human
Cassandra "Cassie" Wilcox was standing on the stage, her eyes glassy with a sense of fear and shock. She had just been reaped, looking out at the silent crowd. There was a lump in her throat, and it refused to disappear no matter how hard she swallowed.
Here she was, standing beside some knobby-kneed thirteen-year-old boy... He was crying, and she didn't blame him. She's be throwing a tantrum to get back to her parents too if they were there. All she had was her older brother, and he had the same shocked expression on his face as she did.
A couple hours went by, and she got her tearful goodbye. She hated goodbyes, and she hated to leave the older brother who had raised her since she was three (when their parents died) alone. Hopefully he'd find a nice girl to marry and have children with, but in this day in time, it was unlikely.
And the irony of this entire situation, was that she was turning nineteen tomorrow... She was one day away from not being a contender for the Games, and here she was, sitting on the train. They were headed toward the Capitol, and she was told that her mentor would be meeting with her shortly.
gpt
Lucien North watched the crowd from his chair on the stage. While he had no true desire to watch the reaping, or be a mentor, the 25 year old victor had a slight smile on his face, as carefully blank and in control as a doll would be. After not only surviving his own game, to being used in whatever capacity the president wanted his victors in, the hardest thing that Lucien had ever been faced with, was this moment, when he accepted that he was once again sending someone from his home, to die in a game. Or learn to kill. Either way, he was helping to end their innocence.
Sipping the glass of whiskey as he paused outside the doors he braced himself to go in. because the girl waiting for him, wasnt just any tribute, she was someone hed once known, at least more than any of the others hed seen through their games. And having seen her brothers face when she was called, he couldnt even offer a token of helpful advice, because he knew the chance that the next time his friend saw him, he was going to be giving condolences for getting Cassie killed, instead of celebrating a victor. Tipping his head back he downed the whole glass of whiskey like it was a shot glass before he stepped inside.
Cassandra.He muttered quietly in greeting, tilting his head as he moved to sit in the chair in front of her. While he was glad most of the time, that he had another victor with him to act as a mentor, so that they could focus on one tribute, trying to get them to flourish under ridiculous circumstances, in this one moment he wished he was the only one, if only because it meant that with the 13 year old boy, it meant he wouldnt be left alone with Cassandra. Are you hungry?He asked after a moment, nodding towards the side table that was fairly groaning under the weight of the food.
human
Cassie gave him a look of grief and malice, because she couldn't believe he'd even ask her such a thing. "I'm no where near hungry, Lucien," she said, rubbing a hand over her face. She hated this situation more than anything, mainly because the man in front of him was a man she had once been beside herself with sadness at the thought of losing. She remembered the day he was reaped... He had always been a close friend of her brother, and he had been around the house a lot through her childhood. Hell, he was there when their parents died. When his name was called for the Games, her heart broke...
That was a few years ago, and they had not spoken since.
"I've decided how we should handle this," she said suddenly, looking down at her hands, " I think we shouldn't prolong it. There is no way I'm getting out of there alive, so I figured I'd save my brother heartache and off myself the first day." She shrugged, and it was clear that while her words were confident, her tone was shaken with fear.
gpt
Well, you still are going to need to eat. And I need to eat before I get drunk.Lucien said ignoring the look he got in return for his question, used to the tributes staring at him with that same look of grief and malice. They couldnt really believe that a man not so many years ago had been a tribute himself, was being so callous and closed off in the face of their tragedy. But Lucien, knew that he had to, had to wall off the part of him that grieved with them, if he was going to have any chance of making sure they could stand on their own during the games.
Getting up he started to make a plate for them both before going still at her words. Turning his head a little to look at her, as if trying to judge if she was serious. Shaking his head in slight bemusement at her words.I will not be made a fool of Cassandra, and having my tribute kill herself instead of die fighting would be insane.Lucien growled a little before returning to his chair, holding out the plate to her with the patience of a man whod known her since childhood, and had once been able to coax her to do about anything, including eating.
Cascassie..Lucien swallowed hard as he gave into the need to remind himself that he knew her more then most of the tributes he got. you wont be saving him from anything. He would know why you did it, if you did. Youyou need to fight. And not just for yourself. Fight for me, because it would beugly for me, if my tribute committed suicide.Lucien added, shamelessly playing on her emotions, hoping that there was a small scrap of emotion left for him, that his silence and withdrawal hadnt destroyed it.
It might be the only edge he had to get her own alive.
human
Cassie gave out a deep, shaky breath. With a hint of stubbornness, she took the plate and picked at a piece of bread. She was silent for a long time, not looking at him in the eyes. She hated how, even after all of this time, he still had the power to coax her out of her naturally stubborn behavior. Even after all this time, the memory of him being such a kind soul to her (even when she was the annoying little sister) etched in her brain... And she hated that. Right now, she wanted to shut herself off from the world and become one with the silence of imminent death. She did not need him to remind her of the memories she'd be leaving behind.
"I don't think my brother would be happy to know you have become an alcoholic either," she snapped, glancing at the bottle of whiskey on the table, "And I wasn't going to kill myself... I was just... not going to fight. The commotion near the cornucopia is always a massacre. Would it really be that hard to believe that I wouldn't make it?"
She took a bite of her bread, chewing it and looking out the window of the train. Her blue eyes were so soft, so innocent. It was the only part of her that had not grown cold over the past few years that Lucien had not seen her... It was clear that her tough-talk was covering up the fact that she was trying not to cry.
"All I have is knife throwing," she said, looking up at him for the first time. It was true, that since a very young age, Cassie had a knack for throwing knives. Most of it was self-taught out of boredom, for her brother didn't allow her to work or help with finances (out of pride, of course). With all of the free time she had back home and the lack of friends... Her little hobby over the years turned in to quite the talent.
"But knife throwing is not going to get me past those careers," she said, "Sure, I could probably survive for a while. But why let my brother sit at home at watch me go in and out of each round for months on end, only to have him watch me die? Why not let him lose me and heal..."
