The Banquet of Plenty - Open

[*]

[presto]

"Don't apologize for him, and the drinks are on me." He wants to say to me, but I've tried to make up my mind for once tonight, despite what's happened. With Matthew gone, I should be feeling free to be myself. Distractions are gone. Out of my way, now, and all that's left is me and him. It's almost like a burden has been lifted and with the thought of getting drinks for me and him now, I let my fingers leave his like I was being pulled apart from him. Slowly, each finger making more and more distance until any contact is gone between our fingers and I turn. What I don't expect is that his voice suddenly chimes out the moment my eyes leave his.

Does he feel the tug that I left with my gaze. How I truely didn't want to just walk away, but I needed to breath. I needed to settle my thoughts, if only he wasn't coming along, I would let my mind wander. Actually, it's a good thing, right? He is my only distraction. Him and this party and the drinks that are in our future.

"Wait, I'm coming." I look behind me immediately to see his rushed stature to get up near to me again and my cheeks flush slightly but I can feel the burn instantly. The bar isnt that far away from us but the walk over is enough to make me dizzy with anticipation to be with Max. All night, I've felt that tug to be near to him and right now, after everything that has happened, still hasn't left me. The moment we stop, his eyes are instantly on me. Eyeing me. His eyes seem to be devouring my soul, but I play it off with a small head shake and a smile.

"What are you looking at?" I try my hand at a small girlish grin and turn to the bar man for a moment before looking to Max. "Mind ording for me? It is a party, after all, right? I trust your judgement." I play with him.[/presto]

[ table by anzie ]

[Anatra]

"What are you looking at?" She says with a grin that I admire. I don't say anything I just raise my eyebrows with a smile as if to say 'Well...' As though there were many things I could have said. "Mind ordering for me? It is a party, after all, right? I trust your judgement." She allows me to control a part of her now. It's a reversal from earlier. Unconsciously, as well. It's telling. I have many things on my mind right now. The touching of my cheek, my hand. It is a lot for somebody to show this much interest on a first meeting, and I admire the bravery she has to allow somebody like myself to feel this way about her. She must know, I've made it obvious now by longing to stay around tonight. I'm not going anywhere unless she tells me otherwise.

Light vodkas have had a bad affect tonight. They seem to be the toxic thing around here, not Matthew. I think of a drink that maybe a girl would like, Peach Schnapps? Maybe. I actually like that one, but it can be quite strong. She was reluctant to have anything alcoholic earlier so I'm not going to choose an overly bubbly drink. I could just get her a beer and see what happens. She's asking for me to decide. That means I should choose something I want, and see whether she likes it. "Two peach schnapps," I start. The bartender is a little busy so he gets onto my order quickly with "Straws?"
"Just one of them, yeah." I reply.

I look over to her again, still leaning on the bar a little. I find myself wanting to know all about her. Her family, her life at home. Maybe it's too earlier for all of that. Maybe I won't ever get to know. But if I want to know something, then I should ask. There's no point waiting for her to mention it. Will it break the mood? Maybe, but there's such a thing as casual romance. If that's what this is, even I don't know. "So, Kya," I start, hoping that shortening her name isn't going to be a problem. "How do you know Ty and Alex?" I suggest casually, just to bring some depth to our possible relationship. It's a possibility, right? I keep convincing myself it is in my head, but the other half of my mind is still aware of the possibility of otherwise.

The drinks come, and I take to mine lightly, not wanting to seem over-eager to ruin my senses. "Cheers," I say to the bartender and he nods, quickly rushing off to do more work. "Enjoy." I tell her with a warm smile, as usual. I hope she likes it, because otherwise I'll be paying for yet another replacement drink.

W O R D. C O U N T : Many

N O T E S : We have a new theme song you have no choice in the matter : Link

[*]

[presto]

Feeling slightly uncomfortable due to his need to look at me, gets me to worry that he's staring at the mark on my face. I still don't understand why someone, especially Max, would want to stick by my side with this so called 'war paint'? Don't his kind usually go for someone with flawless skin? I used to have flawless skin. I used to have it all before the pregames. Maybe now, it's a good time to start over? Perhaps, Max holds the key to having my life start making a difference? He already has brushed his fingers up against my skin when he pulled my hand down to show off what he helped heal in the first crucial minutes. I'm also pretty sure, the age different might not be that drastic, but he's clearly more in tune to what he wants, while I'm just infatuated with him. Does he want to be with me? The thought makes me feel elated.

