Elizabeth "Ellie" Porter, 15

District 6 Female

Ellie lay face down on the plush bed, sobbing. She didn't know where she'd summoned the confidence she had onstage during the reaping, but it was gone now. She felt lost and hopeless.

Still, she didn't regret volunteering. Annie deserved the chance to meet her baby. If she went into the Hunger Games, she'd be forced to terminate her pregnancy. And Annie was so determined to be a good mother. She'd taken every insult and judgmental look with stride, never letting anyone bring her down. Ellie wished she could be as brave as her.

Though she supposed volunteering was pretty brave. And she was absolutely determined to make it back to Annie, Vickie, and Venza. She couldn't give up.

Someone knocked on the door and Ellie sat up, wiping her eyes.

"Come in," she croaked. The door opened and her mentor Journey came inside, sitting on the end of the bed.

"Hi Ellie," she said. "I wanted to check on you."

"I'm alright," Ellie said. "Just… rocked."

"That's understandable. Come on out and we can have some tea and talk about your strategy.

So Ellie followed Journey into the main dining area. Two steaming mugs of herbal tea were already on the table. She sat down and took a small sip of one. It tasted like chamomile. Her mom used to make chamomile tea when Ellie was sick. Well, she did before her miscarriage. Everything changed after that.

"So Ellie, why did you volunteer?" Journey asked after taking a sip of her own tea.

"My sister was reaped, and she's pregnant," Ellie said. Journey's eyes widened, but she nodded slowly.

"That was a brave thing to do," she said. "We should definitely play up your bravery and love for your family. People like tributes with motivations."

"What was yours?" Ellie asked. Journey was quiet for a moment.

"Mine was also family. My older sister was also pregnant when I was reaped. My parents were both addicts who couldn't support us, and I knew I had to win so my sister and niece could have a good life."

"That's brave too," Ellie said. "How is your sister now?"

"She's doing well. She recently moved in with her boyfriend. Her daughter is 12 now."

Ellie just nodded, taking a sip of her tea. Journey looked her up and down.

"Your main jobs should be bulking up and learning survival skills. I don't know what the arena will be, but the trainers try to cover all the basic terrains. I-"

She stopped as Josko, Ellie's district partner, came into the room. He was a year above her in school, and while she'd seen him around campus, they'd never spoken.

"Hi," Josko said quietly. "May I sit with you?" When Journey and Ellie nodded, he joined them at the table. "Ellie, are you looking for allies?"

Ellie glanced at Journey, but her mentor didn't give a signal of any kind. It was up to her to decide, and she most definitely didn't want to be alone in the arena.

"Yeah," she said. "Are you asking?" Josko grinned.

"Yup."

Alrik Garrison, 17

District 9 Male

Alrik liked to think he'd taken the reaping in stride. And part of him was glad it wasn't someone with a family. He knew how painful it was to lose loved ones, and he didn't wish it on anyone.

His mentor, a tall redhead named Maddox, sat down across from Alrik, where he was seated on a bench seat near the window.

"Hey there," Maddox said. "You're up late." Alrik just grunted. Maddox frowned. "Do you always communicate like that?" Alrik shrugged.

Maddox stood up and crossed his arms.

"You're going to need to shape up if you plan on winning. No one likes a grumpy tribute, and-"

"Maddox!" someone called. Both men looked up as Ceres Arthur walked into the room. Her arms were crossed and she was frowning.

"There's no need to be rude to him."

"I'm not being rude," Maddox protested. "I'm just telling the truth."

"How much did I talk during my Games," she challenged. Maddox looked away, fuming.

"Why don't you get some sleep," she said to him. "I'll talk with Alrik."

"Fine!" Maddox shouted, throwing up his hands and stalking out. Ceres sat down in his spot.

