you've got nothing on me.

Another night shift

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:49:00 +0200

Of course, Gold. I bet you it was supposed to be a bit of fun at the new kid, but I’m not one for games as you well know.

I guess it would have been, putting the new girl on the worst shifts to se how she would hold up. I think I’ve done alright so far though, but a change would be nice. Sleeping at night would be a good change, after all.

Pretty Lies | Nick & Kero

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:21:17 +0200

“Well, I don’t know, you might have some ulterior motive to get rid of me. Maybe you’re just playing me…. You’re not wanting to get rid of me, are you, Nickolas?”

“Do you really I would want to get rid of you?” He asked, bewildered. A smirk played at the corner of his mouth a she watched her take a step back. “I mean, I could. Quite easily,” he said with feigned nonchalance, “but there would be no reason, and besides, we’re friends, right?” He winked and tucked his hands in his pockets. Obviously she was joking, she couldn’t really believe he would betray her… then again, it wouldn’t be the first time somebody had judged him for past mistakes.

“Hmm, well, there’s a number of things I could ask you to do for me. Depends what you’re willing to do.”

He hadn’t thought she would pick up on the offer, but apparently Kero was proving smarter than he had thought again. This could start getting annoying. He replied, “anything that doesn’t kill me is fine, it’s not like I have any morals to uphold anyway.” Obviously he wouldn’t do anything, but as long as it was within reason he’d be happy to do it for her. It would be a spectacular break from the mundane grey world of mentoring as well, as long as whatever task she had in store was actually interesting. But, knowing Kero (although only a little) she would definitely have something fun up her sleeve.

Nick sensed a certain level of reluctance in Kero as she took another step away and told him who the tributes were; he knew the name of the girl immediately: Bay Sparks, District 3. The boy on the other hand, he had no idea who he was, but it wouldn’t too hard to spot him in the training rooms. “Strange couple,” he smirked, talking more to himself than to Kero. From what he’d seen of Bay she seemed ruthless, even a little unhinged, she didn’t seem like the loving kind at all. But then again, the prospect of imminent and assured death could drive anyone to do anything. “Thanks, Kero. I’ll keep an eye on them and see if it’s worth talking to my tributes about.” After all the effort he had put into this, now he wasn’t sure how much this would actually help his tributes. It would give them an easy target in whichever of the lovers wasn’t killed first, but killing of them could have an adverse effect. What if one of them became so overwhelmed with grief that they could easily overpower his tributes and kill them? Revenge was a powerful motivator, especially when the death of a loved one was involved… but how could real love happen in three days? They were probably just hormonal and depressed, looking for safety in someone’s arms. Pitiful, but he could relate.

“Is there a reason you suddenly seemed reluctant to tell me that? Are you having second thoughts about being involved in this?” Nick quizzed her with his eyes, searching for whatever was happening in her head.

“Do you really I would want to get rid of you?” […] “I mean, I could. Quite easily. But there would be no reason, and besides, we’re friends, right?”

“Well, I don’t know. Who knows, you might just be using me for my awesome personality, and then chuck me away when you’re no longer in need of me.” Kero had a feeling that her and Nick were actually friends though. And she didn’t think he would do anything to hurt her in the form of ratting her out to Nike, so that she would get sent to jail. At least she was hoping that he wasn’t wanting to put her in any kind of danger, though she only had that; hope. “I, at least, consider you to be my friend,” she added silently, and gave him a small smile. So many of the mentors here in the training centre though, they had been through so much, and were pretty much ruined people. Nick seemed to be struggling too, though he was one of the more normal mentors she had had any contact with. Maybe he didn’t want to hurt her, she hoped he didn’t want to anyway.

“Anything that doesn’t kill me is fine, it’s not like I have any morals to uphold anyway.”

Kero knit her eyebrows together at his dry reply, and put her hand to his shoulder, wanting to shake him back to reality. “Hey, don’t talk about yourself like that,” she said, narrowing her eyes at him. She was mostly teasing, really. She didn’t have many qualms about telling him what she knew, other than the fact that she could get into trouble for it. But it was, again, something she did because she trusted him in some odd way. “I was teasing you,” she added with a small smile, and nodded slowly. She was having fun with Nick, and she didn’t want this getting too serious, too fast. Her entire life was all work, and no play, and it felt refreshing to just be having a bit of fun instead of walking around wearing a stern look on her face, and shouting at people for running in the hallways.