With the judgement passed on to him for a proper drink to order, I wait and watch his expression turn from me to the bartender to order. He seems hesitant to open his mouth, but maybe he's perplexed to decide? Then comes his answer for the bartender to fill and I begin to wonder what the drinks are that he's ordered. I've had my fair share at the night club once or twice, but the name clearly has never reached my ears before. "Peach schnapps? Sounds interesting."

The wonder in my expression is clear to him cause I let it show so dominately. Max answers the question that the man asks about straws. "Just one of them, yeah." The man goes back to preparing the drinks while he suddenly turns his attention back to me again. I can't explain this gravitational pull to him, but his eyes seem to draw me in.

"So, Kya." He has taken to shortening my name and for some reason it feels different. Most everyone I meet always calls me by my full name. Even my father. There are only a select few who shorten my name but to be called Kya? Jeran's the only one I know that calls me that, but he's just my brother. With Max, it's pleasing. It gives my name a new meaning coming from him.

"I've not really met Alex, but Tyren, I know from the pregames. We've only met a few times in passing and once at the hospital after the second round. It was nice of them to invite me. Though, I hope there's no encore for some sort of special entertainment, right?" I joke with Max and the drinks arrive without another moment to spare because I'm not sure what to say. I have nothing of interest to ask about his family and he doesn't know any of mine.

"Thank you, for the drink." I tell him and reach for the one that has the straw in it and bring it to my lips. With a nod, as the flavor reaches my taste buds, I put my hand to my lips. "Wow. I should have asked for your judgements on drinks before hand. Much better than my first."

I'm utterly speechless at this point for some reason because I'm spellbound by his warm smile. Already, I seem to be forgetting the drama that happened not long ago. Then my voice is found because I want to know something more about him other than his career. "Any hobbies, Mr. Orca? I'd love to know what you do in your spare time when your not rescueing damsels or performing medical miracles?"
[/presto]

[ table by anzie ]

[Anatra]

I let my glances take place now. I don't stare for too long in case she feels uncomfortable. "Peach schnapps? Sounds interesting." I nod at her. "Yeah, it's peachy." I say with a little cheek. Leaning on the bar still, I take a little drink from the newly arrived glass. The take is a tiny bit sour, but at the same time it is like drinking your favorite juice. Of course, with the alcoholic punch behind it. She begins to answer my question. As she talks I admire the way she speaks about my family. It isn't narcissism, I don't think. It is just an appreciation for her appreciation. "I've not really met Alex, but Tyren, I know from the pregames. We've only met a few times in passing and once at the hospital after the second round. It was nice of them to invite me. Though, I hope there's no encore for some sort of special entertainment, right?" In all honesty, I don't think my humour caught onto what she meant. Instead I just nod and say, "Mhm, right." With a little laughter but not too much in case it wasn't supposed to be funny. I feel bad for not understanding it, but that's probably just my background compared to hers. Though I still don't know how different we are. "Alex's is cooler, he has the glasses."

"Thank you, for the drink." She says, taking the one with the straw. It was for her anyway. "That's alright, it's a pleasure." I do hope that afterwards we can meet up at another time, without the formal talk and get to know each other properly. Although this scene works for me, and she seems fine in it too, I do think that perhaps just sitting down and talking, maybe sharing a pizza or something, would be better in terms of that. But, I do feel a sense of sophistication when I come to the places. It's the upright feeling that you get. I imagine those who train at the pregames get it when they've done a hard day's work. I wouldn't know, the only reason I go to the gym is to keep in shape, but I'm not exactly the strongest kid on the block. "Wow. I should have asked for your judgements on drinks before hand. Much better than my first." I nod my head with a raised brow. In a way I knew my judgement would be alright, Peach Schnapps is typically a woman's drink since it isn't beer or cider. I don't like to discriminate because they're all nice tasting to me. And I like the tastes, not the effects.

