1F: Lazuli Douglas (12)

Pre-Reaping

"Laz, c'mon! Tanzanite's here!" my brother, Lian, shouts out the door. He turns to the stairs. "You two, Silver! Today's a day for family, not studying!"

I pause from where I've been juggling a soccer ball. I'm quite good at it, if I do say so myself, and after quite a few years of practice I've grown to be great at soccer. It's my favorite sport. I love when I get to go to the soccer field after school on Tuesdays and take part in my league playing that I do. It's such a skillful sport, and even without the hundreds of rules, it's hard enough to play. I've considered teaching Sunstone and Dez to play. Sunstone seems more enthusiastic about it than Dez, though. I pick up the white ball and drop it on my foot. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot-

"Laz! You coming?" my father demands. Sighing, I oblige. I pick up the ball and head in the door, where Tanzanite, our older brother, is sitting at the table. He's eating a pancake and is deep in conversation with Lapis, my twin brother. They're talking about the reaping, which isn't that surprising. It's reaping morning, after all. And, just as I guessed, they're debating the problem with District One this year. What is this problem? That District One will be the laughingstock of the career districts. I don't know about the other career districts, but District One picks the next year's volunteers months before the actual reaping. Before the Quell's announced, which in my opinion is foolish, but what can I do about it? And whilst our originally chosen male tribute, Cassian Diamondback, was already only sixteen years old, our female, Diamond Cloth, was eighteen. The Academy tried to find a replacement sixteen year old, but for some strange reason failed. And now we have no female volunteer.

Whoever was drawn would have to compete in the Hunger Games. All of District One hopes that it's a sixteen year old, so that they can bring honor to District One. In honesty, myself, I don't want to go in the Games. Not now, not later. The concept is terrifying, and even though there are a lot of perks to being a victor, I'd probably die. And I'd rather life a long life where I have to work than be dead before I could. Fortunately, I don't have to live in constant fear. Who wants to, anyways? But this year's the only year I'd ever be threatened, and with maybe just less than ten thousand children where I only have one entry, the odds are definitely in my favor. I'm sure Lapis is kind of upset that he doesn't have the chance to be reaped into the Games, although if he's Games driven there's a good chance he might one day have the chance to volunteer.

"Morning, Zuli," my dad remarks, using the affectionate nickname only he uses. "You're finally up."

I smile. "Yep. I was practicing for the soccer game in two weeks' time. You know, the important one." Turning to Tanzanite, I greet him. "Hey. How's it going?"

"Good," he replies. "Lapis and I were discussing the girls' reaping problem. Shame the academy couldn't do something about it."

I heard you, I want to remark. But instead, I nod, and say, "Yeah. You could've volunteered if it wasn't for the Quell." And I would hate that. But I keep that to myself, instead talking about the Games the same way a normal One would.

He shrugs. "Yeah, but I have Pandora and Aelia to take care of. I couldn't bear to leave them, even if it meant we earned everything in it for the winner." That's one of the things I like about Tanzanite. He cares about his family more than anything.

I sit down, just as my mother places another tray of pancakes onto the table. I grab three with the serving fork, and drizzle maple syrup on top of them from a small, beautifully crafted, clay pot. As I cut them and bite into them, my eyes scan around the table at my brothers. Honestly, having five brothers is such a pain. Even though two don't live in the same house as me anymore, whenever Tanzanite or Pyrite come over (which rarely happens, as Pyrite never visits and Tanzanite has a family to take care of), they're all so different and they rely on me so much for everything. Like now.

"Laz, can you get me the second book in this series? I've just finished the first," Lian asks. He's the least annoying of my brothers, but that's mainly because he always is buried in a book. I recently lent him one of my books, and now he wants the rest of the series.

I sigh. "Fine, Lian."

I quickly run up the stairs and snatch the book he wants from the shelf. It takes a few seconds to find, but I don't have much trouble locating it. "Thanks," he mumbles after I finish sliding down the banister (a favorite way of getting down of mine). I toss it to him and he gasps as he catches it. "Laz! That's no way to treat a book!" he scolds.

