A/N District 9 has arrived, friends!

We're almost there. 3 more reapings after this one and then we can move on to the pre-Games section of the story. Finally.

Enjoy it, and please do review!

Colleen Ryder POV

Baby Hunter woke me up again this morning. He always does. He has been for about three months now.

Hunter is not my brother. He is my son, and I love him more than anything else in this world. But his life is the result of tragedy.

My parents were cruelly ripped out of my life just five years ago, when I was thirteen. The grain mills in the factory they work in malfunctioned, resulting in the painful death of 8 workers who were crushed to death. I'm not afraid of many things, but the image of my parents being squashed like pancakes is definitely enough to give me the chills. I had nightmares about it for months after it happened.

So, for a while after that it was just me and my baby brother Jay, who was eleven at the time. I managed to save up (and often steal) enough money to support us for two years until I was finally eligible for a minor job in the fields gathering all the wheat and other ingredients for the eighteen-and-over factory workers. Life was finally beginning to get better.

Two years later, I met the absolute love of my life.

It was my 17th birthday, exactly one month before the Reaping. I was instructed to bring freshly-made bread to the community home of District 9, leaving it for the Headmaster to serve. It is there that I met Hero Raymond.

He caught my attention immediately, his blond hair lightly swaying with the wind of a fan blowing in the corner of the room, his muddy hazel eyes glowing with amusement at something his friend said. He turned his head towards me then and flashed his gorgeous smile at me. My face immediately warmed up with a sudden blush at the sight, making Hero grin even wider and walk away from his friend towards me.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"I'm-um- Colleen. My name's Colleen." I stammered, mentally kicking myself for my awkwardness.

Hero simply grinned at me, asking me when my work shift was over. I replied that it was done immediately. He asked me to stay a while longer. I accepted. He took me up to his room – a small one with one single bed.

"Don't community homes usually have rooms divided by age?"

"I get my own, Colleen. I'm the oldest one here – the only seventeen year old."

He stared into my eyes and I stared into his, hazel against blue. He reached over to stroke the single purple streak in my hair that stands out against the light, normal brown all around. I had done it myself just a week after my parents' death, stealing a cosmetic dye from a victor's outdoor garbage can – Tanzy Brior from the 83rd Games, who's notorious for dying her hair freaky colors every month or so – and streaking my own hair. Purple just so happened to be the color, maybe once I'm forced to redo it it'll be different. To this day, I have no idea why I did it.

Hero's face was full of curiosity, which he didn't voice.

"You're beautiful." Was all he said.

And then, it just happened.

I left that night overjoyed, awed, and no longer a virgin. I was dying to see him again.

Which I did. I visited him every day, he met Jay (who warmed up to him very slowly at first), and we loved each other.

Exactly one month after the day we met, Hero was taken from me as well.

My life came crashing down upon me for the second time when the escort said his name, right after she called a tall, lean eighteen year old girl.

He survived five days, until that tall girl from our very district stabbed him in the back with her dagger, effectively ending both their alliance and Hero's life. I was absolutely devastated, and found out about my pregnancy just hours later.

Amongst all the darkness in my life, came a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. In the form of a beautiful baby boy named Hunter, who I can already tell will be the spitting image of Hero when he's older.

Not sure whether that will be painful or joyful.

I roll out of my bed sleepily, stumbling into the kitchen to prepare a bottle of milk for Hunter, only to run into Jay, who's already holding one in his hand.

"Beat you to it." he claims with a grin.

"Oh, just hurry up and feed the child, we have a reaping to prepare for."

With that I shove him lightly, towards the room Hunter and I share.

One more reaping. One more for me, and three more for Jay. After that, we won't need to worry about the reaping for twelve whole years while Hunter grows up.

I can definitely wait for that.

Jason Grim POV

I narrow my eyes at the grandiose, obnoxious-looking house in front of me. The home of the second-richest family in District 9, only beneath the mayor. I know every inch of this house, every hallway and room. Not because they invite me over often.

Because I steal from them nearly every single day.

I live in the local community home of District 9, a dark and dreadful place. The food is awful, the staff uncaring, and the children miserable. I'm one of the oldest ones there now, the age ranging from infants to seventeen-year-olds like me. The oldest boy in the home died in the Games last year, leaving his solitary room empty and cold. I've requested that room so many times to no avail.

Anyway, I have made it my duty to provide decent food for the children in the home. I steal food from basically anyone who is selfish, rich, or both. They usually come hand in hand. Today I have decided to target this family, the Ethers. It's been a while. Plus, they aren't home. Trust me, I made sure.