"Any hobbies, Mr. Orca? I'd love to know what you do in your spare time when your rescueing damsels or performing medical miracles?" I appreciate her question just as much as the last. It's great getting to know people, though I prefer talking about her. I will divulge though, because I should and must. "Hobbies?" I think to myself briefly. "Well since work doesn't take up too much time, I often find myself at Tyren and Alex's house just visiting, or back at my parent's house. I live by myself, but I rarely stay in the house. It gets too lonely and watching the Games isn't something I plan on doing often." There isn't much that I do out in District Two because of all of the family I have around me. It's usually a full schedule if you plan on attending every call of the horn. Help babysit Tyler, or Pick up Alba from band practice. Tara needs help with this, that and the other. "I do like to go fishing though." I say, a little out of the blue. "There was this one time," I begin, seeming to go off on a little tangent. "Alex, Ty and I went fishing by the Dusty River near our house. There's this little forest, about the size of two car parks. We set up a little camp because we thought we'd stay out for the night." I pause again, taking a drink. "Alex wanted to go back, he was never one for bending the rules. Technically we were only in our back-yard." I try to recollect what happened. "Peacekeepers came just as we were dozing off to sleep in our tent. They were only about twelve and I was thirteen. We used the excuse that we were staying at Joe's house because that way neither of our parents would notice." I laugh to myself a tiny bit. "Lets just say both of our parents knew by the morning." I smile though, it was a funny story I think. I've always liked telling it. It's one of the past memories that you look back on and laugh because it was so silly at the time. Camping? In District Two?

"What about you though? Do you have a job?"

W O R D. C O U N T : Many

N O T E S :

[*]

[presto]

"Hobbies? I know it's such a random question to ask of Max, but it does clear the air between us and void any kind of silence that lingers that might make either of us uncomfortable. Not to mention, it would be rude of me not to learn a few things about him in case there is something in common we can talk about. I would really enjoy the opportunity to seek another hobby instead of training every waking minute of my life. I've only just recently even had the pleasure of seeking out the need for a friend that I find in Gala. Though, most recently, I also learned what it was like to have love and loss. A gentle sigh escapes me when he tells me that he's more of a family man that enjoys just hanging out with his people. I coulnd't imagine anything less from him. He also claims that he's not one to really watch the games much.

That's always a plus to know if I ever am reaped. I'd hate to even think about the fact that he'll have to hear the constant updates if I was in that retched place. If I had to think about his reaction... his or Gala's. Or Matthew's. Maybe, that will be the defining moment? To really sever all ties with that guy?

Then something that kinda surprises me comes out from him. Something I never would have expected seeing as how he's not the type to get his hands dirty let alone hook a worm and sit to wait on a measely fish to come by and grab the bait. I shake my head giving him a curious grin when he relates a story most closely related to his unusual hobby, I think.

I listen intently, nodding every so often to let him know I am paying attention. His story starts off again, with the twins and a camping trip, but what comes next has my mouth gapped open just enough out of the suspence of the story. The peacekeepers was a nice twist to the story.

"I bet you guys were terrified. Did you guys get into too much trouble with the peacekeepers, though?" I ask curiously cause we all know that peacekeepers are usually hated within a lot of districts and punishments against the laws are usually done to ensure that they won't happen again. Mostly, they are done within the eyes of the town. I'm more worried about what they did to the group of young ones.

Then the questions are reverted back to me again and it isn't a hard question at all. It basically has only one answer, but I can see he would want me to elaborate on why as well. My age would be one, but that's not the only thing as most fifteen and sixteen year olds either work in the quarry or doing odd jobs around the place.

"Job? No. My father is the sort that keeps his only daughter right into the gym from sunup to sundown. Until recently that is, and it's given me such a well needed break. Curse of the career - path, I'm afraid. I take it you never really trained for the games, have you?" My question comes out with such a refined way of speaking so that I don't offend him on that last part. I step just a bit closer to him, showing nothing but curiosity. It would be a shame to have wasted this man. It would have been nice to see him once in a while. If that was so, we could have met along time ago.

