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Post by Reese Oberron on Dec 3, 2015 14:14:08 GMT -6
Finally they'd arrived, with so many people moving about Reese stomach turned and she was glad that she hadn't eaten anything more.
"Now Reese, I need you to stay relaxed out here. Act natural and try not to make a fool of yourself." Joanna dictated.
"How could I act anything other than na...," Reese began but Joanna had already disappeared into the crowd. She began to panic, the lights were far too bright, the room was far too crowded and her stomach was still churning... there was nothing natural about this.
"Reese Oberron! With my greatest pleasure I would like to introduce you to Bertram Hollington." Reappeared with a man in tow, his great blue coat nearly touching the floor behind him. "Bertram if you'll excuse me, Reese is great company but she is also not my only charge, I must go find where Travis has been lurking."
"My dear you're shaking, are you cold? Why don't we get to moving and we can give these plebeians something to really feast their eyes on!"
"...you see, that is why we depend so heavily on your district my dear even though you might not realize it. You know they will be looking to you during the games."
The song had ended and they each took a moment to breath. "Remember Reese your district won't be the only ones looking to you during the games." He winked and then strode into the crowd with purpose. Reese arched her shoulders back and stretched. Looking up to ceiling, she had just now noticed its beauty "If only I could believe a word anyone says here." She thought and then brought herself back to reality remembering what Joanna had told her earlier as she began to move about the ballroom floor.
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Dec 3, 2015 22:55:10 GMT -6
As Thomas entered the ballroom, he immediately caught a glimpse of the teal whirl that was Reese's hair.
Wow. He couldn't help himself. He walked over to Reese - "Sweet hair!"
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Post by Reese Oberron on Dec 4, 2015 0:50:15 GMT -6
She spun around and nearly crashed into the young man who approached her. "Oh me? I thought you meant that guy over there." Pointing to a portly man with a toupee which sat awkwardly on his head. "He seems unaware of how silly he looks, which I find incredibly hard to believe... Oh apologies! I'm a bit out of my element here. I'm Reese."
She stuck out her hand, "What are you waiting for, gonna show me your moves?"
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Post by Sharlot Cuprick on Dec 5, 2015 11:55:20 GMT -6
Gwendolyn took Sharlot to a more secluded part of the room and began leading her in dance. Sharlot hadn’t had much reason to dance in recent years, and when she did Mr. Cuprick wasn’t much of a leader. His offbeat, awkward steps had ruined one of her favorite activities for her. But Gwendolyn took her confidently by the waist, lightly pushing and pulling her to the music. It felt very natural and Sharlot liked that.
Sharlot wondered for a moment if Gwendolyn was the wrong person to be making friends with. Sharlot very much cared about the Games and she planned to win to prove to her father that she was better at the Games than he was. But perhaps it was too early to count Gwendolyn out. Sharlot was exceptionally bad at reading people, and her lack of ability to ask for clarification certainly didn’t help. She had married Mr. Cuprick of all people, so she knew by now she wasn’t the best judge of character.
Sharlot giggled. This seemed like a silly time to be looking for a boyfriend, but she admired Gwendolyn’s openness.
Sharlot thought. She hadn’t made many fond memories these past few years. She enjoyed tinkering with her electronics, but sitting at home with her pathetic husband didn’t allow for much excitement. Come to think of it, this was the most exciting thing to have ever happened to her. Sharlot loved the cameras, the extravagance, the competition. So Sharlot smiled and pointed down to the floor between them, as if to say “Right now. This is my favorite memory.”
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Post by Reese Oberron on Dec 5, 2015 12:45:02 GMT -6
The dancing seemed to have died down, and she couldn't see many other tributes about at all. She thought that she recognized two off in the corner privately & they seemed to be having a moment together. "If we've only got a few days left to live why not," and Reese suddenly felt a bit mischevious... Joanna did tell her to act natural after all.
Unsure of what to do or where to go Reese began to amble about without any particular direction.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 5, 2015 13:59:28 GMT -6
Wren decided to stand somewhat between the buffet table and dance floor, while waiting for the District Four tributes to finish their drinks and resume conversation. Something bright caught his eye...
