District One:
Alexandrite Dazzle
"Alexandrite, wake up!" a sing-song voice calls out. "Time for the reaping!" That could only be the trilling of my oldest sister, Blossom. I stand up and walk over to my mirror. I try to stifle a yawn as I reach for my brush on the dresser. It doesn't work well. After brushing my hair and fixing my makeup, I head over to my closet to find my reaping dress. I've had it picked out for weeks. It's a black lace dress; a very short, tight, strappless, backless one. Once it's on, I complete my look with a pair of hot pink pumps and a silver necklace with hot pink stones. Right before heading downstairs for breakfast, I take one last look at myself in the mirror. I'm really proud at the way my makeup turned out. My eyes are lightly highlighted with some mascara and eyeliner to make them pop, and my lips match my necklace and pumps in color perfectly. I have to look my best today. After all, I am volunteering.
Downstairs, I find my parents sitting down at the table with my three older sisters. Yes, their names are Blossom, Tiara, and Yasmin; the three prettiest girls their age in District One. They've got plenty of admirers, and won't have trouble finding a rich husband when the time comes. It's been tough being the youngest. When I was younger, I wasn't a very pretty or popular girl. I had basically no friends, and it didn't help that I had my perfect sisters looking down on me. I was the "ugly duckling" of the family, so to speak. So, I began to read a bit more, and had my parents sign me up for training lessons at the Academy. It was an excellent way to take my mind off of things. Then, when I was thirteen, puberty hit, and changed things for the better. By the time I turned fourteen, I had changed from the ugly duckling to the swan. I found guys flirting with me, and knew girls were jealous of me. And I hated it. At school, I was constantly at the mercy of jealous and insulting girls. Guys didn't know the proper time to stop hitting on me. Even at training I was bombarded. Finally, I decided to shut them all out and focus on training for the Hunger Games. That's my reason for volunteering. It will be an escape from my messed-up life, where I can't trust anyone except my boyfriend, Topaz, the only one different from all the rest.
Glint Sulf
"Oh my gosh you look so handsome," my mom gushes as I head for the front door. Geez she is so annoying. Good thing I'll be leaving her today. When she's done obsessing over me, she grabs my baby sister Emerald out of her highchair, calls for my father, and the four of us head for the reapings.
On the day there, my dad pounds more advice into my skull. It's getting kind of annoying. However, my dad has always been very serious about my training. He's the one who signed me up for lessons at the academy, and who has been constantly monitoring my training like a hawk. However, I don't mind it. I love training, and am super excited for the Games. It's not my dad's fault he's pushing so hard for me. He was supposed to volunteer when he was eighteen. However, a few days before the reapings, he got the news; my mother was pregnant with me. He couldn't just leave her, so he refused to volunteer. My grandfather nearly killed him because of that. My father was thrown out on the streets, so he married my mom a month later so that they could get a house. When I was born, my father knew that I would be the one; the one to bring honor to the family name by winning the Hunger Games.
We arrive at the square, and I find my friends Markus and Troy. They've trained at the Academy with me, but aren't going to volunteer. They aren't quite at volunteer level yet. Troy is still seventeen, though, so he could volunteer next year, if he wanted to. In a few minutes, our escourt, Peony Kincardine, arrives. She gives a quick introduction, and then shows us the video of Pamem's history. I don't listen to any of it; I talk with Markus and Troy the whole time. We're in the middle of a conversation about the hottest girls our age when Markus nudges me. "Dude, she's picking a name out of the bowl for the girls." Excellent, I need to see my competition.
"Sasha Brooks."
"I volunteer as tribute!" A pretty girl walks towards the stage. She's got wavy blonde hair, sharp green eyes, and is wearing a black lacy dress.
"I know that girl," Troy whispers in my ear. "Her name is Alexandrite Dazzle. She doesn't have many friends, but she's gorgeous, and talented.
"Huh, she doesn't look like too much competition," I say. Peony picks out a name from the second bowl. She opens her mouth to speak, but I beat her to it. "I volunteer as tribute!" I walk up to the stage, and Peony asks me for my name. I grab the microphone. "I am Glint Sulf, the victor of the 126th Hunger Games."
Alexandrite Dazzle
Glint will be a great addition to the career alliance. I've seen him train at the Academy. He might not have a brain cell in his head, but he's certainly strong. He'll have Capitol admirers too. I have to say, he looks pretty nice in his red shirt and black slacks. "Ladies and gentlemen, the District One tributes for the 126th Hunger Games!" After a round of applause, we're taken to the Justice Building.
My first visitors are my sisters. Their visit is very boring. They just give me fashion tips, and tell me how to win over the hearts of the other careers. "I have a boyfriend," I remind them about ten times through gritted teeth. My parents come in next. My mom strokes my hair as my dad gives me his last round of advice. Right before they leave, my mom gives me my district token. I've had it picked out for weeks. It's a sparkly pink hair clip that belonged to my aunt. My mom gives me a last kiss on the forehead, and walks out the door with my dad.
