Fei Xiang, District Two, 17 (ToxicatedRose):

My hand speedily pulled back the bowstring to release as many arrows as I possibly could – and, for the first time in a while, each one sliced into the surrounding dummies in quick succession. It made me feel a lot more cool and ruthless than I actually was. A few swipes of my hand and those arrows had been launched like projectiles; if this were the Hunger Games, at least five tributes would be on the ground in pools of blood. I'd have been a murderer. I was clever enough to acknowledge that launching arrows at people was much different to piercing a dummy, but to what extent?

"Well done, Fei," the Career mentor, Venin, said from behind me. He smiled very weakly, something people don't tend to do to me. "Though you have to remember that if that was an actual person, they'd try to move."

"Try," I smirked. I wasn't arrogant enough to presume I was the winner of the Hunger Games, but I knew my strengths. Archery was one of them.

"Didn't take you as a bigheaded one," Venin laughed. After a moment, he moved over and ruffled my hair. Not that I like that, so I winced as his somewhat clammy hands messed me up. After that quick second I indignantly walked past, though my desire to vex him for such a strange action was concealed internally. It wasn't that Venin and I were close, it's just that he was gratuitous – seldom did girls train. I'd thought of going into the Hunger Games, but I didn't take training as seriously as some brutes in this place.

"Bye," I called. I didn't go into the shower room, namely because I could hear girls giggling trivially about something superfluous. I just slung my knapsack over my shoulder, cast a false smile, and left the building to go home. I had already missed my mother, who I was very close to. I didn't want her to worry, she usually was because it was reaping day. She often worried that I was going to volunteer, or that I'd be chosen. The probability leant towards the former happening, but both hypothetical situations were stupidly slim.

Walking through the streets of District Two made me remember how dull a district we were. One of the more fortunate Districts, certainly, but I could think of non-Career Districts that were prettier – District Four and Eleven, for example. When I had seen District Eleven on the television, I was always jealous of how the tributes there were surrounded by nature's kingdom. Within nature, we find solitude. I like solitude a lot. Not that I wanted to live in District Eleven; sweltering sun, strict law enforcement and raging poverty were a triad I wanted to avoid. But that didn't make District Two's aesthetics seem any more pleasing; every building was the same, formed from carved slabs of stone. Something that would make Michaelangelo cringe. It was only gaudily covered up in tacky Hunger Games decorations and saturated in nationalism.

I wasn't really noticed. That's just how things went, but I preferred being under the radar. As if I were a ghost, people glided past me and I them. Both oblivious to each other's lives. Sometimes, I liked to observe people and think about them – what was their life like? Were they working, stressed, or happy (god forbid) in this place? Had they had their heart broken... or were they the ones who were doing the heartbreaking? I didn't like to think about people or general life too much, but the thought would strike me occasionally. But no matter the situation, I dare not approach them. I had learnt a while ago that the world could be a cruel place – the simplest words can suddenly throw a million stereotypes at you, stereotypes that would crush you. Especially when you were a minority culture, like the way I was Asian. Prejudice was rife in human nature, which was just the way of things.

After a refreshing ten minute walk, I finally managed to get home. The smell of oriental cooking attacked my senses. My house was different to others in Panem; still of the same cold, stone slab design – but my grandmother had deviated it slightly more. We had sundry herbs and incense that dominated the air; there were copious amounts of red lanterns (to ward off evil spirits, apparently, though I didn't believe such superstitious rubbish).

My mother walked in, looked at me for a second, and smiled. "Fei."

"Mother," out of traditional respect, I bowed. It was awkward, but that's just the way things went in this household. After ridding the formalities, we both embraced. My mother was a very kind hearted woman. Really, she was the opposite of me – you were quick to have her heart and trust, and once you had it she was absolutely devoted. I envied her, though knew that if I had her attitude I'd have probably been let down one too many times. That said, my mother was still strict. She made sure I adhered to our rules and the rules deeply engraved in our culture, she made sure I did well in school and acted respectfully. It could become a bit nightmarish, but fortunately for her I haven't yet had a rebellious streak.

