You were always there for me
Seeing what I couldn't see
Lily Roue, District 5 Female, 12
Lily stared at herself in the mirror, her perfect brown hair falling down her back. Her stormy grey eyes studied herself before she walked away and she laid down on her bed, her eyes staring at the ceiling. She doesn't want to volunteer, but her step father makes her.
Her stupid, idiotic step father. Lily hated him so much. She doesn't know what her mom was thinking when she married him after her father died during work. She doesn't know what her stupid mother was thinking. She hated both of her parents with a passion. None of them deserve her love.
She glared at the air one last time as she got off from her bed and put on her reaping attire quickly and ran down the stairs and sat down on her usual chair.
Her step father was already there, glaring like her like he does every morning. Lily glared back as she spit out. "Good morning, daddy dearest."
Her step father, David Carson, a fat man with black hair and black eyes continued to glare at Lily. The air around them was unsettling but her mom, Gabrielle walked out of the kitchen with their breakfast, an egg and bacon. "What's going on here?"
"Good morning, mommy dearest," Lily said, fake cheerfully. "Isn't today nice?"
Her mother smiled brightly and nodded, forgetting the uneasy air. Lily shook her head, her clueless mom. She gave her step father one last glare before she dived into her food without a second thought. He huffed and stomped his foot. Lily bite her lips to prevent herself from laughing.
"Today will be an important day!" Gabrielle smiled brightly. "Your first reaping day, Lily! Aren't you excited? You won't volunteer, right?"
David gave Lily a glared from the corner of his eyes and Lily said forcefully. "Of course not! I want to stay here with you!"
Now that Lily thought about it, she found something good about going into the games. She could be far, far away from her family. A small smirk made their way to her lips as she crossed her fingers under the table.
"I'm going to go out for a bit," she told her parents as she stood up and pushed her plate away. "Have some time for myself before the reaping."
"Of course, dear," her mom said as she kissed her check as her step father pulled her into a ruff hug and whispered into her ears. "Don't you dare run away."
"Bye, wonderful parents!" She called out as she shut the door loudly behind her. She mumbled under her breath. "Not."
She stood at the twelve years old section, chewing a piece of gum and looking bored. She studied everyone around her, all wearing fancy clothing and none looking exciting to be here. Lily knows the exact reason for why.
That morning when she was by herself, she weighed the pros and cons of going into the games. She finally realized how dangerous it is, she looked toward where her parents were standing. She closed her eyes tightly and let out a small breath.
She could stand her step father's beating, she can. There is no way she's going into the game, there is no way.
"Good morning, everyone," Hailey Ian, the district 5 escort said with no emotion in her voice, sounding like a robot. "I am your escort and I will call out the names of everyone."
Gasps were heard around the district, everyone muttering to themself.
"Everyone? This isn't the quell."
"What does she mean by everyone?"
"I can't lose my baby!"
Hailey corrected herself. "Did I scare you? I mean the names of our tributes."
Sighs of relief was heard around the square as Hailey continued and Lily rolled her eyes. Who is this stupid person anyway?
"Lily Roue."
Lily froze in place, her eyes widened. So, when she finally decided that she won't volunteer, the odds decided that she should be reaped. Life is unfair, she grumbled to herself as she walked up toward the stage, nodding at people.
I hate the stage, Lily thought to herself when she made her way up, now standing next to Hailey, who didn't even acknowledge her and shouted the next name.
"Mason Alexander!" She shouted loudly. A twelve years old boy with shabby clothes started screaming and crying.
"I don't want to go! You can't do this to me!"
Lily felt bad for the boy, but yet, she watched as two peacekeepers pulled him toward the stage. He tried to fight, but they were just too strong for him. Hailey covered her ears as the crying boy was put next to her.
"Your tribute for the 76th Hunger Games, have fun," Hailey added in the end. Lily rolled her eyes again, wondering how long she would be able to stand before she killed Hailey for talking too much.
Sorion Xev, District 6 Male, 17
"You know it's your fault, right?
"People will never love you for who you are."
"Where's your father now, loser?"
"Don't you fuc-"
Sorion shot awake in his usual bed outside his house in the hammock. He looked around, his almond shaped dark green eyes scanning the surrounding furiously before he calmed down and his younger sister, Celesta, was instantly at his side.
His friend, Lorelia, stood at the door of their little house with one room. They had been living here for a while now after his father was shipped off to somewhere in the capitol because he was charged of murder.
Sorion never told anyone but his father, but he was the one who murder him. His bully and enemy, Ember. Of course he didn't mean to do it, and the first person that came to his mind to run to was his father. He should have just let the capitol take him, so his father wouldn't be put in the fate.
"Are you okay?" Celesta asked softly, her eyes holding worry as she touch Sorion's forehead.
"I'm fine," he tried for a smile.
"No you're not," she insisted. "I know you, Sor."
