These things will change
I can see it now
These walls that they put up to hold us back
Will fall down
Alexandrite Renaldi, 17
District 1 Female
The alarm clock rings at exactly 6:45 am, just like it does every day. I hit the snooze another four times before I finally decide to get up and start my same routine that I do every morning. My same boring hair, my same boring make-up, my same boring clothes, in this same boring district.
Are you seeing a pattern?
I feel trapped. I guess you could call me spoiled, but I don't want more than what I have. This might sound inconsiderate, but to be honest I think the idea of not having enough would at least add a little bit excitement to life. When you live in District 1 literally everything is handed to you. Our poorest in District 1 is still better off than the richest in District 12.
I've always wondered what it would be like to escape these walls that trap me in. Here I'm just another girl that's going through the day to day that everyone goes through when they're under eighteen in the Districts. Wake up, get dressed, go to the academy, hang out in the square with your friends, and then go home. Wash, rinse and repeat.
"Alexandrite!' screams mom from downstairs. "Chanel is here. You're late...again!"
"Mom! I'm trying!"
"Your alarm went off a number of times sweetheart. You should have-"
"Been better prepared," I say reciting the same speech that I've heard over and over again for years now. "I know my fault, bad tardy Alexandrite. I'm coming!"
A few seconds later there is a knock at my door and my best friend Chanel is standing at the door. She has a huge smile on her face and walks directly to my bed and throws herself down onto it. "You're such a smartass," she says with a chuckle. "I don't think I've ever seen a woman who can roll her eyes as far back as your mom can. It's actually kind of impressive."
I grab my red lipstick off the vanity. It's become a bit of a trademark for me and what I'm known for around the district. "I know," I respond chuckling. "Love Passion to death, but she's a little repetitive huh?"
"I heard that." says my mom with a smile at the door.
"Right on time," I say turning back to face her with a smile. "Tell me, mom, isn't this whole routine getting a little old? I think it's time we try something new. I only go to the academy rather than both from now on, and that way I can sleep in until twelve!" I say with a huge smile on my face.
"Alex, you know why we won't let you enroll full time. It's unrealistic. We don't want you to do something as reckless as the games."
My mother and I don't argue ever. We have an amazing relationship actually, but this is the one thing I will go up in arms about. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to get out of this district. I've always been jealous of places like District 4 and District 6. 6 because they have mountains, and I would literally never stop staring at them, and 4 because well, the ocean. Not to mention the attractive surfer guys.
But in a country like Panem, you don't have many opportunities to really explore yourself. Or anywhere else. The games is that shot for any tribute. You get to leave the District, see the Capitol, all of the best candidates enroll in the academy. They've scouted me for years, but Passion is almost non-existent for me to be able to do it full time.
"I can't lose you too." she says as she has tears well up in her eyes.
My dad knocked my mom up when they were sixteen, that's right folks, I'm a child from out of wedlock. My dad then decided that when he was eighteen he had to enter the games to better our family. He was runner-up in the 14th Hunger Games.
"I'm not dad," I say quickly. People wouldn't see me coming, mom! I just want to prove that I can-"
"Alex, we aren't discussing this!" says my mother firmly. "The answer is no. You aren't allowed to do the academy full time. You're lucky I even let you do it at all!" she says firmly.
"You did such stupid stuff when you were a kid!" I respond haughtily. "You got knocked up for crying out loud! I'm a respectable student, I make good grades, and I never ask for anything. This is my dream mom!" I say
"No.," she says as she turns around and walks away. "Hurry up, you have to go to class."
She slams the door and we hear her as she stomps down the stairs. I roll my eyes and finishing applying my lipstick and then look over at Chanel who has laid there quietly and trying not to move.
"Well, that was awkward," she says trying to move past the subject.
I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
Oliver St. James, 18
District 1 Male
Every name in the book has been thrown at me. Creep, weirdo, school shooter. All because I'm not quite as understood as the other guys here in District 1.
We're a very vain District. We are constantly worried about who's getting the latest trend, what a Capitol celebrity has done, or what is happening on the latest soap opera. I'm just not about things like that. When I grew up I thought I had a problem because of it. I tried to fit in for so long after awhile I just wasn't happy.
It wasn't until I joined the academy that life started making sense. For the first time ever something mainstream was something I took interest in. I was able to go through the training and not look like a complete loser, and I was strong enough to do well.
But I quickly realized that even though I finally found common ground with the people I so desperately wanted to fit in with, that I still didn't fit in.
District 1 holds a little bit of a reputation. Which is cocky, especially for the full-time academy enrollers. They are always bragging and talking about the different simulations they've won, or the different sparrings they've succeeded at.
Because I don't do that, I became the freak.