“Strange couple.” […] “Thanks, Kero. I’ll keep an eye on them and see if it’s worth talking to my tributes about.”

“I have a feeling you were hoping for something more juicy,” Kero said, and pursed her lips as she wracked her brain for some more information that she might have. She saw a lot when she was walking through the hallways, and heard even more. But this year’s crop of tributes seemed to be more protective of themselves than that, which was a damn shame. “The male careers have already allied. Not surprising, of course. And there are two other tributes already offering themselves up to protect the little girl. I don’t know their names though.” Their alliance wasn’t exactly a secret, as they were always walking together, talking in hushed voices. their alliance was a rather obvious one, but in case Nick didn’t know, she thought it was at least some information that he could have some use of in the end. “And your male tribute, Wex? He seems like a bit of an asshole if you ask me,” she added with a laugh, hoping to cheer Nick up with a bit of light joking around.

“Is there a reason you suddenly seemed reluctant to tell me that? Are you having second thoughts about being involved in this?”

Kero stopped short and took a long, deep breath, and absentmindedly drew her fingers through her long, dark locks of hair. “Because… They’re just kids. Just like you were when you were in the arena. Just kids. I feel bad for them.” She pulled her shoulders up in a light shrug, and gave him an apologetic smile. She wanted to help him out, she really did. But they were all so young, and everyone was betting on their lives already, and for years now, Kero had stayed completely out of it. And now she was playing a part in it too, betting and talking about them. “They’re just kids,” she repeated with a sigh, and bit her lip nervously. She might not have been i danger of being reaped as a kid, but unlike so many Capitol kids, she had always felt bad for them, and for their families.

Another night shift

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:05:41 +0200

I assure you, I’ll look into it. It is far too much, especially when their are plenty of other peacekeepers that should be doing this. Absolutely preposterous, really.

I don’t know whether it was a mistake or what, but I’ve pretty much been stuck with the night shifts for a year now. I’d appreciate a change. Thanks, Antimony!

Another night shift

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:41:32 +0200

Would you like me to look into it, Gold? I don’t believe I assigned you this many night shifts..

I think it’s due to my being one of the newer peacekeepers in the unit. But 6 night shifts in a week is a little… Much. I don’t know if someone changed things around or what, but I would appreciate it if you did look into it.

Another night shift

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:59:22 +0200

Day shifts would have been so much better. Everyone else is getting them.

Save the fighting for the arena

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:57:41 +0200

Kero, we’re geniuses.

I am, actually. You’ve never seen wood chopped until you see me chopping it… seriously, it’s a magnificent thing to watch. Perspective… you could say that. I was always scared of being in the Games when I was a kid because my dad was always collecting tesserae, and this kid that I knew from school was reaped, a long time ago, and he died. After that I was terrified but eventually I just resigned myself to it. If it happened it happened, there was nothing I could do about it. The constant fear is the worst part. I think that’s why I became a Peacekeeper… I don’t really need to be afraid anymore, I guess. There was also an altercation with a guy, and I needed to get out of the District, but we don’t need to get into that.

What about you? Why’d you become one?

I bet it is amazing to see, I would suggest you show your skills off, but I don’t know how much wood there is to chop here in the capitol. Tesserae, that’s what you get in exchange for your name one more time in the bowl, isn’t it? It sounds terrifying, I’m sorry you had to go through that. I’m sorry for anyone who has to go through it, actually. I don’t know, I think being a Peacekeeper is rather terrifying too. You don’t know how many psychos are out there, people picking fights. I can handle myself though, at least to some degree.

I became a Peacekeeper so that I wouldn’t have to go to jail, actually. I was… well, wrongly accused for beating up a guy. To my defense, he was trying to rape me, and I beat him up. And I was given a choice; go to jail or become a Peacekeeper. It’s obvious what my decision was.

