Hi, everyone! With this chapter, we begin with the Reapings. You can still submit tributes for this story (I need male characters in particular) and sponsors for Love Is the Deadliest Weapon. Both forms are on my profile. After all the Reapings are done, submitters will be able to assign 20 EXTRA POINTS to tributes per chapter. Besides, tributes can earn points through your reviews, so, even if you don't submit, you can still sponsor. This applies to both my stories, so let me know what you think of Love Is the Deadliest Weapon too, please. See my profile for further info or PM me.

And now let's start with the Reaping of District 13! Thanks to Hawkmaid for submitting!

3 years ago

Periwinkle "Peri" Larrson (10)- Citizen of District 13

I've lived all my life in the underground tunnels of District 13, on the margins of society, with the few people who haven't accepted the militaristic lifestyle President Coin has imposed us. I'm not born to be a soldier, all I need is my freedom. I've never been able to stand the sense of oppression I feel in the tunnels, that's why I don't miss a chance to get outside. My parents keep saying that it's dangerous, because we cannot let the Capitol find us. But I've managed to reach a compromise: I may go outside during the night… but I always anticipates it, so that I can watch the sunset. Everything outside is better than the grey life in the tunnels- the breath-taking colours of a sunset, the smell of flowers, the gentle breeze that caresses your face… human beings aren't meant to live underground, that's for sure.

At the moment, I'm going outside with the Norton twins- Tessa and York- who are of my same age. We have planned to spend the night out until dawn. Our two families live together in a housing unit, which has been abandoned because it was too old and rickety. But my father and Mr. Norton have managed to fix it. It consists of a simple, grey cube equipped with bunk beds, a small kitchen, and a bathroom. It is meant for one little family, so we take turns to sleep on the beds, which is not good for my scoliosis. In any case, I get on well with the Nortons, especially with Tessa and York, because they're of few words like me.

"How much longer, Peri?" York asks me in a whiny tone.

"We're almost there," I answer, without turning around.

It's the first time York comes with us. I usually go outside only with Tessa, because she's the only one who has the guts to do it… besides me, of course. Her brother is too scared by our parents' discourses about the Capitol monitoring us, it's a miracle that he came.

When we finally get outside, the sky is already on fire, coloured of sunset- red, orange, the blinding yellow shape of the sun on the horizon… green and blue to the edges, meaning that the night is slowly falling. You can already see the first stars, in fact. By York's amazed expression, I can tell that he thinks it was worth it. Certainly, he couldn't imagine that there was such a wonderful world right outside the dingy tunnels of District 13.

Suddenly, this wonderful, quiet moment is interrupted by a muffled tremor from the underground. At first, it's just a feeble feeling- I hear something move under my feet, something like the choked breath of a giant- but then the earth starts trembling.

"An earthquake!" shouts Tessa.

We should be safe out here… but our families? Before I can even realize it, I'm running back into the tunnels.

"Peri!" someone screams my name from behind my back… Tessa? York? I don't know.

My back aches like death, but I don't care, I'm running as fast as I can. The tunnel where I am in is lit by strips of neon white light, but the earthquake makes it flicker. Half-blinded by this blinking light, I manage to reach our housing unit. My family and the Nortons are all hidden under the beds. Suddenly, a violent earth tremor brings me to my knees. A creepy creaking comes from the ceiling. Does it mean that it's about to collapse?

"Get out! Quick!" I scream at the top of my lungs.

My father leaves his hiding with one lightning-fast sprint. He pushes me out of the housing unit, protecting me with his own body, right before a brown avalanche buries it. The tunnel fills up with smoke. When it finally clears, I can see that also my mother and my little sister Penelope are safe. But where's my brother? Where are the Nortons? They've got trapped! A mountain of earth has blocked the entrance!

"Peter!" I desperately call my brother.

I start digging, trying to rescue him. It feels like I was digging into a rock. My nails are all broken, my hands are all covered with bleeding cuts.

"Peter!" I shout again and then I burst into tears.

…...

