Kendall Delancy, 18

District 1 Male

There were birds chirping in the trees and the day was warm and breezy. The sun sparkled off the distant ocean and bees buzzed through the vineyards. Ametrine and I made our way along the wide walking trail. She was using her cane but her gait seemed even. But despite the pleasant day and her good mood, I felt cold and nauseous.

"How are you feeling?" I asked as we came across a small stream. As kids, we used to splash in the water and collect interesting rocks. Now, I helped Ametrine sit down on a rock by the water and looked at her worriedly.

"I'm fine," she said with a huff. "Stop worrying about me."

"I'm your twin brother," I reminded her. "I'm always going to worry about you." She cracked a smile and leaned back a bit, using her can for balance.

"I think I should be asking you how you are feeling," she said. "Are you nervous for tomorrow?"

"A little," I admitted. "But I'm ready." Ametrine nodded.

"Good."

Ametrine had been set to volunteer for the 67th Hunger Games ever since she was sixteen. But a little less than a year ago, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Therapy and treatment could not be provided quick enough for her to still volunteer, and the Academy decided the disease would be too much of a hindrance. She would not be volunteering.

Ametrine was heartbroken. She'd dedicated her whole life to the Hunger Games. I understood how much she was suffering. And so I offered to take her place. She was hesitant, as were our parents. The Academy was also unsupportive. But we managed to convince them that I was the man for the job. Tomorrow, I would be volunteering for the Hunger Games.

The family business, the one I was set to inherit, would become Ametrine's. We owned an old-money jewelry company called Delancy Enterprises, which my parents ran. I'd practiced my whole life to be CEO, and now that our roles were flipped, our parents were worried about the future of the company. But if I came home victorious, our renown would skyrocket.

"You have that look on your face," Ametrine said. I frowned.

"What?"

"That look," she repeated. "Something is bothering you."

"Yeah," I said with a sigh. "Something is. Can you keep a secret?"

"For you? Always." I squeezed my eyes shut before blurting out the words.

"I'm gay."

The air was silent for a few moments. I cracked one eye open and was surprised to see that Ametrine was smiling.

"I had a suspicion," she said. "Psychic twin powers and all that. But I'm glad you told me."

"You're not disappointed in me?"

"Of course not!" she exclaimed. "I'm actually really proud of you."

"There's more though," I admitted. "I've been in a secret relationship with Slate."

This time, Ametrine did look surprised.

"Slate Goldenheart?" she asked. I nodded. Slate was one of my best friends, and about a year ago, shortly after Ametrine's diagnosis, we'd revealed our feelings for each other. We'd been dating in secret ever since because I knew my parents wouldn't be supportive.

"We broke up a few days ago," I added. "I didn't feel like it was fair to volunteer while we weren't even officially out."

"Oh…" Ametrine trailed off. "If you think that was the best choice, then I respect your judgment."

"Thanks," I mumbled. Ametrine stood up slowly and then pulled me into a hug.

"I love you," she whispered. I squeezed her tightly.

"I love you too."

Kallik, 18

District 1 Female

The mountains surrounding District 1 were my favorite thing about my new district. They reminded me of home. The trees were smaller and the air was warmer, but there was the same fresh breeze and beautiful stone. I loved to spend my afternoons hiking the narrow trails that crisscrossed the mountainsides.

Things were busy back in the main part of the district. Everyone was setting up for Reaping Day tomorrow; banners and flower baskets and flags were being hung from every building. But I didn't want to take part in the festivities.

Back in District 7, the reaping was something to be feared. Every year, two children were shipped off to their deaths. In District 1, it was a time of celebration. Two children would volunteer to achieve ultimate fame and glory. But at least I would be safe.

My parents signed me up for this Capitol program six years ago. When I was twelve, I got on a train to District 1 and I hadn't been back since. They said it was because they wanted me to have a chance at a better life. They said our heritage made people look down on us, and in District 1 I could have a fresh start. My host family was kind and I did enjoy District 1, but it would never truly compare.

My family was descended from the ancient North American Inuit tribe. We knew our ancestral roots but our religion and culture had been stomped out over the many years of Panem's existence. I longed to learn more about my heritage, but my search had proved fruitless so far.

I paused at a cliffside to take a drink from my water bottle. A hawk soared overhead, its screech echoing off the rocks. I drank in the scenery, enjoying the peace and solitude. The light would fade soon and I had to be back by sunset.

It was a rule Gretchen put in place when I first came to her home. She and her husband Glow were my host family, and while they treated me well, they were quite strict. They also insisted I spend time at the District Academy to stay fit and learn weaponry skills. I only went twice a week, and while I was there I learned to use a harpoon. It was a weapon my ancestors would have used, and I wielded it with pride. I also enjoyed learning survival skills, which many of the other trainees ignored.

I quickly finished off a protein bar before putting away my water bottle and trash and beginning my hike back down the mountain. Glow was cooking a special dinner to celebrate Reaping Day and my stomach was growling from all the physical activity. Plus, Glow was an excellent cook. He was the head chef at the best restaurant in the district and was always coming up with amazing new recipes. Dinner with him was always an adventure… as was my life in District 1.

Hello! Here is another quick update, but things will be slowing down. My goal is to update this story every Monday (and yes, I know today is Sunday). I hope you enjoyed meeting Kendall and Kallik, who were submitted by Kkstar47 and Willuna respectively. Thank you both for these awesome tributes. Please leave a review and let me know what you thought of them!

Also, I often put questions at the end of my chapters for you to answer in reviews. Would you guys like to see those? Let me know!

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

- Fiona