User blog:Ninja~Toast/2nd Hunger Games

Welcome! I'm still continuing with my 1st Hunger Games. These games will only start when the 1st Hunger Games end. If you haven't seen it yet, I guess it won't hurt to check it out, won't it?

I've already went through the process of making games, though this is the first time where I'm accepting tributes from users. I'm sort of used to the whole process, and now I'm going to put it to the test.

So, yeah. Read the rules and if you want to, sign up! :D

Rules & Things to know
1. There is no certain amount of tributes yet, so it will be wise to think about your tribute submissions.

2. You have from now till the end of my 1st Hunger Games to submit tributes. You may submit as many tributes as you'd like. The first user that comments will get the spot, however if the tribute is poorly written there is a chance that old tribute will be replaced. Just because someone submitted a tribute before you, doesn't mean that they deserve the spot more than you do.

3. There are no reservations for tributes, because there may be more than one spot for a place you might want. If there isn't, then just make a high quality tribute and hope you get the spot. I don't do profiles, either. I'm sure that commenting on a blog isn't too much work.

4. If there are spots open after the 1st Hunger Games end, any open spaces will be free. It will be first come, first serve no matter how horribly written the tribute is.

5. There are requirements for tributes, however that doesn't mean you should write more options.

Tribute Template:

Name: (First and Last name minimum.)

Age: (Ranged 12-18)

Gender: (Male or Female)

District: (List as many as you are willing to take, in order of preference.)

Personality:

Backstory:

Height:

Appearance: (Typed, lunaiis, or rl pics are accepted.)

Weapon: (1 minimum, 3 maximum)

Strengths: (List a maximum of 4)

Weaknesses: (List a minimum of 2)

Fear: (1 minimum)

Interview Angle:

Bloodbath Strategy:

Games Strategy:

Tribute Token:

Allies:

Bold words are requirements, and I won't accept a tribute without one. Adding more information will increase your chances of getting picked. The optional options listed will back-up your tribute from being replaced by another.

6. I will accept new or old tributes, and it won't affect my decision. I won't go on profiles, so don't bother. The more information, the better. However, just spamming the same relative thing won't do anything.

7. I will use adult language a lot, but no sexual references.

8. The higher quality you make your tribute, the more likely your tribute will survive. Also, sending your tributes advice and cheering them on as they proceed through the games will help your tribute as well.

9. That's about it! I will update the tributes daily, and there will be changes in the tributes depending on submissions. Currently, we will start off with four tributes per user, however that quantity may increase overtime.

10. If absolutely ANYTHING got messed up or there is an error, just say so in the comments. I'll fix it right away.

Alliances:
- *If your tribute is in an alliance he/she isn't in, or there are any mistakes, tell me.*

Careers: [OPEN]
Ryan Roy (1), Rebecca Roy (1), Ryan Johnson (2), Timber Fable (2), Creek Mooris (4), Elena Pierce (4), Elizabeth Tunstall (4), Morolith Dmitry (Capitol) [PENDING], Louis Haymond (Capitol) [PENDING], Callie Haymond (Capitol) [PENDING], Sapphire Blackwood (Capitol) [PENDING], Zoe Harrison (7) [PENDING], Art Caspania (12) [PENDING], Alexander "Alex" Freefall (13) [PENDING]

District 1 Alliance: [PRIVATE]
Nitro Shifter (1), Mercury Shifter (1), Spencer Miernava (2), Infinity Ocean (4)

District 3 & 12 Alliance: [PRIVATE]
Enera Summers (3), Firethorn "Fire" Massey (12)

District 5 & 7 Alliance: [PRIVATE]
Megan Land (5), Jacob Gibson (7)

District 5 & 8 Alliance: [PRIVATE]
Tameo Arghus (5), Camellia Winchester (8)

District 7, 10 & 13 Alliance: [PRIVATE]
Sierra Waters (7), Kahlo Mulciber (10), Vanessa Barista (13)

District 9 Alliance: [PRIVATE]
Daniel Oakman (9), Treeden Smith (9)

Anti-Careers: [OPEN]
Sovereignty Song (2), Digit Starr (3), Ryin Fizi (5), Lance Majore (6), John Kirk (8), Connor Miller (9), Revolution "Eve" Militia (10) Jay Sparrow (11), Collin Miller (13)

Bloodshed: [OPEN]
Micah Gigga (3), Hadix Maven (6), Carolyn Maven (6)

Tribute Style: [OPEN]
Sarah Clereden (11), Dyoski Milleray (13)

Alone:
Naria Avenforth (3), Jade Venus (5), Jeanette Hannity (6), Araneae Web (8), Satan Lockwood (10), Barbarium Polar (11), Parker Viola (11), Melanoi Jet (12)

Undecided:
Kenneth Gropes (7), Kalab Harrah (8), Venaya Atlas (9), Sydney Thesisen (10), Alex Sequera (12)

- [OPEN] = Anyone can join

- [PRIVATE] = Owner(s) permission

- [PENDING] = Not Comfirmed

Twists
The second rebellion turned out just like the first rebellion; a failure. The Hunger Games were re-started and Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark were executed. The rest of the member's active in the second rebellion instead were just punished and sent back to their districts.

Twist 1:
President Snow has announced a new twist into the games, and has made a mandatory broadcast. President Snow walks onto the Interview Stage, being viewed by a crowd of thousands. He clears his throat and begins to talk.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, the Hunger Games have been restarted from the 1st Hunger Games. The Capitol was astonished by the games, and is anticipated for more. However, the Capitol is starting to get bored of the main plot of the Hunger Games being repetitive each year. The Capitol has made a final statement of the Hunger Games and it has come to a conclusion. To show that the District are never safe from harm, the Quell's have been abandoned, and instead each year will be treated like a Quell. There will always be a new twist for the unique year, which will bring excitement to our Capitol audience." The audience starts to cheer and clap, however back at the Districts, everyone watched in misery and grief. "This year, we are bringing back the 50th Quarter Quell. This year, there will be twice as many tributes as normal. Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" President Snow signs off, and the District prepare for the worst few years of their lives.

Twist 2:
After the Reaping's were over in each District, President Snow announces another new twist into these games, and made a mandatory broadcast. All the tributes watch the announcement in their tribute train. President Snow walks onto the Interview Stage, being view by a crowd of thousands once again. He clears his throat and begins to talk.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." President Snow says, as the tributes from each District look at each other. "Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" President Snow signs off and the broadcast ends. The tributes stare at their District partners, deciding who should be trusted and who shouldn't.

Twist 3:
Will be announced once the 2nd arena has started.

Reaping's
I will have two POV's per District; one male and one female. The first POV will describe the actual reaping itself, while the other POV will describe the arrival to the Capitol training center.

Sapphire Blackwood
I wake up to the sound of birds chirping and singing outside my window. I groan as I get out of bet and sit up straight. I hate nature. I get up from my bed and stomp my feet on the ground. The birds stop their melody and fly away immediately. I smile as I yawn once more. I'm going back to sleep. The birds arrive back at my window frame, singing even louder than before. I grunt as I stomp towards my window and without looking I pick something up and throw it at the bird's direction. I scare the birds away for good, but not until I realize what I just threw.

"NO!" I shout as the picture frame falls onto the ground, breaking into two. I'm awake now. My eyes widen in shock as I sprint across the stairs and bursting through the front doors. I dash to the front yard, and kneel next to the picture frame. I slowly slip the picture out of the broken picture frame.

"I'm sorry..." I say to myself, as I look at the only photo I have of my brother. He died in the Hunger Games a few years ago, before the second rebellion, and this photo is the only thing I have left that reminds me of my brother. I clutch the photo in my palms as I slowly walk back into my house. I wish he was still here with us. His death was so emotional, that my parents moved to the Capitol just so they wouldn't risk me being reaped as well. However, I didn't want to move here. I wanted to avenge my brother in the Hunger Games. In the Capitol, I trained in the finest academies to avenge my brother, and that is exactly what I'm going to do. And nobody will stop me.

I walk past my mother and father, who are brewing a breakfast for this morning. They know about me volunteering for the games, though they aren't very approving of it. I walk back to my room, and replace the picture frame. I slide the photo in its new home, and rush back downstairs. I meet my parents in the kitchen, where they serve me the breakfast for a king.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" My mother asks me, as she sets down the last plate on the dining counter. I nod in between bites as I gulp down some orange juice.

"You know, you still have two more years left. Maybe you could stay for a little longer?" My father pitches in. I ignore him as I pour syrup on a batch of pancakes and take a huge bite.

"Honey, you have to think this through," My mom says, trying to convince me of a different action. "With a big matter like the Hunger Games, anything could happen."

"I'm ready." I reply as I dig into the buffet. My mother and father sigh, and leave the room, given up. I finish my breakfast and rush upstairs to get dress. I set up an elegant dress for me and rush into the bathroom. I use the rest of my time getting ready for the reaping's. My parents bang on the bathroom door, though I'm taking all the time I need to get ready.? If you gave me the whole year to get ready for the reaping's, I'd use every single minute. You can't tell me I'm wrong, because I've used every single second to prepare for the Hunger Games. I just finish applying a final coat of make-up. I put down my utensils as I march out of the bathroom, looking greater than ever. My father's watch starts to beep and he groans.

"No time to get ready, the reaping's are soon." He informs us. My mother follows him into their bedroom, while walk over to my bedroom. I get changed for the reaping's and I sprint right back downstairs again. As I make my way out of the door, I remember one important thing. I enter my room once more, and I look at my photograph of my brother once more.?

"I'm doing this for you." I tell him. I grab a rubber bracelet, that used to belong to him, and I head out the door and downstairs to the main corridor. My parents are waiting impatiently for me, and drag me over to the car so we can get to the reaping's.

"This is your last chance." My mother tells me, in a strict tone. "Are you sure you're going to volunteer for the Hunger Games?"

"Yes, mom. I've already told you!" I retort.

"These games are a serious matter." My father pipes in, backing up my mother. "Besides, you can always keep your brother in spirit by doing the things he enjoyed."

"If I did that, I wouldn't feel like I actually avenged him. Besides, if I were to do either things I would make him proud. Can't you just accept my decision?" I ask them. We stare into space in silence as we arrive to the reaping. I jump out of the car and race towards the line-up. I look to the person in front of me, who is cowering in fear as she is being pricked by the lady with the zapper. She pricks her finger and she squeals in pain.

"Wimp." I grunt. The girl runs away crying, as I laugh to myself. I get my finger pricked and I walk towards the 16-year-old-girls section. Habacuc, our first escort of the Capitol, walks onto stage and clears his throat. His fashion taste is too horrid to not remember, he is an array of blues and pinks excluding his skin which is a bright red. I couldn't possibly hate him more.

"Welcome, citizens of the Capitol! As you all know, my name is Habacuc Mirza, and I am glad to escort the Capitol for another year!" Habacuc announces. The crowd starts to cheer and shout. I start to boo the escort.

"YOU SUCK!" I shout. The audience stops to cheer and they all look around, wondering who shouted the rude remark. Habacuc ignores the insult, and he continues with the reaping.

"Let's begin with selecting a female tribute from the reaping bowl!" He shouts, as he walks over to the girl's reaping bowl. I know that you're supposed to volunteer after the name is called, but not like I'm going to listen to that.

"I VOLUNTEER!" I shout, just as Habacuc is about to read the name. I run onto the stage, and wave at the crowd, confidently and proudly.

"Well, it looks like we have a volunteer!" Habacuc states, as I wink towards the crowd.

"What's your name, hon?" He asks me. He hands me the microphone, and I announce my name to the crowd.

"My name is Sapphire Blackwood, and I'm the Capitol's next victor!" I shout. The crowd starts to applaud loudly; I know I'm going to be a favorite.

"Wonderful! Now, for the next female tribute!" Habacuc announces as he pulls yet another slip from the girls reaping bowl.

"Kathryn Haymond!" Habacuc announces. The crowd goes silent, as a little girl in the front of the audience looks up in shock. Another girl who looks alike from her rushes to her aid.

"I don't like the Hunger Games anymore. I want my mom!" She squeals. I think that's the same girl I tormented earlier. I sort of feel bad, well not really. The girl clutches the soon-to-be-tribute tight, reassuring her protection.

"I VOLUNTEER!" The girl shouts. The audience applauds some more, as the girl walks onto stage.

"Two volunteers! That's the best yet! What's your name?" Habacuc asks the unknown female tribute.

"Callie Haymond." She responds. Habacuc announces her name to the crowd, as Callie (C) stands beside me. Callie (C) looks at me and grins, while I grin back. Not because I want to, but because I want to make an impression while I'm on camera.

"Now that we have our female tributes," Habacuc states. "Let's select our two Capitol male tributes in these years Hunger Games!" Habacuc trots towards the boys reaping bowl, and pulls out two slips. He clears his throat, and is about to announce the two names.

"I VOLUNTEER!" Sings a choir of boys. I look towards the crowd, and I see around 3 guys raising their hands. Habacuc chooses the tributes, and they jump up with glee as they march towards the stage. The rejects rampage with anger.

"Four volunteers? Something tells that this year's victor is in this District!" Habacuc states, as the crowd applauds like crazy. "What are your names?" Habacuc asks the two of them. He lowers the microphone to their mouths, so they can announce their names to the crowd.

"Morolith Dmitry." Says a guy with blonde hair, with a touch of turquoise near his forehead.

"Louis Haymond." Says another guy, with bright orange hair and blonde hair.

"Fantastic! Ladies and gentlemen, your tributes from the Capitol, Morolith Dmitry, Louis Haymond, Sapphire Blackwood, and Callie Haymond!" Habacuc yells once more. The crowd cheers us on, as the four of us are conducted into the Justice Building. Two Peacekeepers slam the door on me, and I am left in a room alone. The room I am left in is valuable with riches, though I can find more technology in my very own house. My parents barge into the room, with tear stained eyes. They knew I was going to volunteer, why are they surprised?

"Honey, we know you wanted to volunteer, so we're not going to try and stop you." My dad cuts to the chase. "We just want to let you know that we love you, and we only wanted to encourage you to not volunteer is because we couldn't bear not to see you every day."

"Will you promise us, that not only will you try to win for your brother, but us too?" My mother asks of me. I nod my head; because really what else can I do at a time like this. I roll my eyes, as the Peacekeeper comes into the room and disrupting us.

"Time is up." A Peacekeeper grunts.

"That wasn't even a minute. Can we have more time?" My mother requests.

"No!" The Peacekeeper retorts. The Peacekeeper drags my parents by the shirt collar out of the Justice Building. Finally, the Peacekeeper escorts me to the tribute train, where my fellow counterparts wait for me.

"Let's go to the train!" Habacuc sings, as he boards the train. We awkwardly follow him.

Louis Haymond
I step onto the train with Callie (C), and enter the dwelling of riches. This place is fine I guess, though I'd rather watch the games back in my as equally rich house than take part of it. Still, I can't wait to see how this turns out for me. I'm a pretty skilled fighter, and I am certain I have what it takes.

A dining table is already set up with the finest cutlery. The four of us sit down, and gaze at the food that has been handed out to us. Habacuc expects us to dig into the feast, like we've came from District 13.

"You guys are going to LOVE the training center!" Habacuc announces, cutting into the silence. "And there is another added twist to the games, which I'm sure you'll all love!" I stare in shock as I look at Callie (C), who is just looking at Habacuc weirdly. I decide that there is no way to escape his conversation but to eat, so I feast on the food given to me as Habacuc mumbles about the Hunger Games. Minutes pass consisting of Habacuc running through the games and Sapphire (C) gloating about her skills, we finally are given a break. I head to my headquarters. I turn on the television, anxious to see the broadcast that Habacuc thought was so important to die for. Callie (C) joins me, and she sits down next to me as I turn on the television.

"What importance does the announcement have to make in necessary to broadcast?" Callie (C) asks me.

"I'm not too sure, but whatever the new twist is, I'm sure it won't do us any good in the arena." I reply. Callie (C) laughs, as we turn our heads to President Snow who has just made his way across the stage.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed." President Snow announces. My eyes widen and so do Callie's (C). We turn heads to each other, and realize we'll have to kill the other two Capitol tributes. Well, at least I won't have to kill Callie (C), and we may be able to proceed into the second arena together.

"Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery. Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" I turn off the television immediately, and I wait for what Callie (C) has to say about the broadcast.

"Maybe we can work with this." Callie (C) says. "We both could ally, and hope that Sapphire and Morolith die in the arena. Then maybe President Snow will add a new twist where we can both go home together!"

"Yes, but I don't want to kill them. They haven't been mean to me, so far..." I pipe in.

"Louis, we have no choice." Callie (C) retorts. "They know we're siblings, so their first intentions will be that the two of them will ally."

"What if we joined the careers?" I add. "If we were to do that, then we'd have the upper-hand in the competition."

"Hmm, that could work." Callie (C) ponders. Our strategies are interrupted when Habacuc bursts into the room.

"We're here!" Habacuc announces. We get up, as Habacuc escorts us to the tribute building. We pass by Sapphire (C) and Morolith (C), who seem to be chatting with each other. I thought they'd do so. The four of us arrive to the tribute building first, and we enter the front doors. We walk down the hall, until we reach an elevator. Habacuc pushes the "up" button, and the elevator doors descend. We enter the elevator and head up to our District floor. We reach our floor and we burst into our District residence and enter our dorms. The Capitol was too lazy to renovate the building, so there ended up being only two dorms; each separated by gender category. Morolith (C) and I enter our dorm, and we are greeted with two training uniforms that sit on our respective beds.

"You have a few hours to get ready. Then, it's off to training!" Habacuc announces, and then leaves to go and sleep. Morolith (C) and I stare at each other, not saying a word. We both know that one of us have to die for the other to proceed into the second arena, and I hope that person is me. I decide to break the silence by exiting my dorm. I bump into Sapphire (C), who exits her dorm as well, so she could talk to Morolith (C). I enter my opposite dorm, where I see Callie (C) getting ready for training.

"So, what should our appearance be during training?" I ask Callie (C).

"Maybe act fierce, and join the careers, though maybe we should do something else..." Callie (C) replies.

"What if Sapphire and Morolith join the careers as well?" I ask Callie (C) again.

"I'm not too sure..." Callie (C) responds.

Nitro Shifter
This is a day I'll never be able to forget. Mercury is volunteering today. I'm really happy for her, yet I'm a little depressed. What if she doesn't come back? Oh what am I saying, she will come back. She's trained for this moment for her whole life, and I can't wait to see the day where she returns from the Hunger Games and we move to victor's village.

I prepare a suitable outfit for the reaping, and I head downstairs where my family has already prepared breakfast.

"Good morning." Mercury greets me.

"Good morning." I reply back, as I make my seat at the kitchen table.

"So, you're going to volunteer today?" I ask Mercury, trying to stir up conversation.

"Yes, I told you already." Mercury says, laughing. "I'm certain I'm ready for this."

"I think so too." I reply. We finish our meals and we get prepared for the reaping's. I ponder what my games will be like. I'm going to volunteer next year, so the both of us can come home. I can't wait to get into the arena next year. I'd have no problem killing anyone, and I'd come home before the end of the day. However, this isn't my year. This is Mercury's. I hope she does well. I get dressed into my reaping outfit.

"You look great!" Mercury compliments me. I just shrug, as I pass her and I load into our family car. Eventually, my family files in one by one and we all carry off to the reaping's. Once we get there, Mercury jumps out in excitement, as I slowly follow her. She makes her way to the zapper lady and gets her finger pricked as do I. We both file into our respective age and gender categories. The escort is already on the stage, adjusting his microphone.

