The Tributes:
The Capitol:
President Raven's POV:
"What exactly are these?"
I looked up from my stack of papers to see Adminstan strolling into the room. His frustration was cleverly masked behind his cool demeanor. Once he was in front of my desk, he dramatically placed another stack of papers right under my nose. Why did all politicians, including myself, have to be so over the top?
"It seems to be a set of rules. Says so right there," I pointed at the header.
"I know what they are," he hissed.
"Then why are you here asking me these useless questions?" I deflected.
Adminstan Svetlana was a man who mirrored me in many ways. He was a cold, intelligent, calculating man. His ambitions ran wild and he was my biggest threat when I ran to become the President of Panem. There was a point where I thought I was doomed to lose to this man. Not only was he far more social than me, but he had much more money… Money that one could very well spend on votes. Not that he was ever accused of doing so…
"These rules are ridiculous!" he fumed, showing his anger openly.
I knew when I passed these that Adminstan would be the first one at my door. After he lost to me, I made him the Treasurer of Panem. I knew it would satisfy his ambitions… For a time. Collecting all the money in Panem and fueling the economy would give any man with ego issues a wet dream. Ever since he has had the position, he has filled it well. He was reliable with all the money we had, and I could depend on him to take care of any debts that needed to be settled… Even if they had to be settled permanently.
"I am going to take a wild guess and assume you're referring to the new sponsorship rules?"
"Of course I am," he said with gritted teeth.
I took the top page in my hand and glanced through it, for his benefit.
"So you're saying it would be fair to let the rich Capitolian parents sponsor their own children?"
"It isn't about fair," he whined, "Think about all the money you're wasting! Plus, the parents can't use it on any other Capitolian children either! All they can do is spend it on those district swine, and we know they won't do that."
"I can think of a few exceptions," I sighed as I tossed it aside, "Besides, you have to remember that those 'swine' were the only people we could sponsor for centuries. The children of the Capitol will receive plenty of money from other residents they are not related to, I can assure you Adminstan."
"I don't find anything you say 'reassuring' anymore."
His words rang through the office and I flinched. I stared at him icily, trying to send him some sort of warning. I would humor him because of his position, but defiance was not something to openly show in front of me. I was not only overstressed from the upcoming games, but also with the rest of Panem as a whole. Dealing with the rebels that were sprouting up everywhere in small pockets was tiring, to say the least. I didn't need any kind of enemy close to me now.
"Watch your words carefully, Svetlana."
"Why? Regardless of what I say, you're going to do what you want. Whether that be throwing our children into the Games or taking Victors secretly into custody, you'll do it. Maybe next you'll invite some people participating in the rebellion to a party?"
The pen in my hand snapped and I pressed a button on my desk.
"Please escort Mr. Svetlana out of my office. Our conversation is now over."
Before he could say anything, two Peacekeepers marched into the room. They grabbed him by either side. He laughed, saying,
"If you wanted me to leave, all you had to do was ask."
"These rules are here to stay," I barked, "They are to put everyone in the arena on as even ground as possible. If you can't accept that, then that's just too bad."
Adminstan was pulled out of the room. The doors slammed ominously behind him. After a minute, my anger faded as well as the shaking. I pressed one more button and spoke into the receiver, "Lopunny, remove Rena Trewer from the list. Please add Lyra Svetlana in her place."
"Yes, Madame President."
After I sighed in frustration, the room was filled with silence. When would the people of this country learn that defying me only meant more pain and suffering?
Upper Capitol:
Court Sterling (18) [Dnhost24] is a teenage heart-throb in the Capitol. Young girls (and boys) flock to him with pictures in hand. He has lived in the spotlight for years now, modeling for several different magazines as well as making appearances on various entertainment networks. He appears to only care about the exciting things in life: parties, drugs, fashion, and the Hunger Games. However, underneath the glitz and glamour, this man is spinning one of the biggest charades in the Capitol… A charade that is always hanging on the edge of a knife. Will Court be able to bewitch the hearts of his fellow tributes, or will his own heart be the one to stop dead in its tracks?
Lyra Svetlana (17) [GoldyFox] is the wealthy daughter of the Treasurer of Panem. With her extravagant, frilly style and childish attitude, this girl doesn't appear to be a threat in the slightest. However, beneath the giggles and the ribbons lies a person with a psychopathic streak of selfishness and sadism. She's fearless, because she's bored, and ruthless, because everything eventually adds to her boredom. Will Lyra's selfishness and lack of empathy for anyone else be the key to her survival, or the death of her?
