The long lost writer has returned! At least for a while, I'm still traveling around, but hope to start updating regularly soon. Anyway, I need a male tribute for District 3, 5, and 6. I'll take the most creatively written, so go ahead and send in your ideas! :-) it's a competition, hehe. :-)

This chapter features characters from multiple places, and not necessarily actually in their respective reaping. The reapings are just incredibly tedious to write, and I find that an extremely difficult setting to actually introduce a character. Hope this works for everyone.

The Capitol

The rich coffee swirled as Gemini poured in caramel creamer. Her eyes scanned the City Center, her brain guessing at the numbers that crowded the square below. This is where the ordinary Capitolites, what Gemini's class referred to as the plebians, would spend reaping day. Gemini's circle of friends would gather around wine tables, sipping in festooned courtyards throughout the city.

But Gemini's duties as a Gamemaker prevented her from joining the celebrations. Not that she hadn't been invited to a half a dozen parties. A voice spoke at her elbow, startling her. Her fingers bumped the cup, coffee splattering unto the windowsill.

"Wishing you were down there?" The young man rubbed at his collar, pulling at the tie.

Gemini inclined her head, "Are you new to the team this year? I don't believe we've met." She took a step away, picking up her cup and stirring in some sugar. How had he managed to sneak up on her?

He glanced around the domed room, the crystal ceiling, the curved glass walls, allowing any of the Gamemakers to peer outside. His voice, smooth, ignored her question. "You wonder who designed this, they can't imagine we'd get any work done, not with a view like this."

Gemini felt a tinge of frustration, "If a simple view can distract you, you aren't very committed to your goal." She stepped away, her heels clicking. She bit her lip as she heard his shoes trailing her. Finally, she turned, studying his face. "Do you need something?"

"Me?" He glanced about, "Of course not. Which floor are you heading to?"

Gemini regretted not taking a muscle relaxer, her shoulders were so tense it was giving her a headache. "Which floor are you working at? What is your assignment?"
The PA system crackled, the tributes had been chosen for district 3, the cameras were switching to District 4. Various Gamemakers jumped to switch the monitors gracefully, their staccato like commands grating on Gemini's nerves.

His dark eyes crinkled, "Do I look like I need an assignment?"

Gemini had enough, "Look, I'm not just an errand girl here, I am a Gamemaker, if you don't leave me alone, I will make sure you are fired." She turned, heading to her desk. Sitting down, she noticed the man leaning against a wall. Was he watching her?

Unlocking her screen, her fingers began to play with the arena. Just a few finishing touches left. A message from security flashed on her tablet, unauthorized visitors were reported in the premises. Geminin held up her watch, maneuvering to snap a picture. He was wearing shades now, but she knew his eyes were on her.

She messaged the picture to security, requesting they check who he was. Her mind was too anxious to go over the complicated ideas for the games. She switched screens, watching Augustus and Hadrian discuss tributes. Their words really didn't matter to her, but it was a welcome distraction. No matter what he was saying on camera, it was always enjoyable to watch Hadrian. Her eyes scanned his face, noticing how his suit brought out the blue in his eyes. She made a mental note to tell him he looked good in that color.

A white blur caught her attention, and she swiveled her chair to see two Peacekeepers walking the stalker. A third approached her, "I'm sorry Miss Heavensbee, he managed to falsify an ID and get in this morning."

"But who was he?"

"A Mr. Azaria, I think he was with one of the tabloids. Since the Ministry of Information installed new regulations, they've been working on going around media measures."

"Figures," Geminin sighed, "Thanks for dealing with him. Now maybe I can focus my job." As the Peacekeeper walked off, she rubbed at her temples. How many times did she have to tell the rebels to leave her alone during working hours? Now they would be all irritated at her for getting Azaria booted out, but what else could she do? Security already knew there was a breach, her fraternizing with him would only cause a bigger mess.

Sitting down at her computer, she felt the heavy load on her shoulders. Guilt that the games were still happening, that the plots had not yet materialized. How much longer would innocent people suffer?

