Trigger warning: This chapter is going to involve sexual and verbal abuse. If that is something that you are sensitive to, skip over Alleluia's POV's. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy the first reaping chapter! :)

Send my love to your new lover

Treat her better

We've gotta let go of all of our ghosts

We both know we ain't kids no more

Send my love to your new lover

Alleluia "Lia" Damon, 18

District one female

"Lia, Hurry up! She is going to be back any second," Shimma calls from across the flourescent pink room. My long blonde hair is hanging in my face as my fingers are scanning through the items that are messily tossed in the drawer as quickly as they can, but I can't seem to find what I am looking for.

"I just need to know what that sneaky hoe was writing!" I groan. "She was looking right at me as she scribbled in the stupid notebook. It has to be in here somewhere," I whisper, more to myself than to Shimma.

"Haven't you ever heard the saying, curiosity killed the cat?!" she says louder this time.

"Have you ever heard the phrase shut the fuck up?" I throw back at her, annoyed. I close the drawer and cross my arms over my chest. It's going to absolutely drive me insane that I don't know what is inside that raggedy looking red notebook.

Ever since I was a little girl, I guess you could say that I was overly curious. I needed to know everything about people. What they liked, what they were doing and even what they kept inside their bedside tables. It has gotten me in a lot of trouble, really. I don't mind though. It's not like I give a rats ass what people think of me anyways. If there is one thing that you should know about me, it's that I absolutely despise people. I would like to say that it's nothing personal, but it is. Shimma is really the only exception. I can't recall what started my hatred for people, maybe it's the fact that I grew up with two brothers, or maybe it has just always been a part of me. However, the past two years of my life have done nothing to help with my hatred for the general population.

Growing up, my parents were very protective. They kept me out of sports and any physical activity, really for the fear of me getting injured. I was in the Gifted and Talented Education program at school, so they wanted me to protect my brain or some shit. I wasn't having that at all, my brothers Alabaster and Royale were always allowed to do whatever they wanted without all these dumb as hell rules and regulations. I begged my parents with everything that I had in me to let me start training. They were against it for a long time, but eventually they agreed to it when I turned eleven. That is where I met Shimma. People always talked about how fast they connected when they met their best friend and I have always thought that was bullshit, but it is exactly what was my polar opposite; she is very quiet and laid back and I am, well, not. It worked though, and she has been my best friend ever since. She makes life more bearable.

I loved training. It was a place where I felt that I finally belonged. I could put all of my time and energy into one thing and it was for a good cause. I was spending every day at the training academy, from the time I was eleven until I turned eighteen. Training was my release, it cleared my mind and helped me focus all at the same time. There were no distractions there, at least until I met Micah Jameson. I remember it like it was yesterday, unfortunately.

I had just broken up with my boyfriend, needless to say, my mind was a bit distracted. I was putting all my rage and fury into my training and really letting the punching bag have it, when I met eyes with a boy from across the room. His sandy blonde was side swept and he had bright green eyes that were piercing. I was automatically intrigued and I could tell that he was too. I don't like thinking about this day, because my life would never be the same after it, but everytime I think about it, I am thrown violently down memory lane and the flashbacks won't stop.

Micah and I really hit it off. He was charming, cute, funny and I liked the fact that he was two years older than me. It seemed dangerous. I thought he was everything that I wanted in a boyfriend. Everywhere we went, people would tell us how we just looked like we were made for each other, how we were the perfect couple. I was so head over heels for this ass hat that I thought so too. I was happy with him, and he felt safe.

The light that I once saw in Micah's eyes started to diminish and things started to change. It all started one day when we were watching TV in my room. We got into a small argument over the fact that I didn't want to mess around. He started saying these terrible things. I close my eyes and the flashback starts.

"You are ridiculous, come on Lia," he said playfully at first.

"No, I'm not in the mood right now, maybe later." I placed a kiss on his forehead and started to roll off of the maroon Victorian style couch. "I'll get us some water," I said. Before I could get up though, his hand was gripping my long blonde ponytail.

"This is why you're only my little experiment, you're not good for anything else." He dragged my face close to his and then pushed me away forcefully, before getting up and leaving. I should have run to my mom and dad and told them what happened, but I was scared and to stunned to move. He sent me a text message later apologizing and promising that he would never be like that with me again. I should have listened to my gut and started running for the hills, but you know what they say; love is blind.

At first, some days would be totally fine. The attacks would only be verbally, and they would come days or even weeks apart. The day that the attacks changed from verbal to so much more though is forever going to be etched deep into my brain.