I tiptoe my way to the backdoor, making sure to keep my hood over my face. Last thing I need is to get caught. I pick the lock, like I learned to do all those years ago at the community home. That older boy used to let me practice picking his lock, since he was the only one in the room. He was kinda cool. It's always the interesting ones that have to die…

I hear the familiar click as the lock gives, and push the door open to reveal the spacious and open dining room inside. I sometimes go through the whole house looking for toys or other little things the kids might like, but today is not the day for that. It is Reaping Day after all.

I immediately raid the pantries, taking little things here and there. The key is to take enough to feed everyone, but not too much that it's obvious. I can visit another home later.

Just as I'm wrapping up, the sound of the front door opening freezes me in place. I dive into a far corner, my hood practically suffocating me as I desperately try to hide my face. I can hear the two older children – twelve year old Nancy and seventeen-year-old Toby – bickering loudly with each other as their parents scold them. Now's better than never; they seem distracted enough. I quickly bolt to the back door and jump outside, only to be forced to jump into a nearby bush when the mother walks over to the door.

"Jesus, Toby, how many times do I have to tell you to lock the damn door when you come inside?"

Toby shouts back from inside the house, making his mother turn away from the door long enough for me to get the hell out of their yard.

Phew. Time to go "home". I got enough. There was so much food in there I doubt they'll notice anything.

I walk into the community home, discreetly hiding the food I got in my hood and pockets. I ignore the staff around me who are pretending to greet me with kindness, and head straight for the sixteen-year-old female room to meet up with Alice.

Alice. The one person in this district I can truly call my friend.

She greets me with a tight, warm hug, which I gladly accept. She's the only person I feel comfortable hugging.

"So, which house did you tackle today?" she asks, her eyes glistening with amusement.

"The Ethers."

She smiles slyly at this, "Ah, the Ethers. It's been a while since you've gone there."

"Yeah, and I definitely won't be going back there anytime soon. I came so close to being caught today, probably the closest I've ever come."

Alice laughs and immediately helps me separate the food and carry it to the rooms, starting with the five-year-olds. They're the youngest group that we're sure won't tattle on us, all the way up to the oldest kids who are my age. Everyone appreciates it. We make easy conversation as we walk,
Alice laughing easily at every joke I make. She never did seem to care that my humor is so dark. I've tried to be softer with my humor, but I guess that's what happens when both your parents are killed before you've reached the age of seven.

My mother starved to death on my fifth birthday. I remember like it was yesterday, her frail and haggard face trying desperately to form a smile, barely whispering a weak "happy birthday Jason" before falling silent forever.

Three weeks after that my father never came home from work. I stayed at home for two days, starving and crying out for him, until finally a neighbor came to get me. He explained everything, how my father was whipped to death for stealing food from a rich family, and dropped me off at the community home where I now live. His death is what inspired me to continue his legacy of stealing from the rich to help the poor, and also what fueled my hatred for the rich and selfish. My father did not have to die, and neither does any other poor citizen of District 9. The hoodie I always wear belonged to him – I snuck it into the community home with me and have worn it ever since. My own personal security blanket in a sense.

Alice was my light in the dark, a person you just can't help liking. Even the Peacekeepers love her, greeting her as they walk by.

Why she chooses to spend all her time with someone like me, I'll never know.

Colleen Ryder POV

I am staring into my tiny closet, searching for something to wear, while Jay feeds Hunter on my bed. I don't have very many clothes, but I have to wear something different every year. It's no fun otherwise.

I finally come across two dresses I haven't yet worn, one blue and the other a pale pink. They're very similar. I turn my head slightly in Jay's direction.

"Hey, Jay! Which one should I wear?" I inquire, placing both dresses over my torso so he could envision me wearing them.

He turns away from Hunter to look, keeping the bottle against the baby's lips, and squints hard at the two dresses.

"Ummm….the blue. I just can't see you in pink, Colly."

"Yeah, me neither."

Without another thought about the decision, I toss the pink dress on my bed and shoo Jay away so I can change. He was absolutely right about the blue; it suits me much better than the pink would, I'm sure. I should wear blue more often…

I tie my hair into my trademark reaping braid (it's the only day I ever do one), marveling at how the purple streak weaves interestingly through the shape of it. Even after five years, it still fascinates me. The changing length of my hair always keeps it interesting.

I leave my room then to see both Jay and Hunter fully dressed. No more reason to stick around in the house.

"All ready to go?"

