the scarlet thread

"I’m just trying to do the best I can with what I have.  It may sound cheesy but the only one who can help myself now is me… The good thing is that one way or another, I won’t be cold in winter. I hated feeling cold since I was a child"

... (Fletcher moves a piece without saying anything. He is quiet for a long time.)

FLETCHER WITT · 17 · DISTRICT THREE · TRIBUTE · TAKEN

Fletcher had never expected to be reaped for the Games, coming to the age of seventeen, there was only one year left until he was free from the reaping. He wasn’t stupid like those in District One or Two or Four; he knew that being reaped in the Games was a terrifying thing and there were better things in bringing pride to your district. So for the first sixteen years of his life, he lived blissfully happy that he hadn’t been reaped and all those other kids had. But come the seventieth-fifth year, he wasn’t expecting this predicament at all and struggled to put on a brave face. When he was reaped, few people came to see him off; those who left an impression were his family, mother and sister. It was hard not to cry.

Though his situation is horrible, he still tries to keep a smile on his face even though it’s extremely hard. He doesn’t necessarily have a plan, but is trying to keep his head down and cause as little trouble as he can, being friendly to all, hoping that when he enters the arena he won’t be the first dead, due to personal grudges. He has a particular disliking to training as it reminds him that he’ll eventually has to use those skills to either kill someone or to save his life, not sure of which is worse: surviving or dying. But on the other hand, he’s also scared of never seeing his family again but the fear of killing is edging further. Fletcher is exceptionally easy-going and loves to have a laugh, to keep things light and just generally having a good time but there is little time for that now.

Relationships:

Bay Sparks, his tribute partner.

Illyria Mora, his female mentor.

Elijah Collier, his male mentor.

"C'mon," Fletcher said, leading the way to where the wires were laid out. "I'll show you a few basics. Who know? Maybe we'll end up in some city. Consider it me paying you back for the berry lesson." He flashed Max a smile. C'mon, kid, he thought. It's not all bad.

Tempest raised a brow as she waited, slightly amused at the rate at which Fletcher turned toward her. The fact that she planned to help him was a rarity in itself, but if he acted ‘clueless’ with her she’d shove him right back toward the trainer. She pushed off the wall as he spoke, dismissing the question with a bored look. Only if Robbie were there to see how generous she was being to another tribute. An enemy. An opponent. Breaking her own rules.

The breath caught in Fletcher's throat and he choked out a hasty, "Uh, yeah!" Before taking off to jog behind her. He didn't have time to question this. And, in honesty, he figured he probably shouldn't. If she was going to help, she was going to help. And that was good enough for him. 

It didn't take long before Fletcher had snatched up a trident. He had been getting pretty good with throwing lances and spears, but the three-pronged fork promised a new challenge. He had also seen their use as a hand to hand combat weapon. With an expectant face, he looked over at Tempest.

“No problem, man. I know the feeling. There are things that are a little hard to learn for me too. I’ve been reading about electric circuits, mechanical systems, and how to assemble basic structures.  Now, I’m able to do it but I would like to have someone to ask those questions, but the guy who teaches that doesn’t look that patient you know?”  He said biting his own life softly; his face reflected worry.   He looked at the other guy trying to smile but he miserably failed.

His ears piqued at the sound of circuits. To be fair, he worked in a factory. He didn't know a whole lot about the electronic side of things. But still, it was a mandatory class for all students in District Three. He had some understanding of it. And, he reasoned, he had more knowledge than someone from District Twelve.

"Circuits? Do you think they'd give us wire and batteries in the arena?" Fletcher tilted his head to the side. It didn't seem like a very... Gamemaker thing to do. But, after a moment, he reasoned it out. "Well... maybe. They always give flashlights, don't they? Hey, maybe I could... Maybe I could show you a thing or two. I don't know too much, but we all had to take basic electrics in school. District Three and all." 

Fletcher had no idea why he was suddenly trying to help this kid. But still, a friendly face... It couldn't hurt.