Last year, his outfit was terrible. Now, I take that back. This year is much worse. This guy literally has no taste in fashion, even for a person coming from the Capitol. What is he wearing? I see clumps of fabric and ripped holes everywhere, as if he had ran through a field of razor blades.

"Welcome, District 1! As you all may know, my name is Digby Lance, and I'm here to escort District 1 for yet another year!" Digby announces. "Let's get the reaping's on a roll! First, the girl's!" Digby walks along the stage and heads over to the girl's category. I bite my nail as Digby announces the names.

"Bethany Kit and Clarice Edie!" Digby announces.

"I VOLUNTEER!" Shouts a melody of girls. I cross my fingers that Mercury is picked, as Digby observes the crowd. Digby points to a girl with dirty blonde hair, and finally Mercury. The audience claps for the two volunteers, however my applause stands out the most out of the crowd.

"On a roll, as usual! What are your names?" Digby asks the two of them.

"Mercury Shifter." Mercury replies.

"Rebecca Roy." Her counterpart responds. I cheer on Mercury as she looks at me and smiles? as she waves to the crowd.

"Now for the boy's!" Digby shouts, as he goes to the boys reaping bowl. I look back up to the stage, to see Mercury (1) chatting with Rebecca (1). Hopefully they can ally, though I'm not too sure if that's enough. Although I'm confident that Mercury (1) will emerge as victor, though there is a small chance Mercury (1) might not win. I wouldn't want to live with myself if she didn't win. I'd throw myself in front of all danger just to protect her. I know what I must do.

"Monte Prudence and Gavin Lonnie!" Digby announces.

"I VOLUNTEER!" I shout at the top of my lungs, trying to get Digby's attention. I stand up on my toes, trying to stand out as Digby focuses the crowd of volunteers. Digby points to me first along with some other kid, and I run up to the stage. Mercury looks at me oddly, as I stand meters away from her.

"Wow, you guys look very similar to each other. What are your names?" Digby asks us.

"Nitro Shifter." I respond.

"Ryan Roy." The other male tribute replies.

"Wow, we've got ourselves two pairs of siblings this year! Let's give a round of applause to Ryan Roy, Nitro Shifter, Rebecca Roy, and Mercury Shifter!" The audience applauds the reaping as we all walk to the Justice Building together. Mercury (1), Ryan (1), and Rebecca (1) are all chatting together. I think we might make an alliance consisting of District 1. However, I'm not too sure if I want that. I think I'd be better off with just Mercury (1) and I. We all go into the Justice Building and I am lead to a separate room from my fellow tributes. Two Peacekeepers slam the door, as I stare at the ground, alone. I have no visitors; my parents are probably talking to Mercury (1) right now. My time is almost up, until my parents finally finish talking to Mercury (1) and head over to my room in the Justice Building.

"What happened? I thought you weren't going to volunteer until next year..." My mother stutters.

"Yeah, but this year is a quell. I just felt like I had to protect Mercury..." I reply back.

"Well, we don't have much time, anyway we feel great that you want to help your sister. However there is most likely not going to be one victor." My father replies.

"Time is up." A Peacekeeper mutters. My parents look back to the Peacekeeper.

"Good luck, and do your best out there." My mother says before the door slams shut. I sit in the luxurious room in silence until the same Peacekeeper comes to pick me up. I arrive outside of the Justice Building, where my other three counterparts are still talking with each other. I'm not too sure if I'll be comfortable with a big alliance. The four of us and our escort are driven by car to the train station. Before we board, I pull my sister, Mercury (1), and talk with her.

"I'm not too sure if I'm comfortable with an alliance of 4. Can we just go into the games, just you and I?" I request? Mercury (1).

"Relax, it'll be fine. The more the merrier. Besides, it's not like we're going to be forced to betray and kill each other." My sister whispers back. "We have a lot in common; we're both siblings and we're both volunteers. We'll be a powerhouse, I promise. Let's go." Mercury (1) dashes into the train, and I reluctantly follow her.

I wonder how this'll turn out...

Rebecca Roy
Mercury (1), Ryan (1), and I dash into the train and absorb the wonders that are set for us. This is what we've been fighting for. The three of us wonder around the train cart, observing the place, while Nitro (1) walks into his headquarters for the day and slams the door shut. What's his problem? He's been acting shady this whole time period. Besides, what is there to worry? So far, looking at District 1's tributes this year the careers are going to be a real powerhouse. Especially with the doubled tributes this year, we'll dominate the arena. I'm sure some of the tributes from the career Districts won't end up going for the careers, but I'm still certain that nothing will stand in our way.

There is a buffet set for the tributes of our District; though we're not exactly hungry we sit down on the dining table anyway. I pick up a fork. It's thick, silver skin is the same color as the inner of the train walls. Ryan (1) is talking about the Hunger Games, and how he plans to torture his kills, and Mercury (1) is sitting there, nodding. I'm not too sure if she's the killing machine type, but she definitely does have the potential of a career.

After the reaping's, I realize I'm sort of hungry. I dig into the plate I have, and enjoy the time I have until I arrive at the training center. I'd better refuel on my energy in order to stand out during training. The three of us are sitting and laughing, until Nitro (1) slams his dorm door open. The door smashes into the wall, nearly making the train shake.

"You guys may want to see this." Nitro (1) informs us, as he walks back into his dorm. He motions us to follow us.

"What do you think it could be?" Mercury (1) asks the two of us.

"I guess we'd better find out." Ryan (1) replies. The three of us exchange looks and walk into Nitro's (1) headquarters. Nitro (1) is sitting on the floor, looking into the television like he's in a trance. We look at him, a bit puzzled, as we sit down next to him. His hands are trembling on the remote. Ryan (1) steals the remote away from him, and flickers the television on.

"Furthermore," President Snow says. This must be a replay of a broadcast. Mercury (1), Ryan (1), and I watch attentively as President Snow continues his speech.

"to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the-" Ryan (1) immediately turns the television off. Ryan (1) looks stunned, and I think Mercury (1) might be crying. Ryan (1) keeps a straight face, and leaves the dorm, abandoning our once friends. I look at Mercury (1) and Nitro (1), examining their reactions. Nitro (1) is taking this announcement well; he even looks a bit happy. However, Mercury (1) definitely isn't too happy about the broadcast. I leave the room and close the door shut. Due to this new twist in the games, I'm pretty sure that they would form an alliance. That leaves me with Ryan (1).

I walk out of Nitro's (1) dorm, and join Ryan (1) back at the dining table. I sit down, and notice that Ryan (1) is stabbing his food repetitively with his fork.

"Fuck this..." He murmurs as he stabs his food with greater force.

"What's wrong with him?" Digby asks us.

"Nothing." Ryan (1) retorts. "Let's go, Rebecca." Ryan (1) stomps over to his dorm, as I follow him, gripping my fists together. I walk into his dorm, and I don't see him. I'm a bit puzzled, until I hear a loud slam that makes me jump. I turn around, and I see Ryan (1) pushing a bookshelf towards the door. He barricades it and motions me to sit down. He sits down next to me and I'm expecting a lecture.

"Although we've been very close ever since like a few hours ago," Ryan (1) starts. "We have no choice but to kill them. They are our enemies now. If we get to attached to them, we will die. Understood?" I start to think. Mercury (1) has been a really great friend, though I haven't grown too close to Nitro (1). I don't know what I'd do if I killed Mercury (1). However, this is the Hunger Games. I must stay strong. I am a career after all. I nod in approval.

"Good. Once we get to the training center, we join the careers immediately. Nitro and Mercury won't have the chance, and they'll go into a duo. We'll have the advantage. Besides, I doubt they'll go into a careers alliance anyway." Ryan (1) informs me, as he pushes the bookshelf back into its place. Immediately, Digby bursts into the room and falls face first onto the floor.

"Um... hello." I greet Digby.

"Ugh, I was trying to open the door forever!" Digby whines. "Anyway, we're here!" The both of us are overwhelmed with excitement as we burst out of the train and we explore the glory. Digby opens the entrance doors, as the four District 1 tributes follow him. We walk down a long corridor, until we make it to a single elevator.

"Here we go!" Digby shouts, as the five of us load into the elevator. Digby presses the "1" button and the elevator immediately bursts up into the sky in the speed of light. We get to our District floor in a little under a second, and we sprint out of the elevator and head into District 1's residence. Nitro (1) and Mercury (1) go into the den, and start to watch the Hunger Games reaping's and observe their competition. Ryan (1) drags me into his residence. He locks the door, just in case Nitro (1) tries to enter his residence. There is a knock on our door.

"Get ready, because training starts when the last District gets here." Digby informs us. Ryan (1) takes Nitro's (1) training outfit and throws it out the door for Nitro (1) to get. He finally closes the door, and locks it firmly. Ryan (1) turns on his television in his dorm, and starts to watch the reaping's replays.

'We don't need to observe the tributes. We'll have time for that in training. For now, we should discuss our games strategy." Ryan (1) nods, and he flips off the television.

"Alright. So, what should we do?" I ask him.

Sovereignty Song
My eyes flutter open, I feel like I've been in a deep, long sleep. I wake up and I check my surroundings. I'm on a hospital bed. I look around me, to see surgeons everywhere. I dread for this day to come. I'm back in the science lab. I look all around me, to see the gimmicks the scientists are experimenting. And I am their latest project.

The scientists around me excuse me so I can stretch my newly updated body. Although by body has been decaying for years, my skin looks absolutely flawless. I grip my fist, clenching my skin. It feels as good as new. How long have I been out for? Certainly not for too long, because I was still alive before I went into surgery. Those brain dead scientists just wanted to perform an operation before I volunteered for the reaping's. I don't understand how the Capitol hasn't figured this out. How the same little helpless little girl from District 2 continuously volunteers for the Hunger Games just to be killed. Then, my body is cloned and sent into the Hunger Games again. It's insane, though I'd love to go back into the arena and go on a killing-spree like I had before. Once I win, I'll be able to get back at those scientists that put me through torture through all of these years. Letting me go through pain just to go into the Hunger Games and die again. Once I finally win these stupid games, I'll be able to get back at those lazy ass scientists for what they've put me through

The scientists release me from their laboratory, as I walk down the streets of District 2. I fear for the day I'll be operated again. If I lose this year, my dead body will just be tampered with. I walk over to the orphanage and burst through the front doors. All the kids look at me. I've disappeared last night, and nobody knows where I went. I got abducted by scientists, that's what. And no one went to search for me. I walk through the room, as all the orphans at me, strangely. I waltz into my room, and slam the door shut. Although I can't see it, I'm pretty sure that all the orphans are standing outside my door, looking towards the direction I went.

I pick up a ring, sitting on a table next to my bed. It's the only thing I've had ever since my actual body was alive. I palm it in my hands; although it once didn't fit me, it does now. It's the only memory I have from my past. I don't even remember my past family when I was alive during my first life. I don't even remember the names of my parents. The only thing I can remember is the ring I hold in my hand right now. Well, besides the Hunger Games where I volunteered for, and died later. There is a knock on my door.

"Sovereignty?" A voice calls from behind the door.

"It's time for the reaping's." The headmaster of the orphanage says, as he opens the door. I get up from my bed, and I walk outside. All the orphans are dressed in their finest clothes, and ready to attend the reaping.

"I'll be ready in a minute." I tell them, as I close my door again. I open my hands open, and clasp them shut as if I was palming a knife in my hands. I can't wait to get back in the arena again. I get dressed into my reaping clothes, and I exit my room. The headmaster rented a bus to go to the reaping's, and we all load into the buses provided for us. I sit at the back of the bus; nobody dares to go near me. I stare off into space until we get to the reaping's. I hear the laughter and cheer of my fellow orphans. Most of them don't like the Hunger Games, but they've got nothing to worry about because they're volunteers that could possibly take their place. We arrive at the reaping's and everyone files out of the buses. I go up to the lady with the zapper, and she pricks my finger. I slowly walk to the reaping crowd, and fill into the 12-year-old-girls category. I wait and wait for the escort to come onto stage, and he finally does. The escort has some wacky make-up on, as he caked himself in red. However, his clothing style isn't abnormal, since he has a simple white shirt and blue jeans.

"Greetings, District 2!" The escort shouts. "I'm Burgundy White, and I'm happy to be back for another year to host the reaping's of District 2" The crowd goes wild, as Burgundy smiles.

"Now let's get the reaping's on a roll! Let's start with the girls!" Burgundy announces. He walks over to the girls reaping bowl and pulls out one slip.

"Omega Atherton!" Burgundy announces.

"I VOLUNTEER!" I shout, along with a bunch of other girls. I shove my hand up high. The sooner I win these things, the sooner I can sue those horrible scientists. Burgundy observes the crowd and finally points to a girl. Sadly, that girl isn't me. Another girl with black hair runs up to the stage. She has tanned skin and is somewhat tall. That bitch!

"What's your name?" Burgundy asks the diva who took my place.

"Timber Fable." The girl responds. I frown, until Burgundy starts to shove his hand in the bowl for another name. Oh yes, I forgot. This is a quell, and there are double the tributes! I smile with glee, I still have a chance. I won't let it slip away.

"Kimberlie Hatch!" Burgundy shouts once more.

"I VOLUNTEER!" I repeat, along with a bunch of other girls. I need to do better. I let out some puppy eyes, and stand on the tips of my toes. Although I'll come off as cute and adorable, it'll fool the rest of the tributes. I'll dominate in the arena when they don't expect it. Burgundy lays eyes towards me and smiles. I smile back. He motions me to come up to the stage and I do so.

"What's your name?" Burgundy asks me.

"Sovereignty Song." I respond.

"Wonderful! Now, let's reap the male tributes from District 2!" Burgundy announces as he struts across the stage, and makes his way to the boys reaping bowl. He pulls out one slip, and announces the name to the crowd.

"Garth Trinidad!" Burgundy announces. A boy looks up in terror, but he calms down when 50 other guys volunteer to take his place. Burgundy points to one of the monsters in the back. However, I'm surprised by the new male tribute. Although he is tall and strong, he seems very gentle and nice. You could say he is a gentle giant. I wonder why he volunteered.

"What's your name?" Burgundy asks him.

"Spencer Miernava." The boy responds. Burgundy smiles, as he pulls one more slip out of the reaping bowl and announces the name.

"Ulysses Dye!" Burgundy shouts into the microphone.

"I VOLUNTEER!" A bunch of guys shout once more. Speeding up the reaping, Burgundy immediately points to a random volunteer and he smiles. Luckily, he seems pretty strong. Another tall guy walks up to stage. He is just as tough as his counterpart, except he seems like he'll take no mercy.

"Four volunteers! Though, I wouldn't expect anything different. What is your name?" Burgundy exclaims.

"Ryan Johnson." The boy responds.

"Wonderful!" Burgundy announces. "Let's show our appreciation to our four tributes from District 2! Ryan Johnson, Spencer Miernava, Sovereignty Song, and Timber Fable!" The crowd applauds us, as the four of us flee into the Justice Building. I am left alone in my own room, as I sit down in silence. I clutch the leather on one of the sofas, and grip it tight. I remember this room. I never have visitors. I get up from the sofa, and exit my room without being dismissed. I don't care, not like I have any visitors. I exit the Justice Building, as Peacekeepers look at me weirdly. Two of them hold me back, though I power through them. The Peacekeepers aim to fight back, until the three other District 2 tributes exit the building. The Peacekeepers give me a cold look, as Ryan (2), Spencer (2), Timber (2), and I walk to the train. I look up, as I see the tribute train. I remember that too. A silver shuttle pulls into the station, and I step into the train.

Spencer Miernava
I enter the train, and admire the technology. I'm amazed at how the Capitol is able to come up with such advanced technology like this. Then again, it's the Capitol; they could probably do anything. Ryan (2) and Timber (2) admire our home for the next few hours, excluding Sovereignty (2), who sat down on a leather chair looking bored as ever. It's like she's already been here.

After working for a while, we've finally got the treatment we deserve. Although I dropped out of the academy a few years ago, I just had to get out of District 2. It brings too many memories about Jade. My parents. I'm hoping that they are all looking down upon me and wishing me the best. Except for my mother. She's probably burning in the depths of hell. She caused me so much pain, so I'd say that was karma that killed her. However, she had to bring my dad with her. I wish my father was still with me right now. I sit down on a couch as Timber (2) and Ryan (2) join me. I'm not too sure if they are trying to be friendly, or trying to scope the competition with me, because I have no intuition to be with them. I look through the reaping's, watching each District that has already concluded their reaping. About an hour through, all the reaping's have been broadcasted. There is one tribute that stands out in mind. I handle the remote, and re-play that reaping continuously.

"Why do you keep on re-playing that Districts reaping?" Ryan (2) asks me, a bit annoyed.

"Oh... sorry..." I say, immediately switching the channel to statistics of the Hunger Games. So far, there is nothing. However, the Capitol citizens are betting on what tributes to bet already. I doubt any of the Capitol citizens have seen all the reaping's yet, but for some reason they're still betting. At most, each tribute has about $200 on them. However, the games have just begun. I excuse myself to my dorm, as my fellow District partners nod. I rush into my dorm and lock the door. I turn on my personal television, and turn on the reaping's. I re-play a certain reaping over and over. I feel like I'm in a trance when I see this certain girl being reaped. Her appearance and her style got me immediately drawn to her. I can't tell, but I feel that we have an amazing connection between each other and I'm not too sure if she knows I exist yet. Something warm and tingly inside sparks up whenever I hear her name being announced by the escort. I think I'm finding a new love all over again...

I look up into the sky, and wonder if Jade would be mad if I ditched her for another. I immediately dismiss that thought. She'd be happy that I was able to move on and find another person that I like. Although I do not know this tribute yet, I am going to very soon. Something about her makes me want to protect her. That this was meant to happen. I only made up my mind of volunteering a few months ago. Maybe this was meant to happen. That the both of us were to be reaped. All of a sudden, the television flips to a different channel without my command. I'm a bit puzzled, though I continue to watch anyway. President Snow walks onto the interview stage and begins to talk. I wonder what's so important about this.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." President Snow says. I lift my eyebrow at the new twist. Is that is? That can't be it. Oh well, at least this twist won't affect me too much. Although Ryan (2) is a tough competitor in these games, though I'm confident I can take him.

"Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" The television flips back to my previous channel, which isn't showing the reaping's anymore. I exit my dorm and go to the main compartment, wondering what Ryan's (2) reaction is. I enter the compartment, and I see Ryan (2) glaring at me, viciously. I don't think he'll go easy on me. I look towards Timber (2), who is trying to torment Sovereignty (2). Sovereignty (2) walks away from Timber (2) and enters her dorm, as if it couldn't possibly matter to her. Burgundy bursts into the room, and immediately senses the coldness in the room.

"Yikes, what put you guys in a bad mood?" Burgundy asks us. I look puzzled at him. Didn't he see the twist? If not, doesn't he already know about the twist either way? I just don't know. As I said, you can never predict what the Capitol will do.

"Well, anyway, we're here!" Burgundy exclaims. "Follow me!" Ryan (2), Timber (2), Sovereignty (2), and I follow Burgundy out of the tribute train and we enter the training center. The building is even more advanced than the train. The three tributes and I burst into the building and sprint across the hall, with Burgundy trying to catch up with us. We continue across the corridor, making turns along the way, until we finally reach an elevator.

"I guess we board here." I say, as I press a button. The elevator doors open, as we all enter the elevator. We hold the door for Burgundy, as he eventually gets in the elevator. We make our way to District 2's floor and we all file out into District 2's residence. The place is amazing.

