|
|
Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 7, 2015 16:07:01 GMT -6
The morning after the banquet and the subsequent party in the Loading Docks Val was feeling as if she had taken one of those death cannons from the arena to the face.
"urrgghh..." she groaned as she made her way over to a small canteen in the wall serving sandwiches. "I'll take two peanut butter and bacon sandwiches please..."
It was a weird food but it always seemed to clear her head. Last night she had handled her liquor like a pro and felt quite proud of herself seeing as though she almost never drank in those amounts.
But today it was taking its revenge...
She plopped down on a small ledge that ran the outside of the designated "eating area" around the canteen and started to chow down.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deo Prisco on Dec 7, 2015 18:30:30 GMT -6
Deo sat on a coach eating his egg-white, spinach and tomato omlete. "What the heck is bacon?" he thought. Eyeing the girl from District 8. Deo has always been kept on a strict diet at the academy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 7, 2015 18:36:01 GMT -6
Once again emulating a chipmunk unintentionally, her cheeks stuffed with bacony goodness, she noticed the only other person in the eating area.
He seemed decidedly NOT hungover and had a rather clean-cut appearance. "A career?" Val thought to herself?
She waved at the new face but the more she looked at the more it seemed like she had never even seen him before. Had he skipped the banquet?
She smiled at him as she wiped a splotch of peanut butter off the corner of her mouth.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deo Prisco on Dec 7, 2015 19:42:49 GMT -6
Deo awkwardly waved back. Most the women he knew had been instructors, rigid and professional at all times. He could tell this girl was very different from any he had met. "Uh m-my name is Deo," he stuttered, "What are you eating?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 7, 2015 19:57:03 GMT -6
Val hopped down from her perch, "Bacon and Peanut Butter sandwich!" she said with a grin.
"The name's Valeria but most people call me Val...or Blue now I guess." She offered.
"Wanna try a bite?" she asked and unceremoniously handed him the second half of her sandwich.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deo Prisco on Dec 7, 2015 20:13:54 GMT -6
Deo looked at the sandwich and his stomach lurched. "I better be nice," he thought, grabbing the second half. He took a small bite dreading the taste... It was weird texture but actually very tasty. His eye lit up.
"This is pretty good," he said, peanut butter sputtering out of his mouth. "Is this a district 8 delicacy?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 7, 2015 20:28:08 GMT -6
She laughed, "Not particularly its more of a...Valeria Specialty."
"I'm glad you like it!" Val added, "Next you'll have to try an eclair!"
She paused briefly before asking, "You've really never had bacon before...?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Deo Prisco on Dec 9, 2015 21:18:04 GMT -6
"uh... no?" said Deo. Is that what this sandwich is called? He decided Val must be some sort of food expert from her chatter.
|
|
|
|
Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 9, 2015 21:39:33 GMT -6
"A PLATE OF BACON PLEASE!" Val shouted as she ran over to the service window.
Ten minutes later she excitedly slammed down an entire two pounds of crispy bacon in between her and the apparently clueless tribute.
"Bacon!" she added wiggling it in front of his face playfully, "try it!"
|
|
|
|
Post by Deo Prisco on Dec 9, 2015 22:58:22 GMT -6
He grabbed a thick floppy piece from the pile and took a bite. Grease ran down his chin. It was crisp yet chewy, rich and flavorful. "I can't believe I've never had this before. Does everyone eat bacon?" he wondered out loud. He quickly scarfed down a dozen more slices.
Suddenly, the joy left his face. His eyebrows narrowing, eyes fixated on the bacon contemplatively. "Everyone I've met here has been so nice," Deo said, "Isn't this making our job in the games harder? I've spent my entire life learning to analyze my opponents, find their weakness, and attack. It's weird Val, I've already thought about how I would kill you. Yet here we are... eating bacon." Deo felt a terrible pain in his stomach. His body was not used to the fat and oil. It came up in acidic chunks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sharlot Cuprick on Dec 10, 2015 20:44:40 GMT -6
Sharlot entered the common area. She was hoping to meet a couple more people before the start of the Games. Every connection counted. She spotted Valeria and Deo sitting on the ledge across the room. She was working up the nerve to walk over there when all of a sudden it looked as if Deo was going to be sick. Sharlot grabbed a wastebasket and ran across the room to place it in front of Deo.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 11, 2015 6:57:42 GMT -6
Cal dragged himself into the cafeteria, the smell of food drawing him. It's so easy to forget one's well being when engrossed in research, the past day of training and collaboration only exacerbated the need.
Stepping up to the counter, he perused the spread.
Where's the bread? We have roast meats, a variety of fruits and enough sweets to set in a coma.
Looking to the other participants, there was a lot of emphasis on fried pork strips. Grabbing a handful along with some fruit and a small slice of bread (finally found the basket at the end of the table), he made his way over to the tributes.
"Val, any chance I can join your merry band?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 11, 2015 21:26:39 GMT -6
Eloise had noticed that there had been a few new faces around. She figured that she should introduce herself. At least reach out and learn something about them.
