Chapter 11:

District Six

One Year Ago

The arena is abnormally quiet for a Friday night as a pair of siblings walk past the empty stands, called here tonight by their grandfather for an unknown reason. The two have grown up in this place, yet they have never seen it like this before on a Friday. Forced to go quiet for a few weeks to avoid discovery, all because of who was sent into the Games: the Faceless Man's champion.

No one knew who the Faceless Man was, but to the pair of siblings, they knew him by something else: Grandfather.

It would only be a matter of time before they figured out a way for business to still flourish after Elias told the Capitol about them. But they were already slowly getting there. Give it another month or two and the fighting pit will be back to normal.

Kasada feels no nervousness at all as they approach their grandfather's office, confident that whatever he says today, she'll be able to do for him. She's known for years that her brother is too stupid and incompetent to do what is necessary to take over someday. Why should he inherit the business just because he's a year older?

Farren, on the other hand, is doing his best to hide his nervousness. He knows he hasn't done his best to show his grandfather that he deserves the family business over the years. But that doesn't mean his sister can just walk all over him. Why does she think she can inherit what is his by birthright?

But both of them know one thing for sure. Their grandfather wouldn't have called them here together if there wasn't a good reason for it.

"I bet he's finally decided to tell you you're dumb as rocks and don't deserve to be here," Kasada taunts Farren as they approach their grandfather's office.

"Or realized you're too much of a bitch to keep people coming back if he let you be in charge," Farren offers in return, getting a scowl from his sister.

They stop in front of the door and the Masou siblings pause for a second, looking at each other, before scrambling and pushing the other one to be the one that knocks on the door. Anything to one up the other and show they're the better option.

"Come in!"

Kasada elbows Farren in the ribs so she can reach out and take the doorknob, leaving him rubbing the spot as she walks in first, smirking over her small victory. Farren sticks out his foot real quick, stepping on the back of her foot and making her stumble as she enters the office, sending a glare at her brother who just smiles innocently as he takes one of the two seats at the desk opposite their grandfather.

"Quiet down and stop acting like children for at least five minutes," their grandfather commands of them, and the siblings both nod their heads in agreement. They know better than to act out in front of the man controlling their futures. Their grandfather stands up from his desk, his actions slowed by his age, staring them both down for a few seconds each to ensure he has their full attention, before pacing and beginning to explain just why he brought them here today.

"For years, both of you have been competing for who will inherit this business," Grandfather tells them, hands behind his back as he paces on the other side of the desk from the two. "Both of you have the opportunity to claim it by proving yourself worthy. Well the time has come and I have a proposition for you both."

His pacing stops as he turns to face both of them once more. "You two seem to find great joy in competing against each other in every aspect of life. Well now, we will see just how far you are willing to go to compete. If you truly are as dedicated to inheriting this business as you say, you will volunteer and win the Hunger Games. If you choose not to volunteer, then I also have my answer on if you are worthy or not. Are my terms clear?"

Kasada and Farren share a look at this proposition, neither having expected this. But both know that their grandfather is completely serious about this and to not volunteer would mean losing his favor completely. And neither of them is willing to do that.

"We're clear," Farren answers their grandfather first.

"Yes, sir, I won't let you down," Kasada adds, making Farren roll his eyes at her having to one up him even in something as simple as this.

"Good," their grandfather says as he sits back down at his desk. He gestures towards the door, "Then get to work. You have the resources of the fighting pit and money to train at the Capitol organized training center when it opens. Good luck and don't disappoint me."


Six Months Later

Kasada Masou, 17

Kasada is awake long before her brother – and will probably be back before he's even awake and then she'll tell him to wake up just before she leaves for the training center so he's late. She shakes her head at her brother's actions as she laces up her shoes before leaning into stretches. He's going to let his stupidity get himself killed if he actually goes through with this plan to volunteer. Hell, he can't even get himself up to get to training on time!

It's fine, Farren is an adult and not her responsibility. If he wants to get himself killed in that arena by volunteering with her, that's his own fault. She's not going to sweat over it.

But the thought still hangs over her head as she straightens up, glancing over at the clock to make sure she still has plenty of time to get in her morning jog before training. She won't be late for the very first day of training in District Six, no fucking way. What if her grandfather sends one of his representatives to check in on them today? She wouldn't put it past him to do that. And then if they saw that Kasada was late, what would he think of her dedication? He'd think she didn't care and Farren would take over.

