District One

Ivory Borg (16) D1F

It was a beautiful room and grand in its structure. The intricate designs on the carpet and the beautiful, three dimensional paintings on the walls made her feel very thrilled from within. As a very creative and artistic person, she appreciated every kind of beauty around her. The Justice Building was truly majestic even by District One standards, and she counted herself lucky to be able to witness some of these paintings. There was girl painted on the wall, wearing a really flowing dress that seemed to be dancing in the wind. At least, she assumed it was wind blowing, judging by the leaves that appeared to be moving, and falling on the grass, that too appeared to be rustling. The girl had one of her legs raised, as if it was drawn when she was walking, and the effect was such that it seemed that the leg would come out of the wall.

Ivory found it very amusing.

Sitting cross-legged on the intricately designed blue carpet, waiting for her family and friends to show up, she surveyed the room with keen interest. There were comfortable sofas and armchairs there, but Ivory preferred her position. It had been a while now though, and growing slightly impatient, Ivory stood up and started pacing the room, thinking about the future. As far as she was concerned, she was more than ready. After all, she had been training since she was eight, and that was a good amount of time to learn a few tricks. Ivory wasn't blind though; she knew that many-a-times Careers lost despite being incredibly trained and skilled. No, she wasn't going to be like them. She had studied the victors, the arenas, everything for the past seven years diligently, so as to not repeat the mistakes that her predecessors made. She'd have to escape the arena alive anyhow, and she was not ready to take any chances. Of course, volunteering had been a pretty impulsive decision, and something that she hadn't actually planned to do, but there was nothing she could do about it. Plus, it did have some benefits and if she managed to pull out a victory, it would be worth it.

"Ivory?"

The girl looked away from the painting of the girl, her blue eyes falling on three people she loved more than anything. Her mother looked a little upset, and that was understandable, while her step-father looked more proud than he ever did.

"Hey!"

"How're you, baby?"

"Fine mom!" Ivory replied with a grin, giving her mother a hug. They never got along well, but they loved and respected each other, and Ivory secretly wanted to be like her. The way she had handled herself when Ivory's father had passed away in that accident while on work was admirable.

"I didn't know you were going to volunteer," her step-father said, a smile sitting on his face as he pulled his daughter in a tight embrace. She threw her arms around him and then laughed.

"Well, I didn't know either, dad!" Ivory replied sheepishly, scratching her head, "But I guess it won't be that bad?"

He laughed along with her but her mother's eyes shot up, almost disappearing behind her eyebrows. Ivory knew that her mother wasn't pleased with the reply, but that was the truth, and she saw no reason to lie right now. She'd rather not lie to her family anyway, partly because she didn't want to and partly because she loved to talk.

"Ivory, you should've waited at least a year!"

"That wouldn't change a thing mom! I'm prepared, and you know how much I love the Games!"

That part wasn't a lie either; she did like watching the Games. However, she took no pleasure in seeing so many murders. No, she was interested in the design of the arena, the design of the mutts and the many tactics that the tributes used. Now that was intriguing, not the killing.

"She's right," her step-father stepped in before her mother could argue, "She is obsessed with them. That's why we had to train her. She's ready, and she honestly looks so happy to do so!"

"She's sixteen!" her mother said in a desperate voice, "Now if she had volunteered after coming up with a plan or something, it would have been fine. But she's got no clue about anything! What if she dies in there?! What-"

"I won't mom," Ivory intervened, "I'll return home victorious and we'll all live together happily. And now, time's running out, and I want to have a one-to-one with my little brother."

Her mother sighed even as her step-father rested his hand on her shoulder comfortingly. A moment of understanding passed between them, and they smiled at Ivory together. The young girl was sitting on the sofa now for a change, and her brother was right next to her. He was much younger, and when Ivory tried to hug him, he was reluctant to return it. Eventually he did so, but it killed Ivory from inside.

Cameo was a little slow where developing was concerned. He couldn't speak properly even when he was five, couldn't use the washroom even when he was eight. Ivory understood that he had some mental problem that needed treatment, and she voiced her opinion on it, but the thing was that nobody believed it. The teachers weren't ready to help out, the doctors refused to look into the matter. There were bullies who found it extremely funny the way the little boy cowered in fear in their presence and had trouble speaking properly. Ivory knew that only the Capitol doctors could cure him, and she believed that he wasn't beyond help. Often times she had argued with her mother on this topic, for the older woman believed that nothing could be done for Cameo.

