District 5 Train

Subject: District 5 Train Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:13 pm

The Luxury of the High Speed Train awaits its Tributes...

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Thu Jun 21, 2012 12:47 pm

Rhea stepped into the luxuriously furnished train. She had never seen anything so beautiful and plentiful in her life. The food overflowed and the couches were covered in velveteen. Rhea grabbed her stomach as it growled in hunger, and unable to ignore it anymore she ran to the table of pastries and grabbed a strawberry croissant. She bit in and as it melted in her mouth she could only stand there enjoying the tastes dancing on her tongue.

Guest

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Katya, sitting in her room on the train, thought she heard the tribute, and opened the door to see. Yup, that's a tribute. Fun. She strolled further into the compartment and sat down on a couch, watching the younger girl as she ate a croissant.

"Hey," Katya said with a dark smile. "I hear your name is Rhea. My name is Katya, but that is of no consequence. You shall address me as Phoenix. Good? Good. Moving on. Now, I am here to help you survive, and I'm not going to waste any time, because if you don't listen, you won't have much left. The first thing you need to learn how to do is kill." Katya leaned back and let this sink in before continuing. "I'm not talking about skill here, I'm talking about emotional control. If you're afraid to kill, you're afraid to live. You want to how I won my Games?" she asked, with a dangerous edge to her voice.

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Thu Jun 21, 2012 4:55 pm

"Hello Pheonix. I need to know how you won. I intend to make it home. Even if other people don't think I will. So...what is your advice? Any tips on how to not be afraid to kill anyone?" Rhea sat on a couch across from Pheonix. Eager to listen and learn. "Oh, should we wait for Jeremy or...?"Rhea looked around but didn't see her fellow tribute anywhere. He must be in his room, I wonder if he has given up?But there was no time to think about the well being of him, she had to think about only herself now and no one else mattered.

Guest

"I won because I didn't care about the other tributes. I just killed them. If anyone approached me, I killed them. I didn't care if they wanted to be my ally. I was confident that I could kill them, so I did. However, the tributes in my Games were weak. You've gotten stuck with a pretty tough-looking bunch. So don't do what I did. I was lucky that it worked. What you need to do is know when to kill, and be ale to follow through with it. I can't tell you how exactly, it just happens, but I can give you some advice. If you don't kill them, there are two options for them. They might kill you. They might be killed by someone else, and then that person has the option of killing you if you're alive. Maybe both. Either way, the only time you come out on top is if you kill them. Killing them is really the only logical option. Don't think of their family, think of your family. Be selfish. Which brings me to the interviews. You need an angle. You need a reason for people to root for you. I heard you volunteered. That's good. Makes you more interesting. Tell me, why did you volunteer? Why are you here?" Katya asked, ranting a little.

At Rhea's mention of Jeremy, she smiled. "Good. You noticed something. Jeremy is obviously too lazy to get out here and make an effort at life, so he's just going to have to miss this lesson."

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:38 pm

Rhea just listened, she needed all the advice she could get. But when Katya mentioned her volunteering Rhea didn't quite know what to say. She really didn't know why herself. "I volunteered...for my brother. He has had a crush on the girl who was picked for years now. He always talks about her..." She smiled slightly as she thought back on those times. Never again will I have my conversations with Roe in our spot. Or our runs through the open areas in District 5. She sighed. "I guess it sounds stupid, but that is why I volunteered. For his hapiness. And somehow I'm supposed to be selfish. I'm not going to cry though, I can't afford the luxury anymore. So when I get to the training center, what should I go for? I know a lot about plants and herbs and I'm pretty fast. And what could I use as an angle? I need something good to get sponsors." Rhea could feel herself rambling now.

