Ebony Chaste, 18

District 7 Female

I slid my heels on and looked at myself in the mirror. Black peep-toe heels, burnt orange dress, golden makeup. I looked amazing. I twisted and turned, examining myself from all angles for that extra boost of confidence.

"Looking good!" Gingko called from her bed. "Now get your ass out of here. You're late!" Laughing, I grabbed my clutch and headed outside.

Even in the summer, District 7 still had a cool breeze blowing through the trees. But I didn't have far to walk. Vitex always picked me up at the end of my street. I walked along the cracked pavement, being careful not to turn my ankle, and gave him a wave when I saw his car.

"Hello beautiful," he said, getting out to wrap an arm around my waist.

"You're looking good," I told him, reaching out to straighten his bowtie. He laughed and guided me around to the other side of the car.

Caspum Frost, one of District 7's victors, was having a party to celebrate the Games, since the reaping was tomorrow. Apparently there would even be Capitol guests! I had to admit that I was excited. Vitex treated me well, and he'd happily keep the creeps away from me. I didn't need his help with that, but it was nice to enjoy a party and not have to keep an eye out for them.

We made small talk until we pulled up in front of Caspum's house. Vitex, ever the gentleman, ran around to the other side to open my door. I took his arm and we entered together. Music was playing and people in beautiful outfits were chatting and drinking. As soon as we stepped inside I was offered a glass of champagne, which I happily took. Vitex guided me over to Caspum, who was chatting with a plump Capitol woman. When he saw us, he came over and gave Vitex a manly hug.

"And who is this lovely lady?" he asked, giving me a smile. I held out my hand.

"Ebony. Pleasure to meet you," I said as he shook it.

"The pleasure is all mine," he said. The Capitolite gasped.

"Your dress is fabulous," she gushed, taking my hand and helping me twirl. "I didn't expect some from a district to have such good taste." I grit my teeth but thanked her, knowing she truly was trying to compliment me.

"Would you like to dance?" Caspum asked me.

"I'd love to," I replied.

We danced and partied until midnight, when Vitex said he'd like to retire. He drove us back to his house, his hand on my thigh the whole time. Once his front door was unlocked I was on him, kissing and groping. Vitex was always a good time, and tonight was no exception.

In the early hours of the morning I slipped out of the house. I usually waited for breakfast, but today I was feeling nervous. It was my last reaping, and meeting Caspum had refreshed my worry. My work meant my parents could support my sisters and that Juniper didn't have to get a job. What would happen to them if I was reaped?

Jackson Forester, 15

District 7 Male

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I asked nervously, rubbing my hands together.

"Of course it is!" Jade said cheerfully. She handed me a large can of black paint. "Now, do you mind holding this?"

I took it from her gingerly, frowning at the paintbrush she was holding. Honestly, if I wasn't crushing on Jade, I probably wouldn't be doing this. Dave and Rose always called me a "goody two-shoes'', which was probably true. Apparently love can make you do silly things.

Jade awkwardly clambered on top of the dumpster outside of the back of the school. She was planning on painting a giant mustache on the building. Why she found it funny was beyond me, but the way her eyes lit up when she talked about it made my heart flutter.

"Okay, hand me the can," Jade instructed. I reached up, passing the can to her and looking around nervously for anyone who might be watching. If we were caught, my dad would be furious. Ever since my sister Janet died six years ago, he'd been stricter and more closed-off. I understood, in a way, but I missed how he used to be.

Jade opened the can with a pop and dropped the lid, splattering black paint all over the dumpster lid. I winced as some of it splashed onto my shirt. Jade just dipped the paintbrush in and began her project.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of heavy footsteps.

"Jade," I hissed. "Someone is coming."

"What?" she said, her voice too loud for the situation. I winced again as three people rounded the corner. It was Mrs. Underwood, the principal, who was also the wife of the mayor, and two Peacekeepers.

"Yes, the damage from the storm was quite extensive," she was saying. I cursed. They were probably here to replace the broken fence, which was how Jade and I snuck in. It had come down during a storm, when a tree fell on it.