Last year

Kieran Moss (17)- Citizen of District 13

I like hunting with Duncan. In District 13, food is categorically rationed. You should live only with what you really need. If you take more than what is necessary, then you rob your own people… that's what we're taught since childhood. In my opinion, that's not a life, that's mere survival, but I must admit that it has a logic. Anyway, some extra food won't hurt. Of course, not everyone in Thirteen has the permission to go hunting, only experts- people who can handle a weapon, at least. But, despite my experience with that stuff, I don't find pleasure in killing. Hunting is just a fight between predators and preys, that's all.

Duncan stops to refill our flasks at a stream. I rest under the shade of a tree.

"The water is so fresh! Do you wanna bathe?" says Duncan with a smirk.

Of course, he knows that I hate water with a passion, especially bathing. I do it only when it's strictly necessary. Duncan likes teasing me, but today I'm not in the right mood to play along.

"Shall we talk about something serious? What do you think of the president's discourse?" I ask him with a straight face.

Today, President Coin has given a solemn speech about District 13's leading role in the imminent war. There are already some rumours about uprisings in Seven, Eight, and Eleven, and she believes that Katniss Everdeen's actions in the arena will fuel them and eventually affect the entire nation.

"To be honest, I don't think our district should get involved. Yes, now we're well-armed and better organized than during the Dark Days, but we have already paid too much. Look! We live underground, hidden like rats… our president thinks that we're all soldiers to command… things will only get worse, if we expose ourselves," he replies, shaking his head.

"But if we won the war, everything would be over… no more hiding, no more food rationing, no more Hunger Games!" I point out.

"If we won… but what if we lost?"

Duncan is right. If we did lose, the Capitol would get back at us too… especially at us. But we cannot turn a blind eye while the rest of Panem is suffering! We must do something!

"In any case, do you really think things would be that better? No, only the authorities would change, but they could turn out to be worse than President Snow himself. Besides, Alma Coin is definitely not a philanthropist… if she became president of Panem, who knows what she could do?" Duncan goes on.

I don't know what to reply. I've never questioned Coin's good intentions. But, on second thought, if Katniss Everdeen hadn't won the 74th Hunger Games, the districts wouldn't have started to rebel, would they? And if they hadn't, would our president have decided to make District 13 expose itself anyway? Probably not. We would have stayed hidden as always.

My thoughts are interrupted by the noise of several steps approaching, which makes flocks of birds flee.

"Those are not few people, that's an army!" whispers Duncan, who has instinctively moved his hand to the sheath of his dagger.

The first people emerge eventually from the trees… they're all dirty and underfed, but, when they see us, their eyes light up. Leading the group, there's a boy with muscled physique, olive skin, dark hair, and grey eyes.

"Who are they?" asks Duncan under his breath.

His tone is definitely unfriendly; besides, he hasn't taken his hand off his sheath.

"Leave the talking to me," I reply.

When the boy gets closer, I greet him: "Hi!"

"Where are we?" he replies with a question, without greeting me back.

Okay, politeness is not the way, in this case.

"Where do you come from?" I ask him.

"District 12," he answers.

"District 12? What has happened?"

I'm a bit confused. Those people don't seem fugitives… they have almost nothing with them; secondly, they're too many and others are joining them… again and again. It's almost as if the entire district had chosen to move. How is that possible? From what I heard, people are not allowed to leave their district, especially not en masse.

"They attacked us with firebombs, our district doesn't exist any longer. These people are the only survivors," replies the boy with clenched fists.

"Who did attack you?"

"What a silly question! The Capitol, of course! Who else could it be? Listen, we have been fleeing for days without seeing a soul, and there are some wounded who need treating. Can you help us instead of talking?" he says, clearly beside himself.

"We'll help you. Welcome to District 13."

"District 13? But it was…"

"…destroyed? It was a lie! You need more than a couple of bombs to destroy us!" Duncan chimes in.

We lead the survivors from Twelve to the underground tunnels, explaining them how our district has managed to thrive after the Dark Days. They seem all impressed, especially the boy. The Capitol was cruel to them… destroying an entire district without mercy… as they tried to do to Thirteen, after all… but we were luckier. Anyway, they're all assisted, fed, and housed in little time. They're told all they need to know about our lifestyle, especially about the schedule system. A lot of people volunteer to help them. That's the way things should always be, there should always be peace and mutual support.