"Once the last District gets here, training starts. You can go to the training center any time you want, as long as you wear the uniforms that are placed on your beds. Sadly, there are only two dorms which will be shared by gender category. Have fun!" Burgundy exclaims, as he goes into the kitchen to make himself a coffee despite being around 4 in the afternoon. I sigh as I enter my dorm to rest. Ryan (2) enters the dorm with me to get his training uniform, and exits right after leaving me in peace. I turn on the television to watch the reaping's again, specifically the girl I've had my eye on for a while. Once training starts, I'll think about making a first impression.

Although these are the Hunger Games, I'm still not too sure what to do. I'm not too sure if I should just continue on with the games, only observing this girl from a far, or setting aside my life so I can let this girl win. Both options I feel are the right thing to do. My parents are looking down. My first love is looking down on me. What would they want me to do?

Naria Avenforth
It's still dusk by the time I wake up. The moon is setting, and the stars are dulling. I gaze up at the stars as they fading away one by one. I look up towards my drive way in hopes of my mother returning. Although I've overheard a conversation about my mother's death, I've never wanted myself to believe it. I await my mother's return every day, but she never returns. I'm starting to lose hope every day. Although there is no proof I have that my mother actually died, there is definitely a high chance.

The sun is rising from the east, and I've waited for a few hours. My mother hasn't returned. I'm starting to lose hope. What they said must be true. My mother is dead. And I will never see her again. I turn from the window, given up. I turn towards my bedside table and grasp a necklace in my palms. I've kept it close to me ever since my mother died. I wrap the necklace around my neck and I bolt downstairs to the kitchen. My father is preparing breakfast for me, there is a plate prepared with my favorite foods on the kitchen table. I sit down on the table and examine my feast.

"Are you prepared?" My father asks me.

"Prepared for what?" I ask him back.

"Today is reaping day. Are you prepared?" My father replies. So that explains the big breakfast.

"I don't know..." I reply back. I forgot all about that. I know I'd have the skills to win, though I know that my chances of being picked are slim to none. Still, there always is that possibility I will be picked. If I do be picked, I won't go down without a fight. I've restrained myself from practicing fighting techniques since my mother died. I couldn't let myself practice combat techniques; it reminds me of my mother. I was so excited to see my mother the day she was supposed to come back; I practiced combat techniques so she would be proud of what I accomplished ever since her mission to spy on the Capitol. I never expected she wouldn't come back. I never suspected that being a spy could've been a very risky job, though I should've known better. Although I've stopped training in the arts of a spy, that was a year ago. I'm sure I'll remember what I've learned in the past if I were to be reaped. The reaping bell starts to ring, signaling the reaping occurring soon.

"Well we'd better be prepared soon." My father says. He turns off his oven and cleans up the kitchen before getting dressed. I finish up my breakfast and I rush into one of the bathrooms in my house. I take a shower and I apply a thin layer of make-up. I'm out quickly in 10 minutes. I'm not like most of the girls in my school, who spend hours in the bathroom applying makeup and hair care products. I don't see the need of it, unless if it's a special occasion. And there is absolutely nothing special about reaping day. I put on a jacket and my father and I walk to the reaping's. We arrive to the reaping's, and my dad and I go into the plaza. I get my finger pricked and I go to my age and gender category.

The reaping's start, and I look towards my father. He gives me thumbs up, telling me not to worry. I turn back to the stage, waiting for the escort to come. She doesn't. The audience starts to chatter and talk and I stand there looking into space. I sort of forgot last year's reaping's, but what I can remember is that she was late. Peacekeepers descend backstage to find the escort, and they drag her onto the stage. Her face isn't recognizable, as there is a thick layer of white make-up on her face. The layer looks like it's at least an inch. She dressed herself in a long black dress with tentacles sticking out of her back. Her look is too vibrant to not forget.

"Welcome, humans." The escort says in a deep, emotionless tone. I thought our escort was a female, but now I'm starting to think District 3's escort is a male. "My name is Ladislava Krysten and I am very happy to be here for another year." Ladislava announces, although she looks extremely bored. The crowd goes silent and Ladislava continues.

"I'm glad we're all excited. I know I am." Ladislava murmurs. "Let's start off by reaping the two girls from District 3." Ladislava slowly walks across the stage. One of her tentacles on her dress starts to move towards the girls reaping bowl. I'm starting to think that those tentacles are part of her body. The tentacle pulls a slip from the bowl, and she holds it up in front of her face.

"Naria Avenforth." Ladislava announces. I stay still. I'm absolutely stunned. I didn't think I'd be reaped. This isn't possible. Out of all the kids in District 3, I'm probably the least likely to be reaped. This is bizarre. The votes must've been rigged. I slowly exit my category and I walk towards the stage. Everyone stares at me as I slowly walk up the stairs and plant my feet on the stage. Ladislava pulls out another name and shouts the name into the microphone.

"Enera Summers!" Ladislava announces. Another girl approaches the stage. She has brown hair and bright amber eyes that shimmer in the sunlight. She walks up to the stage making no impression. She's boring. Hopefully there will be another tribute I can ally with.

"Now let's announce the male tributes." Ladislava states as she struts to the other side of the stage. She pulls out a name and announces the name to the audience.

"Micah Gigga." Ladislava says as a boy emerges from the audience. A boy with brown hair and blue eyes walks towards the stage. He made the same impression he made with Enera (3), nothing.

"Digit Starr." Ladislava says. Another boy comes up to the stage. He has dark red hair and brown eyes. He walks towards the stage, gloomy and sad. These tributes are boring. I'm going into the games alone.

"What an exciting day." Ladislava cheers, though no emotion comes out of her phrase. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a round of applause to Digit Star, Micah Gigga, Enera Summers, and Naria Avenforth!" The crowd stays silent, though Ladislava ignores the fact. The four of us walk into the Justice Building. The last thing I see before being dragged into the building is my father lunging towards the stage in tears. I must stay strong. For my father. For my mother. I am left alone in a room by myself. My father joins me a few minutes later. He enters the room, trying to stop his tears.

"Naria. Listen to me." My father says, in a much more strong and stern voice. I nod my head.

"You have to win. Your mother is gone; I don't want to lose you too." My father tells me in a shaky voice.

"I'll do my best..." I reply. My father quickly hugs me and I hesitate for a moment before wrapping his arms around him back.

"Time is up." A Peacekeeper says after bursting into the room.

"No! Please!" My father begs. The Peacekeeper sighs, and then goes into the room to drag my father out.

"Naria!" My father shouts. I get up from my seat and try to rush to save him. It's no use; the Peacekeeper is out before I can react. I sit back down, determined to win. I only have my father and my father only has me. I can't let him down now. Another Peacekeeper bursts into the room.

"You're coming with me." He tells me. I get up from my seat and exit the Justice Building. I meet my fellow District 3 tributes and we all go to the train station. The silver shuttle finally pulls into the station and Ladislava boards the train. She turns back towards us, realizing we're not boarding.

"Aren't you guys coming?" Ladislava asks us, as she turns back to board the train. My partners exchange looks as we all board the train together.

Digit Starr
We all board the train and gaze at the sight. This will be our home for the next few hours. Hopefully I'll be able to enjoy myself before I enter the arena. Micah (3), Enera (3), Naria (3), and I all sit down. Naria (3) immediately flips the channel over to re-plays of the reaping's. Naria (3) attentively examines the tributes while the rest of us talk and get to know each other better. I've sort of accepted the fact that my chances of winning are slim to none. I know I do have potential to win, though I want to enjoy myself before what could be my final days of life. Enera (3) and Micah (3) are nice in their own ways. They're both somewhat shy, but we all get along very well. Naria (3) has her eyes drawn to the television screen and is completely ignoring us, but I think we'll gain her trust before we get to the arena.

"What do you guys think of this place?" Enera (3) asks us while biting into a muffin.

"It's definitely better than my place back at District 3..." Micah (3) replies.

"Well, you're in for a treat when we get to the Capitol." Ladislava informs us. "The Capitol is filled with cheer and grace, even making me warm up with glee." I somehow doubt that. Hunger overcomes me and I sit at a table set up with all kinds of goodies and treats. Enera (3) and Micah (3) follow me as we feast on the best meal we've ever had. Naria (3) is glued to the couch, and won't keep her eyes off the television.

"Oh no." Naria (3) moans.

"What's wrong?" Enera (3) asks her, as she finishes her meal and joins her. Micah (3) and I follow Enera (3) and watch the television. President Snow is on the interview stage and he's continuing a speech.

"This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery. Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" President Snow concludes as he walks off the stage.

Oh no. This can't be possibly happening. I look towards Enera (3). She has her head in her lap, trying to hide her tears and sniffling. Micah (3) turns towards me and also expresses a sad look on his face. I thought that Micah (3), Enera (3), and I would make a great alliance in the arena and have a great bond between each other; well I guess that can't happen now. Enera (3) runs into her dorm crying, as Micah (3) walks away. I sit down on the couch with Naria (3). She ignores me, and I feel like I'm all alone. I can feel the Capitol's laughter, as they tear up the trust in Districts. They've definitely done a good job. I look towards Naria (3), and she looks confident, almost happy about the twist. If she can stay strong, so can I. I straighten my back and keep my head high. I don't want to kill Micah (3), but if I were to choose between his life and mine, I think I'll know what to do. If I avoid Micah (3) for the rest of my time in the Capitol, the less guilty I'll feel if I kill him.

I head back to my dorm for a little nap. I still have time, right? I reach my dorm and I drag my feet on the carpet until I reach a broad bed in the corner of the room. I jump onto the bed and settle in immediately. I rest my eyes and go to sleep, until I feel an un-easy feeling. Like... someone's watching me. I toss and turn around in my bed as I imagine a creek of a door and footsteps approaching me. The tension is finally getting to me. I open my eyes and I see Ladislava staring at me with a creepy expression on her face.

"AHH!" I scream.

"Terribly sorry to startle you," Ladislava apologizes. "Though I must inform you that we've arrived at the Capitol. Once we get to your residence, you'll be able to nap all you want." Ladislava slowly creeps out of the room, as I follow her. Enera (3), Naria (3), and Micah (3) are already outside the shuttle as I exit the train. We make our way to the Training Center. I gaze at the large skyscraper as the five of us pass the doors and look at the decorations. Ladislava is right after all, the train is nothing compared to the construction quality of the Training Center. We walk down the corridor until we reach a single silver elevator. Ladislava instructs her tributes to enter the elevator, and we do so. The elevator takes us to our tribute floor and we all flood out of the elevator eager to see our santuary for the week. I enter our residence and I give myself time to admire and get used to the place.

Although the sun is still bright and shining, I head to my dorm to get some sleep. I bump into Micah (3) in our dorm, and he's watching the television finishing the re-cap of the reaping's. I don't mind, as long as I don't bond with him I won't have the fear of killing him. I dig under the covers and fall asleep quickly, hoping that I'm in an endless nightmare desperately trying to wake up.

I never do.

Elena Pierce
I slowly flutter my eyes open. My alarm clock sitting on my bedside beeps frantically. I clasp the clock with all my might until the clock shatters into pieces. The clock's screams decease as I jump off of my bed. I walk over to my dresser, getting dressed for the new day. Once I'm dressed, I examine all the photos I have standing on top of my dresser. My eyes hover over my past, as memories run through my head. My eyes stop when a concrete memory stands out in my mind. In the picture, my ex and I are leaning against each other. That was when I though he was the one. That was when I thought he was perfect. He was never perfect. I trusted him with my heart and he crushed it. My veins swell and surge with anger. My heart rate increases as I run through all the memories I've had with him. How he completely betrayed me and vanished from my life. How he left me for some other girl I doubt he knew. I walk over to my window and open it. What surveys me is a lovely view of the beach and sunrise. I chuck the photograph out into the ocean. The photo sinking into the deep blue signalizing our break-up. That photo should've been gone from my life months ago.

I slam my window shut and walk away with my back facing the beach. I never want to be reminded of him again. I stomp down the stairs and make my way to my families' kitchen. I see a plate set up, and I'm assuming that's for me. If not, oh well. I sit down at the kitchen table and feast on my meal. My parents exchange glances, then return their attention towards me.

"Are you okay?" My mother asks me.

"No, and it's none of your business either." I retort.

"I thought you'd be happy. Today is the reaping's, and you've been anticipating the day for months..." My father adds.

"You're making this sound like this is a problem." I mumble, as I stab my fork into my food.

"Well, we're going to miss you being around the house." My mother says.

"Are you not confident of my return?" I demand of them.

"Well-" My father starts.

"Do you not think I'm strong enough for the Hunger Games!?" I tell them, in a much louder tone.

"No, it's nothing like tha-" My mother explains.

"NO! I don't want to hear it!" I scream at them. Having enough of their company, I immediately march out of the house and make my way onto the streets. I'll prove them wrong. I walk down the street and onto a beach. This is where the reaping's normally take place. I walk down across the beach, admiring the scenery. This place has many memories, some good and some bad. One in particular terrible. The memory of my ex-boyfriend runs through my mind while walking on this beach, and I immediately diminish it. I arrive to the reaping's ceremony, where everyone has already gathered. I smile, as I walk over to the lady with the zapper and get my finger pricked. I join the crowd as I go to my age and gender category. I look into the crowd, and I see him. My ex-boyfriend. I stare at him for a long time, until he finally realizes my location. I give him an unforgivable look, and he immediately turns away and walks deeper into his section. That serves him right. The reaping's finally start and the escort walks onto the stage. He is as abnormal as I remember him. He has long, straight white hair and misty blue eyes. He obviously didn't dye his hair very recently, because strands of yellow hair emerge from his scalp. The horrible fashion trends the Capitol gives out is utterly disgusting, however I'm sure there are worse than him.

"Welcome, District 4!" The escort shouts, getting the crowd on their feet with excitement. "As you all know, my name is Davin Emmett and I have eager to be here again!" The crowd claps and cheers, though I still remain silent.

"Let's start off with the girls, shall we?" He asks the crowd as he heads over to the girls reaping bowl. Davin pulls two slips out of the bowl and announces the names.

"Anastacia Keefe and Salome Strain!" Davin shouts.

"I VOLUNTEER!" I shout over the rest of the female volunteers. Davin surveys the crowd and first points his finger towards my direction. I smile and head up towards the stage along with another girl.

"What are your names?" Davin asks the two of us. He lowers the microphone towards my female District partner, but I clutch the microphone and move it towards my direction before she can reveal her name.

"Elena Pierce." I say, sweetly. Davin yanks the microphone away from me.

"Elizabeth Tunstall." The girl with blonde hair and blue eyes replies.

"Wonderful! Now let's reap the male tributes!" Davin cheers, as he travels to the boys reaping bowl. He palms two slips in his fists and reads the names.

"Elwood Bayer and Dwain Culberson!" Davin yells into the microphone.

"I VOLUNTEER!" Shouts a bunch of guys. I look through the crowd, wondering which one of them will be picked. A Peacekeeper glares at one of them, and he immediately tenses up and raises his hand. Davin immediately chooses him, along with another guy. The two of them walk onto stage.

"Magnificent, four volunteers! Well, I guess that's normal for a career District. What are your names?" Davin asks the two of them.

"Infinity Ocean..." Whispers a boy with light brown hair and sea blue eyes.

"Creek Mooris." Says the other with caramel hair and light blue eyes.

"That ends the reaping's, District 4 give a hand to your representatives Creek Mooris, Infinity Ocean, Elizabeth Tunstall, and Elena Pierce!" Davin announces. The crowd applauds once again, as I walk over to the Justice Building with two Peacekeepers guarding me. I am left alone in a room, with two Peacekeepers guarding me from outside my door. My parents barge into the door the second I get in there, and come in to comfort me.

"Elena, to win these games you've got to be-" My father starts.

"I told you already. I know what to do. I know how to win." I tell my father.

"We believe in you, though we just want to do our part int-" My mother pitches in.

"I've made this clear already. I know what I'm doing. I don't need to be told what to do, because I'm already certain I'll win." I retort.

"You haven't won yet. Elena in order to win these games you can't be-" My father says trying to help me.

"Sorry, but I don't need any help. Although it's appreciative, I know what I must do in the arena. I promise I'll win." I reply back, in a sweeter tone hoping they'd finally shut-up.

"But you don't only need the skill-" My mother says.

"Actually, if you have the skill you have what it takes. I have the skill. I have what it takes. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." I respond.

"Elena! Listen to us! You can't be-" My father yells at me.

"Time is up." A Peacekeeper informs us. Well, at least I didn't interrupt him this time. My parents walk out of the room, worn out. All they can do now, is watch what happens on the screen and hope for the best. Unexpectedly, I have another visitor. A person walks into the room, and stands still. At first I had trouble identifying him, but now I remember. Tyler. My ex-boyfriend.

"What do you want!?" I shout at him, still angry at him. There is nothing he can say or do to make me forgive him.

"Babe, I'm sorry for what I did that day." Tyler starts, as I'm already steaming with hatred. "I'm telling you, that girl and I had nothing going on between each other."

"Then why'd you do it!? Why would you even think about it!?" I retort. "And really, there's nothing going on between you two? I bet she's waiting outside the Justice Building waiting for you!" I shout at him once more.

"It wasn't what it seemed!" Tyler tells me. "I can explain everything!"

"OUT OF EVERY SINGLE GUY IN DISTRICT 4, I CHOSE YOU!" I scream at him. "I THOUGHT YOU WERE BETTER THAN THAT!" Tyler opens his mouth for an excuse, but I stop him. I punch him in the jaw and he falls backwards. He slams into the wall as I close in on him. I kick him in the groin and punch him in the nose. He rubs the blood away from his nose as I pick up a vase from the table. It was so beautiful with elegant designs and patterns; it's a shame I had to break it. I slam the vase onto Tyler's skull, nearly knocking him out cold. I'm about to punch him once more, until the Peacekeepers come in. They widen their eyes in shock; the room was a mess.

"Oops...?" I whisper, trying to get out of it. No use. I am escorted out of the Justice Building as Tyler is taken to an infirmary near by. As I'm walking out, I catch eyes with the girl I saw with Tyler at the beach. That jerk will never change. I'm sure I'll be hearing about this in the arena. No matter, I'm still positive I have a good chance at winning. I exit the Justice Building with Elizabeth (4), Creek (4), and Mooris (4). We all load into a car as we are driven to a nearby train station. The train station is nearly deserted, as residents don't commonly travel from District's while the Capitol tries to isolate the Districts to a maximum amount. A shuttle speeds into the station, and the doors slide open. I smile, as I enter the train eager to get the treatment I deserve.

Creek Mooris
Infinity (4), Elizabeth (4), and I enter the train and observe the sight. We'll never want to leave this place. Elena (4) stomps in after us and pushes us aside. She dragged her feet across the floor and entered a dorm. She slammed the door shut, nearly rattling the shuttle. I shrug it off and sit down to watch the highlights of the reaping's. Elizabeth (4) and Infinity (4) join me as I identify my allies and competition. Elizabeth (4) and Infinity (4) look strong, Infinity (4) stronger than the average career. However, they're both very quiet. Elizabeth (4) keeps to herself and Infinity (4) looks like he doesn't want to be here. I've already seen Elena (4), she's a brute. She'll probably get a kill before anyone gets into the arena. I start to pay attention to my competition and keep some strong competitors in mind. The Capitol girl, I think her name is Sapphire (C). She seems arrogant and strong, like she was meant to be a career. I hope she joins us. Besides that, the Capitol and District 3 don't stand out in my mind too much. I hope the competition this year will be easy and then the careers are guaranteed a victor.

