Chapter 3: Ain't You Something

District Three Reaping

Veta Del Mina - District Three Female

"The soul, like the body, lives by what it feeds on,"

-Josiah Gilbert Holland

Using the hunting knife I had in my hand, I threw it at the bullseye. Right at the center, I couldn't help but smirk.

"Beat that bitches," I boasted to everyone around me.

Those around me in this dangerous looking alley were not all bad guys. Most of them were a bunch of dumb morphling addicts who made a particularly horrible bet. A bet with me and my talent at knife throwing, guess who's getting a hundred buck's here? Me, that's who. The other's were grumbling, the other half were high, but they should have known better than to make such an uncertain bet.

I had two of my friend's here. One of them was smirking alongside me. Plix, my beanbag wearing friend, looked at the drug addict's, "Pay up," she said greedily. Some were offering the cash they had in their pockets, while other's didn't have anything at all. Plix glared at the latter of those, "If anyone here doesn't have the coin, pay with the morphling. Veta here got that shit dead center, and you all were dumb enough to bet against her. Now own it."

Plix is a real lady, that's for sure. My mind couldn't help but sarcastically think that.

"We don't need the drug's," my other good friend, Cordin assured. He's my best friend from childhood, and we both have been through the tough times together. Especially with the earthquake. Cordin and I have had each other back's since the earth shook, the earthquake that ruined our lives, as well as many others.

"The hell we don't. Mama Plix need's some of that morph," Plix glared at him with undisguised mirth. She and Cordin didn't agree with some matters. Morphling was the main one.

Cordin didn't look happy and choose to ignore Plix. He turned the hopeless addict's. "I don't need any of that shit."

They shrugged, uncaring of him. He already informed them of his stance on the morphling. Cordin's a good guy, uptight at time's in my opinion, but a good guy.

I walked to the wall where the dartboard is, pulling out my hunting knife. The funny thing is I never went hunting. It's a memoir I had ever since dad's butcher shop got wrecked, along with so many other building's from that earthquake six year's ago. Everyone in this street got affected by that earthquake. Everyone in District Three lost something or someone. I lost my mother.

"Yo! Veta!" Plix called out. She walked toward's me, and I saw morphling in her hand. "Want some?"

Tempting. Very tempting. It's not as if I've never had some before, while Cordin is a good friend, Plix is the friend I know can get me to relax. I need a way to get away from the earthquake, from dad, and Plix gives me release. Drug's help, if only for a while.

I looked at Cordin, all I need to do is look in his eye's and see disapproval. Time's like these I wish I didn't bring him. Do you want the morphling to control you like it does your dad? He said that to me, and it's wise for someone our age. Vita Del Mina is a slave to no one. Not to anything.

"Nah. Maybe later," I declined the offer for sweet release.

"Your loss," Plix said, smirking a little. "You sure?"

I nodded. "Positive."

One of the dealer's here looked a little peeved, his drugged mind not helping anyone. "You should take some, small one. Don't puss out."

"She doesn't need anything," Cordin got in front of the dealer, looking stern.

"There's no shame in taking part. Don't be a fuckin chicken," the dealer told me mockingly.

What is his deal? Lost too much money on his bet against me. His words shouldn't have affected me as much, but he was unbearable. Those small insults get me riled up good. I threw my knife up, catching it when it came back down. The effect was needed right now. I gazed at him angerly. "Don't fucking talk to me, loser. One more word from you, I'll take this knife, and it won't go anywhere pretty. You saw me throw. Do you want to test me?"

The dealer looked me, but his mind thankfully told him to keep his mouth shut. He went back to his little corner. Good. He's not a complete idiot. I may be small, but it doesn't mean I can't fight.

"Let's get out of here," Cordin insisted. I agreed.

Plix decided to stay. As much as I don't want her to, she can handle herself. Can't blame her for finding some peace in her life, even if it's with the undesirables.

We were walking to my house.

"Do you think bad if me?" I asked my best friend.

"Course not. Why do you ask?" Cordin asked back. His family got killed during the earthquake, so did Plix. Both of them picked a different way of life, Cordin picked to work hard in the factories, and Plix decided to live the on gambling and drinks.

If I lost my whole family, I would've most likely ended up the same as Plix.

"Just wondering. I thought you'd hate me like Plix if I took the morph," I mentioned.

