The 298th Annual Hunger Games

 The 298th Annual Hunger Games



Hello Everyone. You most likely now i had been working on the Dance of Death series. However, I grew increasingly unsatisfied with the style, quality and the direction I had set up the storyline. I plan to crate these games to be more realistic, while following the Dance of Death plot theme. I really hope you have faith in me to make these the best I can possibly make them. I still plan to do a three part series, this being part 1 of 3.

Introduction
Mikaela Stokes from District 2. She was crowned the victor of the 296th Annual Hunger Games. Her victory was cut short, when the lights and power abruptly cut off. The whole of Panem was shrouded in darkness, and after a significant time the lights came on, and the arena came back into view. The only abnormal thing was that Mikaela was gone, as if she had just vanished into the wind.

The rebellion came up shortly after that. The thought that someone could escape the Capitol's trap was unreal, and it filled the desperate people with false hope, with no knowledge where this girl has gone to they united simultaneously and attacked the Capitol. The President at the time, Weston Vulcan, was overwhelmed. His elite forces could not overpower the desperation from the District, finally free from his tyranny.

The rebellion soon fell into the rebels hands, and the Capitol itself was infiltrated. The war of the Capitol was bloody, where thousands of lives were lost from both sides. There was no one who was safe, men, women and children. They all suffered the same fate. The president himself was not safe, and that was when he was assassinated. The war stopped abruptly, and a girl, Pandora Lenox took over power. The rebels thought she was on their side, that they had finally grasped freedom, but they were wrong.

Pandora, using her own army crushed the rebels with brutality. They were forced back into the hardships of their lives. This girl who appeared out of no where suddenly changed the direction of the war. The 287th Hunger Games took place successfully, and Pandora still remains esteemed President of Panem.

Rules

 * There will be a total of 24 tributes. There will be a male and female tribute from DIstrict 1-12.
 * I will try to do Reapings, Training and obviously the Games.
 * You can reserve spots, which will last up to 48 hours. You can have a total of 2 tributes, the number may change.
 * I have the right to not accept tributes if i think they lack in quality.
 * I do not want you to complain if your tribute dies this is not real and you should get over it.
 * I would like you to comment even if you are just giving a shout out to your tributes. You being active is very important for your tributes.
 * I would like advice, though if you have a valid reason you can avoid it.
 * I like new tributes, and i would love it if you made them in the comments. This is not a rule, and feel free to enter used tributes. I just enjoy to use new tributes because i can create my own story for them and not follow or be influenced by what others have used.

Tribute Template
(Bold is needed)

Name: I would like this to be District Related and interesting.

Age: 12-18

District: 1-12

Weapon: Please make the weapons realistic for the tribute

Gender: Male or Female

Personality: This can be short, i just need to know how you would like the tribute to be portrayed.

Strengths: a maximum of 3

Weaknesses: a minimum of 3

Backstory: This can be short and simple, the length will not affect your tribute's chances

Appearance: Lunaii and a short description, RLs are not needed

Fears:

Token:

Alliance:

Alliances
Careers: Valora Vista (1), Tristver Redgrave (1), Jessica Arson (2), Mercury Pearson-Renault (2), Rio Waterborne (4), Mack Waterborne (4), Ace Merciless (5) & Pompeii Vulcan (9)

Anti Careers: Tomothy Banner (3), Jennifer Woods (7), Luscinia Darswood (10), Avan Falco (10), Octavian Silvercrest (12) and Neome Cobalt (12)

District 3, 6, 8 & 12 Alliance: Mag Pastel (3), Aluyre Lincoln (6), Siltori Lincoln (6), Zeke Roulch (8) & Samantha Roulch (8)

District 5 & 7 Alliance: Corin Greer (5) & Juniper Larch (7)

Loners: Anne Bellhope (9), Sophia Fallows (11) &Tomer Wilt (11)

Sponsoring
The Tributes will all start off with $200. There will be factors that will affect how much a tribute gains and loses. This will be explained in more detail below. Kill: +50

1-3 Training Score: -50

3-5 Training Score: -25

5-7 Training Score: +25

8-12 Training Score: +50

Item Prices
Anti-Infection: $125

Awl: $50

Alcohol: $75

Axe: $150

Baton: $100

Battleaxe $175

Blanket: $50

Blowgun: $125

Bow: $150

Bread: $50

Burn Cream: $125

Canteen: $75

Camouflage Paints: $100

Chakram: $175

Chlorine: $75

Cookies: $25

Crossbow: $175

Crackers: $15

Dagger: $100

Darts (12): $25

Dried Meat: $75

Dried Fruit: $50

Flail: $125

Flares x3: $125

Flashlight: $100

Hammer: $125

Instant Relief: $400

Iodine: $100

Knife: $50

Knife Glove: $100

Mace: $150

Mace (Chained): $175

Machete: $125

Matches: $75

Morning Star: $175

Gasoline $100

Hatchet: $150

Needles (3): $125

Net: $75

Net Trap: $125

Night-Vision Glasses: $150

Piece of Plastic: $15

Painkillers: $75

Poison: $100

Quiver of Arrows (12): $50

Raft: $125

Rocks: $15

Rope: $25

Scythe: $150

Shield: $125

Shield (Spiked): $200

Shurikens (5): $125

Sickle: $125

Sleeping Bag: $50

Sleep Syrup: $125

Slingshot: $75

Soup: $75

Spear: $125

Spike Trap: $250

Spile: $50

Sword: $150

Throwing Axes (3): $200

Throwing Knives (3): $200

Trident: $225

Water: $100

Whip: $75

Wire: $75

Wooden Club: $100

Wooden Club (Spiked): $150

District 1: Valora Vista
The bloody blades, they lower down towards my face, tormentingly slow. I can't move, i'm trapped. The blades get close, I can see the flash of the deadly metal. That was when they began to dig into my eyes, so slowly, I feel the warm blood stream down my face and the silence around me is surrounded by screams, so many screams.