I'll leave it up to you to treat a book correctly, I remark to myself, rolling my eyes. Lian must have every book he reads in perfect condition when he opens it and perfect condition when he closes it. I personally don't care, and although reading isn't my favorite hobby like Lian, I enjoy it when I'm not at sports practice or with Dez and Sunstone. Although it can in no way compete with Lian's part of his room, which is covered all over in bookshelves, my parents had a shelf installed in my part of the room I share with Lapis. The bookstore has a place where they sell books that are so battered or worn-up that nobody will buy them full-price, and I usually find bargain prices there for books that aren't even that worn up.

Sitting down in my chair again, I skewer another bit of pancake with my fork, glad for some peace and quiet to eat, finally. But no. My brother (another one of them, anyways), Silver, puts a deck of index cards paperclipped together in front of my place setting. "Test me," he demands.

"Silver, can't you get someone else to test you? And can't it wait?" I ask, exasperated.

He glares at me like I've murdered someone. "No, it can't wait! I have a test tomorrow, about the diseases and medical issues that happen in the Games, and I can't fail!"

"Alright, alright!" I pull out the first card. "Name a symptom of infection."

"Easy. Redness and swelling of the wound."

"How do you treat that infection?" Get a sponsor to help you. Or at least, that's what I'd do.

"Try to drain out the pus and clean the wound. Check if the patient has a fever, and try to cool them if they do. Try to get medicine on the wound. If you have some on hand, use it instantly. If not, there are various herbs that will help draw out infection..." We go on like this for about half an hour, me trying to stuff bites of breakfast in my mouth between questions. Finally, once he answers the last question, I put the cards down on the table.

"That's it. I think your good for your test."

My mother, who had gone up to her room to get ready for the reaping, comes down. "You two need to get ready now," she advises. And it's true. I'm still in the clothes I slept in, and the reaping's at 9:30, in half an hour. But the problem is, I have to look reaping age now that I am reaping age. All the reaping clothes I have are too small for me. And I don't have anything because, quite honestly, I hate shopping. Lapis is already dressed, in a white shirt and dark blue pants that used to be Silver's. Tanzanite's left, as he needed to go back to his home and his family. Too bad I don't have anything hand-me-down because whilst that's annoying, at least I'd have something to wear.

I know someone who does, though.

After grabbing a spring-green dress that's two sizes too small for me, I rush out the door and run the block to get to Dez's house. It's an exhausting run, but I make it there in two minutes. When I knock, it's Sunstone, my other friend, who opens the door. She's dressed in a bright yellow dress, probably once her mother's. Dez is there a few seconds later, wearing a knee-length dark emerald dress that compliments her light brown hair (which is practically non-existent here in One) for her reaping outfit.

"Well, you're late. What's the dress for?" asks Dez.

"It's the one that Giana wanted," I reply. Giana, Dez's younger sister, saw me wearing this dress when I was her age (nine), and has wanted it ever since. "I need a reaping outfit, and I thought I'd come here, since you're the expert on clothes."

Dez gives a small laugh. "I knew you would. Come inside, though, I have a few clothes that'll look nice on you." She leads me up the stairs, and shouts out on the landing, "Giana! Laz has the dress you wanted!" Giana comes out in an orange dress and I offer her the dress. She accepts it gratefully with a thank-you, and then we come to Dez's room. Sunstone and I sit on the bed and make small talk as Dez rummages through her closet, then pulling out three dresses. The first is pale pink, made with so many frills and ruffles. The second is raspberry colored, and the third is blue. They're both the same but in different colors.

"Definitely not that one," I say, pointing to the pink. "Gosh, that looks absolutely hideous. How do you think something that that could ever look nice?"

Dez makes a fake sad face. "It's all the trend in the Capitol!"

I burst out laughing. "Since when has anything that's 'all the trend' in the Capitol ever been good-looking?" Sunstone points out, which makes me laugh even harder.

I try to compose myself. "So put the pink one back and...hmm, I think I like the blue one better. Now, sorry, but I have to get back to my house."

"We'll come with, then!" announces Dez. She stuffs the two dresses back in her closet, and the three of us run to my house. With only ten minutes left, they both bid farewell to Dez's parents and Giana, before sprinting to my house. I quickly change into the dress before letting them in my bedroom, where we chat for a while.

"Did you hear that..." Dez keeps saying. She loves to gossip, and today's no different. "I wonder who's going to be reaped today," she muses at one point. "Wouldn't it be amazing if it was one of us! I'd volunteer if the Academy hadn't instructed us not to!"

