peaceful like a storm {Mav + Niko}

[Knuckles]

"The trouble is not in dying for a friend, but in finding a friend worth dying for."
- Mark Twain

Finding the access to the roof was a complete accident, but now that Maverick is sitting on the ledge enjoying some fresh air, he's grateful. It's hard being locked away inside a building every single hour of the day, but right now, he can get some much-needed air. Back in district four, Mav was outside several hours a day trying to earn money for his family. Even in the early morning hours, he'd run down to the beach and listen to the waves crashing down, and while none of those sounds are here, being outside is amazing.

Sliding down against the wall, he brings his knees to his chest. The view is incredible, just seeing the different sizes of buildings that stretch far into the sky makes him what they would look like back home. Not that it matters. But he would never bring his family here. Hearing the crowd below chanting names and celebrating the tributes like they're some sort of unsung hero makes him sick to his stomach, but seeing the sun setting behind the buildings on the horizon makes it all worth it.

But none of this is ever worth it.

All he had to do was stay in place and let the Capitol snatch Ezera away, and Mav thinks of this every second of every single day, yet the thoughts are quickly replaced. Letting Ezera die would've crushed his soul worse than anything else, and now the kid can live a happy life without worrying about dying again.

It's hard sitting here knowing that his life is most likely going to end, and this is one of the last views he'll ever see. It's impossible to appreciate it since this isn't home, but it gives him a peace of mind. The Capitol is a horrible place, yet he likes to believe this is all the citizens know. Perhaps they don't know what life is like back in the districts - why would they? They have no reason to know what everyone else goes through while those back home have a bunch of hatred towards those living in the Capitol. There's a reason for it all.

Right now, all Maverick wants is to enjoy a peaceful day, a chance to see the outside world before he's ushered away for good to the hellhole of an arena. It's difficult to think about, yet he wants to enjoy his life until it comes to an end no matter what the cost.

407 words
table by kap

[pup]

Niko had found the roof on the first night. It was an escape from the daunting realizations drowning him in waves of anxiety. Itzal, who he thought would have been a help in keeping him grounded, was off to play the game. He had buddied up with the creep from nine and left Niko off to wander around on his own. So far, he hasn't found anyone else worth spending time with besides Dory, and she's also more focused on staying alive than he his.

That's how he found himself on the roof once again, just a few hours after the mandated training time. It is his escape from Itzal's subtle strategizing and his mentor's absence.

He stops by his floor to pick up something to drink. After almost accidentally choking on what he thinks is air freshener placed too close to the drinks on the dinning room counter, he finally pours himself a cup of sweet purple lemonade. He holds a bottle of vodka over the container for a few seconds, and then he's finally ready to head out.

When the elevator deposits him on the roof, he's hit first by the warm air. It was a difference from the overly-air conditioned training center interior. It was more natural, despite the flashing lights from the constant revellers below. The sun was beginning to make its way down west and was turning the clear sky a blue to orange gradient.

As Nico inspects the roof, he sees that someone else has found his sanctuary. The mane of golden hair is instantly recognizable. It's the career from four. Pausing outside the elevator's door, Niko almost turns back around before remembering that Maverick can't going to kill him just yet; he has to wait for the cameras.

Instead of turning back towards isolation in his chambers, he continues over to the golden-haired boy from four.

"See anything interesting? Last night I saw a crowd of people dressed in those district three VR headsets crash into each other."

He sits down a few paces away and swings his feet over the edge of the building. Taking a sip from his concoction, he looks down at it. It's a little strong, but that's not an issue for him.

"It's crazy that they think they're honoring us," he says wonderingly, almost to himself as he watches the passersby cheering. One of them spots Niko and Maverick on the roof and begins waving hysterically before passing out from excitement. "But then again," he continues, forcing a more cheerful tone, "That's district four's whole thing, right? Finding honor in the games?"

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