Anomaly [D11 Train Thread; blitzish]

[Deleted]

Salome Izar

You notice the drapes first. The fabric adorned with flowery patterns and gold fringe catches your eye, and you put the velvet between your hands, soaking in the luxury. You never knew finery; you wonder if this taste will make you different. There was always talk that those entering into the arena are tempted by glamour; the world of excess rules the capitol. And you like the carpeted halls of the train, the towers of cakes that await you in the dining car, the portraits of those that have gone before. Iago fittingly adorns one of the wash closets, a testament to the shit that he certainly was. So new are all the temptations that you forget yourself. Like a school girl you traipse the length of the train, heart full on exploration. When would you ever have seen the wooden interior, or the perfumes that sit in bottles, waiting to be sprayed, inside of your sleeping car?

But you remember. All of this isn’t for you—rather, it is because of you. The comforts are to remind you that all of this will be over soon, and to enjoy it while you can. They haven’t told you quite yet, but you’re a bright girl, and have figured it out just as soon as you walked upon the stage. You’re not coming home. District Eleven has seen more glories than several others combined. If you didn’t already have a target on your back, what could you possibly offer to change the conversation? Sure, a name such as Izar is good. But you share the car with a Rhodes. The spotlight has already shifted, dear girl. You are content—always sitting behind your sister, your cousins—how different will it be for you to smile politely behind Tamron? 

And so the war begins within yourself, the thoughts of what should you, what could you do. Will he want you to be with him, to help him bring some sort of honor to District Eleven? Will he spurn you, and watch as the swarm devours your whole? And somehow you remain wedded to the idea that none of this matters; death comes for all of you, whether there is a crown or not. And as you whisper another prayer, because your grandmother’s words are all you have to stop your hands from shaking, you move toward the dining car. You are lucky enough to have mentors, to have those that have gone before and come back. There’s enough faith in you to put one foot in front of another. You are just as lovely as you have always been, no matter what flows through your veins. 

You are a lady—conscientious, pleasant, true. In your plain homespun dress and pinned back hair you press into the dining car. Hands clasped together, you clear your throat and greet the shadows waiting. “I don’t suppose anyone else would have been as crazy—to want to be here. But… it is an honor, no matter the circumstance.” Because you would live just as you always had been, whether they think you foolish. Wasn’t it better to be true? “Should we get started?”

[Arrows]

Kirito Miristioma

How can innocence be
found from within death?

A storm of flashes draws the demons of the dark, dripping from their cell of sins. Another flash another knife driven into his chest. Another voice another scream splitting the skin of his surviving body. Another close up another image of another face buried beneath the ground by his hands. His face is shining across a sea of screens within the hell fire of a stained society. His journey through the stony streets is followed by millions of murderous eyes. His entrance into the square is shadowed by twenty three severed souls, their whispers whip like bullets into his ears. His face is stiff as stone and his fingers furrow into fists as he joins Harbinger upon the stage. It feels wrong to no longer be seated between two of his dearest friends, Katelyn had decided not to return to the Capitol this year. Decided that it was time for her to turn a new leaf and leave the fates of the district in the hands of her two survivors. Decided that both he and Harbinger held the capabilities to bring forth another survivor from the sorrowful seas of the games. 

While the Mayor speaks on behalf of the Capitol Kirito can feel every eyesight searing into his skin. He can hear every breath the entire nation is taking, all eyes were on him, all eyes were on District Eleven. Five years ago impossibility was made immortally written into history when a sixteen year old solo tribute from District Eleven won the 70th Quell against nine careers to set in stone a second victory in a row for his previously victorless District. All odds had been broken and every expectation surpassed, all on a victory of sheer luck. How he was still living was beyond Kirito's imagination, yet somehow he was suppose to reproduce it. Today he was suppose to start the series of events to place District Eleven back on top. He was suppose to pull a tribute with his already blood stained hands from the carnage of a Quell, all while the world watched. District Eleven hadn't won in years, but now they were the District to dethrone. 

From the screen President Snow shines forth and with a sickeningly familiar phrasing he announces the alteration. The moment he finishes speaking Kirito's eyes span the sea of souls shaking and shuddering at such a horrid thought. His eyes find his family and he frets for a voice to fall from their lips, and one doesn't. Instead he watches as a young Salome Izar takes to the stage as strongly as her passed brother. Instead he watches as Tamron Rhodes stands in the wake of Harbinger's shadow. Kirito's face falls to the floor with a single short word. "Shit." His hand momentarily rests on Harbinger's shoulder to show his support and to avoid his anger. 

