Glowla Lush, District 1, 18
"Are you serious?!" the Peacekeeper shouted. "How did you do that?"
I smirked, fanning my winning cards out on the table. "Tough luck, Kofsky."
His friends patted the new recruit on the back sympathetically. It was almost a tradition for new Peacekeepers to underestimate me at this point. It had taken years to earn their respect, but I didn't mind. I'd earned a fair amount of their paychecks along the way.
Kofsky passed his bet my way. I quickly pocketed it.
"Another game?" he asked hopefully.
"Kofsky…" his friends warned.
"There's no way she can pull that off eight times in a row," he insisted.
"As much as I'd love to prove you wrong, which I absolutely would," I said, "I need a good night's sleep tonight. I should be heading home."
"Oh, right," said one of Kofsky's friends. Fletchley was one of my favorites to play cards against; he never berated me afterwards or refused to cough up the cash. We had played many games together over the years. He'd even beaten me a few times, which was an impressive feat. "You're Volunteering tomorrow, aren't you?"
"Yes," I replied.
A few more Peacekeepers drifted around, interested in the conversation. "Good luck, Lush," said Bernards, nodding to me. "We'll be rooting for you."
"Betting on me, more like it," I said, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, that too," Bernards said with a grin. "Expecting a big return on that one."
"Well, can we at least play again when you get back?" Kofsky asked me.
"Sure," I said. "I promised Fletchley first game, though."
"That's right," said Fletchley. "Looking forward to that game."
"We'll miss you," piped in Jeffries, another Peacekeeper. He usually just watched quietly, off to the side.
"Aw, thanks, Jeffries," I said. "But don't worry, you'll see me again soon."
"On the big screen!" said Kofsky.
The Peacekeepers at my table cheered in response.
"At least let us buy you a round, Glowla," said Fletchley. "On us."
The group murmured in agreement.
"I appreciate it," I replied, "but I need to keep my head clear. When I'm back, we can go wild, okay?"
"Smart move," said a voice from behind me. I turned to see Onyx Bright, my trainer, standing behind me. The Peacekeepers went quiet, recognizing him instantly.
Onyx was tall and well-built, with the typical One blond hair and light eyes. He wore a casual black hoodie and workout pants.
"Oh, hey, Onyx," I said, shifting in my seat to face him. "How's it going?"
"I'm well, thank you," he said. "Luck in the cards tonight?"
I grinned back at him. "Of course. I'm going to save the rest of my luck for the arena, though. I'm done for the night."
"Glad to hear it," he said. "You could use some sleep."
"Exactly," I agreed. I stood, pushing my chair back. "It was good to see you guys tonight. Until next time?"
They nodded to me, a few raising their cups in my direction. Fletchley waved.
"Mind if I walk you home?" Onyx asked.
"Sure," I said. We left the bar, my pockets full of small bills. We turned the corner, heading back toward my neighborhood. Lights illuminated the dark streets, with a few people still visible in their brightly lit apartment windows.
"How are you feeling?" he asked. "Nervous?"
"I'm not sure, honestly," I replied. "Part of me feels like it's just another gamble, you know? And then the rest of me is thinking that this is my big chance. I can't mess this up. My whole family name relies on me winning."
He nods. "You have to do your best to make it your motivator, not your stressor. That's what's always worked best for you."
"I know." We turned another corner. "I just can't stop thinking about my father."
"Makes sense," he said.
"I just…" I hesitated. "He gambled his life away. What if I'm just following in his footsteps by doing this?"
He stopped and turned to face me. "You are not a failure, Glowla. You are not like him. He failed the Academy. You rose through it. He gambled into debt. You gambled into a small fortune. You are better now than he ever was."
I took a deep breath. "Thank you."
"Yes," he said, turning to continue walking. "Of course."
We chatted a little more as we made our way towards my small apartment. It was much better than our old one. I'd purchased it with some of my earnings, after paying off Dad's substantial debts. My mother and I each had our own rooms now, which was my favorite part.
We arrived at the doorstep.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Glowla," Onyx said.
"See you tomorrow," I said. He hugged me quickly, and then took off into the dark night. I watched him go.
I will make him proud, I vowed. He took a chance on me, and I will make sure it pays off.
Virgil Amatore, District 1, 18
Sunlight spilled through my windows directly onto my face as my mother threw open the curtains.
"Ugh, Mother," I complained, rolling over.
"Get up," she said. "You've slept long enough."
"No, I haven't," I grumbled.
"Well, then that's your own fault," she said. "I'm not telling you again."
"Fine!" I said. She left, leaving the curtains open.