"We're making your favorite," my mother said, guiding me into the kitchen. I followed with a quick smile, towering over my petite mother and grandmother. My grandmother, Carol, sat at the table, looking up and taking a while to recognize me. The elderly woman was going blind and potentially a little senile – her eyes almost penalized me, as if I were possessed by an evil spirit. Knowing my grandmother, she probably thought I really was. When she was satisfied, she too rose to give me a quick hug. You'd have thought I'd have gone away for a bit, but one good thing about the Reaping day was that it made you realize how lucky you really were to have the ones you loved around you.

"Where is your boyfriend?" Grandmother asked, almost casually. I was a little puzzled, seeing as I didn't communicate with boys. It was moments like this where I thought my grandmother's time to shine was almost done, though my dad once sighed miserably and told me that he predicted she'd be around forever. Obviously, he wasn't really sad. Just the whole 'monster in law' situation.

"I don't have one," I said.

"You're almost at marrying age!"

"She's seventeen, mother," my own mother chuckled, stirring something that smelt delicious in the pot. While my mother bared a lot of resemblance to her own, she was a lot more lenient with cultural matters. I wondered what she cooking; when she said she was cooking my favorite, it didn't necessarily mean I knew and loved the new recipe she was brewing. I just generally loved her cooking.

"It's almost time for the reaping," my father came in, cleaning his glasses while his nostrils flared and appreciated the distinct smell of Chinese cooking. He was very academic and quite detached compared to our other family members, but loving and loved nonetheless. He passed, ruffling up my hair in the same way Venin did, only this time I didn't mind it. I just glanced at the cutlery whilst the pre-reaping meal was served, and I caught a glimpse of my reflection. Straight raven black hair, grey eyes – nothing special, but I put the spoon down and learn not to care anyway.

"When are you going to stop biting your nails?" My mother complained as she passed, noticing my nails. Bad habit.

Dinner was kind of awkward. We all knew I'd get through the reaping safely – it was even better because, once I finished the next reaping, my family wouldn't have to worry about me today. I was an only child, so no worries. Just one more reaping and I'd be okay. Also, my father's laconic manner didn't really help. The table was silent, though my mother would take any opportunity to complain.

"James, your tie isn't straight. Mother, please chew with your mouth closed." For once, I wasn't subject of criticism – but I wasn't yet forgiven for not discarding my nail biting habit.

Once dinner was finished, we all got into our reaping outfit. I got into some strange oriental red dress, with heels to make me seem 'tall and goddess like' (grandmother was one with words). It was quirky and unconventional, but that didn't stop it from being pretty. I actually kind of liked it, especially when my mother tied my hair up into a bun and gave me a fan.

"To cover your beautiful face, so the boys don't look."

I tried to refrain from blushing. "You're too kind."

As we walked out of the door, my family was the first to go – they wanted me to exit last, so I felt like the real deal. Not the side act. I hated being noticed it, but I wondered if my family wanted me to flaunt and be more extravagant. As I passed the door, I took an envelope which my mother had left at the side... Mail was very rarely discarded, especially because my mother was so fussy. But it was abandoned in shadow, almost as if she wanted to forget it – but had to return to it nonetheless.

My eyes widened as I walked out, calling to my mother.

"Mother – there's some ma-"

My eyes widened further when I read the contents. In large, bold letters I saw the title 'Loan Withstanding.' My heart skipped a beat as my eyes brushed over the vague details. I thought my family was well off, so why were they borrowing such a large amount of money? The bit that hurt me was the end of the message – 'failure to pay in the foreseeable future would lead to dispossession of items or possibly eviction.'

Eviction. Our home gone. I couldn't even tell the details, but...

I had to do something about it. There was only one thing to do.

I knew that District Two had two victors, but I knew very little of them. They stood at the back of the stage, and I couldn't help but look at them curiously. They were the ones who would mentor me, particularly the female (and only woman) who had ever won the Hunger Games. I needed to know how to win now that I would volunteer. My hands felt a lot sweatier than usual as I brushed my way through the crowd, stopping in the 'seventeen' section.

