Chapter 8: Reason For Rebellion

District Eight Reaping

Marron Deinan - District Eight Male

"This isn't going to be pretty. Rules will be broken. Friendships will be tested. And huge risks will be taken. But they're small prices to pay for true love and freedom, right?"

-Lisi Harrison, Monster High

I sipped a glass of my esteemed father's hundred-year-old wine. A wine that no plebian from this district could ever hope to grasp. Those factory workers would never have understood how to drink it correctly anyway. Father would most likely punish me from taking this, but I can only blame the workers. After all, who's my father going to believe more? His son or some random plebian.

Currently, I was sitting on my father's office chair, putting my leg's up in a comfortable position on the desk. Is that disrespectable? Yes, it is. I don't care if it is. This fancy little decorated little room is more to show off dad's wealth than anything else. It's to impress those hotshot's in the Capitol, nasty bastards that only my father would call friends. Not that I care honestly, they buy from dad, dad get's money, and so on and so on. Neither I or my father care who wants the cloth we sell as long as they pay well.

We even sold to rebel's before, though it's mostly for information on the Capitolites than the cloths. Bunch of damn losers who think they still have a chance at freedom and victory. A bunch of idiot's, that's what they are.

They're all going to die one day. And I'm going to laugh when they do. I sipped another of that spicy liquid in my hand, grinning. Being me is the damn best. I can get away with anything.

My father owns a stretch of factories all around the district. He's the king, and I'm the prince. While I'm not looking forward to being the owner of the corporation my dad owns, and I do I want my father to live as long as possible so I can live the most carefree life. Can anyone imagine a life where everyone listens to me, a good life where no one tells you what to do? I'm the envy of many, the best of the dam best, and my presence may as well be an honor.

Once more I sipped, what a great way to get something done.

"Hey, Marron do you know - what are you doing!?" My younger brother Dack cried once he saw me.

His sudden appearance got me on edge, so I did what came naturally. "I was looking at some document's dad wanted me to recheck. You know, company business."

"We have accountants for that! Oh, fucking Snow!" Dack looked worried at that as if I broke one of those old religious commandments. "You drank from dad's wine cabinet, didn't you?!"

God, he's loud when he's a being a whiny brat.

"Yep," I said. There's no point in lying now. "And I have to say this, at least dad know's how to pick his wine. It's shit, but it's also not shit. A weird combination, but it makes it purer. That's so damn good."

Dack, ever a worrier, didn't think so. "What happens if dad finds out?"

"He won't," I bragged. "I'll find some servant to scapegoat. Everything's fine."

"Except for the servant," he pointed out, my brother's eyes were glaring at me.

I didn't like it that look in his eyes. It means he disagrees.

"What about it?"

"You think dad's going to go easy on that guy! He'll punish him, not just fire him, punish him."

"Your point?"

Dack, the idiot he is, he didn't like that response and shouted, "Goddamit, Marron! You can't do! I-I'm going to tell dad!"

He keeps on talking, and it's ruining my mood I had going. Now, he's threatening me. Like hell, I'd let go without consequence.

"You sure about that Dack," I said with a menacing edge to it.

"Your going to get someone hurt, you've can't do this," he replied with nervousness.

I've never actually done anything this bad before, but I refuse to get caught. I tend to teach a couple of kid's at school a little lesson on how not to mess with me. I do suppose it's time to teach my little brother the same thing.

"I see..."

Putting the wine down, I ran as fast as I can to my younger brother before he could react to run away from me. I socked Dack right in his freckled face, making him go down to the floor. I then made sure to kick him in the stomach in the stomach for good measure.

Dack groaned in pain, "Wha-"

I kicked him again. He yelped.

"Are you going to tell anyone about this Dack?"

He looked at me in fear, as he should. I clenched my fist and showed it near his face.

"I'm not going to tell anyone..."

I smirked. Feel's good to win. It would be troublesome if dad ever learned about, but this victory, it proves how much stronger I am, how much Dack will never be. A couple of day's ago, I alway's worried if Dack will ever try to take my place as the company's heir, but I don't think so anymore. He's too weak, physically and mentally.

"You damn better Dack. I've done worse to idiot's who they can get away from insulting me," I advised. It's true, a couple student's and servants ended up with a few broken bones. "Clean your nose on the way, or leave it. You look better for once."

Once that was done, I took my wine cup and walked away from my brother, who's still laying on the floor and clutching his bleeding nose. I laughed once I closed the door. I was pleased once more.

I sipped a glass of wine while walking down the long hallway of my father's(one day mine) mansion. The servants were getting out of my way, looking away, hopeful that I won't notice them when their working.

