Brycen Rosenthal - District 1 Male - Age 18
At long last, the time had finally come. Brycen had spent far too long barely tolerating Sapphira and definitely not tolerating Sam, but soon that would all be over. He'd keep Sapphira around for a week or so, but in less than two hours, Sam Hillgaze would finally be gone which meant Brycen would finally be able to be slightly happy. He resented the fact he'd eventually have to dispose of Hosanna and even Ammo, but it would all be worth it when President Ravenstill would place the ivory crown atop his head. Brycen was probably the only Tribute that wasn't nervous for the Games, and that was a good thing in his opinion. He'd trained his whole life, and even if that wasn't enough, Lady Luck had always been on his side, and surely she wouldn't leave now. Right?
"I'll see you out there soon!" Ammo said as he walked Brycen to his launching station, "This'll be fun."
"It's been nice training together," Brycen sighed, he really couldn't be admitting his crush now, that simply wasn't practical, "I'll fight for you until the very end."
"May the odds be ever in your favor, brother." Ammo laughed and then he was gone.
Brycen truly was alone now but it wasn't like he'd be that way for long anyways. He pressed the buttons on the elevator that would take him to his pod and sighed.
Luck, don't fail me now.
Sapphira Starlett - District 1 Female - Age 17
Sapphira starred in the mirror at her outfit for the arena. It was fairly bland, honestly. Gray simply was not her color. Tigris has dressed her in a grey top with a red jacket and black leggings. It was fine, but not exactly star-making, and lord knows everything Sapphira did was to make her into a star.
"Excuse me," Sapphira called out into the hallway where the other Tributes were slowly making their ways to their platforms, "Can somebody help me."
"Sure thing," A tallish girl with brown hair stopped in her tracks. She would've been prime hookup material had this not been The Hunger Games, "What do you need."
"Hold these," Sapphira handed the girl a pair of scissors, "Wait! Don't flinch," The girl seemed scared Sapphira was going to kill her right then and there, "Could you be a doll and help me turn this drab shirt into a crop top?"
"Sure thing," The girl sighed and began cutting three inches above the lower hem of Sapphira's shirt, "This work?"
Oh yes. Not only did it work, it looked absolutely ravishing.
"Yes, thank you so much!" Sapphira beamed, "You're a lifesaver."
"No," The girl paused, "I'm Summer," Sapphira would remember that name, "Please don't kill me early on if you can."
"I make no promises," Sapphira winked, "But I'll try my best to keep you around."
The girl walked away and Sapphira was once again left alone with herself, and ready to be the star she was born to be.
I'm so ready for this. I'm going to dazzle them and it'll be a ball.
Ammo Lawson - District 2 Male - Age 18
"Fuck you," Ammo said his final goodbye to Micah before preparing to enter the arena, "I'll see you on the other side."
Ah yes, it was finally time for Ammo's definitive moment. Not only would he win the Games, he'd do so faster than Micah, and with more kills. Fucking brilliant. Then he'd be able to go off and live his best life and finally give his dad and Lamont what they deserved, which was a life of pure goodness. He'd be able to marry a beautiful girl from the Capitol, and Micah would just be a distant memory from the past. It was fantastic, if only he could stop thinking about Hosanna. Like many of his fellow careers, the best Ammo could do was hope somebody else would kill her so that he wouldn't have to.
His father's words echoed in his ears, "Win this for mom, but win this for yourself."
That was exactly what he was going to do, and soon Ammo Lawson would be the name on everybody's lips, and nobody would give a damn about that bitch Micah Fairforge. Killing Little Miss Lumber would surely be the highlight of his first day in the arena, and after that, the only limit was the sky.
You've got this Lawson. Nobody can do this but you.