Bored, I start to flip through channels until I find something interesting. I stop in a games where I remember a tribute from our District won. His victor was sort of similar to Annie's, he won because he escaped a flood, though we're still proud. Elizabeth (4) immediately starts paying attention and gives eye contact to the monitor. The District 4 male escapes the flood and is transported into a hovercraft.

"Yay!" Elizabeth (4) cheers, as she smiles and applauds the victor, although he already won years ago. Once the games finish, I start flipping through channels again. I continue to do this until the channel sticks to a certain one. I try to proceed through channels, but it's like the buttons were jammed.

"What the hell?!" I panic, as I rapidly press random buttons. Infinity (4) and Elizabeth (4) both look up to the broadcast and I give up and join them. The setting takes place at the interviews stage, prepared for some sort of announcement. President Snow walks onto the stage, and I'm eager to figure out what's so important.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." President Snow says. I hear someone laugh evilly from another room, and it doesn't take long to register that the person was Elena (4). Elizabeth (4) bites her lip, as Infinity (4) looks at me in horror. Although Infinity (4) is strong, his confidence will break him like a twig.

"Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" The screen flashes and fades to black. I turn on the television and the remote responds normally. Elizabeth (4) looks worried, Elena (4) will be an extremely tough opponent. Infinity (4) will be hopefully an easy opponent. I'm not too worried.

"Hi..." Elizabeth (4) says. I turn around, to see her perched near me. "What do you think of these years' tributes?" She asks me, as she leans in closer to me, playing with her hair. I'm not too sure, but I think she's trying to flirt with me. Something tells me it's not because she actually likes me. I sigh as I push her off me and walk into my dorm. The last thing I see is Elizabeth (4) flirting with Infinity (4). Oh so I see, she's trying to get one of us to help her kill Elena (4). She's clever, though will it be enough? Elena (4) is strong, and she may be able to take two careers at once.

I sit on a bed and decide what I should do. The careers may separate because of this twist, and I need to make sure I have the upper hand advantage. But how? If Infinity (4) was able to corner me at a weak point, I'd be doomed because I'd have no one to have my back. This will be harder than I thought. I can almost hear the Capitol's laugh as they force the careers to fight. It's always been illegal to train before the games, and now the Capitol can finally get their say in it. After hours of running strategy through my mind, the train makes a sudden stop and I look out my cabin window. Buildings and architectural structures spread out in a landscape like no other. That can only mean one thing. We're in the Capitol. I rush out of my residence where the rest of my counterparts wait for me. Our escort, Davin, waits outside of the train station and escorts us to a limo which transports us to the Training Center. I smile as we all enter a building filled with gadgets and items I can't recognize or describe. We pass through a long stretched out corridor making lots of turns until we reach an elevator.

"All aboard!" Davin announces as he trots inside. Elena (4) sneers as we all enter the elevator and proceed to our District floor. Elena (4) pushes everyone out of the way and enters the room. The four of us trail her and enter our residence. Elizabeth (4) immediately talks Infinity (4) into helping her. I knew that Elizabeth (4) would probably help Infinity (4) back, and I'd probably be stuck. I think about turning to Elena (4) for help, but I dismiss that. She'll accuse me of being a weak link. This'll be harder than I thought. Should I just stand around and hope that Elena (4) is stronger than the two of them and not intervene? Or should I try to talk to Elena (4) and make a truce with her. Although we'd be stronger, she'd never accept to it. I sit down on a much finer and luxurious couch to finish the re-caps of the reaping's. Each District finishes their reaping's and I eventually fall asleep on the couch, with the remote in my fist.

Tameo Arghus
I shiver under my sheets from the cold embrace, unable to sleep. I get goose bumps all over as my hollow body seeks warmth. My ribcage pushes my chest out, stretching my stomach. I shiver and quiver, trying to release the cool air from my body. I can feel my lips turning blue. I look for possible openings for wind to release from and I see my window slightly opened. I walk up to my window to close it, until I realize that I’ve over slept and the sun has already popped out of the horizon. Another sleepless night. Hopefully today will be better. I slowly creep down the stairs and walk into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Tameo!” My mother greets me, as my father waves. At least I’ve always got my parents close to me. They’re always so supporting of me. I smile as I return the greeting, trying to look to the positive sides of life. I notice a plate has been already set up for me so I cave in and decide to eat before the reaping’s. I take a spoonful of soup prepared for me and suddenly feel sick to the stomach. My face turns green and my parents rush to my aid.

“Are you okay?!” My father panics.

“I t-think I’ll be fine…” I stutter. That’s enough of that. I sit down on my seat as I slowly recover. My parents breathe the sigh of relief as my face slowly fades back to normal. The clock on the counter chimes as my parents immediately spring into action.

“The reaping’s must be soon. Tameo, you can take anything from the cupboard to eat along the way to the reaping’s. Let’s get ready.” My father informs us. I sprint to the bathroom as my mother and father leave the room to get dressed. I vomit out the little I had to eat today and flush it down the toilet. I lean against the wall, trying to regain focus. I sense my parents coming to check on me, so I immediately pour mouth wash in my mouth as they knock on the door.

“Tameo? Are you alright? We hear noises…” My mother says, concerned.

“Yeah, um, I’m fine…” I reply. My parents exchange worried looks as I walk back upstairs to get ready. They’ve been concerned about my health for a while, and they’ve been encouraging me to get back on track. But I can’t, I just can’t. I’m not going to return to my past. The thought of being bullied is too much to handle. I get nightmares every time I pass that old factory…

I don’t think too much about my style. I just throw on some clothes and brush my teeth and I’m out in a few minutes. My parents arrive fully dressed and we all travel to the reaping’s by car. Most of the residents stare at us; not everyone owns a car in District 5. We’re one of the lucky ones. The three of us arrive at the reaping’s and we all unload into the plaza. I go in line to get my finger pricked when I feel someone push my head forward. I turn around and see three guys from my school laughing. I shiver, not knowing what to do. They’ve been bullying me for the past few years, and right now it’s getting out of control. The lady with the zapper holds her hand out; I point out my index finger and I cringe when I see blood. The three stooges laugh as I glare at them. I run away from them as fast as I can and get in my age and gender category. I wait for our escort, Dianna, to come onto stage and give her speech.

“Greetings to District 5!” Dianna shrieks into the microphone. “You all know me as Dianna Noelle and I’m extremely excited to be escorting District 5 for another year!” The crowd stays silent for a while, and Dianna glares at them.

“Well anyway, I’m glad to know that this District produced the first victor and mentor!” Dianna announces.

“Let’s welcome… Chrissie Seyong.” She mutters. I can tell Dianna doesn’t like her. Chrissie walks onto stage, looking completely miserable. The crowd stays silent as she walks across the stage and sits down on a reserved seat. If you didn’t tell me Chrissie’s or Dianna’s last names, I would’ve expected they were related in some sort of way. The crowd looks in despair as they see what the Hunger Games can do to a person. If I were to be reaped and win these games, which probably won’t happen, I’d probably be a mess afterwards.

“Let’s give the honor of Chrissie to reap District 5’s tributes!” She announces. Chrissie glares at her in anger as Dianna hands the microphone to her.

“Alright. Let’s make this quick.” Chrissie mumbles. She stomps across the stage and sticks her hands into the girls reaping bowl.

“The female tributes are…” Chrissie says while she unfolds the slip. “Jade Venus and Megan Land.” The crowd gasps hauntingly as a twelve year old walks onto stage. A girl with aqua and brown hair and a girl with light and dark brown hair walk onto the stage. One of them, I’m guessing is Jade (5) starts to sniffle a bit, but quickly brushes the tears away as Megan (5) consoles her.

“And the male tributes are…” Chrissie announces, as I turn my head towards her. “Ryin Fizi and Tameo Arghus.” No…. NO! I stare in shock, as I try to make out in my mind what’s happening. I’ve been reaped. The three bullies start to laugh and point at me, and I feel like I’m at the urge of crying. I walk up the stage with Ryin (5) beside me. After being reaped, he still continues to smile. He stares at the bullies coldly until they finally stop, and he consoles me after.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Tameo Arghus, Ryin Fizi, Megan Land, and Jade Venus.” Chrissie quickly says, as she brings all four of us into the Justice Building. I am locked in a room by myself as the Peacekeepers conduct my visitors to my room. My parents storm off into my room and start to comfort me.

“Tameo, everything will be alright. I promise you….” My mother says, although she sounds like she’s already given up.

“You can do this. We’re your parents. We believe in you. Whatever you do, never give up. We’ll be fine for now, but right now you have to think about yourself. You don’t need to be the most athletic if you are smart. You can do this.” My father informs me.

“Time is up.” A Peacekeeper informs us.

“But-but…” My mother stammers.

“We’ve only been here for like a few seconds!” My father shouts. The Peacekeeper growls, but my parents continue to stay put. Swarms of Peacekeeper invade the room and take away my parents. I look in shock as my parents are painfully dragged out of the room.

“Tameo! We love you!” My mother cries before she is dragged out of the room. I can feel massive amounts of tears roll down my face. What could possibly get worse? I look down in sadness. The door creeks open and I look up. More visitors? Three teenagers stand before me. The ones who constantly bully me. I just had to ask.

“Well, well. Look who it is.” The tallest one says. I don’t know their names, but their faces are recognizable at an instinct. Oh no. Not this again. I quiver in fear as I run to a closet and lock myself in it. Safe, for now. The trio proceeds to the closet and start to hack at it. I fear for my life. District 5 will be forever ashamed if they have a tribute die before they get to the Capitol, though I can’t stop it. The three of them claw at the door and start punching the closet doors with their fists. The oak wood starts to snap and break as I cradle in a feeble position and shift back and forth. The closet door breaks and the three of them evilly grin. They’re about to take turns torturing me, and maybe even worse. Everything buzzing through my mind. The old factory. Those goons tied me up and took turns sexually abusing me. I shut my eyes close, fearing the worst of possibilities.

“Time is u-“A Peacekeeper says. He examines the closet and stops the three of them before they do any harm to me. All the Peacekeepers there rush at them and carry them out. I hear screaming and shouting for a few seconds, and then silence. I’m still shivering; I’m not too sure what those Peacekeepers did to them.

“It’s safe to come out.” A Peacekeeper grunts. I can’t believe it. They saved me. I never expected the Capitol to do anything positive towards me. Well, I guess they couldn’t let a tribute die. I’d rather die in the arena then at the claws of those bullies, so I’ll take it. All the Peacekeepers there surround me and guard me from trouble as I’m escorted to the train station. Dianna, Jade (5), Megan (5), Ryin (5), and Chrissie all wait for me in the shuttle. I smile when I see them; so far they haven’t judged me for my appearance. They seem like nice people so far. I step foot into the train, as the doors close behind me and the train shoots through the tracks.

Jade Venus
The six of us enter the compartment. It’s amazing. I never thought all this would be at the disposal of my fingertips. Our mentor calls us over to a table filled with goods. We all sit down, as Chrissie starts a conversation about strategy.

“Hi, I’m Chrissie. As you know, I am your mentor.” Chrissie says. I’m overwhelmed by the goods and I take a bit out of a cookie. Tameo (5) reaches for something to eat to and then his face turns pale. He rushes into the bathroom and locks himself in there. I place my cookie back onto its plate, afraid of food poisoning.

“Alright then…” Chrissie remarks. “Anyway, there are many ways to achieve the title of a victor. What I did was stay under the radar most of the time, and that seemed to work out for me. It all depends on the status in the arena and the skills of other tributes.” Tameo (5) starts to groan and moan in the washroom, as if he is dying.

“Erghh… you know what? I’ll talk about strategy later…” Chrissie says, grossed out. “I’ll leave you guys’ time to settle in and I’ll suggest strategies to you guys when we get to the Capitol.” Chrissie walks out of the compartment and into a reserved dorm for her. She exited with a look like she was going to throw up as well.

“Um… what now?” Ryin (5) asks us.

“I don’t know…” Megan (5) replies.

“NO!” Chrissie shrieks from her dorm.

“What’s wrong?” Ryin (5) asks her immediately. No response. I bite my lip. I wonder what her problem is.

“Erm… want to observe the competition?” I ask the remaining tributes in the room. They nod as we all sit down on a comfortable couch and turn on the television. Reaping recaps play and we observe the careers. All of them look fierce and strong, even the girl that is smaller than me by a lot. All of them look tough. Some of the careers nearly double my height. I start to get nervous. Megan (5) senses me shivering and she comforts me once more. I’m glad I have such nice District partners. I pay attention to the screen when it all of a sudden flickers to another channel. I’m puzzled by this, but whatever is happening in the setting must be important. There is a landscape shot of the interview stage, which is specifically set up and viewed by a crowd of thousands of Capitol citizens.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." President Snow announces. Oh no.

"Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" President Snow signs off and the broadcast ends. I can’t believe this. Megan (5) and Ryin (5) are expressing shocked looks, while Tameo (5) continues to reside in the bathroom.

“Guys… I have some news…” Chrissie says, entering the room. I break down into tears and rush out of the compartment and into an assigned dorm.

“So I guess you already know…” I can hear Chrissie say, just before I close the door. I lean my back against the door and slowly slide across it into I reach the ground. I start to rub my eyes to clear the tears, but I can’t seem to stop the water flow. Being in the Hunger Games is bad enough; I don’t want to be forced to kill my own District partner. My own kind. The worst part is if I don’t kill her she’ll kill me. There is a knock on my door, but I don’t respond. The door yanks open and I fall backwards.

“Oops… sorry.” Chrissie whispers. I look up and I see her feet resting under my head. Chrissie helps me back on my feet and talks to me.

“Listen, I know this is hard…” Chrissie informs me. “But whatever happens you have to stay strong. You won’t get out of it if you don’t try. I was just as upset as you were when I heard the second quell twist, but you won’t be able to have a chance at fighting back if you’ve already given up on yourself.” I’m back on my feet and I’ve blocked all the tears. I sit down as Chrissie continues to talk.

“You have to stay strong and be prepared for what the Capitol throws at you. If you show them that you’re unbreakable, you’re this much closer to getting sponsors.” Chrissie says. The shuttle jerks to a stop, and Chrissie continues to talk.

“I guess we’re at the Capitol now. Let’s go.” Chrissie walks out the door, and I follow her. I exit the shuttle and I see Megan (5), Ryin (5), Dianna, and even Tameo (5) waiting outside the station. We all travel to the Training Center. Megan (5), Ryin (5), and Tameo (5) race into the building where I slowly trail them. Although this is a nice place and all, I’ll only be here for a little while until the Capitol ships 56 teenagers into an arena to fight to the death. I walk down the hall with my escort and mentor until we all arrive to an elevator. The two of them enter the elevator and I hesitate to follow them. I’ve never been in a contraption like this before. Chrissie presses a button and we shoot up into the air in the speed of light.

We arrive to the District floor and the three of us enter the room. The only person in the room is Ryin (5), who is sitting down calmly at a kitchen table feasting on a bagel. Megan (5) and Tameo (5) are nowhere to be found. I’m guessing it’s because they don’t want to be near their enemies. Chrissie points out my sanctuary where I will be living in, and tells me that Megan (5) will be sharing the dorm with me. I gulp, I’m not too sure why the Capitol is trying to force us together just to end up having us kill each other. I walk towards a bathroom before heading into my headquarters. I jiggle the doorknob, yet the door doesn’t open. What follows is Tameo (5) groaning once more. Of course. I head straight to my domain and I lie down on one of the two beds offered. I drift to sleep, hoping I’ll wake up the next morning in my bedroom. I’m not too sure how the next week will play for me, though I hope I’ll see myself heading back to District 5.

Jeanette Hannity
I wake up early in the morning and sit up from my bed. Although I'm tired, I can't bring myself to going to sleep. If I don't get to the reaping's on time, the punishment is most likely death. However, if I don't get enough sleep I'll eventually cave over and die as well. There is no way out. I stretch my limbs and I shake my brother, who is sleeping beside me like an angel. I wish I could have it easy like him.

"It's time to get up. We've got to get to the reaping's." I tell him.

"But it's sunny!" My brother complains.

"Because, we won't get there on time if we leave later. We need to get prepared now if we want to get to the plaza." I reply calmly, negotiating with him. "When we get back, I promise I'll have something planned for you." My brother smiles as he leaps out of bed to get ready. I lean to my right to wake up my grandmother, but what remains is a bunch of pillows stacked. I walk to another room in the hut where my grandmother is.

"Grandma, it's time for the reaping's." I say. She's already woken up, and she looks shaken up.

"What's wrong?" I ask her sadly, sitting next to her.

"Oh honey, I love you so much. I couldn't live with myself if you were reaped." My grandmother replies.

"Don't worry, that'll never happen. Besides, if you do, you'll know what to do. You're a strong-willed woman, and I'll know you'll stand through anything." I tell her. She smiles, and immediately regains confidence. I help her stand up, until she dismisses me, deciding that she could didn't need help with anything else. I sigh in relief, realizing I can focus on my own needs. I walk to our family dresser, where I get dressed quickly. I don't have much time. I'm out in around 5 minutes, able to help my family. I walk into another room, to see that my brother is just fooling around.

"I told you to get ready for the reaping's!" I say laughing. I look through my brother's drawer and look for some clean clothes. I lay the clothes on our bed.

"When I come back, I want to see that you're dressed." I inform him, as I leave the room once more. I return to my grandmother again, who I'm glad to see actually focused on getting ready. She's waiting by the door, eager to leave as soon as possible.

"Let's get this over with." She says. My brother starts running down towards us, this time fully dressed in his finest clothes, and starts to jump up and down. I clutch his hand and the three of us exit our little hut by the border of our District and start to hike towards the plaza. I look at the electric fence, and shiver. If I knew how to hunt, I would. But I can get by food if I set snares inside the District, because harmless wildlife still resides in the District. Besides, if I were to go out hunting I'd have no time to do other various chores in the house.

"My legs are sore!" My younger brother complains, although we've barely started walking.

"Don't worry, we'll be there soon." I lie. We're not going to be there until for half an hour at this rate.

"But I'm tired!" My brother wines. I get tired of his complaining and I lift him up over my shoulders and let him rest there. He's young and light enough for me to carry. After what seems to be hours of hiking, we finally make it to the plaza. Although we would've gotten there sooner, I guess I was slowed down by carrying my brother, though really if he walked with us we'd just be early. I lift my brother off of my shoulders.

"You'll go with grandma, okay? Follow her until the reaping's end." I instruct my brother. My brother nods his head "no", and whispers something in my ear.

"She smells weird..." My brother whispers.

"I'm sorry, haha, though it'll only be for a little while." I laugh. My grandmother walks my brother away as I head over to the lady with the zapper. She pricks my finger and I make my way to the audience. Time to get this over with. The escort, Gary comes onto stage, wearing the same outfit a regular capitol resident wears. He has blue skin and dark blue eyeliner. His hair and eyes seem remotely unchanged, still remaining black. His outfit could use a little adjusting too, though I guess District 6 could've had worse.

"Welcome, District 6!" Gary shouts, as I cringe my eyes shut and cover my ears. I forgot how high pitched his voice is, I'm pretty sure my voice has a lower tone compared to him. "My name is Gary Radclyffe and I am District 6's escort from last year. I'm happy to be hosting District 6's reaping's this year! Let's start of the reaping's with District 6's female tributes." Gary skips over to the girls reaping bowl and pulls out a slip.

"Evette Saldana!" Gary announces.

