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Post by Holly Edison on Jan 7, 2016 18:57:19 GMT -6
Holly couldn't take this line of discussion much longer. "Was no one listening to what I said to Cal? If the Accord is going to be successful, if we're to survive - if our relationships are to survive another day and if any of us have a chance at a future together we have to do what's in our best interests as a whole. If we split up based on personal attachments and not logic, I'm sorry but Val, that only hurts Gwen and yourself ultimately. That's not just a little selfish. It's reckless."
Holly's thoughts turned to Demetri, they'd been in a smaller group and blindsided with an attack. At least you all have a chance still, as long as you don't fuck it up.
"Valeria, Gwen... Maybe you don't think I can appreciate the bond you have. Or that Wren and Cal have found in each other. But I lost the person I cared about, before we even got a chance to properly do anything about it. You should take a moment and think about how lucky you are that you've both survived even this long. Val, you want Gwen to be safe? She has to go to the Hospital. Whether or not it makes you uncomfortable you know that Cal loves her in his own way and will protect her as fiercely as he protects Wren. Gwen, Valeria was the first friend I made here and I cannot tell you what it means to me that she has potentially sacrificed her life for us all. If she hadn't nearly knocked me over at the banquet, I was heading over to talk to Wren and others.... I'd have never met you. You two are all I have left from our gang and I wouldn't put forth a plan that I thought endangered either of you. Everyone here is a friend to me, but you two..."
Holly let the statement linger and felt her eyes water. Blinking any tears that threatened to appear away she continued.
"Val, we need numbers, strong numbers in the Market. Most likely, people are converging there as they become desperate for food. The hospital is likely to be abandoned or nearly so. But the Market is where you can do the most good for the Accord, and therefore Gwen as a rebel. If you want her to live, I think you know that seeing her again in a couple of days is more protective and more loving than risking all our futures for another night with her."
She took a moment looking around at the ragtag group of Rebels and Peacebringers that had become her family and felt a sense of pride.
"I think, Lartius should stay here. Cal, Wren and Gwen NEED to be at the Hospital. Val, you don't. You can help me gather food. If Sydney would prefer to come with us to the Market I wouldn't be against it because I do think Lartius would be safe here."
She paused and looked at Valeria.
"If you don't come with me, I'm alone. And I'll do it myself if I have to. You have a choice to make though, the Accord or yourself." "Was no one listening to what I said to Cal? If the Accord is going to be successful, if we're to survive - if our relationships are to survive another day and if any of us have a chance at a future together we have to do what's in our best interests as a whole. If we split up based on personal attachments and not logic, I'm sorry but Val, that only hurts Gwen and yourself ultimately. That's not just a little selfish. It's reckless."
Holly's thoughts turned to Demetri, they'd been in a smaller group and blindsided with an attack. At least you all have a chance still, as long as you don't fuck it up.
"Valeria, Gwen... Maybe you don't think I can appreciate the bond you have. Or that Wren and Cal have found in each other. But I lost the person I cared about, before we even got a chance to properly do anything about it. You should take a moment and think about how lucky you are that you've both survived even this long. Val, you want Gwen to be safe? She has to go to the Hospital. Whether or not it makes you uncomfortable you know that Cal loves her in his own way and will protect her as fiercely as he protects Wren. Gwen, Valeria was the first friend I made here and I cannot tell you what it means to me that she has potentially sacrificed her life for us all. If she hadn't nearly knocked me over at the banquet, I was heading over to talk to Wren and others.... I'd have never met you. You two are all I have left from our gang and I wouldn't put forth a plan that I thought endangered either of you. Everyone here is a friend to me, but you two..."
Holly let the statement linger and felt her eyes water. Blinking any tears that threatened to appear away she continued.
"Val, we need numbers, strong numbers in the Market. Most likely, people are converging there as they become desperate for food. The hospital is likely to be abandoned or nearly so. But the Market is where you can do the most good for the Accord, and therefore Gwen as a rebel. If you want her to live, I think you know that seeing her again in a couple of days is more protective and more loving than risking all our futures for another night with her."
She took a moment looking around at the ragtag group of Rebels and Peacebringers that had become her family and felt a sense of pride.
