Let's Never Look Back {Cameo}

[Ray]

Does, Thinks, Says, Hears

Every morning, before the sun had fully risen for the day, Kai Yondall made her way to the gym three blocks away from her home. It had become a routine for her, as constant as breathing, for a long time now. At first, she had been opposed to such rigorous training, but now she simply tried not to think about it. Besides, if she ever missed a day of training, she didn’t know what her father would do. He worked so hard to take care of Kai and her brother. No reason to give him another thing to worry about.

She entered the building, letting the doors swing shut behind her. The area was dim, the only light coming through the transparent glass of the door. Kai hit a switch on the wall, and the room was bathed in artificial light. It was a small gym, unlike the official gyms that trained careers, but it was her favorite. It was partly due to the nearness to her home, partly the fact that there were less people coming here.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

[/right]

That was another reason why she came so early in the morning. Standing in the gym, surrounded by the gleaming metal of the equipment and the empty gym, that was what she loved. She could almost believe that there was no one else in the world; that it was just Kai alone with her thoughts, nothing to bother her. Don’t misunderstand, though. Kai was not introverted by any stretch of the imagination. There was nothing she loved more than being a social butterfly; but sometimes, being the life of the party was exhausting. It was nice to take a break once in a while.

Kai, standing in the middle of the room, pulled on arm over her head, feeling the muscles stretch. She let out a breathy sigh as her muscles loosened and her body became prepared for a work out. She swung her arms in a wide circle and sauntered over to the rack of weapons. She would definitely start out with a little target practice today. It had been weeks since she’d worked on her aim. I’m sure I’m getting rusty. She ran her hand along the metal shelf, letting her finger skim the blades of some. Her eyes settled on a serrated knife. She picked it up delicately spun on her heel to face the other side of the room, where the practice dummies stood propped against a wall.

It all happened at once. She heard the soft sound of the door gliding open, and the patter of feet on the floor. As her gaze flickered past the door, she caught the shadow of a silhouette in her peripheral vision. Kai had been caught by surprise, not expecting another soul to step foot into the gym for at least another five hours. She gripped the black rubber handle of the knife tighter in her hand. Her body reflexively moved into a defensive position and she held the knife pointed in front of her. “Who’s there?”

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just Me, Myself, and I

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Sohpia Landros

The dirty blonde curls were fogging the small girl's vision as she continued to run, though unsure of what from. Only that she had to get away, and as much as she tried to brush the locks behind her tiny ears they blocked her vision from the path she was scattering down. The mud bellow her bare feet became more and more slippery as if it was becoming the swamps. A simple trip brings her tumbling down to be covered in filth, and then defend herself against a raging mutt. But as hard as the little girl attempted to fight she had no comparison.

Instinctively Sophia covered her mouth as she was startled awake from another nightmare. It had only been a week or two since over-hearing her parents heart-wrenching words of their tiny daughter having no chance of being a Career, and that to her Father made Sophia useless, ever since Sophia was loosing sleep over countless of nightmares, often making her an early bird. Before it was impossible to get the little girl up, now it was difficult to even sleep.

Rubbing her eyes as if to remove the tiredness, Sophia smiled at herself in the mirror and giggled over her crazy hair flying in every direction. There was no use to her to sweat over her nightmares, a frown was stupid and useless. After an attempt to tame her hair she decided to simply put it up in a messy bun. Sophia slipped on any clothes that her scrawny fingers grabbed before skipping out of the house.

After a horrible nightmare, the best thing to do to get it off her mind was training. It was always fear over the hunger games, and Sophia felt the more she trained the less she would have to worry, though it has yet to even lessen the terror dreams. Still that didn't stop Sophia from skipping all the way to one of the gyms; there was quite a few so she simply went where the wind toke her because eventually she'd come across a Career gym.

Pushing open the door, the first thing the small yellow-eyes gazed upon was the sparkle of a knife in someone's hands. "How pretty." Sophia whispered getting her tiny body past the heavy door, then she realized she intruded on someone and was quick to scatter to something to hide behind; or the wall of the hallway that led to the locker rooms. It was unusual for someone to be training so early when the sun was just breaking through the horizon.