I wake up, opening my eyes. Though i'm still shrouded in darkness, all I see is an endless void, always leading into darkness, deeper into the abyss I head every day, no turning back. I was taken by darkness a long time ago, and with the darkness i'm surrounded by, the darkness grew inside me.

I remember who did it, his name was Terrence. He murdered everyone. I remember their mangled bodies, their different shades of blood, merging into one glorious pool of death. I was able to escape, but I let my guard down, and soon Terrence confronted me, and slowly pierced my eyes out with his two blades, that's it, after that it was only darkness. He's dead now.

I don't miss my vision, I can smell my prey and I can hear them. They underestimate me, assume i'm weak because I can't see them. I can sense them, I've killed more people than any idiot from this District could guess. I enjoy hearing the gasps of the ones who offer to help me, just before I pull out my knife and slash their throats. I may be blind but I can see their faces, the fear embedded on them as their come to the conclusion their time is finally up.

I hear the increase of sound from my window. My head snaps towards the source and I sip out if bed, carefully stepping towards the window, noticing the steady increase of sound. The Reaping must be soon, and I feel a burst of excitement inside of me, but I remain composed.

I plan on volunteering, I'm sure the District will mock me, but I've always wanted to volunteer, before and after the incident. I'm not going to let darkness halt me, i've killed many people who have questioned my ability, thinking of me as handicapped. I could lead the careers, if I desired to do so.

I begin to get changed, my hands brushing over the unique fabrics until i settle on something silky. I need to look good if i'm going to be standing in the front of all Panem. I get changed and begin to depart my home. I slowly walk towards the door, my hand struggling to find the doorknob until I hear a soft voice, my mothers.

"Val, do you need help to make it to the reaping?"

I wish I could roll my eyes. I don't bother to turn around, to give the insufferable woman respect. I want to stab her in her loud and irritable mouth. I'm merely using her for a roof over my head, I'm not stupid, I know I would never last a day alone in this crude world. "No Mother, vision is only one of the many senses, there are still many I could use to my advantage" I remember killing all those people, simply relying on my remaining senses, which have never failed me.

I open the door, not caring to close it as I proceed out onto the street milling with enthusiastic teenagers, some who believe they can take my place in the Hunger Games. I stay in my place, making those around me move to avoid me. I can use their pity to their advantage, no one is rancid enough to harm a little blind girl, and that's all I am to them, a harmless girl who is always lost.

I proceed to make my way to the District Square, which I remember to be paved with jewels and the ground made of alabaster coloured marble. I make my way towards the line where the other 17 year olds should be. I quickly ask a girl, who confirms it. I just stand there, enveloped by others laughter, it makes me sick. They make me sick, oblivious to the real world. I may be blind but I have never seen things more clearly, they just hide from reality, the sick reality of our awful world.

A considerable amount of time passes before the escort begins to speak. She begins to talk about the glory of the Capitol, how we sacrifice our own for survival and how the new president, Miss Lenox, will bring much needed peace to our glorious nation. Her speech ends and the District drowns in applause, mindless animals in my opinion.

The applause finally stops and she continues "Now, let's see who our male is". She proceeds to the males bowl, but before she can even pull out the slip a boy volunteers. His voice is gruff and strong, he sounds powerful. I await a second before the escort asks for his name, to which he replies "Tristver Redgrave". His words hold little emotion, and the escort compliments his supposedly athletic figure. I can tell he will be one to watch out for.

The escort finally finishes talking about Tristver, and my moment comes "Now for the fem-"

"I volunteer"

I hear the girls around me whisper, they surround me, everyone has their eyes set on me. I can feel them, silently mocking me. I proceed to the stage, painfully slowly but composed and holding pride. I eventually find the staircase, and make my way towards the sound of the escort remarking about how i'm an 'interesting subject'. I abruptly stop and the escort puts the microphone in the palm of my hand. I announce to the District my name, and everyone cheers. I blush slightly, but maintain a straight face.

The escort closes the Reaping, and as me and Tristver make our way into the Justice Building, I can hear his grunts. It is obvious he is not happy about something.

"Is this some sort of joke? District one is being represented by a blind girl, we're going to be a mockery." I feel his presence near me, as his footsteps become louder. He is face to face with me and hisses "Why couldn't you keep your damn mouth shut?"

I step back and ask calmly "Tristver, what colour are your eyes?"

"What? They're a chocolate brown, why?"

I reply, in the same calm voice I used when i questioned him "They sound lovely, I'll be sure to keep them when i rip them out of your head. I may even get the Capitol to place them in my own eyes when i emerge victorious, I used to have brown eyes, you know"

After that there is only silence.