Being surrounded by hormonal, nervous and pimply teenagers could always make one uneasy, but I smiled when I realized I was by Lila Trevan. Lila was quiet, like me, but she was also introspective and intelligent. I actually quite liked her, though certainly not enough to be her friend. Realizing that this could possibly be the last time we talked, I smiled and nudged her lightly.

"Fei!" Lila shyly acknowledged me with a genteel smile. "It's nice to see you around."

"You too," I said, bluntly.

We were all silenced by the Mayor, who was a blunt and prudent woman. She was the only female Mayor in Panem and ruled this district with an iron fist. She read out the bland treaty with an unmatched pride in her voice. Everyone else did a salute in the district, as a sign of respect for the Capitol. As mentioned, the patriotism in the Districts could be absolutely ridiculous sometimes. I wouldn't ever voice such an opinion, but I never really got why people would love a government that oppressed them. As soon as the Mayor had finished, the escort – Colin – got onto the stage with a big smile and a spring in his step.

"How is my favorite District?"

People screamed back in the affirmative. Lila's rolling of the eyes mirrored mine perfectly.

"Brilliant, now are we all ready to watch two beautiful District Two-ers go straight into that brilliant arena?" Once again, the enthusiastic screams told Colin that this idiot District was certainly ready.

"And the first tribute, female, obviously," Colin said, moving to one of the silly fishbowls the Capitol had prepared – "Is the wonderful Elara King-"

"I volunteer!" I cried out simultaneously with another girl. The District stiffened for a second. They were used to one girl at a time volunteering, but girls still hadn't gotten used to the 'fighting for the death' thing. The fact that there were two girls ready to go into the District and fight to the death stunned everyone. And then Fei Xiang, who no-one really knew – the girl who was invisible – was one of them. And the sweet, kind Lila Traven was the other one.

I looked into Lila's wide eyes; she looked at me with the exact same shock. What happened when two volunteers were called? Usually a race to the stage, as displayed by previous male volunteers, but the paralyzed District couldn't resort to a race now. Lila looked at me pleadingly, as if she really needed this. But I needed it too. What did she want, fame and fortune? I wanted my family to not be on the street, homeless. I decided, in that second, that my case was more justifiable.

"Fei," Lila said quietly. "I-"

And then she slumped to the ground unconscious when my fist whipped across her cheek in one quick stroke. I tried to eradicate any sign of guilt from my face, and all of a sudden the District noticed me. In that split second, I had become famous across Panem. Others stepped away, weary of this girl who was once as unnoticeable as the wind. I had already given myself a stereotype – the tough cookie. I had to act on that. With a false grin which was supposed to scream arrogance, I stormed onto the stage.

"An-" Colin's question was interrupted.

"I am Fei Xiang, and I'm in it to win it."

"Right..." Colin wanted to say more, but his sly smirk told me he was impressed. He moved to the other cesspool of paper slips, grinning a little as his hand dove in to reel out a name. "We have a good'un, I can tell – it's -"

"I volunteer," a nonchalant cry broke through the second bout of silence. Some guy with blonde hair well fashioned into a military haircut stood, sweeping onto the stage. I stole the show with the punch, but he threatened to undermine the new assertive nature I gave off with his laconic charisma and power. He glanced at me, and spoke out before the escort could dare interrupt him. It was clear who ran things here. "My name is Yorrik O'Connor, and I am this year's victor."

Colin cleared his throat. "Oh, well then – your tributes District Two!"

There was rapturous applause as Yorrik and I shook hands, and he glanced at me strangely. It was indifferent, but there was something behind the façade. He probably acknowledged me as a useful ally, but he was also thinking of the many ways in which he could kill me. Perhaps it would be better if I could reciprocate such a feeling.

