Wits and Design (Ominous, Kaplan)

[Deleted]

Grace Athens

"Speech."
Thoughts
Narration

I pull my hair back into a ponytail and walk out the door. My mom had said that I could hang around the district. I begin to walk the normal route that Dusty and I take to get to the meadow and there's not sign of her. I lie down on the soft meadow grass and look up at the clouds, just watching them roll by. I love the peace and quiet. Something crosses my mind that I can't seem to get rid of. The thought of the reaping. I'm 18 and I already have Tesserae. This worries me. If I get put in the games my life will be ruined. Even if I were to make it out of there I would never be the same. I'd be a murderer when I came out. I wouldn't be able to live with myself. We haven't had a victor in years and it worries me that if I'm the first in a long time, there won't be any respect for me. At least not any that I give myself.I try my best to get the thought out of my mind and look back up at the clouds.

I glance around and I don't see Dusty anywhere. I figure she must be occupied with something. The again she doesn't have much that she's able to do other than talk. She's blind after all. I sigh and look back at the clouds. I spot someone and I sit up immediately, hoping it's Dusty. When I realize it's someone else, I lie back down on the soft grass. I take out my idea notebook and look at what I have written down so far. They look pretty good for what I've been doing lately. I sigh and put it away, looking back over at whoever was walking by.

Word Count: 303
Notes: Meh. An average post. Not my best.

[Ominous]

Glaice Rivers

On the day we first met...

It was on that auspicious day I smiled. Then again, didn't I always smile? People used to tell me that it was that smile that gave them a bit of peace in mind about the world around me. Of course, that's just them flattering me. Auspicious. What exactly made this day auspicious? Maybe it was the way the white flowers beneath me swayed gently in a gallant mix with purple flowers coexisting with them, or maybe it was how the sun hung over me, shining brightly in a way that could be described as only bright and warming. That could be it...but my mind hadn't exactly placed an answer to my question.

My feet walked along the grassy floor of the meadow. There was all the familiar sights I knew. The collection of oak trees around me. The clumps of white and purple flowers that mixed into a sea of calmness. The clouds that I always found to never be too dark or too transparent. This meadow was by far, one the nicest places in District 9 that I knew of. Wherever there was a chance, there was me following it towards the meadow. There was something peaceful about it. Something colorful. The flowers that swayed gently. The wind that caressed your skin in a likewise gentle motion. It only took one word so simple, and so correct to describe it. Beautiful...

The bright sunlight bounced off my eyes. I covered the disturbance with a light movement of my right hand to my forehead, shielding whatever sunlight tried to penetrate through my epidermic layers. My legs carried me up my favorite hill. It was neither largest, nor the smallest, but it carried a grace of its own between the middle. It was special in its own way for me. From atop the view, you could see both the ground and the trees in a collage. A feat that wasn't accomplished with anything larger or smaller than my hill. I loved it all. This was District 9's own treasure. My treasure...

My eyes perked to see an unfamiliar shape lying across the grass from a fair distance from me. Looks like I'm not the only one who comes here a lot. I thought to myself, smiling a bit. It was always nice to have someone who enjoyed the same things you did. I walked over to the humanly figure. From a closer glance, I realized that humanly figure was a female. An attractive one, too. Her hair was a curly black, and her eyes...they glistened; that pair of chocolate brown eyes she owned had a glow to them, an alluring one.

"Hey. I see you're enjoying nature over here. Liking anything so far?" I asked her. Maybe I was bit too casual, but I swore if I kept looking at her face I might have stuttered back there.

[Deleted]

Grace Athens

"Speech."
Thoughts
Narration

I see the person coming over to me. It's a guy that looks a bit younger than me, maybe 16. He comes over and talks to me as I'm taking in the scenery. His eyes are a chocolate brown like mine. "Hey. I see you're enjoying nature over here. Liking anything so far?" The boy asks me. I think that I might have seen him here at one point but I'm normally here with Dusty, not by myself. I smile.

"Yeah. I'm usually here talking to my friend Dusty. Anyways, I'm Grace." I say, motioning for him to come over and sit next to me. I continue to look around at the scenery. Something I'd love to draw if I was good enough at it. Unfortunately the only things I can draw are the designs that come to my head. Sometimes those aren't even very good.

I glance back over at the boy for a second and go back to watching the scenery. It seems to be something a bit different every day whether there are more or less flowers or whatever seems to be different but every day is unique. I think about Dusty. Being blind she has to miss out on the scenery. I feel bad for her.

