Content Warning: Blood oath related stuff.

Leonidas Decimus

District 1 Male

37 HG

"I, Leonidas Decimus, do make this solemn vow..."

Leonidas was handed a beautiful white dagger. He took a moment to examine it, noting the pure white metal and the intricate carvings in the handle. The heat from the waiting coals caused beads of sweat to form on his brow, but he paid them no mind.

"...to take on the mantle of Tribute from District 1."

He was told that the white represented purity and the handle, carved from bone, represented death. By making the blood oath, he would accept the death of the old him and the birth of the new. He would return stained but glorious, or he would not return at all.

Many students didn't go into the DAE thinking about that symbolism.

It certainly explained a lot.

"I pledge my loyalty, above all else, to the Capitol, and my service to my country and to my district."

Leonidas knew the DAE was beyond flawed. No one who won the Games from One wanted anything to do with the prospects outside of mentoring. It meant that the students were taught by bitter former students who knew everything of the work but nothing of the success to show for it. At least teaching was better than crime, which lured too many former students in with the promise of money, an outlet for violence, and most of all, purpose.

Leonidas refused to go down that path. It was what led him here today.

"I swear upon my legacy that I shall not dishonor my district. I shall fight to my last breath to protect the people of One who cannot protect themselves."

Leonidas stared at his hand, then looked back up at the dean, who nodded. He and his future district partner locked eyes and they moved their daggers towards their hands.

"Duty before heart. District before blood. Until my heart stops beating."

The dagger stung his hand, and his blood dripped down his hand and towards the waiting coals, sizzling as they made contact.

It was done.

It was time to win and to lead by example.

"I made a promise and I intend to keep it."

xxii. promise

Leonidas does go on to be an influential figure in the DAE, though not as influential as he'd like. He's honestly one of the more positive influences the students have. Shoutout to Geeky for creating him when she created Safira! He's become a big character in my verse and it's all thanks to you!