Introductions

District Eleven

Cicely Cielar, 92

District Eleven Female

Three days after the Quell Announcement

There was a quietness in that large house, even when the birds chirped, waking other creatures. The wind was mild but cool, refreshing in a true sense. The plants bloomed, their green leaves covered with beautiful dew drops. One could say that the nature was at peace, and that perhaps good tidings had arrived.

However, the house's quietness was not the same as the quietness of the nature. In fact, the interior and exterior of the house were so different that one could feel that one had entered another world altogether. The cheeriness of the exterior was in a stark contrast to the environment inside, where everything seemed to be, for a lack of better words, dreadful.

The two very elderly women were seated on the couch, the lights turned off even as the sun's first rays peeked in through the windows. It was a new day already, but nothing about it cheered the two of them.

Clara turned to her wife, who had remained silent for the past three days and nights. The silence was worrying her, as was the fact that her wife had not met any other victor, had avoided her family and had been pretty reserved all this while.

"Clara," Cicely spoke slowly, and Clara perked on the mention of her name, "What do you think will happen?"

Well, Clara had no answer to that. Ever since that quell twist had been announced, she had no idea of anything anymore. She also knew Cicely well, having spent multiple decades with her, and was afraid that she would do what Clara was expecting. She hoped not.

"It doesn't have to be you," she said reassuringly, "I mean, there are so many other options."

Cicely did not speak anything to that. The thing was that it had to be her. No, not once did the old woman think that she would be rigged into the Games. After all, who on earth would be interested to see such an old hag fall over her face when trying to run? But that was the thing; she was old. The newer blood would be scared with so much to lose, and they would be holding onto their lives with an almost unhealthy possessiveness. But Cicely…

"I have nothing to lose," she said and shrugged, her worn down body moving as she did that.

"You have a family!" Clara remarked anxiously, "We all love you and don't want to lose you!"

"Dear," Cicely said with a warm smile, the smile reaching her eyes that had much experience of the world, "The victors are my family too. And they are all so much younger. Don't you think that they deserve to be with their families more?"

"But-"

"I have lived a long age, more than most can manage," Cicely remarked with a light laugh, "I won't have qualms about it. In fact, I would be more than happy to save a family member."

"Cicely… do think of us too," Clara pleaded.

"I do think of you, don't ever believe you're out of my mind, because you're not. Also, I may be able to help District Thirteen while in the Capitol or the arena."

Clara pursed her lips. Sure, Cicely had been engaged with District Thirteen before and had ties with Alma Coin even now and Clara could really appreciate that Cicely wanted to make herself useful, but there was a problem. How useful would a ninety-two-year-old woman really be to someone like Alma Coin? Clara did not underestimate her wife once, but there were issues there.

As always, it seemed Cicely knew what was on her mind, for she patted her lightly on the shoulder.

"Well, one can say what could such an old woman offer, but I already send intelligence from the District to Alma. Doing so from the Capitol wouldn't be that difficult."

Except that it would be difficult, and even Cicely knew it. District Eleven was her area, where her influence worked. The Capitol was where she was weak and Cicely didn't really she could help much in all honesty. However, she refused to let a young victor die. She had seen everything this world had to offer, had a loving family and adorable grandchildren.

Cicely was also kind of relieved that the twist did not put her grandchildren in danger. She had already lost her grandson Callum last year, and how! Cicely's blood boiled even at the memory of the incident. Rhipsalis Rhododendron, who had hidden himself the entire time to the point nobody remembered he existed, had thrown a soiled diaper at her little boy that had resulted in his death.

Cicely could forget a lot of things but not this. From that day to this, her burning desire to snap Rhipsalis' neck had not calmed down. If she had the strength and freedom, she would visit District Seven and kill that boy for snatching her poor Callum from the family. He had won by deceit and treachery and it had been her little boy who deserved the win! It was perhaps the death of Callum that Clara was taking the news of the Quell even worse than she did. Sure, the children would be safe and the women wanted nothing more than that, but Clara surely knew that Cicely would volunteer and she would be losing another family member, the two being together for so long that their souls were a part of each other now.

