The First Quarter Quell

Anton. District Six.

I snort at the boy from District 9 walks away. I don't know if he was threatening me, or if it was a friendly gesture. Right now, I don't care. Because Marcus Hunt is calling my name.

I walk up to the platform and try to inject some enthusiasm into my stop. But the stupid labcoat by stylist put me in flaps around my ankles, and the large glasses feel slippery on my nose.

"And now," Marcus shouts, "Anton Hinton from District Six!"

I let out a low groan as the audience applauds and make my way to Marcus.

"So, Anton!" Marcus greets me happily, "How're you doing?"

"Good, thanks." I don't know what else to say, and the audience stays quiet.

"Anton, how do you feel about your District choosing you to fight? Proud? Hurt? Honoured?"

Scared, you imbecile. But I just shrug. "A mix of feelings."

"What did you think about your score?" His voice is still chirpy. It's grating on my nerves. "Not the best, you'd agree. Still think you have a chance in the arena?"

Obviously my score was low. Do I look like I can shoot or fight?

My eyes are low as I remember the annoyance of that talent show. What was I supposed to do in front of judges? Make a rabbit appear from my hat? It was stupid. But I was stupid not to play along, because having a high score would help me now.

"Yes, the score was a tad lower than others," I agree, "but no point in giving away everything at the start, is there?"

"Any plans for the arena?" Marcus asks.

Nope. None at all. In fact, I'm considering just giving up at the start. Think the careers will be kind enough to keep me as a pet? I have to bite back the sarcastic comments forming in my mind. "Of course I do! But I'm not going to give them all away. Haven't you ever heard of lying low?"

Marcus laughs easily, and some people in the audience join in. It isn't enough, though. I won't win sponsors with one laugh. But, then again, I won't win sponsors anyway. I'm a gangly scientist with no combat training and a low score. What could I do against the careers?

The interview carries on, but I never get anything more than a ripple of laughter. I leave the stage, tripping over my labcoat in the process, with a sense of disappointed and a growing feeling of definite panic.

Edge/D.10~

I desperately try to keep my breathing calm and composed, but with every contestant that goes up I'm closer to hysteria. I gulp as the boy from District six walks back to his seat, a quick glance at my mentor tells me it's my turn to take the stage. I take a deep breathe to compose myself before walking to the stage with a sweet innocent smile on my lips.

"Now for our next tribute all the way from District. 10 Edge Venga!" Marcus smiled, as I step on the stage with a small wave. "So Edge why what do you think of the Capitol?" he went on.

"Well. . ." I stopped would it really gain me favor or anything if I told the truth? "Its lovely I wish I could live here." I smiled.

"Oh what a little sweetheart." Marcus laughs only one or two chuckles comes from the crowd. "So how about that score of yours. It wasn't as good as the others but not as bad either. Do you think you might have a shot at this?" he asked.

No way I'm going to die the moment the gong rings. "Oh well you know staying out of the others way, hiding from all the others. I might be able to." I lie my mentor told me no one would want to be my sponsor if I already know I'm going to die.

"Edge how do you feel that your own District has chosen you for this honor?" he beams.

Honor? More like death sentence. I have to stop myself from snorting. Before I could think of an answer the buzzer rings and I smile and wave one last time before going back to my seat, and for the first time I can see all of my opponents.

(Does anyone remember what District 10 does? It's been so long since I've read the book.)

District 10 loves math and is the only district that converses with other coutries. They lie on what used to be the Mississippi river.

"And now," Marcus shouts, "Elenor Black, District Five!"

The audiance aplauds a bit. I really could care less. I am careful to step with grace and posture. I keep my head up, not smiling, but not frowning either.

"Elenor, nice to meet you!" Marcus says.

"I would prefer if you Called me El, if it so pleases you. It is a pleasure to meet you as well."

"El, then. How do you feel about your District choosing you to fight?"

"I am content. I knew someday I would do something like this. It makes me proud to be chosen."

"I heard your score was pretty up-there. How does that make you feel? Do you think it will make any difference?"

"It might, it might not. But, alas, I find it better to let fate play its course, as we sail on a ship into the waves of life. I am happy with my score, but only by fate shall I win." A few people in the audiance clap. I surpress a smile.

"Any plans for the arena?" Marcus asks.

