Mira Marlina, 17

District 4 Female

I leaned back, enjoying the salty spray on my face as Kai navigated the boat further into the bay. We were celebrating my volunteering with a sunset fishing trip, just like we used to do as kids. After Flynn, Kai was the one to welcome me home with open arms. My parents were happy to see me, but I knew I'd hurt them by leaving like I did. And Ciren barely spoke to me. Only Kai harbored no bad feelings.

My parents didn't understand why I was volunteering either. They thought everything was okay again, after Flynn. They didn't see that I needed to prove I could be strong again. Flynn broke me, and this was how I was putting myself back together.

"You're in your head again," Kai said, noticing the frown on my face. I scowled, turning away from him, which made him sigh.

"Mira, you need to get him out of your mind. You have more important things to think about."

"I know," I snapped, crossing my arms. "It's just… that's easier said than done." Kai was the only one I let see that weaker side of me; the side that was still affected by my abusive ex-boyfriend. I still had dreams about the night where he went to stab me with a kitchen knife, and how I shattered a wine glass in his face to escape. I'd sprinted all the way home and collapsed on the porch, begging for help. And I swore in that moment I would never be that weak again.

Kai brought the boat to a stop as I blinked frantically, trying to keep tears from forming. Stop it, I told myself. Get a grip. Kai grabbed his spearfishing gun and handed me my spear. He preferred to stay above the water, but I loved diving in and exploring the sea. I tied my black hair back and balanced at the edge of the boat before slowly climbing in, trying not to disturb the water too much. It didn't want to scare all the fish away.

Once I was in the water I took a deep breath and plunged under. The setting sun shone beams of golden light onto the reefs, illuminating the coral with an ethereal glow. It was beautiful. And it made it much easier to spot fish.

A large gray fish swam by and I lunged forward, spearing it with ease. Deftly, I removed my spear to draw as little blood as possible and swam back to the surface to deposit my catch onto the boat. Kai gave me a thumbs up, not bothering to look my way, and I rolled my eyes.

Diving under again, I let the feeling of the cool water wash over me, just basking in the watery sunlight. When I won, I'd spend every day in the ocean. Away from everyone who challenged me or doubted me. I'd prove them all wrong.

Marino Cortez, 18

District 4 Male

Humming an off-key tune as music played loudly in the background, I touched up my makeup and danced a little in my chair. Isla's flare ups had been bad, so I'd taken a week off from performing to help her. Tonight was my first night back, and I couldn't wait!

Not that I minded helping Isla. She'd done so much for me that it was only fair. Most people would have taken the baby left on their doorstep to the community home, or just dumped them somewhere to die. Not Isla. She decided to take me in. She'd also introduced me to drag, as she was a drag king herself. Marco Rollo was his name, and he taught me everything he knew.

Finishing up my eyeliner, I grabbed my favorite pink lipstick and began to put it on, puckering my lips. With my turquoise hair and dark eyes, I'd look magical. For the finishing touch, I painted small silver stars along my high cheekbones, and blew a kiss to myself. Perfect.

Next was my outfit; a tight pink dress that shimmered like scales. It took me ages to sew and I was quite proud of it. It flared out at the bottom like a mermaid's tail, and it glowed in the dark. The fabric had cost more than I was willing to admit. But I knew it was worth it as soon as I put it on. I wasn't Marino anymore. I was Abyssa.

I wore my beat-up sneakers beneath the dress, since it was a fairly long walk to the club. I carried my heels and a water bottle in my backpack, as well as a smaller makeup kit for touch-ups. Breeze was one of the most popular clubs in District 4, and was frequented mostly by Peacekeepers and some of 4's more upper-class citizens. I headed for the back entrance, waving at Maverick, the security guard there.

"Good to see ya Abyssa," he said.

"Good to be back," I replied, tossing my turquoise wig. "Did they miss me?"

"Loads," Maverick replied with a grin. "Head on in."

Inside, the club was thumping with loud music. I let the bass settle into my bones, relishing the rhythm. I swayed my hips to the music as I entered the back room where all the performers got ready. A few dancers waved to me as I passed, and I winked at them. I got to my small dressing table and grinned when I set my stuff down. A bouquet of poppies and daylilies had been left there. I squealed in delight, picking them up and giving them a sniff. They were fragrant, and smelled like the ocean breeze. A perfect gift.

