District 9

District Nine is one of the largest districts in Panem, and located on the country's plains. This is due to the district requiring a large amount of space for its grain industry. It was one of the most ravaged during the rebellion, and unlike the other outliers, remained firmly split between Pro-Rebel and Pro-Capitol camps for some time. This combined with their strategic importance led to them becoming the “battleground” of the rebellion, with the population of the district being decimated to a point that it still has not recovered from. The district was one of the first five to rejoin the Capitol, and following the signing of the new treaty, it was awarded with preferential treatment like the other three districts who surrendered.

## **Areas**

Most of District 9 is organized into numerous hamlets along the countryside, the largest of these only reaching around two hundred citizens. The hamlets are generally organized based on the stratum of their residences. The farmhands typically live on the outskirts of town, with the middle class close to the town square. The Grange, Peacekeeper Center, and the district’s school can be found nearby.

The largest settlement within District 9 is known as The Mill, the center area of District 9 that holds up to five thousand citizens. The vast majority of these citizens are on the lowest social stratum and are referred to as ‘Millworkers’. They ground and process grain into fine flour, and prepare it for shipment and Capitol delivery. Millworking conditions are poor  in District 9, and citizens dread their shifts here. Although, in comparison to other districts, conditions seem much more relaxed.

Deep in The Mill is the central administration of District 9. The mayoral offices are located here, and Capitol Overseers are based in this area. This is where the Justice Building can be found, and there is a special reaping process in place for this purpose.

## **Society**

Citizens of District Nine are far more fit than those from the average outlying district. This can be attributed to their field work; citizens of the district partake in hard labor which inadvertently builds up their muscle strength. Furthermore, they are known for their resilience due to dealing with famine, and strenuous work. They’ve earned a self-resourceful reputation that way, are known to adapt to nearly any situation, and are regarded as extremely pragmatic and utilitarian. Citizens of District 9 are most distrustful of outsiders, this being due in part to their strategic location during the rebellion, which led to them enduring the brunt end of the damage and casualties. A dislike for other districts has formed because of this, although this does not always prevent District 9 tributes from entering into Hunger Games alliances.

Due to their geographic proximity to the Capitol, members of District 9 show a much more refined culture than other outliers. This manifests in citizens, as some are often seen wearing nicer clothes than what may originally be expected, while acting in a ‘proper’ demeanor. Lenient surveillance was rewarded for early Capitol surrender, and it’s believed that citizens from that Capitol have invested money towards the district as thanks for loyalists smuggling them in grain during the rebellion. The rumor goes as far as suggesting that President Highbottom himself helped to rebuild the district as a means of payment, but these claims have never been substantiated.

In essence, those who live within District 9 have a very pragmatic outlook on life. Despite this, District 9 has an incredibly strong sense of communal identity and loyalty, and traits like humbleness and intelligence are held in high regard.

## **Stronghold**

> What is the Stronghold? Ask a District 9 native if you will, but don't expect to find answers.
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> The Stronghold is a closely guarded secret of District 9. An underground, brutal, and illegal organization, made for children with a will to survive. It was set up by the father of Filip Greene, the first Male tribute of District 9. After seeing his son die on screen, he sought to do whatever he could to save other parents from the same despair.
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> Not a lot is known about the Stronghold, or its members. Only one man knows everything about it, and nobody knows who he is. So how do the members communicate with each other? We don't know. They meet once a week at one of their dozen gyms across the district. Their estimated strength is about 40. It is highly advised to beg for mercy/ run as fast as your legs can carry you if you meet a member under hostile circumstances.
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> - Unknown
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The Stronghold is District 9’s equivalent to the inner district academies while lacking the grandeur, and can be much easier described as an underground fighting ring. Enrollment is open to all ages and classes, but it is incredibly selective and members are sworn into secrecy. Members who are active generally number no more than forty at any given time, and are considered the cream of the crop of District 9. These members are regarded as incredibly talented, and all hold cautious, cunning, and powerful traits. Families of fallen tributes support The Stronghold, both financially and physically.

The father of the district’s first male tribute used his wealth to found the location. Family members of another fallen tribute, Harvey Mills’ from the 3rd Games, act as coaches to train members in the event that they happen to be reaped. Recently, the younger brother of the late Saltatio Cornwall has involved himself with the Stronghold as well, but the nature of his contributions is currently unknown. Beyond this, The Stronghold sees donations yearly. Gamestaff member, Emmy Jones, is known to send a sum of her own Capitol earnings. She is much involved in the district’s politics, and takes care of all sponsoring needs for the district during the Games.