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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Dec 3, 2015 0:01:08 GMT -6
As soon as the speech was finished Gwendolyn took stock of the room and who was there.
Alcohol, alcohol, alcohol. Ah hah!
Gwen made her way to the drinks table, diverting conversation with a, "Not until I've had a few drinks." She sighed in relief upon reaching the table.
"What will it be for you?" the bartender asked politely.
"Yea, I'll take two shots of your strongest booze and a mix of something fruity," Gwen said hastily.
The bartender looked startled, but immediately started making the drinks. As soon as the shots were put up Gwen threw them back. She picked up her mix drink and turned to leave. "Oh! I don't have to tip you, do I?"
The bartender shook his head in apparent shock, "No, ma'am."
Gwen shrugged her shoulders, "Sweet," and started over to the buffet table to load up a plate of food before the alcohol really hit her.
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Post by Sharlot Cuprick on Dec 3, 2015 10:20:52 GMT -6
Sharlot had been almost entirely reclusive over the last three years since she lost her voice and social gatherings were all but familiar to her. But the Games begin today, she reminded herself. There was no time to get comfortable, she had to dive right in. Sharlot spotted a girl already throwing back drinks. She had the right idea.
Sharlot jumped in line behind her. When the bartender asked for her order, she pointed to Gwendolyn's drink and held up 2 fingers. She waited for Gwendolyn to get settled with her food and then with the friendliest smile she could muster she slid in next to her at the table.
Placing one of the drinks in front of her, Sharlot waved hello and pointed to her own nametag, mouthing "Sharlot."
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Post by Reese Oberron on Dec 3, 2015 13:45:04 GMT -6
With all the food so freely available, one would think that Reese would be in some sort of paradise; however, her nerves were getting the best of her and she opted for a small platter and glass of wine.
"...well... perhaps another glass of wine and some of that meat over there too" She told herself, she didn't even know what it was, just that it looked delicious and that everyone back home would be so jealous of her.
After her third glass of wine she looked around for a familiar face, Travis perhaps, but somehow she'd lost him. Instead after a brief moment she caught a of a recognizable scarred face and was approached by her mentor, Joanna Ducall. "I see you've been drinking, probably for the best. You should open up, there are more of them watching you than you'll ever realize."
"I just feel so out of place. I thought I would be ready for the games, but this isn't what I expected."
Joanna guffawed, "What you expected? Nothing is what you expect it to be, and coming to terms with that as quickly as possible is in your best interest. Come, I have someone I thin you should meet!"
As Joanna led Reese to the ballroom floor she began to take notice of the sideways glances in her direction, as well as those more obvious perhaps as she locked eyes with a boy about her age. Reese smiled, the wine was certainly starting to have its impact, "For the best." She recalled Joanna say and continued to smile as she led her forward.
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Dec 3, 2015 17:38:55 GMT -6
Gwen glanced down at the drink, following the arm that placed it there to the face and then the mouth that silently said the name Sharlot.
Gwen smiled suggestively, "My aren't you a pretty thing, and proper, too. You brought me a drink and everything!" Gwen finished the drink in her hand before grabbing the fresh one. "My name is Gwendolyn. Judging by your silent introduction I assume you can't speak?" Gwen hooked an arm around Sharlot's, "How about we dance instead?" She lightly brushed her fingers down Sharlot's arm, "Or would you prefer more of a private sort of dance?"
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Post by Sydney Gardiner on Dec 3, 2015 23:11:02 GMT -6
Sydney was, in a word, stuffing her damn face. Listen, this was like their last meal so she might as well get this all out of the way now in case she starves in the ring (which she very does not plan to). There's a job to be done, sure...but one doesn't turn up their nose at crab cakes.
Across the room, she spotted a long black bar with people mingling around it. "oh hell yes"
Always a lady with class, Sydney located the bar. The bartender gave her a staredown after she had asked for a martini with a twist, figuring there is no way she was old enough to be ordering it. He wasn't wrong, but... "Hey man, one of us is going into an arena of death here." It worked well enough and Sydney noticed a group of girls nearby. All tributes. Might as well make friends.