"Hello Cal, Deo. Enjoying the spread? What's your favorite food from your district?"
She hoped her tone came off as sincere. Small talk wasn't her most finely tuned skill.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 11, 2015 22:00:00 GMT -6
Turning to Eloise, Cal hops back a pace.
Has she been standing here the whole time? Well... takes guts to reach out.
He relaxes back in his seat, his expression at ease.
"Yes, it's amazing the variety they are able to put together. Catering to everyone's tastes makes for a diverse experience."
He grabs his slice of bread, holding it gingerly in his hand.
"This here, is both our district's staple and finest delicacy. You find something to dip it in; may not be much for taste, but it'll get you through the day."
Cal places the bread down with one hand and extends his other to Eloise, paired with a small smile.
"I don't believe we've met. Name's Cal Mensen."
|
|
|
|
Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 12, 2015 8:44:55 GMT -6
"Eloise Sugarglider, District 6. It seems like we all have some sort of tragic stories that led us to being here. Maybe that's why we were all chosen...."
"If you make it out of here Cal, what will you do with your winnings?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 12, 2015 10:04:19 GMT -6
Why we were chosen... I'd hack it up to blind luck and failures of character
Cal realized he was spacing out in the middle of a conversation, his eyes drawn back to Eloise. He shrugs.
"I haven't really given that much thought. Maybe reinvest it in the district, bring some variety from the Capital back home to 12. After visiting a few friends, of course. I intend to repay them for getting me where I am today."
A smile returns to his face, realizing he's talking her ear off.
"How about yourself? What do you link from this spread, and what would you do with the winnings?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 12, 2015 12:15:32 GMT -6
"In 6 we have a lot of stew and porridge based dishes. I think that's probably not fancy enough for here but the soup's nice. Not very hearty though." "I haven't thought much about what I'd do if I make it back. I think most people would be surprised if I did, but that's okay, I intend on proving them wrong." Have you aligned with anyone yet? |
|
|
|
Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 12, 2015 14:18:19 GMT -6
Cal grins, finding her determination to be charming. "That we have in common. I believe that quiet determination would take you far in the games." His elbow bumps his fork off the plate and onto the ground. He lets out a weary sigh as he reaches down to pick it up. No, but I am looking. "Sorry, these long nights in the archives doesn't make sleeping easy. Speaking of which, have you found anything interesting through your browsing?" |
|
|
|
Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 13, 2015 8:37:51 GMT -6
"There is a lot of footage to go through here. But I think the biggest take away so far has been that most people die at the hands of a single person, or because of the game-makers. So there's usually a common enemy." I'm working with a group that wants to survive together. We have no misconceptions that only one of us will make it out, but we figure we have better chances working as a group to survive, maybe more....
If you have a place we can talk, I'd be interested in discussing it further if you'd like.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 13, 2015 10:46:46 GMT -6
"Most tributes figure that out too late. Until they identify one, they'll end up as more victims." "I believe in the Primrose accord, but haven't found it." Cal takes a bite out of his bread as he realizes his food is getting cold. Followed with a sip of water, he clears his throat. "Thanks for the insight. Let me know if you have anything on your mind, I might be able to help." |
|
|
|
Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 13, 2015 10:57:47 GMT -6
Thanks I will. Is your hotel room available. I might be able to interest you in something. |
|
|
|
Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 13, 2015 11:12:21 GMT -6
Cal continues to munch on his food, his energy renewed. At this point he's not sure what help he could be, this close to the Games' start. I'm afraid not, roommate still there. Anywhere else? "I overheard part of your interview while being lined up for mine. I'm sorry to hear about your family, that isn't an easy burden to bear. Another way we're alike, I'm afraid." |
|
|
|
Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 13, 2015 23:19:21 GMT -6
Val snapped out of a bacon induced trance and noticed two more people than before.
"Oh, hello." she said politely wiping bacon crumbs off her chin, "what did I miss?"
"Hey Ghost!" she exclaimed remembering Cal from the tactics exercise earlier, "You almost had me out there! You're quite the tactician."
Val turned to look at Eloise. She had seen her around before but she had always either been silently hanging out in a corner or being courted by that Wren kid.
"Hi, the name's Valeria but most people just call me Val," she smiled, "I don't believe we've actually met yet."
|
|
|
|
Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 13, 2015 23:40:35 GMT -6
Cal stares blankly at first, attention broken. He recomposes himself and makes a slight smile.
"Thanks, you guys gave me a real challenge. I'd hate to be on the wrong side of you on the field."
He tries a bite of bacon, his face lights up with the salty and meaty combo.
"So... Ghost, eh? If I like the nickname, can I keep it?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Valeria DeMasque on Dec 13, 2015 23:45:50 GMT -6
"Well look at you," Val laughed, "a fan of bacon too Ghost?"
"Of course you can keep it!," she said sliding the plate closer to Cal, "it fits you well. I hardly even saw you out there on the other side of that hill during the simulation."
|
|