Mrs. Underwood gasped when she saw the two of us. To my horror, one of the Peacekeepers reached for his baton. Jade dropped her paintbrush and tried to scramble off the dumpster.

"What is going on?" Mrs. Underwood demanded.

"We, uh…" I began, but I didn't know what to say. Jade just plastered on a smile.

"We were just working on a surprise mural," she said cheerfully. "It was going to be a surprise for next year."

All five of us looked up at the half-painted mustache. Mrs. Underwood raised an eyebrow.

"Jade, please tell me a convincing lie next time. And Jackson." She turned to me with a disappointed look. "You are a spectacular student. I would not have expected this nonsense from you. I hope Mr. Groves will allow you to stay in choir. You know how he feels about troublemakers."

I hung my head. It was true. My choir teacher absolutely despised kids who made trouble at school. And he was very vocal about it. If he found out, I wasn't sure if he'd let me stay in the after school choir program.

"I'm sorry," I said, tracing the toe of my boot on the concrete. Mrs. Underwood sighed.

"Go home. Both of you. I expect you to be here at noon the day after tomorrow to help us with the summer cleaning. Now, skedaddle."

Cheeks ablaze, I sheepishly followed Jade out onto the street and began the long, embarrassing walk home.

Caspum Frost, 34

District 7 Victor of the 41st Hunger Games

My head was pounding as I sank into a chair in the foyer on the Justice Building. My party last night was awesome, but I probably shouldn't have had that second bottle of wine… I groaned, thoroughly regretting my decisions.

Acacia raised an eyebrow at me and I turned away, trying to ignore her judgmental stare. As if she didn't party when she was younger. Then again, I wasn't as young as I used to be either…

"Alright, up and at 'em," Hollie said, grabbing my arm and hauling me to my feet. She was holding a glass of water in her other hand, which she gave to me. I gulped it down, ignoring Acacia's smug look.

"Better?" Hollie asked when I was done. I shrugged one shoulder. She smiled and gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"It's time," Dexter said, leaning on his cane. We all went to stand beside him as the doors to the Justice Building opened. Hans was already onstage, announcing our names to the crowd.

Everyone clapped as we took a seat, and then Hans got the reapings going.

"Welcome District 7, to the most exciting event of the year! I am honored to be back. Hopefully we'll bring home a victor this year, eh? But first, let's watch this lovely short film produced in the Capitol!" He pressed a button and the screens turned on.

"War. Terrible war…" the video droned on and on, only making the throbbing in my head more intense. When it finally ended, my headache was back in full force. I slumped in my chair, eyes closed as Hans walked over to the girl's bowl.

"Let's meet our first lovely tribute," he said. "Our lucky lady is… Myrtle Larch!"

I frowned. The name was unfamiliar, which was probably a good thing. And then a girl in a tight brown dress came stalking towards the stage, a look of fury in her eyes. It was Ebony. I barely kept my mouth shut.

She stomped up the stairs and snatched the microphone from Hans.

"I prefer Ebony Chaste," she said bitterly. Then she shoved it back into his hands and stepped back. The crowd just stood in a shocked silence until Mayor Underwood cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Alrighty then!" Hans said loudly. "Let's select Myr-Ebony's district partner." He snatched a slip from the very top of the bowl and quickly unfolded it.

"Jackson Forester!"

Someone in the boys' section gasped in shock. Then a muscular boy with blonde hair walked out of the crowd of 15-year-old boys. He was muttering to himself as he joined Ebony on the stage.

Still looking annoyed, Ebony held out a hand at Hans's prompting. Jackson shook it firmly as Hans turned back to the crowd.

"Panem, I give you your District 7 tributes: Ebony Chaste and Jackson Forester!"

Hey everyone! Here are the District 7 intros! Thank you to SilverflowerXRavenpaw for Ebony and AmericanPi for Jackson. I love these two! Please leave a review and let me know which tribute is your favorite out of these two, and let me know who your favorite is so far! And thanks for reading. I really appreciate it :)

Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!

- Fiona