A/N Hey everyone! I've been reading Hunger Games fanfics for a long time and always admired them! I even used to write stories when I was younger, haha. This story is gonna be told through the twenty-four perspectives of the tributes, with a little help from some others along the way, and is gonna be a great time! Hopefully you'll all stick with me as I dive back into the world of writing.
Drake Roe, 16, District 4 Male
I've always hated sand; it's my least favorite part about living in Four. It sticks to your entire body, is impossible to get out of your hair, and is literally everywhere, so you can't get away from it. There's no telling how many arguments Mom and I had because I refused to come along on family beach days as a child.
This morning, though, sitting here on my front porch, looking out at the shore, I don't seem to hate it as much. The sun is just breaching the horizon now, changing the sea from a mass of blue to a swirling mess of purples, oranges, and greens, and the sand has taken on a reflective sheen, turning the shore into a big mirror for the beauty of it all.
The Reapings start with Twelve all the way in the east and proceed west throughout the day. Four is the finale, so people here are always very late to rise since all work is prohibited. I couldn't sleep well because of my impending departure, so I think I could be one of the only people in the entirety of Four who's actually awake right now. I could go enjoy the sand this one time and no one would ever know.
Just as I've decided that I actually am going to go sit on the shore, the front door gently opens and Hudson appears, carrying two steaming cups. He takes extra care to shut the door quietly, and then slides onto the bench with me.
"Good morning, babe." He hands me one of the mugs and plants a kiss on my cheek. "You were gone from the bed when I woke up, so I got up and made us some coffee." We both take a big slurp and he lets out a sigh of satisfaction. I take a long look at the man who stole my heart way back in freshman year and my heart pangs with fear at the thought that this might be the last time we ever have a moment alone, but I can't bring myself to tell him the truth.
Whether it's because he understands me well enough that he knows I want to savor the moment of serenity, or because he's picking up on my dishonesty and wants me to tell him what I've been hiding, or that it's six in the morning and he's still waking up, I'm not sure, but Hudson lets silence reign supreme, and we sit together on the bench, watching the sunrise and drinking coffee, for what feels like hours.
"You know, I'm so proud of you, Hudson! You're gonna do amazingly in the Games, and then you can come home and spend your days in the lap of luxury," Mom says as we turn our attention away from the television where we had been watching Six's Reapings. Usually I would be sad to see two underwhelming tributes, both younger than 16 and starved, because they're not gonna bring anything exciting to the Games, but this year I'm more than happy to see the competition might not be too steep.
"Thank you, Isla. I've been training since I was 12, so I feel like I'm finally getting to accomplish what I've been working towards for so long. Here's to making Four proud!" Hudson raises his mimosa and Mom, Dad, and myself all meet it with a cheer. We've made it a tradition to have brunch and watch the Reapings together to build hype for the Games, but this year is different. Hudson being chosen to volunteer has made everything seem so much more real, and everyone but me seems willing to let him sacrifice himself.
Under the table, he grabs my hand and gives it a loving squeeze. I look up at him and feel another pang of guilt for lying. His striking height, immense shoulders, and adonis body show that not only was he born with an advantage for the Games, he trained hard for years for them. It's been his dream, and I'm gonna selfishly ruin it. I can't help it, though. I can't let him die. I don't know how to exist in this world without him anymore.
He's eighteen, so I can prevent him from ever being able to volunteer again if I volunteer first. It might be hard for him to stomach, and he might hate me, but I can't imagine what life would even be like post-Hudson. I know every inch of his body and soul, from the rough calluses on his hands because of the years of lifting, to his fear of spiders, which showed me that he had weaknesses too, to his luscious hair, which hung around his shoulders like a dark river, and his plump lips, which were always spread open in a grin.
I hope what I'm gonna do today doesn't permanently wipe away his smile.