Guest

Katya shrugged. "That's a good storyline. It's not exactly and angle, but it'll do... hm," she said, looking Rhea over. "You could do the whole selfless, likable, good person thing. Be charismatic. The camera, the audience, Caesar Flickerman... they're your friends. As for the training center... don't go for plants. Try to learn something new. Get as many things in as possible. You never know what the arena is going to be. If you get really good at one new thing, you might never use it. Just try to learn at least one thing at each station until it's over. Use instinct. When you feel ready, move on. As for allies... don't ally with anyone who it would be impossible to overpower. If it gets to the final two, they'll win. So unless they're head-over-heels in love with you and ready to die in your place, don't ally with anyone who can easily kill you. Sure, ally with powerful people, but be cautious."

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Thu Jun 21, 2012 10:35 pm

Rhea nodded, she guessed likeable and selfless could work. If that's what her mentor thought than she was willing to do it. And as for her training time, she figured that going for some weapon training would work out nicely, maybe a knot tying lesson or two. She just tried to think things out as much as possible. "So did you see th other Reapings? Is there anyone I should look out for?"

"Now when it comes time to talk to Caesar, how should I approach that? And do people know I volunteered? Is that going to put a target on my back." People only volunteered when they thought they could win. She tried to ponder everything from her training to the interviews to even making a good impression during the chariot rides. "well at least I know I won't have much competition from my own district partner." She motioned towards the back compartments of the train. "He is missing out on time with the one person who can help save our lives. Just promise me you are going to try your best to help me survive on your end. I will do all I can on my end, but I need to know my mentor is behind me 100%. I will do whatever you tell me." Rhea looked at Katya, a new seriousness in her eyes.

Guest

Katya nodded. She smiled again. Finally, a tribute who listens. She thought to herself, pleased. "I like the way you think. You could go far. With my help, you will. You can leave sponsors to me, but I can't make them like you. I can possibly... persuade them to sponsor you, but if they like you, that's even better. Be likeable. Be someone people can root for. Whatever you've got, work it. Even if it could be considered a bad thing, make it into an asset. Don't just play to your strengths, play to all sides. Whatever Caesar says, don't fight him. He's there to help you. Make sure the audience knows that you're different. You're not just another career volunteering for the glory. You're volunteering for another. Work the selfless. Work the sacrifice. Just don't let them think you'd sacrifice yourself for another tribute in the Games. It's a delicate balance."

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Thu Jun 21, 2012 11:53 pm

"Well I would do anything for my brother, and he wants me to come home. And so that is what I'm going to do, I'm going to make it back home." Rhea smiled. She needed to go back in one piece, and if that meant killing someone than it was something that had to be done. It was sad to think about, but a necessary part of the games.

Rhea readjusted herself on the couch she was planted in. The plush fabric and soft, squishy cushions made it feel like she was sitting on a cloud. She crossed her legs and looked at Katya. "So allies...should I look for tributes from certain districts to ally myself with? I know Districts 1, 2 and 4 are usually careers. I'm not a career so I wouldn't join up with them. The higher districts don't usually have strong contenders. Should I try and find people I get along with more? I know I can't get attached."She looked at her mentor, ready to pick her brain even more.

Guest

Katya shrugged. "If you're not a career, don't be a career. But still, talk to everybody. You need to know everything possible about them. Try to get them talking. The less they know about you, the better. I would say if you can find an ally, make an ally. If not, don't sweat it. You can make them in the Games. In the training center, feel free to make allies. But at the cornucopia? Just run. Find a safe spot, don't trust anything in the environment, and run. If you end up finding your friends from the training center, go ahead, ally with them. It's good to make friends. Try and get them to care about you more than you care about them." Katya sighed. She hoped her advice would work. Things had changed since the was in the Games. Five years was a long time. She finally got a tribute that showed promise. Now, she just had to keep them alive.

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:37 am

Rhea nodded, I can do this she thought. Just keep in mind the things Katya told her and try to learn everything she could from not only the stations in the training center but also from her fellow tributes. "Ok, so I should work the selfless angle, learn everything I can from the training center and most importantly be likeable. Not only for the sponsors but with the tributes as well. At least that is what I got from that conversation." Rhea stood up, she couldn't stand being in that couch any longer. It was too comfortable, too plush. It just didn't feel right like the furniture in her house felt.

