and wolves beneath their seams; nylon/abel blitz

[charade]

O’Malley.

I had to do some snooping on account of him being related to a tribute from last year, but like—who the hell has fifteen children?

Like—has them has them instead of grabbing a couple orphans from the nearest halfway house to train them, I mean that’s what my mother does. Like, how boring must district eleven be? Like—do they have nothing else to do but abuse their mattresses?

I wonder if the O’Malley mother can even walk anymore.

They're called contraceptives sweetie.

I get that he’s like Six’s cousin or whatever, but I hear those lower district bumpkins get a little too friendly with their family members youknowwhatimean? Anyway, it’s lunchtime and that means time to get to know my future victims to make it easier to slit their throats.

Gawd, I’ve practiced on dummies for so long, I’m kind of excited to get to kill a tribute for realsies.

“Hiii,” I say as I drop into the seat next to him. I really wish I could indulge in more than grilled tilapia in mango salsa and yucca fries but I’m on a strict diet; gotta maintain my muscle mass and physique you know?

I swear there better be fish somewhere in the arena or I’m going to have to have a word with my sponsors. I give the farm boy a winning smile that doesn’t match how hard I’m staring at him and casually dip one of my fries in chipotle aioli.

“So what’s your deal O’Malley? Volunteering for the fame or cause there’s nothing better to do back home?”

I mean, gawd, who does he think he is? Volunteering is for people that can actually back up the choice to do so. I’m pretty sure I could break him over my knee. Heck, a strong breeze could probably break him. Maybe I’ll find a nice cliff to shove him off in the arena.

Boys named Abel are allergic to rocks aren’t they?

[Deleted]

I didn't notice Nylon Gingham walking over to my table.

I know, a girl like that should be impossible to miss. But it's because I never expected it to happen, I expected her to go over to eat with the other careers. But, she didn't. In fact, she sat down right next to me. And the moment that she did? My heart began to pound in my chest. The most beautiful girl I've ever seen - possibly the most beautiful in all of Panem - was sitting next to me.

Sure, I've talked to girls before. I've even dated girls before, kissed them, whatever. But this was different. Even a 10 in District Eleven was like an 8.5 compared to her. And here she was, sitting next to me during lunch. I never struggled with ladies persay, but I also didn't do near as good as Cain did. Even if I was planning on killing her later, who said I couldn't try to get one little kiss first? I just had to do everything Cain would do.

First, he wouldn't freak out or panic. He'd be calm, cool. I just needed to act naturally. But damn, it's hard when she's just inches away from me. Like an angel sent from Heaven, a temptation sent from God himself. Okay, maybe an exaggeration, but Nylon is really pretty to say the least. And she's one of those girls who knows they're really pretty. Maybe if I wasn't so surprised to see her I would've questioned her motives more. Maybe I should have questioned them more.

I didn't notice the harshness of her words, instead I noticed her lips, so soft and pink. I noticed her big beautiful eyes, as though they were staring into my soul. I didn't notice her question was rhetorical either, and that she was looking for a fight. Instead, I noticed that she was actually talking to me. If Cain saw me right now, he'd be dying laughing at me. Hell, even Prop would be laughing and I doubt he's ever had a girlfriend.

"I volunteered because I know I can win, and it's extra worth it because now I get to meet beautiful girls like you, Miss Gingham."

I hoped that was smooth. It sounded better in my head than it did out loud at least. C'mon Abel, don't blow this.

[ table by griffin ]

[charade]

This is going to be even easier than I thought.

I mean, what’s the word, cherubic? I doubt he even has to shave yet with that smooth baby-face. He’s probably younger than me but not by much. But wow! He volunteered because he thinks he has a chance! That’s—well, he said that he knows he can win and that I’m beautiful, and only one of those things is right, I’ll leave it at that.

Actually no, I won't. But he actually had the gall to try flirting with me, and that is a game I never lose at. He's so proper. I would have thought someone from eleven would have trouble stringing sentences together, I mean, don’t they like—drop out after elementary to work in the fields or something?

I smile again and laugh, putting my hand over my mouth. I’ve gotten real good at faking things. And maybe, just maybe, I scoot a bit closer to where he’s sitting. Like a beartrap getting ready to snap shut on an unsuspecting rabbit. “Miss? Okayyy, O’malley.” I giggle coquettishly and inch even closer, letting my free hand wander along the back of his neck, tapping it gently with my fingertips.