I had never really been into the Justice Building before. Most people had been into it for some reason or another at some point or another, but this was my first and probably last time. I wanted to take the time to admire how well designed the interior was, so full of the colour District Two lacked. Adorned with gold, and silks and gems. The first few minutes were the worst, where all the feelings that had been boiling since the reaping finally erupted. I realized how nasty I had appeared to whoever was watching, though that was probably a good thing. And my parents were going to kill me; did they know I had done this for them?

I thought of Yorrik, in the room next to me; both of us were blocked off by a slab of thick mahogany, something that was supposed to resemble a door. My clammy hands clenched together and my jaw tightened at the thought of him, I didn't know him, but I bet he was popular. I bet he had so many people coming to visit him. Who would visit me? Just my family? Most probably. Venin, if he felt like it. Venin liked me, but probably not enough to visit me and wish me goodbye.

Eventually the door opened, and all three members of my family came in. My ashen faced father, upset mother and confused grandmother.

"I don't get it," my grandmother said as she was led to the seats, where she slowly sat. She didn't sound as confused as she looked, only upset.

"What is there to get?" I said bitterly. "I volunteered."

"Why?" My mother said. "We know you train, but you promised to not volunteer-"

"And the disrespect you've shown by being so violent at the reaping," my father also reprimanded.

"What are we supposed to do now? You're capable of surviving, but how can you go in there and be certain you'll see us again!"

"Shut up," I said, snapping at my confabulating parents. They both hushed. I had to tell them I knew. They deserved that, even if they were so stupid to take the loan out in the first place. My hands tightly gripped the arms of the couch as I talked, my speech coming out as a forced sigh. "I volunteered because as I left the house I saw the letter. I saw the loan, and I saw that the house and everything we owned could be reclaimed. How do you think that made me feel? I needed to get the money, because..." There was a pause in speech as I cleared my throat. "Why did you not tell me? I didn't volunteer for fame or fortune. That means so little to me; I volunteered to help out our family!"

My father looked absolutely furious, but my mother refused to react. My father – usually so kind and laid back, stood up and stormed towards me, with a rage that made me think he was going to hit me. "You idiot! How dare you think you can involve yourself in our financial affairs, at the risk of your own life! You have dishonored me, your whole family-" His hand was raised. I winced. I could beat my father easily, seeing as strength wasn't his forte, but I deserved what I got.

"James," my mother said, as stoic as ever, though crying internally. My father glanced at me, his enraged expression dropping into a guilty one as he moved back to the couches. My mother knew we had less than a minute to go, so she comforted my grandmother, who quietly sobbed as she addressed me. "It was wrong of us to hide the loan from you. Things have been tough for us recently, and it was the only way we could bring food to the table. We should have told you, but you were blissfully unaware and – I think – I can just about save enough to pay it back. I'm struggling, but I hope to pay the loan off soon. Even then, I am filled with uncertainty." My mother sighed heavily, closing her eyes so struggling clears could be released. "But you are foolish to involve yourself in our affairs, as your father said... and yet... exceptionally brave. I have little to say to you Fei, but you really have honored us. I promise you that."

My grandmother went through the effort of standing, waddling over to me and handing me my token. One of the small lanterns. "This will be your token, yes?" She smiled, sweeping back my hair. "It will banish bad spirits away. Goodness knows you'll meet them."

"I will," I said, refusing to cry, though I desperately wanted to. For the greater good, I kept quiet.

In that moment the Peacekeepers came, seizing my family much too roughly for my liking and forcefully leading them out the room. My fists clenched, and I knew after a few minutes my time would pass too. The hovercraft would probably be arriving in the now vague town square where I was reaped, ready to pull me in and throw me off to the Capitol.

"Fei!" A girl with a bruise cheek rushed into the room and my heart plummeted. "Wait!"

"Lila..." My voice was bitter no acknowledgement, no artifice or malice.

