D8 Lawson vs D10 Rune [89th Spar]

[ryan]

d a n n y .

"you are weak
but not foolish
you have learned
how to die."

Danny couldnt help but feel some sort of wonder when he walked into the private screening for the spar matches that he had created himself. He was pretty gleeful when he realized that most of the tributes wanted to participate. He already knew that he was making a mark on the capitol this games. He made it his mission to revitalize and create something new so his games would stand out from the others. He did hide behind a reinforced glass that was blacked out on the other side so tributes could not see that they had an audience. The people that got a chance to see this first hand were few, but Danny knew that this would be another good way for people to see what the tributes had to offer. Of course, Sponsorship was more important than ever.

The spars had been going, and each one had been exciting to say the least. The audience was enjoying the show that was for sure, and Danny had a feeling that it was only going to continue as he watched the girl from 8 Ginny Lawson walk into the room. To be quite honest, he didnt expect much from anyone from eight, as it had been a while since they really gotten their feet off the grounds in the games. Its been years since theyve gotten anything higher than 7th. At least they were always the feisty ones. Then the tribute reaped into the female spot for 10 had walked in Maddox Rune. Danny had heard some things around the water cooler, but would not assume because it was not his place to pass judgement when they were just starting to get to know each other. The tributes from 10 had always been volatile, so he had a feeling that they were going to be in for a treat.

The trainer told them where to stand, an x marked the spot. He explained the parameters to the tributes. That they would go hand to hand until one of them is incapacitated. (OOC: 15 Damage) "And remember, you never know who might be watching. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!" Danny listened to the trainer and then focused on the fight forward. He was excited to see what was to come.

elegant

✨ zozo. & Knuckles

[✨ zozo.]

"Oh fuck."

You're the tiniest kid here, next to Luya. At least Aurora has her height and the flex of being friends with a victor. So sue you for swearing quietly under your breath when you're paired with a strong looking kid from Ten - they're all cattle-wranglers and hay-bale tossers and you're just a girl who can paint. No muscles, nothing but a frown and a steady hand - this was a mistake.

But you can't back down now, less you look even more pathetic. They'll go straight for the small ones with no backbone the second you all step off the platforms and if you're lucky they'll make it quick. Hungry eyes so eager to see you fail, taking notes on how and if you fight. So you stand there blushing and serious, trying not to show that your hands are shaking as you raise them in front of your face and shuffle around in a circle.

Tiny girl, all fight, you pretend the kid in front of you is your sister Remy and swing straight for the face.

table by elegant // gfx by me.

ginny swings at maddox, unarmed
sWzt3WYwNOunarmed
2.5 damage

ginny aimed for the face, up to ems where it lands!

unarmed

[Knuckles]

Sparring is a chance to see just what everyone is capable of if they go full strength. For Maddox, going full strength is the only way to show everyone not to mess with them. Most of the time has been spent alone sulking in the corners; however, it is time to step into the spotlight to show there is more than meets the eyes.

Maddox steps into the ring, and for a moment looks at the tiny girl wondering if going full strength is even worth it. Of course, the size of a tribute means nothing when everyone is placed in a life or death situation.

There isn't anything to fear.

Maddox stands in place, bouncing up and down slightly loosening up stiff joints, and when it begins, they don't expect the hand to meet their cheek. A small smile spreads from ear to ear, and Maddox knows just what they're capable of, and it is time to show the world.

A simple swing might be all it takes.

by griffin

Maddox attacks Ginny unarmed

dQmG3Z2pNmunarmed
3 damage


Maddox: 2.5/15

unarmed

[✨ zozo.]

Taking a first swing has to count for something. It's what you're telling yourself, imagining what all the kids around you are thinking. That you're not afraid to begin a fight. That you've got heart, even if your first punch feels flimsy against Maddox's body.

And Maddox is just as prepared, clipping the side of your arm as you raise your hands up to defend yourself. You stumble a little under their strength, catch your footing quickly, and huff air out of your nose.

At least you didn't yelp, you tell yourself as you steady your pose and remember what the trainers had suggested - legs apart, parallel with your shoulders, Mom always said you looked good in blue. Maybe the bruises will compliment your eyes.

"You fight little girls often?" you ask through gritted teeth, hoping you sound much tougher than you feel.

You don't wait for a response, opting for a kick of your good leg instead.

table by elegant // gfx by me.

ginny kicks out at maddox, unarmed
sI|v3gWdWqunarmed
2 damageunarmed

[Knuckles]

"You fight little girls often?"

Maddox doesn't move. Using that as a tactic means nothing, but right now what she doesn't know is Maddox is spending time running through the plans of whether going full strength is a valid strategy or not. Of course they don't enjoy this, but the idea of finding sponsors, the idea of making a point, of making a name for themself.

Maddox isn't the sweet innocent child Ma wants them to be.

Movement is slip, and it takes a moment to step out of the way of the kick, and her foot barely makes contact with their shin. Crying isn't an option despite the moment of pain. This is temporary, and if Maddox wants any chance of winning this game, they know the stakes.

With a shrug of the shoulders, Maddox swings again.

"Age doesn't mean anything where we are now. It's just a number."

by griffin

Maddox attacks Ginny unarmed

dCY4Fyxdb_unarmed
2 damage


Maddox: 5/15

unarmed

[✨ zozo.]

You'd hoped they wouldn't say something along those lines.

Despite being told your entire life that you were too young for most things that took your fancy, you'd hoped that your youth would be your saving grace in this place. And it was childish to think that some kids would have enough morals left to not want to hit a little girl - but wishful thinking was all it was.

