What We've Become [Thundy; VT thread]

[cass]

O P A L S H O R E

He was unbelievably tall. It was like looking at one of those combustiphants I had faced on the second day in the arena. He towered over everyone around him, everyone had to gaze upwards. Not a single living soul would grow to be as tall as he was. I don’t think even the career boys of my district could. I was by no means short at all, I was just a little over the average height for a female, but staring at the boy as he walked onto the platform was like looking at something I hadn’t seen before. It was impressive to look upon, but there was no doubt that his presence bought with it many unsettling memories. Not just memories of my own time in that area, but of other people dead, as strong and as fearsome as he must be.

Stepping forwards I head down and into the open square, shuffling around the edges of the crowd I make way to the point at which Colgate O’Leary was waiting. He’d been moved into the justice building, which is where I would be greeting him. Apparently it was in order for me to greet such a man of importance. At first I had been slightly unwilling to agree to the idea, not wanting to draw back upon those awful memories. But now I was excited to great the newest victor, eager to meet this man. What was he going to be like?

I step into the room and make my way straight over to him. A smile splits my face and I offer him a hand – oh but what name did I speak? Soap or Colgate? My lips fumble over the words as I try to make up my mind, ”So-er, no, um… Colgate O’Leary. It is nice to meet you. I am Opal Shore.” Smooth Opal, smooth.