A Vivid Note: at the end of this part, we will be officially half-way done with the reapings. Please excuse me while I die. Haha, I'm just joshing you. Especially about using the word 'joshing', I mean who in the world uses that?
Besides- I'd like to thank you all again for your fantastic feedback. It's really helped me stay on track so far, despite the hard work this really has been- plus all the school work I've juggled alongside it. So thank you, all of you! :)
This tribute was made by Everbloom Montgomery, and, sadly, he seems to be a nice guy. So far you've all expressed that you think all the tributes are. I do wish I could give you a tribute to hate, but I hold the belief that if a character is naturally detestable- they're not really being portrayed right.
Kiss-Kiss,
Vivid.
The Capitol Games
Brandit Gailer; 16 years; the Capitol Sector 6.
I'm suffering from an intense case of mood-whiplash. On the one hand, I've spent my entire adolescent life enjoying the festivities of the games every year, but on the other hand I'm suddenly very forcibly aware of the pain it brings to every District family who lost a child.
-Funny, how I was able to ignore it until it was my friends and family that is up for the reaping. And by 'funny' I mean 'incredibly depressing and not remotely funny in the slightest'. If anything it makes me feel sort of bad for being so ignorant all these years.
Not that it wasn't easy to be ignorant; but as far as I can tell, no one else in the entire Sector seems to have picked up on the moral dilemma like I have. At least no one I know.
"What do you want to get for lunch Brandit?"
"-oh don't ask him, he'll choose something terrible and healthy, let's go somewhere that serves steaks or cake or... steak cake."
"That sounds disgusting."
-Ah, prime examples of what I was just thinking. There is my dear elder brother Vin, eighteen years of age and still more brawn than brain. Alongside him walks my little sister, Neon- who is ironically growing up to be the family runt in both those aspects.
It's too hard not to love them though, despite how backwards they can seem. To be honest, I'm just as brain dead as both of them- but I seem to be the only one aware of it.
"-Brandit? Hello, earth to doofus-!"
"Excuse me?" I snort, staring down as Neon smiles cheekily up at me. "That's not the way to talk to your elder brother- Snotball."
Sure- it was juvenile; yes- but at all out of the ordinary? No. I momentarily delight in the fury Neon starts emitting about the quip, directed mainly at her vivid green hair, distracting me away from my ignorant thoughts of ignorance.
I tower well over my brother and sister. Sure, all of our family are on the tall side- but I'm six foot seven. They sometimes say that I'm Brandit Goliath, not 'Gailer'.
It can't go unsaid that we don't at least try to be witty.
"Let's just pick a place to eat," Vin ruffles at his fringe slightly with his fingers. "How about pizza, we haven't had that in a while-"
That's a lie, but I won't argue. Since our parents are rather lazy when it comes to house duties- take out is basically all we live on. Though, I'll accept that we never go out to have take-away.
-Besides, why complain? I love pizza. It just takes a while to work off the fat- and that's not even a problem since I bench press for a living.
Inside the pizzeria, despite the excess of fluorescents, it's freezing. I can't help but laugh as Neon lets out a little yelp of discomfort from the sudden blast of cold the air conditioners push on us. It lets up a little by the time we reach our seat, but I can't help but wish I had pulled on a jacket before leaving the house this morning.
"I really wish they'd get new chairs," Neon grumbles sourly. She shifts about on the vinyl seats, making loud squeaking noises. "These are so uncomfortable..."
"Just sit still then." Vin snickers.
It's sort of nice how, even after so many years of being siblings- none of us have really changed. We still squabble and banter about things that don't matter, obsess over television shows like Hunger Games- and basically act like... well, the kids we used to be.
Or are. I don't know really. Heh.
"-there are so few people out today," I hear Neon mumbling. "D'ya reckon they're scared of being reaped or something?"
Suddenly I perk up at the shoulders. This is a topic I'm interested in, as terrible as that sounds. Yeah, I may now be rethinking the whole morality issue of the Games- but that doesn't stop me from relishing them a little. I never enjoyed the killing part of the games, but everything else was always a little interesting
Plus I've been pondering them a lot more since the reading of the card- and for more reasons than just the whole Quell deal.
"-I'm not scared," Vin states in that bold way he does sometimes. "What are the odds of me being picked anyway? Not only that- I definitely bet people will be volunteering to be a part of it."
"You think so?" I tilt my head at my older brother, smiling. "Then why is everyone at home, panicked?"
"I don't know- nerves?" Vin shrugs. I chortle a little as his upper lip twitches. "Come on Brandit, you know the guys that live around here- I'm sure there are volunteers planning to make their move today. It's their chance to go down in history."
Yeah. As a dead person.
"-there won't be any girl tributes though," Neon sighs, propping her head up on the back of her hand. "The only girls here who exercise only do it to get with the instructors."
I feel my face grow hot as Vin and Neon exchange coy smiles. This is a shot at me, since I teach a workout class at the neighbourhood gym. The reason this is highly inappropriate, if not a little rude?
I teach elementary school kids.
"I'm just kidding Brandit!" Neon giggles as I push a hand to my face. "I'm not accusing you of being a cradle robber... literally."
If she wasn't my younger sister, I'd probably be trying to hurt her right now. Sadly she is, and I pride myself on being a respectable, Capitol gentleman.
-oh but she is going to pay later. I don't know how, but she will. I'll do something to tick her off for this.
Desperate to change the subject, I carry right on with talking about the Games. Usually you'd have to be careful about what you say in public, but the Pizzeria is pretty empty- and by the looks of things, the staff hasn't even noticed we're here.
"It's sort of weird though, isn't it?" I look at Vin, who stops smiling. "The Games were made to punish the Districts right? Why would any of the Quells be directed at punishing us?"