“Miss is for like, old people and ladies.” I tilt my head to the side and brush a loose strand of his hair back. “I’m not old yet, and I’m not always lady-like.” As I finish saying that, I make eye contact and flutter my eyelashes innocently, slowly licking some of the chipotle off the fry before booping him on the nose with the edge of it.

Poor guy.

I almost feel bad for knowing he’s going to get eviscerated in the arena.

Almost.

I mean, I might be the one doing said eviscerating, and I’m not going to apologize for running over every obstacle in my path.

It’s a gingham thing.

“So I’m beautiful, huh?," I say as I take a bite of my fry.  "Do you not have anyone like me back home?”

[Deleted]

Suddenly my fruit and yogurt parfait in front of me vanished. I didn't care about it. Everyone else in the room disappeared. As the world faded the only two people in it were Nylon and I. From the moment she touched the back of my neck, I was entranced by her. It was as though she had cast some sort of spell over me, I melted into her touch.

Every little touch or giggle or look put me further under her spell. I'd like to think that usually I'm smarter than this. That I'd be able to see through sort of manipulation. But at the moment? I was drunk on the idea of Nylon Gingham. She knew exactly what to do to make me shiver and to make me fall deeper and deeper. God, she was angelic. But, deep down she was a devil in disguise.

"I'm not always lady-like."

"I have a hard time believing that, lovely..."

My face was turning a million shades of red already as I scooted ever so slightly closer to her - cautious yet excited. Part of me knew I was being stupid. Yet the teenage-hormone part of my brain really didn't care about that. I was staring, I didn't notice at the time but I was definitely staring. When she asked me a question, I finally blinked again. Normally I'd chose my words carefully, but right now? Right now my brain was pre-occupied and I just sort of spoke without thinking.

"I mean there's definitely beautiful girls back home but... you're a different kind of beautiful all together. There's definitely not any girls as beautiful as you in Eleven, even if they're pretty. I'm sure plenty of guys call you beautiful back in One too."

Then it started to hit me. Tons of people found Nylon attractive. Guys like Iden or Bastian or Arc - guys actually in her league. So why was she here talking to me? It didn't quite hit me what was going on quite yet, but slowly doubt was starting to penetrate my mind. My brain was torn between the answer it wanted and the answer it needed.

[ table by griffin ]

[charade]

Lovely, he calls me.

Really laying it on thick there. Omigawd, does he like actually mean it? Wow, I was going to knock his chair backwards and step on his neck but—I mean, I could use this. You know, manipulate him a little.

I’ve always wanted a simp to call my own.

He can carry my bag for me when I get tired! So I let him carry on, and maybe I even listen. He’s blushing, and it’s hilarious. I mean, he doesn’t have a chance with me. If I was tipsy and we were playing spin the bottle maybe I’d give him a little tongue action, but otherwise, he’s out of luck.

He says I’m a different kind of beautiful and I nod in agreement. It’s nice to be hear it from other people, even if I’m already aware of that. He mentions the district and an idea pops into my head. A hook. I wonder if he’ll take the bait? You know what’s a useful skill? Being able to cry on command. A little something I taught myself a few years ago.

“Oh sure, plenty.”

So I do, letting my eyes mist over and letting a few crocodile tears slip out. “Yeah—I—I had a bad breakup a few weeks before the reaping, so I guess—“ I even throw a few sniffs in there for good measure. “—well, it’s nice to hear you think I’m pretty, cause he just said some really mean things.”

I broke up with him, and it was because I don’t do commitment. It’s fun until it stops being fun, and I am not trying to be stuck with one person for the rest of my life. There’s a whole ocean full of fish out there, and I cast a wide net. Abel? He’s the kind of minnow that would get thrown back in the water, you know? But I think I might have a use for someone like Abel after all.

“You seem like an upstanding guy though, Abel.” I say it almost shyly as I plot my next move. Never hurts to have a few extra people on your side. At least until they stop being useful and you strangle them yourself.

Gawd, I really hope someone sponsors me a whip.

