New faces

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren noticed Lartius was still hanging around the watchtower somewhere, although he was always in the shadows. Wren had never actually seen his face, but he'd hoped to meet him at some point. Maybe they could work together. He also briefly saw Sydney, Nelson's district mate in the tower. 

He called into the hallway. " Sydney?? Are you in here? We hung out with Nelson yesterday. He's a pretty cool guy, so I figure you must be alright, too. Wanna talk? "

[Lartius Selkirk]

Lartius noticed Wren walking down the hallway. Wren seemed friendly enough, and he had not tried to attack Wren at all the previous day. Perhaps he had finally found a friend in this warzone.

Cautiously, Lartius stepped out of the shadows. "Hey Wren, what's up?"

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren was caught off guard by Lartius, but pleasantly surprised.

"Hey, man! Didn't get a chance to talk to you yesterday. I was curious about you. How was your time at the hospital? Finding any friends in this mess?"

[Lartius Selkirk]

"No friends yet, it was very quiet in the hospital. I think everyone was too scared to make a move. But I was able to get a good read on a lot of people who passed on through, and I think I know who to trust."

"How about you? How are you surviving so far?"

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren shrugged. "Well, regardless of allegiance I've made two sure friends during training days. But this whole war thing sorta threw a wrench in that. I've met rebels, peacekeepers, peacekeepers claiming to be fighting on the rebel side and refusing to hack, and even a peacekeeper that helped get the accord up and running with Millie during training... And there very well could be rebels on the peacekeeper side as well.

So, basically, even if I identify someone's title, I'm hesitant to attack because what if they're actually trying to help MY cause? I dunno. This whole thing messes with my mind."

Wren scratched his head. "What about you? Hoping to fight or just quietly hack your way home? I must say, I admire your technique of remaining silent and unseen until now. Bravo."

Got info on Sydney? I'll share Nelson if you share hers

[Lartius Selkirk]

"I appreciate it sir. I have to say it was scary walking into the training grounds and seeing everyone get so chummy. I was worried that I was going to be left alone in the world. And all this peacekeeper/rebel side switching makes things even scarier. Hopefully we can find some arrangement that works."

I don't have anything on Sydney. I know Nelson's side, along with about 5 others Let's talk. 

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren laughed. "Yeah, apparently I intimidated several people during the feast and training. My bad. I've just always been so quiet at home that I felt making friends here would be of some use, or if nothing else, a fun way to pass the time. But this war has been crazy. I don't always know who to believe." 

"I've identified three for sure. Two rebels, one peacekeeper.  I've been told of others, but like I said I'm not sure whose info I trust for sure. Give me your info first and then I'll give you my names. You have my word on the trade." Wren placed a hand on his chest.

[Lartius Selkirk]

"I must admit. Your feats in the training made me doubt my survival. How did I stand a chance against the mighty Wren of district 7? But I don't blame you. Knowing people is very important to survive here, something that I am slowly starting to realize."

Outside of Nelson and myself, I know 4. Two peacekeepers, Sharlot and Deo, and two rebels, Gillian and Eloise. I am slowly working out more as I go, I'd be glad to share if you are willing. What do you have so far? 

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren laughed harder than he had for days.

"Haha, mighty wren, huh? It's times like this I'm glad my parents named me after a tiny ass little bird. Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not all that mighty. My mind is strong, but it tends to over think things. Thanks, though. And yes, information is key in these situations." 

"I'm afraid you and I share some spying history, so I hope this is helpful. Yes, we both know Nelson. I also know Sharlot is peacekeeper, though she was with Millie during the rise of the accord and claimed to Eloise that she was helping... So who knows what the fuck she's up to. Probably playing both sides to survive. 

Thanks for confirming Eloise. I've been told of her, but didn't quite trust the source. Same with Deo. 
Another rebel is Wallace.
Not sure if I'll have time for spying today, but if you end up with more info before moving out, I'll see what I can scrounge up from these other two to repay you."

