A/N: Trigger warning for homophobia in Mako's sections.
Catalina Asbury, age 18
District 4 Female
I breathe through my snorkel as I marvel at a small school of thin, silvery fish near the surface of the water. I've always found it interesting how different kinds of fish have different habits, with some spending more time on the reef floor and others darting in between coral formations. I cast my eyes downwards and spot a striped fish swimming above the coral below, and I follow it, swimming after the fish until it is out of sight.
I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I breach the surface of the water to see Arielle, my best friend since I was little, taking off her snorkel. She's floating next to our friend Dory. I take off my own snorkel and smile at them.
"What's up, guys?" I ask.
"I was thinking we should head back," Arielle says, glancing at the beach of Half Moon behind her. "Snorkeling is fun but it's so annoying how hard it is to talk while you're doing it. I'm kind of in the mood to just sit around at this point."
"That's fair," I say with a smile, making a few strokes towards the beach. "We can go back. What do you think, Dory?"
"Sure," Dory says with a small nod. She's always been the quiet one of our friend group, but I enjoy her presence and she's fun to be around.
"I'll race you guys!" Arielle exclaims before putting on her snorkel and swimming towards the shore. I laugh and, after making sure that Dory is following me, start towards the beach as well. I swim quickly, moving my swim fins through the water, and pretty soon I've arrived at the beach. I wade through the shallows, taking off my snorkel gear.
"Need a hand?" I ask Dory as I notice that she's on her hands and knees in the shallow water next to me.
Dory nods, unable to talk due to her snorkeling gear still being on, and I help her up. Once she's on her feet, she takes off her swim fins and mask and smiles at me.
"Thanks Catalina," she says in her characteristic quiet voice. "I kind of tripped."
"Hey, no worries, it happens to all of us," I say, smiling back. I look around. "Where's Arielle?"
"Over here!" Arielle calls, and I follow the sound of her voice to where she is waving at Dory and I from a bit down the beach. She's sitting on the towels the three of us spread out on the sand, and I raise an eyebrow.
"How did you get there so quickly?" I ask with a laugh.
"Teleportation," Arielle yells with a cheeky grin. "Kidding, kidding!"
"We'll be right over," I call, and Arielle gives me a thumbs-up. Dory and I walk towards where Arielle is sitting, and I sigh happily as I admire the pleasant scenery around me.
"Hey Dory, hang on," I say to my friend as I spot a boy of about eleven carrying an empty basket and standing around with a confused look in his eyes. "I think that kid is lost, can you let Arielle know that I'll be right there?"
"Okay," Dory says slowly. I nod at her and approach the boy with a smile and a wave.
"Hey, you look a little lost," I say, loudly enough for the boy to hear me. "I can help you if you'd like!"
"Oh!" the boy exclaims, looking up at me when he's realized that I'm talking to him. "Yeah, that'd be cool!"
"Awesome, where did you want to go?" I ask, holding my gear all in one hand so I can point with the other.
"Um, I was supposed to be at Suki Marketplace, but I must've took a wrong turn," the boy says with a nervous laugh. "It's only my second time going there, and, um…"
"Hey, no problem, you're not that far off," I say with a smile. "Suki is pretty close to here, but not as close as a lot of people think. See that old surfboard sticking there?" I point out the landmark. "Turn into the small street to the left of there and keep walking down it. In a few minutes you'll see a sushi stall called Maguro, and there are signs from there on how to get to Suki."
"Thanks!" the boy chirps, turning to run off. He stops himself, however, and turns back to me. "Hey, aren't you Catalina Asbury? The chosen volunteer?"
Okay, Academy Mode, I think immediately as I quickly switch off my cheerful smiley side and put on a no-nonsense, confident smirk.
"Yes, and I'm more than ready to not let anything stand in the way of my Victory this year," I say, hoping that that was convincing. "You're talking to the Victor of the 44th Games here."
"Whoa," the boy says, his eyes wide. "I'll bet you'll use the coolest weapon."
