The Secret's in the Telling [1x1]

[malikyiaue]

oh snap....



malikyiaue and Ignite the Spark are at it again!






this is a private one on one yo, based on the hunger games. do not post



The Tributes

XXXXXXXDistrict OneXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXiiXXXXXXDistrict Two

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xxiixxxxiixxxxxxiixxxxxGold (2) xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixx Glitter (2)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Alex (3)xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixx Medea (2)

XXXXXXXDistrict ThreeXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXDistrict Four
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xxiixxxxiixxxxxxiixxxxxTiberion (1) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Nereus (3)xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxx Iliason (2)

XXXXXXXDistrict FiveXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXiiXiiXXXXXxxXDistrict Six

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xxiixxxxiixxxxxxiixxxxxAdal (1) xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixx Octave (1)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Med (1)xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxxx Zeka (1)

XXXXXXXDistrict SevenXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXiiXiiXXXXXXDistrict Eight

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xxiixxxxiixxxxxxiixxxxxMaximus (1) xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxxNarilla(1)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Siti (1)xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxxx Tkanina (1)

XXXXXXXDistrict NineXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxXXXXiiXiiXXXXXXDistrict Ten

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xxiixxxxiixxxxxxiixxxxxBrun (1) xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxxxxxxx Eva (1)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Capon (1)xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxxxGilt (1)

XXXXXXXDistrict ElevenXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxXXXXiiXiiXXXXXXDistrict Twelve

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xxiixxxxiixxxxxxiixxxxxDrvo (1) xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxxxxxxx Rijeka (1)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Kruh (1)xxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxiixxxxxx Vatra (1)

The Sacrificesxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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xxixxGold - District 1 - Age : 18xxxxxxxxxxxxMedea - District 2 - Age : 18xxxxxxxxxxxxGevelle - District 3 - Age : 14 xxxxxxxxxxxxMed - District 6 - Age : 14

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xxixxMaximus - District 7 - Age : 18xxxxxxxxxxxxNarilla - District 7 - Age : 15xxxxxxxxxxxSiti - District 8 - Age : 12xxxxxxxxxxxTkanina - District 8 - Age : 13xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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xxixxBrun - District 9 - Age : 15xxxxxxxxxxxxxxEva - District 9 - Age : 17xxxxxxxxxxxxxxCapon - District 10 - Age : 12xxxxxxxxxxxxxxGilt - District 10 - Age : 16xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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xxixxRijeka - District 11 - Age : 16xxxxxxxxxxxxxxKruh - District 12 - Age : 17xxxxxxxxxxxx Vatra - District 12 - Age : 16

[malikyiaue]

Alex'd never had a choice in any of this really. His father, Numerius, had been a victor before him, and really, it'd been only a matter of time before his name got called, because there was nothing the Capitol liked more than seeing Victor's children in the arena; it added to the drama, and in some ways felt like the audience was reconnecting with a favorite character. He understood that now. He hadn't understood that when he'd first been sent to the Academy to train, away from his home. Away from the comfortable life he'd known, into something that was positively Spartan.

It was up at dawn and run three miles. It was breakfast, followed by cold showers, with hot water only being allowed when they'd done something to impress their instructors. It was working in the morning hours on strategy, and in the evening hours on sword play and weaponry and anything and everything that would help them be the most vicious killers known to the arena. There was a reason the victors were almost always from Career districts, and this was it. There was little time for anything else. Alex'd barely found time for anything, aside from the training.

But it was impossible to have a school full of teenagers, and not expect some friendships to be made. And Alex was charming enough in general; he had a good social group. Which was why his arm was currently draped around his friend Titus - another Victor's son, who he'd known all his life - as they stood waiting for the reaping. Really, it was one of their years to volunteer.

Alex had decided, though, that it was his year.

He was eighteen. It would be his last year. And honestly, there would be no living with his father if he didn't volunteer. If he didn't win; Numerius would look at him as a failure. There was no question about that. And so, after the name of a fifteen year old kid - one he'd seen around the Academy, and knew would do well when his time came - was called, Alex'd felt rather than heard himself call out.

"I volunteer!"

He was a striking sight, really. Everything about him hearkened to old legends of Roman Champions, from the set of his jaw, with the fine, striking cut, to the curl of the hairs on his forehead; he could've been one of the old statues that only existed anymore in pictures in history text books, brought to life. Mars himself. It was something that wasn't an unfit comparison, with his dark hair and eyes that matched, and the olive skin that'd seen more sun than it might've if only for the hours he spent in training. His clothes were fine - they had to be. It was reaping day. The suit that he wore'd been custom tailored, and cut to accentuate everything about him that made him strong - from his broad shoulders to the dip of his waist.

He was impressive.

The other districts, if they were watching, could've seen that without an issue. His strength carried in just the way he walked up to the stage; he didn't take light steps, which would be an issue if he had to sneak anywhere, but then, Alexander Vale never believed in sneaking. He was honest to a fault, and if he was going to kill someone in the arena, he'd be clean and open about it. Ruthless, perhaps; he wasn't going to hesitate on a kill. But he certainly wouldn't be underhanded.

"I volunteer as Tribute." He said, giving the presenter, a tall man from the Captiol who'd had cheekbone implants very obviously, and bright red lips that seemed to stretch on into eternity and who's name was something that Alexander himself couldn't quite remember, as he was new to their district, a charming, effortless sort of smile. The sort that could've melted hearts.

"Oh!" The man said, only feigning the surprise. He'd known a volunteer would step forward the instant he'd drawn a name from the ball that wasn't one of the seventeen or eighteen year olds; that was always how it went in these districts. "Oh, and what was your name, then, sir?" He asked, raising a ridiculously arched eyebrow in Alexander's direction.

"Alexander. Alexander Vale." He'd announced, turning to speak directly into the microphone, and looking out over the audience to meet his father's eyes. There wasn't an approving look there; he knew there wouldn't be. But he did recieve a nod; this was what he was supposed to do. It was expected. Doing the expected wasn't something to be proud of, of course, but still somehow he'd hoped...

None of that mattered then; he'd had a brief conversation with his father in the Justice Building. It hadn't been warm or embracing, or any of that. It'd been what it always was: reserved and kind of off-putting. Numerius was not, by any stretch of the imagination, what one would call a loving father. Alexander's best was always just shy of being good enough. It was always just 'what was expected' - and Alex always pushed himself harder. Harder. Trying to make him actually proud for once. This, he'd hoped, might've been one of those occasions.

"You will win."

Numerius's reply'd been blunt and straight forward. Alexander'd done nothing in response but bowed his head in a nod.

"Of course." He'd replied in kind, trying to ignore the fact that if he didn't win, his father wouldn't look at his loss of life as a sacrifice for his district, but rather as a disappointment. To an extent, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Unfortunately, it was a familiar one, and Alexander just took it in stride.

"I think five days should be enough time, yes?"

That'd been about the gist of their conversation. There'd been no hugging. No tearful good-byes, or promises to see each other soon. It'd been all business.

There'd been jokes with Titus, who'd claimed that Alex'd stolen his thunder, when really they'd both known that it would always be Alex that'd go into the Arena. Titus wasn't lazy by any stretch of the imagination, but he didn't have the motivation that Alexander did, and that was just that. There wasn't any judgement in the revelation, or any bitterness about it, it just was what it was, and the two had exchanged a quick hug before Titus'd been escorted from the room, giving Alexander a big thumbs up and a grin that was down-right infectious.

It was a grin that hadn't left Alexander's face for a while. Not as himself and his fellow tribute, Medea, had been lead from the Justice Center. Not as they'd climbed aboard the train that would take them to the Capitol. Not through dinner. Not through the conversation with his mentor, Brutus, about how he would win the games - an easy enough thing to bet on. Even before he'd been in the academy, his father had been drilling him from the time he could lift a sword, and his first books to read had been books of strategy, of how to win. There was never any downtime in Alexander's life, but even through discussing all of that, he still wore the grin that his friend'd left on his face, and he was able to talk about it like it wasn't anything abnormal, because for Alex, it wasn't.