"Please think over it again," Clara whispered softly even as the sun started going up and the morning had formally arrived, "Please, for our sake."

Cicely smiled at her sadly and Clara knew there was no persuading her. She had made up her mind and there was no force that could turn it.

And even as the realisation dawned on Clara, tears started trickling down her wrinkled face while Cicely looked forward to cherish some last happy moments with her family.

Conall Corsell, 49

District Eleven Male

Ten days after the Quell Announcement

Conall smiled widely at Ms. Tina, a really gorgeous and kind lady who, in Conall's opinion, had a great taste.

It had been fun while it lasted, the exhilarated rush of their blood, the passion, the love… Conall was so glad that Ms. Tina had so much love for him.

Love was something that Conall craved ever since he was a wee teenager, barely out of childhood. There were so many people to love, and he indeed expressed it as passionately to them as he did tonight to the stunning Ms. Tina, but there was something different about the Capitolites. Firstly, they were absolutely gorgeous, as if fairies from another world had arrived on earth. Secondly, they were affectionate and knew how to treat people the way they deserved to be treated. After all, some people were made different, like himself, who deserved all the love and attention from the people he wanted it from, and the Capitolites were willing to give it. Thirdly, they offered a really good price. Conall couldn't become poor even if he tried for some or the other Capitolite would ask him to join them at night at a high price, taking care of all his needs and all his wants.

Right now, however, all his attention was focused on Ms. Tina, whose head rested on his chest and he was sure she could hear the rhythm of his heart, heart that often beat a little faster around her. He wrapped his strong arms around her lovingly and whispered in his sensual voice, "Did you like it, love?"

"Yes honey," she squealed in delight, her voice musical to his ears, "I'm lucky to have you around."

Conall smiled to himself, his smooth hands flowing through her silky hair. That was always nice to hear. Capitolites loved him, truly loved him, and why not? He was beautiful, strong and so good at what he did, at what they wanted him to do.

He was about to suggest that they have another round when suddenly her phone started ringing.

"Excuse me," she said softly and got off the bed. Conall felt annoyed as she spoke on the phone; the caller had certainly ruined the moment for him. What business did they have calling right now when they were in the middle of something so important? She glanced his way once as she continued talking and that piqued his interest. What was the matter?

It did not take him long to find out though. Apparently, Ms. Tina was to have another 'guest' in some time, and thus he needed to leave. Conall was shocked at being dismissed this way, and while Ms. Tina kept telling him that she loved him and they would definitely meet again soon, Conall couldn't help but feel furious at her. However, the true reason for his anger was the caller. He clenched his fists, wanting to punish the caller. How dare they take her attention away from him? And how could Ms. Tina dismiss him for someone else?

He did not show his anger on his face though and instead settled for a light peck before getting dressed and leaving. Conall was escorted to his car by an Avox, and he waved him away. It was when he was in the car that he cracked his knuckles hard.

"Who the hell was it?" he growled to himself. Honestly, this caller had ruined the beautiful night.

His poor driver glanced at him from the rearview mirror, not having the courage to ask where he wanted to go. Conall noticed this fear and he smirked. Well, someone was behaving the way they should. He told the driver that he wanted to go back to the hotel where he was staying, his voice rough. As the car started to move, Conall stared out of the window, the beautiful city passing him by, the buildings all lit up as if it was some happy occasion. Well, the buildings were always that way, and it was one of the reasons Conall liked the city. Its vibrant culture, its beautiful people… he belonged right here.

He just didn't get why such a beautiful people would conduct the Games though.

That was one thing he hated about the Capitol, possibly the only thing. There was no need for such amazing people to kill children…

The thought reminded him of the Games this year and its twist. Well, at least the kids would be safe for once. Most victors he knew had panicked though, terrified that they would be thrust into that world again, and many of them in fact would be back in the arena. But he was safe, he was sure of that. After all, the Capitol loved Conall, loved him truly. They wouldn't want to lose someone as precious as him.

