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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 10, 2015 7:57:04 GMT -6
The sun rising over the Capital was a breathtaking sight. No dust haze, hardly any glare, a distant silence as most of the city slept off recent festivities.
Will this be my last? There's too many pieces missing to know.
Cal pondered his gathered information, what he could observe from the tributes and compare to past games. His little 'club' back home never considered the role of peacekeepers within a game.
"What's the difference at this point? Pre-alligned teams, secondary agendas, a hidden edge? Either way, we're all just trying to survive."
The Games were less than a day away, the previous stages all feel like a disjointed blue, like he wasn't even really there for them. He needed to find an ally (even if it's just one) fast. Distracting thoughts be damned.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 10, 2015 8:24:02 GMT -6
Wren, as usual, went to bed early and woke up early the next morning. It's what he was used to from back home- a day of chopping usually began before the sun had fully risen. He decided to check out the roof, since it seemed like a quiet place, only someone else had the same thought. A boy that looked about his age was there, staring out over the Capitol. I don't think I've seen him before...is he a tribute? How did I miss him?
Wren embraced this new side of himself and decided to introduce himself. " Hi there. Didn't mean to startle you, but looks like we had the same idea. I'm Wren, District Seven." He held out his hand.
"I don't think I've seen you around much, but I've been heading to bed pretty early so maybe I just missed you in the training sessions."
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 10, 2015 8:39:35 GMT -6
Turning to face young man who introduced himself, Cal was taken a bit by surprise. His face betrayed a fatigue from last minute training sessions and a burden of thoughts weighing on him. He gives Wren a small smile.
"I'm Cal, District Twelve. You're actually one of the first tributes I've met, been keeping to myself mostly."
Looking over Wren, he noted his wiry build and forthcoming manner.
Pretty well suited to the coming trials, with or without alliances.
"District Seven, eh? I can imagine they work you guys as hard as our miners. Care to witness the heavenly-harnass'd team together?"
The last few words were given particular articulation, followed by a nod towards the rising sun.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 10, 2015 9:58:31 GMT -6
Wren was glad Cal seemed friendly. Although, you never can be too sure...
He leaned against the ledge next to Cal. "Sure. Being up here is almost as nice as watching the sun rise from the treetops. And yeah, we do get worked pretty hard. My dad's in charge of our sector of the woods, so I get a lot of pressure from him. So, what's your story?"
Wren had heard some background from most other tributes, and knew time was running out. If he was going to make friends or allies with any new faces, now was the time to decide.
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 10, 2015 10:30:48 GMT -6
Turning towards the sun, Cal's eyes focused on nothing as he explained his background.
"Well... I was an orphan in District 12, mother died in child-birth while my father suffered an accident in the mines when I was seven. Not a lot of opportunity out there, so me and my friends banked on The Games as our best shot at something more."
He grimaced, bringing his gaze up to Wren's, growing focused.
"We practiced in the back alleys around the Hob. I had a knack for research and tactics, training our designated tributes. Our goals was to win, bring home a little prosperity for everyone."
With a deep breath, his demeanor relaxed, a lighter expression taking form.
"Well, it's not all bad. I doubt I'd get to taste the food here with the winnings anyways. And the files, my god. Did you know they have extensive collections of classic literature? If you have time, it's worth checking out."
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 10, 2015 11:37:28 GMT -6
Wren had met some other tributes with tragic stories, similar to the one Cal just told. "Wow. I'm sorry to hear about your family." It made him feel he might have taken his family for granted.
Cal seemed so happy to be here. Wren had to admit, the food here was great, but he was starting to miss some specialties from home, like the maple scones and root beer. "Hmm. I wasn't aware they had so many books here. Although, my stylist Jem is really fond of fantasy and fairy tales. I guess if I had that much money, I'd spend a bit of it on some books or digital texts, with their technology here. So, you're glad to be in the Games, then?"
Wren had never understood the eagerness of career tributes to throw themselves into the arena, knowing they might die. Why would anyone be happy about that...? But, maybe if someone's home life was miserable enough then the Games would serve as a sweet release. This was the first time he'd thought of it that way...That's so sad. Wonder if that's the case with some of these tributes this year?