Peering her head around the corner to see who it could possibly be, it was a relieving sound to hear a girl's voice. For some reason guys' were just so intimidating. An attempt to see who it was before the other person saw her never worked, because for Sophia to get even an eye around the corner her curls would stick out a few inches revealing her hiding.

"I'm Sophia." She answered quietly though it echoed clearly through the empty gym for the other person to hear. "Who are you?" Sophia asked cocking her head to the side as a smile spread across her innocent face to reveal her dimples. It was only a girl a few inches taller, and she looked pretty and nice, Sophia found no fear and even guessed they were around the same age.

[Ray]

Does, Thinks, Says, Hears

Kai’s breath caught in her throat as she struggled to see who had intruded on her. The daylight shining through the open door cast the figure into menacing shadows. The light glinted off the blade in her hand, and a soft, lilting voice reached Kai’s ears. “How pretty.” The intruder seemed to suddenly notice her, and ran to hide in the hallway leading to the locker room. Kai glimpsed a flash of curly golden hair and amber as, before the young girl ducked behind the wall. Kai blew out a whoosh of air from the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. The hand holding the weapon dropped to her side.

She almost wanted to laugh at herself for being so afraid. The intruder that had so terrified her was only a little girl, probably a couple years younger than herself. She must be new to the gym. No one comes here at this time of day. Kai took a couple steps forward and could just see the girl peering around the edge of the wall. Her sweet voice swept through the gym again, answering Kai’s question with, “I’m Sophia.” Then the girl inquired about who she was talking to.

Sophia smiled, and her face lit up with such innocence that all Kai’s reservations vanished. How could you not trust such a sweet-looking girl? “I’m Kai,” she replied. She waved her hand, beckoning the girl forward. She smiled at Sophia, trying to ease her fears despite still holding a wicked knife in her hand. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before. Do you train?” Kai couldn’t imagine such a tiny, fragile thing being a career, but she supposed it was possible. Everyone had their reasons for training, whether it made sense to others or not. A couple years ago, Kai wouldn’t have believed she could ever be a career, and yet here she was, training harder than anyone.

[/justify]

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over 'cause you're gone

[/color][/right]

Kai remembered her first day of training very well. It had been at a different gym, and she was with her brother. She had seen a vicious looking career decapitate a training dummy and had instantly burst into tears. She demanded to be taken home and insisted that she would never become a career. That hadn’t lasted though. She was made to return to the gym every day, but no one wanted to help train a little kid who cried at the sight of a sword. She had to make her own way in the gym, find her own rhythm. Training by yourself could be a nightmare if you didn’t know what you were doing. Sophia triggered memories of her first day in Kai. She supposed that was what made her want to help.

She grabbed another knife from the rack, similar to the one in her own hand. She walked over to where Sophia stood and appraised her for a second. “I could help you if you want. You know how to use one of these?” she asked. Kai held the knife out to the girl in front of her. By the way she looked at the knife, she could tell that Sophia had seen one before, perhaps trained with it a little bit. It might be interesting to have another person to train with in the mornings.

[/justify]

Thanks to you I got a new thing started
Thanks to you I'm not the broken hearted
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking 'bout me

[/color][/right]

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Sophia Landros

A kind reply was the cherry on top for Sophia to know the girl she walked in on was no threat, and by the laugh in her voice was actually happy to encounter the little girl. "That's a pretty name." Sophia complimented, though it was her response to hearing anyone's name. "It's unique." She said perking up a little as she approached Kai with the usual hint of skipping in her walk.

From the distant guess of her being pretty and nice was correct once Sophia reached Kai and had a better vision; her voice was sweet, but that could of been because of who Kai was talking to, Sophia was used to being talked to differently. Sophia was certainly jealous over her long wavy blonde hair that toke hours for the small girl to have. Up close Sophia was a good four inches shorter, she knew they weren't too far in age on account most people in her own grade stood even taller.

"Mhm." Sophia answered with a head nod that caused a few curls to come loose from the bun. It was clear the Kai was a Career as well from the toned muscles at a young age, muscles Sophia couldn't seem to get as much as she tried herself. So Sophia felt silly asking the same question back. "I can tell you do." Sophia says with a giggle not wanting to be rude for not asking Kai the same question, maybe it'd even come off as a compliment, which Sophia loved giving.

