Forum Thread

As the four letter name was called for Cree, the rather revolting monster entered the room with a horrific set of noises, just in time to watch the shield being replaced. His shoulder quickly snapped into a different place, his arms gaining extra mobility and grip. "Well? Impre-" With a wail and a leap, Cree was upon the shield, beating on it and battering against it violently, his claws scraping against it in rage. He spoke no words, made only small grunting sounds as he bludgeoned the shield, shouting and calling echoing from within. They were begging for help, though the few bullets that did riddle the creature's back had little effect. His skin was thick, tough, a brutal thing to pierce. As the shield shattered once more from a mighty blow, Cree bent very low, animalistic growling rising from his throat. His set a massive hand on one, lifting the man slowly to peer at him more clearly. Very silently, he whispered something to the man, heavy breathing piercing the silence as the other Gamemakers cowered. Dropping the Gamemaker next to his colleagues, Cree leapt down to the floor once more, shaking the doors in their frames as he struck the earth. As he lumbered out the door, several Peacekeepers quickly rushed to the aid of the Gamemakers, checking each one for damage; the worst was a single broken rib.

It was the next night and the tributes were backstage, they had all receive their scores, most of them being decent enough. However, their scores didn't help with what was to come next: their one-on-one interviews with Ceasar on live TV for the whole world to see.

Akane was wearing a cream-colored tank with a cyan bow and Jeremy was wearing a green long-sleeved dress shirt with a black vest over it, dark-colored dress pants, and a pair of sturdy dark brown boots. Charlie was wearing a black dress with a darker green skirt with a pair of matching flats. Moona was left with a lacy white dress and her wings were out, most likely to add to the image.

Jeremy lightly taped Akane's shoulder and the fairy looked back at him, he had noticeably lost color in his face, probably nerves. "Jere? You doing okay?"

"Not really, I'm feeling a bit queasy," Jeremy admitted.

Akane put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You'll be fine, don't think too much about it. Besides, it's my job to get the stage fright, you know I loath public speaking." Akane joked, trying to take his mind off his worries.

(Akane and Jeremy's outfits, Charlie's dress, Moona's dress)

---

Faith was wearing a gradient style dress, her hair pink to commemorate her parents. Natalia was wearing a sky blue dress, her hair short but curly. She had a gold bracelet of a werewolf and a witches hat on her hand, and a necklace of the full moon on a thin silver chain. She wore everything in memory of her parents, and held her wand in her hand. Natalia, had gone for something similar, nothing more than a flower crown and bracelets of thorns

---

Moona looked at Faith and Natalia, both of them looked beautiful. Very tentatively she approached the two women. "You look really pretty."

---

Once again, Tayla had been swept away by her stylist with the demands of making her look presentable. This time, when her stylist grabs her hand to wheel her away he almost looks... Nervous. Her stylist had been focusing on adding mascara to her eyelashes when he casually asks: "so, you are planning on breaking out of the Capitol huh?" Tayla recoils away from him. She glances at the door with a shocked expression before settling her gaze on him. "I want to help you" her stylist explains calmly.

"Why?" Tayla asks suspiciously.

"I have a pretty strong ability. It's partly why I got a high ranking job like this. I know lots of things, I can read into a person's past and future. Not freely though, the information is presented to me only if I need to know about it." Her stylist sighs. "It's too tricky to explain and we don't have much time. I know you have money, you can afford help. I'd much rather take money from you and be free then be here." He explains.

"How am I supposed to trust you? How do I know that you won't turn me in?" Tayla asks.

"Because I would've done it already. I have nothing to gain from toying with you." her stylist responds while gently grabbing her hand to write something on it. "Meet me here during your interview if you wish to accept my help. I'd recommend taking it. I shouldn't tell you this, but your current 'plan' isn't going to work" her stylist explains. "You'll have some time to say your goodbyes. But I wouldn't do that if I were you. It'll make you look suspicious." He stands up to leave the room, leaving Tayla alone to mull over his words.
...
There was nothing that Tayla hated more than having to take leaps of faith. But her stylist had brought up a good point, if he were going to turn her in, he would have done so already. He was also correct about her having money. Still, she was terrified at the idea of having to trust him so easily. Still, she had made a promise to Ashley, she could at least check it out. Worst comes to worst, she'd have to fight her way out. Which she was already planning on doing anyway.