District 2: Mercury Pearson-Renault
The national Anthem plays through the streets. I can hear the little children chiming their excitement for the games and which brave pair of warriors will represent our glorious District.

This is the year, every sword i've swung, every sweat I've drawn has been made for this. This is the very moment when we can prove ourselves. I'm not the only ones to believe that, the excited chorus from outside confirms my belief.

I am going to be this years tribute. I don't care about the killing, I didn't enter to massacre twenty three other children. I'm entering to find my sister, Vanna.

I assume many would think I'm trying to save my long lost sister, who has been missing for a considerable amount of time. I suppose you could say I'm looking for her, but only to finally silence her. She escaped death, cheated it.

She always snooped around, unable to keep her nose out of things that should not be exposed. My father, Dexter, who was a child who never got a place in the games, but with a sole full of bloodlust that had never been released. That is the problem with the District, thousands of murderous people released out into the District, the consequences will show up soon enough.

Dexter killed people, my mother included. I've never known why, but I felt the primal urge to cover up his crude crimes. I helped him hide his twisted acts away from the world, away from Vanna. That was when she found out, and she was able to slip from my grasp.

The girl ruined everything, my father advised me to leave. I followed his advice, a cowardly thing to do and I have not seen him since. I don't know his fate, he could be alive, but I place my odds on dead.

That's how I ended up here, in the slums. I've been training in the academy, endlessly preparing for the Games which I aim to partake in. I smile, with the victors riches and fame, it will be easy being able to track down Vanna. I'll be above the law and I plan to get President Lenox's favour. I have always been able to use looks to my advantage.

I hear a knock on the door. I awaken out of my fantasy of revenge.

"Mercury, you comin'?" The voice of my girlfriend, Haven calls.

I open to door and leave with her, walking to the District Square, flooded with people and festivities.

I kiss her goodbye, telling her i'm not going to be seeing her in quite a while. I brush my brown hair out of my face and take my place in line with the other sixteen year olds. They all laugh about how they will volunteer and win, they all place bets on how many tributes they will kill. I smile slightly, knowing their hopes will be crushed when I walk towards the stage. I may look back just to see their melancholy expressions when i'm walking towards the stage.

The Escort comes to the stage. She welcomes he District and the Victors, all of whom sit down. There is a spare chair right at the end, one reserved for Mikaela Stokes, who vanished in the arena shortly after being announced victorious. The District was overjoyed, until the lights went out and we never saw that girl again. I presume she is deceased, no one can escape the power of the Capitol.

The escort continues, her long speech about our nation, the glory of the games and when she finally concludes her speech we all cheer, myself included. "Now, let's see who the female tribute is"

She walks towards the bowl and pulls out a name, and as she talks a breath numerous girls shout they volunteer, and is gradually accompanied by more. The escort points to the back of the crowd, only claiming "you girl, the one dressed in that divine black dress"

I notice the back of the crowd part for the girl, most of whom mutter to themselves about not being chosen to participate. The chosen girl comes into view, she is tall and strong, and like most from our District it's obvious she's healthy. Her dark hair is accompanied by coppery skin. I can see what the escort saw in her.

She gracefully smiles towards the crowd, and when the escort asks her her name she replies "Jessica Arson". The crowd cheers for her, while she waves. I see confidence embedded on her pretty face.

She is whisked to the side as the escort moves towards the boys bowl, but before dipping her hand in she asks for volunteers. The screams come from everywhere, behind me and in front of me. I didn't expect so many to want a chance at glory.

I see my chances as hopeless and beginning to dwindle. I begin to push my way through the crowd, knocking over anyone who refuses to move out of my way. The escort is just about to pick a tall boy but i'm already walking to the stage, ignoring the protests from the others.

The Escort Smiles "Such enthusiasm from you young man, what is your name?"

"Mercury Pearson-Renault, the victor of the 298th Hunger Games!" I notice Jessica's brown eyes move over to examine me, and after wrinkling her nose she looks back towards the adoring crowd. The escort announces our names, and everyone goes wild. I know we are a pair of strong tributes, and I don't doubt one of us will emerge victorious. I shake Jessica's hand and she whispers "Good Luck"

I look at her coldly, my grip grows tighter "You too. I'm sure you're going to need it"

Then we are whisked away into the Justice Building, a large smile plastered onto my face. I'm one step closer to Vanna.

District 3: Magdalene Pastle
I sit atop the cliff, my feet dangling carelessly over the edge. I sigh, looking over the main road in the District. The crowd of grey has massed, silently trudging towards the reaping. The morbid atmosphere reminds me it's Reaping day. I close my eyes, knowing this could be my last day in this District.

I stand up, and begin walking towards the District Square. I notice the looks I get from the people. I know what they're looking at. My unique hair has always drawn unwanted attention. I've grown not to care, at least I look more interesting than the plain citizens of this sorry District.

I didn't do it by choice, who wants to be a walking freak show? I've always been unorthodox when I comes to rules but i'm not that extreme. This all started because of foolishness, letting a former friend drug me, get me set up to be taken away by masked figures. I dyed my hair with a variety shades, out of sheer impulse to escape them. The end result was a dark purple slowly turning into a pretty green. I still look better than most of the people in this District.

That event led to my demise, my parents, whom were already angered by my defiance decided i'd be better off dead. They were so afraid of the Capitol, so afraid I may get them into trouble that they were willing to kill their only child. I was pushed off a cliff I was sitting on moments ago.

