b.e.i.n.g here// {{OPEN}}

[l.a.c.e.y]

Like the breeze whispering,
there comes a time of wait.
and like glass,
all life shatters.

[/center][/size]

The girls fingers playfully stroked the edge of what used to be a chair. I mean, it still was of course, the hollow and sullen brown wood in place to adequately form the shape of something used for sitting on. On the bottom of it, a rather strong looking piece of fabric decorated with the most appropriate decorations. Many of these including items such as flowers and grain, all commonly found here in district 11. Roselyn, the girl sitting here, turned her eyes to this fabric, the ends where, in fact, fraying was beginning to settle in. Her eyes, widened in almost the purest type of interest were carefully looking at theses frays, like snakes as they curled out of the edges, twisting in every which way. Roselyn knew that this was her only way of occupying herself on such days, days when she merely didn't have to work. This was rare, yet, still possible if thought of hard enough. To her, working was a very time consuming thing that was literally, her entire life. Give or take.

We receive gifts,
though their meaning is purely unsure.
To us,
they mean nothing.

[/center][/size]

A small sigh emanated through her throat, the sound barely taking a stab at the thin air around it as it carried around the room. To this girl, life was just its boring old self, the kind that slaps you in the face every once in a while if you don't know what you are doing. Roselyn shuddered at some of the things that had happened since she had moved to this part of the district, the changes that over came her and her mother, the sights that restrained her from the world. She was different then everyone here and she knew it. If the world were to point and scream in her face, the message wouldn't be any clearer than it was now. All she wanted to do was curl up and go back to where she once was, the place of no work and countless friends to rely on from time to time.

Even though we try,
do we see past our ugly faces.
The ones,
that make us different from life itself.

[/center][/size]

"I'm going outside" Roselyn's voice nearly rasped from lack of talking as she called out to her mother, a small and very skinny lady that was now forced to hold onto what they were able to get. Her lips were strung a bit high as well as her eyes as she looked almost about to die from being so thin. Her small eyes were trained on Roselyn as she gave a curt nod to symbolize her approval. Nodding back after seeing the barely recognizable gesture, Roselyn rushed to stand up, her eyes focusing toward the door in which she would soon be exiting to enter the world, the one that wasn't just simply held in a house on the working side of town.

Let us now step into a place of beauty,
and let the world conceal,
what is left,
of us.

[/center][/size]

The rusty hinges of the door almost seemed to snap with a large quick sound into place as the young girl exited, her eyes glazed with the determination that she was going to at least work on accomplishing something instead of just observing the usual. This, of course, was a day that she wanted to prove to be special. One that she was going to savor. After all, there wasn't any work to attend, no whippings to see, no deaths to shield eyes at. In all, Roselyn was even a bit thankful for this time of freedom as the usual activities tended to scare her in more ways than just one. Under her feet, the try dirt was in a worn down stage that seemed to stick together then piece apart, like thickly colored sand. Kicking the small bits with her thickly covered feet, Roselyn arranged the small tan colored satchel on her side. The size was indeed very small considering the amount of items that she was allowed to keep after her father died and left Roselyn and her dying mother alone.

[/size]

[l.a.c.e.y]

_Bump

[Delphin]

<sub>Today was an unusually busy day for Gabrielle and Geneve Bakeries. Because of the lack of work, families were flocking in and purchasing whatever they could get a hold of. The mood was chipper, and productive, bread seeming to fly off the shelves faster than they could make them! It didn't help that Gabrielle was short an employee. The white paint was faded and peeling, yet a happy aura surrounded the building, laughing children playing hopscotch outside as their mothers bought bread. Rielle peered out the window at them, smiling fondly.

Some people comment that the recently graduated 19-year-old should've been a teacher because of her skill with children, but after tasting her apple pies, none could argue that she hadn't found her real calling. Baking was in her blood, after all, and she loved having her own shop. It was a blessing just to open up the shop doors every morning at a ridiculous hour.