Then something unexpected happens and Kai walks over to the racks of weapons to bring back another knife. An offer to help the tiny girl train completely brightens Sophia's face with joy. When people saw her they only felt bad over the hopeless case, but Kai was actually willing to help her. "Really?" Sophia looked up at Kai with disbelieve, because it felt like that was the nicest thing ever said to her.

Taking the extra knife, Sophia could feel her eyes glisten as she stared at the beautiful weapon. Of course she hated using weapons, but it shined against light and made her eyes giant with enlightenment. Sophia knew better then to take from Career gyms with cameras everywhere, and constant weapon checks. Shaking her small head no, she remembered the nightmare that scared her awake not too long ago. "I'm not very good." Sophia shares with a frown that she quickly replaces with a small smile.

"You could teach me?" Sophia asked though it was rhetorical because that was what Kai was offering, but it was hard to believe anyone could help her with becoming good at using a weapon.

[Ray]

Does, Thinks, Says, Hears

“You could teach me?” Sophia’s soft voice is filled with wonder at the prospect. Had she never had anyone to help her train before? Surely at least the mentors at the gym she went to had worked with her. From the way she spoke, it was clear she didn’t think much of her abilities in the ways of fighting. It doesn’t make any sense. Why would you want to? Why would such a soft, fragile girl admit to not being good at fighting, but continue coming to train each day? What was she training for? Kai couldn’t imagine that Sophia was working towards becoming a career in the Hunger Games. She didn’t think any parent could have the heart to send an innocent little girl to her death on purpose. Then again, she hadn’t met many career parents. She didn’t see how desperate they could be to have a victor in the family.

Kai hesitated for just a moment, pondering whether or not it was good ideas to teach a little kid how to fight. The look of amazement in Sophia’s eyes as she stared at the knife erased all doubt. This will be good for her. “Sure, I’ll help you. It might be fun,” she said, a smile lighting up her eyes. “I was going to work at throwing knives, so I guess we can start there.” Kai twirled the knife in her hand for a second, wondering how to proceed. She had no idea how much training Sophia had, what she already knew how to do. Kai saw how delicately Sophia held the knife, like a fragile gem that needed to be protected. She walked over and touched Sophia’s hand, guiding her fingers into the right position; fingers wrapped loosely around the handle, thumb pressing on the dull side of the blade. This was the first thing Kai had learned at the gym. She let out a small giggle, remembering how she had been too terrified to even touch the knife at first. “Here, hold it like this. Now just watch me.”

[/justify]

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over 'cause you're gone

[/color][/right]

Kai dragged one of the target dummies out to the center of the room, then took five full steps away to measure her throwing distance. She turned her shoulder towards the target and lined up her arm to be parallel with the dummy. She could follow this routine like clockwork; she’d done it enough times. She could remember coming home from training almost unable to move her shoulder because she’d gone through the rotation so many times. Kai took a step forward and extended her arm, releasing the blade with as much force behind it as possible. She saw the glint of metal as it sailed forward and stuck with a Thunk in the center of the target’s forehead. She turned to Sophia with a smile. “That’s how it’s done. Now you try. Just make sure you put enough power behind your throw.” She moved out of the way to give Sophia the floor.

Kai chatted as Sophia got ready to try out the routine. “So, how come you’re training? I wouldn’t think someone like you would be a career.” She thought about that last statement before adding, “no offense,” and a sheepish grin.

[/justify]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just Me, Myself, and I

[/right][/color]

[Sydney ^.^]

[Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know we started. I apologize!]



Wren wasn't in the mood to be messed with. Already having to talk to her mother on the phone, threatening some guy who tried to hit on her, and having to go get extra supplies from the local gym was enough to make Wren pissed off. It wasn't even noon yet and she'd already almost killed a guy.

"Just perfect," she mumbled when she found out she had to go get the weights and knives that her trainer asked for. It was cold, and that's the thing she most hated. Cold, the icy wind that touched her skin was an unwelcome feeling. Though she had a cold personality didn't mean that she liked the cold.

