Caspian Murano, 18, District 4
"Let's see it then" Dad said quietly once I'd sat down again.
"Took you long enough, it's almost as if you don't even want to see them!" I teased back as I dug
around under our seats for my sketchbook. The boat's rocking grew slightly stronger, but on a
night like this, where the waves barely even moved us, you could hardly notice.
"So last time we did this you told me about Cassiopeia right? So this is her stuck on her throne,
this is her daughter's punishment, and that last one is going to be Andromeda and Perseus" I
explained as he gently flicked through my journal.
"I think her stuck to the throne will be the cover. The rest look like they will be good enough to
include too though" Dad decided after a moment.
"Imagine how well your book will sell after the games! Written by a Victor and illustrated by
another!"
I saw his lips tighten and he closed the book. Instead of replying he just gazed up at the night sky,
so I copied him. Nights like this, with no clouds and a full moon, were perfect for stargazing,
which is exactly what we came here for.
"Caspian" he started. He is so obviously trying to figure out how to say the next part delicately it
makes me roll my eyes.
"Are we really going to do this again?"
"Yes" he replied, his voice growing more confident. "You need to listen to me. You can't volunteer.
You'll die."
His words stung. I know he doesn't want me to volunteer, but I was not prepared for his blatant
dismissal of my abilities.
"But Dad you know how strong of a swimmer I am!" before he can interrupt I rush on. I need him
to understand. "Besides I'm amazing with the net and trident, and I'm strong! I bet I could put up a
really good hand to hand fight!"
"I'm not saying you're weak Caspian, I'm saying that it's too dangerous. You're good, probably
better then most in the district. But that doesn't mean you're the best. You need to be the best for
these games, and District 4 hasn't been the best for a long time now."
"12 years, which is exactly why I need to do this Dad! The district has suffered" I murmured,
unable to look in his eyes by this point. After Dad we have only had one new Victor, and you can
tell. More families taking out Tesserae, longer shifts in the hope of making enough to put food on
the table, and less hope year after year. We still have the Training Centre. These days the children
of the district only attend because they are required to. We can't send tributes in unable to wield
even one weapon like other districts, that would be too cruel. But these days nobody is keen on
their chances in the games.
"Please Caspian, for me. Don't make me bury my child."
I don't even know what to say to that so I stand up, Dad grunting in surprise. Before I have to
listen to anything else I fall backwards into the water. The water is lukewarm, which is
disappointing but unsurprising considering how hot today was. Still feels better then sitting in the
still air. I see how long I can stay underwater, but I'm still disappointed when I come to the
surface. Endurance has never been my strong point.
"Be careful Caspian, don't swim too far away, they're watching and I can't help you if they decide
to shoot" my Dad hissed when I emerged. He's right though, so I just tread water beside the boat.
Better not to piss the Peacekeepers off.
"Thank the gods your hair is so blonde, otherwise I'd have no idea where you went.
"You sound tense, come have a swim" I chortle, still gently treading.
"It's late, we had better head back. We need a good nights sleep" my Dad responded, suddenly
sounding exhausted.
"I'll meet you on the shore" I shout before I submerge again. Partly because I don't want to
continue his lecture, but I also want to see how fast I can go. If I'm heading back to the beach the
Peacekeepers won't have a problem with it.
I reach the checkpoint at record speed, and the Peacekeepers have already patted me down and
allowed me to pass. The only reason we are allowed out at night is because my dad's talent is
writing. He especially loves to tell the stories of the stars, and I'm his artist. Once I win I imagine I
will fill our books with heaps more drawings, not just about the legends but about the real life
legends, my dad and I. I'll include drawings from both of our games and we will be the most
beloved Victor family in Panem. At least that's my plan.
Even the night fishers have to pass through the checkpoint. I guess the Peacekeepers want to
make sure we aren't smuggling anything in or out of the District. They even escort the night shift
to the boats and back.
Once Dad is approved to pass back into the District we walk back in silence. Neither of us has
more to say I guess.
