Jacob "Pow" Powell - District 3 Male - Age 17

"You're late. Again," Dr. Hewitt, a teacher, said, as Pow sat down for engineering class and dumped his bag on his desk.

"Sorry, Hewitt."

"That's Dr. Hewitt to you."

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty." The rest of the class laughed.

"What were you doing this time?" Dr. Hewitt was unamused.

"I don't know," Pow mumbled. "Sleeping?"

"Well this is your third tardy this week Jacob."

"Call me Pow."

"This is your third tardy this week Pow." He said with confused emphasis on his nickname.

"Ok. I'm sorry."

Pow wasn't sorry. He really didn't give a damn about engineering and physics and technology, and all the other District 3 bullshit. He was more interested in, well, himself, as he was the best looking person he, and everybody else in the school knew. He played sports a lot, too. He was the closest thing to a "jock" in a District full of nerds and preps. The nerds and preps did love him, though. But then again, everybody does, except for maybe the teachers, but they don't really matter.

"Bro." Pow's friend Coil tapped him on the shoulder as they left the classroom. "Why were you really late?"

"I bet he was getting it on with Memyria." Coil's twin brother Circ laughed.

"Yeah," Pow sighed. "Totally."

Memyria was Pow's girlfriend, and had been for about a year now. She was the most popular girl in the school, and much like him and the twins, didn't really fit in with the majority of District 3, and was beloved because of it. He'd be very happy in their relationship if only he weren't gay. Pow didn't not not like being gay, but he sure as hell didn't like being gay in District 3. The people there weren't outwardly homophobic, but he would definetly get stares if he were to be with another boy in public. To him, being gay was just another thing that set him apart from everybody else, and another reason he couldn't help but feel alone, even if he was in a crowded room.

School ended early, in honor of the next day being the Reaping, and while that wasn't the ideal special occasion, Pow would take any chance to get out of having to go to school. After engineering, he had chemistry class, and then he was done for the day. He met up with Circ and Coil, as well as Memyria and they decided to eat the lunch they packed on the tables in front of the school.

"So. Tomorrow huh?" Coil finally addressed the elephant in the room and the reason they got to leave school early.

"What about it?" Pow shrugged, "It's not like anybody is going to vote for us."

"It would be pretty funny though." Circ snickered. "If you were to go into the Hunger Games, Pow."

"I don't think me dying a tragic death would be funny," Pow said

"I agree." Memyria nodded her head and kissed Pow on the cheek. He flinched. "I don't know what I'd do without my baby."

"I don't know what I'd do without you either." Pow cleared his throat. "Babe."

"Relax." Coil laughed. "Pow would totally win."

"I would not."

"Would too."

"Would not."

"You realize there's only one way to find out."

"Please don't vote for me."

Before he could say anything else, Coil was standing on top of the benches,

"Hey guys! Pow here wants me to tell you-"

"Get down." Pow tugged at Coil's shirt

"That he hopes you will vote for him-"

"Please."

"So that he can live out his dream of competing in the Hunger Games."

Coil climbed down and sat back with the rest with the group.

"What the hell was that about?" Circ seemed genuinely upset with his brother.

"Yeah what the fuck?" Memyria muttered.

"Guys calm down!" Coil was still laughing. "There's hardly any people around and if they heard me, it's not like they'd actually vote for you."

"You act like our classmates are as emotionally intelligent as they are academically."

"It's going to be okay, babe." Memyria patted his shoulder. "I promise."

There was a bit of awkward silence.

"Have you all um… given any thought about what girl you're going to vote for?" Circ said trying to change the subject."

"I saw posters for this girl Ada Barr around town," Memryia said. "Apparently she wants people to vote for her?"

"That's kind of weird?" Pow was confused. "Does she think this is District 2?"

"Apparently," Coil said. "I guess the least we could do is vote for her?"

"I suppose." Pow shrugged.

Obviously, Pow was pretty upset at Coil, but he knew that him acting angry in public would only draw more attention to the whole interaction. When he got home, however, he finally let loose and expressed the anger he had done his very best to keep inside.

"WHAT THE FUCK!" Pow screamed into the cushions of the couch. He didn't notice that his mother was in the recliner next to him reading the newspaper.