"Maybe not well enough," he sighed as he turned away and stood up, his hand gripping his bedsheet tightly, a flashback overcoming him.
(TW:: Brutal Death)
Sorion paced nervously in the dark, his hand shaking slightly. He couldn't believe it, he's meeting his crush, Frost Zerite. He couldn't believe how lucky he'd got. It was a pretty windy day as he wrapped his jacket tighter around himself.
After a whole two hours of waiting and no one came, he sighed, looking down on the floor, thinking that no one will probably come. But suddenly, his head snapped up when he glimpsed something in the shadow.
"Sorion," Frost's voice rang out as his face lit up again and he quickly walked toward him.
"Frost! You came!"
Frost laughed softly, a sound that's music to his ears. "You think I wouldn't come?"
"Well, I lose a bit of hope," Sorion admitted, his hand in his hair as Frost laughed again.
"Well, I would never abandon you, Sorion," Frost started shyly. "The truth is, the moment I met you, I just can't help but… fall in love with you… it's like a spark. You know?"
"Yeah," Sorion blushed bright red as he agreed slowly. "Yeah, I know."
The embrace awkwardly as Sorion leaned forward the same time Frost did. But before their lips touched, First bursted into a laugh, pulling away instantly as he voice became a bit deeper. "You're funny Sorion. You really think Frost will love you?"
"Ember-" Sorion snarled at his bully since kindergarten, his hand clung in a fist as Frost's identical twin brother, Ember, laughed his head off.
"I can't believe you-" he continued to laugh, clinging his stomach as he fell to the ground in a burst of laughter. That was his first mistake as Sorion picked up the laughing boy by his shirt with his hand clung tightly, forcing Ember to look him in his eyes full of rage.
Sorion threw Ember to the ground ruffly and angrily. Ember looked surprised and when he tried to crawl back up, Sorion stepped on his chest, preventing him from moving. His eyes were completely dark as he glared at Ember, snarling. "And where do you think you're going?"
He didn't wait for Ember to reply as he leaned down so their faces were inches apart. "No one get away from messing with me. I have enough of you! I don't care what they say, but if I have to see your ugly face any more I might have to kill you."
"Okay, then kill me," Ember tried, his voice rasped as he tried to talk his way out of the situation he put himself in.
"Glady," Sorion replied darkly with an evil smirk on his face as he jabbed Frost in the windpipe with all of his might, crushing it easily. Ember gasped one last time as his breath died down and he stared ahead, now laying dead on the street. Sorion stared at his hand in shocked as he quickly pull away, fear overcoming him as he quickly ran away from the crime scene.
"You okay?" Lorelia asked softly as Celestia made their bed.
"I'm fine," Sorion replied once more in annoyance. "How many times do I have to say it."
"You look a bit pale," Celestia spoke as she gently brushed away some dry grass on her clothes. "And we better get dressed for the reaping happening soon."
"I'm wearing what I'm wearing now," Sorion grumbled as Lorelia gave him a look, causing him to sigh. "Fine, I wear something 'nice'"
"None of your clothes are nice, brother dearest," Celestia gave him a teasing smile but backed down when Sorion glared at her as well.
"Fine, wear whatever you want," she muttered under her breath. "I don't care if you look really ugly."
Sorion rolled his eyes.
The second their escot walked onto the stage, Sorion knew he hated her. That fancy hat and the way she walks and talks like she own the whole district or even worser, like she own the whole world. He doesn't get how anyone would get alone with her.
They had a different tribute last year, and this year they happened to get Leanna Huglala, as he heard from other whispers, a new escort.
He's wearing a dark hooded cloak on top of a white buttoned shirt, paired with black trousers that are slightly ripped at the bottom, and some decently nice dress up shoes, something that his sister and his friend finally approve after lots of fail attempts.
"As usual, ladies first!" Leanna exclaimed squeakily into the mic, causing Sorion to snickers before biting his lips. Leanna puts her hand in the bowl of names before taking out a slip of paper. He crossed his fingers, hoping that it won't be his sister or friend, but with his luck, it might be.
"Maddie Hope!" Leanna called out, making Sorion breathe out a sigh of relief. A twelve years old started crying as people parted their way. She was wiping away her tears as she walked up the stage unwillingly. The stage where tears are shed, Sorion grins to himself as Leanna looks at the girl uncomfortably.
"Now for the gentleman," Leanna exclaimed again, a bit of her aura of annoyance disappearing. "Sorion Xev."
Sorion stared into space in shock. I deserve this, he thought to himself as he slowly walked forward, putting his hood on his head. I killed someone, I deserve to die.
He moved his head back and forward, trying to find a way to escape before sighing and walked forward, accepting his death with open arms. Maybe not death yet, but I will definitely die.