"At least close the curtains!" I shouted after her. Predictably, she didn't return. I pressed my hand to my head, trying to lessen the pressure of my headache. Did I regret going out last night? Absolutely not. Did I hate hangovers? Hell yeah. I rolled over again, trying to get out of the harsh sunlight. However, I underestimated how much mattress I had left and rolled off, hitting the wood floor of my bedroom hard.
"Ow!" I shouted. I pushed myself to a sitting position, rubbing my banged-up elbows. I listened for a moment for footsteps, but no one came to check on me. Did they even care?
Slowly, I stood, wincing as I shifted my weight to my feet. It took a full minute for me to get over the dizziness. I shuffled toward my bathroom and hopped in the shower, soaking myself in warm shower water. It helped with the headache somewhat.
I thought back through the night before, attempting to piece together what had happened at my sendoff party last night. I remembered flashing lights, the bass thumping through the speakers, the taste of tequila on my tongue. I know I lost track of Callista pretty early. I think Lucian was there, too. Wait, he was definitely there. Or was he?
It didn't matter. I finished my shower and toweled off, returning to my bedroom in search of my suit. I flipped my towel around my neck as I searched. I looked through the closet, but it wasn't there.
"Mother!" I shouted. "Where's my suit?"
She appeared at my door again. "Don't shout at me, Virgil," she said, her lips pursed with annoyance. "And for heaven's sakes, cover yourself."
I grumbled as I temporarily tied my towel around my waist. "Where is it?"
"Which one?"
"The Reapings one," I said.
"It's hanging by the front door," she said. "I had it cleaned. It smelled like alcohol."
"Could you get it for me?"
She raised an eyebrow. "I raised a man, not a child," she said. "How are you supposed to be a Victor if you can't even find your own suits?"
"God, Mother, relax," I said. "I was just asking."
She scoffed and left, likely returning to her breakfast. I flipped the towel back around my neck- it was more comfortable that way- and left my room, heading to the door. On my way there, I ran into my sister Olympia.
"God, Virgil!" she said, covering her eyes. "What's wrong with you?"
"Oh, relax," I said. "There it is."
I grabbed my suit by the hanger and headed back down the hall to my room. Quickly, I put it on, stopping in the bathroom again to style my dirty blond hair. Then I headed to the kitchen in search of breakfast.
"Good morning, Father," I said. My father sat at the table, engrossed in his newspaper. He looked up at me.
"Tighten your tie," he said. I rolled my eyes, but followed his instructions.
"You look nice, son," he said. I thought I almost saw him smile, but I blinked and it was gone. "You'll make a fine Victor."
"I know," I said. "Are there any more eggs?"
"On the stove," he said, gesturing. He returned to his newspaper, interaction complete. I grabbed a spoon and ate some out of the pot, then tossed the spoon in the sink.
"I'll see you guys at the Reapings, yeah?" I asked.
"Yes," said my father. "Do me proud, son."
"Duh," I replied, already halfway out the door.
Augustus Braun, District 1 Mentor, 35
It was a bright day outside as the district gathered to watch the ceremony. I sat tall in my chair, listening solemnly to Mayor Fellstar review the Dark Days and the purpose of the Games. A beautiful story of a phoenix rising from the ashes. May Panem prevail, always.
I looked out at the crowd. Most were at least half-listening. The children appeared bored. I didn't blame them; they had nothing to worry about. If their name was called, someone would Volunteer in their place. Maybe they would even Volunteer themselves someday, if they were good enough.
"Thank you, dear Mayor!" said Yvonne, stepping forward. Mayor Fellstar bowed to generous applause. Yvonne, a veteran Escort, wasted no time in proceeding to what we were all here for.
"Let's start with our ladies, shall we?" Yvonne asked. The crowd murmured in agreement. Yvonne walked over to the girl's bowl, delicately reaching her hand in to retrieve the slip on top of the pile.
"This year's female tribute is Gemma Lindstrom!" she announced.
"I Volunteer!" shouted a voice from the crowd. In the eighteen-year-old girl's section, a path cleared. Down it strode this year's chosen trainee, Glowla Lush. She held her head high, walking with grace. She was a sight to behold, her dark hair and eyes a standout among One's typically pale population. She arrived at the stage, standing tall next to Yvonne.
"What's your name?" Yvonne asked, passing her the microphone.
"My name is Glowla Lush, and I am this year's tribute," she said, her voice echoing through the speakers. It took all of my might not to roll my eyes. She was just like her father.
"Best of luck, Glowla!" said Yvonne. The crowd applauded politely, a few cheers coming from the Peacekeepers in the back. Interesting.
"And now, for our male tribute," Yvonne said. She repeated the process, delicately selecting the top slip from the boy's glass bowl. "Cartier Marksson!"
"I Volunteer," came a voice from the crowd. In the eighteen-year-old boy's section, another path cleared, allowing Virgil Amatore to saunter to the stage.