"You'll have to forgive him," she said. "He has a bit of a temper, but he truly wants to help. And he's a good mentor. I mean, he brought Dakota home!" Alrik nodded, thinking of Dakota. She won two years ago, despite not having her wheelchair in the arena. It was… an interesting finale. Though Alrik admired that she was willing to do whatever it took to win.

"So Alrik, what are your strengths? I know that's a broad question that's sometimes hard to answer, but I want to figure out a good angle for you."

"I work at a butcher shop," he said flatly. "I like fire."

"So you have knife skills. That's good. And knowledge about fire is always useful. That's a great start. What sort of angle do you want to play up? Something that feels natural is always best."

Alrik thought for a moment. How did he want to portray himself? Most people back in 9 found him scary, though he didn't try to be. But maybe being in the Capitol was a chance to rebrand, so to speak.

"Quiet," he finally said. "And maybe scary?"

"Let's go for quiet but capable," Ceres said. "Unless you want to be scary." Alrik shook his head.

"One issue is that other tributes may go for that angle. We need you to stand out."

"Could I write a poem?" Alrik asked. "I like poems." Ceres smiled.

"Yes, that will be perfect! You could read it during your interview!"

"Okay," he said, showing one of his rare smiles. "Can I start now?"

"It's a little late, but as long as you think you'll get a good night's sleep, you may."

Alrik got up, nodding his head in thanks. He liked Ceres. She was gentle and patient, and it was clear that she didn't judge him. He felt comfortable with her. And as set off for his room, his brain began to swirl with ideas.

Noah Brimms, 17

District 11 Male

Noah was over the moon. While he never expected to be reaped, he was elated. This was his chance to make a name for himself without the shadow of his dad or his brother Samson. And he could get rid of whiny, bratty little kids like the girl from 8 and the boy from 5.

He couldn't stand kids. They were immature, snotty little brats who just took up time and money. He would definitely be targeting the young tributes. And, with the other Careers on his side, they could probably eliminate all of them in the bloodbath.

Sure, he hadn't been accepted into the Careers yet, but there was no way they wouldn't take him. He was just as well-trained as anyone from 2. His mom used to be the Head Trainer there!

Someone knocked on his bedroom door and he got off the sofa to open it. Autumn, his mentor, was standing outside.

"We'll be in the Capitol tomorrow morning," she said. "So I'd like to discuss a few things tonight, if you're not too tired. May I come in?"

Noah nodded, opening the door wider. Autumn took a seat on the sofa and Noah sat down on the end of the bed, gesturing for her to speak.

"I've seen you around the district," Autumn said slowly. "And I've met your mother a few times. You are definitely going to be a contender." Noah smiled at that.

"But you still have to be careful," Autumn reminded him. "You will be challenged by things you never expected. You cannot afford to be cocky."

"Yeah, I know," Noah said quickly. "But I'll be with the Careers, so I'll have backup."

Autumn was silent for a moment, just watching Noah until he began to feel uncomfortable. Then she nodded.

"Well, it seems as if you have it figured it out. But I'll be here if you need anything." Then she stood up and left abruptly, leaving Noah alone and confused.

He sat there for a few more moments before getting up and going to the main dining car. An avox was just leaving the room, so Noah snapped his fingers.

"Hot chocolate," he said when they turned around. She nodded and was about to scurry off when another voice joined in.

"I'd like one too," it said.

Noah turned around to see Fallon, his district partner. He'd never met her, but he knew of her. Her older brother was part of a rebel group and was executed three years ago. Her entire family had been social outcasts since then. He'd definitely have to keep an eye on her. There would be some judgment if you killed your district partner, but the Capitol would get over it, and District 11 already didn't like Fallon. But he couldn't let her know he was targeting her. So he had to be friendly.

Hey everyone! Here are the train rides! I don't really have much to say here except for please review if you're reading! Or just DM me and say you're reading. I'd really appreciate knowing.

Questions:

1) Which POV was your favorite?

2) Do you think Noah will be able to get Fallon to trust him?

3) What would your strategy for the Games be?

Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!