Cordin shook his head. "I don't hate Plix, Veta. It's just..." he stopped talking, thinking carefully. "I wish she didn't have to do all the stuff she does. And sure, sometime's you join her, but at least you work. You help Flynn and your dad. And thank God you didn't end up like him."

"What's that suppose to mean?" I snarled, not very in the mood in talking about my family or him.

"Your mom would be proud. Glad you're more like her," he told me.

"Shut it," I said quietly. In truth, however, it was a good compliment.

My best friend did so. Some part of him is jealous that I still have a family, and him still trying to cheer me up is what make's him a good friend. I do my best, I work in the factories with Cordin, trying my best despite my young age to get the money needed for my little brother.

"Vita!"

I saw Flynn waving at me. He has brown hair as I do, only mine is wavy. His similar brown eye's look joyous, even if his face doesn't show any happiness. He doesn't smile often. Not since the earthquake.

"Hey kid," I said, causing him to snort.

"Your only two year's older," Flynn pointed out.

"And proud of it. Also, don't talk about to your loving sister."

"Alright then, loving sister. I supposed no dinner for you this evening."

The both of us laughed, well, I laughed, Cordin joined in, and Flynn chuckled. Cordin said he'd go back his apartment, getting some rest and proceed to get ready to work in the factories like always. The daily quota for mostly everyone in District Three. We waved bye and went to our home.

"Dad's back," Flynn informed. My brother and I saw our sad excuse of a father lying on the kitchen counter. He was crying, and he had morphling in his hand's. This is the reason I didn't take any drug's today. Why would I ever want to be like him?

"Sarah? Is that you?" dad asked, almost every other day he does this, he sounds annoyingly happy when he does ask. At first, I used to envy him, year's ago. Now, I can't help but feel pity. He used to be joyous, radiant of life with his wife, two kid's, and his butcher shop. Now he's throwing whatever life he was away for that dam morph.

"No, dad. It's Vita and Flynn. Your's kids. Mom's died, dumbass," I said depressingly.

"NO!"

My father had his brief moment of anger as if trying to charge at me, but he only fell to the ground from the table. He broke out a lot of tears from his eye's, keeping on saying mom's name.

I looked a Flynn. "You got dinner.'

He nodded, completely ignoring our wreak of a father. "Anchovies, french fries, and meatloaf."

"Good. I'm hungry from work," I remarked.

He went to the kitchen. I went toward's the couch, turning on our TV. If there's one thing District Three has, it's TV. It would be better anywhere else, but Panem. Is it too much to ask for less capitolite propaganda and Hunger Games news? At least dinner was decent that day, as long as one ignored my father's sobbing, which Flynn and I have a long time experience by now.

"Might welcome, District Three!" the golden glasses wearing escort shouted enthusiastically, his smile possible could've lightened up anyone's day. You know, as long as it wasn't the Reaping day.

I was, however, the Reaping Day, and no one was glad to be in the Town Square. The sun didn't even show up to shine, being covered from above with moody grey clouds. It's as if some god wanted to make this scene as depressing as possible.

The escort coughed, "Right then. Maybe I should introduce myself. Call me Riggie Vulcan. I'm here to take you to an alien planet," the escort proceeded on giggling. I glared at the capitolite on the platform in front of all the rows of children. How can someone act so childish at such a time? His outfit could also be considered childlike. He has a business suit on, colored in a shiny gold plating that matches his glasses, the weird part of it is that he has shoulder pads. "On to the girl's bowl. Wish luck to the lucky mechy here."

I hate him so much, and it's only in half a minute. I pity the girl going with him to the games.

"Veta Del Mina."

...

...

"Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me," I mumbled angerly the moment the initial shock went. What are the odds?!

My fist's clenched, my teeth were grinding, and I walked. Walked to the stupid golden glasses wearing fucktard with that silly grin. Riggie didn't look the slightest bit affected by my nasty glower.

"A feisty one. And no crying this time around. District Three might stand a chance," Riggie compliments offhandedly, "Now, to the boy's bowl!"

The escort picked out the name, "Dorian Fleece."

A skinny boy from the fifteen-year-old line came strolling. He's most likely an orphan like the other six year's. He had yellowish brown hair, a hook nose, and blue eyes that seem far too calm. Dorian offered a hand, I took his hand and shook it. He then said, "May Vailsha keep you alive."

Wot?

"TO DISTRICT THREE: VETA DEL MINA AND DORIAN FLEECE!" Riggie screamed out. He managed to get a few claps from the crowd, something that rarely happens. Wonder if it help's anyone.

