TW for negative self-talk in the second POV.
"We disappoint, we leave a mess,
We die, but we don't
We disappoint in turn, I guess
Forget, though, we won't
Like father, like son."
Buck Taurean, 17, District Ten Male
His father always told him to be a child while he still could, never to work too hard before his time. Because childhood was a precious thing, and once it was gone, you'd have to be an adult, to deal with the drudgery of being grown-up.
Buck supposes he's failed.
He's always wanted to live up to his father's expectations, and he has in the most obvious sense; he's taken on most of his father's workload at the ranch and treated his little siblings with the utmost care. And yet, the Games are taking him away from his family, leaving them alone for however long he'll be in the Capitol.
And what if the stories and rumors are true? What if he never comes back?
But he can't think like that. Whatever the Capitol throws at him, he can handle it.
"Plotting already?"
The voice of his older brother brings Buck back to reality. Guernsey walks into the room where Buck's being held, looking haggard and sun-tanned. He smiles wearily. "I'm sure you'll lie your way to the top."
"Whatever I have to do to get back home," says Buck, tone almost emotionless.
He figures he doesn't need to explain his motives to his brother; he cannot change the complicated machinations that live within his brain, and besides, why should he be ashamed that he uses his skills on occasion?
Despite his disapproval now and then, Buck loves his brother, just as he does the rest of his family. He knows that Guernsey has the same pressure and responsibility that Buck does. But if he's going to make it back from the Games, back to his siblings, he'll need to be cunning, and he can't let pesky emotions drag him down.
His little siblings, Brielle and McLean, come in next, and they don't seem to understand what's happening. Buck hugs them all the same, kissing the top of their heads. "You'll be good while I'm gone?" he says gently.
They nod emphatically, eyes wide. They depend on him. He can tell from their almost worshipful expressions that they have faith he'll be okay.
His heavy-eyed mother walks into the room and silently embraces him. He's the only one that can see her grief over these past years. He understands her sadness; he misses his father every day, just like her. But he keeps moving, because what other choice does he have?
Next comes Vivian, Buck's best friend. Despite how much Buck loves his family, they don't know him as a friend would; they only see him as an almost father figure, while Vivian sees his entire self, the flawed mural that he is. They might've dated, but both wanted to wait until they were older, just in case. It was a good plan, he sees that now.
"Come back to us, alright?" Vivian says, hugging him quickly.
He smiles at her, a touch of grimness tainting his expression. "I will."
...
Blade Cassidy, 18, District Six Male
He's finally done it.
Blade Cassidy stands in the Goodbyes room, alone for the moment. He certainly doesn't have any family members who will be coming to see him, but he hopes they're looking down at him now, and he hopes beyond hope that they're proud.
But no. They wouldn't be proud of this monster that vaguely resembles a son. They wouldn't even recognize this thing he's become.
Claudia comes inside the room, and Blade forces a smile. By day, he is the kind and approachable boy, the one who wants to bring honor to his District. But by night... well, if Claudia saw the things he did, she might not be so friendly anymore.
"How are you?" she signs. "I still can't believe you Volunteered."
He nods and signs back, "I'm fine, thanks."
Ever since he was five, he's been deaf. The cause... well, it's the reason why he is what he is today. His parents died on that fateful afternoon, leaving him all alone to fend for himself. And Blade supposes he's done that and more.
"Well, good luck," she signs. "I hope you win."
Blade smiles. He's counting on winning; it's his ultimate act of vengeance. Maybe, after that, he'll finally be satisfied.
But no. There will always be more evil in this world that needs exterminating, and somebody has to stand up and do it. Sitting idly by while wicked runs its course is almost as bad as actively committing the crime.
And if he's had to become that evil in order to make sure people are safe, so be it.
Claudia looks at him for a long moment, and then waves. With that, she's out the door, leaving him alone again.
He's heard tell of a group called the Careers, that sometimes form during the Games in order to conquer the other Tributes, whatever that entails. Blade wants to join that group; he's almost certainly had more experience and training than most of them combined. And when he wins their little pageant... he'll kill the President. Curse him for standing by while Blade's parents were killed. It's all his fault that Blade is now forever broken, a terrible person who doesn't deserve to live...
Blade draws his thoughts to a close before they can get too dangerous. He swallows his grief and feels it transform into rage. He'll put an end to Graymore's miserable life. And that'll likely kill Blade.
But at least after that happens, he will be at peace, with his parents.
Or maybe he won't be where they are. But at least he'll have culminated the deadly work he's been doing over the years, becoming famous as the man in black who hunts the sinners and the exploiters and the murderers of innocents in the dead of night. The President did nothing while his parents were killed by vengeful crime lords.
And now he'll pay. They all will.
...
Well! This chapter was certainly on the shorter side, but for me, each intro requires a different amount of words to reveal what I want to for each kid, so please don't worry as each Tribute will get 2 more POVs before I start killing them off, mwahahahah. That said, I do hope you enjoyed these slightly evil boys, I do like them quite a lot. We've got two more rounds of intros, which will be Train Rides, so get ready for those! Happy Monday, and have a wonderful week!
Much Love,
Miri