Central Capitol:
Vair Laconte (18) [Aspect Of One] is the successor to the Dark Duchess, a chain of prosperous restaurants in the Capitol. After years of learning the family business, schmoozing everyone around him, and proving himself, Vair couldn't be more ready to begin his life. However, the Hunger Games had another plan for him. Fed with a silver spoon his entire life, Vair is unprepared for the dangers he is soon to face. Will Vair be able to glide by on his guile and intellect, or will his paranoia and clouded judgment send him plummeting to his death?
Moriah Vettore (18) [jakey121] is the kind of girl who doesn't shy away from who she is. She has no qualms with saying what is truly on her mind and expressing how she feels. She embraces life and wishes to explore every aspect of it. People find her a bit odd because of her intellect that she chooses not to hide behind drugs and parties. Although always seen with a smile, there's an intensity to her that seems to wrangle everyone into overdramatic situations. Even though there is a kind heart in this Capitolian, she is oblivious to the true horrors of Panem. Will Moriah's connection with people lead to an unbreakable alliance, or will her heedless words create a frenzy of drama around her?
Lower Capitol:
Flint Crypton (16) [Thorn5502] is like a butterfly. He's happy and cheerful and fluidly moves from one friend to the next. He longs to experience all the ins and outs of life; choosing to become friends with people from every walk of it. His passion has always been in music and he recently became part of the Capitol's Symphonic Orchestra. Ever the optimist, he sees the Hunger Games as a way to further his popularity and possibly get his music more known. Like most of the Capitol, he treats them just like they are called: a game. Will Flint's happy-go-lucky attitude and determination help him through the first movement, or will the Hunger Games lead to one, final crescendo?
Tatum Memphis (12) [Times have changed] is a fragile looking child who is tiny in stature. In the Hunger Games, one image is perceived for twelve year olds: simpering, weak, sniveling, and useless. For better or worse, that's not this girl. At one point she used to be like other Capitolian girls who giggled and dreamed about big things, but life hardened her. After her father's mysterious disappearance and her mother and herself being forced into destitution, Tatum began to find easy work in the darker corners of the Capitol. After all, who would suspect a little girl to smuggle drugs or bash someone's knees in? Will Tatum's demure appearance and steeled heart sway the odds in her favor, or will the pressure of the Hunger Games crack this little girl's mentality?
District One:
Zavij Kensington (18) [PowerPlayer] is a man surrounded by mystery. Originally from District Two, his mother became the Head Peacekeeper of this district only two years prior. What happened during his time growing up in District Two, including the nature of his scarred face, is not known by any. This mutilated face gives no signs of his secrets or how he feels about them. Will the actions of Zavij's give him the skills to become the next victor, or will his past come back to haunt him?
Zara (18) [isabella1234] is an outcast in District One. No family, no money, and no beauty; she is seen as worthless by all. Every attempt to become a part of her district has failed, leaving only one option… The Hunger Games. This dedicated Career spent years not only preparing herself physically, but strategically, for the upcoming Games. Will Zara's true worth finally be seen by all, or will she discover that everyone was right when they said her existence was pointless?
District Two:
Lloyd Verdinal Jr. (18) [Alphabetta] is one of District Two's finest. His patriotism for his home is unrivaled, as well as his appreciation for the life he has been given. Not only is he a capable Career, but he comes from a wealthy, caring family who have taught him how to be a respectable, dependable young man. It is an honor for him to bring back the crown for his District, although few believed he would actually volunteer. Will Lloyd's approachable, likable air carry him through the games, or will he come to find out that not everyone can be won over with pleasant words and a smile?
Kali Trevelle [17] [xxxbookwormmockingjayxxx] is the girl who has it all together. She comes from a well-off family who earned their status through hard work and taught their daughter to do the same. Her ambition and determination know no bounds, creating a strong-willed Career. Everyone believes she is volunteering for the money that comes with victory, but the true reason is not known. Will Kali be able to make her own mark in Panem, or will she forever be in the shadow of other's successes?
District Three:
Copper La'sei (15) (DauntlessCatbug) is desperate. He is frantic to escape his district; a place that is filled with dead ends and hopelessly dark alleys. The rebellion brewing is the only small flicker of light that he has left in his life… And he will do anything to turn that ember into a flame. He knows that since the rebellion is on the edge of bursting in his district (the weakest) that must mean it is at a pivotal point everywhere else. He wants to help push the balance in the rebels favor on national television. Will Copper's strong spirit and bravery bring a new light to many people's lives, or will his spark be crushed before it can even begin to ignite?
