[IC] 1st Hunger Games[Closed]

[StarWight]

Last Page of Posts

Here is the last page of our posts from the old guild! Posted here for reference, of course! Also note that there is no formatting, as it would've taken entirely too long to throw in all the BBcode for an entire page worth of forum posts D:

Jannah:

"That's what I thought as well. Nixie knows. We suspect that some sort of force field will be used to confine us in the arena. Perhaps if my theory stands true then I can use it to my advantage." Huxley confessed as he gave a slight nod towards Nixie. He knew it was risky to share so much with the other tributes, but what would Harrow do with it? Somehow he began to trust that the boy, a fellow ex-rebel, would not turn against him in the arena. At least not early on. Besides, what did he know about force fields? Being from District 9, it was bound to be very little.

Huxley was a bit startled as he noticed Amber stumble to the ground, but considering the display of knowledge she had shown earlier he was confident she'd be alright when the time came to be thrust into the arena. Medical knowledge of any kind was bound to be especially useful in there, even the most basic stuff. Huxley found himself at a disadvantage there. Despite recognizing different kinds of injuries he knew next to nothing about actually treating them; the task of medic while in hiding in The Wilds had been left up to the more skilled of the group. "Maybe you should stay away from that apparatus for a bit." Huxley commented, as Amber slowly struggled to sit up.

"I'm fine, thanks. Fortunately there's padding here." Amber responded, flattered that the others even bothered caring about her. She took her right hand, formed it into a fist, and punched into the padded portion of the floor. It retracted right back up, Capitol engineered no doubt. So they care about and protect us here... Amber let out a small chuckle, realizing the irony of the situation. It almost made more sense for them to provide no protection or perhaps even training. Wouldn't it make for an exciting show? No, of course not. The Capitol clearly wanted somewhat skilled tributes for maximum entertainment.

Wanting to try her hand at most skills, Coral spent much of her morning moving from station to station. Still she found herself being most skilled at knife throwing, although she knew where her real skills lie. Remembering all advice, she diverted away from what she was good at and tried her hand at other things. However, she had been quickly distracted by the commotion over in the distance. It seemed to be caused by somebody falling. It didn't take Coral long to decipher who it was. Amber. The fall had made the poor girl appear weak, but Coral almost began to feel sorry for her. She never had a chance at actually winning. Her reaping was a death sentence. She never had to rely on survival like the rest of us... Coral thought about all sorts of fates the girl could suffer while realizing her disadvantage. It almost didn't feel right to go after somebody vulnerable so soon. Same applied to the little District 3 girl, Nixie, but she was bound to be a difficult target anyway. She had allies. The strong must be eliminated first... Coral examined the room, focusing particularly on Harrow, Amaranth, and anybody else who appeared like they could hold their own.

Lonesilverwolf:

Harrow watched as Amber ignored his hand and stood to her feet. Lowering it, he found himself relieved she was alright. He watched as the padding raised back into place, and snorted, shaking his head. "Nice..." he muttered. He turned his head when he heard Huxley speak; "That's what I thought as well. Nixie knows. We suspect that some sort of force field will be used to confine us in the arena. Perhaps if my theory stands true then I can use it to my advantage." He arched an eyebrow at his words, leaning back against the climbing apparatus and rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I had wondered," he said, "I mean, they'd have to have some way of keeping us in the arena. I was thinking natural boundaries, but the force-field thing...now that's probably what they'd go for...at least you know a lot about them. I've had to deal with them before, but never in a technical manner--that's what people like you were for, Huxley," Harrow smiled as he spoke, giving his fellow rebel a slap on the shoulder. He gazed at Harrow for a few moments, realizing as he did so that he would never attack him. He couldn't. Killing Harrow, even to get back to his sister, to little Micca, was just not something he could do. There was that bond of brotherhood, he was a rebel, he'd fought against the Capitol in his own way. How could he ever turn against him? The truth was, he couldn't. If he was to ensure Anastasia's survival, his best hope was that Huxley would be killed by someone else--because in the end, he could never strike the killing blow.