Ivory wanted to prove her wrong.

As she held little Cameo to her chest, she whispered in his ear soothingly.

"Cameo, I'll return, okay? Little champ, we'll go to the Capitol and get you cured. You'll be happy and nobody'll bully you. Just hold on my little boy. Just hold on."

"A-are you doing this for…me?" Cameo asked in a very small voice so that Ivory almost missed what he said. Ivory nodded, giving him a smile. It was unusual for her to be so quiet, but it was partially true that she had volunteered to help Cameo. She wanted to see her brother being treated as a normal child, for it hurt when people called him crazy or hopeless. He was not crazy or hopeless! And she was going to prove it.

"Ivory, sorry to disturb your conversation, but do you have any strategy? I know you did it on impulse but-"

"Sure mom!" Ivory replied, again cutting off her mother. It was never intentional, but it happened a lot of times that she did it anyway. "I've studied the arenas, the games and I've trained-"

"All Careers are trained-"

"-and I know how to put my knowledge to good use! At least I hope so. Don't worry mom, I'll manage."

"But Ivory-"

Before her mother could complete her sentence, however, a peacekeeper knocked on the door and then entered without waiting for an answer. Ivory didn't get the point of knocking since he just walked in, but she knew why he was here.

"Mr and Mrs Borg, the time's up. There are more visitors waiting outside."

"Yes, we're coming," her step-father replied. The three of them hugged, and Ivory tried to capture their embrace in her mind as a loving memory. She didn't know when she would get to feel this comfortable, so happy, so… safe. It was a pain when they released her from their embrace but she grinned at them anyway, before giving Cameo a hug too.

"Try to study hard, Cam," she said, "And don't worry. I believe that you're an amazing person."

"Ivory, don't do anything reckless in the arena."

"Yes dad."

"And cut your hair."

She sighed at that. Her golden blond hair that had grown like a child over the years… she just didn't want to part with it. They made her lanky, tall figure look somewhat good, and really brought out the colour of her eyes, the only feature of hers that she liked. Plus, her nose was too large, but despite all this, she would have to cut her hair short because long hair could be a big problem in the arena. She had seen it before.

"Yes mom," she replied, "I'll cut it short."

"Bye honey," she said, her eyes bleak. Not too bleak, but that was enough to move Ivory. "All the best."

"Give it all you have!" her step-father said with a wink and an encouraging smile. She nodded at them both as they were ushered out. Only Cameo was left behind.

"Win," he said softly, and then gave her a quick hug. This gesture took her by surprise, and maybe for the first time in years she had no words. Cameo was also taken out and Ivory exhaled deeply. She knew her friends would come in soon, and she'd have to compose herself by then. She didn't want them to worry. So she started pacing the room again, being the impatient lady she was. Her eyes went back to the girl in the painting, studying it.

"I'll return Cameo. I'll win for you."

Everette Hastings (18) D1M

Four years ago…

A tall boy stood on the platform of the rail station, leaning against the wall against which a bench was resting. The slightly tanned skinned boy didn't take a seat though, and regarded the boy sitting with a kind of amusement found in small children when they discover a toy. His dark hair swayed just a bit in the cool wind, even as his eyes refused to leave the boy on the bench.

"It's too pricy," the boy, looking up at Everette, who was still standing in that annoying posture. Everette smirked at that.

"Really, Sterling? Too pricy, eh? Nobody's going to sell you that for so less."

"People buy it at half the rate," the boy replied sourly.

Everette laughed at that, but the laughter didn't hold any mirth; instead it was dripping with mockery. The boy frowned at the drug-dealer, slightly scared of his presence.

"Why're you laughing?"

"Well, Sterling, if you find my prices to be too high, why don't you buy it from someone else? At half the rate?"

Sterling didn't say anything on that. Everette saw the unease in his eyes, and seemed to take pride in it. He was glad he could cause it, for it really made him feel so much better. After his parents' death in the burning orphanage, Everette didn't like being kind or helpful. After all, wanting to help the children at the orphanage when the fire broke out was the reason his parents were no more.

