|
Post by Seryna on Jun 6, 2012 19:57:23 GMT -5
The morning passed very quickly over District 7. As the Games were in their first day; every one was tense as they watched the footage unfold. People gasped as an arrow entered Pearl's leg - and cheered a little as the Rory and Tank rallied long enough to give Rachel and Pearl time to escape the Blood Bath. Now they had three district mates surviving: Rory, Tank and Rowan.
The television at town square broadcasts the walk through the Forrest - the fight with the crows - the rapidly disintegrating alliance at the Lake.
Gable clenches his fists; rapping them on the wooden platform. No one's taking it down yet and he uses it as support now.
"She's good in the trees." He mutters. Little Cedar creeps closer; at first intimidated by the larger, attractive young man. He stops in Gable's shadow; watching the television with big eyes.
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Jun 6, 2012 20:24:14 GMT -5
Avery Noland & Wister Noland
Wistar had elected to stay with his uncle during the games. Rory was his family too and they needed to stick to together. But that wasn't the only reason. Wis was worried about his uncle Avery. He hadn't been home yet, just stood glued to the monitors. Rory was doing well, but it was still the first day. And she had a long road ahead of her.
"She's at home in the trees..." Wistar added as he joined the two boys on the wooden platform. He looked at Gable for a moment. He almost smiled. He could see what Rory sees in him.
Wistar didn't look anything like his cousin. Where she resembled her mother's family, Wistar looked and acted like every Noland male he had the privilege of knowing. Tan skin, wavy black hair, emerald green eyes. Wistar's wiry and tall, compared to Rory's small stature. He and Gable are just about the same size. Even at 15, it's clear that Wistar is going to be a tall man.
She might not get her happily ever after Wistar thought, adding. Then again, from the looks of it neither will Gable if she doesn't come home.
Footsteps make the wood of the platform speak and Wistar turns around to see his uncle walking behind him. He looks like an older version of Wistar. Tall, lean, with the same black hair and piercing green eyes. However, this man looks like he's aged twenty years in the last week or so.
"How's my baby girl doing?"[/color] the man asked.
"Rory's going strong. She's got a plan in the works, Uncle Avery." Wistar replied.
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Jun 8, 2012 18:36:24 GMT -5
Avery Noland & Wister Noland
Wistar's eyes widen. He can see it in Rory's eyes.
"Uncle Avery... You don't want to see this..." Wistar tries to turn Avery around but his uncle fights him.
"No. I need to see this."[/color] Avery said with muted horror.
This isn't going to be pretty... Wistar thought, watching Rory's slice clean through that District Two Tribute. I'm sorry it had to be you...
He looks at his uncle and the sight almost brings him to tears. Avery's crying silently.
"Uncle... Maybe you should" Avery cut him off.
"I'm staying... I need to be here for her after this..."[/color]
Wistar nods. He understands.
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Jun 14, 2012 22:02:22 GMT -5
Avery Noland & Wister Noland
The camera focused on the small female tribute from District Seven. She was covered from head to toe in gore and dirt. Tears came down her face in small rivers. It made her look innocent and battle hardened all at the same time. Aurora Noland had captivated a district. It was only day 2 but people were already whispering about the female tribute from district seven.
“Did you see her alliance take out those careers?” “Who’s alliance?” “Aurora’s alliance. Avery’s girl.” “The one that volunteered?” “Yeah.” “I don’t envy Avery. But his daughter’s got heart.”
Wistar listened to the murmurs float all about him and his uncle. Rory… They believe in you. He wished he felt the same.
This throat tightened when he glanced at his uncle and saw tears in his eyes. Wistar couldn’t imagine what this was like from him. Rory was the kindest person he knew. Gentle. She didn’t even like to raise her voice. And it was always so funny to see her get angry. For Wistar, that seemed like a lifetime ago.
Rory… Please… Just come home. I’ll help you through it. Whatever it is. I’ll help you through it. Just come home.
