Trigger warning: descriptions of abuse and domestic violence for the D2M.

District 2 Reapings

Emerald Altz, D2F (18)

If I wanted to just kill people for fun, I'd become a peacekeeper, but I want to put on a show too. That's why my weapon of choice is a morning star, knives and swords are boring, sure they get the job done but usually without too much fuss. Want some fun? Use a morning star, makes for way better television. I also like having some fun with a whip first before finishing off. Of course, I haven't killed anyone yet, but I'm sure I will in the games. I've made several young Academy trainees run out of the centre when I'm there either out of fear or needing to throw up after they see what I do to the mannequins. The Capitol will love me, and I love putting on a show and being the centre of attention. I grew up in the spotlight, my uncle, mom and older brother are all Victors. My brother won 4 years ago, he was brilliant. Now it's my turn to shine.

But first, I want to enjoy the party I'm at. Hosted by the trainees at the academy to celebrate before the reaping tomorrow. I dance to the music and go to grab another fruit punch. There's no alcohol here, all of us value our performance too much to mess it up with a hangover, besides, I want to be feeling my best for tomorrow and I dazzle so much I don't need any alcohol to be fun either!

I wake up to the sun beaming into my bedroom. Last night was fun, I'm glad I made the most of it. When I get back I'll be entering a new era, my own house, more money than I'll know what to do with and getting to enjoy Capitol luxuries every time I go to mentor, it'll be fabulous!

I start the day with some stretches and then a run. I go down to the Academy for a quick sparring session and one last practice run with the mannequins and my morning star. The gym floor is a pool of red by the time I finish. I head home and take a shower and eat breakfast. Steak, eggs, blueberry pancakes and fresh fruit. A meal only the wealthiest in the district can afford. I eat my fill and put on my reaping outfit. It was my mother's when she volunteered. A flowing brown skirt that matches my eyes and a cream coloured blouse with gold trim. I brush out my wavy brown hair and put on a touch of gold eyeliner to make my eyes pop. Sparkly and attention grabbing, just like me.

"See you after the reaping" I call out to my parents before heading to the town square.

I sign in and head to my section and find Mara, my best friend. "You look stunning" Mara says. "Thank you" I blush. "Are you excited?" Mara asked smiling. "Of course! I've only imagined this day since I was 8 years old. How excited are you that you're besties with this year's soon to the Victor?" Mara giggled in response as the district escort came on stage.

I could see my mom, uncle and brother all on stage with the rest of the District 2 Victors. My brother caught my eye and smiled at me.

After the treaty of treason and all the talking the escort finally went to draw the names. I figured I'd have a little fun with whoever was chosen this year, no one would dare to try and take my place so I knew I could get a laugh out of it. "Lavis Sateen" the escort called out.

A small girl emerged from the 14 year old section and was clearly doing a poor job of trying to not look terrified. I didn't recognize her from the Academy, probably not a career. I let her get to the bottom of the stage before I happily called out, "I volunteer!" I walked out of my section, smiling and waving to the district and high fived a random kid on the way up, she looked so stunned but at least didn't leave me hanging. I patted Lavis on the back as I passed her and said "don't worry, I wasn't going to let you have all the fun" and she quickly made her way back.

"Wonderful" and now for the boys. Unlike me, my district partner didn't even wait for the name to be read before volunteering. I shook hands with Granite once he was onstage and we were each led back to the goodbye rooms.

Granite Morroe, D2M (18)

I look like the average district 2 male tributes that go in every year, tall, muscular, strong. I'd even consider myself conventionally attractive with my golden blond hair, honey colores eyes and physique. But I'm nothing like all those brainless brutes that usually go in. I never had an interest in volunteering or even training, but my father never gave me much of an option.

My father is the head peacekeeper of the district and loves abusing his power and his family. I remember the first time I ever watched the games when I was 6 and when I saw a tribute kill someone else, I cried. I cried every time I saw a tribute die in each games until I was 10. That's when my father decided it was time for me to grow up and start embracing the spirit of the Games and pride in our District. I love my District and appreciate the privileges living here has afforded me, but to this day I can't understand what glorifying kids murdering other kids has to do with that. He started beating me when I would cry at a tributes death, saying to toughen up because one day it could be me in there.

I told him I'd never volunteer. The next year, he decided I was going to enrol at the Academy for training. I refused. He said I wouldn't eat until I started training. He beat my mother too whenever she tried to interfere. I didn't eat for a week before giving in. Training wasn't god enough for him, if he thought I wasn't trying hard enough, he wouldn't let me eat for 2 days and would beat me. Over the years, my back became riddled with scars, a collection of his anger, a documentation of my shortcomings.

I finally stood up to him when I was 16, the grading made me strong and I was no longer a little kid. He never touched my mother again after that but said if I ever do anything like that again he'd have me hanged. Escaping his wrath was a great motivator, I excelled at training and was chosen to volunteer this year. Word got out and he told me if I didn't accept and go through with volunteering that he'd frame me for treason and have me executed the next day.

So I'm volunteering to get away from him and to get my mother away from him too. I know I may not make it back but I have to try, I'll do whatever I need to to get back and protect my mother, just like she tried to protect me, I just hope I can live with myself if I make it home.

I finish up my final training session with my mentor and take a shower at the Academy facilities. I brought my reaping clothes here too so I can head straight there. I much on a granola bar, and a protein shake on my way to the town square.

The reaping was pretty standard, my district partner made the poor kid who was reaped really soak in the terror before volunteering. Emerald loves messing with people for the sake of drama. I know she'll be a good contender, and while I'll be doing everything I can to make it back, if I don't win, I hope it's her, at least District 2 will still benefit.

Emerald Altz, D2F (18)

My sister and dad come to see my first. "We're so proud of you" my dad says as he wraps me into a hug. "Will you mentor me for my games?" Ruby asks. "If you want me too, of course! I need to win first Ruby, you've still got 3 years left to worry about that." "I know, I know" Ruby says "You'll do great, you know how to have people pay attention to you." "You bet!" I grin.

"Remember not to prioritize putting on a show in the moments where you need to prioritize winning. Taking out an easy opponent sure, have fun with it. I trust you to know which fights to you with people and which ones to finish quickly." my dad says. "Of course, dad don't worry, I'll see you in a few weeks."

I hug my dad and sister goodbye. Next comes my uncle and then my friends from the Academy. My mom and brother I'll see on the train since they're both mentoring this year. I can't wait, the games will be the most fun I've had in my life!

Granite Morroe, D2M (18)

The door opens and I can't believe my father had the nerve to come here.

"Get out." I say through gritted teeth. "Come on now, is that anyway to treat your father?" my father says "I made you into who you are."

"You may be my father by blood, but not by any meaning or significance, now get out before I yell and have you dragged out of here. Head peacekeeper or not you can't do anything to a tribute before the games." I growl.

My father huffs in annoyance but knowing be ultimately got what he wanted of having me in the Games, he turns and leaves, dramatically slamming the door behind him.

My mom comes in next, we both cry, she knows I didn't want to volunteer. "I'll win, I can do it, I'm good with a sword and know how to play to my strengths and weaknesses. I can make it back and then we'll be safe and free of him" I promise my mom.

What do you think of the District 2 tributes. Who's your favourite of the pair?