you can run on for a long time; open;

[aintyourdad]

Who| Joel and YOU?
What| Actively avoiding watching the arena.
Where| Various places around the Tribute Tower.
When| Week 5.
Warnings/Notes| None ATM.

1] District 8 commons

Here, he cooks. It's a very normal sight by now - tributes, mentors, stylists, anyone who wanders through the District 8 suites with any regularity has probably caught Joel cooking at some point. In the morning, it's breakfast, his favorite meal of the day - eggs, bacon, toast, country potatoes, the works. And he always makes more than he can eat himself. Anyone who isn't too annoying can probably get him to provide a plate. Dig in.

2] Training center

He spends time here primarily to avoid paparazzi. And, occasionally, to shoot arrows at targets, just for the exercise, really, not necessarily to train. Someone who looks particularly lost, or out of their depth, might be able to talk him into giving some lessons in the survival areas - how to build a fire is something he's particularly good at, as is erecting temporary shelter and things like that. He doesn't really care which district people are associated with - as long as they don't annoy him. Kids, in particular, will get special treatment.

3] Roof garden

He spends time wandering the roof garden to get some air, and what little privacy any of them are afforded in this place. There are no TV screens up here, a blessed relief from the constant recaps and repeats of the arena footage - something he can't do anything about, so what's the point of watching it? He's sent Tess some supplies, which is about all he can manage. He walks up here for the quiet. Sometimes with a beer in his hand as he watches the sun set.

Comments

[reassures]

While Nill is fully aware that Linden enjoys her company most of the time, she's also a fairly perceptive person when it comes to the feelings of others, regardless of whether or not it's a temporary disposition. She manages a very small smile, but it's a little strained around the edges. Regardless of what this was meant to be or to do it was an obvious act of self-destruction, intentional or otherwise, and it's not often people enjoy having that interrupted, even if doing so was in fact to their benefit.

can I do anything?
should I go?

[dead_black_eyes]

Linden is visibly torn for a few moments after reading her words. On one hand, her company is always soothing. On the other hand... his mood tonight is volatile and as has already been thoroughly proven, it takes little to make him snap. Poor Nill shouldn't have to be on the receiving end of that, no matter how willing or understanding she might be to weather the death throes of Linden's dependence on a wicked set of substances.

"I'm actually going to retire soon. That seems like... probably the wisest course of action. Can I find you later, though?" he asks softly, in gentle compromise.

[reassures]

Nill's expression softens a little, and her smile this time is much less strained, though not completely without it, much more gentle now than it was a moment ago (though that gentle care is fairly normal where Linden is involved).

of course.
if I'm not in 9 or here I should be in the training center.

[dead_black_eyes]

He straightens, self-conscious but ultimately determined to make the best of this and do the right thing, which is acknowledging that he has no place being in public right now, even with trusted and patient company.

"Thank you. I will be sure to check in that order, and this time I'll bring the cigarettes."

With that he brushes past her with a quick nod, excusing himself from the roof and hoping that he doesn't run into anyone else on the way back to 6.