✩Toska✩

Nokoa brushed the dark hair from her shoulder before crouching down in front of the Goose that came running over once she got to the pastor. Salty air from the ocean near ruffled the feathers and her shirt alike.

"Sorry about the babies Ma." It seemed only about 3 of the goslings were unlucky in the night as she took a headcount of the remaining babies..

The Goose pecked at her fingers and boots for a moment before walking back to the small shelter in the clearing. A line of the goslings followed not far behind. And so did Nokoa.

She reached for the pack at her back and wrapped her hands around the goose feed. Breathing in the quiet serenity of the peaceful summer morning Nokoa threw the feed around and watched some of the curious babies waddle around her feet.

For a moment she wished that she could freeze this moment forever. The sun warmed her tanned face with the salty breeze that always reminded her of home, and the now satisfied squawks that filled the air.

The day was ruined however with the inevitable.

Placing the remaining feed back in her pack and re-slinging it over her shoulders. "Wish me luck, see you guys tomorrow." Nokoa finished and stroked the head of the mother goose.

With that she headed back towards the beaten path, away from the salty air and back into the center of district 4.

More people rose today with the sun than any other. Friends, parents, and families all seemed to be shopping around the district square together. Finalizing purchases for the big day.

How she loathed the love some of the community had for the games. Side stepping a peacekeeper, Nokoa kept her strides even around the market. Finally her eyes landed on the shop she wanted.

Her brothers and her ran a small business selling their catches and wears to the others in the districts. Both Reid and Theo Fontaine were 18, though they weren't twins even if Nokoa herself wasn't convince at times, and weren't in their shop window.

Must be out still. She tried to ease her mind for a moment, shoving her hands in her pocket as to not pick at the skin around her nails. The habit for which she was scolded by her oldest brother Reid for.

Though more times than not his own fingers were splotched and bloody. Nokoa scoffed at the thought and turned back around to head home if the rest of her family weren't home yet.

"They better not be late." The voice of a big, brooding girl rang out. Many onlookers spared one glance before deciding to mind their own business as a stink eye was shot their way. "Hate for the peacekeepers to get envolved. Especially on a special day like this." Blare threatened. Her shadow covered Nokoa's entire body and the rising sun say perfectly on her shoulder.

The large girl was the epitome of a career. Trained from birth and it showed, her wealthy important parents made sure of it. Though Nokoa couldn't keep up with the family drama, it always seemed to like higher. Maybe this year Blare would volunteer and leave Nokoa safe for another year.

"If I wanted to hear your concern I'd have to get the peacemakers dick out of your mouth first."

Nokoa kept her voice even and low so the spectators had to strain to keep the facade that they weren't listening. The comment earn a snicker from the older girls entourage.

"This year," Blare's huge paw landed on Nokia's shoulder and gripped hard. "Maybe I'll let them call out a name, and then when it's you I'll forget to speak up."

Nokoa scoffed but was smart enough to remain silent, a peacekeeper was already glancing over at the only conversation that seemed to be going on in the square.

"I always have next year to win anyways." With that she shoved off of Nokoa and returned to whatever cave she came from. If Blare would really volunteer for the games Nokoa's not to sure she'd miss her, a terror at school and in the world.

Too bad she's only brawn.

Nokoa rung out her shoulder and headed home. Soon she'd have to be back in the square, but not yet. Worried thought ran through her mind for a moment, could any of her family be picked?

It was both Reid and Theo's last eligible year, though Reid was unlucky enough that his 19th birthday fell only a few days after July 4th.

Tesserae also wasn't fractured into Nokoa's calculating mind. Being from district 4 had its perks. If you couldn't selling your catchings at least you could always eat it.

Entering through the front door of the house two familiar faces loomed up at her. Dark wavy mops sat at the top of each of the boys heads, the same identical rounded eyes as her own stared back at her. For them not truly being twins they could fool anyone.

"No catch?" She asked dropping her bag and toeing her shoes off at the door. Her parents when they were still around had a weird rule about shoes in the house. "I was looking for you at the square today"

"This one was too lazy, I guess I just caught too much for him to handle." Theo rolled his eyes teasing the oldest Fontaine boy.

"Don't believe fish lips over here Koa, almost went overboard with a large fish." Reid defended himself as stood bringing her attention to the stove.

Her eyes brightened and a smile spread across her lips. "When did you get the bananas for the pudding?" She asked joining Theo in the kitchen.

"That large fish," Theo started putting his sentence in air quotes. "Traded it away for you."