Sorion was silent at first before coughing awkwardly and saying. "Your hat looks ugly," causing some snickers around the audience and Leanna to gasp in offense.
"Shake hand," she said, her tone still offended as Sorion shakes Maddie's hand, feeling her shaking. Leanna looks a bit satisfied by this before calling out to the audience. "Your tributes for the 76th Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor."
Jett Q. McCoy, District 7 Male, 18
Jett ran through the wood, feeling the wind through his short ginger hair, his hazel eyes focused on the road ahead of him, dodging from time to time to avoid the branches sticking out of the trees. Being tall has its advantages and disadvantage.
He could saw his one story house stood welcoming in front of him. A small smile made their way to his face as he continued to ran, bringing himself to a stop shortly after. Katrina, a girl with long caramel colored hair and blue eyes stood by his front door, welcoming him with open arms. Jett ran into her embrace, peaking her lips softly.
He has been dating Katrina since he was 16 and he couldn't be happier. He felt the ring box in his pants pocket as another smile made their way to his lips. Let's hope I survive the reaping, just one more year, he thought to himself as Katrina spoke up, her voice softly and welcoming.
"What's gotten you so smiley, Jett?" She teased.
"I'm always smiley," Jett replies with a little pout as Katrina laughed, linking their arms together as she pulled him into the house, where both of his parents were already at. They waved at Jett as he smiled back at them, making his way to his room, Katrina not far behind him.
Once they were in his room and Jett closed the door behind them, Katrina's calm facade faded into one of worry. "What if you get picked Jett?"
"What if you get picked?" Jett rebooted as he sat on his bed, Katrina next to him. "This is our last year, I think we can make it one more year."
"But what if-"
Jett kissed her gently, rubbing her back reasureily, before pulling away. "We'll be okay. Try to believe it."
"What if I don't believe it?" Katrina argued before Jett shook his head.
"Try to believe it," he repeated himself before smiling again. "Let's not think too much ahead, think about right now, I have you in my arms. I love you so much Kat."
"I love you too but-" Katrina sighed in frustration as Jett laid down on his bed, pulling Katrina with him.
"Come on, Kat, think about right now."
"Fine, for you," Katrina finally said. "Only for you."
They laid in silence for a while, trying to not think of the reaping ahead of them, the possible death ahead of them. Jett gently squeezed Katrina's hand, making her smile at him as she laid on his chest, her eyes closed. Jett found his hand making its way toward his jeans' pocket, finding the box with the ring in it.
He couldn't wait to see the look on Katrina's face when he asked her. He knows she'll say yes, but at the same time, he felt nervous, something nagging in the back of his mind that he couldn't quite interpret.
A gentle knocked on their door brought Jett out of his thoughts. "Come in!"
"You two better get change for you last reaping," his mother smiled at them as Katrina rubbed her eyes sleepily. "May the odds be ever in your favor."
"Mooom," Jett complained as his mother winked at him, leaving the room. He sighed. "I guess we should better get ready.
Jett and Katrina walk hand in hand through the town, making their way to the town square for the reaping. Jett was wearing jean shorts, red short sleeved shirt, with running shoes while Katrina wear a simple red dress, bring out her beautiful blue eyes.
"See you after the reaping?" Katrina asked softly when they arrived at the place where they will have to go their own way. Jett smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Bet on it."
This year's escort was the same as all of the escort before them. Willow Asmirada, an old lady who was really nice. Of all of his years being in the reaping, Willow Asmirada was the old escort who tolerates everyone despite how they react to the reaping.
"Welcome ladies and gentleman, to the 74th Hunger Games!" She started out, making the audience quiet down. She put her hand in the bowl full of girl names as Jett crossed his fingers, hoping with all of his heart that Katrina won't be chosen.
"Aria Brooklyn!"
A girl with light grey dress with one strap over her shoulder walked toward the stage calmly, when she finally reached the stairs, she fixed the camera with a glare as Willow smiled at the girl, walking toward the bowl full of boy names. She reached inside, shuffling the paper around a few times before finally picking up a paper.
She opened it slowly as she leaned toward the mic and called out. "Jett McCoy!"
Jett was startled when he heard his name got called, the ring box in his pocket felt heavier than usual. He doesn't know what to do other than to slowly walk up the stage of his doom, never to see the love of his life again.
"Shakes hands!" Willow instructed Jett and the other girl, Aria. Aria glared at Jett but shaked his hands anyway as Willow exclaimed into the mic.
"Ladies and gentleman, your tributes for the 76th Hunger Games!"
Matthew Crispin, District 8 Male, 18
Matthew walked around his home, pacing back and forward. He stood proudly at height about 5 foot 4 with fair skin and jet black hair. His brown eyes showed worries as he continued to pace. The reason, well, his mother was having a headache and was probably not going to be able to be up for the reaping. But he still hopes. He had a bad feeling about today but he didn't show it in his face, instead forcing on a smile.