"I think, Lartius should stay here. Cal, Wren and Gwen NEED to be at the Hospital. Val, you don't. You can help me gather food. If Sydney would prefer to come with us to the Market I wouldn't be against it because I do think Lartius would be safe here."
She paused and looked at Valeria.
"If you don't come with me, I'm alone. And I'll do it myself if I have to. You have a choice to make though, the Accord or yourself."
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Post by Sydney Gardiner on Jan 7, 2016 18:58:14 GMT -6
"Cal, come here." Syd motioned for the other Peacebringer to join her as she gave him a day's worth of food. "This should help."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 7, 2016 18:58:34 GMT -6
Things had been mostly settled, and Wren was finally happy with the plan for once in this war. He listened to Gwen.
"What if you, me and Cal go as planned, two of us split a shot & heal a smidge, return to tower while the third stays behind day 8 and gets a full shot for themself?"
"Also, in case you didn't hear that song... But You My brother in arms I'd rather I'd lose my limbs Than let you come to harm"
"That includes all of you."
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 7, 2016 18:58:58 GMT -6
"Then I'll just have to come with," Val replied tersely.
She grinned, "consider it a double date."
((OOC: This is what I get for not refreshing before posting. Consider this happening after Wren's post in response to my last post))
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 7, 2016 19:04:25 GMT -6
The world seemed upside down. Wren was talking sense and Holly was being callous? "I never thought I'd see the day," she thought to herself. "That...could work Wren," she replied, "Plus I can spy on both districts from here with my well developed talents for recon." Whisper to Gwen:
"I'm sorry Gwen," she whispered, "there's just no way I can leave seeing each other again to fate."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 7, 2016 19:06:24 GMT -6
"Val, listen to Holly. She NEEDS you. Are you going to let her and Syd down? You signed the contract. We are a team. We're going to meet back up in a day. This is the best action for us as a team. I wish you'd see that, instead of thinking only of yourself. I get it, it's fucking hard to be apart. I've done it far more than I would have liked. It fucking hurts. But your future with Gwen won't exist if we don't win this war."
Wren tried to hold back tears. The Accord had always been first in his heart. It happened before he even met Cal. He couldn't let everyone down, and he wished everyone else put the Accord first, too. He wished Millie were here...and Eloise.
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Jan 7, 2016 19:07:27 GMT -6
After listening to Holly's reasoning, Gwen had to agree. She grabbed Val's hand and with the other grabbed the front of her shirt to make sure she was listening. "Holly's right, Val. You have to go to the marketplace and I have to go to the hospital. Cal and Wren have done just fine splitting up. We have to believe we can be, too. I trust those two to take care of me and Holly needs you. This is what's for the best." Gwen kissed Val, hoping it took the sting out of what she was suggesting. "I dunno. I could be nice," Gwen whispers back. She smiles mischievously, "I mean, think of what the food would be like after not seeing each other for a day or two and be relieved to see each other again?"
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 7, 2016 19:10:59 GMT -6
"Hey..." Cal moved to Wren, attempting to keep him steady with his arms. He looked at Wren, worrying that he'll put himself into a coma with all this stress. "Nothing is set in stone. And sir, you're more injured than me. There's only going to be one Morphling waiting there tomorrow, and maybe we'll come through with an ally toting back at Med-kit. Even then, I think the group would rather have you and Gwen, true rebels, patched up first. I could stay in the tower another day, come on down to the Hospital for Day 8. Just... I'm willing to do what I can to help. If it means staying safe for you, okay."
He looks to the rest of the group. He accepts Sydney's gift.
"Thank you, please take care."
He's hearing both Gwen and Wren, wishing he could just stick with them and keep them safe. Holly's reasoning made a lot of sense too, but he wasn't prepared to let her go at the Market alone.
"Val, I can't do the double date. I can protect Gwen and Wren (OOC: fucking rhymes), but with four of us there, plus likely three, that's seven people over 2 food, 1 morphling and a weapon. Meanwhile, the Market has 4 food, with likely two Peacekeepers there and whatever Vester's cooked up. We can't split like that. If you're set on going to the Hospital, I can't let Holly and Sydney go alone."
