This was written as sort of an audition piece for Kaius when I submitted his character for Death Numbs the Pain: The 124th Hunger Games, a 24 author collab.

This piece looks at the first time he met the cause of all his current issues, his now deceased boyfriend Jaze Cordell.


He's just standing in the corner of the room, a drink in his hand and observing the other party goers. I don't remember inviting him (but then again half the people at my parties are just friends of friends of friends). It doesn't seem likely that he turned up on his own but if so then whoever brought him here dumped him and is probably drinking their ass off some place else. From a guess I'd say he was about my age, but his boyish looks and curly brown hair are kind of misleading…and kind of cute. His big blue eyes waver from side to side, then sometimes at his feet which indicates he's uncomfortable. My eyes waver around the room too. Gloria is amongst the crowd, bragging her victory in the games, accentuating her movements by slashing her arm down or kicking an invisible ball (or balls, don't get her angry). Man she's scary. Felicia looks intrigued by her words, as she's clinging close and nodding her head. The disco ball causes her eyes to sparkle. I keep looking but eventually I spot Zack, busting his moves on the floor. Where else would he be? Looking back round from my busy bee friends my eyes eventually direct back to the curly haired boy in the corner. I can't help it but he just looks so lonely. Lost. Like a little lost puppy. It's so adorable.

That's it I'm going to talk to him.

The notices almost immediately as my shove my way through the hyped up crowd, past the glorious Gloria and eventually in front of him. Upon closer contact we're also the same height. Our eyes meet at the same level. My brain fumbles around for the right words but all they can muster is:

"Pretty blue eyes"

"Excuse me?"

Hell, I hope I haven't offended him. Just turn on the charm Kaius, it's what you're good at.

"I said you've got some pretty blue eyes there"

He blushes just a little and takes a sip of his drink. The tension fades a little. Feeling a bit cheeky I gently place my hand on the wall beside his head and lean closer. I never lose eye contact with those beautiful orbs of blue.

"So I haven't seen you around here before, would've remembered a face like that" I say smoothly. Am I actually flirting with him? His innocent smile widens a little. His body relaxes a little more.

"Yeah, I was dragged here by Jerry. Name's Jaze Cordell, and I am 15, no younger" he answers softly.

Jaze Cordell. Those three syllables play like a little tune in my head.

Jaaaaze Cooordell….

"And you? Jerry said something like Kai….Kaia?"

"Kaius actually. Kaius Wistful" I say, with an added wink. Jaze smirks and so do I.

"So, you throw parties often?" he pitches in, seemingly desperate to make small talk. I love this guy.

"Yeah, but this is a special occasion"

As he glances at Gloria I know he understands. But he snaps back to attention quickly.

"Jerry told me about a party he went to once where a guy got drunk and took off all his clothes. Weren't one of yours was it?"

Jaze's eyes fill with a mischievous glint. I can't tell whether he's asking with concern or whether he's wishing it to be true. I'm veering towards the second choice. Especially since his head is leaning closer towards my hand.

"Well" I start "why don't you figure that out" I whisper, my voice strangely going deep and husky. Before I know it I've also got my lips locked on his. Nice move Kaius. You always have to be so forwards.

You're just lucky that he's kissing you back.