Welcome to Gaia! ::

Female ::

1. Winslow Liana Swanson - 12 (124th)
   
2. Winslow (124th)
   
   
3. Rielle Irie Swanson - 15 (124th)
   
4. Rielle (124th)
   
5. Rielle (124th)
   
6. Rielle (124th)
   
   
7. Valeria Rae Lawrence - 16 (124th)
   
8. Valeria (124th)
   
9. Valeria (124th)
   
10. Valeria (124th)
    
11. Valeria (124th)
    
12. Valeria (124th)
    
13. Valeria (124th)
    
14. Valeria (124th)
    
15. Venus Cloe Tala - 16 (124th)
    
16. Venus (124th)
    
17. Venus (124th)
    
    
18. Vienna Marie Arrowpoint - 17 (124th)
    
19. Maize Carnation Wren - 17 (124th)
    
20. Maize (124th)
    
21. Maize (124th)
    
22. Maize (124th)
    
23. Maize (124th)
    
24. Maize (124th)
    
25. Maize (124th)
    
26. Maize (124th)
    
27. Maize (124th)
    
28. Maize (124th)

Male ::

1. Blake Erin Chamberlain - 12 (124th)
   
2. Blake (124th)
   
3. Blake (124th)
   
4. Blake (124th)
   
   
5. Joshua Christopher Pierce - 15 (124th)
   
6. Joshua (124th)
   
7. Joshua (124th)
   
8. Joshua (124th)
   
9. Joshua (124th)
   
   
10. Bentley Joseph Marioth - 17 (124th)
    
11. Bentley (124th)
    
12. Bentley (124th)
    
13. Bentley (124th)
    
14. Bentley (124th)

On the morning of the reaping, I had met up with his 2 only other guy friends; Tenzil and Banner. All 3 of us guys dressed in their fanciest of clothing. I was dressed down in black slacks, black shoes, a black button-up shirt, and a suit-type coat; the same outfit my father, Darby, wore on his wedding. Tenzil and Banner were both dressed up, but for a different reason. They were dressed up for the opportunity to talk to other girls while looking as classy and nice as possible. I was dressed up for pride. If I am chosen to die in front of my country, I want to prepare my death in a nice outfit.