He turned to gaze to Anastasia to find her walking away from him--and his heart sank. Why was she leaving? He'd thought they were going to train together, and yet there she was, wandering alone over to the knot-tying station. His gaze darkened significantly, his smile turning black and his eyes, windows to his emotions that they were, would betray the hurt in his heart. Had he done or said something that made her want to leave? Had he upset her somehow? He wanted to go after her, but he was here with Huxley, Nixie, and Amber right now--he couldn't just walk off could he? Would she even want his company; if she did, surely she'd have asked him to come along? Confused and left wondering, he tried to mask the stab of pain, but it was futile; he was the sort that could not hide his emotions very easily. Biting his lip, he turned his gaze back to Huxley, but could find no words to say to him.

***********************************

Nixie watched Harrow and Amber interacting--but then she saw Ana release him, and walk away. I wonder... the girl thought. She'd have sword she saw a flash of...pain? Hurt? Jealousy? in the older tribute's eyes when she saw Harrow attempt to help Amber to her feet. She looked up at Huxley, giving a questioning look, but didn't actually say anything. She found herself wondering if there was something going on with those two. They had seemed really close--closer then friends, perhaps? She couldn't venture to guess just yet, and didn't want to jump to conclusions--but she was in a fight for her life--or Huxley's--and she needed to start acting like it. So, with firm resolve in her heart, she knew she would bring up her suspicions to Huxley when she had the chance to do so alone.

Jannah:

"Natural boundaries could be broken through. Trees. Just get one of the District 7 tributes near it and they could hack it away with their axe. The Capitol would need something "unbreakable", like a force field. Even I couldn't dismantle that, at least not without the proper equipment." Huxley continued as he contemplated more about the conclusions he and Harrow had reached. They were right. The only definite way to keep the games going as planned would be to confine them behind a force field of some sort. Huxley himself knew that one of those could only be dismantled through extensive reprogramming, something he had nearly perfected during his time working in District 3 but none of that would be accessible here. The Capitol surely knew better if they knew anything at all about Huxley, which they clearly did to have known he was a rebel. That had removed all doubt from his mind about the nature of these games. It was a fight to the death and neither Huxley nor Harrow were making it out.

Huxley quickly let out a smile as his fellow rebel seemed to accept him as one of his own. That alone left an impression on him. It was a sign of bondage, a sign of trust. Harrow was not going to attack him in the arena. Huxley could sense it. All he could do in exchange is return the favour. Through words unspoken the two were unofficially in an alliance. Perhaps it would even be beneficial to Nixie; would Harrow protect her if she outlived Huxley? It was the least he could hope for.

Wanting to get more training in, Amber set off on her own. She knew that Huxley and Harrow had a bond that she'd never share with anybody and being around almost began to feel intrusive. This was the same boy who had been angry at her just earlier for wanting the rebels in the arena. Besides, she she knew she couldn't stick around. She knew that alliances would not help her here. She was alone and she very much intended to play the game that way, hoping that somebody more deserving would walk out alive. A part of her wanted either Huxley or Harrow to win, or perhaps even Nixie. They had given up so much to prevent these very games from happening as she now knew and Nixie was much too young to even be here. Thank you...for trying to keep us from being here. Amber took one last glance over at the ex-rebel pair before walking off towards the other stations.

The rest of the morning passed rather uneventful for Amber as she moved around trying different things. She had wanted to try trapping again, but began to feel confident enough in it that it could wait. Besides, wouldn't it be best to save it? The mentor had spoken about not explicitly displaying skills you excelled in and it was advice she intended to follow. But realizing she was now famished she took off towards the lunch room, hoping that Snow would not be present again. The man was frightening and now she knew that his presence would make her erupt in rage. She would no longer fall for the Capitol's deceit. At least if she died she'd die knowing the truth, the truth that had been kept from the districts for so long.

Lonesilverwolf:

"Natural boundaries could be broken through. Trees. Just get one of the District 7 tributes near it and they could hack it away with their axe. The Capitol would need something "unbreakable", like a force field. Even I couldn't dismantle that, at least not without the proper equipment." Harrow nodded, as he began to realize just how smart Huxley was. Here he was, already sounding like he was planning a way to either break or use the force-field to his advantage. If anyone could survive these games, Harrow thought Huxley would've stood the best chance...except that he was a rebel. That meant, like him, he was pretty much destined to die unless he had some stroke of luck. And even then, it would need to be luck bordering on a miracle. He watched as Amber separated herself from them, casting one look back before heading away. He sighed, shaking his head. "That girl...I hate to see her become a victim of these games," he said softly.

