Forum Thread

"Oh yes, I remember now. Alora. We used to play together." He said as he recognized her. He pouted then, wondering why she stopped coming to him, but then he remembered. "Yelena was your sister right. She- she protected you. She was a nice person." He said gently, hoping it wasn't a sensitive topic to her. "I liked it when you came to my house. It used to be a nice change." He said, which was true. This was before he was even 11, when he had nothing but toxic friends, and rigorous training at home.

---

“Thank youuuuu~ Her name is Natasha. She’s my favourite doll. She’s a bit creepy at first, yes, but you’ll get used to it. Wanna hold her?” A childlike smile was on her face, and she held the doll out, her plaits seemingly falling at the same time as the doll’s with terrifying accuracy. The soft baby blue eyes of the doll, as well as Lilith’s own eyes, stared at the boy, both seemingly looking into his soul. The doll seemed like it held the same pleading look she did.

Faith smiled, or at least she tried. She replies simply “I’m from district 3, nice to meetcha. Or as nice as it can be, we’re in the Hunger Games after all.” A flicker of concern flashes across her face, and she tries to help Aether. “Can you hear me? Are you alright…wait that’s a stupid question. Try coming back, you’re hallucinating.”

---

She could, in fact, not hear a word Faith was saying. It was all muffled out, like they were both deep underwater. That's what Aether felt in the moment too, her head splitting in two because of the pressure, her lungs rejecting any air she desperately tried to get. She had to sit there, frozen like a stature, unable to do anything as she watched the scene play right in font of her, the memory as fresh as the morning air. Her body began to shake, and her eyes grew wider by the second. She had to watch as the girl she begged herself to forget and leave behind came creeping up on her, reminding her that there was no escape from her past. She was a killer, through and through, and she had to accept that to relieve herself of the pain. But how could she? She was a monster, a heartless monster that kills everything it touches. She had no soul, she had no feelings, all she knew was blood. She loved how metallic it smelled and tasted, it was the thing that fueled her. She couldn't run from that, there was no way she would succeed. Even when she tried to be like her brother, kind, caring, full of energy and delight, there was still the overpowering urge to kill. How could she fight it? Come on... breathe... Clear your mind, it doesn't matter what you think of yourself. You still have to live, you still have a duty to fulfil. It was that same voice again, the voice that belonged to her brother. Another one of her memories began to surface, only this time it helped calm her down. She started to take deep breaths, grasping her throat and putting the other shaky hand on her chest. She was drenched in sweat and tears, but overall, she would be fine. She slowly looked over at Faith, who seemed to be quite concerned about her. Had she been trying to help her? Someone who didn't seem to care? Well, it didn't matter now. At least she was worried, and didn't immediately think she was crazy or weak, then quickly leave. That happened with everyone she knew, they would build up the courage to talk to her and she would begin to drown in the urge to complete the order her mind had been pounding into her. Kill. Kill. Kill. Do it now, while they're weak. Kill. Kill. Kill. It always happened, those words would push her closer and closer to her breaking point until she broke in a completely different way, scaring them off. Faith was different though, she stuck around and tried her best to help Aether, even when she was acting delusional. Of course, if she knew who Aether truely was, things would probably be different. Why would you want to make sure a psychopath lives to see the arena you would be forced to kill each other in? She definitely wouldn't show any mercy, and not even a friend would be safe from her. If she was crazy enough to murder the ones she loed most, what's stopping her from giving everyone else close to her the same fate?

Let there be carnage... Spill the blood of the weak, spill it all over this pathetic earth you're forced to walk on... Show no mercy, don't let them live another second without being in agony... She had done it. Aether had done the unthinkable. She had caused the putrid smell of fresh blood to mix in with the cold night air, awakening every household with the feeling of fear and danger. She had caused screams to echo through the still, silent night. She had done it. She had her first taste of fresh human blood, the sweet taste bringing joy to her as she laughed quietly in the stagnant air of the unmoving night. Oh how great it was to hear her blades ripping through human flesh, followed by the sounds of begging screams and splatters of blood. Oh how great it was to finally let loose and do what her heart desired for so many years. After the deed was done, and she heard the last of her parent's beautiful cries, she fell to her knees. That sickening smile that would induce fear on any hardened soul pierced the darkness of the night, making it one she would engrave into her memory. That smile, the one she always regretted even touching her lips, finished off the mess she had made. The door. The door suddenly made a sound, and that sound was followed by light flowing in. The light left a shadow, and that shadow represented the figure of the one person she really wished wouldn't come. He had been working late again, and he came home tattered and bloody once again. "T-Ther? What the hell are you doing...?" The voice was filled with fear and shock, but still somehow held it's kind composure. That was the first time Aether ever heard him sound like that, or even say a word with ill intent. The sudden realization of that made her jerk her head upwards to meet her brother's eyes. "Aether! Aether, Please! Please don't do it!" Were the words she thought she heard from his mouth, but now she knew. Now she knew that what he said was so much different. "Aether? Aether, please... Please tell me you didn't do it..." Did it really hurt that much to hear those words, that she desperately tried to replace them? How pathetic was she, going as low as warping the truth to soften the blow? Howmuch suffering did she have to go through to become someone like this? Turns out, not even the slightest bit. She had been a demon from the day she was born, and she was destined to live her life as one.

