Alliances

[Eloise Sugarglider]

Holly,

I don't know what alliances you already have, or what their goals are.  

You told me that my biggest strength might be that people will underestimate me.  So far I think you were right.  With the peacekeepers in the mix I've been very slow to become trusting of people and have tried to stick to those who have done what they need to in order to prepare without being too boisterous or attention seeking.  (In my mind, what a peacekeeper would do).  So far it's worked out for me.  I have a small alliance of tributes, who while quirky, have their strengths as well as the backing of high profiled player in the games who will help us get farther than the other alliances....but only if we work as a team.

I'd like to hear your thoughts about alliances or even a truce; I respect you.

Regardless, I'd be weary of Val and Gwen.  Something doesn't seem right.  

[Holly Edison]

Holly took a moment to think about what Eloise had said before taking a deep breath and answering.

"There's a loose arrangement so far, I don't think we've decided much at the moment but it's pretty accepted we're in things together. I fell into that group less by choice than coincidence. I haven't had a chance to meet all of the tributes, and I agree it should be slow going in forming alliances. I think having a former victor is an incredible asset to you, and I don't think your group or what I've seen of it is going to be formidable physically, your strengths lie elsewhere as I told you. I'd be interested in what you could share or what you're thinking. I'm not convinced we can all survive which I assume is their aim, especially with Peacekeepers in our midst. Until the field is reduced, I don't see more than one of us getting out. I would prefer not to kill anyone, but at least in the beginning I expect there is no avoiding it. I've trained for this for most of my life though I'm not a fan of the games myself, some others here have as well and I just don't think you can prevent some deaths. For me this is a means to an end. If you have a better resolution, I want to be a part of it."

Holly paused and considered her next point.

"I like Gwen and Val. They've been friendly to me, I agree there's more to learn about them and I'm under no illusions that any of us could be a Peacekeeper or even just a dangerous 'friend' to have. For now, they're formidable competitors and keeping them close and learning will likely serve me well later. I'm keeping my eye on them, same as everyone else. But I think you might be right. I disagree that any Peacekeeper may be flashy, they're individuals too but it's just as likely they'll attempt to blend in or endear themselves in other ways. I wouldn't trust the loud ones, or the friendly overly eager tributes the same. I don't like how eager Wren is to help, share his story or involve himself in things. I've seen him running all over this complex and with you quite a bit. He's too willing. Keep an eye on him."

[Wallace Barker]

At Holly's last statement Wallace came out of his room to make himself known.

"I agree with you on that much." Wallace said softly. Wallace held up a hand "I apologize for my eavesdropping, but you must have known this was a possibility coming here to talk." Wallace walked across the room to take a seat.

"I may not know much about many of the others. But I do know a bit about Wren, and he is trying too hard to glean information about everyone here." Wallace pulled out a small gear from his pocket and fidgeted with it, turning it over in his hands. "However" Wallace stood again, "Leaving him to his own devices could be dangerous in a game such as this. Not every tribute has as keen an eye for character as you do". Wallace lowered his eyes "You have a decent intuition for those who may be less than honest." He raised them again to meet hers.

"You must have realize that these games are unforgiving, and thus should those who play it be equally so. I think that Wren is playing the game better than any of us realize. Have you ever heard the saying 'keep your friends close, and keep your enemies closer'? A cliche yes, but it rings quite true I think in this case".

[Holly Edison]

"Ah, of course it was possible. I can't say I'm not a little disappointed I wasn't warned you were already here. It was a candid talk I was invited to, and I didn't say anything I would change now. District mates tend to stick together early, so I imagine this conversation isn't exactly a surprise to you."

Holly turned back to Eloise and continued, "Look, I've prepared myself to kill because that was the option available to me to win and accomplish my goals, it was a necessity. I'm here for family, not personal glory exactly. It's complicated. But, if there's a way out of that then like I said, I want to know more. I'm guessing your fairy godmother is Millie Cartwright, I haven't met her yet, but I'd like to."

[Eloise Sugarglider]

You do make some valid points. In talking to Wren I think that his eagerness to help stems from his want to build experiences here that could help him in the games. It is hard to know who to trust. I should probably be more weary of the snake in the grass than the more boisterous ones. Thoughts Wallace?

Millie won last year with the Primrose Accord. Essentially a group that chose to fight the game, and not each other. They had to kill, but their odds swayed their way because they focused on surviving rather than killing. Sorry about Wallace, I could try and find another place to talk if you'd like.



OOC: Dude showed up out of nowhere. Barely has a reaping story, misses two events and decides on the day I invite you to talk to go ahead and make a come-back. My bad

[Wallace Barker]

"I think that is an apt statement Eloise" Wallace smiled at Eloise. "But perhaps we should just keep an eye on him for now" Wallace rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, "He isn't much of a threat until he tries to make a move for a large alliance".

[Holly Edison]

"He may already be in one."

Holly sighed and continued, "So, what are your thoughts regarding alliances or even a truce then, Eloise? You brought me here. I'd like to meet Millie and I'm open to what you have to say. I'd just like to hear more. I'm heading back to my room for now. I'll swing by again later."