Since my hunting time is almost over, I check my schedule. There's COOKING next. I've started helping in the canteen's kitchen when I was only ten. In District 13, orphans like Duncan and me are often employed for community service. In this way, we're in contact with people, which is something I really love... just making someone smile fills me with joy. While I'm in the kitchen, I notice that a rather little girl is taking out the trays with food. I've never seen her before. She has pixie-cut, ashy blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She must have back problems, because her upper body tilts to the left.

I get closer to her. "Don't you think they're too heavy for you?" I ask.

She immediately blushes and looks down without saying a word.

"Hey, you have nothing to fear from me… yes, I'm a giant compared to you, but I'm a gentle one. My name is Kieran," I go on.

"Periwinkle," she replies, smiling slightly.

"You should smile more often, Periwinkle, your smile is really beautiful."

"Thank you, Kieran."

"I've been working here for years, but I've never seen you before…"

"Well, I…"

I can feel that Periwinkle is ill at ease now. Maybe I said something wrong… maybe I was too expansive. I normally get along pretty well with people, but, you know, you could meet someone who's introverted. In that case, you'd better try a quiet approach, which I didn't do.

I bite my lip. "Sorry, if I said something wrong, I…"

"Oh, no, no… it's not you, just… my housing unit… well, there was… an accident, and… my family decided to do community service in exchange for a new place to live," she interrupts me, embarrassed.

"I see."

She nods in response and then resumes her work, leaving me alone.

…...

Present day

Periwinkle "Peri" Larrson (13)- Citizen of District 13

I draw a P in the dust of the floor. Periwinkle, Penelope, Peter… I don't know why our parents gave the three of us a name beginning with P. Tears start flooding from my eyes. I shouldn't think of Peter, I shouldn't think of my parents… after his death, they decided to join a new project launched by the president * and moved to another district, leaving me and my little sister alone. Why did they do it? What have we done to deserve this destiny? I've been asking myself these questions since then. Luckily, a family friend has decided to take care of us, and she has done that also for Tessa and York Norton. We call her aunt Marie, even if she's not our aunt for real.

Someone is mounting the stairs now.

"I knew you were here," says Tessa, as soon as she gets in.

I don't say anything in response.

"What are you doing in the attic? It's a nice day outside!" she goes on.

"I don't want to go out," I say, without looking at her.

"You can't stay here, and you know it… today, there's the Reaping."

I wince at the thought. This gonna be my first Reaping. The rebellion failed and, to top it off, District 13 was forced to participate in the annual Hunger Games. The bare idea of killing someone to please the Capitol makes me shiver. I can't imagine a worse punishment… and there's nothing we can do to prevent two poor souls from being sent to the arena.

I wipe away my tears and follow Tessa downstairs. Aunt Marie has prepared breakfast. It's a poor meal- just some bread slices soaked with milk. Actually, we cannot afford to spend too much money with her job and five mouths to feed. Aunt Marie doesn't want us to work, if it weren't for the tesserae we took out months ago… she tried to stop us, of course, but we didn't want to listen to reason. Aunt Marie has made sacrifices to help us, a now it's our turn to pay her back.

After finishing breakfast, we get ready for the Reaping. I wear a simple, floral dress with puff sleeves. Originally, its colour must have been yellow, but the fabric is now greying and washed out.

We walk to the main square in silence. I hold hands with Penelope. Luckily, she's only ten, she cannot be reaped… for the moment, at least. It's incredible how things can change in one year. Before the rebellion, we all lived underground, and now many buildings has been constructed above ground, including the Justice Building. I look up at the blue sky and see a flock of birds flying away. Oh, if only we could all fly away from this place like those birds! When we reach the main square, Tessa, York, and I part from aunt Marie and my sister to join the thirteen-year-old section. I notice that someone glares at Marie… I know someone thinks that she looks after us only to get tesserae, but that's not true. In the meantime, the mayor- Desmond Blight- has mounted the stage. He's a Capitolite like the Head Peacekeeper.

