Tricks Winters, District Three Male

Let me tell you a tale to remember. One concerning a boy living on the edge named Tricks.

Tricks was a kid from the streets of Three, no family to speak of. Not a Panar to his name,but he had a deck of cards, and a devilish grin. And the skill to put both to use, even in the dullest of the Districts of Panem.

Every day, Tricks would go out armed with both, set up a little stand, and start dealing. He'd lure the rich and the fools over to him with sweet words, and they'd walk away with pockets considerably lighter, but with the conviction that next time, their luck would turn around. The ones who suspected that their luck might not have been to blame would come back to find the corner empty, and no trace of the kid, or their money.

It was a dangerous life, one where your fortunes could turn in a single moment, but if there was one thing Tricks knew, it was how to seize a moment.

One day, a man wealthier than any client before made his way to Tricks's stand after a long day. He was a big, affable man but his wealth was clearly visible in the fineness of his coat, the shine of his shoes, and the real gold of his watch. The kind of man that could make or break Tricks's future.

So, Tricks shuffled up his deck, turned up the charm, and worked his magic.

Cards turned, laughter rang, money changed hands. Out over the rickety table, Trick saw more money in one place than he could imagine. And slowly but surely, it all came to him.

Finally, the man looked at Tricks with a rueful smile. "I'd love to keep playing with you, but you've managed to clean me out. Never met a card player like you before.

Tricks saw the chance. And he took it.

"Well, maybe we can have a different wager. Let's say you win. I give you back all this here cash, and we can keep playing tonight. And if I win, you hire me as an entertainer, and you can play me any time you want."

The man started in surprise, then laughed. "You really are one in a million, kid. Deal."

I bet you're wondering though, on that last hand, whether it was luck or skill that made the cards fall Trick's way right when it mattered most. But I'll leave it up to you to decide.

Why don't I tell you a story? One about a woman named Fliss, and her boy.

Fliss was a born card sharp. No matter how carefully you tracked her, the cards always went her people complained about her taking their money, she blew it off with a laugh and a wink, saying she wouldn't insult them by using less than all her skills. And with her reputation, most people knew what they were getting into when they sat down with Fliss and asked her to shuffle up. And she was charming enough to get away with almost anything.

But everyone's luck runs out eventually. She went against the wrong person, and then she was gone. Leaving behind only her son, and her deck. A beautiful vintage deck that he continued to use each night as he dealt cards in the underground gambling rings of Three.

That deck caught a lot of eyes, but he always said that it was a precious gift by his mama, and anyone who wanted the deck would have to buy his services with it.

He did not expect one day that a man would take him up on it.

This is a story of true love, drama, cards, and pigeons…

Riffle.

Riffle.

Snap!

Some people meditated. Tricks Winters shuffled. Nothing centered him like the feel of cards in his hands, Especially before a performance like this.

Tricks was in his personal green room, minutes before going on stage. All around him were a million comforts, presents from admirers, and more food than he could ever eat. He was in his exquisitely tailored suit, minutes away from performing for a gigantic crowd, all eager to see him work his magic. Any moment now, his assistant would come and tell him it was was not only the best performer in District Three, but all of Panem. It was just him, the crowd, and his cards…

"You sleeping there, Winters? Or coming up with a new origin story?"

And the spell was broken. Tricks sighed theatrically and opened his eyes. Next to him was Filip, lovely assistant by night and best friend during the day. "Do you need something?" He asked in a deliberately even tone, designed to convey patience through adversity. "It's almost showtime, you know."

Depending on how you looked at it, they could be said to be in Tricks' green room. Certainly, right next to him was the cart covered with props for his upcoming performance for the family and the Capitolite dinner guests. However, most in the house would refer to it as the break room for the servants of Harrison Whittiker, the man in charge of producing Panems televisions and one of the richest men in District Three. It was a nice enough room as these places go, with decent chairs, a table to eat at or play cards, and a tv that was currently replaying the finale of the Hunger Games for the hundredth time.

It wasn't a fancy personal Green room, but it was home. A million times better than standing in the elements doing magic for pocket change.

In response to Trick's admonition Filip put on an exaggerated look of concern. "I was just checking on you. After all, you do so much work around the house, I was afraid you were going to collapse from exhaustion."

Tricks smirked in response. "We can always trade jobs. I'm juggling knives tonight. Wanna give it a try?" He casually stretched over to his prop cart, and grabbed one of the specially weighted a quick half-toss, Tricks caught it by the (blunted) blade, and offered it to Filip.