"We are all victims of these games," Nixie pointed out, following Harrow's gaze. She frowned at him, then peered back towards Ana. "You know, I think you better go over there Harrow...aren't you two in an alliance?" Harrow blinked, staring at Nixie. The girl looked at him with those innocent green eyes of hers--and then winked! Does she know? he wondered. But he was also thankful--because she'd just given him a reason to go to her. On the other hand, why did she feel the need? She almost had to know something and he found himself hoping against hope that she simply realized they were close friends. If he were lucky, she'd attribute their relationship to the sort that she and Huxley shared. "Umm...yeah, I probably should, huh?" Harrow replied. "Hey Huxley...listen, before I leave..." He held out his hand. "Allies? Maybe not the follow eachother type of allies, but the 'I won't kill you and I'll help you if you need it' type?" He offered a half smile as he held out his hand, casting a sidelong glance towards Anastasia, his heart aching once more.

Jannah:

Huxley's suspicions had already been confirmed even before Harrow began speaking. The boy didn't want to harm him. They had both been rebels, after all, thus shared similar goals. Surely the same would stand true while in the arena. "Of course." Huxley shook Harrow's hand before leaning in towards his ear. "If I die please keep her safe." He whispered, pointing to Nixie. It was the least he could ask of the boy who had risked his life before for all of Panem and surely he would agree that one of the youngest tributes deserved to make it home.

Not having much else to say to Harrow, Huxley walked off himself. He had contemplated putting in more training, but then soon followed Amber towards the lunch room. It began to make him nervous, however. What if Snow was present again? After the encounter the previous day he didn't want to see his face. He now knew that the man knew he had been a rebel. He knew that he also likely knew about his activities in the laboratories. “Some of you are here for a… reason.” Snow's words from the previous day still burned into the depths of Huxley's soul. Of course the man knew about his rebel activities. It was foolish to perceive otherwise.

"No sight of Snow? That's a good sign." Huxley commented as he took a seat across from Amber. The lunch room was still very much empty; either they had arrived early or the others just weren't hungry. The former seemed much more likely so they just sat patiently and waited. Perhaps Snow would show up later, but Huxley hoped he wouldn't. If Silverman showed up he was tolerable, and perhaps naive but Snow was on another level; Snow had managed to manipulate his way up into the top rankings of the Capitol. That made him much more dangerous than Silverman who had just been naive enough to fall for Snow's trappings.

"Back in my district we of course were taught he was a protector of Panem. A liberator." Amber responded unexpectedly as Huxley commented about Snow. A liberator? Of course, but a liberator from what? The Capitol actually propagated the rebels as a legitimate threat? It almost seemed odd as somehow it seemed like the Capitol would have perceived such a thing to make them appear weak in the eyes of their most loyal districts. Even with his strong mind he realized there was so much of the Capitol mindset he didn't understand and would never have a chance to understand.

"He was a top general in the war, yes. As I already explained earlier he clearly manipulated his way to the top. Nobody moves through the ranks at such a young age as he did." Huxley commented as food began being brought into the room. Not wanting to place suspicion on himself he quickly went silent. Fortunately nobody he recognized were among the Avoxes. Not this time. I suppose Snow and the others decided they tortured me enough today... He stared straight at the group of Avoxes as they placed dish upon dish on the banquet table. He could sense pain and despair in the eyes of every single one of them. It was confirmed to be a fate worse than death...

Nixie followed Huxley, trailing slightly behind him as they made their way silently into the cafeteria for lunch. These training sessions, she found, were moving by at an alarming rate. Wasn’t tomorrow their last day of training? The thought nearly panicked her on the inside, making her wonder if she’d learned enough, if she’d even be able to keep up with the rest of the tributes. What would her score be? A 2? And then what? She supposed even a low score would be okay, as long as she and Huxley captured the hearts of the capitol. Shouldn’t be too hard, Nixie thought as they entered the cafeteria, he’s captured mine…. She blinked the thought away, and nearly collided with a chair, having been so lost in thought she’d been completely oblivious to how close she’d been to the table. Taking her usual spot next to Huxley, Nixie let out the smallest of sighs, pursing her lips together as thoughts continued to fill her mind.

