I do not own any of the characters featured in this story. All credit goes to Fresh TV and Suzanne Collins for their original creations.

CHAPTER 1

Somewhere within the Seam of District Twelve, a pale, thin-framed girl with brown hair, sneaked quietly off her window. Holding what might be a vial of black dye in her hand and a few other materials, as she ran through the sleeping neighborhood and into the meadow.

The sun wasn't even out yet, but she didn't waste any more time. She wants to get this done before the reaping starts. When she finally located the stream, she sat down on the grass and layed out her materials: a small vial of black dye from an indigo plant, which she acquired after she traded from the Hob, a wooden bowl, a comb, and finally a piece of cloth.

She grinned. Finally she can dye her hair. She always wanted to do that, dye her hair, paint her nails, style her clothes– you know, experiment with herself, try new things out 'til she finds her own flair. But of course, given this world she was born into, she can't easily do that. Not when there are other more important things to focus on– like– try not to die out of hunger.

"Whatever." She mumbled, shooing away the negative thoughts. She pours a small amount of the dye into the bowl, using just enough to cover her hair. Indigo dye is usually in powdered form, so she carefully adds a small amount of water from the stream, stirring it slowly with her fingers. The consistency should be thick, almost like a paste, so it can be applied evenly to your hair without dripping. She remembers the advice of Mrs. Torris, who she traded the black dye with. She made sure her mixture was well combined and free of lumps.

Then she starts applying the dye at the roots of her hair, working her way down each section, making sure to cover every strand using a comb to ensure that the dye is worked into every lock. And after covering her hair thoroughly, she gathers it all up and ties it loosely with the piece of cloth she brought to keep it in place.

Then she leaned back on her arms and sighed heavily. She hoped her Ma wouldn't get too mad for doing something like this to herself. Especially during reaping day. Okay– maybe she will get a little mad. But her little brother would definitely adore it though. She smiled at the thought.

Perhaps an hour had gone by, as she saw the sun slowly rising. The dye should have set already, and so she kneeled near the stream, carefully washing out the excess dye from her hair. Once done, she lets the wind and morning sun do the work to dry it.

As her hair dries, the black color becomes more visible. She grabbed a small mirror from her pocket and checked herself. She was surprised to see that her hair wasn't a glossy, synthetic black– but more of a deep, dark natural shade, giving her a more mysterious appearance. Hm. She kinda likes it.

"No way!"

"Gah!" She leaped from her spot by the sudden voice. Turning around, she saw a red head clutching her hair in one hand in disbelief, while the other hand was pointing a finger at her. "You actually did it?!"

She grinned mischievously, "Yep."

"I– wha– Gwen!" The red head ran towards her, peeking at her hair. "Oh wow…" Her eyes sparkled. "Hey, it kinda suits you!" She chirped.

"Thanks Zoey." Gwen smiled.

She had told Zoey in advance that she would dye her hair, and if she wants to be the first person to see her new look, she'll have to find her in the meadows first thing in the morning.

With the two of them being the most somewhat out of place appearance in the Seam– pale skin and red hair, they instantly developed a sort of camaraderie during their young days in school. And that camaraderie, formed into a strong friendship as years went by. And the two girls are now sixteen years olds.

"So why black? Is it to blend in?" Zoey asked, as they walked across the meadow, making their way back to the Seam.

"What? No," Gwen shook her head. "For one, the only dyes that were available were black and blonde. And second, I prefer the color black, so."

"Ohoho, you should definitely try blonde next time." Said Zoey, who backed away to shape her hand like a photo frame, and was picturing Gwen's face in the center. "I'm kinda seeing it looking good. You'll look like you're from the merchant's class!"

Gwen pushed her back playfully, Zoey replied by tagging her on the arm. Gwen then tries to tag her back but Zoey was able to dodge it. And soon it turned into a tag game, the two girls letting their competitive nature get to them.

…Though they're not admitting it, they're doing whatever they can just to distract themselves from the reaping.