"I volunteered, I have to go in there..." She paused, struggling to speak. "You don't understand, my mother, she's ill... I understand you want fame, or fortune, but please can you go in next year? Perhaps we can talk to the escort and get this all sorted... I understand why you did what you did Fei, but-"

"I have to go in," I said rationally, my voice as collected as possible. The door opened and the Peacekeepers came in to take Lila away. "I... I'll win. And I'll help you too Lila, I promise."

Remember when I said I thought trust was futile, how it had to be broken? For the first time ever I made a promise, and how could that be broken? When someone promised me something, I expected to be let down. But Lila was looking to me silently as the Peacekeepers decided to take her away, so few words exchanged between us. What had I done? Even with my training my chances seemed so dead. I wasn't fighting to live, I was fighting to uphold a promise that seemed so difficult to uphold.

And for the first time, when reassured I was alone, I cried.

Yorrik O'Connor, District Two, 17 (Europa22)

"Attention miners!" a voice rang out.

All of us dropped our tools and calmly formed a line.

"We are letting you off of duty four hours early to attend to reaping needs. Thank you for your service and we will be seeing you at five o'clock sharp tomorrow morning. You are dismissed."

Every miner swiftly grabbed their supplies and marched out of the mine. We made it to the surface and I could hear the collective sigh from every worker.

Five years ago, when the war ended, the Capitol picked the strongest young men and boys to mine stone for them. Most try to convince us it was random, but I know better. The Capitol would never leave anything up to chance.

So, instead of going to school, the boys who were chosen immediately sent to a mining camp. The agreement was to work in the mines until we were twenty-one and then we could choose a different career if we wanted to. The careers open to us were few because of our lack of education, but most seemed desirable to other people.

I, however, was content with my life. Unlike many others, I preferred instruction over independence. Life seemed so much simpler and more enjoyable when you didn't have to think about every move you made. It was nice to know that when you went to at least one place you knew that it would be constantly the same. You were always given orders and were always supposed to do a similar type of job.

One of the overseers of the mines once told me I should become one of them when I turned twenty one but I simply shook my head and kept working. The notion of even trying to order others around seemed silly to me. Unless the government wanted me to do a job like that, I would never do it. Again, I'd much rather follow orders then make them any day.

I walked through the mining camp until I came to the small training tent we had. In the different mining camps they had small training tents for the miners. It wasn't as nice as the training center, which I had only been to a few times, but it got the job done.

The other men piled in, laughing and fooling around. I simply walked over to the spear station and picked up a light weight one. The other guys tended to leave me alone. I was respectful to them and responded if they talked to me, but I otherwise avoided them. Friendships seemed pointless and useless to me.

I automatically began to stab the dummies in the different critical places the trainer had taught me years ago. It was almost a natural reflex now. Heart, neck, eye socket, stomach, groin…

I kept going down the list in order of importance, picking up speed as I went. My favorite weapon was the spear. It was precise and fast, unlike the sword which just seemed chunky and messy.

"It surprises me every time," the trainer, Brenton, said as he approached, "How you just keep getting better and better."

I shrugged and continued to attack the dummy.

"Are you still sure you don't want to volunteer? It'd get you out of this rat hole," he continued, stepping into my line of vision.

I shook my head and kept at it.

"Shame. Such a waste of talent," he sighed melodramatically.

As he walked away, I allowed myself to roll my eyes swiftly. He was hell bent on making me volunteer. He swears up and down that I would win this thing easily, but I cannot help but brush him off. Words mean nothing to me unless you have some sort of authority. Brenton does not.

My thoughts flit to my father. He is a man worth respecting. He is a tactile military officer who runs things smoothly. He makes sure every officer and Peacekeeper is in their place and trains them to do exactly what they're told.

The only other job I have ever considered besides working in the mines is peacekeeping. I know I'd be great at it; I just have a hard time seeing myself having to deal with and punish people every day. It sounds more exhausting then the mines, which is saying something.

Once training was over, I wiped the sweat from my brow and went to a nearby tent to change out of my mining/training clothes. I slipped into a simple tee shirt and jeans and walked out of the tent. As I walked to the exit of the camp, Brenton ran towards me.