Her eyes fall on Faith. While she had originally planned on having Cree protect her, Faith had seemed to warm up to the girl. She walks up to Faith muttering a quick "if anything happens to me, take care of Charlie" to her before disappearing into the crowd of tributes, who were quickly filling up the backstage. She doesn't look for Charlie. She knows that if she tries to say goodbye to her, it'll only bring her guilt.

"I'm sorry Charlie, Ibaraki, Cree. I've let you guys down" Tayla whispers before moving down the hallways. She glances down at her hand, realizing that she had being directed to a room. What is he planning? Tayla wonders as she catiously walks down the hallways.

Natalia gave a smile, “Thank you.” She says, though still not quite unable to express feelings. Faith kneels down, and smiles “You’re so sweet. Thank you. You look very pretty too.” Faith’s smile is kind, warm and motherly, and she waves her wand, absentmindedly giving Moona’s dress a little bit of shine, to complement the dress. She hands Moona a pair of necklaces, telling her “You seem good friends with Charlie. Wear this, and give one to her. That way, you’ll be able to communicate.” Faith said, though not bothering to say that everything bad done upon them would be mostly transferred to her, allowing her to bear most of their burden. She turns as Tayla brushes by her like the wind, whispering those words to her. She secretly casts Muffilato, before saying to Tayla “I will protect Charlie, but please, don’t do anything reckless. I know you’re planning something, and I hope you’ll truly reconsider the friendships you made. Only when you stand together as one will you be able to conquer all. I can help you, but only if I know what you need help with. I highly doubt any of us here likes the Capitol.”

---

Molly let out a light wheeze as the outfit constricted tightly against his chest. "Really? Why a corset?" He spat out, catching his breath while sending a glare at his designer.

"It's in fashion this year." Came the flippant reply as the boning of the corset was adjusted. "Be thankful you're a boy. The girls have theirs tied tighter."

Molly could only groan and knock his forehead against the wall. Though he couldn't really say anything as he couldn't deny that the wine red corset paired with the snappy black clothing was a good look on him. Paired with his freshly re-dyed hair pulled into a fishtail braid, he really did seem like a capital citizen albeit a bit less flashy than the eccentric citizens that ogled the games each year like a sport.

---

Having taken a page from the clothes that Ibaraki had arrived in, the child's stylist had whipped out something a little more familiar looking. The flared bishop and slit sleeves were a sight for sore eyes the imperial purple fabric with lotus patterns embroidered into the coat familiar. Even the short cut harem like pants were familiar yet these were all slightly off, interpretations on clothes that Ibaraki had grown up with. There was even a hat that came with it, wide brimmed and very very pretty. Due to the slight... mishap the other day, Ibaraki's current appearance was as human as could be, everything from smooth scaleless legs to white sclera nothing seemed off if one looked. Though it did seem that the red nub peeking out from behind white bangs was larger than before and an odd sort of marking crawled down the child's arms and legs almost like a tattoo devouring the limbs.

Stepping into the new costume, Ibaraki did a little spin, only one of the sixteen bells sewn onto the outfit chiming softly. The designer had explained that while the bells were a must, they would cause too much sound when Ibaraki walked so all but one bell were silent. But Ibaraki didn't mind, the costume was beyond beautiful and the child felt very very blessed to be wearing such a thing. Once it was confirmed that the clothes fit, a light covering of makeup was put on and two red triangles were drawn on Ibaraki's cheeks. A protective charm, the stylist explained as the brush very carefully filled in the markings with a pigmented red. Thanking the stylist profusely, Ibaraki gingerly took off the hat and joined the tributes that headed backstage all while smiling widely.

