According to you
I'm stupid
I'm useless
I can't do anything right
According to you
I'm difficult
Hard to please
Forever changing my mind
Arabia Hakim, 16
District 4 Tribute
If life were a giant puzzle, and the people surrounding you were the pieces to making the perfect picture, my family and I would be the odd pieces out. My father jokes how we were never made for District 4, but my theory is, my family wasn't made for Panem in general.
My family is Islamic. If you were to ask people what that meant around here I don't think anyone would be able to tell you what that means. Panem did a terrific job at taking the different cultures that made people who they were in the Dark Days and completely annihilate them. If I'm being honest, my family really doesn't know everything about Islam. We know we are supposed to pray five times a day and face something called "Mecca", but in a world where Mecca is no more, where do you pray?
Don't get me wrong, even though I know virtually none of my heritage, I'm so proud of who my family is. I'm proud that my parents thought it important enough to teach me and my sisters about the ways of our ancestors. I'm proud that we have something different to strive for in life other than the typical District 4 citizen.
But in a place like Four, you're nothing without a title.
I'm constantly surrounded by light skinned people with perfect complexions and clear green and blue eyes. People who have light hair, and it only gets lighter when they're out in the sun. They're truly beautiful people. And as much as I hate to admit this, I want to be like them.
"Arabia," calls my father from the living room, "maweid alssala!"
Time to pray is basically the only thing my family knows in arabic, and the only reason we found what it meant was because of my great grandfather. He was a very intelligent man. Back in the Dark Days, he was a big time surgeon at the best hospital in the country before ours. He noticed how things were starting to fall apart for that country, and he wanted to make sure the legacy of our family history continued. He wrote it down in a book, but unfortunately it got damaged throughout the years.
My dad's dad, however, knew that phrase. So it's what he would always say to get my dad and his siblings to come and pray. We've had to bend the rules a bit with how we do it due to the whole religions being banned thing. The girl from 10 in the 25th Hunger Games sealed that rule pretty solidly. But what we do in our home is our business.
"Coming!" I say.
I get out of my bed and walk downstairs to the living room. Raqqa and Ninevah are already there kneeling on the floor, and my parents left a spot open for me next to my dad. As I go and kneel, we say our prayers, and then we go and eat breakfast as a family.
"Today is a big day isn't it, Arabia?" asks dad as he takes the first bite of his breakfast. My dad has always been a happy man. Firm in his beliefs and strong in his will, but happy nonetheless.
"Sure is," I say.
It's almost unheard of in our District to have a sixteen year old even be considered for the Games. We have a new head trainer this year, however, and she's had it with the girls in four who rely on their looks to win. We've had 3 female victors in the past 31 years, and they all got there by flirting and playing males. The head trainer told all the recruits this year that's not how she plays it.
"I want a girl, no, I want a woman who is going to march into that arena and show these boys she's not one to mess with," she said with such power and authority. "I want a woman who is going to be an empowering symbol to our district, and overall really change the course of the female tributes from our District."
To my surprise, I squeezed through the cracks every round, and now sitting in the final four tributes to be selected, I have the chance to go into the Games. I know it's weird, a person like me, that wants to go into the games, but if you can imagine I'm pretty, well, different. This District has never understood me. It's always belittled me in every way. This is my chance to show them I'm just as good as the flirts, or the surfer boys. That I'm strong and courageous. That I'm everything my family taught me to be, as well as a strong female.
I will win these games, not for glory, or honor, or even fame. I will win these Games to prove that I can, and to show the people in my District that I'm capable, and differences aren't exactly all weaknesses.
"You better get going, sweetheart," says dad as he opens up the paper our District distributes called the "The Wave". "You don't want to be late for the panel meeting. It's not good for the reputation."
"Yes, sir,' I say getting up and carrying my plate to the sink. I walk out of the kitchen and head towards the front door. I take a deep breath before I step out and let the air fill every part of my lungs. "Allah help me," I whisper as I take the first step out of my home.
