Birk Henriksson

Birk Henriksson is the male tribute from District 4 in the 43rd annual Hunger Games.

Early Life
Birk was somewhat awkward as a kid, having very few friends and only one close friend, Eliot Wade. He spent most of his time reading and watching the seals.

Eliot came from a prominent fishing family, and one day suggested that he and Birk take one of the boats out alone. The excursion ended in tragedy, as Eliot, and Birk lost both his best friend (and then crush) and his love for the sea. As a result, he was deeply traumatized, and developed a deep-seated phobia of water.

Unable to fish or work on the boats due to his trauma, Birk deemed himself a failure. He spent a year babysitting children from around town, before spending a year training to be a career, during which time he met Polaris Marwood and, although he didn't get along particularly well with her at first, developed a bit of a crush on her.

At 17, he returned home, spending his time reading, writing poetry, and continuing to babysit for local families.

Reaping
By some mistake in the paperwork, Birk gets reaped as the tribute to represent District 4 in the 43rd Hunger Games, despite being 19 at the time. He considers letting the authorities know that there's been an error, but, out of a desire to protect the kids in his district, decides to go along with it. His parents are horrified, but Birk holds his ground, and they eventually let him go. He promises them he'll come back home.

Appearance
Birk is dark-haired, with a scar on his right cheek from the accident that killed his childhood friend. He also has a 5-o'clock shadow making him look older than the other tributes.

Personality
Birk seems very stoic and uncaring, making a lot of people not even consider getting to know him. Those that do know that he's the biggest softie and a bit of a nerd. Sarcasm seems to be his second language, and he has a habit of putting others needs before his. He is also very meticulous about plans, which gets highlighted during training and in the arena.

Trivia

 * At 19, Birk is the oldest tribute in the Arena.
 * He still has a seal plush his old crush gave him.
 * His tokens for the game are two necklaces, one being his mother's and the other being his father's pocket watch.
 * Sometimes Birk even has trouble drinking water.