I was standing in my room, perfecting my blonde curls with my favorite curling wand. Micah was standing by the bed. He walk going on and on about some girl from the training academy. Hearing him talk about other girls in front of me stung, but I didn't dare say anything to him. I didn't know he was looking in my direction, so I rolled my eyes before I continued putting mascara on.

Micah walked over to me and grabbed me by the straps of my royal blue tank top. He tossed me aggressively down onto my own bed, like I was a piece of trash.

"You will never be good enough, Lia. All you are good for is my experimental games. You think someone is actually going to want your tainted, used and filthied body after I'm done with you?" he spat as he shoved my head down into a pillow and began stripping me of not only my clothes, but my dignity as well. This was the first of many times that Micah took advantage of me. It was like I wasn't even in my body, my conscience floated somewhere else. Somewhere happy and safe.

This went on for almost a full year. Micah let me know at every chance that he could get that nobody was going to want me and that I would never amount to anything. He assaulted me and every single time as he was putting his clothes back on, he would tell me that If I told anyone, that he would kill me and my family. I never wanted to put my family at risk, so I kept quiet.

One night, my mom and I were in the kitchen cooking dinner. I accidentally let it slip out, that Micah had been rough with me, but I didn't go into very much detail. My mom, being the very protective woman that she is, notified the Peacekeepers. I never saw Micah again. I guess he is locked up now. He will never be able to tell me that I'm not good enough again, he will never be able to hurt me again, and he will certainly never be able to dictate my life ever again. However, just because he is locked up, doesn't mean that his face and his cruel words don't haunt my dreams every single night.

Micah definitely sent my hatred for the general population soaring to an all time high, I know that people say for the most people are generally good, but that is utter bullshit. People are cruel and selfish.

As terrible as the whole situation with Micah was, it taught me a lot about myself. It made me train harder than ever, for the last three months before the Reapings. I am going to volunteer, and prove not only to myself but also to Micah, that I am good enough. I am a strong girl, and no fuckboy is going to make me think less of myself. If he think that I can't do this, or that I won't amount to anything, he has another thing coming.

I cannot stop this sickness taking over

It takes control and drags me into nowhere

I need your help, I can't fight this forever

I know you're watching,

I can feel you out there

Valour Clos, 17.

District one male

Every person has an idea of how they want their life to be. We picture it in our heads whether we like to admit that or not. We have an idea of who we should be and the things that we should do. Unfortunately, most of the time the picture that we have in our head gets squashed. Everybody has problems, some more than others. Life gets to be overbearing though, when your problem dictates every movement in your life and makes you feel like there is a boulder sitting on your chest.

"Did you hear that?" I ask frantically, looking over my shoulder. I don't hear anything, but someone had to have been behind me, I can feel it.

"Dude, you're good. There was no one there. A bush just moved or something," Lux states, patting me on my shoulder reassuringly. I tug on the long sleeves of my blue shirt and grip the ends tightly in my hands, looking around one more time before taking a deep breath and refocusing.

Ever since I was a young boy, everyone has been out to get me, or so I thought. My mom says that when I was younger it was way worse, but even now, some days are an absolute struggle. I guess they call it paranoia. I call it being cautious.

"Lift your sleeves," Lux orders, looking at me with wide eyes. Lux is my best friend, he is good at calming me down and helping to ease my nerves. A lot of other people get annoyed, frustrated and even angry when I have one of those days, but not Lux. He is patient and helps me refocus my energy on training, which is exactly what I need to be doing. I lift my sleeve and expose the scabs and scratch marks.

"I thought you were doing better, man," he says looking disappointed.

"I am. I think that with the reapings coming up so soon, that my nerves are just kicking in again." I say, returning the cuff of my sleeve to my palm. When I was eight, I discovered that scratching and picking at my skin made my paranoia halt, it didn't go away completely, but it put it at ease. Every time that things would get of hand, the pain from picking at my skin would take my mind off of it..

My parents noticed that I was becoming more and more paranoid, but they didn't really think anything of it until the night that all hell broke loose. I was ten years old, I felt alone but surrounded at the same time. They were watching me, they were all around me but they wouldn't speak. I could just feel their eyes piercing into my back everytime that I turned around. I put my hands over my eyes and cuddled under my thick blue comforter with trains on it and began to wail. My parents heard me sobbing and screaming about how they were always watching and came running in. They saw all the scars on my arms and from that point on, they made me wear long sleeves and shirts with collars to ensure that I wasn't harming myself. I guess wearing them is just a habit now though. Anyways, they kept a close eye on my until I was twelve and then they enrolled me in training, hoping that it would distract me and give me something to put all my nerves into.

