After Chosen Warriors, it feels strange doing something like this again. I kind of enjoyed it. Here we have our District Ten pair. I hope you enjoy.

Two notes (will be removed later). If you reserved a spot and have yet to get your character to me, please do that soon. Please get back to me in two days either with a form or asking to reserve the spot once more. If I do not hear back from you, the spot will be opened.

Second, I managed to get to the final 12 in Chosen Warriors. I'm very proud of it. Check it out if you already have not already.

Let me know what you think of my writing, the characters and what your characters would think of them (including If they would want to pair with them). Enjoy :)

Akhel Breker, 18

District 10 Female

I felt my jaw tense as I wanted the coily haired boy walk down past my family's ranch, holding the hand of the mayor's daughter. It was not that I didn't expect it, the pair had been smitten with each other since the day they were sorted into the same class. In fact, I was pretty sure he spent more time with her than me while we were dating.

Yes, many tears had spilled from my eyes as I watched them chat non stop for hours. I felt like a third wheel in my own relationship. So, to see the pair finally official, it didn't sting as much as I thought it would. Then again, maybe I was still in denial. Afterall, only a week ago, the dark-skinned boy was preaching about how much he wanted to marry me. It was a sharp pill to swallow and I was sure the pain wasn't over just yet.

Try to ignore it. I quickly turned my head to focus on the horse in front of me. A black mere named Sutty, a horse I had helped bring into the world a few year prior. Sadly, not much got past the electric blue eyes of my little brother, Packson.

"Are you two not together anymore?" the twelve-year-old asked, cocking his head to the side. Although we were siblings with the same parents, Packson shared few features with me. I took after our father with grey eyes, sharp features, golden blonde hair and a crooked smile. Packson, on the other hand, sported our mothers round, childlike face with big, electric blue eyes and a body full of freckles. He even shared our mother's slight overbite and ginger hair. Oddly enough, I was a female version of father while Packson was a male double of our mother. Yet, we shared enough features to be identified as siblings.

I gave a sharp intake of breath as I began to brush down Sutty. "No. He stopped loving me."

"Oh," Packson mumbled. "You didn't tell me?" l didn't reply, trying my best to stop my eyes from tearing up. It was not easy to hear from someone you loved that they stopped loving you. Not when it was the second time it had happened. I was starting to wonder where I was going wrong. Each time just broke my trust even more and added to the worry that I may never find someone. I loved easily, putting everything I had into a relationship yet, I struggled to get the other party to feel the same way. It was like an endless cycle of pain.

Packson watched in silence, before speaking up once more. "You need a kind, strong man to protect you-"

"I don't need protecting-"

"You almost burned down the house trying to boil water once."

I smiled at the memory. Only I could forget about a pan of water long enough. "That was one accident. Anyway, those type of men don't go for someone like me." That wasn't completely true. They did go for me, but most men in the District only wanted a single night with me, something that I had no interest in. My body was my best feature. An hourglass figure with a toned stomach and large breasts. Once most men in the District saw even a glimpse of this, my personality did not matter. The ones that did want to commit were just attracted to my families land and the money it gained us. I just wanted a guy I could watch the sunset with and forget about the world. To me, sex should be a bonus of the trust built up over a few months, not the main selling point of a relationship.

"Well, you always have the horses," Packson offered with a grin.

"Hm," I agreed. "Their more fun to ride than most men too."

Packson knotted his eyebrows. "What do you mean?" His confused expression turned to frustration as I let out a large, belly laugh.

"Nevermind, get us the feed will 'ya?" Packson rolled his eyes as he jumped down from the fence that circled the family ranch and dragged his feet towards the barn. Chuntering to himself as he went.

Frederick Loophole, 16

District 10 Male

At least the reapings were the same. It was something I had stressed about more than the reaping. Change. I hated it and there had been far too much change recently.

