The Tribute Youth Programme: September

[etcircenses]

Who| Adults who act as chaperones on the field trips. Any Tribute character aged 18 and under. This is ICly Mandatory for Tributes under 18 so your character will be there even if you don't tag in.
What| September's TYP round; Back to school!
Where| A private school building within the Capitol.
When| Regular school hours (8 AM to 3 PM) four days a week (Monday-Thursday)
WARNINGS| Mind-altering juice boxes, indoctrination. Place any needed warnings within comment headers.
NOTES| If you would like your character to be caught trouble-making, please contact mods. We are looking for both Mentors to speak of the District they hail from (or represent), and Capitolite characters to talk of Panem's greatness. If you would like your character to stand as a guest speaker for the next round, please refer to this post. The fantastic Tribute Youth Programme uniforms are designed and drawn by Reiko.

With the summer drawing to a close, Students are put back into uniforms and brought back to their seats and regularly scheduled lessons.

Supplement for these lessons, are various videos of District studies, showing Tribute Youth the ways the Districts work for the whole of Panem, as well as the pride they have in what they do. You see? The people of Panem are happy and at peace. These are not a people who wish to go to war.

But don't worry, you'll get to hear from voices of the Capitol as well. At some point during the month, Tribute Youth will get to go into a Capitol school, meet their fans, and hear from them who the Tributes have helped to keep the peace of Panem with their sacrifice.

Comments

Big Sibling Results

[etcircenses]

The results of the Big Sibling program are here! Go find your partners, kids, and have fun!

Fitz & Sandy
Karkat & Vivi
Ruffnut & Arya

Guest Speaker - Capitol

[etcircenses]

Sadly, not all of the students here understand the values that make up our fine Capitol. Sacrifice, Honor, Equity, Glory. These are the values we seek to uphold both here within the Tribute Youth Programme, out in the Capitol, and competing within the arenas. Here to talk to you all a little bit about the Capitol is our first guest speaker...

Guest Speaker - Districts

[etcircenses]

What a wonderful thing it is to learn more of the Districts you all fight for! Especially from a Mentor who exemplifies the District 11 value of Service. Pay attention class, our guest has much to say.

Was it mentioned that these speeches will be broadcast to the world for all other Tributes, Capitolites, and even District citizens to see?

[president_evil]

Whether or not this was a bigger waste of his time than the last time he'd been volunteered, Wesker had been unable to determine. The evidence was simply too narrow, though his evening with Temple had the advantage of already being over. Still, outwardly, he accepted the task with the aplomb that one would expect of a Capitol devotee.

Materializing from his place by the wall at the teacher's twitching introduction, he strode to the front of the room, taking his place easily at the podium while an Avox - seemingly sprung to life from his shadow - drifted up to his elbow. She might have been a ghost, pale and slight, lingering beside him. Her thin hands grasping the handle of a wicker basket; eery tattoos under her eyes - tiny 11's, stretched like tears.

As he began to speak, she opened the basket without prompting, as well heeled as his favorite dobermans had once been.

"Good morning." His voice was a purr, as disarmingly smooth as his appearance was disconcerting. "My name is Albert Wesker, and I have been invited here today to speak to you about District 11, and the importance of the games, and us, to it."

Reaching into the basket, he produced an apple - a red, shining example of its breed - and held it up, turning it lightly so the light caught at its dark skin.

"Most, if not of all of you, know what this is. It has been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years--" his head tipped, a small flash of gold appearing from under his glasses as he looked sidelong at the teacher, "--forgiving alternate world histories, of course."

Turning back to the class, he set the apple down at the edge of the podium, front and center where they could all see it.

"Most of you wouldn't be able to imagine a world where it didn't exist. Where its cousins, didn't exist. Where everything fresh and growing had been turned to ash. But I can, because that was my world. Everything we had, everything we took for granted, was stolen from us by the actions of a few. Greedy, impatient, selfish they believed they had the right to take whatever they desired without first earning it. Their misguidance, their inability to see beyond themselves, was the destruction of my world."

He paused, allowing them a moment to consider his words. He doubted most of them had the capability, but he would offer it, just the same. It was a show as much for him, as them.

"This might also have been the terrible fate of Panem, if not for the actions of the Capitol. If not for District 11, and the service it so dutifully performs. The Capitol was able to save Panem from itself, to right the wrongs that could have destroyed it, and District 11 now has the honored place of providing all the fresh fruits and vegetables that you enjoy. The foods and juices that nourish you and keep your body healthy. They are all thanks to the hard work and dedication of District 11."

As he went on, the Avox quietly detached herself from his side and began to move through the rows, her head bowed, eyes fixed on the basket in her hands. On the apples, on her hands as she passed them out. One for each desk, for every student.

"The Capitol saved Panem. District 11 maintains Panem. And we, as tributes, ensure Panem. We, like District 11, like all of the other districts have a place and purpose. We must remember why we are here, and the service we provide. I understand that might be equally as difficult for you to picture, but if you do not try, we will no longer have the luxury of merely imagining."

Another pause. A heartbeat longer than the first.

"Remember, and try."

The Avox glided back to his side. He looked around the room, the apple shining back at the students from the dark of his sunglasses.

"Does anyone have questions?"