Her eyes narrowed a bit. "Oh? This is about you, isn't it? I'd hate for my failure to make you look bad in front of all your friends." She clenched her jaw and ground her teeth, because there was real bitterness in her words. After all, she had not spoken to him in years and all she saw was what the Capitol allowed her to see. From the outside, it looked like Lucien had a luxurious life with the people of the Capitol.
gpt
Lucien to glanced at the bottle, even as he poured himself another glass, sipping it even as he started to eat. Over the years, hed grown a tolerance for the alcohol, he was no longer the teen that had snuck small drinks with her brother and gotten drunk, but he really was a functioning alcoholic, to the point that unless you watched him drink it, you wouldnt have a sense that he was drunk off his ass. Shrugging absently he sighed.
No, it wouldnt be. At least not that hard. But I have no intention of letting you die. I owe your brother that much, to make sure you get home.Lucien said looking annoyed that he was even having to talk her out of just dying in the beginning. If he could get her past the cornucopia, then there was a chance that he really could pull it off. And her talent with knives just made that easier. If she could not have to get close up and personal, it would be easier to keep her from getting killed right away.
Good. Id rather have knife throwing then sword fighting.he said looking at her, tilting his head slightly. And well work on getting you to use a bow. Youre to small to get up close and personal if you can avoid it.Lucien said looking her over before letting out a bitter laugh at her words.Cassandra, youre delusional if you actually think hed ever recover from losing you.
He smiled a little, though it was bitter, so much bitterness that it wasnt any surprise really that he drank to dull the edge. Theyre not friends, more like were all victims of the same attacker. He mused, knowing she wouldnt understand what was waiting for a victor on the other side, that even after you won, got the money, the house, the famethere was a high price for it. A price that no one but the people rich enough to pay for the victors knew. Was it any wonder that the victors were so bitter drunks, when behind closed doors they were just paid whores, sold off to the highest bidder?
human
Cassie glanced up at him, watching him drink even more. By now, she would have been drunk off her ass. It truly scared her to see how much he could drink and how little it effected him on the outside... What had happened to him? Back in the day, he was such a charming and fun-loving guy. Now he was a man who looked absolutely miserable and bitter.
"You don't owe my brother anything," Cassie whispered, sitting down the plate of food. All of the sudden, she had no appetite. The thought of what had happened a few years ago - when Lucien took Travis' place in the Games - made her feel sick. Because as courageous and loyal as it was, she still remembered it being the last day she saw him... And that hurt.
"I'm no good with a bow," she argued, standing up. She needed to move around in order not to get sick... Her eyes looked out the window, watching the district scenery pass them by as they neared the Capitol. "And... he'd recover if he had to."
Reaching up, she placed her hands on the cool glass of the window and let out a sigh. "This was not how I was expecting to spend my birthday," she grumbled, but it was a half-hearted statement. After all, it's not like her 19th birthday was going to be special any way. At least now, she'd get to have a nice meal....
gpt
I owe him for giving me a home, when even my own mother turned me out.Lucien said his eyes flicking up to look at her face, looking annoyed. Because it was only part of the truth of why he was fighting so hard to get her to live, had taken travis spot in the arena. But the true reasons were so skewered by his mothers hatred of him, that he wasnt about to tell them, because he didnt want their pity. And it was why he had been avoiding her and travis for so long, because he couldnt stand to see the feelings that his volunteering had probably brought about. And even more so, because of what happened after. Hed kill himself before he let them know about the victor whores.
No, not now your not. But I have time to teach you. I was always good with it, even if I was better at swords.Lucien said watching her for a moment before getting up himself, moving to the window to look out, swallowing compulsively, resisting the urge to throw up all over their shoes. Not so much because he was facing another games after 7 years of training the children, but because he knew what was waiting him, personally, the moment the victors stepped into the city.
I dont think anyone expects to spend their birthdays in here.He said after a moment, having no idea how to answer that, feeling awkward and out of sorts for the first time in years. I spent my 18th birthday in the arena.He shrugged before sighing softly, smiling as he saw the crowds lining the train passages, even this far out from the center of the city, everyone had turned out to see them arrive. And he smiled at them, and in that moment, he was once again the charming, fun loving teen she remembered, slipping so easily into the role, that if you didn't know it was faked, you'd never question it. A true chameleon, he'd learned early that he couldn't let the capitol know what he really thought of them.
human
Cassie glanced over at him, feeling him so close as they looked out the window together. When they approached the crowds, she gave them a wry smile and held her hand up in a half-hearted wave. She remembered his birthday all those years ago, and how heart broken her and her brother were at the idea of watching him fight that day. In fact, she had planned to bake him a cake... That, of course, didn't work out. "It's been that long, hasn't it? Seven years?" She bit her lip. The last time she saw him, she was twelve, and that baffled her.
Once the train made it to their planned destination, Cassie ran a hand through her hair and made an effort to straighten out her old yellow sundress she had on. With shaky hands, she fumbled with the ribbon that was tied around her waist, then turned to look at the opening door. In walked the District Four escort, Theta Rudolphine, a voluptuous beauty with long, dark blue hair. She was a gorgeous woman, which made her rather snobby attitude even harder to handle. As soon as she walked in the room, Cassie felt self conscious about her own homely appearance.
"Lucien?" Theta said, looking up from the clipboard she was holding, "We need her clean and at dinner in the ball room in an hour. The stylists will take care of hair and... other things." She wrinkled her nose a bit. "The boy is having a hard time calming down, so I am going to have my hands full. You will take care in showing our other tribute to her room?" She raised her eyebrows, looking between Cassandra and Lucien.
gpt
Lucien nodded a little, It has. Of course, Ill be celebrating my 26th watching you start your game, but we cant all have the birthdays that capitol people have.He muttered even as he smiled out the window, knowing that even after all these years of hard drinking, he was still beautiful, still had that edge that had seduced so many of the women the first time hed stepped out of the arena. 6 years of sending off more tributes. I would for once, to like to see one of them come home.he muttered staring out of the window. In the six years hed trained the tributes, hed always gotten them so close to the end, only to have something happen, losing both his chance to bring one of the children home, and a little more of himself.
Turning his head a little he sighed quietly as he saw theta. It wasnt that he didnt like her, she just wasto snobby and disapproving of his drinking for him to be glad to see her. Bearing his teeth in a slight snarl that could almost be called a smile Lucien nodded. I am sure I am perfectly capable of handling a woman.he said the leer in his voice, teasing even as he raised his eyebrows. Watching straight laced Theta get in his face over his sexual habits amused him. Because even if he was forced to play the part of the whore, hed taken it to heart, and everyone, even the people at home were aware of just how much hed becomea whore. Even if they werent aware of how the president was profiting from his sexual exploits.
