CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Dec 2, 2013 0:02:55 GMT -5
The morning in District Seven was gloomy and grey with a hint of drizzle in the air. It could rain today. Or it could just stay like this. The weather in District Seven was a touch unpredictable. Despite the mist in the air and the dark clouds in the sky, it wasn’t cold. It was actually warm. But still people covered themselves just to keep themselves from getting rained on. The square was surrounded by trees almost on all sides and the stage was made from the same redwood trees that loomed over them. The citizens weren’t dressed in their best clothes but they didn’t put themselves in rags. If the last four games had taught them anything was that the games started now, on this every morning. Even before the first name was pulled. The games started as soon as the cameras started rolling. The Escort took the stage. A male this time. The female one from last year got transferred to District Four. But this new one wasn’t an improvement. He was dressed in a emerald green with bronze embroidery in the shape of leaves and vines. His hair was a lush green and his eyes were a watery blue. “Welcome. Welcome to the 28th Annual Hunger Games! And now for a special message from our beloved president.” “War... Terrible war...” It was the same vid every year but the citizens of District Seven watched it like it was the first time. The crowd was silent out of respect of those that had died in the rebellion and those that have and would die in the Arena. The escort tapped the mic and everyone shifted their focus. He smiled at them. And welcomed the Victors. Brendan was first, the eldest of them. Then Apple, probably the most active Victor until most recent years. Then there was Conrad, followed by Tank and Rowan. “District Seven,” the Escort said. “Let’s welcome our little darling back home. Aurora Laurentius, formally known as Aurora Noland and her husband, Junius Laurentius.” It was a very cold response. Most felt uneasy that she was even here. Trouble seemed to follow Aurora everywhere. And to top everything off she had brought someone from the Capitol. “YOU LOOK AMAZING!” someone shouted which made Aurora smile. They had dressed her as they always did. Gold and white. The color of victory and purity. It was her signature look now. Aurora looked like she had grown accustom to it. “And now for our tributes,” the Escort said. “We will start with the girls first.” “JENNIFER MASON!”The whole square froze and a woman grasped and fell to the ground, a sobbing mess. “Not my little girl. Not again…” Jenny Mason was 15 now. Almost a grown girl. A harder version of the scared 12 year old that faced the Arena 3 years ago. Aurora’s hand locked onto June’s, and she started to tremble again. Jenny didn’t even look at her as she was lead on stage. “Jennifer Mason… You wouldn’t happen to be…” The Escort’s face light up. “You’re little Jenny Mason, Aurora volunteered for you in the Quarter Quell.” “Yes,” was all Jenny said. “Well, as always we have to ask, is there a volunteer among us?” Hunger Games #24 – Conrad wins the games after losing his district mate Cypress due to a snake bite. He defeated his former alliance mate, Chisel from District One in one-on-one combat.
Hunger Games #25 – Aurora, Tank, and Rowan were thrown into the Quarter Quell. Together with Jace Colton a tribute from District Nine, and Jasmine Cloverfield they created what is referred to as the Big Alliance. Aurora and Jace had a falling out however, Aurora was still able to rally her alliance mates to a surprising victory, taking out the Career Alliance during the first night.
Hunger Games #26 – Despite the odds not being in the favor of the two tributes from district seven, Felix and Sassinak they lasted to the final 5. Sassinak was defeated by Lily and Isolde. And Felix went down by the blade of Jan Colton (twin brother of Jace Colton) which made him one of the Victors of the 26th Games
Hunger Games #27 – Another giant alliance. However this alliance brought a lot of negative attention. This was by far the most strange games as the two alliances weren’t really enemies. The District Seven tributes went down fighting an army of mutts on the final day.
Right after Hunger Games #27 – Aurora Noland’s family save for her cousin are put up on treason charges and killed for their crimes. Right after that Aurora is married to a citizen of the Capitol.
|
|
|
Post by Arishok on Dec 3, 2013 11:05:03 GMT -5
Jeanna Palmer
Conspiracy. That's all it was. I knew they were keeping me from my destiny, from my family. None of them knew what I knew. None of them knew I had the secret. The secret. The deadliest secret. The secret that would end their reign of terror. It was time. My time. And no one could stop me.
