Disclaimer: The Hunger Games are not mine! I wish I was smart enough to think them up! Chapter title from the song "All We Are" by One Republic

Jack Gilburn

"That all you got for me, big brother?" Willow scoffed, her smirk teasing. Twirling her sword between her fingers, she waited for me to pick up my spear. Was I concerned that this morning, the day I was volunteering for the Games, my baby sister disarmed me? I probably should have been. But I was the one who taught her how to fight, and a feeling of pride surged through me.

Willow was gonna be a victor. Just like I would be in a few short weeks.

On the sidelines of the training arena, I heard high pitched cheers. Clover and Pearl, the younger two of my trio of sisters, were cheering for Willow, of course. They liked to form an alliance against me. I always had to be on my guard for sneak attacks at home. My sisters were still little, able to hide behind couches and in closets, and sneak tickle attacks were a danger that even the toughest guy found hard to withstand.

"What do you think Dad?" I called. As much as I love training with Willow, I didn't want to devote too much time to any one apparatus. Dad had reserved the whole arena for a full hour this morning. He isn't the type of guy to get emotional, so I knew this was his way of wishing me "Good luck" in the Games.

"How 'bout I program one of dummies for you? We've got ten minutes left, you can practice going in for the kill." I nodded in agreement, running my hand through my sweat soaked blonde hair.

The dummies were state of the art, the newest technology to hit the training arenas. Twelve different programs, each fighting with a different weapon, allowing you to learn what blows would maim and what blows would kill. Since the games were reinstated, almost every district now had a training hall where children could learn to fight. Still, it was only kids in the wealthier districts, like us here in one, who could afford to train full time and had access to the best technology. The gap in training had closed ever so slightly, but we Careers still held the advantage. And that was all right with me.

Picking up my spear, I saw my father had chosen a bow and arrow for the dummy. This could be a tricky one- hard to get up close, easy to be hit before I got within range that I could throw my spear. With a precision that belied its robotic existence, the machine drew the bow and aimed at me. As the arrow sailed by my ear I dodged, threw myself to the ground, and rolled toward it. Checking out the corner of my eye, I saw the dummy was still reloading. Pushing myself up, I sliced through the arm.

Not a kill, I thought. Not good enough. Injury to the arm of an archer was certainly limiting, but a clever kid could think of any number of ways to inflict damage with just the arrows. That's just what the machine did, holding an arrow high as it stalked toward me. It lunged, but stopped short. A foot swung around, knocking my feet out from under me and the wind out of my chest. Shit…

Standing above me, the machine came in for the kill… before promptly falling back, "dead." I pulled myself up and saw a tiny silver dagger sticking out of the machine's heart.

A hand stuck out above me, smooth and tiny, but backed by a strong arm that easily lifted me up. Bright red lips and heavy lidded brown eyes met me as I stood. She smirked at me seductively, drawing me in.

"I suppose this seals my spot in the career alliance?"

OOO

Katerina Emerald

I retrieved my dagger from the machine lying prone on the ground, watching out of the corner of my eye as Jack dusted himself off. Behind me, I could hear my friends Bluebell and Rosalie giggling flirtatiously. There was no denying that Jack was cute, but my preference was for men, not boys. Men like Aspen and Chrome, my boyfriend and his best friend (also known as my man on the side).

"Didn't realize you were volunteering this year, Kat. Don't you have two years left before your ineligible? I'd hate to see you get taken out when you had a chance for more practice" I could hear the challenge in his voice.

I stuck my tongue out at him with a smirk, making sure neither Aspen nor Chrome could see me. "Don't you have a year before you're out, Jack?"

"Touché. You need a sparring partner?"

I shook my head. "And ruin your pretty face before it even hits the arena? Let's save it for the grand finale… if you even make it that long."

His eyes lit up as if my retort had been unexpected, and I knew I'd hit a nerve. Jack wasn't the terror the district made him out to be, but when it came to the games, he was a serious contender whose cockiness was backed up by true ability. But it didn't hurt to cut him down a few notches, just in case. "I'll see you at the reaping, Katerina," he muttered, clearly annoyed.

As he cleared the arena, I turned to Aspen. "Set up a target for me baby?" I pouted, pushing my lower lip out as far as it could go. He nodded with a stupid-looking grin on his face. Lucky for him, he was gorgeous, because he was absolutely no good for stimulating conversation. As he ran off to comply with my request, I winked at Chrome.

It was a shame neither of them realized they were on their way out as soon as I hit the arena.

The targets set up, I took half an hour to practice my knife throwing. Of all the skills my mother- a former victor- had taught me, the knives were my favorite. Good up close and from a distance, they easily were better than the clunky spears, maces, and axes preferred by many other Careers. Rolling my shoulder to ease some of the tension, I threw the knives—one, two, three, four, five, all in the bull's-eye. Bluebell and Rosalie broke into polite, admiring applause.

Checking the time over my shoulder, I saw I still had an hour to get ready for the Reapings. "You want another target set up?" Chrome asked.