Cassandra, this is Theta. Ignore her, shes very annoying, and annoyingly sober all the time. Very boring.Lucien stage whispered at Cassie, trying to get a laugh even as he moved towards the door as the train stopped.
human
Cassie smirked through her fear at his words, nodding carefully as she watched Theta roll her eyes.
"You should watch your P's and Q's, Lucien," she said with a frustrated tone. "And if I were you, I'd keep your hands to yourself." She gave him an accusing look, and when Cassandra finally caught up to the conversation, she blushed. "After all, you wouldn't want to give your tribute an unfair disadvantage, would you? If even a hint of a romance got out to the public, the game makers would run with it. The girl would be a goner for sure, if only for the dramatics." She shrugged nonchalantly and looked down at her clipboard. "Just take care of business."
With a turn on her heel, Theta left the room as quickly as she had entered it.
Cassandra took a deep breath in order not look as embarrassed as she did. Because, believe it or not, she was absolutely aware of how handsome he was. Hell, she knew he was handsome back when she was a little girl... Now, however, it seemed so much more obvious.
"So," she said, turning back to him once they were alone again. Her expression as very serious, and despite the fear in her eyes, she looked as if she could not be wavered on her decision. "I'll play their games, and I'll wear fancy dresses and act as if I'm honored to be here. If you want, I'll even act as if I'm going to try... But I'm not telling you that I'm not going to go through with my plan, because if I did, I'm afraid I'd be lying."
gpt
Why watch my ps and qs, theta, when there are better things to be watching?He said nearly leering, looking for once, his age. Smirking a little before shrugging. My tributes always seem to have a unfair disadvantage. Me liking her, cant be much worse.he said looking amused as he watched her go before sighing softly. Looking down at Cassie as she spoke he made a face.Fine. Then Ill be just as brutally honest with you, and tell you your ass looks amazing.he said playing for a laugh even as he ducked out of the train, after every intention of harassing into living.
Moving through the crowd he played them as easily as a master violinist, even though he let the crowd reach for him and yell, he was careful to not let them touch, and more then that, he was playing the show stopping beautiful whore to keep their attention on him more then Cassandra. Having every intention of,for the moment, making sure that she had time to find her bearings again.
Smiling a little as they reached the tower, he bowed to her as he pushed open the door.Come along, lady Cassandra, let me show you to your tower. After all, all princesses get towers dont they?he said a smile dimpling his cheek, a charming knight in armor. But if he was any knight, it was a knight in bloodsoaked armor, rusting and broken, but his honor intact. Once they were in the silence of the rooms he showed her into the suite, even if he wasnt openly searching for the alcohol, his eyes still moved towards the bar.
human
Cassie walked into her suite, a bit taken back from the beautiful room. It was gorgeous and modern... But if one were to look close enough, it was drowning in the blood of past tributes. The thought that girls who had died in the arena had once slept there gave Cassie visible chills.
After snapping out of her daze, she glanced over at Lucien with knitted eyebrows. It was odd to see him now - charming and seductive. She was no idiot, and she knew that he ran the show when it came to all the women of the Capitol. The idea, of course, left her mourning the Lucien she knew six years ago. While he had always been charming and handsome, he had once been an innocent soul. His heart was as beautiful as his eyes, she remembered, and he was the most kind person who had ever graced her presence as a child. She had always known in her youth that if something happened to her brother, she always had Lucien... but not now. Not since he left on the train six years ago.
Watching him now was like watching someone from behind a glass wall. She could see him and watch him and hear him, but she couldn'tfeelhim. It made her fear that his soul had gone cold like the rest of the capitol.
"Some tower," she said, breaking the silence after a minute, "But I am no princess... Not since I was, like, nine." She gave him a smirk, remembering those times that he (being a teenager in his prime) didn't mind taking the time to attend a tea party or two.
She moved over to the bed and sat down, hoping that her head would stop spinning in time for her to go to the stylists in a few minutes. "Go ahead - drink. Why would I care? In fact, make me a drink, because I'd much rather be drunk off my ass right now than sober..."
gpt
Lucien tilted his head a little, for a moment watching her look around the room, raising a hand he rubbed at the back of his neck. Like her, he knew this tower prison was drowning in the blood of past tributes, and even worse, of the girl he had killed so he could go home. While it had been a mercy killing, as her leg had grown infected, he had still killed the other tribute from his district the year he won. So here, while it was a concept for her, it was a memory for him to be back in this room.
I havent had tea that good since. Nothing quite tastes the same.He teased a little, for a moment, the teenager he had been showing through, he wasnt completely lost, there was some hope for the teen he had once been, but the man was so bitter and twisted by the things hed been asked to do, that he could barely find that part of himself anymore. The fact that he still felt wretched, felt the need to save Cassie for Travis, for himself, made him,for the first time in years, feel hope that he hadnt totally lost himself.
Moving to the bar he poured himself a whiskey on the rocks before mixing her a martini and sliding it over to her. Because most of my tributes do. Think I cant function drunk, and help them win. Maybe theyre right.I havent sent anyone home after all.Lucien said staring down at his glass before raising his glass and sipping it, carefully avoiding her eyes as he stared out the windows. Glad for once, that the floor to ceiling windows overlooked capital, letting the bright lights distract him from the emotional gutting he was putting himself through in dealing with Cassie.
human
Cassie smiled a little as he teased her about the tea, and for a moment, she looked like the sweet girl she had once been. The girl that was not yet damaged by the society around her. "You were always good to me," she whispered sadly, taking a sip of the stout martini he has made her. Within a few minutes, she was a bit tipsy and feeling a little better. It was easy to see how he hadn't been able to take his hands off the whiskey bottle over the past six years... It drowned out the sadness.
At his words, she frowned, because as strongly as she felt about not prolonging her imminent death, she also felt a bit of guilt for letting him down. Because oddly enough, she had not taken his feelings into consideration. Maybe seeing her off herself would kill some sort of hope he had. Stupid hope, of course, but hope nonetheless.
However, she had no intentions of getting him excited about her trying in the arena. At the moment, she still could not see herself leaving the cornucopia.
