The Crowning Of Tom Cassidy

[etcircenses]

Who| Everyone who's anyone. (Tributes, Staff, Capitolites, and anyone else in Capitol.)
What| The Crowning of Black Tom Cassidy.
Where| The New Cassidy Keep of the Capitol!
When| From noon to the late evening, Friday.
Notes| This event is mandatory for all Tributes to attend. Even if you do not tag in, your character will attend this party. Peacekeepers will be on high alert, so no funny business.
WARNINGS| Blatent irish stereotyping. Remember to put any relevant warnings in headers!

The dress code for this crowning is certainly a strange one. Greenery, burlap sacks, and "Irish" themed outfits which many a confused Capitolites has take as to simply be the color green. Among them can be found the sorts of ridiculous bright costumes as could be found in a 1970's comic book-- not that the 1970's are even a real time period. Spandex, V-necks, and popped collars are going to be a common sight tonight.

Guests are brought out to the stunning blue-green bay. There's a new feature there, a great big replica of Cassidy Keep. And it's been built upon a rock. How it stays up is a mystery, but it's no doubt a stunning site as guests are brought in on boats to a grand staircase that leads to even bigger doors.

Guests enter into a beautiful castle and garden both. Trees grow through the stones, vines climb over the stair railings, flowers bloom on the walls, and in some place the castle gives way purely to nature with small ponds set in. Like an internal rainforest (though the temperature is comfortable and cool) there's greenery everywhere soaking up the light that shines through the high windows. Statues stand tall of Black Tom Cassidy, Molotov Cocktease, and Arya Stark, sometimes all of them together. Then are more of an imposing man named Unstoppable Thuggernaut, a young girl named Theresa, the same girl older with the plaque deeming her to be "Siren", and statues of the the three of them together, both as a family and posing to fight. And of course, one can't forget that grand paintings of infamous arena scenes featuring Black Tom. Paths are set around to help guide guests, the main path leading into the biggest room of the keep.

Sponsored by Below Timberline, a temporary dining area has been set up within the castle-- high above the ground! All along the treetops that shoot up to the ceiling are the vine and wood woven nests for guests to be seated in. Waiters, waitresses, and Avoxes make their way along thick branches and rope bridges. But despite appearances, there's no chance of falling! Forcefields have been put up around the whole area to prevent such a tragedy from occurring to guests, waiters, and waitresses.

There are Avox operated lifts to help guests up to the tree tops, and though this might be an eyesore for some, they've all been dressed pleasant green, some with little hats. All the better to match the theme and blend into it!

That's not all that's gained the Irish theme. The menu consists all of foods that would be found in this mysterious off-world residence. Corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, colcannon, black pudding, crubeens, shepherd's pie, champ, boxty, shelfish, Blaa, Goody, and Barmbrack despite it being out of season. There is even a cereal dish of what may very well be Lucky Charms. Drinks include "Irish" Whiskey, ales, porter, coffee and cream, and cider both alcoholic and not (for the kids). There is significantly more whiskey with Tom's face upon it than not and much of the drinks are served in large mug glasses.

Down below the dining area are two clear spaces for dancing, one for the professionals giving performance, and one for those seeking to try on their own. The show isn't just an entertaining watch, it's dancers bring more to the music as well, tapping out a beat. Mixed in to shake up the river dancing, Irish-styled folk songs play, generally regaling tales of Black Tom Cassidy and his exploits, but occasionally playing a song or two about other Tributes.

In between floors is a stand where cotton candy makers craft giant colorful flowers. On the far end of the room, set up high, sits Tom's throne. Torches crown the top of the wooden throne, vines woven over the arm rests, a strange metal meant to visually mirror that of vibranium, shines in elegant swirling detail over and around the whole chair. A soft black material is stretched over the back and seat of the throne, marked in red on the back with Tom's symbol. Tom's crown features flowers and shining rubies set in the wood.

Set up in another room is a shillelagh game of shooting water out of the staff at the targets and winning a prize. Prizes include real "authentic" Shillelaghs, and ones that light up and show fire at the end thanks to an internal projection mechanism. And it's perfectly harmless!

Another room winds and twists through a dark torch lit tunnel in a guided tour through a replica portion of Cassidy keep that's been filled with amazing info about Panem's new Victor! Pictures of his life, his youth, his loves, and his adventures. There are replica vibranium pieces, models featuring Tom's many outfits, a pretend prison for guests to have their picture taken inside of, and on-wall descriptions of his villainous escapades. Both those and the tour guide tend to loop back to how he's found redemption here in Panem, now a model citizen.

A third room has been cleared for allowing a giant game of cops and robbers, which Tom has exemplified in present and past respectively. Those brought in to play are dressed in villain's outfits for the "robbers" and all Peacekeeper white for the "cops".

