thecapitol | The Tribute Youth Programme: October

Entry tags:

event: the tribute youth programme

The Tribute Youth Programme: October

Who| 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. If you would like your character to be caught trouble-making, please contact mods. The fantastic Tribute Youth Programme uniforms are designed and drawn by Reiko.

So you've lost the arena. Just as well. Now you can return to your lessons.

Things, this month, are on the tense side. Some of the programs have been skimped on. Nevertheless, it is still a perfectly enjoyable programme! ...Right?

All Tribute Youth are given pamphlets for the Junior Peacekeeping program. Sign ups will be all month. The Tributes are strongly encouraged to sign up. Posters have been put up all over the classroom about ratting out rebels for the sake of keeping the peace.

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Added to the fall themed yard of last time are giant climbable haystacks and pumpkins. Some of the smaller pumpkins have been carved out into spooky grinning faces and various Tributes, all lit from inside.

Tributes are allowed to choose from all manner of costumes upon a rack and dress up as favorite creatures and persons. There's make-up, jewellery, and all sorts of accessories available. A photographer is there to take pictures.

While much of the leaves have fallen off the trees by now, in their place hang little Halloween decorations, and among them, wrapped candies free for the taking.

In a bubbling witch's brew or in the smoky crystal ball, Tribute youth can view the remainder of the arena.

It's the very last day of the school month. For the past week, the Teacher has jumped at the slightest noise. As the children shuffle in from recess, they will find their classroom door closed. But if listening closely, they may hear the events inside.

"They're not talking," says the Teacher, her affected Capitol accent showing more than ever in her whine.

"You had six months. That is half a year, Scarlet."

"Yes, but-"

"You got this position through a set of very special circumstances. There was a deal made. We let you free, you gather names."

"No, please, I-"

"And where are we? Some mentor already run off. Not even a single set of initials otherwise. Instead, there's been more rebellion than ever. We think, perhaps, you did not try hard enough."

"No! No! Wait! Please! I have names! I have some! They're in on it! They're all in on it, all of them except-"

The crack of a gunshot echoes through the facility. A thump follows, then footsteps. A man in a mustard suit opens the door. He seems surprised to find the children there, but only mildly. He glances at them, then up at the Peacekeepers rushing in on the gun's sound. He says;

"School's out for the rest of the month. Go back to the Tower."

He closes the door behind him and waits for each Tribute to pass, escorted by Peacekeepers.

Your designated District penpals are, tragically, gone. However, if you sent out a letter last time to the District, you may get to see a special film.

The screen flicks on, the static clearing out to reveal a familiar boy, one who'd shouted out Maglev's name at the Reaping. Cable's eyes are glassy but he is not a motionless doll like Maglev's mother. He is alive and restless.

"Unity," He starts. "That's what you said right, unity." His head bobs as he talks. He looks like he can't decide if it's the greatest or dumbest thing he's ever heard.

"I kissed her. I kissed her and she- she flipped out, asked me why I would do that. I didn't get it. I didn't get in then, Vantas, but I do now." There's a feverish quality to his eyes, to the way he speaks. His breaths are short and fast. "You see, love is cruel. You care about people and you do all the worst things just to protect them. You care, and you do something you think is good, and all it does is it hurts you both."

Cable's hair is a mess. It's been run through a hundred times which he proves by getting up suddenly, pacing the room and running a hand through his hair. There are bruises on his arms, on his face, and his clothing is dirtied. He stops pacing and gets up close to the camera.

"I'm not gonna forget this. I won't forget what you did. These other guys, they may not do anything about this but I will. You took out that District one guy, I saw you." He nods fervently, as though Karkat should somehow understand what he really means.

"We can't make things right anymore. Not between me and her anyway. But we can still make things right. Can't we, Karkat, WE CAN DO THIS!"

There's the sound of footsteps following that scream. It's the marching steps of Peacekeepers. Cable stares intently into the recording.

"Jackie was here."