"You haven't ever had a tribute that had a chance," she sighed, "We all knew that. I'm the first tribute since you that had been on the higher end of the age scale... As far as the bow training, don't get your hopes up. I'm not good with the arrows." She smirked a bit. "But, for the record, I've gotten a lot better with my knives since I was twelve." She shrugged a bit, then went back to downing the rest of her drink.
A few minutes later, the stylists were practically beating down the door, and she was whisked away to get her "makeover".
~*~
An hour later, Cassie came down to the entry way of the ball room looking like a brand new girl. In fact, it was clear that she was the prettiest girl there... Her hair had been died dark to keep her apart from the many blondes in the competition, bringing out her bright blue eyes and giving her a little more sex appeal. She no longer looked the part of a homely, weak girl... Something about the way the dark hair framed her face features made her look stronger...
Walking across the floor in the royal blue, figure hugging dress that the stylists put her in, she came up behind where Lucien was standing and hesitantly tapped his shoulder. She didn't feel different, but it was clear that she did not look like the little girl he left at home six years ago.
gpt
Lucien startled under her hand, throwing himself forward from where he had been sitting on the couch, hitting the ground on all fours, before scampering to his feet, twisting to look at her. Panting slightly as he took in the appearance of the woman and his surroundings. It was obvious that she had startled the man badly, having been napping mostly. The glazed look was the worst, the look that said he wasnt quite there yet. And Lucien, whod gotten good with hand to hand combat, wasnt a man you wanted to startle to badly.
Cassandra?he said after a moment, his eyes filling withfor lack of a better word, life. The force of that personality was back. Whatoh.He said sounding tiredly confused as he took in her appearance before tilting his head a little.Well. You look different from the child I knew.He said, sounding a little sad at the idea though. Sad that he knew the child he knew, even if she survived the arena, that child and her innocence was forever gone.
human
With dark hair
Cassie looked a bit self-conscious at his words, reaching up to tuck some hair behind her ear. It was enough that he jumped like she had stabbed him, but for some reason, it made her feel insecure to not have a better reaction from him. Among the fear and everything, she honestly thought that her little makeover might bring out the side of Lucien she had always fantasized about as a growing teen. After all, she had the biggest crush on him through out her childhood, as silly as it was.
"I... Is that bad?" she asked, tilting her head to the side. "I'm not a child anymore, you know." She bit her lip and looked around the room, watching as people filed into the room. There was still a few moments before dinner was served, giving them all an awkward few minutes of having to see their competition for the first time. And like she suspected, the careers looked strong and fierce.
She didn't stand a chance.
gpt
Lucien studied her, swallowing hard as he came to terms with what he was seeing. It wasnt bad, it was just different. And while she looked beautiful, he was having problems coming to terms that she was no longer a child to protect, that he might fail protecting her now that she was older, and even if she did win, he realized that he would fail her after. She was beautiful.No, its not bad. And I definitely know that.he said a slight teasing leer to his words, the same teasing he would have done as a teen while gawking at a women he liked.
Looking towards the others as they entered the room he moved closer to her, smiling slightly at the other mentors, dipping his head in silent greeting. While most of them werent friends, they were all aware of the silent secret that kept them bound together.
Come, lets sit.he said leading her towards a chair, raising his eyebrows as one of the careers tried to take the chair he wanted.Move.He said in deadly seriousness, not about to take any crap from a tribute, even if he felt badly for them, he wasnt above hurting them. Smirking to himself as the kid moved to another seat he nearly jumped out of his skin when Thorne stepped up behind him. While she wasnt from his district, the two mentors had managed to form some kind of bond, one that was born in pain and a shared horror of being the most beloved whores of capital.
Still bullying children, Lucien?No wonder no one wants to talk to you.The district 11 mentor smirked a little shaking her head as she slid into a seat next to Cassandra, he own tributes keeping to themselves as they sat down on her other side. Its not bullying them by telling them to go away.Lucien said before looking at Cassandra, "Don't worry. I'll make sure you stand a chance."he muttered at her looking worried for her, not wanting her to give up before she'd even gotten to the arena.
human
Cassandra was a bit distracted by all of the amazing food sitting in front of her. It took a great deal of effort not to plow into the food like a barbarian. She knew that if she didn't at least try to be lady like, she probably wouldn't hear the end of it from Theta... Her stomach growled, and after her plate was sat down in front of her, she began to dig into the roasted duck and potatoes. It seemed that they were not wasting time in trying to fatten up the skinny tributes, but Cassie wasn't complaining. After all, it was probably the best thing she had ever eaten.
Theta, who was sitting across the table from Lucien, leaned over and nodded toward the ball room. "Drinks will be served, and I believe music will be played," she whispered, "Try to make her look graceful, will you? Her make over was promising, and if anything, I think we could play the pretty girl card." She shrugged, then leaned back in her chair as one of the waiters brought in their dessert. Of course, the "pretty girl" card was a dangerous card. If people were sponsoring Cassie because of her beauty, it only meant that they were hoping to get a piece of her when (or if) she got out of the arena.
Cassie looked over at Lucien with more fear in her eyes than when she had been reaped. "I can't dance," she whispered, shaking her head, "Don't make me dance."
Theta took a bite of her pudding and rolled her eyes. "Try not to sound so uptight. That isn't going to win you any points, I'm afraid. Have a glass of champagne." She nodded to a tray of champagne that was going around, noting that most of the tributes and mentors were starting to file into the ballroom.
gpt
Lucien smiled a little as he glanced at Cassie as the food was set before them, looking vaguely amused. Because he knew what she wanted to do, and he had done it. Then again, a 17 year old male plowing through the food like there was no tomorrow was more forgivable then letting a female do it. Not that the double standard had saved him from getting his ass chewed out for bad manners.
Glancing up at Theta he sighed quietly as he ate.Must I? You know I dont like dancing.Lucien muttered looking annoyed. It wasnt so much that he couldnt dance, he could dance well. It was that the once attention whore hated to be the center of attention now. Looking vaguely disgusted with thetas words he nodded.Im sure we would be able to.he said, the anger under the words not matching the words themselves, not liking the idea of trying to get Cassandra through on the pretty girl card, it was just to wicked to consider.