"I am still sure about my decision," I said with a bit of an edge, slightly annoyed.

"I know, I know," he said in a nonchalant manner, "I just wanted to tell you something."

"Which is?" I responded as I quickened my pace instead of stopping.

"Well," he began as he rushed to match my tempo, "I just wanted to share what I would do if I was volunteering for the games."

When I didn't respond, he just continued to rant, "I'd volunteer before the escort even stuck their hand in that stupid bowl. I've never seen it done before and it would make yo- I mean, the tribute, come off as a total badass. That tribute would automatically be on everyone's radar, which is pretty good for a career."

"Cool," I replied icily as I exited the camp.

"Don't be afraid to steal my plan if you change your mind," he yelled after me, trying to pitch me the idea one last time.

I don't know if I can handle that for another year.

"Hello Yorrik," I heard someone say from behind me.

I turned around to be polite but waited for the person to catch up when I saw it was Petros.

Petros was a very respectful, young lady. I did not have many people that I talked to for many different reasons, but Petros did not fall under any of the categories. She was not consistently annoying, untrustworthy, disrespectful, or cruel. She was actually quite sweet at times, but I had seen her stand her ground against other Careers at times.

If it was up to me I would not train to kill. Although we never talk about it, I bet Petros feels the same way. The only reason I train is because it is what is expected of me, from the government and my father. Both of them are of higher authority so I chose to follow and obey them.

"Petros," I nodded as she walks up to me.

"Are you headed home?" she asked.

"It's time to get ready for the reapings," I stated, answering her question.

She simply nodded as we walked towards my house. We made small talk, asking how each other were and how our respective jobs were going, but that was all. We never talked about anything personal, which I enjoyed. If something was brought up that was uncomfortable to one of us, the other could always tell and they would drop the subject.

"I hope the reapings go well for you," Petros said as I opened my front door.

"The same for you," I stated as I stumbled in.

"You will be eating breakfast before the reapings, won't you?" Petros asked.

"I don't think I'll have time to make breakfast."

"You need to eat," she scolded in the parental tone she sometimes took with me.

"What are you doing?"

"You're going to go get dressed and I'm going to make breakfast," she simply said as she put her hair up in a bun.

"You can't be serious," I said with a bit of an edge.

She gave me that cold, 'drop dead' look that only Petros could give and said, "Yes, I am. Since you never take care of yourself unless your overseer tells you to, then I guess I'm going to have to do it today.

"You're being ridiculous," I replied coldly.

"You're wasting precious time," she replied with even more ice.

I let out a small sigh of frustration and marched towards my room. Remember, I said she wasn't consistently annoying.

I walked out of my bedroom ready for the reapings. To my surprise, Petros was sitting at the table chatting with my father.

"Father," I said respectfully.

"Son," he nodded, "I was just talking with your friend. She seems to be as clever as ever."

Petros blushed lightly as she stood to fetch what I assumed to be my breakfast. She set it down next to where she was sitting. I sat down and quickly began to eat.

"Is there a reason you're inhaling your meal?" my father asked as he methodically chewed his own food.

"We don't have a ton of time before the reapings, sir," I responded.

"You could at least enjoy the meal that was provided for you and thank the person who did so," he ordered coldly.

That was my father. He never gave me directs orders. It was just easy to assume that if he wasn't asking or answering a question, it was an order of some kind. Especially if it started off as "You could", or "Why don't you".

"Thank you, Petros," I stated as I slowed my pace.

"Oh don't worry about it," Petros rambled, completely flustered, "I was just making sure you didn't pass out because of starvation during the reapings. I was really just doing a public service."

Whereas I kept my cool around authorities, Petros panicked and usually began to lose her cool. I assumed she was just nervous of making a fool out of herself.

"We should probably get going," I said after a little while, putting my plate in the sink.

"Will you do me the honor of letting me escort you to the reapings?" I offered to Petros, more because of my father's presence then for Petros herself.

"Of course," she blushed.

She linked her arm with mine and we began to leave.