[justoutrunyou]

[ Someday, Sandy will remember what it's like to listen to her fear instinct and keep her mouth shut. Today is not this day. She knows this man has been in the Capitol as long as if not longer then she has and she knows at least some of what he's capable of. If it came down to the two of them in a fair fight she would be dead in seconds. And the fact that he can speak with such a strength behind his words is both something she envies, and fears. When he asks for questions she hesitates long enough to see if anyone else will step up and give her a few more minutes to gather her courage before she speaks.]

You've been to District Eleven haven't you? What was it like there?

Re: Guest Speaker - Districts

[whatisay]

Of course Jason would have to do this. Of course he's got to go talk to children in the gigantic time-suck that is the youth program, which he supports in theory but doesn't actually want anything to do with in practice, because it sucks valuable time away from courting Sponsors, herding his Tributes and moping in his decaying house.

He strides in with the monkey, dressed in a more expensive suit than anything any of the Tributes are wearing, on his shoulder. He jams his hands in his pockets, because he isn't allowed to smoke in front of the kids (something about being a bad influence, which no amount of bickering about how no one actually considers him a role model is going to change), and starts on his schpiel.

"Now, I bet you've spent plenty of classes here with your guest speakers telling you a sob story about how hard the Districts work and how important each District is. What you've got to understand is that everyone in the Districts has a terrible education, so it's not their fault that they don't know how it all works. We can forgive them their patriotism if we have to, although some people-" Linden- "we don't need to waste our graciousness on."

He paces around a bit as he talks.

"Think of Panem like a body. The Districts are like limbs, or, well, fingers and ears if you need the right number, but the Capitol is the heart and lungs and brain. You can live without a finger or an ear, although you wouldn't want to, but without the vital organs at the center, you'd better have a down payment on some black clothes, I say.

See, the way it is is that the Districts couldn't manage not to collapse in on themselves without a guiding hand. You leave a bunch of Districts on their own, and they fall into ruin because they're all lazy and violent. They've done studies that it's in their blood, so it isn't entirely their fault. Anyway, that's why the Hunger Games don't need much to get Districters to kill each other. We spend more time trying to get you people to fight than we ever did with the animals out there.

"What the Capitol exports is organization, motivation, structure. No single District could manage not to eat itself alive without the Capitol's guiding hand. They need us to come in and redistribute their food so no one actually starves, no matter how much they bitch about it, and run their businesses so they don't go underwater. We're the ones sending the teachers and business leaders out there to untangle the balls of yarn that the Districts set us up with. We send out the supplies in rations so they can have everything in an orderly fashion. Like I says, we're the brain. Anything that involves counting higher than five has got to go to Capitolites, otherwise it's bound to get screwed up.

"Alright, any questions?"

Recess Break - Kid’s mingle

[etcircenses]

The yard has been altered once more. Kindly birds have come to live in the trees and willingly accept the seed given out to the from the dispensers nearby. The leaves have all changed to brilliant reds, oranges, yellows, and even a few metallic gold. They fall down to the ground, swept into neat piles by attending avoxes.

In another portion of the yard is barrel of water and floating apples, of course to allow the children to play bobbing for apples. winners receive packs of shimmery stickers.

Later, as part of performing Capitol duties and fundraising for charity, the kids will be let out of classes to instead go on Capitol Cookie Sales missions. The one who fundraises the most will get five free boxes (or get to keep the funds of said five boxes).

[porcelainandsteel]

Sansa takes to the Youth Programme like a duck to water, and can be found sitting demurely in the yard, working on pro-Capitol art - either with a sketchpad and a box of watercolours, or with an embroidery frame and several skeins of thread, which she works with the skill of long practice and natural talent.

Once or twice a day, though, other children may find her without any work at all, standing or kneeling at the foot at one of the autumn trees. A few times, she looks as though she may be on the edge of bursting into tears, although the rest of the time she's happy as a lark. The autumn leaves remind her of the weirwood, and of Winterfell, and then her homesickness and grief start biting at her again; no amount of reminding herself she's safe will keep that particular loneliness at bay.

She'll throw herself enthusiastically into the cookie sale missions, though. Anyone watching her will notice her talent for figuring out how best to market to someone, and see her change from childish innocent to shrewd businesswoman at the drop of a hat depending on how the person she's selling to reacts. She makes good sales on her own, but will be more than willing to partner up and let her partner take the sales, figuring that it's better to make allies than win a few sweetmeats.

[crabmunicator]

What the heck is this Big Sibling business supposed to be about, anyway? Sure, guidance, teaching, whatever, but trolls don't have siblings. Not like humans do. The Scourge Sisters were a pair of murderers when it comes down to it, and no matter how many brothers Gamzee tossed out in conversation, it was a term of no familial affiliation. But this, like so much is, is a task Karkat will put up with for the sake of presenting the right image. It's not the worst he's had to do.

Come recess time, he has an eye out for his assigned partner. He's never spoken to him before, but he's heard the name in the casual way of another classmate, and he expects nothing weird. When he realizes he can't recall what the kid looks like, he wonders if maybe he should have paid more attention.

For now, though, he'll do the thing his naturally loud voice is good for and call, "Vivi? We got assigned for shit!" If the kid doesn't come then, he can at least say he made the effort.