“Uncle Avery… we should go…”[/color] Wister started to say, putting his hand on his uncle’s shoulder. He was startled when Avery jerked his shoulder. Wistar took a step back, waiting for his uncle to yell or curse. But Avery surprised him again when he just rested his hand on the wooden rail before him.
“I begged her mother to have her… Did I ever tell you that?” Avery asked his nephew. He didn't wait for his answer but he continued. “Rory's mother didn’t want children. But I begged, pleaded. I wanted a child so badly. We tried for years but – We didn’t think... But then Rory was born and I finally thought I had everything I wanted... First her mother got sick. Then she died…”[/color] His voice cracked. “… I think I’m being punished. I was too greedy. I wanted too much and now I'm going to lose my baby girl too.”[/color]
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Jul 3, 2012 23:18:56 GMT -5
Cedar winds his way towards the square, dragging a stick against the dirt. He has dressed hurriedly this morning and has missed the top button of his navy blue shirt. His mother had barely roused when he left at daybreak. She'd spent most the evening staring at the screen in the living room; barely hazarding to leave the house except to report for work at the paper mill. The young man looks for who will be here this morning. He hopes for Gable; but the young man is not here.
He walks towards where he had seen Rory's family the day before. The sun is barely over the horizon; but perhaps someone will stop by before heading to work. Rory's cousin looked to young to work; he hoped. He didn't want to spend the day alone; or with his anxious mother. That was nearly worse than being alone. As he walks; he notices the screen begin to move to a new scene. The young boy pauses; watching the frozen tundra come into view. The screen at the Town Square Suddenly; the image on the screen changes from Lallek and Jace planning. The camera is overhead; centering on a lone figure in a snow covered landscape. It pans in to reveal Rachel looking through a pair of binoculars. The camera follows Rachel as she moves to a section of trampled snow. She lifts the edge of the 'snow' and reveals a hidden lean to made with a tarp and concealed in a snow drift. It looks nearly imperceptible against the white landscape.
The girl sits in her hidden lean to and rubs her arms; keeping warm.
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Jul 4, 2012 0:28:29 GMT -5
Wister Noland
Aurora's father had left before the sun came up as he couldn't face the highlights or watching his daughter in real time. Wistar couldn't blame him. Not one bit. If it he was in Avery's place.... Snow wouldn't be safe. No one in the Capitol would be.
Wistar knew his cousin well. Rory had that look of defiance on her face. His cousin, the tiny little rebel. If she wanted to rebel, he'd be right there with her. If she wanted to settle down, marry Gable, and have babies, he'd support that too. Gable was alright... for a pretty boy.
"Hey, there Ceder," Wistar greeted, in his typical cheery fashion. He was just as scared as the young boy. He just couldn't let anyone know. "Couldn't sleep much either, huh?"
Wistar looked up at the screen. "There's those bastards from Nine and Four. What's wrong with that kid? Allying with a damn career."
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Jul 4, 2012 10:39:00 GMT -5
"Least we know what they want. Those bracelets." [/b]Cedar replies; watching the screen. "But Rachel doesn't need a bracelet; she's all alone. " [/b]He shivers; rubbing his arms. The air is warm here; it must be a sympathetic reaction. "I'm afraid that she is watching Rowan, Rory and Tank."[/b]
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Jul 4, 2012 10:52:17 GMT -5
Wister Noland
The little guy's a lot stronger than he looks. Wistar thought, looking down at him. Wist was the youngest of four boys. He was the runt. But like Ceder he had been stronger than he seemed. Which is why he was here and they were not. Though his two eldest brothers were at the mill doing their part, helping out their uncle Avery when they could.
"Everyone will want those bracelets." Wistar nodded. "Don't be afraid. If that Rachel girl is watching them, Ro', Tank, and Rory will be ready for them. You saw how they handle the careers."
Wistar placed a friendly hand on the boy's shoulder. "It's gonna be okay. Okay?"
