Don't Laugh At Me (frankel)

[JessicaLouWho]

She just wanted to be normal, like most little girls did. And she didn't see why she had to be so different. Maybe she had brittle bones that would snap more easily than the average person, but did that honestly make her a strange enough creature that she couldn't live a life? Her mother's overprotective nature seemed to suggest that. All she wanted was equal treatment, but she was handled like glass. Like she was broken at all times. But she wasn't, she was bright and she could even be physically adept if given the chance to figure out how to do something with minimal stress on her bones. She could've had it way worse, the doctors all said so.

Maybe she could've even dealt with her mother's treatment if she was treated normally at school, but she wasn't. While her mother did everything out of love, the kids at school were usually just weirded out by her short stature, curved legs, and her slightly gray-blue sclera. She buried herself in books because that was the only place she could even pretend she was an able-bodied child.

Like today. It was time to go home, but her mother had been so worried about her lack of friends lately that Sparrow had lied to her and told her that she was going to a friend's house. Just like a real normal kid. And all around her other kids were doing just that. Going to hang out with friends like it was totally normal, taking it for granted. Sparrow couldn't even tell you some of her classmates' names. She'd missed a lot of school for some of her breaks and missed the whole making friends part of school, and had since spent her time hidden in the back of the library with a book.

Too bad the school closed the library so soon after classes ended for the day or she could have just stayed in there. Sighing, Sparrow headed outside and watched the other kids disperse before finding a place to sit down under a tree. She didn't think anyone who would tell her mom would see her here - in fact she doubted anyone at all would see her. She was small and generally quiet and people had a way of overlooking her. She cracked open the novel she was reading, hoping for peace that was apparently not to come.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Alfan Cryer

Stepping out of the centre back into open air, I’d be relieved to be outside, out of the warm stuffy gym. Finally I had stress free day training. Everything went to plan, no humiliation. Really since I moved on from my father’s training to the real thing, I’ve literally had a shit every day. My first day, I did a foul move training, so got punched in the face. A couple of days later, I go and fall over someone on the track. I don’t know why I am having such bad luck, I not the clumsy sort of person. I really need to step up my game.

Today was a good day, the sun was out, but the air wasn’t so humid. I hate the warmth; it is too sticky and hard to work in. Sweat has a terrible odour too it as well and I regularly do that in the heat. Really there is nothing good about the sun. It makes you dehydrated, smelly and gives you terrible skin. Yes it may add colour to it but in the long run, you’re going to look like an old leather hand bag.

Standing at the entrance to the training centre, I’d look around at the district. Since taking on the mainstream training, I haven’t had time to chill out. I used to be able to chill out all the time when my dad trained me but this training is more vigorous, much better than my dad’s anyway. Really my dad’s training was pathetic, everything he taught me; the instructors say is wrong. I’ve basically been wasting my life for the past seven years.

Observing everyone busying about, it’d be rush hour. Careers leaving training, kids leaving schooling, adults leaving their jobs; I could easily find a friend or someone to torment. I’ve lacked my ‘arsehole prankster’ trait lately; I need to get back into the swing of things. Maybe there is a little nerdy kid I could lecture.

Scanning the area, I spot it, the best prey ever. Really they were asking to be tormented, sat beneath a tree…reading. It was a little kid although I would look a total coward picking on them. However I could teach them a lesson, I am not going to beat up a little kid. Walking up to them, I’d set out my plan in my head. Swiftly sweeping the book from the girl’s hands, I’d look at the cover. ”You’re reading a book…” I’d pause, reading the title. ” In a career district?”

I can never get into my head, why kids would bother having their heads in books, in a world like this. There is the chance of them getting reaped; a book is not going to help you in the games.

table made by ghosty

[JessicaLouWho]

339 words
little sparrow, little sparrow...
precious, fragile, little thing

►

Being different was awful. You either felt everyone's eyes on you, which was bad enough, or perhaps worse, you felt no one's eyes on you. That was the part that made Sparrow sometimes question whether or not she was even a real person. Was she real, or did she simply exist, passing through life like a silhouette of a person? Were her footprints that she left behind on this earth so insubstantial that they would wash away like in sand when she was gone? Her mother, Sparrow reminded herself, would care if she died. But other than that? She would pass out of memory like so many others. Quicker, perhaps.

Her blue eyes widened and she glanced up at the voice. It had surprised her, first because she was being acknowledged at all and then because of the words themselves. He sounded absolutely mystified, like he couldn't quite wrap his brain around what was going on. Sparrow frowned, shaking her head a little.

"Why shouldn't I? Intelligence isn't a negative trait, you know." And there was more to life than career training, a sentence she had repeated to herself more often than she could count. To make herself believe it.

Perhaps it would've been bad enough if she hadn't wanted to train, if she truly was just another nerd with no wish to do anything other than exercise her brain, but the tiny weak-boned girl wanted nothing more than to be able to stroll into the training center and learn to defend herself somehow. She wanted to figure out the fluid movements of physical activity. She wanted to be able to pick up any weapon and know that she wasn't about to break herself rather than her opponent.  She shook her head, trying to get her thoughts away from that gloomy path. It wouldn't do to think her way to tears, particularly not with this boy nearby. He seemed the sort to pick on any sort of weakness, and Ripred knew she had enough of those without exposing more.

