Authors Note: Sorry this took so long! Hope you guys like it! I had some trouble with these tributes. They are all so interesting and unique that I really wanted to do them justice. I hope I was able to do that. I've also had an insane week so this isn't my best chapter. On top of that my microsoft word expired so I lost my spell check... I changed a few things about Jared. Hope that's okay!
Now onto the reviews/contest! Thank you to all who reviewed. You guys make me so happy when you review. It really helps me write better. I also cannot stress enough how important reviews are to your tributes chance of survival. Your tribute will not win if you're not reviewing; that wouldn't be fair! I selected our contest winner and will reveal them at a later date. Everyone who reviewed and met my requirements has guaranteed one of their tributes a spot in the top 18!
Now I am going to start the sponsor program this chapter but it has a twist. I'm going to ask 1-3 review questions a chapter. Along with answering the questions I'd love imput on what you think about the chapter.
This chapters questions:
1. Which three tributes have made the largest impression on you? What about the least? Why? What impression did they leave?
2. Which three do you want me to kill off in the first few days?
These reviews are not worth any points because that would be super hard to keep track of. For each chapter you review and meet all my requirements you can send one item to one tribute! Make sense?
Now onto the Reapings!
Gallen Mercury Irid. Age 8. District 3.
Every morning I wake up two hours after sunrise; according to the most recent research from the sleep foundation rising at this time provides a person with optimum energy to go about ones day. Today I woke up approximately 1.4 hours after sunrise due to Rast clunking about the kitchen and singing. I am grateful to him for taking me in after the death of my parent's but I cannot comprehend why he needs to be so loud. Every morning he seems to be doing something that inevitable creates a lot of racket. I silently step out of bed and dress quickly in my charcoal grey shirt, blue jeans, and grey sneakers that I wear daily.
Before leaving my room I pull on my white lab coat. It is unfortunately many sizes too big due to the fact that child sized lab coats do not exist even in District 3. Rast has dabbled in research numerous times and I often accompany him. Due to this I was given my very own lab coat. I happen to like it very much so it quickly became a part of my daily ensemble.
I glance at my room and quickly realize I forgot to put away my reading before I fell asleep last night. I am currently reading about the variation between berries grown in the tropics versus the tundra and their uses. I almost never fall asleep reading due to my calculated schedule. Just like I rise two hours after sunrise I also fall asleep two hours after sundown.
After putting my books back in their correct positions, I quietly head downstairs curious about what Rast is up too.
"Good morning Buddy! I'm just making an extra special breakfast for today!" Rast has a fake looking smile plastered on his face like he does every morning but… something is off. This morning I can tell he is lying. His eyes are darting around the room and his smile is twitching. I stare at him deep in thought. I know he is not being truthful but why?
A few seconds later he looks away from me and continues banging around. I think it is safe to conclude that he is used to the fact that I prefer not to answer him. I take a seat at the table and continue to ponder what he is up too. I hate not being able to figure something out.
Ingrid Georgette Hallestrøm. Age 18. District 3.
"Happy Birthday Sweetheart. It's time to wake up. You're six today!" I say while patting Cara's back.
She wakes with a start. Cara always has the most vivid dreams when she sleeps and always seems shocked to be awoken. I watch with adoration as she rubs the sleep from her eyes and climbs into my lap.
"I loves you Mommy," she says with a tiny lisp.
"I love you too Miss Cara," I respond and it's true. I love Cara more then anything. She is my everything. "Let's get you all dressed and ready for today then we can go downstairs. I know Uncle Levi has a special surprise for you! Everyone is so excited to see the birthday girl!"
I bought Cara a dress just for today. Our family is fairly well-off, especially for being from District 3, but we really prefer not to show it. I've settled on a simple black skirt and white dress shirt for myself but my daughter deserves something extra special for her birthday. Before waking Cara I'd hidden a package underneath her bed. I'd spent close to an hour getting the wrapping just perfect. I could have saved myself that hour because Cara rips off the paper in five seconds flat.
I can see Cara's excitement right away. She is quite the girly girl and has wanted a princess dress for the longest time. I quickly help her put on the dress and she takes my breath away. The blue complements her eyes just perfectly.
"Spin for mommy," and spin she does.
I quickly braid her hair and then we race down the stairs. I usually make her walk downstairs but today I'm just as excited as she is! My brother, Levi, is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I watch with a huge smile plastered on my face as he scoops her up and twirls her around. "Come on Princess Cara, I have a surprise for you!" he says with a laugh.
We all quickly race towards the living room and on the table is another package. This one is wrapped pretty poorly with way too many ribbons but it is huge. I can't help but laugh. Poor guy, at least he tried! I watch with awe as she rips off the wrapping to reveal a guitar.
I am shocked. Levi has been teaching me to play guitar since I was nine but guitars are very expensive even for our family. Cara is one lucky little girl and I am so blessed to be her Mom.
Today would be so perfect, if only it was not the reaping.
Jared Michael Davis. Age 17. District 3.