This was a shit situation, and not everyone would walk away happy. He'd rather both Val and Wren be, somehow. One last thought:
"Lartius can go with Holly and Sydney, I can stake out the tower. If no one shows up, I can scavenge food and supplies, no problem. If a peacekeeper comes, I'll hold my own. If the point falls, you guys take it back on the return trip. How about that?" "Nothing is set in stone. And sir, you're more injured than me. There's only going to be one Morphling waiting there tomorrow, and maybe we'll come through with an ally toting back at Med-kit. Even then, I think the group would rather have you and Gwen, true rebels, patched up first. I could stay in the tower another day, come on down to the Hospital for Day 8. Just... I'm willing to do what I can to help. If it means staying safe for you, okay."
He looks to the rest of the group. He accepts Sydney's gift.
"Thank you, please take care."
He's hearing both Gwen and Wren, wishing he could just stick with them and keep them safe. Holly's reasoning made a lot of sense too, but he wasn't prepared to let her go at the Market alone.
"Val, I can't do the double date. I can protect Gwen and Wren (OOC: fucking rhymes), but with four of us there, plus likely three, that's seven people over 2 food, 1 morphling and a weapon. Meanwhile, the Market has 4 food, with likely two Peacekeepers there and whatever Vester's cooked up. We can't split like that. If you're set on going to the Hospital, I can't let Holly and Sydney go alone."
This was a shit situation, and not everyone would walk away happy. He'd rather both Val and Wren be, somehow. One last thought:
"Lartius can go with Holly and Sydney, I can stake out the tower. If no one shows up, I can scavenge food and supplies, no problem. If a peacekeeper comes, I'll hold my own. If the point falls, you guys take it back on the return trip. How about that?"
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 7, 2016 19:15:00 GMT -6
Val stood silently hoping someone else would come up with a better plan. Anything that wouldn't split them up. Anything she would say at this point would be detrimental. "I just don't know if I can," ugh she felt like Wren, "handle splitting up IMMEDIATELY after last night."
"It would be days before I could see you again," she frowned, "there has to be SOME way to figure this out a different way" "Why couldn't she come to the Market instead of Holly," she thought to herself, "of everyone here she seemed most determined to split them up."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 7, 2016 19:16:54 GMT -6
"No. We had a plan, stop changing it. We don't have time for fifty more options. Everyone wants to be noble and make a grand sacrifice, or wants to keep their loved ones safe. But this isn't about any of that. NEEDS go before WANTS, you guys."
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Post by Holly Edison on Jan 7, 2016 19:19:48 GMT -6
Holly was not happy she was being forced to play this role, she could see Valeria had shifted. I'm sorry. "I'm not very comfortable with that, you're still offering to be a sacrifical lamb. It looks like Syd already left, Cal the only one you'd need to worry about is Sharlot... She's probably on her way here. Which is why I think you need to move. It doesn't make sense for you to stay and you can't survive much more of a beating. Val and I could take one. I just... I don't see the point of going in circles like this."
Holly sighed. I seem to do that a lot these days.
"Val, I'm sorry. But I think you know I'm right and I wish you'd understand I'm trying to help you and Gwen survive the best way I know how." "I'm not very comfortable with that, you're still offering to be a sacrifical lamb. It looks like Syd already left, Cal the only one you'd need to worry about is Sharlot... She's probably on her way here. Which is why I think you need to move. It doesn't make sense for you to stay and you can't survive much more of a beating. Val and I could take one. I just... I don't see the point of going in circles like this."
Holly sighed. I seem to do that a lot these days.
"Val, I'm sorry. But I think you know I'm right and I wish you'd understand I'm trying to help you and Gwen survive the best way I know how."
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Jan 7, 2016 19:22:09 GMT -6
Gwen shot a look at Wren, "Relax, Wren, I'm handling it." Gwen smiled at the thought of last night, "I know how you feel, but do you really want to be like Wren and Cal and cause a bunch of unnecessary friction? Wren's already getting worked up about this. We need to be the calm and cool couple." Gwen touched her forehead to Val's, "We have to trust that we'll see each other again. I'll do anything to make that possible."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 7, 2016 19:25:23 GMT -6
Wren squeezed Holly's shoulder as she sighed. "Don't worry. I feel like that's my natural state of breathing lately, too. You're a hell of a leader, Holly. I try...I just wish people could hear me like they hear you when you speak."