"I VOLUNTEER!" A girl shouts from the crowd. She walks up to the stage and waves to the crowd, expecting applause. The only person that claps is the girl who was called, thanking the person who took her place.

"Wonderful! Another volunteer! At this rate, District 6 may be a career District! What's your name?" Gary exclaims.

"My name is Carolyn Maven." She replies.

"Wonderful! And our next female tribute is..." Gary states as he reaches his hand into the bowl. "Jeanette Hannity!" Gary shouts. Oh no. Not me. How will my brother and grandmother survive on their own? Why couldn't have I been called first, so Carolyn (6) could take my place? I walk up the stairs, shaking and quivering. What have I done to deserve this?

"Congratulations." Caroyln (6) says to me, giving me a friendly slap on the back. I don't know how this is any good towards me.

"JEANETTE!" My brother calls. My grandma is trying to have him stay calm, but he runs away from her and starts making his way up the stage. A group of Peacekeepers attempt to block him, but he pulls of something I've never expected. A Peacekeeper grabs him, but my brother kicks him in the stomach. Another Peacekeeper tries to grab him, just to have my brother bite him.

"OW!" The Peacekeeper shouts, in rage. My brother runs up to me, arms raised, with tear stained eyes. I'm happy he's here for me, though the Peacekeeper that just got bit does something unexpected. He raises a gun and aims towards my brother.

"NO!" I shout, but it's too late. He's released the trigger and my brother falls to the ground. The crowd gasps as I clasp my hands over my mouth, trying not to shout or say anything drastic. A Peacekeeper just killed my brother. He was so young, not even young enough to go to school. I've been his somewhat teacher ever since he was born, because at our current state he needed the knowledge. Even for a Peacekeeper, this has gone way over the edge. My soulfulness drains from my body as I start to cry. The crowd boos, as the escort tries to return the reaping's to silence.

"And the next tributes are Thurman Falcon and Lance Majore, what a great reaping's see you next year everybody!" Gary concludes.

"WAIT! I VOLUNTEER!" Another boy from the crowd shouts.

"Perfect! You'll substitute the place of Thurman; now let's go into the Justice Building!" Gary shouts quickly, as he tries to get the tributes to a safe zone and escape the wrath of the crowd. Carolyn (6), two unnamed male tributes, and I walk into the Justice Building. The crowd starts to chant rants as I am escorted to my very own room in the Justice Building. I continue to cry in silence as I try to let the memory of the reaping's escape. Not only did I just get reaped, but even worse, a Peacekeeper just shot my three year old little brother. He didn't know any better. He just loved me so much. This is terrible. Now, my grandmother is all alone by herself. What'll she do? Right on cue, my grandmother walks into the room. After what had just happened, she looks like she was able to take the news.

"Grandma, you must get yourself somewhere to stay." I plead to her. "Go to a retirement home, anywhere, as long as you're able to get the nuritment you need."

"I'll be alright, though I'm not the one being forced into an area to fight to the death. It's you who I'm worrying about. I'm really distraught about your brother's death, but you need to fight through it at a time like this." My grandmother manages to say. Bringing up her grandsons death makes her shed a tear, though she is toughening herself to fight it.

"I promise..." I stutter.

"Time is up." A Peacekeeper says. It hasn't even been a minute. However, my grandmother can't afford to put up a fight. She gets up from her seat and exits the Justice Building.

"Remember, I'll always love you." She says before she exits the building, leaving me for what could be the rest of my life. This is terrible. The Peacekeeper comes back, and asks me to follow him. He leads me to a car, which I've just heard of. Its functions are unbelievable, though I guess this is only the beginning of what the Capitol could make. My fellow tributes talk with one another as I stay silent. We arrive to a train station, where a silver pod pulls into a set of train tracks. I open my eyes at the sight of it. I've never had any advanced technology at my fingertips. I've lived in a hut for all my life, and I've never used anything that required energy, besides getting my finger zapped by a zapper. I step foot into the train, when I realize this is just the beginning.

Hadix Maven
I stand up straight and observe the "luxurious" train the Capitol has to offer. I expected much better, but whatever. Carolyn (6) and I sit down on a couch and flip the television on.

"Let's see our competition." Carolyn (6) tells me, grinning evilly.

"If we have any!" I reply, chuckling. The television flickers to the reaping's which starts off with the Capitol. Soon, we've run through every single reaping and I turn to Carolyn (6) to rant on tributes.

"So, who did you think was threatening?" I ask her.

"The careers seem strong as usual, so we should avoid them. One of the capitol girls seemed fierce too, though with the both of us banded together she won't stand a chance." I tell her, determined that one of us will win.

"You know, you can't always be so confident..." Our annoying escort, Gary pipes in. "All of the Capitol tributes seemed promising this year. And one of the girls from three really looked mysterious, like she is hiding a true talent."

"NO ONE ASKED YOU!" Carolyn (6) shouts at him. Gary sneers as he walks away, across the compartment.

"Pft, we're the real threats. He should've seen that." Carolyn (6) back talks.

"Exactly. With District 6's performance, they should've been declared Careers sooner. Even if we're not going to join them, unless the Careers get on their hands and knees and beg at least." I murmur. We continue to scan through reaping's. District 7 doesn't show promise. They seemed okay, just okay. Nothing more.

"This is boring." I complain. Carolyn (6) nods, and I reach for the remote to change the television channel. A white flash sparkles across the screen, soon changing back to color. The interview stage comes to view.

"This should be interesting.." Carolyn (6) states her opinion. President Snow quickly walks up to stage. I grin. Another twist, this ought to be interesting. Whatever the Capitol throws at me, I can take. Bring it on.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." President Snow states. Oh this is great. I look behind us and across the room, where Jeanette (6) and Lance (6) are sitting at a table eating. Jeanette (6) recently recovered from a trauma, but she looks like she'll go into a breakdown all over again. Lance (6) doesn't look too happy either. Wimps.

"Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" President Snow signs off. I smile wickedly and Carolyn (6) does the same. We can easily take the two of them. This twist will probably do us good, and we'll proceed to the next stage in no time.

I turn to the direction of Jeanette (6) and Lance (6) who are shocked and mortified. I hold the remote up high, so Jeanette (6) and Lance (6) can see what I'm holding. I crush the remote in one move, to show how quickly I can end a live. Jeanette (6) squeals as Lance (6) comforts her. This is priceless. Carolyn (6) and I laugh evilly and high-five, to prove our superiority. They'll probably ally against us, because they'd probably know that we'd ally to kill the two of them. Still, the odds are in our favor. Jeanette (6) and Lance (6) walk into a dorm while we watch them and laugh.

"That was really cruel." Gary says.

"Again, no one asked you." Carolyn (6) snaps. Gary looks at us strangely, and then walks away. I shrug, and turn towards my dorm. I close the door, looking forward for some time for myself. I walk into a room, with appliances that I don't have at home. Some I can't even identify. Still, I expected more from the Capitol. I walk into the bathroom, and I twist a knob activating the shower. After a long day, the hot water relaxes me and my body freshens up. After trying out dozens of the Capitol's gadgets in the bathroom, I feel better than ever. I exit the bathroom, and I approach a window, letting me see the outside world. I'm surrounded by a portal of darkness. Literally, I can't see what's outside. I'm puzzled for a moment, until a dim light approaches from the west. It's still dark, but the Capitol is in range and we're crossing the bridge into the busy city. My heart races. We're finally here.

I exit my dorm, and make a turn so I'm facing the residence belonging to Carolyn (6). I pound on the door until Carolyn (6) finally answers.

"WHAT!?" She shrieks. She looked stressed after being kicked out of the bathroom in short notice, only getting half way through a coat of make-up she applied and not being able to wash her hair completely

"We're here!" I exclaim, as I run across the compartment and look out the window. Carolyn's (6) grouchy face turns into a smile of glee when she follows me, looking out the window, not caring about her appearance. We pull into the train station, alarming Gary, Jeanette (6), and Lance (6). The five of us exit the train station, and Gary instructs us to enter a limo. We are driven to a large building which I am assuming is the training center.

"I'll race you!" I shout at Carolyn (6) quickly, as I speed through the hall with her trailing me. I sprint through the hallway, not too sure where I'm going. I come across an elevator, which I'm assuming will lead to my District floor. I enter the elevator pod and press the button "6". The doors close just after Carolyn (6) is able to enter the elevator. We both wait patiently for the elevator to proceed to our District floor. Once the doors open up, the both of us race to the door, which we're assuming will lead to our residence. Carolyn (6) flings the door open and sprints into the room.

"I win!" She cheers with glee.

"Wow, this place is amazing!" I state. We both check out the place and it's technologies while Gary, Jeanette (6), and Lance (6) make their way to the room in their own pace. Caving over from sleep, I slowly walk towards my dorm and slam the door shut. I lock the door, so Lance (6) will have no choice but to sleep on the couch tonight. As bad as it sounds, he'll have to deal with it. I flop onto a bed and pull the sheets towards me. I can hear banging on the door for a moment, but it immediately deceases. I'm guessing that was Lance (6). I slowly drift to sleep as I think about training, which will most likely take place tomorrow.

Sierra Waters
I slowly wake up in my little log cabin and I sigh. I look around the room, and I'm all alone. I've been like this for 3 years, and nobody's bothered to care. I remember when my parents were around. I was as miserable back then as I am now. Though, it's no use complaining. Besides, I have no one to complain to. I jump out of bed and I look around the place to see what I have to eat. Not much. I'd better go hunting soon. I groan as I yank some meat from the cupboard. I don't know what kind of meat it is, but whatever. As long as it's not spoiled I will eat it. Besides, not like I have anything more appetizing to eat. I'll take whatever I can shoot, which isn't much. I remember when I didn't have to get food by hunting. I start to think about my parents. They were harsh and cruel, just like how I am now. I never liked them, though my life would be so much easier if they were still with me. But no, they were beaten to death by Peacekeepers. Although I despise my parents, I despise the Peacekeepers and all those Capitol morons even more.

I nibble at my rancid breakfast, knowing I'll never get better. I'll just have to wait a while until I can become a lumberjack of some sort. That would be much easier than hunting, because I never get any good game out here. I finish my breakfast and decide to go out for a little hike out in the plaza of District 7. I walk around, and see that nobody is outside. Everyone's shutters are closed and doors are locked. I'm puzzled about this, until I reach the heart of the plaza. I see the Justice Building stage being set up for a special occasion. I see. It's reaping day. Not like I care. I can feel the uneasy vibe around the village, and most people hate this time of year, though I couldn't care less.

There is no point in showing up for the reaping's early, so I walk away from the Justice Building and back in the outer regions of the plaza. I don't want to be near anything organized by the Capitol. I walk down the streets of District 7. Looking through windows, I can see citizens distraught on what to do during the reaping's. I look at the porch of a house to see a little girl receiving comfort from her parents. That wasn't me when I was younger. Instead, my parents yelled at me and stated how they wished I had been older so I could be reaped and get out of their lives. And now I am. I give myself more time to walk around the square until I check the clock tower. The tower bell rings, signaling the reaping's starting soon. I have nothing better to do, so I arrive to the center plaza once more.

A line has already assembled in front of an attendance stand.

"Move it." I mutter, pushing other eligible teenagers out of my way. Most of them step out of my way, and I make it to the front of the line. I hold out my finger for the zapper lady and I then file out to the 15-year-old girls category. Soon, our idiotic escort arrives to the stage. Her dress is an array of the colors of the rainbow, while her skin represents the sky and clouds. Little miss sunshine hands the microphone to a Peacekeeper; since fancy bitch has such a big mouth she doesn't need it. She clears her throat and begins to speak.

"A warm welcome to all of District 7's residence!" The escort shrieks. "It's that time of year again; the reaping's! Let's start off by reaping two female tributes!" She walks along the stage and pulls out two slips from the girls reaping bowl.

"Zoe Harrison and Sierra Waters!" She whines. I got reaped... oh well. Not like I care too much. I'll finally be able to avenge my parent's death and get revenge towards the Capitol once I become rich and famous. I walk onto the stage with some other blonde and we stand next to each other. She didn't pull off a whole water works; so far this girl doesn't seem totally bad. Though, I still won't have any trouble killing her. I tighten my eyes, grip my fists closed, and give a cold glare towards the crowd and the cameras, to tell them I'm not as vulnerable as the other tributes. I actually stand a chance in the arena.

"Wonderful! Now let's reap the male tributes!" The escort squeals as she walks to the boys reaping bowl.

"Jacob Gibson and Kenneth Gropes!" The escort cries. A short guy and tall guy, both with blondish brown hair come up to stage. The short one rubs his eyes and clears his glasses while the tall guy breaks down. I immediately hate the tall one, who I think is Kenneth (7).

"Congratulations to District 7's tributes! Kenneth Gropes, Jacob Gibson, Zoe Harrison, and Sierra Waters! My name is Gylda Györgyi and I am this year's escort! That's all for today, I'll see you next year!" The escort shrieks. I immediately hate her; she is from the Capitol and her personality sickens me. The four of us walk into the Justice Building, to have our last good-byes to our loves ones. Only for me, I don't have anyone I love. However, I think that'll just help me stay strong. The Capitol will never be able to break me, no matter how much they push me.

"Alright, let's go." A Peacekeeper informs me. I glare at the Peacekeeper as I slowly sit up and follow him. I'm the first one out, as I didn't have any visitors, and soon Zoe (7), Jacob (7), and Kenneth (7) exit the Justice Building after. We all load into a car. My three counterparts try to make small talk, though I ignore them. I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to win. We arrive at the train station, and a silver pod rests on tracks. I've never seen this time of machinery before. Sliding doors open and the tributes and escort from District 7 load into the train. The train speeds out of the station, and I take one last glimpse of District 7.

Good bye, District 7. I won't miss you.

Jacob Gibson
We leave District 7, and the five of us continue our journey to the Capitol. I never thought things could get any worse. First, I'm separated from the one I love. Now, I know I'll never get to see her again. Though, I know she'd want me to continue going on. And that is what I'm going to do. I'm going to try and win these games, for her.

Besides that, I have something else in the way; I've been reaped for the Hunger Games. I have absolutely no idea to do. Well, I guess it be better to go into the games with an ally. I look across the compartment for a possible ally. I'm afraid Sierra (7) will slit my neck in my sleep, so she's out. There is something that doesn't seem human about Zoe (7), so I guess my best option right now is Kenneth (7). I walk up to him. He is silently sipping on some sort of Capitol drink, which looks really good.

"Um, hi." I greet Kenneth (7). He looks up from his drink and sees me.

"Erm... hi..." Kenneth (7) replies back.

"What are you drinking there?" I ask him, trying to start up a conversation.

"Um... dunno..." Kenneth (7) replies back, as he tsips his drink. Maybe I should've stuck with Zoe (7).

"Alright then." I say, leaving afterwards. Wow, awkward. I guess he's out. I sort of feel bad for the guy, he's probably going through a lot, telling by his mood. No matter, because right now I need to focus on my safety. I look across the compartment and I see the remaining two tributes from District 7. Zoe (7) and Sierra (7). I guess there is only one other option. I build up the guts to walk over to Zoe (7).

"Hi!" I exclaim. Zoe (7) turns her head away from me and closes her eyes.

"Good afternoon..." Zoe (7) replies back, in a soft emotionless tone.

"Erm, so," I start. "How was your day?" Zoe (7) stays silent for a moment, then stares directly at me with a look unforgettable. I become light-headed and dizzy. I scratch my head a bit, only to see the room spin around me. My vision distorts the room and I start to have trouble standing on my own two feet.

"You know what; maybe this isn't the right time..." I immediately spit out. I don't know why, but I did. I turn around and walk away from her as she resumes doing what she had been doing before. I struggle to walk towards my dorm and I slowly close the door shut. Once the hinges snap shut, I start to regain my vision and have full control of my body. What just happened there? It was like I was in some sort of trance. That couldn't have been right. Something tells me if I approach Zoe (7) again, I'll fall into the same process. And there is no way I am trying to talk Sierra (7) into being my ally. Maybe I'll find someone sane in the training center. For now, I have hours to myself in a luxurious train ride.

I flip on the television set on a massive drawer, and watch the program. Back in District 7, the only time I watch public screenings are usually Capitol or school related. I've never used technology like this for the purpose of entertainment. I switch to a channel which is showing landscape shots of the interview stage. Oh no, not the Hunger Games. I try to switch the channel, but the remote doesn't respond. Oh well, I guess this has some importance, since I'm taking part in these. President Snow walks onto stage; I'm guessing he's making an announcement.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." President Snow announces. Oh no. I can imagine that Kenneth (7) is depressed, if he is seeing this. I can hear gasps from the main compartment room, so I'm guessing my other three District partners are viewing this.

"Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" President Snow signs off and the broadcast ends. I bite my lip. I don't want to kill Kenneth (7), he's done absolutely wrong. Another twist the Capitol brought to tear us a part. This is just great. I've decided that I don't want to keep contact with Kenneth (7), because that would be for the best

I flicker the television off, and decide it's time to get some shut-eye. Although I'll be at the training center soon, I might as well do something. I scramble under the bed sheets and I rest my head against a pillow. I quickly fall asleep, after such a big day.

"Good morning sunshine! Or should I say, good night!" A voice sings. I open my eyes and I see Gylda, my escort, standing in front of me.

"You've slept a little too long, we're at the Capitol! Everyone is waiting for you outside, so you'd better get ready! Don't worry; it's only around 10 at night so you'll be able to get plenty of sleep afterwards." Gylda informs me, as she exits my residence. The Capitol! We're finally here. I guess I'd better get ready. I leave my residence in a hurry and exit the silver shuttle. Sierra (7), Zoe (7), and Kenneth (7) wait for me outside as I exit the train station. We are all taken to the training center; a large high class building made by the Capitol. The five of us enter the building, and we admire the architectural work; this building is much better designed then our lousy log cabins. We reach the end of the corridor and we enter another silver compartment. A little pod that Gylda told us is designed to take us to other floors in a building. Huh. I thought stairs were meant for that purpose. Gylda pressed the button "7" and we shoot up into the air and make it to the floor in no time. The elevator doors open and the five of us finally reach our residence.

Kenneth (7), Zoe (7), and Sierra (7) immediately go to their dorms. After Gylda informs us that we'd be sharing dorms depending on gender, I immediately didn't feel drowsy; being in the same room with Kenneth (7) would be awkward. I'll just go into the room and sleep once Kenneth (7) is sound asleep. I walk out of the District floor and head to the elevator, seeing what other floors the elevator can take me to. I see a button labeled "R", and I immediately get curious and press the button. I am lead to the roof-top of a building, concealed with a glass so I can see what's happening on the outside yet hear no noise. I'm not too sure why there is glass on the roof-top, but I'm assuming it is so tributes don't escape or commit suicide. I reach the roof-top, and I see a tribute is already there. I get a little shy, but then decide to appear and greet the tribute; she could be a possible ally. I walk towards the center and I am immediately surprised. It's Megan (5).

"Megan?" I ask, wondering if it's actually her. It seems too good to be true. The tribute turns her head, revealing her face.

"Jacob!" She cries, as she lunges forward with her arms open. I spread my arms out wide as she jumps forward and I cradle her around me. It's a miracle.

"I missed you so much..." She says, in tears with joy. I kiss her on the cheek and she hugs me tighter. We walk towards a bench, to catch up on each other. We adore the view of the Capitol, admiring the bright lights and creative architecture. I casually wrap my arms around her shoulders.

"I never expected we'd meet here..." Megan (5) says, breaking the silence.