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 10, 2015 13:22:39 GMT -6
Cal's smile faded, replaced with grudging acceptance.
No, too soon.
"No, I'm just making the best of what I've been given. I would much rather be back home, but that's not my choice."
He doesn't know, but that's kind of him to think.
His small smile returned, bringing with it a light warmness.
"I'm sorry, Wren. I don't want to bring you down with my troubles; we'll have plenty of time to work those out later.
How about you? Is there a silver lining you've found in this maelstrom?"
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 10, 2015 14:00:59 GMT -6
Wren considered the question. Cal's smile put his worries to ease.
"Hmm. I've found a couple of friends here, at least. So that's more than I had back home. There's a girl here that reminds me a bit of my sister, so I've been sticking around her for a while. I just feel more comfortable around certain people, you know?"
Now that Wren thought about it, Cal made him feel pretty comfortable. Was it genuine? Or was this his tactic to bring people in for information? The Peacekeeper paranoia began to set in again, until Wren returned his gaze to the sunrise.
"So do you feel like you're catching up with the friendships, since you've missed out a bit?"
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Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 10, 2015 16:21:33 GMT -6
Eloise overheard what Wren had said about his sister. She walked over and put her hand on his should, shifting he weight to one side.
"It must be rough Cal. Are you going to be able to get any time in on the skills training?"
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 10, 2015 16:25:50 GMT -6
Cal's gaze followed Wren's to the sun as it climbed higher into the sky.
Daylight's burning, this went by faster than expected.
"I haven't had much luck in making friends. Once I dug out of my hole in the archives, I've experienced warm welcomes and friendly competition. It's been nice, but I worry if it isn't enough."
Cal's turned to look at Wren eye to eye, deciding to take a chance one of the few tributes that have reached out.
"Thank you for the company Wren. I know trust is in short supply here, and should be rightfully earned. If I find out any interesting information, can I pass it along to you?"
Remaining cautious, Cal turned to his intuition to assess Wren's response.
Spy
WLVT7WCb1d8+21d8+2
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 10, 2015 16:53:13 GMT -6
Wren felt completely at home with the company he had found this morning. He was honored that Cal would consider him with his investigations. "Of course. I'd love to hear anything interesting you dig up! And if I happen to hear anything myself, I'll let you know." I think we can trust him. I'm considering adding him to the alliance...is that okay?
(OOC: we've talked outside the game) |
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Post by Cal Mensen on Dec 10, 2015 17:00:52 GMT -6
Satisfied with his response, he clasped his hand over Wren's shoulder and smiled.
"Thank you Wren. I've bogarted the roof long enough, I'll let you grab some privacy."
Cal descended the stairs, pleased with the start of this eventful day.
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 10, 2015 17:06:40 GMT -6
"Sure thing. Glad I was able to finally meet you!" Wren waved over his shoulder as Cal left the rooftop terrace. He wants to investigate a tribute 12 alliance first, then might consider us I guess. I dunno, though..Gwen is terrifying. Also, Cal doesn't know who I am in here.
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Post by Eloise Sugarglider on Dec 10, 2015 18:13:10 GMT -6
Grab some privacy? Did Cal think that's what Wren an Eloise were doing up here, or had he just not noticed her. Maybe she had been to friendly towards Wren. God she was awful at social ques. "So he seemed nice. It's a shame he hadn't been around before. He has a lot of catching up to do" I don't mind him. I'm still weary of people but Sharlot is our only other ally and she really hasn't said a whole lot. She didn't even participate in the training days at all. I think Holly might be a good ally but I don't know what type of connections she would come with.
OOC: Does anyone know who people are on here? |
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Post by Wren Hartwood on Dec 11, 2015 8:28:10 GMT -6
"Yeah, he does seem nice. He seems to be making friends easily enough. I should probably branch out a bit and give more people a chance." OOC: Not most, I think? It's supposed to be secret, but there were some dropo-outs and I had a friend fill one of the spots so I know who he is. There should be another new person coming in, too. But I haven't seen that one online yet. I can't get a good read on Sharlot... Let's try talking to Holly & some others? Maybe Reese or Minerva? |
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