Mahi Ripley, 17, District 4 Female
Knowing when to stop has never been a strong suit of mine, which is why I'm currently pounding on the door of the bathroom that Lissy's hiding in, tempting her to come out and face me. She really had the audacity to sleep with myboyfriend last night and then tell everyone it was because I was going to be dying in the Games and that he had dumped me. She's a liar and a snake.
My relationship with Perch has definitely been on the rocks since we had our huge fight a couple weeks back, but we never officially ended things, so this is the ultimate betrayal. Not only did he cheat, he cheated on me with my worst enemy. I'll deal with him too when I'm done here.
"Come on out, Lissy!" More pounding on the door. "You did me so— dirty, and now you're gonna come and face the consequences!" My fists are starting to hurt from the repeated punching on this slab of oak, but I've only got a few hours left in Four, so it's now or never for vengeance.
"Please, just go away…" she whimpers from the other side of the door.
"No! Come out here and face me like a woman." The longer I stand here, the more steeped in anger I become. I hear sobbing and then the door clicks and swings open. Lissy, usually so pristine and contained, is disheveled and has dark streaks from where she's been crying. She's spineless and pathetic.
"I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have slept with Perch. It was wrong."
"I don't forgive you." I feel all the rage I have at her charging into my fist, cock my arm back, and punch her jaw as hard as I can. She immediately falls to the ground, cradling her cheekbone and screaming.
"What the hell? Why would you do that? I said I was sorry!"
"And I said I don't forgive you. Bite me." I spit on her and leave her there in the middle of the Center, crying and hurting. Now she knows how I felt; it's what she deserves.
I nearly sprint the half mile from the Training Center to Perch's house. It's just him and his dad, and I know Marlon, who's a Peacekeeper, will be out getting ready for the Reapings by this time, so Perch will be home alone. When I finally reach his doorstep, I immediately start banging on the door. He better not make me wait like that coward did.
After a handful of seconds tick by, the door finally opens, and there he stands. I used to love that he was lanky because it made him feel different than all of the guys who spend too much time lifting weights at the Center, but now he just looks weak. I could easily take him.
"What do you want? Here to be violent with me too?" He says with a scowl that could kill. I guess Lissy must have called him while I was running over.
"Please, you're not even worth it. I just want you to know that you mean nothing to me now. I hate you, and I hope you rot here in Four while I get the fame and glory that comes with being a Victor. You're beneath me now."
"Just get out of here, Mahi. You're too much, and I can't handle it anymore. I hope you realize you're not as tough as you think you are before it's too late and the life's fading out of your body." He goes to shut the door, and I stick my foot in the doorway and push it back open. Why he thinks he can tell me that I'm gonna die in the Games, I don't know. There's a plethora of reasons I was picked a year early, and I know he knows me well enough to know I can win, so, really, who does he think he is?
"You are nothing. NOTHING! I'm going to win no matter what you think, and then I'll make sure all of my adoring fans in the Capitol know how terrible of a person you are. Consider your life over, Perch."
I spin on my heel and go to leave when I hear him say, "I'm not the one sacrificing themselves for something as dumb as fame. Your life is the one that's over, Mahi, and I begged you for months to not go through with it, but you made up your mind, so I distanced myself to protect my heart. You ruined our relationship because your illusions of grandeur are blinding your ability to see you're killing yourself for no good reason. I love you, Mahi. I'll miss you."
I turn back around and open my mouth, ready to tear him to shreds, but he's shut the door. How dare he? He doubts my ability to win the Games and cheats on me, then says it's my fault our relationship is over? I can feel the anger starting to boil over again, and so I unleash my fury on his door. If he won't open it, then it can take the beating for him.
I'm not sure how much time has passed when I finally come to my senses, but the sun is well past its apex, so it must be late afternoon. I realize I'm never gonna get Perch to answer the door, and The Reapings happen right before dusk, so I need to start getting ready soon. I hurry home and make a beeline for the bathroom upon entering, but Mom and Cress intercept me and begin to badger me about where I had been.
I almost convince them I just went for a long distance jog and decided to leisurely walk back home as to enjoy Four one last time, but, of course, Cress notices that my knuckles are scraped and bruised, and they start grilling me harder about where I've been and what I've been doing.