"Me neither, but I guess it was fate that brought us back together." I reply, turning to her, smiling. She returns the smile back.

"Though at a time like this, I mean..." Megan (5) trails off.

"Worried that we might not make it out?" I help her. Megan (5) nods.

"The Capitol won't accept two victors. And if we pulled off what Katniss and Peeta did we'd just get punishment from the Capitol." Megan (5) mutters, gloomily.

"What if they do this year?" I say, brightening the mood. "They could have more than one victor this year."

"I guess that could be a possibility..." Megan (5) admits. "But what if one of us doesn't make it out? I couldn't handle..." Megan (5) trails off once more, realizing that we probably wouldn't want to bring that up.

"We have to think positively if we want to make it out." I tell Megan (5). "Besides, we don't have to win. We just have to get out of the arena."

"How will we do that?" Megan (5) asks me, eagerly.

"We'll figure out a way..." I reply.

Araneae Web
I stare up into the celestial sphere; the vault of heaven shines a luminescence ray through the glass shutter and into the sinister chamber. I posture myself onto a stool and continue to seam my reaping apparel. My attire is constructed out of raveling silk, one of the more luxurious items of my creations. Arachnids escalate up the walls, weaving cobweb of their own. With them close at hand, I'll always feel immune from harms wrath. The shack I reside gives me comfort and masks me from the exterior world. Unlike the atrocious citizens that exist out there, the arachnids approve me for the person I am. The arachnids truly recognize me as one of them, and treat me with the suitable affection and consideration I deserve. This is my personal heaven and I never want to leave.

My mother walks into the shed, and observes me working away at me attire.

"Wow! We'd never become such a successful business with you working in the tailor!" My mother exclaims. I look down and close my eyes. I hate human interaction, even with the person that is known as my mother.

"Much obliged." I address.

"Anyway, I've come to check up on you for the reaping's! Do you have anything to wear?" My mother asks me. I raise my gown and she stops to praise my apparel.

"It's beautiful." My mother compliments.

"Much courtesy." I respond.

"Everything seems accounted for. I'll be here in a while to pick you up for the reaping's." My mother informs me.

"Understood." I utter. The rusty hinges on the shed door creak closed, and I store my mechanisms. I bestow my reaping uniform and angle myself in front of a fractured mirror. I can barely catch a glimpse of my gown in the decaying speculum addition to my poor vision. I slowly run my fingertips through hair, trying to abstract the grime. I prepare my appearance for the reaping's just after my mother enters the shack.

"So, are you ready?" My mother asks me.

"Affirmative." I reply, as I sit up from my stool and wander out of the shed with my mother by my side. We silently march over to the Justice Building, where the reaping's are in the alpha stages. I slowly creep over to the lady with the zapper and she punctures my finger. I stand in my age and gender territory and the escort arrives onto the Justice Building stage. District 8's escort doesn't have the impression a standard Capitol citizen normally pocesses. I'm content that District 8's escort isn't a lunatic like other escorts in neighboring Districts.

"Welcome, welcome, I know District 8 isn't populated with fans of the Hunger Games, let's make this quick." The escort announces. "As you know, I'm Johovanh and I'm District 8's escort. Let's get things started." Johovanh slowly strides over to the girls reaping bowl and pulls out two names.

"The two female tributes are Camellia Winchester and Araneae Web." Johovanh states. Oh no. I don't know what to say. I know the basic process of the Hunger Games, and I'm not too thrilled to take part in such a ceremony. I turn my attention towards my mother, who is distraught and hysterical. I bite my lip as I emerge from the crowd and wander towards the stage. I hear a few snickers from the crowd, presumably from the devils that tortured me with threats throughout the years. I pose next to Camellia (8), as Johovanh progresses with the reaping's.

"The two male tributes are John Kirk and Kalab Harrah." No volunteers strive forwards as the two male tributes of District 8 rise forward. Both are emotionally shocked, and struggle to make their appearance onto the stage. The four tributes of District 8 stand in front of the crowd, trying to cope with their possible fate. I gaze back into the audience, and I can barely catch a glimpse of the figure that is my mother.

"The tributes from District 8, Kalab Harrah, John Kirk, Araneae Web, and Camellia Winchester." Johovanh quickly says, as he hurries the four of us into the Justice Building. I sit in a disclosed area by myself, and I urge for the aid of the arachnids. I shift my head all directions, but nothing spawns. My mother enters the room, distracted by misery.

"Honey, I'm sorry this happened." She apologizes. Although I'm not too thrilled of my decided future set by the lottery, I'm surprisingly not emotionally damaged. I'm taking this incident much more positively than I ever apprehended. My mother reaches for my gown sleeves.

"May I?" She asks me. I think she's asking to rip the upper area of the sleeve off my shirt. I nod as I don't have an reasons for owning this gown anymore, and she yanks off part of the soft fabric and hands it to me. I grip tight on the soft silk; this will give me great relief and comfort in the arena.

"Take this as your tribute token. You're a great seamstrist, you can turn it into anything. I nod once more, insightful of the fact that I'll have the archanids morale during my journey to the Capitol.

"Time is up." A Peacekeeper informs us. My mother slowly steps out of the room, and the Peacekeeper conducts me out of the Justice Building. I pursue the Peacekeeper, squeezing the layer of silk in my palms. Kalab (8), John (8), Camellia (8), Johovanh, and I are left at a train station, anticipating for our shuttle to arrive. A silver pod pulls into the statioin, and Johovanh instructs us to enter. Sliding doors descend out, as I step foot into the compartment.

John Kirk
My counterparts observe the train and gaze at the luxurious details. However, I've more important things on my mind. Although these accommodations are amazing, it doesn't change the fact that I may or may not be alive by the end of the week. For now, I'll try not to stress out. However, I need to have a game strategy if I want to make it out. If I'm going to have a shot at winning these games, I'm going to need some help. The shuttle takes off, which gives me a little under a dozen hours to make alliances. I'm sort of limited on tributes currently, so I decide to give my district partners a shot. I flash a look at Araneae (8), trying to determine an estimate of what she may be like. Right now, Araneae (8) seems to be in some sort of trance. I take my chances and approach her.

"Hello.." I greet her. No response. "Hello?" I greet her once more. Araneae (8) looks forward, into space. I wave my hand in front of her eyes, though it's like she can't see me. She's strange. Next?

I spin around, looking for my remaining two District partners. I don't see Kalab (8) around anywhere, though Camellia (8) is in vision, watching the television of reaping recaps. She looks sane. I walk up to her, hoping that she'll at least respond.

"Hi, Camellia!" I exclaim, happy that she is at least moving.

"Don't call me Camellia. Call me Cam." Camellia (8) retorts.

"Alright. So, Camellia (8), what are you looking at?" I ask her, monitoring the screen.

"Our competition." Camellia (8) responds. "So far, I'm not very impressed." We're viewing District 6, and I'm not too sure why she thinks all of them are so bad, because I think they're all threats. Hadix (6) and Carolyn (6) volunteered; they must have some special talent. Lance (6) seems very fit and strong, while Jeanette (6) is very strong witted, I wouldn't have been able to go through a situation like she had. I would've been crying all over the place. Then again, maybe that's just me, because I'd do anything for a younger sibling, or a relative at that. I try to remember the memories I've had with my parents, but sadly the only one that comes up is the memory of my parents being shot by Peacekeepers. I shiver, as I continue to look at the television.

"District 7. Even worse." Camellia (8) grunts. Once again, I'm not too sure if I disagree. Zoe (7) has that mysterious look about her and Sierra (7) seems very fierce. As for the other two, I know they have potential to do better.

"Sierra seems pretty strong, right Cam?" I add.

"I guess, but not strong enough to win." Camellia (8) mutters. I shake my head. I'll probably do better with someone like me. I silently creep away from the couch as I search for the only tribute from District 8, Kalab (8). I look around the compartment, and finally I see him emerge from his dorm. So that's why I couldn't find him before.

"Hello..." I say, hoping he won't turn out like the last two.

"Hi!" He eagerly responds.

"So, how was your day?" I ask him, trying to start of a conversation. Kalab (8) starts to snicker.

"Really?" Kalab (8) laughs, as I join him. "Well, I guess it could've been better. There isn't anything I can do about it anyway." I smile. This guy seems very cheerful, I wouldn't mind being around him.

"Alright. I guess it's best to make every minute of our time worth it. Is there anything particular you want to do?" I ask Kalab (8). Although I'd be using time up on doing mindless things, I guess Kalab (8) has got a point. When there are 56 tributes, the odds won't exactly be in my favor. I'd hate to admit it, but the chances of me surviving are very little. As the saying goes, you have to enjoy life to the fullest. Besides, when we get to the training center, it probably be a good idea to test our knowledge every now and then. Maybe I'm pressuring myself to hard, because in the end I'll always be a victor if I go into the games with my best enthousiasm and effort. Although I'd rather not die, living on the streets of District 8 isn't very plesant either.

"Eh. Nothing comes to mind. Want to just relax for now?" Kalab (8) asks me.

"Not like I have anything better to do. I follow Kalab (8) into his dorm, where he's been for the last few hours. An Avox comes into the room; I'm guessing he's for assistance. He picks up a mug on Kalab's (8) bedside table and turns to me as if he's asking me if I wanted anything.

"Um.. sure. Whatever drink there is, I will take." I reply. The Avox nods as he walks out of the room to serve our needs. I feel really bad for him, because I'd rather go into the Hunger Games than slave for the future tributes of Panem. That would be something I'd never like. I probably wouldn't make it through the second year with a job like that. Kalab (8) takes a silver remote, that communicates with the television with the click of a button. I try to start conversation, and I pay attention to a bracelet wrapped around Kalab's (8) hand.

"What's that?" I ask him, pointing to his wrist.

"Oh.." Kalab (8) stammers, as his eyes start to tear up. "A bracelet... that someone made for me..."

"Who made it?" I ask him, and I immediately regret mentioning it.

"The girl I love from back home..." He responds, as he starts to tear up even more.

"I'm sorry," I apologize, knowing that I may have pushed it too far.

"Don't worry... it's not your fault." Kalab (8) assures me, as he starts to wipe away his tears. I turn back away from him, immediately feeling guilty. I hope my luck doesn't continue. I've never know what it was like to have someone close to you. Well, I do, but I guess he's feeling a lot of pressure at a time like this. He has a girlfriend, and most likely parents and siblings crossing their fingers for his return. All I have is myself. The Avox comes into the room with two white purees.

"It's something called Piña Colada, rum free of course. I'm not too sure what your opinion is, but I like it." Kalab (8) informs me, as he sips into his drink. I take a sip of "Piña Colada", it tastes of coconut shavings and pineapple; two rare delicacies that rarely come my way. I consume the contents in the mug just after the Avox leaves the room; if you lived in a District like I did, you'd probably dive into the food the Capitol provides. I finally look up from my drink, to see Kalab (8) looking in shock. What's he looking at? I turn towards the television, to see President Snow talking into a microphone, speaking to a crowd of thousands in the interview stage. I groan.

"So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." I hear President Snow say. I turn towards Kalab (8), who isn't taking the news well. I don't want to kill him. He's been overall kind to me so far, and really I'd rather not kill anyone at this point of time. I creep into my dorm, leaving my mug at a counter for the Avox to clean up. I lock the door up tight, just in case.

I can't kill Kalab (8). He's got his whole family that'll be impacted by his death. However, that doesn't mean I can't exactly let Kalab (8) kill me. At a time like this, I'm not too sure what to do. Can I just hope that he randomly dies out of the blue? Or will I die before he'll even get the chance? One thing is for sure, I still can't hold back. I don't want to kill Kalab (8), but what if I'm forced to? And besides, even if I do kill him I'll probably be next to follow him, addition to the fact that if I were to win without killing my District partner, the haunting nightmare of the games would still be there. I guess in some ways, I'd still feel miserable at the end. There is no way out.

I look outside to see the sun is setting. I turn to my bed, and fly under the bed covers. Maybe I just might wake up from this nightmare. Or better yet, not wake up at all. I toss and turn in my mattress, not being able to sleep. What time is it? I look outside, to see that it's completely pitched black. I can't see a thing. Then all of a sudden the window floods with light, giving me a fantastic view of the Capitol. I groan, as I jump out of bed. I didn't get any sleep at all. I slowly tip-toe across the compartment and I stand in front of the sliding doors waiting for the shuttle to make its way to the station. Johovanh goes to wake up the rest of the remaining tributes, except for Araneae (8), who had sat in the exact same spot ever since we took off from the train station in District 8. She doesn't even look tired. Camellia (8) and Kalab (8) emerge from their dorms just as the pod steers into the train station.

The five of us hop out of the train, and we're escorted by Peacekeepers who take us by limo to the training center. My three District partners and escort walk in first, as I trail behind them. I want to keep a distance between Kalab (8) to prevent those awkward moments. I make it to the end of the corridor and we all board an elevator lying at the back of the hallway. We proceed all the way to our District floor, and I sigh of relief when I see my accommodations. Then I realize; there are only two dorms.

"Each dorm offered will be shared. Since there are only two, each gender to a room." Johovanh informs us. I cringe as Johovanh walks deeper into the floor, disappearing. I immediately sprint into the room, and I'm nearly sound asleep before Kalab (8) can even enter the room. The last thing I hear is the door cringes creaking open before I'm already sound asleep.

Connor Miller
I float on the sheet of water resting in the lake. Most people believe that the lake in District 9 is inexistent; well I can tell them they’re wrong. Today couldn’t be any better; the clouds parted, letting the sun shine onto District 9. The climate is perfect and the scenery is magnificent. Although something tells me something is wrong. Some friends were supposed to join me at the lake, but for some reason all of them are absent. Though without the loud ruckus, I’m given time to truly relax. I run my hands through the deep blue, and I close my eyes listening to the soft whisper of a bird’s melody.

I cringe my eyes as the bird’s soft lullaby turns into the loud havoc of a bell. The reaping bell. I totally forgot the reaping’s today. No matter, because that was only the first bell and I still have time. I swim towards the shore and surface. I pick up a worn out cloth and I dry the water drenching my body. I slide on my red t-shirt and I make a fast dash to my little home in the heart of District 9. I collapse through the private entrance, to find my mother waiting for me.

“Where were you? I was getting so worried!” My mother exclaims.

“Sorry, I forgot the reaping’s were today. I’ll get ready quickly.” I respond as I race towards my room. Although it’s small, it is what I call home. I slide open a dresser drawer and I replace my old soggy outfit with another replica of clothes much alike. After brushing my hair, I decide that I don’t have enough time to get ready and my look will have to do for now. I hurry back towards the private entrance, where my mother waits patiently.

“Finally, let’s go to the reaping’s! We have no time to waste.” My mother informs me, as the two of us walk out the door and head to the plaza of District 9. I finally arrive there, and my mother wishes me luck. I head over to the lady with the zapper so she can prick my finger and take my attendance. I walk past a group of girls along my way to my age and gender category, and they start to whisper and mutter. I wave at them, and they start to giggle and blush as I pass by them. I camouflage myself in the crowd, as the escort comes onto stage. She looks like the average Capitol freak, which doesn’t surprise me. She brought a wine glass filled with some sort of alcohol, and by the looks of it she spilled some on her dress.

“Welcome District 19!” The escort shrieks, although there is no District 19. “My name is Muna Eleonora and I will be your escort. Let’s start the reaping’s off with the girl tributes.” Muna trots along the stage and sticks her hand into the reaping bowl. I yawn as she tips the reaping bowl over. The porcelain glass bowl smashes into several tiny pieces.

“Oops! Sorry!” Muna exclaims, although I’m not surprised. She did this last year. “Treeden Smith and Venaya Atlas!” Muna squeals. Two girls, both owning black hair walk onto the stage. Both of them show very little grief; maybe District 9 won’t die in the bloodbath. Well, last year they didn’t, but these tributes show some potential, though I doubt there is a victor here. Muna sticks her hand in the boys reaping bowl and pulls out two slips.

“Hey! I didn’t break the reaping bowl this time! Yay me!” Muna cheers in excitement, though the crowd still stays silent.

“Daniel Oakman and Connor Miller!” Muna shouts. I frown. I didn’t expect to be reaped, though I must stay strong. For my mother, and most importantly the cameras that follow my every move. Daniel (9) and I walk onto the stage and I stand beside him. Daniel (9) runs to comfort Treeden (9), and Treeden (9) doesn’t hold back her emotions this time. I moan in disgust as Muna continues the reaping's.

“Magnificent! I only broke one bowl this time!” Muna repeats once more, gloating about something nobody cares about. “Ladies and gentlemen, Connor Miller, Daniel Oakman, Venaya Atlas, and Treeden Smith! Yay!” Muna jumps in joy. Muna spills her drink and the liquids scatter all over the floor; more specifically on an electric wire. The wire sparks once, and the whole stage turns dark, with only the sun to brighten the area. Muna is clumsier than I thought. Well, I guess I shouldn't expected anything better from those idiotic Capitol citizens.

“Oops…” Muna says, as she blushes in embarrassment. Avox’s rush into the scene, to cut the power and clean up the mess. Daniel (9), Treeden (9), Venaya (9), and I are rushed into the Justice Building. I remain in the room in utter silence. I try to relax and keep my mind calm, though the haunting thought of me dying isn’t very pretty. I’m not too sure how my mother reacted to this whole scene but I’m certain that she didn’t respond positively. My mother runs into the room and hugs me tight.

“Oh honey... I can’t believe it...” She stammers, as tears run down her cheeks. “First your father, your brother, and now you… There are so many things I hadn’t told you…”

“What do you mean?” I ask her. She was hiding something from me? I don’t remember anything about a brother. As for having a father, I’d probably have one or else I wouldn’t have been born. Although I’d normally be a bit mad, the thought of being forced to kill focuses my anger towards the Capitol. I try to remember my childhood, but most of it has been erased from my mind.

“When you were younger you had a twin brother. Your father and I raised you in District 9 until he wanted a divorce. I never knew why, but I couldn’t stop him. He moved to another District without me realizing and he took your twin brother with you. This happened when you were around 1 or 2.” My mother admits. “I never brought it up because the thought of him leaving was just too much.” I sit on the leather couch, emotionless. I can’t believe my mother would keep such a big secret, especially from her own son. I guess I can show a little consideration since she was heartbroken from the news too, though that didn’t mean she could keep it from others. On another note; a long lost brother. I won’t even be able to meet him. Now, I’m even more determined to win the Hunger Games, so I can conduct a search for the other side of my family.

“Time is up.” A Peacekeeper mutters. My mother stays put, until a Peacekeeper approaches her. She reluctantly follows the Peacekeeper out of the Justice Building. My visitor period is up, and I am escorted out of the Justice Building with a swarm of Peacekeepers guarding me from every corner. I meet Venaya (9), Treeden (9), and Daniel (9) at the train station. I observe my District partners; they seem alright, just alright. None of them are extremely fit, though they have enough strength to last a few days in the arena. I doubt I'll find any alliance worthy of my presence, so I'll probably just go alone. A silver shuttle shoots into the train station, sparkling in the sun.

“Let’s go everyone!” Muna sings, as she tries to board the train until she trips while entering the shuttle. I roll my eyes, as I board the train after, stepping over Muna’s body.

