Winter's Cold Grasp {Charade}

[Loony]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][bg=FDF9FD] ^F E L I C I T A S^S A N D R A^S I M O N D^ The cruel, frigid night of December puts it's icy grip around me and my black tweed jacket. What a night. I continue to crawl my way to my perch, where I everyone is beneath me, where I am the queen and I will not be denied this power, no matter how cold mother nature is. I reach the roof and the numb air pushes against me screaming at me to just go home and crawl into the warm embrace of my bed. But all that is home is a drunken father and uncaring brothers with their eyes colder than this night. With a deep breath I lunge forward against the wind. I reach the grey brick edge of the building. From here I observe the world beneath me. There are a few people ducking from alley to alley, they are tiny insects that I can squish in under a minute. The power courses through my veins, making the cold night not bite as much. I grab my binoculars, the cold metal stinging against my ungloved hands, but I ignore it and press them against my eyes. Within seconds I'm watching as a blond haired woman ducks into the car of an unidentifiable John. Just another call girl working the street. With the brims of my eyes freezing, I remove the binoculars from my face and observe the other action occurring around me, without their knowledge of my observation. I'm never sure just how long I stand at this edge, how long I watch the mysteries of the night. Some nights I arrive home at the first gleam of the sun, other nights I get a decent night of sleep. On this particular night, I am already tired, from a long day of dealing with school, blocking off all my emotions from displaying, only to arrive home to the sharp slap of my father. I walk past my brothers, who all glance out of their rooms with a strange look in their eyes. They fear me. Ari with his 'special friend'. Tommy and his girlfriend. Archy and his drugs. And yet we all fear the same person, the cruel man who just happens to be our father. A dangerous amount of information for a girl of only 15. People really should just stay home at night, all their secrets will be safe this way. But tonight is all about taking those secrets. Taking them and using them to remain above others, because once you know the dirt of some one you just can't look them in the eye. I notice a woman walking briskly down the alley. Her hair gone on one side of her head. I have never seen her before, but her brash appearance causes me to wonder what goes through the minds of the strange people around me. I ignore her and focus on the baker who is waving good-bye to his mistress. By the time I turn back towards the woman she is gone. I scan the area searching for the mysterious girl, but she has disappeared. I push her out of my mind and continue my nightly scoop. Almost an hour later I see her again, only she is staring right back at me, with a burning flame of hatred behind her eyes. I panic and rush towards the fire escape, praying she doesn't know exactly where I am. I claw down the rusty brown ladder, the cold air numbing the scraping against my hands. I begin to wonder just how far she was from me, and the serious possibility that she will report me to the peacekeepers. As soon as my booted feet reach the ground I feel the presence of another person. Word count: 618 Color Meanings: ^Text-EAA6EA

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^Thoughts- D54FD5
^Others Talking- 872187
^Felicitas Talking- B89AFE[/size]
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[charade]

You ever get the feeling that somebody's watching you? Like those moments where you're walking down the sidewalk alone and you feel a sudden urge to stare across the street or cast a furtive glance over your shoulder? I hate moments like those; they seem to happen pretty frequently. Call me paranoid, but really, is it being paranoid if someone really is out to get you? I think that's called common sense. Anyway, it's pretty late out and I'm headed back from a job Da didn't have the time to do. It was simple enough, change out a few gears and oil the contraption up. No big deal. However, when I was headed towards the customers house I had that uncanny feeling like I was being looked at. I didn't see anyone, so I figured it was either my imagination or the person in question must have been behind the safety of their window; after all, this is district three. Lots of people are shut-ins.

But now that I'm my way home I feel like that again. And getting that feeling twice in the same spot is no coincidence. Call it intuition, but somethings off here. I stop short in the middle of the sidewalk and blow some air into my cupped hands to warm my nose. But that action also covers the way my eyes dart back and forth to check my surroundings. There's no one in front of me, and most of the windows aren't lit. The few that are have no shadows near them and thus, no one is standing by them. Across the street I don't see anyone walking either, but I think I do catch some movement. But... higher? I peer upwards and am surprised to see a small body on someones fire escape. And wouldn't you know it, but they are holding something up to their face. At this distance I can't exactly make it out through the dim illumination if the street lights, but I think I can guess. Whoever's up there is about to get a piece of my mind.

