I'm sorry if I wasn't there, or acted like I didn't care.

You were always there for me, Seeing what I couldn't see.


Mercedes Hotcrusten, District 1 Female, 18


A few days before the games, Mercedes, or Ce as everyone called her founded herself being shouted at by her father. Her emerald green eyes darted around their house in the victor village, wanting to be anywhere but with her father right now. Ce's long curly platinum blonde hair was in a bun and she played with a strand of hair that fell to her face.

Her boyfriend, Royce was next to her, holding her hand tightly, supporting and restraining Ce from killing her father right there and then.

"You will get your weapon," her father, Everest Hotcrusten, shouted loudly. "Got it? If you want to win, you'll go get the weapon you wanted and make alliance with the rest of the careers. Got it? I'll repeat that again."

Ce growled at her father. "I get it. Now can I go. I have somewhere else I need to be."

"Let her go," Ce's nice and loving mother, Dhana, winner of the 59th Hunger Games, came out of the kitchen. "She deserves to rest for once."

"Yeah," Ce agreed with her mother. "Let me go out."

She didn't bother waiting for her father's reply before pulling Royce out the door with her. She called out over her shoulder. "See ya!"

"You better be going to training!" Her father's shout could be heard all around the victor's village.

Once they're far enough to not be heard, the two of them slow down and Royce took Ce's hands. "You know I still don't want you to go, right?"

Ce gave him her usual crooked smile. "Yeah, I know. But I still want to do it."

Royce sighed but didn't say anything. He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek before pulling away. "Now, don't you get one last day of training in?"

"Of course!" Ce exclaimed. "I want to get one last day of practice! Race you!"

"Oh, you're on," Royce shouted and ran away. "Last one there's a rotten egg."

"Oh, no you don't," Ce shouted after him before picking up her pace and try to catch up with her boyfriend.

When they arrived at the training center, three other people were there. Scarlet Slater, long black hair, blue eyes, tall and skinny. She's Ce's best friend. The other two people are Darsh Javar, a guy with rugged brown hair and blackish-brown eyes that look like they want everything but will never give anything back. His friend and partner in crime, Jason Dorrison was also there, looking bored as always.

As for Darsh, he was hacking harshly at the dummy in front of him. Ce ignored him and went toward Scarlet, who's hair was pulled up in a ponytail, wearing her training clothes. Royce sticks with them, deciding that going near Darsh right now would not be a good idea.

"Training again?" Ce asked. Scarlet nodded.

"Like, I'm not volunteering but it's always good to get training in," Scarlet started but Darsh rudely interrupted.

"You're not volunteering? What a wimp," he sneered and Scarlet glared right back. Ce had to restrain herself on punching him in the jaw.

"Are you volunteering?" Scarlet countered. Darsh stood up proudly.

"Of course!"

"And how many years does it take for you to start volunteering?" Ce asked with a smug smile. "Five years? Six?"

"It's not like you're any difference," Darsh growled. Ce rolled her eyes and ignored him.

"Like I care," she restored. "I'm here to train, not interact with some dump boys."

She could hear insults being shouted at her from across the room but she ignored it, instead, focusing on the target in front of her. She'd a dagger in hand, aiming it at the center before letting it go. The hit wasn't perfect, but it's good enough for Ce. She took another dagger and threw it again.

That's how the rest of their day goes. And before anyone knows it, it's already reaping day.

"Make sure to volunteer," Everest reminded his daughter again as Darah brushed her daughter's hair and put it in a bun again. Ce was wearing a long white dress, kind of like a wedding dress, but shorter, fancier, and more casual.

Ce stood up as soon as her mother pin the last strand of hair and twirled around. "How do I look?"

"Amazing as always," Royce smiled as he kissed her behind the ear and whispered. "Good luck, and come home safe."

Ce snorted but chose not to reply. The four of them walked out of the victor's village and Ce made her way toward the eighteen years old section. Royce went toward the boy's eighteen section and to his luck, he ended up next to Darsh.

When Ce's eyes met Royce's he mouthed 'Help me!'