This was short lived, however, as the hat was quickly snatched out of small hands. "What a weird hat. The bells don't even ring. Man, why wear something broken or even keep it around." A voice scoffed and Ibaraki cried out in indigence, hopping up to try and snatch the accessory back. Turning around, Ibaraki glowered at the perpetrator, fanged teeth snarled and snapped at one of the (npc) tributes that had the previous day marked Ibaraki for the hunt. "Broken things shouldn't be allowed in the games so think of it as me doing you a favor. I don't care if you're a child, I can't afford to die. Not here." The words were snarled close to a pointed ear, enough for the child to flinch away as the tribute walked away leaving only the sounds of ripping fabric and empty bell chimes in the wake. And Ibaraki could do nothing but grit sharpened teeth, listening to one of the thirteen bells chiming forlornly.

Outfits: Ibaraki, Molly

---

"Ladies and gentlemen, our master of ceremonies: Caesar Flickermen!" From on stage the audience burst into applause as a man who has hosted for over forty years stood up from his chair and addressed the crowd. He was wearing the same midnight blue suit with thousands of tiny electric bulbs dotted on it making it look like stars in the night sky. His hairstyle too was the same as always but dyed a different color every year, this year was tan. It was eerie how little he had changed from what must've been many, many surgeries to look younger and thinner. Caesar warmed up the crowd with a few jokes then it was showtime.

---

"Please welcome our first guest on stage! Tayla Mckee please come forward!" Cesar shouts while throwing his arms up in the air dramatically. He turns around to face the backstage, obviously expecting her to walk out at any second. A confused look crosses over his face when he is met with nothing. "Tayla? You can come onto the stage now!" Cesar encourages. "Tayla?"
....
"Tayla?" Cesar's voice drifts through the TVs that were in the hallways. She watches with dark satisfaction on how nervous Cesar seemed to look. Although she wasn't sure if that was from him struggling to think of a way to move past this, or if he remembered her threat from her session. She shakes her head, deciding that she didn't care about the answer. She continues down the hallway, desperately searching for the spot her stylist promised to be, along with Ashley. Faith's words were haunting to her. But she was in too deep, she had to commit. It was either now or never. Her heart hammered in her chest as she strolled down the halls. If she were caught by a Peacemaker...
Well, she would rather not imagine that possibly right now...
....
"Oh yes, I forgot. I got so excited to speak with her that I forgot that there was word of her being sick!" Cesar lies. "My apologies everyone! Up next is... Tyler Jameson!" Cesar calls.
....
Tayla wasn't too far away from where the interviews were being held. The room was just outside of the area where each tribute was allowed to freely roam. Her stylist had carefully chosen a secluded room that had plenty of blind spots from the cameras. One of the blindspots was a window that had a ladder attached to it that would lead down to the streets. Of course, a key was required to open the door, but her stylist had been able to steal a key. All of this was explained to her in a rush once she entered the room.

"I'll require a small pay raise for getting this, it wasn't easy," her stylist tells her after she knocks a series of knocks on the door.

"Whatever. Is Ashley here?" Tayla asks. But her question is answered by a small form sitting in the corner of the room. Ashley's eyes were wide and filled with anxiety. Tayla couldn't blame her. If they were caught, they could consider themselves dead. "Are you ready to go home now?" Tayla asks Ashley, who quickly glances up at Tayla and nods.

"Everything will be okay. But we will have to leave now. Especially while the Peacemakers will be distracted with the interviews... and searching for you" her stylist reminds her. Her stylist and Ashley move over to the window and glance over at her still frame. "You coming?" He asks. Tayla doesn't answer, for some reason, she can't answer. It's like she is paralyzed. This feels wrong...

"Up next is Charlie!" Cesar's voice booms through the TV, cutting through the silence. A stab of pain hits Tayla's heart. She shakes her head and steps away from the pair.

"I can't..." she whispers. "You two go ahead without me and stay safe. Everything will be okay ri-?"

"Everything will be fine" her stylist responds quickly. "You know as well as I do that I won't be able to tell you your own fate... Especially now that our plans are changing. Your possibility of surviving has changed and it must remain a mystery." He pauses, his eyes were filled with sincere worry. "But I can bring you peace by telling you that-" her stylist quickly covers Ashley's ears, "we'll be alright. We'll both make it to her mother in one piece" He smiles at Tayla and tells her "you better not die, I sacrificed everything for this. I need you to make this worth it." He explains while rubbing his fingers together, obviously hinting at needing cash from her.