I start across the street in a hurry, but then my ears catch the sound of something hitting metal. Guess the creep saw me coming. I speed up and manage to get to where they are just in time to see them hop off the last rung of the ladder. But then I'm surprised. The creep's just a small girl, easily a couple years younger than me. Still, that's no excuse for being a creep. One of my hands slams into the side of the fire escape with enough force that my feathered earrings jangle next to my face. The placement of my arm prevents her off from going in that direction if she tried to. I fix her with one of my patented 'don't lie to me'glares and curl my mouth up in a sneer." You spying on me? Cause if you are, you need to admit it before I do something we both regret. And don't even think about making a break for it cause I'll run you down." That might have been laying things on a little thick. I wouldn't hit her. But a peeping Tina like her might need to be put in her place. I have to say though, part of me is a little curious to know why a girl of her age would be spying on people. Playing a game? Some kinda informant for the peacekeepers? If that's the case, am I really worth the trouble? I mean they pulled me in for questioning a grand total of one time and I don't think I'm that much of a threat. Who knows? Stranger things have happened, and Panem gets a little stranger every day.

[Loony]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][bg=FDF9FD] ^F E L I C I T A S^S A N D R A^S I M O N D^ Hand caught in the cookie jar, a classic moment for any child. Except for most kids thats a time out, not a few slaps and punches from your father. This is almost exactly like this. "You spying on me? Cause if you are, you need to admit it before I do something we both regret. And don't even think about making a break for it cause I'll run you down." The woman isn't the who I expected to be, she looks to be about eighteen, her ears support feather earrings, but her hair is the most interesting part of her entire set up. Shaved on both sides, with streaks of color, it accents all of her features. Her eyes glare angrily at me, demanding an answer. I close my eyes, quickly thinking of everything I can do to prevent the evident beating. "You spying on me-" Was I? Is that what this is? No. Not for me. I just collect. I was collecting. That is always what I've thought it was, but others couldn't possibly understand this. It crosses my mind the best approach for me is to be honest with this girl. She seems like the girl who won't take shit. But I can't do this. I can't tell her, she'll tell the peacekeepers. Her previously warning about running is completely true. She is taller than me by a few inches, but nothing extreme. What worries me is that I'm weaker than her, and her longer legs will carry her quicker than me. Its been more than a few seconds, and her eyes are demanding. For the first time in a long time I fear some one other than my father. Maybe I'm being over dramatic and she won't hurt me, but why risk it. "I-I-"Am I stuttering? I never stutter. "I w-was just watching the streets. I always do it. I watching you in particular. Just watching." And with desperation leaking from my soul to eyes. "Don't tell anyone." Color Meanings: ^Text-EAA6EA

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^Thoughts- D54FD5
^Others Talking- 872187
^Felicitas Talking- B89AFE[/size]
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[charade]

Aw crap.

I did lay it on too thick. The gal's clearly terrified and somehow I think she isn't faking that. In fact, she looks like she's about to cry. I'm not sure about her explanation. It still seems like she's hiding something because what she said doesn't wash. Just watching the street? Who does that? Is that what younger teens are into these days? Okay, so maybe she wasn't spying on me, but she had to have been waiting for someone in particular. Or hiding. Man, this is not how I was planning to spend my evening. I retract my arm my but leave my eyes locked with hers, softening my gaze just a little bit.

She's gotta be a couple years younger than me, but she has something to hide, because otherwise, she wouldn't have fervently asked me not to tell anyone about she was doing. Which means she knows that people don't take kindly to being spied on, and yet she's doing it anyway. Suspicious. I snort and toss my head a little, the impromptu mohawk that is my hair swishing to one side. "Why would I tell anyone? Not like I know who else you were watching."

I hate to admit it, but I'm curious now. Curious enough that I'm not just going to let her go."Okay, let's say I believe you. You better be careful. The next person that spots you might not be as forgiving." I cross my arms , which adds to the effect of scolding. Still, Da always says that you can never be too careful. Might as well get some information out of her to see if she's really on the up and up. "You got a name?" If she really is just a kid that amuses herself by watching people through a pair of binoculars, she must be bored out of her skull. Maybe I could help with that. I'll just have to wait and see.

