Adonis Serrano, 18

District 1 Male


I sighed, carefully unbuttoning my dress shirt and laying it on the bed. The interviews could certainly be entertaining, but sitting through twenty-three of them was a lot. Still, it was nice to hear about the lives of all the different tributes. I enjoyed learning about the different peoples and perspectives of the world.

I stripped out of the rest of my clothes and turned on the shower. The steaming water immediately started flowing and I stepped into the spray, enjoying the heat. I always took hot showers, though back at home they were short, since we had limited hot water. Here, that would never be an issue. And once I won, we'd have all the water we'd ever want.

I was nervous about the Games tomorrow. But I was also ready. I had the capability to be a victor. It was my duty to succeed in the Games. I lathered myself up with herbal-scented soap and hummed a song my moms used to play when Flora was studying. She always said music helped her focus.

After my shower, I changed into a set of soft sweatpants and a t-shirt. I flopped down on the bed and burrowed into the blankets, but sleep refused to take me. I tossed and turned for what felt like ages before kicking off the covers and tip-toeing into the sitting area.

It was empty except for two avoxes who were clearing the dinner table. I approached them quietly and cleared my throat.

"Could I get a cup of hot chocolate?" I asked. The taller woman nodded and slipped off to fulfill my request. I shuddered a little. The avoxes always creeped me out.

I settled on the sofa, letting my mind wander as I waited for my drink. 'Flora would love it here', I thought. She loved bright colors and fancy outfits, and she was just as cheerful and sweet as the Capitolites had been. I ran my fingers over the pink bracelet she'd given me when we said goodbye. I would win this for her.

And for my moms. They were my world. I felt tears sting my eyes. I hadn't realized it until now, but I missed them like crazy. But I bit down hard on my lip and fought the tears back.

The avox brought me my drink and I thanked her before taking a sip of the warm, sweet liquid. It was definitely the comfort I needed in a moment like this, and I felt calmer with every sip. By the time I was done, my eyelids were starting to droop.

I set my mug on the coffee table and walked back to my room. It was raining lightly outside and I listened to the raindrops as I curled up under the covers. Tomorrow would be an adventure unlike any other, but I was looking forward to it.


Juliana Bruta, 16

District 9 Female


The sound of rain on the windows was keeping me up. I was used to nights of absolute stillness, silent except for the sounds of my own breathing. Here, there were always lights and noise. And now, the rain.

But I couldn't sleep anyways. My body was buzzing with anticipation… and trepidation. I dedicated my entire life to winning the Hunger Games. But being in the Capitol… being so close to my goal… I was starting to have doubts. My parents prepared me for killing. Not for winning.

How many sponsors would I have after my awful interview? What if I was injured in the arena? All the bad possibilities were swirling through my head, keeping sleep from taking me. I could practically feel the panic building in my gut.

I kicked the covers off and jumped out of bed. I hurried into the bathroom and just managed to make it to the toilet before vomiting up my dinner. Then I slumped down on my hands and knees, panting hard.

Someone knocked on my door, making me jump.

"Hold on," I called out, pulling myself to my feet. I rinsed my mouth and then went to the door, opening it to see Ceres.

"Are you alright?" my mentor asked. "I heard some noises."

"I'm fine," I said curtly. One of my dad's many lessons rang in my head. 'Don't show weakness'.

Ceres nodded.

"Okay," she said. "But it's also okay if you're not. I wouldn't expect you to be fine right now."

At that, I felt tears fill my eyes. Ceres was right. But I didn't know how else to be. At home, I could never be upset or sad or stressed. I just had to keep going. So I'd do that here.

"I'm fine," I reiterated, ignoring how my voice broke. "Goodnight." I shut the door before Ceres could say anything else.

I waited until Ceres walked away to let the tears fall. Then I stood in the middle of the room and cried. Once the tears dried, I curled back up in bed. Nerves were normal. Fear was normal. It was how I overcame them that would make me stand out. I had to remember that.

I could do this. I could win the Hunger Games. It wouldn't be easy, and I'd lose a lot along the way. But I was made for this. I could practically hear Heaven Weiss announcing my name to the masses: 'Juliana Bruta, Victor of the 58th Hunger Games'.

It was to the sound of my imagined victory that I fell asleep.


Beria Campbell, 17

District 12 Female


An eager knock on the door woke me. I stretched, blinking blearily and fighting back a yawn. My night was mostly sleepless; I'd finally dozed off around four. Anxiety had kept me up for hours. Today was the day.

Ajax knocked again.

"Time to get up!" he called.

"I'm up," I groaned. "Give me a moment."

"Alright, alright… be out in ten minutes maximum. Today's a big day!"

"I'm aware," I grumbled, my voice low so he couldn't hear me.

