Thicker Than Blood Start

[gamemakers]

For Tributes with keen eyes, they'll notice that Peacekeeper presence seems increased and yet infinitely more ineffective in the last few weeks. Peacekeepers seem harried, as do the Stylists, and most of the Escorts titter and plot without alerting the Tributes as to what, exactly, is so exciting. They simply say that this weekend they'll know.

And so it happens that on the weekend in question, the Tributes are woken by their Escorts early and brought to a restaurant for a hearty breakfast. The restaurant is nothing spectacular, although they seem to be trying to make an impression on the television cameras that float around. The sleepy, cranky meal goes by and then the Tributes are led back to their Suites for a mandatory meeting.

Sitting on couches and the floor, in chairs and on windowsills, standing off to the side - people from the Tributes' homes are waiting to greet them in each District Suite. Some are confused, some accepting, some frightened and some elated to see their beloved. Either way, it should be an eventful reunion.

Comments

[confidentially]

The more provocatively dressed one, the real Jessica, seems much less amused. She rolls her eyes, practically pouting, though truth be told, she's more than a little bit concerned about this entire situation. "Of course not. I've been really well behaved!"

Not the entire truth. but as close as she cares to get with Liz just yet. "Didn't they tell you anything when they picked you up?"

[saintelizabeth]

"Of course they did," Elizabeth replies--for that, of course, is who this is, Jessica's very own identical twin sister. "They said it was public relations. But I've never heard of them bringing a mentor's family--" She stops mid-sentence, frowning. "Oh. Except for Katniss Everdeen's sister, last year." Her frown deepens. "Am I going to have to stay here for months too? I do have a career back home, you know."

[confidentially]

Jessica wants to snap that Elizabeth only had a career because her sister is a victor, but she somehow restrains herself. Sneering and causing a scene won't solve anything, no matter how tempting it is to engage in a little sibling rivalry. "I'm sure this is just for a photo op or something. You know how it is. They say jump, we say how high."

In reality, however, Jessica is worried. Elizabeth is right. Aside from Primrose Everdeen, she can't think of anything like this happening before.

[saintelizabeth]

Oh come on. She just has a better career than she would have if Jessica hadn't been a victor. There's a difference.

"Wonderful," Elizabeth says in a tone that means anything but. "Are they going to expect us to go on a double date with two of your boyfriends? Because if they do, I'm going to ask them not to air that part in our District. What would Todd think?"

[confidentially]

"You don't think they actually care about Todd, do you?" Ugh. Jessica had very nearly forgotten all about him, and with very little regrets about it.

Still, the mention of Todd brought up unpleasant thoughts. Suddenly Jessica was quite concerned for the well being of her sister and the rest of the Wakefield's back home. "Come on, Liz, this could be serious. They wouldn't have brought everyone's families here if it wasn't. I mean, come on, aren't you concerned about all of this?"