The Crowning Of Clara Murphy

[etcircenses]

Who| Everyone.
What| The Crowning of Clara Murphy
Where| A refurbished former-medical building within Capitol. 
When| Starting from late afternoon, going into the evening and late night.
Warnings/Notes| Don't forget, peacekeepers are on high alert and will notice any rebellious activity or odd behaviour. 

The theme of the ceremony is corruption and dystopia, with a distinct nod to futuristic aspects and, of course, robots. The room is stark, clean, and foreboding, all done in metallics, crisp whites, and the occasional bit of robotics set up as art. It speaks as an unholy cross between a medical office, a military base, and an extremely well kept prison.

The ceremony is both a chance for Capitolites to have fun and be grateful for the grand and glorious Panem which in no way exemplifies any attributes of dystopia, while also working as a not so subtle reminder to the troublemakers out there of what can happen when things get out of line. Which they surely won't, with all the peacekeepers around.

Tributes are dressed in all manner of thing incorporating chains, rope, caution tape, muzzles, bars and cages, prison stripes, and uniform orange-- all things reminiscent of imprisonment and restriction. Some tributes may be made to look scuffed up, like cartoon-ish depictions of hardened thugs. There are a few references to robotics, and that of evil and corrupt military men and police officers, but all tributes will be marked by some manner of cuff or chain that clearly denotes them as “criminals”.

They’ll also be given a “prison number” that is actually indicative of their district association and an arbitrary letter next to it, for example, someone from district six will have 06 and the first letter of their name. It will be temporarily tattooed somewhere visible on their skin. It can be washed off but it will take more scrubbing than would be done in a single day, let alone a crowning.

The only exceptions to these rules, are those who have been brought to the winner’s table; all those who can be deemed as cyborgs, scientists, and of course, the victor herself. Her throne sits at the head of the table, a robotic contraption that appears almost as though it might encase her. For a crown, Clara has been given one that seems to bear resemblance to a white picket fence, which, when made into a crown, looks far sharper than the idyllic home setting it’s meant to represent.

Avoxes are all dressed as members of the corrupt Detroit military police. The uniforms are naturally given a more sinister edge. None of them are comfortable. All of them are serving “Detriotto” staple foods.

Around the crowning, flat hologram projections of hockey games can be seen. They show the games of a team called “The Rouge Wings” and alternate that with the less spectacular showings of what appears to be a young boy’s hockey team. Commercials fill the times between promoting the work of Capitol’s peacekeepers, showing appreciation for them on an individual level, encouraging obedience in citizens with pleasant clips of peacekeepers speaking to children, and suggesting recruitment in the truly good and noble of Panem. Capitolites may nod along to these as they giggle at the sight of decorative signs, that are most certainly from Clara’s lesser world, about obeying, consuming, and so on, to a less than favourable government. A few posters feature Clara Murphy’s face in four colour palettes, all humorous jabs at dystopia proclaiming; “MOTHER MURPHY IS WATCHING YOU”.

But hockey games are not the only things that can be seen on the projection screens; if tributes take the time to look, they may see their own face projected above in profile and facing forward views like that of mug shots. Though, how the capitol has managed to get these pictures may be entirely a mystery. Besides these mugshots, criminal records are displayed, listing crimes from “lied to their parents” to petty theft to murder. Whether these records are true or not may be up for much debate.

In the mean time, there are plenty of things for party go-ers to do, such as take part in the David For A Day egg and spoon race, in which tributes will all have a chance to dress up (with wigs and matching clothing of all sizes!) as the mysterious David, compete against others, and should they win, be dubbed David For A Day, winning themselves a banner they can wear and a spot at the victor table.

There is also an obstacle course available dubbed the "Clarence Boddicker Memorial Prison Funhouse" designed to look, you guessed it, like a prison. Fun for all ages and demeanours!

For those looking for retreat, there’s a small section cut away from it all, designed to be a pleasant backyard patio setting opened to a starry night sky and small surrounding garden, in stark contrast to the rest of the place. There’s a small area for dancing in, that can really only accommodate one couple at a time, but is nevertheless perfect for a romantic scene. Only two songs play over speakers here, one perfectly fitting, the other a little more jarring. It’s also here that party go-ers can get their picture taken with a life sized ED-209. Many more much smaller ED-209’s can be seen around and within the crowning party. As well as the occasional roomba, which fans of the last arena will surely get a chuckle out of.

As the crowning nears it’s end, those at the victor’s table will be given paintball guns filled up with red paint. They will be ordered to bring the criminals to justice! The criminals being all the other tributes. Those hit with paint will be made to wait within the Memorial Prison Funhouse until all the criminals are apprehended and forced to do their time! No one will be allowed to go back to the tribute tower until all the criminals are caught.

Comments

Joel

[aintyourdad]

The shirt Jolie put him in for tonight isn't much of one, and the little jingling sounds the chains on it make, he's sure are liable to drive him batty by the end of the night.