Nixie listened as Huxley and Amber discussed General Snow. Liberator of Panam? She nearly snorted at the title, wondering if Snow had come up with that himself. More capitol propaganda. One had to hand it to them, they were certainly good at what they were doing, alright. Reaching out, Nixie began to pile food on her plate, not really hungry but beyond caring about her lack of appetite at this point. She turned, giving Huxley a wary glance and leaned forward, whispering into his ear, “It’s...it’s coming too quickly. The arena, I mean...just around the corner….” She bit her lip, shutting up and leaning back into her seat, staring at the food in front of her. How would she handle these next few days? How would Huxley? Her determination to be brave for Huxley was quickly wearing down to her own panic, her fear and worry about the future.

---

Harrow decided it was time to find Anastasia. He felt bad that she’d wandered off by herself, and was also a little hurt. They had precious little time left together in training. It was quickly running out, and he wanted to enjoy what little time they had left. The feelings in his heart, the stirring in his soul over the girl...she’d managed something he didn’t think possible given the situation; she’d managed to make him happy in some small way. She was the one bright light at the end of this damn tunnel that could only end in his death. He just hoped that he wasn’t going to drag the girl down with him.

Slowly, he made his way towards Ana as she stood by one of the training stations. He swallowed, looking at her back and wondering how best to approach her. She seemed upset. Was he? Or was she just wanting to be alone? Deciding to chance that she was okay with his presence, he moved gently by her side, taking her hand in his for just a second when nobody was looking, then released it quickly hoping nobody noticed. “Hey Anna,” he said softly, “You alright? Everything okay?”

[Jannah]

The training had managed to wear Huxley right out, prompting him to pile as much food onto his plate as he could. If training alone could make him hungry seemingly so fast then he worried what the arena would be like. Certainly there would be little access to food as the objective was to have all tributes but one die off. He quickly made note of the fact that trapping obviously had another purpose here. Naturally, much more concerning thoughts quickly took over, however. He quickly realized that the training sessions had passed so quickly that tomorrow was the last one before they had private sessions the following day. That was truly a point that really began to make him nervous. He quickly recalled what the mentors had said about it. Scores would determine sponsorship.

Naturally, Amber's words about Snow didn't bring much surprise to Huxley. As an ex-rebel he felt he had a pretty good idea as to how things operated in the Capitol. Manipulation. It seemed to be commonplace and Snow had been no exception. This was something he wanted to discuss further had it not been for the interruption by the Avoxes. It was a bit of a shame too as there was so much Amber had been discovering for the first time, but then he quickly remembered the fact that she'd likely be dead within a few days. Knowledge had no use to a dead person, that much was obvious.

Huxley was well on his way into his food when Nixie whispered over to him. She was nervous. The arena. she quickly reminded him of the fact it was just days away and she was especially vulnerable, given her age and size. Huxley could only hope she obtained a decent score in training although somehow it seemed unlikely. Still, whatever happened Huxley intended to protect Nixie at all costs. She needed to make it home. It was unjust a twelve year old, let alone anybody, had even been forced into this sick game. He intended to make that very clear to the young girl too. "I know... We have a couple days of training, interviews, and then you know what comes... Just make sure you stay by my side."

[FaithfulMuse]

Alice sighed, sitting alone at a table. She had never been very good at making friends, or just even talking with anyone other than her brother. She always wanted to be alone unless it was her sibling who would keep her company, so she couldn't wrap her head around the fact that she didn't want to be alone in the arena, or that she at least didn't want to die without someone being with her. After all, it wouldn't be like her death would just go by unnoticed if she were to die all alone. All of Panem would get to see how she died, of course they would notice, so that couldn't be the reason she wanted somebody with her so badly.

But even if so, than what was it about dying alone that made her so scared of it? It wasn't like she usually was much of a talker and that she had any last words she just had to say to someone. And she had to admit, it hadn't been like she had befriended any of the other tributes neither, so the chance that someone who would care for her would be the person being with her the moment she died, was very unlikely. She let out a sigh and stared at the table quietly, trying to figure it out, though without success so far.

*

"I just don't want to be a murderer, and so I'm not going to become one, even if that'll only make it more certain that I'm not going to survive this so called 'game'. I guess that way, maybe somebody wins who won't be bothered by the guilt as much, and said person has a good future ahead of him or her." Michelle said, looking at Amaranth. She was glad that she had someone to talk with, it certainly helped.

