♟ B R A V E R Y.

“You are right” He stated. “Yet, the careers are the ones who give a good show” He commented keeping his voice calm and neutral. He didn’t have any evidence to back up his thoughts. That’s why he decided to keep them for himself.

                 She tilts her head at his comment, her eyes narrowing as a careful grin slides its way onto her features. In truth, it makes her uncomfortable that The Capitol chooses to portray the murdering of children as nothing more than a game ; a way to entertain themselves. It makes her even more uncomfortable that now she too has to act as though these bringing of a new set of tributes doesn’t make her head spin.                 “I don’t know about that, district Twelve brought quite the show last year,”  She said, clearly making a reference to Katniss and Peeta’s games, to her friends games. “Two victors is a game stopper. I wouldn’t rule out the other district’s just yet.”

–Normally, she wasn’t always like this unless there was a reason. It’s not like she wanted to be here but had no choice. Taking a deep breath and letting out a soft sigh, Chas turned around. “It’s alright. Sorry for coming off rude.”

         Acting on instinct alone, her shoulders relaxed and though she remained speaking in the familiar accent of The Capitol her words were no longer part of an act. “It’s fine,” She stated, shrugging in the slightest.  “I’m sure your stress levels are high with everything going on, I don’t blame you.”

   “–Do you mind watching where you walk?” She growled, turning around and staring at the other. She felt slightly cranky due to barely any sleep the night before. 

                 At the sound of someone evidently angered, she turned, her stomach filing with guilt as the realization that this woman was a tribute. “Right, yes. Sorry about that, miss.”

“You’ll see once when the games start, Miss..?” He asked her waiting for her to introduce herself. Another thing that caught his eye was that she didn’t even mentioned his name once.  People immediately recognized him on the streets. It had been barely two years since he was crowned as a victor. Who was this woman?

           The makeup that had been painted over her features acted as a disguise ; ensured that even on the off chance someone was aware of her status as the daughter of District Twelve’s mayor, she would be unrecognizable. To her though, it was starting to feel like more of an identity. As the days dragged on she was starting to feel less and less like Madge Undersee. Until now, she’d never been aware of what the walls of the Capitol could do to a person.           “Sotir,” She finished for him extended her hand out to his as a formality. “But Arete’s fine. It’s always a waiting game, isn’t it?”

“No, unfortunately, not. You’re just going to have to wait.”

                 “Boo. I was hoping for special treatment. Oh well, I guess by now we’re all used to waiting.”

“I  have many talents…” he commented casually.

           “I’m sure. Though, I was mainly referring to the fact that you're mentoring. Are your tributes learning lots?”

And with that, Annie fakes a smile and gives a nod of her head as she softly shrugs, trying not to imagine the number of innocent people who will get killed. “Maybe..it was nice speaking to you, I’m sorry, I don’t think I ever caught your name?”

         “Arete.” The fake alias slides off her tongue easier than she’d ever like to admit and she extended her hand out to Annie, tossing her hair out of face with the gesture. “I know you’re likely sworn to secrecy but for an avid fan, are you able to disclose anything about your tributes?”  

“Sharp deductive skills, you’ve got”

      “Thanks for noticing. So, are you just your looks?”

“What can I say?”

       “True. You are a young victor.”

“They’re going to be like no other, that is already clear.”

                “Do you have any spoilers that the public can know of? Or will it just be a waiting game until opening night?”

Annie was about to say something that was more harsh towards the Capitol but she knew better not to say anything as she cleared her throat and gave a small shrug. “I don’t think there are many who really act like they would be in One when it comes to Four, we’re pretty content I think.”

          She’d heard of Four, of course. She’d heard of the comforting oceans and sea foam; a color that she could only imagine matching the girls soft green eyes.   “As you should be, I’m sure. With luck, you’ll be returning to a Four with our brand new victor even.”

“I thought you said I was cute”

        “Oh, did you now?”

The woman was odd, especially considering her mood and composure drifted frequently. One second, she seemed relaxed, and the next, she came off just as uptight as the rest of the Capitol citizens. “Of, well, machines, I should’ve known that,” he says, hitting his forehead lightly. At her last comment, he nods, looking away from her as he feels his eyes burn. He was not going to cry, not in front of someone here. Sniffling a little bit, he nods again, “Yeah, I hope so too. I mean, we had machines back in district seven, wood mills. Those ones were fun to watch, and see how they worked, so I bet the ones here are even cooler.”

              The boys sniffles didn’t fall upon death ears. The Capitol was far too clean and pristine for there to be dust roaming around, there wasn’t much of anything that she could think of that would be causing allergies. She didn’t make an effort to comment on the noise though, she’d allow him to do that on his own warrant if he’d ever want to. “They are pretty cool. I’m sure Seven is just as great though. I’ve always wanted to see a forest. What’s it like?” There wasn’t much she could, any comfort she could offer would comprise her act. Maybe he’d enjoy reminiscing about his home, though ever time she herself thought about Twelve she was only left feeling sad.  

“What did you just say?”

              “Oh, it was nothing. More me rambling than anything else. Don’t worry.”

Annie turned her head and chewed on her lip nervously. “One survivor.” She corrected her and shook her head. “Once you’re in the Games and then have to prepare kids to die, it changes things. Why is it one of your favourites?”

          Remaining in her act, she choose to ignore Annie’s correction. Simply raising a hand to wave her off. “I like a winner. District Two’s always been a little hostile for my tastes but One two over-the-top. District Four is a good blend.”