It wasn't an intentional thing, but people just assume I'm arrogant. I guess I do kind of have this pretty boy vibe going on, and I suppose it can come across as intimidating when I spar and do the simulations, but I don't try to come off as arrogant. I guess I'm just hard to know.
I think the real indicator of why I don't fit in is because I didn't want to do the games for the glory, or even to prove I'm the toughest. To be frank, I wanted more in life than mining diamonds and placing them into rings. I wanted to be more than just average in my district.
I wanted to be somebody.
I know that almost sounds kind of contradictory. Wanting to be someone, and then not wanting to do the games for glory. Hear me out, though. We can't do anything here in the Districts. You see what's around you, the diamond shops, the glitzy clothing companies, the name brand waters, and that's all you see.
You're literally trapped in a life with no way out just because of where you were born. Sure there is opportunities for being a model, and if you're really good they let you come to the Capitol, but that hardly ever happens.
The games are my one shot. My one chance to finally make something of myself. To not just be the creepy weird kid, to not just be the silent arrogant douche bag that everyone has labeled me. It's a chance to show them that Oliver St. James isn't a clone of anything. Oliver St., James is simply Oliver St. James.
It's my last year to volunteer, and last year I was so close to getting chosen. I wanted more than anything to volunteer, but I was second place by half a point. I was infuriated. This year I have to be chosen. I feel like my destiny is dangling like a carrot before me, and all I have to do is run fast enough to grab it.
As I lay in bed when I'm older, I don't want to think back on all the times I played it safe. I'm not an idiot. I know the games are statistically more negative for people than positive. I know that it isn't going to be a walk in the park. Shoot, I know that I'm probably not going to be able to get the faces of those I have to kill out of my head.
But I know I'll never forgive myself either way. So I might as well make it the self-loathing something that comes with perks.
"I'll show them," I whisper to myself. "I'll show everyone."
I take a deep breath and begin to strip down to my boxers as I climb into my bed. I bring the blanket all the way up to my chin and curl up in a fetal position as I turn to the side. I close my eyes and begin to imagine what life would be like without the title of freak or weirdo, but the title of Victor.
"I'll show them," I repeat to myself as I drift off into a deep sleep.
When the alarm clock goes off the following morning, I jump up out of bed. It's a big day today. This is either the first day of the rest of my life or the moment I realize I'm exactly what everyone has said about me.
I don't think I'm prepared for the latter
When I finish getting ready I walk out into the living room where I see mom and dad eating breakfast where they normally do every morning. They smile when they see me and mom holds up a plate for me to eat.
"No time, mom." I say "I'm already running late."
"Good luck son!" says dad excitedly. "No matter what know that we are proud of you."
It's a revolution
The time will come
Things will never be the same
Alexandrite Renaldi, 17
District 1 Female
It's a tradition in District 1 for the entirety of the academy and the school to get together for the announcement of who will be participating in the games every year. We all sit in our respective groups as they call the two volunteers up to the stage to congratulate them.
I'll be honest, I really want to volunteer. I know, however, that volunteering, when not selected, is very ill advised. So I'll sit and watch another girl take my dreams and probably die in the arena. I'm fine with just about anyone getting into the games. Except for Lucy.
Or as I call her, Loosey. I bet you can guess why.
She's awful. Literally the epitome of the word awful. Everything about her is the walking stereotype for what District 1 has been made to be, and it only disgusts me. Rumor has she dyed her eyeballs. HER EYEBALLS, because brown just wasn't what a District 1 tribute was supposed to be. She's been claiming it's false for years, but I've seen some photos of her with brown eyes.
"Who do you think gets it this year?" ask Chanel as she smiles at an academy boy who hasn't taken his eyes off her since she sat down.
"I'm not sure. Rumor is Oliver St. James is a huge contender, but Paris Stone is right on his tracks. For the girls, it's honestly anyone's match."
It's torturous to keep up with all the rumors of who is going in, and you have to know where to go to get the correct information. I live for this time of year, though. It's fun to see if you're right or wrong, and after the announcement we get the rest of the day off school.
The academy boy continues to undress Chanel with his eyes as she flips her hair and laughs like I said something funny. It's her typical routine. It works every time though so I guess I really can't say anything.
Like I knew he would the boy gets up and comes and introduces himself. He smiles at me politely but makes sure to adjust his eyes back to Chanel as soon as the tact was presented. He looks like he's about to say something, but the poor guy quickly gets tongue-tied.
"Can we help you?" ask Chanel urging him on.
"Uh, yeah, I mean, well, you can? I mean, yes. Yes, you can-"
"Pick me up at 8," she says giggling as she pulls a pen out from her bag and writes a number down on his hand. He smiles at himself and then walks back to where he was sitting where his group of friends all clap him on the back.
"Did you actually give him your number?" I ask surprised.
"Yeah, the hopeless ones are always the cutest." she says smiling.