Treeden Smith
I walk into the train, impressed by the constructed furniture's and goods assembled by the Capitol. However, that won't change the fact that they're planning my death. I walk around the room, trying to adjust to the drastic change. Venaya (9) fled to a food cart to enjoy the Capitol's treats while Connor (9) decided to watch reaping re-caps. The shuttle gives out an eerie feeling. Although this place to a resident in District 13 would be heaven, being designed for the Hunger Games doesn't make this train any more special or unique. I feel like I'm standing in a human slaughter house, where we are going to be brutally killed and de-gutted. I think Daniel (9) could read my mind, as he comes to comfort me. He wraps his arms around my shoulders and he conducts me to the couch where Connor (9) is casually sitting, blinded by the reaping re-caps. He sets me down and takes his place next to me. Once he's beside me, I start to relax a little. At least in the arena, I'll have someone I can definitely trust.

About an hour through in those silly reaping re-caps, District 13 is the last reaping remaining. Once one of the District 13 males is called, Connor (9) widens his eyes. He is drawn to the screen for quite a while and then keeps on replaying the reaping over and over. Although one of the males sort of looks like Connor (9), I'm not too sure why he's overwhelmed about it. I don't see anything too special about it. Looking at the screen broadcasting the reaping's motivates bad thoughts into my brain.

"I'm bored." Connor (9) mutters. He flips the television on to last year's games. Oh no. Daniel (9) notices the worry in my eyes and tries to stand up for me.

"Maybe we should watch something else..." Daniel (9) explains to Connor (9), snatching the remote away from him.

"Or how about, no." Connor (9) retorts, ripping the remote away once more. And of course, Connor (9) just had to pick the most gruesome moment in the games. From our very own district, Rowanne is slowly being torn apart by a mutt and drowned by a rising tide. The Capitol did a good job trying to savor every moment of her passing. How could they be so cruel; she's only 12, yet she's proven to be more than a tribute making it to the final day. I cringe my eyes while Daniel (9) holds me closer to him, clutching my hand with a reassuring squeeze. I don't like this. Rowanne's fate could easily become mine as well.

"That's enough of that." Daniel (9) announces, as he snatches the remote from Connor (9). Connor (9) glares at him, but then decides he isn't worth it. Daniel (9) softly mutters to himself, as he tries to figure out how the remote works. I giggle, as Daniel (9) blushes a bit. The television finally flickers and a new channel is being broadcasted.

"You figured out how to use it?" I ask him.

"No..." He responds. I give him a confused look. What does he mean by that? He must've had learned, because the television wouldn't have responded to a command not given.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem." A voice says. I turn to the screen, and I see President Snow on stage, making a speech. I despise him so much. He's the one that has the power in Panem. He could easily call off the Hunger Games, but no, he still continues them today. If I could, I'd throw him in the arena with the rest of the Gamemakers.

"As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." President Snow announces. I turn to Daniel (9). I know I can still trust him. After all, the twist won't affect our relationship.

"Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" President Snow signs off and the broadcast ends. Connor (9) snickers and laughs, just to switch the channel again. I turn to Venaya (9), who is over at a table eating a gingerbread cookie. I don't think she even saw the broadcast. Either way, she is bound to learn about the new twist soon.

Daniel (9) and I remain in our seats, like nothing happened. Though, I can't help but worry. I'm sure that Venaya (9) wouldn't want to kill me, but how would she react if she was forced to? She seems inexperienced with weapons, similar to me, so I do stand a chance. Even if Venaya (9) does end up dying, that doesn't give me a free ticket back to District 9.

"What are we going to do?" Daniel (9) whispers to me, so that our other two counterparts can't hear.

"I'm not too sure," I admit. "But whatever you have planned I'm ready for." I smile, and he returns the smile. Muna ruins the moment by stumbling into the compartment, utterly drunk. The worst part is; she didn't even drink any alcohol. It's as if she got drunk by breathing.

"Salutations, sky children!" Muna sings, as she snatches the gingerbread cookie Venaya (9) was eating, and takes a big bite out of it. Venaya (9) looks at her weirdly as Muna returns the cookie to her. Connor (9) grumbles, as he stomps into his dorm, locking the door tight so Muna doesn't plan on giving him a surprise visit.

"What's his deal?" Muna giggles, as if she thinks she's acting normally.

"He's probably just tired." I lie, laughing.

"Yeah, we really should get going to bed." Daniel (9) pitches in, as he hurries me away from the deranged Muna.

"Well that's out of the way. Good night!" Daniel (9) says. He kisses me on the cheek and leaves the room. I slowly touch the area where Daniel (9) had kissed me, and I climb into a bed cleaned for me. I toss and turn, not being able to go to sleep. With the mission of kill or be killed, who could? I slowly jump out of bed and exit my dorm to grab a cup of water. I bump into Daniel (9) as I pour tap water from a faucet into a glass cup.

"Hi! I didn't expect to see you here!" I exclaim.

"I was thinking the same thing." Daniel (9) replies back.

"Yeah, it's just that I-" I trail off.

"Couldn't sleep?" Daniel (9) finishes my sentence.

"Yeah. I guess I'm just getting stressed." I sigh.

"Yeah. I just can't get myself to sleep. Do you want to sleep in my room tonight?" Daniel (9) asks me. A bit straight forward, but that's what I've been wanting him to say.

"Alright." I say. Daniel (9) grabs my hand and we both walk into his dorm. I climb into bed and Daniel (9) cuddles beside me. I rest my head on his shoulders as he plays with my hair. With him by my side, I feel more comfortable and I abolish the thought of The Hunger Games in my mind. I slowly and softly fall asleep with Daniel (9) by my side.

I wake up a few hours later to the sound of an air horn, which jolts me awake.

"AHH!" I scream. Although it wasn't intentionally, I wake up Daniel (9) and he immediately poses in a stance as if he was trying to protect me. Muna stands over us, with an air horn and silly string seltzers in her hands. She sprays the silly string towards our direction, and I struggle to get the sticky string out of my hair.

"Happy Midnight!" Muna cheers.

"What was that?!" Daniel (9) exclaims, obviously angered.

"We're at the Capitol, and you guys were still asleep! I didn't want to wake you guys up, so I brought an air horn with me!" Muna explains. Although it didn't make sense, you can't expect things to me logical with Muna around. Muna dances towards of the door and trips on the door frame. I walk towards Muna and try to help her stand up. I shake her body a bit, but she still doesn't move. I check for a pulse, which obviously, was still there; but her body didn't make a sound. She's passed out. Daniel (9) tries to bring Muna back to her senses but it's no use.

"Oh well. She'll wake up eventually." Daniel (9) sighs. I laugh as we step over Muna's body and exit the shuttle. Connor (9) and Venaya (9) wait outside.

"Where's Muna?" Venaya (9) asks.

"She tripped and passed out." I tell her. "Not like it's surprising though. Avox's will come to her aid." We all load into a car which brings us to a big building which the Capitol calls the "Training Center". A group of Peacekeepers escort us to an elevator. The pod shoots up into the air and delivers us to our District floor.

"Muna will return shortly. There are two dorms, separated by gender." A Peacekeeper informs us, before he shuts the door. I look at the time; it's currently 2AM. I stretch and yawn, as Daniel (9) and I walk into his dorm. Connor (9) isn't here, though if he was he'd probably kick me out. I climb under the bed covers as Daniel (9) snuggles up against me. I calm my mind and softly close my eyes, lying in Daniel's (9) arms.

Kahlo Mulciber
"Are you going to be alright?" Thor asks Nayomide before he leaves the room. Naymoide, near to sound asleep is unable to respond.

"I'm sure she'll get better soon." I assure Thor. He walks out of the room to hunt for cattle. I pay my attention back to Naymoide, her wound is swelling and she's coming up with a tremendous fever.

"You'll be okay." I promise her, as I stroke her hair. Although she's out cold, I know she can still hear me. I hope for her best, but so far her condition is not looking too well. No matter what medicines we can get our hands on, no matter what we try, Nayomide's wound only continues to get worse. This isn't fair. She deserved to live her life to her full potential and so did everyone else that survived the aftermath of the tornado. At such a young age, six kids were forced to live on their own, and no one bothered to help them. I remember life back at the orphanage. I couldn't say I was necessarily happy, but I was satisfied. It was definitely better than being abandoned on the streets as a newborn. Now the orphanage is gone, and the remaining orphans are left to fend on their own.

I start to apply some sort of leaf onto Nayomide's infection, and hope for the best. Soon, I start to claw at my arms; for some sort of reason they've became irritatingly itchy.

"Hi! How is Nayomide?" Cassadee greets me, walking into the room.

"Fine, so far. I'm just testing some sort of remedies that could work." I reply.

"Um.. that's Poison Ivy." Cassadee exclaims. I widen my eyes as I brush the leaves off of Naymoide's wound. I take a bucket of water and scrub my arms to remove the rash the plant gave me.

"For all we know, we could just be killing her." I murmur, sadly. We don't have much knowledge of medicines, and if we don't get the proper medication Naymoide will be a goner. I wrap her waist with bandages after applying some type of ointment we were able to buy from our kills. It seems to do very little to improve the health of the wound, though it's a start. Nayomide slowly flutters her eyes open and I smile.

"Feeling better?" I ask her.

"Not really..." She groans.

"Well, you'll have to tough it out. Today is the reaping's, and we've got to get you on your feet somehow." Cassadee explains to her. Naymoide nods and she struggles to stand up, just to crumple back to the ground. Cassadee and I quickly come to her rescue and help her up.

"Thank you." She manages to murmur. We slowly walk her out of the room and outside, where Thor and our two other friends Madhu and Leroi are cleaning up a kill after slaughtering a cattle.

"Guess what we're having for dinner?" Leroi mutters sarcastically.

"We have no time for that." Cassadee snaps. "We have to make it to the reaping's. They're today, and Nayomide needs help getting there." Thor, Madhu, and Leroi jump onto their feet and they escort Nayomide to the reaping's. We arrive there at a good pace and we all get our fingers pricked by the lady with the zapper. I stop the group so I can make a quick discussion.

"Alright. We're here." I announce. "Cassadee, since we can't help Nayomide it's up to you. Can you do it?"

"I'll try... I guess." Cassadee says. She wraps Nayomide's arm around her shoulder, and she struggles to half walk, half carry her to her age and gender category. I wish I could help her, but there's nothing I can do. Thor, Madhu, Leroi, and I proceed to the 13-year-old boys section and we wait for the escort to arrive onto the stage. I cringe when she arrives onto stage. Her style is absolutely atrocious. She's shaved her head bald and her skin is completely white. Her clothes, hair, eyes, make-up, and everything else remaining is black. I shake my head, disappointed of the Capitol's opinion of style.

"Welcome, District 10! I'm happy to host the reaping's, the most marvelous time of the year! My name is Gwendoline Dulce, and I'm back once more!" She announces. I take a deep breath as Gwendoline continues the reaping's. She reaches into a reaping bowl and pulls out two slips. I cross my fingers, hoping that neither Cassadee nor Nayomide are called.

"Revolution Milita and Sydney Thesisen!" Gwendoline cheers. She applauds alone as two girls emerge from the crowd. One with brown hair and pink highlights and another one with pure red hair. One of them looks determined to win, as if she had been expecting to be reaped, and the other is worried for her life. I can see Nayomide and Cassadee let out a sigh of relief, and I do too. If Nayomide was reaped, she wouldn't stand a chance. They wouldn't heal her injury on her waist, and they'll just throw her into the arena no matter what condition she is in. Gwendoline skips over to the opposite reaping bowl and pulls out two names. Before I believe I might survive another year. Gwendoline calls out my name.

"Kahlo Mulciber and Satan Lockwood!" Gwendoline squeals. I look down to the ground as I walk towards the stage. I look towards my male counterpart, and he looks like an absolute beast. He looks like he could kill anyone in a heartbeat, and I won't be surprised if he killed anyone before.

"What an exciting day! District 10! Let's welcome your tributes for this year's Hunger Games! Satan Lockwood, Kahlo Mulciber, Sydney Thesisen, and Revolution Milita!" Gwendoline applauds, imagining the audience was applauding with her. I shake my head in frustration. Well, at least Nayomide wasn't reaped. I couldn't stand that. I look up into the crowd, and I can see Nayomide back on her feet, as if she was never injured. She's lunging towards me, only having Cassadee holding her back. A group of Peacekeepers escort Sydney (10), Revolution (10), Satan (10), and I into the Justice Building, where I await my friend. I don't know what they'll do. With me gone, it won't make much of a difference. Though they could be emotionally wounded for a long time. Nayomide is the first to burst into the room, and she rushes towards me and hugs me tight.

"Wow, you're okay!" I exclaim.

"Actually, I'm still in a lot of pain. I just wanted to get to you as soon as possible. I just fought the pain." Naymoide reveals. She slumps down on the sofa next to me, and Thor, Madhu, Leroi, and Cassadee follow.

"I can't believe it. I just can't..." Madhu whispers.

"We've lost so many people during the tornado! Now we're losing you!" Thor screams in distress. I frown. It seems like they've already given up on me.

"Guys, stop it. He isn't done yet." Leroi informs the group.

"He still has a chance. Kahlo, we all believe in you. We'll be fine for now, so you must focus on your own safety." Cassadee consoles me.

"What about Nayomide?" I ask, turning towards Naymoide.

"I'll be fine. I promise. If you escape the arena, I'll guarantee you I'll still be standing here to greet you first." Nayomide assures me. I manage to make a smile, as I realize something.

"If I come back, I'll be able to get the medicine. You'll recover!" I exclaim.

"There's something to motivate you. You can do this, Kahlo. You need to fight your way back here. We won't be able to manage without you." Nayomide states. Everyone starts to nod, as I feel better about myself, knowing that everyone is on my side.

"Time is up." A Peacekeeper grunts. Everyone exits out of the room willingly. Nayomide lays a kiss on my cheek before leaving. I feel good that my friends are supporting me, though that won't help me get a better chance at winning these games. I've already seen my district partners, and District 10 seems pretty good this year. I won't stand a chance. Especially with double the tributes, I'll have to put up a pretty good fight. I step out of the Justice Building and I'm driven to the train station. I eagerly wait for the train, and I open my eyes in shock as it pulls into the station. It's absolutely flawless. I take one big step into the train and I give myself time to absorb my environment. An Avox walks towards me and hands me some sort of drink. Assuming it's good, I take a sip out of it. The flavor is tasteless to me, because I can't help but think that my friends are struggling to survive on their own back in District 10, and I'm here living a week of luxury. Although these accommodations are sweet, I won't have them for long. I need to try my best to win these games.

For my friends back home, and for Nayomide.

Sydney Thesisen
I take a seat as the shuttle takes off into the forest outside District 10's fence. I take one last look at my home before I abandon my land, most likely never to return alive. My other counterparts seem to be dealing with the whole reaping situation fine. Well, at least what I can see right now. Satan (10) and Revolution (10) are watching a screen broadcasting the reaping's, laughing at their competition, as if they're enjoying being reaped. Kahlo (10) doesn't look too thrilled, but he's taking it better than me. How could anyone take this with ease? The Capitol executes children each year as punishment for what our great grand-parents did years ago. Why can't we just live in harmony? Value each other's rights and treat people equally instead of dividing the districts. If the Capitol doesn't want the district to rebel against them, they should give the districts equality instead of punishment just for the reason to prove that they're higher in authority.

But no, here I am on a one way train to my graveyard where I will join 55 other tributes in an eternal sleep. Although, if my district partners can handle this, I'm determined to do so as well. It'll be a struggle, though as much as I think I'll die, I won't go down without a fight. I look around the room, not knowing what to do. I sit at a dining table, filled with goods and treats.

"Try the biscuits! They're my favorite!" Gwendoline sings. I nearly forgot she was there. I look up, and I see Gwendoline perched on a chair across from me. Not trying to be rude, I take one and take a bite into it. Coming from the Capitol, the taste is phenomenal; though it won't change my point of view on them.

"How is it?" Gwendoline asks, trying to be friendly.

"It's good, very sweet." I reply, hiding my anger towards the Capitol. She may be a Capitol citizen, but at least she's trying to be nice, in her own way. And who knows? Maybe if I become her favorite she'll focus on my return to District 10.

"Well that's only the beginning of what the Capitol has to offer! Although it'll only be for a while, all this is yours!" Gwendoline cheers. I give her a friendly smile, and she returns her attention to applying another 50 layers of make-up. Well, it's definitely a start.

"Are there any tips you can give me for when I go into the training center?" I ask Gwendoline.

"Easy! First we need to find a way to present you! For example, Foxface! She went into the games with a sly and elusive personality. Maybe you can do that! You somewhat look like her." Gwendoline exclaims. "Let's use her as an example. To present you like she did, you must blend in with the tributes and leave yourself forgotten. Her plan did get her very far into the games!" She does have a point. Foxface did place very well in her games, and maybe I can mimic what she did. I'm not too sure if I should listen to Gwendoline entirely, though what she is explaining seems like a good idea so far. The more I talk to Gwendoline the more better I feel about my decision. I may despise the Capitol, but whom else to ask about the Hunger Games then the creators themselves?

"So yeah! That's about it." Gwendoline concludes, as she adds another 50 layers of make-up. I sigh, a little more confident about my chances. I walk away, thinking to myself. I never thought anything from the Capitol would help me in anything. Then again, if it weren't for the Capitol I wouldn't have needed help.

I walk around, realizing that my fellow district partners aren't in the room. I spin around, realizing that Gwendoline had left as well. I look out the window, realizing that the twilight has commenced. I guess I'm getting overworked over the Hunger Games. I walk into a dorm, where I walk into the bathroom and wash up. Most of these appliances I've never heard before. The most I can identify is a tooth brush. After testing every single appliance in my dorm, I finally decide that I should be getting some rest; I'll need it in the arena. I rest on a bed provided, and I give myself time to go to sleep. As I lose sight with the world, a soft hush voice wakes me up. I look up to see Gwendoline standing above me.

"Did you get any sleep?" She asks me.

"I was about to, why?" I ask back.

"We're at the Capitol! Don't worry, you'll still have time to rest before the big day. Let's go!" Gwendoline exclaims, as she motions me to exit the dorm. I never realized I stayed up so long. I rub my eyes, and I exit the train with Gwendoline. We wait for Revolution (10), Kahlo (10), and Satan (10) to exit the train and we finally leave the train station and travel towards the training center. Far along the horizon, I can see a dim light shining behind a mountain. Are we this close to dawn already? Did I stay up all night? I'd better sleep in today; although I may miss training at least I'll be able to pull a Foxface act. We arrive to the training center and Satan (10), Revolution (10), and Gwendoline sprint into the building. I, not having the energy, walk at my own pace with Kahlo (10) by my side. We may not have the strongest friendship, though he's the most like me. We board an elevator and we try to figure out how to operate the elevator. I press a button labeled "10" and we're surprised by a jolt of speed soaring towards the air. We make it to our district floor and I'm in my dorm in no time. Although I'm sharing a residence with Revolution (10), it won't hurt, right?

I walk into my dwelling, and I catch Revolution (10) giving me a deadly stare.

"Um hello, Revolution." I greet her.

"Don't call me that. Call me Eve." She retorts, as she continues to glare at me. If looks could kill, I'd be dead by now. But why is she treating me like this? We're district partners after all, and I know I don't want to kill her. Eve (10) flickers on the television and I fall asleep to the sound of a broadcast. I hear one last thing before I finally drift to sleep.

"A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena." A voice rings.

Oh no... I think before I black out from fatigue.

Sarah Clereden
I wake up in the shadows of an ally. The cold winds brush against my skin, though living here for a while has allowed me to tolerate such condition. I look beside me to find Raquel polishing her axe, cleaning a kill.

"Um.. who's blood is that?" I ask her. She looks up from her axe and grins evilly.

