-Elizabella Pavlov, Head Gamemistress-
Two weeks before the reapings
I'm staying late for another day of work. Papers litter my desk, untouched and unorganized. I have never felt this stressed in my entire life, that's for sure. Eventually, I just threw everyone out of the room, requesting just a few moments of some goddamn peace and quiet.
That's exactly what I have now. Thank goodness.
I lay my head down on my desk, absolutely exhausted. It was an early morning, and a terribly long day. And the worst part is that coffee is completely off-limits to me. Ugh. I'm amazed that I made it this far.
But, of course, there is still plenty more work to do before I get home for the evening. The longer I sit here with my head down, the later it'll be until I can leave. Ugh. I only allow myself five minutes like that. After that, I stand up and head to the bathroom connected to my office to freshen up. And, while I'm there, I pee too. Ugh.
So.
Much
Peeing.
I wash my hands and look at myself in the mirror. I look pale and stressed, much older than thirty-five. God.
I use some water to smooth down my pastel pink hair, which was sticking up everywhere considering I chose to leave it down for once today. I touch up some of my make-up, making sure my skin is perfectly powdered, rub at my lime green contacts until they finally decide to settle the fuck down, and, of course, straighten my posture. Then I look at my reflection and tell myself firmly, "You can do this." After all, this certainly isn't my first rodeo. It's actually my third go at it. This time is just a hell of a lot more stressful than the others have been, that's all. Maybe I'm just… Going crazy. Yes, maybe I'm just going absolutely crazy. Haha, they say this job does that to you!
Alright, alright, now it's back to work. I straighten my posture again, as much as my back complains, and open my office door again. My intern, Deck Kozart, is still standing there, his black eyes watching me intensely from behind glasses as thick as his father's as he runs a hand through his red, white, and black-streaked hair.
"Sorry for the delay. Please come in," I tell him, entering my office and sitting down.
"It's no problem at all!" the twenty-year-old chirped. He was wearing a black sweater vest, white dress shirt, and red tie. The sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled up enough to show off the tattoos on his forearms, black spades on his right and red hearts on his left.
"You wanted to ask me something?" I ask.
"Oh, yes! If it's not too much to ask, Mrs. Pavlov, I was wondering if you could look over this academic paper I've been working on. Only if it's not too much stress, though! It can always wait."
I feel like I want to cry when he hands me the pages. My eyes brim with tears as I think about just how much goddamn work has to be done in such little time.
"Um…" he looks concerned. "Mrs. Pavlov?"
"I said you can call me Bella," I say quietly, voice quivering slightly. "I'm sorry, I just have so much that needs to be done."
"Oh. That's alright then, I can take it back and wait for a better time-"
"No! You're not taking it back!" I tell him strictly, my voice taking on an edge. "I'm going to do it all and nothing is going to stop me!" I slam my fist on the table at the word stop, causing him to jump.
"Um-"
My anger fades as tears roll down my cheeks. "I just have so much stupid work to do and I can't even have coffee! How am I supposed to file all these papers by ten!? The Arena is barely halfway finished!" I can't help sobbing. I feel a hand rub my back softly as Deck looks awkward.
"Don't worry, we're still on target, Bella. It'll be okay. I'm here to help, after all, and the other Gamemakers are hard at work too."
I sniffle and wipe my eyes. "I know." I grab a tissue and blow my nose. Then, I laugh at how ridiculous I am. "I'm sorry Deck. It's a crazy time right now."
He laughs and nods understandingly. "Yeah, I'm sure it is. Feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you." I pick up the paper and read the title.
The Unusual Case of Atticus Hollow
"Atticus Hollow… He was… A tribute during one of your mother's Games?"
"Her first Games," Deck says proudly. "Also the Games I was named after."
"Oh, I see. Is Atticus your favorite tribute from that Games?"
"No, I am and always will be a Gio fan."
"Well, it's a good thing that he won then." My eyes skim down the first paragraph, looking for exactly what he thinks he's going to prove about the District Ten male from that Games.
"While his allies suspected him to be a werewolf, I believe that he hid behind their alias to hide something much more sinister:" Hm, interesting thought, I wonder what it could be. "that he's actually a vampire."
That gets me to laugh. Like, a long, good laugh. "You spent time of your life writing this paper to prove that Atticus Hollow is a vampire?"
Deck laughs and shrugs. "I love Games theory. I always try to challenge myself by writing about things that are near impossible to prove."
"You're going to convince me that he's actually a vampire?"
"If I did a good job, you'll at least ponder the possibility of it."
I grin as I put the papers aside. "I'll read over this tonight. I can't say I'm not interested in it though. Now, will you help me start sorting these papers?"
Deck grinned. "Of course!"
And just like that, we're back to work.
.
The second I step inside my house I want to jump in bed and never get out. My back and feet are absolutely killing me, not to mention I'm so tired. God, I hope I can actually get some sleep tonight.
When I enter the house, it's quiet. Of course. I'm sure all the kids are already bathed and tucked in. On my way through the dark living room, I accidentally step on one of my son's robotic tin robots. Out of instinct, I pick it up and whisper, "Sorry Mr. Robot," before remembering that nobody was there to care that I didn't apologize to the piece of metal. I sigh a bit. Maybe I really am going crazy.
I go into Mazurka's room. She's my oldest daughter, at ten years old. When she hears my footsteps approach, she sits up in bed.
"Mom!" she says. "Hi."
"Hi Sweetie." I kiss her forehead. "Go back to sleep now, you have school tomorrow."
She pouts, but rolls over.