The grin didn't fall until he watched the reapings.

The grin didn't fall until he realized who he'd be competing against.

Nereus.

He hadn't even been able to fully process it, because almost instantly Medea'd let out a bit of a giggle, and looked over at Alex. "Ohh. He's a cutie." She'd said, without really thinking anything of it as she pushed a dark strand of hair back behind one ear, and looked at the screen as she watched him walk up to the stage. She'd seen him around the Academy, of course. Often talking with Alexander, in fact, she realized, after a minute. "We'll be allies, of course." She said with a grin, looking at Alex, and raising an eyebrow, wiggling it a little bit.

Flings in the arena, especially between Careers, weren't exactly unheard of.

If she was going to die, she might as well have a little fun with it, right?

Alex just shook his head a little bit, and rolled his eyes at her. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Medea." He replied rather curtly. Even if it was hard to be curt with her when maybe he kind of agreed. No, amend that. He did agree, with every bit of thinking that she was having - and if he didn't at this point, he had at some point. Not that the two of them had ever acted on any of that, but that hardly mattered, now did it?

In just a few days time, he'd be in the arena, fighting with, and then against, one of his best friends. Who he'd come very close to ...

There wasn't time to think about that though. Before they knew it, Brutus was sending him to bed, and he was waking up in the Capitol, the train ride not really taking very long. They had extra time to kill; they were there earlier than most of the tributes, and from what he'd gathered, their time with their stylists was shorter than some of the tributes from the more provincial districts; after all, their own aesthetics might not've been the bright colors of the Capitol, but they were still well-kept. It left him with not much to do until time for the parade, and even then there hadn't been time to talk, even if he'd made a valiant effort to catch Nereus's eye a couple of times.

The Roof. He was thinking. Alexander never slept past dawn. Never. He'd never really been allowed, and that meant that even here in the Capitol, where the beds even made the beds at home feel like they were made out of stiff plywood, he didn't sleep as late as most everyone else, and was up early. The morning had been spent up on the roof, looking out over the city that he'd trained his entire life to visit. Knowing that this could likely be the last thing he saw.

Which meant that though he didn't really remember much of the parade, aside from the fact that he hadn't been giving out big smiles, and instead had looked very bit as fearsome as his name sake in the plumed helmet and armor they'd put on him, with his eyes done up in makeup to exaggerate them, and his body greased down in an oil that made his muscles shine and glimmer. It was a ridiculous sort of pageant, but he'd played his role as the careless, removed conqueror to a tee, and his stylist had congratulated him, and perhaps made some sort of comment that was lewd and uncalled for, except that Alex hadn't been paying attention. He'd still been looking around, and trying to catch his friend's eye.

Stil trying to manage to somehow communicate the one part of the whole area where they could maybe have a conversation before they went into training the next day.

Oh. Oh Crap: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Ignite The Spark]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXi» [η ɇ ɽ є ʊ ȿ ] Ѳ Ѳ Ҝ Є Λ Ƞ «
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxXXXXXXXDistrict Four Tribute
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxCareer

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“You need… to get… out of bed… Now!”

Each word was strained as it fell into the air, the voice high and young as it repeated itself for what felt like the fifteenth time.

“Nerussss… It’s time! Come on come on come on!!!”

Suddenly a young boy, the owner of said voice, leapt into the air and came down with a thud, causing whatever he’d landed on to let out a quiet ‘oof’. The room he was in was pale blue, accented with hues of white, orange, yellow, and red everywhere… Creating a perfect depiction of the sun setting over the ocean. The bed that he’d jumped on was a full sized affair, covered in bright blue and white sheets with rigging draping from each side to give it a distinct District Four feel… And the occupant within it was now pinned under the small boy’s body.

“Nereussss!”

The older boy in the bed began to shift, pulling the covers back from his face so that hazel eyes could peak out into the brightly lit room. Dark, curly locks were disheveled around his head against his pillow, giving him that early morning, not quite yet awake look… Which, really, he wasn’t.

“Glaucus… what on earth are you doing in my room?” The words came out in a hoarse, sleep covered voice as Nereus shift in his bed, the movement completely hindered by the small body on top of him. “Didn’t I tell you…” The words came out in a slightly more solid tone, shifting even towards playful… And suddenly Nereus was moving, his torso up right in the bed as his arms wrapped around the small boy, fingers working at his sides to tickle him. “…Sea monsters get you if you do!” He finished as he tickled Glaucus, fits of laughter erupting from the other. It was scary, really, how much Glaucus looked exactly like a younger version of Nereus. Granted it was his younger sibling, but still… They had the same hazel eyes, the same black, curly hair… even the same nose and jaw set. All of which came from their father, Aegaeon, and hardly any of it from their mother, Galene.

“Nereus, stop! Please… stop… stop!” The words escaped Glaucus in between giggling fits as he thrashed in Nereus’ arms, moving back and forth in a manner that almost made it look like he was seizing up. Eventually Nereus let up and released his little brother… and when he did, Glaucus quickly scampered away to the end of the bed. His own hazel eyes were wide , (more blue than green or brown today, Nereus noted) his frame hunched as he knelt on all fours at the foot of the bed.

“Today’s the day… You volunteer today!” Glaucus exclaimed, his face alive with excitement. The smile on Nereus own face fell away then as he thought over the statement… Today was the day… Today was the day that he’d volunteer as Tribute for District Four. After all, his father had spent all that money on the academy for him… and Nereus had all but excelled there. One of the top chosen contenders from his District to volunteer, and ultimately the top… He was eighteen this year, it was his final year… And it was his year to enter into the arena.

“I guess you’re right, squirt…” Nereus murmured as he shift forward and reached a hand out, ruffling Glaucus’ hair in a way that made him look younger than he already was… And that was certainly saying something since he was only six years old.

“Nereus…” A new voice, one that drew his attention away from his brother and towards the door. “It’s time, honey.” His mother, her own dark brown eyes fighting back tears as she rest her shoulder against the door frame. She’d never been a fan of her sons ever volunteering… But it was a matter of pride. If you had able bodied children, it was expected that they train… That they work towards becoming a volunteer, or else it brought shame down on your family. “Your father had a suit tailored for you… It’s in our room on the bed.” She stated, her voice thin and wavering as she brought a hand up and covered her nose and mouth, closing her eyes for a moment. It was clear that she was trying to compose herself, and this caused Glaucus to jump off the end of the bed and run to her.

His small hands found the front of her blue, flowing dress easily and latched on, tugging lightly as he looked up to her. “Mommy, mommy… Don’t be sad. Daddy says today is a good day! A proud day!” He chirped, his voice wonderfully high for a little boy… Something Nereus would miss.

After another moment, Nereus pushed the covers back completely and stood, his full 5’9” frame coming into view. The clothing he’d slept in, a pair of comfortable, thin pants and a plain old shirt, were horridly wrinkled from his night of sleep. Carefull he made his way around the bed and towards the door, pausing just before his mother and his brother.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I can handle myself…” He murmured with a smile as he leaned in and placed a light, delicate kiss to her cheek. That seemed to be it, the last bit that she needed before a few tears flowed freely from her dark eyes.

“Oh… just go get ready, would you?” She murmured as she reached out and hit his shoulder lightly, offering her oldest son a smile. After that she bent down and scooped Glaucus up in her arms, whispering something that Nereus didn’t quite catch as they turned and made their way down the hall, disappearing into the living room.

With a quiet sigh he turned and made his way down the opposite end of the hall, pausing just before his parents’ bedroom door. Inside he could see the suit that his mother had mentioned on the bed… And his father was standing right next to it, his hazel eyes (identical to Nereus’ and Glaucus’) fixated on the suit. It wasn’t until he’d heard Nereus enter that he finally looked up, fixing his gaze on his son.

“You ready?” Two words… Two simple words that completely summed up their entire working relationship. Concise, to the point, and always blunt.

“Absolutely.” Nereus replied without hesitation as he nodded his head, causing a few curly locks to dislodge themselves.

He and his father had always had an… interesting… dynamic. It was like they each had two different sides… One for work, and one for play. One for his training as a tribute, and one for the father and son that they actually were.