"You startled me, Jacob." She quickly corrected herself. "Pow."

He ignored her.

"Is everything okay?"

"Of course it's not."

"You're right," Mrs. Powell said. "You're crying. You're not happy. Obviously."

His mother was not the best at social interaction, but he loved her regardless. She was his inspiration and ran her own technology factory. He didn't really understand exactly what the factory produced, but he was pretty sure it was something important. His dad, on the other hand, stayed on the couch all day and gained weight. The two rarely spoke.

"Mom." Pow sighed. "Coil told people to vote me into the Hunger Games."

"Why on Earth would he do that?"

"I don't know. I think he thinks it's a joke and they won't actually vote for me."

"Well I hope they don't."

"No shit."

"I just don't understand why he would do that?"

"He's insecure and an asshole."

"Did Memyria say anything?"

"Not really."

"I'm sorry."

"Thanks, Mom."

Mrs. Powell rose from the couch.

"Well, I better get back to work." She headed out the door. "I love you!"

"I love you too."

Pow flipped on the TV and started watching the news. Head Gamemaker Snow was talking about how he was excited for the Games to begin. Pow always thought he was cute. At least if he went to the Capitol he'd maybe get to meet him.

Ada Barr - District 3 Female - Age 16

Ada could hardly get into the gates to school without being crowded by people.

"Don't worry. I'll vote for you."

"May the odds be ever in your favor!"

"I really don't understand why you're doing what you're doing, but I support you."

She was confused. The only upcoming election was for the Hunger Games the next day, but surely they wouldn't be voting for her in that. They barely knew who she was, and there were so many other girls in District 3 who were honestly annoying as hell, and she was sure people wouldn't feel bad voting them into death.

When she arrived in her physic's classroom, her teacher, Dr. Zine pulled her aside into the corner.

"Is everything all right?" Ada's confusion intensified.

"I just wanted to let you know that you are one of the brightest and most intelligent students I've ever had the privilege of teaching." She smiled. "I believe in you!"

"Thank you?"

"Go sit down. It's time for class."

The weird verbal messages towards Ada didn't stop all day, and while she was starting to get bothered, she wasn't in the mindset to talk to the other kids about it. After school ended, she ate her lunch in front of the building while she waited for Lina, the family maid to pick her up.

"How was your day?" Lina said as Ada entered the carriage.

"Honestly, not very good." Ada felt she could tell Lina everything. Her parents were always super busy so Lina practically raised her. Mr. and Mrs. Barr worked as the head of a huge computer coding firm, so the family had a fair bit of money. They came from nothing though, and through their hard work, they were able to achieve their success. Ada was inspired by them, and she was eager to follow in their footsteps, not that she had any other choice, as they pushed her so hard in everything she did.

"What happened?" Lina was concerned

"People kept telling me they were voting for me and wishing me good luck. I don't think it's for the Hunger Games, but student government elections aren't for two months."

"I'm sorry." Lina sighed. "Can I show you something?"

Ada nodded.

Lina passed back a folded piece of paper. Ada unfolded it and saw a photo of herself paired with the phrasing, "Vote Ada for the 25th Hunger Games! A True Victor!"

Ada shrieked. "Where did you get this?"

"They've been popping up all over town. I assume you didn't make them?"

"Of course not."

"Well I suggest we talk to your mother about the best course of action then."

When the pair entered the house they saw Mrs. Barr at the kitchen table, with the same posters of Ada laid out.

"Oh," Ada said. "Did you see those too."

"Of course I saw them!" Her mother smiled. "I made them."

"You what?"

"I think it's about time you bring honor to this family who has worked so hard to give you the life you have."

"By dying in an arena?"

"You won't die."

"You know damn well I will."

"Do not curse at me. If you are truly thankful for us and our family, you'll push through and win."

"What does dad think of this?"

"He thinks it's a great idea."

"You guys are insane."

"You're an ingrate."

Ada ran off to her room and started to cry. Lina followed her.

"I promise I didn't know your mom made these."

"I believe you."

"Do you need some alone time?"

"That would be nice."

The next morning Ada was still upset with her parents.

"I can't believe you're making me do this."

"Your complaints don't change today's outcome."

