Here we are with chapter 2! If anyone is reading that is!

Chapter 2 - District 2 Reaping

District 2 M - Mortar Evans (17)

"Again"

The instructor's voice rang out clear and crisp in the training hall, followed quickly by the sound of a sword whistling through the air and the head of a wounded training dummy falling to the floor in one quick motion.

"Again"

This time an arm was disconnected from the fake body.

"Again"

Another arm.

"Again"

A leg this time.

Mortar stood there, primed and ready for another signal, his sword held ready in his hand, his breathing even despite his quick movements. But no further signal came. Mortar slowly lowered his sword and turned towards his instructor, Grant, who observed him for a moment.

"You're ready" he said, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

Mortar wanted to cheer, but he had long ago learned to repress those reactions. Instead, he just replied "Thank you sir".

A beat passed and then Grant pulled him into a hug. "I'm so proud of you Mortar, I always knew you could do it."

This time a smile did break out on Mortar's face "Thanks Uncle Grant, I'm as ready as I can be thanks to you".

Grant smiled, "Good. Now go get cleaned up and meet me at home for an early night, the reaping is tomorrow after all" He gave Mortar one last pat on the back and turned and walked out of the hall.

Mortar took a moment to survey the carnage around him before carefully replacing his sword on the weapons rack. It was finally here. The reaping where he would volunteer. He had dreamed about this moment, but now that it was here it didn't seem quite real. He quickly showered at the training center, his tan, toned body reflected at him in the mirror. He ran a hand through his short dark hair. Making sure he was presentable before he left. He reflected his district: cold, hard, and proud.

Mortar walked swiftly down the familiar streets, still making sure to acknowledge every wave and well-wisher, every good luck that was tossed his way. He was almost home when his path deviated from the norm. He knew his uncle was expecting him home soon, but he still had time for this.

Walking faster now, Mortar soon left the buildings behind, coming to a large fenced in yard. He easily swung open the iron gate and made his way to the back of the cemetery, where two marble stones stood. He quickly looked around to see if anyone was nearby, but he was alone. Carefully he knelt, pulling a red carnation out of his coat and laying it between the graves. He stayed like that for a moment, saying nothing and watching the last light leave the sky. Finally, when night was almost upon them, Mortar stood to leave.

He turned back briefly and whispered, "See you in a few weeks Mom and Dad, one way or another".

Then he turned and went back home.

District 2 F - Pebble Roberts (15)

The Morning of the reaping dawned bright and early. Most people were taking advantage of the holiday to sleep in, but not Pebble. It was barely light out and already she was running down the street, her hair whipping around her as she ran. This could be my chance, she thought as she twisted and turned through the alleys, taking shortcut after shortcut to get to her destination. A moment of doubt fluttered withing her, what if she was too late? That thought pushed her to run even faster, further and further until she was there.

The training center door was flung open with a bang, Pebble not stopping to close it. She continued to run down the hall - right, left, left, right again, and finally the room she was looking for.

The door to the council chamber slid open, hard and fast, Pebble not even bothering to knock. The Council members looked up alarmed and annoyed at the intrusion, but before they could say anything Pebble said, "is it true?" she asked, breathing heavily, "Is it true?"

The members glanced at each other nervously. Lead Instructor Grant cleared his throat, "I suppose the news about Rose has gotten out?" he said, looking at Pebble seriously.

Pebble brightened at this, maybe she wasn't too late, "So it's true that she's pregnant?" She said in a hurry, gaging the reactions of the members.

Grant sighed and nodded, but before he could speak up another man with a goatee said, "you bet its true, dammit. This is why I always say we shouldn't tell them who's volunteering so far in advance. If we'd just leave it to the last moment, then - "

Grant cut the man off, "Yes Gerald we are all aware of your views on the matter. You've made that quite clear this morning," Grant sighed again and turned toward Pebble, looking her up and down. "You may as well know, it will be all over the district by noon. Rose got a little over excited after being chosen to volunteer and decided to….ah celebrate with her boyfriend. So yes, she is pregnant, two months along." Grant shook his head, his disappointment clear on his face. Gerald looked ready to interject again, but one look from Grant made him change his mind.