The thought of Ms. Tina dismissing him tried to creep its way into his confident mind, but he pushed it away. No, he wasn't going to be reaped. He smiled to himself at that, already feeling sorry for the poor victors who would have to fight for survival again.

Just to mitigate the risk of him being reaped, which was highly unlikely anyway, he had offered his next evening to the escort of District Eleven, Garcia. Surely, once he worked his magic on her, there wouldn't be any chance left for him to be reaped. He'd put in a word, and nobody in their right mind would ignore a request from him, of all people.

He allowed himself a light chuckle, earning a cautious glance from his driver, which made him laugh harder. The poor guy was always on edge around him, and Conall liked that.

He was already looking forward to his next meeting, and he leaned back in his seat, relishing in the comfort.

District Four

Dylan Herring, 28

District Four Male

Three months before the Quell Announcement

The two of them had broken away from the Careers, sure that they must be hunting for them. The children, scared, miserable and cold, took shelter under a large tree. They wanted to hide, hide from the prying eyes of the Careers and the cameras, but there was honestly no place that could offer them solitude.

Brooklyn snuggled over to her elder brother, feeling terrified. She had not eaten since a long time, and hunger was making her weak. Dylan was aware that she needed food, but where could he arrange it from? He glanced around as he held her close, tired eyes monitoring the area, and he saw a lone apple tree in some distance. Well, it seemed there was only one source of food around…

"Come Brooklyn, let's eat a bit. We need strength," he told her.

Brooklyn sighed, shaking her head. She expressed to her brother how tired she was of running around, and even walking up to the apple tree seemed like an impossible task. She asked him if he could get her some juicy apples from the tree instead, and she could rest under the tree. Dylan was not convinced; what if they were attacked? However, one look at Brooklyn's face told him how tired she really was. The apple tree wasn't too far anyway. If he could just hurry up and get some fruits, he'd be back before anything could happen. And Brooklyn would anyway be visible. So, he reasoned, that he probably should let her rest. However, he left his sword behind so that she could protect herself.

Dylan was almost halfway to the tree when he heard a loud cry and the cannon exploding. Whirling around in dread, he saw his little sister's head rolled away from the rest of her body, and the boy from Eight holding his sword. Something snapped inside Dylan in that instance, and he pulled out the knife he carried, throwing it at the Outlier, hitting him in the throat and another cannon exploded. Dylan trudged to his sister, unable to believe that she was gone, and his heart wept at the loss.

"No…" Dylan sobbed, eyes shut, as he trembled on the bed he was lying on, living through the moments again, "Brooklyn… I couldn't save you…"

"Dylan!"

"Brooklyn I'm sorry," he whimpered, eyes still shut, "I'm sorry."

"Dylan!"

Someone had hugged him tightly, asking him to open his eyes. Even as he did so, he saw his partner Adrian, holding him tightly. Dylan blinked, looking around him. The arena was gone, Brooklyn was gone…

"I…" he tried to speak, but couldn't.

"Shush. Calm down, it was just a nightmare. Dylan I'm right here. I'm right here."

Well, it was not just a nightmare. It had been ten years now, ten years of guilt and loneliness, ten years of trauma. Dylan wished that it would stop now, that he didn't have those dreams anymore, and that wouldn't feel so real. He took deep breaths to calm himself down as Adrian rubbed his back.

"Are you okay?" Adrian asked in concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Dylan answered automatically. He loved Adrian and trusted him with his life but he didn't have the strength of talking about how he felt. It was always the same anyway. Nothing had changed in all these years. And anyway, talking about his problems wasn't going to bring back his family.

Nothing was going to bring back his family.