[Deleted]

The moment that I saw her eyes water, my doubts were silenced with concern. Sometimes a crueler side of me could come out - like when I met the boy from Three. But right now? Right now I had no reason to be cold or judgemental. I just wanted to help her from whatever pain she was feeling. But there was nothing I could do. I'd been on both sides of breakups so I knew how it felt. But it being so close to a reaping? That would add even more to the stress. It made sense why she was even bothering to acknowledge a guy like me - nothing about me would remind her of her ex. At least, that's what I assumed.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Nylon. I know how shitty break-ups can be, I've been there. Sometimes even breaking up with someone else if you're the dumper can be hard. But, just remember things will get better. Like the Bible says, 'When the righteous cry out for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.'* I know not everyone in Panem is very religious, but the message still stands."

That was one of the few Bible verses I knew by heart. A few of my cousins knew a lot more than me. But, I knew the ones that meant a lot for me. The ones I could lean on whenever times got too tough. It was a comfort, something familiar. Yes, some people see God is wrathful. But, he's only wrathful towards the sinners of the world. Much like how some people see the Peacekeepers as cruel. They're only cruel to those who deserve such cruelty. And while Nylon would have to die, she didn't deserve my wrath nor my cruelty right now.

"What can I say, my parents raised me with manners. Which is more than can be said for some of the other tributes. What about if we shift the conversation? Get your mind off of things. What would you have wanted to do with your life if you never ended up here?"

[ table by griffin ]
[ * pslam 34:17-18]

[charade]

I—

I can’t get a read on this boy. He’s flipping between being interesting and boring and I’m actually having trouble keeping up. Hr apologizes for my imagined hurt and then goes off on some poetic tangent about the righteous and the broken-hearted and I don’t grasp all of it, except for knowing that it’s scripture of some sort.

Is he one of those? A fundie, I mean? Ew.

Gawd, if he knew anything about me he’d think I was a heathen or something. And I haven’t even invited him to start sinning with me yet. Manners, gawd, he’s such a dweeb. He wouldn’t last a second against someone like Bastian or Iden. Silk would be head over heels for a gentleman like him if she could get past his humble beginnings. But then he asks what I’d do if I hadn’t ended up here. What kind of question is that? I volunteered. I chose to be here.

I wanted it.

Winning is the only thing that matters.

Book of Nylon, chapter four, verse twenty.

For a moment, I can feel the mask slip as I actually take the time to think about it.

“I don’t know? There was never a plan b. Give me a victor’s crown or give me death.”

And I mean it. Death’s never scared me, living to be old and useless always has. I’ve never envisioned myself as anything less than a titan in history, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Ridley Le Roux and Justice Fray from atop a mountain of corpses.

From the reaping to here, I’ve never felt more alive.

But then I put my face back on and smile sweetly.

“I mean, really, can you picture me cooking dinner as a housewife? I’d make that apron look good, cause I wouldn’t be wearing anything under it, but—“ I laugh softly as the competitive edge begins to creep into my eyes. “I’m going to win this thing. There is no other option.”

[Deleted]

I shouldn't have been surprised with the first part of her answer. After all, she's a career. She was born for this, raised with the idea that she was going to be a victor or nothing. And that led her to this moment. Sure, I was a volunteer. But a volunteer from Eleven and a volunteer from One were two completely different sides of the spectrum. Her and I were from two different worlds. I just had no clue how different we were yet. I was still ensared by her charms.

When she asked if I could see her as a house wife, I actually could. In a simple little house in Eleven, her hair tied back out of her face as she makes some sort of dessert. When she mentioned an apron, I envisioned it as having some cute little flowers embroidered on. And when she mentioned she'd be wearing nothing under it? I choked on my food - which considering I was eating yogurt that says a lot. I was not expecting that.

Everytime I started feeling confident or outgoing, she said just the right thing to make all of that confidence vanish. How was I supposed to respond to a comment like that. I really tried not to imagine her in such a state, but once the thought was there, it was hard to get out of my head. I could feel my face heating up more, and tried desperately not to show it. But damn, what was she trying to do? She was obviously playing some sort of game, I just couldn't figure out the objective of it.

I tried to move on the conversation, pretending her comment about the apron never happened - trying to avoid so much as glancing at her body, "Makes sense. You're a career after all. I never thought about volunteering until last year, up until then I had just always planned on being a Peacekeeper like the rest of my family... though it's a shame you're going to have to die, considering I'm winning."

I was tempted to make a comment about how we should kiss, that way she can say she kissed a victor before she died. But, I decided not to. What if that came off as creepy or weird rather than smooth? Normally I didn't have an issue with flirting, but a girl like Nylon was an entirely different ballgame. She was so unpredictable. She was so innocent, yet not at all. It was hard to get a read on her as a person or a feel for her motives. In a way, the unpredictability drew me in more.