[Loony]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][bg=FDF9FD] ^F E L I C I T A S^S A N D R A^S I M O N D^ It's okay. The girl's gaze is softening, and if she was really going to do anything to me it would have been done already. In fact she doesn't seem like the badass she is dressed up to be. I find it funny how I am the one who judged her, while I was the creep watching her. I relax slightly as she says "Why would I tell anyone? Not like I know who else you were watching." No she doesn't if she did she would be bombarding me with questions about their secrets. No she doesn't know at all, so I look at the ground and nod. Prepared for a harsh scolding that doesn't come. Instead, she gives me a scolding that tells me that she doesn't approve but isn't too angry. "Okay, let's say I believe you. You better be careful. The next person that spots you might not be as forgiving." There won't be another person. There is no way in hell anyone will catch me again. I know that, but now that I see her reaction to my "spying" I know that if this had been almost anyone else, I would be lying on my side right now. I respect this girl, for having the common decency not to kill me, but I want to scream at her for catching me, for humiliating me like this. I vow right now to never get caught again. I look at the girl, who now stand arms crossed. I smile, she is all talk, but I like her brazen approach towards a freak like me. Am I really that creepy girl? Am I just a complete freak? My smile dies and I close my eyes for a second. "You got a name?" I debate whether or not to tell her the truth or an alias. As I do I realize that she is out at this late hour, same as me. She is doing something that has to be intregging, something I might want to know about. I decide the best way to get to this information isn't to build a wall, rather gain access with trust. No lies. "Felicitas, I'm Felicitas. I know its strange to see a kid doing something like this, but I've never seen you around here, let alone at this time. Mind if I ask who you are?" I'm amazed at how sophisticated I sound, not like the tiny 15 year old girl who stands before her. I give my self an imaginary pat on the back and gaze back at her. No longer the fearful girl I was minutes ago... Wow I'm a moody bitch. Color Meanings: ^Text-EAA6EA

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^Thoughts- D54FD5
^Others Talking- 872187
^Felicitas Talking- B89AFE[/size]
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OOC: Sorry, its soo bad!!! I suck at dialogue. PM me and we can talk about were you want this to go.

[charade]

Heh, the kid's got some moxie. Now that she knows I'm not an immediate threat she certainly regained some confidence. Felicitas. I'm reasonably sure that's really her name as I don't think she's lied to me yet. She even admits that she knows what she's doing could be considered weird, but plows on ahead anyway. I snicker in subdued disbelief and toss my head a little bit."Not that its any of your business, but I'm on my way home from a repair job." Yeah, the kid is definitely curious, but I guess I probably was at that age too; though I don't think I ever spied on anyone. Uncrossing my arms, I shrug nonchalantly. "Name's Jackie." It's not my full name, but it is what I usually go by. Course, she doesn't need to know that.

My stomach rumbles and I stop to think about the last thing I ate, which I can't actually remember which means that having dinner slipped my mind while I was working again."Anyway, It ain't exactly safe out here at night. I'm gonna head home and grab a bite to eat. You can come if you're not to busy spying on someone else."After finishing my comment in a sardonic fashion, I move past her and start walking in the direction of the shop. If she decides to take me up on my offer, then whatever. It wouldn't be the first time I let someone follow me home; though thankfully, this time I don't have to clean up any blood.




OOC:
Not very long, I know, but at least we can move it along now!

[Loony]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,500,true][bg=FDF9FD] ^F E L I C I T A S^S A N D R A^S I M O N D^ "Not that its any of your business, but I'm on my way home from a repair job." Whether or not that information is true, I'll probably never know. She seems like an honest girl, but I'm still not sure I trust her. "Name's Jackie." I look up at her waiting for her to give a full name, but realize it's not coming. She doesn't trust me completely yet, and rightfully so, I was spying on her just minutes ago. I glance at my watch and see just how late it is. I should probably go home, sneak into my bed and wait until my father wakes up so he can slap me around. What did I do to deserve this? Maybe its my mothers fault. Its my brothers fault that I have no friends. They taught me that no on would ever care for me. I sigh at these depressing thoughts. It's a cold gust of wind that brings me back to the current conversation. "...grab a bite to eat. You can come if you're not to busy spying on someone else." Where? I'm stunned for a second. She turns and begins to walk away. I stare after her, contemplating what to do. She did mention food and I haven't eaten in a while. Maybe I can mooch off a snack, see where she lives and then make my way home. I really can't deal with my family right now, and with a small jump I chase after her. I jam my hands in my pocket and quickly catch up. She walks with a purpose, her head held high. Almost the exact opposite of what I usually do. I like to avoid gazes, and just get to where I need to be. As long as no one notices me I won't need to talk to them. Won't need to avoid their eye as my mind goes over all the dirt I have on them. I suppose the only people I can talk to are the ones who I've never seen before, like Jackie here. I'm not sure where exactly we are, but by now I know we are going to her house. I glance at my watch again worried. I just hope I can get home before anyone realizes I'm gone. Then again, they won't be actively searching for me. My brothers don't care, and Dad will just hit them instead of me. I turn towards Jackie, I really don't want to be rude, but I need to know. "How much longer?" Now I sound like a brat. But who cares? I just came to get a bite to eat. Color Meanings: ^Text-EAA6EA

