District 11: Aisling Strekker

Part 1: The Basics


1. What is your full name?
Aisling Sadie Strekker.

2. Where and when were you born?
I was born in District 11, 18 years ago. I was the first child of five.

3. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
Yes, I have four siblings. My younger brother Callum, who is very protective of the triplets. Then there’s my sisters, the triplets Fornax, Meredith, and Amity, who steal away all the attention. I love them, of course, but it seems everyone knows who the Strekker Triplets are, and no one knows Callum and Aisling. Well, technically some people know Callum, since he gets the girls out of trouble so much. Me? I stay home, period.

4. Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.
When my mother died a few months ago, I ended up living with only my father and siblings. My father is a drunkard now, and keeps to himself. He used to be very fun and talkative, but not much anymore. I try to hide it from Callum and the girls, but sometimes he hits me.

5. What is your occupation?
I’m homeschooled, and also work planting seeds. It may sound easy, but try walking around all day bent over digging and pushing, and carrying the heavy sack of seeds.

6. What do you look like?
Some say I’m fairly pretty. I’ve got a smooth pale face, youth shining in every corner. My eyes are a piercing gray-blue, my eyelashes long and light. I have smooth pink lips resting under my average-sized nose. The error of this picture? My tomato-red hair. At least my sister’s are more like carrots. It has sharp waves, and reaches my waist. My mother and father use to tell me all the time it was beautiful, but I’m still not sure. I get comments about it all the time. When I’m out in the fields planting seeds, sometimes Bertha will come up behind me and yank it as hard as she can. My ears are another story, being pointy like an elf’s.

I’m not short, but I’m also not very tall. I am very gaunt, with little muscle and a very thin body. I haven’t much of a breast of butt, so don’t even bother thinking about it. I do have long legs, which I appreciate. Sadly, along my right shin is a very thick slash mark, ugly and not well healed. I usually cover it with a long, thick dark violet skirt. For a top I wear sun yellow, with sleeves that reach my elbows. My hair is in a ponytail for the Reaping, and I wear my mother’s old dress. A blue dress with white polka-dots.
7. To which social class do you belong?

Social class? I’m anti-social, if that counts for anything. Dirt poor, too.

8. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
I’m allergic to peanuts. Even being around them makes me blow up like a balloon.

9. Are you right- or left-handed?
I’m ambidextrous, or use both hands.

10. What does your voice sound like?
It’s a bit high, like a mouse, and I’m embarrassed by it. That’s why I don’t speak much, if you were wondering.

11. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
Hah, words? None, is my answer. I’m the silent type.

12. What do you have in your pockets?
Let’s see… a mouse tail and Callum’s homework.

13. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
I don’t like sleeping on beds. I prefer to sleep in cabinets or baskets. Too bad I’m getting to old for those places. I’ve begun sleeping under my sisters’ bed. I also bite my nails a lot.

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Part 2: Growing Up


14. How would you describe your childhood in general?
Crazy, secret, hard, not enough food. I never really got a lot of attention, and I assume I’ll get even less once I move out.

15. What is your earliest memory?
My earliest memory was when I was four. I remember being excited to go to school and make lots of friends, but my dad told me I couldn’t go. I never learned why, but I do know after that it seemed like everyone stopped talking to me. My reaction was to stop talking to everyone else. If they didn’t like me, I wouldn’t like them. That was how my 4-year-old mind worked at the time.

16. How much schooling have you had?
Not much, to tell you the truth. Yes, my dad did sign me up for homeschooling, but he never really got around to it except every now and then. I knew enough to pass required tests, of course, but I skimmed the bottom. I’m not the brightest banana of the bunch.

17. Did you enjoy school?
I enjoyed it when my dad taught it, as I was always eager to learn new things. Especially history. I was fascinated with our nation’s history, and not just the rebellion either. I wanted to know everything about our events, what went on in District 11 before I was born. Gosh, I hate to admit it, but I wanted to know every detail about every games. That may be way I’m so scared of them, knowing so much.

18. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
My mother taught me to sew and read, and both I do most of the time. My dad once brought home a sack-full of herbs and taught their names and uses to me, one by one, though it took a few weeks for me to get them all down. I, myself, worked on my flexibility. You’ll b amazed what I can do with my body!

19. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
My father has always been a role model to me, even though he never really cared much. He was too focused on my other siblings, which I fully understand. He could be cold at times, even a bit mean, but at the end of the day I always pictured him as perfect. Though he wasn’t perfect at all, he was who I wanted to be, for a while.

20. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
My parents and I weren’t too close, though they are the ones who taught me everything I know. Most of it was done with as little side chatter as possible, and I was often watched to be the perfect example for my younger siblings. It was difficult, yes, getting pulled into a room to have a “talk” about my behavior all the time.

21. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I want to be dead when I turn nineteen. Why? My life nowadays isn’t as simple and quiet as it used to be.

22. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
No friends, really. I did have one, before I entered kindergarten. Her name was Nimi, and she was a really nice girl. She liked to talk a lot, and was good for conversation. When she went to kindergarten and I didn’t, she made another friend and stopped talking to me.

23. When and with whom was your first kiss?
I haven’t had one yet, though I wonder what it would be like.

24. What were the two most terrifying moments of your life?
A. When I was fourteen, I left my house to find Amity. It was late at night, maybe 10pm, and she was no where to be found. I overheard a group of people talking about a rebellion, and immediately grew interested. Being so interested in history, I thought perhaps this was history in the making. Sadly, I got too close at the wrong moment. A peacekeeper happened to see the group, and assumed I was a rebel. Almost immediately they were ready to Avox the seven rebels and I, but somehow or another I managed to convince them I was only listening in. Knowing how cruel peacekeepers are in District 11, it may sound hard to believe, but I got away with five lashes. I screamed, yes. I gave them the satisfaction, and instead of the ten they had decided on I got away with half. I don’t leave the house as often any more.
B. A few months ago, my mother died. I mourned her, of course, and so did my siblings and father. It wasn’t so terrifying, rather depressing, until my father dragged me into his bedroom. He blamed me for her starvation. He was in a fit of rage, and started hitting me. I was absolutely shocked, though I fought back with all my strength. Fornax knocked on the door, and when my dad answered it, I almost ran to her, but decided she shouldn’t know. It was once, right? He said I was crying because of mother, and left it at that. I had to drag myself to my room that night, but comforted myself it was only once, that he was only upset and would apologize in the morning. He always did when he punished us, even if we deserved it. Though the next morning I received no apology. After everyone was asleep, he dragged me out of bed and started at it again. I keep silent, so none of my siblings have to know. For some reason, I wanted them to see him as a role model, and I still do. He isn’t mine anymore, though.


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Part 3: Past Influences


25. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
My mother’s death, as it has affected my lifestyle so much.

26. Who has had the most influence on you?
My father. He has given me most of my knowlege and has made me into the silent person I am.

27. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Keeping quiet. Do you know how hard it is, not to scream when you're being kicked and slapped for an hour every night? I manage to simply cry, but even that is quiet. If anything was too loud my siblings would know.

28. What is your greatest regret?
Stopping that night to listen to the rebels. I will forever have the scars of the whip on my back, and the embarassment of my father scolding me still haunts me. I always feel like Callum is staring at me like I really am a rebel. I blame Amity not clinging to me anymore on that.

29. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
When my sisters were born, I was so jealous I tried to suffocate Meredith. I am ashamed of my actions, but my parents never told anyone. Who wants to live with everyone knowing their daughter attempted murder? I am grateful for them not telling, my my father can blackmail me any time.

30. Do you have a criminal record of any kind?
The rebels, of course. It was never recorded legally my attempted murder, but in my mind it's the worst thing I've ever done. Especially since Meredith turned out to be so cheery and bubbly.

33. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
My mother's death of course, but other than that, I don't really know. There are so many things about my life I want to change.

34. What is your best memory?
My best memory is when I was nine and my mother took me out for a walk, just the two of us. I was very excited to have some alone time with her. She managed to bring me ou of my shell and chat with her for an hour or two. Then we went swimming in a pond, splashing over and over. We had a race or two, all of which I won. It was the best day of my life, even if it sounds so simple. I adored my mother, even if we were never close.

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Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions

35. Have you ever had a boyfriend?
No, of course not. You have to talk to have one, right? IF not, someone better update me.

36. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
Pessimistic, most of the time, though I try to be the opposite when my siblings are around. They needn't know my feelings, right?

37. What is your greatest fear?
My father, now. Though I also fear death. I may want to die very badly, but the reason it hasn't happened yet is because I fear what will happen.