Hosanna Guerra - District 2 Female - Age 18
Of all the careers, Hosanna was definitely the most nervous. She didn't have the same ways with luck that Brycen had, the star-power of Sapphira, or the ambition that Ammo felt. She didn't know much about Adira, but surely she also had something worth fighting for. Sam, well, she was Sam, and while Hosanna would hate to see her go, as she would hate to see anybody die, Sam's pending death made her least sad.
"I'll see you in there!" Hosanna couldn't help but feel guilty as Sam wished her well as she walked her to her launching area, "We'll win this together."
Hosanna didn't feel guilty enough to tell Sam the plan though, because that would only cause unnecessary drama, which would just be a distraction, "I'll see you too."
Hosanna thought about the boys, Ammo and Brycen, and how they genuinely seemed to care about her. She'd miss them if she made it far enough that she would have to, and either way, they at least provided her with friendship and entertainment that she desperately needed in the Capitol. She'd even miss Sapphira, oddly enough. Though she seemed a bit preppy at first, deep inside she was hurting, and Hosanna admired the gusto she had to enter the Games for the sole purpose of becoming famous, as stupid as it was. She took three deep breaths then entered the elevator.
It's showtime. Mom and dad, I love you more than anything.
Jacob "Pow" Powell - District 3 Male - Age 17
Hopefully having sex with Pascal would be worth it for Pow. It's not that he didn't enjoy it, he did, but it didn't feel the way he always thought it would, it just sort of… happened, and that was that. The past twelve hours had been full of emotion for him, and Pascal was just the tip of the iceberg. Of course, the whole thing with Ada happened, which was just depressing as fuck, and then in the morning Luca told him about Adira's little plan, and while that was shocking at first, hopefully it would pay off, and if not, Pascal promised gifts and Pow was hoping he would provide, though trust issues were definitely on the rise for Pow. At the end of the day, Pow was a fighter, and hopefully the Games would reflect that. He didn't even want to be in the games in the first place, and that was probably the worst part, but it wasn't like he could do anything about it, and that hurt the most.
Coil, you're a fucking asshole and when I win this I'll kick your ass.
Ada Barr - District 3 Female - Age 16
Ada was miserable, and she had every right to be that way. She didn't want to be in the Games, and she wouldn't have even been voted in except that her mother just had to campaign for her for some reason unbeknownst to her. She'd never understand why, but hopefully Ada's likely death in the next hour would teach her mother a lesson, in some odd, fucked up way. She was shit with weapons, and smarts meant nothing in the bloodbath. She really didn't deserve her allies, so at least having them around for the past few days meant she'd die with some good memories in her head. Still, Ada was upset. Nobody deserved to die because of their mother's strictness, and Ada couldn't help but think her mom secretly had always wanted her dead.
If for some reason I win, you are not invited to my mansion in Victor's Village, mom. Fuck you all the way to hell.
Luca Pargus - District 4 Male - Age 18
So it turns out Micah actually was not Mags' best friend, which was good since he was only eighteen, everyone just called her their best friend, because they wished she was. Maybe that was a good thing, because it meant she was loved enough that she could be considered a best friend to the world. She certainly was an amazing figure throughout Luca's past week or so. So was Adira, but he couldn't think that if he wanted the careers to truly believe he thought she had betrayed him. Overall, Luca just had so much to live for and that was beautiful. He missed his mothers dealry, and the thought of living in a mansion across the street from Mags sounded like a dream come true. And then there was Micah, or rather the prospect of an actual relationship away from Kai and all the pain he caused.
Moms, Micah, Mags, I'm coming home to you all!
Adira Price - District 4 Female - Age 17
Adira couldn't help but feel guilty even though she'd be back to her friends soon enough. The careers were complete assholes and what they were doing to Sam just felt disgusting, but Adira didn't want to seem suspicious so she just obliged to their insanity, hoping she wouldn't have to do the killing herself. Then there was her letter, which she crinkled in the palm of her hand as she overlooked the arena during her last moments of serenity. If she could survive, it meant she'd have the resources to explore the outside world, which would be scary, but ultimately thrilling.