One door leads out to a bridge, connecting the island to the chasm edge across from it. There's a section of rolling hills there where guests are encouraged to seek out four leaf clovers and have them exchanged for engraved gold and bronze rings, flower bouquets, a free meal courtesy of Below Timberline, or even Limited Edition Black Tom Cassidy memorabilia. The white bridge across is lit underneath like that of the ha'penny bridge in the exotic offworld Ireland, but unlike ha'penny, the bridge's lights form beautiful moving pictures of various arena scenes, particularly the finale.

Saddened these scenes are out of sight? Fear not! The wide bridge has a second function: bungee jumping! Overseen by an attendant, with the proper equipment fitting, you too can take a dive into a chasm. Like Black Tom did, only on purpose and absolutely injury-free! The bungee is perfectly secure and safe with more attendants waiting below to pick up those... at the end of their rope. Boats waiting along the far edges pick up the guests again to bring them back around to the Cassidy Keep party. And what a party it is.

But it's not all fun and games at this crowning. Come evening, the dance floor is cleared and a stage and podium are swiftly set up. All the guests are sat. Tributes are sat up front, Capitolites and other guests in the back. Peacekeepers line in rows on the back and sides of the stage. Those still on duty situate between the Tributes and guests. Dead-center, with the rows of Tributes on either side, are two Peacekeepers that some might recognize as being one of the more heavily afflicted Peacekeepers on the day of the Medieval Games-watching Party. Though the offworld "sickness" vanished shortly after the first arrest was made, these two still don't look so hot, one nursing what might be a headache, and the other just plain looking ill.

Comments

Meulin Leijon | OTA

[furgood]

Attending a crowning is an honor, but after the collapsing and questioning from her last party, Meulin is slightly more reluctant about attending. Still, it's not something you just miss, if you have the opportunity, you go. Compared to some of the more outlandish dresses surrounding her, she's dressed rather simply, the main focus being the ornate flower crown pinned atop her braid. Her shoes looked flimsier than they felt and her dress was surprisingly comfortable for the sheer amount of petticoats tucked beneath. It felt a little strange not to be in her green or the long skirted dresses she had worn to her last two outings, but she thought the flowers suited her. There's a small comfort in the green vines that twine around her eyes.

Still, it's not strictly a for fun outing. Who dances with whom is always a big topic, secret talks in corners, all the little things that bring a good column to a great column. She lingers in corners, too large glasses of something alcoholic in hand, but eventually the dutiful watching grows tiring. She gathers up a cotton candy flower and eats it bit by bit as she watches the dancers. It is quite a bit more sugar than she anticipated, especially for a woman unused to sugar at all, but she refuses to throw it away. Consequently, the flower is her companion for most of the evening.

It's later when she makes her way across the chasm, slowly and with utmost caution, and finds the fields of clover. It takes a few mimes and hand waving on their part to explain the premise but she's up to the task. Most of the evening finds her out in the air, looking at clover after clover or watching the people throw themselves off the bridge with just a rope to keep them alive.

More courage than she has, to say the least.

[contrarianlibrarian]

China nearly passes by the clover fields entirely--she's not going to risk getting grass stains on her clothes, thank you--but stops when she sees Meulin. Though she's glimpsed a bit of her passing through the Tribute Center and through the usual television coverage, China hasn't actually met this coworker yet. Better late than never, right?

She strides over, almost blending in with the grass in her bright green, flowy pantsuit. Smiling brightly, she waves to the woman as she tries to get her attention.

[furgood]

Meulin looks a bit like she's sprouted out of the clover fields with her legs tucked up under the rather poofy skirt. Knelt over as she is to better examine the clover, she doesn't see China until the movement catches her eye.

A few months of research has impressed upon her the names of almost everyone of importance in the Tower. District 11 Escort, China. She's fairly sure hasn't written about her, not yet at least, so she doesn't bother worrying that this might be an unpleasant sort of conversation.

"Hello there! Enjoying yourself?"

She reaches for her purse to pull out her pen and paper. Last time she'd forgotten them and had a very long but somewhat enjoyable 'adventure' with a tribute. She'd like to head that off at the pass this time.

[contrarianlibrarian]

When she notices the other woman looking for her supplies, she shakes her head and holds up her palm. "Oh, you needn't bother."

Her own notebook is never far from her hand and she retrieves it now. She flips to a clean page and begins to write in large, looping hand.

Is this better?

I am enjoying myself very much. And you?

[furgood]

Meulin is a little stunned that someone else actually brought pen and paper to the crowning, but she covers it with a wide smile. She must have heard of her disability somewhere, given their lack of formal meeting. Tucking her things back in her clutch, she nods in a quick reply.

"Oh very much so! The entertainment is lovely and I just adore the ambience. It's so beautiful, how they take a theme and just--run with it. Ah, would you rather I write in reply? I do things either way, whatever is most comfortable for you!