"Nah. Time to get ready. The big screen is calling me! Will one of you boys take the target down for me?"

"I will!" Both boys volunteered simultaneously. They glared at each other. Seeing the tension mounting, I moved to kiss them both on the cheek.

"Play nice, boys. Don't ruin my last day here. Next time you see me I'll be moving to my own place in the Victor's Village!"

I embraced my two friends, and left the arena, enjoying the cool afternoon weather. I stuck to the sidewalks, the streets busy with trucks making last minute diamond and ruby deliveries before the Reapings began. As I passed, men smiled at me, almost leering, and I ate it all in. I would have them all at my feet when I came home from the Hunger Games victorious.

"Home mom!" I shouted walking into my house. My mother emerged from the top of the stairs. I'd never known my dad- it was just the two of us- and the wealth from her victory had treated us kindly. With the great technologies available from the Capitol, she could pass as my twin- long, wavy brown hair, green eyes, on the shorter side, but muscular and strong. She didn't look a day over twenty.

"Good training session?" she asked, giving me a kiss on the forehead. I nodded, and she looked a little misty-eyed. "I'm so proud of you, Kat. So proud. Now let's get you ready for your moment in the spotlight."

I was ready.

OOO

Jack

As I pulled my shirt over my head, I glanced out my window toward the square where the Reapings would be held. The square was teaming, filled with government officials responsible for making District 1 television ready. Not that it took much work for us- it was the poorer districts that had to worry. Glancing in the mirror, I smoothed down my still damp hair. It fell ever so slightly in my eyes, giving me a look that, depending on my facial expressions, could be menacing or charming. Exactly what I was going for.

"You all ready to go?" I called, walking out of my room.

"I DON'T LOOK GOOD ENOUGH!" Willow screeched from her room, ever the petulant teenage girl. "HOW CAN YOU EPECT ME TO LOOK GOOD FOR THE CAMERAS IF YOU ONLY GIVE ME AN HOUR! GOD!" Somewhere on the other side of the house, Pearl started wailing, and I could hear Clover comforting her.

I was going to miss this- my little sisters, the girls I helped my dad raise after mom passed. But the Hunger Games were my destiny, and if anything, my sisters gave me something extra to fight for.

"Willow, hunny, you look gorgeous," I heard my dad say, passing by her room. "I want you in the car in five minutes young lady. Jack, c'mere." I followed him back into my bedroom.

"Now don't take this as me getting sentimental," he started, causing me to roll my eyes. He snorted, ruffling my hair affectionately. "Listen twerp. I know you don't have a token yet, so I wanted you to have this. It was your grandfather's. He brought it into the games when he won sixty years ago. He'd be proud to see you wearing it today."

He handed me a velveteen bag, and I poured out the content into my hands. A war medal, dated just shortly after the end of the Third Rebellion. I knew one of my ancestors had contributed to the Capitol's cause, and had been handsomely rewarded for it. For a time we'd been pariahs around District 1, but it had long since forgotten, and my family was lucky enough to live in relative wealth because of it. I grinned at my father, and pinned the medal to my jacket. This was certain to earn me sponsors.

My dad walked away, brushing his eyes, and gathered the girls into the car. I used my shirt to polish the medal, and followed them outside.

OOO

Katerina

"I'll see you at the goodbyes, okay mom?" I said, kissing her on the cheek.

"Go get 'em, babygirl!" she encouraged, straightening my black locket on my neck. She took her place amidst the parents and other community members, close to where Aspen and Chrome stood. Both had been ineligible for the games for several years now.

The square was packed with kids, every one of them eager to get their hands on a spot in the games. Career district- it meant I would have to fight to get my rightful spot, especially when it came to the eighteen year olds. It was their last chance for victory.

Too bad today wasn't their day.

Taking my spot next to Bluebell, I waved to Rosalie over with the fifteen year olds. She stood with Jack Gilburn's sister Willow giggling. She'll make a good addition to the posse, I found myself thinking. Especially when Jack is dead. She'll need some friends to help get through it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Jack in the crowd, shooting warning glances at the other seventeen year olds. He was a formidable opponent, but I had a strategy that ensured I would end up on top—without getting my hands dirty.

I was tempted to wave, but the mayor stepped up to the podium before I had a chance. His speech was long, rambling, and boring- as it was every year- so I took the opportunity to practice my poses for onstage, with Bluebell as my judge. By the time the escort hit the mic, I was ready for action.

"GOOD MORNING DISTRICT ONE!" Weiss Shastenborough shouted from stage. He never aged a day, despite having been escort as long as I could remember. He was still just as handsome too- chiseled jaw, well muscled arms, and perfectly styled hair, if you could ignore the heinous puce color it was dyed. He was covered in tattoos, each one commemorating a victorious tribute that he had escorted to the Hunger Games. There was a reason, after all, he was the escort for District One.