"Hello ladies. Seriously, those crab cakes. Go for it."
There was time for planning and allegiances later. But not much later.
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Post by Nelson Clark on Dec 3, 2015 23:32:57 GMT -6
"I WOULD LIKE TO BUY EVERYONE IN THIS BAR A DRINK." "...sir this is an open bar." "SO I CAN AFFORD TO BUY EVERYONE IN HERE A DRINK."
This was probably going to be Nelson's favorite part of this whole event, getting plastered and making first impressions with the other tribute. Nelson's eye caught a flash of green hair. Wow that wasn't something you saw much in District 4. How WONDERFUL. "OH AND AN EXTRA DRINK FOR THAT STUNNING HAIRSTYLE." "Sir this is an open bar.." "MAKE IT TWO--NO THREE. FOR THE LADIES."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 4, 2015 8:27:12 GMT -6
Wren was a little late to the feast, since he had taken the scenic route through the garden to the back door. He smelled something far too familiar on his way: sweet pea. He tucked his pressed sweet pea flower locket under his shirt as he thought back to his goodbyes after the reaping. His sister Egret had given him the locket without a word. He didn't even hug her, or Robin. It was too difficult. He was too angry to show any affection. His mother just kept sobbing, and his dad patted his shoulder with a whisper,"Use your smarts, boy. There are peace-keepers and tributes mixed together this year." He shook these thoughts away as he found the buffet table. I'm starving.
He grabbed some foreign-looking tart and sipped on a maple stout. Well...guess I'd rather die with friends around me, since I have zero at home. He approached the group throwing back shots. This was not the type of group he'd approach back home in Seven, but this wasn't Seven. And he wasn't quite sure he was himself anymore, either.
"Maybe they should call these the thirsty games, instead of hunger games? Hi, I'm Wren. Mind if I join you for a bit?"
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Post by Sharlot Cuprick on Dec 4, 2015 10:35:25 GMT -6
Dancing? Sharlot wasn't expecting to be thrown out of her comfort zone so quickly, but she was determined to adapt, and it kinda sounded like fun. And a private dance at that? That seemed like a good opportunity to get to know Gwendolyn in a one-on-one setting. It was hard for Sharlot to communicate in a large group like the one that seemed to be forming around them. Besides, Gwendolyn seemed forward and decisive and Sharlot liked that.
Sharlot nodded her head eagerly.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 4, 2015 11:34:13 GMT -6
With the group of girls drifting away to the dance floor, Wren decided to strike up a conversation with the District 4 tributes after a quick glance around the room, searching for Gillian.
"So, you guys are from District 4, right? That must be cool. I've never spent much time around water. I wonder if they'll be water or trees in the arena...what do you guys think of this whole 'Peacekeepers as tributes' thing?"
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Dec 4, 2015 23:44:17 GMT -6
Gwendolyn grinned at the eager nodding from Sharlot.
"Wonderful!"
Two others sat at the table with them. Gwendolyn winked at them, "I'll see you two cuties later perhaps." She tugged on Sharlot's arm, leading her to the dance floor. The alcohol was starting to have it's effect. She hoped she could be sober enough to finish her fun tonight.
Gwen lead them to a more secluded part of the dance floor, though not nearly secluded enough for her tastes. She would have to find a more suitable place, but not before a dance to warm up. She turned to give Sharlot a full once over. My, is she attractive. Grinning, she slid a hand around Sharlot's waist, taking a hand in hers, leaning a bit too close, and started leading to the music.
"I'm going to be forward with you. I don't care too much to play the games. While this is the last few days of my life I want to live them to the fullest. I will laugh, I will drink, and I hope to get a little... intimate with those willing. Old habits die hard, though." Gwen started to drift a little as the alcohol blurred her thoughts. "So tell me," she said, snapping back to the present, "what was your favorite memory?"