My last visitor is certainly my favorite. Topaz walks into the room, and my face breaks into a smile. "Topaz!" I shout, running into his arms. "Thanks so much for coming!"
"Why on earth would I miss this?" he asks. "I want to say good bye. I'm not going to see you for a month."
"Don't say that. I haven't won yet."
"But you're going to win," he says. "Come on, let's sit down."
We spend our next fifteen minutes or so talking, hugging, and kissing. Finally, the dreaded time comes. "Good bye, Topaz," I say.
"Bye, Alexandrite. I love you."
"Love you too."
Glint Sulf
My parents and baby sister walk into the first. My dad hammers me with more and more advice while my mother just sits there, rocking Emerald back and forth. When the Peacekeepers come to take them away, I'm kind of happy. It will be nice to take a break from my dad's voice. Before leaving, my mom checks to make sure I have my district token. I hold up my grandfather's knife handle. He won the Games with the knife, but since I can't bring weapons into the arena, I was just given the handle.
After my parents leave, Troy and Markus bound in. We continue our conversation about the hottest girls in the district, and talk a bit about my district partner too. "I think I can win her heart over," I say. "Then I'll slit her neck, when the time comes."
"I'm pretty sure she has a boyfriend," Troy says. "Some misfit named Topaz."
"So?" I say. "Glint Sulf can win over the heart of anyone he chooses."
After my friends leave, I get visited by three girls from school. Two of them came up in our conversation earlier. They all wish me good luck, plant a kiss on my cheek, and leave without anything more. I'm actually surprised that there wasn't more. I go to a lot of parties in District One.
District Two:
Jessie Hart
Two girls sit up high in a tree. The girls are identical; down to every freckle. It's a cool summer day. The girls are very comfortable with the nice breeze blowing around. However, they begin to get bored. "I bet you can't climb up to that branch, one of the girls says to the other, pointing up the tree."
"Oh yeah?" says the other. "We'll see about that." The girl begins to climb, higher and higher, forcing away any fear that tries to penetrate her mind. She's a branch away when it happens. The girl looses her balance, and hangs from the branch with one hand. "Help, Jessie!" she screams. "Help!"
But Jessie can't get to her in time. The girl looses her grip, and plummets to the ground. "Anjie!" Jessie shouts as she watches in terror. Anjie lands with a splat. Jessie looks down. Anjie is surrounded in a pool of blood. Her neck has snapped. Both of her eyes are still open, her face a mask of terror. Her hand reaches out in front of her in the grass, grasping for a branch that isn't there...
I wake up, sweating and screaming. It's been seven years since that day. I'm fourteen now, but I still get the nightmares. Of course, it's hard to forget when I've got the whole district staring at me like I'm a piece of scum. When my sister died seven years ago, everyone in the district thought I had killed her. Although I constantly told everyone that she died in a tree-climbing accident, they didn't seem to think it was an accident. The only people who believed I was innocent were my mom and dad. To this day, they're the only people I can still trust.
Once I've calmed down, I pull out my reaping dress. It's knee-length with floral print, and has matching heels. I still don't understand why everyone in District Two has to go to these and dress nicely. I mean, we all know that there's going to be two volunteers. There always is.
Mason Riley
I have to duck through the doorway as I walk out of the house. I've actually gotten pretty used to it. "Ready?" my mom asks. I nod in reply. She looks very excited. She should be. After all, her youngest son is volunteering for the Hunger Games today. Although, my mom is very used to her kids volunteering. My oldest sister volunteered ten years ago, but she died in the final five. It was a huge embarrassment to the family. Two years later, my oldest brother volunteered, and won. A few years after that, my other sister won. Now, it's my turn to show off. And I think I can be a bit more memorable than either of them.
As we walk to the square, I get lots of funny glances. I'm used to it by now. Whenever someone looks at me like that, I just smirk and wave down at them. I don't blame them for looking at me like that, because I'm a legally classified giant. Last time I went to the healing clinic, the thing they use to measure my height was two small, so they had to improvise. With an extra ruler and some tape, it was determined that I'm seven and a half feet tall. So yes, I've gotten used to people gawking at me. Who knows what they'll say when I volunteer?
Jessie Hart
District Two's escourt, Hepeta Joeson, walks onto the stage. She was just promoted here from District Six, and I can tell she's happy about it. Her face remains in a constant smile as she gives an introduction, and then starts the history video. Once it's done, she walks over to the first glass bowl. "Ladies first," she says, placing her hand in it. She plucks out a slip and reads it aloud. "Jessie Hart."
