(warning for extreme drunkenness in Dionysus's POV and sexist slurs in Culter's POV)

Dionysus Bacchus, 17

District 1 Male

Dionysus roared with laughter as the girl in front of him stumbled, sloshing her drink all over herself and the floor. She wobbled on her heels and tittered, leaning against the bar before breaking out into full blown laughter as well.

"Clumsy me," she said in a slurred voice. "How embarrassing."

"I don't mind," Dionysus assured her. Reaching forward, he placed a hand on her hip. "Hey, could I buy you a drink?"

"You sure can, handsome," she replied with an over exaggerated wink. Dionysus laughed again and guided her to a barstool.

"What's your poison?" he asked, taking a seat next to her.

"I'm a sucker for wine," she said, licking her lips. "Though I don't mind something… stronger."

"Bartender!" Dionysus called. "Two glasses of wine and two shots each!" The girl cheered.

As they downed their first shot, she gave him a strange look. Something must have clicked in her drunken brain.

"Hey, you're Dionysus," she said, taking a big gulp from her glass of wine.

"That's me," he said, voice scratchy as the second shot burned his throat.

"You're volunteering tomorrow! Wow! Are you excited?"

"Obviously," he said, rolling his eyes. The girl giggled again.

"You're gonna do great," she slurred. Dionysus winked at her again.

"Thanks baby."

Once they finished their wine, she dragged him onto the dance floor, grinding against him in time to the music. He put his hands on her hips and let himself go, enjoying the thrum of the music and alcohol in his veins.

The club closed at 3 in the morning. He'd lost track of his drinking buddy about an hour earlier, after a quickie in the bathroom. Since then, he'd been at the bar. But now he was following the sea of drunk people out into the chilly night air.

A familiar black car was parked right at the curb, and Dionysus stumbled towards it. He slumped against the door, laughing at nothing in particular until Gavin came around to open the door for him.

Gavin was his father's personal Avox. As the mayor of District 1, his father had the privilege of employing three Avoxes. Gavin was his favorite. As the mute man helped Dionysus into the car, he told him as such.

"You're the best, man," he slurred. "I love ya."

Gavin just nodded and climbed into the driver's seat.

Dionysus was half-asleep when they arrived home. Gavin half-carried, half-dragged him up the steps and into the foyer, where Dionysus promptly collapsed and vomited all over the floor. Gavin just heaved him to his feet and brought him upstairs.

After Gavin washed him in the shower, Dionysus collapsed onto his bed, completely nude. He pulled the blanket over himself and rolled over to see the picture on his bedside table. His dad and his wife on their wedding day.

Dionysus had never met her. When his dad's mistress showed up on the doorstep, heavily pregnant, Anne Marie hadn't hesitated to bring out the divorce papers. Dionysus's biological mother was shipped off somewhere as soon as he was born. He did want to meet her someday, but it would probably never happen. His father was too busy to answer questions about her, and Dionysus had no other way to find out where she'd gone.

Sometimes, he wished he had a friend he could confide all this to. Someone who wasn't Gavin or the other Avoxes, since they reported back to his dad. He wasn't lonely though. That was ridiculous. He had alcohol. And it never failed to make him feel good.

Allure Beldam, 18

District 1 Female

Eyes closed, Allure leaned back in her plush chair, enjoying the feeling of fingers kneading her toes in an excellent massage. She'd been training all week and a good foot rub was just what she needed.

"Oh my gosh! Allure, look!" someone whisper-yelled from beside her. Allure opened one eye to glance at her best friend Glitter. Glitter wasn't anything special. She had sandy hair and freckles, which made her look more like a 4 than a 1. But she made Allure look stunning, and that was why they were besties.

"What?" Allure asked. Glitter pointed violently at the door, and Allure followed her gaze to see Margaret Glimmerbrook step into the salon. Her eyes, which used to be a boring hazel color, were now a deep indigo.

"She totally copied you!" Glitter said indignantly. Allure gasped. She'd gotten her eyes permanently colored violet when she was fourteen, and now this bitch had copied her! She must have been coming for Allure's volunteer spot.

Margaret and Allure had been at each other's throats ever since they began training. Allure always had the upper hand though. Her parents hired the best trainers in the District to train her. Margaret had to train in classes like everyone else. And she wasn't nearly as pretty as Allure either.

"Go distract her," Allure instructed Glitter. "I've got a plan." Glitter frowned at her toenails, which were halfway done, but did as Allure said. She knew better than to disobey.

As Glitter struck up a conversation with Margaret, Allure slid on her open-toed slippers and crept over to the receptionist.

"That girl, Margaret, is here for a hair dye," she told the plump woman. Allure overheard Margaret bragging to her friends that she was getting black hair yesterday. She was such a copy-cat.

"She wants #64," Allure continued. The receptionist raised an eyebrow. No one asked for #64. It was bright orange.

"Really?" the woman asked, sounding skeptical. Allure opened her purse and pulled out a few 100s. She slid them over to the receptionist.

"She's getting #64."

The woman's eyes went wide. She pocketed the money and nodded, scribbling a note down on a tablet in front of her.