“Good.” His father stated curtly with a nod of his own. With that he moved towards the door, pausing only when Nereus stepped aside to let him through. “I’m sure you’ll do great, son… Just remember, don’t trust anyone.” With that Aegaeon offered a smile and bent in, hugging his son for a long moment. The transition from business to personal had been seemless, and Nereus was all too happy to wrap his arms around his father in return. After all, this could very well be the last time they spoke.

Once the intimate moment passed, Aegaeon fled the room, leaving Nereus alone to get showered, put the suit on and get reading for the day… The Reaping.

***

The Justice Building was humming with excitement as Nereus made his way up towards the tribute pool, his hazel eyes darting about between the other various young men and women who were gathering. One hand reached up and lightly pulled itself through his hair, hitching for a moment on a knot before he managed to pull it free and drop his hand back to his side.

“Nereus! Over here!”

Immediately his gaze shift to the side and a broad grin stretched out over his face… A group of four of five individuals were standing nearby, three male and two female, staring at him. His friends, the group that he’d grown close to over the last six or so years… The ones that had gone into the Academy with him from his own District. Two of them seventeen, three of them eighteen. It hadn’t been difficult for Nereus to become close to them... perhaps because he’d never looked at them as competition. In fact, he’d never looked at anyone in the Academy as competition… Merely other kids who’d been sent there so that they had the best possible chance at survival in the arena… That and his incredibly laidback, laissez faire personality certainly didn’t hurt either.

“You excited?” Nautlus asked, one of the females… She was seventeen; just one more year before she’d be eligible to volunteer… Her eyes danced with excitement as she clapped her friend on the back and slid into place beside him… The fact that Nereus would be volunteering was common knowledge by now. After all, it was a matter of pride for the family whose son or daughter would be up on the podium, heading for the Capitol that year.

“As excited as I can be.” He offered with a smile. A moment later he was being punched in the shoulder, his hazel eyes narrowing as he reached up and rubbed the affected area, a quiet laugh escaping him.

“I can’t believe you got it and I didn’t… So not fair.” Kiriae, one of the males… Eighteen. This year would be his last year.

“What can I say… I’m just lucky I guess.” Nereus retorted with a grin. Just then the crowd started moving, the genders dividing into their appropriate areas so that the reaping could begin.

“Ready?” This time it was Iliason who spoke, the second female from their group. She was eighteen as well, and would actually be Nereus’ fellow tribute.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Nereus retorted. The two shared a quick hug before they each turned and made their way off into the crowds, disappearing in the mass of people.

The reaping didn’t take long… It never really did. They’d pull a name, the appointed volunteer would step up and take the initial tributes place, and then they’d be off…

When the boys’ turn came, and some seventeen year old boy’s name was called… Nereus did as expected. He held his head high, eyes fixed on the stage, and called out the line that he was all too familiar with by now.

“I volunteer as tribute.”

***

The ride to the Capitol had been rather uneventful. He and Ili had sat together in the dining car, joking and being light hearted as always. Their banter and jeering didn’t actually stop until the tvs flicked on and Yvon and Leam came strutting into the room, their two mentors for their training.

“Alright, you two.” Yvon, the female mentor, was the first to speak. Her bright blue eyes flicked between each of them as she reached up and brushed a strand of blonde hair from her face.

“Pay attention. They are re-airing the Reapings. This is where you see your competition…”

Ili and Nereus nodded reverently, falling silent as they turned to watch the television… And what Nereus saw damn near stopped his heart in his chest. This had never been something he’d factored in… Never something he’d counted on. Hell, he’d never even considered it a real possibility, but here it was… true as sun was in the sky.

Alex… Alex was the tribute from District Two.

“Wait…” As the Reaping played out before them, Iri’s hand reached out and lightly gripped Nereus’ arm, her dark blue eyes narrowing as she turned to look at her co-tribute.
“Isn’t that…” She didn’t even have to complete the thought before Nereus nodded, his throat constricting as he tried to swallow. To say that Iri was observant would be an understatement… While perhaps they hid it better than others, Iri had easily been able to see that there was something there between Nereus and Alex. Exactly what she didn’t quite know… But there had been something. And now the two were going to forced into an arena, handed weapons, and told to kill one another.

“I’m so sorry…” She whispered, her grip tightening on his arm in a comforting way.

“No worries…” Nereus replied with a nonchalant shrug, playing it off. Granted it had floored him, but it was the Games… What could you do?

***

The arrival in the Capitol, the prep, the parade… all of it had gone by in what seemed to be the blink of an eye. Repeatedly Nereus had attempted to catch Alex’s gaze, succeeding only once… But once was all they’d needed. In the Academy they’d become close… Certainly good friends, and what could have been something more… if only Alex hadn’t been so afraid of disappointing his father. Their closeness, however, allowed for easy communication, and Nereus somehow got exactly what Alex would have said had they been able to talk.

The roof… Meet on the roof.

It would be away from prying eyes… Away from cameras… A place where they could just talk, catch up a bit.

Once the day was over, the parade finished, Nereus had made his way back to the District Four suite fairly quickly. Iri had eyed him for only a moment before nodding… she knew, she understood. He was going to go talk to his friend, and she was more than willing to cover for him. So quickly he showered, washing away all the makeup that had been plastered onto his face (shades of bright blue, teal, etc) for the parade and dressing in his own clothing, a few comforts from his own District before he was thrown into the arena. When he was finally clean, he made his way from the suite and up to the roof, hesitating a moment before he pushed open the door and stepped out… Now all he had to do was wait.


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[malikyiaue]

Saying that he had to wait was far from an understatement.

Alex didn't lie. He was absolutely awful at it; every single movement in his face gave him away when he tried, and he'd given up on even attempting long ago. Which meant that when he'd made the silent promise across the crowded, bustling plaza after the parade that he'd meant it, and he had every intention of meeting Nereus on the roof that evening. Making it to the roof, though, had been another story.

After the parade they'd made their way to their suite, which was more of an endevor than he would have imagined. First there was the casual bump into a young man who looked to be hardly any older than Alexander himself, but who was far better dressed (though, to be fair, Alex was wearing what was essentially a skirt of clanging metal armor and hardly anything more - being better dressed was almost a given), with bright pink hair that was spiked up in something that might have resembled a mohawk, had it not curled dramatically at the top. It would have stayed as casual as that, but apparently the man - who was rather ridiculously named Saturninus - had a few questions for them, and Brutus had stopped the District Two tributes for a show.

To an extent, it was like being put on display.

All of his life, Alexander had trained for the games, but he'd never expected this. To fight? Yes. To kill? Of course. To go on tv and have to charm people? It was a necessity. But this was like being an animal. In some corners of the district, there were people who raised animals to fight - dogs, cocks. Whatever they could find and afford, really; there were always people willing to bet on it, and it was an easy source of extra income. The way Saturninus looked over Alexander (and, to a lesser extent, Medea) made him feel like one of those fighting dogs, the man's fingers running over his arms and prodding at him in places that were less than comfortable.

If he'd had his way, he would've just continued walking. Unfortunately, he didn't have his way, and Brutus had stopped him, and given Saturninus a smile that seemed to communicate that even this little bit was some sort of deal.

It made Alex feel slimier than the oil on his skin, though he couldn't have vocalized entirely why.

Combined with the oil, though, it was enough to ensure that Alexander's own clean-up had taken a good bit longer than was probably necessary. Alex was, without a doubt, a clean freak. OCD, even, perhaps, though he never would have admitted it, and the feel of the oil on his skin was enough to make him want to actually climb out of it if it was at all possible. It wasn't. Instead he had to subsitute with a scalding hot shower that left his skin steaming and red when he climbed out, and rubbed raw from the different soaps he'd found - the combination being enough to give him a little bit of a headache.

Still, through all of it, he was trying to get to the roof.