I'm sailing away set an open course for the virgin sea
I've got to be free free to face the life that's ahead of me
On board I'm the captain so climb aboard
We'll search for tomorrow on every shore
And I'll try oh Lord I'll try to carry on
Delta Brooks, 17
District 4 Male
I've always felt a call from water. Something about it beckons me, and wants me to embrace it full heartedly, but that's the thing. Water is unforgiving. It's rough and wild, it does whatever it wants, it takes whatever it wants. It's ironic that the one thing that beckons me is the one thing I won't run to.
I describe myself as a sail. Constantly going wherever the wind will take me. I always wanted to see everything. Not just the world, but everything. I don't necessarily mean traveling outside of the District. There is so much around here that I've never even seen. Every day I'm able to find something that I have never seen before.
I stand at the edge of the ocean and frown at its unforgiving touch. I haven't been in the ocean in years, and I don't plan on doing it anytime soon.
"Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink."
I turn around and see Kai standing behind me with the same smile on her face. She flips her sandy blonde hair and chuckles as I roll my eyes and turn back towards the ocean. She comes and joins me and places her hand into mine.
"We can jump right now, Delta," she says. "Right now just jump into the water. Splash around, it can be like old times."
I nod my head in disagreement and back away from the water, quickly letting go of her hand. She turns to me and looks disappointed and then sits by the shoreline and pats the sand next to her telling me to come and sit down. I come back to the shoreline and sit next to her as she leans her head against my shoulder and I grab her hand once more. She traces the outline of my finger with her thumb.
"I really want to go into the water, Delta." she says more forcefully this time.
"I've told you that I'm not interested," I say more forcefully.
"You're such a big talker," she says angrily letting go of my hand. "Always wanting to go on a big adventure but never wanting to do something worthwhile. You're a poser, Delta!"
"Don't call me that!" I scream back.
People that are on the beach with us begin looking in our direction. She always does this, though. Why is it so bad for me to be adventurous where I want to be. I just want to do what I want?
"Hey, kid?" ask a man standing a few feet away from us. "Who are you talking too?"
"Do you not see her-" I begin to ask but when I turn around Kai is gone.
"Hey aren't you the male volunteer for the Hunger Games this year?" ask the man as he walks closer to me trying to get a better look.
"Yes, that's me," I say proudly. Training has always been my biggest stress reliever. Always allowing me to move around and do crazy stuff. There's something about being able to punch something that really gets you pumped and ready to do anything. It's like a greek god effect.
"Don't let yourself get to amped up, kid." says the guy as he walks away towards his wife.
I look at the water and shiver one last time before I realize how long I've been sitting here and watching. Kai really got the better of me this time. I turn towards the giant clock tower at our square and see that I have 10 minutes to make it across town to find out who the female tribute for the games is.
"Sorry to disappear like that," says Kai following me as I run towards the academy.
"Yeah, where'd you run off too?" I say slowing dow,n and turning my face to her. She is covered in water and dripping all over the place. I laugh upon seeing her. "You went for a swim, huh?"
"You know me," she says. "Can't stay away from the water."
We continue running and when we finally make it to the academy training building, and we get there 10 minutes late.
"Mr. Brooks." says Dean Trainer Marquesas, "Nice of you to join us. Hurry in."
"Yes sir," I say running into the academy building. I see four girls sitting in front of the new head trainer. 2 of the girls are the normal looking tributes that we see from four, while two are completely different from any of the two volunteers I've ever seen.
"Mr. Brooks, take a seat. You're late. I have half a mind to pick the next male tribute I had selected."
"Doing last minute training, Ms. Barstoo," I say. "I just lost track of time."
But according to him
I'm beautiful
Incredible
He can't get me out of his head
Arabia Hakim, 16
District 4 Female
Delta Brooks walks into the room lazy and careless as ever. How this boy got selected before someone like me is out of my grasp of comprehension. But he did, and now sitting here, he doesn't have to freak out about having his dream come true.