The weather was nice, chilly, but not frigid. The leaves were starting to color with the coming of autumn, and Rielle was just beginning to plan her yearly stock up of the harvest. This was always the happiest time of year for Rielle, before the cold could settle into her grandmother's bones and rumors of children freezing to death reached her ears. The accusatory looks sent her way were something that Rielle had learned to deal with, but part of her wished that people would understand that sometimes there just isn't enough bread to go around.

She rubbed her forehead with her forearm, unaware of the flour that streaked one cheek. Peering out of the warm kitchen, the employee at the front counter seemed flustered, trying to keep up with the waves of people. There were only about two days a year when the bakery was ever this busy. "Michael, don't let the bread burn, okay? I'll be right back." Rubbing her hands clean with a rag, Gabrielle swept out into the main shop, helping to calm down the crowds and form an orderly line.

"Ma'am, could you please keep track of your children? Thank you. No, miss, there is no rye bread yet. We will have another batch done in 30 minutes, why don't you come back then, when it is less crowded? Sir! If you are going to fight I must ask you to step outside. Please have your change ready when you get to the counter."

It was a tough crowd, food being one of the more important things on the checklist. By the time the rush had died down, Gabrielle had tripped over three children, stopped five thieves, and burnt her hand twice. She stood in the empty shop, hands on her hips. Michael and Sarah were chatting together, laughing lightly as they cleaned up the kitchen. From where she stood, Rielle could tell that more talking was being done that cleaning.

A soft smile graced her face, and she walked back into the kitchen after opening the front door to allow airflow. "Alright, guys. You can go. Go have fun or something. "
Typically, she was met with resistance. "But Miss Taryn!" She gave each teenager a look, hands on her hips, one eyebrow quirked.
"No. Are you sure you don't have a party or something to go to? Come on. Scram." The teens sent each other a look before leaving for the day with a parting hug from Rielle. "You did well today. I know you both worked very hard."

Rielle herself was exhausted, and she convinced herself there wasn't much to do. Aside from her own personal food preparation, and taking care of her grandmother, there was still a store room to be restocked, floors to be swept, money to be counted, bread to be baked, and pots and pans to be washed. Maybe she shouldn't have sent her employee's away early, even if they did deserve it.

Clapping her floured hands together, she exited the building, and closed the door, locking it before stepping into the flow of traffic. She wanted to see to the laundry before getting started on cleaning, but was stopped short before she got to her destination.

"Oh! Roselyn! Hey," she called out to the younger girl, waving to get her attention. Gabrielle was almost positive that they didn't come pick up their reserved bread yet. No reason why she couldn't do it now.</sub>

[l.a.c.e.y]

<sub>Roselyn's small eyes were peeled back, the satchel across her thin waist constantly hitting against her hip, a rough bumping sound coming almost as loud as her feet on the ground. The stone under her feet was a mix of warm and muddled colors. The constant sun creating lighter spots on the bright stones. A smile appeared over her normally drawn out face, the one that always kept hidden no matter what. To this young girl, anyone random definitely didn't deserve even the small peak of a smile. Her friends, the inanimate objects that stayed still always.

Dry my tears,
as I walk away from this mess.</sub>
[/sub][/i]

<sub>Roselyn began to quietly walk down these streets, her jaggedly cut hair flying wildly in the warm wind. In the light, you could clearly see the small streaks of white penetrating through the mess of hair that she had.

The sun so bright,
reflecting off of us.</sub>[/sub][/i]

<sub>Roselyn’s eyes were graced with the light of day, the bright and very radiant sun hitting the irises ever so gently, giving off a slight shimmer. To the naked eyes though, this could be almost described as non-visible. Giving a small nod of her head, the small girl kicked the ground just slightly as she rounded the corner, her book making a muffled sound on the stone.