The Reaping still gives off the same nervous energy as always. Only difference between us and
the outer districts is that we have to act like proud and excited citizens, at least if we want our
tributes to still be part of the career alliance. Good thing the Academy is still running, otherwise 1
and 2 would see through us the first day we hit the training centre gym.
The escort sounds genuinely excited and he is already scanning us boys as he reads off the boy
tributes name, trying to get his first glimpse of our tribute.
A tall and lanky boy emerges from the 17 year old area, and I catch my fathers eye. Once the boy
is on stage and shaking hands with our escort my dad is shaking his head, so I look away and
raise my hand to volunteer. Another two boys have done the same but they were both too late and
I ascend the stage with a broad smile, trying hard not to look at my dad on the other side of the
stage. I can't help it and I see a tear drip from his eye before he could turn his head away.
That's okay, the Capitol and other districts will think he is crying out of pride. and he will be soon
enough, I'm going to make sure of it.
—
Marina Crest, 17, District 4
"No entry bar authorised citizens" The Peacekeeper growled at me.
"But we are always allowed on the beach!" I protested. The only response I got was the
Peacekeeper readying her baton.
"Back to the District" she commanded, raising her voice. Two more peacekeepers decide to
approach.
"Okay okay I'm going!" I shrieked, putting my hands up for good measure. I practically run back
down the street until they are no longer in eyesight. Usually there is a squadron of Peacekeepers
at every designated entry point to the beach. If you're going to work you are checked in and given
a time which you have to return by. Boats must be visible at all times. I've seen the Peacekeepers
shoot those who don't make it back by curfew. Once, when three workers failed to come back in
the same week, the Peacekeepers took them to the square and whipped them to death. Even the
children had to watch. But you can usually walk down the beach as long as you stay within sight
of the Peacekeeper patrol points. I'm guessing they're not taking any chances today. Everyone
will be present and accounted for. Fantastic.
I make my way back to our house in victor's village, taking longer then I should. I know it's stupid
but I still can't forget about yesterday. I failed. I let Coral beat me in that race, and ever since
nobody in our family, especially Coral, has let me forget it.
When I walk inside I can hear them all in the kitchen. Mum and dad are reliving their favourite
moments of their games, as well as others. It's almost like a family tradition on Reaping day.
"Marina hurray up and eat something" Dad said with a grin once he saw me enter.
"You're never on time. Bet you don't have enough time to look as good as I do" Coral smirked at
me. She's right though, so I grab some fruit and toast and race upstairs to get changed. I don't
have time to do my whole hair wash routine so some leave in conditioner is gonna have to be the
way to go. I also make sure to not wear the same as Coral, even though all our clothes are
identical.
When I get back downstairs everyone is slowly getting ready to leave. I stare with jealousy at
Coral's perfect hair bouncing down to her shoulders. I was stupid to be so late, but I at least look
presentable.
Once we get to the square our parents wander off to the stage and as soon as we check in Coral
immediately heads to the 17 year old section, not bothering to wait for me. There is nothing for us
to say. We won't be going to the Games today, so this whole thing usually feels like a drag. Next
year, when we are both 18, will be different. Then we can finally see who's the best.
The ceremony starts and there are a few boys volunteering this year. But I know the winner,
Caspian. After all we are neighbours. He has a decent shot. As the escort is walking over to the
girls bowl I watch my parents, both trying not to show how bored they are. That's when I get the
idea. It's stupid and impulsive but I can't let it go. I could change everything. Everyone will know
which twin is better. As the girl tribute ascends the stage, some 17 year old, I feel myself raising
my hand with a few other girls. The escort stares for a moment then points directly to me.
"Come on up dear" she says, and with that my place in the Games is sealed.
My parents practically run in to my room, cheering and hugging me so hard it feels like they'll
break me.
"That was amazing" Dad finally gushed as they pulled away.
"I can't believe it, both our girls will be Victors after all! Good thing you didn't have the same
thought, hey Coral?" Mum squealed, giving her a small glance. I can see her face turn an ugly
shade of red from envy, but she doesn't say anything. Envy is never a good look.
Once her face was back to her regular collar she stepped forward. Can't have mum and dad think
she's a sore loser after all.