"Can't you lower the price a bit?"

Everette sighed as Sterling watched him anxiously. He opened his eyes and looked at the other boy, the expression on his face suggesting he was talking to a particularly difficult toddler.

"Fine Sterling!" he said in a dramatic way, which seemed to give Sterling some relief. Everette smirked. The relief and feeling of victory wasn't going to stay long.

"Five bucks. That's all I can reduce."

"Five bucks!? It's still too pricy!" Sterling whined.

Everette closed his eyes tightly at the sound. He hated nothing more than this stupid whining that people of this generation did all the time. Clenching his fists tightly, he told himself to keep control. His face contorted with rage, and that made Sterling gulp a bit too audibly.

Maybe it was the sound, but Everette quickly opened his eyes and turned to face his client. Trying to keep his rage under control, he pointed a finger at him and said, "Take it or leave it."

Sterling opened his mouth to argue but Everette simply shook his head at that, his anger lessening slightly as he saw the discomfort his statement had caused. He could see the eagerness on his client's face, but also the reluctance. Sterling was torn apart. He had no experience with drugs but some of his friends told him it was worth the money. Of course it was worth the money! It certainly gave some relief to the person using it.

"Well then, I guess you aren't interested. Wasted my time completely, you did. I could've had sold at least five pouches in all this time. Duh."

With that, Everette turned away from him in what seemed to be intense fury, and then started walking away, muttering about time wasters under his breath. What followed was expected; after all he knew it'd work.

"Wait!" Sterling called out, "Fine! I'm ready to buy it!"

"Oh," Everette said with a smirk as he slowly faced him, congratulating himself from within for making a fool out of another person, "Well then. My cash."

Sterling held out the money to him, and he almost snatched it out of his hands. With the eyes of a predator, he started counting the money with such cautiousness that it was both a wonder as well as an annoyance for his client.

"You're good," Everette said with satisfaction, "Here."

The fourteen-year-old handed the small pouch to Sterling, who looked at it as if he was expecting more but he also looked excited as if wanting to find out what was in it. He took a sniff, and the intoxicating odour told him all he needed to know. Without a word, he got up from the bench and walked away, soon disappearing behind a really tall pillar.

The platform was deserted now except for Everette.

The boy yawned and then stretched before sitting down on the bench. It had been a long day and convincing Sterling had been a real pain. It had taken too much time. Although Everette was glad he had managed to sell his pricey drugs to a person who seemed more than just miserly, he also felt exhausted now. What if he just fell asleep on the bench? No, the Peacekeepers might see him, and that'll end everything.

He glanced at the clock on the wall, and was astonished to see that it was eight already. So late! He better get away from here. The train coming from the Capitol would be here soon, and he didn't want to be seen. As Everette started walking along the platform, something caught his eye. Usually he would ignore any such scenes, but he was astonished to see something like a figure standing on the train tracks, completely erect as if it were a statue. In fact, that's what Everette thought it was, a statue. But when he looked closer, he thought that the figure seemed to move. Why was it in the middle of train tracks…?

And then it dawned on him.

He didn't know what made him act, but he knew he couldn't let it happen. Selling drugs was a different thing, but this! No, he wasn't going to stand by and watch.

His legs started sprinting towards the tracks as he yelled out for the person standing in the distance. They turned around at his voice- it was a girl- and Everette forced himself to run faster. He leapt at her, even as he heard the whistling of the approaching train. His heart skipped a beat, but he did not back away. Grabbing the arm of the girl roughly, he pulled her away from the tracks and pushed her onto the platform before jumping up next to her, just as the train came in sight, slowing down gradually. The girl tried to push him off herself, but he held on tightly till the train came to a halt.

"What were you thinking?!" the girl screamed at him.

He frowned at that. Maybe it was he who should ask that question, for he had saved that girl from committing suicide. But he had to admire the nerve of her, talking to him like that!

"What were you thinking?" Everette asked aggressively.

"Ugh! It's none of your business!"

And with that, the girl sped away from the spot, and Everette was sure he heard sobbing. He sighed dramatically, but he couldn't really get the thought out of his head. For the first time since his parents' death, he had helped somebody. He had saved a person's life.

