Forum Thread

"Angelina Vlaanheren." It took a minute for that to register in Zoe's mind. That was Angie! Angie was a kid, it was bad enough that she even qualified, let alone actually participate. But Zoe couldn't do anything about it. And from the looks of it, Angie didn't realize the severity of the situation. Zoe didn't move at all, just swallowed hard and stared straight ahead. The most reaction that she had was her hands that were already turning into fists, earning her a warning look from one of the Peacekeepers, and her eyes narrowing. Someday, somehow, the entire Capitol would pay. And she would unleash her anger on them, even if it burned a hundred-no. No, she couldn't think like that. That thinking had been the reason everyone thought she was an unstable arsonist. But she wouldn't stop fighting, even to her last breath. Despite the Capitol not being the only ones who avoided her and hated her. Eventually, the sweaty leather of the gloves started to stick. Out of habit, she unclenched her fists, reaching for the gloves. A few of the people closest to the stage backed up a little, knowing that her ability came from her hands. But as soon as Zoe felt a sharp electric jolt, throwing her off balance, she stopped. Her eyes went back and forth until she looked to see a Peacekeeper holding up a tiny remote. "Don't even think about trying to break them," he snapped.

Eric stopped. "Ramesh. Zoe Ramesh," he repeated under his breath. He had long since reached the Reaping, finding an unoccupied corner to haunt. He wasn't antisocial or awkward in social interactions, but after attempting a few conversations with his coworkers he had given up completely on being the one to approach. That had added to his so-called reputation of being uptight and snotty, but he never did try to remind them that it was their fault in the first place. But Ramesh. That was not a common last name. Why hadn't he put it together? Eric could not afford a TV, it was pointless anyway, and the only reason he knew about the arsonist who had attacked three Peacekeepers and stolen various items was because of the fact that no one could stop talking about it. But they never said her last name, only Zoe, or that crazy lady who burned a building down with her own two hands. He was starting to put it together now. Zoe Ramesh was the sister he had thought was dead. Of course, this would not be a happy family reunion. Now, Eric truly hoped that he was not chosen.

---

"Charlie."

A young girl, no older than twelve, slowly made her way to the stage. Upon her head of soft brown hair was a flower crown made from slightly wilted flowers, the chocolate eyes stared straight ahead, wide and alert for any sign of danger. Her white dress was a bit tattered and slightly dirty, she had no shoes on her feet of any kind. If she had any guardians, they clearly weren't taking good care of her. She wordlessly stood next to Cherry and Angie.

---

Jaxon nods and whispers his thanks to Phenix. Both him and Asher visibly relax. Everything was going to be okay-
"Cherry Osiris." Maci gasps at the name. She spins around, her mouth open and ready to object to this cruel fate. But the mayor was already crumbling to the ground in a fit of agony. Maci doesn't hide the cruel smile from her face. For once, she is glad Phenix has such a cruel power.
"I'll protect her!" Maci shouts. "I swear Phenix! I'll protect her with my life!" She shouts out again, just in case he didn't hear her. She glances over at Cherry, her heart drops when a new name is called. A girl, far younger than Cherry stands next to her. She closes her eyes in a sorry attempt to hide her tears. No matter how hard she squints, she can't stop from them coming. Her fists are clenched, and she imagines being able to face Snow one day. Oh how she wanted to hurt him! Hurt every soul behind this!
She opens her eyes, blinking a few times to stop the tears. She crouches down and glances at Cherry and Angie. "Don't worry, everything will be okay" she tells the two. "I'll protect the both of you." She vows.

Gnashing his teeth as the peacekeeper's words turned out to be true and the reaping started, Lauriam stalked back into line, steadying Strelizia as she wobbled beside him. One by one the girls were getting called up, some even younger than his sister. It made his blood boil seeing so many young faces up there but it was all washed away at the next name announced.

"Iris Ponderosa "

A wash of murmurs spread across the crowd. Ponderosa? The Ponderosa family had a kid? Was she another child much too young to be reaped? The murmurs began to grow as no one stepped forward, the name repeated again after another awkward pause. This was exactly why Lauriam despised announcing his last name. With a sigh, he gently pried Strelizia's fingers away from their death grip on his sleeve replacing it with the worn medicine bottle. "Lauri?" She croaked, her earlier coughing fit having weakened her. He almost considered staying put, his worry over his sister and how no one would dare take care of her after learning of their identity. This was truly the worst case scenario but no matter how much he wanted to stay put, there were already peacekeeper's sent out to look for Iris. He couldn't hide for forever.