Ah, to be a king like me. It's awesome.

"Now, everyone. To those who don't already know, we have a new escort since the old one passed away. Allow me to welcome Diamond Granite!" the mayor shouted out. The mayor here is an old fart, one way in my father's pocket. He'll be in my pocket one day, and the thought of that kind of power could turn a man.

Yeah, I'm at the Reaping. I'm in the front like I'm supposed to be, and other's are staying a good ten step's away from me. Wonder if I smell or something? Nah, I'm kidding! The fear in those kid's eyes are as plain as day, and I love it.

"Hello, District Eight! I'm so happy to be here!" The escort named Diamond introduced himself. Look's like classical capitolite wannabee, all happy and excited. His blue hair shines, his green jacket look's unique, and that's all. He has this round innocent face that makes me want to punch him. "Now, we all know why we're here, and I want to get this along. So let's get going to the lucky lady."

Lucky? Innocent little deluded shitbag, the worst kind of Capitolite.

The green haired escort called up some no-name, "Hadley Holbrook!"

For the most part, I was only paying attention to see someone crying, but I was disappointed. This Hadley chick all up and walked to the platform. She had this look that I am not used to seeing, and I don't know if I should be impressed or pissed that she didn't cry or scream or something. There's not a lot that stood out from her. She's short, thin, brown eyes, and brown hair that she tied to a bun. I guess she could pretty if she tried, but I've seen woman hotter than this District has to offer(and men admittedly).

Once Hadley got in Diamond's side, he got to boy's bowl.

"Marron Deinan!"

That, what? What? WHAT!? What the fuck!?

"What the fuck!?" I yelled angrily. This is bullshit! Do they not who I am!?

I ran back, not forward to the fucking platform. I pushed some of the boys so that they can get out of the way.

Then the Peacekeepers came in front of me.

I glared at them. "Get the fuck out my way! Do you dibshit's not know who I am?!"

They tried to touch me! So, I responded in the way I always do. I punch the closest peacekeeper. Then the other's came and very easily overpowered me. I was bloody from my head, and my ribs were a little sore. Two peacekeepers were dragging me to the platform, and the bitch Hadley looked smug while Diamond looked worried.

The escort coughed on the microphone, hoping to get attention from my outburst. "To the District Eight tributes! Hadley Holbrook and Marron Deinon!"

Fuck that guy.

They took me to the damn Justice Building. I raged a lot in my waiting room, destroying some property. At least the Peacekeeper's weren't stopping me there.

"Marron!" a feminine voice was heard. My mother was here. She instantly hugged me, no doubt crying for her innocent little boy. I lied to her a lot, and she's easy to lie to. His darling boy would never steal cookies after. I alway's blamed a servant, and she alway's bought it. I know she's my mom, but I can't but think she's unbelievably stupid.

"You did now, didn't you?" another feminine voice was heard, my older sister Arden was here too.

"Fuck you. Wheres father?" I insulted and asked.

"You think dad would cancel a business meeting to see you?" she rhetorically questioned.

Good point. "What about sponsors? Do I have dad on that?"

"You have me on that. Don't worry about it," Arden reassured. "By the way, don't do anything stupid like say, punch a peacekeeper when you go the interviews alright. You have the family to think about here."

I snorted. "Yeah, whatever," I pushed my mother lightly(in my case) out of her hugging. "That's all I need. You can go now."

Ardel shrugged. "Whatever." My older sister pulled my mother by the arm. I do not know what goes on in her head. She ignores me most of my life, working with family and being a lawyer. Then again, she never did anything harmful to me. Ah, who cares? As long as she gives me sponsors.

There was one other person who came.

"Dack? What are you doing here?"

My younger brother stared at me. "Why are you like this?

I glared at him. "Like what."

"An asshole. You know, a lot of people were cheering when you came inside the Justice Building. You ruined people, Marron. You threaten people. Why are you like that?"

"Cause I can. I'm awesome. I'm rich. They aren't," I replied without hesitation arrogantly. "Those poor bastard's nothing more than shoe maker's anyway."

Dack chuckled. "Well, now your the one getting the boot. I can't even stop myself from being happy. You are so going to die."

"Say that shit again Dack."

"You're going to die. Ardel is going to take over dad's company, and everyone's going to celebrate when you die."

I glared hatefully. "You make it sound I won't win."

"Because you won't."

"Did you forget? I'm a bully, like the Capitol. And the Capitol won for a near two centuries. You better pray Dack that I'll be merciful when I get back, you better fucking pray to Snow."