This is my normal life now, though. I used to be free to go around Four as I pleased as long as my parents knew where I was headed, but Mom's kept me under a tight leash since Dad's death three years ago. Despite the fact that I've been training to kill since I was twelve years old, she thinks I'm a glass doll who's gonna shatter at any moment. It's infuriating.
Eventually, their questions push me past my limit and I shove past them into the bathroom, locking it behind me so that I can catch a reprieve from their worries. I've always loved getting ready for important days, and this is the most important day of my life, so everything has to be perfect. In the shower, I take extra care scrubbing my body of any sweat or grime, using the flower-scented luxury soaps that Cress has imported from One, and think of what to say when Roxie, the escort for Four, gives me the microphone to introduce myself. The Capitol needs to know who I am from the start, so I've got to pick something that will make me stand out.
A while later, as I'm standing in front of the mirror, applying some makeup and trying to make a decision on what to say, a knock comes from the hall, and I yell back, "What do you want? I'm getting ready!"
"Mahi, honey, it's me. Cress and I wanted to make sure you were okay. You never said why your hands were so battered, and I'm worried for you," Mom's voice softly rang out from the other side of the door. I'm going to be killing kids in less than two weeks, and she's scared because I have some busted knuckles. I clutch the makeup brush in my hand harder. No one thinks I can win the Games. Not even my own mother. But they're wrong. They're all wrong. I'm going to prove it to them and make them eat their words when I come back more powerful, rich, and famous than all of them combined.
"I'm fine! Can you go into my room and lay out the light gray dress? I'm almost done with my makeup and I'm running late!"
"Of course, dear. I'll wait for you in your room." I turn and watch her shadow shuffle away, and I glance back at the mirror. The rich, golden tones of my ochre brown skin shimmer in the light, and my hair, the color of a dark shot of espresso, sits in a neat bun on top of my head. I went for a very natural look, mainly because I don't want to look like some walking Career stereotype; Dad told me years ago that a little bit of makeup can go a long way, and I've always stuck to that philosophy.
I go and slip the dress on, deciding to pair it with some short white heels. The outfit is nothing too remarkable, but I don't want to be remembered for my looks. I walk downstairs to find Mom and Cress waiting in front of the door. One last interception, and then I'm free from their anxieties. She gives me a hug and tells me how much she loves me and that she'll be watching the entire time, and Cress says, "I'm gonna miss you, kid. I know you haven't always liked me, but I've always loved you. Come home soon, okay?" He hugs both Mom and I, and she starts crying.
I feel a pang of anger at their sudden emotional support when all they've ever done is smother me, and I, with some resistance from Mom, pull myself out of the hug. If Dad were here, maybe this would be harder. But he isn't, so it isn't. I give a slight head bow and walk out the front door.
Drake Roe, 16, District 4 Male
One of the worst parts about Reaping Day is that it's in the middle of the summer. In previous years, we've had to stand out in scorching temperatures or torrential downpours while we waited for everything to be ready. This year, luckily, there's just a sky of gray clouds blocking out the sun, which means it's fairly cool. At this point, I think the entirety of the youth of Four are gathered here, so now we're just waiting for Roxie to come out so that the ceremony can start. I wish she'd just hurry up, so we can get this entire thing out of the way.
As I'm waiting, I scan the group of boys who are eighteen, searching for Hudson's head. He's taller than the rest, so I can always find him in the crowd. After a few seconds, I see him all the way up at the front, talking with some of the other guys who he's trained with throughout the years.
The guys at the Center never really liked me because I didn't start training at twelve like pretty much everyone else. Truth be told, I only started training in an effort to become a bit more fit, believing that would make Hudson finally notice me, but I'm hoping the two-and-a-half years will be enough to keep me on level with the other Careers. My lean figure added to being from Four means I'm a natural in the water and can handle a trident, so hopefully I'll be able to have an upper hand there.