"Some random dude. He saw me with an axe; it was too risky to let him go." She mutters. I look deeper into the ally and I see a corpse leaning against the brick wall. I walk up to the body to fully observe him. There's a bloody stain on his forehead and his eyes are rolled back. Another victim at the hands of us.

"He should've seen it coming. Nobody should be on these streets." I mutter, as I spit on his body. Raquel laughs as I kick his body. I continue beating up the body until I hear a crack.

"What should we do with the corpse?" I ask Raquel, turning to her direction. She smiles wickedly and holds up a box of matches. She wants to burn the corpse. The sound of the idea makes me burst with adrenaline.

"Let's do it." I say, as I throw the body over my back. Raquel peaks her head out of the ally, checking for any bystanders. She runs back into the ally and hurries me into the wall. She claps her hands over my mouth and puts her index finger over her lips. I see a group of girls walking down the street, chatting non-stop. I groan; those girls think of me as their friends, though they make me sick to the gut. I pretend to act friendly towards them, though those half-wits don't suspect anything. I'm just using them to disguise my reputation around here. The group passes by and turns a corner.

"I thought this street was deserted. Why would they be walking here?" Raquel sneers, as she quickly drags me out of the street. We both make a mad dash, turning blocks and corners. We make it to another ally, luckily with nobody around to notice us. I throw the body onto the ground and Raquel lights a match. She stuffs the match down the dummies throat and flames fill into the air.

"RUN!" Raquel whispers, and we dash out of the ally and back to the area we were once in before. I lean against the wall to catch my breath, and Raquel gives me the thumbs up. I look down the street, to see the group of girls gathered around the mess. One is on her knees, crying.

"Do your stuff, kiddo." She laughs, as she gives me a friendly slap on the back. I know what she meant by that; cover up the scene with a friendly act to decrease suspicion. I run up to the group of girls, and I start to fake my old personality.

"Oh my gosh! What happened?" I cry, as I kneel over to a girl in hysterics. I can feel my own stomach shrinking as I feel sick to my stomach. I don't know why I'm doing this. I can hear a faint laugh, and I see Raquel peering from the ally, laughing. I turn my head towards her and give her an angry expression, though she still continues to laugh.

"That was my father in there! Someone save him!" She cries, yet does she know he was already dead before the fire progressed. I run towards a well, and grab three buckets. I fill them up with water, and I quickly return to the scene. I toss the water into the mess, and the worst of the damage is gone. The wind finishes off the job by putting the fire out. It was a good idea to set the body into flames, because the flames had burned into the scars given by Raquel's axe. The girl runs up to her father and cries at his dead corpse. I console her through expression, though in my mind I'm awaiting for all of this to end.

"I'm sorry we couldn't save him..." I lie. The girl I yet to learn the name of settles down and replies.

"Don't worry; it's not your fault..." The girl stutters, only to start crying again. I leave her for the hands of the rest of her group as I walk back to the ally. Raquel is tearing up in laughter. I'd like to see her pull off something like that.

"Shut up." I say, slapping her on the back until I end up laughing along with her.

"Come on. Let's go to the reaping's." Raquel pipes in, grabbing her axe.

"Why?" I retort. "What has the Capitol done for me?"

"Nothing. Though if I'm called, they'll have a high-scale search for me if I'm not there." Raquel mutters. She doesn't want to show up just as much as I do. Though, we have no choice. And I didn't just pretend to care for nothing. The two of us walk down the abandoned street and we eventually make it to the town square. The escort has arrived on the stage early, and is talking to a Peacekeeper. A group of people that consider me as their "friend" is cramped in a corner, talking. I silently creep past them, hoping to avoid conversation. I get my finger pricked along with Raquel and we both file into the audience. The escort grabs the microphone and clears her throat so she can sing. She looks like what you'd expect from any numbskull Capitol citizen, ugly and horrifying. At first glance I'd accuse her of a devil worshipper.

"Greetings District 11" The escort cries. "You may know me as Petunia Phantom, and I'm here to start of this year's reaping's! Let's start off with the reaping's, shall we?" Petunia trots along until she reaches the girls reaping bowl. She pulls out one name and reads it out loud.

"Jay Sparrow!" She shrieks. A girl that looks like she came from the Capitol comes up onto the stage. I know she's from here, because I've seen her ever since I was a small child, but I've never had any friendship with her whatsoever. She looks like an absolute hippy. She walks onto the stage, not saying a word. At least she hasn't gotten on my nerves, yet.

"Sarah Clereden!" Petunia squeals. Reaped? I guess I'll be able to handle it. I walk up to the stage, and I see a group of girls squealing my name, as if they didn't want me to go. I snarl, as I look to the only person that I might actually miss. Raquel doesn't seem to be riled up about my reaping, which I'd prefer. She's pulling off the same expression as I am. I walk up to the stage, taking a side step away from Jay (11).

"Barbarium Polar!" Petunia announces. A scrawny 12-year-old emerges from the audience, and the crowd gasps. Although the crowd is upset by the reaping of a young child, I couldn't care less. I see him rubbing his eye a bit, but that's about it. At least he looks normal unlike my other district partner. He glares at the mayor, and the escort draws another name.

"Parker Viola!" Petunia finishes. The final District 11 tribute emerges from the stage. At least he isn't shrimpy or weird looking. The scar on his cheek makes me believe he might've gotten in some sort of struggle, which makes him not hate him as much, though who knows how that ended up there. Petunia begins to announce our names, though I dash into the Justice Building before a girl posy can stomp all over me. I lock myself in a room, and I sit there in silence and hope that I'm not crowded by a bunch of visitors I hate.

My wish is denied, as a crowd of dozens bursts into the room. I'm unable to tell what's happening, because everyone is so loud. Each person is throwing words at me, and I can't think. I'd yell at them to shut-up, though this is the last time I'll have to fake a personality. I cover my ears, and hope for them to end. I cringe my eyes closed until I feel a tap on my shoulder. What stands in front of me is Raquel.

"Those bitches are the loudest cunts I've ever seen." Raquel mutters. "I've got to hand it to you, I couldn't ever handle those dorks."

"It's not easy..." I sigh. Raquel sits down on a couch in the room.

"You'd better come back." She forces me. "I'll still need my "hunting" partner."

"You thought for one second I wouldn't come back?" I retort. "Believe me. The next time you see me, it's in District 11's Victors Village."

"Alright. If you win, you'd better invite me." Raquel jokes. "If n-"

"Time is up." A Peacekeeper snarls.

"You're not the boss of me!" Raquel yells, stomping out of the room pushing the Peacekeeper out of her way. The Peacekeeper glares at her, then at me with an evil look.

"Don't you dare try anything." I growl at him, getting up and walking out of the room behind Raquel. The Peacekeeper points to a car, and I walk there willingly. The car leads to a train station and I dash into the station. Parker (11) and Barbarium (11) are already waiting for me. Jay (11) arrives right on time before the train enters into the station. We all load into the train, and I look at my district partners. One thought occurs to me.

They'll be dead soon. Killed by me.

Parker Viola
That Sarah (11) girl freaks me out. I turn my head around, and see her grinning at me evilly. I quickly shield my eyes away from her and walk away. Barbarium (11) storms off into his dorm, looking angry and betrayed, while Jay (11) accepts her reaping and walks over to the food cart for a quick nibble. I have no intentions in making an alliance with either of them.

I rush over to a couch and I decide to take a nap. I've still got a lot of time before I arrive to the Capitol. I lay down and the comfort brought by the leather is not describable, coming from a poor district I barely know what leather is. My annoying escort, Petunia, skips over towards me and sits down on a chair next to me.

"Hello!" She exclaims. I look away, pretending I never heard her, and softly close my eyes. She pretends I responded and eagerly clicks a button on a remote. A screen flickers brightly and a projection is seen. I've never seen such a device. Clearly defined pixels move across the screen, changing colors vibrantly creating some sort of animation. I can see one of our tributes from a few years back being clawed at by a career. I think this is the 74th Hunger Games. Petunia starts to boo, as if she just wanted to have a representative from her district win. It's sickening. She gives absolutely no care for the tributes sent into the arena. I doze off a bit, wanting to drive the memory of what I just saw out of my head, until Petunia gets riled up by something on screen. A little curious, I open one eye open to see what Petunia is all excited over.

What displays is a mutt clawing at the tribute that had just killed our District 11 male in the 74th Hunger Games. Petunia starts to clap and cheer, happy. All of a sudden, I feel bad for this man. Although he volunteered to participate in these games, nobody deserves to go through that. I rub my cheek, more specifically the area where my scar has been for a while. A mutt similar to the mutt the District 2 male has just tussled with. A memory of the harm the Capitol had brought down upon me. It shattered who I once was, and I was never able to cry for help. Sick of watching the Hunger Games I cover my ears with a pillow and soon drift to sleep despite still being the early evening.

I wake up, expecting broad day light.. I rise from my seat, to see that nobody is around. I hear slight snoring coming from dorms, and I know that everyone is asleep but me. With nobody around, I finally feel comfortable. I've got a whole compartment in a train to myself. I cautiously maneuver through the compartment and sit down at a table made with fine marble. I push a tab and a dispenser pours hot liquids into a mug. I take a little sip, absorbing the sweet taste through my taste buds. I've never tasted anything like it. I've certainly never have been able to come by something like this at home. I walk towards the couch again, hoping for something else to broadcast. Instead, I am greeted by the face of President Snow standing on the Interview Stage. I sigh, though continue to leave the television on knowing he has something important to reveal.

"Welcome, citizens of Panem. As you know, a new twist has been added to the Hunger Games that each year would be presented as a Quell. However, the Quell for this year's Hunger Games hasn't been announced yet. Furthermore, a final verdict has been decided. This year, we brought back the 50th Quarter Quell. However, here in the Capitol we don't like to be repetitive. So, we've added two arenas. In the first arena, the tributes will fight to the death until one boy and one girl from each District has been killed. Then, the counterparts of the dead tributes will be transported to the second arena. In the second arena, only the strongest of the tributes will succeed. However, they'll also have to face another challenge. What will that challenge be? It will stay a mystery." President Snow says. "Furthermore, to show that during the Dark Days you could never trust anyone, all 56 tributes will be transported into the first arena. A male and female tribute from each District must die in the arena for their counterpart male and female tribute to proceed into the second arena. In the second arena, the final 28 tributes will go into the games and they will proceed like normal. However, they'll have to face a challenge. The question is, what challenge will the face? Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" President Snow signs off and the broadcast ends. I turn to Barbarium's (11) dorm, and frown. I don't want to kill him, though if I were to go in combat with him I'm pretty sure I could take him. After all, he's only 12.

The train comes to a halt, and I peer outside. We're at the Capitol. I see that nobody emerged from their dorms, probably still sound asleep. I'd wake them up, but something doesn't want me to engage in conversation. I just can't. Instead, I just walk straight out of the train and Peacekeepers lead me to a car. I am driven to what people in District 11 would think is the vault to heaven. Although that sounds nice when you put it into words, you'd have to die before you go into heaven. I walk into the building, admiring the architecture. I wish the Capitol never held back privileges to the districts. They've been hiding so many discoveries that could change us as a nation. If we were treated with equality they wouldn't need to be afraid of rebellion. I emerge in front of an elevator and I press a button labeled "11". The elevator takes me to my district floor, and I walk in. I see the exact same dispenser where I had gotten a drink before, and I use it again. I take one sip, and let the tension release from my body. I sit down at a table, and wait for my district partners and escort to arrive.

Firethorn "Fire" Massey
I quickly sling an arrow and target some sort of bird running across the plains. Plump and fat, it'll give me enough food for the day. The arrow released from the sling and the arrow goes straight through the bird. I let out a small gasp, so quiet only I could ever hear. The arrow pierced through the bird's tongue. The bird coughs out blood and lies on its side. I emerge from a bush and examine the bird. The bird is bigger in size to be a regular bird you normally see in the trees. I rip the arrow from its body, and I look for life in the specimen. Nothing at all. Its tongue is disfigured and bloody. I clutch my mouth with both my hands. What if that could be me? I've yet to know, and I'd rather not find out.

Knowing it's no use crying over it, I pluck the feathers off of the bird clean. I rush to a river, to clean the dried blood off of my arrow. In District 12, arrows are hard to come by. I slide my arrow back into a quiver and I dash back into the district before I'm caught by a Peacekeeper. Today, there is bound to be lots of them; I have to be extra careful. I sneak under the fence of the district, until I accidentally come in contact with the fence wire. The fence happened to be active, and luckily for me the shock hurts. I let out a small squeal as my life flashes before my eyes. I quickly regain my senses and slap my mouth shut with my hands. I dash to a nearby building, and I peer from a corner. A few Peacekeepers caught onto the sound, and are inspecting the scene. It wasn't too hard to find out that someone had messed with the fence. With a hole in the fence, it was pretty obvious someone also tried to escape.

"YOU!" A Peacekeeper shouts, as he points to my direction. I dart out of the scene before the rest of the Peacekeepers have time to react. I storm off through the seam, dodging pedestrians and moving objects that stand in my way. Although I'm somewhat strong, there is no way I can take on a bunch of armed Peacekeepers with only a bow and arrow to defend myself. I might be able, but I don't want to stick around to find out. I run the whole length of the seam, and I rest behind a building to catch my breath. I turn around and I see that the Peacekeepers hadn't bothered to trail me. I ran so far for no purpose. But why?

I soon learn the reason when the reaping bell rings. I guess you can say I was saved by the bell. I calmly walk towards the plaza, trying not to attract suspicion. I make it to the plaza on time, and I get my finger pricked and blend in with my age and gender category. The escort comes onto stage, and judging by her appearance she's a recolor of our old escort, Effie Trinket. She is a collage of purple's and yellows, painted all across her appearance. It's silly what the Capitol calls a trend, when in reality it's one of the reasons the districts can laugh about the Capitol.

"Hello, District 12!" The escort announces. "Welcome to the 2nd Annual Hunger Games, I am Heilwig Trinket and I will be your escort! Last year, we did pretty decent. We had a tribute survive 3 of the 6 days in the arena! Let's see if we can do better! Firstly, let's reap our female tributes!" Heilwig walks across the stage and pulls two names out of the female reaping bowl.

"Melanoi Jet... and Firethorn Massey!" Heilwig shrieks, clapping for the reaped female tributes. Oh no. Not me. I emerge from the crowd with another girl my age. We both walk up to the podium resting on the stage and we stay silent. I can't recognize Melanoi (12) from anywhere; she's sort of like me. Keeps a silent reputation and keeps away from the village. At least, I'm assuming.

"And our male tributes are..." Heilwig says, as she sticks her hands into the boys reaping bowl. "Alex Sequera... and Art Caspania!" Heilwig applauds once more as two guys walk up to the stage. One looks moderately healthy, but another looks worn down and tired. I've seen one of them, always begging to survive. As for the other, he looks like he's always had food on the table. Art (12) and Alex (12) walk up to the stage, both looking a bit sad and gloomy.

___

erm I need to go to sleep. So yeah TBC.

Group Training
Just like the reaping's, there will be 2 PoV's per district. One male, and one female. Each tribute should have two PoV's before the games actually start, so if your tribute gets a PoV in the reaping's and group training, don't expect any more until the bloodbath starts. If you haven't seen a PoV from your tribute after Group Training, there will be more to come. A PoV doesn't have to take place when Group Training starts, it just has to take place during that day. There will be 3 days, each day having 10 PoV's excluding Day 3, which will have 8.

How to sponsor:
In the arena, there will be a tribute status posting what a tribute has and what a tribute needs.

To sponsor a tribute, just post in the comments: "I sponsor "tribute's name here" "sponsor item(s) here"."

You start off with sponsoring your own tributes. You can also sponsor other tributes with the extra space you may have. If you don't have any tributes in these games, you can still sponsor.

There will be a list of sponsoring items you can sponsor a tribute. If you want to sponsor an item not on the sponsor list, I will review that item and add the item if it's reasonable.

You can ONLY swap tributes to sponsor if both tributes...

- Are not your tributes.

- Haven't died.

If your tribute follows those two categories, you can switch.

Each tribute will start off with $500 sponsoring money, and possibly more if they won their bets from previous games. If you run out of money for that tribute, you run out of money for that spot. If you replace a tribute with another, they keep the sponsoring money they had previously.

TIP: To gain more money, switch between a tribute that gets a lot of kills and back to another tribute you don't own. It will help you gain money, as you keep the money in the slot.

Sponsoring Table:
- Bolded tributes belong to the owner.

- Italic tributes don't belong to the owner.

- Green tributes are still alive.

- Red tributes are dead.

- Blue tributes won.

- Yellow tributes escaped.

Items:
If you want anything added to the list, say so in the comments. If I think that item is reasonable I'll add it.

Climate & Shelter:

Blanket - $25

Coat - $25

Tent - $100

Food & Water:

Bread - $50

Canteen - $75

Dried Fruit - $50

Dried Meat - $75

Toast - $25

Spile - $125

Soup - $50

Water - $50

Potions, Medicines, Chemicals:

Antidote - $75

Burn Cream - $75

Iodine - $75

Neosporin - $75

Epic Toast (Instant Relief) - $400

Poison - $75

Weapons:

Arrows (12) - $50

Axe - $150

Awl - $100

Blowgun - $100

Bow - $150

Crossbow - $250

Dagger - $50

Darts (10) - 25

Hatchet - $150

Knife - $75

Kopis - $75

Mace - $150

Death Stars (8) - $100

Scythe - $150

Shuriken - $150

Sickle - $100

Slingshot - $100

Steel Ball for Slingshot (15) - $25

Trident - $250

Throwing Axes (3) - $250

Throwing Knives (3) - $150

Tomahawk - $150

Spear - $175

Sword - $175

Unactivated Explosive - $200

Wire - $25

Other:

(Empty) Backpack - $25

Fishing Hook - $25

Floatation Belt - $150

Matches - $25

Net - $50

Night-Vision Glasses - $200

Plastic - $25

Raft & Paddles - $175

Rope - $25

Wire - $25

Italic items cannot be found in the arena.

How to Bet:
In the Capitol, the residents bet tributes and recieve money when the tribute places well.

To bet a series of tributes, just post in the comments: "I bet "tribute name" will place "rank from 1-5", "tribute name" will place "rank from 1-5", e.t.c."

You can bet any tribute, the tribute doesn't have to be yours. You don't even have to have a tribute in these games, you can still bet.

If the tribute ranks in the top 5, you get $100. If you guess the tribute's accurate placing, you get $200.

You can ONLY swap tributes before the games start.

You will be allowed to sponsor 5 tributes. You must list which tribute will place where in the Top 5. Once the games have commenced, your bet is set and there is nothing else you can do but send advice and sponsor. If a tribute you guessed doesn't make it into the top 5, you don't earn money. If a tribute you guessed makes it into the top 5, you earn $10 for my next games if you enter. If a tribute you guessed earns the accurate place you gave it, you earn $200 for my next games if you enter. All in all, the minimum you could earn is $0 and the maximum you could earn is $1000. The record of money earned by betting is $50, earned by ViniciusDeAssis1999 and ~PopTart~. Lets see if someone can break that record!

You may place & switch your bets at any time, though once the games have begun you can't change or place a bet.

TIP: If you give your tributes good advice and sponsor them well, that tribute will probably place well. Training scores sometimes do matter, though the best thought out tributes have more of an effect.

Betting Table:
- Green tributes are alive

- Red tributes are dead

- Blue tributes placed in the top 5

- Yellow tributes died/won in the accurate placing