{Never} Too late for friends {Cato}

[Knuckles]

It's the first morning of training, and I'm scared shitless to be around the other tributes. I'm terrified of seeing them. I don't want them to see me because I don't want them to know my name. I don't want to get to know people because it'll just make the arena harder if I get to know everyone. I don't want to make friends because I'm going to end up killing them if I want to live. I walk around the training center trying to remain in the shadows away from everyone. It'll be easier if I don't get close to anyone, but I know I need someone. I look at each station as I walk around trying to figure out the best ones to take. Will plants be good? What about fire starting to keep warm at night? What about weapons? It overwhelms me right now. I don't know what to do.

I sigh as I stop in front of the plant station. I need to know how to find edible plants. I don't want to bundle plants up just for them to be poisonous. What a way to go out: eating poisonous plants. I look at the different plants that's laying in front of me trying to figure out what each of them can do. I look around me making sure nobody is coming close. I want to be alone. It's easier that way. I sit down on the ground crossing my ankles. I've always enjoyed reading books, so this shouldn't be that bad. It's a book I can place my nose in without worrying about what's around me. It's a book that'll allow me to learn. I need a friend, but it's too late to make friends. I sigh as I try to remain hidden in the shadows from everyone because I don't need a friend.

Narration 4C4361
Thoughts A091AE
Hearing 80779B
Speech A3A3D0
Other DECDD1

OOC: Credit for this lovely header goes to Shrimp <3

[Cato]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 1f1f1f; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] Jim McCoy

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 141414; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 5px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 0px 0px;] district three . male . tribute of the 65th annual hunger games

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 000000; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] "Dialogue" "hearing" Thoughts Narration Jim walked toward the plants station. He Thought it might be useful to learn about the many different plants that might pop up in the arena, but plants definitely seemed like a tough challenge for him to master. Looking at the plants trainer and then at the plants only confirmed his thoughts about the challenge they pose. "I wont be able to tell which plant is which when or if I find them in the arena. Damn it this is embarrassing." Jim kneeled. The plants would be a tough challenge and stopping now would help his insanity. He glanced around to see if anyone noticed him struggling, but he quickly looked down at his feet.

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://24.media.tumblr.com/9952ccb88477578adca762a792b401ad/tumblr_muguskEkey1s2whrio1_500.jpg); border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 250px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;]

[Knuckles]

I stare at the first page of the book wondering how I'll ever figure out all the plants. I never realized how many plants existed. I flip the first page of the book as I continue staring at them all amazed. Maybe I can stay away from all the tributes by hiding somewhere. All I need is food and water. It seems learning plants will go way better than trying to learn any combat station. The weapons scare me. Weapons aren't meant to be used against other children. I flip through the book before finding a page that lists poisonous plants. A small smile forms on my face as I stare at the page. "I wont be able to tell which plant is which when or if I find them in the arena. Damn it this is embarrassing."

I raise my face from the book and look around trying to figure out where the talking is coming from. A person, a boy, is standing at the same station I am. I'm tempted to hide from him. Maybe he won't see me. I lower my gaze to the book before looking up at him again. Maybe I should help him? I mean we are fighting to the death, but maybe he can help me with something? I place the book on the ground leaving it open. "Hey." I begin quietly afraid to say anymore.

Narration 4C4361
Thoughts A091AE
Hearing 80779B
Speech A3A3D0
Other DECDD1

OOC: Credit for this lovely header goes to Shrimp <3

[Cato]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 1f1f1f; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] Jim McCoy

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 141414; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 5px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 0px 0px;] district three . male . tribute of the 65th annual hunger games

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 000000; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] "Dialogue" "hearing" "Thoughts" Narration "Hey" Jim heard a voice and assumed that the introduction was meant for him. "Do I want friends? I would hate to make such a good friend only for me to kill them or vice versa. One friend couldn't hurt though. I'm glad its not my District partner over here. She scares me to death. I better introduce myself. I wouldn't want to be rude." "Hey there stranger. I'm Jim from District three. Let me tell you now that all of these plants seem damn near impossible to remember. One would have to be a machine just to remember more then one." Jim actually laughed for what seemed like the first time since being here. Would this unknown stranger like him or want him to leave? He went back to work at the plants, but he wasn't too interested in learning them. The plants to him seemed like an endless maze which would probably fry his brain if he tried to navigate it.

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://24.media.tumblr.com/9952ccb88477578adca762a792b401ad/tumblr_muguskEkey1s2whrio1_500.jpg); border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 250px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;]

[Knuckles]

I stare at the page of poisonous plants. Okay if I don't know if a plant is poisonous or not shouldn't I just stay away from it? I shake my head letting out a small laugh. "Hey there stranger. I'm Jim from District three. Let me tell you now that all of these plants seem damn near impossible to remember. One would have to be a machine just to remember more then one." I look up amazed. I didn't except him to actually talk to me. I didn't think he would talk to me. After all, at least one of us will be dead when this is over. I focus on his name repeating it in my mind over and over. I look at his face unsure of what to say.