It's amazing how quiet this place is

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:12:15 +0200

Ah… so you never knew who your parents were?

Wow, twenty? I guess I’m a late bloomer then.

Hm. Trouble.

Nope, I know they were district people, but I don’t know from which district. As if you have any wrinkles to get rid of though.

Save the fighting for the arena

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:10:40 +0200

Maybe the reason Peacekeepers are so violent all the time is because they’ve all got like 20 years of pent up sexual frustration. Poor guys.

Yeah, I am. I’m from District 7, the one with all the trees and woodcutters. It’s not the worst place to live… I mean, we weren’t living in abject poverty like some of the other districts, but there are only so many trees you can see before you go mad.

Oh wow, yes, that could totally be it though! They’re miserable people because of their lacking sex life, and they take it out by the means of using violence. Good thing you and I are sort of alright, then, huh?

Ooh, so you’re an expert at chopping wood? Or something? I bet it was great though, it gives you some perspective on all of this, doesn’t it? The games and everything. How come you became a Peacekeeper?

Save the fighting for the arena

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:23:32 +0200

Sounds like her. I’m sure she just needs a hug or something… or maybe she needs to break her own rules, who knows? I can’t see any way abstinence would make us better at our jobs. It’s ridiculous. Oh well, your secret is safe with me. Hopefully mine is safe with you.

Life’s too short to pay any heed to them, you’ve just gotta keep going and know that you’re a hundred million times better than them because you’re not absolute idiot. At least that’s what I try to think, I’m sure you have your own way of dealing with shit. Don’t be sorry about it, my childhood was a lot better than some people’s. I consider myself lucky every day that I was never reaped.

Maybe she just needs to get laid, that’s a possibility too. She should get herself some action, and maybe she’ll cool down on us? I would, sure as hell, not have been doing better at my job if I didn’t get to have sex. I’d be grumpy and angry and would therefore be shit at my job. Of course, your secret is safe with me. Promise.

That’s true, actually. I don’t exactly… Think of them, now that I’m away from them. But I do blame them for a lot of the things that have gone wrong in my life. I just drink and have sex, really. To deal, it’s easier that way. You’re from a district? Which one?

Save the fighting for the arena

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:19:54 +0200

Uh, yeah, I will. Thanks for the advice, I guess I need to get my head back in the game. I’d hate to get on the wrong side of our lovely Unit Commander.

Oh. Ok, well, that sucks. I’m sorry. I didn’t really have a particularly loving environment growing up either so, you know, I understand, kinda, how you feel, maybe. People are assholes.

Yeah, I talked to her earlier this week, and she was going on and on about how disappointed she would be if anyone broke the rules. It’s as if she knew about it, but wanted me to admit it. But surely, having sex isn’t breaking the rules. It’s not a relationship then, right?

Yeah, tell me about it. People are absolute and complete assholes, I don’t know how we manage at all. I’m sorry about your environment growing up though. It sucks.

Locked and Loaded

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:27:59 +0200

You know I will, Gold. In the meantime, keep up the good work, and report all violations to me. You know how it goes.

Of course, as always, Antimony. Have a good day!

It's amazing how quiet this place is

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:27:08 +0200

Ah… yeah, foster homes seem like they suck big time. And doing surgery to get rid of wrinkles seems really arbitrary - you’ll just look even weirder.

-shrugs- Yeah, it would give me an advantage. I’m sorry if me asking sounded insensitive.

Some are lucky, some… not as much. I was in the latter group, unfortunately. But I’m doing alright now, so I can’t really complain. Well, say that to every single Capitol citizen. Some started removing wrinkles at the age of 20.

It’s not insensitive, not at all. I’ll just get into a fuckload of trouble if I tell you anything.

Locked and Loaded

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:04:07 +0200

Oh no, of course not. That would be tragic, wouldn’t it? Surprises aren’t my style, therefore you’ll know straight away if anything should happen; or involve you.

Good to know, Antimony. And if you should need anything at all, all you have to do is ask.

Locked and Loaded

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:47:32 +0200

If there was something you should be aware of, Gold, then I would have told you. Correct? These changes are of my concern- currently.

