thecapitol | Plan A

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Plan A

Who| Topher and OPEN
When| Final Week of Arena
Where| Capitol University Library
What| Research!

There was an ever growing pile of books and tablets on an out of the way table in the library of the Capitol's one university. Even this sacred hall of knowledge was hideously over constructed like so much of the Capitol's architecture. Topher was dismayed to find that despite the advancement of knowledge there was so much lacking; all show and no real meat. It hurt his heart a little. Glancing at the sadly lacking history section Topher changed his mind; it hurt his heart a lot.

For a world that had managed to not only bridge the gap in outer dimensional travel and essentially put a stopper on Tribute death there was very little technological knowledge to be had. Of course every advancement was attributed to the Capitol and it made Topher briefly wonder about the world outside the Capitol. Sure, he'd heard stories about the Districts but beyond the borders of Panam there was zilch. He was curious to know what outside technology might be like, but unless someone suddenly invited him on a trip around the world that was a question that would be left unanswered.

He scribbled notes in frustration. Everything would have to be rewritten from the ground up to make the Tech compatible with the tech in this world. It wasn't a challenge by any means, but Topher hated busywork. Since there was no telling when he would be tossed back into that stupid Arena his best bet was to fill his time working on getting rid of his Alpha problem and maybe buttering up a few of the big-wigs that ran around the Capitol. It never hurt to have a supporter or two especially ones who could afford to get him the things he needed.

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Eva spends time in the library on a regular basis, although she rarely ventures into the science sections. While her mind wraps easily around literature, despite her limited education, she lacks the foundation for science, a handicap she may never overcome.

However, she is compelled to organize things, and as such when she finds a stray science book in the poetry section - a hardbound science book, even - she decides to take a trip down to the aisle of technology (she passes a fountain and a disco ball along the way, because it is, after all, the Capitol). And she pauses when she sees a young man with shaggy hair hunched over books and tablets and a notepad, scribbling furiously.

"Most Tributes don't come to the library first thing." She smiles and knocks gently on the tabletop to let Topher know she's talking to him.

A book loudly crashes to the floor when Topher jumps and bumps one of his piles with his elbow. Reaching down to get the book he takes a moment to let his heart fall back to a normal rhythm. Topher hadn't expected anyone to find him in this maze of information, well, anyone who wasn't one of the few students he saw occasionally lurking around.

"Oh, um, no one said I couldn't, so..." He set the book back into its proper pile and closed his notebook. "I'm not sure on the whole rules here, but since no one stopped me I figured why not?"

"Oh, sorry." Eva bends over to gather some of the books. She shouldn't forget how jumpy many of the Tributes are after coming out of the Arena. Just because it was a long time ago for her doesn't mean it isn't fresh for them.

"What are you reading about? I usually don't come to this section."

"Just looking up a bit of technological history." He grinned and offered up a tablet on holograms. "You guys are so advanced and yet totally backwards in some things. If the Capitol hasn't invented it then you don't know about it." His grin brightened. "Lucky thing I was brought here."

"Do you really think it was the Capitol that invented all these things?" Eva raises an eyebrow. "District 3 may have something to say about that."

She taps the back of the chair. "Do you mind company? I'm afraid I don't have a mind for science, but I do have one for history and culture."

"And who owns District Three?" He snorted and rolled his eyes. Yeah he had glimpsed through a few history books and thought he had the basics of this Panem down. "The point being there are gaps that really should be filled or this country won't have much further to develop."

Topher shrugged. Company was awkward at best but they were at least talking about something that interested him which meant it was highly unlikely that she wouldn't be annoyed by him within the next three minutes. "Sure."

"I was talking with Mr. Handsome who threw the yacht party and mentioned that with all the people being pulled in the Capitol should really make use of those with more than half a brain outside of their time playing gladiator. Plus, I'm not really big on partying no matter how much my escort screams I'm ruining my chance and her chance."

"You do know there's a petition process, don't you? If you really think we need saving from our luddite tendencies, you should apply. The Capitol's not always the best at finding new talent that isn't pointed out to them."

She folds her hands. "I could even put a good word in with Timmy for you. He's practically a son to me, and his wealth speaks in this place."

She has no reason to offer to help Topher, except that he really doesn't look like the winning type. The best the Arena can offer him is a chance to die over and over, and that's difficult to watch on someone, especially someone as young as she finds him.

Timmy? He wants to say something but a voice that sound vaguely like Adelle is telling him to keep his mouth shut and so he does, but that doesn't keep him from smiling. "Timaeus mentioned that, but he wasn't sure how it worked and my help isn't exactly..." Was it kosher to mention you thought your mentor might be a lush? She certainly had plenty of rumors flying around the Capitol.

"I wouldn't mind actually. I'd be more useful out than hiding in a dark corner in the next Arena; not exactly the entertainment they were hoping for I'm sure." Plus the edge over Alpha would be more than a little plus. "Oh, and hey, I don't doubt the technical marvel that is the Capitol, but this is the future and I want a jetpack."

"Get the Avoxes to show you who to talk to. They aren't allowed to refuse you it." There's something vindictive in the way Eva says that, something ugly that shows in the way she enjoys power-tripping over the weak servants.

"Well, it's really quite depressing the amount of funding we haven't put into jetpack research."

"Yeah, I can play boss." Even if the Avoxes were completely creepy. This is why the Capitol was going about things wrong. Why cut out a tongue when you could just create a perfect servant?

Topher laughed a bit and pulled out small bag of gummies that he'd smuggled into the library. "At least they got that weird train thing. Oh, hey, do winners still tour the Districts? Not that I'm into fabric, but District Three sounds interesting."

"If you're the technological type, you're more likely to find the high-end stuff here in the Capitol. We import the best and brightest from District 3." After all, it wouldn't do to let people get ahead on their own.

"But yes, there are occasionally District tours. Planning on winning?"

"Despite what you may think I'm not actually the outside type, but if I could peek at the brains in District 3 then I could probably force myself to get a bit ruthless and do the whole outside touring thing." Even as he talked about going out of the relative 'safety' of the Capitol his face showed that he would much rather stay put. He was already thinking about that whole Petition thing which was much better than visiting some rundown town even if they did have some good tech.

"Well, consider that your motivation. But between you and me." She leans forward and whispers, "you don't want to stand out too much in the Arena, then. They'll reject your petition if you're making them money in advertisements."

He pauses and looks over at her with a raised eyebrow. "I don't want to be over looked either. Timaeus said he'd vouch for me if I put in for Citizenship, but why would anyone else want to help some faceless Tribute." Topher leaned back in his chair and tapped his pencil on the table. This tightrope was becoming more inconvenient than he had originally thought. Be famous but not too famous. Useful but not too useful. He wasn't used to being average or even above average.

"I miss my office and my tech. I think I miss nosy security too even though they do a very fine impression of it here."

"It's not just an impression." She makes a shushing gesture. "Just make yourself out to be brilliant. That way you're not approachable enough for people to root for you, but show value."

She pats the table. "Shouldn't be too difficult for you."

"Now you're flirting. Flattered really, but I'm in love with my work." She reminded him of Adelle with was both nice and dangerous. He missed Adelle. Mostly he missed the way she took care of everything and just let him work. There was no place to focus in the Capitol aside from the library and that was more depressing than Topher was willing to admit.

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Plan A

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So sorry I lost this one ):

Rude

Re: Rude

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