Filip stayed right where he was, theatrically examining his fingernails. "Yeah, I like having all my fingers."

"That's what I thought." With another flourish, Trick tossed the knife back on the tray. His point having been made, Tricks started to go back to his shuffling, only for Filip to suddenly interrupt him again.

"You're right, you know. People give you crap over your job, but there's no way I could do any of it. Like, not just the obvious parts. If I had to cater to the Princesses all day-"

"They aren't that bad" Tricks recognized the staff nickname for the two daughters of the house. Not that he could entirely argue with the choice of name. The girls had never wanted for anything, and it showed. Elena was a whole foot shorter than Tricks, but she carried herself like a queen, and with an assurance that everyone around her would obey.

It was true that during the day, when he wasn't practicing and developing new routines he spent most of his time fetching and carrying for the two of them. But something about Filip's comment, that helping them was worse than Filip's jobs, which included cleaning the bathrooms, rankled.

"Elena keeps to herself mostly, reading all those fancy books and dancing, so she's pretty easy to work with. She even lent me some props tonight."He nodded toward the small stack of handsome dyed leather books on the tray.

"Didn't she throw a fit last time because you borrowed the wrong books?"

That got Tricks to wince in remembrance. Personally, Tricks didn't get why she got so mad over a few books. It wasn't like they were erotic romances, just a few dry biology texts and a book of fairy tales. Still..."They are her books, it's her choice."

Filip rolled his eyes at that. "You just think she's hot. And what about Moirah?"

"Moirah's fine too." Tricks replied, pointedly ignoring Filips other statement. "I mean, just the other day she said please after ordering me to go back to the shops to get a different flavor of yogurt because she changed her mind about what flavor she wanted."

"A ringing endorsement."

There really wasn't much more to be said about Moira Whittaker, so they fell back into silence. The ancient, battered clock on the wall ticked on while the Capitol droned on and on about their favorite murderer. Tricks fell back into his shuffling.

Shuff

Shuff

Riffle!

Finally, the door opened. Mimi, Elena's personal maid, poked her head in. "Dinner's over, you're up!"

Tricks hopped to his feet, and swept out the door This deck returned to his pocket, ready to be pulled at a moment's notice. He strode through the hallway only to realize he was walking alone.

Turning back, he saw Filip leaning on the doorframe, looking far sicker than Tricks had noticed in their earlier banter. "What's wrong? Stage fright getting to you?" Tricks asked with a lighthearted smile, trying not to let any worry show on his face. That wouldn't help anyone right now.

Filip glanced up "It's just… Capitolites. The boss is one thing, he wouldn't hurt us if we mess up, but Capitolites? The escort for District Three is out there… What if I screw up, and then oops, next year it's me and I…"

The Games hadn't been kind to District Three this year. The girl, Pixelle, was launched right next to the bastard from Two. She barely made it a step before he grabbed Pixelle and bashed her head in on the pedestal. Max made it further, managing to make it to the final eight before the girl from Two caught him. What she did was so awful, people called it a mercy when her partner came around and chopped his head clean off. Sometimes, Tricks agreed with them. The idea of Filip in that position…It was too much to think about.

Normally the two year age difference between the two of them felt negligible, but right now, standing the way they were on opposite sides of the Reaping, Tricks felt like an old man compared to Filip. He was out of the bowl, Filip was still in. And there was nothing he could do if Filip was picked.

He couldn't protect Filip. But he could still help. He was a performer, and his job was to make people forget their troubles, even for a short time.

"First off, don't worry about that" Tricks gave Filip a hearty slap on the back, causing Filip to yelp, and interrupting his panic spiral. "They probably won't even notice you're there. Not with me running the show." He added with his most dazzling smile.

As expected, Filip rolled his eyes at that, but he still had a shadow of concern on his face. "What about you? I mean, you can't be Reaped anymore, but-"

"Ahh, for that I rely on my dear momma's advice." Slowly, Tricks maneuvered around and grabbed the cart. "In everything you do, from juggling knives, serving princesses, and entertaining drunk Capitolites, there's one important thing to keep in mind. The true key to life that everything else comes from" Tricks started moving down the hallway with exaggerated presence.

At that, Filip grabbed the cart away from Tricks, and responded with an equally exaggerated gesture, waving Tricks forwards. "And what is this secret, oh enlightened one?"