Valerie Reine (14) [InkblotsOnThePage] could be considered insane… At least, she and her friends think so. Although raised by hard working parents, she would rather hang out with her rat-pack of crazies than think of the future… Unless it involves her Prince Charming. However, time suddenly runs out for this young dreamer when the Reaping arrives. Will Valerie be able to experience what love truly is, or will she perish alone in the arena?
District Four:
Nimmo Flim (18) [Littlytimmy223] is untouchable. Not only was he born with good looks and charisma, but they could only be enhanced by his Capitolian brother-in-law. However, everyone in the District knows of the Flim family… and something is off about their only son. His intensely sweet words mixed with random outbursts of vulgarity and threats have put off many… including one young woman he was once in a relationship with. He eventually decides he is ready to share his intellect and views with the Capitol, as well as give them a good sport. Will Nimmo be able to use the Hunger Games as a pass to divulge in his darkest desires, or will this 'pass' turn out to be a one-way ticket to hell?
Alexis Andromeda (17) [grandvizier527], like many in District Four, didn't want this. She was content with her job, family, and friends. She had a good life and wouldn't have traded it for the world. She didn't need to be a part of the Games... and, yet, now she was. Instead of backing down, Alexis decides to silence her self-conscious and insecure nature and act like the Careers she has been surrounded by her entire life… At least for the time being. Will Alexis be able to stand strong as a Career, or will her anxieties cause her to crumble under the pressure?
District Five:
Aster Merrin (17) [Acereader55] is a serious worker. All he wants to do with his life is help the mentally sick and problem ridden people of District Five. Since a young age, he has been immersed in his family's psychiatric business. Fascinated by people's issues, way of thinking, and even body language; he became a quick study and soon was helping at every opportunity he could. Although his social life was lacking, he found true contentment between his best friend and his work. However, now that contentment is shattered by the Reapings and he might find himself becoming one of those troubled people he has always strived to help. Will Aster be able to use his observation skills and knowledge of people to further himself in the games, or will he find out that not everything can be solved with simple mind games?
Maddison 'Maddi' Walker (16) [Wysperr] is a blissful girl with a smile always plastered across her face. Unlike the logical technicians and serious citizens of District Five, she finds joy in making others smile and entertaining them. Instead of following in her mother's scientific footsteps, she pursued her grandfather's trade; becoming a magician. For the past decade she has learned the tricks of the trade, becoming good enough to perform on the streets and actually gather tips from wealthier residents. However, although a performer at heart, her ardent mind has taught her not only the slight of hand, but the language of bodies. Will Maddi be able to create an illusion the other tributes will never see through, or will she eventually run out of tricks up her sleeve?
District Six:
Audrin Leveque (16) [J-Hope] can be described in one word: embarrassing. Whether it is his clumsy movements or his airheaded ways, he tends to find a way to humiliate himself. Many see him as an ignorant fool who can't help but apologize for his ways, but there seems to be a hidden layer. Due to one family secret, Audrin has begun to show an irritated, distant side that secretly creates more hidden rage every day. Will this wall Audrin has created protect him from being manipulated, or will he push away any help that could lead him to survival?
Kori Adaire (18) [bobothebear] is the root of many problems. Her laugh, her walk, and her voice are all full of charm… Yet there is something cold and hardened lying just beneath the surface. Her sense of right and wrong is incredibly twisted and she has no remorse for the chaos she causes. However, despite her faults and inner ugliness, she can twist her image to the point where she is whomever she wants you to see. Her life has been filled with lies and other's secrets for years, and she has no problem continuing this pattern in the Hunger Games. Will Kori's callousness of others and lying tongue trick the competition, or will one misplaced lie cause others to turn on her?
District Seven:
Brenton 'Brett' Lamotte (18) [LokiThisIsMadness] is a man created by a careful web of social graces and filters. His family has always been well off and, because of this, has always taught him the proper social etiquette a respectable business man should have. However, underneath the layers of carefully worded grace lies a naïve, almost childish boy trying to be the person he is expected to become. All he wants is for everyone to find happiness and always feel cared for, including him. While he struggles to grasp who he truly is and the dark undertones that surround him, he is very keen on how others are feeling. Will Brett's natural empathy and intuition secure him a solid place in a strong alliance, or will his naivety and insecurities be used to against him?
