Never ever have I ever felt so low

[purebred]

Who| Lady & Open
What| Exploring the Capitol, looking for birds.
Where| A park
When| Presently
Warnings/Notes| N/A

It had taken quite awhile for Lady to feel safe enough to venture out into the world again. Of course, she'd gone through the motions and done what was asked of her, but her first instinct was to sulk and hide in her shame and let her fear consume her and hold her like a blanket. This world had seemed so beautiful before she'd entered the arena. Now everything seemed dark and overwhelming again.

But she was alive again, even if she wasn't able to understand the methods or reasons behind her resurrection. And while she wasn't in her right body yet, she was able to move and contemplate things. So once she felt up to it, she dressed herself properly and ventured out into the world, looking for birds to chase. Or squirrels. She always liked squirrels.

Comments

[futilecycle]

Sigma was exhausted. His son and Akane were recently killed in the Arena, just when he was beginning to have hope that one of them might win. Extremely overwhelmed with a mix of guilt and sorrow, the Doctor decided he needed some fresh air.

He sat on a park bench, looking down more often than he looked at the birds, trees, passersby. They all lived on so easily, and here he was, at a loss on what to do.

[purebred]

Lady was walking past, slowly circling around the park in an effort to examine every last stretch of pathway. There were so many new things to look at, tall, sturdy trees and blissful animals. The world seemed so orderly and at peace, it was hard to imagine the sadness and pain that lurked within the walls of the Arena. Everything was so beautiful, it was easy to forget how afraid she had been.

As she circled the second time, she noticed the man sitting on the bench and decided that it would be good manners to say hello. She nodded her head as she approached, as she'd seen humans do in the past, and spoke in a clear, husky voice. "Good afternoon."

[futilecycle]

Dr. Klim raised his head uncertainly at the voice, startled that any Capitol citizen would speak to him so civilly. These parts were not taught to be kind to old men. Of course, he realizes at once that this woman is another Tribute. Sigma frowns in sympathy, which eases into a sad smile. "...Good afternoon, young lady." He wondered if she recognized him as a Tribute as well.

[purebred]

Most humans looked the same to her, and it always took her longer to place faces. She was used to relying on her sense of smell in particular and it had taken quite a bit of getting used to to rely so heavily on her sight as her primary sense. She didn't immediately recognize Dr. Klim, but then, she hadn't immediately recognized the other Tributes she had met before the Arena once she'd entered it. That was simply the nature of her newfound state.

She smiled as the man said the word 'lady', eyes brightening. "You know my name?"

[futilecycle]

The Doctor was certainly confused by her response. It was a typical greeting and most would have kept walking, but he remembered these Tributes were from hundreds of alternate worlds and may not always understand universal courtesies. He was about to protest when he stopped to think about what it was he could have said. "...Lady?"

And then Sigma truly smiled. She did look like a proper lady. Rather than explain her misinterpretation, he tried to cover it up to prevent her from becoming embarrassed. "A-Ah, but how could it not be? It suits you so well." He was smoother at that sort of thing as a young man.

[purebred]

"Darling seemed to think so, too." She inflated a bit, looking just as proud as her voice indicated. She wanted to project daintiness, to seem delicate and ladylike, but she did enjoy being complimented, even by strangers. "I don't believe we've been introduced before."

back from hiatus, sorry

[futilecycle]

"Darling? Is that your mother's name?" Now she's calling her mother by her first name? Lady was odd, but in a charming way. She was unlike any of the other Tributes he had met, with her pride and happiness over so simple a compliment. Sigma found it refreshing. "Forgive me. My name is Sigma Klim. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady." He extended his hand for a handshake.