I cackle loudly as I step forward. Relishing in the shock of everyone's faces. Relishing that I would take away the Mason's moment of glory. Did they think they could keep me down. Receive the accolades of keeping me locked up and alone. Did they?
"I VOLUNTEER!!" I say, arms spread out to my side. I twirl around the smile on my face as large as the tree that had fallen on my father. I stumble for a moment. That wasn't right, they had killed my father. Not the forest. It was my brother that had been crushed.
The crowd steps back from me, confused at my stumble. No not confusion. Not real confusion, it was faked, staged and it angered me. I would not let them ruin my moment. I would not!!!
I continue to walk forward, jaw firmly set in determination. Not even my brother's ghost could deter me. I could hear him. Hear him yelling. "Jeanna, No no don't do this. Someone stop her." It was too late. They had even managed to corrupt his memory. Those bastards.
"I am Jeanna Palmer. I volunteer. It's time for me to go home."
|
|
QuinnTalon
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG MOD)
For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
Posts: 1,351
|
Post by QuinnTalon on Dec 3, 2013 12:54:38 GMT -5
[/SIZE] "Since mankind's dawn, a handful of oppressors have accepted the responsibility over our lives that we should have accepted for ourselves. By doing so, they took our power. By doing nothing, we gave it away. We've seen where their way leads, through camps and wars, towards the slaughterhouse."[/color][/font][/center] Until he'd seen things from 'the other side' of the Reapings, he hadn't truly understood the gravity of the situation at hand. Watching these children come here, and watching people kiss their children good-bye just in case they didn't survive this ordeal. Watching that woman break down at the sound of her daughter's name on The Capitol Escort's lips... June hadn't understood. Now? Now he did. His own children--assuming he and Rory had any--would never be subjected to this. It was in the contract that any children they had would be safe from this. So long as he played his part, anyone with the surname 'North' in District Ten would be safe as well. He'd traded his own freedom for the freedom of others, and he hadn't realized the full gravity of what he'd done until he sat on that stage, dressed in gold and black, with his wife. She squeezed his hand. Hard. And he put his other over where her's lay entwined with his. An accident of birth had put him in a position to do some good, and he would do as much as he could. And then the girl....insane. That was the only word he could use for her. She was insane, and twirling as she Volunteered, and wasn't it Jace Colton who had killed a girl who went insane in the Arena? Just before his death, even. This girl was insane before the Arena. Either Capitol Citizens would eat it up, or her death would be a release. "We'll get through this." Every year, he'd say it if he had to. Because they would get through it. "We will."
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Dec 3, 2013 14:54:24 GMT -5
Apple, the first rebel of District 7 & Branden, the First Victor of District seven
Apple snorted when she looked over at June, rolling her eyes. "They sent the peacock with her."
"You keep that up, I'll make sure the Avoxes only deliver oatmeal to you." He says in a low voice, turning his head so only the escort can not hear them. If Rory could hear her, all the better to add to Apple's shame.
"You're too old to act like a child."
Disappointment colors his voice. He'd met Apple when she was a scared child - and he'd had the pleasure of seeing her grow up into an adult.
"You know exactly what he is." Apple whispers back, furious. Her cheeks are blooming red spots of embarrassment. Branden looks to Apple, shaking his head slightly. He lowers his eyes then, signalling his disappointment - and pointing out where the microphones were most likely located.
"That's enough." He mouths, not speaking.
"It's time." He speaks, louder than normal. Rowan leaned forward in her seat beside Rory, taking the girl's free hand. She gives Rory an encouraging smile - pointedly ignoring June. She'd heard the whole exchange and didn't much care for it.
"Oh, not Jenny." Apple moans softly. The color has completely drained from her face. Branden leans over and places a hand on Apple's knee, squeezing tight. He turns and gives Rory a long, meaningful look. Branden's light colored eyes are conflicted with pain. The victors fall silent as the girl steps forward and volunteers. Branden releases Apple's knee and leans forward, getting a better look at her.
