District One-
Tributes: Gem Glamour (16) and Patrick Dane (18)
Gem Glamour 16 POV
My knife sinks deep into the dummy's thigh. "Damn," I groan to myself. I march stiffly to the dummy and yank out the serrated blade, spewing fluff everywhere. My dad, who doubles as my coach, presses his lips together tightly. "If you hit the thigh, there is a good possibility that they won't be able to fight you, but you won't impress any Capitol citizens." I nod quickly and aim once more. Drawing my arm back I throw the knife and it sails through the air perfectly and pinning the dummy straight through its heart. I brush my platinum hair out of my face lightly and triumphantly rip the blade out of my stuffed enemy. My icy blue eyes glance at my father who is nodding approvingly. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. I have to win the games this year. It's the only way that I can raise enough money to start my own dance studio.
Dance means more to me than anything else, even the Hunger Games. The Games is only important because it is the only way that I will be able to fund a dance career. My father surely won't hand me the money. I love all styles of dance, from hip-hop to ballet and I want other children in District One to realize how wonderful dancing is and what a great way it is to express yourself. I toss my knives perfectly for the rest of my practice, imagining each of the other tributes in the Games as a stepping-stone to fulfilling my dream.
After practice, I head home and begin to get ready for the Reapings. I change into my Reaping Outfit, a strapless, silk turquoise dress that doesn't quite reach my knees. I strap on a matching belt around my waist to slim my body and add a touch of sparkles to my outfit. Sliding on my highest of heels and fishtailing my silky hair, I'm ready for the Reapings. I leave for the Square and notice all the guys turn to look as I pass by. I smirk and wink to a few, enjoying their surprised looks and blushes. I am more than pretty. I am irresistible.
Patrick Dane 18 POV
The rat snake slithers up my arm, coiling around my elbow, its tail flicking my wrist. I watch it a moment longer and slide it back into his cage. He hisses in annoyance as I place the lid over his terrarium and corners the mouse that I had dropped into his cage before I removed him. The mouse squeaks in terror and tries to flee but in one fluid motion the snake snaps his jaws shut over the mouse and it quivers in its throat for a few seconds more before it is still. I turn away and begin to get ready for practice. Once I am dressed, I strap my belt around my waist and slide my sword into its sheath.
My training dummy is on the floor, torn to pieces when I am done. I flick a piece of stuffing out of my short, dark brown hair that falls into my eyes. I swing my sword around my body, twirling it around my wrists and letting it fly into the air above my head. I step back as it comes down pinning what was left of the dummy's head to the dirt. My lips twitch in what would be a smile if I wasn't raised to show no emotion. I walk casually away from the fluffy mess and stop to see a beautiful blond sashay past me her hair trailing like a cape behind her. She tosses me a casual wink as she walks away. I imagine cutting off her flowing platinum hair with my sword while I walk back to my house. This year, I'm volunteering for the games and no one is going to stop me from winning.