"Make us proud" she said with conviction, then sealed the deal by hugging me until the
Peacekeepers came and ushered them out.
—
Roan Bardot, 14, District 5
"Get up" a harsh bark is the first thing I hear, followed by a sound I'm all too familiar with, a rifle
cocking. I jump up with a cry and realise there are four Peacekeepers surrounding me.
"In the square" one grunts. I must be late then if the Peacekeepers are forcing me to go now. It's
not my fault though. Ever since last week I can't sleep at night anymore.
I realise i'm starving, but thats not exactly new either. I'll have to wait until after the Reaping,
hopefully some stalls open up for me to steal from.
As soon as I'm on my feet they shove me in the direction of the square and I can feel tears
threatening to escape. I don't want the staring or the comments, I hear too much of those when
people pass me on the street. Just because my clothes could use a good wash or I'm half the size
I used to be is not a good enough reason to stare! But of course nothing I could say would
change this, so I walk silently while they direct me, only letting out a few sniffles now and then.
As soon as we enter the square I can feel my face turning bright red and I can't even watch where
I'm going. As the people hear a troop of Peacekeepers they turn around and gawk. The
Peacekeepers don't leave me alone either. They walk me up to sign in, and as soon as I've done it
they shove me forward towards the kids already waiting.
"How old?" One asked me gruffly.
"14" I yelped.
"Get in line" is the only response I get. As we approach the 14 year old section, halfway to the
front of the stage, everyone tries to squeeze as far away from me as possible. I can tell they would
have moved even further if there weren't Peacekeepers on the other side of them as well. No
runners today. I take a quick look around. Four Peacekeepers on each side of each section. 56 in
total just to control the kids. I can't even start to count the Peacekeepers lining the square,
however most are strategically placed so they will not be visible on camera.
Once I take my place the other boys are forced to move closer, so I turn and see if I can catch any
faces.
"Hey Circuit" I tried. We are classmates, but I guess that doesn't count for anything since he won't
even look my way. Although I'm furious I can't blame him. I might even have done the same thing
if I was in position. I have nothing to do until the Reaping starts then, except try not to look at the
Peacekeepers. Their count is a bit off though, they assigned two extra Peacekeepers to our row
of fourteen year olds. I don't have time to dwell on it because the Reaping is finally starting. Girls
first. The girl walks out of the 17 year old section and looks surprisingly calm, although her hands
are balled into fists. Then I notice she's trying very hard not to show any emotion. Poor thing. I can
hear sobbing from further up in the boys section, maybe the 16 or 17 year olds? Must be a
brother.
Before I can stop it a shooting pain pierces my heart as I remember my own brother. Then of
course I have to relive last week, because how could I ignore it?
My ears are ringing as they escort walks over to the boys bowl and read out a name. But no one
is moving.
Then I see Circuit retreating and the Peacekeepers advancing.
There is nowhere to run so I just let them take a hold of me. Before I can stop it my tears poor out
of my eyes and I can hear myself sobbing. I can't even control myself when I get on stage, so the
escort tries to ignore it.
Once we are finally released into the Justice Building I stand in my room and try and get all the
tears out. I'm pretty sure tributes get half an hour to say goodbye but not once does someone
walk through my door. Not that anyone would. My family can't even if they wanted too, and now
everyone at school is too afraid to even speak to me.
It's a lonely half hour.
—
Rosalind Avle, 17, District 5
"Rosie Dad's back, we gotta go" Isaak practically whimpered as he entered our room.
"He's just changing his clothes"
"Check this out" I grinned, motioning for him to come closer. Isaak threw one nervous look over
his shoulder then reluctantly came forward.
"A wrench…I don't get it" he responded, glancing at my new finished project.
In response I pushed a tiny button and out shot my handmade knife. Perfect for Peacekeepers
who decide to mess with us. Obviously we aren't allowed weapons of any sort, so this is the
perfect solution.
"Get rid of that right now!" Isaak squeaked, looking around in fear as if a Peacekeeper was about
to jump out from under my bed.
"Relax, this is just some insurance. Here you can have this one, I'm almost finished on the second
one."