"Yeah, except it won't be one of us. This'll be a time where one of the kids who have to take out tesserae will be in the Reaping," Sunstone pointed out. After that, the conversation drifted elsewhere. After about five minutes, my dad came up. "Time to go, Zuli. And you guys, too." So we follow him out the door, and go with the rest of my family to the reaping.

1M: Cassian Diamondback (16)

Pre-Reaping

(Warning: This part of the chapter contains blood and gore (to training dummies, not actual people, but I still thought I'd put the warning in just in case. Skip to Lazuli's reaping PoV if you don't want to read it.))

Usually, people take this day to rest. But not me. I train. Always. Every single day of my life. Ever since I've been five, I my life has been practically one big training session. Our Academy, located behind the Justice Building, is such a grand place, and as usual, I wake up at 5:00 am to train.

I sign in on the sleek tablet at the Academy. Name: Cassian Diamondback Age: 16 Date of Birth: 25th March Training program: Gymnasium Seven. Excellent. Gym 7 is the ultimate combat gym. It's where everyone in District One wants to go. Rarely anyone makes it there. But I will.

I marvel, as I always do, at the beauty of the Academy. In Gym 1, people are taking their first lessons with a sword, or a spear, or a bow. Gym 2 is tactics for the Games. Gym 3 and 4 are the more advanced, Gym 5 is where most of my peers are now. Gym 6 is for 17 and 18 year olds. Gym 7 is for the special ones, like ones who are going to the Games, most of the time.

After dumping all my stuff in the locker room located just outside, I type the key into the lock: 7829. It's the first name of our latest victor, Ruby, in number-letter code, as we call it. Usually, there are two people working here, and a divider splits them. But as it's only me, I get the whole gym to myself. And the walls are soundproof, so there are no interruptions.

My personal trainer, Margot, is already there. "Hello, Cassian," she says. "This morning, we'll be talking about your strategy for the Games, particularly pre-Games. I have two pieces of advice for you. Number One, always stay with the Careers. Number Two, find your place in the pack. You have to be a leader. No point in following.

"Now, we want to really impress the Gamemakers. Show them they're not to underestimate you. So, you need to use the tools given. The dummies in this room are designed like real humans. And they'll be used at the Training Center, too. First, you're going to try a particular favorite of mine. It may look like your average cloth dummy, but it has a liquid inside of it designed like blood. It shows every single mark. Here, use this."

She hand me a lethal-looking sword. It's iron and is so sharp that the slightest amount of pressure would burst all seven layers of a human's skin. I internally groan. Every weapon is great, but I really don't like short range weapons.

"I want that dummy to be soaked red by the end. You have exactly thirty seconds. Three, two, one, go!"

I start off by jabbing my sword into the dummy's chest. I hear a sickening crunch, probably wood, which leads me to think that this dummy has 'organs' and 'bones'. I pull the sword out and deliver two similar blows, just bringing the flat side of the sword down hard on the dummy's head and shoulder. I slice the body in many places using the tip of the sword, and thick scarlet liquid drenches my arm. From years of training with Margot and watching prior Games, I know that it's not enough to kill. Oh no, you need to make the most violent kills possible. And I do just that. By the time I'm finished, the dummy's in ribbons and I wouldn't be surprised if the floor's permanently stained. I face Margot, a triumphant smile on my face.

"Not bad, although it could use a little work. Come here, we'll work on your strengths and weaknesses."

We spend the next hour rewatching the clip of what I did, refining my technique, and making about five different variants. This is what I'm going to show the Gamemakers. Margot's planning on me doing three minutes of swordfighting first. Apparently, I have to use this kind of training dummy. Then, I'll have two minutes of showing survival skills. "They're not to be ignored," comments Margot. The next five minutes will be my knife throwing skills, and then, finally, my area of expertise—hand-to-hand combat. We spend the whole rest of the morning practicing. I smash the skull of dummy after dummy. Watch out, other tributes. I'm ready for you. Finally, after three hours of training, Margot dismisses me, giving me one final piece of advice: "Make sure to look presentable at the reaping. A good first impression will work miracles."

"Hey Margot, can I ask you a question?"

"What is it?" she asks.

"Who will you train now? I mean, there won't be any need for me to be trained anymore," I point out.

