Collic Lockfall, 19, District 12:
As last year's Victor, Collic was preparing for his first year as a mentor in the Hunger Games. He stood in the eerie silence of the Victors village, where he had been secluded since his victory tour. The town had respected his need for solitude, especially after the passing of his own mentor, Yarro Mildvale, just a month ago.
The Capital didn't make a big deal out of Yarro's death like they did for tributes from loved districts or those with special attachments. He was buried in a simple cardboard coffin in the Victors graveyard, with only Collic and the undertaker present. As they hurried to cover the coffin before it disintegrated in the sudden rain, Collic couldn't help but think how Yarro would have found humor in him getting his hands dirty to bury him.
But as more and more Victors from their generation passed away, Collic couldn't help but wonder if it was simply a coincidence. His late mentor had confided in him about the 74th Hunger Games, where two tributes from District Twelve were the final two and one went mad after killing the other. There were rumors of something more sinister at play, but Collic's mind was too clouded with alcohol provided by the Capital to focus on anything beyond his own uncertain future.
Collic sat on the hard back chair, the creaking of its ancient wood blending with the distant rumble of thunder. The storm outside painted the room in shades of gray, rain cascading through the open window to form rivulets on the floor. Yet Collic remained unmoving, his gaze fixed on a flickering candle that danced with the draft.
He wasn't looking forward to these Games. But he knew as well as anyone else, there was nothing he could do to escape them.
Authors Note: This is an SYOT, please look at the form on my profile to submit your tributes to it, and may the odds be ever in your favour.