'You're on your own,' Ce mouthed back with a sigh and turned toward the stage. Her stage, the stage that would soon become her spotlight.

Their escort, Karina Grin, walked toward the stage. Her pink dress sparkling in the sunlight. "Welcome ladies and gentleman to the 76th Hunger Games!"

Murmured of excitement was heard all throughout district one and many people smiled and clapped. "As usual, ladies first."

Ce gathered up her courage but didn't say anything yet. A slip of paper went out of the bowl and Karina opened it. "Alexandra Javar!"

"I volunteer!" Ce heard her own voice. But someone else's as well. She scanned the crowd and founded Darsh raising his hand.

Karina smiled and mentioned for the two of them to come up. "Wonderful! Two volunteers this year! What's your name?"

"Darsh Javar," Darsh fought to reply first. Karina's smile brightens.

"Don't want your sister to have all the glory, do you?"

"Nope," Darsh replied snarky before Karina turned toward Ce.

"And you, my dear, what's your name?"

Ce scowled at being called 'My dear'. "Mercedes Hotcrusten, call me Ce though."

Karina smiled and nodded. "And there we have it, ladies and gentlemen! Your tributes for the 76th Hunger Games!"

Ce and Darsh glared at each other again but didn't say anything as they got taken into the room of tearful goodbyes as Ce liked to nickname it.


Nike Haleys, District 2 Female, 18


Don't go in there! Don't go in there! Don't go in there! Windows locked, no food, no water.

What's happening?

Where am I? Am I dead or alive?

A tall man leaned over them, Artemis' cuddling to her. "Don't hurt her!"

A plan, we have a plan. Did it work? Did the plan work? Where is he now?

ARTEMIS!

Nike sat up in bed, gasping for breath. Her long dark hair in a messy mess. Her dark brown eyes darting around the room in worry. Her memories hunted her. She grabbed onto her blanket before letting it go and hugging her pillow close to her. She heard the "Creeeeeek" of her door opening and she jumped up again.

But it was only her mother, Ashlynn, who was always so quiet Nike hated her for it. Artemis, her twin sister. They were inseparable. They did everything together. But then in the end, she died. If they had listened to their mother that day, it wouldn't have happened. Nike blamed herself for it. It was her idea.

She's determined to volunteer on reaping day. It'll be her day to shine. It'll be her spotlight. She will come home as the victor and shows everyone that she's not just "That poor girl". She's someone who can win the game. She's someone who'll bring their district victory and glory.

She glared at her mother before ignoring her and putting on her reaping attire, seeing that they're in district 2 and the reaping happened at nine. Her white blouse and black jeans.

"Nike," her mother started but Nike cut her off.

"You're not changing my mind, I'm volunteering."

"But-" her mother started again and Nike shook her head.

"I don't want to be seen as 'that poor girl' anymore," she mumbled before shoving her way out of her bedroom. "Don't worry, I'll come back safe and sound."

"No one is ever safe in the hunger games," her mother said softly. "You shouldn't go."

"I'll be fine," Nike said as she grabbed herself a bacon and egg before she sat down on her usual chair in the kitchen. Her father's blonde hair was all that could be seen as his face was hidden behind the newspaper. Her mother came down a few seconds later, sitting down next to her father.

Nike glanced at the chair next to her before muttering to herself. "I'll bring you glory, don't worry Artemis."


"You okay?" Amity asked as they stood in the eighteen years old section. Their other best friend, Samatha, or Sam for short stood next to Amity as well. Nike nodded her head.

Amity's blond hair was tied in a ponytail and her grey-eyes held comfort. "Just a bit nervous."

"You know," Sam started. "I still don't think you still volunteer."

"I'll be fine," Nike deadpanned. "We will see each other in no time."

Amity seemed to be wiping a tear away. "If you say so."

They stood in silence after that, none of them wanting to discuss the outcome of losing a game.

Their district escort, Marilyn Case stood at the stage with a huge smile on her face. Probably because we will most likely die, A part of Nike replied. She shoved that thought aside. She doesn't need that thought.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Marilyn started cheerfully. "Welcome to the 76th Hunger Games! As always, that's starting with the lady!"