"You're definitely not fine," Adrian sighed. He felt frustrated at the fact that he just didn't know what he could do to help. He had been making sure that Dylan was taking medicines that the doctors had prescribed, but they seemed to have no effect on his trauma. The nightmares refused to leave him alone. How Adrian wished he could take away all of Dylan's troubles! To top it all, his partner had to go to the Capitol tomorrow. Adrian felt an anger rise in his heart as the thought crossed his mind. Those bloody Capitolites! They would use his Dylan again just like they always did and make him more traumatised than usual like it always happened. If only he could do something about it! Alas, there was no he or anyone could do.

Right now, though, was not the time to contemplate on what was to happen. Dylan rested his head on Adrian's arm, staring into nothingness. He did not like to see his partner so worried for him, and feel guilty about it. In fact, Dylan didn't even know what he would do without him. He had no friends, no family, no person to call his own. There were just vultures around, vultures who would feed off the corpse of his happiness.

"Do you need anything?"

"No. I just need you here, with me."

"I'm always there with you."

Dylan smiled despite himself. It was true that Adrian had stood by him in spite of all odds. His own family had been murdered all those years ago when he had refused to cooperate with the Capitol's 'requests'. He had been afraid that Adrian would leave him after that, but he didn't, and here they were after almost nine years. He did worry sometimes though. Dylan had never let anyone know about Adrian, afraid for his life all these years. What if the Capitol would snatch him away too? It was hard to keep the relationship a secret, away from the all-knowing eyes of the Capitol. What if they were to find out one day and he would be gone too?

Dylan's heart started burning at the thought, and he clutched it.

"Dylan!"

"The pill…"

His partner rushed to get him the medicine even as his heart burn throbbed on, causing him pain, but not the kind that his thoughts and nightmares did. Even as he lied down again after taking the medicine, he held onto Adrian's hand, the other hand still on his heart.

"Promise me you will always stay."

Adrian clasped his hand with his other one too and nodded, trying to keep tears off bay at the condition of his partner, "I promise."

Haley Oceanus, 33

District Four Female

The Reapings

It had been a tough morning.

Sagittarius and Minerva had been on the edge since a few days, and neither could sleep the previous night, the thoughts of what could be and what was to be clouding their minds. They spoke nothing last night and nothing this morning but Haley knew what was on their minds.

Well, as far as Sage was concerned, it was not in her power to do anything other than to train him again. She hoped against hope that he wouldn't need it though for it would be rather sad if something were to happen to him; Haley doubted he could kill anyone anymore. He was still guilty, still quiet, and a generally sweet boy. However, she was not too concerned about Minerva. Things would be okay for her.

Right now, they stood there in the District Square, just a handful of them compared to the huge crowds that gathered every year, every face depicting a varied set of emotions. Haley kept her own face stoic even as Minnie and Sage glanced at each other.

"How're you feeling?" Minnie asked Haley, breaking the silence that had enveloped them since last night.

"Fine, actually," Haley replied truthfully, "Are you okay?"

Minnie looked perplexed as to how could anyone feel fine in this situation but she answered her honestly anyway. After all, what good would hiding emotions do?

"Not as fine as you are," she replied steadily, "I don't know exactly how I'm feeling."

"Everything will be okay," Haley assured her in her most calming voice, "Don't worry."

"Well, I hope so," Minnie muttered, "But I also want you both to be fine."

"We will be, don't worry."

Their escort had taken his place at the podium and had started reading the Treaty of Treason. Haley looked around carefully, trying to see what the situation was like. The children, who were standing separated from the victors, kind of looked both excited and annoyed, especially the older ones. Oh, how she wished they knew the punishments of winning the Games! She had learnt it the hard way, and the murders committed so many years ago flashed in her mind like blots of ink on white paper. She wished somebody would have told her when she was a child that trauma and pain were the repercussions of victory, not fame and glory. She wished she could convey it to the children, to warn them and shield them, but unfortunately that was not to be if she wanted to look loyal.

It was time for the male tribute to be Reaped and Haley's breath almost stopped. She hoped that it was not Sagittarius, her heart beating fast, feeling cold even in the warmth of the sun. Minnie gave her hand a squeeze, and she could tell that the younger woman wished the same as she did.