Wren made sure she bundled up, but not too much unless she met some unpleasant people along the way. That usually happened to her, and it was never a fun time dealing with those type of people. She dressed in some black sweatpants that weren't too baggy and that kept her legs cozy. She put on a long sleeve, tight shirt that kept her warm and made her arms move flexibly. Over that, she put on a gray hooded jacket that was light, but it had fuzz inside that let her keep toasty. Lastly, she put on her black combat boots that she's always loved. She took them everywhere she went, as they were perfect for sneaking around and for getting places in any type of weather that came forth. Wren grabbed the backpack that her trainer told her to get and she finally headed out.

She put the hood over her head to keep her ears warm on the short walk. She kept her long, blonde hair down since she was just going on a trip, as she usually put it up in a high bun, especially when she was training. But she couldn't keep her mind off of the conversation that her mother had said this morning. She never really liked her parents, but this one conversation broke her heart.

"Hello honey, it's nice to hear your voice again," her mother first told her.

"Yeah, the last time you called was 9 months ago," Wren said to her mother on the phone. Her mother was always pushing her to wear dresses and be a 'proper' lady. Wren was so tired of her, and she was glad to get away. She hadn't seen her parents in about four months; it was the last time she got to see her parents before going back to the academy, and she only saw them for a couple days.

The conversation went on with "how are you doings?" and "that's nice" and blah, blah blah. About five minutes into the conversation, Wren could tell her mother was about to cry. Her voice was cracking, she was sniffling, and her mother's voice almost went a whole octave higher than her usual tone.

"I--I need to tell you something. It's about your father," Wren's mother stuttered.

"Is father alright?" Wren asked. Did her old man finally croak? She loved him a lot more than her mother, but she still wouldn't have mind if he died. The only time he really cared about her is when Wren offered to go to the academy. He really wanted her to go, and so she finally said yes.

"Yes dear, he's fine. It's...it's..."

"Spit it out, mother!" Wren's heart was beating fast. She didn't know what to expect. Was father really alright? Did her want to give the family business to her, and her mother was crying tears of joy? There were endless possibilities.

"Your father told me to tell you not to come home. He said that you shouldn't come home unless you are a victor. He said that during the summers you shall stay with a friend, and that you are not our...problem...anymore..."

Her mother's voice faded out with those last three words, and Wren was speechless. She was sixteen, and she was already being kicked out. Was she not good enough? Have her parents always secretly hated her? Was she just another person in the way of the Williams' fishing business? There was no use replying or thinking of a million different possibilities, because Wren knew that she would never be given one. Wren simply hung up the phone, and she knew she would never come back to that home again.

Wren finally got to the gym and looked through the window. Two other girls were in there throwing knives. Wren ducked her head, hoping the two didn't spot her.

This is just getting worse and worse by the minute, Wren thought while she was ducking. The streets were empty, so she could focus her attention on the gym. If they were talking about something important, she could listen, but from this distance it was close to impossible. Though she probably wouldn't get anything out of eavesdropping, it wouldn't hurt to do it either.

She quickly opened the door and ran to the office that was placed at the side of the building. There was a machine that hid her well there, so she just stayed quiet, hoping to hear a good word from these two ladies.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Sophia Landros

At first there was a little hesitation, Sophia could see it in Kai's face when she heard such an innocent disbelieve, as if there was a reason no one helped the small girl. But it was difficult for people to say no, especially when Sophia's face brightened with joy. "Okay." Sophia agreed with a perk of a smile, anything was always good for the little girl who hated confrontation. It was easy to find happiness in anything, so Sophia constantly went with everything in hope to please everyone else.

It was easy to follow the older girl's instructions because lessons from coaches were mandatory even for the one's that looked like babies, Sophia was just never able to get past how to hold it. Even holding it was difficult for her, because Sophia felt the need to hold anything that sparkled like it was a crown, and certainly not something to throw to hurt someone. "Don't worry I can use knifes." Sophia jokes to help ease Kai. Once she was able to get the correct grip the next step was for Kai to demonstrate.

The small eyes widened witnessing Kai throw the knife right onto the dummy's forehead; from being impressed, or completely scared she wasn't sure of. Then it was Sophia's turn to try, and she mirrored Kai's preparation. Walking up to the dummy, five large steps, then stare at the dummy for a second. Staring was a bad idea because instantly fears returned; throwing such a beautiful piece of metal, being in the arena, having to actually hurt someone.

