Jason Crawford, District 2
We end up boarding the train one after the other. Peacekeepers stood either side and made sure
the crowd coming to send us off didn't get too close. As soon as we enter we go to a window and
wave until the train takes off. I don't particularly mind being a celebrity.
Once that is done we stand up and face each other, which gives me my first good look of her.
Her hair is jet black and cut into a harsh pixie cut. She may even be slightly taller then me. She
already looks like she will stand out in the arena.
"I'd like to formally introduce myself. I'm Valeria Stone. I look forward to our partnership" she
spoke, obviously trying to stay formal.
"You know we met on that stage right?" I grinned while taking her hand.
"That was a show. This is real."
"Okay understandable. Come on, lets go find some mentors."
I walk out of our carriage into the next room without checking if she was following, but I figure she
will want to meet her mentor as soon as possible.
Of course they are both in the dining carriage. Dad jumps up and almost crushes me with his hug,
then practically shoves me into my seat.
"Hey, I'm Jason" I chuckled at the female mentor obviously meant for Valeria.
"You don't say?" she responds, unamused.
"I applaud your courage Valeria. No matter who we are assigned to, Bulla and I are here to ensure
another victory for two." Although we all know Dad is completely on my side, he believes in
equality. I know he will try his hardest to help Valeria no matter what. Especially if I die. Which I
won't. Even as I dismiss the thought I feel it tugging at the very back of my mind, the a memory I
couldn't quite recall. That won't do. I'm a victor in the making, which means I don't even know the
meaning of the word doubt.
Before anyone says anything else I start shoving my face with food. We have it pretty good in two,
but the capitol food is next level.
"You two are in an alliance, along with the tributes from one and potentially four." Bulla starts with
an obviously pre planned speech.
I glance up to Valeria and nod quickly, then turn back to my thick crusty bread that I am dipping
into some sort of rich tomato soup.
"There isn't much to do today, so just make sure you get a good sleep tonight and pick something
simple but classy to wear tomorrow."
Bulla insisted on cutting our meal short to go watch the recap of the Reapings.
"Don't worry there will be more waiting when we get back" Dad whispered when I stared in
disappointment at the meal I was leaving behind.
The Reapings are pretty standard. One and four look like obvious alliance material, although Dad
is a bit reserved about the district one boy.
"See what he's like in training. If he isn't up to scratch just kill him in the bloodbath." Dad
grumbled, possibly annoyed that we may be short one alliance member.
Once it's over there isn't that much to discuss. It'll be more interesting when the training starts. I
guess that means more food. Since nobody has any other plans I head back to the dining
carriage, dad chuckling behind me.
Rosalind Avle, district 5
I huff in annoyance. I can't even force myself to take my eyes off the floor. My district partner
hasn't even stopped sniffling since we boarded and that was an hour ago.
"And what could you possibly have to huff about?" chortled our mentor. Finally someone broke
the silence.
"We looked like idiots at the reaping. Nobody would put money on that" I spit out in disgust.
"Yeah, probably not."
"That wasn't the pep talk I was hoping for" I growled.
"Relax why don't you? I only got one sponsor and I did pretty well for myself. And boy you should
have seen them when my victory tour hit the capitol. It was like the party was all for him!"
"So there's hope?" the boy next to me sniffled. I glanced at him, actually getting a good look at
him. The first thing I notice is his eyes. Electric blue, almost contrasting with his dull brown hair.
"Ha not for you kid!" chuckled our only victor.
"Hey look that was a joke…" she started but let the sentence drop when he got up and ran away,
probably to find his room.
"Was it actually a joke?" I ask wearily.
"I mean, the funniest jokes are the true ones. They usually have the best punchlines" she muttered
while looking at me.
"Look everyone could tell he is in some serious trouble with the Peacekeepers. No one will bet on
that. So don't publicly interact with him if you want a chance to live" she ordered, suddenly all
humour gone from her voice.
"No interaction, got it. Any other advice?" Just because he is screwed doesn't mean I am.
"You're going to act brutal and confident, but not snooty. We can still turn your reaping around and
district five hasn't had a real competitor in years. Besides me of course" she winked and I tried to
smile, but I'm pretty sure it came out looking defeated.