"Listen 'Litzie. I love you. No matter what. You remember where Auntie lives right? Go stay with her, okay? It's not safe where we live. Not any longer. Stay with auntie and remember that I love you so so much." He whispered, placating his sister's tired worrying as he pulled away. Strelizia was a smart girl, she would realize soon enough what was happening. Stepping out, he mockingly put his hands up when all eyes turned on him. Another round of murmurs went through as Lauriam sauntered to the stage. Was this Iris? Why was a victors daughter dressed in such ratty clothing? She certainly didn't look like a Ponderosa. Ignoring the whispers, Lauriam hopped up onto the stage and barred his teeth. "My name's Lauriam, not Iris. I'd appreciate it if I died with my own name." He announced before stalking over to the boy's side of the stage.

---

Angie seemed confused at first, wondering what exactly Maci was protecting the eight-year-old from. She had just gotten very lucky with winning a raffle, right? So surely she wouldn't need protecting... Glancing at the others on the stage, Angie began to feel a sinking feeling in her stomach. Their faces were wrought with grief, as if this raffle were more of a raffle for who Death took first. She heard Lukian's whisper into her ear: "Be careful, here. This is dangerous... I'm sorry." Opening her mouth, Angie paused. "Luke can help protect me, that way it's not so hard for you..." She seemed rather quiet, as if wondering if Lukian really would do that.


Cherry, on the other hand, could not stop her wings from quivering. They shook rather violently, though her eyes shed no tears. It was a nearly intimidating display, an angel with seemingly violent intentions... Though she was not enraged. She was terrified. She slowly nodded her head when Maci spoke, slightly dazed.

Charlie looked up at Cherry with a confused look on her face.

---

When his mother confirmed that there were no victors in his bloodline, a sense of calm spread over Suvansh, but that soon turned into mere horror as he saw the others being reaped. The criminals, the young. And the only hopes of families. He wondered how dreadful the moment would be for each and everyone standing on the stage right now, except of course the mayor and the people from the Capitol!
As the girl's reaping was complete, and they moved onto the boys, he heard a few known names, but just unknown, and finally, "Suvansh Agarwal." No...no...this can't be happening... He looked towards his mother with his eyes open, but she was just as shocked and horrified as he was. "I swear-" she started off, but Suvansh just cut her off, "It's alright. At least my sight will now be of some use." His sight. The one thing he, his family, and everyone who knew him enough dreaded about. He looked up at the person who called out his name, but there was neither hate, nor rage in his gaze. It was just horror with a pang of guilt. He could never take care of his parents much. Not with this sight. He was basically handicapped in there. Whenever he tried to go out, get a job...it didn't end well.
He composed himself, flattening the crease off his shirt, and without another word, he walked upto the boys side of the stage, where he stood, gazing down. Did her mother just not know, or was it on his father's part? Would he ever even get to know? Maybe his dad has no idea too...and it just might be some long forgotten ancestor. He wanted to curse himself, beat himself for his ill-luck. Then he gazed over to the children again. These were people who I'd have to kill, or watch em die. It was painful just to imagine that. Painful, yet the inevitable truth. How could they possibly defy the Capitol? He wonders.

---

Maci hesitates, looking obviously confused by what Angie had said. She shakes off her confused look quickly. Quickly assuming that Luke was nothing more than an imaginary friend. "I'm sure he'll be really helpful" she tells Angie encouragingly. "Stay strong." She turns to Cherry, now noticing that she seemed most affected by the news. She gently draws the girl in for a hug. She glares at the others, just in case they read this as a sign of weakness.

She was terrified. But she needed to be strong. She needed to ensure that Angie and Cherry would return to their families. That was one of her main goals she could focus on. Better to pay attention to that rather than her terror.