I am pissed today is the Reaping. It's the last thing I want to do with my time. Instead of standing outside watching people sob and listening to some capital b*tch act like today is totally like the best freaking day ever Tyler and I could be working out and getting chicks. Those are the important things in life not some stupid game to entertain the Capital. Last year we had a total hottie get reaped. She came back, surprisingly, but is so different. What a waste.
I am also completely hung-over from last night. I think I may have had a few too many and I didn't get any cuz none of the chicks were even cute. My head is pounding. I guess that's another bad thing about the Reapings; I have to get up early. I doubt I'll even have time to lift weights this morning.
I quickly get out of bed and pull on some torn blue jeans. There is no point to putting on a shirt. Why cover such hard work? I quickly grab a beer out of my fridge and chug. Hopefully that'll keep my hangover from getting any worse.
I can smell bacon. I hope my sister is cooking. I guess that's one good part of the Reaping. We always have a pretty kick ass breakfast beforehand.
I guess it's time to head downstairs but first I'll just have one more beer. It can't hurt anything, right?
Ingrid Georgette Hallestrøm. Age 18. District 3.
We arrive at the reaping about ten minutes late. The presents took much longer then expected. All of Cara's Uncles has something special for her.
Logan gave her a certificate good for one day of Uncle time and ice cream! Cara loves ice cream so that was quite the gift! Remus gave her a mini scrabble set and a promise to teach her. He even told her some day she may be good enough to beat him. This gave us all a good laugh considering the fact that it is nearly impossible to beat Remus at any type of mind game. I've only won a few times against him. I was pretty surprised that Finley and Jasper gave her a mini cooking set. I love all my brothers but Finley and Jasper aren't always the nicest to me.
My parents didn't give her anything at all. I was disappointed but not surprised. Ever since I got pregnant they've been ashamed of Cara and I. Their behavior frustrates me so much. It's not like I asked to be raped by my Uncle. I think if anything they should be proud of me. At the age of 12 I accepted my new role as a mother and have worked hard to give Cara the best childhood possible.
Since I am the only one in my family still eligible for the Reaping the plan was to give Cara to Levi while I stood in the 18's section. But the number one lesson parenting has taught me is nothing ever goes like planned. Cara is usually a very good child but today I can tell she is anxious. She has her arms wrapped tight around my legs and refuses to let go. I see no point in upsetting her so I simply let her come with me.
As we head toward my section I can hear the mayor conclude his speech. I guess the Treaty of Treason has already been read. I notice a few people staring and pointing at Cara and I. I even hear one guy whisper "whore" and then laugh. I simply brush it off. I'm used to people treating us badly.
I look nervously towards the stage us our escort heads towards the microphone. She has purple skin and the most obnoxious raspy voice.
"Ready to select our girl tribute District 3? These games are sure to please!" she says with a giggle. "Congrats Ingrid Georgette Hallestrom!"
I freeze in my place. This cannot be happening. I must stay calm. Then I notice Cara wrapped around my leg. She may only be six but she understands what getting reaped means. She begins to cry. I cannot go on stage with a sobbing child clinging to me. Looking at Cara makes me want to break into tears but I must be calm for the both of us. Freaking out will only make me an easier target. I quickly scoop her up and head towards the stage. Cara is throwing a huge tantrum. I've never seen her scream like this. It feels like almost everyone is pointing at us. I can hear the whispers of "slut", "she had her baby at twelve", and "she deserves to die" swirling around us.
As I approach the stage I see my brothers heading towards us. I watch helplessly as they pry Cara from my arms. It takes three of them to make her let go. Cara lets out a bloodcurdling scream. My poor baby.
This can't be happening.
Gallen Mercury Irid. Age 8. District 3.
Rast and I arrive at the Reaping approximately twenty-two minutes early. I can tell that only about fifty percent of our District arrived before us. Even though I am eligible for the Reaping this year I am allowed to stand with Rast due to my age. The littles are not being divided into sections. For this I think I may be grateful. Standing next to Rast I can do what I do best: analyze subjects without having to associate myself with them. If I was forced to stand with others my age they would constantly interrupt my train of thought. I prefer to spend as little time as possible with my peers. For this reason Rast does not make me attend school. He allows me to research with him and conduct my own experiments. This is one of the many reasons I appreciate Rast.
I watch carefully as the Mayor takes the stage. He is a fat man who seems to waddle as he walks. It is beyond me how he became Mayor. He wheezes before beginning the Treaty of Treason. If I were still in school I would have to memorize the Treaty by next year but I already know it. I memorize things quite easily and after hearing if year after year it is ingrained in my memory.
There is nothing interesting about the Mayor so instead I turn my attention towards a girl racing to the 18's section. She has a frantic expression across her face and a girl clinging to her leg. She is awfully late. I end up losing myself in thought. I do not know what to make of the girl. Why is there a little girl with her?