I was dead. I was dead to the world, they all thought I was dead. The joke was on them, because I woke up and escaped. I was overjoyed. There would be no Hunger Games for me, I could miss it and not get punished. The ironic thing is that today i'm planning on volunteering, I guess things can change dramatically in the space of a few years.

My parents quickly got over my death, because to them I never died. They created a droid, far beyond the knowledge of a common District 3 erudite. The haunting thing was that the thing was an exact replica of me. The droid was called Meg, and we did in fact meet. I hated her at first but we soon became friends. Meg decided to take me back to our former home, and I hesitantly followed her. I did something wrong to her, I destroyed her programming and she ended up killing my parents, or the people that once were my parents. She was taken away to district 8. I haven't heard or seen her since.

I've been lonely, isolated. I've avoided human contact so long to avoid the Hunger Games. I almost ended m life, taken the easy way out but that would have been stupid, so maybe i'm doing something even more impulsive and reckless. I'm volunteering to escape the darkness that hides inside me. I don't want to live this life anymore, I can die in the games or I could leave victorious and everything would be changed. This is a risk i'm willing to take.

I know i'll get a place if I volunteer, when the tribute walks to the stage it's usually dead silent. You could hear a pin drop as the fearful youths avert their away away from the pitiful sight. I guess i'm going to change that, and save a life.

I continue to ignore the looks I get as I make my way into the District Square. The Capitol women who takes my blood looks at me with a face of utter confusion.

"Are you Magdalene Pastle?"

"call me Mag" I smile, but the women looks at me in fear "everything ok?"

"you're dead, you died years ago"

I bite my lip. I forgot that everyone thought I was dead. I awkwardly say "I'm here now, so shouldn't we be celebrating" I then walk away, the women still very confused. I make my way into the crowd of other fifteen year olds, and when i take my place I gain the usual looks.

The escort begins to take her place on stage, he hair similar to mine. The district begins to go into a morbid silence. The only sounds coming from the factories in the distance. The escort begins with the formalities, and then she talks about the rebellion. I remember it, we live in a large District and the Capitol only attacked the center hubs of activity, the type of places I stayed far away from. There are certain areas of the District which still haven't recovered.

She begins walking towards the female bowl and quickly pulls out a name. I sigh, clearing my throat. I feel my heart pounding, in a few seconds my life is going to change on a huge scale.

"Bryony Watt"

I wait to see the young girl walk out of the 13 year old sector. She looks to be in shock and teers are streaming out of her eyes. I smile, I'm glad I can save her. I'm ready. "I volunteer!"

The Districts reactions is a mix of gasps and whispers. I make my way through the crowd. The District part for me like i'm a hero. I walk past Bryony, who whispers a small thank you. I ignore her, i need to keep composed. I don't want to lose any of the self control i'm having. I feel I could break down any second.

I reach the stage and the escort asks for my name, claiming i'm very beautiful. I reply with Mag Pastle. Magdalene was the name my parents gave me, and far too formal.

The District applauds me, and I let out a little smile. The escort walks towards the boys bowl. She dips her hand in the bowl, and pulls out a slip, opens it and reveals the name "Timothy Banner"

The boy, who is abnormally tall with unkempt black hair walks to the stage, he doesn't look sad, he looks like a huge weight has been taken off his chest. I can't really believe he is happy to be reaped, and when the escort asks for volunteers the crowds remains silent. The reaping ends with the Escorts inappropriately cheerful ending to the bleak atmosphere

"Your Tributes, Mag Pastle and Timothy Banner!"

The district applauds with effort, usually it's slow and depressing. I look to Timothy, who looks like a beast indie a boy and I volunteered, so they must assume I know what i'm doing. The escort tells us to shake hands and I do.

Timothy looks at me in the eyes, his brown eyes glitter with emotion "you were very brave, saving that young girl"

"Thanks." I'm blunt, I didn't do it to save a life, I did it for myself. I'm going to have to kill people, and already i'm not sure if I can hurt Timothy, based around the fact he can crush me like a bug. I'm already regretting my decision.

District 4: Mack Waterborne
The music plays throughout the streets, the conversation and laughter add to the festive atmosphere. This is the one time of year we can prove ourselves worthy of killing twenty three other children. There is no greater honour, or that's what my father believes.

And that's why I'm going to volunteer.

I know most likely every other child here wants to volunteer, last year I wasn't selected. I'm glad the male tribute died early into the games. We don't feel any sympathy, we consider that weakness and that is worse than murder.

I walk along the beach, keeping a deadly silent face. The walkway extends far out into the ocean, where the stage awaits us.

I don't want to volunteer, the thought never crossed my mind. I have trained endlessly for the past few years. I owe it to my father, the devout follower of the Pandora's word, believing her to be our salvation. His child competing in the games, it was the same with my mother, while she was alive.

My mother was insane, I always thought she was dead, killed by sharks that haunt the seas of our District. The truth is she was unhappy with my fathers training methods, and left. That wasn't that last I saw of her, after my fathers sheer brutality drove me away, she embraced me. The angel of death.

Her intentions were not good, these days I doubt anyone has good intentions. My mother was part of a religious group, a cult who wanted blood. My blood. I realised this and I ran away, my father saved me from her, her deceased corpse floated down the river.