Dack gulped at seeing me starting to smile while I was saying those words. Oh yeah, Dack is going to pray all right? So should the other twenty-three tributes. Life is cheap to me, and so are theirs.

Hadley Holbrook - District Eight Female

I'm a rebel. Let's start with that.

Both of my parents are rebels. While it may appear (and they try their damn best as a family) that we're a regular working-class family in the textile factory number thirty-seven, it's nothing more than a cover-up. My family is a part of a group known as Fiat Lux. True, we are a small group, but it's size possible help's us more than some full-blown rebellion organization could. The goal of Fial Lux is to sabotage the Capitol using stolen information from them. There's a lot we discovered, and at the very least, we gave the Capitol a good nosebleed.

Mom and father were good at it: Rebelling. Some day's, I wonder if we don't have to be rebels. We could've become a regular family, without worries of being found out. Only, it's far too late for that.

I didn't join Fiat Lux until I was eight. It was when mom "disappeared" one day. I know what happened to her. Dad does too. The Capitol found some connection to us, and mom took the fall for it. She sacrificed herself to save me, and dad. Dad was drunk once she didn't come back, then decided on a better path than drinking. Revenge.

My dad thought this would be better. Revenge against those that left me motherless, and I don't disagree. He trained me a few months after her death. He had a hand in my lockpicking skills and physical conditioning. My computer skills were a talent equal to my mother's before she sacrificed herself. Honestly, I could become an assassin if I wanted to be, but I was better and safer put in infiltration.

Honestly, I did better than anyone in the Fiat Lux thought. I was never caught, not once since I started in my first mission at the age of eleven. I'm fifteen now, and I hacked, infiltrated, destroyed so much Capitol has bounties of the supposed Bonny Bandit(don't ask). They don't even suspect it's a girl my age -and a father has said to me many times- youth is an advantage of its own.

"Hey Hads. Hads. Hads! Wake the hell up girl!"

The first thing I see when I open my eyes is my best friend, Kaya. Then I looked around me.

"Did I sleep on a hill?"

Kaya, with the wisdom of a fifteen-year-old, crossed her arms and raised a brow, "Seriously?"

"Yeah, I slept on a hill," I mused to myself and turned to my black-haired best friend. "You should join me. The grass is surprisingly comfy, and the view is great."

She laughed at that. "You're unbelievable."

Yeah, I am, to my friends(one that is) at least. I'm usually too distant from other's my age and in school. I can't trust people easily in my line of work.

The view on this hill was pretty neat. I wasn't kidding about that. All the factories in my sight were not that bad, you'd have to be born in District Eight to understand the unique beauty of all the factories of different shapes and sizes with half of them blowing fumes from the chimneys. The housing blocks are also there.

This hill is where Kaya and I meet for our play dates. What? I need something to do when I don't go running ops with my dad.

"Yep. You know I get tired after my job. Anyway, you're late."

"No, I'm early. Your just way early."

"Holy shit, I sabotaged so much yesterday that I can't even remember it correctly."

That's a record.

Kaya looked worried. "Did something big happen?"

I pondered, bringing back a few memories from my dreariness. I grinned. "The biggest success Fial Lux has ever accomplished."

"You gonna tell me?"

I patted on the ground next to me. Kaya got the meaning and sat right there.

It was a secret operation. I shouldn't say anything to anyone, but I can trust Kaya.

"Kaya. You are looking at the person who saved District Nine from total oblivion."

She turned her head in all direction. "Where?" Kaya said with such faux confusion that it pissed me off.

"This is top-level stuff I'm telling you," I said in total seriousness. "Be professional about it."

"Okay. I understand, but aren't you being a little dramatic about total oblivion."

"Just a little. It's still serious."

Kaya had a little hand gesture that meant I should go on with the story.

"I lockpicked my way in the Head Peacemaker's office in the Justice Building," I began. "He had a meeting on with the mayor, some capitol officials, and that dirtbag Deinan," the distaste at saying Deinan is bad, he's a rich guy letting paying everyone the lowest wages he can be allowed. I heard his son is worse, not sure if I believe it. "Anyway, I managed to get some copy key's from Lux and we found, and get this, that the Capitol was planning on brainwashing all those in District Nine and other's from eating grain."

"How does that work?" Kaya asked, sounding a little doubtful.

"It's not like Pre-Panem comic book kind of brainwashing. Some Capitolite scientist's modified grain into making people less angry and more obedient. It was a tough call from getting the hell out of the building, but I made it. The vents are thankfully, just my size," I smirked at my quick and intelligent escape. Thank god I'm short. "Once I gave the information out, District Nine started a riot, and for once, the Capitol back down. Want to know the best part?"