"This is home." Apple speaks normally. "Whats she talking - oh." She drops her voice again, hissing to the victors. " Its Jeanna Palmer."
"That's our girl," Branden spoke normally. "- Jeanna Palmer." His voice is warm, welcoming. He gives Jeanna an approving nod.
Apple stares at her, seeming confused. Rowan glances away, her eyes trapped in Jenny Mason's eyes. She turns and finds Cedar - her cousin - and gives a meaningful nod to Jenny.
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Dec 4, 2013 11:17:45 GMT -5
Aurora took in a deep breath and let it out. Apple Crell, she felt close to her. The older sister or young aunt that she never had. Apple had seen her through the Arena. She had been there from all of them when they got out. Brendan and Apple’s example let Aurora see that there was a future for Victors. However, this, Apple would never understand. Not about this. Not what was going on with her and June. On the one hand, it was depressing. Two youths forced into a marriage. What if June had someone he loved and cared for in the Capitol? Aurora had never thought to ask him that. But on the other hand, it was the strangest relationship she had ever had with another person. And it wasn’t just the circumstances. But for the very fact that he reminded her of Jace Colton. It wasn’t in the way he talked, or how polite he was like Jace. It was all in his eyes. Pure empathy. Jace had that. They had been sitting on the train in silence. Aurora was just looking out the window watching the scenery speed by. She looked… lost. On the vids she always looked so composed, so natural… perhaps a touch arrogant. Now, she looked like a girl lost in the woods.
“I have something for you,” June said. “A belated wedding gift.”
Aurora slowly turned away from the window and her eyebrow arched up. “Oh?”
June pulled out a small wooden box. There was nothing special about the box. At least to the untrained eye. But Aurora had grown up with Carpenters and Artisans. She could identify craftsmanship when she saw it. And it was beautiful, and old. Pre-rebellion. She could tell by the District Stamps on them. She ran her fingers over it, and smiled.
“It’s beautiful.”
June chuckled. “The wedding gift is what’s inside the box, Rory.”
Despite herself, Aurora’s smile brightened. “What can I say? Your wife is a girl with simple tastes.”
June grinned. And Aurora opened the box. Inside was a simple bracelet. Hand-woven and not of the Capitol. Not even from her home district. And yet, she had seen this bracelet before.
Tears welled in her eyes. “This is… this is Jace’s bracelet.”
Her husband nodded. “To remember why you’re doing this.” When Rowan took Aurora’s free hand, Jace’s bracelet slipped out from under her dress’ sleeve. She smiled at Rowan but she shot June a meaningful look and mouthed “Thank you.” Apple wouldn’t understand. And Aurora knew her well enough to know that Aurora couldn’t convince her otherwise. Under the weight of Branden’s gaze, Aurora’s lip quivered. She can’t face this. She can’t do this again. She can’t watch someone she cared about go into the Games and not come home. Alder Grayling still couldn’t forgive her. The sorrow turns to fear when Jeanna Palmer volunteers. There should have been a rule against children sick like Jeanna was from going into the games. But there wasn’t. And besides, it didn’t matter now. She had said the words. Only Aurora and Rowan knew what that meant. To volunteer. There was no going back after that. “Jenny Mason, it seems the odds are indeed in your favor…” the escort said. “Well step on up you beautiful girl. Tell us about yourself.” Jennifer Mason nodded back at Rowan and rejoined her family. Mother and father held onto to their daughter for dear life. But Jenny gave the Victors a look and her gaze zeroed in on the Victor that had taken her brother away from her. Once this girl had been delighted to see her savior, she even looked forward to the day they’d been sisters. But those days ended the day Gable was taken from them. And to a certain extant Aurora was to blame for that. Elena from District 8. She had been a sweet girl until she started hunting tributes. If Jace hadn’t killed Aurora would have and considered it a kindness. Like it had been with Cade Blackwell from District 2. She heard Ember speak the same way about Brass Powers from the same district. “Tiny, Brass was a killer. Even before the Games. You could see it in his eyes, the way he moved, the way he talked. Bogey I killed because of what he took from me. But Brass… He had to go because of what he’d do if he’d had won. And I would’ve died tryin’ to kill ‘im. Just so happens I didn’t need to. But for what he did to Sassy, and Broody, I would have.” Aurora nodded when June spoke. She looked down at their hands and then back up to his face. “We have to.” After Jeanna spoke to the crowd, the Escort drew the boy’s name. “WISTAR NOLAND!”Again the crowd falls silent.
