Amberlynn Hyde, 15

District 9 Female

Loud, happy music was pumping as I swayed and stomped on the dance floor. I wasn't the best dancer, but it didn't matter if I was having fun. And I was! This Reaping Day celebration party had been in the works for weeks, and it was a total success. Mayor Katz agreed to give us access to a room in the Justice Building and the party was popping!

"Amberlynn!" my best friend Summer called from across the room. I could barely hear her over the music, but I started making my way in her direction. I accepted several compliments on my party and my outfit before I reached her.

"Hey Summer!" I said brightly. "Having fun?"

"Um, of course!" she gasped. "You're the best party planner ever!"

"Thanks," I squealed, giving her a quick hug. "But what's up?"

"Look over there," her voice dropped as she pointed towards the bar. My jaw dropped. Two familiar women were sitting on the stools and chatting over glasses of wine. It was Cleopatra Laurier and Destiny Aurald, the District 8 and 9 escorts.

"We have to go say 'hi'!" Summer said, giving me a nudge.

"Are you sure?" I asked, suddenly feeling shy.

"Yes, dummy," Summer teased. She grabbed my hand and set down her cup of fruit punch. "Let's go!"

She dragged me across the room as nerves churned in my stomach. What if they thought the party was lame? What if they made fun of me?

But there wasn't time to worry anymore because Summer had come to a halt. She nudged me forward and gave me a poke.

"Excuse me?" I said, trying to keep my voice from squeaking. "I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Amberlynn Hyde and I'm a big fan of both of you."

"Amberlynn!" Cleopatra said excitedly. She set down her wine glass and pulled me into a tight hug. "You're the one who planned this party?"

"Summer helped," I said, gesturing to my best friend." She shook her head. "It's Amberlynn's party. All I did was secure the venue."

"Well, it's an absolute delight to be here," Cleopatra gushed. Destiny nodded.

"I'm having a wonderful time," she said.

"I'm glad to hear it," I replied. Cleopatra picked up her glass and took a swig before looking me up and down.

"You know, if you volunteered, I could get you into a Capitol nightclub," she said. My eyes widened. A Capitol nightclub? Partying in the Capitol was my dream! But was it worth potentially dying for? I was a hard worker and I was fairly confident I could make it to the Capitol on my own one day. Volunteering was too risky.

"I really appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline," I said politely. "Maybe when I'm older though. It does sound amazing."

"It is," Cleopatra said with a wink. "Also, nice skirt."

I looked down. It was a tight leather pencil skirt and had cost me a good chunk of money. I knew I was lucky I was able to afford it. My parents both had stable jobs and I was an only child. I might have been a bit spoiled, but I tried to stay humble. And I worked just as hard as they did, but as a party planner.

I excused myself and Summer from the conversation with the escorts and we walked back to our quieter corner.

"Cool, huh?" Summer asked.

"So cool," I agreed. I slipped a hand into my pocket and brushed my fingers along the invitation. This was a night I would never forget.

Robbie Emmer, 18

District 9 Male

Summers in District 9 were always brutally hot, and today was no exception. Sweat was dripping down my face and back as I sliced my scythe through the stalks of wheat. The gloves on my hands prevented the sharp stalks from cutting me, but the gloves themself were rough and rubbed uncomfortably. But I tossed the stalks into the wheelbarrow beside me and continued cutting.

Usually the day before Reaping Day was a half day. I could have been home before the scorching afternoon hours. But my sister Kat was fairly sick and my parents were worried so they, I, and the twins were putting in extra hours. My boss was a fair man, so I knew I wouldn't get cheated out of my extra wages, but it still sucked.

But losing Kat would suck more. District 9 was a small district with only one hospital, which was always overcrowded and understaffed. If Kat did need to go there, we'd have to pay a lot of money.

I sliced through more stalks of wheat and flung them into the wheelbarrow a little too forcefully. Between Kat's illness and Reaping Day, stress levels were high in the household. It was Mara and Dana's first year eligible and they were both nervous; understandably so. I remembered how nervous I was for my first reaping.

"Emmer!" some shouted from across the field. I looked up, squinting to see who it was through the shimmering lines of heat. My boss, Mr. Everett, was waving his arms in a desperate attempt to get my attention. I placed my sickle in the wheelbarrow and began to make my way towards him, dragging the unruly receptacle behind me.

"Yeah?" I called when I was close enough.

"Emmer, you've got to go home," Mr. Everett said. "You're going to heatstroke or something. And you should be with your family."

"My sister is sick," I told him. "I need the extra pay."

"And you'll get it," he said. He handed me an envelope. "It's payment for an entire day's work."

I perked up immediately.

"Thanks, man. I mean, sir. Thank you."

"You're a good kid. Hard-working and kind," Mr. Everett said. "Go home and take care of that sister of yours."

"Will do!" I said cheerfully. I tucked the envelope into my pocket. "Thanks again!"

I quickly unloaded the stalks I'd cut and put my tools away before leaving the property and starting the long walk home. The main road was mostly paved, but the side roads leading to the houses were just made of hard-packed dirt. I kept my hand in my pocket as I turned onto ours, running my fingertips along the envelope's seal.

Our small house was at the end of the street. A few dusty succulents were planted along the walkway in an attempt to bring some life to the dull neighborhood. The porch creaked when I walked on it and the door got stuck when it rained, but it was home. We didn't need a big fancy house if we were all together. The love of my family and friends was all I needed.

Hi everyone. I am here to officially introduce the District 9 pair: Amberlynn and Robbie! Robbie was submitted by neofunerals13 and Amberlynn is from Aemma Arryn. They were both fun to write. Please leave a review letting me know what you thought of these two! And I've decided to go back to updates that are kind of all over the place, but I will never update more than twice a week. Okay; now I am done bothering you all. Enjoy, and stay tuned for District 10!

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

- Fiona