"Yup. Let's get this thing over with," Jay sighs, handing Hunter over for me to hold.

I take the baby into my arms and head straight out the door, Jay right at my heels.

The walk to the square is not long at all, and before we know it we've arrived. My two best friends, Vance and Kayla, happen to be standing right at the back of the line. Kayla spots me first.

"Colly! Oh my gosh, can you believe it's our last reaping? Thank god…oh, hey Jay."

And just like that, her focus is gone. As usual. She's spotted Hunter and is cooing at him and making those stupid faces that only babies can find amusing. I laugh a little at her antics before turning to Vance, who looks more nervous than I've ever seen him.

"What's with you?" I tease, punching him playfully on the shoulder.

He doesn't even hint a smile. "We're the oldest category now. We have the most slips. More chances than ever before of being chosen."

I nod in understanding, "Yeah. But, Vance, how often are eighteen year olds ever reaped? I mean, we're usually the district with the youngest tributes. We're almost notorious for rarely sending in anyone above the age of fourteen. We'll be fine."

"Have you forgotten last year, Colleen? They were seventeen and eight-"

He immediately stops speaking, realizing what he's said.

Of course I remember last year. That seventeen year old was my lover, and that eighteen year old his murderer. I remember the pain I felt upon hearing his name, the fear I felt upon seeing her physique. I remember the loud, horrible sobs I'd let out in the tribute room, the tightness of his comforting arms around me. His words of reassurance that later were revealed as unintentional lies. The dagger that was embedded right between his shoulder blades on that awful fifth day in the arena. The sound of his cannon. His picture being projected into the sky, that last time I ever saw his eyes looking that much alive. And the shameful joy I felt when that eighteen year old girl was finally killed by the careers. She almost won, and I was terribly glad she didn't.

I remember it all. Every last detail.

We both turn away then, our faces flushed. His in embarrassment, mine in anger and anguish.

We've reached the front of the line. The Capitol attendant calls for me, and I march over to her booth confidently, doing my best to swallow back the tears caused by Vance.

The attendant stares at me wordlessly for longer than normal, and I stare back in confusion.

"Um…I'm Colleen Ryder."

Maybe she's new or something. She continues to stare.

"Miss Ryder, you cannot bring that baby with you." She says calmly.

I can feel my eyes widening in sudden realization. Hunter isn't eligible to be reaped. He must be checked in through the other line. Actually, he's young enough that he doesn't get checked in at all.

"Oh, shit. Um, I need someone to watch him. Everyone I know is of reaping age and can't stay with him."

The attendant rolls her eyes, calling over another attendant to take care of the situation. He immediately brings Hunter to the other line, in the care of some woman I've never met. She seems sweet, kissing the baby's cheek and cradling him in her arms. He'll be fine, for the time being.

"You're all good." The attendant drones after pricking me. "Next!"

I leave the booths at the same time Jay does, and we share a quick hug before heading over to our respective age groups.

I tune out then, only vaguely hearing the conversations of those around me, Kayla included. I only come back once the escort yells out the typical "Ladies first!" and heads over to the female ball.

She unfolds the paper in an agonizingly slow fashion, staring each female age group in the eyes before reading the name.

"Colleen Ryder!"

Kayla and I gasp simultaneously. No. How could this be? Two years in a row an older tribute!

First Hero, now me. Both of Hunter's parents succumbing to the Games.

I walk over to the stage shaking like a leaf, but I keep my game face on. Hunter and Jay cannot see my fear. I will not put them through what I was put through last year.

I will come back and be a mother for Hunter.

Jason Grim POV

The girl who was just reaped looks oddly familiar. I can't connect any sort of event or voice to her face (although of course now I know her name), but I am almost certain I've seen her before. Where?

Ugh, this is going to bother me.

"Wonderful!" the escort beams as I stifle a yawn, "Oh, isn't she just gorgeous! Loving the purple streak, dear, that is just awesome!"

The girl, Colleen, keeps a straight face. She doesn't show even the slightest reaction to what the escort said, except for absentmindedly running a finger through the purple streak in her hair.

"And now, for our male tribute!"

The escort wastes no time, having the name in her hand in about ten seconds. She doesn't even wait to get to her mic before shouting out the name for all to hear.

"Jason Grim!"

Me. It had to be me. Haven't I suffered enough?

I walk silently up to the stage without fear. I have no reason to be afraid. If I die, so be it. Not like I was living the best life anyway. If I win, great. Nothing to lose, really.

"My, my, look at this handsome young man! Rockin' the black! Black gloves, black pants, black everything! Love it! Shake hands, you two."