I shiver at the memory. I know no one who would be glad to see their mothers dead body. I was able to recover, and I know I'm ready for the games, if I can witness my mothers death and not crumble under the pain, I'm sure killing twenty three other strangers will be fine.

I lick my lips as the salty air blows into my face. I step onto the wooden walkway, slowly creaking under the weight of the huge crowd. This wasn't meant to last past the rebellion, it was used for the Districts pathetic navy, quickly built in a panic. The Capitol makes us do it here to mock us.

I finally arrive in the large pier, where the stage lies and the District gathers. The escort awaits on the stage, and begins the event soon after my arrival. She welcomes us and begins to speak on the recent rebellion, and how last years tributes did a pathetic attempt. I know I didn't like the male, but tributes that died in a stupid game should earn some honour. The rest of the District laughs at the escorts joke. "Now, for the males"

She proceeds to the bowl, I'm ready. I have no regrets, i'm not going to question my decision. My father will be so proud, and when i return home victorious my life will change forever, his and mine. She pulls out the name, but before she has the chance to read it multiple boys volunteer. I shout on reflex, and begin to shove my way through the crowd. The escort laughs at the chaos, and points towards me. I hear shouts of protests, but a grin is plastered on my face as I run towards the stage.

"Whats your name, young man"

"Mack Waterborne"

The District cheers, and the escort announces the girls. I move towards the stage as I look at the crowd, I notice many worthy females but when girls begin to volunteer the escort points at a girl with short red hair. She comes out of the sixteen year old section, holding pride with her chest held high as she pushes the other girls out of her way. The girl connects eyes with me as I look at her, it's like she seems to know who I am. The escort asks for the girls name as the takes her place on the stage.

"Rio, Rio Waterborne"

I freeze for a second, is this a mere coincidence or are we related. I know the Waterborne family is large, with many cousins, she may be a distant relative, or just another girl whom I share a last name with. I've just found out this girl may daunt my chances at victory. The District mutters, this dosen't happen very often.

"siblings, I bet" The escort smiles playfully "how much fun!"

"No, I actually don't know her". The escorts smile fades away as she closes the reaping. Rio shakes my hand.

"It's lovely to finally meet you. Though the sibling lie would have played out well with the fans, you've probably just lost me a lot of sponsors"

I eye her, family or not I dislike her. She seems tough, and a part of me regrets my decision. Though, if I have to kill Rio to get myself victory she can already consider my dagger in her throat.

District 5: Corin Greer
I awaken on in a cold ally, darkness surrounds me as smoke from the multiple factories hides the sky. The bleak atmosphere is reflected on the people, who walk past the ally in silence. They all head towards the same place, towards the district square, for the annual reaping.

I brush my hand through my blonde hair, I'm not afraid of the reaping, the odds of them pulling out my name is astronomical, there are thousands of other children to choose from. I'm not worried, I'm sure i'm going to be back here within the next few hours. I get up, ready to get this reaping finished, I always feel pity for the tributes, but I'm not stupid, I know i'm secretly glad they were chosen instead of me, people reject that thought because of pure moral.

I notice out of the crowd a shape slips into the ally. I stop for a second, but it's a familiar face. The girl, Geneviene Paxton smiles at me. She my only friend in the world, my only memory of better times which I grasp so desperately to.

"Corin, you going to sit here all day?"

"yeah, lets get it over with"

I begin to walk, merging with the silent crowd. Their faces lie low, afraid speaking may increase their odds. I feel sorry for the tribute, their last memory of their home will be this. Though there was never anything too spectacular here.

I turn the corner and stop. I gasp as people push past me, Geneviene remains silent, knowing the situation. The buildings that lie before me as burnt out, not recognisable. I remember when it was a normal street, where a little clothing shop owned by a man called Elijah Birch, my best friend and my adoptive father. He died in the fires that destroyed this small street, and with him a small part of me died with it. The man that saved me from the child homes that had been overcrowded a long time ago is gone.

I turn away from the sight, I want to forget, but the one person who I was fully able to connect to, something I find hard. I continue towards the District Square, where the large stage awaits us. I get my blood taken, wincing slightly but I won't let that get in my way.

I take my place in line with the other fifteen year olds, next to Geneviene. The escort, a stupid looking man, his grey hair blending in with our District begins to speak as everyone is in place. His first topic is the rebellion, Elijah told me he believes my birth father died is a small rebellion that took place in the very place i'm standing, the timeline fits perfectly, if so, I guess my father was killed by the Capitol. Though I've never held that much love for them.

I ignore his speech, I've heard it so many times. The things start to get interesting when he begins walking towards the males bowl. He dips his hand in and pulls out a slip, but before he reveals the name of a very unlucky male I hear a word I thought I would never hear.

"I volunteer"

The voice that shouts it a cold and emotionless one. The crowd parts for a boy who is eighteen. He wears a bandanna over his face, and has a decent structure. His cold blue eyes regard the district and as the escort asks for his name, he pulls his bandanna off and with a cold smile he replies.

"Ace Merciless"

There are a few claps, but I firmly keep my hands at my side. This boy didn't volunteer to save a life, he volunteered because he wanted to be in the games, he's chosen to kill innocent tributes, I know I would have to, but it wouldn't be a choice I would want to make. Ace is just as bad as the careers.

