Hello, hello, people of the internet! I am Lord Zagreus, and I am here to present to you the Reapings for District 5! Yay!

I do not own the Hunger Games. That's Suzanne Collins' stuff. Not mine.

I just wanted to make note, I am going to start keeping track of Sponsor Points after the District 13 Reapings are done. If you'd like to help keep a tribute alive, just let me know who you'd like to Sponsor, and I'll keep track of your points and your tribute. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SPONSOR A TRIBUTE YOU CREATED!

Reviews:

HufflePuffleJay: Don't worry, I don't plan on giving up. I shall see this through. Hopefully, now that the Career Districts are over, I can update more often. That's my hope.

faceless eater aka slendergirl: Athena's interesting. I can't control water though… sort of…

dreams and desperation: I'm glad you liked the chapter! I hope you like 5 too.

Mystical Pine Forest: I'm glad you don't hate me… Don't worry, Blue's cliff-hanger will be… unhanged? When we see him next… May be a while, though.

We're All Okay: I'm glad you liked Mera, even if she isn't your tribute. First child of Apollo I've heard. I have some Hermes traits, but… that's not me.

ElvenRangerRysel: Thanks for being honest, I will do my best to update more, I swear.

Nightmares Are Dreams Too: I'm glad you like my writing so much, I hope I did Devon okay. I hadn't even considered Khione.

My godly parent:

Hecate, Goddess of Magic, Crossroads, Ghosts, and Necromancy. You people really know anything about me.

S'far as I know I have no further announcements.


Darius Line, Age 17, District 5


It was hard keeping up my stone cold expression as I wove through the Sector 7 Graveyard. I was looking for a specific tomb, the same one I had visited every day for the past few months.

As the stone I was looking for was one of the more recent, I didn't pass many tombs looking. Inscribed in the rock were the words:

Vince Line

August 23, 114 A.D.D.

March 4, 150 A.D.D.

A loving husband and father,

who will always be in

our hearts.

In case you were wondering, yes, Vince is my father. My parents loved each other since they pretty much first met 19 years ago. However, around the time the 149th Games came to a close, everything went downhill. They started arguing, a lot more than the usual two-minute fight-and-make up they had every once in a while. They'd only fight when they thought I was asleep, but I heard the nasty words that flew to my room from the kitchen.

When I asked them about it, they'd tell me that "Everything's fine," and "We have no idea what you're talking about." However, I know a failing or doomed relationship when I see one. A few months after the Victory tour, I was in school when I was called down to the office, but I was confused; I hadn't done everything wrong.

The principal had a hard time breaking it to me. I mean, it's very difficult to tell a 17-year-old boy that his father, whom he loved very much, had hung himself with a belt in his closet after finding his wife in bed with a Peacekeeper.

Since then, I've gone to the sector's graveyard on a daily basis, if only to talk to my father, feel some connection.

I sat down next to my father's final resting place, my back against the stone structure. "Oh, dad." I said, "Help me get past the Reaping today. It's almost over, just two more years. Please." I sat there, not sure what I was waiting for. After a while, I got up and left, headed home to get ready.

I walked through the back door, hoping to avoid the voice that greets me every day. Unfortunately, it rang through the kitchen. "Morning, Darius. How are you today, sweetie?"

Suppressing a groan, I brushed past her and hurried to my room, where, on my bed, was the same outfit I wore to Dad's funeral.

After throwing them on, I walked downstairs to where my mother was. "You look wonderful!" She said. Immediately, I walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. If Terra likes it, it has to be undone.

First I grabbed the white button up shirt from where it was tucked in my pants, and pulled out one side. I then proceeded to uncuff my wrists, and screw up my black hair, so it pretty much covered my dark blue eyes. It seemed the only thing I didn't mess with was my pale, 6'1", lanky figure.

Ignoring Terra, I strode to the door and out into the bright District 5 sunlight, and walked to my friend, Rana's house.

Rana is a year older than me, and she became my friend even after I pushed all my other friends away when Dad died. She came to me, and we started talking, laughing, and even pranking other people in the District, especially the Peacekeepers.

As I walked up to her door, she opened it and walked toward me. "Hey, Dar." She said casually, gesturing for me to follow her to the Justice Building. "Excited for today?"

"More or less." I shrugged. "The whole day off at the plant and at school. I'm a little nervous though. Something just… doesn't feel right." I sighed, relieved to get it off my chest.

