Life is a strange place. You could be surrounded by familiar faces, but not know a single person.
That is the situation I am currently in. The new annual victors gala that Snow is now enforcing. I have seem all of the faces of the victors around me before, but I haven't spoken a word with them yet.
It's safe so say that despite the fancy environment that holds no physical threat to us, we are all still on edge. We were brought to this place to converse with each other, and try to bring a sense of unity among the districts with the capital.
It seems like a trap to me. Like we all got sucked into some world where we, a singular human, could cause disastrous effect if we disobey those that are higher than us. It is even scarier when you are the only victor from your district. Since my willingness to obey is what determines the fate of many individuals.
I don't know what would happen to my home, but I know it would make life harder for everyone there. So that is why I stand here in a unfortunately pretty dress, while observing anybody who happens to be present in this fancy hall.
I feel like I should attempt to make conversation with people, instead of standing at a table awkwardly with a drink in hand. But who can really just see someone and know what to say. Well there is someone who clearly can.
Last years victor Reaper. He seems rough around the edges, but has managed to keep up conversation with whoever chooses to harass him. It's very interesting to watch. I know I have probably been staring at him, but who can blame me. There isn't really anything else I could do.
It's very entertaining seeing him act all towards the people of the capital, only to glare at them in disgust as they walk away. He's good at playing there games i'll admit. If they circumstances were different I might find it impressive, but too bad they aren't.
"He's quite a looker isn't he?" a girl who now stands beside me says. I look around to see a pretty girl with long sleek black hair. "He was my tribute last, and boy am I glad he won. I'm Clemensia Dovecote"
She sticks out her hand to me, and I hesitantly reach out and shake her hand. "I am ____. I don't mean to be rude, but may I ask why it is that you are speaking to me?"
"Well ____, I can see you staring at my precious victor. Whether it's out of admiration, or envy I don't know. But I came here to suggest that you visit with the people here. There is a lot in store for you victors that I can't tell you, but it would be beneficial for you if you appear friendly"
"Okay I guess" I say confused by a stranger giving me advise. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Well I am Coriolanus Snows assistant now, and he wants me to ensure that all of the victors are participating in tonight's gathering" she says like it's an order, but in a calm fashion "So even though it was a suggestion from me, it is an order from him so. Go along mingle with people"
She then gives me a smile before walking away. That was odd I think to myself. As much as I would rather stay here and stare at miss Dovecote's victor. I would rather not get threatened tonight, so listen to her words.
As I am about to go and speak to some strange looking woman who wasn't to far from me somebody starts talking to the crowd. "Thank you everyone for being here today for out first annual hunger games gala" I look up to see Snow himself talking in a microphone.
"I came up here to announce that commemorative dance will be starting while it isn't a mandatory thing for our guests, the victor will be asked to participate. So find yourselves a partner and have fun" He says in a charismatic way. If he was a sick freak you would probably think he was some easy going guy.
As the music starts up I can see pairs of people go onto the dance floor and start a waltz of some sort. I start looking around and searching for some one to ask. I really should have mingled, then this wouldn't be so hard.
I then feel a gentle tap on my shoulder and look around to see Reaper standing there looking quite dashing in a dark blue button up shirt and black slacks. "May I ask for this dance?" he says with an out stretched hand.
"You may" I say with a gentle smile as I put my hand in his.
He then guides me to the dance floor where he put a hand on my waist and uses the other to guide me in a dance. "So how has life as a new victor been treating you Reaper?" I ask him.
He looks a little surprised that I already new his name. "Not great, but as another victor I am sure you already knew that." he says before a brief pause where he asks "Does it ever get easier to deal?"
I give him a sympathetic frown "I'm sorry, but I can't say it does. It doesn't get easier, but eventually you learn to deal with the pain that the past has inflicted upon us. I will say though you have seemed to have dealt with it better than I did. When I first won I wouldn't talk to anyone around me" I say.
He nods at my words before speaking up "Well I noticed you didn't talk to anyone here, so I was curious how things would look for me in the future. Thank you though for answering. It's nice finally talking to someone who doesn't praise the games"
"That is the main reason I have chosen silence this evening. I am not good at pretending this is all okay with me, so it's safer for me to stay quiet" I say to him.
"I'm used to having to pretend to be on board with unfair things. I am sure we all are. But I guess it's just okay to pretend a little bit when it protects your home" he says.
"Yeah I guess you're right" I say to him as the dance concludes.
Reaper then gives the back a my hand a kiss while doing a little bow. I send him a smile, while I pray that I am not blushing at his gesture. I consider saying something else to him, but I lose my train of thought, when Snow starts talking again.
"Ladies and gentlemen I would like to announce some changes is the games that we have been cooking up for the past months. I would like to announce the new mentorship program that is to start during the next games.
"Instead of having academy student mentor the tributes, we will be having past victors mentor them." you have to be kidding me "It will bring more attention to the games, and present new found sense of unity
"We will also be implementing a victory tour in which the years victor will visit each of the district six months after they win to bring more attention and patricipation in the games. That is all for now, but we will give out more information as the time gets closer. Okay you guys can now enjoy the rest of your evening" Snow finishes.
I wish I could say I am shocked by this news, but allude to a new change like this. i already understand the basics of what the mentors did for the 10th games, so I understand that the mingling with guest was for sponsorships.
"Well I guess you'll be seeing more of me" I say to Reaper who looks tense. He sends me a lost looking expression, before I walk away. I guess this is it. This is how I am gonna have to spend the rest of my life.
Sorry for how late this is to the person who requested something for Reaper. I hope this was okay. I don't really know how to write for Reaper, and I had no ides in my brain for this.
-V