Looking at Theta at her words at Cassandra he looked annoyed.Its not uptight. Shes afraid.Lucien said anger coating the words as he took a glass from the waiters, even if he didnt like champagne, it was still alcohol. Angry that theta seemed to be so disapproving, even fear was a natural reaction. Of course, him and theta had this argument every year, but it was something he took comfort in, that he could get angry with theta without having serious repercussions, like there would have been if had spoken to any of the others, or his patrons like this.
Standing when they were finished eating he held a hand out for her."Come, Cassie."He said a slight, leering, teasing smirk curling his lips. Wondering if he could make her angry enough to forget that she couldn't dance.
human
Cassie glanced up at him with wide eyes, but they quickly narrowed. There was irritation painted all over her face, but knowing better than to refuse him in front of the crowd, she took his hand and sighed. "Alright," she grumbled, standing up and headed toward the ball room with him. Even in her heels, she was still a head short than him. Other than that, they made and oddly beautiful couple to the people who surrounded them...
As they entered, Cassie glanced around the large amount of people. While only people who were involved in the games (mentors, tributes, etc.) were on the floor, there was a crowd of spectators surrounding them as if they were watching a show. When their eyes set upon Cassie and Lucien, they began to cheer... Apparently, this was a special Quarter Quell event, for the chariot ride and interviews were not until the next day or so.
"I didn't know people would be watching," she snapped, her voice low but irritated. For the most part, her expression looked pleased, but she was burning red hot at the idea of dancing in front of people.
However, she instinctively held on to him, because as much as she hated to admit it, Lucien as a source of comfort for her.
gpt
Lucien smiled a little as his fingers closed around hers, looking amused as he tugged her towards him. Just think, most women have to pay for the privilege of dancing with me.He said smirking a little, a bitter edge there, that said even if he was teasing, there was a bitter truth to it. Glancing towards the crowd he sighed tiredly, shaking his head a little. Damn.Neither did I.He muttered looking down at her as they danced.
Tense and anxious he danced gracefully though, annoyed because despite his once charming, and attention whoring at home, the man had developed into a extreme loner, to the point that he avoided most experiences with interacting with others that he could. The fact that he avoided Cassandra and travis like the plague wasnt so much because of anything theyd done, but because he just couldnt stand to be around anyone anymore.
Twirling her a little he smiled, Just relax. In those heels if you cling to me to much, youll be unbalanced and fall.he said shifting his hold on her waist to make sure that she was steady, looking worried for a moment. He knew he was risking a lot by playing the pretty girl card, but he was also desperate enough to get her home to travis, that he would do about anything to make sure it happened, even if the end result was a emotional devastation equal to his own.
human
Cassie swallowed hard and twirled back into him, taking a deep breath. "How am I supposed to relax?" she whispered, "I have not been given five minutes to process what is going on..." Her lower lip began to quiver, and her eyes started to move around the room with panic. It seemed that she had finally been able to soak in the situation, and it all hit her at once. Her hands gripped him tighter as she watched the other tributes dance around her, and all of the sudden, she started to feel like everything was closing in on her.
It had been years since she had a panic attack, but it seemed that the idea of her being in the Hunger Games was enough to bring one on. Her chest felt tight, her eyes were tearing up, and the color was draining from her face.
"Please," she whispered to Lucien, "Get me out of here. I c-can't do this right now." Her body started to shake, and her eyes looked at him with the deepest of desperation. "Get me out of this room, Lucien. I need air. Please..."
gpt
Well, I could let you get drunk. It helps anyones processing.Lucien muttered looking down at her, panic filling his own eyes as he looked at her, realizing what was happening.Okay. Give me a moment.He muttered looking around to find Thetas eyes, nodding towards the doorway to indicate he was leaving with Cassandra. He knew Theta would assume he was seducing her or something equally nefarious, after all he had a reputation for seducing anyone over the age of consent, and Cassandra was beautiful. He didnt care what anyone thought, he just needed to take care of her.
Helping her walk out of the room he waited until they were in the deserted hallway before picking her up and hustling back to his rooms, glad that his own rooms were away from hers, so she could have a moment to not think about being trapped in the rooms given to other dead tributes. Stepping out onto his balcony with her tucked safely in his arms he rocked her gently, looking down at the city. There was no railing, not even glass to separate them from the sheer drop to the city below, nothing but the electric forcefield keeping him from stepping off the balcony. And it was a little known secret that at 19, his first year as a mentor, he had indeed done it. Stepped off when he realized he was just a high priced whore, only to wake up in the hospital hours later sore and aching for the attempt.
Better?He muttered settling her into one of the balcony chairs he crouched down in front of her, taking her small hands in one of his larger ones, dark blue eyes looking concerned, for the first time since theyd met again, he was acting like the teen he had been, instead of the drunk hed become.
human
The crowd watched as Lucien led Cassie away, and they all looked interested in the potential scandal. Just as Lucien intended, it looked like he was trying to seduce her, not calm her down from an inevitable panic attack... Who would have thought... A tribute and a mentor? The epitome of star-crossed lovers? The room buzzed with gossip.
Cassie looked down at him, squeezing his hands as she took deep breaths and tried to calm down. For the first time since the reaping, tears were rolling down her face. She looked young and scared, make up smeared underneath her eyes. "I-I'm s-sorry... This hasn't happened in years," she whispered, sniffing and reaching up to wipe the mascara from beneath her eyes. Her shoulders shook a bit, because it seemed that the dancing was what broke the damn that held in her emotions.
After a few moments of silence, she began to sob. "I want to go home," she cried, "I can't go back to that room. I canfeelthose dead tributes in there..." She swallowed hard, and in a desperate attempt for comfort, she threw her arms around him, burying her face into his neck. Right now, she needed to cry and let it all out, because she was no idiot... She knew that it would be back to reality in the morning, and crying would get her no where after that. "Let me stay with you," she whispered, "just for tonight... Please."
gpt
Lucien looked at her, absently rubbing his thumb over her knuckles before letting go and gently wiping her face clean,Well, you havent had the kind of day you have had, in years either.He muttered talking just because he knew there was nothing he could say to make her feel better, but knew he couldnt stay silent either.