Thanks to the idiots from Twelve last year, the whole nation had been in uprising. Rumor had it that even the Capitol were not happy. I didn't care too much if they were, it only mattered to me because of the situation it had put me, my family and District in.

I never came from a rich background and the past year had only made it worse. All food in the household went to me, seeing as I was the one volunteering. My family was starving and I had lost most of my muscular weight to hunger. Not ideal for when it came to volunteering.

See, I never thought I'd volunteer. The idea had always intrigued me but I never had the motivation to do it until the past few years. The status of my family gave me three options. I married into my social circle, leaving me dirt poor for the rest of my short life. I married into a family of landowners and lived a more comfortable lifestyle. Or I volunteered for the Games, won and lived a life of luxury with more money than I needed.

Sure, the final option on my overall choice was the one with the most risks but my mother always said that anything worth doing was never going to be easy.

There was a sense of comfort when they chose the female first, same as always. There was also no volunteers from the female section, as always. And as with most years, the girl slinked up onto the stage, her head held low.

I recognized her as the girl from the ranch. She was about two years older than me but I knew her. Everyone knew her. Some, like me, envied her for her money and land. Some, wanted to marry her. She came with money and profitable land and livestock. She was no eye sore either. It seemed that all those male suitors were out of luck as there was no way she was coming back. She might have been the best horse rider in Ten but she was no victor. That much was clear by her weeping on stage.

After she had climbed the stairs to the stage, our escort, Calina, proceeded to introduce Akhel to the Capitol. A lot of things I already knew about the girl. Her profession, her age and if she had any siblings. However, I learned some other things. Like that her name was Akhel Breker. A fact I had never bothered to learn. And that she was terrified about going into the Games, even if she didn't say it.

I understood her feelings on the matter. I didn't feel sorry for her, the Games were barbaric? Maybe but it was a fact we had to become used to. I understood her feelings nonetheless.

My parents shared the same views. They hated the idea of their son volunteering for the Games. They didn't speak out against it, no one ever spoke out against me. Yet, they still showed their views on the matter though tears and pleas.

I wouldn't say I cared for my family as such but I respected them as much as someone like me could. After all, without them, I wouldn't be here. They did a lot of selfless things for me that even I couldn't ignore. It wasn't enough to make me listen to them but it was enough that I'd make sure they didn't go hungry when I won.

So, after Akhel had been announced as victor and Calina had pulled free the males name, I stepped forward into the walkway.

"I volunteer as Tribute!" I bellowed, causing my District to gasp. Ten had volunteers in the past but not enough that people were used to it. It might have been more special is Katniss had not done the same thing the year before. Then again, she volunteered for her sister, I was doing because I could.

As I climbed the steps to the stage, the District was captured in a dull chatter. Calina gasped, a grin so wide, she looked like a snake. Once I was on the stage, she grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the microphone.

"What is your name?" She asked.

"Frederick Loophole," I replied with a grin.

"Intriguing name, your age?"

"Sixteen-"

"Another volunteer at sixteen!" She exclaimed, sending a shock of frustration through me.

"I can assure you I am nothing like the past sixteen year old volunteers," I said through puffed up cheeks.

Calina gave a nod as she checked her watch. Akhel dragging her feet had caused us to lose time. "And lastly, what is your profession?"

I smiled. "I just do a few odd jobs around the ranches." As I said this I glanced over to Akhel. She clearly recognized me but not from my work.

"Well, isn't that lovely!" Calina cheered. "Well, here you have it folks, your Tributes from District Ten, Frederick Loophole and Akhel Breker!"

Frederick Loophole, 16

Train Rides

Akhel sat across from me, her eyes glossy with tears and her body shaking. I watched out of the corner of my eye as she fiddled with her short, yellow dress that although old and worn, was of a higher quality than my family could afford. Now and again, she would glance up, making brief eye contact with me before darting her grey eyes back towards her lap.

"So, tell me about yourself," I said dryly. I was not one for friends, neither was I one for two victors but I was one for supporters. I needed as many people in the Arena to want me alive. If that meant trying to create some conversation between my District partner, so be it.