After the shower, with his skin scrubbed until it was nearly bleeding but thankfully no longer looking or feeling quite like a greased pig on display in the local butcher's market, Alex'd made his way into the common room of their little apartment, where Medea was lounging on one of the sofas and casually twisting her fingers through her hair - braiding and twisting and undoing all of the careful work the stylists had done on her earlier as if she had nothing better to do in the world. The entire time she engaged in conversation with Crixus, who was telling her more and more about capitol life. When he'd walked out, though, the conversation stopped, and he'd found himself the center of attention.

Which had required a bit of dishonesty on his part, and a good bit more stalling, because Alexander didn't lie, and he couldn't exactly tell them that he was planning on going to the roof to meet with the District Four tribute because he almost desperately wanted to talk to him before they were sent into the arena. So he'd been delayed further, spending a good bit of time picking food off the table, eating this and that, and never really bothering to stop until both of them were once again wrapped up enough in conversation that Alexander himself ceased to matter.

It was then, and only then, that he'd managed to slip away, and find his way as quickly as was possible to that elevator that seemed to move impossibly fast, and then finally to the rooftop, where he hoped against hope that Nereus had not only gotten his message, but had been patient with him.

And the sight that greeted him didn't disappoint.

The moonlight shone on the top of the building. It might've been dark and almost romantic, except that there were too many neon lights about, and where the moonlight striking the other boy's cheekbones should have been only a faded, light blue, it was also orange and red and a garish sort of purple, and the sounds from the streets below emminated up at them. People celebrating the reaping. Drunk already, he knew from the way they were shouting, and the way he'd seen a couple of them chugging down drinks as if this would be their last opportunity even as the parade ran. Still, his eyes caught Nereus's profile in the light.

Something about it reminded him of the first time they'd met, and he'd paused in the doorway for a moment as he thought back on it, the heavy metal resting against his shoulder and the brigher light from inside seaping out around him, leaving him dark with backlight.

------

He'd been at Academy for about three months now, and so far he was doing well. It helped, of course, that his father had trained him as much as was possible before he'd even left, but every day he was living up to the announcement he'd made on his first day there, when the instructor'd asked him his name: "I'm Alexander Vale." His father didn't use nicknames, and it'd taken Alex himself quite a while to relax into them; the first day he certainly hadn't. "And I am going to be a victor." When he'd said it then, it'd earned him a few giggles, because there wasn't any questioning in his voice.

It was a solid declaration, as if there were no other facts and no possible other outcomes. Over time, it'd become more and more obvious that that was a part of how Alexander spoke; he wasn't the most talkative person in the world, but when he did speak, it was because he'd made up his mind on what he wanted to say, and he didn't second guess himself.

But that'd been three months prior, and while Alexander'd spent weeks, months living up to that expectation, sometimes, like tonight, he was nothing more than what he was: a ruddy-cheeked twelve year old who'd far too recently come to terms with the fact that he couldn't run around naked at will and who sometimes had nightmares. Maybe occasionally more than sometimes. It had been one of those nights; he'd gone to sleep as usual, but somewhere around midnight, he found himself suddenly and entirely unable to sleep. And for once (it was actually far more often than once, but most people just assumed that when it happened it was a rarity), he'd had no hesitation in breaking the rules and sneaking out of bed.

That'd been when he'd first seen Nereus.

Not literally, of course; he'd seen him several times through their courses, and in fact had even trained with him. But it was the first time that he ever really gave the District Four boy much notice. Mostly because they were both up, he'd walked over to him, and spoken with that same level of almost funny authority, considering the fact that he was a twelve year old boy who was trying to talk like he was a twenty year old man. "Couldn't sleep either?" He'd asked, hardly waiting for a response because the answer was obvious, before continuing: "We should train."

What he might've done if he hadn't seen Nereus, who knew. But in that instant, twelve-year-old Alexander was filled with the fact that there was someone else around, and so he should be on his best behavoir. And being on his best behavoir, he'd learned quite clearly, meant not wasting time with silly things like standing around when he could be training.

-----

Why his mind was chosing now to play out memories like that, he could only guess. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that they were on a prepice, where he might not have that many more opportunities for such memories before he had to push them all out of his mind so he could focus on the only thing that mattered: winning. It hardly mattered though.

He stepped out of the doorway after a few moments pause and made his way over to stand next to Nereus, his stance communicating everything that was between them - everything about where they stood with each other. Too close to be just friendly, and yet not quite close enough to truly be intimate. There was a line there that they hadn't crossed, and it was something that at times, Alex clung to dearly, as if his very life depended on it. Right now, though, he wasn't sure how much good that was doing him, because he could quite literally hear his heart pounding in his ears as he stood for a moment in the silence next to the other boy, before he finally turned his head to look at him and spoke.

"I didn't know you were volunteering this year."

As if that would have changed anything.

He wasn't sure that it would have.

Oh. Oh Crap: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Ignite The Spark]

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It was chilly… Something that Nereus wasn’t entirely used to. In District Four, even in the winter, the weather was fair… Hardly ever dropping below sixty degrees… But here? The nighttime chill, mid-summer, certainly had him shivering as he shoved both hands into his pockets. It would be something that would take some getting-used-to… Had he the time to do so. But in a week’s time he would no longer be here, instead he’d be shoved into the middle of an arena with twenty-three other people- no… kids… they were all kids… He’d be shoved into an arena with twenty-three other kids to fight to the death for the amusement of those watching safely from their homes. There’d be no getting used to anything here in the Captiol.

With a quiet sigh Nereus reached a hand up and ran it lightly through his hair, a habit that he’d formed when he was a child… When he was waiting… when he was nervous… anxious… he could always be seen pulling his hand through his unruly curly locks. Even when he was angry, which was honestly rare, his hands would somehow find his hair… Though then it was more like he was trying to pull it from his scalp than anything. His entire body shift as he moved towards the ledge, his fingers reaching out to lightly touch the barrier that sent a tingling feeling through his body. It was obviously meant to stop jumpers… To keep the tributes trapped so that no matter what, they’d be forced into the arena. Not that Nereus had any mind to jump… He was simply playing around as he waited… and waited.

Once the tingling had left his arm, his fingers dropped to dance across the ledge of the room which rest at just about waist height, providing a rather nice vantage point out over the streets below… Which were absolutely packed with people. Party goers, revelers, drunks… All of them Capitol citizens who were getting their jollies from watching kids essentially get sentenced to death. What a lovely bunch of people…

And he waited a bit more…

For a moment he let his mind wonder, his thoughts drifting back towards his own reaping, and the small amount of time that had been left afterwards for anyone who wished to come and say goodbye… And a fair amount of people had, in fat. Kiriae, Nautlus, even Lithum and Uve (the other two males of their little group). His parents, of course, and his little brother… Oh, his little brother.

”You have to win, Nereus. You have to. Okay?”

The statement rang out over and over again in his mind, causing a brief smile to come to his face. His little brother, so naïve and so completely full of wonder… It was absolutely endearing. A major reason why almost anyone who had anything to do with the Ookean family adored him. And Nereus had done whatever he could to protect that innocence… But only when his father wasn’t looking. Because if his father had known, surely he would have been furious. His sons were to be tough, and wise, and really… anything but children. Which absolutely wasn’t fair, especially for Glaucus who was so filled with childlike wonder that it was ridiculous.
That particular point was only driven home when the Peacekeepers had come to usher his family out. Glaucus had clung to Nereus’ pant leg and shut his eyes tight, a bright smile on his face. Suddenly Nereus had felt his hand being clutched and opened just before something small was shoved in it. Hazel eyes fell to see that Glaucus had forced a small, pure golden trident into his hand… A trinket he’d found one day on the beach as Nereus had been teaching him to tie nets… something he’d loved dearly and until this point had never let it out of his sight.

“Bring it home safe, okay Nereus? I’ll want it back!” The statement was followed up by a quiet giggle before they were all forced from the room, leaving Nereus speechless.

Absentmindedly now his fingers dipped down into his pocket and grabbed out the trident, turning it over and over in his hand as he waited.