District 12

Sadira skipped down the stairs, admiring how her new leather shoes glittered. She patted at her head, making certain her long hair stayed carefully in place. Why was the front door open? She stepped onto the wooden floor, closing the entryway door. She peered into the hallway mirror, her fingertips brushing at her cheeks.

The living room door swung open, and her mother looked at her, lips twisting, "Sadira, please step in here."

Sadira glanced up, "You okay?" Her mother's expression remained the same, and Sadira stepped into the living room, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. The lights were off, the curtains drawn.

"This is our youngest daughter, our boys are helping the mayor set up."

"Silence." The voice was sharp, and Sadira shrank back. Her eyes found her father's face, and she searched him for a hint that everything would be alright.

"Sadira Ness." A man stepped towards her, his uniform marking him as an official from the Capitol. "Do you trust your father?"

Sadira swallowed, wondering why he was asking. "Yes," she answered hesitantly, "He's my dad."

The man nodded, "And if I told you he was sheltering treasonous plots against our nation?"

"My dad's not a rebel." Sadira looked at her father, his face was a ghostly white. She rubbed at her skirt, wishing the silky material did a better job of drying her sweating palms.

"I am sorry for your misplaced trust," the man sighed, turning to face her dad, "Dieter Ness, you are under arrest for treason against the state."

A sharp cry from her mom, as two peacekeepers grabbed her dad's shoulders. They shoved Sadira out of the way, dragging him out the doors. Sadira shook her head, suddenly realizing they were taking her dad away. Pushing past the official, she ran down their front steps, grabbing a hold of her father.

"Wait, let me speak to him!" The men stopped, and Sadira forced herself not to cry, "You're innocent, this is all a mistake, right Papa?"

Dieter Ness pushed against the men restraining him, "Sadira, you must be strong. I made my choices, it is time for you to make yours."

Tears wet her cheeks, "Papa, will they let you go soon? What will happen to you?"

Around them, people stopped, surprised that Dieter Ness was under arrest. Wasn't his brother the mayor? Didn't his oldest daughter marry the head Peacekeeper?

"Enough, we need to move the prisoner before it attracts too much attention." Hands pulled Sadira back, as the Peacekeepers dragged Dieter to the Justice building. She slipped on the damp cobblestone, catching herself on a lamppost.

"What's happening to your father?" Voices surrounded her, "Where are your brothers?"

Sadira looked into the faces that formed a circle around her, "I don't know, these guys just showed up." The words slipped out without too much thought, "My brothers are helping my uncle."

"Something's rotten when a good man like Dieter is dragged off like a common criminal." A man cursed as the small crowd murmured their disapproval.

"Don't worry," An older woman rubbed Sadira's back, "I'm sure after the reaping this mess will be all sorted out."

District 10

Levi rubbed at his eyes, splashing water unto his face. He wouldn't mind the reaping too much if it didn't mean he had to miss sleep. Pulling on his heavy boots, he clomped out of the house. Sunshine stung his eyes, and he regretted that he hadn't thought to take a hat.

"Levi, you woke up in time!" Levi paused long enough for the most cheerful person he knew to catch up.

"Hey, Blake. You know you don't need to alert everyone that you're around."

Blake grinned, "You don't like my yelling in the middle of the street?"

"Not particularly." Levi rubbed at his hair. "I wish the reaping was scheduled after noon. Then I could get enough sleep to work tonight."

"Can't you take a nap afterwards?"

Levi shook his head, "And miss all the food? No way. It's probably the only day my mom isn't stingy with passing out sweets. I'm not going to pass that up for some shut eye."

"But you still have to work tonight?" Blake whistled, "Just think, you're one of the few people who are actually going to make money today. And you'll be too busy to even spend it! So you get to save money on reaping day."

Levi glanced at Blake, wondering how he could be so nonsensically cheery. It was probably best not to burst the kids bubble about making money. Tons of merchant's made money today. Loads more than he ever would as a night security guard.

The streets started getting crowded as they walked in closer to the square. "Know where Casey is?"

Blake shrugged, "Am I my sister's keeper?" he laughed. "Goodness, you know more about her than me."

Levi stepped into the long line, craning his neck to see if Casey was already ahead of them.
"Too bad we didn't come earlier," Blake chattered, "Then we could have beat the long lines here."

