Freedrick's family hand makes and sells axes in their local area. Their business has been booming, as you can imagine, with the business having expanded all the way across District 7. Despite the business doing so well, the owner of the business is Freedrick's grandfather, Freedmorty, who only gives a fraction of the profits to Freedrick's parents. This money still bought the family a fairly large home, but not the luxury Freedmorty is rolling in
When Freedrick's name was called, many gasped, as Freedrick was fairly well known in the Districts. In his final speech, he told everyone that it was his grandfather's fault he was here and that if he shared his riches with his family, he wouldn't be on the stage. This later became a controversial statement, with many realizing he was referring to the "Fall Guys" company
Claudia comes from the South of District 7, an area known for its culture, and many religions. This area is also famous for District 7's tribute memorial site, set up two years earlier by Brandi, the victor of the 94th Hunger Games after her sister was killed. Claudia works as a waitress at a nearby restaurant, something that is important to many people here, and their cultures. There's a row known as restaurant row, as it contains restaurants making food from all corners of Panem. It was set up in the brief five-year-period, knowing as the Second Rebellion, when immigration to all of the Districts was allowed and contact with the outside world opened up again. Claudia works in the District 10 inspired restaurant. It's owned by an old man called Beef, who was trapped when the borders closed and is famous for making dishes such as Paella, Tappas, and other District 10 favorites
When Claudia's name was called, her parents started to cry, and even Beef was seen crying in his restaurant watching the reaping. The Peacekeepers soon found Claudia, taking her up to the stage, where she said some heartfelt words to her parents and Beef, before being led away
Mark, and his best friend Rocky, are known around District 8 as celebrities. They do one of the most honorable jobs in the District: Sewer cleaning. Sewage, a serious issue in Panem. One citizen in the Capitol produces tons of waste a year, roughly half of that being excrement. The capital sewage often goes to a treatment plant in District 4, however, passes right under District 8, where its own excrement is added to the pile. The sewer systems often get clogged by the sheer amount of waste coming through them, with Mark and Rocky having to put on their hard hats and climb in, in order to find the issue
When Mark's name was called, many gasped, protesting that the "Plummer" couldn't leave, however, nobody actually volunteered for him, meaning Mark was officially in the games. Shortly before the female reaping began, Mark gave Rocky some good luck. How ironic she was chosen only seconds later...
Rocky first became a sewer cleaner when she was nine. It was a well-respected job, yet not something many could do. The sewer passages were so tight that only children could fit in. The average sewer cleaner retires when they're 15, as the passages quickly become to tight for them to get through with all the added excrement. This meant Rocky was in her final year of cleaning, something she was happy about, but also sad, knowing she'd have to say goodbye to her fellow cleaner, Mark, and get a factory job
Shortly after Mark wished her luck, Rocky's name was called, which caused even more protests from the citizens of 8, however, many soon seemed to realize that Mark and Rocky were almost done with their jobs. Both likely had less than a year left to work, Mark possibly even lower as, despite being younger, he was taller than Rocky. This meant that by the end of the year, new Sewer cleaners would have to be hired. In her final speech, she told the people of Panem that it was nice knowing them and that she hoped they'd support her and Mark in the games
Thanks for reading this episode :) With 9 and 10 coming out tomorrow (Possibly later today if you're lucky), 11, 12, 13, and 14 will come out as one block (As one of those Districts is recycling the old District 6 storyline), then we'll do an interview-like episode on Wednesday, with the Games officially starting Thursday...and the first blood will be spilled!