They were at the end of the hallway now. Just on the other side of the door were some of the most powerful people in Three. People who could have him hauled off and executed if Tricks looked at them the wrong way. Just like…

No. Right now, they were just another audience.

Tricks took a single deep breath, and tapped the deck in his pocket. Not the fancy one he would be using tonight, the real one handed down by his mother. The one that was worn down and battered from use, but still carried Fliss Winter's spirit in it. Tricks knew that wasn't very District Three of him to think that way, but he wasn't particularly Three when it came down to it.

"The key-" Trick declared, smiling wide as he reached for the door. "Is confidence"

Lithos Numerian, District Two Male

Lithos Numerian had lived through the crownings of five District Two victors. Each victory shone in his mind like a beacon of light.

Julian Baker-Victor of the 59th Hunger Games

Lithos met a Victor for the first time at age three.

At the time, he didn't really understand what it meant. He didn't really know why people were talking about him so much, but everyone said how great he was, how special he was, how good he was for District Two.

It was because of Julian Daddy was home more, and when he was home, he wasn't so tired he didn't want to play. It was thanks to Julian that there was more food, Mommy said. He was also going to bring them honey, and fruit, and other things Lithos only saw on tv but were actually real. And it was thanks to Julian, and people like him, that Lithos was safe, and why Mommy was happy to make a baby brother or sister for him in her belly.

He also didn't understand why it was so important that Mommy and Daddy got to meet him in person.

Lithos grew up with the picture looking over him on the mantle. Every Reaping day Daddy would remind them of that day, of how he got the chance to speak to a Victor, and thank him for everything they and the Academy did. Mommy told them how proud he made her to be from District Two, and how she would be sure her little Julian or Julia would be as well.

At which point, Julian the Victor apparently laughed, and said if they were really grateful, they'd name their kid after anyone but him.

Lithos' parents would then both laugh in amusement and admiration. "Strong, skilled, and modest. That's the kind of Victor District Two makes."

Sometimes, as he was growing up, Lithos would look at the picture. He sometimes noticed new details, like the strain in Julian's smile, or how small he looked next to his strong quarrier Father. Appropriate for a Victor who won mainly through trickery and ambush, but that wasn't how Lithos remembered him. The only real image Lithos had of the meeting in his memories was of someone impossibly large. More myth than man

It was a shame he never had the chance to meet Julian again. Too many Victors died young.

Enobaria Slater-Victor of the 62nd Games

Lithos didn't get to meet the Victor of the 62nd games at her Victor's Festival.

Not that he minded. This year he was old enough (almost seven) to watch pieces of the Games. Lithos saw Enobaria bash a lot of people with the spiky balls, then she bit someone really hard. Mommy and Daddy said she wouldn't do that again, that Victors did stuff like that in the Games so no one did anything like that outside the Games. But she was still scary, and he didn't really want to meet her.

Besides, there was so much to do at the Festival. There were games, and shows, and special treats that Daddy would buy if they were good. It was also Rhocalx's first Victor's Festival, and it was fun seeing how excited she was, pointing out every new thing as they walked by. Lithos had fun telling her about them. Daddy said it was his job to look after his sister, so that's what he did.

Including telling her all about the best part of the festival: The Victor's Tournament. Mommy and Daddy had told him how just like the Tributes fought for all of the kids in Two, the best boys and girls would fight for the honor of Victor. The best people got their medals from the Victor themselves. Lithos wasn't old enough for the tournament yet, but he was going to do his best when he was!

Jack Davies, Victor of the 66th Games

This time, Lithos was ready. He was going to earn his chance to meet a Victor.

Traditionally, everyone in District Two was taught basic combat skills in school. Lithos sometimes heard his classmates complaining in class when the teachers weren't around. After all, they were all quarriers. None of them were going into the Games, so why bother?

Lithos didn't mind. Learning the basic forms for swords and maces was fun. So were the classes on the Games themselves, when they could see how tributes used those forms. Before bed, Lithos practiced them over and over. First by himself, and then teaching Rhocalx

His parents said they'd be proud of him no matter what happened, and he shouldn't feel bad if he was knocked out early. But Lithos didn't just want to make them proud. He was ready to win.

So when he stepped in the ring for the first time during the tournament, and won, he was excited. His family cheered him on and he prepared for his next match. He won that one too, and the one after that. It wasn't exactly easy, but he kept his cool, remembered his basics. Just like he was taught.