"Oh hey, you're the District Eleven girl, right? I bet your hair really 'blue' the sponsors away!" That was terrible. "Sorry...that was terrible. I'm Wren. District Seven. Wanna join me at the buffet table? It seems kinda quiet over here. We were just talking about our thoughts on the Peacekeepers aspect of this year's games"
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Dec 5, 2015 15:50:36 GMT -6
The alcohol was really starting to kick in. Gwen noticed the flash of uncertainty on Sharlot's face when she mentioned she didn't really want to play the game. While not entirely true, she would try to survive, but if things were going south she wasn't going to be to upset about it. She just wanted to enjoy her last few days, and there was little time to do both.
Sharlot giggled at Gwen's mention of intimacy. It was cute, but was she getting the hint?
Gwen was surprised when Sharlot seemed to mean that this was her favorite memory, "Really? Aren't you from a wealthier district? How can now be better? We're just dancing." Gwen paused for a moment, noticing Wren giving them an odd look. "Well, if that's the case, is there any way this could get better?" she asked, glancing down at Sharlot's mouth and leaning in closer, within kissing distance.
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Dec 5, 2015 16:29:04 GMT -6
Thomas watched as Reese wandered about the dance floor once more.
"You're right, that guy's hair does look ridiculous! But hey, not everyone can have sweet hair like you. How about I finally show you some of my moves?"
He attempted a moon walk, which turned out to be fairly decent for someone with little dancing experience.
"What do you make of this Quarter Quell thing? Should be an interesting year...."
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Post by Reese Oberron on Dec 5, 2015 16:56:57 GMT -6
Reese grinned slyly, "Not bad Thomas, not bad. The Quarter Quell? To be honest I don't know what to make of it at all... I mean it is still the same game right? What difference will it make whether someone is a peacekeeper or not so long as there can only be on victor it is all the same... isn't it? Though saying that feels foolish, Vester is sure to have something up his sleeve and I'm anxious to know just what that is."
A boy with funny eyebrows approached them asking nearly the same thing and it seemed like this was what was on everybody's minds. "Either of you care to share your thoughts, perhaps you know something the rest of us don't?"
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 5, 2015 22:37:52 GMT -6
After slipping past the capitol people, who were in fact talking about him, Wren walked towards the dance floor.
"Actually, I'm just trying to strike up a conversation. I don't really see the point in talking about favorite memories or stories from back home. It's too late for that. None of it matters now." This was all starting to feel very real to Wren. "I mean, most of us are going to die within the next few weeks. And honestly, I'd like to die with at least one friend in the world" Other than my sister...
Wren wondered where the rest of the tributes were...maybe having some crazy hotel room party? Were they mostly Peacekeepers? Mostly tributes? He hadn't even spoken to Gillian from Seven in a while...Who can I trust... Wren wasn't even sure what he was seeking anymore: allies or friends. Both?
"I guess you're right, though. I'm sure Vester has something intense planned, and it's possible it could be targeted at both tributes and peacekeepers."
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Post by Minerva Umber on Dec 6, 2015 9:56:27 GMT -6
Minerva didn't know what to do. She had spent the last few days thinking about the fact that she was probably going to die. Seeing all the others dancing... spinning... a few even looked like they were flirting? What was this? How was she supposed to reconcile with the fact that she was going to either die or kill some of these people.
All of a sudden she started to feel sick. She should be charming now, not scared. There were a group of tributes standing having a conversation. They looked about her age. A boy voiced what she had been thinking. "most of us are going to die within the next few weeks..."
Minerva hopped in, almost spilling the drink in her hand... "I'll be your friend... I mean, if you want it? But what do you think that Vester has planned? What could he do, besides for, I mean making us kill each other? Why would they even put Peacekeepers in here? Won't they just die too?"
