The Power of Gamemakers

Man and Beasts

Today's lesson was out of the universities military strategies lecture room and in what was referred to 'The Kennel' portion of the Citadel laboratories. It housed mutations. Kallista is now where to be found as Dr. Kay was giving us a lesson on first, and second-generation mutations. The ones that failed. Ones still being breed from first to second generation. Not all of them were ugly and scary. Some are cute or even fascinating yet just as deadly.

As I inspected ones that looked like cats from a surtain angle, controlled but laser pointers to lock on a target, the rest of class was dismissed. I assumed Dr. Kay would be giving me my extra time since I still couldn't spot any fiery hair. It was nice to catch up with her. Dr. Kay pushed up her glasses, "The first generation sometimes would deviate from the target if the laser was moved away. The odd second generation still does."

"Any reason why their paws and heads are so much bigger than their bodies?" I tilted my head at one who tilted the other way. It was so strange without fur and such thick skin. It was almost like an elephant from the Capitol Zoo when I was young.

"Bigger teeth and bigger claws for human sized targets rather than mice. Don't lean over the fence. You are wearing red which is the same colour as the lasers. It can set them off, unfortunately. That's why it's looking at you like that," Dr. Kay explained.

Immediately, I push off the metal fence and take a few steps back. The cat lowered its tilted head; almost seeming to smile in satisfaction that it scared me. Now I understand, Dr. Kay and Gaul's weird love for mutations. It's the silient and dark understanding between man and beast. Two predators bred for death in one way or another. "May I ask where Kallista is today?"

Dr. Kay starts laughing, "Oh, don't ask too many questions about her. Woman's a mystery and a half. She asked me to cover the lectures on mutations because she hates them for some reason despite making a few of her own." Which was fair enough. Why bother teaching something you're not the best suited to teach.

Out of nowhere, Dr. Gaul's voice rang out. Making everyone in the labs stop cold and look in her direction. Like prey animals when they hear a twig snap. "Mr. Snow. Your extra lesson will be with me today," she turned away. Naturally, I took one lasted look at the cat mutts and said my goodbyes to Dr. Kay and followed her.

~🌹~

Back in Dr. Gaul's office, I took a seat acroas from her desk. "How have your studies been?" Gaul asked.

"My political science class has been enlightening..."

"That's not what I was referring to," she cut me off.

Debating an appropriate answer, I settled for the truth, knowing Gaul hates lies, "I assumed as your apprentices, you would be the one teaching me."

She hummed, "Of course you did. I'm a very busy woman Mr. Snow. I can't do everything, but you are here with me today. Besides, Kal is more than capable, is she not?" Again, she referred to Kallista as Kal. Do I dare ask her attachment to the toung woman?

With a sigh, I stated, "Anything she has taught me this far is nothing I don't already know. She's also very... abrupt."

Dr. Gaul gave a sinister smile, "Patience is a virtue or so they say. The early lessons are usually basic. From my understanding, Kal is simply discerning what she needs to teach you." This was fair, but still. I doubt Kallista has learned anymore about me than I about her. "Kallista Zephyrus will be useful to you as you will be to her. She complains about you often. I wonder if you have the same concerns she had?"

This made me unsure how to feel or respond, "What concerns?"

"That the other is competition. Kal has no desire to be president, Mr. Snow. Just as I know, you have no desire to be head Gamemaker like she does. Both are essential for Panem's survival and the continuation of my games. Just as I told her to quite complaining about you, I ask you to stop asking around about her. You'll learn nothing," This almost sounded like a threat. More interesting, like Dr. Gaul was protecting the woman she called Kal.

"I was simply curious. As for my findings, Kallista told me as much that it would be time wasted. Only you and her know the answers to her family," Dr. Gaul raised an eyebrow, as I explained. Almost as if she suspected it to be an unsubtle way to ask her who Kallista was.

"She has none. I insured that Mr. Snow. That is all you will know until you have earned it. And before you ask, you'll earn it by no longer wanting to know. Don't let her distract you like your little songbird did. I need her alive and just as undistracted by you!" The mention of Lucy Gray made my skin crawl. The mockingjays singing her tune in my ears, I swear I say a flash of rainbow out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look at it to see if it was just Kallista opening the door.

"My apologies, but Snowball here has been summoned home. Apparently, it's his... 'grandmam'," Kallista mocked the nickname like it sounded disgusting to her. I'd be much angrier if I actually cared about the old woman. Besides, that's Tigris' nickname for her.

I was dismissed early, and after contacting my next classes in case I miss them, I hopped into the car the Plinth's sent.  Here's to hoping I'll wake up without a banshee screaming the anthem tomorrow morning.