"I wouldn't say the spear is as cool as other weapons, but it gets the job done," I say. I notice myself starting to smile and wanting to crack a joke, but I stop myself before I show too much softness. "Speaking of, I'm going to the Academy to train right now. Run along, kid."
Okay, that was way too harsh, I think as I try not to smile too much at the boy - a big smile would be too much of a conciliatory sign - but before I can think that much about it the boy has nodded and skipped off in the direction of Suki Market. I sigh, happy that I no longer have to pretend to be all enthusiastic about the Games and killing and all that. I'm about to wave at Arielle and Dory, who are sitting at our spot on the beach, when I realize something.
Father will want me to actually go to the Academy right now, I think, frowning as I gaze in the direction of the Academy. When I volunteer later today I will have to let the kind part of myself go anyways, so maybe I should really get into Academy Mode.
I'd much rather continue hanging out at the beach, but I've been chosen to volunteer for this year and I'm not going to back out. If the Captains have faith in me to bring home the win I'm not going to let them down. Besides, my dad has wanted me to volunteer for the Games forever, and he'd be very disappointed in me if I didn't go through with it. And in the end, even though I've hated Academy training since I started as a kid, I'd be disappointed in myself if I didn't volunteer. My father is right, after all, that one has to be tough and ruthless in a country like Panem.
I can keep hanging out with Arielle and Dory at the Academy, and Melinda's there right now so we might as well meet up with her, I think.
My friend Melinda is almost always at the Academy. She's a competitive and hardcore overachiever, currently sitting in fourth place, but she's sixteen and, unlike me, still has a few chances to be chosen. I briefly think about backing out at the last minute, but I shake my head because if I didn't volunteer this year I'd never hear the end of it. I'm eighteen and this is my last chance.
"Hey guys," I call, waving at and approaching Arielle and Dory. "I think I'd better go to the Academy. We can keep talking on the way there."
Mako Bailey, age 17
District 4 Male
Fighting with axes is pretty weird in comparison to using swords or tridents, but if I want to win the Hunger Games and be the best I can ever be, I'm going to have to be well-versed in all sorts of weapons. Which is why my bisexual friend and I are both using axes in our spar.
"Dude, this isn't bad," Okuna says as he swings and I step out of the way. "I think I'll end up being an axe user when it's my turn to volunteer."
"Can I axe you a question?" I say with a grin as I counterattack.
"What the fuck man, I thought you were too cool for puns," Okuna says. "But what?"
"Why?" I say.
"Why what?"
"Why are you picking the axe?" I ask lightly, bringing my fake weapon down onto Okuna's shoulder. He grimaces and drops his axe. He holds up the Academy's sign of surrender with his hand, and I smirk, happy that I've won again.
"Good game," I say, holding out my hand for Okuna to shake. He shakes it but doesn't answer my question, so I press on.
"I mean, why would you be an axe user when you can be like me and master all the weapons?" I say. I wave at Carabao, Zinnia, and Rivvina, our friends who have been watching us spar. "What do you think, guys? Should Okuna be an axe user or is he better than that?"
"Dude, what do you have against axes?" Carabao says with a laugh. "I think you rock axes, Okuna. Just because it's a District 7 weapon doesn't mean that we can't use it as Careers." He smiles at Okuna, who meets his gaze and smiles back. I feel discomfort prickling in my spine and cough.
"Have a gay old time, you two," I say with a chuckle.
"Hey, Mako, you should let that go," Zinnia says as the mood changes. "Just because Phineas and Nemo are gay and they beat you one time doesn't mean you should let that get to you."
"Dude, I don't hate gay people man," I say. "But, like, I'm still laughing about how Phineas broke his leg. I mean, I would've still beat him to volunteer if he hadn't, but dude."
"Are you ready for later today?" Rivvina asks, clearly trying to change the subject. I grin at her, glad that she's diffused the tension.
"Hell yeah I am," I say, taking a few practice swings of my axe. "Why wouldn't I be? I'm only the best."
"That's more like the Mako I know," Okuna says, smiling. "You're pretty talkative today, I thought you'd be all focused on training like you are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays."
