Kankri isn't used to parties. Really, for the past sweep and a half he's been around barely enough people to have a party. He feels incredibly awkward, but no one seems to mind; they seem jubilant, partaking in the rich food and encouraging him to do the same. They laugh at how he reacts to the spices burning his throat, but it's not entirely unkind. He's clearly an alien and a stranger, but they're acting like he's one of theirs all the same, particularly in comparison to the Capitol, where he's held apart from everything. He feels acutely uncomfortable whenever he's reminded that he's taking these people's place in their Games, and that some of the young people here might be in the Capitol, never to see their home again, if he got his wish and all the current Tributes were sent away from here. It's not fair to anyone, and he doesn't even know what to think or do about it. The fact that he hasn't even been in an Arena yet, hasn't done the very thing they seem grateful for, only makes it more awkward.
Still, once he starts sipping at the sweet, fizzy brown drinks people hand him, it's easier not to think about anything. As the night wears on, his shyness fades, and he even begins to smile and relax. He still debates, because he simply can't resist, but it doesn't feel so deathly serious, and it's almost a relief.
no subject
Still, once he starts sipping at the sweet, fizzy brown drinks people hand him, it's easier not to think about anything. As the night wears on, his shyness fades, and he even begins to smile and relax. He still debates, because he simply can't resist, but it doesn't feel so deathly serious, and it's almost a relief.