Kasada shuts her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to try to stop the anxious thoughts in their tracks before she overthinks everything. She's done this morning jog every day for the last six months. She knows exactly how much time she has available and it's more than enough to still be on time – maybe even early.

Yet as she steps out of the house and locks it up behind her, she still has the anxious pit in her stomach as she starts her jog through the streets of Six. And it only gets worse as she's left to her thoughts, no music or people with her to distract her. She has to make training count. She knows she's not winning any strength competitions. That alone puts her at a disadvantage to her brother since he could actually benefit from learning from the fighters. She's going to start the Games with lower odds than her brother at this rate…

Fuck.

Kasada picks up her pace, forcing her legs to work harder as she tries to focus on the sound of each foot as it hits the pavement. She's not weak…she is going to make up for her lack of strength with her endurance and agility! She's going to start training today and learn the weapon skills that will get her the victory. But so will the other volunteers, excluding the ones that have been training for this for years…

Stop it, Kasada.

It's a relief to her when she catches sight of her girlfriend's house, knowing she needs the distraction to stop this damaging train of thoughts. The fact that she's having these thoughts alone just proves that she's weak and needs to work harder. Yet her steps begin to slow, taking the time to press down her windswept hair and try to wipe the sweat off her forehead.

The door opens as she approaches, immediately making Kasada grin at her girlfriend standing there, two coffee mugs in hand. "Morning babe."

"Morning," Yasmin responds as she passes Kasada one of the cups before kissing her on the cheek. "Ew, sweaty."

Kasada laughs as she enters her girlfriend's house, shaking her head at her. "You knew I had just been jogging and still chose to kiss me."

"I can't help it that I have the prettiest girlfriend," Yasmin answers as the pair sits down at the kitchen table, Kasada clutching the coffee mug in her hands to warm them. "I just see your face and want to kiss you."

"Better than wanting to punch it," Kasada jokes, making Yasmin roll her eyes. They sit in comfortable silence for a minute, both sipping their coffee, but Kasada can see the concerned look in her girlfriend's eyes. "Alright spit it out, you're never this quiet. What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Yasmin says quickly and Kasada fixes her with a look, making her sigh loudly as she leans back in her chair. She plays with the coffee mug, tapping the ceramic as she avoids looking at Kasada. "Are you really serious about this training and volunteering?"

"I have to, Yasmin," Kasada tells her, recognizing the familiar conversation. But as Yasmin avoids looking at her, she can't help but start worrying that Yasmin has learned about her family's work and caught her in her lie. Should she have just told her the truth months ago? No, she couldn't have, Yasmin would have left her over it… "You know money is tough for my family right now. Grandfather is getting old."

"I know, but the Hunger Games? Really?" Yasmin finally meets her gaze, in disbelief that Kasada is really considering it. "You saw what they did to Elias last year! And then what he went through before-" Yasmin stops to shake her head, barely hiding her disgust. "I don't know what's worse, the Games or those damn fighting pits they still haven't found. No, the Games are worse. At least the fighting pits don't make teenagers murder each other."

Kasada gives a nervous laugh at the comment and takes a long sip of her coffee, trying to figure out just what to say to Yasmin. She never knows what to say to Yasmin when the fighting pits get brought up and every time it just adds another layer of anxiety in her that she keeps lying about her family. But what would Yasmin say if she knew that Kasada was trying to take over the business she despises?

But what would she say if she knew Kasada had been lying about this the entire time they've been together?

"I know you're not happy with it, but I have to volunteer," Kasada answers, choosing to ignore the comment about the fighting pits altogether. Can't get caught lying if she doesn't say anything at all. "You know I have to."

"But aren't you worried about going into the Games?" Yasmin asks her, her face growing more upset with each passing minute. "It's not like previous years. Instead of six trained tributes, you'll have twenty-three others with training. One of which is your brother."

"Yeah I know, Yasmin," Kasada snaps, on edge from her earlier doubts. Yasmin immediately starts frowning at this and looks away, making Kasada immediately feel guilty for snapping at her. She reaches out and takes Yasmin's hand, trying to get her to look at her, "I'm sorry, babe… I am worried about it and that's why I snapped. I know my weaknesses and need to do everything to counter them."

Kasada tips back her mug, drinking the remainder of her coffee before standing up. "Sorry, I need to get going if I'm going to get to training on time."

Yasmin stares at her in concern, watching her get ready to leave. "Kasada…"

"I'm fine, Yasmin," Kasada reassures her, seeing the look in her eyes about wanting to protest her leaving. "I'll call later, okay? I just can't be late. Not on the first day."