She laughed for a second before all 3 siblings were crowded around the stove looking at the special dessert. "We need something happy for today." Reid concluded. He stirred the old pot and blew out the burner underneath. Their mother use to make the pudding for the reapings, always something that remind her of the women.

"At least you're almost out." Nokoa spoke quietly getting bowls from a wooden cupboard. The exchange at the market rattled her a little bit. There was a small chance she'd be picked anyways.

"Don't say that." Reid's expression became hard and in an instant she wished she didn't say anything at all. It probably would hurt the two boys more if her name was called when they got out the following year. Reid's girl got reaped the year before, properly reaped with no one intervening and volunteering. She was a sweet small thing but definitely didn't live up to the career title.

Winning respect for your district. Though Nokoa wasn't sure if there even was a winner of the games. You die or become praised for being a murderer with no choice.

"You won't." Theo spoke confidently, he seemed to be convincing himself of it more than her. "Some idiot will open their fat mouths and they can be shipped off to the capital. As simple as that."

As simple as that, though was it really.

The pudding was shared by the small family in silence for the rest of the morning. She wanted to ask about their morning, their fishing trip, anything really to get all their minds off of the days ahead. Theo's spaced off expression did little to calm her nerves even after his words.

Strange, he could hide his anxieties the best with simple jokes. Clearly this morning weighed down.

Abruptly coming out of his thoughts, Reid rose from his chair and collected their bowls. "Get ready, both of you. Whoever's above knows that you could use it."

A dark blue dress laid on her bed for her. The floorboards squeaked as she came to the end of her bed as it always did. Some things were just reliable.

Like the dress, Nokoa could remeber her mother wearing it year after year. Her small hands would hold the hem of the dress as they watched the reapings together. Her brothers annoying each other behind the pair.

Nokoa could almost hear her father's voice, splitting the two with his own body. She'd give anything to go back to that moment. When her whole world was safe.

The year her brothers had to stand with the other 12 year olds she was barely 10. Though the hem of the dark blue dress was lower down now she still held onto it for comfort.

Nokoa wasn't sure how the thought of her finally being able to fit into the dress affected her.

Numbly looking into the small mirror in her room, she was a spitting image to the women she remembered.

Walking back into the kitchen both boys cleaned up nicely. A white and light green dress shirt hung off of their frames. Their father always was a little bigger but Reid filled his out pretty well.

"My lady," Theo intertwined his arm with hers and started for the door. "I'll be your escore so the boys don't come running because for once you look half decent."

"Haha," She laughed sarcastically paired with an eye roll. With a glance back Nokoa extended her left arm to her other brother who watched them with a smile on his face.

The trio walked up the path to the town square, arms crossed and a weight leaning on their shoulders they didn't look back at the creaking house.

"See you after Koa." Reid rubbed a hand at the base of her neck. She could tell he thought about ruffling her hair but decided against it.

Theo wasn't as concerned as his big palm smacked her hair. "Yeah and then you can help us lug the fish to the shop. The extra smelly ones already have your name on it."

She batted his hand away and embraced her brothers one last time before he watched them go and stand with the other 18 year olds at the back of the boys designated side of the square- one more year and the worry would be over for them.

Nokoa slipped through the girls crowd. Coming to stand next to the kind face of Silas. The only girl her age that was halfway decent. Silas was a little taller, though didn't have nearly as much muscle mass compared to Nokoa. Based on appearances alone you could tell that someone like Silas wouldn't volunteer willingly.

"Happy hunger games." She said with a smile and a small bump of her shoulders. She didn't let Nokoa get a word in before she rushed into talking again. "I think Blare would have a good chance this year, of course the other tributes are a mystery, the arena and basically everything else. What if she doesn't even volunteer, I mean all that talk for nothing-" Nokoa turned her attended back to the stage that was being set up. She was use to tuning out the other girl. Maybe that's why they were only really 'friends' at school.

Commotion and shuffling of feet were heard somewhere over Nokoa's left shoulder. It wasn't until a big shoulder found its home in her shoulder before she decided to finally turn around.

Blare and her posse pushed past the other girls to stage along the other 17 year olds just behind where she already stood.

"Good luck." She sneered. Her voice dripped with something that Nokoa could barely place. Pure joy.

A smirk found her lips before a fat finger found its way to Blare's lips and she pointed to the stage. "Shh It's starting."

An elderly woman made her way to the stage, a dramatic hunch caused her to rely heavily on a bedazzled walker. She, as Nokoa concluded, could have totally avoided the painful bend if she only stopped wearing pounds of jewelry. Laciatus Stafford assumed her spot on the stage as the Mayor.

