A Game Of Justice ✭ Cato Hadley

Thirty-Two - Have Mercy On Me

29th January 76PD

"The defense calls to the stand Miss Clio Kentwell."

The trial of Luna Crawford has already lasted two days, and it's on the third day that the attorneys call for the character witnesses. The lawyer Finnick had appointed for Luna is a nice Capitol man who probably charges an extortionate amount for his time, but seemed to be on the side of the rebels in the war. The prosecution, however, is clearly someone on Snow's payroll, someone who it wouldn't come as a surprise to anyone if he is announced as clearing the former president in many of his previous offenses.

Luna turns to face the gallery, watching as Clio makes her way to the witness stand, walking confidently across the courtroom. The woman from Two had managed to source out a deep wine red suit that is professional enough for an appearance in court but still allows her individuality to shine through, and her hair is in her signature bubble braid. She holds her head high and her steps never falter as she enters the witness box and recites the oath that is relayed to her.

The prosecuting lawyer steps forward and Clio turns to face him as he approaches the box. "Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon." She responds.

"Could you please state your full name for the record?"

"Clio Estrella Kentwell."

"Would you please enlighten us as to which domicile of origin you were ascribed at birth?" The prosecutor asks.

Clio is immediately confused and her face tells the entire court as much. She hasn't been allowed into the courtroom on the third day until it's time for her testimony because one of the lawyers – probably the prosecution – was worried about the victors taking inspiration from each other in regards to their legal statements, which is ridiculous as far as Clio is concerned. She has no idea what the man has just asked her, and looks to Enobaria for assistance, even though her mentor in the stalls is unable to help her in this instance. I've never been good at words, she thinks as her face scrunches up. "What?" She asks the prosecutor, and she notices Luna stifling a small giggle at her brashness. "Can you ask me that again in English?"

The lawyer rolls his eyes. "Where were you born, Miss Kentwell."

"Oh." She replies, wiping the confusion off her face. Why didn't he just say that in the first place? "District Two."

"Wonderful. Now will you please tell us your volunteer status, that is whether or not it's true that you volunteered for the Hunger Games?"

Luna's defence lawyer jumps to his feet. "Objection to the relevance of Miss Kentwell's volunteer status. He's insulting the witness."

"Given what you've alleged about Mrs Odair's character and the motivations for her actions, I think you'll find that Miss Kentwell's volunteer status might become very relevant." The judge says. "Overruled."

"I don't care about answering that." Clio chimes in. "I'm proud to come from District Two. Yes, I volunteered for the Games in seventy-three. But I did not volunteer for the Quarter Quell. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't try to make me look like a spoiled, blood-thirsty brat with more brawn than brain by using language that you think I won't understand and then having to dumb it down for the jury, Mr Prosecutor. I'm not that thick. If I don't understand a question then I'll tell you."

"Miss Kentwell." The judge warns her, though the prosecutor's eyes look like they'll bug out of his skull. Good, she enjoys that mental image.

"Sorry." She appeases the officer of the court, before returning to the prosecutor. "Go on."