OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG! This chapter took sooooooooooooooo long! I'm so, so, SO sorry for the wait. Whenever I tried to write, the chapter was completely and utterly awful. My final piece is still pretty bad, but it's the best I'm going to do for now. Hopefully my writing will improve later.

Also, just a quick note: Jessica and Scorpius are different ages, but they're in the same grade.

Well, enjoy!

Scorpius

I sit in my math class, doodling under my desk. Our teacher, Mr. Robins, is explaining the Pythagorean Theorem, but I don't pay attention. It's not like I need to. I already know everything about it, anyway.

The bell rings and the students all rush to leave. We're being let out early for the Reaping today. I can hear people chattering about how nervous they are. I don't understand why they're so scared. The likeliness of them getting Reaped is about ten thousand to one.

As I walk through the crowded halls, I notice some girls whispering to each other and pointing at me. It's not like this is abnormal. I feel like girls are always looking at me. I can only imagine what they say. Probably that I'm super weird. The thought infuriates me and I give the girls a glare.

I head out of the school and towards my house, keeping my head down. I hate having to be around so many different people. I'd much rather be completely alone.

Finally, I make it to my house. I run inside and check the clock on the wall. 12:39. The Reaping's at 1:00, and it takes about twenty minutes to get there. Which means that I have exactly one minute to get ready. Great. Just great.

I rush to my room and pick out the first outfit I encounter. I quickly slip it on, comb out my hair, and run out the door. I don't bother waiting for my parents. They almost always go straight to the Reaping from their work.

I sprint out of my house and down the street. Sunddenly, I run into a girl. She was one of the girls who was whispering about me before. Her hair lays flatly on her shoulders, and she wears a light pink dress.

"Sorry." I mutter, getting up and brushing myself off. The girl doesn't respond. Anger boils up inside me. What, she thinks she's so superior that she doesn't even have to talk to me? I push past her, frustrated.

I get to the Reaping just in time. A Peacekeeper pricks my finger and I'm directed to the area marked with a 16. I stand there, waiting for the mayor to begin the Reaping, I notice some kids glancing at me. I mentally scream. Why do people have to torment me so much?! Am I really that insane?!

After what seems like ages, the mayor steps onto the podium. "Good afternoon." He says. He reads the history of Panem and announces the victors. There have been a whopping three. Finally, our escort, Drek Hagins, takes the podium. It seems like he attempted to make a District 3 themed costume, but he failed miserably. He wears a ridiculous silver suit and a bright yellow tie. His hair has been dyed a dazzling electric blue, and wires criss cross all over his body. The outfit seems very uncomfortable.

"Hello, everyone." He announces. "Are you ready for the District 3 Reaping?" A few people give a polite clap, but other than that, the square is silent. "Very well." Drek says. "Let's start with the girl." Drek fishes a name out of the glass bowl and reads it. "Jessica Rastik!" The crowd parts, revealing a teary-eyed girl. She was the one I bumped into before and never responded when I told her I was sorry. Good. She got what she deserved.

The girl, Jessica, reaches the stage and Drek asks for volunteers. When none come forward, he congratulates her and strutts over to the boys' glass. He reaches deep into the glass, pulls out a name, and...

"Scorpius Herin!"

I'm shocked. How could this happen? The odds were so slim. How I could I possibly be the one to be Reaped?

Calm down, Scorpius. I order myself. You're smart. You can win this thing. I make my legs move me towards the stage.

"Are there any volunteers?" Drek asks. I pray that someone will come forward, but nobody does. "Well, then, congratulations!" Drek says. "District 3, I give you your tributes!" Jessica and I shake hands. The mayor reads the Treaty of Treason. Then Peacekeepers take us into the Justice Building. They throw me into a small room with furniture so old it could have been used before the Hunger Games existed. When I sit down on the couch, A huge cloud of dust springs up and surrounds me. I cough and wave it away.

My parents rush into the Justice Building. They don't waste time crying, like other parents might. Instead, they get right down to business.

"You can win this." My mom says. "You just have to use your mind. You're not strong, but you're smart. That's what matters in the games." My dad nods. "You have to get your hands on some wire at the Cornucopia." He says. "You're incredible with technology. Take andvantage of it." That's all they have time to say before a Peacekeeper tells them their time is up. They give me a quick hug, and then they're gone.

I wonder if that's the last time I'll ever see my family. I think to myself. No. No, no, no, no. That kind of thinking will get me nowhere. I have to stay confident.

I don't expect anyone else to see me. After all, I've made no attempt to make friends at school. But suddenly, the door opens and a girl comes in. I've seen her at school from time to time. She looks out of breath.

"Scorpius..." The girl trails off, seeming unsure of what to say. Then she blurts something out so quickly I'm not sure if I hear her correctly. "Scorpius, we'll all be routing for you. Try to make it home." She says. Then she disappears.

I blink, confused. Why would she be routing for me? Why would anyone be routing for me? I'm not close friends with anybody. Maybe she was just teasing me. Maybe she was being sarcastic. But I don't think that was it. The girl sounded pretty sincere.

I think back to all the times where I caught people staring at me. I had always thought it was because they thought I was strange. But maybe, just maybe, it was for a different reason...

The Peacekeepers come in to take me to the train station, but I can't get that girl out of my mind. And as I board the train, I have to wonder:

Have I been judging everyone incorrectly my entire life?