"Dusty is blind. She has to miss out on this." I say, not knowing if I'm just stating it or telling the boy. Again, I look around for Dusty, for some reason thinking that I'll see her. When I don't I lie my head back down on the soft grass.

Word Count: 257
Notes: Short post for me.

[Ominous]

Glaice Rivers

The wind blew gently...

The oak leaves danced the dance that only they knew and could perform ever so well. When my voice carried out my greeting towards the curly black-haired girl, she looked over to me. Her chocolate brown eyes met mine, and for a moment it seemed like we were more than just strangers to one another. "Yeah. I'm usually here talking to my friend Dusty. Anyways, I'm Grace." She introduced herself to me, even gave me a reading of situation, not even any hesitation was put in those words. I was a complete stranger to her, yet I was convinced from that simple introduction that she was a pretty nice person.

She gestured me to sit down beside her, a gesture that I quickly followed with casual movement. She glanced over me for a while. Our eyes met; once again, our chocolate brown eyes collided in visionary depth. From a closer look, I realized she looked to be a bit older than me, maybe two to three years older? Not only that, but she was a bit taller than most girls I knew in District 9. But what really caught my eye was not her appearance, but the glittering precious jewels that hung from her ears. Diamonds. That was all I caught from just a glimpse before she turned her head back, collecting the scenery around her.

"Dusty is blind. She has to miss out on this." She said to me. Her head momentarily looks around in a swift notion. Was she looking for this Dusty? Then she laid her body down on the ground. A soft, quiet plop followed, as the grass blades dispersed from one another, no longer was there a clump where she laid that head of hers.

My eyes stole glances from her, I didn't want to appear creepy or strange towards this girl so I had my eyes do the looking, not my face. I again I saw them. Diamonds. They were quite uncommon in District 9, let alone rarely ever seen in District 9. Most people would hide such valuables like these away from people whenever going for a casual stroll, but not this girl. She hung them from her earlobes like your ordinary brass earrings you could see. Was she not afraid of someone taking them from her, or was she simply showing off? "Hey, your-" I quickly cut myself short. I couldn't ask those type of questions in front of her, so I quickly finished my sentence, reinstating my sentence fully with a different choice of words. "-friend, Dusty. What's she like?" I said. She would probably never know what I just did back there.

[Deleted]

Grace Athens

"Speech."
Thoughts
Narration

The boy speaks up, "Hey your- friend Dusty, what's she like?" He asks me. It was like he was cutting himself off from asking me something else but changed it. I didn't mind. If it was important he would ask me it later. I realize I might have mentioned Dusty too much. Then again, he seemed interested.

I then realize the boy hadn't introduced himself. I told him my name but I didn't know his. I decided I wouldn't ask him until later, seeing as though he seemed interested in Dusty. "She's my best friend. I love to be with her. She's the one person that really understands me. Do you know what I mean?" I say to him. I don't know the boy very well, seeing as though I just met him, but I feel like he'll understand me.

I notice the beautiful array of flowers swaying back and forth in the wind. The trees seem to tower a bit more than normal, their shadow seeming darker. It's probably because of where the sun is. It's a lot later than it normally is when I'm here without Dusty. My shirt seems to ripple the slightest bit in the wind. The clouds appear to have cleared out from their spot before, revealing a clear blue sky. The sun is shining rather brightly from over beind the boy and I realize I blush a bit and I try to hide it.

I wonder in my head if the boy saw me blush but I try not to think about it too much knowing I'll just end up blushing again. I notice another figure coming up over the hill, sort of stuttering as they walk. It's Dusty. I can tell with the distinctive way she walks, knowing her way around but never being able to walk straight. I always wish I could set her free from the world of being blind. If she were reaped I would volunteer in a heartbeat. Even if I wouldn't respect myself for what happens in the arena, I would do anything for her. She comes over and nearly runs into the boy, but ends up being able to tell he's there somehow and continues walking. I get her attention by saying her name.

She hears me and I can tell she recognizes my voice. She comes over and sits down as close to 'next to me' as she can, not being able to really tell where she's going. Luckily she has basically learned her way around the district, though she does run into people sometimes- literally.