Everybody deserves to know what's out there, and I'm going to tell them.
Bariq Fossil - District 5 Male - Age 15
Who would have guessed Bariq would be a nervous wreck as he awaited his likely death? Nobody, and Bariq was utterly petrified. He could only hope he wouldn't fall off the platform in fear, so he refused to think about it, knowing it wouldn't happen if he just closed his eyes. Maybe it would be nice for Bariq to reunite with his brothers. Hopefully Aron and Cosmo missed him, and didn't think he killed them too. He had a feeling they didn't though he couldn't be completely optimistic, and regardless he hoped Wendy would win since she'd do it for him.
Let's get this over with.
Wendy Roofer - District 5 Female - Age 18
At the last minute, Wendy's nerves finally settled in. Why the hell had she agreed to running towards the Cornucopia. It was too late now as everybody was in their pods and the best she could do was be there for her allies and do what she promised. Hopefully Bariq would be okay. Though he had truly blossomed, he was still young, and this was probably the end for him. She hoped through her protests that her parents would be proud of her, but she would never know for sure, unless the afterlife actually was real, which she'd surely learn soon. Her protests may have seemed stupid, but she felt alive, and that's worth a lot.
Mom, Dad, I'm a rebel just like you!
Xan Freight - District 6 Male - Age 17
"Bro!" Isaac ran up to Xan right after they had said their temporary goodbyes to Brandon and Louis, "What if we die without kissing anybody ever?"
"Fuck!" Xan paused, "What if we kiss each other, bro?"
"In a gay way?"
"Not at all bro!" Xan giggled, "It's just so we can die saying we've been kissed."
"Then bring it in bro!"
Isaac came over to Xan and gave him a big sloppy wet kiss. It was pretty gross but at least it was a kiss, which was worth something at least.
"Let's not do that again, bro!" Xan said, "But you're the real one for sure!"
I am not gay, I am just lonely and horny.
Winona Morgan - District 6 Female - Age 17
Yeah, Winona's idea was absolute batshit but honestly there was no going back now. At least being at the bloodbath would allow her to be front and center for Xan's death which would be the equivalent of the shitty porn he watched all the time. Obviously she didn't want to die, but she had to be optimistic for her own sake, as well as Quinn's and Sawyers. Being alive was a gift, and Winona had truly enjoyed her time having that gift, and hoped she'd be able to enjoy it for longer than the next hour.
Boys, I'm going to get you your mansion if it's the last thing I do!
Cedar Ranthine - District 7 Male - Age 15
Cedar was finally interesting! He had a nice interview, and he made some awesome friends! Surely his parents were proud of him to some extent, right? At the very least Cedar was able to do something on his own, without being plagued as that asshole who kicked somebody, and he definitely enjoyed the time he had in the Capitol, not that he wanted it to end because that would mean well, death. Logan and Velvette were right in that they'd hopefully get sponsors, Cedar just wasn't sure if he stood a chance at outliving his friends.
At least I have my own unique story!
Sam Hillgaze - District 7 Female - Age 18
Sam was absolutely thrilled to be entering the arena with the careers. At long last she had overcome everybody who told her that her obsession with the games was stupid, and she did it with a smile on her face even. She could only imagine the joy on her dearest Sterling's face and she couldn't wait to see him again. She'd miss Sapphira and Hosanna and the boys, but as soon as it was the final 8, they were dead meat to Sam. Hopefully her parents were watching with Sterling there as well, taking notes just like she used to when she was home with them.
Who says a girl from 7 can't outsmart a career?
Logan Webster - District 8 Male - Age 16
If Logan died, at least he had the best last days of his life ever. His plan to reap the Capitol of their luxuries had gone perfectly, and he'd taken advantage of every opportunity he was blessed with. His last night was spent in his silk robe as he received a facial from an Avox while eating a delicious lemon cookie which honestly was better than he could have ever imagined. His last breakfast of egg's benedict was also phenomenal and he couldn't have asked for a better way to go out.