She shrugs. "Whoever the Academy assigns me, probably. I like the look of that Douglas boy, though. Lapis. He shows promise."

"Mmm. Well, thank you for all the years of training."

"You're welcome." And with our farewells said, I turn away, and head out of Gym 7. I grab my stuff from the locker room and walk down the hallway towards the exit. Many students are leaving, as it's reaping time soon. At the front desk, I line up to sign out, and the line progresses relatively quickly. Finally, I'm permitted to go, and I step outside, relieved by the cool air. Just outside the door my best friends, twins Colt and Kellie Gemstone, greet me.

Colt and I are virtually the same in personalities, but we have different looks. Colt has the typical blond hair blue eyes look of almost every citizen, whilst I have the incredibly rare brown hair and brown eyes. Kellie's also a walking stereotype, with wavy blond hair and bright blue eyes. She's not ditzy or sexy like most District One girls, though. I've known both of them for ten years. We're in the same classes at school, and at the training center (well, we were before I was chosen for a personal trainer and special classes).

"Hey, Cassian! How was training?" asks Colt.

"We thought you would be staying behind later," Kellie says. "You know, 'cause you're the representative."

"Training was good. Margot said that I didn't need too much training, but we went through the plan of what I would show the Gamemakers for my private session."

"Well, it sounds like you could bring District One its 65th victory!" remarks Colt.

"I would guess so too. Well, we better get going. There's a reaping in fifteen minutes, and you definitely don't look ready," Kellie reminds me. Both of them are already in their reaping clothes.

We then leave to my house. Both of the Gemstones wait outside as I unpack my bag and then dress myself in the nicest clothes I have. I grab an energy bar out of my bag, and try to eat it as quickly as possible. My mom greets me in the kitchen. She's an amazing mother. My dad died when I was five, and ever since she's been taking care of me herself. She got a job in a jewelry-making factory, and is busy most of the time. She offers me more food, and I accept her offer of warm, just-toasted toast with butter. Butter. Even though my mom has a decent job, it's not the most well payed for. We rarely get butter except on rare occasions. Such as today.

I wolf down three slices before my mom laughs, suggesting that that's enough. I grab a fourth slice and savor it as my mom tells me that it's time to go to the reaping. Colt and Kellie are still there, and so are their parents. My mom chats with Mrs. and Mr. Gemstone as Colt, Kellie, and I talk about the dilemma of this year's female tribute.

"I would love to be reaped! That would be so cool!" Kellie exclaims.

"No offense Kellie, but I'd rather it wasn't you. I don't want to end up killing my friend," I respond.

"True. None taken. There'll be other years and maybe... maybe Colt can volunteer next year and I'll volunteer the year after that one! Then we'll all be victors!"

I don't mention that this will likely never happen. "Wouldn't that be something," Colt responds. But nevermind. One day I'll be the victor, and they'll likely not.

At the town square, we form lines. I'm in the A-F line in order of last name. Colt and Kellie are in the G-L line. The Peacekeeper, a short woman with bright red hair, asks for my name and uses some sort of metal contraption to collect a smear of my blood and place my finger on a piece of paper reading Diamondback, Cassian. It shows all five of my signing-ins before this one, and two more empty slots I'll never have to use. It's very orderly, as well. I'm then herded into a roped-off area where all sixteen year old males are. Colt's there too. Kellie's in a similar area, but for girls. And then the reaping starts.

1F: Lazuli Douglas (12)

Reaping

The reaping is probably my least favorite part of the year. Even worse than when soccer practice ends. Even worse than the start of school. And it's even worse now that I'm eligible. I know that we always have volunteers, but not this year.

And that's terrifying.

Calm down, Lazuli. There's nothing to worry about. You're one in hundreds. Maybe even thousands. You won't get picked.

Our escort walks on stage. Well, bounces would be a more appropriate word. She has bright green, curly hair. And green lipstick. And her body is dyed green. Hideous. It's enough to make someone hate green for the rest of their life. Which I have done.

"Hello everyone!" she says with an excited squeak. "Are we ready for the reaping?" Most people applaud loudly, but there aren't any whoops or cheers. "That's good to hear! Now, let's get the boring part done so we can choose two lucky children to compete! Mayor Upridge, if you please?"