Yasmin stands up at this, still looking like she wants to fight her going to training, but instead just gives her a kiss. "You know I don't approve, but I'm still going to support you." Yasmin gets a shit grin on her face before slapping Kasada's ass and laughing, "Now get going. If my girlfriend is going to volunteer for the Games, I'm making sure she gets home to me."

Kasada is grinning as she steps out of the house, turning and walking backwards to say goodbye to Yasmin as she stands in the doorway. "You're the absolute coolest girlfriend ever," Kasada tells her, still not understanding how after over a year of dating she could care for someone so much. "I'll talk to you later!"

Kasada takes off back towards home, but her smile starts to fade away as she's once again alone and left to her thoughts. How is she going to keep hiding the truth of her family and the reason for volunteering from Yasmin? If she finds out now, Kasada has no doubt that Yasmin will leave her after that betrayal. How messed up is it that she has to keep lying to her girlfriend to get her to stay with her?

But she would rather keep living this lie than lose Yasmin.


Farren Masou, 18

Farren fights back a yawn as he gets settled on the sidelines of the fighting pit, just enough to be in view of the fight but not to see the actual injuries up close. He wouldn't want his grandfather knowing he doesn't want to see either of them. Farren knows he's not the brightest – more out of lack of applying himself than actually being dumb – but even he can see the irony of him trying to inherit this business by volunteering for the Hunger Games.

He hasn't had to wake up that early in so long, not since he stopped going to school two years ago to learn more about the pits. Why would anyone want to wake up that early? How Kasada motivates herself to wake up at the ass crack of dawn to go running every day is the biggest mystery to Farren. The only thing that actually got him motivated to get up and moving was the thought of Kasada getting the edge on him for getting to training. And if there's anything that will get his ass moving, it's the thought of his sister beating him. But now Farren is in for a long night, his muscles sore from being pushed into all sorts of physical exercises at the training center. If he wanted to do that, he would have joined the fighters.

As Farren starts munching on some popcorn as the warm up fights go on in front of him, a few of the fighters greet him and he gives a wave and smile in return. None of the fighters really know who Kasada is, his sister thinking she's above them and never talking to them – but they know Farren. He's the one that's taken the time to get to know them, which is all the more reason why this should be his. He's the one who actually cares about the fighters and their wellbeing – not just how much coin they can bring in.

The crowd screams around him as a fighter is knocked out, ending this match. Farren diverts his gaze as they carry the unconscious boy past him, the sight of his bleeding head already making him feel queasy. Maybe popcorn wasn't a good idea, but he can't help that he's so damn hungry after working out all day.

"It's the fight you've all been waiting for!" The announcer yells over the crowd's cheers and they begin chanting the name of his grandfather's current champion. "We have a new competitor for the champion title. Let's brrrriiinnnngggg out…THE TANK!"

Farren chuckles still at the name he came up with for the current champion, proud of himself for that one. And Kasada thinks he's too dumb to come up with stuff like this. The Tank – or Soira as Farren knows her as – is not at all a tank. Barely topping 5', her tiny frame always makes her opponents underestimate just how much strength and agility she's hiding. But the crowd knows it, cheering for her as she enters the ring, not looking bothered at all by the fact that she's about to start fighting. The crowd loves it when she pretends to check out her nails instead of watching her opponent enter the ring.

But Farren watches, feeling nervous for Soira. The dude is massive, standing taller than him, and probably twice Soira's age. But when the bell rings, Soira dives into action, avoiding the cumbersome and slow swings of her opponent while making quick jabs in return. Farren knows she has the fight, so he turns his focus towards the bag of popcorn in his hands to shift out the kernels, but quickly looks back up when the crowd makes a noise.

Farren winces at the way Soira stumbles, her cheek split open from a nasty punch and blood dripping down her face. How did she actually get injured? And is she okay? Soira only pauses for a few seconds, before resuming her fighting with renewed fire, quickly bringing her opponent down.

The crowd goes nuts at her victory and she takes a brief moment to acknowledge their praise, scanning the crowd until she meets Farren's gaze. Then, she leaps down from the ring and points at Farren as she gets close. "Yo Farren, let's go!" Soira calls to him and waves for him to follow her as she heads into the back area. Farren obediently follows after her, trying not to look at the way her hand is covered in blood from her injury.