But the more he won, the quieter his parents were. They stopped saying he was going to knock 'em dead, they said he should pace himself, and not push too hard. Lithos didn't want to say anything, since for once they were all together doing something, but it felt like they didn't want him to win. Rhocalx felt like the only person in his corner, cheering the loudest and telling everyone he was her brother, like that was the most amazing thing in the world.

He didn't win. He was knocked out in the top eight. Lithos was big for his age, but this boy was massive, and he knew how to use that size and strength. They didn't have to say he was one of the boys who trained to be tribute someday, it was obvious in how he moved. Lithos got a hit or two in, but he was no match for him. And neither was anyone else, as the boy went on to win the entire Under-Twelves tournament.

Afterwards, his parents were all smiles and support. They called him their Victor and showed him off to all of their friends and colleagues, bragging about him. It did make him feel better about everything. Especially when he saw the boy who won getting yelled at his father for not rolling over a "quarry rat". Lithos's parents loved him and he was lucky to have them.

Still, it stung a little to watch the boy, Cato, receive his medal from the tall blond Victor with a charming smile and an easy laugh. He wanted to be there, and talk to a Victor. Ask how they did the things they did. How he could be strong like them.

He thought he'd never get the chance.

He got it the next day, when, near the end of the Carnival, Jack Davies himself came to congratulate him. And talk to his parents about something important.

Minerva Nyguen- Victor of the 72nd Games

As a cadet, Lithos hadn't needed the tournament to speak to the Victor of the 72nd games, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to fight his hardest. And he did in fact, earn his place on the the first time, instead of standing in the crowd watching the Victor''s ceremony, he was right there on the stage. Right there with the mayor, every living Victor of District Two, and the other ones who had proven their strength in the Victor's tournament. Lithos had earned his place among them

Third Place was still on the stage, after all.

"Hey, maybe next time, quarry rat." Cato leaned over and whispered. Lithos didn't look over at him, but he could hear the familiar smirk in his voice.

He tried not to react. The mayor was speaking, and it was their duty as representatives of Two and the Academy to listen. Sure, the Mayor wasn't exactly the most interesting public speaker, and he said mostly the same thing every year, and occasionally forgot what he has already said and started repeating himself…

But he was a good man. And it was Lithos's duty to listen. And to not shove Cato off the platform.

(Which he wouldn't do anyway, but it was nice to imagine)

Cato didn't seem to agree with Lithos's thoughts on duty, as he continued. "Just imagine Lithos, some day you'll get to tell your own quarry rats that you lost to the Victor Cato Gunnerson. It'll be sure to impress them."

Lithos still didn't respond. To his surprise, William Slater, the second place winner, did speak.

"Come on. We both know what's more likely to happen."

From the corner of his eye, Lithos saw Cato rounding on the older boy. "What, you think it'll be you? You're going to give Two its first consecutive victory? I wiped the floor with you!"

William's voice was eerily calm. "I just think it's more likely that Numerian will tell his kids he knew two tributes who went to the games and died horribly."

Cato started sputtering in a way that started to cause alarm bells to ring in Lithos's head. Failing to listen better than Cato starting a fight on stage, so Lithos swiftly turned and grabbed Cato's arm. "He's just trying to get in your head, Cato. He's scared you're going to take his spot a year early." Lithos stated, trying to keep his tone even. Just get through the ceremony, that was the plan.

Cato's massive body blocked Lithos's line of sight, but he could still hear William's cool reply. "If there's anyone Gunnerson's afraid of, it's you, Numerian."

What? Both Lithos and Cato stopped struggling in confusion. Before either could collect themselves (and Cato could get mad again), an announcement blared.

"Now, let's cheer for your Victor, Minerva Nyguen!"

Right. Not the time. With some slight embarrassment at being so caught off guard, Lithos moved back in position and started applauding their newest Victor.

Tall, dark haired Minerva (or Min as everyone actually called her) strode forwards, waving expansively. She was taking stage acting as her Victor's talent, and you could see it in the way she moved and connected with the crowd. District Two loved all their Victors, but yo could tell they'd love her in particular.

With a slight flourish, she took the microphone the mayor offered, and turned to the crowd."Thank you, everyone! I don't know about the rest of you, but today I'm especially proud to be from District Two!"

It hadn't seemed possible for the crowd to get louder, but they proved Lithos wrong. It felt like it took hours for the crowd to calm down enough for Min to continue.

To Lithos's surprise though, Min brushed off the applause. "Oh, I'm not just talking about me though. I'm talking about our fine men and women who showed us their strength today." She then turned and started waving the six of them forward.