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Aug 8, 2012 13:06:38 GMT -5
Wister Noland
Wistar's eyes were glued the screen. Rory was fast, had to give her that. And spry. She had a fighting chance now that the careers and that archer from district 12 was gone, all of the career's were dead, save for district 4. And Wistar didn't want to see any of them come home as victors.
Come Rory... Don't cry. Wistar thought as the camera showed her walking toward the cave. She had that look in her eyes, that look that meant only one thing: the games were finally getting to her.
"Dammit...Rory that big heart of yours is a weakness here. Just keep your head down and get home."
|
|
|
Post by Lite on Aug 20, 2012 11:18:41 GMT -5
Felix Grayling
The Games are just the Capitol trying to scare the Districts. Nothing more. Nothing less. Felix had repeated the same phrase over and over in his mind throughout the duration of these games. Every year, he had to do it, because if he didn’t he knew he would lose it. The Capitol seemed to enjoy this; their commentators announced the death of teenagers, and pre-teens, with such nonchalance. It sickened him.
Felix’s eyes scanned the screens. He saw child after child die by the hands of another child. He heard the cries of the District Seven families as their children fought against the perils of the Games. He had faith in the tributes from his District, he knew that they were strong. Rory was kind, and a born leader it seemed. Tank was strong, but Felix wouldn’t fool himself. He knew that at least one of them would die by the end of the games.
Blood stained their hands now and, if one of them returned home, the Games would always haunt them. Victors lost their minds once they returned to the real world, and it was a horrifying sight.
The cameras followed each tribute routinely, and he could only force himself to pay attention when he saw Rory or Tank on the screen. He wanted them to win, one of them at least. Not for the glory but for their families. He knew that if it was him in the place of either one of them, his family would be here, crying and shouting and despising the other tributes and alliances just as much as those who were here now. Felix could see the looks on his mother’s face as she too watched the Games. She was worried, and she whispered anxious words at the screen. He knew she was wishing for every tribute’s safety. He knew it was hopeless.
Although he felt sad and anxious for the tributes of his district, Felix couldn’t help but wonder; Who would be reaped next year? Would it be him, or one of his brothers? There were so many people in his District, he didn’t recall ever speaking to either one of this year’s tributes. He knew their faces though. If they both died, he would only be able to feel an ounce of sadness, perhaps because they made it so far. But tributes died every year and next year would be the same. Dwelling on past Games is a fool’s choice. Felix knew better, Felix knew that the only Games to worry about were the ones that followed.
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Aug 20, 2012 13:28:09 GMT -5
"Ooooh." Cedar exhaled as he caught sight of Femra and Cade and the horrible monstrosities that they had become. The boy's face paled as he watched the axes begin to carve.
"I don't like how she's talking to Rory." The boy whispered to Wistar. "I don't like Rowan's big mouth. What if they start targeting our family instead of the big boy?" The 'big boy' had a bit of awe to it. Clearly Tank had earned a fan in little Cedar.
As Felix watched the Games unfold, someone ran into his leg. Looking down he spotted an eight year old girl with bright red hair. Rose, Rowan's younger sister and only sibling. There were tears streaking down the little girl's cheeks as she turned away from the screen. Onscreen, the battle between district 11's three tributes and district 9's Jasmine - and the Avenged- was heating up.
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Aug 20, 2012 15:52:41 GMT -5
Wister Noland
Watching the horror unfold on screen, left Wistar with a deep frown. But there was real terror in his eyes. If it had been him, Wist knew he wouldn't be able to handle it. But it wasn't him. It was Rory. His little cousin Rory, who was too nice for her own good. Wistar just wanted her to put these corpses down.
"I don't like any of this, little guy," he replied. "But they'll get through this. And if those monsters go after Rowan or Rory, they're strong they'll make it."
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Aug 22, 2012 13:54:45 GMT -5
Cedar bit his lip as Rowan received a jab to her wrist.