Cody Bennett, district 3
The food is nothing like I could have imagined. Fruit that look as if they were plucked from the
trees a few minutes ago, expensive meat and so much more. It's a shame that it tastes like ash in
my mouth. I can't stop thinking about Electra. She would be at home, her parents trying to
console her. I wonder if she will watch the recap of the reaping or turn away in fear. I know she will
be watching the actual games in the privacy of her own home, maybe even on their second
television so she can face this alone.
I try to pull myself out of the past. She no longer exists in my world. My world is made up of my
fellow tributes and our mentors. One can barely stop shaking as she sits at the table with us. Her
eyes keep darting around and I'm guessing this is the only time of the year she isn't drugging
herself up.
Our other victor, also female, just looks tired and hasn't even said a word to us yet. I made sure to
use my knife and fork as we ate and resisted the urge to dunk my bread into the soup we have
been served. It's important to keep up appearances.
Pixel hasn't even touched the food. She just sits there sipping on some orange juice. I know she
keeps glancing up at me but I can't meet her eyes yet. There is so much we have to say to each
other, but it needs to wait for tomorrow. When I've had time to register our circumstances
properly.
"You two can head to the lounge room if you want to watch the recaps, otherwise there will be
more food coming or you can head down to your bedrooms that way" Fuse explained while
pointing down the opposite hall.
"But I'll see you guys tomorrow, Techa could use an early night" she said while helping Techa to
her feet and starting down the hall to the compartments. Every step was shaky, and I think of how
many years these two have relied on one another. Would that be my future if I won?
Once the sad procession left us I was aware of the silence. Of course it was silent before, but it
somehow feels heavy now.
"Do you want to go watch the recaps?" Pixel asks hesitantly.
"Of course we need an idea of who our competition will be" I respond as I stand up, Pixel quick to
follow.
I hesitate a moment when I get to the couch then sit on the right hand side. This is a good
position, I tell myself. This let's Pixel decide how close we will get.
I see her hesitate then sit in the middle. Not lose enough to touch but leaving that as an option
non the less. Interesting.
The television turns on and the recaps begin. I try and keep my face calm, it's good practice for
when we get to the Capitol. But Pixel keeps squeaking or gasping at each reaping. Especially
when we see our career competition. I must say I agree with her, they look brutal this year. The
kids from ten definitely earned Pixel's gasp, I have a hard time trying to keep quiet. Even through
the screen you can see their muscles. They are both huge, probably twice Pixel's height. As if we
needed competent competition.
Pixel almost sounds distressed when they get up to 11 and we get a look at the two very pathetic
looking young kids. I mean it is sad but I've got my own problems right now. Pixel is just too
caring for her own good.
Once the recap finishes the television turns off and that heavy silence comes back.
"Cody" Pixel starts.
"Please, let's save this for tomorrow" I ask abruptly. Her silence is her response. With a sigh I get
up and go try and find my compartment, leaving Pixel with just her thoughts.
Eden Prindle, District 10
Last night sucked. Apparently we are going to arrive at the Capitol some time this morning. Our
rooms came with closets filled with more clothes then I could ever use in my lifetime. Since my
work clothes aren't exactly the most flattering or newest I take a brown blouse and some jeans
out of the cupboard and try them on. I wonder how they made sure these are all my size? Or
maybe they make copies for every size then load the train up with whatever will fit the tribute
chosen.
These thoughts are all swirling around when there is a hard knock on my door. "Hurry up princess
we will be there soon enough." I flush red with anger but turn to my bedside table, snatch up my
stetson and walk out the door with the largest scowl I can muster.
"Well aren't you a delight in the morning?" Angus snorted as I enter the dining cart. He is a short
little guy only a few years older then us, but he seems to enjoy mentoring. I'm still not sure how I
feel about that. Our other mentor, Buck, is in his forties and coached Angus to success. But Buck
seems to leave the job to Angus. Or at least he did last night. By the way he eats I'm guessing he
is just here for the food, which I can respect.
Taurus snorts with laughter at Angus' remark and I flash him a look filled with absolute loathing.