The escort begins to walk towards the girls bowl. I straighten up, awaiting to see which unlucky girl will have the displeasure of joining Ace. The escort opens the slip he has pulled out and reads

"Corin Greer"

What? I hear Geneviene gasp in horror, she looks at me with wide eyes. The girls around me look directly at me. I need to be strong, I can't be weak. I hug Geneviene, determined of seeing her again. I whisper to he "i'll be back, be ready for me". I walk past her and make my way to the stage.

The escort smiles at me, and part of myself wants someone to volunteer, but I'm not sure I could live with myself if I let anyone die for me. The escort calls me beautiful and as he closes the reaping, I shake hands with Ace, his cold blue eyes regarding me like i'm pathetic. He probably thinks I'm just a blonde fool that will die first, but I'm not going to let anyone kill me, I'm going to win, I have to win.

The escort begins to close the reaping as the district clap for us, with little effort. I notice the thousands of eyes upon me, but then I see someone familiar in the boys crowd, where all the fifteen year olds are, a pair of peacekeepers pull me into the building but I see something strange in the boys hazel eyes, their familiar in some way.

The door close behind me, and my fight for survival has just begun.

District 6: Aluyre Lincoln
"Siltori, Aluyre and Zakari, the Reapings are ever so soon, get yourselves over here, now!"

The piercing voice of my stepmother, a truly evil woman. Gizelle took away my childhood, but more importantly she took away my sisters, Siltori's. She now wants to volunteer into the Games, to escape the torment, which is truly insane, but I know I can't let her go into the games alone.

I begin to walk down the stairs, where Zakari stands by his mothers side, Siltori sitting on the kitchen chair. The woman smiles mockingly, after my father mysteriously died she has taken everything he had, everything we had.

"finally, you do take your time"

I lower my head, ignoring her, she would like nothing more than to see me fight back, but I won't give her the pleasure. We all stand up and proceed out the open door. Gizelle and Zakari walk steadily in front of us. Sil looks at me with slitted eyes.

"why do you let that witch speak to you like that, Alu?"

"I don't need to scoop to her level"

"I've had enough of this, I'm volunteering and when I win I'll put her in her place"

I look at her in shock, volunteering will be the cause of her death. She can't, there will be twenty three others thinking the exact same thing, every year even the most innocent is ready to kill, it's human nature. "Sil, volunteering will kill us both"

"how does it affect you"

"if you volunteer, I volunteer"

"You're bluffing, you couldn't harm another person. You're even afraid fo Gizelle."

I roll my eyes, my sister, no matter how much I love her is impulsive, and in this world that can kill you as easy as any knife. I just hope she dosen't live up to her words. We arrive at the District square, which is as silent as it is every year. There is no one who wants to be Reaped, and Sil seems more than eager to join.

We begin to part ways, and I tell her to not do anything stupid, and she tells me she knows whats she's doing.

The escort prances towards the microphone, and begins speaking. He tells us how excited he is to see what powerful tributes come in the games this year, better than last years tributes, who both died in the bloodbath. I hope he picks the boys first, maybe Sil will have a chance to change her mind.

"now for the girls"

I feel butterflies in my stomach, and the man prances towards the bowl. He pulls out a slip and opens it.

"Clarissa Lunes"

I partially hope the girls crowd remains silent, but as the black haired girl makes her way to the stage, crying slightly, I fee sorry for her. The escort asks for volunteers, there is an initial silent but then I hear a familiar voice scream

"I volunteer as tribute"

What has she done? I watch as my silver haired sister makes her way to the stage, Clarissa departing. She stands upon the stage and we get eye contact, which she decides to avoid. I gulp as she announces her name, I have to volunteer. I have to protect her, she's all I have and if she dies, I die.

"Now for the males"

I don't wait for him to walk towards the bowl

"I volunteer!"

I run towards the stage, and make my way towards the microphone. Sil's face is a mask of horror, she cups her head in her hands and the escort comments on our silver hair, and when I announce our names he respons by saying how exciting siblings will be representing District 6.

He closes the reaping and when we make our way into the justice building Sil screams at me.

"are you stupid, one of us is going to die"

"I'll make sure it's me, I'm not letting you do this alone"

"You're so stupid Alu"

I open my mouth but she rushes towards me, holding me in a hug and we both cry.

District 7:  Jennifer Woods
The fallen twigs crunch under my feet, repeated by the mass of people walking through the forest, when the reaping will commence. The thick trees begin to thin out, slowly turning into mere stumps. I enjoy the forest, more than I enjoy the little piece of civilisation we have beyond it, a citizen from District Seven finds their days out here, I was even born here. There is only one path for us in life, our destiny predetermined by the Capitol, I'm going to be a lumberjack, like my mother and father, well, unless the Reaping changes everything.

I notice the stage in the Distance, large cameras record the children marching to their fate. There are earlier reapings being played onscreen, I notice several replays of volunteers from non career Districts, and a heart breaking scene of a brother volunteering so he could be with his sister. The world has come to this, we have to make decisions that could kill us, just for the entertainment of another.

I try not to be afraid, though the thought of leaving all I know into an arena of someones design, to have metal buried in my flesh while people cheer seeing the screens, and my mother and father are elft alone. I don't want to subject them to that fate, the games don't just affect the one reaped, they affect everyone, no one can escape it's horror.

