#task 7

Oxford felt sick to his stomach. The deal had been clear with Farina: she was to do the talking. Though he supposed deep down, he had always known he'd have to be alone on stage for this. No matter how much he tossed and turned at night, this evening would still come. So it would be that he was on stage, in a stifling tweed suit that he was told fit him (he didn't agree), alone, with Calix Crystal blinking expectantly at him.

"Please welcome the wonder from District Nine, Oxford Wichita!" There was a smattering of applause. Perhaps it was a larger swell due to his size, or his score, or something else entirely, but Ox squared his jaw in response. He awkwardly sat in the chair, his long legs bending at an odd angle to accommodate themselves. He tried to avoid Calix's eyes, but doing so would mean he had to look out into the crowd, and that was worse. So despite every instinct in his body telling him to run, he sat, locking eyes with Calix.

"We are so excited to have you. And with such an impressive score!"

Calix blinked at Ox, clearly expecting a response. But Oxford offered nothing in return, only staring back. Calix cleared his throat and tried again.

"How does it feel, having one of the highest scores amongst all the Tributes? It's not often we get such high qualities out of District Nine."

Ox blinked back before his brain jumpstarted back into function. "Oh. Uh." He coughed, something catching in his throat. "I guess, good?" Calix stayed quiet. "I got lucky. I think."

"I see," Calix replied, a trace of ice in his voice. He was a master conversationalist, but he could immediately sense the difficulty he was about to run into. "I think we're the lucky ones who will get to see such a strong District Nine!" He looked to the audience for help, who applauded dutifully. Ox shifted again in his seat, trying to shrink away.

"And did you save any surprises for the Arena?" It was like trying to draw water from a stone, but Calix was determined. Ox furrowed his brow in response. "What new and exciting things can we expect to see from you in there?"

Ox shook his head lightly. "I... I don't know. I don't really think I showed all that much in the training."

Calix laughed a bright, fake laugh. "And so modest, folks!" he called out, eliciting a small round of laughter. Oxford flushed red, unsure if they were laughing at him or with him. Probably both - and more the former as he himself wasn't laughing.

Perhaps emboldened by having the crowd on his side, Calix pressed forward. "So, Oxford," he purred. "We all have to know. What is it like? Sitting here, just like your sister before you?"

Oxford's eyes glazed over, and ice ran through his veins. Of course. Of fucking course. What else would they ask? A wave of heat circulated in his stomach, starting to boil his blood and bile.

"I... I don't want to talk about her," he managed to choke out through gritted teeth.

"Oh, but we must!" Calix exclaimed. "Don't forget, folks, Oxford's older sister, Flor Wichita, was a Tribute in the 114th Games - the same Games that his Mentor, Abel Evans, won!" The crowd gasped and oohed like an orchestra. "How's that been? Do you resent Abel for his role in Flor's death?"

Oxford's head was spinning. Words and images crashed around his mind, fully disabling him from speech. He felt a rattle in his stomach that reverberated through his legs, his arms, his chest, sending a slight tremor through his whole body. "No," he gritted. "I don't want to talk about this." His voice was low and even, a stark contrast from just a few minutes prior.

Calix must have clocked the change. His own eyes shifted, flashing the smallest amount of fear that he quickly hid from the cameras. "Oh - okay. Okay! Well, Oxford. We're excited to see you in the Arena. Are there any final thoughts you'd like to leave us with?" He gestured broadly out at the audience, trying to dissipate the rage he felt in the Tribute opposite of him.

Ox said nothing, his eyes burning rageful holes into Calix's face. Calix briefly glanced to Ox, but averted his eyes almost immediately, unable to hold his gaze without feeling the fire. He cleared his throat and moved quickly. "Okay! That's. That's all the time we have. Ladies and gentlemen: Oxford Wichita, from District Nine!"

There was a swell of applause, but Oxford stayed rooted to his chair, still glaring. But finally Calix managed to bring his gaze to meet Ox's and something shifted in him. It wasn't Calix's fault. He had a hand in it all, of course. But it wasn't his fault. So slowly, painfully, Oxford stood to his full height. Then he took a moment to feign laziness, stretching his arms high above his head before slowly swinging them out to his full wingspan, allowing the whole nation to see just what was going into the Arena.

Mercuria thinks the idea of being on a remote island is simultaneously the most amazing idea and the most terrifying. In her defense, she's only known the life of District Twelve, so to imagine otherwise is difficult for her. But her current life isn't exactly filled to bursting with social interaction, so perhaps the isolation wouldn't phase her too much. She would bring:

The Dress her Father Made: Who doesn't deserve to feel loved, even in isolation? The reminder of her family would serve her well on a deserted island.