I turn to face my district partner, looking her right in the eyes, and suddenly it clicks. Hero's girlfriend. That's who she is. I remember making some dark and melancholy joke to her once when bringing some stolen food to Hero in his solitary bedroom, and she actually laughed. I wonder if she remembers that.

Something about the recognition in her eyes tells me she does.

We shake hands firmly. Just before she turns away I whisper to her, because I can't stand the silence in the air.

"Well, aren't we lucky? Looks like we've won the lottery!"

Colleen Ryder POV

I can't stop thinking about what my district partner, Jason, said to me just before heading to his tribute room. Looks like we've won the lottery. His blue eyes, usually calm and mysterious against his pale-white hair and skin, had turned icy cold with what almost could be seen as anger.

Because isn't it true? I think the awfulness of my own luck is self-explanatory, but I know Jason. I remember him from visiting Hero at the community home, and I know he has a dark past. He never wanted to talk about it, but I can see the sadness in his eyes that no one else seems to notice.

The Capitol just loves to destroy lives, it seems.

Jay comes first, all by himself.

"Hunter's right outside; I wasn't sure if you wanted-"

"No. Thank you, Jay."

He knows that I could not stand to see Hunter right now. Not only would seeing him break me, but I'd rather leave Hunter with positive memories from this morning, rather than have him remember a blubbering mess of tears.

"Take care of yourselves, alright? I don't know if I'll be back."

Jay shakes his head at me, eyes filled with fiery determination.

"I know you'll be back, Colly. Don't doubt yourself."

He uncurls his hand, revealing Hunter's bracelet that I made for him.

We hug then, and stay that way until the Peacekeepers come.

I will not let my family down when it's only just been completed again.

Jason Grim POV

I wonder if anyone will come. Not that it matters or anything, but it's nice to imagine someone actually caring. Then again, would I care enough to visit someone in the tribute room?

Alice. I would definitely visit Alice. That I have no doubt in my mind.

Of course, it doesn't surprise me in the slightest when Alice does come, her face for once completely serious and unsmiling.

"Jason."

I stare at her, naturally expecting her to say more. But she doesn't. After several seconds of silence, she lets out a shaky sigh, running her fingers through her hair before coming to sit next to me. She looks at me, her eyes slowly tearing up, but she doesn't let the tears fall.

"Jason." She says again, "You need to come back. Please. You're literally all I have."

I can't help but feel slightly shocked at this. I've always felt like I was a burden to her, and to everyone else of course, but especially her. I could never understand how she put up with me and managed to be so cheerful.

Of course, hearing her talk like this is also completely shocking to me. Nowhere near the happy-go-lucky girl I've always known her to be.

"But…why?" I can't help but ask, "You've got plenty of friends, Alice. You can continue stealing for me and making people happy just like you always have."

She stares at me, looking as shocked as I felt after she had spoken, and abruptly stands up. For once, she is the one looking down at me rather than up.

"You have no idea, do you? No idea whatsoever of how much you mean to me."

I continue to stare, uncomprehending. How did she hide this from me so well?

"Jason, I always make an effort to be nice to people. I know most people in this district have it real bad, and so I always try to make people happy in any way I can. But you…you're different. I know close to nothing about you, but I know you've had it bad, too. You live In the community home, for crying out loud! I just feel like you're different from everyone else. You're better. I just – you-"

At a loss for words, she does the most unexpected thing yet. She throws herself onto my lap and kisses me. Not just a small peck on the lips either, a real kiss, and I find myself kissing back. It doesn't last very long, but it's enough to make my head spin.

"Come back, Jason. Please."

Before I could say anything else, she is gone, running out of the room before the peacekeepers could get her.

I spend the rest of the time in my room deep in thought, tightening and untightening the hood that I plan on bringing into the arena with me. How long has she felt this way? Why? How do I feel about her? What now?

As the Peacekeepers come for me, one last thought comes to mind.

I thought it was nice to imagine somebody caring…but it feels much nicer to actually know someone that does. For once, I may actually have something – no, someone– to live for.

A/N So, this was probably my quickest update yet. About three weeks, not bad huh? And THAT, is why I love having no school. J

Hope you liked this one! These characters were difficult to write together since they both have such complicated backstories and personalities, so it was a nice challenge for me to try and find a way to connect them (in case you haven't noticed, I often have the district partners somehow relate to/recognize each other. Just for fun, I guess.)

Anyway, I would love to hear from y0u all, so please review! Almost there, guys!

Candy ~