Eventually he heard it, the sound of the door opening and the shuffle of feet. Nereus certainly had to admit that he was hesitant… Hesitant to turn and look, to see who it was, and if it was, in fact…

“Alex…”

The name slid quietly from him as the corner of his mouth turned up into a smile. It was, in fact, his friend from their time at the academy… And he honestly looked good. As fit as the day they’d left, and just as striking. For a while, thought, the other had clearly avoided his gaze, keeping his dark eyes trained forward as he stepped out and onto the roof, coming up to Nereus’ side. It was a long, quiet moment before Alex finally broke it, and Nereus let out an abrupt laugh, his head shaking side to side before he allowed his hazel eyes to drift up… And up and up. After all, Alex damn near towered over him with his staggering six foot two height.

“I could say the same to you, you know…” He replied quietly, arching a dark eyebrow before he turned his gaze back out over the city below, the trident still turning over and over in his hand.

“I can honestly say I was shocked when I saw you step up… I never thought that…” He let his voice trail off, the implication clear. He’d never thought that they’d be facing each other in the arena. For some reason the thought had never occurred to him, though perhaps it should have. They were both the same age… Both one of the strongest contenders of their Districts… It should have clicked well before that train ride, but for some reason it hadn’t. It just… hadn’t.

“It’s good to see you, though.” He finally added, cutting his gaze up and to the side as he offered a brief smile before it fell back to the crowded streets below, lined with brightly colored people.


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[malikyiaue]

Alex's smiles always started the same way: not with his mouth; that was always the last bit of the puzzle to fall into place, but in the corners of his eyes. With folds that formed there that indicated that should he ever get a chance to grow up, he would probably develop crows feet there early, though there were no tell-tale signs of them now. And the smile that came to his face when Nereus said his name was no exception to that rule. It started at the corners of his eyes, and worked his way down his cheeks, until finally he was giving the other man a soft smile.

That was another thing: most of Alex's smiles were soft. It was a striking comparison to his strong jaw, and the way he held himself stiffly in general, and they always seemed to hold some sort of secret back, as if there were something more he had to say but simply wasn't.

Right now, though, he was pretty sure what was on his mind was clear enough. The words were right; Alex always did best when he knew exactly what he should be saying, and only seemed to falter when there wasn't something that was particularly right, but that demanded only that Alex know exactly what it was that he wanted. That was almost as foriegn a subject to Alex as it was to anyone else; what he wanted had never been a possibility, and so he'd never really given much thought to questioning it. But right now that didn't matter. He knew what he should say.

"Neither did I. Stupid, really, isn't it?" He asked, his tongue pushing against the roof of his mouth as he turned his own cool gaze to the boy from District Four - his friend. His mouth felt incredibly dry, even if he'd just had plenty of water before he came up here. Like he was parched and his tongue was swollen a couple of sizes too big for his mouth.

The worst part was, he wasn't entirely sure how much of that was due to the fact that they were in the Capitol, and how much of it was due to the fact that there was just so much there between Nereus that the two of them very pointedly ignored. Or maybe it was just him that pointedly ignored it. Maybe Nereus didn't ignore it at all; really, all of his pointed ignoring it had left them without talking about it very much, aside from in the vaguest of senses - with Alex making passing comments about how if that was him, his father would disown him.

"I don't know if good is the word I'd use, given the situation, though. No offense, but I think I might be happier to see Kiriae." Because while he knew the other Distict Four boy, he wasn't nearly so close to him. There wasn't nearly so ... much there.

"I bet your family was proud. Your little brother jump up and down?" It was getting to the parts of the conversation where there weren't right things to say and wrong things to say, and Alex found himself getting kind of tied up on his tongue.

Oh. Oh Crap: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Ignite The Spark]

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He could hear them down in the city streets… Hollering and carrying on, words being tossed around in a slurred manner… Granted Nereus couldn’t hear specifics, but it billowed up to the roof in the form of a dull roar, overwhelming the air every time silence fell between the two. But that was the only thing that crowded the silence and space… That same familiar static was settling in, blanketing everything as it always had. That inkling, that feeling that there could just possibly be something more, but it had never been quite acknowledged, and Nereus understood why. Alex had been afraid… petrified, really, of letting his father down. And while Nereus wasn’t one to allow his parents approval factor into personal affairs, he understood. (Although it wasn’t as though he had it hard… So long as he did what he was supposed to in training and preparing, his father and mother had hardly cared whom he chose to spend his free time with.) So, respectfully, he’d never pressed…

Not when they’d been studying… Not when they’d laughed… Not when they’d flirted… Or even shared a fleeting kiss that was quickly ended as Alex’s shame got the better of him. Nereus had never really said a word.

“It is good to see you though.” Nereus responded with a shrug of his shoulders and a nonchalant smile. “Even if perhaps it’s not under the best of circumstances, it’s always good to see you.” He added… Letting his sometimes horridly optimistic demeanor to show through. Life was better when you viewed it through a bright lens… or at least that’s the way Nereus saw it. But his optimism could never be taken as naivety, because no matter how he chose to look at something, it was clear that he was always taking it seriously… even if his general rule was laissez faire.
“But I’m sure Kiriae would rather he be here then me, as well. He so much as said so at the reaping…”

At the mention of his brother, a broad, overwhelming grin set onto Nereus’ face, showing off his brilliant teeth as his eyes narrowed slightly… The way they always did whenever the smile he wore was true.
“Yea… The little guy was so excited…” Carefully now he pulled the trident up in front of him, his fingers pausing in the twirling of it as he held up to look at. “I don’t think he understands, though…” Nereus murmured as he lightly ran a thumb over the hilt of the trident. “…that I most likely won’t be going back.” The smile fell from his face now as he let out a breath and dropped his hand to his side, the trident once more twirling inbetween his fingers… And like clockwork he brought a hand up, allowing it to once more run through his dark hair.

“How ‘bout you?” He questioned as his arm fell back to his side, his gaze once more turning to Alex. “I’ll bet your father is… approving. His only son, a tribute in the Hunger Games? No doubt expects you to continue on the family legacy…” The words held absolutely no malice… Nothing that could even be considered ill-will. Instead they came out light and airy, accompanied by the faintest of smiles as he reached out and lightly punched Alex’s arm. “Plan on making him proud?” As always, Nereus had been careful in his word choice… Because he’d heard far too many tales from Alex to know that just being a tribute in the Hunger Games wouldn’t be enough to make his father proud… No. It would require a win, for Alex to come out on top.


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[malikyiaue]

Ironic as it might've been, it was the absolute lack of pressure from Nereus that made things more uncomfortable.

Alexander was used to pressure; he'd never really known anything but. It was Nereus's acceptance of the fact that though they'd spent afternoons studying, their heads close together as they peered over a book, so much so that Alex could distinctly remember the feel of the other boy's breath against his skin, Alex'd never done anything, it was his acceptance of the fact that though they'd shared the fleeting kiss here and there, when they seemed to fall into it without questioning that made the static stronger. Louder.

Ringing in the back of his head like one of those high-pitched traffic control tones they used at home to keep the kids in line when they were acting up.

He didn't have Nereus's same optimism though; not that he would be considered a pessimist. He liked to think of himself as a realist. This was how things went; there was no way around it. He might as well accept it. "It's good to see you here anyway." It was a concession of an agreement. It would never be good that he was to face off with Nereus in the Hunger Games - but then there wasn't anything good to the Hunger Games anyway.

Alexander felt that heavily, though he wouldn't've said it.

As much as his father boasted about the pride of winning, as much as the district cheered the tributes and volunteers, he knew what that Academy really was: the metaphorical fattening of the offering. They were sacrificial lambs, both of them, so that younger, underprepared children wouldn't necessarily come in just to die. At least one of them stood a chance.

But he could conceed that it was nice to see Nereus; that if he had to be a sacrificial lamb, it was good to have a chance to talk to his friend before they were sent into the inevtiable.

"You're better than Kiriae. That's why you're here. You've the best chance of going home; why wouldn't he be proud of that?"

It wasn't that Alexander was discounting himself, but instead just acknoweledging that Nereus was here because he was the best District Four had to offer. How that would stack up against his own skills, only time would tell. Still, the idea of Galacus, who Alex'd never met but couldn't help but imagine as a miniature version of Nereus, jumping up and down with excitement at the idea of his brother getting called brought the smile that'd faded over their conversation back to his face. "It's good though; he's got faith in you."