Made by Riley at THQ!

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Alfan Cryer

Having so much talent and pride helped a lot in this world. I had to stand out, get noticed, then I would get the respect I deserve. The world would be lonely if nobody noticed you, there would be no point existing. Exactly like my brother Kaidan, he is too quiet, too simple, he too has his head in a book like this girl in front of me. I need to leave a print of my existence, something in permanent marker. It doesn't matter what I do, as long as I am remembered for something.

"Why shouldn't I? Intelligence isn't a negative trait, you know." Intelligence, really? The only place for the intelligent was in District 6 or The Capitol. Intelligence only helps those superior, not little children under the reaping age. "Intelligence isn't really going to help you if you get reaped."

Intelligence alone wouldn't help. Of course you need some brains, so you can outsmart your opponent. You can't be dimwitted, throwing a stick around, not knowing what you're doing with it. Although books are unlikely to help you, the only time you should be reading a book, is if you're scientist or beyond reaping age.

I see careers reading books about tactics, survival and first aid. You can't learn from theory a lone, you need practical training too. 

table made by ghosty

[JessicaLouWho]

153 words
little sparrow, little sparrow...
precious, fragile, little thing

►

The reaping. Sparrow shuddered a little at even the thought of those words. They were the worst case scenario, a horrible end to her short life. But she couldn't help but think that at least if it were to end like that it would be fast. She wouldn't be waiting for health problems to destroy her. She wouldn't be a constant worry to her mother anymore. And her mother could either reunite with David (she could never call him daddy again) or meet someone new. Someone that wouldn't be scared away by the frail, twig-like girl that tended to stay in her world of books.

And secretly, she hated them. As much as she loved them and craved them and needed them for the escape they provided, she hated them. They were her prison as well.

"Nothing is going to help me if I'm reaped," she responded, her bitterness heavy in her voice.

Made by Riley at THQ!

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Alfan Cryer

Getting reaped doesn’t scare me; I am prepared…to an extent. I would be more worried about my brother getting reaped although I wouldn’t give him that pride. I’d volunteer for him for sure; he isn’t getting all the attention taken away from me. I’ve never killed before but I’d be willing to do it, especially if somebody was trying to kill me. I have a strong body and mind; I wouldn’t lose it. I hope to never come back in a wooden box if I was ever to be in the games. The only time my name will be engraved on a box, is when I am 80 years old.

Looking at the book, I’d lose interest in it and fling it back down at the girl. It would land just to the side of her, I didn’t intend of injuring a little girl.

"Nothing is going to help me if I'm reaped," A lot can help someone who is reaped, regardless if they’re weak or strong. Sponsoring, impressions all of that. She is in a career district; she can get all the help she needs.

“There is the training. Unless you’re fucking brain dead, then you’re helpless.”I doubt they’d allow a brain dead tribute into the games, it’d be a wasted fight.

table made by ghosty

[JessicaLouWho]

332 words
little sparrow, little sparrow...
precious, fragile, little thing

►

When would her name be carved on a box? If you listened to her father, it could be any day. Like she was so useless and weak that she could drop dead at any moment. A liability, not a daughter. Her fists tightened, gripping the hem of her dress. It made her angry, if you wanted to be honest. That he could have so easily left. Not just her, but her mother, too. Her mother, who would never admit that there was any possibility of the name Sparrow McBride ending up on a coffin...ever. Not for years and years, at least. Aura was convinced her daughter would outlive her.

And that was only if she managed to dodge the reapings for all those years. She was fourteen, she had done alright so far. Her name had not been drawn. But there was always a chance of that, and no chance of her survival. Could she kill, if it came to it? She thought so, but that was only if her bones didn't betray her and break down, leaving her completely incapacitated. And so it was her best bet not to get sent to the games at all.

She flinched a little as her book landed next to her, and she grabbed it. Something to distract her hands with. She fiddled with the dust cover. It was already ripped, looking sad and broken. like she did

Her eyes widened a bit at his next words. He couldn't tell. He didn't know. Sparrow thought it was obvious, but maybe not. Maybe that was why everyone made fun of her so much - they didn't realize she couldn't help how she was.

"I'm not brain dead, but training isn't a possibility for me. For one, my mother would never allow it. Secondly, I doubt the trainers would allow it. Or my doctor." She sighed. She knew she had cost her mother a lot in doctor bills, even if she did take every precaution she could to not break.

Made by Riley at THQ!

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Alfan Cryer

Would my name ever me pulled from that glass bowl? I am sure many would be quite distressed for me to stand on that stage and many others pleased to see me go. I know for sure one third of my siblings would be sad for me to go into the games. I’d have to alliance with people of course, we need help in the beginning, even if three of us may have to die; of course not myself. I’d have to win over the Capitol the best I could, get all the sponsors flowing in. Maybe I could gain a high training score or deliver the best interview they’ve ever seen.