Of course, Antimony, of course. I’m just making sure I’m up to date on new developments and all. Wouldn’t want to be taken by surprise by anything.

Locked and Loaded

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:42:46 +0200

Oh, there are changes… Sounds good. You’re doing fine with your work as it is- I have no concerns.

Changes? What changes? Is there anything I should be aware of? It might be easier to do my job if I were to know of these… Changes.

It's amazing how quiet this place is

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:41:57 +0200

Ah. It must’ve been nice though - to not worry about getting reaped? Adoption… Foster kids have it hard. Of course you’ll still be looking good. Time will doing nothing to your looks - you won’t be put through too much stress, so you don’t have to worry about wrinkles, hah.

I understand. Pity. I would’ve liked to hear shaming and embarrassing secrets.

Truth be told, I never really thought much about it as a kid. I was… Usually hiding in some dark corner so that my adoptive parents wouldn’t know where I was. It wasn’t the best of homes, exactly. I think I’m one of the few who’s been brought up in the Capitol who don’t care about looking older. One thing is for certain, I’m not getting under a knife to get rid of wrinkles.

I bet you do, to have an advantage over the other tributes, right? To tip off your own? You’re not the first to have asked.

It's amazing how quiet this place is

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 02:15:29 +0200

Yeah… Children in the Capitol must have an easy fucking life. And hey, you can’t possibly know that. You’re only twenty-six or so. You can’t possibly be that cynical. I should know, dearie - no one is that cynical. Not even yours truly and I’m plenty bitter.

Hm. I was just wondering - since you’re a Peacekeeper and all that, I thought you might hear something, but, whatever. /shrugs

Yeah, well, I was one of those kids, so I can’t really say anything. But I could have been in the same situation if I hadn’t been adopted. I am 26 years old yeah. But in the Capitol, you’re basically in a wheelchair, and worth nothing once you’re passed 40. Thought I have a feeling I’ll still be looking good, even then.

I hear plenty of things, of course. I know stuff about this place that no one could even imagine. But I’m bound by rules not to share any of these secrets.

It's amazing how quiet this place is

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:57:48 +0200

Yeah, having kids here would probably suck big time. And anyway, just keep up the secret affairs! Who knows, maybe by the time you’re 46 you’ll find someone you love and you’ll settle down.

So… heard any new gossip? Whether it be about the Games or tributes or… whatever?

Yeah, I don’t understand people who decide to have kids here. Well, in the capitol it’s fine, as those kids won’t be forced to be part of the reapings, but in the districts. I guess you can’t really control it though. When I’m 46, I’ll be old and tired and I’ll be hating the world because I’ve been a peacekeeper for so long, so I don’t know about that.

Gossip? Umm, no, this place is really as quiet as ever. I don’t get info on the Games, you know, I just stand there and try to look intimidating.

It's amazing how quiet this place is

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 01:39:00 +0200

Rumors around here are usually true… And yeah. People resort to cannibalism when nothing else is better. That’s how fucked up everything is ‘round here.

Ah… Well. It’s twenty years. You’re still young. I’m sure you can go without… and anyway, who says that anyone has to know? One night stands aren’t necessarily relationships.

For fucks sake, that is… Horrible, that is just… God, I’m glad I don’t ever watch the games, I would have thrown up all over if I were to see anything like that.

I’m young now, but in twenty years? I’ll be 46, and too old to have kids… Not that I want to have kids, but you know. That’s true. I can’t say I’ve been abiding entirely by the rules.

Save the fighting for the arena

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 01:37:15 +0200

Well, I wouldn’t call three days a relationship, so they don’t really have anything on me. And if you’re getting away with casual hookups then… I mean, having fun, then I don’t see why they would punish me. But whatever, I’ll just deal with whatever happens.

Do you know for sure they abandoned you? Maybe there was another reason.

It’s still more than they allow though, so I don’t know about that. The reason I’m getting away with them is because I keep them secret. It’s… well, I don’t want to be caught breaking the rules, you know how Nike can be. Just be careful though.

No, no, they didn’t want me, and they shipped me off. That much I know for sure.