"She's still fighting." He assured himself quietly. "She's still fighting. Just one more to go!" His last words were an exclamation, almost a cheer. The town center was now populated by about twenty men and woman who had stopped by before the evening meal. Most parents had sent their children away at seeing the fighting, but a few small stragglers peeked out from behind the bleachers.
"Rory and Rowan are doing well." Stated Norman, the town butcher. He walked over to stand beside Wister. "They chose a good alliance." The butcher praised. "I'm hoping they find all of those bracelets, Wister, Cedar. I really do."
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Aug 22, 2012 14:37:10 GMT -5
Wister Noland
Wistar nodded, placing a hand on the little guy's shoulder. If Rowan didn't make it out of this, Wistar had already decided on making Ceder is little brother. He needed family, someone to look out for him. "Rowan's a fighter. They all are. That thing doesn't have a chance."
Nodding to the butcher, Wistar smiled. "Thank you. I know with their training scores no one expected them to make it this far. They'll find those bracelets." He continued, quietly. "I'll have to..."
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Aug 22, 2012 14:58:07 GMT -5
"If they underestimated District 7, it was to Rory, Tank and Rowan's benefit." Norman affirmed. "Now they have...what, fifteen tributes left?" He turned to study the other two screens that showed different areas of the arena. Something caught his eye and he swore under his breath.
"Mayor," He requested of the portly Mayor observing the games on the podium. "- can you turn up the volume on screen three?"
"Screen three? And lose some of our own Rory, Rowan and Tank?" The Mayor appeared baffled, but did as requested. Some of the awful crooning Avenged Cade was making faded as new words began to fill the town center. Screen three seemed to be of a stand off between two boys and another group of three tributes. As the camera tightened up on the faces, the townspeople suddenly realized these two boys were the boys who had attacked their own at the Feast.
"I see two more dead boys if you take one more step closer." Elena snarled, gesturing with her knife. At her back, Sorrel held her sword at the ready and the boy was drawing an arrow.
"I understand that." The boy from district 5 assured. "We aren't here to kill you. We have a proposition to make."
"Your head on a pike?" Someone from Elena's group grumbled.
"We know who has a victor's bracelet." Joel, weak from blood loss and supported by his alliance member, rasped. "Help us knock off a few tributes and we'll tell you who has it."
"Oh we kill you and go get the bracelet." Elena countered. Her voice was uneven and there was a dangerous glint in those eyes. Femra's district mate had clearly lost her mind to the Games. "Tempting... yes..." Joel rasped. "You could torture and kill us, but then you have to wonder if we are lying. And if you go after the wrong person, thats more time wasted that the others could spend finding more bracelets. Trust me. If we hunt through the night, this time tomorrow we could have all of the Bracelets."
"Whats in it for you?" Sorrel - sweet Sorrel with the haunted eyes - asked. "If we get you to the bracelet, keep us around to hunt down the rest. Maybe theres enough so one of us can go home, too." Joel smiled a sick smile. "Its more people helping you stay alive. Turn us down, maybe we go take the bracelet ourselves ... or maybe we ally with who has it. Maybe we come back stronger and with more numbers and slice your stupid necks off for making me talk .this.damned.much." Elena glances to her male counterpart, who nodded. Sorrel frowns for a minute, but shrugs.
"Fine. " Elena declared. "Sorrel, stitch him up. I don't want that blood attracting anything."
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Aug 22, 2012 18:36:54 GMT -5
Wister Noland
Wistar was about to reply to Norman when the events unfolded on screen. There was so much going on there was hardly any time to take it all in. They were gunning after Rory. That wasn't good. But then there was no time to think about that when Rowan was on the ground dying right in front of his eyes.
"Cedar... go home. I'll get you when it's done. I don't want you watching this... Please... go home..." his voice cracked at the end. He knew that Rowan probably wasn't going to make it. And the thought of Cedar going through this a second time... Wistar couldn't bear it.