She looked back at the camouflage she had been trying to make, and if she could say so herself, it didn't even look that bad. Pretty good actually, and despite the fact she wasn't planning on winning the games, she couldn't help but be a bit glad about it. Even if she wasn't planning to win, she didn't want to be one of the first to die, neither. Maybe she could last for at least a short amount of time by trying to hide. Of course, she couldn't hide forever, but still, the camouflaging could very well help her last longer.

[StarWight]

“I know... We have a couple days of training, interviews, and then you know what comes... Just make sure you stay by my side.” These words struck Nixie like a bullet. She’d realized, of course, that the time was quickly drawing to a close--that the arena was very near--far too close for comfort. And yet, she’d never quantified it like Huxley had just done. Training today and tomorrow--and then tomorrow was also the private sessions...interviews came next and then…

And then we start killing eachother like savages, she thought to herself. She blinked, staring down at her plate of food and suddenly losing her appetite. Her mouth was dry, her heart was fluttering. She felt...almost a panicked sensation, as if time were slipping away from her, so fast she couldn’t reign it in. She felt a frantic sense of urgency all of a sudden, and she turned wide, glistening green eyes to Harrow, her lips a thin grim line etched across her pale face. She didn’t speak, not yet, she just gazed at him, fear in her eyes. In that look she gave, all confidence had melted away. In that look, she wasn’t the girl determined to protect Huxley--she was a vulnerable 12 year old girl. A girl, who aside from being troubled by her past at such a young age, was not thrust into a fight for her very life. In that one gaze, Nixie revealed a glimpse of who she was beneath the surface--a little girl in turmoil.

Then she steeled herself. Determination filled her eyes once more as she took in a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Nodding, mostly to herself, she leaned forward and whispered to Huxley: “I’ll stay close...but not just for my own protection. I’ll protect you too.”[/i] Then she lowered her gaze, staring at her hands instead of into Huxley’s eyes. [b] “I know I’m not as strong as you are...mentally or physically…” her voice trailed off and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she spoke to her best and only friend. “...but...I’ll do what I can. I’m...I’m sorry if sometimes it seems like…”.

Nixie sighed, looking extremely flustered. She ran her hand through her fiery hair, shaking her head softly and sighing a second time, before crossing her arms over her chest. Then she began again. “Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that you aren’t alone in a rough situation...even when one of the most important people in your lives is sitting right next to you...and I know I haven’t really been there for you as much as you have for me...and I’m sorry. You mean the world to me, Huxley. And...and I’m going to protect you too. I promise.”

By the time she finished speaking, Nixie’s eyes were glistening with unshed tears, and she was trembling slightly, her hands clenched into fists. She was staring blankly at the platter of food before her now, a determined look on her young face. She wanted to be able to protect Huxley, as he was protecting her. And she would, damnit. Then, her emotions getting the better of her, she spoke, words tumbling out, half formed thoughts not quite coherent, almost as if she were speaking to herself more than him. “There’s so much to say, and so little time to say it, you know? Time has a way of sneaking up on you. Huxley, you’re so much more than an ally, and even more than a friend….I…” Nixie’s voice trailed off, and she shook her head. “Nevermind,” she murmured softly. “We’ll get through these next few days. Together.”

***********

Amaranth stared at the camouflage station, knowing that it was about time to go to lunch, and not really caring. Michelle had spoken of feelings that she herself could relate to. In fact, she felt the exact same way. She thought about what she had done during the parade, and immediately felt the cold sting of guilt. It hit her like a slap to the face. You hurt him, your district partner. You hurt his chances of winning the games, made him look like a fool. Made him the laughing stock of the games the very first day. You’ve already fallen victim to the very thing Michelle has said she herself wants to avoid. You are already a murderer, because that boy will probably die. Because of you, Amaranth. Way to go. She closed her eyes, sucking in a breath of air, her thoughts and actions haunting her.

“I don’t want to be a murderer either,” She said with resolve, standing to her feet and extending a hand to Michelle. “In fact, I don’t plan on killing anyone if I can help it. We could make a statement, you and I, by helping our fellow tributes. Helping them with their training when we can. Giving them advice in areas we are knowledgeable in. Maybe we’ll die, but we’ll retain some of our honor...and after the parade, I have a lot of….making up to do.” She sighed again, shaking her head. “Truth is, I’m probably already a murderer now, after what I did. But maybe we can help other tributes stand a chance in these games.” Amaranth gazed at Michelle for a few seconds, hand outstretched. “It’s lunch...let’s get a bite to eat, then finish at the station. Camouflage…a very useful skill to learn; it might keep us alive for a while.” She smiled slightly--a pale ghost of a smile that did not quite reach her eyes.