Jessica

"Oh my gosh! I'm sooo nervous for the Reaping!"

My friends and I are talking in a small group by our lockers. One of my friends, Lynn, is ranting on about how terrified she is that she's going to get reaped. She's like this every year. It can get a little irritatting, but most of the time, she's a great friend, so we deal with it.

"I mean, I know the odds are small, but still, what if?" Lynn continues. "And what if one of you were to be reaped? That would be awful! I just can't express how much-" "Hey, guys." I say, cutting Lynn off. I've noticed someone all too familiar. "Look."

Scorpius Herin is walking by, his eyes gleaming in the light. Almost half the girls in the grade have a crush on him, myself included. He's not particulary handsome or charming. But he's just so dark and mysterious. Frankly, he's adorable.

"He's sooooo cute!" My friend Tessa gushes. "I just want to kiss him right now!" Suddenly, Scorpius glances our way. When he realizes we're staring at him, he gives us a fierce glare and hurries off.

We're all silent for a moment. Then Tessa begins to squeal. "Did you see that?" She asks. "He looked right at me! Right at me!" I roll my eyes playfully. "You're crazy." I tell her. Then I check my watch. "Guys, it's 12:24." I say. "We should get going." My friends all agree and I walk off.

My house is only a few minutes away, so I have plenty of time when I get there. My mom is waiting for me at the door. "Hey, Jessica." She says. "Mom!" I growl, aggrivated. My name is Jessica, but I hate it, so everybody calls me Jess. Well, everybody except for my mom, that is. She insists on calling me by my full name, no matter what I say or do. It's an argument that's been going on for a long time.

"Well, your father and I named you Jessica, so that's what we should call you!" My mom says defensively. I just roll my eyes and walk past her. I'm not in the mood to argue right now.

I go to my room and pick out a light pink dress for the Reaping. Then I comb out my long blond hair and let it lay on my shoulders. I check the clock. 12:35. Perfect timing.

"Mom! Dad! Are you ready?" I call. "Not yet!" My mom yells back from her room. Arghhhh. My mom takes forever to get ready. There's no way I'll make it to the Reaping in time if I wait for her.

"I'm leaving now!" I shout. I run out the door and onto the street. I'm walking down it, humming, when someone rams into me and I fall. I spin around, about to snap at them, when I realize who it is. Scorpius.

"Sorry." Scorpius mutters. I try to say something, but I can't get the words to come out of my mouth. This seems to offend Scorpius and he pushes past me, sprinting down the road. I stare after him and sigh. Nice one, Jess.

Finally, I make it to the Reaping. I get my finger pricked and am herded into the 17-year old section. I spot my friends and go over to stand by them. Nobody speaks. We're all to nervous.

After the mayor discusses the history of Panem and the victors, our escort comes to the podium. "Hello, everyone. Are you ready for the District 3 Reaping?" A few people cheer. "Very well. Let's start with the girl." I hold my breath as our escort reaches for a name. "Jessica Rastik!"

Tears build up behind my eyes. No! This can't be happening! I walk up to the stage, tears dripping down my face. "Are there any volunteers?" The escort asks, but I know there won't be. There are never volunteers in District 3.

As I expected, nobody volunteers, and our escort picks a boy. "Scorpius Herin!"

Suddenly, going into the Hunger Games doesn't seem to bad. Maybe we could even ally! Being in an alliance with Scorpius almost cancels out the fact that I'm probably going to die.

Almost.

Drek asks for volunteers, and again, there are none. Then Scorpius and I shake hands. His handshake is strong and firm. It sends butterflies soaring through my stomach. The mayor reads out the Treaty of Treason and I am taken to a room inside of the Justice Building. I sit down on the ancient-looking couch. Soon, my parents come in.

"Jess, oh Jess..." My father says, hugging me. "You have to make it home." "I know." I tell him. My mother begins sobbing. "Jessica." She cries. "If... if you don't make it home alive... I want you to know that we both love you. So, so much." I don't even care that she used my full name.

My friends are the next ones to come in. Many of them are crying. Lynn is especially upset. "Jess, I can't believe..." Lynn can't finish her sentence because she'scrying so hard.

My friend Rayla has managed to hold herself together, and she hugs me tightly. "You have to get sponsors." She whispers in my ear. "You're smart enough to get past the bloodbath. But if you don't have sponsors, you're toast." I nod. "But how do I get them?" I ask. "I'm not pretty, charming, or funny. Why would anyone think I could win?"

Rayla never gets to answer, because a Peacekeeper opens the door and orders everybody out. Then I'm taken to the train station. People are surrounding the station. I think I catch a glimpse of my parents, but before I can wave to them, the train pulls up and I'm forced into it. Suddenly, I'm filled with terror. This is probably the last time I will ever see my home.

I hope the train has good food.

So, that's it! I currently don't have a District 4 girl (it's reserved), so I can't make the next chapter yet. However, As soon as I get her, I can make the chapter. While I'm waiting, I'll make the POVs for some of the other Districts. Hopefully updates will become quicker. Also, if you want to make a tribute, the only spot left (besides the reserved spots, which will last until the end of tomorrow) is the District 9 male. So if you want to submit a character, do it quickly! Have a great day! :D