Tullius Faber, 18
Just because I have a nice room doesn't mean I'm better than anyone else. I make sure to remind myself of this every time I wake up. It's important to remember, especially since there are those less fortunate than us who often go without. I change into grey pants and shirt, then head to the dining room. For us, breakfast is a family occasion, and we take the opportunity to be thankful for all we have, including each other. As always, this morning I'm one of the first few to descend, so I wait for the others. Mum's cooked breakfast, bacon and eggs on toast, a reaping day special. Especially special since I'm going to volunteer.
"How are you feeling about today, love?" she asks as we wait for the rest of our family.
"Good. Especially about all the good I can do when I return." That's my main reason for volunteering. The way I figure, a victor can do an awful lot of good in their district. The other kids are going to die anyway, so it's better for someone like me to win. Someone who, upon their return, will make the district a better place. With the amount of money I'll have, I'll be able to end all discrimination and poverty. Everyone will be considered equal. The district, and all of Panem, will be better off. So, unless I'm reaped, I'll volunteer. This year is the last opportunity I have for it, so I better make the most of it. Soon enough, my little brother Markus enters the room in his typical boisterous fashion, waving his arms about and crashing into the walls.
"Good morning!" He greets us all. Julia, my little sister, follows soon in an equally raucous fashion. They both take their places at the smooth marble table and practically drool over their food. The table is made of the same stuff our family business sells. It was started way before my mother was born by her father, grandpa Gaius. He started out as a quarry boy, and managed to establish his own business selling marble countertops. They mostly go to the Capitol, but some are sold to the districts. Now we're one of the richest families in the district. They could afford to pamper me, but they made sure to teach me life values, which I am always sure to uphold. One of these is a strong work ethic. The same quarry he started out at is where I work now, even though we have more than enough money. I would go for an hour or two, but it's closed for the whole reaping day. Markus and Julia are bickering in a good-natured way when dad, walks in, helping grandpa Gaius. We all chorus 'good morning' as they take their seats. Before eating, grandpa Gaius leads our morning thanks. As the oldest, it's his right and responsibility.
"We are grateful for our food. We are grateful for our wealth. We are grateful for each other." Then we take it in turns to say what we're grateful for this morning. When my turn comes, I say,
"I am grateful for the opportunity I have to make the world a better place." We all share knowing smiles.
"That reminds me," grandpa Gaius says to me, "see me after breakfast. I have something for you." I nod. We tuck into our meal, making sure to thank the chef, our mother. It's some of the most delicious bacon I've ever tasted. It's reaping day, so our mother has added a special 'secret ingredient'. Despite Markus and Julia's speculation and questioning, it has never bene revealed. Once finished, I follow grandpa Gaius into a side room. He opens a polished steel box, revealing a golden torque moulded perfectly into the black velvet.
"This is for you." He says, his normally kind face proud and tearful.
"My grandfather forged it, and my grandmother engraved upon it the family motto." I take the torque, feeling it's surprising weight. Engraved on its side is QUID AGIS.
"It means 'what are you doing'. Take it. As a reminder of why you are making this great sacrifice." I feel tears pricking my eyes.
"Thank you so much." I say tearfully, hugging him.
"Now," he says with a grin, "get yourself ready for the reaping, boy!"
Allyson "aly" Thimblewhittle, 16
After a day of rest yesterday, I wake early to train. Might as well get some last minute training in. I only live a couple of blocks away from the academy, so I get to live at home. My parents don't care about me, so there are no rules other than my own. I like to keep to a strict schedule, even on days like this. Same wake time, breakfast, I'm still undecided as to whether or not I'll volunteer today. My small bedroom is almost claustrophobic, with barely enough space for my belongings. Clothes mostly, but also a bag, a dagger, and other miscellaneous items for when I go ranging. It's important to get some street smarts, what better way to do that than to wander around the streets? I quickly get dressed into training-wear, grab my stuff, scarf down a quick breakfast, start off for the academy. Before I get anywhere, my brother appears.