Honestly, it was the sort of thing that Alex occasionally found himself a little bit jealous over. Right now, though, that was put to ease by the playful punch to his shoulder, and he couldn't help the way a small laugh escaped him, not making it very far, but that was okay. He didn't want it getting lost in the laughs from the crowds below; his own was fairly innocent where as theirs were entirely vulgar. And he returned the punch with a little push, his hand meeting Nereus's shoulder and pushing him to the side. "He's given me five days. I think he actually might be disappointed if it stretches on much longer."

Oh. Oh Crap: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Ignite The Spark]

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A quiet, resounding scoff escaped Nereus as he shook his head. Yes, he was better than Kiriae. There was no doubt about it… He’d laid the kid out in hand to hand on more occasions than truly necessary back at the academy. But that did not necessarily mean that he had a better chance of making it home. The Hunger Games were so terribly different than any of their training… Everything was up in the air the moment the countdown ended and the Games began. Ultimately, though, he opted to say nothing and let the comment go, instead focusing on Alex’s comment about his brother.

“That’s true…” Nereus sighed and furrowed his brows, his fingers curling around the trident now as he let out a quiet breat. “But it just means that if I don’t go home…” Glaucus would be absolutely crushed. Nereus wasn’t only a big brother… he was a role model… The way those big hazel eyes looked up at him framed by the long, curly mop of hair that his mother had refused to cut… (Nereus suspected it was because it made him look so much younger, and she, just like he did, wanted to maintain his innocence for as long as possible.)

At the shove to his shoulder, Nereus’ footing faltered and he sidestepped, catching his balance as he let out a quiet laugh. It had really been an easy friendship between them when they’d been around one another… Feelings or not, they’d gotten along better than two potential enemies should have. “Five days, huh?” He questioned, his tongue running along the back of his teeth for a moment before he turned and hauled himself up onto the ledge, his feet just barely missing the ground by less than an inch now. “Guess you’d better get to work as soon as the countdown’s over then.” He questioned, letting out a quiet, tense laugh. The Games really were nothing to be joking about… Because by the end of it all, either he, Alex, or both of them would be dead. But that was really the only way he could handle it… To face mortality meant that he’d go into it thinking it was over already, and he couldn’t afford that. He simply couldn’t.

For a brief moment a sort of silence fell between the two as Nereus fixed his gaze on the concrete beneath their feet. There was so much that could be said, a good three fourths of which were off limits because of Alex’s reservations… And Nereus found himself having to search for something to say that could be friendly and lighthearted, but maintain the distance that seemed to have developed between them…

Just remember, don’t trust anyone. Suddenly his father’s words were ringing loudly in his head and he found himself laughing quietly, the sound coming out in short, airy breaths before he managed to silence it. There was no way that he could possible not trust Alex… And perhaps it would get him killed, but it was true.

“So how’s life back home?” Nereus settled on, his gaze shifting once more to catch Alex’s as he bumped the heels of his feet against the siding of the ledge. “Any girlfriends?” It had been meant as simple conversation… Conversing the way guys typically did… It wasn’t until after the words had already fled his mouth that he realized perhaps it was horrible in context of their situation. Regardless, though, it wasn’t as though he could take them back. So instead he flashed a smile and turned his torso, craning his neck so that he could look behind him and down at the people below.



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[malikyiaue]

"Either way, you're bringing the honor to your family so that he doesn't ever have that pressure."

Perhaps that wasn't how it worked in four, but that's how Alex was assuming it worked; every family made an effort to offer up one child to be trained for the reaping. If everyone offered up all of their children, there'd be no one left in the districts, after all; there had to be some order to it. And so Alex kind of looked at Nereus volunteering as not only for the benefit of whatever younger kid might've been called this year, but for the benefit of his younger brother as well.

There was a slight spike of envy at the idea of a sibling relationship - of someone else who could really understand what it was to grow up in your household, but he didn't voice any of that. Instead he just shrugged back at Nereus when he said that Alex'd have to start killing right out of the gate. "Yeah. But is there really any point in delaying it anyway?"

They had to kill. There was no reason to be terroristic about it. Alex didn't at all promise that he wouldn't kill anyone, but he had no intentions of making anyone's deaths any more painful or drawn out than necessary, either.

As the silence fell, Alex let his gaze fall down over the edge of the building, and onto the partiers below, though his thoughts remained on that loud ringing in his ears that made his palms slightly sweaty and kept his mouth dry, causing him to lick his lips more often than was at all necessary, and yet he couldn't help it. It wan't an uncomfortable sort of silence. Not by a long shot. But it was a silence that could have been filled by so many, many things that he didn't know how to express, or things that he knew he shouldn't express.

It left him searching as well for something to say that would fill the silence. Again, though, he found himself thankful for Nereus, and he moved forward, resting his hands on the edge next to Nereus as he listened to the question, raising an eyebrow at him and cocking his head slightly. They were close enough that he could feel the heat from Nereus's thigh on the outside of his hand just vaguely - or was that his imagination? He wasn't entirely sure.

Whatever it was, though, it seemed to charge the air around them with the same static it'd had when he first walked up, the tension before an accidental discharge that zapped everyone involved. Alex found himself laughing in an effort to chase it away, but the chest-deep chuckle that escaped him as barely more than a rumble did little to help with that. "No. No girlfriends. C'mon. You know my dad doesn't let up; if I'm at Academy, I'm training. If I'm home, I'm training. Except for when I sneak off, but you should hear how mad he gets -" When Alex was uncomfortable, he tended to talk more. They were often really unrelated tales to what was going on that were just out of place enough to be slightly awkward. This was one of those times.

"A couple of weeks ago a few of us snuck out to the river a couple of weeks ago with one of my dad's bottles of gin." The warmth of his smile had changed into something that seemed far more age appropriate as he spoke, with amusement that lit up his features. "I don't know why; we decided to go hiking and drinking, and then at some point we decided to go skinny-dipping - " That should really have been the least surprising point of the story; Alex had liked running around naked until he was eight years old. It was a habit that died hard; skinny dipping wasn't exactly the rarest of occurances for him. "And when we woke up the next morning we were still stark naked, but had managed to somehow find ourselves in a sweet old lady's back yard. She threw a sheet over us before she called our parents, but, man..."

Oh. Oh Crap: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Ignite The Spark]

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Hazel eyes dropped immediately as he watched Alex step forward, his hands finding the ledge next to where Nereus’ own legs rest… So close that, if he’d had the mind for it, Nereus would have sworn he could feel the slightest of static charges. Nothing monumental but something that spoke of just how much tension was really there between them, and how much of it Alex was ignoring… Even now, knowing they’d go into this and no other chances would come. But, as always, Nereus said nothing of it. Instead he listened quietly to Alex recount one of his most recent stories and laughed along, his dark eyebrows shooting skyward.

“An old woman’s backyard, huh?” He questioned… Though that was hardly the part of the story that he was focusing on the most. After all, no matter how fast he’d had to grow up or how old he acted, he was still an eighteen year old boy, who happened to have some amount of feelings for the guy next to him… And the thought of him-
He shook his head then and let out a laugh as he nodded slightly, pushing the thought away and focusing instead on how angry Alex’s father must have been.

“I can’t imagine that was any fun to deal with…” He managed as he shift on the ledge, moving his hands so that they were pinned beneath his thighs… His pinky had just barely grazed Alex’s as he went, the reaction igniting a bit of heat that he ignored, covering it up with another comment.
“But getting there had to be a blast, I’m sure.” After all, Nereus would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy his fair share of spirits every once in a while. It was the one thing afforded to trainees in his District… To take the edge off so that they didn’t all go crazy from the stress. And he could attest to the fact that once the alcohol was in your system, almost everything changed… Inhibitions lightened, judgment lessened, and overall a good time was had… Until you sobered up in the morning.