To the Justice Building, I went.

There was a nice comfy chair in the room the peacekeeper's brought me in. I needed to sit badly.

"This doesn't look too great Vita," my good friend Plix started with that sobering note.

"Yeah," I agreed.

My other good friend Cordin didn't. "You have a chance, Vita. Better than most out there. You know I wouldn't say it if I don't mean it."

"Wow. All optimistic all of a sudden, Cordin. Maybe give her real advice. Like, get knives first. You're good at those," Plix said naturally.

"You're the last person for any good advice," Cordin snarled, both of my friends were distancing from one another.

"Fuck you too."

"Are you guy's fucking kidding me!? Now!" I yelled at them. Both looked a bit ashamed.

"Sorry Vi-" Cordin wanted to say something before I interjected.

"No," I said. "You guys are all I have left. I'm going to give it my all in the games. I'm not going down without a fight. And in the chance I do die, you two have to step up and take care Flynn for me," I looked them in the eyes. "I can't promise I'll make it out alive, but you guy's can promise to care for each other and Flynn. Now can you promise me?"

Cordin looked extremely disheartened. Plix was keeping her cool and trying not to cry.

"I promise."

"Same as Cordin. I promise."

"I'll hold you now to that," I told them, giving them a tight hug, they returned it. I'm relieved, a little that is.

We all kept tight smiles on before they called Plix and Cordin back. Then Flynn came in.

He kept his face with emotion. It would've been impressive if his eyes didn't look watery.

I moved my arm's around him, giving him a hug.

"I hope you make it," he whispered hopefully.

"Me too," I replied.

We kept on hugging and hugging.

I realized dad suddenly that dad wasn't coming, probably high.

I can help a lot of people if I win, my dad included.

I can win.

All of Panem will see me win this game.

Dorian Fleece - District Three Male

"My Goddess. Sweet Vailsha. Have mercy on the ignorant. Those who mock you have yet to see your greatness. Spare them once they reach the afterlife," I begged in front of the statue.

Vailsia didn't say anything back. However, I felt the wind in the orphanage attic started to blow out the window. It's not about word's, as many foolish people would want when they dam God or Snow. It's about faith. Faith in a God. In a world such as this, why wouldn't anyone pray to Vailsia? She is kind. She is hopeful. Wonderful, even.

She helped me in my time of need. Hail Vail. Hail Vail. As she is all-seeing.

I used to have a family. Father died in the earthquake. My mother and brother, Philip, were both shot to death by peacekeepers for conducting a pantry raid to get food. I can't remember much about my family before they all died. That was a while ago. I don't put much thought into it. I am not the only orphan here in District Three. There are those more unfortunate than me.

It pain's to see many still suffering from the past. If only other's would accept Vailshanism as their religion. Vailsha would bring peace to many, but she is a creature of hope and acceptance.

Looking up to the statue I was beseeching, a perfect sculpture. An angel, one with four wings, and a peaceful serene face looking down at me as if passing judgment.

"Brother Dorian. Are you still praying?" a familiar female voice called down below the attic of the orphanage.

"I am indeed," I answered. I don't very much like spending time the other unbeliever's who mock me.

"The Headmistress is calling everyone in reaping age to join her," a thin black-haired pre-teen walked up the ladder to the attic, it was Kamiri, one fellow believer of Vailsha. "She's taking out the whip. God, she's a bitch."

"Kimiri! I would rather no one curse in front of our Goddess's statue!" I reprimanded. That's a rule I made up, but I'm sure it's what Vailsha would want. She should be respected.

"Right. Right," Kimiri said impatiently. "Seriously, she's going to take the whip. We have to go now."

I grimaced but conceited to her logic. "Very well."

After my family's unfortunate end, I got sent to a community home. It's not the best place in Panem. It isn't indeed. I got food and shelter here, but the treatment is horrendous. The stern headmistress uses an actual whip which work's quite effectively. I hate her even if I do comply with everything she say's since I don't have any other choice.

An orphan's life is a tough one.

Walking outside the orphanage, I saw all the other kid's wandering. They are miserable here just as I am, and being in an age where you can be reaped make's it impossible to light a smile.

"It's the priest," one orphan boy said to the other, both of them snorted. "Guess he's gonna go on about that angel crap again."

I heard that. "Don't mock my Goddess heathen!"