"I'll try," Tayla tells him with a laugh. "I'll keep the Peacemakers distracted. Now, the both of you. Go now!" Before she can move something slams into her stomach. It was Ashley, who was giving her a hug. She mumbles something that sounds like a thank you. Tayla accepts the hug and after a heart-found moment, pulls away. "Go!" She demands.
....
By some dumb miracle, Tayla manages to return backstage without stumbling into a Peacemaker. Even luckier, was the fact that she returned just in time to make the last bit of Charlie's interview.

Tyler sighed as his name was called, his body clad in an odd sort of combination: a tuxedo, black all around, though decorated with elegant purple and silver vines crawling through the fabric. The shirt was perfectly tailored to fir Tyler's wide chest, the spikes on his shoulder fitting nicely through a hole in the shoulder. He was also given a porcelain half-mask that fit over his mouth, giving him the snarling expression of a bear. He walked out with his eyes closed, calm and practiced. His usual casual stride was smaller, straighter, more appropriate. As the Tribute approached the seats at the center of the stage, he opened his eyes, sitting gracefully. "Caesar. You look the exact same. Can't say you look good, of course, but I like the hair." That got a small, if offended, chuckle from Caesar.
"So. Tyler. Any alliances so far? Friends? Acquaintances?" Tyler sighed, shaking his head.
"Don't need them. I've got my own ally right here." He lifted his infected arm, the claws sparkling in the light of the stage. Caesar lifted an eyebrow, nodding slowly.
"So nobody to help protect you? I see, I see..." Caesar smiled a little, tilting his head. "We've seen you be both aggressive and friendly already in these games. Care to explain your reasons for being so bipolar?" Tyler sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I'd think you would know better than anybody else, seeing as you live in the Capitol, but some people are worth keeping alive. And, of course, others aren't." This got a few murmurs from the crowd, both at the annoyance of Tyler and the words he'd just spoken. 'Seeing as you live in the Capitol...' Caesar grimaced slightly, moving on to his next question.
"If you win the Games, Mr. Jameson, what will you do?" Caesar had become rather stiff and tense, perhaps out of being nervous or offended further. Tyler stood slowly, flexing his altered arm so that the sleeve ripped away, then took hold of Caesar's collar, lifting him easily.
"If I win?" He laughed. "If I win, I'll tear this damned place apart, one man at a time." Tyler dropped a disgruntled Caesar back into his seat, striding quickly off the stage, already preparing for a fight with a squad of Peacekeepers.

Ceasar found out very quickly that Charlie wasn't capable of speaking, and it was confusing as to why she was never looked at for this issue. But with his many years under his belt of interviews, Ceasar swept this minor issue under the figurative rug and asked the mute child a series of "yes and no" questions, to which Charlie would either nod or shake her head respectively. When the buzzer sounded Ceasar bed Charlie a good night and good luck before the audience cheered as she made her way off stage.

"Let's here it for Ace ladies and gentlemen!"

---

As the crowd clapped their hands, the Beholder slowly made his way onstage, once again clothed in the black and green robes he'd worn for the chariot ride. However, this time, he had a larger collar, one that completely blocked his vision from the back. Of course, it was decorated with green and black along the edge, as per the style he was seemingly stuck with. As he sat, the clapping died down quickly, a few of the citizens sharing disgusted glances between one another. Caesar seemed somewhat off put by Ace as well, though the many eyes of the Mimic didn't pick up on that well. As Caesar took a breath, the crowd suddenly silenced itself. "So, Ace, care to tell us firstly what you're hoping for in the arena?" A single word answered the question.
"Water." Caesar blinked.
"Water?"
"Yes. A lake."
"Why water? Or a lake?"
"Water conducts electricity well."
"Err... Alright.. Next question, have you made any alliances yet?" Ace shook his head.
"No." Caesar waited a moment, expecting more for an answer.
"Uhm.. Any ideas of what you'll do if you win?"
"Go home and eat something, most likely." Caesar blankly stared at Ace, evidently dumbfounded at the simplicity of the answers.
"I see.... Any enemies so far?"
"No. Unless I was supposed to make enemies. Was I supposed to make enemies?" Ace turned his head to Caesar.
"Well.. It's not a required part of the Games, but-.. Well.. Ace, everybody!" Caesar waved Ace away, relieved that the short interview was over. As Ace stepped off stage, though, he did shudder. The eyes of the Great One had suddenly fixed upon him. He needed to eat. Two men stood nearby, large enough to sustain the Mimic for a good while. Ace walked directly up to one of them, glancing between the two, then threw a fist into the man's belly, walking away and gaining speed as the men started to follow, enraged.