Athanasia 'Athan' Harvay (16) [Enelya Arcamenal] has been isolated from people most of her life. Her paranoia and sharp temper towards almost everyone has further quarantined her, leaving very few lasting relationships in her life. She's felt trapped by the looming trees and responsibilities, seeing them both as cages meant to keep her in. All she wants is freedom and secretly sees the rebels as the key to it. Will Athan survive long enough to taste freedom, or will she be put into her own personal cage forever: a coffin?
District Eight:
Rowan Marova (16) [ToxicatedRose] is an idealist. He lives in a world of dreams where magic, fairies, spirits, and angels exist. He believes in it all, growing up on the outskirts of District Eight with the Marova tribe. As a baby, he was kidnapped from his wealthy family and raised by this group of gypsies to survive on natural resources and by stealing from the rich. He hates greed, money, and capitalism; possessing his own moral code that he rigidly lives by. He expects other upstanding people to follow his virtues and grows angry when others don't adjust. Now reaped, Rowan believes that the spirits have a plan for him, even if he many not understand it yet. Will Rowan be able to use his skills and abstract thinking to further himself in the games, or will his moral rigidness and idealism blind him from doing what is necessary to survive?
Amelia Labrador (13) [Annabeth-TheTributeThatLived] has always wanted one thing… To be left alone. After her father's death three years prior, she was forced to work grueling hours in the textile factories. During these years of working, she had resigned herself to this new existence… And then the rebellion began. First, the rebels made life even harder for her and now the Capitol was forcing her into the Hunger Games. All she wants is to live her life uninterrupted, regardless of how lonely and harsh it is. Will Amelia be able to scrape by in the Games just like she has done in life, or will a tribute come along and end her short life permanently?
District Nine:
Drayden Upshur (18) [hollowman96] is filled with regrets. He regrets what has happened in his past, he regrets how he has treated others, and he regrets that he abandoned the most important thing in his life: his family. After struggling with his inner demons for years, he knows there is only one way he can ever make amends and provide for his ex-girlfriend and daughter… He has to win the Hunger Games. However, he might just lose himself to the dark thoughts he has struggled so hard to ignore. Will Drayden be able to piece back together his broken family, or will his true colors show in the arena; further isolating him from those he loves?
Rae Elismin (16) [InfinityBook] is no stranger to loss. To her, everyone close will always die and there is no sense in having anyone around anymore. Troublemaker by heart, she is constantly fighting with others and stealing things she could never have otherwise. Her social skills are below average, resulting in most conversations ending in either violence or a series of threats. This rage filled girl wants revenge on the world itself, and that doesn't change once she is reaped for the Hunger Games. Will Rae be able to use her lust for vengeance as a stepping stone to survival, or will her hunger for revenge leave her blind to the dangers of the arena?
District Ten:
Alyx Parker (15) [SakuraDreamerz] is a sensitive soul. Growing up in the calm fields of District Ten, he is surrounded by people who live carefree lives… And he wishes he was one of those individuals. As time has gone on, members of his family have disappeared one by one. Now with his mother on the brink of death, he knows that soon he will be completely alone in the world. The thought of that is too terrible to bear. In a last ditch effort, Alyx volunteers knowing this is the only thing he can do to save the last person left in his life. Will Alyx's good intentions and determination be enough to bring home the medicine his mother so desperately needs, or will he come to the realize that in order to save his loved one he must kill someone else's?
Levi Corriente (15) [TheFaultOfStarlight] can be described as a friendly girl. Polite and kind, she tends to make friends wherever she goes. Her entire life she has lived on her family's cattle ranch; something that has sheltered her from the true terrors of Panem. In her mind, her life has always been planned for her. She would inherit the ranch, marry happily, and raise a family (something quite common in District Ten). Now reaped, Levi is being thrown into an entirely new environment where she feels like a horse in a chicken coop. Will Levi be able to find true companionship that will further her place in the games, or will her trust be manipulated by the wrong people?
District Eleven:
Wren Zyphos (17) [Pika and Olive's Adventures] knows that Panem is a dog-eat-dog world. He knows that no one will give you any hand outs and that if you want something you just got to take it for yourself. He believes that people will take advantage of you and that it is best to just expect the worst out of everyone. Although small in stature, he has hardened muscles from spending long hours out in the fields of District Eleven. Wren is quite the powerhouse in mind, spirit, and body. However, even after all the hardships he's seen, he can't seem to help but have a soft spot for those who still truly believe in both the good in people and the world. Will Wren's cruel mentality be brutal enough to lug him through the games, or will someone unknowingly dig themselves into that tiny spot that is still soft in his heart?