"I guess I'm going to get some food, do you want anything?" She held her stomach, she didn't realize how hungry she was until she saw all the food that spilled over the tables throughout the compartments.

Guest

Katya shook her head. "I'm good, thank you. I don't eat much these days." She turned her head and stared out the window as the landscape rushed by. She liked this tribute. I hope she wins. I'm going to have to step up my game, especially with sponsors. This is going to be a good year, I can feel it. Katya told herself. I hope she's prepared.

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:17 am

"Ok then....um Pheonix"Rhea paused for a moment. "Thank you. I mean it." Rhea turned and walked to the table. She grabbed a plate and filled it with all sorts of baked goods, chocolate covered strawberries and fresh fruit. She sat at a table and looked out the window. She watched the landscapes quickly pass her by, unable to make out details it looked like a bunch of colors that were running alongside the train. In the moment of quiet, she could only think of home. She wondered what Roe was doing right now. She hoped that he wasn't upset and blaming himself for this. She knew he probably was, she was his twin after all and they were close. Rhea just hoped that Roe would be proud of her when he saw her on those screens and know that she loved him.

Guest

Katya absentmindedly picked at her nails. She took a blade out of her pocket and cut/filed them into points with a smiled on her face. She felt no need to fill the awkward silence with conversation. I'm pretty sure I've said everything, haven't I? Oh! Forgot something! she realized.

"Oh, and listen to your stylists, but don't depend on them for everything. You're going to have to try and make a big impression, but you want it to be a good one," she added, running her newly sharpened nails down her arm to test them out.

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:07 am

Rhea looked up from her food. She forgot about the stylists. "I wonder what the stylists have in mind for the chariot rides. I know our district is power, and normally the costumes are kind of tacky. Do you think my stylist will let me help decide? I have an eye for what looks good." Rhea's eye brightened a bit at the thought of the lovely outfits and the screaming crowds. She needed something that would make her stand out, something that hadn't been done before. It would be her first chance to try and win some sponsors. Unfortunately she didn't have her district partner to rely on in the coming days like the angle used by a few tributes in the past few games. "I guess we will have to see than. And hope for the best." Rhea contemplated knocking on Jeremy's door to offer him some food, but she decided against it. He probably wouldn't come out even if she asked. She just shrugged it off, she couldn't make him embrace the inevitable. All she could do was make sure she embraced what was going to happen in the coming days. She needed to be ready, she couldn't have any doubts. Not anymore.

Guest

Katya shrugged. "I'm not sure... we have a new stylist this year. The old one got fired. Something about someone being hospitalized from inhaling too much of her hairspray..." she trailed off, running a hand through her luscious dark hair. "I don't know. It was weird. I've never met this one before. They might have been in other districts, I don't know. It's only my job to know the people I end up communicating with, and I don't usually talk to other stylists. Power is a good district theme, though. So many ways of interpretation. Sparks, electricity, fireworks... who knows?"

Katya wished she knew more about the stylist. She hated not knowing things.

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:24 am

"Yea, it sucks being out of the loop. Well, I'm sure the stylist is good. As long as I make an impression that is all that matters. And I need a halfway decent stylist to do that." Rhea looked down at her feet for a few minutes, letting the silence fill the train compartment. It only started to become awkward when Rhea spoke up again. "Pheonix...do you think I have a chance? Honestly, do you think I have a chance at winning? You have mentored plenty of tributes already, where do I stack up compared to them?"

Guest

Katya lifted her head, surprised at Rhea's question. Normally the tributes just told her they were going to win or complained they were going to die through a barrage of tears. She looked at Rhea, eye to eye. "Yes," she said seriously. "You do. You've proven that you can listen to advice, you know you're smart, and you've got a good story to go on. Still, that doesn't mean you can afford to be cocky. You're not ready yet. Make sure you're ready by the end of training, because those careers certainly will be. And I promise I'll do my best to get you sponsors." Katya, for once, was being completely honest. She did believe Rhea had a chance. She didn't know if she was going to win, but she definitely had potential.