Fear can only be seen,
by the heart of you.</sub>[/sub][/i]

<sub>As Roselyn turned the corner, banners of shops caught her eye, giving her an outlet for pure curiosity to peak through her normal mind area. Every one of them had a different pattern, different words, and different meanings. Each was a different place.

Do you know what you have,
or what you want?</sub>[/sub][/i]

<sub>“Oh! Roselyn! Hey,” the words caught her by surprise as Roselyn glanced to the side to see Gabrielle, her smiling face shining in the sunlight as her eyes glimmered. Roselyn’s eyes met hers, a dim smile shining on her face as she looked to the person.

Maybe your heart is broken,
still it can be repaired.</sub>[/sub][/i]

<sub>“Hello” Roselyn looked at Gabrielle, walking closer as you could clearly hear her boots on the ground. Though she tried to hide it, Roselyn actually preferred the noise of herself over many things. Still, she knew that there were times to be careful about stomping around in such a way.

Maybe you can't see,
what is left of me.</sub>[/sub][/i]

<sub>Flipping her bright hair to the side, Roselyn quickly danced out of the way as two teenagers stepped quickly around her. “You’re welcome,” she called after them, rolling her eyes before turning back to Gabrielle.

Save me from this light...</sub>[/sub][/i]

_{“How are you today,” she smiled, giving the older lady a respectful smile. Though Roselyn looked about fifteen, in truth, she was really only the age of thirteen.}

[Delphin]

<sub>The dust in the road settled as Roselyn made her way towards her. Running her hands down her apron, to smooth out her skirt, Gabrielle grinned, tucking a stay curl of blonde out of her face. "Hello, Rose." she said again, instead of yelling down the entire lane. She clapped her hands together, maneuvering the crowded street with ease. "I am fine dear. A bit tired, very very busy day! I am quite certain that you haven't picked up your bread yet. The shop's locked at the moment, but if you come with me, for just a moment, I promise, while I pick up the laundry, we can get that settled."

"Oh, never-mind them, Rose. It's a busy day, and it is unusually crowded!" she laughed lightly, scanning the streets. Dust was worked up from the movement of so many people, merchants calling out their wares.

Guiding Rose slightly, though she probably already knew where the laundress was, finishing her business and carrying the basket by holding one handle and balancing it on her hip took up only a few minutes. The streets had calmed down, and it made walking with such a large basket easier. The late afternoon sunlight shone golden on District 11.

"Now that's finished. Don't mean to take up your time or anything." Rielle explained, placing her basket on the ground and unlocking the door. "Go on in!" she insisted, putting the key back in her pocket and picking up the basket. "Pardon the mess. I haven't gotten a chance to sweep it up yet." A laugh escaped her throat, not unlike a bell, "It just seems to me there is flour everywhere! I really must commend the laundress for getting all the flour out of my clothes. Oh, they can just get so messy."

Rielle liked to talk, feeling slightly uncomfortable when pleasant conversation wasn't circulating. It left room for dwelling on unwelcome thoughts.

"So, Roselyn," she started, gliding over to the front counter and shifting through the stack of papers. "How's school?" She studied the girl shifting in front of her. She seemed skinny, her clothes sporting another patch. Her hair, though exotic in coloring, seemed to lack some of it's usual shine. Yet her smile was bright as ever, and she was quick enough to avoid getting knocked over in the busy streets. Roselyn was a girl of contradictions. "Are things going well at home? How is your mother, dear? AHA!" she exclaimed, picking up the North's order form in slight triumph. She knew she'd find it.