(Who's he kidding? He'd hunt him down one way or another, out of frustration at the least.)

Field Trip - Open to all

[etcircenses]

Costs covered completely by the Tribute Youth Programme, Chaperones and children are brought this time to the Pier Twelve Carnivale and Arcade for an all day and after-school-hours event.

Built on a massive pier into the reservoir, this amusement park uses force field to keep itself going year around, and banish the snow and cold (as well as support many of it's physic defying structures). Rides of every type imaginable can be found, going above, around, and under the pier.

As the darkness falls, the lights of the Carnivale shine bright and beautiful in all color, forming shapes and patterns that change within seconds. The midway features traditional Carnie games and the sweet smells of cotton candy, candy apples, and deep fried just about everything.

An arcade sits on the beach above it with games of every type, from intense laser tag like arenas to incredibly realistic VR simulation games. And of course, the beach itself is a beautiful sight, the sand cool and soft.

But then, under the portion of the dock not looped around by the Carnivale rides, if one gets close enough they might hear a pair speaking in hushed tones. They don't look like typical Capitolites.

"Look, man, I can't do this anymore. Did you hear what happened to Maisil? Avoxed. I ain't doing it. They got too many eyes now."

"Screw off, you can't back out now. After everything? After Maisil? You want to back out now? This isn't just for thrills anymore, this about showing the world what they're doing in there."

"In there? We don't even know what the scientists are doing in there. We just put birds on their stuff and hope we don't get caught."

"Don't be an idiot, Cam told us."

"No way, that was a joke, there's no way they'd just keep all those... those things."

"Sure. Yeah. It's a joke. Just like Maisil being Avoxed and shot out back was a joke. Wake up!"

The other opens their mouth to say something only to be cut off.

"Crap. We gotta move. Stay if you want but I'm not getting caught."

They both flee.

Talk To The Teacher

[etcircenses]

The Teacher, with bruised looking eyes barely covered by makeup, and hair breaking out of it's intended style, sits quietly for much of the day she isn't talking and teaching in strained terse tones.

It's so quiet, then she abruptly stands and speaks with a whip-crack voice, one might almost think it was an imposter in her place.

"All of you! Stand!" She shouts. "Up straight! Stick out your hands and let me see them." She scans every hand. A hand marked with red brings out intense interrogation. Hands without have their notes search thoroughly and everything they happen to have on hand. Once done, mouth pressed in a thin trembling line, she storms back to her desk, leaving the kids as they are until she snaps. "Back to work."

Her pen is hard enough on her pages faint rips can be heard.

got the mun's permission before doing this o/

[crabmunicator]

Anyone oblivious to the tension in the air would have to be blind, deaf, and freshly lobotomized even before the spontaneous check. When it happens it's nerve-wracking, pressing in awareness of every Peacekeeper that might drag him off if he fails he standards. His hands should be fine, the nails too yellow-orange to be red. His notes would have been clear, his preferred writing done in grey. His necklace bears a small red section, but he wears it under his shirt habitually, hidden further now by the high collar and accessories of the uniform. Even if he should have been asked, he would have done his best to tell how it was for Jane Shepard, who tried to help him back in the medieval arena. There's media support aplenty for that.

But whether questioned or let be, it's later on, Monday after the interviews, that he approaches her desk with a wary look. He's thought it over, and it's been enough time, and his worries should work to give cover in his expression.

"Ms. R?" he asks, ready to back off if she's not willing to be bothered. But then, from her clear growing nerves, from all the urging pressed on them, he's sure she'd hear this. He swallows, gathering his voice. "I want to report a suspected traitor."

[ruffntumblenut]

As...strange and unsettling as that was, Ruffnut feels like if nothing else she's gotten on good terms with the teacher and once things settle down and a break period comes up she takes a chair and sits across the desk from her studying her curiously. It's always funny to see Ruffnut actually focusing on something because the wheels in her head are so visibly turning.

"So...you alright?"

Clearly she wasn't, but how else does one start an awkward conversation but awkwardly?

Merit Badges

[etcircenses]

Students involved in the Tribute Youth Programme will be able to earn merit badges that may be sewn onto to their uniform (by their Stylist). These badges will win them favor within the Capitol and in turn may bring them reward within the arena by way of sponsor! Many adult Tributes are able to get jobs within the Capitol to show their support. Now kids can take part too! By doing the following things students can win badges:

-Writing letters to President Snow (Though unfortunately, replies are not liable to come this round. The President is very busy.)
-Writing letters to Fans
-Writing letters to the District (Instead of going to the children this time, this will go to the whole of the District as a personal message from you. It will be read out for them. Be wise in your wording.)
-Writing letters to the Teacher; detail what you've learned!
-Writing a description of a recent Pro-Capitol duty performed by you!
-Creating a piece of art in honor of the Capitol and President

All of these things will be looked over and approved by the Teacher at her discretion. Simply leave them at her desk and she will go over your work and see whether or not it meets student criteria. The child with the highest number of badges by the end of each month will receive a special prize.

It should be noted that even greater reward shall come of those willing to keep the peace within Panem and spill the names of any suspected brainwash victims or traitors.