That, combined with the leather pants that are just a little too snug to be really comfortable for him, makes Joel even grouchier than he would usually be in a big crowd at a fancy party (which is pretty grouchy, regardless). He keeps to his usual MO, which is to stick to the fringes of the action as much as he can, grabbing some food here and there but avoiding most people - especially people he recognizes as native Capitolites.

When his face flashes on the screen, like one of those old mug shots police in his world used to use back when they had that thing called law and order, and a list of crimes starts scrolling, well.

Joel just rolls his eyes and turns his back on it after the first few.

Torture. Murder. Smuggling.

[arrogantalloy]

When Tony see's Joel looking up, he follows his gaze and follows the wrap sheet.

"Worked with moonshiners before coming here, huh?"

He smirks, seemingly at ease in his own the outfit, the coat also had a large orge ring over where his reactor used to live with chains between the ring and cuffs on his wrists, as he takes a drink of soda.

[aintyourdad]

Joel gives him a kind of Look that says that's what you took away from that? But doesn't say it aloud, just shakes his head after a moment.

"I worked with whoever could get me things people wanted," he says. Tony's not being imaginative enough if he thinks the smuggling Joel did was just about booze.

[arrogantalloy]

Tony see's the look, but clearly doesn't care. Because after all, bootleggers and the rings they were involved with weren't above torture and murder.

"Well that's very charitable for someone as paranoid as you. Guessing a lot of money was involved then."

He doesn't exactly intend to come out sounding so snippy, but really he doesn't really like not being trusted the way Joel doesn't seem to trust him.

[aintyourdad]

"You'd guess wrong," Joel says flatly. Money. Right. Like money meant anything after the world ended. Like anyone had money, except the military.

"I do what I do for survival."

[arrogantalloy]

"Not money, so you don't use Wet and Forget as a currency?"

After all, Tony does actually remember what people say to him from time to time, and he did remember saying Joels world had been overrun with fungus.

"But hey, no need to put your frown on overdrive. Doing what you have to to survive, I get."

[smarterthanthem]

Clem's list is a lot tamer in comparison to Joel but it's still up there.

Assault and murder of undead persons in particular had made her roll her eyes pretty hard. Then there was theft, breaking and entering, sabotage of equipment, property damage, manslaughter... it went on and it was ridiculous. All that stuff had been done in the name of survival.

In her bizarre crazy-cute outfit she wanders up to Joel, holding a glass of cola. "Have you seen the funhouse?"

[aintyourdad]

Her outfit, from Joel's perspective, is a little weird, and not terribly practical, but it's far from the strangest thing at this party, that's for sure.

It actually is endearing, in its own way, not that he would admit that aloud.

"Funhouse? No. Should I?"

[smarterthanthem]

"Only if you like prisons." she quips, sipping on her drink. "And think being depressed is fun."

It was pretty much the worst funhouse that Clementine could imagine. It had all the crazy moving floors and walls she'd expect but overall it was way too grey to properly enjoy. "It fits in with the rest of the party."

[aintyourdad]

Joel snorts faintly. "Yeah, they really brought the cheer this time. Might still be better'n the last one, though."

The forced picnic had definitely had some nightmarish elements to it.

[smarterthanthem]

"Well there's no sprinkles on the hot dogs or creepy chandeliers, I'm counting it as a win." she grins into the cola though really, it still wasn't great. "Have any of these ever actually been fun?"

Clementine knows Joel hasn't been there for many arenas before her but she knows it's at least one. There's probably someone better she could ask about this but right now she's asking him.

[molotov]

Unfortunately for Joel, by the time Molotov happens to be in the same vicinity as he is, she's pleasantly tipsy, and finds the jangle of his chains really entertaining. Enough so to follow him around, eventually coming right up to him and reaching out to shake them around herself.

She laughs. "Maybe you should just let Jolie have her way with you. She'd probably give you better clothes."

[aintyourdad]

"I am not shaving," Joel says with a scowl. "And it wouldn't do a damn thing to change the outfits, anyway."

Why is it not surprising that he immediately goes to that, instead of the other thing?

[molotov]

"She probably would have avoided the leather pants if you weren't so obstinate," Molotov answers, jingling his chains again. "Why do you care about your beard anyway, it'll grow back. Hopefully."

Because if it doesn't, that implies that he's just been gluing it on this whole time. Her smirk never changes, only becomes more entertained at his stubbornness.

[aintyourdad]

"Because I like it the way it is," Joel mutters darkly.

If he was better at articulating things like that, he might point out that the Capitol controls nearly everything about his life at this point, including whether he lives or dies (and when). Refusing to change his appearance is about the only way he can in any way fight against that control without seriously risking his life.

Then again, even if he could put it that way, it might be dangerous to do so, so he probably wouldn't. Instead, he just scowls at her and tugs the chains out of her grip. "Didn't you ever learn to keep your hands to yourself?"