Akane watched as Ace went and deliberately went up to one of the two bouncers and punched him before both ran after Ace. Akane didn't have much time to wonder however as Akane's name was called by Ceasar. Giving Jeremy a final hand squeeze for comfort, she dropped it then she walked out. She had a very humble angle, a girl like her doing this well.

When her time was up Jeremy was called up right after. He was a little more modest and Ceasr did try to press about his relation triangle, but Jeremy ignored it and stuck to his angle. Eventually his time was up as well and Ceasar called out the next tirbute.

"Cree"

---

As Cree was called up to the stage, the masses went quite silent, disturbed and concerned whispers floating though, unheard to Cree's insensitive ears. The creature did not sit, but rather stood next to the chair meant for the Tributes. "Care to sit?" Cree shook his head, his photosensitive eyes squinting in the bright light. "Well, we'll begin I suppose. So, Cree. Any alliances yet? Friends?" Cree nodded in his slow manner, though still did not speak. "Care to tell us who those might be?" The pale creature shook his head. "Alright. What about you? How exactly does your power work? We've seen your body change quite a bit throughout your time here."
"Hhhhhhhhhhhhh.....Adapting..."
Caesar hesitated for a moment, speaking slowly. "Adapting?" Cree nodded. "To.. The environment?" Cree nodded again. "Can you adapt to any environment?" Cree once again nodded. Caesar considered the new information, then continued. "So you'll be able to adapt to the arena?" Cree nodded once more. "How long will that take?" For a few brief seconds, Cree simply stared at Caesar. Then, he began to crackle like a breaking tree. His neck seemed to pop into some new place, his breathing suddenly becoming more silent.
"Moments." Caesar grimaced. Cree had perfectly imitated his voice, Tragedy staring down the host with brutal satisfaction.
"Ahem.. Cree, Ladies and Gentlemen!" He applauded the Tribute off, watching with some fear as the creature went back to crackling and popping, slowly lumbering off the stage.

Ibaraki watched the interviews go on with half interested eyes, most of the energy devoted to keeping a not so subtle eye on the tribute who had confronted the child earlier. All that caution was thrown away, however, the moment Cree was called up. Golden eyes trained themselves on the monitor and Ibaraki watched with rapt attention to how the proceedings went. The child was beyond estatic when Cree acknowledged that he had allies and although no names were said Ibaraki was satisfied in knowing that even outside of their regular interactions, Cree considered Ibaraki a friend. Or an ally at the very least. When Cree finally returned from the event, Ibaraki was there waiting for him with a giant smile. "Good job out there!" Was the greeting, polite as ever.

---

Cree dipped his head in appreciation, settling himself to watch the rest of the interviews.

---

A loud cry rang from where Ace and the two bouncers had vanished to, though no further sound was heard from there. After about five more minutes of silence, Ace walked out perfectly calm, and completely untouched. He seemed more at ease, too, as if a sudden weight had vanished from his shoulders. The only thing that gave away any hint of what had happened with a spall patch of blood near the chest of his robe, which quickly vanished, returning the garment to it's usual black.

Akane was leaning against one of the walls and Jeremy was sitting next to her, both were a little dazzled about what had happened, but that's what happens when you bring small-town people to a huge city. . .

Cesar called out the next name, "Ibaraki."

Akane watched the child walk towards the stage. "Good luck!" She called out encouragingly.