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 6, 2015 10:30:28 GMT -6
"Well, you know how some years the 'careers' are all abut the games and some tributes absolutely hate the Capitol? Do you think there are Peacekeepers that hate the Capitol, too? The only reason I can think for them being here is punishment. Maybe there was some sort of treason or something? Does it really matter who our allies are, as long as we have some? Or will Peacekeepers be more likely to stab a tribute in the back?" Wren realized he wasn't really dancing and this was the dance floor, so he started stepping from side to side as he chatted, to give the illusion of dancing and keep off suspicions from Vester, whose eyes seemed to be stuck on him for the moment.
"Oh, and yeah. I've never been good at the friends thing despite my efforts. The boys back home are sorta awful. So yeah, friends?" Wren gave the girl another look and realized she seemed pretty strong. He hoped he came out of this night with at least one person to call a friend, ally, whatever.
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Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 6, 2015 12:43:28 GMT -6
Loise slowly made her way over to the group in the ballroom. Having seen some more of the old footage, she realized that most of the tributes that died, died because of the game master. Less than quarter had ultimately died at the hands of another tribute and usually at the hands of the same tribute. Ultimately, which ever tribute wins doesn't matter, because the capitol has already won. "I'll be your friend... I mean, if you want it? But what do you think that Vester has planned? What could he do, besides for, I mean making us kill each other? Why would they even put Peacekeepers in here? Won't they just die too?" " The Peacekeepers might die, and I'm sure there's a reason why. Everyone will serve a purpose to the Capitol, even us. All we can really hope for is to last as long as possible." |
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Post by Dante Clavus on Dec 6, 2015 14:04:04 GMT -6
Dante had spent time at District 5 dances before; but this music was different from the jagged electronic music he was used to. An orchestra took up an entire corner of the ballroom and was playing a lively tune. Shuffling his feet across the floor; he danced with the rhythm toward the other tributes and caught the thread of their conversation. Some quick introductions were given above the wafting sounds of music and the scent of food.
"Seems to me that the Peacekeepers are being put in as a way to stop another Primrose Accord scenario. You all remember from a few years ago, right? Kimber, Millie, Jaden and the rest banded together and made short work of the others not in their group. It was a big letdown for us watching at home; most districts spread out and were picked off one by one."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 6, 2015 14:19:04 GMT -6
Wren wasn't entirely sure, but he had a feeling that some of these tributes were hoping to beat the Capitol somehow...But you can't just go asking people what their motives are. Still, he wanted to help out whoever he could with whatever skills Vester seemed to believe he possessed. Why was I chosen? Maybe I should strike up a conversation with him.
Wren hardly watched the games. They made him angry. "Actually, I wasn't very familiar with the Primrose Accord thing, sorry. So would you plan on smaller alliances then, or a big group with an even bigger common enemy...?"
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Post by Sharlot Cuprick on Dec 6, 2015 15:45:04 GMT -6
Suddenly Gwendolyn was within kissing distance. Sharlot's heart pounded. What was happening? Why did she feel an urge to kiss her back? Was it the alcohol kicking in? Her head felt cloudy. Or maybe it was the confident, secure way Gwendolyn was holding her, much the way Mr. Cuprick never did. Sharlot nervously leaned in.
Then out of the corner of her eye she noticed a few other tributes looking on, the camera crew in the corner of the room, and was that Mr. Lombard standing by the buffet table?? Her face flushed with embarrassment. What was she doing? This was the Hunger Games!
Sharlot quickly released herself from Gwendolyn's arms. She opened her mouth to speak, to apologize, but just let out a feeble murmur. Feeling more embarrassed she fled the dance floor.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 6, 2015 17:38:01 GMT -6
Wren noticed a rugged guy watching the group, from the bar. He looks like the older lumberjack guys back home...Suddenly, Eloise came running onto the dance floor without shoes. Wren had hoped to talk to her too, at some point. He caught her just as she dashed by, "Hey, that guy over there is staring over here. Looks like he needs some entertainment. Wanna dance?" He was genuinely interested in talking to her, and in dancing. So he tried to control his intense eyebrows and flashed a smile.  |
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Dec 6, 2015 19:08:37 GMT -6
Gwendolyn frowned at the sudden disappearance of Sharlot. It seemed as if she wanted to kiss. She sighed and shook her head.