[molotov]

The face Molotov makes at him is best described as childishly mocking, up to and including sticking her tongue out when he pulls the chains away. He's so whiny, she can't ever get over how pouty he is, instead of proactive.

"And what if I didn't learn that?" she challenges him, poking him in the chest with one long finger, her nose wrinkled. "What are you going to do about it, beardy?"

[earthborn]

Shepard, on the other hand, has no such qualms. Well, well, look at you, mister mercenary. Watch her eyebrows climb. You sure as hell didn't get old by accident, did you, Joel?

"Nice uh..." She's not really sure what to call that getup, "...Still having it out with Jolie?"

[aintyourdad]

Joel snorts faintly. "I don't know, I think there are some people here worse off than me." It's definitely ridiculous, but it's no more ridiculous than many of the other outfits around.

At this point, it's almost a comforting normalcy - he bitches about Jolie, Jolie puts him in something absurd, he bitches about it, the cycle continues.

"You look nice," he points out, though, because, well - she definitely does. It suits her, in a weird way, while still working well with the theme. Not that he's ever given that much consideration.

The red is very eye-catching, though.

[earthborn]

"You checkin' me out, old man?" It's comfortable enough, anyways. Like wearing silk pajamas or something, except for the shoes. She knows she looks good in red-- and so does Claudia, "You know, I'd rather be in armor. But thanks."

[aintyourdad]

Joel just shakes his head. "Payin' you a compliment," he corrects. Which might amount to the same thing, but he's a gentleman when it comes right down to it, and always has been.

When a lady is around and looking nice, you tell her so. End of story.

"You always say that, you know, and they're never gonna give you armor," he points out. "So what's the point?"

[earthborn]

"The point is, that who I am doesn't change," The Capitol could beat her, brand her, kill her friends, kidnap her family, but they couldn't change her, if only she were stubborn enough, "I know, I know, you think it's stupid."

If only she could still want the fight, then maybe she could keep fighting.

"How's Tess holding up? I know you two are uh... close. And it was her first time."

liked image is somewhat nsfw

[celebrityskinned]

Venus' own outfit is revealing to the point of being shameless, but not the worst thing she's ever put on (or barely put on) in her career. She feels stupid wearing it, not because she has any shame about her body but because with her face all scarred up she feels like it looks as if she's completely unaware of the brand on her cheek. Her Stylists, she feels, may as well have put her in a homecoming sash proclaiming her "MISS BUTTERFACE".

She doesn't usually drink, but she's well into her cups by the time she runs into Joel. The words scroll lazily on the screen, listing out her many faults with a mugshot of when she was beautiful. Assault. Attempted Murder. Murder in the First Degree. Murder in the Second Degree. Reckless Endangerment. Manslaughter. Underage Drinking.

Barring that last one, she feels, at least her crimes have a definite theme. Unlawful Existence as a Biological Weapon. She laughs. She takes another flute of champagne and leans against the wall near Joel, letting his crimes replace her own on the screen.

"Torture, huh?" She doesn't explain why that makes her skin crawl, doesn't let judgment seep into her voice. Tries not to let the memories curling like smoke around her periphery choke her.

[aintyourdad]

When he spots Venus, his face darkens into a kind of grimace that has nothing to do with the brand on her face - that doesn't bother him in the least - and everything to do with the fact that she could be arrested for public indecency.

Goddamn stylists.

He doesn't expect her to actually approach and address him, though, and realizes quickly what must be happening: she's drunk.

Torture, huh? Joel rolls his eyes vaguely and pulls a bite of - something - off the tray of a passing avox. "What about it?"

[celebrityskinned]

"I didn't peg you for the type. Seems a little grotesque to me."

She wraps her arms around herself, as if suddenly aware of the fact that she's very near naked. She takes another mouthful from her champagne flute, not kicking them back like the pros do but tenderly taking of it like a deer nibbling buds. It doesn't take much to slosh her.

"Seems a little inhumane, if I'm being totally honest."

[aintyourdad]

Joel likes to think he doesn't care what others think of him, of what he's done. For the most part, it's true. He sees no need to justify himself or his actions to anyone - he will maintain, completely, his belief that everything he's done has been for survival and nothing more. Whether people want to condemn him for being a bad person because of it is not his problem.

But all of a sudden, he is really sick of being moralized to, especially from someone like Venus, who wantonly kills people in the arenas for, as far as he can tell, nothing more than attention. Who knowingly gets herself into trouble and puts everyone around her in danger because of it.

"You wanna talk inhumane," he growls, "maybe you should go preach to the gang of cannibals who kidnapped Ellie for a pet. You bet your goddamn life I beat a few of them to find out where they were keepin' her. I'd do it again, too. I'd do it to all of them, and if that's inhumane, then you go right ahead and string me up."