Luckily Sophia was given a question, something that she could easily use as a distraction. Before there was a chance to answer, Sophia heard the door swing closed with only a female's shadow escaping down the hall. Probably someone in a rush, Sophia actually felt a little safe after watching Kai's aim right onto the forehead. "Career family." Sophia shares. "What about you?" She asked because everyone had there own reasons to being a Career.

When the distraction from not throwing is recognized, Sophia's eyes gaze down to the knife still placed in her hand just as Kai formed. "Opps. I forgot." Sophia giggles weakly, looking at the dummy a few feet in front of her. "I can't." She finally admits after feeling a shiver that told her no. "I don't like the idea of hurting someone." She explains looking down ashamed because the small girl hoped to get past it this time, especially with no one around. "But I have to know how for the arena." She stresses because she felt she had to learn sooner or later, because it was going to be the difference between life and death in the near future.

[Ray]

Does, Thinks, Says, Hears

Kai couldn’t help but smile as she watched Sophia attempt the routine. She reassured Kai that she knew how to use knives, and then proceeded to mimic Kai’s movements exactly. She was doing well in principle, but it was clear something was wrong as she stared down the dummy. Sophia’s eyebrows knit together in concentration, but soon the fear became apparent on her face. Kai waited in anticipation for the knife to go sailing across the room, but the throw never came. Instead Sophia turned to Kai with a response to her question.

“Career family,” she murmured, and Kai had to choke back a laugh. She didn’t know Sophia very well, but she couldn’t imagine her surrounded by a family of tough Careers. “What about you?” The question instantly stomps out all the laughter Kai had been feeling moments ago. Her eyes darkened and she looked away from the girl in front of her. You don’t need to tell her. If you don’t talk about it, the pain will go away. It was such a simple question, but Kai could think of no way to answer it. There was no way she could explain about her dysfunctional family, about watching a sister she thought she’d never see again be slaughtered. She couldn’t say that she was terrified of the exact same thing happening to her; lying in a pool of blood, body broken, her entire existence becoming nothing more than a memory.

[/justify]

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over 'cause you're gone

[/color][/right]

Kai is pulled from her nightmarish reverie by the sound of the door opening and closing, and footsteps running past the two girls already in the gym. “Hello?” Kai called, not really expecting an answer. Why did everyone decide to come in this morning? It’s like a mad house in here today. “Whatever” she muttered, turning back to Sophia, who still stood with a questioning look on her face. “Oh, uh, my parents make me train. I think they’re just paranoid that something bad will happen,” she spouted off, praying that the lie didn’t show.

Sophia turns her gaze longingly back on the knife, still held in a throwing grip. She jokes and laughs wearily, but it’s clear her heart’s not in it. Soon, she shivers and turns away from the target, admitting that she can’t. “I don’t like the idea of hurting someone,” she says, shame coloring her face red. “But I have to know how for the arena.” Kai looks down at her, stunned. She couldn’t believe that a little kid could talk about fighting, killing, so easily and with such conviction. She made it clear that she intended to get into the Games, one way or another.

Kai could feel the anger building in the pit of her stomach. It was just so unfair! A whole nation of people forced to fight, to die, for what? For the entertainment of a select few? Kai didn’t think she had felt such rage at anything in her life. The Games had ripped her family apart, taken the breath from her sister’s lungs, and she didn’t want to let that happen to Sophia. “Sophia,” she said, voice lowered. “You don’t have to fight if you don’t want to.” Kai had only intended to talk Sophia down from training and volunteering for the Games. She just wanted to end the injustice for one person, if she could. She could never have imagined how far it would go.

[/justify]

Thanks to you I got a new thing started
Thanks to you I'm not the broken hearted
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking 'bout me

[/color][/right]

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

((OOC: Sydney are you going next? Or after a couple of posts because Wren is eavesdropping?))

[Sydney ^.^]

(I was just going to wait a couple of posts. Sorry for the confusion!)