Looking down I’d observe her, while she spoke. Following the words ” Or my doctor.” Is she one of these kids parents wrap up in cotton wool? Probably ill because she doesn’t go outside and do anything. Parents like that might as well slaughter their kids now, what are they going to do in the future, when they’ve been spoon fed all their life? Kids need independence, even if they’re training in the centre or not. Yes they may have problems but it shouldn’t restrict them from getting out and having a life.

Although I might be wrong, this little girl is terminally ill and is likely to die soon anyway. I know if someone is greatly ill, they’re removed from the reaping pot, she may be one of them.

Or she is a pansy with a made up syndrome, just get her out of the hard things in life. I am not really bothered and I don’t really care for her but a rush of curiosity has entered my system. What could possibly be wrong with this little child?

”If you get up and exercise more, your body is unlikely to shatter into millions of pieces.” Maybe she has some degenerate muscle condition, I am not a doctor myself but surely it is better to keep moving than let your body waste away?

table made by ghosty

[JessicaLouWho]

325 words
little sparrow, little sparrow...
precious, fragile, little thing

►

Could she possibly survive if she got reaped? When she was very young she had tried to convince her mother she could. After all, she hadn't been excused from the reaping pool. Her name was still in there, a horrible risk that she had once claimed she should be able to defend against at the very least. It wasn't like she was going to go volunteer.

'No, Sparrow. The Capitol are sadistic, think about it. They left you in there for a reason - if you're drawn, you're sure to make a good death. Even if you never make it past the blood bath.'

She had shuddered at the thought of all those broken bones. No, her best bet was to prepare herself for a future that may never come even if she never went to the games and lived in relative safety, and hope her name never came out.

"Exercise, right," she rolled her eyes a little, her sarcasm coming out when faced with someone with a similar mindset to her older siblings. "How many times have you twisted an ankle doing that? No big deal, right? Well, if I do it just a little too hard, my ankle is going to snap. Or if I jump down from a distance a little too high. That's how I broke my leg when I was two; just trying to toddle down the steps." She took a deep breath, shaking her head and moving her long dirty blonde hair from her face. "I have osteogenesis imperfecta, and let's be real, in this district that's basically a death sentence. Mostly because of people like you."

She wasn't quite sure where the anger had come from, especially at a complete stranger, but years of bitterness had built up and he was so like her siblings who refused to accept her, not only as their sister, but as a human being because she couldn't train like them. Pardon her french, but fuck them.

Made by Riley at THQ!

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Alfan Cryer

Problems in the Cryer family…well two really? My little brother and sister, nothing physically wrong with them but mentally…yes. My brother, the loner mute, who doesn’t seem to do anything. My sister probably around the same age as this girl, the sadistic evil mental child, she has less morality than me. An evil twelve year old with blood lust, how is that normal? Yes at some point we may have to kill someone but she wants to do it for fun.

Osteogarararar what? Well, well done Alfan you’ve taunted a kid with some disease thing, which is complicated to pronounce. Really why don’t they just put her down? She’ll be put out of a lot of misery. How can a kid with something like that function in a district like this? They should ship all the damaged kids somewhere else, why not District Six so they can do experiments on them? They may be able to help them in the long run. What kind of viewing experience, will the Capitol get if the kid just steps into the arena and shatters into pieces? If she has such a severe disease, how would she survive in training centre beforehand, if she is likely to break her leg picking something up?

”People like me?” I’d ask, before a slight pause. ”I am not exactly dragging you into that centre to spar with me,am I? I haven’t shattered your leg or whatever…” I should really just leave this kid a lone, she wasting valuable time and I could be doing something more useful. If I do anything to her, she’ll just disintegrate and that will put a bad burden on my name. I don’t want to end up in that detention centre.

Spinning around, I’d begin to leave the little kid, I’d turn my head quickly.”Don’t go breaking your leg, little kid!” I’d shout over, before commencing to leave the area.

table made by ghosty

[JessicaLouWho]

263 words
little sparrow, little sparrow...
precious, fragile, little thing

►

No, he wasn't dragging her into the training center, but like countless other people in this district that thought the career way was the only way, he was making her life insufferable. Did he think she didn't sit and torture herself with her thoughts in the first place?

She hated herself for not being enough to keep her father around, hated herself that she was the reason he had left and broke her mother's heart. She hated the fact that she was the only thing keeping her mother going, even as she destroyed her.

But people like this boy, they didn't think before they spoke to her. They saw her as what she was - a target. And she didn't even have it as bad as she could have. She had heard that some with her condition broke much more easily than she did. She had the chance for a semi-normal life. But the way that life in this district was...Well, that was an impossibility.

She felt stupid and immature as he pointed out he hadn't shattered her leg, and probably would've beat herself up the rest of the day for her outburst and inability to really, truly get her point across, if not for his last statement.

Don't go breaking your leg, little kid.

Sparrow grit her teeth, grabbing her book back up and burying her nose once more into the deliciously musty scented pages. She was not a little kid. And she would not go and break her leg, but it was by no means because he had oh so helpfully reminded her not to.

ooc; thanks so much, I had fun with this! (: See you around.

Made by Riley at THQ!