"Yes ma'am," she said. Smirking, Allure went back to her chair and propped her feet up again.

Glitter came over a few moments later.

"What did you do?" she whispered.

"You'll see," Allure replied smugly. "We're buying earrings after this, by the way. I need new ones for the reaping tomorrow."

"Okay!" Glitter said cheerfully. "You're going to look beautiful."

"I know," Allure replied.

She had her toes painted a pale pink, and by the time her nails were done too, Margaret was getting her hair dyed. The girls exchanged smug looks as Glitter paid at the desk.

"We should get ice cream after," Glitter said. "Then we can peek in at her hair."

"You can get ice cream," Allure said. "I need to keep my figure for the Games."

"Oh, stop it," Glitter said, waving a hand. "You have a perfect body. I'd kill for a figure like yours."

"It just takes hard work and dedication," Allure said, flipping her hair. Someone inside the salon screamed, and both girls devolved into fits of giggles.

Culter Spring, 17

District 11 Male

Culter sat patiently outside his girlfriend's house, fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. He always dressed nice when he went to see Summer, since her grandmother always commented on what a "lovely gentleman" he was. Still, he left his top button undone. It was too hot to be perfect, and this summer was especially brutal.

The door next to him opened and Culter jumped up from the porch bench he was sitting on to pull Summer into a hug. He kissed her lightly, and she giggled, hugging him back.

"Hi," she whispered when he pulled away.

"Hi. You look beautiful."

Her cheeks flushed a bit as pulled away, taking his hand instead. She was dressed in a white sundress which was embroidered with little black flowers and her dark hair was up in a bun. Culter gave her hand a squeeze.

"Are you ready?" he asked. She took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yeah."

Today, Summer was going to meet Culter's family. The two of them had been friends for about two years, but several months ago, the feelings became more. Culter finally worked up the nerve to confess, and was delighted to discover Summer felt the same way. She was one of the only people who didn't constantly get on his nerves. The other was his older half-brother, Shaw.

Nerves boiled in Culter's stomach as they walked. He wasn't entirely sure his parents would treat Summer well. They weren't mean, but they were strict, and they had high expectations. To him, Summer was perfect, but they'd manage to pick out all of her flaws.

It was a long walk to his house, and Summer eventually started to complain her feet were hurting. Culter felt bad. He and his family lived in the urban part of District 11, since they worked in a small factory canning the foods the district grew. But Summer and her grandfather worked in the orchards, and Summer spent most of her day walking. It was no wonder her feet hurt. He hadn't given her her day off.

"I'll carry you," Culter offered, crouching down. "Hop on my back."

Laughing, Summer did just that, wrapping her long legs around his waist and looping her arms around his neck. Culter hoisted her up a bit further and set off, enjoying the smell of her shampoo and the feeling of her soft skin against his.

When they reached his house, he let her down and took her hand again.

"Mom and Rex prepared a big dinner," he said, trying to smile. They had, but the full truth was that they were having a special dinner because the reaping was tomorrow, not because Summer was visiting. He felt bad lying to her, but it would hurt her if she knew.

He held the door for her as she stepped inside, and he followed quickly behind.

"We're here," he called out. There was a thump in the living room, and then baby Seed crawled in, her chubby little hands slapping against the floor. Summer got down on her knees and cooed at her.

"Hello," she said, holding out a finger. Seed gripped it in her fist and gave Summer a smile, revealing her first few baby teeth.

"I didn't know you had a baby sister!" Summer said, sounding delighted. "She's adorable"

Then Tamia followed Seed into the room, scooping her up and away from Summer. Tamia was another one of Culter's half-siblings. His mother Clemensia had triplets at the age of 15, and then had Culter at 18 with a different man. She married Culter's father Kale a year later, and then proceeded to have seven more kids with him. Needless to say, their household was absolutely packed, and there was never quite enough food to go around.

Tamia was the eldest of the triplets, and definitely the most judgemental of the three. She placed Seed on her hip and sneered at Summer.

"So, you're Culter's girlfriend," she said, looking her up and down. Summer took a step back.

"Yes, I am," she said nervously.

"Well, dinner's almost ready," Tamia replied. "Go wash up."

Culter led Summer to the tiny bathroom under the stairs, where they both quickly washed up and joined the rest of the family in the dining room. They were about to walk in when he overheard Tamia talking to their mom.

"Her dress was so short! And she was thin too. Definitely doesn't have birthing hips."

Beside him, Summer gasped softly. Culter squared his shoulders and was about to march in when he heard his younger brother Marc jump in.

"Is she a slut?" he asked loudly. Culter felt Summer tense up.

"It certainly seems that way," his mom said. He peeked around the corner just in time to see Tamia nod.

"Slut!" Seed exclaimed, and his mom gasped.

"Her first word!"

"I… I need to go," Summer whispered, backing towards the door.

"Wait!" Culter gasped, reaching for her. But she pulled away and ran for the door, slamming it behind her.

"Dinner time!" Marc said, popping up beside Culter. "Who just slammed the door?"

"The girl you called a slut," Culter growled, rounding on him. Marc grinned.