A lady in the back wearing a red dress spoke up, "As unfortunate as Rose's decision is, we still have a problem here. Who will volunteer for the girls?"

Pebble saw her chance and leapt at it, "Me! I'll volunteer!" she shouted, squaring her shoulders Infront of the members, trying to look as intimidating as possible, which was quite hard when you are only 5'2".

There was a pause and then the members broke out laughing, Gerald seemed to find her volunteering particularly hilarious and was practically shaking in his seat.

Grant sighed again, seeming to be getting older by the moment, "Pebble, we talked about this, you're too young, you're just not ready for the games, maybe after - "

But he was cut off by the lady in red, "Oh let her volunteer Grant, or do you lack confidence in that nephew of yours to win the games?"

Grant looked like he wanted to say something, but seemed to think better of it, turning back to Pebble.

Pebble stood there, trying not to look as desperate as she felt, knowing that her longing was shining through her eyes.

"Fine," Grant said, "You can volunteer."

Pebble let out a loud whoop of excitement! But before she could dash off to tell everyone Grant spoke again, "but remember Pebble, once you volunteer, that's it, there is not getting out of it." His eyes were very serious as he spoke to her, but Pebble seemed oblivious to his warning.

"Don't worry, I won't let you down!" She said before turning and running out of the building back the way she came.

Finally, she was going to the Hunger Games

Mortar D1M (17)

The reaping went mostly as expected, Mortar thought as he sat alone in the Justice Building. Pebble Roberts volunteering was a surprise, but then again someone had to volunteer after Rose messed up. Privately, Mortar was happy he wouldn't have to compete against Rose, she was almost as good as he was with a sword. A fifteen-year-old like Pebble would be easier to take out, if it came to that.

Mortar looked up as the door opened and his uncle Grant stepped in. He was rubbing his temple repeatedly, like he was battling a headache.

"Rough morning?" Mortar asked, wanting to know his uncle was okay.

"You've no idea," Grant said as he sat down next to him. For a moment neither of them said anything. Grant looked at him, sizing him up with his eyes. "Mortar, your parents would be so proud of you."

Mortar nodded, "I know they would be, I just wish they could be here."

Grant squeezed his arm, "I wish I could have been faster."

Both were silent for a few moments, until a peacekeeper opened the door and told them their time was up.

Grant stood up, gave Mortar one last look, and then he was gone.

Mortar took a deep breath, hardening his resolve. Let the games begin.

Pebble D2F (15)

Pebble was bouncing around the small room the peacekeepers had left her in. She did it, she actually did it. She was going into the Hunger Games! She sat down for a moment, but almost immediately sprang back up to pace back and forth. Okay, now a plan, she thought. First, I'll have to get allies…

But her thoughts were cut off as her family came through the door.

"PEBBLE!" her three-year-old brother Rocky launched himself at her legs.

Pebble began to untangle herself but before she could she felt her mother's arms around her.

"Oh Pebble, why did you do it? Why couldn't you just wait a few more years?" Her mother cried into her hair.

"Mom, can't you see this is my chance!" Pebble finally broke free, "I'm gonna win and then we never have to worry about anything ever again!"

Her mother just looked at her sadly, her father was looking at her shaking his head. Rocky was looking between them all, not really understanding what was happening, but beginning to cry, nonetheless. As his cries became piercing, her mother scooped him up and left the room. Tears overflowing as she left. Pebble turned to her father.

"Dad, I know I'll win; I just know it!"

He smiled at her sadly, "Oh my little Pebble, just remember that we love you."

Before she could respond he left the room, and she was alone once more.

Aww Pebble, she has no idea what she's in for! Let me know what you think of Pebble and Mortar! Odds? Thought?