"Welcome to the 76th Hunger Games, dear citizens! This is the first year we participate, and I hope we will all follow this important competition with enthusiasm… like the rest of Panem, after all!" he says.

Then, the escort is introduced- a man with black tattoos all over his body. He doesn't seem glad to be here. In fact, he doesn't say too much. He reads the Treaty of Treason and then moves on to the actual Reaping almost immediately. He starts with the boys.

"Tomas Orangine!"

"I volunteer!" someone shouts from the front.

A very tall boy with scarred, dark skin, black hair, big, brown eyes, and dimples on his cheeks mounts the stage… but I know him! It's Kieran, the boy who worked in the canteen's kitchen! Why did he volunteer? He's such a gentle person, I can't imagine him competing in the Games.

"Fantastic! It's your first year, District 13, and you have already a volunteer! What's your name?" says the escort, who has suddenly lit up.

"Kieran Moss," he replies with a self-confident smile.

"Very well, Kieran! And now, for the girls… Periwinkle Larrson!"

No, it can't be… as soon as my name is called, I start sobbing. A peacekeeper has to drag me out of my section to make me mount the stage. Kieran is looking at me with a sad expression on his face. He has certainly recognized me. I stand beside him, keeping my eyes down. I'm still sobbing.

"Any volunteer?" asks the escort, clearly hoping to repeat what happened with Kieran.

But no one answers, of course.

Eventually, the escort puts an end to this torture. "Ladies and gentlemen, Kieran Moss and Periwinkle Larrson, the tributes of District 13! Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour!" he says, a bit disappointed.

We enter the Justice Building, where we're assigned a separate waiting room for visitors. Aunt Marie comes to say goodbye along with Penelope, Tessa, and York. They're all crying. We do a hug group.

"Please, don't live me alone, Peri, not you!" Penelope begs me.

My heart sinks even more. "I'm going to come back, I promise… and you know that I always keep my promises," I reply, even if I can't hold back my tears.

Everyone in the room knows that I'm not going to keep this promise. I've got no hope.

At some point, aunt Marie breaks the embrace and chimes in: "I'd like you to take this… it's a photo that was taken the day you came live with me…"

She gives me the picture. It's a little faded, but I can see that we're all standing in front of our house, all with a happy smile. It seems like forever ago.

"At least, you'll have a piece of home with you," she adds, teary.

"Thank you," I reply in a whisper.

…...

Kieran Moss (18)- District 13 male tribute

I can't believe Periwinkle was reaped. I've talked to her just a few times after our first encounter, but she's like a sister to me. She didn't deserve it… no one deserves it in the end, that's why we rebelled. But we were defeated, and that's our punishment. At least, I managed to save the reaped boy… but what should I do with Periwinkle? She's so tiny and defenceless; if I don't protect her, she will die soon.

My thoughts are interrupted by Duncan's arrival.

"Why did you volunteer, Kieran? You don't even know the reaped boy!" he immediately shouts.

He's clearly angry but also sad.

"I stand more chances than him," I reply.

"No, you don't! You're a good hunter, that's for sure, but… but you've never… you've never killed a person! You might have experience with weapons and technology, but what do you need it for? You're going to fight against the Careers! Those are trained to kill, Kieran!" he goes on, beside himself.

I put my hands on his shoulders. "Duncan, you know me, I couldn't just stand by and watch, I had to do something!"

He shakes his head but eventually a resigned smile forms on his lips. "The usual hothead, eh?"

He has calmed down a little.

I grin. "Of course."

He sights, hiding his eyes with his hand. "Just promise me that you'll prove yourself… that you won't embarrass your district…" he stammers.

"I promise."

Before leaving the room, he turns around to watch me one more time. His eyes are reddish.

"Good luck, Kieran," he says.

Then, he leaves me alone.

Okay, the first Reaping is done! We have met two interesting tributes, very different from each other but also with something in common. What do you think of them? Do you like the way I portrayed them?

From now on, tributes will start to earn points. A review about them is worth 5 points. See my profile or PM me for further info about the sponsor system.

Have a nice day and thank you for reading :)

* The Repopulation Project. See Love Is the Deadliest Weapon chapter 6 (D4 Reaping)