As for his father, he never knew his father, but he heard that he's a great man.
A knock on his door brought Matthew out of his thoughts. As Matthew went and opened them, he saw his best friend, Walter, who's mother is best friends with Matthew's mother.
"How are you doing?" Walter asked as he made himself comfortable on the couch. "I heard there's some difficulty with your mom?"
"Yeah," Matthew admitted as he sat down beside his friend. "She has a headache and she's not sure if she could be there for the reaping."
"Small issue," Walter said with a smile. "If you don't get picked, she won't need to be there."
Matthew hit his friend playfully. "Easy for you to say, you're nineteen, no Hunger Games for you."
Walter shrugged. "Truth, but still, you never went for any tessera, so you're probably fine. Plus, this is your last year! So be happy about that."
Matthew looked down at his hands. "I guess."
Walter sighed and elbowed him. "I know how to cheer you up! Follow me!"
Matthew smiled for the first time that day and stood up, following his friend outside.
"So your ideal way of getting me out of my daze is shopping?" Matthew deadpanned as they found themselves in the busy street of District 8. Many girls swooned at them and Matthew and Walter winked right back, making some of the girls faint.
"Yep," Walter nodded before starting to run. "Come on, you have to look good on your last reaping day!"
Matthew sighed again as he followed his friend. But as he ran, he suddenly bumped into a girl about four years younger than him, sending them both crushing toward the ground.
The girl has wavy caramel brown hair and when she looked up, her big blue eyes met his. She stood up first as she offered him a hand.
"I'm so sorry," she started but Matthew cut her off.
"I shouldn't be running so I guess we're even," he flashed her his most charming smile and the girl blushed.
"I'm Eva by the way," the girl, now known as Eva said. "Eva Millers."
"Matthew Crispin," Matthew introduced himself and the girl smiled.
"Nice to meet you-" but she didn't get to finish her sentence before a girl shouted.
"EVA!" The girl that looked a lot like Eva except she has blondish brown hair and the same blue eyes come crashing through the crowd. The girl glared at Matthew before looking him up and down. "And who might you be?"
"Matthew," Matthew repeated again before holding out his hands. "And you are?"
She looked at his hand in suspicion before shaking it. "Emma, Eva's sister."
Matthew nodded in understanding before asking. "And what brings you to this side of the town?"
"My sister and I are buying our dress for the reaping," Emma replied before asking Matthew the same question. "How about you?"
"Same, though I'm here with my friend Walter," Matthew looked around, wondering where his friend went.
"And I think I better find him," Matthew added. "See you guys on later."
"May the odds be ever in your favor," Eva replied, coping the capitol's funny accent, making the three of them laugh as they went their own way.
The sun shined brightly on Matthew's back, making him sweat. He was wearing a blue polo and brown slacks that he brought with his friend this morning. Speaking of his friend, he could see him waving at him from the sideline. Matthew had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at him.
As for his mother, she got better enough to come to his reaping. He looked around more and spotted the girl he saw earlier in town. Eva was in the fourteen years old section and her older sister Emma was in the sixteen years old section.
Their capitol representative Grace Griouls, or G.G. as everyone called her walked up to the stage with her weg half crooked. The victors from earlier games sat on the chair on the stage as well. After the long and boring video about the fall of North America and the raise of Panem, the reaping started.
"As usual," GG said. "Lady first."
She reached into the bowl and pulled out a name. "Eva Millers."
Matthew looked toward the fourteen years old section to see Eva twisting her fingers behind her back as she slowly walked toward the stage. Matthew could see Emma staring at her sister in sadness but didn't do anything to help, unlike Katniss Everdeen, the winner of the 74th Hunger Games.
"Now for your male tribute," GG continued as her left hand swimmed around the bowl full of names. Matthew crossed my fingers behind his back, praying, not me, not me, not me. But the odds doesn't seem to be in his favor today. "Matthew Crispin."
He walked up to the stage calmly, a smile on his face. But inside he's freaking out.
"Shake hands," GG instructed them when Matthew finally arrived at the stage of his doom. He held out his hands for Eva to shake. He could feel her trembling and shaking and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Eva smiled at him before they pulled away.
GG held up his left hand as Eva's right hand went to the air as well. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present you, the tributes for the 76th Hunger Games!"
AN: Hey everyone! I updated with another chapter! The last time I updated was *look at calendar* last year.
Okay fine, not funny...
I swear this will be the last time I do this, I will update this at least once a month from this day forward. I am also sorry if my writing really sucks since I'm really out of practice, sadly.
Feel free to tell me if I didn't write your tribute(s) the way you wanted or if you want me to change something! Just PM me or tell me in the review!
Tell me what you think of all the characters! And I'm so grateful for everyone who is still with me even with my lousy updates. I hope y'all enjoy this!
~ Emily