[crabmunicator]

[It's not even close to a first draft that he sends to Maglev. This letter has gone through iterations, some filled with swearing, some devolving into frustrated scribbles, and more than a few stained illegibly pink. The eventual product is this one, clean of both tears and profanity, and as safe as he can make it.]

Maglev,

I'm sorry. I'm so, so, so sorry. I didn't know this was going to happen. I was going to answer the things in your letter, about age and your parents and everything, but now...

I got a picture of you with it, and I am telling you right now: once you're here, I will find you. When the Arena starts, do not go for the Cornucopia. I've had trouble there enough times that it is just not worth the risk, you understand? You look for me, I look for you, and we stick this thing out together. I don't know if you had the chance to hear my speech before you were reaped, but I talked about unity, and I meant it. We're District 6, and we are doing this together. I am going to get you through this if it kills me, Jackie, I swear it.

If you're allowed to practice anything, practice using a knife because they're common and they're something I've learned how to use. If you're not allowed to practice, don't get yourself in trouble. We have a whole arena to get through together and there's no sense getting yourself taken out of the running early.

I'll put in a good word for you with Trish and Phil in case you get the chance to talk with them much before the arena. I have enough favor with the sponsors that I should have a good supply of things from them to help us both.

Play up your strengths when you get scored.

I'm not going to let you die, Jackie. Don't worry about me.

Sincerely,

Karkat Vantas (CG) ♋

P.S. I don't know where you and Cable stand after this. My letter to him was mostly just telling him to talk to you and not to dance around everything, which doesn't seem to have done anything if he was that obviously nervous before the reaping. He didn't write back to me this time so I don't know anything else. I wish I had advice for a situation like this, but it is so beyond the scope of anything I've had to deal with that I don't know what's right for you two. Talk to him if you can. Make things right.

P.P.S. I think he cares about you, he's just not good at saying it.

P.P.P.S. I'm here for you. Don't forget it.

---

[Drusus's letter takes a fair length of time, though not near so many drafts. For the most part, the debate was in his head: whether to answer at all, and if so, which answer to give.]

Drusus,

You did the right thing. In a time like this Panem needs stability. I'm sure you heard my unity speech, and there is no stability if the people of the Capitol can't stand together with its needs and purpose.

I don't think I could give tips. The Peacekeepers aren't really the same as threshecutioners. What I wanted was to be part of the military, going out and being awesome and deadly and conquering planets for the empire, but Peacekeepers aren't about that. Look at the name itself: it's about keeping peace. Besides, I would have been culled before I ever made it off Alternia.

Let me put it this way. If you promise to stand for the things the name Peacekeeper represents, I'll accept your friendship. Not just you wanting to be cool, not just you being my fan or thinking sickles are awesome or wanting status or anything like that. This is an undertaking, something serious, and I want you to understand the full weight of it, to think about what you're doing with this role and what good it serves. You follow me?

Karkat Vantas ♋

---

Cable,

I know you didn't write back to me last time, but I couldn't just not write to you after the reaping. I don't know what you're thinking or feeling right now, but I promise you that I am going to do everything in my power to keep Jackie safe. I gave her advice in my letter and I'm going to stick with her and survive as long as I can. Even if things go wrong, I'll do what I have to. They can bring me back if I die, but she only has one life, and I'm not going to forget it.

I don't know where things stand between you, but you know as much as I do that this might be your last chance to get things off your chest. Do what you have to, but for the love of [scratched out] don't be cruel to her now.

I'm so sorry for all of this,

Karkat Vantas ♋

in which sansa sucks up like nobody's business

[porcelainandsteel]

Dear President Snow,

I know you must be very busy. Even in my homeland, kings and lords have a great deal of work to do, caring for all their people, and I can only imagine how much you must do to run a country as great and as wonderful as this. I'll try to be brief.

I want to thank you, Your Grace (is that the correct title? I'm so very new, I'm sorry if I have it wrong), for bringing me here to the Capitol. I've enclosed a piece of embroidery which I hope will go some way to expressing how truly grateful I am for your graciousness in letting me stay. I know it's only a little thing, but I hope I will be able to serve Panem in bigger ways in the future, and one day repay you and your marvellous kingdom for so kindly hosting me.

I am, and will remain, your humble servant,
Sansa Stark

Panem Today, Panem Tomorrow, Panem Forever.

[Included with the letter (which is written in scented gel pen, because Sansa just discovered that scented pens are a Thing here) is a beautifully-worked piece of embroidery, about six inches square, depicting the Capitol skyline with the eagle from Panem's crest hovering above]

---

Dear "Fan",

I know we haven't met, but the teacher told me that you are one of the people who thinks I can win the Games. I just wanted to say thank you. I promise I will try my best not to disappoint you, and it lifts my heart to know you believe in me. I just know you're as amazing as everything else in this place, and so you see I have to win for you!

Here's a little token of my gratitude, for you to keep. It's a drawing of my home, before the Capitol took me in. The great castle is called Winterfell, and the trees you see in the picture are the weirwood where we go to pray. The flag flying in the picture is the flag of House Stark, beside Panem's flag, which I could never leave out of the picture with all that Panem has done for me.

I hope this picture can mean as much to you as your support means to me. Please write back, if you can. I would love to hear from you, and to know more about you.