************

Anastasia turned to Harrow at his voice, a somber expression across her face. “I’m fine.” she said in response to his question, turning away and gazing at the far wall. How could she tell him of the sudden pang of jealousy she’d felt towards Amber? Even she knew the feelings weren’t exactly reasonable, yet they were there. Harrow watched Ana, frowning. He could tell something was bothering her. She wasn’t quite her usual self. Taking a quick look around to make sure nobody was watching, he took her hand in his for a moment, standing right next to her, almost shoulder to shoulder.

“I’m fine is usually code for ‘my world is falling apart and I don’t know how to say it.’” Harrow spoke softly, his voice low lest other tributes overhear. “You can talk to me, you know.” Ana turned to look into his eyes. A very slight, very soft smile crossed her lips. Her horrific dreams last night, she thought, were taking their toll on her. Wearing her down mentally. Probably why she felt the way she did when she saw Harrow spending that time talking to Amber earlier. “I know, Harrow. You’re the one person here I know I can trust with my life,” she whispered softly. And she did know this. She gently squeezed his hand, before letting go, presumably before anyone could notice--she also knew how vital it was to keep their…relations, a secret. it would do no good for the other tributes to get wind of just how close she and Harrow were...or surely they’d be the first to be targeted.

“Come on, Ana,” Harrow spoke, motioning towards the cafeteria. “We need to eat, to keep up our strength. Besides, they might kick our asses out of the training area if we tried to work through lunch anyway.” Anastasia nodded, and trailed slightly behind Harrow as he led them to the cafeteria; last night’s nightmares once more coming to her mind. She shuddered as she watched Harrow in front of her. She didn’t want anything to happen to him...but the dreams. They were so real, so vivid...were they confirmation that he was destined to die here? And would she be alive to see his demise if it happened? A chill snaked down her spine, and she involuntarily shuddered as she stepped through the doors and into the cafeteria, taking a seat next to Harrow.

[Jannah]

Huxley nodded. Nixie was right. She was vulnerable without Huxley, being the youngest tribute in this deadly game. "I realize we don't have much time, but just know that no matter what happens between now and the arena I'm not leaving your side. You especially didn't deserve this." He responded, once again clenching his fist. All the anger he had managed to hold in earlier had begun returning. Now more than ever he realized that the rebels failing in their objectives had been disastrous. It was now only the arena that could ignite the final spark and by then it was bound to already be too late. It was clear that any form of rebellion in the arena would be meaningless as those present were already serving a punishment they couldn't maneuver their way out of.

As Huxley ate he went silent, but glaring directly at Nixie reminded him of one very important deal he had made with Harrow just moments earlier. He had to protect her, but was it even possible? Suddenly the entire endeavour seemed trivial. It was very possible that once everybody was in the arena tributes from different districts would likely no longer be friendly. This was survival and it brought out the animal instincts in nearly everybody. Of course there was the whole possibility of Harrow being struck down even before him, but that was something Huxley didn't want to think about. Besides, he had been a rebel also. Certainly he had combat experience? That alone gave him a significant advantage, even if Snow didn't allow it in the end. Huxley knew that a rebel victor would never be accepted; "Two of you are here...for a reason."

Despite all his thoughts and concerns it was Nixie's next words that truly managed to strike Huxley like a ton of bricks. Him more than a friend? Naturally, there were many possibilities that came to his mind, but none could ever be truly realized as he already knew his impeding fate and there was almost no way little Nixie would outlive the others. That was truly a scenario that would take a miracle, one that Huxley himself certainly couldn't produce. Once again being reminded of that fact, he found himself shedding a few tears even as he sat at the table with the others. "Regardless of what happens let's just try to enjoy our short time together, alright? If one of us manages to make it home we can at least make the other memorable." Huxley found himself trying to imagine more positive scenarios even if just for Nixie's sake. He had to be strong. For her.