Nike scowled at Marilyn. Every. Single. One. Of. Her. Freaking. Word. Ends in an examination mark. Without waiting for further words by Marilyn, Nike raised her hand.

"I volunteer as tribute!" Every eyes were on her but Nike wasn't backing down. She heard people murmuring around her.

"Sweet!" Marilyn stated. "Come on up dear! What's your name?"

"Nike Haleys," Nike growled at her. When Marilyn tried to shake her hand, Nike slapped it away saying. "I don't want your stupid hand."

Marilyn frowned at her. "Aren't you competitive? Next up! We have the-"

She never finished her sentence before a guy with bright sea-green eyes with black hair combed back and wearing a black slacks, black button up long-sleeved shirt raised his hand. "I volunteer as tribute!"

Marilyn looked annoyed as she said cheerfully into the mic. "Come on up!"

The guy walked up toward the stage, his back straight, his posture showing that he's proud to be here. "And what's your name?"

"Uriah Stones," he said proudly. "My grandfather won one of the previous games."

"How… nice," Marilyn murmured, for once her word not ending in an examination mark, something Nike is glad of. "And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen! Your tributes for the 76th Hunger Games!"


Elec Davidson, District 3 Male, 16


Elec Davidson, a thin guy with auburn hair and green eyes, walked through the street, head down with baggy clothes. He avoided everyone he saw and quickly slipped into an alley. In his hands was two bread he managed to buy after saving up for a few months.

Up ahead, where his house laid stood his fourteen years old brother, Thomas. Elec smiled at him, Thomas smiled back.

"Hey," Thomas greeted. The brothers look very much alike, except Elec got a scar running across his forehead from an accident years ago. He never got bullied much but someone from his class just suddenly walked up toward him and punched him in the jaw before scratching him with his nails.

When the teacher asked why he did that, he replied with a shrug and a "Because I felt like it."

Elec tries to always look braver than he felt ever since that happened. He doesn't want to look like an easy target, he wants to be able to actually fight back if needed. That's why he decided to volunteer this year for the Hunger Games.

Well, not the only reason. He wanted to win money to support his family. He wanted his mother to come home after a long day of work to be able to sleep in a comfortable bed and not do anything. If he wins the games, they would have enough money to afford a better house, in the better part of district 3.

Elec smiled, ignoring his hunger as he handed his brother a loaf of bread which he took a big bite into. He ruffled his brother's hair. "Hey, how's your day?"

"Great!" Thomas exclaimed happily as they walked into their small house. Thomas held up the bread. "The bread made up for it. And I just need milk with it now."

"We don't have-" Elec started but a new voice cut him off. A girl about the same age as Elec this time. Her blonde hair tied in a braid and her sky blue eyes sparkled with mirth. She went toward Elec before pulling him into a kiss.

"Ewwwwwwwww!" Thomas exclaimed, fake gagged. "I said to not do that in front of me!"

They both ignored him as Thomas huffed and stomped his way toward his room. One of the only things they could afford. Three rooms in their house. One for Elec, one for Thomas, and one for their mom.

"Thanks, Emily," Elec smiled. "I really appreciate it."

Emily kissed him again. "Of course. You know our family has way more than we need."

Elec nodded. "Yeah, I know. It's still sweet that you think of me."

"Of course," Emily exclaimed again. "I'll always think of you."

They stood in silence after that but they both perked up when the doorbell rang. "Who could it be?"

Elec shrugged, he wasn't expecting anyone, so that's why it's a bit surprising when the doorbell rang. He quickly opened the door and saw that a girl about five was standing there. She has short black hair and her dark brown eyes held sadness.

It was only from the sound did he realize that it started raining heavily. He kneels down next to the little girl. "And who might you be."

"Mary," the girl said softly before asking. "I don't know where my parents are."

"Mary Carson?" Emily asked suddenly. Mary nodded, her black hair moving as she nodded her little head.

"Do I know you?"