I reach my house and fist bump Lux, before entering.

"See you tomorrow, Lux," I shout before slamming the door. I walk through the house and pull all of the drawstrings, closing the blinds. It's just part of my routine, especially when I am home alone.

I throw on some work out clothes, slide my blonde hair to the side of my head and splash some water on my face before heading to training for the night. I'm almost never home, training is my entire life. My parents are sad that I'm almost never around, but they know that this is best for me.

When I'm in the training academy, nothing else matters. It's like paranoia and nerves don't even exist. With every punch thrown and every new skill learned, I feel like I can take on anything. Even the people who are watching. I have always been a very focused person. When I set my mind to something, there is absolutely nothing that can distract me from achieving the outcome that I desire. I will focus on that one thing until it's all I can think about. It encompasses my thoughts and gives me the confidence that I know that I desperately need. I know that I will do well in the Hunger Games, if I put my mind to it. I better, after all the time that I have put into this.

"Valour! Good to see you! How's it going?" My trainer asks shaking her head, as I am going ham on a punching bag.

"Hey! I'm really good tonight! Just getting in some last minute training before tomorrow." I smile at her, wiping away a small bead of sweat that is rolling down my face.

"I see that, you seem like you are in a great mood. However, I think I've seen you more this week, than I have seen my own reflection. You should head home and get some rest," she says taking the gloves from my hands and setting them down on the ground.

"Is resting going to get me Victor?" I wink at her and she laughs.

"Seriously, it's late. Get a move on, bud," she takes the gloves and heads to a locker room nearby. I decide not to fight it, and give in. I haven't been sleeping as much as I should be, and tomorrow is a big day.

Most people assume that because I am usually a ball of nerves, that I can't be friendly and maintain normal conversations. That isn't the case at all, I have plenty of acquaintances. I guess you could say that I am an acquired taste though, and it takes a very patient person to stick around. Most of my normal conversations, happen here.

I pack up all my things and start my journey home. The district is eerily quiet at this time of night. The only sound besides the soft hum of the occasional passing car, is the whoosh of the wind through the trees. The street lights are scattered, creating a somber glow on the black pavement. I grip the cuffs of my black sweat shirt in my palms and cover my head with the hood, and start walking.

I've always been scared of the dark, that is when I feel that they are watching the most. If these street lights weren't here, there is no doubt that I would be having a panic attack right now. I adjust my headphones in my ears and nod my head along with the beat, looking over my shoulder every now and then just out of habit.

The sound of a leaf scattering across the pavement startles me, and I begin to walk faster. There is a loud noise behind me and it sends me into a jog. The noise is getting closer and closer and no matter how fast I run, it doesn't go away. I'm too afraid to look over my shoulder so I keep my head straight and focus on getting home. I can feel the eyes watching me as I lift my sleeve and start picking at my skin. By the time I make it to my front door, I am out of breath and sweating. I throw the door open and slam it shut behind me, turning the lock and checking it three times. I lean back against the door and slide down to the floor, putting my head in my hands.

I don't know what was out there, but I sure as hell don't want to find out. I head to my bedroom to attempt to get some sleep, checking over my shoulder every step of the way.

This was all you, none of it me

You put your hands on, on my body and told me

You told me you were ready

For the big one, for the big jump

I'd be your last love everlasting, you and me

Alleluia "Lia" Damon, 18.

District one female

"Are you sure that you are okay?" My mom asks me, watching me perfect my blonde hair in the mirror.

"Mom, I'm not a weak bitch, I've got it covered," I smile at her in the mirror.

"Watch your language, Lia," she says, rolling her eyes.

"Excuse the hell out of me, mom. Today is a big day for me. Today is the day that I get to show what I'm all about. I get to prove that even when bad things happen to good people, it doesn't keep them down, it makes them come back stronger and with a vengeance.

"I just want to make sure that you aren't doing this just to prove a point to… him," my mom says teary eyed.

"I promise that I'm not, that crusty asshole can rot in prison for the rest of his life for all I care. He got what was coming to him, and I'm honestly fine mom, like I said, I am a strong ass bitch and I can handle it," I walk over to the bed and give her a hug.

"I am so proud of you, Lia. You handled this whole situation so well. You have managed to keep a positive attitude throughout the whole process. You forgave him and let it roll of your back," she smiles at me and adjusts one of my curls.

If only she knew, I hate him with every fiber of my being. I will never forgive him for what he put me through. He is the scum of the earth, but he is locked up in prison so there isn't a whole lot that I can do about getting my revenge. Doing well in the Hunger Games, would be a good start though.