Cato was the one who recovered first, of course. He strode to the front of the stage, arms raised in triumph, accepting the crowd's adoration like it was his due. Lithos started to take a hesitant step forward when Min continued.

"And I think any of them would make a great Victor!"

Then, she turned directly at Lithos.

And winked.

Before Lithos had recovered from the shock, she turned back to the crowd. "Don't you agree?"

The crowd did seem to agree, as Lithos moved to join the other cadets who placed in the tournament. The noise, which had felt overpowering before, was almost energizing when even a small part of it was directed at Lithos.

A Victor. Victor Lithos Numerian.

Lithos had never truly considered the title. The fact was, Lithos had came up in the same group as Cato. Strong, charismatic, handsome (although not Lithos's type) and heavily trained since before he could even understand what the Games were. He was the obvious tribute, and Lithos had never even thought to challenge him. His parents had always supported him as he was, warned him about overstepping himself.

But Min thought he had a chance. William thought Cato was scared of him.

Could Lithos do it? Did he want to?

Lithos felt lost amongst all the noise. His eyes went over the crowd, until he found the one person who had always believed in him.

Rhocalx, standing right at the front with the other cadets. She was jumping up and down and screaming like her life depended on it. When their eyes met, she gave him two thumbs up, and mouthed "Victor!"

That settled it.

Lithos raised his arms, welcoming its roar.

If they believed in him, well it'd be his duty to not let them down.

Cato Gunnerson- Victor of the 74th Games

He won.

Lithos won the tournament. Cato won the Games

Lithos fought for the chance to volunteer, then dropped out after it all went wrong.

Cato earned his spot in the 74th games. It… wouldn't exactly be right to say he fought with honor, but he did his duty. Saved a thirteen year old from the games, and then came home, bringing the Capitol's rewards home.

Lithos worked in the quarries. A different quarry than his parents worked in. Far away from them as possible.

He lived in a run down apartment with other quarriers. He didn't enjoy his life, but knew it was what he deserved.

Lithos had so many duties he'd accepted. Represent District Two with pride, fight for the chance to volunteer with honor. Support his family. Look after his little sister.

He'd failed so many of them.

The least-the very least- he could do was congratulate someone who had succeeded.

The final tournament was easier than Lithos had expected. Of course, the Over-Eighteens tournament wasn't nearly as competitive as the ones for the cadets still looking to earn their slot in the Games. Mostly they were former cadets making time before being shipped across Panem as Peacekeepers. It didn't matter to them. Not the way it mattered to Lithos.

So in the end, for the first time in his life, Lithos stood victorious.

The ceremony was a blur. Lithos knew he should at least pretend to pay attention to the mayor, , acknowledge the crowd. But he couldn't bring himself to care about that.

Only one person mattered.

At first, Lithos thought he hadn't changed at all. Cato walked to the front of the stage with the same swagger, stood and drank the crowd's praise like whiskey straight from the bottle. But up close, when Cato moved to give each of them their medals, something was… off. His skin seemed paler, and almost too tight in places. His trademark smirk didn't seem to reach his eyes. When one of the younger kids flinched away from him, he almost looked sad.

But that didn't make any sense. He'd won. He was a Victor. He'd gotten everything he ever wanted.

Finally, it was Lithos's turn. Cato actually did a double take upon seeing his face. "Well, look who it is! The quarry rat! Surprised I haven't seen you around. Not like you don't know where I live."

Lithos blinked in confusion. "Yeah, well I've been working." He had no idea why Cato would think Lithos would visit. They had never been friends, just rivals at best. They hadn't even been in the same cohort.

Cato didn't seem to pick up on any of Lithos's confusion. "Well, you should stop by. I can show you all the wonderful perks of being a Victor."

With that, Cato started to move on. But Lithos couldn't let him do that. "Wait."

Cato turned. There was silence between the two of them for just a moment. But Lithos forced himself to continue. "I just wanted to say… you were right. I shouldn't have tried to be a tribute. Shouldn't have overstepped my limits. You were always supposed to be the Victor."

It was Cato's turn to be confused. "I guess then things are as they should be, then."

A simple sentence that managed to pierce Lithos's heart. His eyes started to tear, but he would not cry in front of the District.

After a second, Cato realized what he said, and started swearing under his breath. "Shit. I didn't-

"Please, just go." Lithos muttered. Slowly, Cato moved on.

No, nothing was as it should be.