"You're hurt," Farren points out the obvious and Soira glances over her shoulder to roll her eyes at him, but only makes his stomach turn even more from seeing the injury again.

"Wow, thank you for pointing that out!" Soira answers as she flops down into a chair, pouring a bottle of water over her head and shaking out her short hair, spraying Farren with water. "I thought I just had a bad itch on my cheek."

"What happened out there?" Farren asks as he starts rummaging through the cabinets, searching for the first aid supplies. He hates looking at the injuries, but someone has to take care of the fighters around here. That's the biggest reason he knows it should be him taking over… He knows Kasada won't care for the fighters like he would, ensure they get proper treatment for their injuries. She just views them as money machines, yet neglects the fact that if they get too injured to fight, she'll lose money.

Farren drags over a seat closer to Soira, setting the first aid kit to the side as he grabs a cloth to wipe away the blood. Soira does her best not to wince at the pain of it, but Farren still catches the look in her eyes as she watches him. "I slipped," Soira finally says and only that.

"We both know you don't just slip," Farren counters as he opens up a disinfectant wipe and gently cleans the wound. "You're like, the toughest fighter I've ever seen in here – well, maybe second to Elias but he had an advantage of not having his sense of touch so really, who can compare to someone who doesn't feel pain?"

"Gee thanks for the vote of confidence. Who doesn't love to hear that they don't compare to the previous champion?" Soira rolls her eyes at him, only making Farren grimace at what he said.

"I mean, that's not what I meant," Farren says quickly, trying to correct himself as he tosses the blood soaked wipe aside, grimacing just a bit at it. "What I mean is that Elias was just like, in a league all his own. But you – you're like, top of the normal class. The best of the rest of us."

"Oh just shut up and finish patching up my wound, you big dummy," Soira chuckles at him, thankfully getting him to stop putting his foot in his mouth.

Farren takes out the wound glue, cringing for a moment before he turns back to her wound, knowing he has to stare at it for at least 30 seconds to make sure it sets. But he does it, knowing no one else will take care of it for her and she doesn't have the patience to do it.

"How are you going to fight in the Games if you can barely look at my face injury without turning green?" Soira teases him, but her comment makes him sigh and pause what he's doing, looking away from her. "You're going to have to get over your thing with blood eventually, you know."

"Yes, obviously I know that," Farren turns away from her for a few seconds. Obviously he knows it's a big weakness of his when going into a place where he has to kill if he's going to get out of there. "Maybe they'll let there be a victor who doesn't kill," Farren offers, trying to have some sort of hope in that.

"Don't fool yourself into thinking they would allow that for one minute," Soira tells him as he lets go of the wound and she turns to face the mirror, poking it a few times to make sure it's all sealed up. When she turns back to Farren, she hesitates for a moment, catching Farren off guard. "What you need is a trainer who can get you over this."

"I've been training here for months and now I'm at the training center. If they can't do it, I doubt anyone would be able to," Farren responds as he packs up the first aid kit, looking around at the other fighters in the area. Some of them are going to need his help tonight too.

"How about you train with me?" Soira offers and Farren quickly turns his attention back to her. He fully expects her to be joking with him, but she's dead serious. "Come on, I'll whoop your ass into shape and get you over this fear in no time at all."

"Why me?" Farren asks after a few moments of mulling it over. "Why not Kasada? Seems like everyone else is rooting for her to win over me."

"Fuck her," Soira says with a scoff, before covering her mouth and glancing around to make sure Farren's sister isn't nearby. "But seriously…she's kind of a bitch. Why would I want her to see her win over the one that goes out of his way to make sure myself and the other fighters are okay?"

Farren thinks about her offer for a few seconds, knowing he wants to say yes, but years of working under his grandfather has taught him important lessons about when people offer their help. "What's in it for you?"

"Just keep patching me up after fights and we'll call it even," Soira tells him before holding her hand out to him. "Do we have a deal?"

Farren finally nods his head and shakes her hand, "We do."

Why not take the deal? Farren doesn't see what could go wrong here.


And there we have District Six! Big thanks to Glader for this pair! I know people have been curious about there being a pair of siblings and now we finally get to see them. I think this District was one of the first that I wrote, before even the deadline, so I've been waiting a while to post this chapter. And given the nature of this pair, I did something a little different to show them off.

RQ #11: What would be your fighting name as the Champion in the Fighting Pits?

We're finally almost done with the intros! Just one more to go - gee, I wonder who it could be ;) I'll see you next Friday and finally get to meet our Capitol pair!