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^Thoughts- D54FD5
^Others Talking- 872187
^Felicitas Talking- B89AFE[/size]
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[charade]

I must be going soft.

A couple months ago and I would have left her in the alleyway with a bruised jaw. Instead I'm offering food? Must be because of the most recent quell. The games suck, but they suck even more when all the tributes are younger than you are. It doesn't take long to make it to the shop; even so, she starts to complain about the length of time its taking. I don't bother to respond, only shoot her a withering look and unlock the door in front of me. Its kind of dark, but after a moments fumbling I have a couple candles going and the door shut behind me. By this time, Da is going to be asleep in his chair so there's no chance that he'll come downstairs. In a matter of a few minutes, I manage to rustle up a hunk of bread, a roll of salami and some cheese. One knife later and I have a pair of roughly cut sandwiches ready for eating. I plop one down on the table and motion for her to take it as I grab a seat and take a generous bite out my own. The shop floor is pretty clear, grandfather clock in the corner, bits and pieces on the counter, the door to my room nice and shut away from prying eyes. "Eat. You look like you could use it."

The stairs near the back lead to the second floor which consists of the bathroom and Da's room; nothing special and so I keep my attention on Felcitas. I'm not really sure what else to say to her, other than to jab at her weirdness again. Shaking my head in irritation, I flip my hair to one side and raise an eyebrow. If she has anything left to say, now's the time to say it; otherwise, she can finish the sandwich and go home. It's late anyhow and I'm sure her family is going to be looking for her soon.color=A00114] "You got somewhere to be? I bet your parents don't have a clue where you are."

[Loony]

^F E L I C I T A S^S A N D R A^S I M O N D^

Kindness is a rare thing, something that people often decide aren't worth their time, instead they let their anger out on others. The fact that this girl give me a sandwich after I spied on her shows me that true kindness is still present. "Eat. You look like you could use it." She flips her strange hair and raises an eyebrow, her expression making it clear that she wants me to either finish quickly or get out. I look around at her house, not particularly big, and a little messy, but better than anything my home was. Although it may be bigger and cleaner, I would trade it in for a life like this, by myself and without the horrible beatings of my dad. I wonder when I can possibly escape, only 15, but I may be able to pass as 18 in two years. I can't help but wonder what age this girl is, but when I turn back to her I realize she is still waiting. I quickly begin to eat my sandwich, hoping to finish this as quick as possible

Jackie then continue's "You got somewhere to be? I bet your parents don't have a clue where you are." No they don't, but I don't want them to. I look at my plate thinking about all of the things that have lead to me becoming a creep who watches people do disgusting things for my own power. There are a lot of things that I hope people will never know, but in order to explain to this girl I need to try to explain myself.

"My mom is dead, so yeah, she doesn't know where I am. My brothers don't care, and my dad won't be awake till the whiskey is out of his system. They obviously don't know. I understand that spying is a horrible thing to do, but I really don't have anywhere else to be." I close my eyes and take the last bite of this sandwich, a prime example of kindness yet proof that I am a freak. I realize in this moment that she doesn't really care, no one will ever care about me. So I quickly grab my coat and stand. I want to get out of here. With a small smile I say, "Thank you for the sandwich. I'm sorry I was spying on you. It won't happen again." I head towards the door, grateful for the kindness of this girl, yet filled with shame of my actions.

^Text-EAA6EA

^Thoughts- D54FD5

^Others Talking- 872187

^Felicitas Talking- B89AFE