Axel is from Tyquavis and Tristana is from Pierana.

Also, Tyquavis, sorry for changing Axel's backstory so much. Since I had to put him in District 6 (I already had a big plot idea for District 7 and I loved Axel too much to not accept him) I had to switch up some stuff about his backstory. I hope you're okay with it.

District 6

Axel Woodleigh

My dart hits the center of the board once again, provoking a cheer from my friends. I can't help but break into a smile as I admire my handy-work. Not one of the dart traveled outside of the inner ring. When I actually compete, it will be a much farther distance to throw from, but this is the best my bedroom has to offer.

"How do you have such good aim, Axel?" Milo asks in amazement, sitting on my bed and looking up at me in awe. I shrug, trying to appear humble.

"I don't know," I mutter. "Practice?"

"Nonsense!" Leona declares, returning with my darts after picking them off the board. "You have a natural gift, Axel. No twelve-year-old is that good, even with constant practice." Leona dumps the darts into my hand.

"We should probably start getting ready for the Reaping," I explain, but my friends won't hear it.

"One more!" Aspen demands.

"Okay, fine," I comply. "I'll throw one more round, but then I need to get ready. The Reapings start in less than an hour, and they're all the way across town."

Aspen claps excitedly, and then they all fall quiet as they watch me chuck another round of darts at the board. Each one hits the center, or close enough, so they all let ut a cheer.

I got into dart-throwing a few months ago, after getting beaten up at school for being "a nerd and teacher's pet". After that, I became gradually less and less confident until I was afraid to leave the house. Luckily, Dad convinced me to take up dart-throwing so I could fend off the bullies.

Obviously, darts aren't the best defense mechanism, but they're the best available option. I'm much too small to wrestle or learn fist-fighting, and Mom would probably have a heart attack if I signed up for either of those, anyway.

Fencing was banned in District 6 after a fiaso involving a Peacekeeper, rebel, and a fencing sword, so that was out of question. The only legal sport remaining happened to be dart-throwing.

At first, I thought it was stupid, then I discovered that I had a knack for it. I've competed in a few championships already, and I'm really good. There aren't really any child dart-throwing leagues in our District, so I've had to compete against full-grown adults… and somehow, I've actually won.

"Alright, that's enough," I say, and all of my friends groan. "The Reaping's really soon, guys, and I need to get dressed!"

"Fine," Aspen groans, and she, Leona, and Milo all leave. I'm about to begin sorting through my closet for acceptable clothing, when I realize Asher remains sitting on the bed.

"Are you going to go home?" I ask, surprised to see him still here. Asher shrugs, looking uncomfortable.

"I don't know…" he mumbles. "Dad's in a bad mood and Mom was drinking this morning when I left, so…" I smile sympathetically.

"You can stay here," I offer and Asher looks relieved. I notice that he's also wearing really casual clothing, stuff that the Gamemakers would never allow, so I also offer he borrow some of my formal-esque clothing.

Asher's family situation isn't exactly the best, but I try to help him out where I can. His older brother got hit by a train when we were four, and ever since, his family has been a bit of a mess. Asher doesn't really remember his brother, although he's still pretty sad over his death, but the real issue is the way his parents have reacted.

His mother has taken to the drink and is almost constantly drunk or sobbing, so Asher kind of lost her. His father has gotten increasingly more bitter until he reached the point of abusive. Asher tries to avoid him.

So, he spends a lot of time at our house.

I select a simple light blue button-up shirt and khaki pants. Both were recently purchased for this occasion, so they fit really well. Asher has less options since he has second pick, but he manages to find an acceptable outfit; a clean white t-shirt and black slacks. Asher's a little bigger than me, so they don't fit him very well, but you can only see his ankles by an inch or so and tight t-shirt only defines his surprisingly large muscles for a twelve-year-old boy.

"Do you think this is fine?" he asks nervously, after trying on the outfit. I nod, but he still looks a little doubtful.

"It's good enough for the Peacekeepers, and that's all that really matters," I remind him.

"But what if I get Reaped? Then I'll look like a doofus wearing too-small pants in front of all of Panem."

"If you get Reaped, I'll Volunteer for you," I say, matter-of-factly. Asher laughs a bit, before realizing that I'm serious. His face goes pale.

"Axel, you can't Volunteer for me!" he insists.

"Why wouldn't I?" I shrug, and Asher looks shocked.

"Because you might die. I don't want you dying for me!"

I don't say anything else, because I'd Volunteer him no matter what he says. He can't change my mind. But the whole argument's probably useless, since we barely have any names in there. I only have one slip, and Asher has five… unless he lied to me about the amount of tesserae he took out, but I don't find that likely.

Either way, we both took have much better odds than most people.

If one of us were to be Reaped, it would be truly surprising.

District 6

Tristana Rockett

"Next," the Peacekeeper grunts, and when I don't immediately move, the girl behind me nudges me forward. Although, nudge feels more like a shove. I send her a glare before holding out my hand for the Peacekeeper.

"I like your outfit," I tell the Peacekeeper as she pricks my fingers and marks the blood into a little booklet. "It's really unique." The Peacekeeper gives and exasperated sigh and I smirk a little bit. Her outfit is exactly the same Peacekeeper suit that every Peacekeeper wears.

"Tristana Rockett," a little automated voice states when she scans my name.

"Who has that job?" I ask her, gesturing to the scanner. "Tristana Rockett," I imitate the robotic voice, probably badly, and I swear I can see her roll her eyes behind the mask.

"Next," she says in a frustrated voice. I move on, and begin to walk down the aisle. I scan the sixteen-year-olds section for Tambry, who's my only female friend. The rest of the people in our little group will be with the boys. Much to my chagrin, I can't seem to spot her so I'm forced to stand next to a bunch of random girls giggling about makeup and cute boys. I can't help but gag, which earns some pointed glances my way. They resume their conversation.