"Training?" He asks.
"Yeah." I reply, turning to face him.
"Volunteering?" He further pries. Why can't he just leave me alone?
"Maybe." I reply.
"Don't." He says softly as his face saddens.
"Why not?" I retort, thinking of all the good reasons to. For a moment he remains silent.
"You're sixteen!" He says.
"So? younger tributes have won." I reply, thinking of Finnick from four.
"Just don't. I-" He begins, but I don't hear the rest because I slam the door and leave for the academy. Older brothers are so annoying. Why can't he just let me live? Now I'm determined to volunteer. I'm in a foul mood, but I'll be fine after some time practicing martial arts. I'm the best in the academy, even better than the eighteen-year-old boys. I'm also proficient in seven weapons, but there's something about the hand-to-hand combat that I just love. I could lose myself in it for hours.
Right about now, just after sunrise, is my favourite time of the day. In no time, I find myself where I need to be. I walk up the grand grey steps and through the open doors, into the entrance hall. To the side, there's a reception desk, a couch, and a passageway that leads to some toilets. Straight ahead is the entry to the gymnasium and further training areas, where I plan to spend the rest of the morning. In one corner, hidden between the spear section and obstacle course, is the martial arts mat. It's a nice little enclosed space, perfect for duels. I dump my bag by the entrance, take off my shoes, and do some drills on the mat. I lose myself in the movements, but force myself to look at the clock every now and then to ensure I don't miss the reaping. I'm in the middle of a particularly intricate set when I hear someone land behind me. I instantly whip around, ready to defend myself, but see it's only Ande, the lead instructor.
"Hey!" He says.
"Hey!" I echo.
Proffering a small bracelet. Grateful for the gift, I snatch and examine it. It's a string of small grey rocks, smooth oblong shapes, set on a thin line of elastic. It looks delicate, but I'm sure it's sturdy. He means it as a token.
"Thanks!" I say, genuinely meaning it.
"You better get going." He warns. "It's an hour until the reaping begins." I nod, and head to the changing rooms. I wash, change into a light crumpled light grey romper, and head to the reaping square.
Julia Topaz, head gamemaker
District two is a reliable, sturdy district, and their citizens are no exception. They solemnly crowd the square, viewing the occasion not as a festivity but a pageant of strength, honour, and courage, as was intended. The grey stone square they occupy looks cold and sturdy, trustworthy somehow. It's a fitting air for the district of masonry and weapons. At the exact time, to the second, the mayor steps forward and begins the usual speeches. I take this opportunity to get some more chips, the speeches are awfully boring.
When I return, the escort, for some reason in a disastrous yellow and purple suit, is plunging his hand into the female ball, and makes a big show of rummaging around. He announces the name, Jean Quart, and only when he calls for volunteers does he get a reaction. A short girl in a light grey romper enthusiastically volunteers, her thick brown hair bobbing as she takes the stage. She's not the most attractive, but her hazel eyes do have a mean glint to them. She introduces herself as Allyson Thimblewhittle, making sure to add that 'you can call me Aly'. She waves and smiles, and I can see she's trying to play friendly. She subtly fidgets with a loose strand, and I can see she's very light on her feet.
The escort pays little attention to her, and, as with the female ball, makes a big show of drawing the male card. Shortly after his voice rings out across the square, carrying the name of the unlucky child, a boy volunteers. He's stocky, but tall, and solidly built. His brown eyes and curly-wavy hair complement his olive skin tone, but once again, he's not that attractive. As he steadily, slowly, walks, he carries most of his weight at the hips and shoulders. He introduces himself plainly as Tullius Faber, and the lack of winking or anything special tells me he's a simple, no-nonsense guy. The pair shake hands and the reaping concludes.
AN: Ideally the next reaping would be district three, but really any district would do, so long as there are two tributes for it. I need more tributes, please submit some! Thanks
