𝒈𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅

"well, i couldn't have anyone thinking that i'd gone soft," valor aurelius responded with a laugh as he looked at the other male. "ones a career, the other a career who was reaped, i consider myself lucky," he responded. he hated how easy it had been for him to say that, he hated that he'd thought it even more. none of them were lucky. still, he knew better than to openly share his displeasure with the president's nephew. "i'm sure my room will be equipped with everything i need and more," he smiled, "i appreciate the offer."

"i wasn't aware peacocking constituted a theme," valor aurelius' response was dry, though the corners of his lips did turn upwards in the faintest of smiles. "it doesn't seem any different than last years gala," or the year before or any of the previous years. granted, valor aurelius had never had an eye for that sort of detail. his mother and sister on the other hand, would've been able to point out any one of a million differing details. "it was fine, short," he smiled.

"it's not always that bad, right?" they questioned a moment later. "it can't be. they need more elevators in this place."

"and here i was thinking none of you are worth the breath," valor aurelius chuckled, his eyes remaining narrowed. he couldn't let them think he was enjoying the conversation. "it depends on the time of day, but it's usually not great," he sighed. "i'd just like an accessible staircase, it's not as if i'd have far to climb."

"so i've been told," he chuckled, which was in and of itself, unnerving, especially when coupled with his blank expression and narrowed eyes. but maybe that was the point. then again, valor aurelius had never cared what anyone thought about him. "congratulations," this response was equally as chilling. "i'd ask if you're some sort of mindreader, but you aren't a very good one," he commented.

he chose to stick to the edge of the room, his hands shoved into his pockets only so they wouldn't be folded across his chest. he'd opted not to indulge in any food or beverage. "it's rather bright," he managed a laugh as he responded to duri's question, the faintest trace of a smile appearing on his face as he turned to look at her.

"i should be able to survive," valor aurelius was unable to resist rolling his eyes as he gave a response to what he deemed an idiotic statement. he truly couldn't have cared less what district she was from, though there wasn't any reason for willa to know that. he wasn't entirely opposed to the idea of sharing the elevator either, he just didn't want to be crammed into it like a bunch of sardines. "my ride is pretty short," he added, as he gestured towards the lit up 2 button.

"and what makes you think i was talking to you?" valor aurelius countered, his eyebrow arched as he eyed the district one tribute. "i was simply warning the hungry mass against trying to keep me off the elevator," he finished his explanation with a loud sigh and roll of the eyes. none of it was necessary, he realized, but it felt sort of nice to talk. not that he'd ever let himself be caught dead admitting such a thing. or maybe he just admired isidoros. "for a night," he responded.