(OOC: Just realized, should we move to the dance floor thread?)
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 5, 2015 8:59:52 GMT -6
Wren could overhear part of Gwendolyn's conversation, and wished she'd move a little closer to the middle of the dance floor. He was still really interested in hearing what the District Four tributes had to say about the Peacekeeper thing, and was feeling rather chatty which was unusual for him. He immediately realized he might have given Gwendolyn a strange look as he processed those thoughts; he wished his eyebrows were less intense during moments like this. He hoped she didn't take it personally. The beer was hitting him a bit more than he'd like to admit.
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Post by Vester Lombard on Dec 5, 2015 17:41:52 GMT -6
"I think he successfully scared them off," said Vester, watching the two girls retreat to the dance floor.
Beside Vester stood a tall, blonde woman wearing all white. "I'll bet he's popular with the girls back in Seven," she joked.
"I do like his approach though, playing the intimidation card early," Vester continued.
"He has too much of a baby face to be intimidating," the woman continued as if Wren wasn't just a few feet away. "I don't think he has a shot, what do you think?"
Vester laughed, "You know I can't play favorites, but I will say I expect big things from Wren. I did choose him for a reason."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 5, 2015 22:28:24 GMT -6
Wren noticed some capitol people whispering nearby. He recognized the man as Vester Lombard, the Game Maker. He didn't like the way they were looking at him and whispering. Damn. What's with these people? Wren wasn't trying to chase anyone away. He just wanted some human interaction. Seeing the girls getting close on the dance floor, he jokingly thought Maybe I should have made those rumors back home true and worn a dress tonight. That'd give them something to talk about. Maybe then I'd get someone to talk to me. He turned his attention to the girl from Eleven on the dance floor.
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Post by Minerva Umber on Dec 6, 2015 10:00:25 GMT -6
Minerva had two drinks in her hands. She hadn't touched either of them, but apparently a tribute named Nelson had been insisting that the entire group drink. She took a sip... it burned, but I guess it makes you think less. She wandered over to Vester Lombard, he was the only person she recognized, even if she didn't particularly like him. The others seemed to be moving to the dance floor... she had no idea how to dance...
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Post by Janet Martin on Dec 6, 2015 13:36:05 GMT -6
Janet walked to the table which she had been ogling all night. The drink she had earlier had whet her appetite and she was ravenous now, and ready to eat. Grabbing two of the biggest plates she could manage, she began to load up her plate with a sampling variety of fine meats cooked and arranged in each districts characteristic style. She found other dishes that she had never seen, whole ocean fish which were able to be carved like hams, edible cooked flowers, and ice cream which seemed to never melt.
Finding an area where she could watch the proceedings Janet began to go to town on her plates. At least she remembered to grab napkins, now she just had to remember to use them. This wasn't going to be clean.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 6, 2015 14:23:26 GMT -6
In between conversations, Wren decided to face Vester after all. He strolled up to the bar and buffet area, snagging some snacks along the way.
"Mr. Lombard, thanks for gracing us with your presence tonight. You seem to know us all more than we think, so you already know my strengths...I have to ask though, what do you think I should improve on during the remaining training days? There are so many options to brush up on, but what would you suggest?"
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Post by Vester Lombard on Dec 6, 2015 15:19:13 GMT -6
Vester turned around from his conversation with the blonde woman to face Wren. Vester smiled broadly at him.
"Ah! Wren Hartwood, District 7. I've been watching you for some time now and it's a pleasure to meet you face to face. Of course I can't give away any secrets about the games. Though I can give you a tip about the pre-games. It may seem silly to have these parties and events, but you may have noticed all of the successful alliances over the last three years were formed before the arena. And it's no secret to anyone who's done a bit of research that the top performing tributes always seem to have had the best Sponsor Scores at the end of the Training Days. Is it coincidence? Or are these parties more important that people realize."
"By the way, this is my wife Gwendolyn," Vester gestured to the blonde woman next to him.