The video cuts to a quick shot of the train, the District symbol appearing there, before it cuts out.

~~~

Karkat,

Yeah. Yeah, I think you're right. I heard your speech. I don't think there's anyone in Panem who didn't! It was really something. I'm going to try and do what you said. Be unifid and all.

I didn't know you were going to die. I guess it's a good thing you're here now.

I never thought about it like that but you're right. I'm going to keep the peace. And I'll take it really serious and its weight and everything all the time. I am serious about this, I think. It's really not a joke this time. I want to do this. And I also want to be your friend.

I'll follow you, Karkat.

Thanks for writing to me. I've learned some stuff.

Don't be a stranger, okay?

Drusus

Darling Sansa,

I knew when I saw you that you'd be amazing but, wow, you're even more wonderful than I thought you'd be. You're so pretty and kind and strong and wow. Wow, you are really talented too on top of all that.

Your home looks beautiful and your flag is really cool. I'm going to see if I can get both flags put up around my home too. I don't know what praying is but I'm sure it's fun.

This picture means so much. I only wish I could make one as beautiful as this to send back. I'm sure I could buy one for you but it doesn't feel the same.

So I bought a necklace for you instead! It's supposed to be inspired by you! I hope you like it!

I'm a huge fan of yours, Sansa. There's no one I'd want to see win more than you. I'm not really that exciting comparatively, but I can work a mean powdered wig. I like candy apples, bird feathers, the color yellow, and opalite stones. I'm hoping one day to be like you.

We love you here in the Capitol, Sansa! Thank you for being ours!

With love,
Vita Tatius

[Enclosed is a golden necklace with blue gems.]

~~~

The screen flicks on, the static clearing out to reveal a woman with wide blue eyes, seeming haunted. She looks like Maglev but not as much as Maglev's father. Unfortunately, the man is nowhere to be seen for this film. The painting Sansa made is clutched in hand.

The woman looks up over the camera, like someone's got her attention, then seems to remember herself. She speaks like she's reciting.

"Th-thank you, Sansa. I'm Raillie It's... we work together in the factories. A group process. And we all work very hard on each piece."

She takes a deep breath.

"Your painting is beautiful. Maglev would've loved this. She would've been very fond of you, I think, she always was a big fan of you offworlders, but I think it's that you seem a kind soul..."

Her voice squeaks sometimes. Her eyes remain wide and round, but she doesn't cry. She does need to catch her breath ever now and then though.

"She met you, my Maglev. I'm sure you remember."

She places the painting down so her hands can squeeze together.

"Thank you for your work. Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Pa... a..."

Maglev's mother gapes fishlike for several moments. The video cuts to a quick shot of the train, the District symbol appearing there, before it cuts out.

~~~

Dear Sansa Stark,

Why, dear, you are very welcome. I'm sure your lessons back home have given you much, but it is wonderful to hear that a pupil of mine is giving proper consideration to how she may help better society. I believe those will to think it through are those who will make all the difference.

Consider it done. I will have a thank you note written for him and sent along with a gift basket as expression of all our gratitude.

As for writing to another District, I believe this may be possible. We had one student whose District was three, but due to extenuating circumstances, she chose to write to District seven instead. Perhaps a chance for this will come in the future so that the opportunity may be extended to you as well.

You aren't a trouble my dear. Do not think of yourself so. You are as worth my and Mister Wesker's time as anyone.

I agree with you. The Capitol is a wonderful place. Unfortunately, as with all good in the world, there are those who seek to destroy it. Should they win, I would fear for all of Panem. I think many others fear this too, which means that unfavorable things may sometimes happen. But I believe, in my heart, that the Capitol is good and serving it is the right thing to do. I hope you will remember this too.

It's been a wonderful opportunity, getting to teach you. I'm so glad you've been enjoying yourself and finding a home here in Panem. Never forget, so long as you are good and kind, you belong here as much as anyone.

Regards,
Ms. R

To Ruffnut Thorston of the Isle of Berk and District 7

That's quite incredible. You must be very sturdy to have survived all that. Perhaps thick boned, if there even really is such a thing.

I believe your victory is, as they'd say, in the bag. There's no way you'll lose. You're going to destroy in there, I just know it. Perhaps with one of the dragons.

Thank you for the mask. It's charmingly fetching. I don't think I'll be joining the arena though. It's an honor to go in of course but it's about the Districts having been traitors who started a war. This was a deal they made to us in the Capitol, because they lost and we forgave them. We're not the bad guys. It only happened to that one girl because her family was all in with the Tributes or something like that. Like I said, I won't be joining you. Even if you might make a delightful mentor.

I'll just have you know I am wearing the mask as I write this. Win this, Ruffnut.

Aelius K III

~~~

The screen flicks on, the static clearing out to reveal a haggard man whose beard has begun to grey prematurely. He looks like he attempted to dress up nicely and gave up part way.