"Good riddance then, right?"

Anger burned bright behind Culter's eyes. Without thinking, he swung his fist back and punched Marc in the face. His brother fell backward, and he heard Karey, Marc's twin, scream.

"Mom!" Lavender shouted. "Culter hit Marc!"

"Culter!" his mom roared, storming into the room, but Culter was already at the door.

He sprinted down the road, following Summer. She was walking, so he caught up to her fairly quickly.

"Summer!" he gasped, putting a hand on her shoulder. She jerked away from him, but he grabbed her arm.

"Summer! Listen to me!"

Turning around, she blinked up at him with watery eyes, tears staining her cheeks.

"What?" she snapped. "What do you want with a slut like me?"

"You are not a slut!" he shouted. "You are an incredible, beautiful, amazing girl who does not deserve to be treated like trash by my family."

Summer looked a bit frightened, so he took a deep breath and lowered his voice.

"I'm sorry they did that," he said. "I wasn't expecting it at all, and it was completely uncalled for. I'm so sorry."

She sniffled a little before finally leaning into his arms.

"I love you," he whispered against her hair. Summer's grip around him tightened.

"I love you too. But I can't go back there.

"You don't have to," Culter said. "I'm almost 18. We can get our own place, start our own life."

"Culter, we don't have the money," Summer said, pulling back to look at him. He frowned.

"What if I volunteered tomorrow?"

"What?" It was Summer who yelled. "Why?"

"I love you," he said again. "I want to give you everything." Summer just hugged him and began to cry.

Soleil Kingston, 17

District 11 Female

The sun was setting over the pasture as Soleil leaned against the fence, drinking in the last of its rays. Summers in 11 were usually scorching, but she liked the heat. Her father used to compare her to a kitten; soft, shy, and curious, but ready to use her claws if needed. Though Soleil only found her claws after he passed.

As the sun finally slipped below the horizon, leaving the sky streaked with orange and purple, Soleil stood, making her way back towards the stable. District 11 didn't have many horses, but they were used sometimes in the tilling of the fields. Soleil's dad used to train them. He was the one who taught her how to ride

Entering the barn, Soleil drank in the smell of hay and alfalfa, a scent she was accustomed to and now thoroughly enjoyed. The barn was her safe space. No one could hurt her here.

Horses could be dangerous though. She knew that first-hand. Three years ago, she'd been out with her father when his horse spooked, throwing him off and trampling him. She'd screamed for help and ran to his side, but it was too late. He died in her arms.

She paused outside Nellie's stall as the memory came back to her, but she shook her head, clearing it away. Dwelling on it would only make her sad, and she wanted to be happy.

As she brushed her dappled gray mare, Nellie, Soleil decided to reflect on what did make her happy. It was something she was practicing. Countering the bad with the good. Riding Nellie made her happy. She'd helped a traveling veterinarian assist Nellie in giving birth, and now Nellie and her foal Thunder were Soleil's favorite horses.

Vanadey made her happy. Her sister was only 7, but was full of life and energy. She was starting to show an interest in horses, and Soleil had promised to teach her to ride once she was ten.

Axel made her happy. Axel was her fiance. He'd only proposed two weeks ago, but Soleil was already dreaming of their wedding. Axel had been her friend since Year 1 in school, and they started dating in Year 9. There was an incident with her friend Tali later that year, but they'd pushed through.

And Zaina made her happy. Zaina was Soleil's best friend, who she met when they both got a job as teacher's aids for the younger kids at school. Zaina was cheerful and feisty and brave, and she brought out Soleil's personable side, but never pushed her too far. Soleil was very grateful for her.

Finishing up with Nellie, Soleil moved over to Thunder's stall to refill his feed. She was the last one there, so she double-checked that all the stalls were locked before shutting the barn door and heading home.

A few small driving services existed in District 11, since it was a big district. People who could afford cars would offer rides in exchange for a small price. There were small stations set up in the more populated areas where the cars stopped to collect people.

Soleil waited at the nearest station, brushing hay and dust from her clothes as an old, battered truck drove up. She'd seen this car before; it was owned by Rusty, a kind old man who told funny stories and always made kids laugh. She climbed in beside him, smiling, but he seemed subdued.

She wanted to ask what was wrong, but then her doubts bubbled up. If it was something personal, why would he share it with a stranger? And if it was something sad, wouldn't he not want to rehash it? So she chose to keep her mouth shut and they rode to her station in an awkward silence.

Soleil thanked him as she climbed out of the truck, and placed an extra few coins in his hand. They couldn't really afford to spend the money, but he was looking even thinner and frailer than usual, and she couldn't help herself. She wanted to help, if she could.

Hey everyone! Chaos continues to reign! Here are four more intros of the tributes from District 1 and District 11. Thank you to LadyCordeliaStuart for Allure, Evan Pengu for Dionysus, Kkstar47 for Culter, and daughteroftheonetrueking for Soleil. These guys are all going to be so interesting in the arena!

Please let me know what you think of these tributess. Reviews make me ridiculously happy. Don't ask why. I don't know.

Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!

- Fiona