"And who would you be?" asked Yvonne.
"My name is Virgil Amatore, and I am this year's Victor!" he announced. The crowd went wild, likely recognizing his name. The name factor always helped. Besides, he was one of them, and the audience knew it. The boy exuded confidence to the point of arrogance, already sure he would be the sole survivor. I wasn't looking forward to working with him. Or dealing with his father after the Games. As much as I disapproved of Glowla's family, at least she actually put effort into her training.
"Glowla and Virgil, everyone!" said Yvonne. The crowd went wild again, cheering for a while before the tributes were hustled toward the train station out of town.
If only Sheen had listened to me and elected anyone else.
Glowla Lush, District 1, 18
My mother came in to visit me first.
"Are you sure this is the best thing to do?" she asked.
"I have to restore our honor, Mom," I said. "I'll come back. Don't worry."
"I'm your mom," she said. "That's my job."
She hugged me once, and then left.
Amethyst came in next, quickly enveloping me in a hug. "You did it! You're really going!"
"I know!" I said, letting myself be excited with her. "I can't believe it."
"I'm so proud of you," she said. "You've come so far since your father… passed away."
"I know I can remedy his mistakes," I said. "I just needed the chance."
"I know it too," she said.
"Thank you for not giving up on me, and being there," I said. "Practically everyone else ditched me when Dad died. But you were there."
"Of course," she replied. "You're my best friend, and that means something to me."
We hugged again, her arms tight around me. Eventually, we broke apart. It was time for her to go.
"I'll see you soon, right?" she asked.
"Of course," I said. She smiled and waved, and then was gone.
My last visitors were Onyx and his wife, Vivienne. Vivienne gave me a quick hug and left quickly, allowing Onyx to give me some last-minute tips.
"Don't trust your partner," he said. "I've seen the likes of him before. I don't have faith that he'll make it far, and if he does, he won't hesitate to come after you, even if you're from home. Especially because he's from a wealthy family with a good name. Do you understand?"
"Yes," I said, wrinkling my nose. "He rubs me the wrong way, anyway."
"Good," he said. "Always look out for yourself first. Never take mercy on another tribute. It's called the Games, but you can't be messing around. It's not a card game. This is your life."
"I understand."
"And Glowla…" he trailed. "I'll be watching. I'm rooting for you, okay?"
"Okay," I said. I received my fourth and last hug from him, and before I knew it, he was gone.
As I headed for the train, I knew I was ready. This was just another gamble, and it was one I intended to win.
Virgil Amatore, District 1, 18
My family insisted on visiting me first. My father, mother, and Olympia all crowded in to visit me.
"Best of luck," said my mother, pressing kisses to my cheeks. "Don't do anything idiotic."
Olympia gave me a stiff hug, breaking away quickly. "Same. Don't do anything stupid."
"Jeez, take it easy," I replied. "I'll be fine. Loosen up a little."
Olympia rolled her eyes at me. "Yeah, whatever."
My father shook my hand, his grip firm. "Do me proud."
"Yeah, yeah," I said. "I'll see you guys soon. Look out for me on TV, okay?"
They didn't respond to that. My father nodded to me before he strode out the door. My mother put her hand on my sister's shoulder, and they followed suit.
My only other visitors were Callista and Lucian.
"Virgin!" Lucian greeted me. I scowled as we slapped hands. "What, don't like the new nickname?"
"At least pick an accurate one," I quipped. Lucian smirked. Callista picked that opportunity to crash into my arms, almost knocking me over in the process.
"You're gonna be sooo good!" she said, slurring her words.
"Have you been drinking already?" I asked. She blew a kiss in my direction, and a whiff of her breath gave me my answer. "Nice."
"Gets rid of the hangover," she said, lingering on the r.
"Fair enough," I said.
"We'll have a rager when you get back, yeah?" said Lucian. "Celebration party!"
"Duh," I said. "Get planning soon, because I have high expectations. I'll be back soon."
"That's my man," said Lucian.
"Goooo Virgil!" said Callista. I gently pushed her back to her own feet, and she and Lucian turned to leave.
"Good luck!" she shouted as they left, leaning somewhat on Lucian.
"Don't need it!" I called back. Then, they were gone, and I was alone.
Nice of them to worry about me, but it was in vain. I had these Games in the bag.
*Hi, everyone! Here are Reapings #2! How did you like Virgil and Glowla? Thanks to TheWatcherofTheVoid and glimmerglint for submitting them, I hope this lined up with your vision.
I've been having issues with ffnet lately, so hopefully this chapter updates and the glitch goes away. This is attempt number three!
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! There are only a few open slots left if you still want to submit. After this is the District 10 Reapings, and then District 9. See you next time!
-r-b*