[Lartius Selkirk]

"Indeed it is. Well, I'm glad to have found a friend and someone to discuss things with before everything goes to hell."

Well played sir, well played. 

[Sydney Gardiner]

Sydney approached the other two with one hand carefully hovering near her bow. Not that she'd use it but it was handy to have around just in case but it didn't seem to be hostile in any way. She did hear her name and her district mate's as well. So she figured it would be okay to be open and candid with Wren for the moment.

"You know Nelson? How's he doing?"

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren smiled as Sydney approached.

"Hey. Yeah, he passed through here yesterday. We had some good talks. He's a funny guy. I like him."

Wren wrinkled his nose. "From what I recall, he looked in better shape back at the feast, but I'll bet we all did." Wren laughed at the chaos around them and the stress he'd been feeling since this war began. "He went over to the market, and if the information I've been told is correct, he's got an ally or two there. But I haven't confirmed them, myself yet."

"How close are you guys? Did you discuss allegiances and all that, together?"

[Sydney Gardiner]

She smirked when Wren talked about his run in with Nelson. At least she knows that he's okay. Wren seemed like someone who wasn't going to jump her so she let her hand fall away from the bow strapped to her back.

"It's certainly been...quite a week, I'd say. We've all had to deal with a lot."

He asked about allegiances and Sydney frowned as she struggled to remember a time when they discussed things like that. Their hotel room had been laid back and she didn't think it ever came up in their conversations about green bread or home.

"Allegiances? We never talked about that. I don't really know, you know, where anyone is or who they're with. I've spent the past three days scavenging the hospital in case someone tried something funny because I'm mostly all by myself at this point."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren nodded, then realized she had reached for something and let go. He hoped she wasn't the impulsive type.

"Yeah. I get that. But maybe you don't have to be alone. No one should die without a friend. I'm willing to help you out if you'll help me. Did you learn any useful information while hiding out in the hospital? Any spying or interesting actions you saw from others? You can whisper if you want."

[Sydney Gardiner]

Wren seemed like he really was going somewhere with this but at the end of the day, he had allies and Sydney needed the assurance that he seemed to have so it seemed like a good idea to tell him.

"As far as the hospital goes, there's a lot of uncertainty and it's at a weird stalemate. Like, everyone there is spying but no one is saying anything or talking. I think there's a lot of...well, they're figuring out the next step and a lot of them are like me and Nelson where they don't really know anyone. There's not a lot going on there."

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren nodded slowly. 

"Yeah, from what I could see up here it looked like a random hodge podge of people at the hospital. I guess I'm not surprised about everyone keeping to themselves. But, my view is that this isn't the Games. This is a war, and there isn't just one lone survivor. This requires teamwork of sorts."

"Look, I don't know your title or whatever but I'm willing to trade some information regardless and hold off shooting or throwing punches if you are.  Information is more useful than killing random people, that might be allies.  There are  some peacekeepers fighting on the rebel side and could even be tributes fighting for the peacekeeper side. It's getting pretty crazy.

Have you been able to identify any rebels or peacekeepers? 

I'll trade you names if you have any. You have my word." Wren looked at her and placed his hand on his chest.

[Sydney Gardiner]

Sydney looked up at Wren and tried to search his face for any sort of giveaway that this was some type of trick but she couldn't find any. She ran one hand through her hair while casually checking out any evesdroppers there may have been wandering around.

"I think it does require teamwork but for a while I didn't really know what, or how big, this really was. But you're right, it's not the Games anymore...and thank God for that, really. I wasn't really ready to die by execution like that and I know you weren't either. I think they're just scared that it'll be like that if they start forming alliances and crap. I was just looking to scavenge as much as I could before I set out into the scene."

[Sydney Gardiner]

Dec 30, 2015 16:02:17 GMT -6 Sydney Gardiner said:

Sydney looked up at Wren and tried to search his face for any sort of giveaway that this was some type of trick but she couldn't find any. She ran one hand through her hair while casually checking out any evesdroppers there may have been wandering around.