---

Amber continued eating in silence as many mixed feelings made their way across her conscious. Certainly she had messed up and didn't deserve allies in this game, but wasn't her new found compassion at least enough for somebody? She had helped out both the District 3 tributes, but still didn't feel like she could officially ally with them, especially not after what she had said about something Huxley had been so passionate about. He had fought not only for his own district, but all of Panem. That was a debt she knew she could never repay, even if it had been unsuccessful. Keeping that in mind she instead began thinking over strategies for herself to at least try to stay alive no matter how unlikely it was. She knew trapping, something that so far few of the others seemed to have taken interest in. That was bound to be a potential advantage, provided the traps could as effectively take down a human target as the attendant had made it seem. If anything, she knew it could at least provide her with plenty of food which she quickly guessed would probably be scarce in the arena.

As Amber continued thinking about trapping strategies for several moments another skill occurred to her. One she had displayed earlier. First Aid. It wasn't much and was only what her father's own knowledge and books had provided, but it was potentially more than what the others had. None of them seemed like the doctor type except for maybe Harrow who likely had diverse knowledge in various fields. Still, it managed to give the girl even just a hint of confidence. I hide out, trap, and then heal while injured... Amber worked out a vague strategy in her head that was likely subject to change as she let out a small smirk. It wasn't perfect, but it was something. She knew she wasn't particularly physical adept so almost anything could serve as a compromise at this point.

---

Coral too was met with conflicting feelings as she sat down for lunch. Even as she hastily ate her food she couldn't get Eric nor Orius out of her head. Certainly her kissing of Eric had the Capitol going wild, but her true feelings had begun developing elsewhere. Orius. The District 2 boy. The boy had managed to approach her completely on his own, but he seemed to have a sort of charm she couldn't resist and she suddenly found herself trying to resent it. Love was not something to get distracted by in this game, only the illusion of it. The Capitol seemed to had been instantly sent into awe by the parade kiss so certainly that was the obvious illusion to keep going. At least of course until heading into the arena. Circumstances were bound to become much different there and she quickly realized she didn't truly know what her partner was up to. For all she knew he could had been plotting against her all week. That was, of course, a sense of paranoia she didn't want to yet confront. Only the interviews the following night would clear some things up. At least that was what she hoped for.

[FaithfulMuse]

Michelle smiled, looking at Amaranth. Helping people out, learning them things and help them to stay alive. Now, that was something she wouldn't mind doing at all, it was so much better than killing people or dying without having done even one good thing. Sure, by helping other tributes they possibly did the last thing the Capitol wanted them to. They would be helping people they should slaughter, showing kindness instead of the bloodlust the Capitol wanted them to show. But to Michelle, that only made the idea sound better. She looked at Amaranth, still smiling. "Helping instead of killing... Sounds like we're going to do the exact thing they don't want us to." She said, shaking the girl's hand.

When she brought up the parade and what she had done, Michelle was remembered about her own actions as well, and rubbed the scars on her arm, covered by her district uniform, feeling guilty herself too. "You're not the only one who made mistakes during the parade. Those scars... they're no signs of toughness or whatsoever, and the person who gave them to me regrets it every single say. Now he saw them on a screen and was reminded of what he did and all of Panem could see, just because I thought I could use them in my advantage. I never should've showed them." She said, after which she was silent. Not only had seen all of Panem the scars, but if she would tell the truth during the interviews, everyone would know what her father had done, and everyone in district ten would know it, see her father every day and blame him. He didn't deserve that. When Amaranth brought up that it was lunch time, she nodded and walked towards the cafeteria.

*

Alice let out a soft and nervous sigh. She didn't want to be alone during the games, she wanted someone at her side. But she knew that regardless of why she wanted that, she would have to talk with someone first. The thought was terrifying to her, having no idea what to say or do, and she panicky tried to think as her eyes scanned the cafeteria, hoping she wouldn't screw up. She never talked with anyone unless it was necessary, with her brother being the only exception to that. She didn't even talk with her own parents if she didn't have to. So how exactly was she going to find company in here without failing miserably? She let her eyes rest on another lonely girl in the room, soon recognising her.

She couldn't remember her name, but she knew that the girl was from district one. She had been the one who said the rebels were meant to be put here, or something similar to that. With her brother, who wanted to be a rebel, Alice hadn't taken the comment lightly, but tried to forget it as she got up and walked to the girl. Everyone else was already making pacts, so maybe making a pact with this girl was Alice's last chance for company. The thoughts kept trailing through her mind as she walked over to the girl, until she came to a halt and took a deep breath, forcing the simple, yet to Alice so difficult words to say out of her mouth. "Do you mind if I sit here?"