"I agree. Something's in the air." She then asked, "How's Terra?"

"Annoying as always." I answered as we got to the square. We got in line, and before I knew it, it was my turn to sign in.

"Next." The Peacekeeper at the table gestured with his hand.

"Don't tell me what to do." I said, giving him my arm.

He took the sample, signing me into the network, and said, "Well, well, well. Darius Line, the little Peacekeeper gnat. Go get in line, Line." He waved me to the 17-year-old boys' section, a smirk on his face.


Devon Cynthia Rose, Age 17, District 5


Based off the stars above District Five, the cries from down the hall woke me up at about 5 in the morning. Groaning, I got out of my bed and walked in the direction of the cries. Opening the door, I heard, "Mommy!"

I crossed the room and plucked the 2-year-old from his bed, cradling him in my arms. "Good morning, Ori. I'm never going to get a good night's sleep, huh?" My dear child just looked up at me, seeing nothing but his loving mother.

Sitting in my makeshift rocking chair, I rode back and forth, trying to get Ori to sleep. His blue eyes reflected mine, but his fiery red hair, a gift from his father, was bright and curly, what little there was. Much unlike my long brunette locks.

When I was 14, I was sexually assaulted by head peacekeeper Darius Thunder, a few days after his wife passed away. He threatened me, telling me to make sure I didn't tell anyone, and so I didn't. But to make sure I kept my pledge, he seemed to be near whenever I left the house, and, once in a while, he'd walk up to me, almost renewing his threats.

A little after I turned 15, I realized I was pregnant, and, unable to hide it, my parents kicked me out of the house in disgust. Using the little money I had saved, I bought me a little shack a few miles from my family, where the only interruption in my life were my few friends, and Darius' threats.

Smiling down at my precious little jewel, I put him back into his waiting bed and went to my own, falling asleep.

The dream came to me again as it had for the previous few nights. I was in the square with Ori, 3 days before the Reapings.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Darius approach me. His white uniform, with many medals and stars, is the only clear thing in a sea of colorless fog. He approaches me, a glint in his dark eyes. He grabs my arm, and starts to haul me through the crowd.

Not wanting to go with him, I screamed and tried to run, but he held firm. He smiled at me evilly, and I lost it. Shifting Ori to the arm Darius was holding, I reared back my right hand and punched him square in the nose.

He looked at me shocked, and I turned and fled. He called after me, but I couldn't make out what he was saying. I looked up at the Justice Building, and the bell above the tower started ringing.

I woke with a start, realizing that the bells were the bells, signaling the short amount of time left before the Reapings. I jumped out of bed and got ready for the event. As I walked down the hallway to get Ori, I checked myself in the little mirror on the wall.

The simple black dress that reached my knee, a maroon sash around my waist. The dress's a little worn out, but it's all I had. I wore combat boots as always, and my hair was in a very messy bun, some strands falling in my face.

The door to Ori's room had a piece of paper on it, reading:

Dev, I grabbed Ori while you were sleeping, because Jaq and I were by your house for the morning jog. I'll see you after the Reapings. –Fiona

Smiling, I put the note back on the door and left for the Justice Building, on the way there, I waved to my neighbors, who looked away as soon as they saw me. In their minds, getting pregnant before you're out of the Reapings makes you cursed or something, but everybody in the District treats me that way, so I'm used to it.

By the time I finished the silent stroll to the Justice Building, the escort was giving closing remarks about the rebellion video, and introducing the Victors. I hurried to sign in.


Darius Line, Age 17, District 5


"Now, let us remember our Victors for District 5." Dole was saying up on stage. "The 26th Games: Matt Electrode. As the 1st District Victor, he gave hope for future tributes. The 49th Games: Eila Flame. At 17, she won her first Games. At 43, she was Reaped for the 75th Games, and placed 13th, lasting 2 more days than her Partner."

The list has been the same since I went to my first Reaping, and I know all our Victors by name, but I listened anyway, "The 59th Games: Xander Knight. Reaped for the Quarter Quell, he gave his life trying to get to the Cornucopia while the girl from 12 was distracted. May you rest in last place. The 90th Games: Kylee Turbine." An old woman stood up on stage, "You won your Games at the age of 13, making you the youngest Victor for District 5. Good job. The 101st Games: Umeka Heron. After the Quell, much was expected of you in the Arena, and you delivered. Congratulations on your Victory. Fosca Beralia, you won the 127th Games, after losing two siblings to the Fifth Quarter Quell. Your family has finally been honored, after the disappointment of your siblings." The 40-year-old woman looked like she wanted to strangle Dole, and I understood. Ignoring the glares from the Victors, she continued, "And finally, in the 136th Games: Alkaline Watt. May we break the 14-year losing streak, and bring home a Victor." She smiled and walked over to the girls' bowls, shoving her hand to the bottom of the tributes' for effect.