"Here, Rose, why don't I warm this up for you while you tell me about it. Made any new friends at school this year?" she questioned, beaconing for Roselyn to follow her into the back kitchen. With a practiced ease, she slid the two loaves of bread into the oven, closing it with a flick of her hip, and picking up a washing rag. "Why don't you sit over there while these warm up?" she offered, pointing over to the three legged stool.</sub>

[l.a.c.e.y]

_{- x x x - x x x - x x x -
Forget what you once knew,
and let it all away.
Let your fears escape,
live another day}

Roselyn walked towards her, lifting her thin pale finger to pull back a small strand of nearly white hair. Placing the hair behind her ear, Roselyn looked up into Rielle’s face, the face that held the warmth of the hearth, as he mother always called it. Rose just nodded at her assumption with the bread; it was in fact a perfect time though not particularly planned. Roselyn could nearly smell the loaves.

Following the lady to the laundress, Roselyn could hardly focus ahead of her. The rhythmic beating of her two feet on the ground, made almost a peaceful sound on the ground. Muffling it a bit, Rose couldn’t think what it would be like for her if she dared to let anyone else partake in her joy of noises.

“So, Roselyn” Rose picked up the sound of Rielle’s moving mouth. “How’s school?” Roselyn looked up at Gabrielle, her bright blonde curls whipping around in the dusty wind.

“It’s good, I suppose” Roselyn shrugged her shoulders with a small sigh gently escaping her parted lips. School was definitely not her concern of life right now. She had no friends though she didn’t want to tell Rielle that. Pursing her lips just slightly, Rose took the bread in her hands, the scent wafting up to her nose.

Roselyn quickly answered, telling Gabrielle that her mother was good, careful not to in all lie to the lady. Since she was little, lying had been properly disposed of in her brain.

Walking stiffly over to the four-legged stool, Rose could feel it just slightly shift as she took a seat. Her weight was on the very thin side being that her and her mother barely had any food to take care of themselves. Roselyn’s working was all that could bring any money in these days. Her mother a sickly being and all.
[/sub]

[Delphin]

Gabrielle honestly tried her best not to look skeptical. Pursing her lips lightly, she handed the warm bread to Rose, wrapping it first in brown paper so the dust wouldn't spoil it on the trip home.

"That's all you have to say? What's your favorite subject in school? Mine was always English," she grinned, side-stepping around the mop and bucket. The quiet kitchen had it's few disadvantages, one being the window that never permanently shut, or kept the winter chill outside. Yet, despite its quirks, Gabrielle knew without a doubt that this was her favorite place in all the world. The floorboards were soft with use and smooth, dusted with flour and dough, thought Rielle was always very careful not to waste a bit of her supplies. Mistakes happened, though. What could you do? The clock on the wall ticked with a pleasant rhythm, not too loud, but still audible. A few times a year, when the weather was nice, she would bring it down to the preschool to get it repainted. If it was a good year, she would bring cookies, too. And every day, without fail, no matter how the paint job may clash with the fading wall color, she hung it up.

"Rose. I have a little proposition for you. I underestimated the amount of work that still needs to be done! How about you stay for a bit, help me out, and in turn, I will give you an extra loaf of bread and make of those little apple buns your mother loves so much." She grinned lightly, blue eyes wide and pleading. She had just gotten a small batch of apples, and was most excited to dig into them. This, along with helping, gave her the perfect excuse!

Gabrielle would never let on to a soul that she thought Roselyn needed it. With her wishy-washy answers and nervous posture, Rielle was trying to help without making it seem like she was trying to help. Some people got embarrassed about that sort of thing, and Rielle found that you could never be too careful. There wasn't enough bread to go around, especially to those who can't afford it.

Gabrielle Taryn figured that Roselyn could see straight through her, yet she hoped she'd accept it anyway.

[l.a.c.e.y]

_{- x x x - x x x - x x x -
Forget what you once knew,
and let it all away.
Let your fears escape,
live another day}

Roselyn, trying as best as she could not to look greedy, took the warm package of bread from Rielle. The scent was almost blinding as the warmth and all of it drifted up to her nose. Putting the package behind her on a small counter, her hand ran over the bread, a crinkling sound rising.