Next to appear was what Nokoa assumed to be their capitol escort and the one to draw the names. It was an older man, though not nearly as wrinkly as the mayor. He stood with an air of confidence as he adjusted his completely sparkling dress suit. The white of clam pearls blinded most of the younger children in the first row. The man's hair was spiked going in every direction and was probably about 6 inches in length each. Hidden behind a huge diamond and chain was the man's crooked pale nose. Nokoa couldn't place a name to his face, and hopefully she wouldn't find out.

Peacekeepers lined the stage as finally the show of importance was almost over. A younger looking man, correction, it was definitely still a boy, with blonde hair and a tall muscular build stood to the end of the stage. He flashed a sly smile to the crowd and gave a small wave. Though Nokoa couldn't miss the contrasted look he flashed to the older women who followed him up the side steps. Her gray curls poofed in all directions and the kind eyes of the women landed on the smaller faces peering up.

The previous district 4 winners: Finnick Odiar and Mags Flanagan took their spots on the far right of the stage.

The Anthem of Panem blared over the speakers on the sides of the impromptu wooden stage. Nokoa watched as some of the youngest kids in the front rows jumped from the unexpected noise. For a moment they squeaked and grinned her ears and Nokoa fought the urge to cover them.

Thats disrespectful to our nation. The peacekeepers would say. Blocking out the beautiful anthem? Unacceptable.

The justice building with its large sleek marble columns trying to emulate a period before, or at least it resembles what Nokoa tried to learn in school once, stood looming behind the stage.

The sun, now almost risen into the sky , still caused the justice building to cast a large shadow over the square. Over all the onlookers. Over all the district citizens.

A projection of the dark days came next. She could almost see the slides even if she closed her eyes. Finally the brutal noises of the reminder of the districts failed rebellion stoped and the annoying frequency of a microphone being tapped didn't give the ears any rest.

"Welcome everyone!" Spiky hair shinning man spread his arms out wide, inviting. "I, Dendron Rosewood, am here to present to you the reaping for the 68th Hunger Games."

Oh so that's his name.

Two peacekeepers made their way but the sides of the stage to place two glass fishbowls in front of Dendron. "Thanks you boys now who's ready to let the fun begin."

The crowd was dead silent. Nokoa could see some of the younger kids in front of her looking around at one another. Though there always was a hotshot kid with an air of cockiness about the games. This was created by being from a Career district. They'll learn.

A bead of sweat rolled down Dendrons temple however not induced by the summer sun.  Quickly changing gears he started to reach for the first glass bowl. "Ladies first is what I was always taught, let's see who the lucky lady is."

Nokoa so desperately wanted to go up there and punch the stupid smile off his face, or just burry her head to block out the comments from Dendron that didn't land with the audience.

Five times. My name is entered only 5 times. Nokoa reasoned in her mind for a moment. Her pointer picked at the skin around her thumb for a moment.

He reached a pearl clad hand into the clear bowl, the gems clinked and scraped against the glass. He flashed a smile at the crowd before solidifying a fate in the palm of his hand. In what felt like slo-motion he pulled out and unfolded the slip of paper.

"Nokoa Fontaine."

Her breath caught in her throat and she almost lost the ability to stand altogether. She first glanced up to the stage, eyes landing in the man who had just announced her doom to the games. Dendron looked expectantly to the crowd, possibly waiting for the added drama of a volunteer.

Taking a few shaky steps Nokoa first looked back toward where her two brothers stood. She watched as Reid rapped a strong arm around Theo keeping him back and his mouth shut.

Fear overtook her for a moment as a thought dawned across her mind. She mouthed a hard 'don't you dare' to her brothers horror stricken faces.

If 2 of the remaining 3 siblings entered the arena it would be worse than just her being lost to history.

Shoving pasted the other girls Nokoa tried to make her way to the stage. Within 3 steps her path was interrupted by the hulking hand of Blare once again pressed to her shoulder.

"What are the odds." She whispered into her ear.

Though she was from a well respected family, who normally spent a lot of time in the capitol for being born district, there wasn't any way she could have done something to the drawing. Right?

The stairs creaked under her weight as she quickly climbed them. Both previous victors gave her a small nod and an expression that could be read as pity. Nokoa was sure that by now all the color was drained from her once sun-kissed face.

"Now who will be joining Ms. Fontaine hmm?" Dendron asked giving her the tiniest glances back, not truly worth his time she was guessing.