"Now ladies, I think what I'd like to do is talk to each of you individually. Virtually your ability to perform in the games is about the same. No one is a better choice than the other if we are just including your athleticism. However, what I'd like to consider is your drive, and what motivates you." she says looking at each of us. "I will start with Ms. Hakim. The rest of you see your way out," says Ms. Barstool as she ushers the rest of the potentials out of the room.
When the rest of the tributes are gone, she motions for me to take the seat right in front of her. I'm not normally a girl that allows her nerves to get the best of her. However, with this trainer holding my literal whole life in her hands, I can't seem to get a grasp on things.
"Now, Ms. Hakim, you seem like a bright girl," says Ms. Barstool. "You seem to have a good head on your shoulders, and know what you want from life. However, I can't overlook what seems to be a hesitant vibe I get from you. You have a certain quality about you that strikes me a little interesting that you're wanting to go into the games. Tell me something." she says getting up and closing the door. "If I were to say, maweid alssala, would you know what that means?"
My heart stops, and I hope it doesn't show on my face. There is no real law to religion in Panem, but it's a huge hinderance to a lot of things in your life. You won't get hired at certain jobs, you get fined if they find out you're practicing, they also make it illegal for more than two families suspected of practicing to be together at the same time.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I say clearing my throat and fixing my face to look unphased. Ms. Barstool smiles slightly and writes a note down on her paper.
"I make it a point to really know my candidates, Ms. Hakim. Though you're a fairly good liar, there's a little work you need to do as far as controlling your facial expressions. I think it's great that in a place where so many people try to tell you how to live you've found something else to live for. However, my problem is that will that hold you back? Is that something that's going to get in the way of your time in the games? Once you step into that arena you either leave with your pulse still going or in a casket."
I take in everything she just said, and try to figure out how best to answer this. There is a certain answer they're looking for in a tribute, but weighing out the answer they want to hear and the truth is two separate things.
"Look," I say. "For the longest time in this district my family has been ridiculed and labeled by the color of my skin. Because they can afford to put me through the academy, and because we aren't the in the lower class I've always been bullied and put down. If I were to get in this game I would give it everything I have. I'm ready to prove to not only other people like me, but also people that told me I couldn't. That I wasn't worth it, that I wasn't someone worth putting the time in. I'm strong, determined, and more than capable. If my culture prevents me from getting in this game, it'll be like everything else. I have two years left. I will always still fight for it."
"That's the fire I'm looking for, Arabia," says Ms. Barstool as she gets up from her desk and walks over to the window. "I've had my eyes on you from the moment I got here. There was something about you that stuck out to me. In the chaos of surfer wannabes, and kids training because it's the cool thing to do, I saw a warrior in you."
She faces me and smiles.
"Looking out this window I see a world of opportunities for you. You can be anything you want to be. You can do anything you want to do, because you're tenacious in spirit and strong at heart. If you do get in these games, I have to tell you that you need to work on your social activity. You're not the most approachable, and once the games hit it's all about trust." she says.
She comes and sits down at the desk and scribbles a few more notes down on a piece of paper and then looks up at me.
"If you're selected to partake in the games I will be wearing a bright pink scarf tomorrow. The other girls that are in the running are all assigned a color. If you volunteer when your color is not being worn you will get no help from us as a District. Understood?"
"Perfectly," I respond
"Good, you may leave now," she says flipping the page and standing up to open the door for me. "Look sad," she instructs as she is opening the door. I put on a sad face that lets them know our interview didn't go well and walk down the hall towards the door.
I can't go anywhere, I can't do anything
No I can't close my eyes without you in my dreams
You won't leave me alone, even though I know you're gone
I look around for someone new, but baby I see you
Delta Brooks, 17
District 4 Male
I stand and look at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Today is everything I've ever worked for. Everything I've ever wanted. All those long days of training, all those long sleepless nights, all those things I missed out on to get to this point fade into the background. Because right now it's just me and the games.