---

Eyeing the doll wearily, Asahiko shook his head, holding up hands smudged with grime from earlier when he had went straight to the reaping after work. "She pretty. Don't want to dirty." He explained grimacing at how dirty his hands were. Almost self consciously, he rubbed his palms over his pants in an effort to clean them. It did very little and the boy shrugged half-heartedly. Everything was always dirty in the Districts outside of the Careers and while she didn't look like a career, the other girl did look like she placed a lot of importance on her doll. He wasn't going to risk her wrath by dirtying it.

---

Nodding slowly, it didn't seem like Hwa believed him. Still she took Mike's offered hand. It was kind of funny to see such small fingers wrap around a larger callused palm. It was clear by how soft they were that Hwa hadn't worked in the fields as she had mostly sowed and watered plants. Taking a shuddering breath, Hwa steeled themself. This was the perfect chance to try and ally herself with someone and learn the other's weakness. It would undoubtedly help them in the arena. "Um... whats your name... sir?" She asked tentatively. So caught up in her own head, they hadn't even heard the other's name when it had been called for the reaping. Not the best first impression but she supposed that if it made her look like a ditzy airhead with no survival sense, then it was for the better. If they underestimated them, then it was only to her advantage.

---

Mike smiled, " I'm Mike, whats your name?" Mike said as he let go of Hwa's hand, he sighed as he wondered about the future, would he survive? Would he be killed? These questions were trapped in his head but he did his best to ignore them. He looked at Hwa and smiled, he was glad to see another person from the same district as him.

Seeing how troubled Aether was. Faith began humming what she remembered as a lullaby, or a soothing song. It was soft and calming, and Faith ran her fingers through Aether’s hair, hoping to calm her down. It was clear Aether was distressed. Faith thought she should do what she could to help.


Lilith grins. “Okayyyy~ You don’t have to hold her.” She holds it closer to her, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “May not be so good of a idea now, you’re right. Maybe later!” She brightens up at that prospect. She placed the doll beside her, blinking her eyes innocently. She unties her own plaits, as well as the dolls’. “Natalia’s hair is very soft. It’s made out of real people’s hair. My mom told me. Mama gave me the doll. Pretty, isn’t she? The clothes are hand sewn.”

---

*Grimm would put her hand on Kendo’s shoulder, she would be on the tips of her toes. She was hoping she could get his attention.*

---

Kendo bolted upright. "Wh- Who?" Kendo looks down at Grimm, noting their unusual appearance. "Riiiight. Wait how did you get inside here?" He started to tap his fingers on the seats.

---

*Grimm would grab a white board from her bag, she would begin to write “I’m very good a being quiet” the board would read*

---

"Huh. Alright?" Kendo looked around the room, noticing the open door at the end of the train car. "Huh. I guess you are." He clenched his bandaged right hand into a fist. "You, uh, might want to get back to your own train car. I'm sure the capitol people will come here any minute now. And uh, I should probably be more quiet."

---

*Grimm would notice his hand and would make a motion as if to ask if she could take a look at it*

---

He pulled his hand away. "No, I'm fine. I don't need help with my hand. It's fine." He lowered his voice, in consideration for the sleeping girl on the seats across from him. "I don't need medical attention."

---

*Grimm would take out her bag and would grab the medical supplies in it, she would shake her head as if to say, can I at least confirm that?*

---

This time, Aether was caught completely off guard by the foreign, but somehow friendly touch. She jumped as soon as Fath's fingers touched her scalp, and she quickly turned her head to face her. That sound... She was humming a lullaby, right? But... why? Was it intended to sooth her mind? The sudden signs of affection coming from the stranger made Aether skeptical, unable to find peace in her confusion. She wanted to trust her, but how could she? Trust was child's play, something that could be twisted and used against you. But... That song... The gentle touch... How could someone be so kind? Small tears begun to roll from her eyes and she slowly and hesitantly leaned onto Faith, letting the vibration from the humming sooth her. It was funny, really, she had almost forgotten it. That same lullaby was the one that her mother used to put little Aether to sleep all those years ago. Wow... What a coincidence that was...