"Dude, the whole Games schedule is totally throwing off my week," I say with a laugh, "but it's not a problem. I got used to the idea of the Games being the first thing on my priorities long ago."
For years now I've had a pretty good schedule for my life that allows me to be the best I can possibly be while also having some time to let loose. Fridays and Saturdays are spent at sea; Sundays are spent resting for myself; Mondays are for school; on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I train at the Academy. The village where I live, Herring, is a bit isolated from the main Academy so I had to come up with that schedule and stay overnight at the Academy a lot so that I could balance my time.
So far, I'd say that my schedule has worked. I've been chosen to volunteer for the Games this year, which means I'm on my way to truly being the best. I've been seen as the Golden Child of Herring ever since I was a kid, and I've had a few doubts throughout the years about whether I was truly the best, but I managed to prove myself by being selected by the Captains to volunteer. Now I just need to win the Games and I'll be the best I can ever be.
"Let's keep sparring," Okuna says, picking up his axe again. "You're going to kick ass this year but I'm going to be the volunteer next year."
"Yeah," I say, smirking at Okuna and getting into position. "I'm going to kick ass this year."
Venti Grande, age 44
District 4 Escort
There's a heaviness in the air today in District 4. Four isn't as enthusiastic as One and Two about the Games, but Reaping Days are still usually festive affairs, unlike in District 6, where I was stationed until two years ago. Today is different in a strange way - as I sit on the stage and bounce my leg nervously, I can tell that the crowd is trying to act normal when things are far from it.
I don't blame anyone, though. Sayori Mizushima hanged herself just a month ago.
I open my mouth to say something to Perch Covey and Isla Ramirez, the two mentors for this year, and decide against it. Sayori was going to mentor alongside P.C., but after she killed herself - well, apparently at least - P.C. requested that Isla, Victor of the 26th Games and the Academy Admiral of District 4, mentor alongside him. Isla, who is actively involved in many things, is very different from P.C. but I trust P.C.'s choice. Sayori was P.C.'s closest friend among the Four Victors, but he is quite close to Isla as well, with Isla serving as a meddlesome but wise mentor figure.
We need someone with experience to guide us through this tough time, I think as I watch the Square fill up with people. Isla's definitely experienced. As for me, I hope I'm experienced enough.
Normally I'm what people describe as a flamboyant man who doesn't shut up, but even I understand how to act after tragedy. I'm still embracing my usual coffee aesthetic this year, but rather than macchiato or mocha I'm black coffee, which I think fits recent happenings. I'm wearing white dress pants and a black long-sleeved collared shirt, and less green accessories than normal.
My outfit is far less ornamental than what I'm used to, but as an escort it's my job to make the people I work with comfortable.
Isla and P.C. are both quiet as the Square fills up with people. The silence seems natural and fitting to them, but I've never liked quietness. I feel very awkward and once again I'm about to say something but then I stop.
"I could have prevented it," P.C. murmurs, and Isla and I turn to look at him since he's broken the silence. "I could've done more for her."
"P.C., please don't blame yourself," Isla says in her characteristic gruff-sounding voice, but her gaze is gentle as she squeezes P.C.'s hand reassuringly. "I miss Sayori too. We all do. But all we can do now is to focus on the present and try to get one of our tributes home."
"You're right," P.C. sighs. "I can't let my grief get in the way of my job."
"You're very dedicated to still be doing this after Sayori - after what happened," Isla says.
"I wouldn't say dedicated, I just want to see my friends from the Literature Club," P.C. says with a sad smile. "Sayori was always so passionate about the club. The five - four of us - we're all going through our loss together and I want to be there for everyone."
"P.C., you'd better tell me if you want to take a break," Isla says forcefully. "There's no way I'm letting you mentor if doing that hurts you."
"I don't even think I need to mentor much, Mako knows pretty much all he needs," P.C. says, chuckling sadly. "But thanks for the offer." He turns to me. "Venti, I know it's probably pretty awkward for you, but I really hope you can still work with us and get the job done."