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:50 pm

Rhea nodded, if Katya thought she had a chance than she knew she did. She could sense that her mentor was being completely honest with her. Sponsors shouldn't be too much of a problem, I like to think the people in my district like me and I don't even try to have them like me. I just have to be charming, and get the sponsors to care. Share my story anytime I can. Now I have to think about the initial bloodbath. She got up from her table and moved over to the couch she was sitting on previously. She held on to the back of the couch and stood there. "Ok, a chance is all I need. I'm a little more confident now and you have to believe your going to live in order to survive. Now for the cornucopia, I think I wanna just grab a bag if it's close but then just run and find some water. I can pick out poisonous plants and I know which ones can be used for medicines. What do you think? Should I try to run in all the way? I don't think a weapon is worth that."

Guest

Katya hesitated a moment before speaking. Rhea and I are very different, at least, how I am now, she realized. I hope it stays that way. Katya, at first, had had a similar plan, but it hadn't worked out that way. She didn't want Rhea to change. There doesn't need to be two of me. Katya thought wryly, surprising herself. She always told her tributes they needed to kill. Maybe something was different. Maybe it was because this year, she had something to work with, the whole volunteer-selfless thing. "I think that's a good plan. But if there is a weapon nearby, do grab it. Just grab everything you can without venturing too close to the center. Try not to go forwards unless there's something less than 3 steps in front of you. Oh, and, yeah, don't die. I know it doesn't seem helpful, but it is. Sometimes people forget about the not dying things and just try to survive. It doesn't work so well."

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:48 pm

Rhea took in what Katya said, trying to ask as many useful questions as possible. "That's what I was thinking. If there is something in front of me I will grab it, but I'm not going to run all the way in. I don't even know how to use any weapons at all. Maybe something long range would be best. Something that keeps me a distance away from an attacker. A knife my be good though." Rhea pondered for a moment, wondering what else she should ask. But nothing else came to mind. "Thanks, I will try and remember all of that. I guess there isn't much more I can do now but wait until we get to the Capitol. We should be getting there soon right?"

Guest

Katya nodded. "We're almost there," she responded with a sigh. "Prepare yourself. It's very... colorful. I warn you, they will stare. Now, as soon as the train stops, the Games begin. The gong only means everyone else is allowed to kill you. Heck, the Games began as soon as you volunteered! You've got to make them remember you, hopefully in a positive light." She smiled. "Good luck, by the way."

Subject: Re: District 5 Train Sat Jun 23, 2012 2:34 am

Rhea nodded, she wondered what the people of the Capitol would think of her. Would they see her as stupid for volunteering? Or would they expect her to be ruthless because of that. That was what she needed to know the most, how her volunteering would affect her in the games. "Pheonix...was me volunteering really a good thing? I mean..." She wondered how she was going to word what she wanted to ask. "Does it make me look crazy for doing it? I need to know if I shot myself in the foot by raising my hand. Most people that volunteer are careers, and they have trained for this their whole lives. I'm not like them, I volunteered to save someone else. I...guess I'm just afraid I made myself look weak by doing that. I guess I just need to know how I can approach that to make me more likeable." This was one thing that Rhea had weighing on her mind, whether it really was a good thing to do what she did. She convinced herself that it was as she sat in the Justice Building, but that doesn't mean she hasn't thought about it ever since.

Guest

Katya shrugged. "Well, it's a great story. It's even a little romantic. Work a secret in during the interview, make them want to know the real reason. Don't just give it to them. Flirt with the camera," she offered with a laugh, and winked. It had been a long time since Katya had laughed. "No, seriously, though. Volunteering probably wasn't the smartest move on your part, but it's better than just being reaped. Gives you an edge. Makes you memorable. Trust me, it's a good thing."

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