Word Count: 426

[Ominous]

Glaice Rivers

I found myself a bit embarrassed by the sudden change of words that flowed from my mouth. I regretted even thinking of such things, or even more so, attempting to construct a sentence based off such thoughts. I look into the girl's chocolate eyes again, neither staring, nor glancing, just a simple look acknowledging her presence. Grace, the curly black hair girl doesn't seem to notice my sudden change of words, perhaps she thought I paused for a second to think. Or maybe that's not the case. Perhaps she did notice. Perhaps she just didn't think much of it. I keep pondering this thought, wondering if she'll ever ask me why I did such, but no such action occurs. Instead she just gazes about at the scenery, and speaks as if I didn't say anything, as if a continuation of her last speaking.

"She's my best friend. I love to be with her. She's the one person that really understands me. Do you know what I mean?" She says. I reply with a curt nod, giving her the spotlight, as she seems to have more to say about this Dusty. I grow fairly curious. I draw the question in mind. In my head, I'm doing nothing but describing her in my head. Picturing this person with a vivid imagination. Just who is this Dusty? Caring. Kind. Delicate. Noble. True. She's blind, yet she never let's it become the source of anxiety. Her hair flutters in long strands, and her right hand reaches to caress them in smooth, gentle strokes, like how her smile stretches slowly with her lips. Her eyes. I can't seem to picture them quite well, but I imagine a soft, blue glow in their place. When I think about it, it seems like maybe I'm more interested with this Grace's story then I let on.

I wait for more of this story to be told, but I notice Grace looking off elsewhere. I follow her gaze and turn, looking for the source of her attention. When I look on, I see another figure, limping -- no, not quite. It was more like someone struggling to find their footing in this grassy meadow. But how is that even possible when you can see- Unless you're blind... The thought doesn't even have to float about for me to even realize it so soon. Dusty. She's coming near...

Grace's voice calls out to Dusty, calling her by her name, and at the same time, confirming my previous thoughts. The girl -- Dusty responds with a respective signal, telling us she knows where they are. I slowly stand up to help her, but her movements are what stop me as she manages to traverse the terrain without stumbling, clearly showing me that this was no difficult task for her. When she finally sits down right next to Grace, and by "sits" I mean she leans against her for balance, I get a good look at this Dusty. She's not even close to the image I had in mind -- but then again, I tend to be a bit too much imaginative -- but in a way she seems serene, and calm. Calm as a bird flying through a storm. So, this is the famous Dusty I've been hearing about, Grace?" I say, starting up the conversation. "You didn't tell me she was meeting with you today. I say with this grin on my face, already knowing of the answer.

[Deleted]

Grace Athens

"Speech."
Thoughts
Narration

As Dusty comes over to me and sits down she has to lean on me a bit to get her bearings. She seems suprised to hear a voice that she doesn't recognize. "So, this is the famous Dusty I've been hearing about, Grace?" He said, "You didn't tell me she was meeting with you today." He continues, grinning.

I roll my eyes at him. "I didn't nessicarily know she was coming, though I'm more than glad that she did. At least you'll have more than one person to ask the questions to." I say, hoping not to sound too rude. Dusty doesn't respond but her blonde hair blows in the wind. Her eyes seem to shine in the sunlight that she can't see. She looks absolutely beautiful today. My earings also catch the light of the sun. I sigh and lean back.

Dusty catches my sigh and looks concerned. "I'm fine, Dusty." I assure her. She seems satisfied with my response and smiles in my general direction. I then look to the boy. "You never did tell me your name." I say to him. I had figured he would've realized that before but apparently not. Dusty looks rather content, but doesn't seem to fond of the boy's first semi-sarcastic sounding comment.

I realize that the reaping is a mere one week away. I know that Dusty doesn't have anything to worry about seeing as though I'd volounteer for her, but that would mean I have twice the chance of an average 18-year-old. As for the boy, I wasn't sure. The only thing is that I wasn't sure if I was willing to be in there with him or not if they both got reaped.

Word Count: 281
Notes: Just so you know, Dusty's not an NPC, she's one of my characters. Short post

[Ominous]

Grace's eyes roll at me, possibly in annoyance, but I had hoped that wasn't the case here."I didn't necessarily know she was coming, though I'm more than glad that she did. At least you'll have more than one person to ask the questions to." She told me. I wasn't sure whether she was trying to be rude or not, but whenever I thought about it, my mind went back to her eye rolling. She's totally annoyed with me... I tell myself with depressive thinking. Although, I quickly forget such thoughts, and regain my optimism. Being depressed was going to get me nowhere, but being depressed. Perhaps being a bit sarcastic -- even if it was friendly -- with Grace was a bit pushing it here. I watch myself. I watch my words a bit, now. After all, I didn't want to unsettle this girl's perfect day today, so I made sure whatever came out of my mouth didn't sound like mockery, and what came out would be a bit the opposite.