Well, Ill get you home cassie,I will.He muttered rubbing her back shifting his hold on her as he closed his eyes, resting his cheek against her head, knowing there was nothing he could do to make he feel better. Tensing a little at her words he swallowed. Stay with him?Really?He swallowed because he couldnt even consider it, not when he knew he was violent if startled awake, or if he was dreaming. But
Okay. Just for tonight.He muttered before standing slowly with her in his arms, not even setting her down as he walked to the dresser and dug out a t-shirt and a pair of boxers, glad that there was always clothes for him here.Here.Go change, then well get some sleep.He said nodding towards the bathroom as he sat her down.
human
"Just for tonight." Cassie sniffed and nodded, stumbling on her heels toward the bathroom. When she returned, her face was clean of smeared makeup, and she wore the baggy clothes he gave her. It felt nice to have him near - something familiar and comforting. She may not have seen him for six years, and he may not be the same Lucien she remembered, but she still trusted him... She just wasn't sure that he could save her in the way that he was so determined to. After all, he would not be in the arena with her. Once the game started, she was on her own.
Now, all she had to do was decide if she was going to let him off the hook immediately, or fight for her life and give him hope.
Sliding into his bed, she rolled on her side and looked over at him. There was a good twelve inches between them, but she could still feel the heat that radiated off of him. Her mouth was about to open to say something, but she was interrupted by the sound of a persistent knock on the door.
"Lucien!" Theta called, irritation in her voice, "I need to speak with you. Now. In private."
gpt
Just for tonight.Lucien agreed smiling a little as he changed into sweats before climbing into the bed, leaning back against the headboard as he read the book hed brought with him. Tensing a little as he felt her watching him he glanced towards her before stopping. Frowning a little as she glanced towards the door, looking annoyed that theta was interrupting his evening. Pressing a finger to her lips to keep her silent he slid out of the bed before heading towards the door, opening it just enough to slip outside, and careful to make sure theta couldnt see in. having every intention of keeping up the seduction plot, because he knew cassie wouldnt want anyone to know she had panicked.
What?Lucien growled, looking just as sexily mussed as one would expect from someone having sex, but that was his normal look. Looking at the woman in front of him he walked towards the living room, to give them the privacy theta had asked for.
human
Theta walked into the living room and turned on her heel with an obvious amount of irritation. "WHAT did we just talk about?" she snapped, looking absolutely livid, "Have you lost your mind, Lucien? I never thought you'd sink low enough to take a tribute to bed." She narrowed his eyes. "And while I could see her potential, you have pretty much squashed that. The crowd saw you take her away, and they are already buzzing with gossip. Do you know what that means?" She moved over to the bar, grabbing a glass and pouring a heft amount of liquor in it. She may not be an alcoholic, but she knew when she needed a drink. "It means this can go one of two ways: They can swoon over the idea of star-crossed lovers and sponsor her until the very end. She may survive off their charity." She took a sip of her drink and turned back toward him. "Or they will grow jealous, because the women of the Capitol love you. They don't want to see you with another woman, especially a tribute. They will feed her to the dogs."
She sighed and downed the rest of her drink. "Then you have Snow, who will be pissed off either way, because he will think you are playing him for a fool by using romance to keep your tribute alive. He will have the Gamekeeper wipe her out with a wildfire or hurricane in a matter of days, just to remind you who has the upper hand."
Pausing, Theta gave him a good look. "So stop being a fucking perv for two seconds, and be a mentor. We need the win, and you know it."
It was clear that Theta did not have any sort of attachment toward Cassie, and she did not see the connection between her and Lucien. She, of course, thought Lucien was being the man whore that he presented himself as around everyone... But she had a point, and she wanted another victor for her district. If she didn't get a win soon, there was a good chance they would fire her at the end of the year.
"Actually, I personally don't care what happens in that bedroom of your's," she grumbled, "But that's where it needs to stay, alright? I will be making an announcement in the morning that Cassandra fell ill, and that was why you led her out of the ball room."
gpt
Lucien sighed quietly as he ran his fingers through his hair, listening to her rant as he collapsed back onto the couch after getting a glass of whiskey himself. Sipping it he sighed quietly. She was having a panic attack, theta, I didnt seduce her. I knew theyd view her as weak if I just left her, so I brought her back. Even snow being pissed off, is better then the tributes thinking shes weak. Snow I can deal with. The women I can charm into seeing that Im still theres to buy like they would jewelry.He shrugged a little before sipping his drink.
Eyeing her he looked hurt for once, at her words, before his face smoothed out to a blank look again. I know we need to win.He said after a moment, ignoring the twinge that it gave him to think that even Theta believed that he was the man whore he pretended to be. He only did it, because it was the only time he felt something,even if it was just self-hate. He didnt feel quite as empty.
Youre worrying to much. Its just the first night, things will have time to get so much worse then them thinking I seduced her.He shrugged a little, trying not to think that he should be going out for the night, he knew there were women waiting for him, but he couldnt bring himself to want to go have sex.
human
Theta shook her head. "There is no such thing as worrying too much," she snapped, "My ass is on the line, and I won't stand here and let you screw me over." Her eyes narrowed, and it was clear that she was not fazed by the idea of Cassie having a panic attack. She's been around the block a few times. It wasn't exactly rare for a tribute to be scared out of their minds... "Do what you have to do, okay? Find her strength and go with it. Her first session in the training room is scheduled for five tomorrow morning. Get her there early and see if she can do something. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but nothing would be more intimidating than a pretty girl with a deadly talent. It's up to you to find that talent."
She smirked a little and downed the rest of her drink. "Don't keep her up all night, and don't be late. Breakfast will be served after training."
With that, Theta left the room to deal with other things before bed. When Lucien returned to the bedroom, Cassie was sitting on the edge of the bed. It was clear that she was trying to listen to their conversation, but to her frustration, she couldn't hear them through the thick walls.
"What was that about?" Cassie asked worriedly.
gpt
Lucien grinned at her, Screw you over?Will you just let me screw you?He chirped, looking amused before sighing as he slumped back into the seat, forcing himself not to do something. He didnt want to get up that early, that was torture. Fine. Ill find something deadly.he said frowning in annoyance at her words, because he had said he wasnt sleeping with her, so he wasnt. it annoyed him that she didnt believe him. Sighing he stood.
Looking amused that she had been trying to listen, he grinned brightly, a smile that said he knew he was just going to say something she wasnt going to like. Oh just a warning to not keep you up all night with sex.He chirped as he settled back into bed.we have a early morning training session, so we better get some sleep.he said despite his teasing words about sex, he had every intention of getting some sleep.
human
"Great," Cassie grumbled, then slid back onto her side of the bed. It wasn't as hard to fall asleep as she had predicted. A mixture of the overwhelming day and the cloud-like bed she was laying in put her right to sleep, thankfully. After all, she needed the rest.