"Liber is so handsome!" one of them gushes.

"He's, like, forty!" another exclaims.

"Thirty-eight," the first one corrects. "But he's in really good shape for a Victor."

They must be talking about Liber Tracks - one of our only current mentors. He's currently sitting up on stage, drinking what looks to be a bottle of booze. He's not that old yet, and I guess he's sort of attractive, but I wouldn't call him handsome. The years of drinking and nightmares have gotten to him, so he looks a little disheveled.

"Hello, District 6!" We all turn our attention to our escort, who I supposed has decided to begin the Reapings even though it's pretty clear not everyone is here. I watch as some more kids rush in, afraid that they're late and will get in trouble. Our escort doesn't seem to notice. "I'm Camilla Larke, and even though it's only my second year mentoring your District, I'm excited to be here. We got so close at a Victor last time, and this time, I think we'll make it!"

As much as I hate her frilly and spoiled demeanor, I liked her statement. Mika did get really close last time, although I would have had a much different approach when it came to strategy in the Hunger Games. Of course, she did make it to the finale and lost just because of some small misfortune, so I probably shouldn't be doubting her strategy.

Remus, on the other hand, didn't do that great. He got last place after slipping off his platform during the countdown. I kind of knew him before he was Reaped. He lived on my street, so our families kind of knew each other. I actually knew his brother, Timmy, pretty well, since we're in the same grade. I didn't know Remus well, though. When I do see Timmy around school, he's not the same. He's constantly bitter and picking fights with everyone.

"I'm excited for this Reaping, although it's going to be sad when we'll have to say goodbye to a tribute. The other will be a Victor." Camilla winks at us. "How about we start with a nice little video from the Capitol?"

"How about we don't?" I suggest, a bit too loudly. Everybody looks at me, although most people laugh or smile. The Peacekeepers and escort look a little pissed, but they can't really do anything.

The screen flickers to life and we're forced to endure a ten-minute video about the importance of the Hunger Games and the tragedy of the war that brought them about. We have Alexandros Divine narrating this time, which is a big difference, although not for the better. Felix Chorley couldn't stop giggling when he narrating it, which was at least entertaining, even though it didn't exactly assure me we were getting the best leadership.

Divine takes everything so seriously. I like to think of myself as a fearless person, but his dead-serious tone scares me a bit. We all know that he isn't about the fun, either. We all watched him execute all those rebels, including a stupid guard via guillotine. What century is this?

"Now that the video's over, let's go over your previous Victors! First we have Clio Freight; Victor of the 178th Hunger Games!" Camilla says, and a lady as old as time itself shakily stands up, provoking a round of applause.

Camilla goes over the next Victors, but it's clear that no one cares. Although, when she announces Liber Tracks, the girl behind me lets out a squeal. She finally announces Cardea Legis (a handful of people boo her, which I think is a little extreme) and announces that she'll select a boy first.

Camilla trots over to the male's bowl and hover her hand above it, looking around in the bowl for a slip that looks promising. She finally decides on one and plucks it out of the bowl. As she walks back over, she displays it in the air so we can all see it.

"I think this one's a Victor!" she exclaims. "Axel Woodleigh!"

Some movement comes from the twelve-year-old section.

"I vol -"

"No!" somebody exclaims. I don't know what's going on, but from what I can hear, I think the boy is trying to stop someone else from Volunteering. Eventually, a small boy pushing his way through the crowd and into the aisle.

"Oh crap," Camilla mutters, obviously forgetting there's a microphone in front of her face. Her hand flies to her mouth, clearly shocked that she just uttered those two words aloud. The boy walks to the stage, surprisingly calm. Most of the time, when twelve-year-olds are chosen, they cry or at least look terrified. This boy looks almost confident.

He takes his place next to Camilla, who looks a little guilty for stating her disappointment out loud.

"Now for the girls!" she announces, and heads over to the girl's bowl. I feel butterflies begin to flutter around in my stomach as Camilla's hand hovers over the bowl, looking for a promising slip. She finally decides on one, although she digs all the way down to the bottom. I bite my lip nervously. I wouldn't say there's a good chance that paper has my name on it, but it's definitely not out of the question.

"Tristana Rockett!" Camilla reads, looking hopefully out into the crowd.

I feel my body freeze in absolute shock. How could I be chosen? My name was barely in there!

"That's you, right?" a girl whispers in my ear. I shake off the shock and nod. I plaster a fake smile on my face and start to head for the aisle. I'm expecting to have to push through other kids, like… Aiden? Anders?... did, but they clear a path for me. I walk up the aisle and take my place next to Camilla, not letting my smile fade.

She says something about how sure she is that we'll do well, and I look at my District partner. He's not as confident as he seemed when he was first Reaped. He still has that firm and determined look, but up close I can tell that it's all for show.

"Congratulate your tributes for the 248th Hunger Games - Tristana Rockett and Axel Woodleigh! Shake hands."

I turn to Axel, and extend my hand. He shakes it with a firm grip, then goes back to facing the crowd.

I can't believe I'm going into the Hunger Games… I don't have any experience with weapons or nature… But I do know how to pack a punch, and have some pretty good street smarts. So don't count me out of the running just yet.

Thanks for reading! Next will be a quick interlude to get introduced to our third featured mentor, and then District 7 Reapings!

Also, I'm really glad we're already half-way through the Reapings. If we continue at this pace, we should be at the pre-Games pretty soon.

QUESTIONS:

1. What do you think of Axel?

2. What do you think of Tristana?

3. Who do you prefer?

4. Who will make it further?

5. Since we're halfway through, who's your favorite tribute so far? (Besides your own).

- Lilah