Our mayor comes onstage and begins reading the Treaty of the Treason. It's boring—I actually have to agree with our escort on that—and I zone out for most of it. "And because of that, every year, one boy and one girl will be chosen to compete in the Hunger Games."

"Well read, Mayor! Now, let's pick our tributes! Ladies first!" She scuttles over to the girl's reaping bowl. Her hand digs in the bowl before she picks up a slip at the bottom. She unfolds it, clears her voice, then reads out the name. "Lazuli Douglas."

Dez gives an excited squeak and pushes me forwards. "Go!" My feet start to walk out to the stage, all the while my mind is thinking what? What did she say? I reimagine her lips reading out a name. My name.

Well, if that isn't ironic. The only girl in District One who doesn't want to be in the Hunger Games, is the one in it. And literally, I mean it. Almost every single one of them has their face buried in their hands, sobbing. What are the odds, eh?

"Well, Lazuli, hello! And congratulations! How are you feeling about the weeks to come?"

I force myself to lie. "I'm really excited. I'm glad to be here."

"And what are you most excited for in the Capitol?" is her second question.

"The life of luxury."

"My, that's a beautiful dress. And it matches your name!"

"Thank you. It belongs to my friend Dez, Desiree Dunn. But I prefer to be known for my actions rather than looks." Because my mother always says it's nice to compliment others after they compliment you, I add, "You're looking very, uh, green today," which earns a few snickers from the audience. Score.

"Of course you do," she says as if it's obvious. "And thank you. Green is my favorite color!" Well, duh. It goes on like this for about five minutes, before Green Lady decides to finally move on. "Now, enough chitchat! Let's move on to a boy tribute!"

Why is this lady so annoying? Why is she talking like it's my fault she asks me all these questions. If it was my choice, I'd replace all the escorts with people to do the job properly. But it's not, and all I can do is wait there as she picks a male tribute, who Cassian's going to volunteer for.

1M: Cassian Diamondback (16)

Reaping

Lazuli takes her place onstage, and it's only until after our escort walks to the boys' bowl that I recognize her. She's the twin sister of Lapis Douglas, the one who Margot said she wanted to train.

"Our male tribute is Gerro Falcon!"

The boy walks to the stage confidently. He knows he won't be put in the Games. He has nothing to worry about. Gerro's my neighbor, actually, and fifteen years old. We don't see each other much because I'm usually at academy training and he's homeschooled. He's something of a genius, really. Gerro sports the District One look of blond hair and blue eyes. I look back to the girl. She's a blonde as well, but her hair is cut into a pixie cut.

I think about how annoyed the Capitol will be when they see their classic pair has been replaced by us. A girl with short, straight hair rather than long and curly. A boy with brown hair and eyes. What a pair we are, looks-wise. Not one but two outliers in looks.

"Are you excited—what is it?" The escort loses her bright tone at my raised hand. She says the words in a short and snappy manner.

"I volunteer."

"You have to wait for me to-" I cut her off. As soon as I said those two words, I had started going up the stage. She scowls. "Oh, fine. What's your name?"

"Cassian Diamondback. Sixteen years old."

"And Cassian, how excited are you? What made you volunteer? Do you know this young boy?" She gestures to Gerro on the last question.

"Why do you care? This is stupid. Just finish the reaping, won't you?"

"Cassian, please—fine," she says, recognizing defeat. "Ladies and gentlemen, the tributes of District One!"

Lazuli Douglas (12)

Post-Reaping

The room in the Justice Building is small, but incredibly comfortable. The wood is polished, and there are rich fabrics covering most surfaces of the room. I am a tribute in the Hunger Games. It seems so odd, and now I know the terror non-career districts feel when reaping comes along. I try to breathe, knowing that I cannot cry.

My family comes in first. Even Pyrite. They all enfold me in a giant hug. Then each of them says goodbye individually.

My dad first. "Zuli, we all love you so much and we're so proud of this opportunity. Take care."

Second, my mom. "Try to join the rest of the careers, but be careful. Betrayal is common in the career pack. Also, you might want this." She holds out a small hexagon of fabric. Strange, it might seem, but this was my first soccer ball. Or what's left of it. "Use it as your token. Love you."

Lapis. "Laz, this is awesome! Win it for me, okay? And then we'll both be victors someday."

I nod in return. "Okay."