Tenzil, Banner, and I all walked to District 11's main plaza to await the official reaping for the Games. Tenzil and Banner take advantage of their outfits, talking to nearly every girl in their tastes. I, on the other hand, am not so anxious. I have never been much of a social person. Talking to a random person, specifically a girl that he has interest in, was out of question. While being directed into the specific areas for each gender, I had to practically drag the other two into their correct line. "Ahem." Over the speakers came a clearing of the throat of a very young man, maybe 23 years of age? "My name is Frederick Sloan, and today, I have been given the honor to draw the names of District 11's tributes for the 124th annual Hunger Games!" The man had brown hair that was combed back, dressed better than anyone I have ever seen. The type of guy that all girls would dream to be with. Over the heart of his suit was the head of a white rose, pinned tight to the fabric over his upper left chest. No doubt that rose was from the president of Panem. "First, let's pick our young woman tribute that will represent you, District 11, in the 124th Hunger Games." Said the young man with a smile. As I look over, it's as if most girl want their names to be called so that can stand near this Frederick Sloan, guy. You could hear every piece of paper scrape against each other as Sloan's hand mixed up the names. His arm stops movement, and he looks up with a "charming" smile. The guy is a real character. He grabs the slip of paper and opens it backwards. For some reason, many of the girls giggle to this action. I find it hilariously desperate and stupid. He turns the paper around and reads the name.
"District 11's heroic tribute for the 124th annual Hunger Games is..." He takes a long pause, as his abnormally shiny smile takes form."Valeria Lawrence!" "Valeria?!" I hear repeated throughout the plaza. I There is no movement in the crowd, until Valeria walks forward from the isle. I VOLUNTEER! A silence-breaking shout is to be identified by a raised hand. Venus Tala. "It looks like we have a volunteer!" joyfully exclaims Sloan. Valeria is guided back to her spot with tears. Tears of joy or sorrow, I cannot tell. Venus is guided to stage by 4 peacekeepers while Sloan continues to smile uncontrollably. Some kind of operation or drug from the Capitol no doubt. A smile like that isn't natural. Venus walks up the stairs onto the stage, her emotions unclear. She's either trying to strong with pride and power, or fearful of the fact that she volunteered her own painful death. From what I could possibly think of, it must be the latter of the two... As Venus approaches center-stage, Sloan locks eyes, with his continued smile, and asks "what's your name, beautiful?" "Venus Tala" she says, not looking too convinced or bought over by his charm. Sloan puts one hand out, reaching for the hand of the approaching tribute. Venus respectively puts her hand out as Snow puts a soft grasp on her hand. "Here" says Sloan as he pulls a pinkish-white rose from behind his back. The guy really loves roses I guess... That or he is certainly a tool or Snow... Venus, without saying a word, grabs the rose, and... that's when Tenzil punches me in the arm, laughing his butt off. I guess I was staring, looking concerned. "Do you even know her? She's a loser," comments Banner. I stay silent, but without returning a punch in the arm back to Tenzil. Doesn't affect him much though. My punches are no more painful than a frenzied swing of a toddler. I look back up, surprised to see that Venus is now standing off to the side. "And now for District 11's courageous young man to be selected as a tribute of the 124th annual Hunger Games." Many of the girls look over, locking eyes with the guy that they dream of. His hand drops in the glass container, and I expect him to play out the drama once again... "What's wrong with Venus?" I ask Banner. "She's one of those independent, rebel kids. A total loser. She's the most socially-awkward girl in District 11, I swe-." "Bentley Marioth!"
The young man's words echo throughout the plaza, and i'm in shock. I instantly lock eyes with Sloan, as he somehow instantly spots me out in the crowd. He begins to wave at me and I don't know what to do. "Panem is watching. Act like you wanted to be picked. Like no one else has a chance in the world of beating you. Like you have already won." Those were the words of my grandfather that he had passed down to my father. My grandfather won the Hunger Games of his time, and I was told this many times before by my own father... I just never thought they'd mean anything to me. I shake the shock off, puff out my chest, bulk up my shoulders, and walk right through the guards on my way to the stage. I don't look at the girls side, I don't want to make eye-contact with my sister, Leah. When I get to the stage, I display a smile and I put my hand out first, in anticipation of shaking Sloan's hand. He returns the smile and shakes my hand. "This kid has the heart of a winner! What a gentleman!" says Sloan with a chuckle. I was honestly a little embarrassed to hear such words, but deep down, I am in severe pain. I can't fight. I've never touched a weapon in my life. I know I am going to die. But, for the crowed and cameras, I take a bow. I hope I'm not embarrassing myself... I think. Venus is still standing to the side with her rose in hand.I wonder if she knows me. I wonder if she has ever seen me before. I wonder if she is really the independent, socially-awkward, rebel loser that I was told of... I wonder if she thinks.... "Kid, you there?" says Sloan, waving in a comedic fashion, inches from my face. I nod my head. "Yes sir, just thinking of how I'll give Panem the fastest-ending Hunger Games of all!" I flow that sentence out with some charm and strength, but the idea that I am going to be killed in front of the country is still clear on my mind. Sloan let's out a bellyaching laugh, and waves Venus over. "Well District 11, here they are! Venus Tala and Bentley Marioth! You're 124th annual Hunger Games tributes!" I look over at Venus while we stand there facing the crowd, and a tear slides down the right side of my face... I hope the cameras didn't catch that... I hope Venus didn't catch that.