"As I said before, I let life take its course. I think on the spot, and let what happen, happen. Who am I to judge what should and should not happen? It is better just to let things happen. And, it would not be wise to discuss plans in the open, anyhow, no?"

"And you are aware people die? How does that make you feel?" Was this guy serious? He was obviously reading questions from a clip-board.

"I thought I had made myself clear, but aparntly I haven't. I am done here." I stand up, and walk off stage. A few people laugh, a few gasp, I really don't care.

Marcus says to the audiance, "Well, isn't she a peice of work?"

Roxy ~ District 7

I couldn’t wait until it was my turn. All the other tributes had had a successful interview with Marcus Hunt, so I thought I would have that too.

“Give it up for our next tribute from district 7,” I heard Marcus say. That was me. I took a deep breath before he said my name into the microphone. “Roxanne Threases!”

I started to walk up to the platform, trying to win some time. I needed to work on my heels. I’m not that kind of girl who goes with dresses and definitely not high heels. The dress was making me look more like a girl, or that’s what my stylist had said.

Spoiler

“Roxanne,” Marcus said with his eyes wide. “You look stunning.”

I grinned. This was my chance. “Oh, you think so?” I walked a few steps toward him and that’s when he asked the first question.

“Roxanne,” he begun. “What do you think of the Capitol?”

“Please, call me Roxy,” I grinned. “Well, Everything I’ve seen have been fabulous.”

“How do you feel after your own district choose you as their tribute?” He asked, still smiling. I had been waiting for this question. And I had my answer in my head.

“It’s fantastic,” I said. I heard the crowd started to discuss. I didn’t hear if it was positive or negative, though. “I’m looking forward to this Game. Don’t you?”

I could see Marcus’ face turn a little pale, but before he could answer the buzzer rang. My time was up and I walked off the platform.

Jordan D. 12

I felt like an idiot. And i knew exactly why i had been chosen. But that doesn't mean that i have to like it or even think it is fair. I look over as I'm called onto the stage. As i walk up i can feel the weight of the miners outfit pull me down a little.

"And now welcome our visitor from District 12, Jordan Remmings!" The crowd cheers, but i know its a half hearted cheer. District 12 never does well in the games.

"So Jordan, what do you think of the capital?" Marcus Hunt said. It felt rehearsed, but that's probably because it was.

"Please call me Remmy. Its so big, kinda unexpected of just HOW big it really is. But i gotta admit, the foods great!" At least i didn't have to lie like most of the other kids.

"So Remmy, what does it feel to be chosen for this honorous spot for the games?"

I almost laugh, but i catch it and turn it into a cough.

"I'm just thrilled at the chance to pit myself against kids from all the other districts. IT will finally be a chance to prove the real strength of district 12." This time i was really lying through my teeth. IT almost hurt to lie like that in front of the world.

The ding went off and i scurried off of the stage as quickly as possible.

*Where did everyone go?*

I was wondering that....has this died before it even really started?!

Remmy

The training room was completely crowded. At least, that is all the stations that Remmy needed improvement on. He elbowed his way through to the edible plants station so that he would have some sort of food supply when he was out in the games. It proved quite useless when he couldn't even hear the instructor over the din of the room in the first place. He did however get a chance at archery. Not as bad as he expected, but he needed a lot of improvement before he would trust himself with it in the arena. He more than excelled with the javelins, to his delight. It was reassuring to have one thing to fall back on. Having speed was one of the main things that would keep him alive in this game. That's why he was going to get his supplies, possibly make an ally or two, and then find a good hiding spot to pick off the competition.

*C'mon guys, lets get to posting!!!!*

sure...

As'ka

the training room was crowded but i did not fear. My parents had already agreed that my district will have a seperate training hall for our district. I was able to finish the usual practices in which my partner-whom i never knew-left. But i had stayed.

I need to learn a new fighting technique that my father had instructed my trainer. He gave me a pair of long white fans and i grinned.
"There's teaching thisto me, aren't they."
the trainer only nodded as we began the training.

*Umm, foxfire, the parents of a tribute can't just decide for their child to have a separate training hall. The Capitol controls everything. No one else has a say in the matter.*

Dodge,

After the interviews, I was nervous. In the morning, however, back at training, I decided that there was no need for that. What I needed to do now was find allies. I'd had some in mind, and now I just had to find them.
I find Anton first, the boy from district 6. I approach him.

"Uh, hello, Anton," I begin.

I guess it's fair to say this is dead...