[contrarianlibrarian]

China does try to keep her ears open; the paper, however, is merely something she's always carried. She doesn't offer any explanations for why she has it, though; she tends to decide it's better to let people think whatever they like.

No need for that. And there she smiles and bobs her head. I'm not picky at all.

The themes are very impressive. What's been your favorite entertainment tonight?

[furgood]

"Tonight?" Meulin smiles and tilts her head in thought, then gestures over to the bridge back to the castle proper. Someone is strapping themselves in for a jump as they speak.

"Personally, I like the dancing most but watching those people decide to fling themselves into the void is pretty entertaining. I know it must be perfectly safe but you wouldn't see me doing it. Far more fun to watch them."

[contrarianlibrarian]

China follows the gesture and her eyes remain there as she waits for the jump.

I'm not much of a risk-taker myself. And I can't imagine their hair looks acceptable at all when they land.

She shakes her head delicately. That would be an awful fate indeed.

[furgood]

Meulin laughs, shaking her head at that. While she's sure they come up with their hair a mess and clothing all askew, it seems like such a Capitol thing to worry about. Fashion over fun, for most people it seems. Fashion over most things.

I would imply men have it easier but I've seen plenty of men tonight with hair and clothing that wouldn't survive a fall like that. I'm sure the bottom of that cliff with littered with pieces of costumes by the end of the night.

[contrarianlibrarian]

China shares a knowing nod. The Capitol can probably beat any of the strange worlds Tributes come from for their supply of fops. That it could do the same for the Districts doesn't even need to be said.

Tragedy. Perhaps someone will gather it all up and create a vapid art installment with some lofty name. "The Folly of Fashion," perhaps. They could even make a pun with "falling" and "folly" somehow.

It's not a very good joke, as few of China's are. This is what happens when your sense of humor is sculpted by polite laughter at cocktail parties and quietly mocking others. At least she finds herself hilarious enough.

[furgood]

Meulin takes what she can as far as humor goes, smiling at China's attempt. There's something there, probably. She gives it a few tries.

"The Falling of Fashion' perhaps. 'A Stylist's Lament'. Either way, I suppose it takes courage to jump into thin air, even if you know there's all those safety measures."

[contrarianlibrarian]

Her lips part in a laugh at that and she nods her appreciation.

True. As solid as they may seem, there's always risk lurking around the corner. Gravity always puts you in your proper place eventually. And sometimes painfully.

Aside from the jumping, are you a risk-taker in any ways? I've always found I prefer the quieter life, boring as it may make me.

[furgood]

Meulin hums aloud, thinking about the question. Risk taking is such a subjective thing after all.

Little risks, I suppose. The only big risk I've taken is coming to the Capitol but that was hardly a risk in the end. I've been treated wonderfully.

[talltaleteller]

The field of clover is a welcome break from rich foods and tottering around in heels and the disapproving stares of her minders. Her uncle expects her to do something socially disastrous, while Leonidas just seems to want to break the legs of any age-appropriate boy that gets within a few feet of her. It is exhausting, and a break to go hunting around in a pretty green field of clover is just right with her. There are prizes, too! She likes prizes!

"...oop!" It's while scrambling around with her head dipped low that she almost runs into Meulin. She yelps, stands up, and is about to start babbling apologies, but then it hits her. She and this stunning lady are wearing the same dress. Hers is pinker, sure, but it's essentially the same thing. The choice of shoes and hair and accessories may be different, but not enough to make up for that one big glaring similarity. This is a horrible faux pas. She has ruined everything. "I-I-I am so sorry! Wah!"

She's still pretty new to this level of partying. Sorry.

[furgood]

Felicity has a few months on her at least, given her relative newness to the Capitol, and it takes Meulin a few moments to realize exactly what the problem is. She had been ready to apologize in turn, wave it off, when Felicity had spoke again and Meulin had really taken in what this other girl was wearing. Oh.

She, in contrast, laughs. She shakes her head, waving away what must surely be apologies, and pulls out her notebook. When she lifts it up to Felicity, words are written there in cute curly handwriting.

I should have know better than to buy off the rack for a Crowning! Don't worry, meowbe we can pass it off as on purpose. Say we coordinated! If someone asks.

[talltaleteller]

Laughter is good. Laughter is better than eye-rolls and scowls and deep disapproval. A notepad and writing, though? Those are great. A little weird, but great. She is all about the writing. And there's such cute handwriting, too! She dips in to read, and then bursts into laughter.

"Coordinated! That's a good idea! We'll say that. Aah, it's a nice dress, isn't it? It's so pretty..." She smooths the skirt of her own down, and then uses that as a chance to sink down in the clover next to her.

