Anastasia Willows, 17
District 5 Female
I opened my window roughly, ignoring the way it banged in its frame. My parents were used to the sound by now, and they knew better than to complain. I did what I wanted. And I wanted to sit on the roof and watch the sunrise.
Slipping over the ledge, I crawled out onto the steep roofing and climbed up to the peak. There, I anchored myself with my hands and feet and settled back. Any minute the sun would rise, pouring gold all over our district.
As the rays lightened the night sky, I took the time to stretch my limbs and work the kinks out of my neck. I got home late last night and crashed before even getting the chance to change. And sleeping in a bra and boots was not comfortable.
We pulled off a sweet break-in though. The security cameras hadn't even picked us up. Now I had a new pair of diamond studs to show off. And if anyone asked, I'd say my mom bought them for me. I had an identical pair tucked under my bed. It was just more fun to wear stolen jewelry.
I fiddled with the piercing as the sun finally made an appearance. Today would be another day of chaos and hijinks, since we'd have to tone it down tomorrow. Even Otis would admit that angering a Peacekeeper on reaping day was a bad idea.
The reaping should have scared me, but it didn't. Ever since I lost my Grandma Jess, things felt less real. Less concrete. I didn't have a solid reason to keep putting effort into my life, so why not have a little fun? If my parents didn't care enough to host a funeral, they certainly didn't care enough to police my behavior.
Next year, I was going to volunteer. It was the best revenge I could get. They'd feel the pain of losing someone they said they loved, and it might even compare to the pain I felt when I lost someone I knew I loved. There was no point in volunteering before then though. My parents made good money and would give me whatever I wanted. There was no reason to waste that.
Thinking about Grandma Jess made me sad. She liked to watch the sunrise too. We'd sit on the porch and drink tea and watch the district come to life. I grit my teeth as the memories came flooding back. Suddenly, sitting up here didn't sound as fun.
With an overexaggerated sigh, I climbed back through my window and into my room. I took a few moments to fix my hair and makeup, pinning the loose strands in the front behind my head so they wouldn't be in the way. Then I pulled on my combat boots and stomped down the stairs.
After closing the front door with extra force, I sped down the sidewalk. Frankie's would be opening soon and the lines were always crazily long. But I made it just in time; the restaurant only had a few patrons sitting in the booths.
"Hey Ross!" I called as I stepped through the door. My classmate let out a little squeak of surprise, his cheeks flushing.
"Hi Anastasia," he said, giving me a small wave.
"Can I get a coffee and a muffin?" I asked him. "The sweetest one you have."
"Of–of course," he stammered nervously. I shot him a wink as he went to grab the coffee pot.
I sat down at the counter, thanking him sweetly when he handed me my food. I kept up my flirting throughout the meal, playing up my laugh and my coy smiles. I knew Ross was crushing hard on me, and while I wasn't particularly interested in him, I was always down for a fun flirt and a good time. And Ross was a sweetheart.
After my meal, I left him a big tip and practically ran to meet Otis. We had a bigger break-in planned for today; one that would require the whole crew. Otis would be going over the plans one final time before we put it into action, and I couldn't wait. He said he had an important role for me. It wasn't a big surprise though. I knew I was his favorite.
Isaac Foster, 15
District 5 Male
I kicked a rock along the sidewalk as I walked, eyes on my feet. I'd walked this route so many times I could do it in my sleep, but today was filled with none of the usual excitement. Tomorrow was reaping day. Tomorrow, two kids would be torn away from all they knew and forced to fight to the death.
Last year, Skylar was one of those kids. We'd been friends for years and had been dating since we were thirteen. She didn't make it past the bloodbath. Her wide eyes as she was skewered on a spear still haunted me.
With a firm kick, I sent the rock sailing down an alleyway. It clattered loudly against a dumpster, but no one stirred. Usually the Peacekeepers would come after a lone teen at night, but our neighborhood was fairly well off and patrolled less often.
There was an old, worn path where the townhouses ended, used for years by young couples or angsty teens who wanted a private place. I followed it up to the hilltop behind the row of houses, where someone had dragged an ancient wooden bench. It was covered in lichen and creaked when you sat on it, but I trusted it. It held me many times.
I sat down and finally turned my eyes to the sky. The stars were bright and were reflected in the water from the dam. A nearly-full moon illuminated our little district, from the townhouses to the blocky apartments to the shacks on the outskirts of the desert. I could even see the tall hoodoos out in the distance, remnants of a time long past.
I clenched my fists and examined the stars again. The childish part of me liked to believe Skylar was up there, shining down on me. My mom too. But I knew they were just balls of gas millions of miles away.
I was sick of everything leaving me. Of everything dying. When I lost my mom, I lost a part of me as well. And it was the same when Skylar died. I could never be whole again. My dad tried and failed. He threw himself into work. He got married again. He even had another kid. But none of it helped and I knew none of it would help me.
I stayed out under the stars until it got too cold. Deserts were scorching during the day and freezing at night, and District 5 was no exception. Despite it being the middle of summer, I could still faintly see my breath puffing out in front of me.
I made my way down the steep trail and started walking home. Even the streetlamps were out, but the moon was enough to light the way.
Our front door was locked so I slipped through the side yard to the back door. Dad would lock it right before he went to bed, which was usually quite late. I tiptoed inside and snuck up the stairs, trying to be as quiet as possible. I didn't want to wake up Claudia or Juniper. My stepmom was always grumpy when she didn't get enough sleep and Juniper was still growing. She needed her rest.