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It was clear that Kai's answer for why she was a Career wasn't the full explanation. It was the arch of people's eyebrows when a bad memory is playing in their brain like a black and white film. But Sophia wasn't the type to push for anything, especially when it brought someone pain. "That's smart I guess." Sophia says wondering if Kai's parents put as much stress as regular Career households had on their kids.

There was certainly a lot of stress in the Landros' household, filled with Career kids all trying to be the best. It was all their parents cared about, and Sophia had such a strong desire to make them proud. The difficulty of competing with her siblings didn't help either. But after over hearing her parents knowledge of Sophia not having a chance in the arena and still pursuing their strong attempt to get her in early, Sophia wanted nothing more then to escape. But being a small, innocent twelve year old it was easier said then done, hence her reasoning to stay in training.

"Yes I do." Sophia says in yet another soft voice as her eyes stayed on the shiny sharpness extended from the handle in her hands. The reasoning for why quickly replaces Sophia's feelings with anger over why that was, how her parents lied to her face and her desire to prove everyone wrong. Without even realizations Sophia attempted her first knife throw, and manages to get the bottom of the dummy. But it wasn't a complete miss, meaning Sophia actually used a beautiful gem to hurt something.

Running up to the dummy to pull the knife out and examine it, the small girl was only worried over scratching something that sparkled in her eyes. The fact she hit the dummy had yet to phase her, unsure of how she felt about it. All Sophia wanted was to do good, but she couldn't get her mind off the idea it was to hurt someone. Taking the knife back to Kai, Sophia held a concerned face clearly stating her lack of wanting to do it again.

"I could of scratched it!" Sophia exclaims though people didn't share the same feeling towards shiny things. "I'm not nearly as good as you." She says completely ignoring their previous conversation.

[Ray]

Does, Thinks, Says, Hears

“Yes I do.” Those words from Sophia were like knives in Kai’s heart. She didn’t want to hear this. Sure, Kai wasn’t much older than Sophia, but she would do everything she could to never find herself in an arena. Sophia, on the other hand, completely intended to get into the Games. It was so unfair! Didn’t she know that she would be killed? Kai was a generally optimistic person, but she just couldn’t see Sophia winning. It’s true that she was adorable and sweet, so she would get a lot of sponsors, and maybe some tributes would hesitate to attack her at first, but there’s no way that would last. How could she make Sophia see the truth?

Before Kai could say anything, Sophia turned from her, effectively cutting off the conversation. She threw the knife, leaning into it. The knife sailed through the air, but dropped off early. Not surprising, considering how small she was. She probably hadn’t built up the strength to accurately through the knife high enough, yet. Even so, the knife still managed to stick in the dummy’s side. Not bad for her first shot.

[/justify]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

[/right]

Sophia didn’t seem pleased, though. She rushed to pull the knife from the dummy and give it back to Kai, exclaiming that she could have scratched the blade. Kai didn’t quite understand the wonder with which Sophia looked at the knives; like it was made of gold and far too valuable to be used for fighting. “I’m not nearly as good as you,” Sophia murmured dejectedly, completely changing the subject from the previous conversation. It was clear she didn’t want to practice with the knives anymore, and she certainly didn’t want to talk about it. Then again, Kai was stubborn. She was never one to give in to someone else.

“Sophia,” Kai said, practically begging for her to listen. “You could die, don’t you get that?” Kai closed her eyes, seeing where this was going. She had been thinking about this idea for a long time, but she wasn’t eager to set out by herself. Maybe she could help Sophia get away from the Hunger Games, while helping herself at the same time. “Listen, I want to tell you something, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else, okay?” She took a deep breathe, trying to build up the courage to say it. Kai knew that if Sophia wasn’t trustworthy, the whole plan would fall apart.

“Okay, here goes. I’ve been thinking about running away. What if you could leave District Four? If there was a way, would you?” That was it. Kai regretted the words the minute they left her mouth. They were out there now and no matter how bad she wanted to, she couldn’t take them back. All there was to do now was wait and pray that Sophia didn’t turn her in to the peacekeepers.

[/justify]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just Me, Myself, and I

[Sydney ^.^]

Those words that Wren just heard by the older girl echoed through her head, and she couldn't get them out.

"I’ve been thinking about running away. What if you could leave District Four? If there was a way, would you?”