Standing on the 「 rooftops 」


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx⇉ WAIT ✶ UNTIL THE BOMB DROPS


xxxxxx» - - -This is all we got now


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxScream until your heart stops ↓↓


xxxx████████████████████







Venus had waken up the day of the reaping as if it were any other day. To her it really was. She didn't have many tesserae in the pot, so the odds were in her favor. Not that it helped much, her life wasn't eventful enough she'd miss if even if she was drawn. Venus had gone downstairs to find her dad already dressed in his nicer slacks and shirt. No jacket, he never wore nice jackets. His expression was grim as he'd met Venus' gaze. Apparently the calmness she felt wasn't mutual. A shame really, if she was more relaxed than her father. They didn't say much over breakfast. Didn't eat much either. After that Venus had gone back to her room to change. She sort of hated the fact that they were to dress up for their death. What she'd picked out was just a clean pair of pants and shirt with a jacket. No need to get a dress all dirty. Plus she only had like one dress she would ever ever wear. After changing and brushing out her hair, Venus and her father had left for the Justice Building.

When they had arrived, Venus had left her father's side without another word and gone to the group of girls around her age. Though she stuck to the edge like normal. As she stood waiting, she watched the other kids and teens as they signed in and walked to separate groups. At the sound of a scratched voice over to speakers, she looked towards to stage to find this year's District 11 escort. A younger man who introduced himself as Frederick Sloan. Unlike the girls around her, of which she could hear soft swooning and cooing, Venus was not impressed by his decor. And when he drew out the tribute name backwards, she rolled her eyes and sighed impatiently, while giggles rippled through the crowd around her. Venus didn't know what made her do it. What on the sane planet had may her say it. But Valeria hadn't gotten more than three steps down the isle before she'd called out from the edge of the group "I Volunteer!!" Venus could hear mutters of shock around her as she took Valeria's place and walked to the stage. Though she knew none of the words were of sadness. She wouldn't be missed. Not really. Except maybe by Vienna and Chris. And her father of course.

Venus had approached the stage calmly and almost bored looking. She wouldn't show the surprise at herself she felt. In almost all honesty she didn't care anymore. What's done is done. She was now District 11's girl tribute. Who was then being flirted with by the escort. Venus looked at Sloan nearly indifferently when he asked her name then handed her a rose. What in the world? A rose? She'd taken in only to spin it slowly between her fingertips. She had stepped a bit to the side, the man reeked of the sweet smelling flowers. It was close to unbearable. She could see a couple hateful/jealous glares from the girls shot her way and she flashed a small smile to them. Though her eyes said 'Glare all you want sweethearts. I'm dying in a week.' Then her expression went back to neutral. When a second name was called, Bentley Marioth, she looked over to the boys section. Venus was nearly impressed by his little appearance, his attempt to look confident. But she had seen the shock on his face just before the bravado had been mustered. She had to keep in another eye roll when he spoke, trying to keep up the act. It was a good act, sure. Just not enough to fool her. When Sloan waved her back over, she stepped back up to his side. At Sloan's parting words, Venus turned to walk back into the building. Mid turn, she raised her hand with the rose and tossed it easily into the sea of girls, smirking softly as a dozen of them dove to catch it. It wasn't a rose from a rebel of their district. It was a gift from a Capitol Idol. Then she continued into the hall. As she walked, she felt Sloan's hand on her back as he led them inside.