"How nice to meet you!" she said in an overly sweet tone. "How are you adjusting to the Capitol life? I'm sure Egret would have loved to be here at the feast, don't you think?"
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 6, 2015 15:37:49 GMT -6
"That's a good point. I'm certainly trying to make the most of these social events! My stylist introduced me to a few sponsors after the parade. They seemed to enjoy the Peter Pan-esque outfit!" Wren liked it, too. He wished he could wear those boots in the arena. He felt so...at home, in them. Wren turned to Vester's wife and held out a hand. "Pleasure to meet you as well! I'm adjusting fine, I suppose. I'm pretty quiet back home, so I'm trying to put myself out there, for once. And Egret would just fawn over these scones! I used to take her out once a week when I got my pay, until..." Wren paused and contemplated oversharing. "Until I got too busy." He thanked the Lombards for their chat and returned to the dance floor.
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Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 6, 2015 15:51:23 GMT -6
"Screw it!"
Loise had never been much for the spot-light, but now was not the time to bashful. She kicked her shoes off and headed to the dance floor....
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 6, 2015 18:41:59 GMT -6
Valeria's eyes did a slow but deliberate sweep of the corner of the buffet that she was currently situated at. No one appeared to be looking her way which was probably for the best seeing as her cheeks had ballooned up to chipmunk like proportions after attempting to stuff an entire eclair into her mouth in one bite.
Its not that she was particularly gluttonous or anything but among the ashes and machinery of District 8 its not very often that you come across an eclair like this...all filled with gooey sugary wonder.
As the dessert made its way to its destination in her stomach she examined the room. She was quite used to sticking out in District 8 with her blue hair but it seemed that everyone here had their own quirks to which the color of her hair paled in comparison and while it was nice to be invisible for a while she realized that she should probably go out and socialize a bit...
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 6, 2015 19:29:45 GMT -6
"Hell," she thought to herself, "there's even another girl here with blue hair."
As he made her way towards the dance floor she wondered if perhaps orange was more her color...
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Post by Holly Edison on Dec 6, 2015 20:17:32 GMT -6
Holly entered the feast a bit later than the other tributes. The train being delayed and the events of the day had taken a toll on her and it had taken more time than usual to make her presentable. She made her way through the crowd slowly, listening to as much conversation as she could, trying to get a feel for the other participants. A few caught her eye, a slight boy, younger than most of the tributes she'd seen before piqued her interest. Already making friends with the game maker? Good way to up your profile. Now is the time for good impressions after all. The Game hasn't started yet I'm sure some would say, but anyone who's had their name called or trained for this knows that isn't true. Not by a long shot. God, this is stressful. At least there's food.
Holly took a drink offered by a passing server and made her way over to introduce herself, making an effort to put on her most winning smile.
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 6, 2015 20:25:20 GMT -6
Val ran back from the bar to grab another chocolate eclair and almost ran headlong into a tribute she hadn't noticed before. "Agh sorry," she instinctively called out as her eclair tumbled to the floor.
Staring down at the frosting-down pastry she felt a bit saddened but there was no time to dwell on that.
"Hey sorry about that! You really should try an eclair though they're quite good!" she paused, "oh and Hi! The name's Valeria but most people just call me Val."
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Post by Holly Edison on Dec 6, 2015 20:39:06 GMT -6
Taken by surprise by the flash of blue and bubbliness before her, Holly fumbled for a moment. She felt her smile waver for a moment before catching herself. Don't look angry, your face does that.
"...Hello. Um, Valeria you said? That's a lovely name. My father had a passion for older languages and rambling. It means 'strong' doesn't it? Seems you might have a leg up if that holds true. I'm Holly."
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 6, 2015 20:47:47 GMT -6
Val grinned genuinely. It wasn't often that people knew the root word her name was based off of. While most people knew her as Val she always made sure to present both her nickname and real name upon meeting a new person because truth be told she was quite proud of meaning.
"A couple of us are hanging out at the bar," she motioned over to wear her new friends were hanging out, "You should join us."
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