Lifting her eyes to take a small glance around the bright room, the sun reflecting off of almost ever object, highlighting everything with a soft and loving radiance. Rose couldn't help but smile, she knew how much Rielle adored this place. Roselyn knew that she loved it to.

Facing once again to wards the distracted lady, Roselyn laid her hand to her shoulder to notify her attention. Her eyes mischievous as she attempted to playfully scare her.

"My favorite subject," Rose pondered the question, putting her right hand up to her chin. "It must be math" she concluded, trying to pull down the grin that tried to slide itself onto her face. In the end, the expression that came out was somewhere between odd and just plain sad. You couldn't say that it exactly fit the moment in any reachable way.

Taking one more hastened look around the room, Rose's eyes fell immediately on the clock hanging on the way, the colors. The way that they were fit in This year seemed to fir the walls enough so that it wouldn't stick out. Roselyn preferred the color much more than the last color which had been a rusty brown color mixed with tints of blue. Not exactly pretty. The thought made her just barely smile.

"I'll help" Rose turned suddenly, looking at Rielle into the eyes. A smile didn't come onto her face, sensing the deal that was being made. Roselyn was never a girl of work though when trades were made, Rose just couldn't resist. It was in her mind these days.

her mind was spinning as she turned back to Rielle. Things had not been good for her mother as she was sure Gabrielle must know. Her condition was terrible. Roselyn just let a silent gulp slip down her empty thought thinking about it.[/sub]

[Delphin]

She turned her back to Rose, since she was pondering the amount of questions that Rielle had thrown at her. The blonde knew she had a tendency to do that, overwhelm people before they could open their mouths to respond to her. Her light blue eyes strayed to the clock on the wall, a faint smile gracing her cheeks. The paint was nice this year, unlike last year. Don't get it wrong, she still hung up the clock like always. Those kids just made her heart melt. They were so sweet, and so happy when she brought her clock. Maybe she should bring something else too?

Rielle jumped lightly when Rose touched her shoulder, turning around and putting her hand on her beating heart. She was smiling, glaring half-heartedly at Rose "Must you startle me like that?" Rielle struggled not to laugh, as she watched Rose's face. It really was rather a sad expression, a twinkling grin stretching across her pale face. "What do you like about math?" she asked, surprised. Rielle had never cared for math, finding some of the concepts difficult to grasp.

"Oh, why must you stop yourself from smiling, Rose? You have such a charming face," she teased, pinching each of the younger girls cheeks, much like an old grandmother. Though graduated and the head keeper for her family, Rielle behaved at times like an overgrown child, but it was too endearing to be annoying.

"Splendid, dear!" she exclaimed, "You can start by filling up the mop bucket." Her heart sank, slightly. Roselyn was too young to be so worried, and so serious. Far too young, but everyday, it seemed as if they just got younger and younger. She supposed the Games had a little something to do with that.

While Rose did that, Rielle tucked her flyaway curls back into the bun at the nape of her delicate neck, clapping her hands together as she surveyed the dishes in the sink. "Let's get started, shall we?"

[l.a.c.e.y]

_{- x x x - x x x - x x x -
Forget what you once knew,
and let it all away.
Let your fears escape,
live another day}

Roselyn just nodded to Rielle as a startled look came over the 19 year olds face. It nearly brought a small grin to her own. Whatever, the thought emanated from rose’s head as she saw that Rielle was now looking at the clock, a sigh pouring from her lips. Roselyn could see that Rielle cared much about kids. She knew though, that many of them would grow up and have a possibly horrible life.

Roselyn tried as best as she could to escape the thought as she turned consciously back to Gabrielle. “Math is interesting,” she nearly whispered, her voice taking a mysterious tint to it. You could tell that there was a reason tot his voice. “You see,” she continued, “math is a subject in where everything fits in place and has somewhere to start and end. It is a place where there is always a right answer.” Roselyn wasn’t anywhere near advanced in math or very deep into it, only being at thirteen years of age.