As the boys began to fill the stage, Lauriam could only keep a straight face in an attempt to not wrangle the capital mutts. It was sickening seeing all these young kids that he would be killed by. He wasn't about to roll over and let someone murder him but he was damn sure he wouldn't kill any of these young souls either. He was heartless, not a murderer. He only punched people his age or older.

It was hard watching the proceedings. He staunchly avoided Strelizia's confused gaze as he kept his eyes focused on glaring a hole in a peacekeeper's helmet. Eventually as the boys were called over, Lauriam was pushed back onto the side that Iris belonged to and grit his teeth at that. Whatever. If they wouldn't give him any respect then he wouldn't give them any either, he decided biting down on the growl that rose in his throat. Not here. Not now. Strelizia was still present and if anything befell her because of his actions, well. Lauriam could certainly forgive himself for it but it wouldn't be a pleasant experience. A dark haired boy who recently joined them up on stage seemed sallow and stunned as if he didn't expect to be called up. "First time?" He asked Suvansh almost sarcastically to the newcomer although it didn't contain his usual bite of malice. There would be time for making enemies later. Now was a time to learn about everyone and pick out weaknesses to exploit.

---

A boy's name was called. Eric recognized that name. It was the son of one of his coworkers. The man constantly talked about him, seemed to love him more than he loved himself. He would be devastated if something happened to him. And in the Hunger Games, something always happened. Eric knew that there was nothing holding him back from standing in stony silence. Nothing. In fact, at first, he wanted to. But as the boy slowly made his way through the crowd, Eric saw his father's face. It was ashen. He was horrified. Eric couldn't bear to watch that. That just wasn't fair at all, now was it? Eric would have to do something unbelievably stupid. His hand shot up. "Hold on now, just one moment. I'm volunteering as tribute for the boy." All eyes were on him now. Seemed to be common for members of the Ramesh family. He looked around at them, a slight smile on his face. "What? Ever see someone volunteer as tribute before?" The crowd was silent. Eric rolled his eyes as he walked through, stopping when he came to the boy who had been chosen, the one with curly orange hair and a mess of freckles. He leaned down and whispered in his ear, "Go back to your father now." He straightened up and continued walking. As he did, he said, "You people should close your mouths. Flys can go in, and those are nasty little bugs." He climbed the stairs, joining the male tributes. "W-wait!" the mayor said, clearly still shaken up from his other incidents. "What is your name?" Eric glanced at Zoe before grinning and saying, "Why, Eric Ramesh, of course!"

Eric Ramesh. Eric Ramesh. Traitor. Coward. The brother that Zoe had been convinced was dead, never to see his 14th birthday. But he was here, alive, which meant that he had not died a hero, he had lived as a back-stabbing worm. Zoe was filled with a rage she could not control. She started to storm up to him but was stopped by another electrical jolt, this one strong enough to bring her to her knees. The Peacekeeper who rushed up to her, bringing her upright, said, "Do you want to go back to jail, Ramesh? If not, I suggest you stop trying to." That simple phrase drained her enough for her to remain complaient as he led her back to her spot. She didn't want to go to jail again. But she did want to kill Eric Ramesh. Which was exactly what she would do.

---

Suvansh could see through the sarcasm, though he knew the question was kind of geniune, and without thinking, he replied with spite, "Well, who gets reaped twice?" He was angry, angry but controlled. He did not care who was reaped next, or before. Now, what mattered to him, was to stay alive. And that definitely wasn't possible if he went around making friends, who were bound the backstab him in the end. That was his fate now. Well, he could live without friends. He had no friends for the past 5 years of his life. Every reaping ceremony was as painful as this one, he got selected, or not. Watching his friends walk into certain death. Old Friends, and little kids. He thought, it won't hurt to continue the conversation. "Have you?"

---

Oh spunky shame that he was going to die. "I was more talking about the whole Victor Kid Fame thing so nope. First time getting reaped. Going to be my last time too." Lauriam said almost too cheerfully for this kind of situation. It was a bit disarming, seeing someone so unperturbed by his own inevitable death but having spent year after year unsure of when he was going to die, it was almost a relief for Lauriam to know that he had a definitive expiration date. He had spent all these years fearing when he was going to go but now that he knew, he felt almost calm. Yes he was going to leave behind the most important person in his life, but it felt cathartic in a sense, ridding himself of the one burden that he had tied himself to. But the plain boy's question did bring up a good question. Were previous victors also in the pool? If so, that would give other tributes a giant disadvantage. "You don't have to trust me on this, its just a speculation and a show of good will, but that girl who tried to escape? Face looked familiar and she wears nice clothes so I think she got reaped before." He didn't exactly keep up with the Hunger Games so he couldn't say for sure but every year the tributes were almost like celebrities, faces plastered everywhere and you couldn't escape it. Not even in the poor districts.