"Hey, mind accompanying me to go get the gifts for Alex and Tyren? I'd kinda like to give them to the birthday duo in person?" I put up a hopeful from, and reach out for his arm to gently coax him to follow.
[/presto]

[ table by anzie ]

[Anatra]

"I bet you guys were terrified. Did you guys get into too much trouble with the peacekeepers, though?" I nod at her, appreciating the attention she's giving my story. I don't usually go off on a tangent such as this but it is good to have them heard once in a while. It shows she cares, or at least lets me know that she is listening. "Yeah, too right we were." I say. "We were only young, but they treated us like adults. Adults out after curfew." In reality they threw us out of that tent quicker than they would any other. We didn't resist because we apparently had some brains, but when we were taken to the justice building we thought that was the end of it to be entirely honest. Only when our parents were called in did we realize that the punishments at home would be worse. No form of entertainment for a good few months. The cold shoulder for more than that. It was relentless but quite needed, because we didn't step out of line since then. Or at least, I didn't.

"I take it you never really trained for the games, have you?" I smirk at her, "No, not particularly. I mean, I'm in shape but not as much as say... careers." It is strange to be one of the few males in the district that aren't keen on the taste of blood. I prefer my life to theirs though. Danger is not something I'm fond of putting myself in front of, unless it was for somebody else. I'm selfless like that, and it can be damaging but worth it in the end. Kyanite could be somebody who I would protect, I think. Although, I don't necessarily think she needs it. She looks like she can handle herself, if given the allowance to do so. I wouldn't be one to assume, but I would say there's a lot of oppression against her freedom. She kind of confirms that by saying how her dad keeps her in the gym. As though she doesn't want to be there.


"Hey, mind accompanying me to go get the gifts for Alex and Tyren? I'd kinda like to give them to the birthday duo in person?" Tyren and Alex are standing near their table, talking together with their matching red suit jackets. My blue one is identical besides the colour. Joe has the same blue one too, Alba and Tara in blue dresses. Alba and Tara are at the bar talking to some relatives and friends, Joe is nowhere to be seen, maybe he went home. Some people have left though, the place is equally as noisy but there are less people. Not significantly though, it isn't quite time to consider leaving. Not for me anyway, though I know that my duties to Uncle Francis and Aunt Cecilia are to take Tyler home and babysit until they get back from here. He'll be so tired, poor kid. "Yeah, no problem. What'd you get them?" I ask politely but curiously as we begin making our way over.

Tyren and Alex seemed to be talking about something a little serious by their expressions, they each have a drink in their hands. I remember when I first turned eighteen I was the same. Drink in my left and cigarette in the other. Not something that I can necessarily be proud of though. It's not a good habit and I do plan on quitting. It shouldn't be difficult if I indulge in something more time-consuming. Maybe even training more at the gym. "And I don't think they've even been talking for lon-" I hear just before Alex points out I'm nearing, to which Tyren turns and greets me again. "Oh, hey Max. You alright?" He pauses before I answer to look at Kyanite. "Kyanite." He says, in a greeting sort of way. If I had three guesses what they were talking about, I'd likely get it right in one. "Yeah, where's Tyler at?" I ask him out of curiosity. "He's getting strapped into his seat in the car." I raise a brow at him. "Yeah, I think you're going soon Max." He laughs at me jokingly because if they're getting Tyler ready to go home, that'll mean I'll be told to go babysit. I shrug it off a little because Kyanite needs to give them their gifts. It is usual for people to give one of them a gift each, it's been that way a lot since ... forever. But this year some people only gave gifts to Tyren, or some only to Alex. Most though, gave to both. Matthew for instance, I believe gave one only to Tyren. That's sort of understandable, but I would've expected him to give one to both.

I nod though, letting Kyanite say what she'd like to.