I finally arrive in a long line, and my parents make their way to my side. They remain silent, this is anyones worst nightmare, seeing their child subjected to such horror. I'm not sure I'm going to have children, it's always been a desire of mine but I could never forgive myself if they were Reaped.

I finally reach the end of the line, where a woman awaits to take my blood. I hug my parents tightly.

"I love you." I look at my feet, taking a breath in "see you soon"

"it's going to be fine, we'll go down the east side of the forest when this is over"

I nod, and make my way towards the woman. She takes my sample and I take the short walk towards the eighteen year old section. I smile at familiar faces, trying to lift the somber mood. I know this is my last year, I can finally live life without the stress of the reaping looming over me.

The escort makes mer way on the stage, dressed as a tree, I hold back my laughter. The screen is filled with the flawless face of Pandora Lenox, announcing the numerous rules with positivity, telling us failure to follow them will result in death. I look away from the screen as it cuts blank.

"Welcome District 7, we have failed to produce a victor in six years." My eyes move over the Aspen Blackthron, the victor of the 202nd Annual Hunger Games, who suffles awkwardly, his stump of an arm drawing himself unwanted attention.

The escort proceeds to talk about how the Games are good, how they unite the Capitol and the Districts and how the failed rebellion will remind us of our selfish ways. I don't like how she mocks us, how she judges us because we can't defend ourselves.

"Now for the boys"

The escort walks towards the boys bowl. The District goes into an even deeper silence. She draws a sip from the large bowl and reads.

"Juniper Larch"

I lick my lips as the boys crowd begins to part, a sixteen year old boy proceeds out of the crowd. He is nothing special, he looks like most boys from my Districts. He has dark brown hair and warm eyes. His appearance is scruffy and he is quite thin, though malnourishment has always been a problem. He reaches the center of the stage, the escort does not look impressed, wrinkling her nose.

"...now for the girls"

She proceeds for the bowl. I feel excitement, it's all going to be over in a second. I will never have to face any of this ever again.

"Jennifer Woods"

The girls around me sigh in relief, but I remain deathly silent. I don't believe this, what did I ever do to deserve this? This isn't fair, it's can't be, I must be in some horrible nightmare. Then why am I not waking up?

I begin to walk towards the stage, I notice from the crowd of adults people look at me with pity. They told me I has so much potential, which i will never use. I'm going to die, I have no chance. I remember the image of the massive District 1 male as he flashed on the screen, even Juniper could prove hard to beat.

The escort smiles and holds my hand. I don't cry, my face remains in shock. The escort closes the reaping and i shake hands with Juniper, locking eyes with my crying parents. I'm pulled roughly into the Justice Building. The doors closing behind me.

"It's going to be ok, don't let it get the better of you, that's what they want" Juniper smiles warmly at me "I'm Juniper, you're Jennifer, right?"

"were going to die, why are you so happy?" I ask, brushing his hand off my shoulder "why do you even care?, we have no chance"

"you're probably right. Though we will all die someday, it could be at the games or at your house, many years from now. Though I plan to leave something on this earth after I'm gone"

"you may be remember for a year if you do decent in the games, or die like an idiot. Though a new Hunger Games will gome and you will be another tribute, another toy in the Capitols game"

Juniper looks down, he dosen't want to continue the argument. I realise I'm already letting the games get the better of me. I'm not going to let them do that. I mumble "sorry" and look down.

The peacekeepers come and announce it's time to leave.

District 8: Zeke Roulch
The dark clouds spread over the District. I look away from the window, the dark feeling spreads to everyone, it's the Reaping. The morbid feeling is escalated in my household, exactly four yeas ago my brother was reaped into the games, sentenced to death.

I try to put it behind me, but the Hunger Games always follow you, the victory tour comes and reminds you of the pain. The victor from last year was Piper Cohen from District 10, who was made glorious by killing the District 8 Female with her bare hands on the final showdown. We were all so hopeful, but that hope was lost. We forgot about out lost hope, but then Piper came half a year later and reignited the emotions we wish to never feel. That's life.

I feel my heart thumping, like a constant drum beat. I dislike the reaping, I hate the games. I'm not sure I could bring myself to kill someone innocent, someone so unlucky. They would have a family at home, people who love them. The life of a victor is not glamourous, they usually end up as morphling addicts or alcoholics, post traumatic stress disorder in not uncommon in the world we live in. I just feel sad for them, no one wins the games accept the Capitol.

"Zeke, get down here, the reaping starts soon."

My sister Samantha shouts at me, she is the last thing that I really hold dear. My mother is probably lying on the street, too drunk to care. I never really bonded with her, she was never there for me when Marcus was killed in the games, Samantha is more of a mother figure.

I walk down the stairs, where Samantha waits for me. Her blonde hair curls over her cotton dress, an advantage of living in this deprived District is that we keep the spare materials, though I'm sure everyone here would rather see the Capitol fall than to get some low quality materials. Though we should be grateful, there are some who have it much worse than us. Samantha is a talented hunter, and thanks to that we've never been hungry.

I smile at my sister "lets go"

She nods, I notice the serious and cold look in her eyes. She hates the reaping as much as I do, but she's strong and fearless. She notices my fearful expression as I look to the floor.