"You look handsome." says Kai as she appears behind me and puts her head on my back shoulder. "Flannels has always been your thing, and those jeans make your butt look nice." she says as she ruffles my hair.
"Could you not?" I ask giggling. "I need to look presentable today, look cool."
"You always do." she says. She quickly looks at the clock on my bedside table and freaks out. "Dude, it's almost time! You're literally the worst when it comes to being on time!"
We run down the stairs and out into the street. Luckily, the square is not that far from my house. We make it there and I quickly check in sliding into the seventeen-year-old boy section. The escort comes out a few minutes later and she is giddy as we've ever seen her.
"Hello District 4!" she says smiling. "I just got done talking to your trainers about the tributes this year and they said the ones that were selected are REALLY promising! Maybe we can bring home a Victor?! Oh and I'm supposed to mention a bright pink scarf." she says a little confused. "Anyways, let's get the girls."
She walks to the back of the stage and grabs the girl envelope and smiles. "The young lady entering the games this year is...Bay Jordan!"
"I VOLUNTEER!"
There is a gasp as Arabia walks up to the front of the stage and stands there proud and tall. "My name is Arabia Hakim, and I'm so excited to show you what I can do!"
"Now for the boys!"
I look over to Kai in the seventeen-year-old girls section. She looks at me concerned. Arabia was the one person that I was hoping didn't make the games this year. She's intense.
"The male entering the games this year is...Baraby Bronson!"
"I VOLUNTEER!" I scream at the top of my lungs. I was so distracted by Arabia I almost missed the chance to volunteer.
"DISTRICT 4 YOUR TRIBUTES ARABIA HAKIM AND...wait, what was your name, I'm sorry." she says as I get to the front of the stage.
"Delta Brooks."
"DELTA BROOKS!" she screams
The audience claps as we are forced to take a bow and then head into the justice building. I'm expecting a few people to come and say goodbye to me, but not a lot. When I'm sitting in the goodbye room the first person to come in is Kai. She smiles at me and wraps me in a big hug when the door closes.
"I'm so proud of you-" she begins but then starts coughing. I pull away to see if she's okay, but she falls to her knees and begins cough more intensely.
"KAI!" I scream as I get down on the floor to help her.
She looks up at me still coughing, and the next thing I know she spits water in my face, still coughing. I watch as my beautiful girlfriend changes from lively and charismatic to everything about her looking, well, wet. Her hair starts to lose the volume that it had, and her color drains from her face.
"Kai!" I scream. "What's going on?!"
Finally, she stops coughing and then lies on the ground. When I try to run to the door she appears in front of me. This time not smiling and energetic, but angry and decrepit looking.
"What are you doing?! Why can you do this?!"
"You killed me, Delta." she says sadly. "I'm lost at sea, my body is drifting all around, and you just left me there!" she says starting to get angry. "You ran away and watched as that boat sank and left me. You told me you could handle it! You told me you could do it!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!" I say.
"You'll remember soon enough, Delta," she says. "We'll be together soon."
With that she disappears before my eyes and I fall to my knees gasping for breath. The PeaceKeeper guarding my room opens the door suspiciously.
"Uh, not sure who you're screaming for, but your parents are here to see you." he says
"S-send them in." I say.
Well this is District 4. Sorry this took longer than I wanted to update this. I had a busy break.
For those confused: Delta and Kai were dating for 3 years prior to the games. The year before the 31st games, the 30th for those who need a bit of help, there was a really bad boating accident, and Delta left in fear. It's also where his fear of water comes from. He doesn't remember the incident, and Kai is a figment of his imagination. Her body was never recovered.
Also, for Arabia..I'm not Islamic, so I did my best. It's a completely different religion than what I'm apart of so I just didn't know if I did it okay. I apologize if I insulted anyone. Also, phrase in Arabic courtesy of google translate.
Let me know what you think of these two. (ALSO 153 REVIEWS?! WHAT THE HECK)
Keep it classy,
Caleb