“I am sorry, though, to hear you haven’t had any companionship.” He offered as he shift slightly on the ledge, his eyes moving back and forth between Alex and the crowd below. “It’s nice to just be able to forget about all this for a while… Though I suppose there’s no chance of that now.” Not with them standing on the precipice of a journey that, winner or loser, would change their lives forever. Everything in the past no longer mattered, and anything in the future was hardly a sure thing.

Another short silence fell before Nereus pushed himself off the ledge and landed on the balls of his feet, rolling back to his heel for a second before falling flat footed.
“I suppose… We should both probably head back to our suites. Big day tomorrow, what with the start of training and all.” The words were quiet, indicating that he really didn’t want to go, that he wanted to talk about some of the things that were clearly forbidden between them, but he wouldn’t.


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[malikyiaue]

How long had it been this way?

With their easy conversations tainted by that lurking static?

Alex wasn't sure he could pinpoint a time when they first started feeling this way. He wasn't sure when he'd gone from just laughing with Nereus over something to actually watching Nereus as he laughed, or when he'd gone from just sitting beside the other boy to sitting beside him in a way that maybe made him feel something warmer than just body heat. But Nereus accepted it; accepted him for it.

Ignoring it was generally easier when he was able to at least partly convince himself that he was the only one who felt that way, and again he knew deep down that to an extent, he owed Nereus for that as well. For allowing him to pretend that was the case as completely as he did. He didn't say any of that, though, and just shrugged his shoulders at the comment, looking back down at the crowd, the smile still linering even if it'd faded almost entirely from his mouth, obvious around his eyes. "Oh, I'm sure if there weren't laws against it, he might've killed me right then; I think whatever glory I win is really just to pay back the debt for the amount of glory I've cost him."

As much as he was sort of joking with the comment, there was a large part of that that was true. That every indiscresion was treated like the end of the world, no matter how minor.

"But it was worth it. What about you?"

It was their ease of conversation; that was why it'd slipped out. That had to be it. He wasn't genuinely asking about whether or not Nereus had a girlfriend back in District Four, was he? No. No, it was just conversational. It had nothing to do with his own personal interest in the matter - because even if he was interested, they were at a point where things like that didn't matter. But when Nereus's finger'd grazed his, Alex's body'd betrayed him, and his fingers had curled up into a fist and then had flexed against the bannister he was holding, reacting instctively to the touch and the things it did to him that he would not admit.

Unfortunately, all of his not-admitting left the conversation feeling a little dry at the end. When Nereus'd jumped down, Alex'd turned to face him, their eyes connecting for a brief moment that couldn't've lasted more than about five seconds, and yet seemed to him to stretch out into an eternity of all of those things that were being left unsaid. There'd been a reason for meeting up here on the roof. There'd been a reason he'd so desperately sought out Nereus's eyes, and yet here they were. Probably a half an hour after they'd gotten onto the rooftop and needing to go to sleep, and nothing had changd.

Nothing had really been said.

Instead they hung between them, choking Alex for air and leaving him with a distinct, disproportionate hollow feeling on the inside that only seemed to grow as each second pressed on, as if they unspoken words were eating away at him, leaving him more and more unsatisfied and unfulfilled.

"Nereus..." He said softly, one hand beginning to move up, coming to find a home on the shorter boy's shoulder as he looked down at him. But whatever he wanted to say next didn't come.

He just knew that it shouldn't end here.

Oh. Oh Crap: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Ignite The Spark]

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The answer to Alex’s question had been simple… No. Nereus hadn’t anyone back home whom he was attached to. Granted he’d had his fair share of significant others, but all of that hardly mattered at this point. He hadn’t bothered to date anyone within the past six months or so because it seemed pointless and, quite frankly, unfair… To get involved with someone when he knew that eventually he’d be going off to the Capitol, to fight, and to perhaps never return. That wouldn’t have been fair at all.

At this point Nereus had turned, his back to Alex and his left foot extended to carry him back to the door, down the stairs and into his suite… But he found himself stopping mid step, a strong hand having place itself on his shoulder and halting him. And for a moment, for an incredibly brief moment he felt a rare bit of frustration bubble up within him. Frustration with Alex, with their situation, with everything… But as quickly as it had come, it fled, leaving Nereus to slowly turn back to face Alex, an eyebrow arched.

“Alex?” He questioned in return, his hazel eyes finding Alex’s own and remaining there. The static charge that he’d felt earlier seemed to intensify a bit as the prolonged contact between the two stretched, but it wasn’t anything that Nereus couldn’t ignore… At least for the moment. It was almost like he could see it… The words sticking in the other boy’s throat as he fought to bring them out, but seemed to ultimately be failing… And there really was nothing Nereus could do to even ease the situation… Because all of this was on him. In the brief moments they’d shared together, Nereus had made it quite clear that he had no problem with whatever was between them, it was Alex’s own hesitations that had halted it… And it was now what stood between them… Here, in the Capitol.

When the silence only stretched further though, Nereus let out a quiet sigh and reached out, wrapping his fingers around Alex’s forearm to lightly pull his hand away from his shoulder. Even if something should be said, it clearly wasn’t coming. So might as well ease whatever tension he could manage.

“Come on…” He offered with a smile as he nodded his head towards the door, the one that was still slightly propped open, spilling bright light out onto a portion of the roof that was away from them. He could still hear the city’s roar below, but that hardly seemed to matter at the moment… Instead he was focused on Alex, on keeping this from turning into some awkward situation that both of them didn’t want at the moment. “I’m exhausted, and I’m sure you are too.” He managed as his fingers uncoiled from around his arm and his hand moved up to, yet again, make its way through his hair before it dropped back to his side. “We both need the sleep. No sense in staying out here and getting cold…”


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[malikyiaue]

And so it had gone.

The night had ended with a chill and an amount of tension that Alex normally found reserved for the points when they'd actually done something that crossed that mental line in the sand. No matter how Nereus might try - no matter how Alex might try - the awkwardness was unavoidable. Not because they didn't speak to each other; Alex'd found it far easier to answer Nereus's last question, and to agree that they should get some sleep, and they spoke as easily as they always had, but because all of that speaking was underscored by those things that weren't said.

They went unsaid during training, when the two of them worked on their individual strengths, and only occasionally found themselves with time to even think about anything. That, in Alex's estimation, was fortunate at least; he liked to keep busy. Training kept him busier now that he'd ever imagined being. They went unsaid during the meals they took together - the lunches, where they inevitably sat together, their alliance understood from the get-go because that was how things were done. (Nereus had, however, been officially 'invited' to join them by Medea, who'd made a good show of it, not forgetting to pay him compliments to get his attention, and running her own fingers through her hair at different points).

They went unsaid on the queit nights, where Alex still found himself sneaking up to the roof and watching the revelry below, his mind lost in thought. He didn't say anything about it, not to anyone. When anyone asked, he was calm and confident as he should be, but underneath all of that, it ate at him. Under the fact that he knew he had every chance of winning, because he was skilled and strong and certainly not like the thirteen year old girl with the dark curls from District Eight who'd gotten reaped this year, under that, to some extent he was still trapped in the reality: he was a kid. And to some extent, a scared kid.

He hoped, on those nights, always, that Nereus would join him on the roof. He'd never really known what to expect though, from day to day. It wasn't a hope that he'd ever given voice to; that hope was one of the things that stuck in his throat with everything else.

The week had passed like that: sometimes seeming to stretch out forever, until he wondered if he would ever get to the arena, and sometimes seeming to zoom by so quickly that he was afraid he might get whiplash.

Then they were here. He was in the launch room, standing in a glass tube, with his stylist standing beside him and watching. Watching as Alex stepped up, his jaw set firmly and clenched around the corners. Watching as Alex kept his hands by his side, his fingers clenching and unclenching as he made an effort to keep himself still. There'd be a weapon for him. A sword of some form, even if he prefered the shorter gladius. He knew it; had known it from the instant he'd cleved the training dummy in two during his time with the Game Makers. They wouldn't deny him that.

And then before he knew it, he heard it.

"Five Seconds Remaining..."

Don't step off the platform.

"Four Seconds Remaining..."

"You will win."