"don't let them see you afraid, that's what they want. You're going to be fine and when we get home we can make something out of the deer I got"

"that's cool, I guess"

Samantha looks away, knowing that I'm not in a good place. We reach the line to get our blood taken, Samantha leaves me, going into a different line. She whispers goodbye and I try to hold on to her hand but she pulls it apart. I reach the front of the line, and bite my lip as my blood is taken. I proceed to the fourteen year old section. There are some around me holding back tears, and some who reman deathly silent.

I just look to the floor, hopefully the Reaping will be over soon. I hear someone close to me mumble "brother and sister, that must suck" I look to the screen, seeing the pair so silver haired siblings next to each other. I quickly look away, I can't imagine if that was me and Samantha, that would be too horrible.

The District goes into even deeper silence when the escort walks to the stage. The only sound is her oversized heels as they bang against the wooden stage.

"welcome citizens of District 8 to the Reaping! I'm sure we can try to produce a victor this year, there's always someone special!" The over enthusiastic continues with why the games are still running and how they are for our own good.

"now for the boys"

I snap my head up, and she's already at the bowl, pulling out a name. I close my eyes, selfishly hoping that a random name will be chosen, anyone but me. I feel a twinge at wishing such a horrible fate upon others, but if it's me...

"Zeke Roulch"

no...no! This can't be possible, my heavy gasps send those around me looking at me, and they distance themselves from me like I hold a deadly virus. I feel the tears fall out my eyes as peacekeepers have to pull me to the stage. I hear my sisters scream as I'm pulled to the stage. I'm trapped in hell, maybe i'm dead, I wish I was dead, I can't do this, I'm already dead.

The escort shakes her head "why are you so sad? you get to represent your District and honour the Capitol, such a great honour."

I lower my head, everyone watching must think i'm a complete weakling. I was too busy crying to notice the escort pulling out the girls name.

"Samantha Roulch"

no, this is not real, this has to be a nightmare, I'm going to wake up in my room and this will all be over. Samantha walks out the crowd, and strides towards the stage, putting on a brave face, but I know her well enough to tell she is afraid, just like myself.

"ooh, siblings! This is so exciting." she continues about how District 8 is going to be especially relevant. She finished the reaping, and as me and Samantha shake hands the tells me "I'm going to protect you baby brother"

I nod, but I know even if I live, Samantha will have to die.

District 9: Anne Bellhope
The District assembles into the District Square, I'm surrounded by fields of grain and rundown wooden buildings. I dislike this District, it could never match to my former home, District 1. The streets paved with gold, while District 9 dosen't even have streets, only dirt roads. This place would be much better if Alisent were here, but she died a long time ago.

I've only been here around a year, but I've already built myself a new identity. I don't have a family anymore, they may still think i'm dead, or found out I staged my own death like I intended them to. I didn't get a choice, I fell for her killer and he betrayed me. I'm now known as the killer of Alisent, and the punishment for murder can lead to becoming an avox, stuck in servitude until you die. I had to run, I didn't get a choice.

I have been taken in by a kind trio of people, no one tracked me down and I still have my tongue, I guess I'm lucky.

The only problem is, everything could change because I plan on volunteering for the Hunger Games, my luck my change after that. I'm not insane, I'm not volunteering so I can slaughter twenty three other tributes. I want to win to put away the lunatic that killed my friend and framed me, I want to win so I can start a new life, and to avenge Alisent. I have nothing to lose, and I still remember my weaponry skill from District 1. I may even be able to see my family again.

The time passes as the huge District is crowded together, the escort makes his way towards the stage. I tighten my chest and clench my fist, I'm not going to back away out of fear. I was born to win the games, I spent most of my life training, I'm ready.

The escort drones on about how we are making the ultimate sacrifice by participating in the games, and how we honour the Districts and the Capitol. I remember how people in District 1 would absorb this like it was the word of some greater force, the faces of the people here are stone cold. When I lived in District 1 i was never able to understand why the Districts rebelled, but now it seems so obvious.

"Now for the boys"

I'm snapped out of my trance as the escort makes his way towards the boys bowl. The escort pulls out the name closest to the top and reads.

"Rye Lockwood"

There is a moment of silence until something that was not expected happens. I hear the words "I volunteer", the voice is rough and deep, and sounds like some of the careers I used to live around.

The boy that walks towards the stage is very muscular and holds a deadly glint in his eyes, with fiery red hair. I notice something else, his hands seem to reflect the sunlight, which flashes in my eyes, forcing me to look away. It's only when he reaches the shade of the stage I notice they're silver, like they're made of steel. That's strange, they must be able to withstand a lot, maybe they're something robotic made by the Capitols technology.

The escort asks for his name, and he replies "Pompeii Vulcan". That's it, no theatrics. The only motive I see for him volunteering is because he wants to kill.

"now for the girls"

I breath in and before he reaches for the slip I shout "I volunteer!"

The girls around me mutter, I believe this is the first time in the history of District 9 that both male and female tributes have volunteered.

I make my way towards the stage, holding my head high and not taking a single breath. I pictured this is my head so many times. When I reach the stage the escort asks for my name, commenting on my beauty. I escort closes the reaping, and the crowd gives us an unusually loud applause. I shake hands with Pompeii, the cold steel sending shivers down my spine.

I'm pulled into the justice building and the first part of my journey begins.

Training
TBA

Pre-Games
TBA

Bloodbath
TBA