When they returned to the Seam, they both were panting, dropping on their knees and leaning against a wall in an alleyway. Zoey claimed she had won by stating the fact that she tagged Gwen multiple times more than her. She had always been the athletic one among the two of them.

"Whatever," Gwen responded, catching her breath. Then she felt her stomach grumble. "Oh, look what you've done. Now my hunger will get to me."

"Hey, it's not my fault you went all out!" Zoey laughed. Then her stomach grumbled too. "Oh man…" She clutched her belly, and the thought of running around the meadow with all your might was probably not the brightest idea.

"But really, black suits you." Zoey comments. "Won't your Ma get mad?"

"Possibly." She shrugged. "If I could, I wanted to mix in a few more colors." Gwen touched her hair.

"Like what?"

"Mmm… probably teal."

…

There was a bit of a quarrel between Gwen and her Ma, when she got back home. About her hair of course, why'd she do it, what item did she sell to trade it for, why change it the same day as the damn reaping day? Gwen countered those arguments by stating the fact that no one would care if she changed her hair, especially not the government. And that she also used her own items to trade for it. She didn't steal any family heirlooms. In the end her Ma only sighed, admitted that it looks nice, and told her to eat breakfast. Usually they don't eat breakfast, but if there's an occasion, their mother would prepare for it. Not that the reaping is a great day and all, but it's still an occasion.

"Eh, not really hungry right now, Ma." she said, ignoring the hot stew set in front of the table, once she noticed that their mother only made it for the two of them. Again. It's not just during breakfast, but with any meal of the day. She always does this, you know, putting them first instead of herself. Gwen gets that she wants what's best for them, but what if she suddenly just collapses because she wasn't feeding herself enough? Who will look after them then?

"Do you have any more dye?" Her little brother, Wendell asked. Smiling cheekily.

"Don't even think about it." Their Ma warned. "And Gwen, get over here and eat before you go anywhere else." She called Gwen over, who was already halfway out their doorstep.

"Nope! I'm going to the Hob." She eased backward toward the door.

Before Ma could protest, she yelled a goodbye and shot a wink at Wendell. His eyes lit up– he knew the black hair treatment was coming his way next. Then she bolted, her Ma's voice chasing after her down the lane, calling her to be back before lunch.

Her daily routine would always be at the Hob. Working for the old lady named Mrs. Torris, who mainly sells plants and herbs. It's why she got the black dye easily, because Mrs. Torris had already been fond of her. Meanwhile Zoey would mostly spend her routine out hunting. It's illegal, but hey, so is the Hob, really. But they gotta do what they gotta do to survive.

…

As they walked toward the Justice Building, a thought crossed over Gwen's mind: It's a blessing that Wendell is still only eleven. However– she knows that this is his last year of safety, the final point in his life before he gets sent to potential slaughter… She shook her head, not wanting to add more anxiety into her thoughts. She pulled him into a hug, held her Ma close too, then turned and walked in with the other kids.

"Wow. Nice hair. Now you look even more like you came from the dead!" Said an obnoxious voice that made Gwen roll her eyes.

Forgot to mention there was another red head around the Seam. A year older than them, and works in the mines despite not being in the age of eighteen. Which Gwen was pretty sure is not allowed at all, but he probably lied his way in. Don't know how he did it, but she couldn't care less. She turned to face the person, who wore a mocking smile.

"Thanks, Scott. And you still–" She paused as he approached, her nose scrunching at the sudden wave of odor. "–smell like grease?" she finished, raising a brow.

"Thanks. Was aiming for that actually." He grinned. "If I get picked, they'll have to deal with this aroma of mine in close quarters. And if I can get them to puke, I can die with content."

They don't get along well, and are constantly on each other's nerves. He's cocky, gross, proud, a natural-born liar– and yet, Gwen can't help but smirk at his idea. Because if there's one thing they both mutually agree on– it's trashing the Capitol.

…

It's happening now. The reaping. Gwen keeps telling herself that whatever happens, happens. Can't do anything about it. That's the mindset she developed throughout the years as the reaping occurs. Someone else gets picked? Well it's not her so back to her usual survival life here at Twelve. She gets picked? Well suck it up because no one's changing her fate. She wonders what the odds are this time? She knows how many tesserae she's signed for– year after year, since she turned twelve. Could this be the year her name gets pulled?