"Hey Jim. I'm Storm of District nine." I hold out my hand hoping he'll give it a shake and not leave me hanging. "Yeah there so many plants out there. I never realized how many there were." It's okay to talk to him right? I can talk to him, but I don't want to get extremely closed to him. "So um, how are you doing?" I ask trying to keep a conversation going. Talking to strangers not something I'm good at.

Narration 4C4361
Thoughts A091AE
Hearing 80779B
Speech A3A3D0
Other DECDD1

OOC: Credit for this lovely header goes to Shrimp <3

[Cato]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 1f1f1f; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] Jim McCoy

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 141414; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 5px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 0px 0px;] district three . male . tribute of the 65th annual hunger games

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 000000; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] "Dialogue" "Hearing" "Thoughts" Narration "Hey Jim. I'm Storm of District nine."He noticed that Storm held out his hand. Jim didn't want to be rude. Extending a hand, he shook it gently. "Yeah there so many plants out there. I never realized how many there were." He laughed at what Storm said. There was so many plants that he wanted to rip each and every one of them to shreds. It would be rude of him to do so, but then one plant wouldn't hurt would it? So he got up and tore one apart. "I hate plants. If plants are my only food source in the arena, then I'm so dead." "So um, how are you doing?" It seemed like Storm wanted to make casual conversation, but Jim didn't mind the attempt. He wanted to know that there was some sort of humanity left in the games. Expecting the worse was all he seemed use to, but it kind of felt weird expecting children to be ready to kill. "I'm doing well. The plants are frustrating me to no end, but I'm sure you guessed that much already. Plants ugh.... I hate them. Its like mind blowing to think I can figure out what kinds there are."

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://24.media.tumblr.com/9952ccb88477578adca762a792b401ad/tumblr_muguskEkey1s2whrio1_500.jpg); border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 250px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;]

[Knuckles]

It amazes me how friendly people can seem. I'm used to being around friendly people. It's the part of life that I enjoy. I wish everyone here was friendly; however, I doubt that would happen. Jim, the boy from three, seems to be friendly. It's slightly scary. To my surprise, he shakes me hand. I look back at the book as he rips a plant apart. "I hate plants. If plants are my only food source in the arena, then I'm so dead." I wonder what he'd say if I could be great with plants? "I don't think plants are that hard. Just gotta know what not to pick."

I continue to look through the book amazed. I never thought plants could be so amazing. "I'm doing well. The plants are frustrating me to no end, but I'm sure you guessed that much already. Plants ugh.... I hate them. Its like mind blowing to think I can figure out what kinds there are." I gently lay the book to my side. I leave it open so I don't forget what page I'm on. "It's difficult cause many plants look alike. A certain kind may not be poisonous, but a kind that looks like it may be. It is a challenge to learn them all, but I'd rather die by eating a poisonous plant than being stabbed to death." I chuckle softly hoping he'll catch on to the sarcasm.

Narration 4C4361
Thoughts A091AE
Hearing 80779B
Speech A3A3D0
Other DECDD1

OOC: Credit for this lovely header goes to Shrimp <3

[Cato]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 1f1f1f; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] Jim McCoy

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 141414; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 5px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 0px 0px;] district three . male . tribute of the 65th annual hunger games

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 000000; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] "Dialogue" "Hearing" "Thoughts" Narration "I don't think plants are that hard. Just gotta know what not to pick." A smile formed on Jim's face. He could tell already that they would become friends in the coming days. He liked Storm as a friend already, and whether that would be a good thing or not, he didn't know yet. "Well Storm I'm just not as amazing with plants as you seem to be. I highly doubt even with a month to learn the different kinds of plants that I would actually remember what to pick. So much plants to remember. I would definitely love to avoid picking plants in the arena." "It's difficult cause many plants look alike. A certain kind may not be poisonous, but a kind that looks like it may be. It is a challenge to learn them all, but I'd rather die by eating a poisonous plant than being stabbed to death." Jim couldn't help laughing. It looked like Storm wanted to die in a non lethal way or so it seemed to him. He also wanted to avoid dying from a weapon, but a weapon probably would be the death of him. "You don't need to mention that plants look alike. I've found that out for myself. There is so many plants here and most likely in the arena that I would probably end up dying by a poisonous one rather than being stabbed to death or killed by a mutt."