Feeling the pinching on her small cheeks, the young girl had to force herself not to storm out. A smile, almost a lopsided one was quickly formed on her delicate face. “Is this better,” she replied, looking up at Rielle while keeping the almost horrifying smile strapped to her small face.

Grabbing the mop in her thin and pale and, Roselyn began her job, her hand pulling the mop over the floor, cleaning it steadily.

“I can’t wait,” she suddenly blurted out, wanting to almost cover her mouth at what had just came out. She had known Rielle a long time but she had never told anyone about this. “I mean for the games,” she whispered, trying to choke out the rest.

Inside, Roselyn knew something that many others didn’t. She had a strong sense of guidance in herself and what she wanted to do with her mind and her mind alone. Roselyn knew that one day; she wanted to be set in the arena. This, in itself, was unheard of. After all, how many children would want to be in the Hunger Games?[/sub]

[Delphin]

Math had never been Rielle's favorite course. Not even when she disliked English, during those sticky few months after her grandfather's death. He had always encouraged her reading, even if he couldn't read very well himself. Those weeks when she was slowly dealing with his death and her grandmother's failing condition were the toughest in her life. She listened to Roselyn's explanation anyway, nodding. It did seem to make rather a lot of sense, yeah? But you couldn't argue about it, you couldn't defend math, or learn from it. You couldn't learn about yourself from math. Everything may be math, but the human condition is not.

A gentle grin spread over her face. "Much better, but keep working at it, why don't you?" The counter was the easiest to clean, soon spotless and neatened as Rose mopped the floors.

Just as she promised, the young adult nearly danced with joy when she started working on the small apple bun before starting work on the dishes. She selected one apple from the bunch, turning it over in her hands before placing it on the board and cutting it in half. It made a loud cracking sound, juicy and solid and delicious. She chewed lightly on her lip, slicing the fruit into thin slices. The dough, sugar, and cinnamon soon followed, and the bun was finished and baking within the space of half an hour.

She was about to say something about how apples were really the best fruit out of all of them, when Roselyn surprised her. She blinked, refraining from licking the sticky apple juice off her fingers. She rested her hands on the table, tilting her head lightly to watch the girl as she worked. Rose was obviously surprised herself at what has been said, eyes wide with shock. Sympathy washed over her features. Her heart shook in her chest, overwhelmed with the simple raw-ness of the Games.

"Oh, Rose." she sighed, frowning lightly. "I know. I just want them to be over and done with, too. The waiting is the worst part."
Privately, in her own bed at night, Rielle thought about the Games extensively. She was almost ashamed of some of her conclusions.

[l.a.c.e.y]

_{- x x x - x x x - x x x -
Forget what you once knew,
and let it all away.
Let your fears escape,
live another day}

Roselyn turned almost stiffly. "That's not what I meant," the words choked themselves out of her. Each word hard to pronounce as it welled up inside of her. Rose just couldn't stand it anymore.

"I mean, I want to be in the games," the teenage girl sighed, her muscles relaxing as the final words spit themselves out. Roselyn, all of her life, had fears and hopes of the games. You could almost call her a career without the physical strength attached to herself.

The apples cutting made a soft rythmlike beat as the knife came down. Rose just turned her eyes to it, waiting for an answer from Rielle.

"I know that, my thoughts must be odd" Roselyn continued, flipping the mop around to pull it through a messy part of the ground. The water slowly flowing made an equally perfect sound in her ears. It was just barely visible, yet, calming to the soul.
Picking the mop up once more, Roselyn couldn't help but ajust her ears to the soothing noises of work being done. This, her day off from her normal laboring work, was almost like being in heaven for the thirteen year old.

{{I'm sorry for the short post. My muse is low}}[/sub]

[Delphin]

Her brows furrowed together, lightly, confusion written over her features. She was just going to part her lips to speak when Roselyn rushed on and nearly stole the very breath from her body. The gears in her mind were turning, ticking like the clock on the wall, now loud in her ears. Why would a child ever want to go into the Games? Well, she was sure it was possible, she just never thought about it. Children volunteered from other Districts all the time. It was never common in District 11, but why not? District 11 is just as strong as other Districts, just without the money.