For a second or two, my body fills with numb shock. But then I remember that there's no need to worry. There's always volunteers in District Two. Sure enough, a brown-haired girl steps up and says, "I vol-" However, she stops in her tracks. "Who's name did you call out?" she asks, addressing Hepeta.
"Umm, Jessie Hart," Hepeta says, looking very confused.
The brunette smiles an evil smile. "Jessie Hart, huh? Well, never mind. I'm only seventeen. I'll volunteer next year." She steps back into line. What is going on? Why isn't she volunteering? Then, it hits me. She must believe the rumor about me killing my twin sister. She thinks I'm a murderer, and wants me to pay by sending me into the Hunger Games.
"Umm, Jessie Hart, can you come up here please?" I'm zapped out of my thoughts. I slowly walk up to the stage. When I reach it, Hepeta says, "Any volunteers?"
I look out into the crowd and notice something odd. Everyone is smiling and smirking at me. Honestly, no one's going to volunteer. All of District Two hates my guts. However, as Hepeta prepares to draw the male name, I begin to think a little bit. The Games could be a great opportunity to escape a life where everyone unjustly hates me. And if I win, I'll rub it in the face of every single District Two citizen!
Mason Riley
"Tyrell Fox."
"I volunteer as tribute!"
Heads turn my way as I saunter up to the stage. Hepeta, who usually has a smile on her face from dawn to dusk, takes on a look of shock. Since she's still staring at me, not moving her mouth, I invite myself up to the microphone. "Hi, my name is Mason Riley and I'm seven and a half feet tall." I then step over to where Jessie, the evil girl, is standing. Looking at her up close, I realize that her eyes are jet black. I feel like I'm staring into a black hole. I have to say, this girl scares me a little.
Hepeta still isn't saying anything, so I speak up. "So should we shake hands now, or what?"
Hepeta seems to zap back to life. "Umm, yes. You may, uhh, shake hands now."
I try to avoid Jessie's eyes as we shake hands. Then, we're sent into the Justice Building. I enter my room and sit down on the velvet couch, wondering who will come. I know my parents and siblings won't. We said our goodbyes before the reaping, so there's no need to say goodbye now. Sure enough, my first two visitors are my sparring partners at the training center. They wish me good luck, we chat a little bit, and then they leave. Next come three of my buddies from school, followed by two more after that. I have to say, I'm a very successful guy when it comes to making friends, despite my height. At last, my last round of visitors leave (three of my instructors from the training center), and I'm left to my thoughts.
Jessie Hart
My mom and dad walk through the door. I can tell my mom's been crying. "It's so unfair," she says. "First your sister, and now you. Neither of you deserved any of this."
"Calm down, mom," I say, hugging her. "I'm not dead yet. I may be younger than all of the other careers, but I can fit in with them. I've done a bit of training, and my mind's not too dull. Don't loose faith."
My mother just nods. My dad takes the opportunity to give me some advice. "Listen," he says. "You're right. If you can find your way in with the careers, they'll be an instant protection for you. However, make another alliance with your district partner. Once the careers break up, ally just with him. And then, when you make it to the final two, beat him with your brain."
In what seems like no time at all, the Peacekeepers come to take my parents away. "Good luck," my dad says. "We love you!" My mom just waves, fighting off tears. The door shuts, and they're gone. I know there's no other visitors out there, waiting to see me. I have no friends. I lie down on the couch in the silence, and close my eyes. A nap might make me feel better...
District Three:
Jarvis Scholl
I wake up to the sight of sunlight shining through my window; well, what's left of my window. It's been years since we've had the time or money for home renovations, so my window remains shattered. After pulling myself out of bed, I immediately remember what day it is, and a cold feeling shoots down my spine. Today's the day of the reapings.
I walk into the kitchen, and the smell of fresh bread hits my nose. It looks like my dad and my brother Henrie have decided to use up some of our monthly grain supply for breakfast. I don't mind. I'm in dire need of a morale booster. Henrie and my dad finish up, and walk the seven pieces of bread to the table. They also have a small bowl of raspberries. This really is a treat!
As I dig into my bread slice, I look across the table at my five younger brothers. Yeah, you heard me right. I'm the eldest of six boys. My mom always wanted a girl, so she kept trying to have one. That plan backfired when she gave birth to my youngest brother, Roy. She died, leaving my dad with six boys to take care of. I was fifteen at the time. I took out tessarae for my whole family that year, but it wasn't enough. We all nearly starved that year. Finally, I turned sixteen, and was able to get a job at the factory. I've been working alongside my father for two years. Between that and the tessarae, we've been able to scramble through. However, this is my last year of eligibility. Next year, Henrie will need to take tessarae, and if he or Leon are reaped, there will be nothing I can do.
Jennette Parke
I walk to the city square, my family right beside me. This is my first year of the reaping. My sister, Jessica, and brother, Jonathan, are still too young. We reach the square. I give everyone a hug, and then head off to the section for twelve-year-old girls. I take one look back at my family. Jessica is waving to me. She doesn't understand what's going on. She's only five.