W O R D. C O U N T : Many

N O T E S :

[*]

[presto]

"We were only young, but they treated us like adults. Adults out after curfew." I can't help but wonder how they really reacted. I can only image that their blood ran cold from the moment that the peacekeepers invaded their tent and made them walk that lonely path back home until they got in trouble. I would have been shot dead if my father had caught me sneaking out after curfew. Luckily, Jeran was always there to vouche and cover for me in my absence. One can only take so much before a break would be needed in order to not go crazy with the hours of training I was forced to do for so many years. So, I ask him if he's ever trained. His responce is something that I kind of expected though, in all honesty. I take it with an open mind. Being a career isn't for everyone. Though, I do have to let my eyes casually wash over him when he said something about being in shape, but its so quick, I don't think he noticed at all.

There's a silent moment between us before I ask for his company to come with me to go get the gifts that I got for both of the brothers, in question. The two celebrating the birthday and for the only reason for my being here with Max. I'd call the party a success for two reasons for that. Kill two birds with one stone.

I let my eyes wonder over to the table to see that both of the men are at the table and that makes me want to hurry up and give the gifts before either of them take off again. Max is polite to agree to go with me. I grab the bags, with the inital on each bag to seperate who they belong to and the moment we start nearing the table, the two become quiet and suddenly greet Max asking if he was 'alright'. My eyes immediately dart over to Max. Is this because of the fight? Has the word gotten out or something? Did someone see? My fingers fidgit with the bags as I look at Tyren and give him a warm smile.

His voice speaks my name. It's jarring in a way though. Then Max asks a question about someone named Tyler and I wonder who that is until I hear Tyren say that he was getting strapped in the carseat. A child? Is it Max's? Immediately, I feel awkward that I may be falling for someone who has a kid already. When they claim he'll be leaving soon, I can only guess that my time will be up here, unless Tyren wants me to hang out for a while, even though we've barely talked except for when it to pertain to the pregames or in the hospital.

Without any more hesitation, I hold out the two bags for each of the brothers. "Happy birthday. I wish it was more, but I figured that each of you would like to know about the gift a little." I pause a moment, look to Max, then back at Tyren and Alex. "Time is a gift. It's precious and it's only given once. Use it wisely in your years to come."

When I know that Max is needing to head out, I instantly place my hand on the upper part of his arm. "You probably need to go. Don't you? It was very nice meeting you tonight. Maybe, we can do this again?" I show him the want to see him again, though I'm not sure he'd want to past this party, but there's always a chance, right?[/presto]

[ table by anzie ]

[Anatra]

"Happy birthday. I wish it was more, but I figured that each of you would like to know about the gift a little." She tells them, handing over the two bags. She looks at me, when in the corner of my eyes I see them begin to open the gifts. "Time is a gift. It's precious and it's only given once. Use it wisely in your years to come." I smile a little, privately. I get the feeling that I was supposed to have paid extra attention to what she had said, and I had. Time is precious, and I do feel as though she is trying to tell me something. I can guess what it is, but that is no use. "You probably need to go. Don't you? It was very nice meeting you tonight. Maybe, we can do this again?" I nod at her, placing my left hand over hers that she placed on my shoulder. "I will, yes. My little cousin needs taking care of. And for once, I don't mean these two." I smile, looking over at them. I can see in their faces that they aren't sure whether they should be happy with me being around Kyanite or not. Yet, they have just opened their gifts, seeing what they are. Whilst Kyanite is sharing a talk with me, I can see them covertly swap gifts. Tyren wanted the darker one whilst Alex wanted the light. They're watches.

Those two will be wearing identical wardrobes soon enough.

"I would love to meet up though, after this." It is actually very convenient that Matthew had smashed my drink. Otherwise, somebody else would have had to come with me. But now, I'm still able to drive safely and legally. "That is, if you don't want to join me?" It is a long shot. Babysitting a child isn't exactly the most romantic get-away. And I'd entirely understand if she didn't want to.

W O R D. C O U N T : Many

N O T E S :

[*]

[presto]

As the night begins to go further into the part of everyone leaving, I'm given the motion that Max also needs to be heading out and I ask by giving him the go ahead to leave if he needs to. It would be rude of me to ask him to stay any longer when there is a child needing him to look over him for the night while the parents are busy but he also jokes about it and it's directed toward the twins in front of me. I join in with that humerous notion by playfully bumping his arm and shaking my head.