At least I won't die hungry and with bad skin.
Velvette Wilmington - District 8 Female - Age 16
Velvette almost slept through her last breakfast, which was just like her meaning she was going into the arena as a slightly more confident version of her same lethargic self. Her only regret would be killing. She was not looking forward to it and would probably hate herself and never forgive herself if she had to but survival's a priority for her so she'd do it anyway, though she was hoping one of the boys would be able to take care of it for her, which they probably would be able to.
I can't believe I'm here because I struck a literal child.
Isaac Galavan - District 9 Male - Age 14
Yeah, kissing Xan was absolutely disgusting in Isaac's opinion but at least he wouldn't die completely a prude, though he didn't plan on dying anyways. He had so many homies that it would be hard for him to say goodbye to but sometimes the reward is worth it, and in this case the reward was survival. He was beginning to feel bad for his dad because if he died then his dad would have nobody, but that wasn't Isaac's problem anyways. His mom shouldn't have died in that stupid fire so it's her fault. Lord, Isaac did miss his mother and the possibility of seeing her again was somewhat exciting.
It's time to fuck bitches then win!
Summer Lindell - District 9 Female - Age 18
Summer had been dreading her final moments before the arena. The past few days had almost seemed like a fairytale. Luca was basically her platonic soulmate and Pow, Ada, and Adira were also some of the finest people around. If Luca was a lesbian, Summer would be head over heels for him, but the solidarity between queer men and women meant so much to her and surely it meant just as much to him. Pow had slept with his mentor which was definitely a bold mood but it meant that supplies could possibly be gifted to them in the arena. Summer really would miss her friends, but she was so ready to piss off Brooke when she came home victorious.
I'm not a predator, but maybe I'll be a killer soon.
Brandon Colt - District 10 Male - Age 18
Brandon clutched the engagement ring in his hand. All he could think about was his dearest Cadence and how he couldn't wait to see him again. They'd talk for hours and joke about how Brandon somehow allied with a pack of morons but how it was all worth it because they could finally be together permanently. They'd have a winter wedding and wear matching suits as white as the snow. It would simply be perfect, and it was all Brandon wanted, he just had to win first. He knew he would be able to if he thought about Cadence hard enough, but still he was scared, even though he'd done cruel things before.
Cadence, I'm going to get you our Christmas wedding.
Willadeene Rhodes - District 10 Female - Age 16
Well, this was likely the end of the line for poor Willadeene, but it honestly wasn't the worst way for her to go. At least she wasn't dying in the bunker which meant that she was able to overcome that, and hopefully the world around her would be able to overcome her death somehow, even if it was difficult at first. Her parents would be fine since they basically had her replacement in the form of the baby, and while the Bunker Kids would probably not take likely to it, they'd get over it eventually, like people always do.
At least I'm dying on my own terms!
Louis Staker - District 11 Male - Age 18
Brandon or Ryan was Louis' dilemma, but with Brandon having to die in order to ensure a future with Ryan, the latter seemed like the better choice. He was able to express his anger well enough that he wouldn't be able to wimp out when he had to kill people, and he had a feeling that would be his greatest asset in the arena, besides the fact he was not at all bad with weapons. Hopefully Ryan watched his interviews on TV and thought he looked handsome, because that was his goal afterall, for Ryan to think he looked handsome.
Ryan! I'm coming for you!
Tulip Everly - District 11 Female - Age 18
Tulip had absolutely no emotional attachments to anybody in the arena which would make killing all the more easy for her. Was it twisted to say she was excited? Maybe, but she didn't care. So many of the brats would be extremely easy for her to dispose of, and she could definitely survive by herself. Whether or not she went to the Cornucopia was yet to be decided but either way, Tulip was a fighter and she was perfectly capable of fighting until the bitter end, which was just what she would do, so she could rise to the top and be a winner.