My curious personality had gotten the best of me last week. I ended up calling the prison to see if the prisoners got to watch from inside the cold, white brick building. The woman on the phone sounded annoyed by my question, but once I get a question in my head, there is nothing that will make it go away unless it is an answer. She finally caved and told me that they did. Micah is going to see me kill it in there, quite literally, and I'm going to look good as hell doing it.

"Bye, Jubilee," I say addressing my mother by her name and kissing her cheek. She grabs my wrist and pulls me back into a hug.

"Please, don't do it. You have been through enough. You have everything you need here," a single tear rolls down her cheek.

I pull my wrist loose from her grip and wipe her tear.

"I'm going to be late, see you." I say, shutting the door to her bedroom lightly, before heading to the reapings.

Mayday! Mayday!

The ship is slowly sinking

They think I'm crazy but they don't know the feeling

They're all around me

Valour Clos, 17.

District one male.

"How did you sleep last night, dear?" my mom asks, setting down a pile of pancakes in front of me. She joins me at the table, setting her chin in her hand.

"I didn't. I had a lot on my mind.." I lie. I really didn't sleep last night because I was afraid to turn the light off. I couldn't sleep with it on, but every time I turned it off, I could feel them staring.

"Well, today is the big day. I am so proud of you, my boy. It's going to be so tough, but your father and I know you can do it. You'll make us proud." she gets up and returns to the kitchen so that she can distract herself. She has been very upset about it this week, although she would never let anyone know that.

"Thanks, mom." I eat my pancakes as fast as I can and give both of my parents a tight squeeze before heading down to the reapings.

It's an unusually hot day in the district and standing in line waiting to get my finger pricked is miserable. Beads of sweat roll down my face and I use my sleeve to wipe them away. When I reach the front of the line, the woman is cold as she shoves the needle into my finger and stamps it. I make my way to the seventeen year old section on the male side and find a spot to stand. I feel like they are all already staring at me, but every time I look around, there are no eyes on me. It seems like we wait forever before the escort finally waltz onto the stage. She is wearing an old victorian style dress and her light purple hair is piled high onto her head. She has makeup on her face that almost makes it look white. She reminds me of a doll, and it is very unsettling.

"Welcome to the beautiful district one! I am so excited to meet our lovely little tributes. My name is Rosalee," she gestures with her hands a lot as she talks. "Let's begin!" She holds her dress up with one hand as she walks over the females bowl and fishes out a slip of paper.

"Cashmere Downy!" she shouts.

"I volunteer as tribute!" A loud voice comes from the eighteen year olds.

A girl with long blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes, walks confidently out of the crowd. She tosses her hair over her shoulder and saunters up to the stage. She doesn't look scared at all, in fact, she looks excited.

"Well would you look at that!" Rosalee exclaims, looking just as excited as the girl. "Please, tell us your name," she offers out the microphone to the girl.

"My name is Alleluia Damon, but you can call me Lia!" she says with a big smile across her face.

"You certainly are beautiful, do you have anything that you would like to say?" Rosalee asks.

"I am so excited to have the opportunity to bring district one another win!" she says.

"Very well then, thank you Lia. On to the male tribute!" She skips over to the bowl and quickly takes out a slip of paper.

"Henley Smith!" she yells, looking out in the crowd.

I take a deep breath and try to convince myself that no one is watching me. The thought of all these eyes on me makes me cringe, but I know that this is something that I need to do.

"I volunteer as tribute!" I yell, and the little boy from the twelve year old section sighs.

I walk up to the stage looking around at all the faces. When I get there, I am conforted by Rosalee's hand on my back.

"What is your name?" She asks, offering me the microphone.

"My.. My name is Valour. Valous Clos," I stutter nervously.

"Do you have anything that you would like to say?" she asks.

I shake my head and tug on my sleeve.

"Give a round of applause for your lovely district one tributes!" Rosalee screams into the microphone before leading us into the justice building to say our goodbyes.

Hey y'all!

The first reaping chapter is done! :) I am really excited to get this story going. I love all of the tributes so much already and i'm just really excited to bring them all to life.

I will have the blog up by tomorrow afternoon, so that you can have a better idea of what the tributes look like!

I liked both of these tributes a lot, I thought they were both a good example of how even careers aren't perfect all the time. Thanks so much to Mythical Pine Forest and VeneratedArt for submitting. :) I hope you like them.

What did you all think of these two?

Predictions?

XOXO

Jenna