being a hypocrite."

"It's fine," Knut said. He looked so different with his hair plastered to his forehead instead of being styled up out of his eyes.

"So what do you believe?"

"Hm?"

"I want to hear it from somewhere that isn't tinted."

"Oh. Well… It's really different from person to person. But my fundamental belief is that God is good, and Jesus reigns."

"Who's… Jesus?"

"He's… God, in human form. God wanted to experience life from a human's perspective, so he sent Jesus. It's… Kind of complicated, but… That's the watered-down version. Christians believe in a Trinity, of sorts. Like… Ice, Water, Steam. Imagine God is ice, and Jesus is water, and then there's… No, you're going to think this is stupid and pointless." Knut turned away.

"No, no, I want to know!" Duff cupped Knut's cheek in his hand. "Please. Keep talking." Duff liked listening. It brought some kind of calm feeling, hearing Knut's words. He couldn't explain it exactly, but he liked it.

Knut didn't look at the older tribute. "It's… It's something we can't really categorize or explain. It's called the Holy Spirit. It's something that comes from within, from the heart. It's there, but… We can't exactly see it. It's something you feel inside. It's like the steam. I'm shit at explaining, but-"

"No, you're really good, Knut. You speak really well."

The younger boy's ears went red. "Thanks. My Dad always said I could preach like him. He always said I was the best at praying in the family. Better than him. I never believed that, of course. But…"

"You could preach. If you get out of here, you could change the stigma-"

Knut shook his head. "I'm a pacifist too. There's no way I'm going to kill anyone. There's no way I'm going to make it out of there."

"You can't just accept that, Knut! You-"

"I know. That's why I've been praying." The next time Duff looked at his District partner, he saw in front of him someone much older than just fourteen.

"Oh…"

"It… It just brings this warm feeling. I can't explain it. But I know that… Well, it's going to work out according to plan."

"How can you worship a God that… That just let your father be killed, that is letting you be here, sent away, and-"

"I'm not saying holding faith is easy. I've struggled a lot with it. I'm still struggling. My Dad always said that doubt is normal. It makes faith stronger, once it's overcome."

"Oh…"

"Everything happens for a reason. But that's the great thing about believing in a God like mine. Because Jesus came to earth and died so that we could live with God for the rest of eternity. So that our sins wouldn't overpower us. So that our souls can be with him in heaven for eternity, where we never feel pain or hunger or sadness again."

Duff smiled a bit. "Oh. That's… Reassuring. I'm glad you have something to believe in that makes you so content." He felt slightly awkward staying there and was about to get up and leave when Knut spoke again.

"It's not too late, you know?"

"Huh?"

"I don't want to pressure you, but…" Knut put out his hands. "If you want to pray with me, you're welcome."

"Oh, but…"

"No baggage is too much. That's the awesome thing about having a God that forgives."

"Even if…" Duff swallowed hard. "You think you might be a boy but you're not a boy?"

"Huh?"

"Never mind, it's dumb-"

"Duff."

The older boy turned around slowly.

"Everyone is welcome at the table. If you don't want to you don't have to. But if you want to, nothing's stopping you."

Duff hesitated before sinking down on his knees next to Knut and taking the fourteen-year-old's hands.

Knut smiled the tiniest bit, rested his forehead against Duff's, and together, the two boys from District 8 prayed.

~.~.

A/N: Another chapter! I've been waiting for the 8 scene for literally… Months. I hope you enjoyed it!

Reviews are always appreciated. Thanks so much to everyone that reads this even though it's not an SYOT and it's 24 of my own tributes. You guys mean a lot to me, and every review is reread at least 5 times a day because I love reviews.

Alright, so we have all of our tributes. And, like in the first draft, I'll list them all here in case you have trouble remembering:

Platinum and Champagne

Elijah and Paulina

Rosalind and Kepler

Drake and Crickette

Watt and Charge

Henry and Kaya

Malthe and Suki

Knut and Duff

Guinness and Rune

Oliver and Jessie

Drago and Heidi

Dill and Chicory

So, the CQ is: Name one tribute you would like to see make it far in the Games, and one tribute you would like to see die early.