[Eloise Sugarglider]

"I'd like an alliance in a perfect world. Ultimately I think everyone would survive longer if we all agreed not to kill each other but that's not realistic. Therefore I'd like a group of people who are willing to work together, even when they're the last ones in the game. Again, I'll kill if I have to, but I'd rather kill the right people."

Holly, Millie maybe by shortly.  From what I've gathered, Vester is worried about what an alliance trained by Millie could do.  He thinks our solidarity, tributes old and new, might cause a shift in the games.  The few I'm working with outside of Millie seem dedicated.  There's room for you, but I understand, as a career tribute, if this isn't what you're looking for.

[Holly Edison]

Holly paused at the door.



"I'd be willing."

"It's true I'm a Career, but not in the traditional sense. I'm not here to serve the Capitol, I'm here to help people I left behind. If the Games end and the Capitol suffers I'm prepared to work toward that goal. But it's all or nothing, I can't let them suffer more if it doesn't work out. So, if your plan is viable and can achieve that - you'll have no better ally."

[Millie Cartwright]

Millie walked into the room as cheerfully as she could but she was a bit tired after running around all day.

"Hello you three," she said looking around the room. "Now what can I help you with tonight?"

[Holly Edison]

Taking a step back to avoid colliding with the newest arrival Holly was glad to see it was Millie.

"Ah, speak of the devil. Or if Eloise and others are to believed, more of a guardian angel. I hear you're planning something big. Something that would hopefully help more than one of us get out of this alive. I have my own reasons for having trained to be here but if there's a chance of tearing this all down I'd be interested in what you have to say."

[Millie Cartwright]

Millie smiled, "Straight to the point huh?"

"ok," she continued, "I'll be blunt. I want to find a way to take down the hunger games for good this year and to do that we need people."

Millie pointed to Eloise, "I've been talking to her and some of her friends and I think we're on the same page. I was wondering if you and your friends would be willing to join the cause as well."

Millie thought for a second, "or," she said at last, "if you don't trust them just you."

[Holly Edison]

"Hmm. I'm wary of Gwen and Val, they've been friendly and I have no clear reason to doubt them. But, they're clever and could be dangerous later if they see the group dwindling. Dante seems trustworthy, and as much as I like Demetri, his interview comes across as very sincere. I don't think he would be the type to join a more pacifist movement. He's a fighter, through and through but he isn't dumb and if faced with overwhelming numbers will probably join whatever team gives him the best chance."

She sat back down.

"I think, it should be up to you. I think letting them all join opens you up to some trouble later. I may be wrong on where it comes from, but letting only a few in could create some bad feelings and ensure it. I think you have to make the decision of what's best in your group. If you only want me to join I can keep my mouth shut. But it may be complicated in the arena, I won't work against you if at all possible. It's going to be a balancing act of course. You know more about your plans, I can't decide for you what risks you'll take."

[Millie Cartwright]

Millie turned to Eloise, "Well, you're the one that would have to go into the arena with them. What's your gut telling you?"

[Eloise Sugarglider]

"My guy tells me I'm tired. Tired of having to decide which of my enemies won't try and kill me when they have the chance...I brought Holly here for a reason. And if I'm wrong....then I have to live with that. Or die with it rather. Gwen and Val seem nice."

"I don't trust Wallace at all, but private space is short now.  I stand by the Accord.  If Gwen and Val are added I'll welcome them, but they worry me.  I know people have been meeting somewhere and I think they're involved somehow.  " 

[Wallace Barker]

Wallace sat in his chair silently observing. His eyes were wide, but he was leaning forward attentive with his hands bridged in front of his nose.

[Eloise Sugarglider]

"Are you still feeling okay Wallace? I know you said they patched you up but...is everything okay?"

I'd make an appearance in with the Pheonix crowd.  It would help put some people at ease.

[Holly Edison]

Holly turned to study Wallace. He did have a rather intense look on his face, was he in pain?



"I didn't know you'd been feeling ill, are you alright?"

"Well, yes. People have been meeting, all over the place. This close to the games it's to be expected. Everyone is meeting up and forming alliances as best they can. You can't blame them for that really. Dante is an excellent competitor and would bring a lot of skill to your group, I can understand if you don't want to allow Demetri in, I think he can be loyal he's just a fighter, like I said. If he saw merit in what we were doing he may actually be a strong ally too. I don't know, all of us barely know anyone. But I've given you all I can. Millie, what do you think?"

[Eloise Sugarglider]

HOLLY!  I'd like to fill up the Armory with 5 people as soon as possible.  If we can take it immediately, we can organize who wants to get what without any confrontation.  Then we either part ways or work together.  I'd be willing to move with Demitri and Dante on this if they're in as well.

[Holly Edison]

"I'm in. I'll get word to them."

[Wallace Barker]

Wallace nodded to the both of them. "Yes... I'm ok... Just a little tired I think" Wallace leaned back in his chair and let out a long shaky breath. "I just think the idea of this whole thing is getting to me". Wallace rubbed his face with one hand. "It's hard to be objective at times." Wallace smiled at everyone in the room. "But if what Milly is saying is true... Don't you think it's worth risking our lives to make it out?"