Well now I'm bored.
Gwen looked around the room and spotted Wren, who gave her a funny look earlier. Wondering what that was about she walked up to him. The alcohol gave her a bit of a disregard for others, so even though he had just asked a girl to dance she smacked him on the back of the head in what she hoped was a playful manner.
"Yo, what was with the crazy eyes earlier? You messed up my chance. Probably."
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Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 6, 2015 19:19:06 GMT -6
Val briefly considered joining the animated crowd of tributes on the dance floor.
...and in that brief moment she found that her feet had already made their way over to it.
She should have been more concerned that her feet had instinctively drawn her to the dance floor before her brain had made up its mind but then she had always been drawn to crowds and the music was...actually pretty good.
Valeria noticed two brunette girls that must have been about her age. "There's an in," she thought to herself. It was always much easier to get to know large groups of people if you were able to befriend one or two at the start. It just kinda grows exponentially from there.
As she took a first step towards the pair she paused, "Were they about to...kiss?" I mean she didn't have the slightest problem with it. You kiss who you want. I mean might as well with the whole We're All Gonna Die In A Few Days Thing but she suddenly felt like she was intruding on a private moment.
As she was searching for a reason to backpedal she heard a bearded over by the bar shout something about drinks.
"Good enough," she mused to herself.
And just like that she made a beeline to the bar.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 6, 2015 19:23:29 GMT -6
Just as the words left Wren's mouth, THWACK! He spun around quickly, and because his intent was to show off a fancy dance move, his motor control was a step ahead of his visual receptors. He grabbed Gwendolyn, flung her over his shoulder, behind his head, around his waist, and let her down gently in front of him. It was a move called "over the moon" he'd done with Egret all the time. She loved aerials...they made her feel she could fly. He realized what he had done. "Oh...I'm so sorry! That was just a dance thing I used to do with my sister...I hope I didn't scare you!" He tried to smile..."Did you say crazy eyes? Sorry, sometimes these eyebrows have a mind of their own."  "I'm Wren. Sorry about the look. I didn't mean anything by it. Gwendolyn, right?" |
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Post by Julian Kane on Dec 6, 2015 19:33:43 GMT -6
There seemed to be so much excitement when Julian entered the ballroom. He saw Thomas's moonwalk and Dante's shuffle and tried to imitate them. It was not very successful. But, it was fun! Julian had never danced before, though now he didn't want to stop!
Though as he got closer to the other tributes, he heard them talking about very stressful things; who to trust, strategies, past games. Julian knew this was important and tried to pay attention. He suddenly felt an urge to say something. He didn't want to remain an unimportant kid in the corner. He thought of something smart to say.
"What if there are no peacekeepers and they're just saying that to try and separate the tributes from making alliances?"
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Post by Gwendolyn Fisk on Dec 6, 2015 19:34:40 GMT -6
Gwendolyn laughed at the burst of adrenaline from being picked up.
"Haha, no problem! That was quite fun! Yes, Gwendolyn. You enjoy your dance, I am far too sober right now. I hear someone shouting about a drinking game. Catch you later!"
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Dec 6, 2015 19:35:57 GMT -6
"Either of you care to share your thoughts, perhaps you know something the rest of us don't?" "I can't be sure what's going on. I'm just wandering if the two groups will somehow be pitted against each other. Or maybe the groups will have different advantages? I'm not sure, but there definately got to be more to the story!" |
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Post by Julian Kane on Dec 6, 2015 19:36:08 GMT -6
Then suddenly Wren did some sort of crazy trick! Julian got so distracted and abandoned the conversation. "Can you do that to me?!" He was bouncing up and down with excitement.
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Post by Thomas Windsnip on Dec 6, 2015 19:50:22 GMT -6
Thomas noticed a young boy walk in that was about his age.
Julian said "What if there are no peacekeepers and they're just saying that to try and separate the tributes from making alliances?"
"That's smart thinking, my brother. You could be right. It's always hard to trust someone, but it's especially hard this year. But we can't let that stop us, right?" Thomas extended his hand.
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