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Post by Seryna on Jan 19, 2012 0:31:03 GMT -5
After the first day of training, all of the tributes were advised to meet with their mentors over dinner for a strategy session. Conrad and Cypress went up to the dining room where a full dinner was laid out before them. The center of the table had several chickens, a turret of lamb stew and a rack of ribs. Several plates of rolls, roasted potatoes and steamed asparagus ringed them.
Only three chairs were set; the absence of the frivolous stylist team was an obvious choice.
The district 7 mentor was a thin rake of a woman with piercing blue eyes; dark hair sheared short with no idea for style expect that it be short and not peek past her ears. It gave her a hawk - like appearance. Apple had been whip thin - looking rather undernourished - when she entered the Games at the age of 15, seven years ago. Today, her middle was beginning to look rather hefty.
Apple - a delicious name for a sour woman - was already picking her way through half a chicken. Watching her eat with her fingers reminded her of the way she had killed one of her opponents- a well placed finger to the eye socket followed by a shove down a thirty - meter cliff. She had bitterly complained for the camera and all of Panem to hear that she had been hoping for that tribute's coat. It had been a really nice coat and she'd tried to not get that wench's blood on it.
Apple sucked her thumb clean and surveyed you over the table. "Sit!" She commanded. "Eat. You're both too thin."
She shoves a turret of lamb stew at you; a smidgen that slopped onto the table cloth.
"Now; you're first day-" She launches immediately, pecking up a sweet roll and dunking it in a turret of gravy. "- did you see any one you'd want to ally with?"
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Post by Aeon The Phoenix on Jan 20, 2012 23:11:14 GMT -5
Conrad sat down obediently at Apple's instruction. While he respected her as a surviving former tribute and champion of the games, he was getting the distinct impression she was a lousy human being. Nevertheless, she was a winner and so he shelved whatever response he had to her comments and helped himself to some lamb stew after letting Cypress take her portion.
"I'm rather hoping Cypress and I can persuade a boy called Bobbeh to ally with us, as well as a few others who already we have something in common with."
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Post by Seryna on Jan 20, 2012 23:20:11 GMT -5
Cypress turns towards Conrad with interest. "Bobbeh seems friendly enough." She replies. "We've taken the same training stations so far. I'd be up for an alliance with him."
Apple considered the idea for a moment; barking. "He's the little fat boy, isn't he? You sure he won't be crying for his momma's home cooking three minutes out from Cornucopia?"
She took a rather large helping of meat; stabbing it with a fork as she replied. "Who else do you have something in common with?"
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Post by Aeon The Phoenix on Jan 21, 2012 13:01:32 GMT -5
Conrad politely and hurriedly finished his mouthful before responding to Apple's rebuke.
"Even the most insignificant person can change the course of history. My father wasn't particularly well renowned until he won the Games himself. Regardless of skills or physique, our chances are clearly going to be better with Bobbeh on our side rather than opposing it."
His mouth having run dry as he realized he'd just unwisely challenged the opinion of his mentor, Conrad reached for his glass, took a sip to wet his throat once more and hastily changed the subject.
"The other other tributes are called Vance and Vibrance. I haven't really interacted with them that much yet, but if we could sway them to our side it would tip the current balance in favor of our alliance. I fully intend to try approaching them before I finish the rest of my training."
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Post by Seryna on Jan 23, 2012 5:23:05 GMT -5
"Vibrance..." Cypress frowns. "She seems..uncouth. " "She's formidable," Apple countered; setting down her fork. "-and alliances can only help you survive. An alliance is nearly essential to survive the Blood bath." She speared a potato with her fork.
"Definitely work on those three before training week is over. You need at least one more. Someone to guard while you sleep is essential; or else you get sloppy. Or killed."
She glances between Cypress and Conrad. "Now, whats your strategy for Cornucopia?"
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Post by Aeon The Phoenix on Jan 23, 2012 5:34:11 GMT -5
"Personally I'm hoping with a large enough alliance we can make a stand and collect everything we need to give us a big advantage over the others who just grab a few things and run." Conrad stated.
"Like you say, working on those three would really help, especially if they bring their district partners to the mix as well. An alliance of eight would definitely shift the balance of power in our favor."
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Post by Seryna on Jan 23, 2012 13:44:15 GMT -5
"An alliance of eight," Apple said slowly; nodding with approval. "- that would certainly give you the advantage. You might even be able to take the whole of Cornucopia's wealth with that."
She glanced towards Cypress.
"You're going to ally with Conrad?" The words were sharp; like a scalpel. The sharp words caught Cypress mid - bite. She finished chewing and dabbed at her mouth in a lady - like fashion with her napkin.
"Yes," She states, looking to Conrad. "- its ambitious. I'm not saying I'd trust those District 1's. But they may be good for a alliance in the beginning. Just don't turn your back on them... I remember that one girl who killed her alliance partner in her sleep."
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Post by Aeon The Phoenix on Jan 23, 2012 14:52:47 GMT -5
"If Cypress can work with Bobbeh and his partner, I'll see if I can persuade Vibrance and Vance over my last two training sessions." Conrad stated.
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Post by Seryna on Jan 24, 2012 19:34:01 GMT -5
"Yeah, I can do that." Cypress nods. "I think he wants to hit other stations than me; but we'll have some down time when we go back. I'll ask him then."
"Good," Apple nodded.
"-now; we should discuss you're angles. Conrad; for you; I'm liking that you are the son of a previous victor. We'll play it up that victory is in your genes; but it hasn't made you entitled. You seem rather..." She cocks her head at you. "- amicable."
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Post by Aeon The Phoenix on Jan 28, 2012 8:42:46 GMT -5
Unsure whether Apple was complimenting or criticizing him, Conrad took the diplomatic route.
"Thank you." he said neutrally.
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Post by Seryna on Jan 28, 2012 12:48:23 GMT -5
"So during the interview; they're probably going to ask questions about your father, his Hunger Games - how it felt to grow up on Victor's Village. Be certain to answer in a way that makes you still seem like every one else. Not haughty." She explains.
"Do you have any questions?"
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Post by Aeon The Phoenix on Jan 29, 2012 19:42:23 GMT -5
"Nothing I can think of. Cypress?" Conrad asked his partner, happy to hear anything she might have to say.
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Post by Seryna on Jan 29, 2012 19:58:17 GMT -5
"No..." Cypress replied, eyeing Apple. "- what should my angle be?"
Apple made a sour sound in her throat. "You're not sexy. You giving me nothing here-" She made a circular motion by Cypress's face; who frowned. "You keep talking about your family, names like trees..."
"Elder, Cedar and Elm." Cypress stated, somewhat harshly. "My brothers and sister." "Yeah, you get that little look in your eye. I could use that.." Apple muses.
"Maybe get your sister to cry on camera during the interview once you enter the Arena. Should get you good views on the second day."
Cypress stared incredulously at Apple.
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