"Be careful, okay? I believe in you. You can do it," Lian says when it's his turn.

Silver next. "Remember all the medical information I tested you on this morning. Don't forget how to treat infection. It can be life saving."

"Just know that we're all cheering for you, okay?" Tanzanite asks. "Don't lose hope in yourself. Love you."

And finally. Pyrite. The one who hasn't talked to the family in an entire year. He kneels down and looks me in the eye. "Do what I failed to, okay? Make us proud. You can do this."

I smile. "If I win, you can get ten percent of my winnings. To the victor that never was."

"Thank you. I don't need money, though. I need you to come home. To show that the Douglas family isn't completely hopeless after all."

"Okay." It's time for them to go now. A Peacekeeper comes in. "I love you guys!" I shout. And then they're gone. Probably forever.

Dez and Sunstone are next. "Oh my gosh, the Hunger Games!" Dez squeals. "Keep the dress. I mean, how lucky are you? And... I mean, the Hunger Games! You're going to be a tribute!"

"Come on, Laz. You're going to win. I just feel it," is what Sunstone says. We sit together for the allotted amount of time, talking. Well, Sunstone and I talk. Dez mainly just goes on about how lucky I am. Not that I feel lucky.

Ten minutes later, the Peacekeeper comes in. Sunstone has to literally pull Dez out, who's still rambling. "The Hunger Games! Lucky you! The Hunger Games!"

Then, another Peacekeeper comes and leads me outside, where news reporters are flashing their cameras around. They lead me into a luxury train compartment, and I start the ride to the Capitol.

Cassian Diamondback (16)

Post-Reaping

My mom is the first one to come in. She's crying, but I'm pretty sure they're what she calls 'tears of happiness'. "I'm so proud of you... everything you've done leads up to this. Make me proud. Make the district proud. I have absolute confidence that you can win." Then, she runs through everything I need to remember. Stay loyal to the careers. Backstabbers tend to get backstabbed later on. Don't get too savage, but make your kills a show. Get everyone you can in your alliance. Show everyone, even the other careers, that you're someone to be reckoned with. And don't die.

When her ten minutes is up, Colt and Kellie are next. Before speaking anything, Colt opens his hand. "Your token." It's a small red die. A bit odd, I know, but it's not a weapon. If anyone knew my real plan with it, though...

"When you get back, I'll be the first person wanting your autograph," Colt demands.

I laugh. "You can have it now. I just don't have a pen or paper."

"Once you win, Colt and I will be next! Then we'll all be victors!" exclaimed Kellie. "But seriously, though, be careful in the arena. I'm sure you could get an eleven if you tried, but don't. You'll be a clear target if you do."

"Okay, got that. Anything else?"

"No, just show everyone else who's boss. And we can't wait to see you in about a month's time," Colt responds.

"Sure thing." They leave, and I have one more guest. Margot.

"Thank you for all these years of training," I say after a few minutes of silence.

"You're welcome. Make me proud, okay?"

I nod. "I will. Any final advice?"

"Remember what we went through this morning. Keep your hand-to-hand skills to yourself until the private session. Keep them to yourself. Don't let the others know your secret weapon, to say. Be a strong leader. And follow your mentor's instructions at all times. Likely you'll have Ruby."

"She's a good one," I comment, satisfied. If Ruby's my mentor, the others won't stand a chance.

"Yes, she is. Good luck in the Games, Cassian."

And then everyone's gone. And I'm on my way to the Capitol.

There's the first chapter done! Thanks to Professor R.J Lupin1 for Lazuli and Nautics for Cassian! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Feedback is very much appreciated, so it would be helpful if you reviewed. Character spots are still open, too, so please send in your characters! I've made a forum for sponsorship (link on my profile) where you can see how many points you have and you can sponsor tributes. Not now, though, sponsorship starts after the bloodbath.

I'm going to do a quiz so that you guys can get sponsor points. There are four questions, and if you get 2+ correct you get 1 point; all 4 is 2 points. Please do not cheat by re-reading the chapter.

1. What is Tanzanite's wife's and daughter's names?

2. How does Laz like to get down the stairs?

3. What was the code to get into Gym 7?

4. Why was this code what it is? (what did it stand for?)

That's all! I'll be doing a mini quiz every chapter for the reapings. Thanks for reading my story, I really appreciate it!

~Dragon