The crowds applauded him wildly. "Let's not waste time here today." Say what you will about other escorts, Weiss kept the ceremonies moving at a brisk pace. He was a no-nonsense type of man, dedicated to his job and to helping his tributes win. "It's time to choose the next victor of the HUNGER GAMES!"

Wild applause erupted again. He allowed the claps to fade, before holding up his hands. "Alright, alright! I know you're all as excited as I am! We'll start with the gentlemen!"

Across from the girls, the fighting had already broken out. I saw Jack sneaking out of his section, edging up past the fourteen year olds. Smart thinking. He'd found a route outside the fighting. His shoulder was grabbed by a peacekeeper ready to send him back to his section, and I watched as he slipped a bill into the man's hand and continued on his path.

"Your tribute this year is Estin—"

"I VOLUNTEER!" Jack shouted, bursting through the twelve year olds and storming the stage. His blue eyes glared across the crowd, just daring anyone to try and usurp him from his position.

"What's your name, young man?"

"Jack Gilburn." In front of me, I saw Willow jumping up and down cheering for her brother. On stage, Jack pumped his fist in the air as the crowd honored him.

OOO

Jack

I didn't think it would feel this good. I love the games, love the idea of fighting and being victor, but I didn't realize how amazing it would feel to have the entire district screaming my name. The crowd was absolutely wild, and near the back, I could see my father beaming with pride.

I shook Weiss's hand, his grip as strong as mine, and he patted me on the back. "Jack Gilburn everybody! Now, for the ladies!"

Weiss reached into the spinning bowl. I saw Katerina leering across the crowds, eyeing a possible path to the stage. Good. I wanted her in. She was tough, but she'd be easy to take. Despite her skills with a knife, she didn't have much else going for her. I'd observed her enough in training to know that. She'd be useful among the careers for a while, and easy to dispose of after.

"This year, the lovely lady entering the arena is Katerina Emerald!"

Luck on her side. She didn't even have to volunteer. I saw her green eyes light up, as she fought her way through the crowd. She didn't have as far to go as I had, but there were a lot of desperate older girls, ready and willing to take her place. One grabbed her arm, and I watched as Katerina spun around, punching the girl hard in the nose. The girl doubled over, crimson blood spilling over her white dress.

Shoving the youngest girls aside, Katerina climbed onto the stage and grabbed the mic. She smiled vibrantly, seemingly making eye contact with everyone in the crowd with one glance. "Don't even bother girls. I am the tribute this year, and I'll be bringing glory back to District One."

I could see her glance at me out of the corner her eye, raising an eyebrow in challenge. Challenge accepted, I thought, pulling the mic from her hands. "Sorry Kat, it'll be me bringing the championship back. But I'll make sure to remember you in my victory speech."

"Okay! Okay! We've got a rambunctious pair this year! Katerina Emerald and Jack Gilburn everbody! Let's shake hands you two! Shake hands for everyone to see!" Weiss encouraged. He looked satisfied with the pair he'd been given. With our enthusiasm, we were sure to be a draw for the sponsors.

I held out my hand for Katerina to shake. She took it, shook twice firmly. And then she did the unexpected.

With a strong tug on my arm, she pulled me into a long, searing kiss that sent the entire district into whoops and hollers.

OOO

Katerina

I pulled away as the crowds died down and the mayor restored order. Behind us, the peacekeepers were ushering people out of the square and the crews were disassembling the cameras. The Reaping was now over. Looking back at Jack, his face was red- either blushing or furious, I had no idea.

"Come on you two. Time for your goodbyes," Weiss said, guiding us off the stage opposite the crowds.

Jack tugged on my arm. "What the hell was that?" he hissed.

"That, my dear, was money in our pockets." He looked at me stupidly, and I wanted to slap him upside the head. For a guy as smart as he is, he certainly wasn't catching on to my plan. "They want a show. We gave them a show. Look at us. We've got strength, we've got an obvious competition between us, not to mention with the other tributes. Add in a punch of romance and boom, we are the story to follow in the arena. No other district can compete with us. We're unstoppable."

I watched as the realization crossed over his face. "You're smarter than I gave you credit for. That's a good idea." I knew what he left unspoken. Jack now knew not to underestimate me.

And that was a good thing, for him at least. Because romantic entanglements were good for getting sponsors. But with eleven other boys in the arena, romantic interests were easy to replace. And jealousy could lead a boy from the weakest district to kill the mightiest of Careers.

Hey everybody! I hope you enjoyed the D1 reapings! Thank you to Hope and skyblue5565 for the tributes. These two just clicked perfectly together when I was writing, and writing their flirtatious competition just worked so well! It was great!

Interested in seeing what the tributes look like? I'm creating banners for each district as I go along. If you'd like to see them, they're on my blog. The link can be found through my author's page!

Also, thank you to everyone who read and especially those who reviewed the last chapter. I really appreciate hearing your thoughts. I was so happy you enjoyed the introductory chapter. I wasn't sure how that would go over, seeing as I've never seen one really done before. So thank you for the positive feedback!

As always, reviews, especially constructive criticism, are greatly appreciated!