Akhel shrugged. "I am the daughter of a horse breeder, I am the best rider in Ten-"

"No," I grunted. "I mean, what makes you tick...favorite colour?"

Akhel hesitated, her eyes trained on me. "Blue?"

"Good, favorite time of day?"

"Sunrise."

"How many guys have you dated?"

"One-"

"Really?" I laughed, leaning forward in the velvet armchair. "I thought more...after all, you could have any guy in the District if you wanted-"

"I don't want just any guy. I just want someone I love."

"Good luck with that now," I smirked. Akhel raised her brow, anger in her eyes. "You've heard the rumours, when you join the Hunger Games, you basically sell your body to Snow."

The blonde girl frowned, narrowing her eyes at me. "I don't think they would do that to Tributes."

I nodded at her comment, leaning back in my chair as I thought about it. "Maybe...but this year is all about romance, a few sex tapes in the mix would sell well." Akhel visibly shuddered at the thought. It wasn't a thought I liked to entertain either but it was a possible reality. "Then again, Victors have a lot more tapes than Tributes so it is possible they are forced to do it more...not that it will ever affect you-"

"What do you mean by that?" Akhel shot back, venom in her voice.

I grunted. "Well, it's not like you have what it takes to win, your just a rich girl-"

This angered Akhel as with a sharp laugh, she leaned forward so she was only a few feet away from my face. "I might be rich but I know what hard work is-"

"Come on, you raise a couple of horses a year and sell them to the Capitol or jump a few hurdles with them." I smirked, part of me was hoping she would start a fight with me, it was a rush I enjoyed.

"Horses, prize winning horses take a lot more effort to raise than people think, so does training them so get your head out of your ass-"

I grabbed her arms violently, so much so, there would no doubt be a bruise. "Don't talk to me like that, ever." I was hoping she would fight back but her face just softened as I let go of her arm.

She looked at the red mark on her, her eyes tearing up. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. She gave a quick sigh before turning on her heel and racing for the door. I slunk back into my chair as the door closed, slightly angry that she didn't fight back. I only enjoyed people being submissive when it meant something for me. Now I just looked like the bad guy.

I glanced over to our Akhel's mentor, Paddock, who sat the table looking at me with disgust. She shook her head as she stood up and turned for the door, no doubt going to talk through things with Akhel.

My mentor on the other hand let out a laugh as he sat in the seat across from me, a plate of chocolate cake in his hand. I had never had such a thing but I had seen it enough in adverts during the Games. However, I was not in the mood currently to pamper myself in such products. I wanted a real meal first.

"You know, I thought you two were going to be friends," Picken sighed as he leaned back in the chair. "Let's hope the two of you don't win, eh?"

I pulled a face at the dark haired man. "If I make it to the final two, I will make sure I am the only victor." Picken's smug smile vanished as he looked at me with a worried look.

"You would honestly end the life of someone who has no reason to die to keep the glory for yourself?"

I rolled my eyes. "This whole game is people dying who have no reason to die. And yes, we wouldn't have two victors if it wasn't for twelve. Things are fucked up, they need to be restored-"

"And being the only victor won't restore that!" Picken hissed. "All that will do is send an invitation to the Capitol to make your life hell and tell the Districts that they can fight the Capitol as Tributes have defied the rules two years in a row. Do you really want to be the face of rebellion?" I twisted my lips, my eyes drifting towards the window, the anger that I would either make things worse or resign myself to a marriage I didn't care about.

Picken finished his mouthful of cake before looking back over to me. "Don't be the spark to a fire you can't control, kid. It's not worth it."

Akhel Breker, 18

Train Rides

The sobs tore through my body, the thick tears trickling down my face and creating a puddle on the wooden floor. Paddock sat crossed legged on the bed, her brown eyes trained on me.