He turned to the rest of the group as Syd left. "Whether you like it or not, Holly has always made the most sense out of anyone here. She's neutral, she's loyal, and she's stable. You KNOW she's right. Val, if you really love Gwen, you'll accept this plan as the best option."
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Post by Holly Edison on Jan 7, 2016 19:31:52 GMT -6
Holly managed a small smile at Wren's words, they were no small source of comfort considering the circumstances. I'm only trying to keep us alive. I trained for this, I'm just offering what I can. Maybe if Val had she'd be the one speaking up."Valeria, if you choose to go to the Hospital. I understand why, I won't agree with it and I'll do my best to gather resources for you all as planned. But I hope you make the right decision. It's only a day maybe two. If they camp out the hospital they may be able to heal themselves a bit, two days? They may be back in perfect condition. And we can stockpile food for everyone. I wish I wasn't the one who had to bring this up, but... Look, if you or Gwen are killed, or even if you just hate me from now on that's fine. I'll be happy knowing I did whatever I could for you and you never have to speak to me again." Holly looked to the others her face screwed up in frustration and concern, silently pleading the others to make Valeria see some sense. "I... I can't say anymore. I don't know what else I could. Valeria, I hope you join me. Cal, Wren, Gwen... I hope you find what you need in the Hospital. I think we should stay out for two days and move back on Day 9 unless circumstances force us to return earlier. Lartius, take care of yourself. We'll see you soon. I'm glad you're with us."
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 7, 2016 19:35:31 GMT -6
"OK here the thing," Val snapped, "If you are so DEAD set on me splitting ways from Gwen at this point fine. I'll go to the Market." "But don't you DARE," she shot a dead stare at Wren, "Tell me what DOES and DOESN'T mean I love someone." "You may be experiencing romantic love for the first time," she continued with an even tone, "but I've had it before and I lost it to save their life." "And in the process," she finished turning to gather her things, "I had to throw mine away by becoming a peacekeeper." "I hope you don't have to experience that feeling yourself," she slung her bag over her shoulder, "because I really don't think I could manage living with it twice." "I'm sorry you had to see that its just," she forced a grin, "my baggage rearing its ugly head."
"I believe in you and I believe in Cal," Val kissed her forehead lightly, "so I'll meet you back here in two days."
A genuine smile crossed her face, "just make sure to practice your dance moves for next time ok?"
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 7, 2016 19:43:15 GMT -6
Cal nodded his head, sorry it had to go like this, but at least they have a direction moving forward. It's not fun recalling one's past, especially when it ended with you becoming a peacekeeper. Before Val leaves, he stops her and gives her a hug.
"I'll keep her safe, and she gets treatment before I do. I wouldn't have it any other way. Keep our friends at the Market above water, I'd hate to have just lose friends I just made."
He walks with her a little bit, figuring if he was going to catch up, now's the time.
"I'm glad you and Gwen went for it. I can't think of anyone better for her. Also... I never thought of stealing food before. I wish I had thought of that when I had a chance to steal from Sharlot. Food would be lasting me much longer than her dumb necklace."
As they reach the door, Cal is suppressing a grin.
"Did you want to hear the Peacebringer oath before we went off to fulfill our duties? Could help you back down any doubters"
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Post by Holly Edison on Jan 7, 2016 19:43:24 GMT -6
Holly was hurt but understood Valeria's frustrations. "As I said, you probably don't think I understand what I'm asking of you. I can't prove that to you in any meaningful way, Val. But let me be very clear, I'm not "DEAD set" on splitting you apart. For fuck's sake - I AM DEAD SET ON KEEPING YOU TOGETHER FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN BE. Who knows if I felt love before. I'm young, maybe I don't know what you have. But I'm trying to fucking protect it!" Holly turned to leave. "Be pissed all you want, take out any anger or sadness you have on me. I don't mind. You can yell at me, scream at me and accuse me of not working in your best interests all you want. But you're my friend, and I will protect you and anyone you love - and the Accord - with every breath I have left in my body. Whether or not you're happy about how I do it." "I plan on coming back on Day 9 unless circumstances change. It's better for us to gather as much as we can if at all possible."