He starts to mutter only to be asked to speak louder by someone offscreen. He reacts by throwing a glare at them.

"Better not die. Better not've let 'er die, ya hear?"

He goes loud, then quiet again, muttering and bring his fingers up to rub at his temples.

"Shouldn' a let 'er... slipped all..."

He sniffs and makes a face. His eyes are going red and watery around the edges.

"Didn't get a lotta people. Wasn' a people... person. S'my fault... Wasn' a dragon girl neither, she liked the bugs, always was bringing the bugs in, I found this beetle up in a bottle-" He makes a face again. "...Woulda liked it... Sorry Hem, mm'sor.."

The video cuts to a quick shot of the forests, the District symbol appearing there, before it cuts out.

~~~

Dear Ruffnut Thorston,

Oh dear, that sounds terrible. You must ask around wit due immediacy to see to this rash. I'm sure someone must know something. I do know that it is very possible to be allergic to some types of inks, or rather, their contents. You may wish to pay close attention to any ingredients lists.

Thank you for having done it. It turned out rather lovely and, if I do say, you may be right about it making me appear rather battle ready. I garnered many a complement for it after work. It brightened my day.

Thank you my dear. You too. You know I believe in you.

Regards,
Ms. R

P.S. I think I would like that.

Dearest Sandy Marko!

Our last visits together at the museum was amazing. We learned a lot but best of all, we got to meet our heroine! I personally still have butterflies! So cool. I'll never forget this. Never ever ever. The other Sand Sisters won't either, I'm just sure of it!

We've all discussed Char and sought to be as kindly and calm as possible! We've also opted to give her designation as an official Sand Sister! The shirt and bracelet and custom hair clips are all ordered in! She's going to look so great in them.

Until she wins, we've all shown our support with flags and banners and buttons and more! We're going all out, Sandy. No other Tribute is getting OUR attention. Except you of course.

We got your back! Always!

With regards,

The Sand Sisters

(written by Nerva Ovidia, your biggest fan)

~~~

The screen flicks on, the static clearing out to reveal a large number of people. There's two boys in the front with resemblance to Char, a man and a woman standing behind them. There are others, friends of Char's and strangers. If one squints, those people in the back might be mistaken for Peeta and Katniss.

Various things are spoken then by a number of people. Things about what a good person she is. Things like;

"Bring her back."

"Been watching you a long time, little one..."

"YOU CAN DO IT!"

And,

"We're with you."

The tape is cut off earlier than the others, the sound of marching Peacekeepers cutting out the voices. The Camera is toppled over and the scene cuts out.

The video cuts to a quick shot of a pile of coal and a smoking chimney, the District symbol appearing there, before it cuts out.

~~~

Dear Sandy Marko,

It's very true. Things tend to cycle, even without our intention. I am not particularly tending to the philosophical, myself, but it does make one ponder.

I imagine many mentors really did feel the same as you, though before you, District 12 did not have much in the way of Mentors, at least not until Katniss and Peeta came along. Quite the pair, weren't they? I do wonder what became of them sometimes.

I wish you luck in training with her. And I suppose it is rather funny in some sense. The odds are shocking, but odds are still, naturally, odds.

I'm glad you seem to have gotten so much out of your lessons, Miss Marko. It warms the heart.

Regards,
Ms. R

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The Tribute Youth Programme: October

Recess Break - Kid’s mingle

Talk To The Teacher [CW: Death]

Letters & Gifts

Karkat D6

Sansa D6

Ruffnut D7

Sandy D12