Once again is lanky arm reached into the bowl and clanked around a few times. Nokoa could barely pay attention with the blood rushing around in her ears and her heartbeat going a mile a minute.

Dendron's voice though it seemed underwater at the moment to her called out the second district 4 boy

"Kit Alesky"

Before Nokoa could register the name a hand shop up in the crowd.

"I volunteer as tribute." An older looking boy about a row or two in from of Reid and Theo called out into the crowd.

Great. She thought as once. A cocky know it all who most likely will kill her 10 seconds into the game.

The older boy puffed out his chest and stuck in chin more into the air. Some of the fellow kids patted him on the shoulder and gave him curt nods. As he made his way to the stage Nokoa could finally get a good look at him.

He was quite tall compared to her with a strong build from hard work, no doubt paired with the training provided by the capitol. His dark skin shone in the sun and the dark curls making a halo around his head were barely moved by the salty breeze.

"What is your name sir." Dendron gestured to the mic with a smile.

"Koi DeCastello." He spoke firmly with a nod. He didn't have any expression on his face, which striked Nokoa as odd since most volunteers were convinced that they would win.

"Well there you go lady and gents you're two tributes from district 4." He tried to start a slow applause which some people join but most just looked ready to leave. Ready to go home once again as they guaranteed they survive another year.

"May the odds be ever in your favor."

With the conclusion of the ceremony the others waiting on stage quickly made their ways to the exits, only if you could call Mayor Stafford hobble hasty.

Nokoa's eyes locked on that of her remaining family. Both boys still stared at her, their wide eyes no doubt were identical to her own.

Reid and Theo both were lead away from the square a back behind to the Justice Buildimg.

A final goodbye.

Would it really be the last time they would see her, would the two boys need to cope with another family member gone?

She herself was then gripped on the arms by one of the peacekeepers and shoved rather harshly to the side steps of the stage. Behind her slightly the loud voice of Dendron Rosewood projected around the now deserted area. Clearly he didn't really need the microphone. It was something about Koi volunteering, though she wasn't to interested in listening.

She's seen Koi around in school a lot. With him being more popular he remained a reserved him when by himself. Koi was strong sure but he didn't seem the volunteering type.  During the reaping his father much like Koi himself rose his chin a little high once his son volunteered and spoke quietly to the people beside him.

Opening the doors to the Justice Building Nokoa wasn't no time flinging herself into the arms of her family. Reid's large had cupped the back of her head and her face buried in between both of the boys.

"It'll be okay." Theo spoke into her hair, both seemed to be shielding her from the outside world. As if the capitol didn't know she was there this whole nightmare would soon be over and the trio could go home to the rest of the banana pudding.

She was sure he was trying to convince himself along with her. In a moment Reid pulled back and took her right arm in his hand. With his free one he rolled up his dress shirt sleeve to reveal a plethora of leather bracelets.

He quickly slipped a chunky braided one onto her wrist, his favorite, their dad's favorite once. Taking the example Theo slipped his own bracelet made of thin rope with a dull fishing hook incorporated into the design.

Nokoa could almost see the memory of when he was younger parading around the house after he finally learned to weave the piece of rope.

Looking down her eyes welled up but were wiped away by her oldest brother. "You can do this." He made her eyes meet his own. "Show them who you are."

"Trains here kids." Dendron's voice carried, maybe now on the train she could wipe that smile off of his face, what else did she have to loose.

Her eyes went to the spiky haired man and then fell onto her fellow tribute who stood all alone. He glanced at her for a second and when he caught her eyes his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Her brothers embraced her once again, the smell of salty hair mixed with the warm spices of home made her want to grab on tighter and never let go. A peacekeeper came to break up the siblings and start to try and corral her to the waiting train.

For a moment she could only watch as both Reid and Theo were starting to be ushered out of the justice building. Reid however put his hands up for a moment and quickly made his way over to Koi.

The peacekeeper grumbled but allowed it to happen quickly. Reid stuck out his hand for the other boy who only happened to be about 2 years younger than him. Koi glanced up at him with glass eyes and returned the gesture.

Reid quickly pulled him into a hug and patted his back before breaking away. Word were shared between the two none were audible to the rest of the room.

"We don't have all day you too." She was already staring to get sick of Dendron's voice and wasn't sure if she could avoid him for the whole trip up tot he capitol.

Sparring one last glance at her family and her old life, she was forced to leave it behind and walk into the unknown. Utterly scared and utterly alone.

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Here I’m just tagging some people who seemed to be interested in this series (if you want or not want to be tagged for future parts please let me know!)