I snap back towards the Reaping when that girl's name is called. I can tell it is her instantly by the expression on her face. My suspicion is confirmed when the little girl lets out a blood curling scream. I am so fascinated by the young girl's reaction I do not even pay attention to the Reaping of the boy. By the way she screams "Mommy" and the crowds hushed whispers of "slut" it is easy to put two and two together.
The next thing I realize is my name being called. I frown, then calmly make my way towards the stage. I do not know what to think.
Jared Michael Davis. Age 17. District 3.
I arrive at the Reaping a few minutes early. My head isn't pounding anymore but I'm a little uneasy on my feet. I may have had a few too many beers. I find my best bro, Tyler, in the 17's section and grab his shoulder a little too hard.
"Whoa man. Easy there. Still drunk from last night? Guess you're not able to hold your alcohol like me." He chuckles. In return I punch him lightly on the shoulder.
"Nah man, I just felt like having a few this morning." Before we can talk anymore the mayor takes the stage. I am too busy scoping out the chicks to pay any attention to him. I catch site of the slut of District 3 with her b**stard child holding to her legs.
Tyler and I spend a few minutes cracking jokes at the slut's expense until our escort takes the stage. Nerves all of a sudden sweep over me. I'm hoping my sister isn't reaped. Thankfully it's not her. I hear the slut's name read instead.
"She deserved it," Tyler says with a laugh. Even though it's completely inappropriate I start cracking up.
That is until my name is called. At least I get to kill the slut.
Gallen Mercury Irid. Age 8. District 3.
The only person who visits me is Rast and in reality I did not expect anyone else too. We sit calmly and quietly. I do not know what to think or even feel.
"Rast I…. Thanks. I uhhh don't know…. I liked research." I speak quietly and calmly but I can't get the words out. I think he gets it though. Rast meant a lot to me. It's severely unfortunate that I'm most likely going to meet an ugly demise soon. I tug at my lap coat for the remainder of our time together. I do not know what else to say.
Jared Michael Davis. Age 17. District 3.
Saying goodbye is easy since I'm gonna come back. Tyler gives me a bro hug and tells me to find some hot capital chick and score. He always knows how to make me crack up.
Unfortunately my mom and sister don't seem to feel the same way. They are crying before they even see me. Carmen runs up and hugs me. I feel my heart sink. I hate when my sister's sad. I'm her big brother. I'm supposed to protect her.
Unfortunately I'll never be able to protect her from the Games. For once in my life I feel sad. This sucks.
Ingrid Georgette Hallestrøm. Age 18. District 3.
I've never felt so helpless in my life. I feel worse then I did after my Uncle raped me. At least some good came out of that but no good can come from the Games.
Remus and Renee were my first goodbyes. Renee is my brother Remus's fiancé. I count her as one of my good friends. They both gave me hugs and told me how much faith they have that I can win. Remus being quite the joker and always positive made me promise to come back, after all we still have a scrabble game to finish. Before I let them leave I made them promise to take care of Cara and love her like their own if I died. I know all my brothers will help take care of my little princess but I know Remus and Renee could give her a family. A family is one thing I cannot even give her. Besides my brothers I hate men. I don't trust them and think I never will.
After them came Paden and Elle. They are my closest friends. Elle is practically Cara's Godmother. They have always been there for me. I couldn't help myself I let the tears fall. Paden spent the whole time trying to reassure Elle and I that everything would be fine. They were forced to leave way too soon. At least I know that I have so many people that will look out for Cara when I'm gone.
Now I'm sitting awkwardly in my chair watching Finley and Jasper blabber on. I've never seen them look so awkward and uncomfortable. Finally Jasper gets to the point, "Halle what we're trying to say is we're sorry. We have never been the brothers we should have been. You need to come back so we can make this right. We love you and Cara more then you could ever know." All Finley manages to contribute is a smile before the tears start falling.
Now that they're gone I'm getting anxious. Where is Cara? Although I love my brothers and friends I want to see Cara. I think time is almost up. I start pacing up and down the room. I am now a blubbering mess. Outside I can hear a child crying.
"Cara," I scream.
"Mommy, mommy, mommy," I hear Cara respond as she races into the room. She is sobbing and all I can do is hold her. I want to save her. I'd give anything to stay with her. This isn't fair. I have a million things I want to tell her but all I can do is sob.
"We're so sorry we are late," my brother Logan says in between his tears. I don't think I've ever seen him cry before.
"Do you remember that bracelet you made after Cara was born?" Levi says in between hiccupping sobs.
"Yeah…" I manage to choke out.
"Here, please take it as your token. We love you and don't worry about Cara. We'll take great care of her. Come back Sis, we love you." I begin to cry harder. Levi always has the right thing to say. I'm going to miss him so much.
Yet for the first time since I've been reaped I feel reassured. I can't help but finger the bracelet. I spent hours getting it just right. I will be okay; I have to be. I'm going to come home for Cara. All I can do for now is hold her tight and kiss the top of her head until the Peacekeepers come. I can't wait to be home with my little princess once again.