"Whatever." She mumbled. Trying to convince herself with the whatever happens, happens mindset.

Just a couple of rows in front, she spots Zoey, who had her head turned back looking at her. She mouths the words, "Hunt with me after this."

Gwen gave her a lopsided smile, before nodding.

And then… everything went downhill.

"Gwendolyn Fahlenbock!"

...Whoa. She'd never swum in the ocean before– never even felt the pull of waves. But when her name was called, it was like one crashed over her out of nowhere, slamming into her chest. And as the truth sank in that she'd been reaped– it wasn't just a wave anymore. It felt like the sea swallowed her whole.

"Gwendolyn dear, where are you? Come up here!"

Oh…

Guess it happened. Her knees felt jelly, and with every step she felt like she'd collapse. She couldn't bring herself to look up. Afraid her tears will fall once she sees the faces of her loved ones. She stood there on the stage, head hung low.

"And our lucky male tribute is… Geoffrey Petronijevic!"

Oh hey, that name sounds familiar. That's the guy from the merchant's class. She knows him– well not that well, but she sees him around the school. Not a very big fan of him though, as he can get quite loud. She slowly looked up to peek at the boy's section, trying her best to avoid seeing Wendell's face. From the crowd, she spots a bewildered blonde teen, whose mouth was agape from the news. Then, as if everything finally settled in, he awkwardly makes his way to the stage. Guess Scott won't be able to show off his "aroma".

"Ladies and gents, our tributes for the 56th Hunger Games!" Their escort grabbed both their arms to raise up, "Give a round of applause!"

Silence.

…

Gwen awaits inside one of the rooms in the Justice Building, waiting for the people who will visit her to say their goodbyes one last time. She won't cry. She told herself. She wants to present herself as someone strong, someone who's not afraid, so that way they won't worry. But when the door opened and Wendell ran straight to hug her– crying his eyes out, along with her Ma who was at the verge of tears but was holding it in– she instantly stopped playing as if she was a composed, cool-headed girl, and broke down in her little brother's arms as a frightened child that's been sentenced to death's game.

After minutes of just crying and holding each other, they eventually broke apart to talk. Gwen had no choice but to tell Wendell he'll soon have to look after himself and Ma now. And she told her Ma to stay strong, they already lost their father, then grandmother… Oh she hoped her Ma would be okay, because Wendell's still right there.

"Promise me, you'll stay strong." Her voice cracked, looking at her Ma. With fewer mouths to feed, she better prepare herself some meals now. She thought.

"Promise me you'll come back!" Wendell jumped to hug her tightly again. And he kept repeating it until Gwen finally promised. She didn't want to, because she knows her chances are low. Maybe if she focused her survival on hunting like Zoey instead of working at the Hob, maybe she'll grow some stamina, some knowledge navigating the woods, know which berries are safe to eat, know how to actually hunt animals– which are all really useful in a standard arena– but no. She wouldn't call herself that smart either, when compared to a tribute from District Three or Five. Or strong, when compared to Districts like One, Two, Four, Seven, and Eleven. Ugh. She groaned, feeling stressed about the thought. What does she have? Her best trait… is probably showing attitude to those she doesn't like. Real useful.

Before she could spiral further in comparing her chances with the other Districts– her Ma hugged her head, "You're a smart, resourceful girl," she kissed her forehead, "don't even think about having no chance. Got it?" She said, voice stern, as if she had just read Gwen's thoughts.

Gwen nodded, almost crying again, and they all shared a hug before the time was up, and two peacekeepers entered the room to take them out. "Come back to us dear, please. I can't lose you too." Her Ma pleaded, before a peacekeeper took her arm, and the other one took Wendell's. "Don't break your promise!" He desperately shouts as they are dragged out of the room.

"I won't!" She called, but the door already slammed shut, leaving her there in silence.

After a few seconds, the door opened again, and Zoey slowly walked in, her eyes puffy, and showing guilt. "We were supposed to hunt."

