District One
The Luxury District
Population: Small-Medium
District Color: Vermilion
Industry: Jewels, Gemstones, Luxury Items, Careers
Climate: Mountainous, slightly chilly
Death Rate: Low
Now that we've had a small refresher, let's get back to work. Parfait, that means putting down your martini and picking up your pad.
District One marks off the twelve districts of Panem. Named for its geographical adjacency to the Capitol, an eye for fashion is a must here. Possessing the grace and style of the ruling city yet the honor and humility of a district, take note Two through Twelve, One has the whole package. Like I always say: One is Number One! If by some wicked sorcery I found myself residing outside the Capitol, District One would be the preferred option, no competition. Of course they can never compare to the marvelous Capitol. I mean really, a district dweller affording a Tigris Ermacora original piece?
Industries: Jewels and gemstones are the pride and joy of District One. While being One's lowest export, it is its highest grossing. Those chosen for the job strive to provide the rock candy we so crave. As our ancestors were of the selfish, incompetent variety, true jewel mines are few and far between. Because of this we've had to, unfortunately, resort to artificial substitutes. But this hasn't stopped us one bit. The demand for such beauties continues to rise with no foreseeable end. Just yesterday I placed an order for a quite attractive peridot to place on top my armoire. Factories installed in One have been equipped with machinery capable of converting common rocks from neighbor District Two into a near replica of any jewel one could imagine. Processes for manipulating graphite into diamonds were once quite popular yet after District Thirteen's total decimation, diamond production has slowed considerably.
What the luxury district is known best for are their, well, luxury items. Since the term 'luxury item' is of a vague nature, how about we elaborate on it? Under the general umbrella are four categories: Health & Beauty, Food & Drink, Jewelry, and Furs. Items that fall under Health & Beauty are things such as makeups, home and body fragrances, lotions, oils, salts, body dyes, and wigs. Please make note that any products of medical purposes are strictly handled by District Six, save a few lotions and other related body care items. Sugar, chocolates, candies, wines, alcohols, juices, and carbonated beverages fall under Food & Drink. Jewelry should be self-explanatory: simply gems melded and molded into a desired design. Besides being used for body jewelry, gems may find themselves the finishing detail on various District Seven furniture, for the right price. And finally, animals known for their rich coats have been implanted in D1, where workers shear off the hairs to convert them into fabulous furs for Capitol fashionistos to use and abuse. Note that the species genetically engineered for District One is of a different, higher quality nature than the ones used for livestock purposes in District Ten.
Careers is District One's final industry. Not a true product in the traditional sense, the district's annual obligation to farm and harvest these products basically turns it into one. In the final months of the Dark Days, three districts had an epiphany: Why bite the hand that feeds you? Why provoke the naturally superior? As their neighbors attempted failed coup d'etat after coup d'etat, Districts One, Two, and Four came together to formally drop their weapons and drop their egos. Titled The Loyal Surrender, this act of humility solidified their utter allegiance to the Capitol and vow to never again challenge its supreme authority. Noted for its unprecedented forgiveness, the ruling city shared with Districts One, Two, and Four exclusive information regarding the creation of the Hunger Games and granted each an entire year to prepare their Tributes. Nicknamed the Careers, these elite Tributes are gifted with one Training Center (or more depending on the district's population) stocked with necessary weapons and supplies to develop the proper physical, mental, and emotional skills to perform as desired in the Games. In return, all the Capitol asks for are Tribute volunteers each year at the Reapings. The Career Districts are to follow this one simple rule dutifully, unless stated otherwise for special circumstances. Violation of this mandate can result in removal of Career status and severe penalties for the entire district. As District One was the second to surrender, notification and Career materials were received after District Two.
Jobs: As previously discussed, true jewels are rare finds in today's world. Few D1 citizens see gem mining as a main source of income; it's mostly thought of as extra change in their pockets. The job does hold some benefits: workers are given a small compensation for their time and effort at the completion of their shift. If a jewel is discovered, however, the reward for such a find is remarkable. The young and the desperate are the usual applicants in this department being the only ones willing to invest energy in such sporadic and time-consuming engagements. For those who value their time, jewel factories have been placed in both cities of District One. Various positions exist, from Assembly Line Worker to Packer to Head Supervisor.
Trustworthy upper-class citizens hold managerial titles, answering to monthly Capitol inspectors.