|
|
|
Post by Arishok on Dec 4, 2013 15:25:37 GMT -5
Jeanna Palmer
I step up to the podium to speak. I did not even try to hide my excitement. This was the start of my journey, the first step. I did not expect to be swept away by my true parents when I arrived at the capital. I had been tainted living amongst the lessers. I would need to be reborn. This previous life washed away a baptism of my sins so I could become the capital daughter I was destined to be.
I smile politely to the crowd, a nod to the family of Jenny, it was the polite thing to do. To feign ignorance of their plan to keep me away from my destiny. If they knew that I knew Jenny's shock and fear was rehearsed, they would try something else. They were probably plotting that now, I wouldn't put it past them. But the camera was on me now.
Thank you. I begin Today I take the first step on my journey. Today I begin to show the world the truth of District 7. We often hear the words "May the odds forever be in your favor." Those words are hollow and nothing more than a pathetic attempt to comfort those who are not strong enough. Odds imply luck. Luck is a fairy tale. A fairy tale for the weak. Jenny was not lucky that I stepped forward. She was unlucky. They'd probably beat her for not succeeding in keeping me away. The hazmot deserved it. This was my time. We must follow the example of the Capital. Remember what the games teach us. We must learn from the past. The Capital did not get lucky. They simply took the future in their hands. It is time for me to do the same. Today I take my future into my hands. Thank you
I step back waving to those who would deny my destiny. I scan the crowd and momentarily lose myself in my anger. My eyes narrow slightly, my lip curling in a twisted smile. Oh I would make sure the Capital saw the truth of District 7. I would ensure when I returned on my Victor tour, that those responsible would be punished for taking me away.
|
|
QuinnTalon
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG MOD)
For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
Posts: 1,351
|
Post by QuinnTalon on Dec 4, 2013 15:28:04 GMT -5
[/SIZE] "Since mankind's dawn, a handful of oppressors have accepted the responsibility over our lives that we should have accepted for ourselves. By doing so, they took our power. By doing nothing, we gave it away. We've seen where their way leads, through camps and wars, towards the slaughterhouse."[/color][/font][/center] This was the stupidest thing the Capitol could have done. June blinked once. Twice. Watched the Peacekeepers head to where Rory's last remaining relative was standing and if looks could kill there would have been a bunch of dead Men In White standing there. The odds of this happening were...ridiculously low. Jenny Mason and then Wistar Noland? It didn't take a genius--which June definitely was one--to see how fixed this was. How paranoid had that woman gotten to do something like this? It wasn't a smart move. Take away the last thing this girl had to live for and she would become even more dangerous. That was just the way it was, and June squeezed Rory's hand again. Fools. And he knew Wistar. Had spent a few hours with him while the Stylists were getting Rory ready. While his own was touching up his own clothing. While someone was lightening Wistar's hair just a touch. This was wrong on so many levels, and while he had heard what others were saying about him, he could care less right now. 'What he was'. As if that woman had any clue 'what he was'. No one did. He wasn't even sure Aurora knew. This was wrong. It was so very, very wrong. ...And it always had been.
|
|
|
Post by Seryna on Dec 4, 2013 17:34:58 GMT -5
Cedar shifted in the crowd and Rowan shot him a deadly serious glare. "Don't you dare." She mouthes to her cousin. Cedar frowned and looked away, not meeting her eyes. His eyes were locked on Wistar, on Rory's dear cousin. Rowan willed herself to be still, but her fingers dug into the palms of her hands. She was scarcely breathing, hating this moment. Hating the Capital. Hating herself for putting her own blood before Rory's. It was a terrible thing to do to such a true friend.