When his parents were alive, they always went out of their way to help the orphans. Everette often wondered why it was so, but they always replied that it made them happy. When they died, he always thought they were fools for being kind. They were fools for risking their lives to help the children trapped in the orphanage when the fire broke out.

But today, it was different. Today he had risked his life to save a completely random stranger and he felt amazing. He felt better than he had in years. He had helped someone who needed it. He had done an act of kindness, and it wasn't even deliberate.

He was enjoying the feeling.

Present time…

"Everette, you can do this!"

"Thanks Juliet," the eighteen-year-old said as he smiled at the girl he loved. He and Juliet had been there for each other since the day he saved her sister's life. He couldn't believe how much his life had changed since that incident. The best thing that happened to him was that he met Juliet.

She taught him to live life. She taught him to love life. There was something about her that won his heart, that made him want to give up everything of his just to have her by his side. He didn't know what he had done to deserve her, but he noticed the changes that he had gone through. Everette had given up on crimes long ago. Now, under the guidance of his trainer JT and the support that his beloved provided, Everette was certain he could win the Games.

The Games was, in a twisted way, his idea of redemption. He had done a lot of wrong in his life. He wanted to show people that he had changed, and in a district like One, volunteering for the Games was the best way to do so. He had to prove that he was a changed man now, and he was glad that Juliet was by his side on his quest.

"Everette, good luck for the Games. I hope to see you after you emerge victorious."

"I hope so too, Juliet. I hope so too."

District Two

Siobhan Ripple (16) D2F

The girl tapped her foot impatiently, but it was still done in a rhythmic way. The grandeur of the room she was in did not seem to affect her at all. The artistic tapestries, the expensive carpets, the majestic decoration all went unnoticed as she waited for the two people she wanted to see right now.

Of course, her father would be emotional when he'd see her. He hadn't really been in the favour of her volunteering after all; he being a victor. It had been hard to convince him into seeing things her way, but ultimately, he gave in. Siobhan loved her father for it. It would have been a shame had he not tried to understand her thirst for competition, and her determination to excel. Being the best was what she aimed for, and she was glad she had her family's support.

Yes, there had been many volunteers from District two, and many of them won. However, the number of victors from her District had dwindled a bit in the recent years, and Siobhan was not pleased at all. It felt as if the volunteers had betrayed her when they fell. Sometimes, they just did not give their best, and that's what annoyed Siobhan more than anything else. Not trying your best was a crime, as far as she was concerned.

The past did not matter much though. She was going to compete for the Games this year, and she had trained hard for it. No way was she going to let stupid emotions get the better of her in the arena. It was a competition, and Siobhan was tired that nobody treated it as such.

That would change now.

At the moment, however, she was wondering what was keeping her family from visiting her. She was eager to meet Saoirse especially; her twin was her best friend in the entire world and one who had stood by her through thick and thin.

As long as she could remember, Siobhan had only known her father and her identical twin. Her father was divorced, and her mother did not think even once to check on them, whether they were alive or not. It hurt Siobhan when she was younger, but now things had changed. Her mother could go to hell for all she cared. She couldn't really imagine why any woman would not want to even look at her children once, and when she saw that there were people who were ready to die for their kids, she couldn't help but feel hostile towards her.

She didn't need her mother though. Sheamus, her father, was more than capable of raising two daughters all by himself. He had done everything in his power to give them all the joy in the world he could, and Siobhan appreciated his efforts. Saoirse and she did not need anyone else.

Speaking of Saoirse, Siobhan still couldn't get used to the fact that they looked so identical. They both had long, auburn hair that complimented their sea-green eyes and tanned skin. Siobhan was a bit more muscular and they were both nearly of the same height. Her features were what people would call very 'Four-ish' but Siobhan cared little about that. Both she and Saoirse were more focused on being at the top, Siobhan in the Games, Saoirse in academics.

"Siobhan!"

"Well," Siobhan said, putting on a fake expression of exasperation and surprise at the same time, "Do I know you?"

Saoirse chuckled at that and slapped her sister's back, grinning at her. Sheamus smiled at his daughter, but Siobhan knew he was worried. Maybe he was second guessing his decision to let her volunteer. She smiled at him confidently, trying to let him know that he need not worry for her.