"Yeah." Gwen allowed herself to smile a little, "Squirrels this time, right? Last time it was rabbits."

Zoey's lip trembled, and she sprinted towards Gwen to give her a hug. "I'm sorry." She squeaked.

Gwen patted her back, "Stop it Zoey, it's not your fault…"

Then Zoey pulled back, grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her in the eye, "You still remember how to use a bow and arrow?" She asked, remembering the time she taught Gwen about it.

"Uh, yeah, I sucked." She says as if all hope is lost.

"Whatever! At least you know how to use it." Zoey exclaimed.

Then Zoey proceeded to lecture her everything she knows about hunting and the woods. And Gwen sat there actually listening, asking questions, and taking mental notes. Zoey is spilling out every knowledge she thinks that could be a help to Gwen's survival. It isn't enough, of course, but at least it's still something. Their whole time was just consumed by lecturing, and even the possible strategies she could use.

But it's hard when you don't know what arena you'll be in, she really hoped it would just be one of the standard ones. Like a forest, streams, landscapes… she hoped it wouldn't be like some of the previous games, where the arena is just absolutely nuts. Like the one on forty-ninth, where everything was full of reflections, and the following game after that, the fiftieth, was full of poisonous things. Absolutely sickening. But hey, Twelve's got a mentor now. And he won the fiftieth hunger game, AKA, the Quarter Quell. That's something to look forward to, at least they have someone to guide them now, they won't be alone…

"You need to make an alliance with that merchant." Zoey said.

"Question is, will he want an alliance with me?" Gwen raised a brow. Geoffrey seems fine going solo, he has a sturdy build and can socially communicate with people. She's the complete opposite of him.

"Well you gotta. He seems like a strong guy, nice, and I know you're not that fond of him– but I really think he'll make a good ally." Zoey explained.

Gwen nodded, she'll give it a try. Just then the two peacekeepers opened the door. Time's up. Zoey quickly held Gwen's hands. "Remember what I taught you– what we discussed–" a peacekeeper pulled her shoulder.

"Promise me you'll make it out." Zoey looked her dead in the eye, as she was dragged away.

Gwen pursed her lips. She hates this. "I will." She hates making promises that are bound to be broken.

And with that, she was left in the room all by herself again.

The last visitor was Mrs. Torris, the old lady she works under for in the Hob. They didn't say much, just that Mrs. Torris was worried who'll keep her company during work now. Gwen laughed and told her she could take in Wendell. And Mrs. Torris approved the idea.

They hugged, shared their goodbyes, and the room was quiet once more.

Gwen sighed heavily after the interactions, running a finger through her hair. She sat there, wondering what she should do with the promises she made. Sure, she can try to fulfill it… but she can't escape the thought that she is one out of twenty-three tributes, who each have their own abilities and desire to live. Not to mention the careers… and the fact that she can't kill a person– and is not looking forward to kill one.

"Whatever…" she mumbles, for the fourth time of the day, feeling defeated even though nothing had started yet. At least she got to dye her hair. Who knew this would be her first and last time to try new things?

The two peacekeepers came back, and she stood up before they got the chance to grab her. She'd rather walk herself there than get dragged.

She's pessimistic, she knows that. But still, she needs to at least try, right? For Wendell, Ma, and Zoey. And even Mrs. Torris. Who knows, maybe Twelve could have another victor? Yeah, doubt that. She thought. And who wants to be a victor anyway? The moment you get reaped, your life is officially in the hands of the Capitol. You die in the games, you die. You win the games, you'll carry on the traumatic memories of the tributes that died, haunting you in your nightmares. Oh, and you'll spend the rest of your life mentoring kids from your district about to be sent in the games. Yeah. It's a lose-lose situation. She's doomed.

Hello! Hope you like the first chapter,

I am a little nervous since this is my first time writing a fic, actually finish a first chapter, and upload it publicly... haha, hope I won't get unmotivated. I really want to complete this series. Got a lot of character arcs in mind so povs will switch.

Thanks for reading!