"Three Seconds Remaining..."

"My name is Alexander Vale. I will be a Victor."

"Two Second Remaining..."

"Alex..."

He missed the final count; it was Nereus's voice in his head that was the last thing he heard before the world went dark as the tube shot up. And up. It couldn't've been more than about two seconds that he was actually travelling through the ground, and yet it felt like longer, long enough for his eyes to just start getting used to the darkness.

Then he was blinded.

White, brilliant light shining off of everything, making the world around him invisible for a few long moments - moments that mattered as the other countdown was starting. It took his eyes seconds, precious seconds to adjust to the light and look around, and even then it was blinding. There was nothing. Sand. A type of plant that Alex'd never seen before, but recognized from books as being a Cactus of some sort - the type that could get water? There were plateaus around them, and off in the distance a little ways, the only thing in the area that looked like there might be trees.

It was hard to tell; heat wafted up off the sands, distorting everything, and even in those few seconds, when Alexander forced himself to tear his eyes away from the surroundings and put them on the Cornucopia, looking for the items that he really wanted, he'd begun to sweat. Not enough to run down his face, but enough that he could feel it prickling at the back of his neck.

Oh. Oh Crap: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Ignite The Spark]

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The rest of the week had seemingly flown by for Nereus… Only bothering to slow down when the sun was sinking below the horizon and the chill of the Capitol nights settled in. When he’d sit quietly in the large bay window of his suite, one foot up on the platform, the other left to hand over the side towards the ground; his left arm draped over his risen knee, and his forehead pressing lightly against the glass. Somehow, in the back of his mind, he knew… He knew that Alex would be up the roof, and that he really should go talk to the boy. They were friends, damn near best friends from the Academy… The tension between them shouldn’t undercut the few remaining nights they had before they turned bitter enemies, but he couldn’t bring himself to go. Not when he knew that it’d just be small talk and the weather, once again completely avoiding anything that really needed to be talked about… So instead he’d stay in his suite, hazel eyes watching the Capitol city below as trains came and went, speeding to and from the stations… As people milled about the streets, going to either bars, parties, houses, shops, where ever… Completely free of knowing that within a few days, they’d be thrown into the arena with twenty-three other competitors…

Like the tributes from District One. Brutes, in every sense of the word. They’d been in the Academy as well, and Nereus had recognized them easy enough, but he’d never really gotten to know them. They lived, ate, and breathed the Games… So much so that it was training or dorm… training or dorm… eating here and there, then training or dorm. At one point Nereus’ had found himself wondering if they were robots…
Glitter and Gold. Their names… at which Nereus had had a damn good laugh, though he’d never admit it.

Then there were the Tributes from District Six. Both were stalky. Not big, but not exactly little either… Nereus hadn’t really bothered to pay much attention to them in training because, to be quite honest, he wasn’t even sure what District Six really did for Panem. It had just never seemed important… But if he recalled correctly, their names were Med and Zeka.

Perhaps the one that he’d have to worry about the most aside from the Careers, was the male from District Eleven. Because he… he certainly looked like he could hold his own. Dark skinned, tall, lean… And all together well built. Drvo… that had been what his mentor had called him. The girl that was with him would be little more than a nuisance to get rid of… Her name was Rijeka.

Then there was District Twelve… The District that hardly anyone took seriously. And how could they? Everyone out there was poor and hungry… Hardly appropriate contenders for these games. And the two that they’d sent this year were no exception. Skinny, obviously poorly fed, and not at all up to the tasks before them. Each of them had that telltale dark hair from their district, but the girl had lighter eyes while her companion had darker…
Kruh and Vatra… They’d most likely be taken out within the first day… If Nereus were a Capitol man, he almost might’ve put money on it.

All of that had been gleaned from their training days… During which Nereus worked on his own skills while scouting out the other tributes. Granted he did his best not to show off… After all, some surprises were best left for the arena… but he did his best to make sure that everyone in the room understood he was serious. Every weapon he’d gotten his hands on, he’d effortlessly been proficient with. Bow and Arrow… Throwing Knives… Cleavers… etc. Granted he was nowhere near perfect, but just skilled enough to be deadly. In his hand to hand he’d managed to completely knock the bag off its metal chain with only a few well placed hits. At the Gauntlet, he’d escaped with only a minor scratch on his left cheek from when one of the trainers had clipped him, but otherwise he’d made it to the top and back with relative ease… And of course, anything that had to do with his home District, such as tying knots, climbing ropes, etc., he excelled at. It was all just enough to make sure that anyone in the room who’d bothered to pay attention knew that he meant business and that he was here to kill.

His real skill, though, didn’t come out until he was alone before the Gamemakers… The fifth to go before them, to be precise. He’d walked in confidently, head held high and hazel eyes completely avoiding them until he had to introduce himself by his name and District. Once that was over, he’d moved immediately to the weapons area and snatched a spear, judging the weight in his hand before he lined up in front of the mannequin targets. In no time at all he’d eyed the target, lined the spear, and thrown… Watching as it sank home directly in the center… But that wasn’t all it’d done. He’d managed to throw it hard enough that the spear actually went through the center of the mannequin, the point as well as some of the shaft of it coming out the other side. He grabbed another and threw that one as well, aiming off center and towards where the heart would be on an actually person, and managed to sink it just right with the same effect.

Overall he’d managed to receive a score of 11… Which he was completely and totally satisfied with… Because that meant that sponsors would undoubtedly be generous… Enough so that hopefully he wouldn’t have to want for much in the arena.

The dinners they’d had as tributes had gone by quietly… Nereus and Ili, his co-tribute, had sat with the other Careers… Glitter, Gold, Medea (whom had made a show of inviting Nereus… one that had earned quite a laugh from Ili once she’d gone), and of course… Alex. He and Nereus had talked easy enough, just as they always had… Even letting out a few laughs and smiles occasionally. But it was always there, that static just beneath the surface that would boil over whenever they unintentionally caught the other’s gaze.

And before Nereus knew it… It was time. His stylist had fit him into his tan cargo pants, his black form fitting s**t, and his jacket that would be his only clothing in the arena. This would be it… After this he’d either go home a victor or in a body bag…
With a huff he stepped onto the small metal disk, his back to his stylist while the plastic tube sealed itself off. It didn’t take long for it to rise and push him out into the harsh arena that would be his home for… Well, if Alex’s dad had his way, five days or less.

The countdown began… And while it was ticking away, Nereus’ hazel eyes narrowed and his typical lighthearted, laidback demeanor disappeared. He was a competitor now… And that meant that he had to be as his father had taught him to be… focused and strong. It didn’t take long before his eyes fell on it… The silver spear that rest propped up just against the side of the Cornucopia… No doubt his weapon. He hadn’t even bothered to look at the landscape around them, though he could feel the heat, seeping into his body. Not that he minded, so much. Reminded him of home, working on the docks mid-summer… But this jacket would need to go at the earliest opportunity.

Three… Two… One…

And they were off. A few of the tributes had turned and began to dart out into the vast landscape around them, hesitating and turning frantically for a place to hide. The remaining had rushed the Cornucopia… Including all the Careers as well as a few other Districts… Nereus was focused, though… Focusing only on two things. He needed to get his spear and preferably one small dagger… Something that would be easy enough to handle and conceal… One step… Two steps… Three… In just a few bounds he’d managed to make his way to the Cornucopia, his fingers wrapping around the spear and pulling it towards him roughly. Next he turned and bound actually inside the hot, metal behemoth, his eyes darting around until he found the back wall which was… As always… completely lined with weapons of all kinds. Swords, maces, axes, throwing knives, and… daggers. Precisely what he’d wanted. But just as he was about to jump in after it, he felt a slight stinging in his left arm… A quick glance down revealed a small cut that was trickling blood and a heavy panting District Seven female who stood there with her eyes wide as though she’d just made the biggest mistake of her life… And perhaps she had. Because it only took Nereus seconds to grip the spear and drive it straight through her middle, leaving to crumple onto the floor of the Cornucopia while he darted back to the wall, grabbing a dagger as well as a few throwing knives for himself.


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