Since the demand for such is so high, most of District One's population is employed at one of the many luxury factories. Health & Beauty have the highest amount of factories; perfection is a life necessity for Capitolites! Food & Drink is next, satisfying our sweet tooth and daily dose of alcoholic pick-me-ups. Jewelry comes in at a close third, with Furs having the smallest amount of production sites. Animal furs and prints are astonishingly beautiful, but the demand for such only heightens when in season. Plus, prices are usually quite exorbitant. The average Julius isn't dressed in pure chinchilla or sable for any reason. Bejeweler, Perfumer, Vintner, Goldsmith, and Furrier are some of the many job titles a citizen can apply for in the factories. Outside factory works, one can open their own business along the City Circle. That is usually reserved for those of well-to-do backgrounds.
At the age of twelve, all children of physical and mental capability must enroll in The Academy of Physical Wellness and Healthy Living regardless of economic standing. One is located close by the Victor Village to ensure Victors have frequent access to their Trainees and can come and go as they please. After completing one (1) solid year of training, children have the option of continuing their preparation to becoming Careers or drop out of the program entirely and return to normal life. If Career training is chosen, reduced work hours and no schooling will be given to the Trainee along with free housing and meals if they so choose to reside at the Academy. Those that opt out of training will have to adhere to the required work and school hours set for adolescent citizens until they turn eighteen, where they are subjected to work normal adult hours. Dropouts are permanently banned from the Academy and will be considered trespassing if found roaming the premises, unless given an override by the Head Trainer. Trainees who never do go into the Games may either decide to offer their services to the Academy or apply for a normal job outside of Career Training.
As by the district's namesake, products created by District One are strictly gifts to the Capitol, elegant treats to indulge ourselves upon. With that being said, 100% of the exports are sent directly to the ruling city of Panem. Those in the districts have no need for such items like chocolate or jewelry. Their strenuous lifestyles simply don't require them. Could you imagine a coal miner with a diamond ring? Or a train conductor sipping on a Cosmo while he works? The very thought.
Names: Discussed previously, names in the luxury district are of a unique quality. Parents long ago must have taken a liking to their newborns possessing out-of-the-ordinary names. Or maybe District One has a grand sense of humor and take joy embarrassing themselves. Either way, all I know is that D1's practical joke is starting to infect the youth of the Capitol, with more and more babies being born with monikers of sillier natures by the hour. I weep for the next generation.
Lower-class citizens more often than not have names based off the gemstones they manufacture. Few citizens outside this class dare name their children after jewelry, though there are the abnormal exceptions. Do they believe giving themselves such titles will enhance their socio-economic status? I will never know, or understand.
Those with more money and more sense have names based off a multitude of things. Some have positive characteristic-themed titles fit for a proper warrior or a classy lady or gentleman. Others are simply given names that sound elegant, pretty, or fancy. Not much thought is used in this department I would imagine.
Most Popular District One Names
Males: Satin (even though that is produced in District Eight)
Females: Sapphire
Daily Life: The average District One day begins at mid-morning, around 9 AM or so. Adults head off to work at their chosen factory. From six years of age, young children and those who refused the Academy's training must attend school. Lunchtime for both is at noon, a 30-minute reprieve to eat before returning to duty. The workday ends around late afternoon, just as the sun is beginning to set. D1 citizens are given the rest of the day to do as they please. Saturdays and Sundays are considered weekends and are granted as time off to attend to family and leisure pursuits.
The two cities of District One are quite wondrous places. Most of the luxury district is urban in its architecture and structure. Decorated brick and stucco apartments are for the lower class. The higher class has built their own homes, a few being mansions. Some of those look so akin to Capitol residences that I catch myself forgetting I'm in a district at times. Surrounding the City Circle are shops, cafes, businesses and markets where D1 citizens can be found relaxing during a family outing or a night out with friends. I admire their effort to display their adoration for our beautiful metropolis. It's almost like a downgraded version of our grand Capitol. Nice try.
Population in District One is kept at a low number. There is no need for a large population in a district that caters only to the Capitol. A two child per household maximum is set for every married household unless granted special permission to conceive more. Death age for the average D1 citizen is sixty.
Victors of the Hunger Games
Throughout the Hunger Games' glorious 74 years, fourteen District One Tributes have gone on to become Victors. A quite impressive number, neck in neck with District Two. Maybe one day they may overtake the Victor Throne.