"I think it does require teamwork but for a while I didn't really know what, or how big, this really was. But you're right, it's not the Games anymore...and thank God for that, really. I wasn't really ready to die by execution like that and I know you weren't either. I think they're just scared that it'll be like that if they start forming alliances and crap. I was just looking to scavenge as much as I could before I set out into the scene."

"Okay look. I don't have a lot to give you right now but I can get more information. The two I got a feeling about are Sharlot and Deo. They were both in the hospital with me and Nelson and I really think they're both Peacekeepers. Call it intuition, whatever. But at the end of the day, I can help however I can if I can.

[Wren Hartwood]

Wren looked up at Sydney from his spinny chair nap.

"Yes, that sounds right. I've heard similar things that confirm your gut feeling. How about yourself? Willing to share? I totally get it if you're not, but I could know by tomorrow anyway. If I can help you, I will."

[Sydney Gardiner]

Sydney smiled weakly and patted Wren's shoulder in sort of a comforting way. At least she tried to make it that way.

"Listen, at this point it almost doesn't matter. We were all sent to an arena to die, regardless of who we were. Realizing that has been kind of a stone in the glass ceiling. I know you can find out but at this point you've formed your judgement on me."

[Cal Mensen]

"You'd be surprised how common that thought is around here."

Cal walks into the room, having overheard Sydney's last statement. He has a small smile on his face, a touch of sympathy across it.

"You're right, regardless of our past we were all put in here. Everyone is attempting to survive, and unlike in the games, there's a chance we can all walk away from this. My best bit of advice: don't let others define you based on your past identity. Your actions, what you choose to do, that demonstrates your character and what you value."

He approaches Sydney, slowly extends a hand to her.

"I'm Cal, good to meet you."

[Sydney Gardiner]

Sydney took a moment to observe Cal when he came over. He was a little harder to read than Wren was but she didn't get a threatening vibe from his presence so she decided internally that this was fine, she would survive the day, Slowly holding her hand out, she took his hand in hers.

"Sounds like you've been there. I assume your glass ceiling has been shattered as well, Cal. I'm Sydney, it's good to meet you."

[Cal Mensen]

After releasing her hand, Cal sat down in a nearby chair, reflecting on her words.

"That particular thought had been dancing in my head since training. What was the point of having peacekeepers embedded into the tributes' ranks? If the games went as normal, they would have died just the same, and Panem would have up to a dozen loyal servants slain. Now that this is has all broken out, I don't think we'll ever know."

His smile turns into a calm visage, thinking back to days past.

"My ceiling was shattered later, when I grew close with our fellow tributes. None of it was planned, it just sort of happened. All of a sudden, I had two people who I cared for and a very real possibility they would be on the other side of a pre-determined line."

His eyes rose to meet Sydney's.

"What would you have done?"

[Sydney Gardiner]

"That was...kind of it. People were sacrificed, no matter who they were loyal to. Like, no one else in my family had to deal with that kind of-" she waved her hand absentmindedly in order to get her point across. "Not, you know, that. Training, it was helpful but it was never a guarantee and man, they knew that when they sent people in. For so many people over the years, they were trained to die."

She looked over to Wren and Cal and shrugged her shoulders in response.

"I know what armed-and-trained me would have done right out of schooling but it's not the same answer that I can give now, four days into this. They don't care and they never have. And I've realized that now."

[Cal Mensen]

Cal stood up from his seat and leaned on the wall next to Sydney. So much of what she was saying resonated with him, couldn't leave that be.

Cal moved slowly closer, stopping just enough to keep his voice to a whisper for only her.

"I'm a peacekeeper and I'm fighting for the rebels. I know my likely fate... but I made this my choice. Not the Capital's."

He looks her in the eyes, taking a deep breath.

"None of us were trained for this. All we can choose to do is fight for what we think is right. If that only means surviving, fair enough."

He looks out the Watchtower windows across the landscape, the stars reflecting off the metallic surfaces.

"What would you fight for?"