"We would never have made it." Levi stated, "It's kind of useless to try and get here early, there's always a line." He swatted away a fly from his neck, really wishing he had a hat in the relentless District 10 heat.

Blake rolled his eyes, "I bet Casey made it out here already. She likes to skip the line."

"Good for her." Levi muttered, his eyes still scanning the crowd. He kind of wished Casey was here instead of Blake. She might actually be able to cheer him up just a bit.

District Four

Bjorn stepped out of the cab, waving at the gaggle of reporters clustered around the train. He flexed his arms, throwing his head back. The escort, touched his shoulder, encouraging him to board the train.

"So long, District Four," He swiveled his shoulders, glancing back at his home, "See all you guys soon."

He grinned as he glanced around the ornate train compartment. He reached for a pear, taking a bite of the sweet juiciness. "Nice, real nice." He picked up another piece of golden fruit, "You want one?" he held it up to his district partner.

The girl shook her head, "No thanks."

He wiped some juice from his chin, "Your name's Blair, right? Don't think I've run across you. Too bad, 'cause you're kind of pretty."

The escort pranced in, "It's so lovely to spend time with you two, would you like me to round up Annora and Ripley, I'm sure you want to meet them." Her emerald studded eyebrows lifted as she smiled down at them.

"Sure," Bjorn waved his hand, picking up a cluster of green grapes, "I'm looking forward to whatever tidbits of advice they can pass out."

"Alrighty, you two enjoy the food, it is the freshest in Panem." The doors swished as the escort bounced away.

Bjorn poured some purple punch, "You really should try this stuff out, it might add some color to your cheeks."

The girl's eyebrows furrowed, "Color? My cheeks are fine." She took a step towards the table, trying to decide whether to stand or sit.

He chuckled, "You looked as pale as a ghost at the reaping. I'm glad I volunteered, nothing to be nervous about with that decision. You, on the other hand," he shook his head as he peeled a mandarin orange.

She crossed her arms, her eyes flashing at his insinuations, "Well, some people don't plan all their lives to go around murdering each other."

"Murder?" He shook his head, sucking on the tangy flavor, "It's just a game, and you don't need to be all uptight. Loosen up, it might help you live a tiny bit longer."

The doors swung open as Annora walked in. "Enjoying the food?" She picked up a plate, "Pineapple is my personal favorite."

Bjorn grinned, "Yeah, it's pretty swell. I'd do anything to eat like this every day."

Annora raised her eyebrows, "That's positively the most stupid thing I have ever heard anyone say." She set down her plate, "Good job, you've made me lose my appetite. Something few can achieve."

She turned towards the girl, "Your name's Blair, right?"

Blair nodded, while Annora continued, "I'm sorry there wasn't a volunteer for you. Some years things don't go as well planned at the Centre, the girls aren't as interested in volunteering. But don't count yourself out, you still have as much a chance as any volunteer from four ever had."

Bjorn nearly choked, "Her, a chance? She's obviously a wimp, probably won't last,"

Annora stepped back, swinging. Kiwi spilled from Bjorn's lips as Annora's hand cut across his cheek. "Hold your tongue, Bjorn Timmons. Ripley's not here to take over your education right now, so I will."

Bjorn tasted blood on his cheek, and he rubbed at his mouth, "What was that for?"

Annora stared at him, "I've seen you down at the training center. I know your skill. Listen to me, don't push my buttons by putting down other tributes; you and I might just get along."

Annora glanced back at Blair. The girls face was positively ghostly. "Blair, you need to drink some water. You look dehydrated."

Blair nodded, mutely drinking the glass Annora handed her. "I look forward to working with you two." She stepped away, taking a golden pear with her.

The doors swung open, and Annora paused, looking back at the kids, "Oh, by the way. Welcome to the 101st Hunger Games."

Ok...that's it for now.

Your personal favorite? Which one intrigued you? And which one can you not wait to hear more about?

I love reviews! The longer, the better :-)

And I had deleted the author's note...but apparently I need to keep it to not mess up reviews. Sorry about that, hopefully all is fixed now!