Kaya was leaning closer.

"No one died from this. No one got hurt, the Capitol knew it got humiliated, and if they strike back, it'll only encourage more trouble than it's worth for something that is their fault. Best damn thing that ever happened yet for us."

"Not bad. Not bad at all," Kaya complimented, before turning to a thoughtful look. "It sound's nice Hads. It does. But, to me. It almost seemed like another huge risk."

"Oh Snow, not this," I told her, frustrated. At my big moment too?

"Hads. You could stop now, you know. You did a good thing, but it's not going to end."

"But, Kaya-"

"You might not get so lucky next time," Kaya scolded. "It's not just about that either, what is the Fial Lux doing? It's not a big group. Think about this. It can harm the Capitol sure, but will it ever get rid of it. You know I'm right Hads."

She's acting a lot like a mom, a thought that doesn't please me.

"I'm proud to be your friend," Kaya declared suddenly, realizing how critical she's being. "I don't want to think one day I won't see you up this hill anymore, you know."

Great, now how am I suppose to get angry?

I hugged her, "I get it, but I'd like to someone has to do this. Dad needs me for this, and my mom need's to get the revenge she deserves. You know you can't change my mind on that."

She was silent on that. Far too silent. I was getting worried. I squeezed her closer to me.

Kaya grinned. "No homo."

I tsked, then I pushed her away from me. "You are unbelievable."

It's not like that. I'm far too young and busy to think about romance anyway.

Kaya laughed. "Yep. So, next time next week."

I laughed along. "Like always."

We laughed. We played monopoly and checkers. We even did our nails, and it was fun like it alway's is when I don't bring up my job as a rebel. God, I'm glad I met Kaya. Life would be less fun and more stressful without her.

Too bad it can't alway's be like that. That conversation was a month ago, and it will alway's be remembered by me. For however long my life is.

Reaping Day is here.

"Hadley Holbrook!" Diamond, the new escort for District Eight called up my name.

The funny thing is. I was waiting for this. Like I knew this was going to happen. I glanced next to me, seeing that Kaya was more shocked than I was, I moved on.

I held myself confidently, and with determination, a girl my age shouldn't have as I walked to the podium.

Diamond, grinning like a loon, eagerly went to the boy's bowl. He announced to the crowd, "Marron Deinan!"

It's a dream come true to many in District Eight.

"What the fuck?!" Marron swears out loud.

There is something satisfying in seeing him beaten down by peacekeeper's while he fails to escape. They dragged the heir of a company to the podium next to me, and Diamond. Marron's sandy blonde hair had a little blood on it, and I couldn't tell his freckles apart from blood drops. I couldn't stop myself from grinning. If only I can see his father join the fun.

The escort coughed on the microphone, his once giddiness for the games were turning up a little dry. "To the District Eight tributes! Hadley Holbrook and Marron Deinon!"

Few clapped, honestly I was hoping to see my dad as soon as possible.

"Huh, it's different this time. You know what I'm talking about Hadley," dad comments, looking around the Justice Building. Yeah, I'm not stealing anything from here is what he meant.

"Dad!" I screamed childishly. A cover once I hugged Leon(my dad). "Do you think someone rigged me being here?" I whispered. I can't disagree with the possibility.

"Not sure, but I wouldn't hold it against the Capitol to simply assume you're a rebel's daughter?" Leon whispered back, glaring at the wall.

So, it could all be random.

"Hadley. When you're in the Capitol. Make a friend," Leon told me.

I raised a brow.

"An idea, and don't discard it as a bad one. I'm trying my damnest not to cry. I want to know that."

"Me too..."

I want to cry and tell the Capital all sort's of things, but not now.

We did cry and sobbed. I didn't want to go. I don't want to see mom yet.

"Take good care of yourself, Hadley," Leon tearfully requested. He left after that.

Dad's going to get better. He's strong even if I die, he'll get stronger.

Now for one more person. The most annoying girl in my life.

"HADS!"

Kaya and I have some goodbyes to share.

A/N: District Eight! District Eight! Wish I made them sooner. Aren't the tributes here a match made in heaven? Thank you Professor R.J Lupin1 for the loveless Marron Deinan! Also, a big thank's to LiveFreeOrDie for the badass rebel known as Hadley Holbrook. Seriously, it's like I got a Lex Luthor and a Superman in this chapter.

Keep on Reviewing gals and guys!

One thing, if anyone wants to submit a mentor(specifically for District 8). Do so, I see other's author do it, and I may as well offer the same thing.