Curiosity {d11 train}

[d9 kristof parks {ems}]

A soft grin slowly spreads across her face as she looks at the train. Being chosen to represent district eleven is an honor. Ember doesn't understand why everyone looked so sad when they saw her standing by the escort. Doesn't everyone want to represent the district? It's almost as though she's missing something, and it's impossible to figure out what it is. She's not going to let that slow her down though. Leaving the district is forbidden, but having the chance to is incredibly exciting, and Ember can't control the butterflies dancing around her stomach. Sometimes anxiety brings those on, and it's impossible to tell if it's because of any anxiety or not. Fear of the unknown is terrifying, and it nearly brings her down to her knees, but at least she's happy knowing she'll see a place outside district eleven for the first time in her life, yet she doesn't know it could easily be her last.

Finding a place to sit is easy despite it being uncomfortable since her feet doesn't touch the ground. Not that anyone would notice anyway. Being young is rough, yet she's excited for when she grows up and tries to make her own way in life. It's easy enough, and her parents are so proud of her already - Why were they crying when I saw them in the audience though? Shouldn't they be happy? Shouldn't they rejoice that Ember has a chance to represent the district in a game?

A heavy sigh leaves her chest, and she slowly makes her way around the train. Maybe Ullr will know the answer to these questions. Maybe he can help her understand more of what's going on, but Ember isn't sure it's worth asking him. She paces around working on plucking up the courage. He's older, and she's definitely intimidated by him, but he wouldn't hurt her, right? Ember takes a deep breath and walks up next to where he is. "Ullr, I, uh, I have a question." Her eyes lock on the ground, and she feels herself becoming anxious and nervous and completely embarrassed. "Why did everyone look so sad when they saw me chosen?" She pauses and looks up at him.

"Isn't it an honor?"

Credit to Rave <3

[Noah Vau - D2 (Cato)]

I was ten when the first hunger games started, and I remember watching it wondering what it was about. I wasn't quite old enough to fully understand what was happening, but I knew it was bad. I was twelve when my father died. It changed my life completely, and now I'm struggling to figure out what I want to do with my life, but I don't think I have a chance. I had one more year and then I was free, but my name was chosen. I was called to step forward to represent district eleven in a battle I don't think I'm prepared to fight. Not that it matters. I didn't even try to find my mom in the audience. I didn't want to see her at all. It's been six years, and I still think she could've saved him if she just tried harder.

When I'm on the train, I'm minding my own business. I partially feel bad for Ember, she's so young, but even then I can't focus on her. I know what has to happen, and she's standing in my way. I don't want to be friends with her, and I don't want to get to know her. Why should I? She's my enemy, I'm her enemy. I watch the trees flying by, it's comfortable. It reminds me of home. It gives me courage and strength, but it all goes away when Ember walks up to me. I ignore her at first, her smile, her giddiness. She has a heart of gold, and this is going to break her, but I refuse to care. It's not until she speaks to me that I understand this isn't going to be easy.

Her words hit me hard, and I feel my breath catching in the back of my throat. I can't make it better for her, and it's difficult knowing she doesn't understand. It's not an honor. It's not even close, and she's probably going to die. But do I tell her? What can I tell her? I look away from her and take a deep breath. I don't want to ruin this world for her, fortunately for me, though, it's already being ruined. I look out the window hoping that maybe she'll go away because I really don't want to answer her. Let her find out on her own. Let the world destroy her like they did me. It's best that way. I don't want to assist the world, but it seems I have no choice. "You really don't get it do you? What do you think's going to happen when it's just us should we get to that point? It'll end with you dead. I'm sorry your parents were too fucking scared to tell you the truth."

credit to Rave

[d9 kristof parks {ems}]

For a moment, Ember doesn't think he's going to answer, and she turns to walk away. Maybe he just doesn't want to speak with her, but why does he look so lost in thought? Why doesn't he want to talk to her - What am I missing? She turns away and drops her arms to her side. He doesn't want to become friends, why would he? Yet Ember doesn't understand what's wrong with him or anyone else. Why was mama and papa crying? Why did people look like they were filled with so much sorrow? None of it matters. But before she can walk away, Ullr speaks. He's almost angry, and she wants nothing more than to tell him it's okay.

It takes a moment for his words to sink in. What is he talking about? What does he mean when he says she doesn't understand? I just asked a question. Why is he so rude? Ember slowly shakes her head because none of it makes sense. "What do you mean? What are you talking about? You didn't even answer my question."

She turns away from him before quickly turning back as the words he said slowly starts hitting her in a way she never imagined possible.

"What do you mean death?"

My parents didn't tell me the truth?

Being young is hard, it's impossible to think about anything, and she's tired of being treated like a fool. Ullr is older, stronger, he's had more life experience, but it's obvious he doesn't care.

She turns back and faces him. "I just asked a simple question, and you are being rude about it." Her hands ball into tiny fists. "And why insult mama and papa? They aren't part of this. Whatever this is." Her gaze drops again as she walks away slightly and tries focusing on the world around her.

"Sorry for bothering you."

Life is hard, and Ullr made it more difficult, yet Ember still doesn't fully understand what's actually happening.

Credit to Rave <3

[Noah Vau - D2 (Cato)]

I have hope she'll go away and leave me alone, and I feel that even though my statement was harsh, she'll understand what's going on. This isn't a game anyone wants to be chosen for. I've been old enough to understand it. Yeah, she may have been four when the first game happened, but she's been watching it since then, and I really think she's messing around with me. I place my head on my hands unsure of what to even do here. It's not my place to tell her what's going on. Her parents really did let her down with that aspect of life, but she doesn't want to hear it. I shake it off when she calls me rude and tells me I'm insulting her parents. I'll never understand why someone wants to protect their children from the harsh reality we're being placed in, but it isn't up to me. I learned all on my own.

But she still doesn't understand, and it just blows my mind away. The way she's looking at me, the way she asks about death. She asked me a question, and I answered it, but apparently it wasn't good enough. Not my fault she isn't smart enough to wrap her brain around everything. Maybe I am being harsh because I don't think many young people fully understand this, but they can ask their parents and learn. If Ember doesn't want me bringing up her parents, I won't mention them again. I just hope they're ready for their daughter to return home in a body bag because I fully plan on winning this. I want a life for myself, and I'm prepared to fight for it. "If you think I'm rude now, just wait until I explain why you're a walking corpse."

I pause for dramatic effect, but I mostly need to think of ways to word myself. I want her to be afraid. I want her to realize that I'm going to have to kill her eventually, so she should just stop trying to have any sort of conversation with me. I doubt she will, but it doesn't hurt to try. I raise my head from my hands, and I know my words are going to wipe the smile off her face, and I want to watch the realization set in. Maybe it'll be fun for me. I'm not going to beat around the bush, I'm just going to straight up tell it how it is. "You're going to have to kill someone to make it out alive. Possibly even me." I pause for a moment as I make myself sit up as straight as I can. "Are you prepared to watch the life leave my eyes?" Only she can answer for herself because I already know my answer for this. I'm not afraid to do what I must to make sure I live to see district eleven again.

credit to Rave