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Aug 22, 2012 19:12:19 GMT -5
"Row..." The sound died in Cedar's voice. There's not a note that will make it through the little boy's throat. As his throat is choked up with sobs of emotion, the little boy buried his face in Wister's side in an impulsive hug. Its a hug of fear, of emotion, maybe just being grateful that someone was here to tell him what to do when his big sister - and now his big cousin - weren't here to take care of him.
Cedar pulled away from Wister after a beat, his face streaked with tears. The little boy weaved through the square, headed towards home.
"Poor lad." Norman grunted. If his words were clipped, it was because emotion was shining in his eyes, too. His own son, Kelvin, had gone to school with Cypress, Rory, Rowan and Tank. Tank had come by his shop with Conrad, ferrying around produce and meat to people who needed it, on Conrad's victor coins. He knew these children.
"Augh." He coughed, using the fist he coughed into to wipe the tear from the corner of his eye. "Hang in there, Wister. Rory's whole and so is Tank. They could make it."
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Aug 22, 2012 19:22:43 GMT -5
Wister Noland
Wistar hugged Cedar back. The little guy was losing his people left and right. But he was stronger than he looked. And Wistar would make certain he stayed strong.
Cedar's never taking out any tesserae. Whatever his family needs, I'll put my name in more times to make sure they get it. He already did that for his own family. It didn't matter if it upped his chances of going in. It just meant the odds of Cedar getting sent in were lower.
"They could make it..." Wistar replied and hung his head. The water in his eyes was wiped away before he looked up again. "But win or lose Tank, Rowan, and Rory represent the best in all of us."
|
|
|
Post by Lite on Mar 14, 2013 13:43:27 GMT -5
Alder Grayling
The sky wasn’t blue. It was a dark grey colour, clouds lingering over district seven. The crowd of citizens watched anxiously as the events of the Games unfolded before their eyes on the screens. There were whispers, almost inaudible, about the unfair tampering, how the tributes were being pushed.
There were gasps as Felix made the first move, his axe cutting across Jan’s face.
Alder’s blood began to pump faster around his body as he watched his older brother in action. The axe flashed across the screen as the cameras closed in on Felix, and on the second screen, Sassinak notched her first arrow. Alder fought back a grin as people started to shout, to cheer on the tributes of their district.
As Jan’s knife slashed across Felix’s throat, Alder reached up and placed his own hands on his throat. He could feel his brother’s pain as the blinded boy seethed in pain. Alder watched him, holding the axe high and hitting Jan again. Alder looked up at his stoic father, seeing a single tear in the man’s eyes.
Ilex Grayling was proud of his son.
Alder’s eyes were trained on Felix and Jan’s battle, every flash of steel made the cries and the shouts louder. People were screaming for Felix, for Sassinak, saying that they could win, that they could come back together.
“Do it Felix!” Alder joined their shouts, their cheers of encouragement that would never reach his brother’s ears. And Alder watched as Isolde fell to the ground. Felix and Jan were still going at it.
The battle was coming to a close, both boys were getting tired, Sassinak and Lily were fighting by that time. And Alder was shaking, his heart beating fast. The shouts and cries were lessening, people were now waiting in anticipation. The boys looked equally as hurt. Either one of them could fall any moment.
Felix could have finished him. The axe bit into Jan’s flesh, but Felix pulled it away. He dropped it to the ground. The two male tributes were almost nose to nose as Jan’s knife slid through Felix and into his heart.
Alder’s scream cut through the gasps and the sobs. Sassinak fell to the ground as Jan went down with Felix.
The cannons sounded almost simultaneously.
District Seven would not have a victor this year.
“No! No! NO! Felix! Get up! He’s going to get up!” Alder was pushing his way through the crowd, towards the line of Peacekeepers at the front. “He was winning! He was winning!” Furious tears streamed down the boy’s face as he furiously threw himself at the line armoured guards.
He was thrown to the ground, and Alder leapt up on the offensive. “You killed my brother!” Alder roared, and the Peacekeepers made a move for their weapons. They could strike him down, and Alder wouldn’t care.