The girl said such powerful words that even Wren wouldn't dare to say, especially in a public place such as this gym. But Wren was curious. She wondered what it would be like. Surely it would be better than District 4. But could she be so sure? What was out there? Wolves? Dangerous weather? Anything could be likely, but even so, it would be a fun challenge to bare with. She knew she wouldn't be in the games, there was no doubt, but would her training be put to any use other than for passing the academy? She didn't want to waste the little talents in fighting she learned. What was left for her in this district of fishing? That she would just be another worker in her father's factory? No, that couldn't happen. She didn't want to work for her brother. Never in a million years would she want to do that.

She couldn't find any cons that would lead her out of this decision. Though she was never asked personally, she really wanted to come. Of course, asking nicely wouldn't do it. When you appear to be kind to other people, the more you let your own guard down and take your eye off what is really going on in the world.

Wren almost came out behind the machine, but stopped. She remember that these two girls were only in their beginning teens it seemed like. It was close to impossible to run away with two little girls who probably didn't know what they were talking about. Did those girls know that she was behind here, and just baiting her to come out from the machine? It didn't seem like it. The tone of their voices seemed somewhat calm, as if they were just having a normal conversation with each other. Though this conversation wasn't normal, Wren was torn between what to do.

She could ruin her life if she went. Be sent to jail, be tortured, or even be killed. She would face harsh weather that nobody could ever face, and if they got stuck, they might be buried under the snow and forgot about. And even if they did leave, they would sure be hunted by the peacekeepers. They might be turned into avoxs and stuck in the Capitol until they become old ladies.

But if she stayed, she would have to pass the academy to even get anywhere. Wren would have to look for a job, which was hard since she didn't really have any charisma except coldness. She would have to stay here the rest of her life. Yes, she might find love. She might have children and grandchildren and live a good life. But would it really be worth it? She would probably regret this decision the rest of her life, torn between whether she made the right choice or not.

In a split second, Wren made her choice.

She came out of the machine, now fully vulnerable to the two girls. She walked towards them slowly, knowing fully well that they were fantastic at knife throwing. Wren put on a smirk, but other than that, no emotion was put on her face.

"I want in." Three words were spoken by Wren. And if they said no? She could threaten them. Out of the corner of her eye, Wren spotted a video camera, but did not dare to turn and face it. If they said yes, she would have to break the camera, because if she didn't she would be a fugitive too.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Sophia Landros

The words formed a lump in the small girl's throat, multiple times a night the thought of death brutally awakes Sophia but saying the actual word was completely different. It was always out of the fear of knowing Sophia didn't have a chance in the arena just as Kai was kindly getting across. At least Kai had the type of heart to admit it, unlike everyone else that would simply give the stare of pity. Still the truth was painful and Sophia's eyes dropped to the floor because ever still there was nothing she could do. Sophia's parents only had the intention of family fame, and not the needs of their children.

Nodding like a bobble-head Sophia was intrigued to hear what Kai wanted to keep secret. "Promise." She assures knowing that it would a way to stay out of the arena. Maybe there could actually be a chance. With wide, curious eyes Sophia wanted nothing more then to hear a brilliant plan of getting out of her on going nightmare she tried so hard to keep quiet about.

"Really?" Sophia asked in disbelieve once again. Was there really a way to escape? It was certainly a difficult thing to wrap her mind around, never thinking of such an idea. So many horrible things could happen to people that attempt to leave the district, but nothing worse then a fate into the arena.

Before Sophia had a chance to agree an older girl appears, and instantly Sophia feels as if they've already been caught and becomes a deer in headlights. Was she the person that dashed into the gym not to long ago, here to eavesdrop on their plan as if she knew it was going to happen? But instead of a threat to turn them in for such talk, the mysterious girl asks to join in. They could actually be starting something.

"Met to." Sophia agrees with a smile spreading across her chubby cheeks. "But how?" She asks innocently, her smile fading down a little because it would certainly be a dangerous mission.

[Ray]

(OOC) Hey you guys I'm totally lame because I haven't responded in so long! Your active posting makes me look so bad! I'm totally gonna edit this soon into a post, just wanted to let you guys know that I'm not ignoring you, I've just been busy