"Well, I don't think it's quite possible to get bored of someone you just met, especially someone as nice as you. I smile at her, telling her I meant it, and possibly to also show that I didn't mean to be mean in any way. My eyes glance at Dusty. She was but a small dark silhouette from afar, but from up close she was quite attractive. Her blonde hair rustles loosely against the wind, matching the meadow grass itself. There's a brief swaying, before it settles. There was something about her that felt a bit reserved and refined in manner. It was the way she carried herself that told me this. She seemed like the type of girl who would rather listen to your story than speak about it. When I thought about it like that it became crystal clear, that these two were perfect companions for one another. There was a brief silence afterwards, in it I pictured a scene before me. I could almost imagine the a table. A small, round, white, and simple table that protruded from the grassy depths underneath, held by the white legs that collected themselves from the top, tied themselves in the middle, then separated onto the ground. It was like white vines in still motion. And sitting on two opposite chairs was Grace and Dusty. I could imagine it. Grace, chatting non-stop, while Dusty would listen, fitting an occasional brief nod as Grace finished her sentences one by one. I imagined that something like this could easily go all day between the two.

When reality broke into my thoughts, it used the form of a glimmer to announce its intrusion. Diamond earrings. Grace's diamond earrings. They had the occasional habit of gleaming casually, reflecting the sun's light with a multitude of sparkles from all sides and ends. It was a wonder how I could take my eyes off them. My gaze returned to Grace just as her mouth broke into voice. Her voice comforts Dusty, who seemed to be concerned of her for some reason unclear to me. Perhaps if I had set myself into reality more, instead of daydreaming, I would have known more about this little tidbit of knowledge.

When she returns my glance with hers she speaks again, this time it's my turn to be spoken to once more. "You never did tell me your name." "Oh, I didn't?" Wait... "Oh, yeah, I didn't!" I say the words a bit loudly in repetition, showing a bit of embarrassment in the process. I realized the error in my conversation with her, she gave me her name, but as for me, I didn't. "Um..." I start to say. "I'm Glaice... Glaice Rivers... I live a bit off in the more populated areas of Nine." I don't just say it, I point it out. My head turns towards the direction of home, and my finger trails itself, slicing through air itself, as it gestures towards the left of me towards where I came from. There were a couple of oaks in view, and my finger continued to gesture, pointing towards the small patch of dirt laid out like a road. A moment later I returned my eyes to Grace's. Hopefully, this would clear up a bit more about myself to her.

[Deleted]

Grace Athens

"Speech."
Thoughts
Narration

"Well, I don't think it's quite possible to get bored of someone you just met, especially someone as nice as you." He says. Though I was annoyed with him, this comment made me smile. He seems to wander deep into his own thoughts but snaps back to reality after a few seconds. I wonder what he's thinking about.

He appears to notice that Dusty seemed concerned but seeing as though he had been off in his own little world, he didn't appear to know why. When I tell him that he never introduced himself, he speaks up.

"Oh, I didn't?" He says, "Oh, yeah, I didn't!" He seemed to be stumbling on his own words, almost as if he had forgotten his own name. "Um..." He starts off, "I'm Glaice... Glaice Rivers... I live a bit off in the more populated areas of Nine."He says, gesturing in the direction of the trees, turning his head in the same way. He's pointing out where he lives. His attention seems to return to Dusty and I.

I nod, not feeling like telling him where I live. The sun is beginning to set and I can see the array of colors over the horizon. This makes me realize how long I'd been there, just talking to this boy. This boy I just met, Glaice. He seemed to be the boy that tried not to embaress himself, bit in the meantime would ocassionally annoy people, which appeared to be what he did today.

Dusty didn't seem to be annoyed, seeing as though she tends to get along with people rather well. She turns in Glaice's general direction and speaks up. "Nice to meet you." She says with a smile. She doesn't generally spark too many conversations with new people, seeing as though they normally have to speak to her first because she can't exactly approach them to introduce herself.

Word Count: 311
Notes: This is Dusty: