Harker Rolt
Harker exploded from the surface of the small pond near his District 4 home, making dramatic and excessive splashes and flailing in the water, calling out in a mocking, high-pitched voice, "Save me, Joel! I can't swim!" Harker used his toned arms to push himself under the water, hiding beneath the surface for a long moment, and then he emerged again right next to the old fishing boat where his best friend Joel sat, rolling his eyes at Harker and making no move to jump in and "rescue" him. Harker gave one, giant sweeping motion of his arm just under the pond's surface, sending a massive wave up and over the side of the boat, drenching Joel where he sat with his fishing line. Joel yelped at the sudden soaking he received, cursing his friend under his breath, but Harker could see the grin forming on Joel's face. "That's what you get for letting me drown!," Harker admonished, even though the whole District knew that Harker was the best swimmer that lived on land. Harker stretched up a hand towards Joel, signaling for some help out of the water and back into the boat, but Joel was wary now. "No way, I am not falling for that one," Joel said.
"No really, I won't pull you in; I just want to get back to my line," Harker promised, sincerity apparent in his tone. Joel was convinced, and extended his pale arm down over the side of the boat.
"Fool!," Harker cried, as he tugged forcefully on his friend's arm, sending him flying into the water with a splash. Harker knew he could convincingly lie to anyone, even his best friend, but he only used his powerful tool of persuasion against Joel for laughs, he would never hurt him. Joel emerged from the water spitting and glaring at Harker.
"What? You were already wet anyways!," Harker said, laughing.
"Well now we've definitely scared all the fish away!," Joel smiled, he could never be mad at Harker; "We might as well go and get ready."
Harker nodded at his friend, and each boy threw an arm over the side of their boat and swam back to shore, leaving the vessel for their next fishing trip.
"See you in the square?," Joel asked before parting ways.
"Of course!," Harker replied, mussing his friend's sopping, black hair, turning it into a tangled mess atop his head.
Back in his bedroom at his older brother's home, he toweled off his lanky body, making sure to rub the towel vigorously over his dirty blond hair to achieve the "just woke up" look that suited him so well. Harker decided not to shower, preferring the smell of the dirty and familiar lake water on his skin. Before he dressed, he took a moment to examine the reddish scar on his calf, a reminder of the early days before he was a pro with his fishing spear. He didn't mind the scar, he thought of it as s sign of how far he'd come with his spear wielding skills. Harker was also under the impression that girls found scars rugged and impressive, and if so, then he definitely needed at least one. He selected his white polo and black jeans, knowing that they made him look good. After all, even on Reaping day, the ladies were still going to be looking at him. He finished the outfit with black dress shoes and put his silver earrings, set aside for special occasions, in his pierced lobes. Seeing himself dressed and ready in the mirror sent a jolt of excitement through him. He had been training for the Hunger Games with his older brother, Alaric, since the day he turned 11, but had never thought of volunteering, he was merely being prepared. But secretly, Harker had always enjoyed watching the Hunger Games year after year, and couldn't help but think about what he would do if he got the chance to be in the Arena. As he stood, looking at himself in the mirror, he imagined himself on every television across Panem, striking down the other Tributes with his spear, his green eyes flashing, being the last man standing, being a victor. He shook himself out of his daydream and ran out the door of his home and off to the square.
When Harker arrived at the Reaping, he ran to say a quick hello to his parents, brother, and soon to be sister in law. Harker loves his parents, but at the age of 17 feels too stifled and restricted by them, and prefers to live more independently with his brother and his brother's fiancée. His parents seem a little sad that they don't get to see their youngest son every day, but they understand him and are glad to see the brothers spending time together. Spotting the now dry Joel in the 17 year old section, Harker went to join him. The two friends snickered to themselves as Harker made a continuous string of jokes while the Mayor and the District escort did their thing.