"Last time I checked," Saoirse replied, pulling on a straight face, "We were sisters."

Siobhan raised her brow at her and then answered, "And why did it take you both so long?"

"Oh goodness Siobhan!" Saoirse exclaimed and slapped her forehead dramatically, "I totally forgot! There's a long queue outside, all wanting to meet you!"

"What?" Siobhan asked in mild surprise. A queue? As far as she knew, there were no queues for anybody any other year. Why would there be one for her, and her only?

"You're pulling my leg," she said warily, earning a gasp from Saoirse. She clapped her hands to her mouth and then lowered them, looking at her twin as if she had seen something out of this world.

"Pulling your leg?! I'm damn serious Siobhan! There are so many people who want to meet you and wish you luck for the future!"

"Anything."

"I'm not lying!"

"Siobhan," her father, smiling lightly as he observed his daughters, "She is pulling your leg."

"Dad!" Saoirse cried, looking at their father in exasperation, "You weren't supposed to say that! She was falling for it!"

"I wasn't," Siobhan replied, a smirk on her confident face, "I have yet to prove myself, dear. But once I have, there will be queues outside my door."

Her twin laughed at that before clapping her on the shoulder again, when their father stepped towards them, the smile from his face gone, and his worry etched in her concerned eyes.

"Siobhan," he said, "I know you've trained for this hard and long. You're capable and competent, and you're talented. You possess the qualities of a victor. However, I must warn you against over confidence, and despite all your good qualities, it can be the reason of your doom."

Siobhan opened her mouth to interrupt, but Sheamus continued. "No, I'm not saying you won't handle yourself well; I have complete faith in you. But please remember Siobhan, that there are five others who have trained day and night for this as well. In fact, most of them will be older than you, more experienced than you, and maybe even stronger than you. Hence, don't get carried away. Play smartly, and don't get attached to anyone. In the beginning, help your allies, but try to stay away from the limelight anyway. Are you getting me?"

"Yes dad," Siobhan replied with a smile. Her father was often times worried about her, but that was because he cared so much. She wasn't going to let him down, no matter what.

"Dad, I will keep all of it in mind. Don't worry, I'll return to you, and I will return alive. None of the others will be able to do anything. I'll make sure of that."

And she would. No way was she going to toss all her efforts for nothing.

Casper Cavette (18) D2M

The bars in front of him made him feel sick whenever he was in this place. The loneliness of the place, the darkness and the damp smell made his skin crawl whenever he came here, but there were things that had to be done. Despite the unwelcoming feel of the building, this was the day he looked forward to for the entire year.

Not many people would be delighted to be in jail, even if for a day. Why would anyone want to visit such a gloomy place? However, to the tall, muscular boy, the dislike of this place was nothing compared to the joy it gave him to finally meet his sister.

And so, it was on the Reaping Day when his bright blue eyes searched the cells. He raised his hand to remove the messy brown locks from in front of his eyes as he looked behind the bars, seeing nobody there.

Maybe it is the next one.

The boy carried himself to the next cell, and then to the one after that, when he finally saw the girl he had come to meet. A light smile broke on his face. But then he recalled the reason why his sister was here, living the life of a criminal when she did no wrong, and the smile was wiped off. No, he wasn't going to let insignificant people like Mina dampen his mood. It was a special day, after all.

"Camilla!"

The seventeen-year-old looked up hurriedly at the sound of her beloved brother's voice, and her green eyes lit up when she saw him. It seemed as if she had acquired something invaluable and out of the world, and when she sprinted towards the door of the cell, Casper couldn't help but feel angry once again. The Peacekeepers had refused to let him into the cell, or let her out. And after seeing his dearest sister after a whole year, all the young boy wanted to do was give her a hug and tell her that he would love her no matter what. That he missed her every day.

Camilla's hands clenched the bars tightly, and her brother grasped them firmly, glad that at least he could feel her touch. Camilla grinned at him, and to Casper it seemed as if she had smiled after a very long time indeed.

"I thought you won't show up!"

"How's that even possible?" Casper asked gently, "Of course I'd come to meet you."

"Well then, how's everything? How's mum? Our friends? How're you?!"

"Whoa calm down girl!" he answered, grinning at her, still wishing that the bars had been absent, "Everything's going well. As for me, I've been chosen to volunteer this year."