"Make our family proud," my father said after me.

I shut the door behind us and we walked towards the town center. The town center was my favorite part of the district. On the television, I had seen that District One's town center was literally in the center of town. Ours, however, was dug into the side of one of the stone mountains. The stage was carved into it along with stairs to reach it. I thought it was simple, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing and artistic.

"Thank you for escorting me here," Petros smiled as we went our separate ways.

"It was a pleasure," I responded curtly as I walked towards the 'seventeen' male section. I fought my way towards the center of the crowd. I realized that I stood out amongst a good portion of the other males. The general populace of District Two tended to have dark brown hair with either blue or hazel eyes. I, however, had very light blonde hair. I also had dark brown eyes, which was out of the norm. I supposed that besides that I was fairly basic. I kept my hair cut short and military-like and I was built physically like most males from my district. Some would say I was more built than most.

I looked at our two victors and felt a small amount of pride. Unlike a good portion of my district, I did not cheer for the deaths of other. I did cheer for our own tributes every year. The female victor, Calisto, had won last year. She was the first female to win the Hunger Games and was extremely proud of it. She oozed district pride and was a very powerful woman.

The male victor, Terra, won the very first Hunger Games. He won off of brute strength. Since it was the first Hunger Games no one had ever trained. It was just survival of the fittest and he was the fittest.

The Mayor took her place on stage and began to read her speech. During the appropriate times, I shouted with the rest of my district. I had district pride but only because it was what was acceptable. Everyone who didn't have district pride was practically an outcast.

I listened to the Mayor as she shook with passion. She made her speech with such vigor and excitement that people were screaming and hollering in response.

The one phrase that stuck out to me in the end was, "District Two, we need you to give it your all this year. This year, I need each and every one of you to think about who can represent us the best. We need the best and most equipped tributes this year!"

Since she told everyone to think, that's exactly what I did.

Breton's voice popped into my head, "Shame. Such a waste of talent."

He was constantly telling me that I had tremendous talent with the spear and I had great reflexes. He was always telling me that the games would be a piece of cake for me. Was he just buttering me up or was he really earnest in everything that he said.

My father's voice was next as he said, "Make our family proud."

Was he telling me today that he wanted me to volunteer? Did he want me to enter the Hunger Games and get our family honor back? My father was always so cold and militarist ever since the incident. Was volunteering the way I could finally get my old father back?

And now the Mayor was telling us to think about whom could best represent our district this year. Was I the best this district had to offer?

"I volunteer!" I heard two female voices shout.

I simply glanced across the rope to see that the two voices had come from the 'seventeen' female section. They were standing right next to each other and both were in shock. We had never had two females volunteer at the same time. In fact, Calisto was our first female volunteer ever.

It was too late for them to rush the stage and I wondered what they were going to do.

I quickly found out when one of them punched the other so hard that the girl fell to the ground unconscious.

I heard a collective gasp from the district and several girls shrieked as the stepped away from the two girls. The slugger let a huge grin appear on her face and the district roared in enthusiasm. This girl just did something that emulated the very being of District Two and was now famous.

"I am Fei Xiang, and I'm in it to win it," she smiled.

"Right..." Colin, our escort, said in awe, obviously impressed. He moved to the other cesspool of paper slips, grinning a little as his hand dove in to reel out a name. "We have a good'un, I can tell – it's -"

This girl was the best female that the district had to offer this year. Now I knew who the best male the district had this year.

"I volunteer," I called out before Colin could get a firm grasp on any one slip.

Colin's jaw dropped slightly as this had never been done before. I stole Breton's idea and I walked up to the stage casually. I looked over at my district partner and then the escort.

I saw him open his mouth to say something, but I cut him off as I yelled, "My name is Yorrik O'Connor, and I am this year's victor."

The audience roared in approval.

Colin cleared his throat and said, "Oh, well then – your tributes District Two!"

