Sabre Round 1: Hollow vs. Moreno, J.

Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused

She was rusty, that's all there was to it. There hadn't been much time for training in the days since the Olympics announcement, and it wasn't like Jaguar was hitting the training center every day at twenty-four. She run, she worked out once a week with weights, she kept herself in good working condition. But she was no longer the fierce competitor she had been when the Morenos were in charge of every hour, every calorie.

And she'd never missed that regimented life style so much as she did in the moments leading up to her first match. She would have felt more confident going into boxing first, but the Moreno's bad luck was apparently going to follow her around too. She'd always loved the sabre, the weight of it, the near-reality of actually being able to slice and dice. She'd come away from matches with bruises and cuts. It was almost like being in the arena. A taste of something she could never have.

She stayed on her toes, bouncing and stretching and jostling anyone who got too close. She didn't recognize the name of her opponent, but then she found most people to be unfamiliar now that she wasn't in the center day in and day out. There wasn't much to be found about this Hollow tribute athlete, and she tried not to let that bother her. But it always helped to know your opponent, to have a bit of leverage to throw them off balance. She'd just have to make do without.

She came into the dazzling lights of the cameras with a smile to out shine them all. Jaguar waved, laughed brightly, and then donned the rest of her protective gear. She should have taken the time to size up her opponent, she realized belatedly, but it had been so long since she had drank in the spotlight. Jaguar soaked it up, the cheers, the knowledge that she was being broadcast around Panem. It was heavenly, soothing and exhilarating as she lifted her weapon, waiting for the signal.

And then she struck.

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And made a horrible sound in the back of her throat, somewhere between a gasp and a growl, as her opponent parried the first blow.

Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused

The boy is quick - quicker than she'd like. This will be a test of time and skill, not of strength. Beneath the mask her hair is already in disarray, her gaze narrow as she takes in the smooth movements of the tall boy. It's just been too long. Jaguar is quick but she's no sprinter; the blow hits her shin before she move out of the way. It isn't a point, but it smarts and reminds her that it's possible she'll lose, if she's not always on her game.

It is a dance, this sort of fighting, which was the other reason she was drawn to it, beyond the elegance of the weapon. Jaguar squares her jaw, sets her sights, and tries again.

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And this time carries through. She is much more lady like in triumph, holding back any outward display of glee. But inside, she is burning.

Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused

Jaguar felt that first burst of adrenaline as she scored and parried, moving lithely on her feet. That had always been her advantage. Many of her opponents had been trained in dance before switching to athletics, learning first and the balance and then the killing. But not Jaguar. She hadn't the right sort of upbringing. Still, she had always loved to climb, to balance on curbs, to challenge her dainty toes to hold her up.

It worked to her advantage to have fast feet, since she was so petite. There was never any chance for her in a contest of brute strength, and this fellow could definitely get over her head. She just needed to be quick, to dance a little faster.

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But she wasn't always fast enough as he parried her next attack.

Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused

Evenly matched opponents are less fun. And Jag is starting to realize this is only the first round; if she does actually pull this off, there will be many more. Grr.

WIP.

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Arm. Point!

Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused

His parry skills are pretty impressive. But that's not how you earn points, much to Jaguar's advantage.

WIP.

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Shoulder. Point!

Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused

Things are heating up! And this boy is getting a little scary. Jag, so far, maintains her cool.

WIP.

Mask. Point![dice=20]

Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused

Moren-o! Moren-o! The crowd chants, carrying her forward.

WIP.

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