I waited for his footsteps to proceed down the hallway before jumping into the shower. I kept the water cold, using the frigid temperature to wake me up. Then I used the fancy Capitol machine to dry off and brush my hair, and dressed in a sweater and jeans.

In the dining room, everyone was already seated at the table. Platters of pancakes were sitting on the table, and I silently took my plate before sitting next to Jonathan. He shot me a nervous smile, which I did not return.

My stomach felt like it was full of concrete, but I forced myself to eat half my plate of pancakes and fruit. I'd need the energy. Once everyone had eaten their fill, Ajax ushered Jonathan and I into the elevator and we were carried up to the very top floor.

It was windy on the roof, and the smell of wet pavement filled the air. The rain from last night had faded away, but the sky was still gray with clouds. Tributes were gathered on the roof, most of them bunched up in their alliances. Jonathan slipped away to join Spruce, leaving me with Ajax.

"Alright!" he said cheerfully. "It's time! Best of luck Beria."

"Thank you," I murmured. He squeezed my shoulder as an attendant called us onto the hovercraft.

As we boarded, something was injected into our left arm, near the crook of the elbow.

"What's this?" Rain asked when it was his turn.

"Your tracker," the attendant said. Then she ushered him inside.

The ride was long, and the hovercraft was full of unbearable tension. Even the Careers were silent. A few people dozed off, including Jonathan. I focused on his rhythmic breathing to stay calm.

In situations like this, I felt like my dampened emotions were a blessing in disguise. I was scared, yes. But I was holding it together. My determination was overriding the fear. But it was more prominent as the hovercraft landed and Peacekeepers boarded.

I was escorted down several long hallways by a tall woman in a white uniform. Neither of us spoke, and she stopped very suddenly. She punched a code into a number pad on the wall, and a door opened into the ceiling. She nudged me inside and the door slammed shut again.

The room was empty and white, decorated with only a table and two chairs, and a closet. My stylist Gaius was sitting at the table, a deep frown on his face.

"Hello," he said when he saw me, his voice quivering.

"Hi," I said. "So… what's next?"

Gaius provided me with my arena outfit, allowing me to dress myself. I put on a thin white shirt with long sleeves and a tan vest, as well as tan cargo pants, thick, comfortable socks, and hiking boots. My undergarments were equally well-made and comfortable.

"Expect a fairly warm arena," Gaius said as he braided back my thick hair. "And Beria… I have some bad news."

"What?" I asked, my stomach dropping. Gaius gestured for me to sit at the table, but I shook my head.

"Tell me."

"Your brother-in-law had to pull a few strings to get this message to me, but he wanted you to know…" Gaius took a deep breath. "Your nephew was born two days ago. And last night, Livia passed."

"No." I breathed out heavily, my teeth and fists clenching. "You're lying."

"I'm afraid not. I'm very sorry to have to break the news like this, but we thought you'd want to know before-"

But whatever else he was saying fell on deaf ears. I could feel my heart pounding and tears stinging my eyes. Anger flooded me and I kicked the chair into the table, making Gaius shout. But I ignored him, kicking at the chair and table as tears poured down my cheeks.

This couldn't be happening. Livia was healthy! She was strong! It wasn't right that she was dead. It wasn't fair. Nothing was fair. I'd lost so many people that I loved. We'd all suffered so much, and now the world dealt this cruel blow.

And Lou. Poor Lou… he'd be all alone if I didn't win these Games. I had to win now. There was no other option. Lou needed me. My nephew needed me. I couldn't afford to die.

I managed to pull myself together just enough to step onto my pedestal when the automated female voice instructed me to. The last thing I saw was Gaius's pitying look before darkness surrounded me. 'Let the Games begin', I thought. 'I'm ready'.


Hey everyone! Here it is! The final chapter before the bloodbath. It's not quite done, but I only have three POVs left to write, so it'll be done soon. The bloodbath should be up on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on how impatient I am. And I'm going to say it again; thank you all so much for reading and coming on this adventure with me. I really appreciate it.

If your tribute does end up dying next chapter, please know it is a not a reflection on you or them. Tributes just have to die. It's how the Games go. I'm sorry if you're disappointed, and I promise I put lots of thought into each death decision.

Questions:

1) Whose POV did you prefer?

2) Where you expecting Beria's reaction to the bad news?

3) Do you think Adonis and Juliana can push past their nerves and succeed?

4) Any bloodbath predictions?

Alliances

The Careers:
- Adonis
- Lumine
- Billie
- Mira
- Marino

Winona's Bunch:
-
Evelyne
- Winona
- Ronald
- Jackson
- Ebony
- Kerra
- Victor

Manipulation Station:
- Hugo
- Zeppelina
- Vasir
- Ruby

The Family Men:
- Jeff
- Spruce
- Jonathan

Loners:
-
Spartan
- Rain
- Ada
- Juliana
- Beria


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

- Fiona