"I know your parents," Emily said with a small smile, holding out her arms. "I can take you to them."

Mary perked up at the mention of her parents. "Can you really do that?"

Emily picked up the little girl as Elec watched the exchange. "Yes. I can take you there right now."

"Bye, Em!" Elec said, hugging Emily quickly. "See you tomorrow at the reaping?"

"Count on it," Emily winked as she carried Mary out of the door, quickly running through the rain so they wouldn't get wet.

Elec let out a sigh when he was finally alone in the living room. He sat down on the red and bouncy sofa as he leaned back. The fireplace was already lighted and Elec huddled close, glad for some warmth.

Reaping. He still didn't tell Emily about him wanting to volunteer. Elec knows that Emily is looking forward to the party after the reaping, so he was afraid to say anything whenever the topic came up. He knew he should tell Emily though, cause she is his girlfriend.

If you don't die, an annoying part of Elec reminded him.

I won't die, so shut up, Elec shouted back before ignoring the little voice in his head telling him that he's doing the wrong thing. He isn't doing anything wrong… right?


Elec stood nervously, shrifting his feet left and right as he best friend, Henry, quickly put a calming hand on his shoulder. "You need to calm down."

"I'm calm, I'm calm."

Henry rolled his dark brown eyes. "Yeah right. The way your feets are moving says otherwise."

Elec huffed half-heartedly as he started focusing on breathing. In, out. In, out. In, out, until his lungs find a rhymeth.

Rilina Caroly, District 3's escort walked up toward the stage. "Welcome ladies and gentleman-"

Elec cut the rest of her speech off, which is why he almost missed it when his district partner was called toward the stage. A girl about fourteen from one of Panem's best Academy, Heath Academy. Her blonde hair was in a bun and her clothes were the uniform for the academy.

"Who is she?" Elec whispered softly to his friend in the silence.

"Kate Middleton," Henry whispered back as Rilina quickly continued her speech. "And now for the gentleman. Ca-"

"I volunteer as tribute!" Elec shouted when he finally gathered up his courage. He didn't dare look for Emily as he made his way toward the stage. Not wanting to see the disappointed look of Emily, how sad she would be.

"Wonderful," Rilina scowled, her face probably forever stayed that way because no one has seen her smile before. "And your name?"

"Elec Davidson," he said into the microphone.

Rilina nodded as she held up Elec and Kate's hands. "Ladies and gentleman, your tributes for the 76th Hunger Games."


Lexi Haynes, District 4 Female, 18


The water around Lexi welcomed her as she drove head first into the lake behind her house. Lexi swam forward, her face going into the clear blue water once in a while. She'd been in the water all of her life. It's like a second part of her now. Swimming comes so naturally.

She took a deep breath before diving into the water. Her record of holding her breath is ten minutes. Perks of being in the water all of her life. She drove deeper and deeper, feeling more and more like home.

Her red hair was pulled into a braid so it wouldn't block her version as she swam and her hazel eyes searched her surroundings. The calm water calms her as well. She wished her sister, Rebecca, was here with her as well. But she was out with her mother that day, learning to fish, something they did to survive.

She closed her eyes as she crossed her legs and sat on the sand in the button of the lake with a small smile, not big enough for water to come through her mouth though. Her lips sealed tight together.

A few moments of peace later, Lexi swam upward and broke free of the surface, bathing in the afternoon sun. She swam freely for the whole afternoon, trying to keep herself from thinking about the reaping.

One more year, her mind kept whispering, and it's true. One more year till she's free of the Hunger Games. One more year when she could hope that her sister won't be reaped. She crossed her fingers behind her back, one more year, and she could survive it.

Lexi felt like she's drowning as her thoughts went more and more toward the games and how she would be reaped. She took a few breaths before reminding herself. The reaping is tomorrow. No reason to worry.

When she got back home, she went to her room first and quickly took a shower and changed into her casual clothes. Blue shirt and dark blue jeans. Blue is her favorite color, another reason she always wears blue even though her friend, Gwen, thought it's weird.