I was almost to my room when Juniper's door creaked open. She peered out at me with big blue eyes.
"Hi," she whispered.
"Hi Juniper," I whispered back. "You should be asleep."
"So should you," she replied, narrowing her eyes. I cracked a smile. She was only seven, but had so much personality.
"I needed some time to think," I told her. "But I promise I'm going to bed now."
"Okay," she said with a nod. "Can we go to the library tomorrow?"
I winced. Everything would be closed tomorrow, but Juniper was still a bit too young to understand why. She knew Skylar was dead, but she didn't know how it happened. My dad and Claudia shielded her from the Hunger Games as much as they could.
"Not tomorrow," I told her. "But we can go the day after."
"Okay!" she said, instantly perking up. Juniper was behind the other readers her age, so we went to the library to practice together.
"Now it's time for bed," I told her. "It's late." She nodded and gave me a little wave before closing her door. I waited until I heard her get into bed before flopping onto mine. Tomorrow would be a difficult day and I wasn't sure I was ready for it. But I had to be strong for Juniper.
Cassius York, 21
District 5 Escort
I hummed quietly to myself as I touched up my purple eyeshadow in the mirror. The makeup was a bit dramatic, but it complimented my vest so well I had to use it. The vest itself was a purple so deep it was almost black with iridescent feathers patterned onto it. Absolutely beautiful.
Birds were my creatures. So free and wild, but also fancy and refined. I had four back home in the penthouse apartment I lived in with my fiancé. Each and every one of them was unique in color and personality. I'd miss them while I was escorting District 5's tributes. But I'd miss Octavia more.
I smiled at the thought of my lovely fiancé. My salary as a stylist was enough to keep us comfortably afloat, so she was able to pursue her dreams and teach kindergarten. She was so kind and patient that the job suited her perfectly. And now as an escort I'd be making even more.
I was drawn from my thoughts by the arrival of District 5's past victors. We'd met on several previous occasions but none were as exciting as today.
"Good morning!" I said cheerfully. Elinor returned the sentiment as Albus and Ed both nodded. Porter Millicent gave a meek wave.
"Do you mind helping me with my wings?" I asked, gesturing to the colorful teal and magenta bird wings I'd wear on my back. "They're a little awkward."
With a huff, Ed stepped forward to assist me. After shrugging them on, I examined my outfit again. The wings stood out brightly against my black and dark blue clothing. And they made the yellow and purple accents pop perfectly. I was ready.
I thanked Ed just as a Peacekeeper came into the building. He was holding a microphone, which he offered to me.
"Mr. York, it's time," he said in a gravelly voice. I took the microphone and squared my shoulders. It was show time.
I could admit that I was nervous. It was my first year escorting, but I'd been lucky enough to be assigned to a nice district. Elinor and Albus were very kind and helpful, and I knew we'd work well together. Ed would be more challenging, but I was personable. I could handle him.
It was shocking to step out into the sweltering heat of the desert. It was so different from the air-conditioned halls of the Justice Building. I drew in several breaths of hot, dry air before approaching the podium in the center of the stage.
"Hello District 5!" I said cheerfully, listening to my voice echo around the square. "I am Cassius York and I am so honored to be your new escort. I know this district will accomplish great things." Then I paused for the crowd to applaud. It was somewhat subdued, but I didn't mind. I'd have to prove myself as their escort, and I was looking forward to it.
"Now, before we select our representatives, we have a short film to watch!" On cue, the screen above me came to life and the movie the Capitol presented every year came on. The viewing in the Capitol didn't show it, but I could assume the district citizens were tired of it after so many years.
The film ended with a flourish of music and the cameras redirected toward me.
"What an enlightening film," I said, trying to add some excitement to the moment. "And now I would love to welcome our district's honored victors: Elinor Hawkins, Albus Thorne, Porter Millicent Tripp, and Ed Bainbridge!"
This time the applause was less hollow. District 5's victors were beloved by both the Capitol and their home district. It continued as they each took their seats and I joined in. Then I stepped up to the podium again.
"This is the moment we've all been waiting for!" I cheered. "It's time to select our tributes! Let's start with the girls." I walked over to the glass bowl on my left, making sure my wings caught the sunlight. I dipped in a manicured hand and selected a slip of paper from close to the top.
"Anastasia Willows!"
A short girl with dirty blonde hair strutted out of the crowd. Her eyes were bright green and she was stylishly dressed in a tight black top and jeans. Both of her ears had multiple piercings.
She walked confidently up to the stage, a scowl on her face.
"Welcome Ms. Willows! Anything you'd like to say?" I offered her the microphone but she shook her head.
"Nah, I'm good."
"Alright. Let's select your partner then!" Again, I took a slip from near the top and read it aloud.
"Isaac Foster!"
A 15-year-old boy with wispy brown hair stumbled into the aisle. His dark brown eyes shone with tears, but he blinked several times to keep them at bay. He climbed the stairs and stood beside me, shaking his head when I asked if he'd like to say a few words.
I gestured for Anastasia and Isaac to shake hands. As they did, I turned to the rest of the district.
"District 5, I present to you your tributes: Anastasia Willows and Isaac Foster!"
Hello everyone! Here is the first intro chapter of Lay Me To Rest! Thank you to Carlpopa707 for Cassius, KitKathy520 for Anastasia and simplynovaa for Isaac. These two tributes are both awesome characters and I feel like they'll have fun interactions. Please leave a review and let me know what you think of these three!
Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!
- Fiona