"Insurance for what?"
"For the next time a Peacekeeper threatens us. No more beatings for the Avle twins."
"Why can't we just avoid a beating by complying?"
"Because they always find an excuse to hurt ordinary citizens. It's not right! Just take it please?"
Isaak frantically shook his head. "There is no way you could convince me that is a good idea. Why
don't you stick to fixing broken stuff. Something that you can actually make money off of instead
of being thrown in jail." I can see the anger entering his voice, so I decide to drop it. I push the
button again to return it to an ordinary wrench, then plop it on the table with a sigh.
"Now let's go. Don't wanna make the Peacekeepers mad by being late. Dad's probably ready by
now."
As he turns around to walk out I stand up, then swiftly grab the wrench and hide it in my blouse.
It's small enough that I can tuck it inside my bra, so I quickly make an excuse and go to the toilet
to rearrange it. I'll have to think of a more convenient place to stow it, but for now this is all I got.
We enter the square at a perfectly acceptable time, and Dad gives us a huge group hug before
heading over to the side with the other district members. The safe ones.
We get checked in and to my delight the Peacekeepers do not notice the wrench when they
check us before we enter the pens. After all there are certain parts even they are not allowed to
check.
Isaak turns to me and gives me a quick hug before entering the boys section, and I can feel him
trembling. Just two more years then we will finally be free. Until we have children at least. But that
is a problem for future Rosie.
The Reaping is pretty standard. Our escort decided ti start with the boys. The poor guy is pretty
pathetic, tears streaming down his face, but who can blame him? His chances are practically
zero, especially when starting off as a crying wimp. I look over and see Isaak sigh with relief as his
whole body stops tensing. Safe for another year.
But now it's the females turn and I'm not entirely ready. Not that it matters.
"Rosalind Avle" the escort announces.
Without hesitation I shove the nearest girls aside and run to the other side of our pen. The only
plan I have is to run, not that I've ever been any good at it. What would they do anyway? Hunt me
down or just pick another girl? Unsurprisingly I don't get very far as I feel a horrible pain on my
back, forcing me to stumble and cry out. You can definitely hear the fear in my voice.
Two Peacekeepers come and drag me to the stage. I see the Peacekeeper that caught me still
holding his baton. It's practically embarrassing when they drop me on the stage and I fall down. I
put all my willpower into standing up and shaking my district partners hand. How pathetic we
must look.
Then the Reaping is over, and the cameras are off. The Peacekeepers swarm the stage and drag
us both to the Justice Building.
"Not her. Straight to the train. Maybe this will teach her a lesson in obedience" the head
Peacekeeper commands her subjects, then throws me a nasty grin. I can't even turn my head to
catch dad or Isaak's eyes. They still have to drag me as I can't entirely walk properly on my own. If
I can't even recover from a single beating quickly then what chance do I even have?
I try not to glance down at my bra as the perfect answer entered my brain.
—
Jasper Railton, 16, District 6
I have to wake up early today, again. You'd think Reaping day wouldn't require that, but Aston
doesn't know any better. In fact she's happy and giggling, ready to start the day as always.
"Hey little engine, ready for another day at the station?" This makes her laugh again and decide to
run off.
"Hey thats not the way to the station!" I yell after her as I jump out of bed.
Once I find her hiding under her bed it's time for clothes breakfast and even a bath. Bathes are
usually saved for special days, or when we have a lot of water left over. It's annoying to boil the
water and it takes much too long. But today is Reaping day, and if we aren't dressed presentable
then we are punished. The Peacekeepers won't even care that she's a kid.
I try and get her excited for breakfast, making a big show of setting it up on her plate and looking
envious. We have had the same breakfast for as long as I can remember, one slice of raisin bread.
I also heat up some milk since its her favourite.
As I serve her I realise the dress code applies to me as well so I run upstairs and rummage in my
drawer. It doesn't matter what I pick, it's all basically the same. Bland pants and shirts in varying
shades of brown or grey, and at least two sizes too big. Mum says if we can get clothes for me
and Aston that we can grow into we will save a bucketload of money, which is true, but it also
makes it obvious how poor we are. But as long as I tuck in the shirt it's more or less presentable.