---

Suvansh almost felt guilty at the boy's next words. He wanted to say, nope, my family never even bothered to tell me, but he knew it was understood, so remained quiet. At the thoughts of it being Lauriam's last, he couldn't help but feel the same. At least I won't die locked in a room cause I'm too scared to go out. About the girl being a previous victor, he couldn't help but feel the similarities now. He curtly nodded. "Haven't been catching up on the games, but she definitely looks like the girl who came back home from the games a few years ago." He did not know what else to say, but, for some reason, felt like talking more. It had been ages since he talked to anyone but his parents...and he yearned for it, even it was from someone who was bound to be his enemy, and even if he messed up with the first impression. He looked at the boy now finally, not looking up before. He seemed a year younger to him, yet so mature. "So, what did you do...uh...before today?" He couldn't help but ponder at his last name, Ponderosa, and why he was called Iris, and not Lauriam, as he claimed to be named.

Well at least not giving a damn about this whole game was something that they had in common. Lauriam could admire that at least even if both of them were going to end up dead by the end of next week or sooner. Though the small talk was appreciated, it was kind of funny how the first question was what he was doing before. There were so many different answers to it but he chose the more honest route with a light bit of omission. After all, it wasn't like his profession gave anyone any leeway over him. Sure it could give hints to his powers, but he supposed that once interviews came around all cards would be on the table anyways so why not be a good friend and give this stranger a head start. "Ever heard of The Absent Silhouette?" He chanced, knowing that there wasn't many flower shops operating in the slum-ish areas of the city. But even with such a rare position, it was still the more ratty area that not many citizens dared to walk through so Lauriam really didn't have any expectations as to whether or not Suvansh knew of his shop. "It's a flower shop that I own. 's not much but it keeps the dead and the grieving happy." While most of his clientele did involve those who were lost or had lost (after all who had the money to spend of frivolous things as flowers when you barely had enough to spend for yourself) he sometimes did get more mundane "i want to get my significant others flowers for a cheap price" deals once in a while. It wasn't much business, but it was enough to keep himself and his sister fed. A humble if not sometimes hard existence. "Not what you expected out of a Victor Kid, huh. I bet you're just a goody two shoes who got pulled into this by your bootstraps. High school maybe?" He chanced, giving Suvansh a through once over.

---

Suvansh nodded at the name. He remembered his mother telling him about the place. She many a times went there, just to admire the beauty of the flowers. He didn't give much thought about how he said "Not what you expected out of a Victor Kid". But to the next question, he just answered, "Well I left school 5 years ago." Not because we can't afford it, but because of my condition. He wanted to say, but he held back the info. "So, one of your parents were a victor?" He did not actually care, not that it made any difference, but well, the more you know, the better.

---

Kyr simply watched. She observed, without speaking. Her calm and cold demeanor did not reflect the storm of thoughts in her head. "Calm down Kyr." Kyr smiled wordlessly at the kwami on her shoulder. Aryyc had small white ears with black splotches, piercing blue eyes that matched Kyr's and adorably small facial features. "Sorry Arryc, you know how badly I want to get back to the others.... so many of them are old enough to be chosen by now." she responded, struggling to keep the emotion out of her voice. Arryc smiled her little feline smile. "You should make some friends your age." the kwami says slyly. Kyr groans. Not this argument again. "No. My focus most not be split." the kwami mimiced Kyr's groan. "You say that all the time!" Kyr's eyes sparkle. "That's cause it's true. Now hush, and hide."