Walking over to the microphone, she announced, "The female tribute to represent District 5 is: Devon Rose!" A woman about my age slowly emerged from the girls' section. Her face was expressionless all the way up to the stage, and only faltered when a shrill, young voice flew over the square.

"That's my mommy!" It giggled. The girl searched the crowd for who must've been her child, but her eyes widened when she found something. Turning, I saw a peacekeeper, his red hair brighter than the sun, winking at her with a cruel smile.

"Now, the boys." Dole walked to the boys' bowls, grabbing a paper from each, and returning to the mic. "Darius…" I didn't even listen to the rest, I was already up on the stage, looking at the crowd. The Peacekeepers were laughing, and I realized they had rigged the bowls to get rid of me. Anger boiled in my stomach, and I roughly shook Devon's hand, her face full of fear. Her innocent face, which was probably also rigged in the bowls, silenced that anger as quickly as it came.


Devon Cynthia Rose, Age 17, District 5


Oh, dear God, I'm going into the Hunger Games! I thought, What's going to happen to Ori, should I die? Is there even a chance of me surviving the Arena? And why on earth did my District partner's name have to be Darius?

Before I had the chance to contemplate further, the door slowly opened, and Fiona came into the room, Ori in her arms. She rolled over beside me, and placed Ori in my open arms. With tears in her bright green eyes, she said, "The Peacekeepers don't know I brought him in, so you can have him after I leave. Dev, I-" She choked up, and I understood why. She wished she could have volunteered to save me. We had known each other since we were five, and she had always wanted to be a Victor, but the Quell stopped her, as well as her legs.

When we were fourteen, she fell off a climbing wall she had made in her backyard, paralyzing her lower body. Had she been able to, she would have volunteered for me, and been the most beautiful Victor from Five, rivaling even those from District One.

"It's okay, Fi." I told her. "I can win this. I'm can sneak around, and we both know just about every berry there is. Plus, I've got wonderful friends and," I choked, "A wonderful son." We both looked at Ori, and he smiled, having no idea what was going on. I continued to stare at him, and Fi eventually left. After a moment, the door opened again.

I finally looked up, and saw the rest of my friends, Thalia, Elliot, Gio, and Hannah. She was smiling, as usual, though I could tell it was forced. Elliot had a blank expression, which we all called his "geek face." He always had it on when he was thinking hard, his satchel usually at his side. The poor kid should've been born in Three. Without realizing it, he was staring at Gio, his attempt-at-a-secret crush. Gio was looking at me with tears in his eyes, which were pretty much obscured by his giant glasses. Hannah finally stepped over to me, the usual look of fury in her eyes.

"You can get through this, Dev." She said, "I know you can. You've been through worse, truly. Remember that, okay?" I nodded, and she stepped back, prodding Gio forward. It reminded me of stories Elliot had told me, of peasants giving gifts to the queen.

"She's right, Dev. You're the toughest girl I know, not to mention pretty." The mostly-in-the-closet gay boy's voice had a slight lisp, because of the braces he needed but couldn't afford. "You could probably get half the Capitol behind you, if you-"

"Play the "poor me" card." Elliot interrupted, an apologetic look fleeing to Gio, who only nodded. "Explain what happened in the interviews. Talk about what your parents did to you. Tell them about Ori. They'll want to keep you alive until the top Eight, if only to get mad at the ones who did you wrong."

"And not to mention, to meet Ori!" Thalia piped up. "They meet him, and they'll want to see him year after year, with you! They'll-"

"Time's up!" A Peacekeeper said, entering the room. He grabbed the girls, who took Ori with them. I kissed him goodbye and ushered him to the girls and Gio. Elliot hesitated, and turned toward me.

In a whisper, he said, "I think I'll tell him today. About the crush." He pulled something out of his satchel, and handed it to me. "You can have this as your token. It should pass, and UGGH." He grunted as a Peacekeeper yanked his arm.

I smiled as I looked down at my songbook, with the lullabies I sang to Ori.