"Wow. Well, I would hope that they don't need any more looking after. Especially after turning eighteen. That would be pitiful." I tell him and eye his two cousins with a vision of still being looked after at their ages.

A moment later, he mentions meeting up after babysitting, but then he also adds on to that with a question that would enlist me to assisting him with looking after the child. Maybe afterwards or during the care of the child, we could talk more or afterwards, we could do something. As the question lingers in my mind, I can only wonder what the child is like. Children have never really been in my life. It's always just career training and older teens like me. I've never been exposed to childcare, but surely it comes naturally, right?

"If you would like some moral support, I'd be glad to join you." I tell him with a nod and my own sense of humor coming out for him. I briefly look over to Alex and Tyren and I would feel guilty for leaving them on their birthdays with their cousin instead of staying for them. "Do you think, they'd mind though?"
[/presto]

[ table by anzie ]

[Anatra]

"Wow. Well, I would hope that they don't need any more looking after. Especially after turning eighteen. That would be pitiful." Her words seem quite sharp to my ears, which are used to soft flattery and purposeful compliments. Not that the Orca family tells lies, but because most people are out to please us at our own party. She isn't, and I admire that. That would be pitiful, she tells me with the smile that I'm growing more and more fond of. Quickly, I can tell that the feeling in my gut is telling me I'm doing the right thing - asking her to come with me. It will be my aunt and uncle's house, Tyren and Alex's house. But there is that ticking in my head that keep reminding me that this could easily go wrong. I could easily fall for the wrong person, or her the wrong person too. Will I be left on an island of regret after this? I don't know.

I push away those thoughts though, because the emptiness of being that lonely isn't a good mindset.

"If you would like some moral support, I'd be glad to join you." She tells me, after I'd offered her to join me. Coming along would be quite helpful in all honesty. There'll be nothing disgusting or off-putting about it, Tyler is usually well behaved. In fact, he'll likely just fall asleep on the couch whilst we watch TV. Then I'd have to take him to bed, because if he went before he was asleep he'd be up all night, probably. "Good, I'll go get the car warmed up." I tell her, but she looks as though she is going to say something else. "Do you think, they'd mind though?" I glance at them briefly, but it is them who are coming back over. I wonder if Kya will notice the swapping of the gifts. "These are great, Kyanite, really." Alex says, being the more vocal one, as usual. "Yeah, thanks a lot." Tyren says with a nice warm smile, adjusting his new watch on his wrist, sitting politely next to the gift from Matthew that rests on his wrist as well. A small string bracelet with an emblem in the middle of a bow. The irony is neglectable, but Tyren knows it won't let him forget the reality of the event. At least that is how I see it. But my opinion on Matthew is ultimately bias.

Then wander off again, their attention needed elsewhere since many people are saying their goodbyes. The party may be dying off for now, but the ending can always be the beginning of other things, better things. The case being hopeful for Kya and I. "Well, that answers that question." I state, my own humour coming through just as hers did earlier. "You'll like Tyler, but he's clingy." I tell her, offering her my arm politely, as I should. I also quickly grab my blue suit jacket from the chair and fold it over my other arm.

W O R D. C O U N T : Many

N O T E S :

[*]

[presto]

I speak the truth to Max when I tell him about the Orca twins being pitiful if they have to be looked after even at their ages and he doesn't seem to take that as a bad comment. In fact, he listens to me and don't critize me for my words but does he wonder why I just say what I think? To be telling lies wouldn't be good to someone like him. No. He deserves honestly and if in that honesty needs to be humor, I will let it come out to make my words sound non-threatening. I don't want to offend him though, so what I say is easily masked by humor.

The time between questions makes for some interesting answers and then answers to those. I give him the 'go' for me wanting to be with him more because this night has only began between the two of us and if I left now, what's the chance to keep this small spark of something going when the fire could easily die out the moment I step out that door and hit the cold, breezy air?