"Don't worry," I say, trying my best to be gentle and reassuring rather than loud and proud. "I'll try my best for you and our tributes this year. Cross my heart. I'm the escort after all."
"Venti, how many coffee puns are you going to make this year?" Isla asks.
"Didn't we agree on exactly one?" I say, surprised at the change in the conversation's direction. "I understand if you feel it's not appropriate, but-"
"One will be just right," Isla says with a sad smile. "I was just checking with you in case you decided something else at the last minute."
"I definitely wouldn't do something like that this year, I swear," I say. "You can count on me to do whatever I need to do to keep things running as smoothly as possible."
"Same goes for me," P.C. says forcefully, and we all nod.
The Reaping starts as Mayor Blume walks onto the stage and the Square quiets down. When it's my turn to proceed with the event, I get up and walk to the microphone without the usual spring in my step, but I still smile and wave at the crowd. I adjust the microphone to account for my tall height and tap it to test it before I begin.
"Welcome, District 4, to the Reapings for the 44th Annual Hunger Games," I say, my voice wavering as I get used to not being as bombastic this year as most other years. "I'm your escort, Venti Grande, and I am matcha looking forward to meeting our tributes this year. We'll start with the girls and then move on to the boys."
Normally I joke around a bit before starting the Reaping and make more than one coffee pun. Not this year, though. I still included one coffee pun because some people would still expect me to be me, but one is enough, as P.C., Isla, and I agreed upon.
"Will Azula Rivers please come to the stage!" I call out, reading the name from the slip.
"I volunteer as tribute!" a voice calls out in response. I smile as there is movement among the eighteen-year-old girls in the Square and Catalina Asbury, the chosen female volunteer for this year, steps forward. Getting to know a bit about the tributes I'll be working with beforehand is one of the best things about escorting for a Career District, and I think the Captains made a decent choice. I'll have to work with Catalina on mental preparation, though. She's strong but I've always thought she was a bit too compassionate for the Games.
"What's your name?" I ask Catalina once she's situated on the stage. I know, of course, but the people watching back home don't.
"Catalina Asbury," the volunteer says with a smile.
"And would you like to say anything to the audience?" I ask.
"Um, not really!" Catalina responds, her friendly smile not wavering. "I just don't have much to say."
"Fair, fair," I say, shaking Catalina's hand. I notice that her handshake is surprisingly firm for such a pleasant girl.
"Now, I'm sure you all want to meet our boy," I say when the applause for Catalina dies down. I walk over to the boys' Reaping Bowl and pick out a name, knowing that it won't matter because Mako Bailey will volunteer.
"Caspian Skylar!" I exclaim.
"I volunteer!" a loud voice yells from the seventeen-year-olds. Mako Bailey strides forward boldly, his hands clenched into fists and a confident smirk on his face.
"I'm Mako Bailey," Mako declares once he's on the stage, "and I will come home!"
The crowd cheers as I shake Mako's hand and clap the boy on the back. I study Mako and Catalina carefully. Mako is a bit too confident and Catalina is a bit too unconfident, but I think both are well-trained and have a very good chance at bringing home the victory to District 4.
"District 4," I say, still feeling some heaviness in the air but hoping to move past it, "your tributes for the 44th Annual Hunger Games, Mako Bailey and Catalina Asbury!"
Catalina Asbury, age 18
District 4 Female
I'm already regretting doing this. But I can't let that show. My father has a disapproving look on his face as I hug my mother in the Goodbye Room.
"I'll miss you, my dear," my mother says softly, kissing me on the cheek. "But I believe in you, Catalina."
"I love you, Mom," I murmur, burying my face in her shoulder.
"Catalina, you can't show this softness in the Games," my father says firmly as he rests a harsh hand on my shoulder. "You have to play dirty to get anywhere in this world."
"Trytonn, dear," my mother says, letting me go and facing Father with a sad smile, "I think you should go easy on our Catalina. I know you love her as much as I do, but-"
"That's the thing," Father huffs, giving me a quick hug. My eyes widen with surprise because he rarely shows affection like this, but it's a good thing.