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://24.media.tumblr.com/9952ccb88477578adca762a792b401ad/tumblr_muguskEkey1s2whrio1_500.jpg); border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 250px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;]

[Knuckles]

Plants will be something I can do will in the arena. I'll be able to spear without problems. I enjoy it a lot. I don't want to deal with weapons because they terrify me. Will he trust me with plants? Can we actually be friends? I look up at Jim? Is that his name? I shake my head as I look back at the book of plants. "You don't need to mention that plants look alike. I've found that out for myself. There is so many plants here and most likely in the arena that I would probably end up dying by a poisonous one rather than being stabbed to death or killed by a mutt."

I sigh silently. "Oh, sorry 'bout that. I'm just in over my head." I look at him hoping he'll understand. I don't wanna make him uncomfortable. I look around still not wanting any other tributes to walk up to me. I just wanna be left alone because it's too late to make a friend. Or is it? "I just don't feel like dying by a weapon. I just wanna die on my own time, and my own way. I always thought I'd live to be old dying back in District nine. I watched him day last year, and they gonna watch me die this year." I take a deep breath trying to fight away the pain.

Narration 4C4361
Thoughts A091AE
Hearing 80779B
Speech A3A3D0
Other DECDD1

OOC: Credit for this lovely header goes to Shrimp <3

[Cato]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 1f1f1f; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] Jim McCoy

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 141414; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 5px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 0px 0px;] district three . male . tribute of the 65th annual hunger games

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 000000; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] "Dialogue" "Hearing" "Thoughts" Narration "Oh, sorry 'bout that. I'm just in over my head." "We all are Storm. Chances are we both will be dead the second we step off our platforms." Jim didn't want to die so quickly in the bloodbath, but he already gave up trying to change that. There wasn't anything left to do except show up to train and than off to death he goes. "Storm. You're not the only one. I'm going to die. I have nothing to live for at all." "I just don't feel like dying by a weapon. I just wanna die on my own time, and my own way. I always thought I'd live to be old dying back in District nine. I watched him die last year, and they gonna watch me die this year." Jim patted Storm on the shoulder. It would seem that he has a family to go home to unlike him. He didn't know what to do with his life. Winning the games wont mean anything to him since the only the that awaits him at home would be his abusive relatives. "Storm. We're alike in many ways my friend. I don't want to die by a weapon. I'd rather go out in another way if possible. I also don't want to kill someone if it means that the tributes family is mourning back home. I have nothing to live for. I'm a lost cause. Always have been, always will be. Happy hunger games right?" "I hope you detect the humor in my voice at the last part of my sentence Storm. You need cheering up pal."

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://24.media.tumblr.com/9952ccb88477578adca762a792b401ad/tumblr_muguskEkey1s2whrio1_500.jpg); border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 250px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;]

[Knuckles]

It's hard to believe that Jim has been talking to me. It's hard for me to grasp that I just opened up to him without going in too much detail. He doesn't need to know everything. He doesn't need to know that I've watched a family member die in the bloodbath. The bloodbath terrifies me. I don't wanna die. I don't wanna be cut in pieces by weapons. But I don't want to kill. "Storm. We're alike in many ways my friend. I don't want to die by a weapon. I'd rather go out in another way if possible. I also don't want to kill someone if it means that the tributes family is mourning back home. I have nothing to live for. I'm a lost cause. Always have been, always will be. Happy hunger games right?"

I stare at him as one word echoes through my head over and over again. Friend. He called me friend. A large grin grows on my face spreading ear to ear. I can have a friend while I'm here. I can have someone I can trust with my life. I look up at him with my rosy cheeks glowing. "I don't want to kill anyone. These weapons don't belong in my hands. I don't want anyone to die, but we have to for the stupid games. I'm going to die. I know I am because I can't fight. I don't want to fight. I'm dead as soon this begins." I take a deep breath. "You said friend. Are you serious? Oh yeah, Happy hunger games. Lets celebrate." I allow the smile to spread larger hoping he understands.

Narration 4C4361
Thoughts A091AE
Hearing 80779B
Speech A3A3D0
Other DECDD1

OOC: Credit for this lovely header goes to Shrimp <3

[Cato]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 1f1f1f; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] Jim McCoy

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 141414; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 5px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 0px 0px;] district three . male . tribute of the 65th annual hunger games

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 000000; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] "Dialogue" "Hearing" "Thoughts" Narration "I don't want to kill anyone. These weapons don't belong in my hands. I don't want anyone to die, but we have to for the stupid games. I'm going to die. I know I am because I can't fight. I don't want to fight. I'm dead as soon this begins." Jim nodded his head in agreement about the weapons part. He didn't want to wield a weapon against another kid when it would mean their death. "You know Storm its like we have the same brain. I don't know if I have the fire in my heart to kill someone. I have absolutely no one to go home to. I'm better off dead." "Damn Its like I've given up. Probably for the best. The tributes here have more to live for then I do." "You said friend. Are you serious? Oh yeah, Happy hunger games. Lets celebrate." Jim laughed. The two would definitely get along together. "Of course I'm serious Stormy. Friends until we die in the bloodbath right?" "I'll make sure you live longer then I do Storm. At least you have something to live for." "Oh yeah I almost forgot. Happy hunger games!"