38. Who do you care about most?
My siblings, no doubt. I have a great need to protect them.

39. What are your political views?
None! None! None! My only opinion is not to send those poor children to their death!

40. What are your views on having children?
Sounds nice to me, actually. I really love little children, I just have a fear now that I might die and my husband will be like my dad. If I ever marry, I'll be certain to find someone good.

41. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
No, I would never kill, not even if it was my life or their's. I'd rather die innocent than live guilty.

42. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Torture, truthfully. Why not just kill them and get it over with?

43. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
No, not at all. I don't believe in any of that junk.

44. What do you believe makes a successful life?
I don't know, sorry. If I knew, I'd tell you. Maybe a good family, or support from friends. I've never had any of those, so if it's true, I'm going to be living in a ditch.

45. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?
I hide it, alright. I'm quite the big liar when it comes to such things.

46. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
Nope, if I did I'd have negative one friends, now wouldn't I?

47. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?
I absolutely refuse to go near ponds. It reminds me too much of my mother and the day we spent. I haven't gone since she died, though it used to be a place of comfort.

48. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?
My siblings. I love them too much, and hope to protect them from anything. Once, a few weeks ago, my father said perhaps he should share himself with Callum. I immediatly begegd him not too, and thus took double that night in exchange for him. If ever he tried anything on the girls, I'd bite him. I swear.

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Part 5: Relationships With Others


49. In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?
I keep them at a distance, thus I know nobody. Life's not fair, is it?

50. If you saw a shooting star, what would you wish for?
Death.

51. Who is the person you respect the most, and why?
My mother, because she now seems ever so much more powerful.

52. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend?
No friends, sorry! Especially no best friend.

53. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.
"Other"? What do you men by that? If boyfriend or something, i've already said no.

54. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
I said "NO" now SHUT UP!

55. What do you look for in a potential lover?
Kindness, and won't care about how quiet I am. He has to not make fun of anyone, and he better me honest. If he is those things, I'll be them in return.

56. How close are you to your family?
Not to close to my parents, a bit to Callum, and it's only one-sided to my sisters. I don't think they return my adoration.

57. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?
I want to, but finding a lover is going to be tough.

58. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?
Callum, I must say. He never talks to me, but I still see him as a person I can turn to. That's how it is with my siblings, for the most part. I love them, but I'm not to sure about them to me.

59. Do you trust anyone to protect you?
No, I feel like everyone would betray me.

60. If you died or went missing, who would miss you?
No one.

61. Who is the person you despise the most, and why?
My old friend, Nimi, for abandoning me.

62. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
I avoid it, but I always struggle when my dad beats me.

63. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
Never.

64. Do you like interacting with large groups of people?
Never.

65. Do you care what others think of you?
Of course.

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Part 6: Likes And Dislikes


66. What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
Reading and sewing. They make me very calm when I'm frusterated or sad.

67. What is your most treasured possession?
My life. Without it, what am I? A ghost? Light?

68. What is your favorite color?
White, for it's purity and clean mood.

69. What is your favorite food?
Toast! I don't get it often, but it sure is a darned tasty thing!

70. What, if anything, do you like to read?
Fantasy and horror. Everything else is too boring, to me. Though historical fiction is fine.

71. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?
Books!

72. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?
No!

73. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Trying to keep out of trouble and my dad's way.

74. What makes you laugh?
Nothing...? I might laugh though, if someone told me a joke.

75. What, if anything, shocks or offends you?
When people are rude, or mistreat others.

76. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?
Lie in bed and hope for sleep, that's what. I'm not much of the get-up-and-do-something type of gal.

77. How do you deal with stress?
I imagine my own fantasies for dreams.

78. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I plan...

79. What are your pet peeves?
Nose picking...

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Part 7: Self Images And Etc.


80. Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
Get up, read, try to learn something, eat if anything is available, sometimes go for a walk, read, go to bed, get woken up, get beaten, go back to bed. When it's interupted, I get excited or nervous depending on why.

81. What is your greatest strength as a person?
My will.

82. What is your greatest weakness?
My secrecy.

83. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Does "entire life" count?

84. Are you ever depressed?
Uh.. yah. Duh.

85. Are you generally organized or messy?
Very, very, organized.

86. Do you like yourself?
Sometimes.

87. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?
I don't know.

88. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Homeless.

89. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
Quickly and painlessly. Without guilt.

90. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
Read, eat, and tell my siblings I love them.

91. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
My hair.

92. What three words best describe your personality?
Secret, loner, depressed.

93. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
"That Strekker girl."