---

Nodding slowly, Asahiko could see that the doll was of exceptional quality. She was beautifully crafted, not any amateur's work but one that was made by a loving and skilled hand. The detailing on both the face, hair, and dress were immaculate and Asahiko could appreciate a good work of art which Natalia certainly was. When he heard that the hair was made out of real human hair, it sent a small shiver down his spine, but it certainly explained the life-like quality of the doll. "Very. Maker very skilled." He praised, flashing a smile. Jagged teeth, shaped from years of biting down on wires and metal, exposed themselves; unrefined and certainly deadly. It was yet another thing that put people off, if Asahiko's general demeanor didn't already.

---

"... Hwa" She muttered, the general body language of the child indicative that they didn't fully trust Mike just yet. But still, she snuck glances at him and seemed a little more comfortable than she did before. It was useless to rush any interactions but it meant that an awkward silence blanketed them. Hwa didn't quite mind, the silence was a familiar friend. It just meant that it gave them time to prepare for any trouble that would undoubtedly come

---

*Grimm would return to her seat. She had heard stories of the games, that people where dressed up then lead to their deaths like a lamb to the slaughter. She had heard that those who win become wealthy and famous. She had also heard those who lost are forgotten forever. Lost to the sands of time. She would wonder what would happen to her once they arrived. Hopefully they would be prepared for someone who can’t talk, hopefully they would be understanding about her oath when the games began, she knew she had a little to nothing chance at winning the games, but she did know she had a great chance at surviving longer than anyone else. She would begin to fade into unconsciousness slowly, she hoped she would wake up to find that all of this was just a morbid dream*

---

Majoree Sinclair (POST-REAPING)

Majoree wasn't sure how long she sat in that dirty, empty room alone. Occasionally, she'd hear a raucous outside the door- look up a smidgen- but only the faint light from the bottom of the door peeked through.

It must've been hours, when finally, it creaked open.

She met Chia in am embrace.

"Majoree-! Majoree- Major- Majore-" Chia kept sobbing out her name. Behind her, Majoree's other siblings lurked. None of them would meet her eyes.

"Chia- Chia, no, hold on-" But Chia wouldn't. Her grip just tightened.

"Majoree I'm so sorry-" Hiccup- "I should've volunteered- I should've kept you from- I should've-"

"If you did, you'd die. I- I don't want that for you, Chia!" Chia's sobs broke off as stronger arms wrapped around her.

"N-No! Please-" But Millet was already tugging the 16 year old off. She pushed the sobbing girl into Cotton's arms, and in a flash, had embraced Majoree. The two had never been close, but what the heck, Majoree accepted the embrace. It wasn't like she'd ever get another one. And her family'd need all the comfort they could get.

"I'm sorry, Madge." Majoree went rigid. That nickname... She tried to push Millet away, but the grip tightened. "It shouldn't be you. I'm so sorry."

It shouldn't be you.

Majoree's vision went white.

Then who should it be, anyway? Who should be the one to face death, to be punished by the capitol simply for who they were born to? That boy? That maid's son, that sobbing, sickly boy who was so terrified-

Majoree remembered the imprint of Millet's hand on her face.

With a strength she hadn't known she'd possessed, she shoved her older sister away. Leaping to her feet, she kicked the chair, sending it sprawling in the corner.

She stalked towards her sibling's. Chia was still sobbing. Cotton's eyes were still round with pity. Millet-

It all made Majoree feel sick.

"Get out." She jabbed her finger into Millet's chest. The older faltered, clearly not expecting that.

"Madge-"

"Get out. And don't you dare shed another tear, when it's obvious you couldn't care less."

Even Cotton looked nervous. But he cleared his throat. "Madge, you know- we do care. We don't want to lose you."

I don't care if you care about me. But- but how could you just do this- how could you only think about- Everything slotted firmly into place in Majoree's mind. "Please."

Her voice was so quiet, so scared, that finally Millet was stirred to action.

"Fine." Her voice was a low growl. "Let's go." She left in a wide, sweeping arc, vanishing out the door. After a moment of hesitation, Cotton followed, tugging Chia along. The youngest girl cast Majoree a pleading glance. Majoree met it... and looked away.

She was being selfish right now. And she had already accepted it.

When the Peacekeepers arrived, she went with them. She didn't even cry.

She was going to die.

And in doing so, she'd finally make up for all of the other children she'd killed by having her lone slip placed in the Reaping Pot.

---

Riggs Oakfrost (LOCATION: Train Enroute to the Capitol)

In an instant, Riggs was sitting in the seat next to her, his tense fingers which'd just clasped around her throat now placed harmlessly in his lap. He watched with wide, blue eyes as the man and woman swept inside. In an instant, Ash Craigtree had embraced both of them in a hug.

"Oh, my poor children!" he sobbed. "My poor, sweet babies!" He buried his teary, snotty face on top of Riggs' head. Wrinkling his nose, Riggs attempted to squirm away- but the grip only tightened. "I'm so sorry! I can't believe this-"

"Ash," the woman warned. With a relenting sigh, the man pulled away with another sniffle, rubbing his face in the curve of his sleeve. Riggs' face visibly twitched.

