AYLA YANGUE
DISTRICT 4
F | she/her | 17 | Reaped
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Ayla was certain about one thing: she never liked fishing. It had been like that for as long as she could remember. Her father told her she was good at it; and sure, she loved the sea. But she preferred spending her days in the market with her mother, selling and packing anything her father’s crew could fish. In fact, that’s how she met her boyfriend, Adrian. He was part of his father’s crew, and they knew each other since childhood. They lived a quiet life; her older brother, her baby brother, her parents, and Ayla. That was, until her older brother’s name was picked in the reaping six years ago. He was only 12. She never saw him again.
Ayla's Aesthetic
THE REAPING
This year, Ayla took more tesserae than usual. The business hadn’t been going well, her brother was sick and the medications were pricey. Still, when her name was called, it felt as if someone had kicked her in the stomach. She felt herself going cold, and tears running silently down her cheeks. She tried to resist when the Peacekeepers took her to the stage, but she gave that up quickly. Then, her parents came to say their goodbyes. She remembers the look on her brother’s face, almost petrified with fear. And her parents, they were losing their child to the games for the second time. Finally, Adrian came by. But he didn’t try to comfort her. Didn’t even wish her luck. No. He said that they were done. That he needed her to understand; he would move on. Numb and hollow, she was taken to the train.
Ayla's Reaping Outfit
THE TRIBUTE PARADE
Ayla was scared to her bones, but she wouldn’t show it. She tried to keep her breaths steady and focused. Her stylist had done an amazing job, so she tried to convince herself that she was beautiful. As the crow cheered for the first tributes, Pip and she stepped into their chariot.
“Good luck,” Pip told her, looking into Ayla’s eyes.
“You too,Pip,” she replied, smiling.
The chariot rolled into daylight. Pip put her arm around Ayla’s shoulders as the water vapor emerged. The mist felt cold and humid, but it didn’t damage her hair or makeup. Her brain went on autopilot as she blew kisses and waved at the crowd. Maybe someone at home was watching...
Then a rose thorn cut her shoulder. She flinched for a second but then decided to ignore the wound. She gave the crowd a shy smile and a sly look. She let her blood stain the precious dress.
Ayla's Parade Outfit
TRAINING
Ayla Yangue received a training score of 7.
Training days
Training was better than she had expected. Some tributes looked terrifying, holding their weapons of choice like they were born to use them. Ayla tried to keep her nerves in check and prepare herself for the weeks to come. She spent most of her time learning basic survival skills. Climbing came naturally, even if she had a thin, delicate complexion. Making a fire was not as easy. After she had a decent fire, she focused on learning all about the plants and possible poisons instead. Finally, she went over to the knife station to test her skills.
Ayla had also gotten to know Pip better. They knew each other from school, but they weren’t close friends. Still, it was nice to have a bit of home by her side. She also approached other tributes during her training days. Maybe an alliance could be formed.
Private session
The training days went by quickly and suddenly, it was time for her private session. It was simple, really. She just had to make a good impression. She was skillful with a knife. She had spent most of her days in the market, working with a fillet knife in District Four. But of course, it wasn’t the same. When they called her name, she entered with a smile. She disliked the idea of pleasing the Capitol people, but she knew she could manage to be charming enough. She acknowledged the gamemakers, took a deep breath, and walked towards the knives station.
Ayla took a slender knife and threw it across the room. It wasn’t a bullseye, but it was better than her practice shots the previous days. She repeated the movement a couple of times, until she hit the center point. Then she tried for the moving targets, but she was not fast enough. She didn’t hit the head of the target, but she made a good shot to the shoulder. She concluded by tying a fishing net and hanging it to create a swing. Satisfied, she swung herself on it, like she had done so many times with her brothers. Laughing, she was dismissed.
THE INTERVIEW
Hello, you look dazzling tonight! Tell us about your outfit.
Hello! Thanks, my stylist did a great job. It’s simple, compared to other tributes. It suits me better that way. It’s a little bit hard to walk in these high heel shoes, though. But I love the crown. Oh, and I’m sure my mother would’ve loved the dress.
How do you like being in the Capitol so far? What has been your favorite part?
The Capitol is really welcoming, one could say. So flashy. So different from home. You really have a big variety of flavors I’ve never tasted before. I could eat all day. The chef is wonderful! You should give them a promotion.
Any thoughts about the other tributes? Have you made any friends, or enemies?
Totally, I get along well with Pip. But I will leave you to see the rest at the arena.
Do you think you have what it takes to become a victor? Who or what are you fighting for?
Yes, I am prepared for it. I’ve trained a lot and I’m pretty good with throwing knives. I want to go back for my family, since they’ve already lost one child in the arena. I think finally, one of the family will go back home.
Do you have any expectations for the arena? Perhaps a preferred terrain?
This year the gamemakers remained really silent, so I don’t have a clue. I guess it would be a surprise. I think I can adapt to many things but - of course - I hope it has water. Any place where I could climb would be good too.
What do you miss most from your home district? Any shoutouts for anyone back home?
I miss the little things that I used to do. Watching the sunset or walking through the borders of the sea water. Also, I miss this boy; I used to date him but we broke up before the games. Adrian, I needed you. You were really good at moving on, weren’t you? Anyways, the one person I would truly like to speak to is my brother. He is still a baby but I would like for him to see it when he grows up.
Hey Kai, I hope you’re watching. If I don’t make it back, you must know I love you. Ok? I love you. Be strong, for me. Please.
Any last thoughts before we let you go?
Yes, I would like to say something to the Capitol. You look awesome tonight! Thanks for… well, for being so welcoming I guess. And to my district; I promise I will do anything I can so you can have a new victor!
Ayla's Interview Outfit