The thought briefly crosses my mind that maybe I should just let Hudson, who is infinitely more likely to win the Games over myself, volunteer and fight it out in the arena, but then I bring myself back into focus by reminding myself that life without him would be like death anyways.
Roxie, with her black hair, green shoes, and dress made of what looks to be a ton of fishing nets, emerges from the entrance of the Justice Building, looking like something that would wash up in a shipwreck. Mayor Ford, a lanky man who won more off of charisma than merit, follows closely behind her. He was elected last year after Mayor Pearl died in her sleep, so it's his first Reapings as mayor and I'm not sure what to expect as he saunters up to the mic.
"Citizens of Four! I hope everyone is having a good day! I'm sure the day off work is nice!" His stage presence is good enough that people begin to cheer, and it's literally Reaping Day. He continues on into the microphone, "As you are all aware, we are gathered here today for the ninety-fourth annual Reapings. I'm confident that District Four will supply our best and brightest to secure the glory of another victor, so I'm not going to waste any time before handing it over to our wonderful escort, Roxie!" He steps to the side, taking a seat, and gesturing to Roxie.
Her dress must not be great for movement, because she basically waddles up to the microphone. "Hello again, my wonderful Four! I'm excited to see which two lucky people will be joining me on the journey to the wondrous Capitol this year." Some whoops ring out from the oldest men amongst us, and Roxie chuckles into the mic. "This is why I love you all! Such enthusiasm and vigor here in Four. I wouldn't trade it for the world." She smiles wide and places her hand over her heart.
"Let's begin!" My stomach lurches into my throat as the words leave her lips, and I have to use all the willpower I have not to see my brunch for the second time today. She walks over to the bowl for the girls, shoves her hand deep into the mountain of paper, and pulls out a single slip. Back at the mic, she unfolds the paper and yells, "Marina Waxley!"
Before even a moment passes, though, a warm brown hand shoots up near the front and a high-pitched voice penetrates the silence. "I volunteer as tribute!" As the girls near the voice's owner make way for her, I start to see her a little more clearly. I've seen her around the Center some, but I couldn't tell you much more than that.
She briskly rises the stairs up to the platform and takes her place on Roxie's left. Roxie asks for her name and she responds that she is "seventeen year old Mahi Ripley, who's going to bring glory to Four". Her response alone has me questioning how clear-headed this girl actually is because I can't fathom why you would make your own target bigger than it already is, but there's no point in worrying now. I have to hope she'll be smart enough to want to work together in the arena, or I could be in trouble already.
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Mahi! I hope that your confidence will be backed up with a stellar performance this year," Roxie coos as she slides the microphone back into its stand. "And now for the boys!" This is it. I've been cursing this moment for months, and it's finally here. There's no backing out now. Upon reaching it, she barely reaches into the bowl before plucking out the topmost paper and waddling back to the mic. "Noah Grayling!"
The words I had been dreading saying come tumbling out of my mouth before I can even form a thought. There's a ton of gasps, followed by thousands of heads turning my way. I can't bear to find him and see his shock and anger, so I lower my head and begin to wade through the crowd to the stairs. After taking my place to the right of Roxie, I finally have to look up when she asks for my name and age.
"I'm Drake Roe. I'm 16." She begins to congratulate Mahi and I, but I can't focus on her words. The sound of blood pumping through my ears crescendos as I finally find him, the man I love more than life itself, looking right at me as tears begin to silently run down his cheeks.
Mom and Dad were upset when they burst into the room I was given for final goodbyes, but after I explained my reasoning, Mom couldn't help but understand, not that there was ever any doubt of that. She was always the hopeless romantic of the two. Dad was more upset that I had taken Hudson's, who he viewed as a second son, last chance at the Games, but he told me he knew I could win it if I set my mind to it.