With all my gratitude,
Sansa Stark

[As the letter says, enclosed is a picture of Winterfell, done in watercolours, with the direwolf flag of the Starks flying from one turret, and Panem's eagle from the other]

---

To District 6,

I know you don't know much about me yet, and that I don't know much about any of you. But I wanted to write and tell you how proud I am to be your Tribute, and that I won't take it lightly or let you down. It's a great honour to be able to represent you, and I hope that I will do you justice. I'll certainly try.

They tell me ours is the District responsible for transportation, so you must be responsible for the carts and carriages that keep taking my breath away. I can't imagine what it would be like to have the skill to even think of such wonderful things, let alone to make them! In my own land, we only had horses and carts, not "cars" and "trains". It's astonishing to me how fast and how smooth the transport in this land is, and how beautiful all the vehicles are. I'm sure the place that produces them must be just as beautiful. I hope to see it some day soon, and to meet all of you, and to thank you in person for all the beautiful work you do.

I have none of those skills, but I hope my skills in other areas will serve you well. And I hope that you can find a use for the enclosed. I did my best to capture the spirit of the District, which I will serve in the Capitol as best I can.

Yours with thanks,
Sansa Stark

Panem Today, Panem Tomorrow, Panem Forever.

[Another watercolour painting, this one a little larger, is enclosed. It shows a Capitol train stationary on one of the arched viaducts near the edge of the Capitol. At the top, carefully calligraphed in silver ink, is written Flying Without Wings]

---

Dear Teacher,

First of all, thank you for your classes. They are not at all like the lessons I had when I was a child, with the septas back in Winterfell. Then, I learnt about sewing and singing and lots of other things, but they were pretty tricks. Today I learnt much more that was important, about this land and how I can serve it.

Albert Wesker's talk was very informative. I have never thought so much about anything so simple as an apple! I would very much like it if you could thank him on my behalf if you have the chance, as I wouldn't like to trouble him with something so unimportant. What he said spoke very strongly to me. Where I am from, I have seen people who take things for granted, just like he said, and what he said made me realise I must strive not to be one of them here. Is there any way I could write to another District as well as my own - for instance, District 11 - to thank them for all the work they do on our behalf?

But I'm afraid that may be overreaching! I don't mean to be a trouble. It's only that this place is so wonderful, and I want to tell everyone how happy I am that I can be here. Somebody - I don't remember who - told me that there were people who were trying to bring down the Capitol, and I think that's awful. Surely if they saw how wonderful it was, nobody could want to destroy a place like this?

Anyway, I know I may not be the best pupil in the world, but thank you for the opportunity to learn from you, and from our wonderful guest speakers. I can't wait to see what I'll learn tomorrow!

With all my gratitude and thanks,
Sansa Stark

Panem Today, Panem Tomorrow, Panem Forever.

Ruffnut's homework

[ruffntumblenut]

Dear President Snow,
Good to hear you keep busy. It's hard to grow stuff back where I live because it's so cold and the ground's always hard and cold. Still I think you'd like it on Berk even if it's not as fancy as The Capitol. There's this old guy who used to farm Cabbages on the other side of the mountain that probably would have fallen over himself to meet you. Too bad we can't have more vikings in the Capitol. Is there like...some thing I can sign to request more vikings?

sincerely,
Ruffnut Thorston

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Aelius,

Yeah man I've got all kinds of dents in my bones. If I ever meet you in person I'll let you feel my skull for a few of them.

So how about that big show huh? Pretty wild. This arena might be the best one yet! Of course I expect you to cheer me on to victory.

Here's a little gift from me to you. Who knows! If things get any more interesting around here maybe you'll be fighting at my side in a future arena! Or maybe i'll be your mentor!

Sincerely,
Ruffnut Thorston

[Attached: One of the leaf masks they wore for the chariot ride]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear District 7,

Hey there...it's me Ruffnut. You know the viking girl? Tall, skinny, never shuts up about dragons or her helmet or what it was like back home?

So...that happened huh? Pretty surprising. I can't wait to meet Hemlock in person. They seem really cool. It'll be nice to have someone in the district to hang out with.

I know they don't really like...get me? I don't even really get me anymore. But I figure if I stick close to them it should make things more fun for both of us. I'll show Hemlock how well I can take hits and he can show me how he looks as a victor.

We're both a long way away from you guys, but if you shout really loud maybe we'll hear it. So cheer him on as loud as you can! Big loud roars like dragons shouting his name!

Thanks for the support!
Ruffnut Thorston

*****************************************************************

Dear Teacher,

This month I learned I am allergic to some type of leaf. I haven't figured out which one yet but I have this really itchy rash because of it. Or maybe it was the ink? Can you be allergic to ink?

Thank you for letting me braid your hair, I think you looked ready for battle when it was all done! I hope you liked it as much as I did.

Stay strong,
Ruffnut Thorston

PS: If you let me, I can do your face up with war paint next! It's like makeup but tougher.

***********************************

For Ruffnut's pro-capitol duty she spent some time training with the Jr. Peacekeepers, letting them learn what it felt like to get a helmeted headbutt as well as how to throw a punch and take a punch. She took many more punches then she threw and had to take a few days off of training afterwards but the peacekeepers seemed to enjoy it as much as she did.