"You've been what?!"

Camilla's expression was one of disbelief, pride, shock, concern and joy all at the same time. She couldn't believe that her brother had been chosen to volunteer for the Games! Casper must have surely excelled in training, and she was proud of her brother's success. But…

"How's mum taken the news?"

Casper sighed at that. This question had been expected, and although he had managed to have his way, he wasn't really convinced.

"Well, she wasn't in favour at first. But then she agreed."

"And how do you feel about it?"

"I'm not really sure about it, to be honest. However, I-I want to prove myself, Camilla. I'm better than dad. I've-I've improved. I've grown stronger. I want to prove that I'm not that weak little boy anymore who was bullied in his younger years. I've to prove that we tributes from Two are more than just what is the stereotype, you know?"

"I know."

A pause passed between them. His father… he loved his father. Casper remembered being extremely unhappy when he had been thrown out of the house, but he didn't blame his mother. How could he? His father was disloyal to her, and any woman would react the same way. but he didn't want to judge his father based on just that, because he remembered that the man who had sired him was a good and caring parent.

"You know Cas? Had I been outside, I'd be the one volunteering and you'd be sitting at home, watching me achieve victory. Sadly, my situation hasn't really allowed me to train."

Casper laughed at that, the sound unfamiliar in this gloomy abode. He it felt as if nobody had laughed in this place for years… or perhaps never. But Casper was glad that her time in prison hadn't really changed Camilla much. She was just as competitive as she was when they were young children. The good old days! How much they used to enjoy the mutual rivalry they had! He wished more than ever now that she would be out free like a bird, with him. It was all Mina's doing. A drug addict that she was, she found no problem in killing a drug dealer and framing his innocent sister. Of course, he had publicly owned her many-a-times, for he could be vengeful, but it wasn't enough. Camilla was still behind bars, and he wasn't able to do anything about it, in spite of wanting to so desperately.

No, he was here to visit his sister. Those negative thoughts had to be kept at bay. And so he smirked at her before coming up with a comment.

"I don't think so Camilla. I think the Academy Trainers can see a trainee's worth. And hence, it would still be me going into the Games, and you'd be watching me on TV when I'd emerge victorious."

"Ah no Cas! You're right. They value real worth and talent, and that's why when the best wasn't available, they went for the second best, mainly because they'd consider it wrong to send two siblings into the arena at once."

"You're all talk, little sister."

But he was happy that she was arguing with him. The conversation was not going as he had planned; he had so many things he wanted to say to her after not meeting her for a whole year, but words were failing him now, and he was grateful that Camilla was trying to pull his leg. At least it seemed to be making her somewhat happy, as if her pain had lessened a bit, and that was what Casper wanted. Hence, he was glad the course the conversation had taken.

"Casper," Camilla said, her face completely solemn now, "Just keep your cool in the arena and-and try your best to win. I-I don't want to lose you."

His grip on her hands tightened when she spoke the words, but he smiled at her nonetheless and answered, "Don't worry. I'll be back. And- and if it's possible… I'll try to get you out of here."

"No! You may get in trouble Cas!"

"I won't. If I'm a victor I can make sure that it's Mina who's there," he pointed inside the cell, "And that you're here, with me."

"I-I can only wish you the best. I hope you win, Cas. If not for anyone, then for Riley."

"I won't disappoint anyone. Neither you, nor her."

No… he couldn't let Riley down. The girl, two years older than him, was his best friend and something like a mentor. When he was young and being harassed and beaten, it had been Riley who had showed those bullies their place. It had been Riley who used to escort him to his house. It was she who taught him to fight. She changed him completely, and for that he owed her.

"Good luck Cas. Do your best."

"I will Camilla. I will."

Hi guys! This is the first introductory chapter of this story, and I'm glad to have started off! Many of you may notice that my writing style here is a little different from what it usually is. Just trying a new style. XD Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It was fun to write all these tributes, and I hope I didn't mess them up too much. The first POV was written a long time back, the next two a couple of weeks ago, and the last one pretty recently, so I guess the size of the POVs might differ, although I did my best to not let that happen. But I enjoyed writing them all! Thanks for submitting them! I'd love to know your thoughts on this chapter and the tributes.

Have a great day!