Harker watched as a beautiful 18 year old girl walked up on stage. He was momentarily distracted by her good looks, lost in thoughts of how attractive their future children would be. But upon further inspection, (he had been laughing with Joel when her name was shouted and had missed it) Harker realized that this girl was Katelyn Ferris, the only person in the District who was a bigger tease than him, and he repealed their imaginary future together. Then it came to the boys. The colorful fish in the large glass bowl atop the escort's head, deemed a "hat", seemed to be looking out into the crowd with abnormally large eyes that Harker found unsettling. She called out, excitedly sloshing the poor mutant fish around, "Joel Samuels!" and Harker didn't even have time to think before his own voice called out, "I volunteer!" Harker, and everyone around him including Joel, looked surprised at how fast Harker had blurted out. To Harker, it felt like some automatic reaction that had been waiting within him for just this moment. Joel grabbed Harker's arm tightly and quietly said, "No Harker." But it was too late; Harker was already making his way to the stage. Before he could get too far, Joel ran forward, caught Harker's wrist, and pressed a small, cold metal coin into his hand. Harker recognized the feel of it; it was Joel's lucky coin that he took with him on every fishing trip to ensure a good haul. "Take this," Joel whispered, "I'm proud of you, man. I'll be watching you. We still have fishing to do." Harker glanced over his shoulder, nodded and gave Joel a wiry grin. Of course. He had fishing to do. He would win these Games. He was ready.
Katelyn Ferris
"Conrad, listen, I know this is your 19th birthday, our six month anniversary and Reaping day but I'm not interested in you anymore and frankly I don't see why anyone would be. So good for you for being out of the Reaping forever, but I need to get ready, so get out of my house." Katelyn was completely emotionless the entire time, just like she planned. She even smiled as Conrad walked away sadly only pausing long enough to set the flowers he had bought for her on her front porch. "What a loser" Katelyn thought to herself. At this point, Katelyn was no stranger to breakups; personally she's broken twenty two boys' hearts and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Despite the command Katelyn has over boys, she hasn't been able to trust them ever since her first boyfriend and complete jerk dumped her for his two other girlfriends. Not to mention the fact that her father has always blamed her for the death of her mother. To deal with her trust issues, genetics armed her with an arsenal of weapons to torture the opposite sex. Her dirty blonde, shoulder length, wavy hair, her grey eyes, and her fair skin combine to make her irresistible to every boy in her District. Her best weapon, aside from her charm, is her ability to manipulate and emotionally destroy any boy who opens up to her.
Katelyn was getting excited as she pulled on her turquoise knee length Reaping dress. Today at the Reaping Katelyn would set her sights or the next boy foolish enough to be lured in by her beauty. The way Katelyn sees it, any boy who ignores the rumors that Katelyn is a heart breaker clearly only wants her for her appearance and deserves to have his heart broken.
Katelyn, looking as beautiful as ever, confidently made her way to the square. After she signed in she made her way to the eighteen year old section but made sure to take her time in front of the boys section. The ones who knew her or who already had their heart broken by her didn't bother to look up, but all of the others couldn't take their eyes off of her. Katelyn spotted a seventeen year old boy who was paying too much attention to her, and she knew right there that she would take his heart and shatter it. If she worked quickly she could make him an emotional wreck by the end of the summer.
The Mayor stepped out and delivered the same history of Panem speech he gave every year, and, just like every year, nobody paid that much attention. Immediately following the speech the Capitol escort who was wearing a fishbowl on her head, reminding everyone who forgot that District Four was the fishing district. It was ladies first this year and Katelyn was concerned about her safety this year. After all, she is eighteen, and six years of Reapings can really add up. "Katelyn Ferris!" The escort rang out and Katelyn's heart sank a little, but after all she was from District Four so she could at least get with the Career pack during the Games. As she took the stage, Katelyn made sure to look as desirable as ever, she wasn't afraid to use her body as a tool to gain sponsors and as a weapon to distract other Tributes. Once on the stage, her district partner was announced and Katelyn made a quick note of his good looks but when he wasn't fazed by her beauty she was taken back a little. Katelyn would have to keep an eye on this one. Katelyn shook hands with him and they made their way to the justice building.
Once in the building, Katelyn's father entered the room and he did his best to appear kind, but they both knew it was only an act. Katelyn's father was only good for small talk and the occasional smile but he was nowhere near what could be called a supportive parent. As her father exited the room Katelyn became determined to win the Games and her father's pride.