"But hey, before you die, at least we can make most of the time you have left."

[ table by griffin ]

[charade]

There’s the reaction I was looking for. He choked! It’s so easy to get boys like him off-balance. Gahd, coming from a family like the O’Malley’s either he’s too close to his cousins or he’s never been kissed because women are the devil’s whores or some shit. He says he never thought about volunteering before last year—that he was planning to become a peacekeeper. I love a man in uniform.

I love it less that he thinks he’s going to win this. I mean—

Confidence is sexy, just look at me.

But like—he kind of just implied that he could beat me in a fight? And that’s pretty rude, not gonna lie.

Yet, it almost sounds like he’s trying to flirt. I want him to. It pays to have people in your pocket. The first weapon a career has is their looks. Mom always said to use it. Looks, charisma, keep it up until they stop being useful. I’ve taken those lessons to heart. I’m not going to make the mistake of making friends or lovers in the arena, only tools and toys.

I’m not sure which category to put Abel in yet.

“Ooh, we?” I lean to the side, until my cheek is practically up against the side of his. I drop my tone to a breathy whisper. “Make the most of it? Got any ideas?” I blink, letting my eyelashes flutter against his skin ever so lightly.

Ball’s in your court, O’Malley, don’t fuck this up.

[Deleted]

There was no way I was misreading these signals. She was practically sitting in my lap at this point - I was half tempted to just pull her onto it. Maybe she just wanted a distraction from her breakup. And maybe I didn't really care. I mean, it's not like there was anyone I had back home. And this might make me feel less lonely, distract me from everything for a while. Plus, let's be honest, Nylon is hot.

Of course, I wasn't planning on doing anything too extreme. After all, the Bible exists for a reason. But, there ain't nothing in the Bible about making out, I've looked. And maybe I'm not always the best at flirting with girls like this, but I've made out before and have only had positive reviews. Usually I had a bit of liquor in system during it, but I've made out sober before. And if I made out with Nylon? I wanted to remember it. To savor it for lonely nights in the arena. To remember years from now while I sit in the Victors Village.

I lowered my voice, not wanting to attract too much attention to us. The last thing I needed was one of those career guys to get jealous and pissed off. A fist fight wasn't on my to-do list while I was here. Plus, I wanted to be on the careers good side. And if things went as planned, I could definitely get on Nylon's good side. I may not talk a lot, but my mouth has other skills to be sure. I just needed a chance to show them off, and right now with people eating and training we were unlikely to be interrupted in either of our apartments. I just hoped I wasn't misreading the signals.

"...How does a make out session sound, princess?"

Nylon was spoiled, let's be honest. I hoped adding in that little nickname would help out my luck here. Cain would never believe me when I told him about us making out, but that was fine. I didn't need anyone to believe me, I just needed it to happen. And I didn't need us to be interrupted part way through.

"Want to find somewhere a little more private? I promise it'll be worth it. The Bible doesn't say anything about making out, if it did I'd be a sinner for sure."

[ table by griffin ]

[charade]

Princess.

I know he doesn’t mean it, because I haven’t meant any of the things I’ve said since I struck up this conversation. Doesn’t mean I don’t like hearing it. It is me he’s talking about after all. I can see it in his eyes. Even though he’s clearly got a high opinion of himself, his goals and his religion, he’s just like every other boy I’ve ever met.

He wants a taste.

That’s fine, I don’t mind giving people free samples, I just—I guess maybe I thought a boy with Abel’s background might be a little different. Glad he’s not though, that makes my job easier.

A private makeout session with someone from a lower district is something that’s definitely pretty high on my fun meter. It's scandalous.

Really, anything that gets the adrenaline pumping is on the list. I listen to the rest of his sales pitch, and I smile. I’m not the one buying here, he’s already bought and paid for the game, he just doesn’t know it yet. I don’t want to ruin the little back and forth we have going here but I’m pretty sure his book has some pretty strict rules on killing.

Lucky for me I make my own rules.

So, I pat the side of his cheek with my hand, and get up to go.

“You know how to get to the first floor apartments right?” I start walking away and as I do so, I make sure to sway as I look back at him.

“Just a warning, I tend to get a little handsy.” Another wink for good measure.

Now if the rest of the boys are this easy to wrap around my fingers, I’ll have them killing each other over me.

Ratings will be through the roof.