******************************************

This month Ruffnut has made a model chariot out of sticks, leaves, grass and other things found outside. There's even a little stick doll of her with a leaf mask riding in the back. Then she dumped green glitter over the whole thing because she'd discovered she kind of likes glitter. She has informed anyone who points this out if any Vikings ask though she hates glitter and wouldn't touch the stuff.

Sandy's homework

[justoutrunyou]

Dear President Snow,

You don't need to tell me twice about dangerous snow. I'm sure you remember my first arena, I've said it before and I'll say it a thousand times. I would have frozen to death if not for Riddick and Javert making sure I knew how to survive for as long as I did. In the end thanks to them it wasn't the weather that killed me but having my screaming head ripped off my shoulders by that shapeshifter tribute.

You know, I met the victor for that arena not too long before I died. Momoko? She looked me square in the eye and told me there really wasn't any reason to fight against the elements. Just let things happen and keep looking out for myself. Seems like everyone wants me to stop worrying about everyone else and just look out for myself. But even after all this time I just can't help myself.

I imagine you probably have the same problem. You've gotta worry about every single person in the world no matter how far away they are or who they are. It's your job right? Is there a trick to it?

Sincerely,
Sandy Marko.

**********************************************************

Dear Nerva Ovidia, Malia, and all the other Sand Sisters,

Thank you as always for your support not just in the arena and on my shows but the museum. I've loved meeting so many of you at the art classes and art shows that you guys have been showing up at. And for those of you who haven't been able to make it yet I promise to keep making time for it even though the arena's coming soon and I need to train even harder.

And that leads me to my next request of you. As you all know a tribute from District 12 has been chosen to join me in the next arena. She is a very dear friend of mine named Char. Some stroke of luck has brought her to us and I want to make sure this experience is a good one for her.

So please, if you see her be polite, gentle and supportive. She's not going to be as used to loud crowds as I am.

And above all, support her in the arena. Encourage your parents, your friends and anyone else you can to provide her with any support you can. She's had much less training then any of the off world tributes and even some of the district kids. I'm going to be doing my best to make sure she's ready but I won't be able to do it without all of you.

Please. Thank you.
Always loving you, Cassandra Marko.

********************

Dear Ms. R,

I've been learning a lot lately so it's really hard to try and narrow down, especially since you're the one who teaches my classes so you already know a lot about what I'm learning.

I guess if I had to pick something in particular...I'd say that I learned history still has a funny way of repeating itself even though everyone's heard that before and knows to try and avoid it. I'm writing this and waiting to hear from the new tribute in District 12 and wondering if this is how mentors felt before off worlders arrived. I'm not a mentor of course but I'm going to try and help Char train till the big day.

It's sort of funny isn't it? How the one person from District 12 that I actually know better then the rest happens to get drawn to come to the arena with me? I mean...what are the odds? All the kids in District 12 and it had to be her? I guess I have you to thank for introducing us in the first place. I might have never met her or written to her if not for our assignments.

Thanks,
Sandy.

****************************************

Sandy continues her dedicated work at the museum, this month playing guitar with some local musicians for a charity fundraiser meant to raise money to add a new section dedicated to the art of biological manipulation and mutation. Paintings, holographic displays, statues and films about the art and science behind creating life including mutations and plant creation. Nothing too top secret of course...it's not like most Capitol citizens have access to the sort of tech needed to do it properly. The closest they can come is by breeding their own plants and animals together and hoping for the best.

**********************************************

Inspired by the last arena, Sandy has created a model of an arena mashed together from all the arenas she's been in. Each section of the arena shows a mini version of Sandy dying in accordance with whatever killed her in that particular arena.

...Sandy's in a dark place right now. It shows artistically.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear District 12,

I'm sorry to be borrowing Char from you so suddenly, but you know how it is. Odds, favor, so on.

I'm going to try and make sure I'm the first face she sees when she gets here, we'll start training right away. I've been here long enough and trained with enough people I'm sure she'll be as ready as possible for the arena.

It's been a long time since I had a friend closer to my age to stick with in the arena. Not since Pruna. Pruna used to protect me, do the scary things I wasn't strong enough to do. I guess now I'll be doing that for Char.

I'm sorry I haven't won yet, and I don't expect to win this time either. But as always I'm going to try my best for you.

For Char.

Sincerely,
Sandy Marko

Letters & Gifts

[etcircenses]

Looks like you've all got some messages back. Well, go on, open the envelope up and see what they say! Best treasure these! What you get back next time is going to be a little different...

Aang D4

[etcircenses]

Snakebait,

Seriously seems to be some clairvoyance going on, right? Maybe find a happy middle ground between oyster-searing hot and blistering cold, then I could toss some congratulations your way or something.

I wouldn’t call her laugh funny so much as annoying, but whatever, it’s what it is. It’s better than no jokes and no laughing, anyway. I told her you said hi and she said that you sound cool, too. Like I said before, it’s us against anything, so be happy it’s not us against you. Just kidding, that was a joke.

Do you like cooked fish or raw? Because the sushi here can’t be beat and you’re a true D4 schooler if you go for it fresh from the sea instead of being all like “is it pan-seared and perfectly seasoned?” Most of us eat both every now and then but there are a lot of people outside this District that are like squeamish little kids about the sushi.