Barley White (17) [Vaan Levy] is a very large girl who resembles more of a man than a woman. Despite her size, she is a kind person who treats people with the utmost respect… Until you show yourself to be despicable. Although not the brightest, she is very strong from the hours upon hours of working in the fields with the men. Many are intimidated by her and tend to avoid her, although she doesn't mind. Will Barley's inner and outer strength outlast her competitor's, or will she find it takes more than resolve and brawns to win the Hunger Games?
District Twelve:
Chard Lee (16) [Axe Smelling God] was taught many things in his family: strength, obedience, war, and blood. Being the son of a Peacekeeper originally from a Career District is not an easy role to fill. Constantly being belittled and picked on by his father has left Chard believing everything he does is never quite good enough. When added on to the fact that the district despises his family because of how his father arrests and kills the Rebels, he doesn't quite know what else to do except follow in his father's footsteps. However, once reaped, he must make a choice. Will Chard use his militaristic background to his advantage and trample the weaker tributes, or will his selfless side win out and cause him to fight for the underdogs for once?
Avery Walsh (17) [Larkae] and her family are deep in the rebellion. They are dedicated members of the Hunters and will give anything for a free world. Whether it was moving contraband products for her mother or hunting for illegal meat and herbs with her father and brothers; she has spent her whole life in the Hunter's society. Although diplomatic and hardworking, she has a mischievous and brash side that tends to label her as a troublemaker. After all she has seen, though, she tries to embrace this side to help numb the pain of loss. The importance of life has lost meaning to her after all the people she has seen die due to both the Capitol and the Rebels. Will Avery be able to do what it takes to send a message to the Capitol, or will she be silenced and become just another pawn in their games?
District Thirteen:
Benedict "Ben" Dowling (15) [Bucking Reg] comes off as cocky and arrogant, especially to his fellow peers. One to always follow the crowd; he has fallen in with a group of belligerents who demean others at every chance they get. However, once you get him alone, he becomes extremely vulnerable and loses every ounce of courage. Although strong from training and working, he still isn't a Career and is fed up with ganging up on the weak. Will Ben find his true morals and standing in the Hunger Games, or will he realize the arena is not the place to worry about one's virtue?
Noemi Bischoff (16) [Nightlock Stained Lips] is a soft-spoken and mild mannered citizen. She tends to be very light-hearted, although she has a no-nonsense attitude towards things of a serious nature. Steady and gentle, she detests bloodshed and wants to save lives; although she will not be a doormat for others in the process. Spending just as much time in the medical facility with her mother as she did in training, Noemi has an array of knowledge and skills that other tributes do not have. Will Noemi's level head keep her from death, or will one slash of a sword send it flying?
And these are our lovely tributes! Big thanks to all of the creators, as well as submitters. I hope even though your tribute didn't make it in that you will continue to read and enjoy this story. This isn't to make me sound great or be a braggart, but I received nearly two hundred individual tributes. When you only have thirty-two spots open it makes the competition insanely tough. As much as it disappointed me to say no to people, I had to put on my tough glasses and analyze the submissions until I wanted to chuck my computer out a window. There were spots that literally came down to one single detail difference that made one character win out over another.
That being said, I have a question that I desperately need every one of you to answer (whether that be in a review, on a poll, or both). Since I have thirty-two tributes, I'm thinking about changing up how I do the pre-games; mainly the Reapings. Here are the options, and the majority will win out.
Old-fashioned: Every District/Capitol gets a Reaping chapter (I will do this if this is what my audience wants).
Cut it in half: Only half the Districts/Capitol get Reapings chapters
New structure: I start out with some pre-reaping chapters. A handful of characters will get their POV a day or so before the reaping and you get to see their everyday life/how they interact with their loved ones. After that, a handful of tributes will get a reaping chapter. Then train ride and so on.
No matter what type I do, every tribute will get at least one point of view before the games start, as well as being featured in others point of views. My goal this pre games is that when we enter the arena, you as the reader feel like you know each tribute distinctly like I do. Of course, you won't know everything but that's the fun part about the arena. The secrets that are unveiled ;D
Anyways, I am so excited to get this story underway. I'll see you next chapter.
Europa