"I just want the best for Catalina and the best is for her to toughen up and grow up quickly," Father says, his voice hardening as he frowns at Mom. "You know this, Galena. Training, volunteering, and winning will be the best way for this to happen."
"Well, I suppose we've reached the point where there's no use regretting the past," Mom sighs, reaching forward to give me another hug but stopping herself. "Just do your best, Catalina. You've trained so much for this, and you're strong enough to come home."
"I'll definitely do my very best, Mom," I say with a rare assuredness in my voice. "Mom, Father, you can both know that I'll do my best to survive the Games."
That much is true, at least. It's definitely too late to back out now.
But can I survive the Games when I'm absolutely horrified by the idea of me taking a life?
Mako Bailey, age 17
District 4 Male
I sit back down on the sofa and stretch out as the door to the Goodbye Room closes behind Okuna, Carabao, Zinnia, and Rivvina. I'm confident that I can come home and keep hanging out with my friends, who are the coolest people ever. And if Okuna is really selected to volunteer next year, the two of us will be living next door to each other in the Victor's Village.
That actually wouldn't be that great, I realize as I stretch. He might die, and if he wins I might not be considered the best anymore.
I don't have any doubts that I can win these Games, but when I get back maybe I should talk Okuna out of volunteering next year. The one thing I don't want is someone challenging me for my title of the best, even after I'm a Victor. At least Okuna being next year's selected volunteer would be better than Nemo Catamaran getting chosen, though. I'm still a little mad at that kid for beating me in such a humiliating fashion all those years ago, but at least that defeat got me to train more seriously.
And Phineas Allbright is eighteen so he won't have a chance next year, I think with a smirk, satisfied about how he broke his leg and lost his chance at Victory. I got my revenge on him last year but I'm still happy that he won't be challenging me any time soon.
There may be chosen volunteers and Victors after me, I realize, but that doesn't mean I won't be the best. After I win I'll continue with my routine and continue to improve myself.
The door to the Goodbye Room is flung open, and my family hurries in. Dad wears a big smile on his face, and Junpei, my older brother, rushes over and claps me on the shoulder.
"You did it, Mako," Junpei says with his characteristic stoicness, but I can tell that he's happy for me. "That's the younger brother I'm proud of."
"I know you can keep your head on your shoulders and win the Games," Dad says as he sits down. "Just never stop striving to be the best."
"I won't let you down, guys," I say firmly, nodding. "I'll put everything I learned to the test and come home a Victor."
My family continue giving me words of encouragement until it's time for them to leave. I'm not expecting any more visitors, so I jog around the room, raring to go. I'm surprised when the door opens and my mother walks in.
"Oh, hi Mom," I say awkwardly, stopping my jogging to face her. "Haven't seen you in a while. How's life? With your wife?" I laugh at my unintentional rhyme.
"Good, the kids are good too," Mom says with a smile. I smile back, but I can't help but wonder why my mother divorced my dad and married a woman who already had two kids. My parents have both told me that they thought they were going nowhere, but I wonder how I would've turned out if Dad and Mom had stayed together.
"Come to see me off before I win?" I ask, puffing out my chest proudly.
"Of course, you always seem to be running around the District busy with something but I'm glad that you're improving yourself," Mom says, patting me on the shoulder. "Look out for yourself, okay? I know you can win these Games but I as your mother do worry about you."
"Hey, I'll do whatever I can to be Victor so you don't have to worry," I say with a smile.
I absolutely mean every word.
A/N: Many thanks Smiley for submitting Catalina, our District 4 Female, and many thanks to AkaneOfFan for submitting Mako, our District 4 Male! What do you think of Catalina, Mako, and Venti? If I wrote your character, how did I do? Please let me know what you think of the characters and the chapter in the reviews!
I'd like to make a disclaimer about Mako. His discomfort around gay people and his referring to Okuna as his "bisexual friend" is part of his character but not something I condone.
Next up will be the District 5 Reaping, which will introduce Tatum Ridley and Gage Wilder.
Thanks for reading, and may the odds be ever in your favor!