She turned to Wren and pushed the letter he'd given her back into his hand. "I believe this is yours. I'll do what I can to save everyone." Holly hugged him tightly. "I will do all that I can to get your writings. If I'm the only one, I'll get it myself if you tell me how to get in - funnily enough, none of you ever took me there. No matter what I'll try my best." With that, Holly left the room and made her way towards the exit.
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Jan 7, 2016 19:44:41 GMT -6
Gwen went over and hugged Val tightly, "I'll make sure it doesn't happen to you again. Thank you." Gwen smiled, "I understand baggage. The time will pass by quickly." Gwen pouted at her last words. "I told you. It's the bullet wound."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 7, 2016 19:47:27 GMT -6
Wren wasn't intimidated by Val's look. "I didn't say what means or doesn't mean you love....nevermind. It's not even worth it. We need to leave on positive terms.
Val, I'm sorry you're so upset. I know you love Gwen. I know that feeling. I've had to leave Cal twice now, and the first time I got shot for trying to tell him goodbye and tell him where was safe to go. I was fucking shot over love. I understand what it means. It's one day. One day of the rest of your life, if we win this. You're strong, and the love you two have seems just as strong. You'll get through it. If a pansy gay kid like me can get through it, you can too."
Wren attempted to comfort her, but it seemed a lost cause.
"Please don't make this complicated. Feelings and strategy -they don't go together. I've nearly driven myself mad over the combination. But we'll get through it."
He turned to Holly before she left, "Thank you for everything. Thank you for confirming me to these guys. You have a spot in my heart next to Millie. If I....If I die, will you attempt for the pardon? And tell someone to retrieve my memoir from the alcove?"
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Jan 7, 2016 19:47:40 GMT -6
Gwen turned to Val one last time. "Please don't let this get between you and Holly. She's our friend. Remember that."
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 7, 2016 19:54:37 GMT -6
Pulling away from the hug all Val could manage was a nod. "I'll see you soon then," she managed before turning to walk away, "don't do anything I wouldn't do" Valeria stopped and turned around with a grin, "No actually scratch that. Cal's cute and you wouldn't want to make Wren jealous." As he ran towards the market she shouted over her shoulder, "Have fun with Gwen but not TOO much fun!" "An oath?" she asked Cal, "when did we make an oath?"
"If I remember correctly I was there when we started this and there was no mention of an oath..." To Gwen Only: (Though Cal and Wren can see this OOC)
"Do me a favor and flirt with Cal a bit for me," she whispered, "I'm a bit grumpy at Wren at the moment and it would make me smile a bit if I knew somewhere somehow you were causing a little trouble."
"Oh and," she added, "If you heal up that bullet wound and you still can't pull off some decent dance moves you're going to have some explaining to do."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Jan 7, 2016 20:01:21 GMT -6
They were able to exchange words before she took off. Cause reasons. "There wasn't an oath at the time of our founding. It came to me when I was having a heart to heart with Sydney, trying to turn her to our side. In fact, I'm pretty sure Wren used some of it when constructing the new accord, so it's got to be a little good, right?" OOC: This part is outloud, its too good not to whisper. I present, the Peacebringer oath. "Observe before you act. It's not enough to know a person's background, you need to take in their actions as well. Together, you'll know whether you agree with their intentions, and respond accordingly. Trust is built through these acts, helping one another in any way you can." His expression begins to clear, his eyes reflecting clarity. "If hacking will bring harm to your allies, do not hack. If scavenging will enable you to assist further, gather what you need. Spying is permitted, if at the very least to warn others. Strike down any who intend harm to your allies or beliefs." His gaze is filled with strength and determination, a will capable of anything. "This is what it means to be a Peacebringer. It is, and will always be, your choice. Would you join me?" Cal is grinning his ass off at this point, eager to hear what Val thinks.