He doesn't seem to care though and just goes back to his plate, trying not to snort up some juice.
Taurus instantly connected with Angus, which I'm still salty about, but I know I'm too proud to try
and buddy up with either of our mentors. Maybe Buck will make sure that I get some sponsor
gifts, at least.
After a good hour of sitting around at the dining cart, Taurus and Angus chatting and Buck and I
trying to consume as much as possible, we finally seem to be slowing down.
"Looks like we are here guys. Remember, cooperate with the Peacekeepers. If you don't it won't
do anything but hurt your chances." Angus warns us while looking at Taurus the whole time. Buck
just sighs and continues drinking his coffee.
Once the train stops the doors don't open straight away. I resist the urge to go stare out the
windows. Who cares what the capitol looks like? Apparently Taurus, who currently has the
stupidest face while staring out to the city that rules our lives.
The train door suddenly opens and eight Peacekeepers barge in and lock the door after
themselves.
"Well howdy fellas, coming to get a cheeky glance at the next victor?" Taurus tries to use the
charm that seems to naturally come to him, but if he was hoping for a response he is
disappointed.
"Taurus, Eden come and get cuffed. Then we can proceed to the prep teams" Angus asks us in as
neutral a voice as possible.
Buck has already walked up and gotten cuffed, except on a different lead, so I follow suit. Once
we are all restrained the peacekeepers open the door, leading Buck and Angus out first.
"Steer me straight, sweetheart" Taurus whispers to me and I feel myself going red again.
"Call me sweetheart again and you won't even make it to the arena" I growl. The only response I
get is a quiet chuckle.
As I get my first look at the Capitol I'm disappointed and disgusted. This is obviously a huge train
station and on normal days I can't even imagine how many people would use it, going to do
whatever capitol people do with their lives. It's almost impressive. Today there are simply twelve
trains, fresh from the districts.
What disgusts me are the onlookers. Capitol citizens are shoving and shouting on what I can only
call a balcony. It is probably a walkway so they can get from one station to the next, but today
they are using it to watch the tributes arrive. Children clinging to their parents hands, teenagers
sneering, adults shouting, I guess this is a big deal for them. I can't even lock eyes with them for
long so I try and get a peek at the other tributes. I can see two shapes emerging from the district
eleven train but I don't even bother watching them. I could see how pathetic they were even on
the reaping recap. Bloodbath. I catch myself and feel ashamed that I'm already sizing up my
competition like this. It's a necessary evil though.
The girl from nine is also young, but there is something about her that tells me not to dismiss her
yet. She looks as if life has taken it's toll on her as well. But instead of accepting it she's a fighter
and I respect her for that. Could this be a potential ally? I need to chat to her first but even now I
can tell we are kindred spirits.
The peacekeepers eventually lead me into a seperate room alone, with one peacekeeper left
standing at attention. After a moment two women enter. At least I think they're women. They both
have elongated ears and eyes that seem too large. One has their hair done in corkscrew curls, the
other has a lime green bob. Both gasp with excitement when they see me.
"Welcome to the Capitol!"
"Are you ready? Are you excited?"
They both start babbling at me so I don't take notice.
Until they ask me to take off my clothes.
They can see the surprise on my face so they both groan.
"Honestly you district kids are such prudes. How else do you expect us to give you a full body
polish?"
I notice that the peacekeeper has moved slightly closer, anticipating my reaction. So I carefully
remove everything, looking the peacekeeper in the eye the whole time until I'm nude and we are
just silently staring at each other.
Don't ever let them think I'm weak.
"You're such an upgrade from last year!" one squeals as they come in closer and get to work.
Lacey Thimble, District 8
As soon as they cuff us on the train they pull us out and we have to awkwardly navigate the
station while being lead as if on a leash. It's so humiliating I can't bare to look up, and I hate that
I'm in front of Buckram. Honestly I had enough of a look at my competition during the recaps last
night. It turned my stomach so much I felt queasy.