---

Flinching at being called up, Ibaraki waved goodbye to Cree. The child didn't expect Akane to say anything either but politely bowed to her in thanks.

The crowd gasped, seeing yet another young face being sent off to die. But many of those gasps were also squeals of seeing how adorable the tribute was, the shy way that Ibaraki hurried on stage seeming cute to some. Ceaser definitely seemed to think so, as he cheerfully led Ibaraki to the tribute seat. "We've certainly seen some... Interesting tributes this night. So tell me, Ibaraki. Are you scared at all?" Caesar asked, holding one of the child's hands as they conversed.

To the surprise of the audience, Ibaraki's answer was a no, punctuated by a shake of the head. "I am strong so there is no need for me to be afraid, sir." Came the honest answer, the simple yet confident answer stealing the hearts of many. It even seemed to surprise Caesar as well as he blinked at the amount of certainty the answer held.

"Well you certainly don't see this kind of confidence every day! Is the reason why you're not scared connected to your power by any chance?" Came the next question, the eager tone of Caesar's voice making Ibaraki just a bit uncomfortable.

Shifting a bit in the much too soft seat, Ibaraki bit a lip. "I could show you?" The child offered, sparking interest within the capital citizens. Demonstrations of a tribute's abilities in a hands on manner usually meant that the tribute was confident enough to show off their hand. Despite the young appearance, Ibaraki was marked by those spectating as someone to watch. Caesar, being the emcee he was eagerly accepted, not expecting Ibaraki to hop up and shuffle close to the other. "Please do not be frightened, Mister Flickermen, sir. I will not drop you. I promise." Was the only warning given before Ibaraki very carefully lifted the chair Caesar was sitting on up. With the man himself still sitting in it. There was shocked gasps from the audience that immediately turned into excited cheers as Ibaraki set Caesar back down. Ibaraki hoped Cree was watching and was impressed with the child's abilities and wasn't regretting being allies.

With a breathless laugh, Caesar smoothed out his slightly ruffled suit. "Well that was certainly the most fun I've had interviewing a tribute! Ibaraki Douji, everyone. What a performance!" As soon as those words were said, the buzzer rang. Bowing to everyone, Ibaraki quickly scurried off the stage, hands slightly shaking from the adrenaline and curse that steadily ebbed and flowed within the child.

---

So he's super strong then? Akane wondered, it wouldn't be so bad. "Hey, that was really neat." Akane praised, though she was sure it wasn't needed. "So you're ablitiy is super strength then? That's pretty cool."

"Ladies and gentlemen, here's Faith!" Ceasar called out and the crowd roared.

---

Faith swept up onto the stage. “So, have you made any alliances recently?” “Am I supposed to have?” Faith asked. Ceasar stammered nervously. “Umm…well…Okay, I hear that you’re a witch. Can you show us a few magic tricks?” Upon hearing that she could do magic, the crowd began cheering her on, wishing for her to do magic. “My magic is no petty muggle trick. But if you wish it” She took out her wand, swishing it “Expecto Patronum” A large silver wolf erupted from the end of her wand, and cantered around, throwing its head back to howl, before prowling by her side. The crowd gasped and clapped, and Ceasar smiled, asking the next question. “I hear that you’re also a Metamorphagus. Care to show us?” “How the darn capitol knows of this I don’t know.” Faith grumbles, though she still closes her eyes, changing her hair to a bright ocean blue, sporting green eyebrows, with something like a duck’s beak, before transforming back. The crowd roared their approval, and Faith disappeared backstage with a bow.


“Next we have……Natalia” Ceasar announced. Natalia stomped up on stage, before sitting tomboyishly down on the chair. “Whaddya want?” She asks, as Caesar shuffled his cards nervously. “So. How do you feel about the Games?” “Oh it’s all trash, really. I’d murder every single one of you if I wanted to.” She smiles, using her talent to get Ceasar to hold still, and ties her thorn bracelets together, before clamping them around Ceasar’s leg. She then took out a dagger, and wrote clearly in the ground “scum” She cast a dome over Ceasar, and left

---