District Three's escourt steps onstage. Her name is Adelina Pop, and it's clear she's excited for today's reaping. She's got a giant wig of bubblegum-pink hair, ghostly pale skin, and a revolting pink ruffled dress. I try to block myself out from the world as she shows the short video on the history of Panem. Even though it's my first reaping, I've still seen it many times. Finally, Adelina steps up to the bowl. "Let's see who our lucky lady will be this year." Her pale hand reaches into the bowl, swims around for a little bit, and then plucks a single paper out. District Three holds their breath as Adelina reads the name.
"Jennette Parke."
No no no no no no. This can't be happening!
Jarvis Scholl
I watch as the young girl makes her way to the stage. I'm sorry to say, but there's no way she'll make it past the bloodbath. She's really short and skinny, and glasses cloud most of her face. She has chocolate brown, straight hair that falls halfway down her back, and is wearing a blue blouse with a white skirt. Neither look very clean. As I look around, I see that most of District Three doesn't look happy. This girl has no chance. They're obviously hoping for a fair male tribute.
"Jarvis Scholl."
If I hadn't recognized the funny accent, I wouldn't have realized that the words came out of Adelina Pop's mouth. I slowly begin to walk up to the stage, terror consuming me. What's going to happen to my family? They're in the same situation they were when my mom died. My brother Henrie will have to get a job next year. Leon will have to help with the younger ones. How could this happen to my family.
When I reach the top of the stage, I see that most of District Three is smiling. What is wrong with them? Then I realize that they think District Three actually has a chance this year. Now I realize that I may be eighteen, and somewhat tall, but I really don't have a chance against some of the careers that have trained their whole lives. I'm a gonner; even more of a gonner than my district partner.
After a few closing words, Jennette and I are whisked away, into the Justice Building. We're separated about halfway up the stairs. They shove me into a room, where I sit and wait for nearly half an hour. Finally, my family bursts in. Well, half of it. "They only allow three visitors in the room at a time," my dad explains. Sure enough, he's with my two youngest siblings: Roy, who's three, and Fabian, who's five. None of them really understand what's going on, so they wander around the room, pointing out all of the fancy furniture while my dad and I talk.
"Listen," my dad says. "You need to get yourself allies."
"Who would want to ally with me?"
"You're eighteen. You're fairly tall. You're a guy. You're in okay physical condition. And, you're not too bad looking. Maybe you'll be able to find yourself some strong females to help you out. Okay?"
"Okay," I say. After a few more words, my dad and brothers are told to leave. Just before they're sent away, Fabian gives me the toy train I gave to him right after my mom died. "Good luck, son," my dad says as the Peacekeepers slam the door in his face. Five minutes later, my other three brothers burst through the door. We embrace in a group hug, something we haven't done since before our mom died. Avan, who's eight, sits on my lap while Leon and Henrie give me advice. Too soon, the Peacekeepers burst back in and tell them to leave.
My last visitor is kind of a surprise. One of my co-workers, named Hufford, walks in the door. He's nineteen, and has two younger siblings to take care of. Both of his parents died a few years ago. I never asked how. He kind of just sits there and looks out the window, apparently lost for words. I am too. After a few minutes, the Peacekeepers take him away. "Good luck," he says, right before the door closes.
Jennette Parke
My mom and sister come in first. "Oh my gosh, baby," my mom says. "I can't believe this is happening to you. Tears cloud her face. I can't help it; I start to cry too.
"I love you, mom," I sob. "I love you Jessica." My sister has started to cry too. I think she's starting to get it.
After a few minutes of sobbing into each other's shoulders, my mom pulls away. "Listen, baby," she says. "Just try your best out there. That's all I ask. I'll love you no matter what."
"I love you too," I say. At that moment, the Peacekeepers burst in. "Bye mom!" I nearly scream.
I have about ten minutes to calm down before my father and brother enter the room. When I hug my brother the tears start to flow again. My dad doesn't let me cry for long, though. "Look at me, Jennette," he says. "You're small. That'll make it easier to hide. You also don't need as much food as those bigger tributes, and you're used to hunger. If you hide, and find a find a source of water, you could make it very far."
"Don't kid yourself," I say. "I'm never going to win."
"Well you can always try," my dad says. "No one will think any less of you. Just try, sweetheart."
Way too quickly, the Peacekeepers reappear. "I love you sweetheart," my dad says. My younger brother has started to cry. "I always will."
Well, here's my first reaping chapter. As you can see, I decided to include three districts per chapter. Also, I forgot to mention last chapter that I'm not doing a sponsorship point system. However, if you read and review a lot, and your tribute is starving or freezing, I may just send them some food or some matches (*hint* *hint*)! I hope you liked this chapter! :-)