---

Phenix had been removed from the area on account of becoming aggressive with the Peacekeepers, and because he'd assaulted the Mayor with clear cause. That left his wife to hold Terra gently in front of her, her hands quivering on his shoulders. However, the next name her heard forced her to let out a cry, sudden and loud. "Terra Osiris." The boy hesitated for a long moment, long enough for his mother to lean down and whisper, in her shaky voice, "Stay strong, my Everseer." At that, he lurched forward, his steps catching up with him after a moment. As he stepped up onto the stage, he froze and turned his head towards the Mayor. The Mayor's back went rigid and his eyes quickly ducked away from the boy. That earned a smile from Terra, the thought of his father's ability being passed to him suddenly comical. But he hadn't gained Terror of the Usurper, unfortunately. Stepping into line, he shivered as a familiar itch filled the center of his palms. Cherry shuddered as well, the black feathered wings unfolding from nothingness again, right before Maci's eyes. She quickly folded them alongside the six others, the hug from Maci starting to stabilize her.

The sneer that crossed Lauriam's face was quick. Gone in an instant and replaced with a schooled expression, but the ugly emotions writhing in his chest were still present. To call the people who birthed him his parents would be a honor too great for them. "Unfortunately." He grunted, signaling the end of that particular conversation. As far as Lauriam was concerned the only family he had was Strelizia and even that was stretching it. There seemed to be two pairs of siblings in the games this year and it evoked another wave of bitter disgust. This game was hardly going to be fair would it. Already there were four people who were likely to work together and a potential former victor. It wouldn't be any fun to watch or play with cheaters like that. The tightness in his jaw loosed slightly as Lauriam forced himself to relax. Being openly hostile wouldn't earn him any points with the other tributes but he had already exhausted the other boy of all his information, not like he had much to begin with anyways. But he could still have his uses and he seemed sheltered enough since he mentioned dropping out of school. Partnering up with someone would increase his survival chances, but Lauriam wasn't naive to think that the other wouldn't backstab him the moment he could. It was every person for themself after all and he'd much rather dictate the terms of his death rather than leave it up to fate. "I envy you. Living your life without knowing that you're related to some capital hot shot and being normal. Must be nice not having to worry that you'll be scrutinized no matter what you do solely based on family name." He finally spoke after a moment of awkward silence following his curt words.

---

As the final tributes' names were pulled, they were reached ushered into a separate room.

Robin, Gabriella, and Harmony didn't have anyone much to say her goodbyes to, aside from the kind woman who had to taken care of them since they were kids.

In Charlie's room, there was screaming and shouting from one grown woman followed by a loud slap. Not long after the woman, who appeared much older than her true age due to multiple substance abuse, stormed out. The door was swinging on its hinges and Charlie was on the ground all curled up in the fetal position as though trying to disappear from the world.

---

Suvansh pittied Lauriam by how he reached to one of his parents being a victor. But...didn't it mean that you would be rich and had a great life? Well, the way he answered, it didn't seem they were close...or even if they ever talked. He was shocked at his next words. Envy. Never a good thing to have. Envy leads to hatred...hatred leads to... destruction. His father always told him. If you hate someone, you'll want to destroy them. And if you seek to destroy someone, revenge, or spite, it's usually yourself that you're destroying as well. But on the next words, it was clear, he didn't literally envy Suvansh. It was just, choice of words. He shrugged it off, but was a bit infuriated at how he called victors "some capitol hot shot". True that the people change after winning, the ones who never got a full meal never ate a normal meal ever. But, they do go through their fair bit of pain and difficulty. Being a victor doesn't really mean you're anything good to the Capitol. It just, makes you rich, and famous maybe, but nothing else. He wondered if he'll still think of victors such, if he were to win himself, but how he looked, he might've given up already. So, Suvansh just nodded, and didn't speak until the rest of the reaping was done.
In Suvansh's room.. there was a moment of silence, followed by a moment of hugging, and then a moment of utter weeping. His mother and father both were there. He might not be talking to them much lately, but he loved them nevertheless. When the time was almost up, he saw, his father hand him an old silver coloured wristwatch. It didn't look anything more than a fasion statement, but Suvansh knew, it was considered a lucky charm, having survived around 100 years in his family. It was quite surprising, how shiny and good looking it still was, but well, little credit goes to his father's care and maintainance towards it. "Thank you. For everything." Suvansh says, before the peacekeepers pull his parents out of the room.

---