Darius Line, Age 17, District 5


I stood in the waiting room, staring out the window. The anger that held me for the previous months had dissipated as soon as I met that girl's eyes. Something about the innocence, the fear even… I could use that to my advantage.

I knew the Peacekeeper who was winking at my District Partner. He was Darius Thunder, Head of the Peacekeepers of District Five. He was at the top of my least of favorites, because of rumors that he was the one who led my father to hang himself. His wife had died years back, and apparently couldn't live without a companion. He's still not married.

But, I wondered in the nearly blank white room, what does Devon have to do with him?

On the outer edge of my voice, I faintly heard Rana, saying, "Terra went home crying. Can you believe her?" When I didn't respond, she added, "Look, Darius, I'm sorry. But listen. Your moth-Terra-won't have any money holding her up, because you won't take her to the Victor's Village, right?"

Then it hit me. "He raped her." I mumbled.

"What, Darius? I couldn't hear you."

"He raped her!" I said, louder, "He raped my District Partner, Rana! She has a child! Do you know what this means?" She looked at me blankly, and I continued, "Darius Thunder, Head Peacekeeper, forced my mother to sleep with him! It's his fault my dad's dead!" I was screaming now.

Her eyes widened. "Oh, no…" Tears welled in her eyes.

"Tell her I'm sorry, Rana, please! Tell her I didn't know! Tell her I love her!" She barely had time to confirm that she would before Darius Thunder himself towed her away.


Fosca Beralia, Age 40, District 5


I was just getting up from the stage when Dole approached me, a slip of paper in hand. "Oh, great." I said, "Me again, huh?" I glared, knowing full well he had nothing to do with me getting chosen to Mentor for the eighth year in a row. He only nodded. "That's good, I suppose." I sighed, and led the way into the Justice Building.

"Maybe you'll have better luck this year, eh, Fosca?" He asked, putting his hand on my shoulder. I shrugged him off, still mad about what he said about Kasen and Meilin. He looked hurt, but quickly look to the door to our left, where screaming could be heard.

"He raped my District Partner, Rana! She has a child! Do you know what this means?" A pause. "Darius Thunder, Head Peacekeeper, forced my mother to sleep with him! It's his fault my dad's dead!" The Peacekeeper by his door, whom I knew for a fact was Darius Thunder, turned into the room.


Matt Electrode, Age 142, District 5


Finally, I awoke from the nightmare. It happened every time they re-killed me, which of course they only call "hibernation." I see the blood, the faces. I hear the screams. Every child I mentored. Every one died, all but two.

Working the kinks in my neck, I slowly sat up. Each year it got easier, it was almost as if I expected it. I looked down at myself, and saw the same, eighteen-year-old who walked out of the Arena in the 26th Hunger Games. Looking around, I saw a few other tables. Counting, I realized there were twelve tables, including my own. I saw one from One, labeled Gloss Xerces, two from Three, labeled Matrix Volt and Ingrid Talbot. I smiled, knowing full well that my best friend was under one of those sheets. To my immediate left, I saw the lump from Four stir. I craned my neck to see the headboard, which read Kinzie Wrasse. I shuddered. To my right was Kiara Enygma from Six, and then Lily Jeng from Seven. Above the next two tables, the words Cecelia Furse and Velvet Furse were inscribed. I winced. Gloss himself killed Cecelia. That wasn't going to go over well.

A nurse walked in, and said something to me, but I wasn't listening. Next to the pair from Eight were Harvest Summer from Nine, and Slatia Mist from Twelve.

I looked at the lump of Slatia. She and I were actually good friends. Last I saw, she was alive. Then again, she was eighty then.


Guys, I am so, so sorry! I promised two over Winter Break, but I honestly couldn't find the time. I've been sick a lot, and I forgot to take my computer when we went out of town.

On the bright side, Five's done, and I feel I did a really good job! Hopefully, the updates will come faster when I get through the Reapings.

Questions!

Who's your favorite D5 tribute?

Who's your favorite D5 Victor?

Favorite tribute?

What do you think will happen to the tributes of 5? Bloodbath? Top 3?

How many people do you think will die in the Bloodbath? Who do you think, out of the current tributes, will? (If you submitted a Bloodbath, don't give it away!)

If you were in the Games, what would you do in the Bloodbath?

Thank you to Nightmares Are Dreams Too and grimbutnotalways for Dev and Darius. I shall have fun killing at least one of them. (laughs maniacally)

Stay strong, Lord Z