So, when the escort announced the name of Dylan Herring, a relief she had not known for long passed over her. She smiled brightly and in front of her Minnie heaved a sigh of relief. However, the relief did not last long as she recalled that it was Dylan Herring, another associate to their mission. She did not interact much with him but knew about his connections with Regal's team. He was probably not a friend but certainly a comrade. Oh no…

Dylan, on his part, seemed to be waiting for something to happen, as if somebody would volunteer. Haley felt sorry for him; fate was being cruel and she wished someone would volunteer, someone other than Sage. She felt selfish for only looking out for people who were her friends or associates, and she felt ashamed of this, her mind berating her for being so cold, but this was not the time to fool herself with her emotions. She looked around to see if anyone would volunteer, and she noticed that Sage was about to raise his hand.

Alarm gripped her heart and she wanted to scream at him to stop. Why was he playing the hero? This situation would be worse if he went in, she could not let it happen.

"Sage," she hissed and he looked at her, looking unsure. Haley shook her head, telling him not to do it, and for a second, she thought with dread that he would ignore her. However, his shoulders slumped and he nodded. Haley could not help but sigh again in relief. At least one problem was taken care of.

Dylan, finally coming to terms that nobody was going to volunteer for him, made his way to the stage. He greeted the escort with a handshake and a fake smile, although he still looked rather shaken. When asked to address the District, he promised to give his best and return as a victor, but the shaken confidence of his words earned him only a lukewarm response.

The time finally came to reap the female tribute and Haley found herself worried for her friend.

Not Minnie, not Minnie, not Minnie!

"Minerva McCarthy!"

The colour seemed to drain from Minerva's face and she remained rooted at her spot for a second, as if unable to process that she had been called. However, she was a Career, and steeling herself, she forced a smile on her face and stepped out of the line to proceed to the stage, probably accepting her fate.

Well, not on Haley's watch.

"I volunteer as tribute!" she called out, raising her hand firmly, her strong voice emanating in the area, making the escort grin in happiness and the victors all stare at her.

"No!" Minnie exclaimed, looking at her friend, her face showing how horrified she felt at that, "You can't do that!"

Sage looked as if he would say the same, but decided against it, and Haley could tell he was conflicted. They were both his close friends; how could he support one of them to go to these Games? The man looked at her sadly, his gaze turning to Minnie and Haley could see the partial relief in his eyes.

"I can do that, honey," Haley smiled at Minerva, "I know you wanted to give the Games another go but you've just had your chance. Let the seniors take care of it this time." Minerva looked confused about her words but thankfully did not argue about her statements. Haley patted her shoulder comfortingly before walking past her over to the stage, her stride purposeful.

She smiled brightly at the escort, giving him a firm handshake, and then turned towards the sea of people looking at her, the children applauding for her since she volunteered. Haley walked over to the mic and with as much confidence as she could muster, she said, "District Four, I am going to win this for you, and we will be celebrating our victory together!"

She raised her arm high in a wave, earning loud cheers, enthusiastic claps and a certain vigour among the children. Throwing them one more dazzling smile and completely ignoring Minnie and Sage, she stepped back.

Finally, this was here. Everything she had dreaded, was here. There was no turning back now, no escape for her.

And behind her beautiful smile, Haley's soul wept, wept for what she had signed up for. She knew in her heart that she was not ready to fight to death again, to bring herself to kill people she knew and loved.

But now, a task had been undertaken, and she could not back out from performing it.

Hey guys. I hope you all have been well. I don't know if anyone will be reading this anymore, it's been so long since I wrote anything. It's a long overdue chapter, and I'm not sure how good it is, but I tried to write whatever I could. I cannot promise fast updates or exactly when other chapters will come out but there are a couple of stock chapters there. I will finish the story sooner or later. It'll be great if there are people reading this, but if not, that's fine too. Please let me know your thoughts and whom you liked best if you are reading this.

Have a good day!