I felt stupid in every way possible. I felt stupid for hoping that my ally would like me and even more stupid for having to rely on someone else to feel safe. The truth was, Frederick was not wrong. Being a training horse breeder and trainer did not give me many life skills.

I could name most animals in Panem but I didn't know how to find water or which plant were safe to eat. I certainly didn't know how to kill anyone.

Paddock told me killing was easy if you had the right circumstances. You just had to aim for the neck or stomach. It was more the moral side of things. I cried when we had to put a horse down or when one of our meres had a stillbirth. I liked to think I did not have the same connection as I did to humans but I had to admit, I was not sure I had it in me to end a life.

"You just have to see them as nothing more than a threat, like if you found a bear sleeping in your bed." That did not really help my situation. If I found a bear in my bed, my father would kill it with his shotgun. I couldn't kill a bear, not when it was so vulnerable. Paddock must have been able to tell this by my reaction as with a sigh, she started to rub her temples.

"I just wanted to go home," I whispered with a shaky voice. Paddock looked over to me with pity.

"Well, use that desiree to get through this. You won't get home without some form of blood on your hands. The sooner you can accept that, the easier it is to get through the next few weeks."

"How?" I questioned. "How am I going to get home against the Careers?"

Paddock looked at me and though for a moment. "Don't smile in photos, you can't show your crooked smile-"

"It's not that bad," I mumbled.

"No, it isn't but it is an imperfection and in photos, it's all the Capitol will notice. If you can fight, make them love you. Do whatever you need to and keep in mind, it might not work but one sponsor can mean all the difference. Also, whoever you get paired with, even if it is Frederick or some other ass, you have to act like they are the love of your life. Like you can't live without each other and how thankful you are for the Capitol bringing you together-"

"But what if I have to marry someone who is abusive?" I asked, my nail tracing the rings in the wooden floor.

"Then it is up for you to decide if victory is worth it and no one can decide that for you."

With an electric screech, the train came to a holt, a land of trees and woodland visible from my window. I jumped at the sound but Paddock extended her hand to tell me to calm. "We are at six for refueling, we won't be here long."

"Have the Six tributes already been chosen?" I asked, my eyes looking at the sea of trees that stood tall on a distant hill.

Paddock check her watch and shook her head. "No, their reaping is in three hours...which reminds me, Enzo and Maria wanted to see me." I watched as she rose to her feet and headed for the door.

"Are they the ones who do drugs?" I asked.

Paddock stopped and have a deep sigh. "We like to call it dealing with our lot in life." and with that, the doors to my room wooshed open, leaving me alone.

Three hours before their reaping. That was a lot more hours they got to spend with their family than I did. It was also strange to think that the two Tributes I would be fighting against were most likely still in bed. Not a clue about the hell their life would become in a few hours.

I wanted to warn them, if I knew who they were. But what would they do? Was there any point in knowing something if you could not change it? Or would they try to run? Hug their family one last time? forgive everyone they were angry at? Then a worse thought came to my head.

What if one of them was going to be my killer? The thought chilled me. That I might be in the District of my killer.

With a grunt, I dragged my nails across my legs lightly and jumped to my feet, trying to shake the thoughts out of my head. I moved over to my bed and perched on the side, my eyes drifting over to the window. It was sunset, my least favorite time of the day. It was like the sun was leaving me in darkness and confusion. Yet, when I looked out my window this time, something warmed my heart.

Their, silhouetted against the sun on the other side of the fence was a stag. One of my favorite animals but one I had never seen. It stood proud, it's antlers tall upon its head. It was looking at me yet, I could not make out any features.

My eyes stayed focused on it, a small smile creeping onto my lips when the train let out another electric scream, causing the deer to race back into the woods on the other side of the fence. As I wanted it vanish, I felt lost one more.

I wanted to be that stag, to live in the wild, away from this train, society and most of all, the Hunger Games.

"The beauty in the world can become unnerving if paired with something equally as beautiful. Like a rose with the most stunning pair of eyes or a stag with a child's smile"