Sunflower Seeds: If she was to make the island her own, she'd want her favorite flower. It's also a practical choice; sunflowers can be used in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes. They are hearty and survivalists, just like her.

SUN: TAURUS

Strengths: Reliable, patient, practical, devoted, responsible, stable

Weaknesses: Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising

Taurus likes: Gardening, cooking, music, romance, high quality clothes, working with hands

Taurus dislikes: Sudden changes, complications, insecurity of any kind, synthetic fabrics

Taurus is a practical and well-grounded zodiac sign that values the fruits of their labor. They have a strong desire to be surrounded by love and beauty, and are drawn to the material world and physical pleasures. Individuals born under this sign are sensual and tactile, placing great importance on touch and taste as their primary senses. They are also known for being stable and conservative, making them one of the most dependable signs of the zodiac. Taurus individuals are committed to their choices and will endure until they reach a point of personal satisfaction.

MOON: LEO

Expansive | Faithful | Conflicted Proud and confident, a Leo Moon sign can be hard to ignore. You’re super compassionate and expressive on the inside–but how are you doing on the outside? You might be someone who mirrors others in their actions, emotions, even gestures. Since Leo is ruled by the fiery Sun, a Moon in Leo can expect to feel a little push and pull between their inner and outer lives. Take care to protect your own energy.

RISING: CAPRICORN

If you're a Capricorn rising, you likely come off as mature, organized, and driven. You are always put together and prepared. People may think of you as a skilled businessperson with little interest in games, both in your professional and personal life. You strive for greatness, and you expect much of yourself and others. Much of this is because strict Saturn rules Capricorn, giving you major disciplinarian vibes. And yes, rising Cap, this can be as kinky as it sounds. While people tend to focus on your ambition, you also have a wild devilish side, which can be addictive to lovers.

sources: sun | moon | rising

*Avery Meadowes: Johnny and Avery met years ago when Avery was new to the city and trying to make it as a waiter. Johnny was a regular patron at Avery's restaurant of employment. He was immediately impressed with the kid's work ethic, especially for being so young, so he made sure to tip him well and thank him often. After several of those happenstance encounters, they had a mutual respect for one another. The two ended up conversing in more personal ways, and Johnny eventually learned that Avery was all alone and had moved to New York following his soulmate's suicide. It was clear that Avery still held some guilt over it. This was a familiar feeling for Johnny -- his best friend had recently died of a homicide, and he carried a heavy sense of blame. The two men bonded over their mutual guilt and loss and they have been acquaintances ever since.

Brie Walker: Johnny and Richard Hadley, Briar Hadley's father, met at Harvard in the 90s. They casually kept up with one another because Richard eventually got into politics. Fast forward over a decade, and Richard had told Johnny that his daughter was missing; he was giving the details to his political and cop friends so they could be on the lookout for her, too. A few years later, Johnny noticed Briar on the streets of New York and recognized her, but when he approached her, she claimed she was not the girl he was looking for. Though it seemed odd, Johnny reluctantly let it go. Weeks after their meeting, he saw a headline for a woman named Brie Walker performing in a ballet, but the photo was undoubtedly the girl he had recently confronted. In the advertisement, though, the resemblance to Briar Hadley was undeniable. Johnny immediately contacted Richard to let him know that his daughter had been found. Johnny didn't know why Briar would've lied to him about who she is, but he also felt like she might be in danger, so he cornered her to tell her that whatever was going on, he could help her get out of it and reunite her with her family. Brie then confessed her true identity to him, but asked him to keep it under wraps because she had actually run away and didn't want her father to find her. It was then that Johnny had to let her know he'd made a big mistake.

Raeann Haywood: When Johnny returned to New York from defending his husband's case in California, he had made quite a big name for himself. That same year was when 18-year-old Raeann Haywood was framed for murder just after she'd moved to the city. She was in the wrong place at the exact wrong moment, but it looked bad: she was found at the crime scene covered in blood. She was adamant that she was innocent and went as far as to demand "the best lawyer in New York City." Due to that, she ended up with Johnny. His name was all over the place at the time, particularly in the world of law. Not only that, but he had been known for taking on (and winning) difficult trials since the beginning of his career. Johnny had no reason to turn down the job. If Raeann was found not guilty, it would be just one more impressive win to garner votes for the District Attorney seat he was campaigning for.