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://24.media.tumblr.com/9952ccb88477578adca762a792b401ad/tumblr_muguskEkey1s2whrio1_500.jpg); border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 250px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;]

[Knuckles]

I look at Jim with a large smile on my face. It's the first time since I've been here that I've had a friend. That the word friend has even been said to me. It makes me happy knowing that I have someone that will be by my side when I go into the arena. We are both so similar it's strange. I sit the book to the side because I'll be able to work on it later. I have plenty of time. "You know Storm its like we have the same brain. I don't know if I have the fire in my heart to kill someone. I have absolutely no one to go home to. I'm better off dead." No, don't think like that Jim. Don't think like that. Nobody is better off dead. "We could fight together ya know? Maybe with the two of us we could find a reason to fight?"

I slowly move around as the smile plasters itself permanently to my face. I feel slightly better now. I'm not alone. "Of course I'm serious Stormy. Friends until we die in the bloodbath right?" Stormy. It's been forever since I've been called Stormy. Friends until we die in the bloodbath. I can't help but laugh slightly. It's not funny, but my nerves are getting the better of me. "Oh yeah I almost forgot. Happy hunger games!" I can feel my confidence rising inside me. "Jimmo, we shall be friends until the end. Friends forever. Friends no matter what. Happy Hunger Games!" Sarcasm fills my voice as the last three words escape from my lips.

Narration 4C4361
Thoughts A091AE
Hearing 80779B
Speech A3A3D0
Other DECDD1

OOC: Credit for this lovely header goes to Shrimp <3

[Cato]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 1f1f1f; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] Jim McCoy

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 141414; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 5px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 0px 0px;] district three . male . tribute of the 65th annual hunger games

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: 000000; border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;] "Dialogue" "Hearing" Thoughts Narration "We could fight together ya know? Maybe with the two of us we could find a reason to fight?" Well Storm I do have a plan. Its for me to get in the bloodbath and get you to safety. That's all I have to live for. Not winning. Not get back home. You. Alive. That's what I have to fight for. Jim nodded his head. He didn't want to speak up for fear of Storm knowing his plan. Storm would probably insist they fight together in the bloodbath, but no way in hell would Jim allow Storm to fight. He did speak up in order to avoid suspicion of his thoughts. "Sure Stormy. I'm sure together we will find a reason to fight. I'm a lost cause. I have nothing to live for." "Jimmo, we shall be friends until the end. Friends forever. Friends no matter what. Happy Hunger Games!" Jim couldn't help the wide spread smile on his face. He had his reason to fight right here in front of him. No one would kill Storm if he could help it. "Friends until the end. My end? The bloodbath. Yours? Well I better see you win from the afterlife."

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://24.media.tumblr.com/9952ccb88477578adca762a792b401ad/tumblr_muguskEkey1s2whrio1_500.jpg); border: 000000 solid 0px; width: 500px; height: 250px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px;]

[Knuckles]

"Sure Stormy. I'm sure together we will find a reason to fight. I'm a lost cause. I have nothing to live for." My heart drops to the floor as the smile on my face fades away. "I'm a lost cause. I have nothing to live for." Echoes through my brain bouncing off my skull flying all over the place. I look up at him. He's given up before the arena even begins. I look back at the floor as I'm lost for words. I can't let him give up. He can't give up not yet. "Nobody is a lost cause, Jimmo. We can fight together. We can work together." I offer encouraging words, and I hope he accepts them. I don't want him to think like that.

"Friends until the end. My end? The bloodbath. Yours? Well I better see you win from the afterlife." An invisible hand slaps me across the face as the blood boils in my veins. What is going on with him? Why is he talking like this? He's accepted death when he has a chance of winning. My hands shake at my side as I look up into Jim's eyes. "What are you talking about? You should fight to go home, not for others, but for yourself. Fight for yourself. You have a right to live. All of us do. None of us should die. Don't give up. Stay strong!" I look back down at the floor trying to keep myself calm. "Everyone has a reason to fight. You just have to find yours. If you don't want to go home to see your family, fight to see mine."

Narration 4C4361
Thoughts A091AE
Hearing 80779B
Speech A3A3D0
Other DECDD1

OOC: Credit for this lovely header goes to Shrimp <3