Caligula Van Zandt, District 2, 18

"Care to spar?" I asked, waltzing up to Sadie.

"Not in particular," she replied, aiming another throwing knife. She let it loose, and it flew right into the dummy's heart.

"Oh, come on," I said. "Everyone else has left for the night."

"I'm surprised you're still here," she said, selecting another knife. "Thought you had some party tonight."

"I do," I said, "but some last-minute practice couldn't hurt."

She threw again, this time piercing the dummy's head. "What weapon were you thinking?"

"Swords," I said.

She groaned, finally turning to face me. Her red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, with a few strands falling loose from exertion. She crossed her arms. "Really?"

"Really," I said.

"We both know swords are your thing, not mine," she said.

"No, my thing is the harpe," I said.

"Isn't the harpe a type of sword?"

"Not exactly," I said. "It's different."

"But similar."

"Oh, come on, Sadie," I said. "Teambuilding!"

She looked me up and down. "Guess it couldn't hurt," she said eventually.

"Exactly," I said.

We walked over to the sword wall, which had all manner of blades hooked up. I quickly grabbed my favorite, waiting for Sadie to eventually select a sword with a medium hilt. Both were blunted for training purposes. We then headed for the mat, both sinking into a fighting stance in opposite corners.

I watched her closely, preparing to defend against an attack. She had a good stance, her right foot behind her and her eyes narrow. We slowly began to circle around the mat, neither taking the eyes off the other for a second. I smirked at her, and she rolled her eyes. I knew I would win this fight; like she said earlier, swords were more my expertise than hers. She shifted her grip on the blade.

I lunged at her, then stepped back. She flinched slightly. I laughed.

"So funny," she said dryly.

"Why thank you," I replied.

She sank back into her stance, and I did the same. I lunged again, and this time, she was ready, quickly parrying me. We began our death-defying dance, slashing and hacking, ducking and sidestepping, for several minutes. Sadie's face was tight with concentration. I stayed relaxed, keeping my shoulders down and eyes up. She had a few solid attacks and was well-trained in defense, but I was simply better. Against anyone else, she'd likely win- especially if they were untrained- but not against the master. Slowly, I overtook her, getting closer to her weak spots- the abdomen, the throat, et cetera. In the end, I sidestepped a lazy lunge and grabbed her around the shoulder with one arm, holding the sword to her throat with the other.

"Got you," I said, breathing heavily.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Do you, though?"

"Ow!" I yelped, letting go of her. My hand went to my stomach, which had a tiny knick on it. She turned around to reveal the throwing knife in her hand. She must have grabbed one when I wasn't looking.

"Nicely played," I said. "But we both know that I won that one."

"Perhaps," she said, examining the weapon. She glanced back up at me, smirking. "Or maybe it was more of a stalemate."

I laughed. "Dream on, Sadie."

She laughed too, heading back to the wall to put her sword back. I watched her go. I had to admit, she wasn't the worst district partner a guy could have. She was tough and clever and could take a joke- and even better, she could throw one back. I respected her, and she respected me. It could've been a lot worse.

Just then, my buddy Cicero burst into the Academy.

"Cal!" he called, jogging over to the mats. "Where you been, my dude?"

"Just some last-minute stuff," I said. "Want to be prepared and all that."

He arrived next to me, panting. "Everyone's waiting for you," he said. "It's your party, after all! Can't have it without you!"

His eyes wandered over to Sadie. "Oh, hey there!"

Sadie turned, her throwing knife still in her hand. "Hi, Cicero," she said.

"You know," he said, "you're welcome at the party, too. Cal here isn't the only one heading off to the Capitol tomorrow."

"Knock it off," I said, shoving him lightly. "Quit leering."

"I'm not leering!" he protested. "Quit being stuffy. I'm just being friendly. Parties are for everyone."

Sadie smirked. "Thanks, guys, but I'm good."

Cicero raised his eyebrows. "Oh, I see… the two of you, here… together… ohhhhh…."

"Oh, shut up," I said, my cheeks warming.

"Cal has a cruuuuush!" he crowed.

Sadie started to laugh. I lunged at Cal, who took off, whooping like mad. Eventually, I caught him, putting him in a headlock.

"Let me out!" he said, struggling to release himself from my grip. Unluckily for him, I was chosen for a reason- I was the strongest guy in Two. Also, just straight-up the best option. Malachite would say otherwise, but there was simply no denying it.

Sadie walked over. "Maybe try apologizing?" she said, flipping and catching her knife deftly.

Cicero's eyes widened at the sight of the knife. "My bad!" he said. "Won't do it again for at least an hour!"

"Good enough," I said, letting him go.

"Probably the best you'll get," Sadie remarked.

Cicero massaged his neck dramatically. "I could have died, you guys."

"Please," said Sadie. "If we wanted you dead, you would be."

"Well," said Cicero, "that sounds like our cue. You sure you don't want to tag along?"

"I'm fine," said Sadie. "Have fun."

"Thanks," I said. She nodded at me, then walked back over to the knife-throwing station.