While the now tributes are ushered inside the Justice Building Kirito walks by Harbinger's side briefly letting his words be strong and concise. "I'm going to bring one home Harbinger. I'm going to bring one home if it kills me." Kirito wastes no time heading for the train station while the tributes say their farewells. Instantly upon reemergence Kirito is trapped within a sea of cameras and a quake of questions. He doesn't speak a word until he is several steps up the train's stairs and he finally can't handle his silence beneath the nation's stare. "I'm going to train the tributes now. I'm going to train them to survive because that's all a mentor can do. Then I'm going to watch them fight and I am going to pour my entire attention into them. I'm going to mentor them, that's what I'm going to do." The trains door slides shut.

When Salome, Tamron, and Harbinger finally arrive Kirito turns slightly to face them from his place beside the window. He listens quietly to the girl speak before he turns his eyes strong yet soft towards both of his biggest priorities. "Call it what you will, you're here and it's time to get started if you want it to be. I'm going to tell you what Katelyn told me when I alone boarded this train five years ago. Your odds are not good and you will most likely die in a way too horrible to imagine, but you will imagine it anyway. However, your odds do not define you. Even if just a single percent of a chance, you can survive. You have Harbinger, and you have me. Not many districts have a Quell Victor to help them, and I know each is different but beneath it all they are the same. Everything is heightened, the emotions, the Capitol's energy, and the psychological strain. But I will do everything I can to help you use them to heighten your chances. Everyone is going to be watching you. If they are going to stare then give them something to stare at, and then in the arena prove to them they had a reason to stare. Whatever you need from training to talking to whatever questions you have I'm here. For the next few weeks you each are my main priority." 

[ᕙʕ•ᴥ•ʔᕗ]

Tamron Rhodes

After I had made my way to the stage, I couldn’t bear to look at anyone in the yes anymore, especially not after hearing Harbinger’s pleas echoing in the silence of the town square. But he knew and I knew and everyone knew that the minute I had spoken those words, I had already sealed my fate. No pleas and bargains from a Victor would change that. Still, I couldn’t bear to face him or Kirito or any of my family members. I said my goodbyes before I walked into the train. I said whatever I needed to say. There was only one thing I regretted, but I supposed I was just going to have to make it back for those words to matter.

There would be a meeting between we tributes and our mentors. They were going to offer us advice, trains us, prepare us for what seemed like inevitable death. How was I supposed to remain composed, though, when the ones giving me a lecture were my older brother and family friend? How many meals had we spent together during the holidays, united by the one thing that also tore our families apart? I had looked up to Harbinger for so long, always being the little brother, it almost felt like a full circle as I sat there in the train compartment. I guess I did end up following my brothers’ footsteps. Now it’s just a question of whose? There was Crusader who fought bravely and fell. There was Harbinger who had to kill his friend and live. Which path was I going to follow?

I had spent enough time thinking by myself. I was certain that with the next few days or weeks, I would have more than enough thinking time. The meeting, I should go to it, but it didn’t replace the sick feeling of dread that churned my stomach. It seemed innocent enough when I walked inside. Had I not known that we were travelling to the Capitol, I would have thought we were all having a friendly meal. Only the eyes of my fellow dinner mates betrayed that illusion.

She spoke first, the Izar girl Salome. She was polite, calm, collected, everything that was opposite to what I was feeling. Was she like this because it was her personality? Or was she trying to hide the worry, concern, and fear that was really deep within her? I had no time to ponder when Kirito spoke like a true mentor, reassuring us while also warning us. He was right in that our odds were not good. We had three Victors in three Games that was what cursed our district for future Games. But his words told me that he believed that we could handle it, even if it meant him having to pour all his energy into it. I wanted to tell Kirito to not worry, that he didn’t have to think about protecting me.

That was when I looked at Harbinger for the first time since I said those fateful words. Was he playing the role of mentor now? Or was he my brother? Did he hate me? Or was he only concerned? Whatever was going through his mind, I couldn’t bear to look at him any longer. I had made my decision and it was done. “Thank you, Kirito,” I said softly, the words brushing past my tongue. I turned to Salome and gave her a nod. “Thank you as well. You saved the District—and my family.” I had words for Harbinger but no courage to utter them. Instead I turned back to Kirito, trying to remain composed. “What’s the first thing we do when we enter the Capitol?”

The Games have begun.

[Deleted]

Salome Izar

You squeeze your index finger between your thumb and your ring finger. What was there to be said? You had thought of the district, this much was true. Your cousins, one plucked from you and the other two stepping forward to save another—they had been more heroes than you. And for a second you forget yourself and smile, thinking that it is nice Tamron would praise you. No one ever offered much for your duty because your life has always been following what you know to be true. Should you feel disgusted that you have any sense of pride in what you have done? You twist your finger once more, and stare back down at the plush carpet.