Next, I go into the room shared by the two middle children. Pavane, the second-oldest at eight, doesn't even stir. I kiss the top of her head and she doesn't move. Tessitura, the second-youngest at five, rolls over when I kiss her head, but doesn't wake up.
Last, I check on our youngest, three-year-old Brick. He sleeps soundly in his little racecar bed, but when I kiss the top of his head his brown eyes flicker open.
"Mama," he says tiredly, sitting up and trying to rub his eyes.
"No honey, lay back down."
He holds his arms up for me to pick him up, and as much as I'd rather just collapse and sleep on his floor, I pick him up. He's heavier and heavier every time I do this. Luckily, it doesn't take very much rocking to get him back down.
Finally, I head to my room. I notice that the bed is empty, which means that Lydian must be up still. I pee and change into PJs, washing my face and taking my contacts out before trudging slowly to his workshop. Sure enough, he's there, lamps on as he works on an oboe.
"Hey," I say quietly.
"There she is!" he says softly, his brown eyes, free of their green contacts, lighting up. He crosses the room to kiss me. "How was work today dear?"
"It was fine. A typical day at the Complex. How about you?"
"I've been fighting with this oboe all day." He sighs. "I wish my father were here. He'd know what to do."
"Don't worry, you'll figure it out." I wrap my arms around his neck, or well, as much as I can reach. "You've done a great job upholding the family business." My husband, the youngest of three, took control of his family's business, Pavlov Instrument Repairs. It's the job of a craftsman, but that's what my husband is.
"Aw, thanks, my love. How was Staccato today?"
"I had a meeting first thing this morning and he just wouldn't settle. Other than that he's been asleep all day."
I laugh a little bit as Lydian crouches down to kiss my stomach. "Stop that," I say quietly. "I don't want him to move around all night. I'd actually like to get some rest."
"Then you should get to bed, Dear."
"Yes, and so should you." Lydian loves to stay up till the wee hours with the instruments he works on, but it's not healthy for him. "Come to bed." Translation: I love you but you don't have a choice in this matter.
He sighs, but reluctantly turns off the lamps and heads back to the bedroom with me.
"Good night, Love," he says quietly.
"Night," I say back, my eyes shutting closed. I don't even care that I have to sleep on my back. Right now, I could probably sleep standing up if I had to.
I don't even open my eyes when Lydian kisses my stomach. "Be good to your Mama tonight, Staccato," he murmurs, causing me to laugh a little bit as I doze off, hoping that my sleep will last at least two hours uninterrupted.
Yup, just another day. And I'm sure tomorrow will carry the same morning sickness, wild emotions, swelling feet, and general chaos.
I can handle it, though.
I'm a toughie. And I'm going to make a spectacular Games.
~.~.
A/N: HYPE HYPE HYPEEEEE
Welcome, welcome, one and all, to my thirtieth story on fanfiction and third partial SYOT, Traveller!
First thing's first: Yeah, so maybe Traveler's spelled with one L. Actually, the spelling I'm using here is not the American spelling. Also, I'm aware that the song it's named after only has one L in it. Oh well. I like how it looks with two Ls for some reason.
Also, yeah, this story is named after a song (an amazing song) that is also partially the inspiration for the Arena! It's called Traveler and it's composed by David Maslanka. Really, really great piece of music.
This story is a Celticverse story, which means it's heavily tied into my other stories for the 36th, 41st, and 42nd Games, but you don't have to read those to understand this.
So, as I said before, this is a partial SYOT! I have eight characters and I need the other sixteen to come from you guys! I've already gotten so many amazing characters and I can't wait for more! But, because it's a partial, ONE OF MY TRIBUTES WILL WIN. Just wanted to make that clear from the start. Also, my tributes are the only ones that will have POVs, until the Final 8. I hope you'll consider submitting even though your tribute will die because, this is a story that will definitely finish and update relatively frequently. Trust me, I will make sure your tribute is well-loved and well-used. I'm super optimistic about this story, I just have a feeling it's going to be my best work yet and hope to have as many people as possible along with me for the ride! So please, check out my profile and consider sending me a character! :D
Also, escort spots are open and they will close when I'm ready to write the reaping chapter for specific Districts, so if you're interested the first one I need would be a D1 escort!
This was just a short little prologue to get you all accustomed to my style, and if you haven't read my first-person stuff before, there you go!
So, this story has a sponsor system and yes, it is the same one as Danzón! So hey, there's another perk, if you read and answer CQs for this story you can use those points on any tribute in this story or in Danzón (or, you know, in Voices, haha). Also, my sponsoring DOES effect placements, so it's something you'll want to consider for your tributes in any of my sponsor stories. You can also get more points by reading Voices, Instinctive Travels, Once More Unto the Breach, Masque, Silhouettes, and Danzón.
So, like Danzón, you get:
6 points for a favorite
4 points for a follow
5 points for each review
5 additional points for answering the Chapter Question on each chapter. To get the five extra points you have to answer every part of the CQ.
I keep track of the points, so you don't have to worry about it. When we get to the Games I'll put updated scores on each chapter. If you have any questions about anything or want to reserve a spot PM me! Also, since it's a google form, Guests are welcome to submit! This is first-come, first-serve.
Yay, first Chapter Question time!
CQ: There have been some hints to the Arena, but I want to know your predictions as to what it could possibly be! So, Arena predictions? Go wild!
We sincerely welcome you to Celtic Airlines and thank you for flying with us! In case of an emergency, life jackets and oxygen masks will be provided. Please locate the nearest exit now. Your flight attendants Ponty, Dawson, Vardaman, Diesel, Monterey, Beo, and Trekker will be around to with complementary peanuts and beverages. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff. Enjoy your flight!