The flame would simply go out.

With my acceptance to assist him with the childs care at the house, he seems delighted. I never expected for someone to be happy for someone to help look after a child before but there's always a first time for everything, right? He looks like he's lost in thought for a moment before declaring that he's going to go warm the car up, but my hesitency is won over by Alex and Tyren coming over to thank me for the gifts of the watches. I do take a moment to look at their wrists wondering if they truely like the watches. Having a brother myself, it's usually just something manly to have for proper timing but I was more than pleased when my father allowed me the funds in order to get the best presents I could get for them. Afterall, my father knew of their family wealth the moment I spoke of their last name. 'Spare no expense'. He said to me.

A moment later, they leave Max and I alone to go mingle with the rest of the people that have come to the party that's dieing down just a little. Max, though, has something to say about my most recent of questions and with that kind of answer, I can only agree with him. "I guess so."

"You'll like Tyler, but he's clingy." I shrug my shoulders.

"Aren't all children like that though? I think it's cute." Once again, I think back to not having any childcare experience in my life, but once again, images of children I've seen clinging to their parents make me wonder about my immediate future and the possibilty if I'll ever get the chance to become like my mother. To care for a daughter or son and make little audible noises to sooth them in the middle of the night. He stretches his arm out for me to take and I can't beleive this all isn't just a dream. Being treated like someone worth hanging onto someone's arm in public. It puts a huge smile to my face as he grabs his blue jacket and we make our way out to his car.

"So, tell me about Tyler? He's your little cousin?"
[/presto]

[Anatra]

The car is a suave blue colour and is clearly not mine, because it is quite stylish and I'm only young. The cleanliness of it is telling. It is my father's car. He must have been off his head in order to have said yes to me driving it. He is a fanatic for his own car. He never leaves it's side. Inseperable. Maybe he's finally beginning to trust me with things like this. Him and I have been subject to quite a few disagreements in the past. With Tara, mostly. I think now that I'm older I can see it has just been my overprotective attitude that gets us into them. But then again, that's exactly what happened today. Something I don't regret, however. Not because I don't want Kyanite to like Matthew, but because I got to defend her for real this time. I genuinely don't think that he is any good for either of these two girls.

"Aren't all children like that though? I think it's cute." I wonder to myself whether all child really are. Tara is five years younger than me, I think, and that means I barely remember her being anything but that, five years younger. The attention was always on her, and most of the time I appreciated that gift. There's no other considerably young Orcas, so Tyler is the only one I've really been related to, or even been around. Children are my soft spot. The only thing somebody could put in front of me and I'd genuinely be good at solving. The warmness of their smiles and their laughter, sitting up with your little cousin whilst he watches some kind of childs program on the TV. He is only three, so I could put anything on and he'd be obsessed. Consumed by the propaganda. Which is half the reason I worry for my younger family members so much. The adverts, the listings. Every little detail is dedicated to glorifying the Capitol, and the last thing I want is another Tyren and Alex phase. They used to adore the Capitol. Now, something has at least changed.

"I think they are, but he's the kind of kid that'll just literally cling." I meant it in both ways. The first being that he would be constantly wanting your attention because he admires everything around him it seems. The second would be that he literally clings. Always wants hugs, cuddles. That sort of thing. I avoid it in all honesty because he's getting older and needs to learn to be a bit more independent.

"So, tell me about Tyler? He's your little cousin?" She asks as I close the door to the driver's seat. "Yeah, he's three years old and is surprisingly quiet." I start the car and I can here a "Bruuuum." From little Tyler in the back. I look backward at him and his warm little smile that lights his face. "Oi you, no backseat driving okay?" I smile at him, poking him quickly before putting my hands on the wheel. "He may be shy to start with." I look at her briefly, but then back so I can see the road. "I would be." I place at the end of my sentence sneakily with a grin. I put my foot down lightly and the car smoothly rolls out of the driveway and I take it down the road.

Soon enough, we will get to the house. It isn't too far, just down the road. But it is a long road and there's a lot to pass on the way. "Are you good with kids, do you think?"

W O R D. C O U N T : Many

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