She made her way downstairs just as her mother and sister came back in. Her sister with an exciting smile, bouncing up and down, and their thirty-eight years old mother, looking tired but has a smile on her face.

"I caught a fish today!" Rebecca bounced up and down. "And we had a lot of fun! You should have come!"

Lexi smiled as she gently hugged her sister. "Calm down, and no thank you. Which teenager can pass up a time to swim freely without anyone interrupting?"

Rebecca pouted as their mother laughed. "I'm going to go change, come on Rebecca, you should take a bath."

"Fine," Rebecca pouted more as she followed their mother up toward the bathroom. Lexi sighed but there's a small smile on her face. She looked at the fish on the table before quickly going to the kitchen and preparing their meal for the night.

Your last meal, her mind whispered again and Lexi shushed it. No need to think negatively, she won't get reaped. Oh, how long she was.


"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"

Lexi awoke but when she saw the sunlight, she covered her face with her pillow before groaning. "Let me sleep, Rebecca."

"No!" Her annoying younger sister giggles. "You can't sleep anymore. It's reaping day, remember?"

"No," Lexi groaned. "I don't like reaping day."

"You'll be free after today!" Rebecca exclaimed. "You should be happy!"

"If you let me sleep," Lexi replied, turning around so her head is covered by her pillow. "I want to sleep."

Rebecca pulled away Lexi's pillow with a smirk. "Now, you have to wake up!"

"Fine," she replied, dragging out the N and E. "I'm up, I'm up."

Rebecca happily left Lexi's room, leaving her alone. Lexi wanted to think that she's safe, that she would survive another reaping, because she has to. She does not want to be reaped, and that's final. But are the odds in her favor today?

She got dressed quickly, her reaping clothes. A blue dress that reaches her knees and that has two front pockets and a white collar. Her sandals are made of leather and her long hair is braided neatly. She spun around in front of her mirror before she walked out of her room.

She walked toward the town square, her sister holding her hands and only letting go when Lexi needed to walk toward the eighteen years old section.

Their escort, Barley Van, a tall girl with black hair and black eyes appeared. "Welcome Ladies and gentleman to the reaping! Aren't we all excited? This year will be fun! Wouldn't it?"

She received no answer as she sighed and went toward the reaping ball. "As always, ladies first."

Her hand moved around the girl's reaping ball. She picked up three slips before taking the middle one. "Lexi Haynes!"

Lexi's eyes widened as she stood there, stunned. The crowd parted ways for her as she slowly walked toward the stage. Her arms were crossed behind her backs as she tried to stop herself from shaking. Barley greeted her with a handshake before moving toward the boy's reaping ball.

"Ma-" she was about to shout when a blonde hair boy with beautiful blue eyes raised his hands quickly. "I volunteer as tribute!"

Lexi looked surprised, wondering who in the world is dump enough to volunteer? But the boy walked up slowly to the stage with a proud smile on his face. Barley's face lit up as she asked him. "Your name?"

"Kenji Maynard," he replied. Barley nodded as she took his hand and took Lexi's hand with her other.

"Your tributes for the 76th Hunger Games," Barley said brightly as Lexi sighed. May the odds be ever in my favor.


AN: Hey guys! I'm back with the next chapter! Hope you guys all enjoy! Thank you everyone for submitting a tribute(s)! If you guys follow my Wattpad account, you know that this is the only story I'm continuing for now. The rest are all put on temporary hold. So, maybe another chapter next, next week. I'm trying to write as fast as possible but school is preventing me from doing that. So sorry guys.

Also, sorry if your character isn't writing the way you wanted. I changed a few things around. But feel free to tell me if you want to change something or if I got something wrong!

If you guys want to see where I am with writing the next chapter, I put it on my profile like example: Pt.2: The Odds Aren't In Their Favor (1/6). So, you can check every day for if you are that eager or you can check once in a while!

Leave a review and tell me what you guys think of the tributes! Which one is your favorite? Any thoughts on my story? Good or bad? See you guys all next time and I'll be reading and answering every one of your reviews!

~Emily