A surprised little "oomph!" leaves your throat, wincing as knuckle connects with your chest. Your kick had been futile, failing to bring your opponent down as you'd hoped. Panicking and running out of ideas, you take a few steps back to give yourself a running start and launch your whole body at Maddox, planning to slam your shoulder into their side.

If this doesn't work, you might start crying. Then you'd really see who felt sorry for you and who to avoid with all costs in the arena.

table by elegant // gfx by me.

ginny runs at maddox, unarmed
wK5tknaqpqunarmed
2 damage

ginny: 5/15

unarmed

[Knuckles]

Silence.

Maddox takes a breath trying to steady a racing heart. It's not from being out of breath, but from the nerves of knowing that while this may be fun, in a few days this will be their reality.

Maddox stumbles slightly as Ginny slams into their side. Not paying attention nearly put them at a disadvantage, and it can be the different between life and death once they're actually fighting in the games.

Another swing, and for the first time missing seems like the best thing to happen here, yet Maddox doesn't want to go down without giving this their all. "Show me what you can do." Their voice is quiet, but maybe this is a chance to give Ginny the motivation to succeed. Winning or losing everyone deserves that chance.

Even the enemy.

by griffin

Maddox attacks Ginny unarmed

NFwFP9xka2unarmed
2 damage

Maddox: 7/15

unarmed

[✨ zozo.]

Their words hang heavy in the pause of the spar and the longer they linger the more sure you are that you're going to start crying.

You're getting frustrated now, swinging wildly and with no direction. It's just desperate arcs and kicks landing nowhere and throwing you off balance, and even when you throw your whole weight into a run you can barely get a good hit in. Your rage makes you careless and Maddox finds easy openings, each beat-down both physical and mental.

Show me what you're made of --

"Nothing good it seems!" you whine, taking a moment to clench and unclench your fists, blinking back tears. And that's haunted you your whole life - you've never been much, and even the things you are good at have never been great. Just a little girl lost - in herself, in her pain, in a house full of sisters. Whatever you're made of, it's fragile and fickle.

And then it's furious, snarling and anguished.

table by elegant // gfx by me.

ginny swings at maddox, unarmed
f3ic4FP1tBunarmed

2 damage

ginny 7/15unarmed

[Knuckles]

For a moment, Maddox feels terrible, like they've made the worst mistake of their life. This girl, she didn't ask for it, but Maddox didn't either. Only those stupid enough to volunteer asked for it.

But here they are, and it's clear this girl is struggling. A heavy sigh leaves their chest, and Maddox looks at the floor. All it takes is a simple movement to put this to an end, and Maddox isn't even sure what that is. Fighting is hard. It's nothing like leading horses to food or water.

Maddox doesn't say anything as the tiny girl slams into her again. Helping doesn't do any good here it seems which leaves only one thing to do. Even if nobody agrees.

by griffin

Maddox attacks Ginny unarmed

746llJJ3Bkunarmed
2 damage

Maddox: 9/15

unarmed

[✨ zozo.]

"Ugh!" and the tears are white-hot and sharp in the corners of your eyes.

No use, nothing works, you just go back-and-forth, tit-for-tat, making no real mark. The audience is getting bored now, some trailing off back to their stations, and you think of the way the boy from 7 and the career from 1 knew how to put on a show. A concussion and a broken nose, the crack of knuckle and the splatter of blood on an upper lip. You'll die in there with people like them, and all you'll have to show for it is bruised knuckles and tears.

All the world's a stage, and you're just a background character.

Over my dead body, you think with a frown and a swing just like Nylon Gingham.

table by elegant // gfx by me.

ginny swings at maddox, unarmed
D69CRp3vl|unarmed
5.5 broken nose

ginny: 9/15

unarmed

[Knuckles]

That one hurt, yet Maddox doesn't flinch. Tears pool in the corner of their eyes, but blinking them away is priority. Blood gushes from a broken nose, and in that moment the only thing Maddox cares about is finishing. Just giving this girl the victory because clearly it important.

But why give away a win?

Maddox doesn't know.

"Nice shot." It's mostly true, and normally saying that in a battle means nothing. To some it is everything. Taking a deep breath, Maddox sways back and forth for a moment before steadying themself. Sometimes life is simple, and today this isn't simple. Ending it here is an option, or maybe, just maybe, giving the win to someone who seems to want it more is important in the eyes of everyone.

All that is left is one more chance, and Maddox knows exactly what to do. If it is time to finish this, then it'll happen, but if they want to throw it to make everyone think they're weak, Maddox will take that chance.

by griffin

Maddox attacks Ginny unarmed

huIoO_J6hcunarmed
2 damage

Maddox: 14.5/15

unarmed

[✨ zozo.]

Stumbling back from the shock of your punch, your knuckles feel like they're on fire but it's your heart that is erupting as you flinch, someone's blood on your hands and pride swelling. You might have squealed with fright if you were at home, because truth be told you've never punched someone before. Never with that much intent, never with a result as satisfying and terrifying as a pummeled nose.

But you catch yourself, hyper-aware of the impact your punch and a subsequent look of disgust might bring. The Hunger Games started the moment your name was called and the odds of your youth and your district are already stacked against you. The fright of what you've done is a distraction as Maddox clips your side, "Nice shot."

"Thanks!" you beam, arm already poised to arch in the same manner. Like Nylon, you think with a concentrate frown. Just like Nylon.

table by elegant // gfx by me.

ginny swings at maddox, unarmed
FGXUtYvvQdunarmed
broken nose again lmao 5.5

ginny: 11/15

unarmed