At the time of the 74th Hunger Games' completion:
Males:
Brilliance Fortier
Victor of the 5th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 16
Arena: The Roman Ruins
Weapon of Choice: Brute Strength
Notable Facts: Joined the first Career Alliance, the first Victor of District One, revered in the Capitol
Mentored: Burgundy, Percy
Status: Deceased – Old Age
Legacy: Two sons, one grandson
Burgundy Blanchet
Victor of the 17th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: The Grand Canyon
Weapon of Choice: Kendo Stick
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, required a cane after winning Games, known for his friendliness, former participant in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: Noir, Royale
Status: Alive
Legacy: No direct offspring
Noir Papineau
Victor of the 27th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: The Neverending Forest
Weapon of Choice: Throwing Knives
Notable Facts: Refused to join Career Alliance, laid low until the very end, rarely in the public eye, known for silent demeanor, married to Ivory Papineau, participant in the Victor Appreciation Program until marriage
Mentored: No winning Tributes
Status: Alive
Legacy: One son, one grandson
Royale LaSalle
Victor of the 37th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: A Wonderful, Wonderful Wonderland
Weapon of Choice: Sabre
Notable Facts: Only Tribute to retain his sanity, Career Alliance severed fourth day of Games, known for his boisterousness
Mentored: Gloss
Status: Alive
Legacy: Two daughters. Youngest daughter specially requested for the 54th Hunger Games – ranked 10th Place
Perseverance "Percy" Trenchard
Victor of the 39th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 17
Arena: The Full Circle
Weapon of Choice: Tomahawks
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, known for his friendliness and constant smiling, former participant in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: Honor
Status: Alive
Legacy: One son, two daughters
Honor Cousineau
Victor of the 63rd Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: Niagara Falls
Weapon of Choice: Spears
Notable Facts: Betrayed allies at Cornucopia, threw district partner off a cliff during the Feast, participated in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: No winning Tributes
Status: Deceased – Suicide
Legacy: No direct offspring
Gloss Delacroix
Victor of the 67th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: Feel the Chill
Weapon of Choice: War Hammer (Never used)
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, remarkable for never killing any Tributes, known for flawless beauty, participant in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: No winning Tributes
Status: Alive
Legacy: No direct offspring. Younger brother of Cashmere Delacroix
Females:
Essence Bernarshaw
Victor of the 15th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: Rain, Rain Go Away
Weapon of Choice: Gymnastics
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, first female Victor of District One, host of talk show, resides and revered in the Capitol, former participant in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: Veronique, Divinity
Status: Alive
Legacy: One son, four grandchildren (three boys, one girl)
Ivory Papineau (née Bex)
Victor of the 23rd Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: The Mayan Temple
Weapon of Choice: Rapier
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, rarely in the public eye, known for silent demeanor, married to Noir Papineau, participant in the Victor Appreciation Program until marriage
Mentored: Jade
Status: Alive
Legacy: One son, one grandson
Veronique Giroux
Victor of the 33rd Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 17
Arena: Ashes to Ashes
Weapon of Choice: Spiked Mace
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, gathered the most kills in her Games, known for her vicious and erratic behavior, receives daily dosage of sedatives
Mentored: No winning Tributes
Status: Alive
Legacy: No direct offspring
Divinity Bellamy
Victor of the 49th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: A Winding Road
Weapons of Choice: Taekwondo
Notable Facts: Betrayed Career Alliance at Cornucopia, numerous sponsor gifts lead to victory, participant in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: Cashmere
Status: Alive
Legacy: No direct offspring
Beautiful Bijoux
Victor of the 60th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: The Sightless Swamp
Weapon of Choice: Katana
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, one of the shortest Games in Panem's history, every Tribute broke up into different alliances, scalp ripped off by district partner (surgically replaced), receives medicine to alleviate frequent migraines, participant in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: No winning Tributes
Status: Alive
Legacy: No direct offspring
Cashmere Delacroix
Victor of the 66th Hunger Games
Age at the Time of Win: 18
Arena: Don't Look Down
Weapons of Choice: Whip, Charisma, Mental Manipulation
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, numerous sponsor gifts lead to victory, known for flawless beauty, nicknamed 'Divinity 2.0', participant in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: Chardonnay
Status: Alive
Legacy: No direct offspring. Older sister of Gloss Delacroix
Chardonnay Henri
Victor of the 72nd Hunger Games
Age at the time of Win: 17
Arena: When Disaster Strikes
Weapon of Choice: Sais
Notable Facts: Played the traditional Career Alliance, known for fiery, hotheaded personality, participant in the Victor Appreciation Program
Mentored: No winning Tributes
Status: Alive
Legacy: No direct offspring
Up next is another next-door neighbor to the shining Capitol: the mountainous, fearsome District Two.