Not sloppy, and thats the main thing.
Also need to brush my hair and somehow pin it back. It's always falling into my eyes, no matter
how short we cut it. After a while I give up, just like I always do. As long as it's brushed I should
be okay.
Before long it's time to head out the door. I throw on my shoes and pick Aston up and place her
on my shoulders, her favourite spot in the world. Mine too if I'm being honest. I love having her
little body curled up and safe on my shoulders.
She giggles and starts to wave at people as we walk, excited to be looking down at them instead
of the other way around.
Thank fully for the most part people wave back, some even smiling for her, and for that I'm
grateful. I hope she doesn't learn how bad of a day this is for a long time.
Once we enter the square the wave of people starts to seperate. Those of Reaping age heading to
sign in and everyone else filling out the surrounds.
I walk up and sign in, still with Aston on my shoulders, and turn to enter the 16 year old section
when I'm stopped by a Peacekeeper.
"Not the kid" they growl, pointing at Aston.
"But I don't have anyone to look after her. She could stand so no one could see her, and I promise
she won't make a noise!"
The Peacekeepers don't say anything for a beat.
"If you don't remove her we will."
"Wait!" Just as they reach to pull her off I hear a female voice jogging towards us. It's Casey our
neighbour.
"Give her to me Jasper, I'll watch her until this is all over."
"Thank you so much Casey! I'll grab her as soon as we can leave I promise!"
"Good luck" she replies as I gently put Aston into her arms.
Finally I'm allowed into the pen. I'm simmering with anger. What did they expect me to do, leave a
toddler by herself and hope she doesn't wander off or gets killed? Even once the Escort gets onto
the stage and the Reaping begins my mind is still on that interaction. The Peacekeepers are
merciless and it's frustrating. They don't have any sense of compassion.
"Jasper Railton" The voice brings my thoughts to an immediate stop. I extract myself from the pen
and head on stage, Peacekeepers following right behind me.
I try hard not to look too pathetic. I need to appear strong. Which means there is no question of
finding Casey in the crowd, it would definitely make the tears start to fall.
Casey enters my room first and comes to give me a hug, which is new.
"Be brave Jasper, you're not dead yet."
"I don't plan on dying for a long time. Next time you visit you'll have to come all the way to Victors
Village."
She can obviously hear how nervous I am under all the jokes, so she hugs me again and leaves.
Next comes mum, with Aston holding her hand.
"My poor boy!" She sobs as soon as she sees me and practically falls into my arms.
"It's okay mum, it's going to be okay you'll see" I don't know what else to say so I just repeat this
hoping to calm her. Eventually she lets go and Aston moves in and puts her hands up. Without
hesitating I reach down and pick her up again.
"You're going away?" she asks, and I can tell she's confused.
"Only for a little while. I need to go play a game in the Capitol, then I'll be back I promise."
She pouts so she at least understands I'm leaving.
"For you" she says as she gives me what she calls her 'baby train,' the smallest in her set. It is
barely larger then my finger so I'm sure it'll be allowed in the arena. Looks like I've got my token.
I give them both one last kiss before I watch the Peacekeepers remove them. All I can do is just
stand and look at the baby train in my hand and try to ignore Aston's cries as they leave.
—
Cora Bennett, 16, District 6
The loading zone is strangely quiet this morning and I don't think I enjoy it. It's just a few of us, the
skeleton crew, that were allowed to work this morning. This way the Capitol citizens can still get
their packages in minimal time. We are only allowed to deal with the Capitol's necessities today
though, therefore there are a few workers sorting it all out. The Districts will just have to wait,
which feels wrong since the Tesserae from Nine needs to be sorted and shipped to all the
districts. Guess families will just have to suffer an extra day. That's Panem for you.
"Cora can you give me a hand please?" My best friend Demica mumbles to me as soon as I reach
her.
"Here this is how you do it." I try and go slow as I demonstrate the type of knots you need to keep
all the cargo tethered.