[furgood]

Ah, it got taken backwards, like she was Kurloz using it because she didn't speak. Well that was her own fault for replying without spoken words. At least Felicity wasn't upset about this little mishap anymore.

"Oh no, I need you to write back. Sorry, I'm deaf. But really, we're just different enough to pull off coordinated, don't you think? I pulled out all the purples."

[talltaleteller]

"Oh! OH!" The idea that she was deaf had not occurred to Felicity at all. She's embarrassed and covering her mouth, but then quick to drop her hands and to reach for that paper and pen. "I didn't even realize! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, here, here...." And she is quick to get to writing, in bubbly, slightly messy script.

We're just different enough, yeah! Although your flowers in your hair are way better than my headband. :) :D XD

I like the pinks more, though I'm sad I didn't find a good green dress in time. I really like green a lot more and here's an excuse to wear a bunch!

...and then she is handing it back with a giggle and a "Here, here!"

[furgood]

Felicity doesn't seem to quite get the concept, by the way her mouth keeps moving and the tiniest faintest sounds of what must be her voice but could just easily be anything else. Still speaking but Meulin is used to that. Very few people speak loud enough for her to place the faint sounds to the lip movements but it doesn't stop so many from trying.

She elects to write back to keep everything in one medium, giggling over the cute script. Handwriting said a lot about a person.

Thank you! :33 I get a little more say in what I wear lately, so I got to pick the shoes and head piece.

I've worn green fur everything since I've gotten here so I thought I'd try something new! Green is my favorite color but I love flowers.

[talltaleteller]

The concept may stick eventually, but Felicity is something of a natural chatterbox. Silence is not her regular state of being, even with a pen in her hand and paper nearby. The next message gets a laugh from her, a little shrugging of her shoulders and widening of her smile, and then she's quick to write an answer.

Oh? You've got a stylist dressing you? Someone else???

That's really smart, going for not-green this time! It'll make you stand out, if anyone's been paying attention! That's really important around here.

I'm Felicity Yoshida, by the way! Who're you?

And fwip, it is handed back without another word.

[furgood]

Felicity is so eager! It's refreshing and far more enjoyable than some of the stuffier Capitol talk. Meulin shifts her legs a little, wondering if she's stand and have green marks on her legs. Ah well, that's future Meulin's problem.

I'm Meulin Leijon! I think I heard about somewhere recently actually so it's nice to meet you in purrson.

And my cousin usually dresses me. I'm so hopeless with Capitol fashion but I knew exactly what I wanted for this one.

[talltaleteller]

If she can manage to last a few more years in the Capitol, maybe she'll get stuffy. Maybe. But for now everything is still bright and new and unfamiliar and ought to be charged into with enthusiasm. The same kind of enthusiasm that she takes the notebook back with, reads the words, and scribbles down her next response.

Though the fact that she has heard of her gets an 'eep' and a wrinkle of her nose.

I hope you heard good things! I uh, I write stuff, so maybe that's it? I've been TOTALLY blocked up for what to do next though, so I haven't posted anything in forever!

Aah, I think it's better if your cousin is helping you dress than your mom. My mom's still kind of mostly in charge of what I wear. :| I'm still totally bummed that I got stuck in a gnome costume for her last party.

[furgood]

When she pull it back, the explanation makes her clap her hands. That's right! A fellow writer, if only on the network things and not in magazines. Reminds her of her younger exploits --that totally don't still happen in her various notebooks.
This columnist is not a long time writer of friendfiction. Perish the thought.

"Aha," she says softly and takes up the pen to write back.

that's right! I remember now. I'm sorry to hear you're having writers block though :( Try writing something completely different maybe? Or read a few books to get ideas? That always helped me.

A gnome? Why a gnome? What sort of theme was there?

[talltaleteller]

Writer's block is the WORST. >:| But those are good ideas! I'll try reading some stuff, maybe that'll clear out the cobwebs.

You're a writer too, huh? What sort of stuff do you write? :)

And oh, yes, the gnome thing.... she lets out a very expressive, shoulder-shrugging head-hanging sigh, and scribbles out the explanation.

The Warlock of Om! I was the Giant Garden Gnome. We managed to get Leonidas Cora as the Pugilistic Puma, he really sold that one really well, but yeah, I got the gnome suit because the Emily outfit that mom's fashionista friend threw together was

....

I don't wanna say trampy but it was kinda trampy.

[furgood]

Oh well mostly stuff for Celebrus now! But I've done some fiction work! Romantic stories and the like. Just for my personal collection and to pass the time.

And oh no :(

At least your outfit got vetoed! You should see some of the things my cousin wants to put me in :| I know modesty isn't a thing in the Capitol but I'm used to more covering sorts of outfits.

She shakes her head at the remembrance of one such creation. How a floor length gown managed to contain over five thousand sequins, be sheer and cover all the necessary bits was beyond her.