Rielle froze, placing down the knife she was holding and spreading her fingers flat on the countertop. She could feel the soft wood, worn by many years of use, just like the floors, and stared at her fingertips. Her eyes traced over the small burns crisscrossing her hands, white against her slightly peachier skin-tone.

Taking a deep breath, she looked up at Rose, watching her mop furiously, the water sloshing against the floor the only sounds in the room. Well, that, and the clock. Rielle couldn't understand this on her own, not completely. There was a speck of understand right at the tip of her tongue, at the edge of her vision, darting away when she turned to look at it. It was so close, but always out of reach.

The question really was simple to ask, and Rielle found that this was the first time she had ever paused when asking it. It was only one syllable, a word children personally adored and used 20 times a day. It wasn't a question so advanced for her in that sense, but the weight of it was something she was very unfamiliar with.

"Why?"

[l.a.c.e.y]

_{- x x x - x x x - x x x -
Forget what you once knew,
and let it all away.
Let your fears escape,
live another day}

Roselyn twitched, eye eyes misting as they went to the floor. Never, had she told anyone that all she ever wanted to do was go to the games, get her life over quicker then it should be. It was almost what you could call a wish in her mind, one, that wasn't in the least bit a purelyn made joke. Still, it was a topic that Rose was a bit sensitive about. The question "Why,?" had thrown her off for sure, this all made Roselyns answer just the slightest bit harder.

The female wasn't exactly sure how to put the answer straight. Was it because she was careless? No, that couldn't be it at all. You see, in Roselyn's mind, it was a way to prove herself as a person. How was she expected to explain something like that. She didn't know what to do.

Finally, a grim expression pulled itself onto her face as her finger spread out on the mop handle in her pale hands. The color turned even brighter the tighter that she held the contraption. She didn't want to answer Rielle, still she did.

"I just want to show people who I am," she managed to mutter, twisting her head towards Rielle and seeing the drawn out expression on the lady's face. What have I done? Roselyn thought, a gulp managing to slip itself down her empty throat.[/sub]

[Delphin]

Then tension in the room broke for Rielle as Rose answered her. She worried Rose wouldn't, not after such a statement like that. It was funny, in that not funny sort of way. It only took nine words for her to reach out and wrap her fingers around the understanding that was eluding her.

Her heart broke, just lightly, nothing that couldn't be fixed, but it ached all the same. "Oh, Rose..." she breathed, straightening her back. "You don't need to be in the Games to show people who you are!" She opened her mouth as if to speak, picking up a clean dish from the sink and drying it. Anything, really, to keep her hands from shaking.

Rielle frowned. For the first time in her life, really, she had run out of words to say. The work was almost done. The floors were probably more than clean from the force in which Rose was scrubbing them, and the dishes were getting dried and put away one by one. She swallowed, snapping her jaw shut as if it would let her thoughts build up into words.

"You don't need the Games to be great, Rose." She said it almost angrily, closing the stove with more force than necessary after removing the bun. Perfect, as usual. She walked to the small pantry, removing a wicker basket from the door. The sun had set at least an hour ago, though Rielle hardly noticed. She packed Roselyn's three loafs, and the bun into the basket slowly and carefully. She walked to the other girl, holding the basket with two hands. Her body felt heavy, and suddenly so, so tired.

Rielle chewed on her bottom lip lightly, before holding out the basket toward her. "You have the makings of greatness in you. You just don't know it yet. Here. You should go. Your mother will start to worry." A small smile. "The floors are definitely the cleanest they've been in a long time." A pause. "Please come back, sometime. Okay? You'll do that?"

(OOC: sorry sorry sorry sorry, just too lazy for color right now.)