She's pretty good at the job considering she only started a month ago though. After I finish
helping her I decide to go check everyone else's knots. Cant make mistakes when we are dealing
with the Capitol's goods.
"Hey Cora how long until this last shipment is ready?" My boss Kyva shouts at me from across the
room. She is flanked by two Peacekeepers which tells me they don't approve of how long this is
taking us.
"Just two more loads then we should be good." I yell back, then turn around and try and help the
others speed things up. I can see Demica's hands start to tremble as she tries to hurry so I come
over and expertly finish her load for her.
"Thank you" she whispers, probably not wanting Kyva to hear. She pushes herself way too hard to
be perfect.
After another half hour our job is complete, at least according to the Peacekeepers. Since we are
wearing clean clothes they move forward and begin to herd us towards the square. Anyone who
was not dressed appropriately would be whipped, at least according to last year's Reaping. We
quickly learned to wear our most presentable work clothes this year.
As we are checked in I unconsciously reach for Demica's hand, which she takes without even a
pause. This next hour is going to be way too stressful to handle alone. Since we got to work today
our families are already in the square, and Demica's siblings notice her. Apollo immediately release
her older brother's hand to come up and hug her, so I just stand beside them. I really don't feel
like entering our section alone.
Their moment was brief, since a Peacekeeper immediately noticed that we weren't moving
towards our designated spots. Once he got his baton out Demica quickly shoved Apollo into the
12 year old section, then dragged me into ours. We end up in the very middle of the 16 year old
section, which is frustrating since I'm shorter then most of our peers. At least I don't have to
watch the escort pick the names out.
As soon as the thought enters my head I hear the compulsory calls which mean our escort has
kicked things off. I can hear him and he sounds agonisingly cheerful as he says his piece. I see
Demica glance over to the boys on the other die. With five other siblings I can understand why
she would be worried. Apollo is finally old enough to be reaped, and since Brunel is the oldest at
18 and has been taking the Tesserae in exchange for more entries it's a deadly year for her family.
Thankfully I have never had to take out tesserae, partially due to it being just my parents and I at
home. We get by.
"Cora Bennett" I feel Demica tighten her grip. This isn't right. My chances were better then a lot of
the other girls. I shouldn't be the one walking on stage. But the Peacekeepers say otherwise as
they cock their guns and aim it at us, and I know I have to go and accept my imminent death so
that I don't cause anyone else to die. If the tribute isn't identified the Peacekeepers like to give off
a warning shot, always at the 12 year olds. You would have to be horrifically selfish to stay silent
and hide in the crowd.
I feel my legs taking me up on stage right next to the escort. It honestly feels like a dream, and I
hardly even notice my fellow tribute. At the very least I've mentally numbed myself to the situation,
so there will be no tears to show for the sponsors.
My parents are the first to rush into my room. We don't even talk, just hold each other and cry. I
can tell they don't expect me to come home, which is demoralising but hardly surprising. We
haven't had a Victor in years. Dad has to hold mum when they are forced out as she practically
collapses. Then surprisingly Kyva enters. I never took her for the sentimental type. We just stare at
each other for a moment, before I break the silence with a half hearted shrug and smile.
"You know it's such a pity, I had so many plans for you"
"Gee thanks for the vote of confidence."
"Don't be stupid, even if you manage to win you'll never step foot in the factory again."
"I might. I think I'd mist too much if I didn't at least help out."
"One last thing. Demica has a lot of potential. I know she's so new but she's such a perfectionist
and the most hardworking person I know. I think she'd really make us both proud if you gave her
my promotion."
"I'll consider it" and with that Kyva lets herself out of the room.
Finally Demica enters with her family. I'm touched they care about me enough to say farewell.
Apollo is holding onto his dad's hand, still looking shaken up after his first ever Reaping.
Hugs and kisses are exchanged.
"You can do this. Please don't give up before you're in that arena. Half the kids at the start of the
games already give up, you can see it in their eyes. Keep faith, maybe that will be enough to bring
you home" Demica said seriously. Before I have too much time to think about this Peacekeepers
come to herd them out and me onto the train.