I turned to my right and stuck my hand towards Fei. She took it and I look straight into her eyes. I was surprised to see a bit of uncertainty in them. I suspected, but did not know for certain, that maybe she wasn't as arrogant and confident as she acted for the audience. Still, I knew that she was tough and would make a powerful ally.

Or a formidable foe.

I marched into the Justice Building, making a bee line straight for my waiting room. I knew that the Justice Building was beautiful, but I had been in here before. It only reminded me of death and destruction.

I heard the door as it slammed behind me and I took a seat in the nearest chair. I looked out the window and tried not to panic. I thought I was making the right decision, but I was suddenly second guessing myself. There was no direct order for me to volunteer. It was what I thought would be best. It is what I thought others wanted me to do.

The door opened and I stood at attention. In came Petros. Cool, calm, and collected Petros. She marched right towards me and slapped me so hard that I fell back down into my seat.

I opened my mouth to speak but she interrupted, "Shut up."

I closed my mouth as she began to yell, "You are a complete moron! I can't believe that you would volunteer, after everything that has happened!"

"It's what's best for the district," I replied calmly.

"Oh that's fantastic," Petros ranted, "Yeah, think about what's best for the district! Did you think about what's best for your father! Did even think about him!"

I was shocked she was speaking to me in such a manner. We had never crossed this line before.

"My father will be fine."

"Are you sure about that? After all he's been through, do you really think he can handle this as well? You are the last family he has and you are voluntarily leaving him!"

I felt my mouth begin to dry up as I searched my pocket for the blue ribbon. I found it and clutched it like a life line.

"You and your father both act so tough. You act like you have no feelings what so ever, but I know better. You're both just hurting so much that you're trying to cover it up."

"I'd stop talking about things that don't concern you," I replied with a bit of an edge.

"Am I wrong?" she asked angrily.

The door opened and a Peacekeeper began to walk in. Petros' face paled slightly as she swiftly closed the space between us. She enveloped me in a hug and whispered, "Don't let your lack of leadership and emotions get you killed. Please don't just take orders from anyone who throws them out. I know you have a brain of your own and you're going to need to use it to win. Please… Please just win this."

The Peacekeeper started to grab one of her arms and she hurriedly let go of me. She wrenched her arm from his grip and left with her head held high.

Before the door could even be closed my father stormed in. His face was completely blank.

The door was shut behind him and the first words out of his mouth were, "Brenton has been going around telling everyone that it was his idea for you to volunteer. Did he tell you to volunteer?"

I didn't respond and his face suddenly turned into one of rage, "I'll kill him. I'm going to go out there after this and ring his neck!"

I was completely baffled. Just like the fact it was odd to see Petros so angry, it was a phenomenon to see my father with this much emotion period. I haven't seen him this passionate since before…

"It was my idea," I told him, "Brenton told me how I should do it, but in the end it was my choice."

Every ounce of anger ebbed away and my father dropped to the couch.

"Why?" he asked.

"It's what's best for the district," I explained.

"No, really, why?" my father asked.

He looked up at me and I could see a tear begin to leave a trail down his face. "Was I too hard on you? Was I not around enough? Did I make you feel like… like…"

"It has nothing to do with you," I lied swiftly.

I didn't have the heart to tell him I thought this is what he wanted. I couldn't bear to tell him that I thought by doing this I could get my old father back.

I was right on one account. My old father was right here, crushed. I began to feel extremely ill.

"So this is what you wanted?"

Before I could respond he shook his head, "I didn't think so."

The door opened and my father stood.

"Just make it home. You're all I have left."

He marched out of the room and the door was shut behind him. I sat down where my father was previously seated and I began to feel my breathing become slightly hitched. I brought out my sister's blue ribbon and gripped it as tight as I could. I wanted to rewind the clock. I wanted to take back what I had done. I wanted everything to be fixed.

I just wanted everyone to be happy…

Hey, Europa here! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing last chapter to those of you who did! And to those of you who didn't... SHAME ON YOU!

Just kidding, but we do appreciate every review we get :D we both really enjoyed these characters and we hope you enjoyed them as well!

Until next time :D