I don’t know how many actually crazy people you know, but the problem with crazy stories is that you don’t know what to really believe. There’s big fish stories, then there’s WHALE stories, you know? (Or elephant koi stories, haha.)

I looked at your pictures and drawings that you sent and came up with the craziest story I can think of. I hope you like it. I hung your art up so that Mura can see it too.

-Mollusc

P.S. Anna’s victory helped a lot. Fishing’s great and so are fish, but eating them every day can get a little boring sometimes. Now we’ve got fluffy loaves of bread and green leafy vegetables and fruit, too, and it’s awesome.

[Included is a handwritten page titled “My Story.”]

Once there was a sea witch who spent years trying to turn herself into a magnificent bird. She hated real birds because they had what she wanted most, and she threw rocks at seagulls because even if they looked shabbier than she did, they could soar in the sky and understand each other’s calls.

So she took away other people’s voices so they couldn’t say she wasn’t a real bird, and she made friends with the Offworld animals that also couldn’t say she wasn’t a real bird. They were freaks of nature, the caterbears and snakewinders, but they were freaks together and no one told the truth about it, so it was OK.

Then one day the most honest birds in the world, crows, came to visit her. They said “look! It’s a witch! Look at the witch!” and even though the caterbear and the snakewinder tried to attack them, they were a flock and they could scatter when they needed to. The witch sobbed and shouted but they were louder

And I can’t think of an ending. I didn’t really write before we started trading off letters. Maybe you can help me finish it.

Karkat D6

[etcircenses]

Dear Karkat Vantas (CG),

Cable has been acting strange. I'm not sure what's gotten into him. I asked him if it was something to do with the letter he got from you but he said he's fine and refused to show me. He's gone all... quiet I guess. I feel like any day now he's going to say something but he opens his mouth and it's something dumb like "How's the weather?" Then he talks fast and walks away. He's so weird.

Don't tell him but I'm a little worried.

I suppose you're right. We should be acting more like adults. I've been trying! Really! It's just hard sometimes. I'm going to talk to him though, just like you said. I'm just waiting for the right time.

I am not sure if it counts. Considering I have aged and I don't feel like an adult, I would say you could take advantage of it! But on the other hand, I think age is supposed to be about how long you've lived more than maturing. I mean, there are two Tributes now with grey streaks who are only just past eighteen! Or, well, Anna is A Victor now and that Fitz guy is in your programme with you I hear.

Speaking of Victors, the feast was great! It was so lovely. People looked happy and I think me and Cable even saw a shooting star that night.

The only downside is that a lot of Peacekeepers have shown up and people are kind of nervous. We're not sure what it means. I haven't seen this many since the days we still did reapings here. But I'm probably being silly.

Your lusus is really cool Karkat. He reminds me a little bit of the scorpions cause of his carapace, but much cuter. He sounds like a big cranky baby, but still definitely cute. I'm glad you have him.

I would send you pictures of my own parents but I don't have a camera and I don't draw very well. Maybe some day you can come here and meet them. I'm sure they would love you. Knowing them, they probably already do. It's weird for kids to say but I know I'm really lucky to have them.

Sincerely,

Maglev ♋

P. S. Jackie was here

~~~

Karkat,

Okay. I signed up. You were right. Peace is a big deal. And I want to be a part of it like you are, though not just to be famous or anything. I think this might be my calling or something adults would say. I don't know that it would be more important than what YOU do, but it feels pretty good.

I hope you don't avoid me though. I still want to meet you. I feel like you could give me tips! Since you wanted to be a threshecutioner thing according to this one magazine.

100% percent Karkat Vantas official approval, that's awesome. The guys are gonna be so jealous, man. Hey! You're famous! Maybe you can be the next Troll Will Smith, whatever that means. But on the other hand, I couldn't see you go down fighting with a sickle like a badass really cool dude.

I got a question though. Kind of a weird one. I was wondering, would it be okay if I called you my friend? That's probably weird right? Well, I can still be your fan! It's been fun!

Write back!

Drusus

Ruffnut D7

[etcircenses]

Dear Ruffnut Thorston,

It's going. There's always work to do.

A swamp monster sounds cool. Fire not so much. Trees and bonfires don't exactly mix.

Sounds like you've been busy. I've never been stunned before, so I don't know what it feels like. I've seen other people get it, though. Doesn't look very fun. Maybe I haven't done it enough times.

Have they said anything about deploying you somewhere? We got another train full last week. It's the third one this month.

Good luck for next arena.

Sincerely,

Hemlock of District 7

~~~

To Ruffnut Thorston of the Isle of Berk and District 7

Oh, we will definitely make them cooler. Have no doubt about that. I might have asked what the best part is if you hadn't explained. It sounds painful. But very cool! I will let my friends try it first.

I suppose it is one way to use your head. Did you win many arguments back on your isle-island this way? You must have a spectacular dent in your skull by now.

I intend to keep cheering loud as I can.

Aelius K III

~~~

Dear Ruffnut,
As President of Panem, I always keep busy. But to answer your question, of course I do things for fun. It is important to take time for yourself after all. In my spare time, I like to tend to my garden. As for your other question, I don't have any interest in idle fantasies, so I won't be giving that one consideration. I like to keep myself firmly in reality.
Sincerely,
President Snow

~~~

Dear Ruffnut Thorston,

The noodle shapes are quite funny, aren't they? They never seem to get the shape of the Tributes right quite like they do on the package art.

