And you can preen and dream and scream and shout

[confidentially]

Who| Jessica and You!
What| District 3's M.I.A. mentor makes her triumphant return to the Capitol in time to see several of her tributes die.
Where| Some Capitol viewing party.
When| Week 4
Warnings/Notes| Possible frank sexual discussion.

She walked into the party like a death row inmate shambling to meet her maker. There was no mistaking the unhappy look in her eyes, though she feigned indifference Jessica had never been a decent actress. Still, the other guests gushed and gawked at her like she was some rare, wild bird, caught and caged and on display. After nearly a decade of this crap, she was pretty well used to it.

Freshly returned to the Capitol from an extended stay in District 3, she had on a most eye-catching ensemble, with hair teased high enough to catch everyone's attention. She was a sight to behold and she was accustomed to the attention, even if a year out of the spotlight had done very little to dispel her rage over the changes in the Capitol. She'd always been mercurial, loathing change unless she was the one making it, and these alterations to the way things were did not sit well with her in the least. But after being sent away for some... reeducation, she was prepared to keep her mouth shut and smile for the cameras.

At least until the liquor ran out anyway.

With a ridiculously fruity cocktail in hand, she slid into an empty corner which provided a decent view of the television monitor, sipping her drink as she watched the highlights of the Arena on TV.

"It's like they're not even trying. I swear to god."

Comments

[confidentially]

"The stronger the better," Jessica cooed, sipping through her straw. The stronger the alcohol, the easier it was to forget everyone and everything that hurt inside. She wasn't dependent on it, or at least she told herself that a lot. But it did make the world a lot easier to accept.

She pressed her lips together before flashing a smile. "My stylist selected it. It's called 'Paradise Lost'. Isn't it gorgeous? I feel like an angel."

[quiteliterally]

"'Paradise Lost.'" He mulls that over - it sounded expensive. Who was their stylist again? "It is very lovely. And it compliments your skin tone perfectly."

Chris smiles, taking a noisy sip. Maybe he can let the job go for tonight.

[confidentially]

"Thanks. I'm very particular about what I wear." She had her own stylists, thanks to her lucrative career in modeling, but she still had to rely on the District's overall aesthetic for certain things. Something about a cohesive story or some such. Jessica didn't really listen when Valeria spoke. "I have a certain look I like to strive for."

[quiteliterally]

"It isn't as... overt as the way the women in the Capitol dress." That's a nice way of saying they look jacked. "But it is still very lovely."

<3333333 cutie!

[confidentially]

"I try to do my District proud." Jessica delicately sipped her drink through her straw. "They're not about the Capitol aesthetic. We're a bit more practical out in Three."

no u!

[quiteliterally]

He crossed one leg over the other and settled in against of the side of the couch with his drink, regarding her carefully. "I think people underestimate how sexy practicality can be." ...He's not flirting with her, he's just drunk.

[confidentially]

"Oh yeah," she purred, leaning in closer, somehow managing to keep her expression mostly serious. "I think practicality is an incredibly sexy trait. The world would be a sexier place if we were all a bit more practical, don't you think?"

[quiteliterally]

"Absolutely. Just imagine how exponentially sexy the Capitol could be if everyone was also fiscally responsible." HA! Math is sexy, fight him or something.

[confidentially]

Jessica snorted, practically exhaling her drink. "You sure know how to talk pretty, mister."

[quiteliterally]

"Thank you. I deliberately tune my voice, decibel level and word choice to be the most pleasant experience for the other person as possible." S-so sincere.

[confidentially]

"What? What even?!" She laughed cheerfully, taken in. "How is that even a thing?"

[quiteliterally]

He blinked, canting his head to the side. "It's not a thing. Well, it is a thing. It's a thing that I do to put others at ease. There's also a certain pattern of breathing that I have when talking to agitated individuals..."

[confidentially]

Jessica stared at him, wide eyed, brows knit in perplexion as she tried to decide if her was messing with her or not. "Are you doing it now? You should do it now. I wanna hear it."

[quiteliterally]

"Well, it's sort of - a little slower than the way I usually - speak." Is this comforting or a William Shatner impression. "Have you ever practiced meditative breathing, Jessica?"

[confidentially]

She blinked slowly, shaking her head. "No. Will it help?"

[quiteliterally]

"Oh yes. Meditating helps with so many things. Among its benefits are improved lung, heart and kidney function."

[confidentially]

"Maybe you should demonstrate." Jessica raised an eyebrow expectantly.

[quiteliterally]

"Well... alright. But it only really works if you join me. I am certified in guided meditation."

[confidentially]

"Oh my god. Really?" He had all of her attention now. In fact, she was so intrigued she was almost falling over herself to lean in and listen.

[quiteliterally]

"Mmhm. But meditation works best when you're comfortable. We could go back to my place, though?" He points in the direction of his flat.

[confidentially]

Jessica answered without hesitation. "I'd be down for that. Lead the way."