thecapitol | It's all it will take, we'll go down in history

Who| Everyone in the Tribute Center (plus various Capitol citizens are in attendance)
What| A Saturnalia inspired extravaganza!
Where| A large, festive ballroom
When| Tonight!
Warnings/Notes| N/A? Let me know if this needs a warning!

Jennifer had spent weeks on the preparations for this glorious night, arranging for the food and gifts and music and dancing. Everything would be perfect, and she was certain all the attendees would have a marvelous time. And besides all that, this would be a perfect way to celebrate her husband's return to the Capitol! It had been weeks since Arturas had any time off to spend at home. Surely he'd be delighted by the fanfare and revelry.

The invitations stated that the party began promptly at 6:30, to bring an appetite, and be ready to dance. The attendees were instructed to dress in costume, to participate in the role-reversal theme of Saturnalia. Capitolites were to dress as Tributes while the Tributes were to dress in the most outlandish Capitol fashions imaginable. Jennifer herself was wearing a replica of the District 2 space costume, bedazzled and covered in crystals, for an extra glamorous kick, while her stoic husband sat at his table with his politician friends, dressed in an ice skating costume, a throwback to Arena 11. Clearly he had business to attend to, so it would be up to her to see to the party.

She made her way toward the entrance and prepared to greet everyone.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I appreciate that." Torin nods and smiles at that, for he'd always found Jennifer easy enough to work with. "I can't imagine we'll ever have another escort quite as good as you." Certainly easier to work with than Calendius, at least.

Jennifer can't help but laugh, beaming as the comments go to her head. "Well, if it's any consolation, Calendius has asked for my advice. I know he's a difficult person, but he seems invested at least. It's clear to me that he has Two's best interests at heart."

"That he does," Torin agrees. "We just seem to have...differing opinions as to how to best serve the district and our Tributes." At least, Torin seems to worry over the Tributes' welfare, not just his district's.

"You'll have a difficult task ahead of you." She gives him a knowing look. "If you like, I can speak to him, try to reel him it. He seems to listen to me, you know. Somehow I have an influence over him."

"Not a power to be wielded lightly," Torin comments with a smile. "I think things are somewhat...balanced for the moment." Maybe. Possibly. Hard to say. "Though I do wish he'd remember that I have a certain amount of experience to draw on in these matters..."

Jennifer shakes her head. "He's enthusiastic, and proud of his father. He sometimes forgets that there are other great Victors, yourself included." She smiled thoughtfully. "You know, Torin, I always looked up to you as a girl."

"He's definitely got the right enthusiasm for the job," Torin agrees. And he's got to smile at that flattery, even if he looks a little sheepish at it. He's never been that great at handling praise. "Did you now?"

"I did," she laughs, patting his arm with fond familiarity. "I remember watching you during the TV specials, when you were serving as mentor. You always seemed so collected, so in control of yourself. I found it very inspirational, to think that no matter what life threw your way, there stood a man who would not only stare down the obstacles, but seem graceful doing it. It's very admirable."

There's a slightly embarrassed chuckle. He's not quite as graceful at dealing with praise as he's been with other things, and he knows Jennifer well enough that he can perhaps relax a little. "I've had a great deal of practice."

Her smile is warm, sincere. "I know you have. You've been through so much in life and maintained your poise all along. If only it were contagious. I know I could use a little of what you've got."

"Oh, I don't know, you seem to be doing very well for yourself." Torin gives her an encouraging smile. "It's all about being brave--a lot of these people can sense fear, you know." And he snaps his fingers as he's prone to do when talking about bravery, a bit of a tic he has. "If they can't hold that over you, then the poise just comes naturally."

"I'll try to keep that in mind," Jennifer says. And she will. It's not an unfamiliar lesson to her. She may have grown up the adored and spoiled child of privilege, but her father died a mysterious death, and her mother too. Sometimes it's hard to be brave without the support of her loved ones. Of course, she has her husband, and she loves her husband, but it isn't the same sort of love. She knows what she is to him: a puzzle piece, a part of a moving machine which can lead to his power. And she feels the same way. It's adoration and need, isn't it? Maybe it isn't quite love...

Never mind all that though. For now, Jennifer is content to be the happy hostess. "I do hope you'll enjoy the rest of the party, Torin."

Torin gives her a smile and a nod. "I certainly plan on it."

It's all it will take, we'll go down in history

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i'm so sorry i lost this notif!

No worries, it happens!

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