I changed into my heels as the music picked up in tempo. I would be on stage soon. This was X-Stacy's music, and she always performed right before I did. As the crowd cheered, I peeked out from behind the curtain. The audience was as full as ever, and I felt a thrill run through me. It was my time to shine.

Sienne Rill, 47

District 4 Victor of the 29th Hunger Games

Reaping day. One of the most interesting days of the year. District 4 was an oddity in that it wasn't a solid Career district, and you never knew who you were going to get. I looked out the window of the Justice Building, watching the pens fill up with rows and rows of children. Mira was somewhere out there.

She was only 17, but the Academy agreed that she should be the one to volunteer. She showed more dedication than any of the other students, many of whom just trained for fun or fitness. But that girl had fire, and while she wasn't the kindest, I knew she stood a decent chance. As for her partner? It was up in the air. Beau resigned from the spot several days prior, when he found out his girlfriend was pregnant. He never gave us a reason, but there was lots of gossip at the Academy. And even as an older woman, I still found value in gossip. There were usually veins of truth in it, and as a mentor, it was good to know what was happening in your mentee's lives.

I watched as our district's escort, Daphne Blumenthal, took the stage, dressed in a sunset-colored gown. It contrasted strangely with her green hair, but it wasn't necessarily a bad look. Just an odd one.

She thanked everyone for coming and then gestured towards the Justice Building. I moved away from the window, taking my place between Ulysses and Caspian. As Daphne introduced us victors one by one, we walked out onstage, waving to the crowd. When it was my turn, I put on my kindest smile and waved warmly before sitting down. I was known for being one of the gentlest Careers, and it was an appearance I was happy to keep up.

Once we were all introduced and seated, Daphne played the video the president required us to watch every year. I only half-listened to it, instead scanning the crowd of boys, wondering who would be chosen. When it ended, Daphne clapped excitedly, and I reluctantly joined in, along with everyone else.

The mayor read the Treaty of Treason and then Daphne let out a little cheer.

"How inspiring!" she gasped. "But I know what you all are excited for. Let's start with the gentleman, just to mix it up."

She marched over to the boy's bowl and drew a slip from the very top with little hesitation. I briefly wondered if she knew no one would be volunteering, but then she was reading the name aloud.

"Marino Cortez!" she called.

For a moment, no one moved. Marino must have been waiting for a volunteer. But when no one spoke up, a lithe, muscular 18-year-old with brown skin and teal hair walked slowly out into the aisle. He looked back and forth before beginning to shimmy and shake, dancing his way to the stage. He took the microphone from Daphne and smiled.

"Hi everyone! I'm Marino, but you may know me better as Abyssa Deluge! I can't wait to dive deeper into the Games!"

No one laughed. A few people clapped half-heartedly. Marino kept grinning.

"Get it. Dive deep? Because we're the ocean district?"

"Very clever," Daphne said awkwardly, gingerly taking the microphone back, as if their bad humor was contagious. "Now, let's meet your distinct partner!"

She chose the slip quickly again and I got the feeling it was to make sure Marino didn't have much more stage time. But personally, I admired his confidence. He was clearly making the best out of a bad situation.

"Waverly Lang!" Daphne called. There was movement in the 14-year-old's section, but then Mira was stepping forward.

"I volunteer!"

Mira looked lovely, with her short black hair pushed back and her bronze skin glowing in the sunlight. She wore a white sundress which brought out her features even more. Her face was blank as she took the stage and shook hands with Marino. Daphne seemed relieved at the lack of nonsense.

"And what is your name, love?" Daphne asked.

"Mira Marlina," Mira said confidently.

"District 4, I give you your tributes: Mira Marlina and Marino Cortez!"

Hey everyone! Here is the introductory chapter for District 4! Thank you to Kkstar47 for Mira and Willuna for Marino. These two are so different and yet so fun to write for! Let me know which tribute you preferred, as well as your first impressions! And do you like the introduction format of tribute intro, tribute intro, past victor for reaping? I love getting reviews, so please send 'em in!

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

- Fiona