"Welcome to the games," Ash said, even though his face was still red. "You two are the tributes of District 7- and we are your mentors."

"We will give you the advice you need to survive," the woman growled. Riggs' still couldn't recognize her- she wasn't elderly, exactly, but not entirely young- perhaps she'd won back when he'd been too young to remember? "We are your lifeline in these games. Respect us, and we will help you win them."

"Win them?" Ash's eyes widened. "B-But, Cedar! They're just children-! How could they-"

"You were 14," she shot back. "Both of them are older than that. Even the runt of a girl." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I assume you two have questions. Shoot away."

Riggs' was too busy studying the two of them. The man was the shortest, by far- ash-blonde hair, wide blue eyes- he hardly looked like someone natively of District 7. The woman on the other hand- tall, stout, short brown hair, amber eyes- was a complete contrast. He was pretty unimpressed with the both of them. One, was a District Pig. The other, a crybaby.

What a disappointing selection.

He nudged Minya. "You wanna go first?" he whispered.

---

Minya Reedshaw.
Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Minya was straight to the point.

"I'm not one for bare-knuckle brawls, so I'm sticking to hiding away from the big Tributes, only to step in with an axe when there's fewer Tributes left."

She said quickly.

"I just wanted to go over some certain plants that I'm not sure are edible or not, and I want one of you to teach me the principles of hunting again, I was never taught. Mum and Dad are useless when it comes to these certain things."

Minya paused for a short breath.

"I'm aware of basic first aid, and what plants are poisonous and what aren't.

I-"

She looked around, suddenly embarrassed.

"Am I rambling on-?

I do apologise-"

Minya whispered.

---

Raiyhan Vale.

"What was her name again?"

The boy whispered to himself.

"Oh yeah, Marjoree."

Raiyhan sighed.

"Marjoree-?

Marjoree!"

He called out.

"The Mentors are coming!"

Ash Craigtree (Location: District 7 Train)

Ah- His eyes narrowed in interest. Right to the point, I see. No stalling. A grin settled on his face. He clasped his hands together, tipping his head to the side. "Oh, so you plan to be the black horse, riding up behind everyone's victories?" He hummed a bit. "A strategy plenty have implemented. And plenty more will use in this batch of tributes."

Beside him, Dawna gave a low, warning growl. He stuck his tongue out at her, before turning his attention back to the two foolish tributes sitting down on a luxurious bench, not a care in the world. One was a diminished girl who looked like she'd never had a decent meal in her life. The other, the plainest person in the world- if not for the glint in his odd, blue-hued eyes.

For some reason, these two made him uneasy in a way that no tribute before had done-

He gave a barking laugh.

"I love it! As long as you find a way to stand out amongst them, I think you'll do just fine!"

"I can teach you the practical side of things," Dawna cut in. "Ash is in charge of teaching you how to play the audience." Ash felt a little disgruntled, before she added, "That's how we both won our games. You're lucky to have the two of us coaching you- we both understand an individual side to winning this game."

Ash giggled. Aw, she was so serious! At least she'd said something nice about him- but she really should learn to lighten up. Having fun was the only way- was a great way to enjoy this life of theirs! No life without a bunch of fun at every turn!

"How 'bout you, pretty boy?" he asked, teasingly, turning to the silent teenager who was still observing them with his empty eyes. "Any strategy-?"

A glow entered the eyes. They weren't as empty anymore, but a shudder ran up Ash's spine regardless. "I want to chop people up," he said softly. "I want to be so appealing to the audience that they all watch me... and cheer for me. And never forget..."

Dawna grimaced. "Sounds like you'll want Ash working with you, then." Clearly done with the crazies among them, I'M NOT CRAZY I'M NOT CRAZY I'M NOT-, she turned to the tiny girl. "You'll be working with me. I can teach you all of those things."

---

District 9 Train, Enroute to the Capitol

As soon as he said it, the doors at the end of the hall slammed open. An ancient, decrepit woman hobbled in- And stopped in front of him. She considered him with large, curious blue eyes.

But said no words.

Instead, she sat down on the couch, crossing her legs, and waited.

The door at the other end siid open. Majoree stepped out, shutting it behind her. Her eyes were quiet, not an emotion running through them. Just like the old woman, she sat down without a word, not looking at Raiyhan.

---

Minya Reedshaw.
Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong. —Winston Churchill.

"Oh. Thank you, ma'am."

Minya said hurriedly.

"But...as for playing the audience, how would I do that?

I don't stand out, I'm plain.."

She frowned, and a crease appeared in her olive skin.

---

Raiyhan Vale.

"So-"

Raiyhan looked around, everyone was quiet.

"I guess I'll....sit down, then?

Uh-"