"We will," said Cicero. "But not as much as you two before I got here!"

"I swear-" I said.

"Okay, I'm really done now," he swore. "Off we go!"

Sadie Wilson, District 2, 18

Cal and Cicero left, finally. They were good for a laugh, but awfully distracting. I smirked at the memory of Cal's beet-red face. The kid didn't have a crush on me, and we both knew it. But it was still funny to watch him flounder. He was usually so cool and charming, but Cicero knew how to catch him off guard like no one else. It was an entertaining show.

I returned to the knife-throwing station, my home away from home. Where was I?

I slipped my favorite knife, the one that I'd used to surprise Caligula, back into its hiding place and resumed throwing. It calmed me like nothing else, especially after everything that went down with my parents. When I threw, I practically had tunnel vision. There was nothing else, just my breath and the knife and the dummy.

I threw for another half hour before heading out. I was supposed to visit my brother and my aunt and uncle tonight before I Volunteered tomorrow, and I could really use a shower. I regretfully put the knives back, wiped off my sweat with a towel, and grabbed my things. I turned out the lights when I left- I was the last one there for the night, which wasn't uncommon. I hadn't expected Cal to stay that long- he was a party boy if I'd ever seen one, and while he liked to stay late, he was never there as late as I was. I couldn't deny that he'd earned his spot as the tribute this year, though. The showdown between him and Malachite was brutal, but Cal came out on top.

I walked back to my apartment, letting my thoughts wander as I did. Was I nervous for tomorrow? Not in particular. I was glad to be having a friend going in. It had taken a while to earn Cal's respect, but once I did, it was smooth sailing from there. Most of his friends had much more money than I did. Most of his friends had living, Capitol-loving parents, too. Not that I was part of his friend group- I wasn't- but the comradery was there, definitely. Still, I appreciated that I would have a friendly face in the arena. We were both dangerous as hell, and I fully expected Two to have a Victor this year. Of course, that Victor would be me.

I finally arrived at my building, taking the steps two at a time to get up the flights faster. Neve was already home, wearing a crop top and running shorts.

"Hey," she greeted me.

"Hi," I said, throwing my duffel training bag on the nearest chair.

"How's it going?" she asked, watching me. She was standing in the kitchen, probably microwaving popcorn from the smell of it.

"Fine," I said. "I'm gonna change and head out."

"Cool," she said. "Ross will probably be over later."

"Okay," I said. "I'll see you both when I get back?"

"Yeah," she said. The microwave beeped, and I went to my room to get changed.

I sat next to my brother Matt, who was playing with the edge of the tablecloth.

"How is your training going?" my uncle asked.

"Well, thank you," I said.

"Ready for your big day tomorrow?" he asked.

I smiled. "Of course. Couldn't be more excited."

Matt fidgeted next to me. I ignored him.

"How's your partner? Any good?" asked my uncle.

"Cal is good," I said. "We get along well, which is nice."

"Don't let him take you off guard," my uncle warned. "I've seen it too many times. They always get you when you're sleeping."

"He wishes," I said. "Crossing me is the last decision he'd ever make."

Matt stopped fidgeting and turned to look at me. "Really?" he asked.

I shrugged. "Rather him than me, right?"

"Right," said my uncle. Matt turned back to fiddling with the tablecloth.

My aunt brought in plates of food, setting them in front of us before sitting next to her husband. "What did I miss?" she asked, setting her napkin in her lap.

"Just talking about Sadie's big day tomorrow," said my uncle.

"Oh, yes!" said my aunt. "We couldn't be more proud of you, dear. Especially considering the mess that happened with your parents."

"You really turned it around for the family," said my uncle.

I nodded. "Thank you, I appreciate that. I'm not a big fan of rebels."

My aunt shook her head. "Fools, they both were. If you don't mind my saying it."

"I don't," I assured her.

"This dinner looks good," Matt said quietly.

"It does!" said my uncle. "Let's eat!"

Godric Channing, District 2 Mentor, 21

It was a warm, sunny morning. Claudia wouldn't quit squirming in her chair next to me.

"Stop it," I hissed. She ignored me. Honestly, you'd think I was her Mentor if you didn't know any better. I'd gotten out of the arena alive, no thanks to her.

"I don't even remember who's Volunteering today," she whispered, smirking at me.

"Are you serious?"

"I guess I'll see in a minute," she said, stretching. "Keeps me on my toes."

She was ridiculous, honestly. I told her so.

"Oh, you love me," she said. "I keep things interesting."

I ignored her and returned my attention to the Escort, Valerius Toffee, who had just taken over the stage to announce the chosen names- not that they had anything to worry about.

"Cassia Tatum!" Valerius announced with a flourish.

"I Volunteer!" called a girl immediately. Sadie strode to the stage with confidence, her long red hair flowing behind her. Her white floral dress rippled in the breeze, and she stood onstage with a solid stance, looking out over the crowd. She practically oozed determination.

"My name is Sadie Wilson," she announced.