At the time, I thought they were probably scared but trying to be supportive, but I guess Mom and Dad were being honest all those years ago when I was met with enthusiasm at the prospect of training at the Center. Our time spent watching the Games each year must've made them think about the possibility of me volunteering at some point. I don't think I could be as happy for my kid choosing to die for no reason as they are for me, but I know they love me, and I don't doubt that they truly believe I can win it all.
We wrap up with some hugs and kisses, and then I'm alone again. I sit down on the vintage teal green sofa and stare at the mirror on the wall. I wish I could crawl in it and avoid the awful conversation that I'm about to have.
Just as that thought leaves my mind, the door opens and he steps through it. Whatever he says, I love him and I'm doing this for him, I remind myself. He stops in front of me and crouches down to eye level. The deep, dark eyes that I've taken voyages across time and space in are tinged red and somehow more hollow than I thought possible.
We sit for too many beats of silence as he stares at me for what feels like an eternity. I feel his gaze drifting across my entire face as if he were trying to commit each detail to memory. Eventually I can't handle it anymore and meekly whisper an apology. A sad grin creeps onto his face, and he stands up. He holds out his hand, I take it, and he pulls me to my feet.
"I understand if you hate me."
He lets out a chuckle. "Drake, I could never hate you. I love you more than I can describe. Am I a little disappointed I don't have the chance to go? Of course, but I'm also a little relieved. I was gonna do it, obviously, but that doesn't mean I wasn't afraid. It's a deathmatch, after all. Most of all, though, I'm just gonna miss you. I know you have what it takes to win, so I'm not worried about not seeing you again. I just hope you're not gone for too long. It's gonna get boring around here without you or the Center."
Relief washes over me as I realize he somehow doesn't hate me, despite what I've been telling myself for months, and I collapse into his chest. His big, strong arms envelope me and I feel at home. I could stay here forever.
"Time's up!" a Peacekeeper shouts as he opens the door.
"Okay, coming!" Hudson leans down, gives me a deep, powerful kiss that I wish could last more than a second, and whispers in my ear, "Trust no one, even when you think you can. Keep an eye on Mahi, she's a fiery one and won't be easy to handle. Remember that I'm waiting for you back here in Four, and never stop fighting." I try to commit his deep voice and earthy scent to memory.
"I said, 'time's up'!" the Peacekeeper yells, louder this time.
"Okay, okay. I get it!" Hudson gives me a grin that, on any other day, would make my stomach take flight, and leaves the room. I'm alone for only a few moments before Roxie and Mahi appear in the doorway, with the former urging me to hurry, as we are apparently behind schedule. We take a quick car ride to the train station and board.
Once the train is on its way to the Capitol, Roxie shows Mahi and I to our rooms and tells us dinner is in thirty minutes, and that it is mandatory for our entire team. I take the time to familiarize myself with my quarters, which seem to be a fairly barren room with just a bed, a wardrobe, though I don't have any clothes to put in it, and a door to a small bathroom. It's not much, but I guess it's home for tonight.
I decide to take a quick nap before dinner, and settle into bed after turning the light off. As I lie in a bed softer than any I've ever been in, drifting into unconsciousness, Hudson's huge grin and the sunrise of this morning replay in my head. I promise to myself I'll never forget either, for as long as I live.
A/N Well! There's the first chapter and our first two characters! I hope you like both of them. :)
Mahi- She's certainly a hothead, which is why I think I like her so much. She definitely needs to learn to control her emotions, but I think she has it in her. I can't wait to see her feistiness in the arena. What do you think of Mahi's attitude? Will it come back to bite her in the end?
Drake- Drake is a really kind soul, and that's really damning against him in the impending fight; I can't help but love him, though. His relationship with Hudson is endearing, and he's got a sort of melodramatic turn in him that I like. He's very quiet and observant, which I think might help him in the grand scheme of things. Do you think he made a mistake volunteering for his boyfriend? Do you think he'll be outmatched by the other Careers who have trained for longer?
Well, that's all for now! I'm doing the Reapings in a random order, so if you want to see any sooner rather than later, maybe I can make that happen! I hope you have a great day.
~K
