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

[futilecycle]

When Diana meets his lips Sigma decides all is right with the world, if only for a moment. It's the only peace he has known in years, now, but perhaps a man his age should feel ashamed to be so lovesick.

When his head clears and it comes time to explain the nature of this place, Sigma chooses his words carefully. He does not mean to lie to her, but telling her the truth behind why he is here seems a bad idea. He isn't certain Diana will take the news as well as he had; Sigma had come to accept the Hunger Games as a punishment for taking on the Zero persona. And as for why she was here, Sigma couldn't give an answer. It could be a publicity stunt, or she could just as easily be thrown into the next Arena. The thought terrified him and no doubt would have an adverse effect on her. More than anyone, Diana had been through too much.

"It is difficult," he decides at last. He must watch his words to avoid suspicion. "This place is called Panem, and it apparently resides within what was once North America." He's silent, a moment, giving Diana a sympathetic look. He hopes dearly she does not take that the wrong way. "There is not much regard for human dignity. We are the entertainment to distract others when things fall apart. I shall have to explain it all to you another time..." He gives her a cautious glance before flicking his eye towards a camera, a silent indication to trust him.

[tributevisitors]

"They told us it was a dream," she says, and it's clear that some part of her wanted to believe that but never bought into it honestly. At the moment, she's glad it isn't a dream, because he's here, and she'd rather he not be a figment of her consciousness (which so often is hell-bent on tormenting her).

"Are things falling apart?" Diana understands the importance of distractions. She wonders what they did, the six billion damned on her accord, as their world ended. She wonders if some of them gave up the scrabble to survive and instead tried to make art or some other lasting impression. "Or is that something you can't tell me here?"

[futilecycle]

Even with the wisdom he has gained, Diana is still by far the sharper of the two, and for her perception Sigma is grateful. He sighs. "It's certainly not, regrettably. And I cannot say," his inflection makes it sound as if he does not know.

He kisses her on the cheek to mask a whisper. "Have patience with me. Their eyes are everywhere." Mostly, it's an excuse to put off the truth. Sigma pulls away and looks out the window, wondering how large the crowd beneath the Tribute Tower has become, the locals tipped off by now to the new publicity stunt and hoping to catch a glimpse of the newcomers.

He speaks protectively. "I am certain they will treat you as another celebrity to hound. It may be best to keep to my room until the hype dies down. I do not know if they have offered you your own private quarters..."

[tributevisitors]

"Well, I won't pry, then. If this isn't a dream, have you been told how long I'm staying? I'm getting the feeling it isn't permanent."

Many cruel things have been said about Diana in her life, most relating to what people see as her soft and naive nature. No one has ever accused her of being stupid, though, and she's already observed the temporary nature of the people around her.

"I haven't been told much of anything." She smiles. "It won't kill you to share a bed again, will it?"

[futilecycle]

He had meant to pretend the Capitol's attention was not on them, but at Diana's comment Sigma turns a shade of pink and his eyes reflexively bounce from her to the cameras. "Diana!" he hisses through his teeth, not in scolding but in surprise. He was certain there were very few Capitolites that cared about his love life, but if there were even the remotest chance, he didn't want his private life to be used as fodder for their tabloids.

And what a scandalous thing to say. For whatever embarrassment and discomfort Sigma had doled out in his ignorant youth, Diana's wit had given him his just desserts.

He recovers slowly, the blush on his cheeks never quite fading. It would be lovely to share his bed with her one last time... Even so much as feeling her presence at his side as they slept, her scent on the sheets... well, would be a dream. It is such a soothing thought that, for a moment, all of the Capitol's tricks are forgotten.

"...I suppose it wouldn't," he admits quietly. He can't help but wonder exactly what Diana has in mind, but clears his throat and continues on: "I do not know how long you will be here, but you are always welcome with me..." He takes her hand once more, firmly, without intention of letting go for some time. "I'll show you where it is, love. Let's find ourselves some privacy."