Before I could see Venus react, my peacekeeper yanked me by the arm, pulling me into the doorway. A fair-sized room, more elegant than any room I have ever seen before. Glass windows were dressed with large Maroon curtains, and bookshelves painted the walls. Hundreds of books. "Go sit over there." The peacekeeper nodded his head toward a family of furniture. Couch, chairs, footrests, all grey in color. I sat on the couch, as instructed. Velvet.. I say. When I was still a baby, maybe 1 or 2, my mother saved money so that she could buy me a 6x6 inch piece of grey velvet that she sewed onto my blanket. A birthday present. Memories of my family begin to overwhelm me and that's when I hear a knock on the door. My mother, Phoebe, my father, Darby, and my sister, Leah, all stood at the door. Leah was trying to stay strong while my dad was holding my mom in his arms; giving her a place to whip her tears.
"I should have taken the tesserae..." Leah says, still standing next to the now closed door. "There is no way that I would EVER let you take out tesserae. You're my little sister. I love you. Nothing bad can happen to you."
"And you're my brother, look what happened to you!"
"JUST STOP," yelled my mother, crying more than ever.
We both stopped talking."Mom... Don't cry. You've done everything for me. I love you." My dad continues to try to calm her a little, but it's no use. Leah, now tearing up, grabs onto my mom, hiding her face.
"Bentley... Remember what I told you. What grampa said. Alwa-" "I know. Don't worry. Once I'm out where others can see me, you're going to see a confident tribute."
"A confident warrior," says Darby, correcting me.
30 seconds. The train is here, murmurs the peacekeeper as he cracks open the door.
Barely anytime to say goodbye... it's unbelievable. My mom charges me and I have to catch her. She digs her tear-covered face into my chest as I throw my arms around her. Not far behind is Leah, doing the exact same. My father stands outside the cluster, noticeably concerned. "Be-.. Bentley.." my mother makes out, removing her face from my chest. "Remember that velvet patch I bought you for that quilt?"
"Yes. The sweetest thing you could ever do."
She digs into her pocket while Leah sneaks an eye to watch.
"This is for you." My mother opens the clutches of my left hand, only to drop a bracelet into it. The smooth texture was instantly noticeable. Velvet. It was a maroon string, identical to those of the carpet and curtains, weaved with a long strip of grey velvet. "I made this when you were only 12. Days before your first reaping, I made it, just in case anything ever happened... and now this day-" she bursts out into tears once more. "I will cherish this at every moment. I love you." I slide the bracelet into my pocket for now, while my father comes over and squeezes Leah and I tight. "Show the world what you're made of. We love you, Bentley." Leah gives me a kiss on the check, just as the guard directs me to leave. I quietly say to Leah, "Be strong. I'll be back in a few months. If I'm not, just know that your big brother loves you. Never take tesserae out. Do whatever you can for food, but don't take tesserae. Good luck. I love you."
The peacekeeper grabs me by the arm as he drags me out of the room.
WAIT!!! my mother screeches, but it's too late. The door slams closed, and I can still hear her crying. At that point, I drop to the ground, resisting movement. My shirt over my head, and I start to cry. The peacekeeper surprisingly gives me a minute. He stands guard while I sit against the wall in the hallway, crying into my shirt. "I know your pain." The peacekeeper, with a pained face, nods at me. He picks me up by the arm, and directs me down a separate hallway. The tears stop. They need to though... I had no choice. "Down this hallway is a door leading to the train station. Your mentor and fellow tribute will meet you there." He continues to walk until we reach the door. I can hear people yelling and talking from outside the door.
"Good luck."

Female ::

1. Leann Ice Rose - 14 (125th)
   
2. Leann (125th)
   
   
3. Alexandria Kay Rose - 16 (125th)
   
4. Alexandria (125th)
   
5. Alexandria (125th)
   
6. Alexandria (125th)
   
7. Alexandria (125th)
   
8. Alexandria (125th)
   
9. Alexandria (125th)
   
   
10. Anthea Laverne Rose - 17 (125th)
    
    
11. Vienna Marie Arrowpoint - 18 (125th)
    
12. Vienna Marie Arrowpoint - 17 (124th)
    
13. Vienna (124th)

Male ::

1. Blake Erin Chamberlain - 13 (125th)
   
2. Blake Erin Chamberlain - 12 (125th)
   
3. Blake (125th)
   
4. Blake (125th)
   
5. Blake (125th)
   
6. Blake Erin Chamberlain - 12 (124th)
   
7. Blake (124th)
   
8. Blake (124th)
   
9. Blake (124th)
   
10. Blake (124th)
    
    
11. Jeremiah Kress - 17 (125th)
    
12. Jeremiah (125th)
    
13. Jeremiah (125th)