She didn't speak to them until it was time to go to the reaping. Lina dressed her in a white dress with matching shoes, and just the slightest hint of makeup.

"You look beautiful." Mrs. Barr smiled and Mr. Barr nodded in agreement

"Thank you." Ada said and rolled her eyes, "We best get going."

The carriage ride to the town square was painfully quiet. When Lina dropped off Ada at the line for potential tributes, her parents simply waved at her. People cleared the way for Ada so that she could make her way to the front of the line. She didn't ask to cut ahead but they were eager to support their soon to be tribute, she supposed. The Peacekeeper assisted her with pricking her finger and led her to the voting station. For the male slot she wrote Jacob Powell's name. He was quite popular, and she had heard another kid encourage everybody vote for him. She had no idea who to write for the female slot, so she just wrote Janiss Barr, her mother's name, just out of spite. She worked her way to her seat and took deep breaths.

Jacob "Pow" Powell - District 3 Male

When Pow arrived at the voting station, he didn't even need to think before he wrote down Coil's name. He hoped this would all backfire and his classmates would see how obnoxious his outburst was. He hesitated when it came to the female slot, but remembered that somebody named Ada Barr seemed to want to be Reaped so he figured he'd throw her a bone and vote for her.

He sat down next to Coil and Circ and quickly whispered in Coil's ear before the reaping officially began.

"I fucking hate you."

Pascal Packard - District 3 Mentor/Victor of the 18th Hunger Games

Reaping day was always Pascal's favorite day of the year. He had hated his own Reaping, but took pleasure in watching others experience the same thing. He stood tall next to Demetria Rodgers, the escort assigned to his District, and shook in nervous anticipation for the big event.

"Attention!" Clemensia demanded the stage and the audience was immediately silenced. "I would like for us to begin now."

Demetria detailed this year's twist. It was fascinating to him. He was so excited to meet the most popular, or rather most unpopular people that his home district had to offer. Pascal wasn't a huge fan of District 3, now that he knew what the Capitol had to offer, so his rare visits home were always a treat. Demetria proceeded to play a video of previous games. Pascal smiled as he saw the clip of him beheading the girl from District 4 and winning his games. The footage of the other victors were equally fulfilling, and the newest clip, of Micah Fairfoge using a spear for his kills was oddly seductive. He had tried to befriend him at a Capitol party, but he was clearly straight. It's his own loss. Pascal is the pride and joy of the Capitol and any person of reasonable intelligence would want a piece of him.

Clemensia cut straight to the point and announced that the female tribute would be Ada Barr, a slim girl who seemed to have potential.

The male tribute however, was a total specimen. Jacob Powell looked like a superhero. He had bulging muscles eyes that he couldn't help but get lost in. But could he win? That's always the million dollar question.

Ada Barr - District 3 Female

"We're very happy for you," Ada's father said.

"Oh, fuck off."

"Language," Mr. Barr said

"A disgrace," Mrs. Barr scowled.

"I don't know why we spent so much money ensuring you would have this opportunity."

"I told you I don't want this!" Ada screamed

"So win."

Before Ada could respond she was grabbed by two Peacekeepers.

"It's time to go."

Ada screamed louder as she was dragged into the train. All she could do is wave goodbye and hope she'd see her parents again.

Jacob "Pow" Powell - District 3 Male

Pow's parents were missing from the train station. He wasn't surprised as his mother definitely had work, but he was sure his father was just asleep on the couch. He was secretly wishing that Coil would show up so he could punch him in the face for target practice, but unfortunately the only person that showed up was Memryia.

"I am going to miss you so much." She was crying, and Pow felt horrible. He pulled her into a hug and she tried to lean into a kiss, but he leaned away. He had to do it.

"I can't kiss you." He sighed. Here it goes. "I'm sorry."

"What do you mean?"
"Memryia, I'm gay." He turned around and ran to the train before she could respond and before he could see her face. At least he'd die an honest man.

Thanks for checking out Chapter 4 and I appreciate FabulousAbby for giving me Ada and francheesecakes for submitting Pow. I had so much fun writing these two, and I hope you enjoyed reading. I realize I didn't say this in the last chapter but Xan is 16 and Winona is 17. Submissions are still open so I would love to see some more tributes.