"Welcome, Sadie!" said Valerius. The crowd clapped enthusiastically, clearly confident in Sadie's abilities. There was no denying the girl was a powerful contender.

"And for the boys…" said Valerius, selecting the boy's name. "Vitus Alexander!"

"I Volunteer!" called a second voice. Caligula made his way to the stage in a fashion echoing Sadie- confident, collected, and ready to kick ass. He carried power in his posture, exuding charm and self-assurance. I even saw him throw a wink at Claudia, who giggled maniacally. I elbowed her, and she cast a sour look.

"And who are you?" asked Valerius.

"I'm Caligula Van Zandt," Caligula replied, grinning broadly.

"Welcome, Caligula!" said Valerius. The crowd cheered, particularly the girls. A good sign.

"Sadie and Caligula!" shouted Valerius. The crowd went wild as the pair was escorted off the stage and toward the train station.

Caligula Van Zandt, District 2, 18

My parents and Diana came in to see me first. My father clapped me on the back enthusiastically, and my mother kissed my cheeks.

"Do us proud," my mother said, stepping away to let Diana give me a hug. She squeezed me tightly before stepping back.

"I will," I said, ruffling Diana's hair. She scowled at me as she fixed it back into place.

Then I received a visit from Malachite, which surprised me. He was my biggest rival at the Academy. He'd nearly edged me out of the spot this year, and he was still pretty bitter about missing out, from what I'd heard. We didn't talk much anymore.

"Congratulations," he said, walking in.

"Thank you," I said. "Any advice, old pal?"

"Oh, I don't know," he said. "Win, I guess?"

"No need to worry about that," I assured him.

He shrugged. "Anyway. I just wanted to wish you luck." He turned to go.

"Wait," I said. He turned back around, left eyebrow raised.

"What?"

"I need to thank you," I said.

"For what?"

"For making me work for this," I said. "Volunteering has always been my ultimate goal, and you just existing made me push so much harder. Without you, I don't know if I'd have half the chance going in there. You're basically another trainer for me."

He sighed. "I'm glad I didn't train for years for nothing, at least."

"It wasn't for nothing," I said. "You've probably got a fantastic job at the Academy ahead of you."

"You mean that?" he asked, studying my face. "You're not blowing smoke up my ass?"

"Never to you," I said truthfully. "I… I've missed seeing you around."

He half-smiled. "Thanks, Cal."

"Yeah, dude."

We fist-bumped, and then he was on his way. Cicero was in last.

"I'm gonna miss you," he said, hugging me tightly.

"I'll miss you too," I said, hugging him back. "I won't be long, yeah?"

"Yeah," he said. I could've sworn I heard him sniffle, but when he stepped back his eyes were clear.

"I'll miss your ragers," I said.

He laughed. "I'll miss having you at my ragers," he replied. "Wait till you see what I have planned for your welcome-back party."

"Can't wait," I said. He clapped me on the back, and then he was gone.

I sat in the waiting room, letting my thoughts wander until the Peacekeepers came to get me. After years of hard work, my destiny was finally upon me.

Sadie Wilson, District 2, 18

My aunt, uncle, and Matt came to see me. Matt clung to me for a while, burying his face in my shirt.

"Don't worry, Matt," I said, patting his head. He was almost taller than me now, at sixteen years old. "I'll be back soon. You can watch me on TV when you miss me too much."

He removed his head from my shirt, his eyes shining. He nodded slowly.

"I love you, buddy," I said.

"I love you too," he mumbled. I gave him a quick squeeze, and then my only remaining family members were gone. Watching them go, I couldn't help but wonder what my parents would think of all this. Then it occurred to me that I didn't need to wonder: there was no doubt they were turning in their graves right now. All those years pushing back against the Capitol, and look where it'd gotten them. Rebels always got caught eventually. Much better to side with the Capitol. I could still hear the sound of my mother's firing squad when I closed my eyes.

Then Neve and Ross came in to say their farewells. Neve threw her arms around me, and then Ross.

"I'll miss having you in the apartment," said Neve. "Even when you leave your smelly training stuff everywhere."

I laughed. "I'll miss leaving it everywhere."

Neve wagged her finger. "No more of that when you get back, hm?"

"We'll see," I said. "Then, we'll have a whole house to leave stuff around."

Neve smiled.

"It's okay, Neve," said Ross, "I'll come by while Sadie's gone."

"Sleepover every night?" asked Neve.

"I'm down," said Ross.

"Don't get too cozy without me," I warned them. "I won't be gone long."

"Of course not," said Neve. "You're one of a kind."

We group hugged, and then they were gone.

Now, it was time for me to prove myself.

*And that's District 2! How did you like Caligula and Sadie? Big thanks to TyrantrumofAstora and chcolate for sending them in!

I know this update was a little longer than normal, but this is closer to what it'll be (especially as the semester ends- college is work, y'all) throughout the story. I was originally going to wait another day but today's my birthday so I thought I'd give you guys a treat :)

See you next time with District 3!

-r-b*