The next morning, Cassie did not wake up on her side of the bed. Instead, she was pressed against Lucien's side with her right arm dangling over his torso. It took her a minute to not only realize where she was, but who she was cuddled up against. When she did, she blushed and pulled away from him, hoping he didn't notice. Maybe she had only been there for a few minutes? One could only hope. The last thing she needed was to be humiliated...
Slipping out of the bed, she glanced out the glass doors that to the balcony. The sun was rising, and she couldn't help but notice how beautiful it was. One would never know that they were awaiting their death in such a beautiful place. It wasn't the water that surrounded district 4, that was for sure, but it was still pretty to look at.
gpt
Lucien smirked sleepily as he cracked a eye to watch her look out the window.You know, if youd just lowered your hand a little bit, we could have both had a great morning.He teased, his voice full of sexual promise and teasing, more of the charming teenager he had been then the bitter adult hed grown into.
Sitting up he ran his fingers through his hair, before stepping into the bathroom, shutting the door just enough to get some privacy, but not keep him from talking to her. Were going to see just how good you are with knives. Then maybe swords, if we get bored. Then a bow.he said rambling because he didnt know what to do, because he hadnt had a tribute he cared about before, but it was painful to consider cassie in there, and it was literally paining him to see her here, with him, in this moment.
human
Cassie blushed a deep shade of red, and she turned back to the window in order to hide it. She wasn't sure if she was blushing because she was embarrassed, or if she was blushing because she still had that childhood crush for him...
"I hardly believe we will get bored," Cassie murmured, walking farther back into the room until she was standing in front of the dresser. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror above the dresser, studying her newly darkened hair and polished face. While she'd never admit it, she knew she looked pretty. It was just the circumstances that made her feel ugly...
After going to her room to change in a pair of tight, black athletic pants, a pair of tennis shoes, and an army green tank top, Cassie moved down to the training room. As she waited for Lucien, she moved toward the left side of the room and grabbed a beautiful set of knives. She smirked a little, looking around the empty training room, and strapped the pouch of knives to her hip. Taking advantage of the fact that no other tributes could come in at the moment (until group training), Cassie decided to get in some practice. With an incredible form and precision, she began to throw the knives at a human-shaped target, easily hitting it with each throw.
gpt
Lucien took his time to get ready, changing into a pair of boots, a snug pair of cargo jeans and a wifebeater, looking as deadly and fit as if hed just walked out of the arena yesterday, instead of nearly 6 years before. Looking at her as he stepped inside he smiled slightly, Well, I see that youre right. We wont have to work to hard at knives. But I would like something else, in case there are none.He mused
He knew there would be knives, at least some version of it. And he knew that he could beg, borrow, and g et her some knives as donations, but he would feel better if she had something else to rely on if he utterly failed in taking care of her. For once, not minding the fact that he was going to be trading sex for trying to get his tribute what they needed.
human
Cassie turned and smiled, feeling quite proud. For a moment, she forgot about her plan to get herself killed in the cornucopia, and was quite excited with the idea of him thinking she was good at something. It made the little girl inside of her blush with flattery. "I guess," she said, wrinkling her nose at the idea of learning to use a bow, "But they always put knives in the arena... Especially if someone gets a good score on them." She raised her eyebrows at him, because she knew she had a point. Of course, she was not thinking he go to extreme measures to get them for her....
She went over to the target and began to take the knives out of it, putting them back in the holster on her hip. She kept one in her hand, effortlessly twirling it between her fingers with an eased expertise. It was clear that she had done a lot of practicing over the past six years.
"Have any information on the other tributes yet?" she asked, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
gpt
Lucien raised his eyebrows a little before shrugging. True, but it also might get them to only putonein the arena.He pointed out because it had happened to him. While there were usually a few swords, the year he had gone in, he had shown promise with swords, and in a perverse amusement the gamemaker had made sure that there was only one, for the tributes. Lucien had had to fight tooth and nail to get anywhere close to getting it, and in the end hed become better at hand fighting then anyone would have ever thought, just to get them. Though, considering what he was going to be doing to get them, he hoped for more then just one knife.
Watching her for a moment he shrugged. Your typical, annoying brats from the career districts, the scared kids from 11 and 12, and the annoyingly talkative girl from 10.He shrugged, because he disliked talking anymore, and while he understood some things, he also knew that the other mentors lied to him just as much as he lied to them about his tribute. It was a game for them, and the only one they played with each other, each trying to get through the game with their tribute alive. So far, I see no signs of another knives master, butHe shrugged a little glancing at his watch, trying to not feel as disturbed as he was. He knew that as soon as he saw her to breakfast, that he was going to be busy running not only her training and everything, but between capital women who wanted a piece of him. Running his fingers through his hair he nodded towards the knives.
want to try a knife fight?Im not as good as you, but I can handle a knife.He said, his smile turning a touch perverted at that, because wellafter so many years playing the man whore, he slipped into the role easily, especially when he was feeling off balance, and being with her again, made him feel weird.
human
Cassie frowned a bit. "How can youpracticeknife fighting? I can'tpracticestabbing you." She pressed her lips together and crossed her arms over her chest, not looking comfortable at the idea of coming at Lucien with a knife. She may be good with a knife, but she was by no means a natural born killer. The idea of it scared her, especially when it came to a man whom she held close to her heart since childhood.
"I have a feeling you aren't telling me everything you know," she said, putting her hands on her hips. She slid the knife that she had been twirling back into its holster. "But that's fine. At least I will go in with an open mind." She rolled her eyes in a sarcastic manner before moving over to him, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
Glancing up, she noticed the district two mentor walking in with his male tribute, Alec. He was a frightening-looking boy that was Cassie's age, looking tall, muscular, and mean. Just the sight of him had Cassie shaking in her boots, but her fear was set aside when she noticed the boy looking her up and down like a piece of meat... It was one thing to know the guy was going to kill her, it was a whole other thing to have him oogling at her like that.
