An Escort's Guide to:

History and Backgrounds

The history of a character can mean a lot and covers a lot of territory, per say. Where were they born? Under what circumstances? While the history and background of a character doesn't come out to play during the actual games, it can often be a reference point or be used as a device to make us really feel your character better.

For this particular chapter, I've given a description and the "DON'T"s of any given aspect.

A Tribute's Background consists of:

Family

Katniss had Prim and her Mother, but lost her father. Peeta had both his parents and his brothers, but in the end they were lost as well. Rue supposedly had a very large family. The point is, a tribute's family is often brought up quite a bit. They show up at the Justice Building, often to make peace and say goodbye, as well as being a sense of support and a beacon throughout the Games themselves.

However, many people seem to think that the family must be cold, harsh, unforgiving, or dead for us to really see and/or feel for the tribute. That's plain, flat-out wrong.

Family – The Big No-No's

Orphans. Maybe this is my own pet-peeve, but I despise this type of character. My best friend is a true orphan, to be clear, so I do know that being orphaned is possible, especially in post-apocalyptic Panem. The reason I dislike these characters is:

a.) They often play it off as if nothing happened. Speaking for my friend, she was and still is CRUSHED over the death's of two perfectly innocent people, as is her younger brother! You're character will not be like 'Well, my parents are dead but it's okay 'cause I'm sexy and I know it duhuhuhuh.'

b.)While orphans may be more independent, they will probably not want to rough it out alone. They won't be living on the streets, hunting for their prey or anything. Generally, children are taken to the next living relative or their godparents, or are adopted. I can understand the situation may be different between districts, but come on, these people do have hearts. Well, District citizens anyway.

c.) If you think your orphaned character has a valid excuse to be an orphan, not just because their parents ran off or something, that's fine, more to you. It's the hardcore, independent, moody-yet-nonchalant tributes that we hate.

Abusive Family. Again, I know a few people who have abusive parents/family members, fine. Many tribute's tend to take this further than needed, and only create a terrible person in the process.

a.) They simply mention it a lot. I've seen so many tributes with an abusive family, making sure to add "oh-so-subtle" references EVERYWHERE. Just imagine trying to have a conversation with one of these people!

"Jane, do you want to help me finish planting these herbs-"

"MY MOMMY HITS ME WITH A SHOEEEEEEEEEEEE"

"Well, um, that's not good, but I'm sure some gardening could help you-"

"PITY MEEEEEEEEEEE"

b.) Often, they will exaggerate horribly. "Oh, your mom wouldn't let you go into the woods at night? She deserves 50 lashings with a wet noodle for trying to keep you safe!", and the other characters pity them relentlessly to the point of extreme annoyance.

A Tribute's Background also consists of:

Previous Jobs/Work Experience

Rue worked in the fields, Peeta worked in his family bakery, and Mrs. Everdeen worked in an apothecary prior to her children's births. Every tribute has a story, be it extra schooling or a certain job.

Jobs and Work – The Big No-No's

Weaponry/Soldier/etc. Oh goodness these make me want to bash my head onto Effie's precious mahogany table until my brain slides out of my ears like water. You tribute will not be a weapon's specialist, and Panem hasn't been at war since the Rebellion that STARTED THE GAMES. The only exception may be a tribute in District 2 training to be a Peacekeeper, but even then they don't use guns during the games.

Jobs unsuited for a District. If you live in District 12, you are most likely some sort of miner, especially if you live in the Seam. If you live in District 11, roll up your sleeves and do some farming. If you live in District 8, get to making uniforms. If you live in District 2, you will NOT be a farmer, District 3-ers will not be caring for livestock, and District 10 will not be making jewelry and posh clothing.

(At the moment, my poor brain can't think of any other categories. Perhaps this could be updated some day? Who knows.)

And again, we return to Auba Brigam, the average young lady from the Seam. Let's have a recap of what her back story was, please?

"Her younger brothers and twin sister needed her. Her parents had died in a fatal mining accident when she was four years old and her brothers were a few months along. Instead of living with her aunt and uncle she found refuge in a small apartment, the manager giving her the room because she was so pretty. "

Now, mining accidents could be common, but this is just strange.

According to her information, there are two sets of twins in the family. Absurd. Another one of my pet-peeves? TWINS. Urgh. We can do with one brother and one sister, right?

Next, her parent's mining accident. I imagine the mother would have to be at home providing for these young children as they probably can't afford a nanny. Assuming this mining mishap actually happened, she's only missing a father.

Because her mother is still alive, maybe they can still move in with her aunt and uncle. The more income, the better?

So, let's recap, shall we?

Auba Brigam.

Lives with Mother, younger brother and sister, as well as Aunt and Uncle

Brown hair, dark blue eyes

Attends School

I don't know, I'm already like Auba already.

So, with that, your guide through the tribute universe is taking another break. Now, to end the Hunger Games in my stomach, I will go have some spaghetti my Grandmother made me.

With that, Happy Hunger Games!