I haven't forgiven you Tink, so you better hide when I get home.
Simon Steel Clade - District 12 Male - Age 13
Simon saw his sister's death flash before his eyes over and over. It hadn't happened, at least not yet, but Simon kept thinking about it anyways, and how hurt he would be when the time finally arrived. Before he left to launch, he held his sister just a little bit tighter than usual and thought about the times they shared together, and how lucky Simon was that they happened at all. They had to go to the Cornucopia to get supplies, but hopefully they'd either die quick, or be nimble enough to escape.
Rose, I do everything for you, and dying for you is my pleasure.
Christabel Rose Clade - District 12 Female - Age 13
Christabel Rose could only imagine what Lucy Gray felt like as she was about to enter the arena. Surely she felt scared, and like she was about to die, but maybe she also felt like she could overcome it all and win, which unfortunately was a feeling that Christabel Rose lacked. Maybe Simon would be able to win, and then she could live through him, but the chances weren't looking good. She repeatedly hummed a melody from her aunt as the elevator raised, but nothing would help her calm down. Deep in the meadow… It was pointless, but maybe through dying, Christabel Rose could find out whether or not there was such a thing as Lucy Gray Baird.
I don't know if I can do it, but at least I have my best friend.
Coriolanus Snow - Head Gamemaker
Coriolanus overlooked the beautiful area he had created. This was it, his moment to rise from the pack as a true legend to the great country of Panem. It was perfect. There was a large hill in the center and a big marble building atop, with a rotunda that housed the Cornucopia. Hopefully the tributes would be able to find it, but if not, at least it would make for some good entertainment. Surrounding the hill were two biomes, one was a city much like the Capitol, with buildings to explore that would house surprises and the other was the typical forest that resembled the original arena that was used for the first ten games, though this biome was more exciting to say the least. It represented the past and the future of the Hunger Games, and the center building resembled the capital of the nation that preceded Panem, as Coriolanus' grandmother had described it to him. The building was where the old government used to gather to make decisions, and Coriolanus was excited for the Tributes to do just that. Who says the voting has to end at the reapings?
Coriolanus truly could not wait, as the clock counted down during the final minute. Soon he would be able to say he created something spectacular, and maybe it would allow him to become President once Ravenstil passed, which was and always had been Coriolanus' dream. Coriolanus sighed and took his seat in the center of the Gamemaker's room, Lysistrata and Clememsia besides him as they awaited the fateful words from Lucky:
"Let The 25th Annual Hunger Games Begin!"
OOOH! It's finally time for the Games. The purpose of this Chapter was to give a glimpse of what everybody is thinking before the big moment as well as a peak at the Arena. Once again thank you so much to everybody who's stuck with me this far. As excited as you are, I guarantee that I am even moreso. The bloodbath will be up tomorrow as a special Fourth of July treat, and I can't wait for everybody to read it.
Just a reminder of the alliances one last time:
Careers - Brycen Rosenthal (D1M), Sapphira Starlett (D1F), Ammo Lawson (D2M), Hosanna Guerra (D2F), Adira Price (D4F), and Sam Hillgaze (D7F)
Wholesome Gays - Jacob "Pow" Powell (D3M), Ada Barr (D3F), Luca Pargus (D4M), and Summer Lindell (D9F) (Adira?)
Hashtag YOLO - Cedar Ranthine (D7M), Logan Webster (D8M), and Velvette Wilmington (D8F),
The Fraternity - Xan Freight (D6M), Isaac Galavan (D9M), Brandon Colt (D10M), and Louis Staker (D11M)
The Babies - Simon Steel Clade (D12M) and Christabel Rose Clade (D12F)
Trauma Friends - Bariq Fossil (D5M), Wendy Roofer (D5F), Winona Morgan (D6F), and Willadeene Rhodes (D10F)
Lone Wolf - Tulip Everly (D11F)