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Jan 7, 2016 20:02:53 GMT -6
Gwen smiled and shook her head. Damn, am I going to miss that girl.(OOC: Wait. Have you been whispering these to everyone else? Even the other thread? Because I've totally been doing these whispers to just you when I thought it was a conversation just between us. Bahaha the confusion that might have caused.)
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Jan 7, 2016 20:11:24 GMT -6
"Hey now," Val chuckled, "If it weren't for me you'd still be calling em WARbringers."
She laughed, "I never realized I had to renew my membership every five days."
As she left the tower she shouted back to Cal, "Just so you know I expect to receive some sort of royalties on any merchandise using that name!"
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Jan 7, 2016 20:23:35 GMT -6
Wren scribbled furiously on a pad of paper. He tried to remember his book, word for word. Luckily, he had a great memory... "Hey...if anyone has trouble understanding me...read this thing I wrote. Hopefully it helps." It read... No One Dies-A Lesson on Peace My name is Wren Hartwood. I am a tribute from District Seven in the Quarter Quell. They tell me I am a rebel. If you're reading this, either we have made history and changed Panem forever, or we've lost and died, and the Capitol still reigns. Either way, I hope things are peaceful. This is a story of peace.
Back in Seven, the most peaceful thing to me was sitting high up in the treetops, with a slight breeze, and the only sounds were birds chirping and squirrels scampering. No one bothered me. No one could touch me. I was alone in the trees, and things were peaceful.
Peacekeepers should help keep the peace-not bring violence. In many districts, peacekeepers have beaten, tortured, and killed many innocent citizens. Life has not been kind to those in certain districts, regardless of loyalty to the Capitol. I hope when this is found, things have changed. If I am not able to change the world, perhaps I can inspire change in the relationship between peacekeepers and ordinary citizens.
During our many conversations in our training days, I met some people. Some were undercover peacekeepers. Some were regular kids. We had no way of knowing who was what. Honestly, from the start, I didn't care. I was open to working with anyone that believed in what I believed in-peace. I had been bullied my whole life until I stood up to one and beat him nearly to death. That was a dark day. But then the peace came.
As I met other tributes, many ran from me due to my friendly nature, but I found a few friends. I found a girl that reminded me of my sister; her name was Eloise. She was just like me. Alone. Cautious. Smart. Peaceful. I also met a girl named Sharlot. She seemed peaceful despite being an avox-someone you'd think would want revenge. I found out she is a peacekeeper. She seemed to be peaceful with us. I'm not quite sure, now. But we worked together for a while in this alcove on a mission of peace. Millie Cartwright, victor of the second Hunger games and founding member of the Primrose Accord, appeared and she mentored us. We began the Phoenix Accord, with the mission "No One Dies." And we meant it, for the most part. If anyone from our accord was attacked, we would only attack the aggressor in self-defense. As peaceful as you can ever hope to get. First, we just wanted to get as many people out alive as we could, but then we set out to end the Games-for good. We met more strong and determined tributes. Trust or no trust- we all seemed to want the same things -peace. We started to realize-it didn't really matter who was what. We all just wanted to protect each other and end the Games.
Then I met Cal. He confided to me early on that he was a peacekeeper. I didn't care. We fell in love-something unheard of in these Games. Something unheard of between a peacekeeper and a normal tribute. We made a pact to protect each other. We shared our feelings about the games, shared information. We were in this together. We had such peaceful times together. Then everything changed.
This year, there is no Hunger Games. This year, the Games are a real-life war in the Capitol. This year, I am told I'm a rebel and that Cal is my enemy. Cal could never be my enemy. Cal would always be my friend. This year, one of us will die, likely at the hand of the other. I had no goal of disrupting government. I simply wanted peace. Despite Vester's plans to drive us all apart from the start, we found it. We found a beautiful thing, and we called it peace. Even if it was short-lived. If a kid like me can create something so beautiful working together with a peacekeeper, why can't we all live in peace together? Why should we be killing each other? No one should have to die. But I would die for peace.
*Edit: Sharlot is not to be trusted.
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