"Can we just go to breakfast?" Cassie mumbled, looking away from Alec.
gpt
Lucien frowned at her, You could practice trying to get in close to someone whos at least twice your size. Not everyones built on your scale, Cassandra.He scowled, using her real name instead of her nickname to show he hadnt appreciated the joke, even if he wasnt aware of doing it. Looking annoyed he smirke a little. I hardly ever tell anyone everything.he said unwilling to tell her what he had been really thinking about instead of the tributes.
Turning his head a little he looked at the tribute and mentor, tilting his head a little in a salute at his fellow victor before nodding. Breakfast sounds grand. Then to see what else is on the plate for today.he said as he left the room with cassie, giving the male tribute a similar look to the one that he was giving cassie, though the look he was giving was promising a slow painful death instead of sex.
Walking with her he sighed quietly as he got a plate of food for himself, not looking forward to the rest of his day.
human
Cassie narrowed her eyes a little at the sound of her full name, but didn't say anything back. She was not in the mood to argue with the one man who she could trust at the moment... She needed him. Then yet, she wasn't sure if it mattered at this point. She was still not sure if fighting in the arena would be worth the prolonged heartache.
Once in the dining room, the fixed her play with tons of wonderful breakfast foods. If she wasn't a tribute, she would have thought she had died and gone to heaven with all of the eggs, meat, potatoes, and bread surrounding her. "I guess the interviews are tonight," Cassie said, looking up at him from her food, "I can't wait to see what crap they are going to dress me in..." She narrowed her eyes a little, then went back to eating.
"That Alec guy creeps me out," she admitted after a moment, "Something about him..."
gpt
Lucien snorted, looking amused as he started to eat. Probably some ridiculous sort of dress that will make all the girls swoon, and all the guys want to see you with it off. Thank god Im male. Only so much they could do with a suit.He said teasing her a little before nodding. he bothers me to, which is why I wanted you to practice fighting, since hes definitely big enough to make fighting him a bad idea.He sighed tiredly even as he looked around the room, his mind already elsewhere, as if he was turning over what he was going to be doing while she was at a interview. He had no doubt that while she was getting ready to be paraded around, he was going to be flat on his back working on earning forgiveness for acting like a love struck idiot with her the night before.
Even if it had been because she was panicking, and not that he was seducing her, he knew there was going to be a punishment for acting like that.
human
Cassie sighed a bit. "Fine," she murmured, "I guess the hand to hand fighting wouldn't hurt..." She gave him a look that said she was overwhelmed about everything, but didn't say anything. Instead, she determinedly dug into her food and ate until she knew she'd be physically sick. May sound crazy to most, but eating something other than fish to a District 4 tribute was a delicacy.
Later that evening, Cassie was dressed and ready for her interview. She glanced around the waiting area, trying to not to look panicked at the fact that she could not find Lucien. He had yet to give her any pointers, and as much as she was against putting much effort in surviving, she was not about to let her brother or anyone else know that. She was going to put on a good interview for the loved ones who chose to watch.
"Lucien!" she snapped, seeing him walk through the door. "Where the hell have you been?" Her eyes looked desperate.
Interview outfit:
gpt
Lucien stopped just in side the doorway, looking pale and drawn, offering her a small smile.Sorry. lost track of time while visiting with some of the capital ladies.He said the truth and lie mixed. He hadnt lost track of time, but been detained, and he had been with the women. He felt horrible and tired, and most of all, in need of a good shower and scrubbing until his skin was raw.
Dont look so worried. The interviews are easy. Youre female, be cute, be adorable, and theyll love you.He said shrugging because at the moment he was feeling emotionally raw, and didnt want to deal with this. Even if he needed to, he knew that he needed to take care of her, but she didnt want to win, didnt even want to try, so the man was feeling emotionally raw enough to be harsh with her.
He smiled slightly as he looked her over."You look well. No one would know you have no intention of surviving."
human
"There are plenty of females out here that can be cute," Cassie snapped, "I'd just... blend into the crowd with that. I need something better."
At his last words, pain could be seen flashing through her deep blue eyes. She hated that she was starting to feel guilty about her plan... He had away of getting emotions out of her, raw as they may be.
The lights started flashing in the room, signalling that they were going on air. The first tribute was led to the stage, then the second... It felt like ten seconds had gone by, and they were calling her name. At the sound of it, she went rigid, and she had to take several deep breaths before crossing the room. She didn't give Lucien another look, because she knew that it would do no good. He'd just make her more nervous and guilty...
Once on stage, she smiled for the cameras and went through all the basic questions : Was she scared? Was she excited? Did she like the food/clothes/luxuries? It was went smoothly, but a bit boring. She could tell she was losing the audience's interest, and she knew she needed to do something quick. She needed the sponsors, she needed something dramatic... And that's why she did something very, very impulsive.
"So, sweet Cassandra, do you have anyone you have left at home? Better yet... Do you have anyone you wish that you could have here with you?" Caesar asked, leaning forward.
The crowd was silent, and Caesar's voice was suggestive... And she ran with that.
Cassie bit her lip and looked at Caesar through shy, flirty eyes. "I left my brother at home, of course," she murmured, "But... I have someone here with me."
"Oh?" Caesar commented, his eyebrows raising.
"Lucien," she said, "I... Well, I've been in love with him since I was a child. Now I finally get to be with him... Well, for a little while."
The audience gasped and gave sighs of sympathy, and Caesar's face lit up with the new found gossip.
gpt
Well, then be unique cassie. You need to find it yourself, theres only so much I can do for you.he said shrugging a little before sighing softly as he realized hed hurt her. But he had no apology for the words that were true. And maybe if she felt guilty enough, shed try. Staying with her until it was her turn he moved over to watch from the side stage, amused that the mentors got to watch from here, when they knew just how nerve wracking it was for most of the mentors to be near the center of attention, even if no one could see them watching.
Looking relieved to know that she was answering well, he shifted to watch the crowd, which was home he was watching the people instead of cassie when she made her announcement. Barely noticing the camera as it focused on him, he shifted, raising his eyebrows a little. As if he had been well aware of what the girl was going to say, even if inside he was cursing her for even thinking about it. Oh yea, someone was going to take a strip out of his hide for this, because he knew the ladies of capital would assume that he took advantage of the young beautiful woman near him, instead of just being with her.
Rubbing a hand over his face as he listened, he just knew that the rest of this game, was going to come back and bite him in the ass.