Ada Worth, 17

District 8 Female

I leaned over my notebook, mumbling to myself as I slowly worked out the problem. I was fairly good at math, but this advanced summer homework was proving to be difficult. Still, I was determined to get it done. There was no way I was returning to another year of school.

There was a knock on the door and I raised my head, brushing my curls out of my face.

"Come in," I called. The door opened and my mom came inside, a glass of lemonade in her hand. A tired smile was on her face.

"Hi love," she said, setting the glass down. "I made you some lemonade.

"Thanks," I said, giving her a smile. My mom was a busy woman, so little gifts and treats from here were extra appreciated.

"How is your homework coming along?"

"Pretty good. I only have three problems left."

"Well, I'll leave you to it." She leaned down and kissed the top of my head. "I'm so proud of you Ada."

"Thanks," I whispered. She gave my shoulder a quick squeeze and left.

Once the door was closed I leaned back in my chair and sighed. I knew my mom felt guilty that school was so difficult for me. She was young and naive when she hooked up with a married factory owner, and now his kids - my half-siblings - made my life hell. Mom was able to just get a job somewhere else. But 8 was a small district. There was only one main school. I was stuck, unless I graduated early. Which I was going to do.

Mom always told me to keep my chin up and ignore the bullies. She said anyone who resorted to bullying wasn't worth my time or emotions. But it was hard. Dominic and Tegan practically ran the school. Every student ignored me, lest they be bullied or ignored too. Well, everyone except for Sylvia.

She was my only friend. She never seemed to care about the bullies or the outcasting. She, like my mom, found it easy to be positive and wasn't bothered by Dominic or Tegan or their horde of friends.

She wasn't as academically inclined as I was though, and so she didn't qualify to graduate early. Knowing I'd be leaving her behind was hard, but she understood. In fact, she was the one who suggested I apply for the program. Without Sylvia, I wasn't sure what I'd do.

I got up to open a window, letting a faint summer breeze into my stuffy room. Then I took a sip of the lemonade, wincing a little at the sour taste. Only three more problems. I could do this.

Jeff Tyler, 15

District 8 Male

I was so late! I rushed past an older couple, calling out an apology as I bumped one of them, continuing my mad dash down the street. Roxie would tear me a new one if I missed another practice and I really didn't want to lose my place in the band.

I dashed up the front steps of the school, panting hard. But I didn't stop to catch my breath as I pushed through the doors and sprinted down the hall. I threw open the door to the classroom we used for band practice and skidded to a halt. My lungs burned and my legs were aching.

"I'm here!" I called. "Sorry!"

But the room was empty. The instruments weren't out, the sheet music was in its folder, and all the lights were off. I stared for a few seconds, confused, until someone behind me cleared their throat.

"Excuse me?" a man's voice said. I turned to see a janitor standing there, arms crossed. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for band rehearsal," I panted, still slightly out of breath.

"No one's here but me," the janitor said. "The reaping is tomorrow, remember? No one's doing anything today."

"Crap," I cursed, looking back longingly at the instrument closet. Somewhere in there, my cello was waiting. I was really looking forward to playing it…

"Sorry kid," the janitor said. "You gotta go though. I'm locking up soon."

"Alright," I grumbled.

I made my way out of the building and sat down on the front steps. I was really looking forward to band practice. Playing the cello was soothing for me. It was like all my worries washed away. And I would've gotten to see Derek. He was Roxie's brother, and I'd had a crush on him for years. He was quiet and rarely hung out with Roxie, Jadea, and I, but he was an excellent violinist. Band practice was our only time together.

How could I have forgotten tomorrow was reaping day? I'd been so worried about Jude I'd forgotten to worry about myself. My little brother was only 8, and he was developing a cough. Poor respiratory conditions were common in our district, but I was terrified it would grow to be something worse. I couldn't lose him, the way I lost David…

I was so frustrated I felt like I was going to cry. It was so unfair! The one little bit of joy I got during the week was gone, all because of stupid reaping day and the stupid Capitol. I hated them. I hated that they didn't improve the workplace quality. I hated that they hosted the Hunger Games. I hated that they didn't give us any decent doctors.

Still, I couldn't sit here and mope. It wasn't doing anyone any good. My family and friends needed me to be strong. Jude needed me to keep him healthy. Maybe I could pick up some soup on the way home…

Zander Kline, 23

District 8 Victor of the 52nd Hunger Games

"Kelsi!" I cried excitedly, grabbing my mentor's shoulder. She winced heavily and dragged herself away.

"Easy Zander," she lectured. "I'm old."

"But they planted peonies!" I gasped, pointing to the flower boxes on the Justice Building. Kelsi let out a long sigh.

"That's great," she finally said. "I'm glad to have some greenery around here. But please be more careful with the grabbing." She rubbed her shoulder a little and I smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry."

"It's okay. I know flowers are important to you." I nodded happily, turning back to look at the beautiful pink flowers. But my view was blocked by a set of Peacekeepers who were escorting Agnes Ortega, District 8's escort, onto the stage.

Agnes was wearing a dress similar in appearance to the peonies. It was pink and fluffy and ruffly, and her makeup was soft and pink to match. Even her typically-dark hair was dyed a rosy color.

"Hello everyone!" she sang. "I am so excited to be back for another rousing reaping! But first, let's welcome our victors: Kelsi Sanchez, Woof Parsons, and Zander Kline!" Kelsi gave me a nudge and I startled, then quickly hurried out onto the stage. Kelsi led Woof out behind me. The three of us took our seats as the crowd applauded. I blew a few kisses, just because.

Once the noise died down, Agnes played the video we had to watch every year. It was interesting the first few times, but I did wish they'd change it up every few years or so. Even the Capitol had to be bored of it by now.

When it was over, the mayor read the Treaty of Treason and then Agnes clapped her hands together excitedly.

"It's time!" she cheered. "Shall we start with the gentlemen, just to shake things up?" She flounced over to the boy's bowl and plunged a manicured hand in, swirling it around before grabbing one of the slips of paper. She walked back to the microphone stand and unfolded it with a smile.

"Jeff Tyler!"

"Damn it!" someone shouted. The voice seemed to come from the 15-year-old's section. A few moments later, a pale boy with a mop of brown hair stomped out of his pen. His arms were crossed as he marched up to the stage to stand beside Agnes.

"Welcome Jeff!" she said cheerfully, and the boy nodded curtly.

"How exciting!" Agnes continued. "Now, let's see who will be accompanying Jeff to the Capitol." This time, she selected two slips from the top of the bowl, considered them both, and then dropped one. Unfolding it, she read the name in a loud, clear voice.

"Ada Worth!"

A tall 17-year-old girl stepped forward, brushing her nut-brown curls back from her expressionless face. She quietly made her way to Agnes and Jeff, giving a nod to Kelsi as she did. Kelsi nodded back.

Jeff held out his hand and Ada shook it firmly as Agnes called out their names.

"Panem, I give you your District 8 tributes: Jeff Tyler and Ada Worth!"

Hey everyone! Sorry for the shorter than usual chapter. I've been having a lot of health issues recently (I have spent far too much time in the ER recently), but I really wanted to get a chapter out. Now we're only two away from being done with the intros! A big thanks to Sparky She-Demon for Ada and AmericanPi for Jeff. I hope you like them! Please leave a review and let me know what you think of these guys :)

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

- Fiona