I do hope you've learned to be more careful out of areans so as not to drown anyone too.

This is a very charming little keychain. Perhaps you may have a future in leathwork also. You would've done well with this representing District 10.

And all right, dear. You've convinced me. What say I allow you to braid my hair this coming friday? That would be nice wouldn't it?

Regards,
Ms. R

Vivi D7

[etcircenses]

Dear Vivi,

Thanks. I'm sure they were, too.

The other black mages are probably taller because you're a kid. You'll get taller eventually. That's how growing up works.

No one can do any magic here. Before you came, we never saw anything like it. Some people say that they think it's fake. Special effects. I don't think that.

My favorite food is pancakes because I get to have syrup. Ours is the best in the world. We collect the sap for the syrup ourselves, so that's how we know. My hands get really sticky when climbing the trees. I like to think of eating the syrup as payback.

Most of it goes to the Capitol, but sometimes we get some too. We haven't had as much lately, though. Another train of Peacekeepers came in last week, so there's less food for everyone else. I guess they like pancakes, too.

Sincerely,

Hemlock

~~~

Dear Vivi Ornitier

I have told him hi, as you asked. He has responded with all manner of thing like delighted shrieks, hellos in return, and a number of questions up to and including the most important of all: What is your favorite color?

I know I am very touched to hear you are keeping us in your thoughts. My own little one is quite ecstatic. Oh if you could see him.

We would love to meet you, Vivi. Perhaps someday if we are lucky. I would keep a pen ready. There is much he would like you to sign.

Much love,

Madis Octivilia

Fitz D11

[etcircenses]

Don't

I am

Thank

Fitz,

The Capitol lies calls things different names a lot. Don't call me what they tell you to call me. I don't draw nice. You don't want to see it. The flower is called

How do people forget they have birds? That is stupid weird. I knew their flowers and birds aren't as good. Some geese flocked by the lake yesterday. I almost got one. Peacekeepers caught them first. They ate them. There are more Peacekeepers now and

I'm little. I can't You don't Thank I want Fighting gets me in trouble. It gets everyone in trouble. Especially now, after

You still write a lot. And you use big words.

From Bacopa

[As if in thanks and in apology, she's pressed more flowers and a goose feather with the letter. There's an arrow drawn pointing at them, and it says, Real.]

Sandy D12

[etcircenses]

Dear Cassandra Marko,

You don't need to apologize. I'm glad you're feeling better. I thought you might have been busy, since everyone is always busy in the Capitol. At least, that's what I've heard. I heard the peacekeepers saying that everyone moves so fast and there's so much to do that it can make your head spin. It must be boring out here by comparison.

I think we have enough to last through the winter. You don't need to worry about us. The nights can get very cold, but if we sleep in the same bed, it's easier to keep each other warm. If things get hard, we can usually count on the neighbors to trade for things we need. It has been a little easier with the victories. Some of us can afford to be more generous with sharing what we do have, and that helps the people who can't.

My favorite time of the year is Spring. That's when the snow starts to melt, so I can go running again. The snow can get really deep in the Winter, and sometimes there's ice underneath, so I have to be careful.

But I like running in Autumn, too. Especially when there's a strong breeze that sends the leaves skipping along in front of you. I feel like I'm chasing them. I haven't been doing as much of that lately, though. There are more Peacekeepers around , and they don't like it when they see me running. I think it makes them nervous.

My brothers wanted to thank you for sending us cookies again. They picked some wildflowers for you. They won't be as fresh by the time they get to you, but I hope you like them.

With thoughts,

Char

[Included are some dandelions and chicory and common daisies pressed inside the envelope some of them starting to wilt and die. The flowers fade out so quickly, but they are still beautiful.]

~~~

Dearest Sandy Marko!

It's me! Nerva again! Though I am still writing on behalf of all the Sand Sisters here, and over the whole world of Panem.

This couldn't have come at a better time. There's been some drama~ amongst the sisters as of late (eye roll). This should straighten them up!

We will definitely try to make friends for other reasons. Malia likes blue, for example. So IN. I personally think we'll be the best of friends.

But never so good a friend as you Sandy! We miss seeing you on screen already! Thanks for being our hero!

With regards,

The Sand Sisters

(written by Nerva Ovidia, your biggest fan)

~~~

Dear Cassandra,
All the more reason to keep your nose clean, then. At any rate, to answer your question, I quite prefer the winter. Perhaps it may be predictable, but I enjoy the snow. Isn't it funny how it can be so calming and yet deadly in the wrong circumstances?

Sincerely,
President Snow

~~~

Dear Sandy Marko,

You are very welcome, dear. It was tricky to set up, but I do believe it was worthwhile. I am glad you had as much fun as you did.

That sounds like a wonderful idea. I think that will go over very well.

I am not sure if Phil could be a teacher but I suppose anything is possible! Especially now that he is a Victor. Many Victors take up jobs simply to pass the time.

You are a very kind girl. This keychain is adorable. I shall treasure it, I assure.

Regards,
Ms. R