"Whatever," the orphan boy rolled his eyes. "Just don't piss yourself if the escort calls you up."

That was a frightening thing to say. If I ever go up on that platform, I'll have to accept it since my goddess must have a plan for me of some kind in the Hunger Games. However much I doubt my name being picked out.

Kimiri was next to me. "Don't worry about them. Their just a bunch of idiot's."

"I know," I said softly. Vailsha watch over me, please.

"Let's go you bunch of street rats! The Reaping wait's for no one!" The ugly stern headmistress barked at everyone.

I hope her next life will be a miserable one. I'm positive Vailsha will choose wisely, preferably where she's the one getting whipped for once.

She brought all of the orphans to the reaping. Sadness surround's this District. No one from District Three has won for so long, and we've gone to simple acceptance that whoever is going to get called up will pretty much die.

The mayor was up. He was old, and he was lazily reciting the same thing he says every year. It's a miracle I didn't produce a yawn.

Next up was he escort, a strange one like the rest. I mean, he's shiny and what is the purpose of those shoulder pads?

The escort coughed, "Right then. Maybe I should introduce myself. Call me Riggie Vulcan. I'm here to take you to an alien planet," he joked, trying and failing to lighten up the mood. How could the keep on smiling? "On to the girl's bowl. Wish luck to the lucky mechy here."

He called up a girl named Vita Del Mina. A girl with this fierce expression in her face, already proving that she's braver than her previous predecessors. She came from the sixteen-year-old section yet she looks younger, maybe cuter if she lost that snarl of her face. Her brown eye's certainly hold's confidence(forced, but it's still impressive), no doubt sharing some pain from the earthquake.

Riggie moved on the boy's bowl, saying the fated boy's name. "Dorian Fleece."

It's hard not to feel shocked by that. I suppose that mean's Vailsha has picked my fate.

I accept. Walking forward to the platform, I looked at everyone around me. The stare's I got back were one filled with pity as if they already think me a goner. I can't help but feel that's true.

I see my new District Partner, and she did her best to make me feel uncomfortable with her glare. She certainly wants to survive. There's only one thing to say to her. I offered her to shack my hands, she did so, and I said to her, "May Vailsha keep you alive."

Vita blinked with humorous confusion. Hopefully, this unbeliever will take care of herself.

Riggie was in front of us, looking at the crowd. "TO DISTRICT THREE TRIBUTES: VETA DEL MINA AND DORIAN FLEECE!"

What a horrible thing to yell about with so much excitement, does he not see how terrible it is?

Once that was done the next few minutes. I went to the Justice Building.

Kimiri, the one person who cares about me arrived. She looked saddened by me, but no tears. I wasn't expecting any.

"So, you know you're most likely going to die, right?" she questioned.

"I'm well aware," I answered, then looked at her pleadingly. "Do you think you can continue to spread Vailsha's good name?"

Kimiri snorted softly, "Is that all that goes on in your head?"

"Of course. I'm a priest."

She opened her mouth, then closed it. "I guess you are. I guess you're not very afraid of death."

"Nope," I smiled a little. "Once I die, I'll get another life. I am positive that Vailsha will grant me a good one."

"I'm sure she will. Bye, Brother Dorian."

"Have a good day, Sister Kamiri. Spread Vailsha's light, and ignore those ignorant to listen. That's all I can give."

Kamiri nodded and went away the one person who's life I helped using Vailsha's name.

Wonder if it's not too late to help those in the Capital? Never tried to convert a Capitolite.

A/N: To the first Non-Career District! District Three! A quarter of the District's done! Thank you XC-NERD for the resilient Vita Del Mina and District5Ravenclaw(once more) for the weird fanatic Dorian Fleece! Looking forward to writing them later! Not sure how I'll make use of Dorian's weird-ass religion, but I'll make it work for everyone's amusement.

Oh, and guess who broke an arm. This guy! (Pointing at myself). One main reason I couldn't have done this chapter quicker. That's not what's important, however. Let's move on.

Another annoying shout out to the readers. District 8 and 9 Male are still empty. Two more positions for anyone interested. Come on. It will be fine, I swear. And if anyone's interested, they could also submit an escort to me. That's something I'd like to try.

To the reviewers Radio Free Hand, Anon, and District5Ravenclaw: You guys are correct. I should work on my writing better, but keep in mind that I'm not Stephen King. I'll try my best though. Starting now. ;)