It would just be exchanging one lamb for another, Rowan told herself. Cedar had too much Cypress in him. Not enough love for himself. He'd find a dear friend - as Cypress had loved Conrad as a brother - and forget to live for himself. For his poor mother who had already given a child to the games.
Branden was breathing very steadily, the sound seeming amplified among the frozen victors and June. Apple shot June an irritated look at that moment, irrationally blaming him, the boy of the Capital. It was the Capital who won and made them pay every day. Branden tore his eyes away, shook his head at her.
"If he's here, he had nothing to do with it. Why would any one who loved the Capital leave it." He whispers to her. "Think. We have to get through this. Get them through this."
"But Wistar..." Apple bit her lip. Better to be in pain than to cry. The tough as nails victor never cried. She shoved someone off a cliff for her coat, as she was proud to proclaim. She was pissed that she never got that coat.
|
|
CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
|
Post by CuteLikeMurder on Dec 5, 2013 1:36:41 GMT -5
“Oh, what an interesting way to look at the games; refreshing that someone from District Seven knows how to embody the true spirit of the Games,” the Escort replied. “I know people will be looking out for you.” Congrats credits have been added to your account +50 for volunteering +30 for bringing the crazy (because damn) Again, Aurora faltered. Her eyes welled up with tears and Jeanna’s insanity was forgotten in the face of her cousin, Wistar being reaped. She looked to Brendan, who sort of had taken the place of her own father. She was pleading for help despite knowing there was nothing he could do. There nothing any of them could do. Wistar looked up and ran a hand through his hair. He knew how to work a crowd. He knew that he was pretty. He knew that the Games began now. And he was milking it. He was already dressed in something Aurora’s stylists had chosen for him. Something that brought out his eyes, and complimented his frame. He smiled; his eyes and his face still skyward. He was humming. “How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes…” It was easy to see why he turned heads. It wasn’t just the way he looked. His voice was almost hauntingly beautiful. “I struggle to find any truth in your lies…”Wistar looked toward the stage and put his hands in his pants pockets. “And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know… My weakness I feel I must finally show…”He met Aurora’s eyes and smiled. “Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all… But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall… Lend me your eyes I can change what you see!.. But your soul you must keep, totally free…
“A…wake… my soul… “A…wake… my soul…”The Peacekeepers pushed him forward and his grin grew. “How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes… I struggle to find any truth in your lies… And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know… My weakness I feel I must finally show…” And then something happened. Something miraculous. And it started with a voice in the crowd joining in with Wistar. “In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. And where you invest your love, you invest your life. In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. And where you invest your love, you invest your life.”The boy looked almost sickly. Small for his age. He was handsome like Wistar. But he didn’t have the voice. It was okay. Wistar carried most of the song. And when the boy got close enough to touch Wistar, he stopped him. “For you were made to meet your maker… For you were made to meet your maker… You were made to meet your maker…”Then the boy smiled. “I can take it from here, brother.” The escort blustered. “This is highly unorthodox!” The boy looked over his shoulder. “This is District Seven, you’d think you’d be used it by now. Oh, and I’m Udell Berkley. And I volunteer as tribute.” Udell took the stage. He revealed that he didn’t know Wistar too well. He just knew that he lost enough already. And the Nolands had been an old family. Wistar was the sole heir to the family name. Udell was the little brother. His eldest brother was already married with a child. His family would be fine either way. Udell played the weakling. Someone that was throwing himself on the proverbial sword. Only the trained eye would see what he was playing at. “Jeanna Palmer and Udell Berkley! The Tributes from District Seven for the 28th Hunger Games!” Wistar Noland rolled 15 dice to "Siren Song" 1,9,3,1,3,10,10,7,6,9,3,6,9,5,3,1,2 (5 successes) +50 Credits for the song Wistar Noland rolled 9 dice to "Being Pretty" 3,8,6,5,1,1,98,8 (4 successes) +40 for being attractive Udell rolled 10 dice to "appearing weak" 10,8,1,9,4,4,9,1,2,7,4 (4 successes) - 40 for being visibly weak. +50 for volunteering.
|
|