If you ever get to the place where the sun is shining everyday

[cigne]

Who| Swann and maybe you???
What| Gotta shape up these Tributes. And maybe have a drink.
Where| D8 Suites and also the bar in the lobby
When| TODAY

a. District 8 Suites
Swann enters the Suite with her heels clicking on the floor, peering around for any sign of life in here. She carries in her shopping bags, each labeled with the name of her Tributes. The bags overwhelm her tiny frame, the sheer amount of them and their size. Even her sky-high stilettos can't balance it all out.

She approaches the sitting room and carefully arranges the bags on the coffee table, placing them just so, very intent on the appearance. She wants everything to look just right when the Tributes come in, wants to see their eyes light up at how pretty the bags are, with their pristine edges and rich black shine and ribbons on the handles.

They have to show up first, though.

b. Lobby bar

All she needed was a single lemon drop martini, and she has it. Sitting on the high barstool, Swann looks out over the lobby, watching people come and go, watching the crowds ebb and flow as the Tributes enter and leave the building. It's interesting enough, made nicer by the drink, and the screens replay all the best scenes from the past Arena.

She occasionally fiddles with her communicators, checking emails and messages and the tabloids, making sure everything's in order while she dares to lounge for just a few moments.

Comments

[dreadinquisitor]

It was difficult to explain, both technically and personally, and he was glad when she didn't ask him to. Instead, he considered silently for a moment, brow furrowing as he tried to come up with something she might actually be able to do.

"I don't imagine you could tell another escort to be less of an ass, could you?" he asked finally, half-joking, half-serious.

[cigne]

She chuckles and smiles a little, setting her pen and pad down on her lap.

"Well, it's not really in my power to make them change their methods, but I can always talk to them," she says. "Who's having a problem? Is it down in Two? Because Cal is just very... driven."

[dreadinquisitor]

He wasn't expecting her to laugh, much less offer to actually do it. It caught him off guard, blue eyes blinking in surprise.

"No. No it's not, and I was teasing," he said, the edge of a smile pulling at his mouth. "Mostly. He really is an ass, but I don't think talking to him will help."

If anything, he imagined it might actually make it worse. A man holding that tight to control probably wasn't bound to like anyone - much less a stranger - trying to undermine him.

Shaking his head, he suggested instead, "How about -- if something happens to me, in this arena... Can you send them my things? If there are any."

[cigne]

"Well, let me explain how it works, when... when you don't win," she says, crossing her legs at the ankle. "Anything on you can be looted before the hovercrafts come and retrieve your body. When they pick you up to bring you back to the Capitol, they'll bring anything you have on you, so if you want to leave them your supplies in the Arena, make sure it's hidden and they know where to find it, whether you're around or not. Sam and I can't send anything that's been earmarked by your Sponsors to anyone else, but when you wake up, you're always free to support them by sending in gifts!"

Her face softens. "It's going to be okay, whether you win or not."

[dreadinquisitor]

He wasn't as convinced of that as she was, but it was rather sweet of her to say either way. Maybe some of them did care, in their own way.

"I didn't know about that," he admitted. "That I could send them things after. I would like that, when - if, I come back."

Yes, he'd already heard that it wasn't always the case. That, at best, it was based on popularity, and at worst, completely random.

"You'll show me how?"

[cigne]

"Of course I will."

Swann didn't have doubts about his coming back -- sure, there were no guarantees, but she just didn't think that he'd disappear after only one full Arena. Wouldn't that be a waste of whatever resources brought him here?

"I have some ideas for you before then, but I think it can wait a little bit, if you'd like to take a break for the day. We can meet later and discuss it."

[dreadinquisitor]

He nodded, and his expression visibly relaxed.

"That sounds like a fine idea," he agreed. Pushing off the couch, he paused - only a moment - then reached down to pick up the glossy gift-bag once more. "...Thank you. For everything."

[cigne]

Her smile is so wide that her face is starting to hurt a little, but it's all worth it for that simple moment of recognition, of appreciation.

"You're so welcome, Maxwell. Let me know if you need anything."