Kirito reminds you both that the odds are beyond grim for a District Eleven victory. The capitol doesn’t like to see so many victors so close together, not when there are so many from districts that have none. Good that you already have begun to tell yourself not to think about returning home. It is a fool’s errand to cloud your mind with thoughts of your sister, or a crown, or anything that might have you believe you’ll see the rambling fields through this window again. Better to find strength in your own deeds than those that have yet to come. There was just as much hope to be had living in the moment, and loving every second—even with death hanging over your head.

“Thank you, Kirito.” You give a little curtsy. “I don’t know how to say it but, you gave us so much hope, one right after the other. My family had always wanted to see someone from our district come back in our lifetimes. We—we were glad it was all of you.” You speak for the Izars now, the brood of misfits that never had much chance at anything. Too poor, too crass, too set in their own ways to be much more than what they’d turned out to be. But where there should have been despair, you found none. Instead, you turned to look at Tamron and gave a nod.

“Your family has paid a deep debt to the capitol, and I think you are one of the bravest boys I have ever met, Tamron.” You take a breath. The words tumble out too quickly—but they are true. It’s only that you imagine Benat and Levi when you speak them. “I just hope that we can learn enough that—we can make you proud.” Your shoulders are heavy, but you stand tall.

[Noah Vau - D2 (Cato)]

Harbinger Rhodes Twenty Two| Male | District Eleven

Tamron volunteered, and I still can't wrap my mind around it. Why would he do this? Throwing his life away? Did he not watch what happened to Crusader and Weaver? Was he in some other world? Some other place that I don't know of? I just don't understand it. Katelyn isn't here, and I can't run to her and ask for help. I can't do anything right now because I'm trapped in between a rock and a hard place. I want Tamron to live, but I don't want to talk to him. I don't want to see him. Crusader didn't have an option. I didn't have an option. Weaver didn't have an option, but it's not enough because Tamron did. He chose to do this. And my cries were for nothing. I can't save him. I couldn't save Iain and Carrita. I couldn't save Iona and Weaver. I couldn't save Drake and Desi, and i'm not going to be able to save him. I wish he understood, but to me it seems that he doesn't. I wish Katelyn was here. She'd help me. I think. I just know I don't want to get on this train ride and head to the Capitol because I know I'll be coming home alone again.

Kirito promises he's going to bring one home even if it kills him, and I don't know what to think. All I can do is nod my head at him as tears threaten to fall down my face. It's a selfish move to only want him to bring home Tamron because he's my brother. Salome deserves a chance as well. She volunteered, and I know her family hasn't had it easy. But what was she thinking? What was Tamron thinking? Nothing makes sense anymore. A heavy sigh leaves my chest and I make my way to the train. It's all a blur, and I look past the sea of blurry people. Every step becomes difficult, and my chest is tight. Everything that I worked hard to break is slowly coming back to me, and I know I can't let it grab a hold of me. So many people need me right now which makes me feel more alone, but I'm never alone because Kirito will always remain beside me.

And they begin talking, and I'm biting my lip trying to keep myself calm. I can't even look at my brother right now out of fear of what I may do. Salome wants to get started, and I just nod my head and shrug my shoulders. I feel like the weight is dragging me down, and I don't know the purpose anymore. Living doesn't seem worth it right now. Maybe I would enjoy walking with Crusader and Weaver. But I wonder if Kirito could do this alone? It doesn't matter though. I have to try. I owe it to Tamron and Salome. Kirito speaks stating the obvious, and I just nod my head once more still trying to take it all in. Tamron wants to know about the first thing to do in the Capitol, but he only looks my way for a bit before turning away. He thanks Salome for saving he district and our family. Salome starts talking about hope, and I can't take it anymore. The games don't offer any hope to anyone.

I place my head in my hands trying to focus. Trying to think. I don't hate him. I love him, and I need him to understand that. That the reason I am so angry and so upset is because of what's going on. He volunteered to die. I take a deep breath trying to clear my mind because I don't want to say anything I'll regret later. If I speak right now, I know I will. But I need to answer their questions and try to help them out. At least give Tamron the advice he needs because he's my main priority over Salome. But I'll do what I can since district eleven needs a victor again. "At the Capitol, you'll do what you're told. They're going to do things you'll hate, but you will do as you're told. No ifs ands or buts." I grunt through gritted teeth as my nails dig into the side of the chair I lower myself into. "Do I make myself clear?"

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