But this wouldn’t bring Felix back, Birch would say. Alder didn’t care.
He turned around, his eyes still furiously leaking tears, and he shoved people out of the way, people with their heads in their hands weeping, people who were still cheering for Felix’s bravery, people who loved Felix, Sassinak, Lily, Jan and Ember. People who knew that the final five would go down in history.
All Alder cared about was the fact that he’d never get to see his brother again, never get to speak to him again. Jan made Felix break his promise.
He shoved his way towards where Rory’s family were standing. “This is Aurora’s fault!” Alder cried frantically, “She didn’t help him enough! She could have, she could have!”
Alder could see his father approaching from not far away, but Alder didn’t care.
Someone was to blame for this. Whether it was Jan or it was Rory or it was the Capitol, or it was all of them combined. Someone was to blame.
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Mar 14, 2013 17:27:20 GMT -5
Wistar Noland: The Bard of District SevenAvery was talking with Sassinak's family, offering any help he could. It was what they did in District Seven. They mourned as one. Sassinak's family and Felix's would want for nothing for the next few weeks. And there'd be a feast... Wistar supposed he'd have to sing. His throat tightened at the thought. Still, he felt guilty about something he'd never share with anyone. While he mourned Felix and Sassinak, there was a part of him that was happy that Jan and Ember had made it out. At least Max Colton would have lost another siblings so soon after losing Jace. It didn't help with Alder who had come up to Wistar just as Avery returned. And Wiss looked as Avery blinked his surprise. Then he watched as his uncle took that comment very, very personally. Wistar took a breath and counted to ten before he stood, whispering to the boy, "Alder, please this isn't the time or place for this. You want to have this out I know where we can go."Wistar took another breathe and took his place on the platform where one year ago he watched his cousin do her best impression of him. It was flattering really. But it was time people got to see Wistar for what he was. "Hello... You all know me. I'm Wistar Noland. Rory's cousin, Avery's uncle. You all know my family, my father Caden, my mother Willow, my brothers, Aspen, Lennox, and Hawes. So you know that we Nolands have been with District Seven since the beginning. We are of the forest.
"Felix and Sassinak... we too good for this world. Too damn good. We all know what these games are like. We seen what it's done to Conrad... or even my unshakable cousin Rory. Felix or Sass... I don't want them changed by the Games.
"Felix and Sassinak fought bravely. They fought well. They honored us all by never backing down from their promise or their breaking their bonds. Because of that, two people who would never have had the chance to meet otherwise have found each other. Instead of turning our hearts to hate, recognized that Felix and Sassinak gave their lives in a way to allow these two and their love to survive." Wistar Noland rolled 10 dice to "Calming Adler Down + Will + SL2" 6,1,8,1,8,8,1,1,7,7 (3 successes) Wistar Noland rolled 14 dice to "Praising Felix + Will + SL2" 10,7,4,8,4,10,3,4,9,8,4,10,9,2,6,7,8 (8 successes)
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Mar 14, 2013 17:35:44 GMT -5
"Love doesn't fill our bellies." Old Pine, a wizened older man grumbled. He was one of the few elders, his body gnarled and scarred like an old tree. He had been a lumberman, but recent sickness had stolen his strength. His two grown sons now supported him, although they had two children apiece. " Love is a beautiful thing to find, Wistar. The One knows our lovely tributes were... special. They didn't cut their souls for the Games. I agree with what you're saying."
Old Piney sighed, saddened.
"We all remember what it feels like to go hungry. To dream of a juicy dinner that we can't scrape together for our children. When Branden won, we had twice as many children the next year. Half of them were named Branden." This drew a few chuckles. "Then we had to battle to keep our kids alive until Apple won. Now we've been enjoying what Conrad, Rory, Tank and Rowan brought home for us these last few years. Now we have a feast to prepare for and a winter to start gathering for. A lean winter. We'd better tighten our belts and warm our hearts with images of our tributes' best moments..."
|
|