Thankfully we don't have an opportunity to interact with them yet as we are all taken into a
building and separated. Velvet already told us that we need to be prepped and I knew it would
happen alone but being surrounded by only peacekeepers makes me start to shiver with fear and
I'm almost thankful when they shove me into a room and uncuff me. It's just me and a
Peacekeeper alone until a little man comes through the door followed by a nervous looking
woman.
"Hmm we might be able to get something decent out of this year's tributes" he remarked to the
woman.
"Can you smile?" he asks sharply, then rolls his eyes at my pathetic attempt.
"Hurry up and strip I need to know what we are working with" he gestured impatiently.
"Wait what?" I can hear the slight hysteria in my voice.
"You heard me. The sooner you do it the sooner we can make you beautiful."
I turn around and slowly undo my clothes. When I'm finished I can't make myself turn around.
"Oh honestly!" The little man spits out and turns me himself. I can see in his eyes all the
calculations being done and shiver again.
Several hours later and I'm finally granted a robe while being complimented for finally looking
beautiful.
"Now dear, are you ready for your costume?" the little man asks in a gentler voice.
"Yes please" I murmur back.
In response the woman walks in and I can't help the smile that comes onto my face. It's a
wedding dress. I'm assuming Buckram will be wearing a suit. Of course district eight must make
these. What a delightful idea.
"Could you add this somewhere?" I murmur, producing the length of silk from home.
"Is it your toes dear?"
"Yes and it's very pretty"
"Well a token like this must be included! How about we weave it through your hair?"
"This isn't a bad idea for the games" I ponder while looking at myself in a mirror.
"Ooh please do! To have a tribute looking gorgeous in the arena because of me imagine how many
jobs offers I will get! Just try not to get too much blood on it" he laughs, which immediately brings
my mood down. For a moment I was actually able to forget that I'll be dead in a week.
Gemima Laurent, District 1
I'm trying for the life of me to look composed and sophisticated. I would be succeeding if Phlox
wasn't such a menace. Ever since the train ride he has been argumentative and standoffish. And
he is currently handcuffed and being held by a Peacekeeper as we all wait to enter the square in
our chariots. Our horses are pure white and our outfits are stunning, some sort of gorgeous
golden gown.
Phlox is in a matching suit which only emphasises how small he is. All the other tributes are
waiting in their carriages or beside them, hardly talking even to their district partners.
Except for one boy apparently.
"I'm Caspian" he says extending his hand to me. "District four." We both try and ignore Phlox,
who is currently having another tantrum.
"Pleased to meet you" I respond automatically while flashing him a smile.
"Legacy tribute, right?"
"Was it hard to tell?" I ask chuckling lightly. My brothers were probably the loudest thing on that
stage. Anyone with half a brain could put two and two together.
"You should meet my dad, maybe before interviews. He is always interested in the legacy tributes."
"Why not? May as well meet my co mentor" we both giggle. As we are going to be in an alliance
he will be working with my mentors to deliver gifts.
"Cant wait to see what you can do tomorrow." Was that a threat? Is he letting me know that he
wants proof of my skills before agreeing to the alliance?
"Try and keep up" I wink at him before turning and mounting my cart.
Our chariot jolts and starts to pull us out. Phlox is beside me, quiet but with a livid expression. We
all knew he wasn't going to play to the cameras, but he is so small it will be hard to convince the
other careers to take him seriously. I sigh then shake all these thoughts off.
As we are wheeled out and in view of the first part of the crowd they go wild, screaming our
names. I just smile and wave back. Calm and gorgeous is what I'm going for, at least until my
interview.
I feel a blush crawl across my face. I know Illia is watching and I would give anything to see her
reaction to my gown. I would give anything to see her. As my thoughts linger on home I can feel
my smile widen and become real.
Our chariot arrives under the presidential mansion first so we go to the far right and watch the
other tributes roll in.
I catch Caspian's eyes and he just grins wider and winks. I immediately look away. I'm still not
sure what to make of that boy. Oh well, guess I have three days to figure him out. I feel a creeping
sadness enter my brain. He seems nice and I feel like we could even have been friends.I try and
ignore it as our chariots pull away. Time for reflections later, for now those sponsors want to see a
strong, confident young woman, an easy bet. So that's what I give them.