The head trainer of the academy comes up to the microphone and taps on it twice to get everyone's attention. It goes silent in the gymnasium as he begins to pump up the arena full of potential tributes.
"Hello District 1!" he says proudly. "My name is Andros Miller, and I was the first Victor that District 1 has ever seen! It is now time to announce the two that will get the chance to do what I did so many years ago and compete in the thirty-first Hunger Games!" He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a pink envelope signifying the girl that will be going into the games this year. He smiles as he looks out into the audience and clears his throat. "This year we've done something a little unorthodox. For the first time ever, we've picked a female tribute that isn't at the academy full time. This girl shows hard work, dedication, and constantly pushes herself for more. We believe that her wit and her intellect in situations will be a strong asset for her in the games. Please give a hand for Alexandrite Renaldi!"
I sit there and begin to clap for the girl that was chosen for the games, and then I realize that there are a number of people looking at me. I turn to Chanel who is jumping up and down with excitement as she screams "Alex, it's you! Holy crap! It's you!"
"Alexandrite, please come up to the front and make your choice!"
"Holy shit," I whisper under my breath as I get up and begin to walk down to the stage. I get to the microphone and I see all the academy girls who were sitting first row, stare daggers at me as I still am not fully processing what just happened. "I...I.."
"You…?" ask Andros prompting me.
"I accept!" I say gladly as he pats me on my back.
"Very good!" he says. "We're very proud of you, and we think you have the potential to pull it off!"
After he announces my name he pulls the blue card out of his pocket and smiles to the audience."This tribute needs no explanation in my opinion. Please welcome, Oliver St. James!"
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people walk in circles
It's a very very
Mad world
Oliver St. James, 18
District 1 Male
When the alarm goes off today I can't contain my excitement. I can't remember the last time I had this much kick in my step. Everything seems brighter, and everyone seems happier. I'm happier. This is a whole new Oliver St. James.
I run into the living room dressed and ready to go and see mom and dad smiling broadly. Mom comes and gives me a big hug and smiles as dad then wraps me in a giant bear hug.
"We are so proud of you, son!" he says happily. "Good luck! Go off and win!"
I nod as I run out of the house and head towards the square. People stop and stare at me like normal, but there's something different about it this time. It's not in disgust or anger, but instead, it's in admiration. Girls are smiling at me. Boys are giving me an approving nod.
My whole life I've told myself that it didn't matter what they thought, but it feels so GOOD to finally have them think good.
I arrive at the square and get my finger pricked and then make my way to the 18-year-old boy section. People are patting me on the back as I make my way to the front, and I look over at the 17-year-old girl section and see Alexandrite. She looks beautiful in a red sundress with matching heels. Her hair is in a loose braid, and her makeup is done accordingly.
When the escort walks onto the stage everyone is cheering as she throws her hands up and smiles at everyone. "Hello District 1!" she screams. "My name is Eudoria Cynox. As you know I'm so excited to be here! Let's waste no time, shall we! Let's meet the lady that will be representing District 1 this year!"
The audience roars with excitement as she dances her way to the back of the stage and begins to dig around in the bowl. She smiles as she pulls out a name that she knows won't be entering the games and then walks back to the front of the of the stage.
"Without further ado, please let us give a warm applause to...Chanel Abreeze!"
Before Chanel even gets a chance to move Alexandrite is raising her hand. "I VOLUNTEER!" she shouts loud and proud. There is an audible scream from the audience and I turn around to see a woman with dark brown hair and a face that is almost exactly the same as Alexandrite with tears falling down her face.
Alexandrite makes it to the front of the stage and Eudoria holds out her hands to help her make it up the stairs. "What is your name dear?"
"My name is Alexandrite Renaldi! I'm excited to finally get the chance to represent my great District. I promise to do you guys proud! I promise to make this worthwhile, and I promise to do everything in my power to make sure District 1 finally gets a Victor again!"
The audience claps their hands brightly as the escort begins to interview Alexandrite on various things. When she's finished she walks back to the boy's bowl and pulls out a name, but I'm not going to let her even read it.
"I VOLUNTEER" I shout.
She giggles into the microphone and motions for me to come up. I run up to the stage and look out into the audience smiling.
"What is your name dear?" she ask
"The name is Oliver St. James! I promise to be the best District representative I can possibly be. With all that I have, I promise I'll be back when the games are over."
The audience roars as I finish my statement and Eudoria holds Alexandrite and I's hands in the air and shouts "DISTRICT 1! I GIVE YOU THIS YEARS TRIBUTES! ALEXANDRITE RENALDI AND OLIVER ST. JAMES!"
Well, that was our first reaping! I hope I didn't butcher these two. Let me know what you thought, please!
I'll only say this once, but I really consider if someone is reading whether or not I kill tributes. So keep that in mind. I would really appreciate knowing that you're involved.
Keep it classy,
Caleb