"I don't know..." Vin's eyes trail along the side of the table. "-maybe it's a joke or something, or there's some meaning to it we don't get..."
"-my friend Sydni says that it was a huge mistake," Neon chips in, but in a very hushed voice that makes it sound like a big secret. "She said that the Quell card was replaced by the President to punish certain people."
I force back a snort of disdain. Yeah, that sounds plausible... to the little kids who know nothing about what this has done to the President's career and Capitol politics. Ever since he read out the card- the rumours of his expulsion from office have exploded. By the looks of things- what with the endless stream of propaganda advertisements- they're true.
"They've already done forensic tests Neon," Vin snorts. He finally picks up the menu and begins to read through it. "It hasn't been touched since it was placed in there. It's a legit' card..."
I can't help but chuckle as Neon pouts, swiping her own menu off the table and burying her nose in it. For a girl so young, she takes everything she says and hears directly to heart. I suppose growing up in the Gailer house did that to her- especially with two elder brothers who are constantly competing with each other. She was always sort of left out by default since she was a girl.
-not that she never tried to anyway. In actuality- Neon's a lot more competitive than I am.
"-If I was stronger, I'd totally volunteer," Neon looks at Vin and then to me. "I mean, no one in the Capitol is really that strong, so it'd be easier for us than it is for the District kids- right?"
Well, she might not be entirely wrong there- but she's leaving out the important fact that you have to single-handedly kill those other Capitol kids. I'm a little taken aback by how blunt she's being about all this, even though it's not really out of the ordinary for Neon.
She's brought up a point I've been thinking about for a while though. An idea that I've been shoving to the back of my mind since I heard the card read out.
Volunteering.
I'm not suicidal or anything and I'm certainly not at all vicious or murderous either. It's not that I'm desperate to have a piece in the games or anything like that but... I can't shake the feeling that this is a huge opportunity.
I've never been sure of what I want to be in my life. I wanted to do something like be a peace keeper, or become part of the Capitol army- but the idea of being forced around by superiors all my life sort of... bugs me. I don't know why. I'm certainly not a rebel of any sort.
"We're ready to order now!"
"Neon- they'll spit on your food if you're rude like that!"
As Neon continues to pout and drum her fingers on the table, Vin and I both roll our eyes and share a smirk. I sincerely hope that I'm successfully masking the internal workings of my mind; because if they knew what I was thinking, I'm positive that they'd talk me out of it.
-And I think this should be a decision that I make alone.
After all, it's not every day you ponder whether or not you're willing to put your life on the line for a game... especially not when you're a teenage Capitol kid.
Perhaps that's why I want to do it.
By the time we're done eating, we have about half an hour before the reapings are due to start. Neon is slowly becoming more and more excitable, as well as harder to keep up with as we walk towards the designated street for the reapings.
We're about a block or two away now, and already I can tell that it's going to be packed beyond tolerable standards. Who says that neighbourhood unity in the Capitol is dead?
"-this is going to be so great!" Neon squeals, bouncing about us in her euphoria. "Are you guys as excited as I am for this?"
"I don't think anyone is as excited as you are Snotball," I chortle. "-why are you so excited anyway?"
She looks at me as if I'm a complete idiot. Knowing her, that's probably what she usually thinks of me- regardless of idiotic questions.
"Today we're going to see someone from our own neighbourhood go into the Hunger Games," I bite back my tongue to keep from laughing. Neon's eyes go huge when she's making a point. "Aren't you at all excited to see that happening?"
"I guess..." I reach over and ruffle up her hair, which causes her to duck away from my reach. "I'm glad you're having fun, today of all days."
Just for a second, I see the brief look of confusion start across my little sister's face. However she's given no time to ask me about my sentimentality- because a pair of skinny arms grabs her from behind as one of her friends- I don't remember any of their names- successfully surprise attacks her.
"Maybell!"
Vin snickers, just loud enough for me to hear him. For a change, I don't agree with him- despite the fact that the little girl's name is terribly unfortunate. The majority of the Capitol children have terrible names though, and I've learned to keep my mouth shut.
-I mean, my name is Brandit, son of Brentin. I'm glad I escaped the worst of it though. I have a sister called Neon after all.
"Look, I'm going to take off," Vin points ahead to the bustling crowd sorting themselves into age groups and ineligibles. "Do you have your mobile?"
I dig into my pocket and pull out the electronic brick my parents bought me, giving it a confirming shake. Vin grins- claps me on the shoulder- and quickly takes his leave as I'm left alone, standing with Neon and her babbling friend 'Maybell'.
"Brandit, where do we go?" Neon tugs on my sleeve. I can't help but smile; this is all a front she uses in front of her friends. "I can't see the thirteens section anywhere..."
I look around for the signs pinned onto each roped off section. Sure enough, closest towards us on the right hand side I see the flimsy piece of paper marked '13's'.
"There." I point over to the area as Neon and Maybell stand on their toes to see. "-think you can get your name marked off without your big brother holding your hand?"
Wrinkling her nose, Neon grabs Maybell's arm and pulls her in the direction of the roll call stations. I manage to catch a small glimpse of Maybell eyeing me curiously before focusing her attention back on Neon.
I've heard that a good bulk of the girls in Neon's year have 'crushes' on me. Sort of makes me regret teaching my weights class to younger students. Perhaps I should stop with the fake tans and let myself go as some sort of repulsion technique. Haha.
"Oh Bran-muffin-!"
I'm given seconds to stop myself from toppling right onto my face as a familiar hand slaps me hard in the centre of my back. Spinning about and desperate not to stumble- I openly groan as that familiar pair of violet eyes gleam into mine.
"Jel, seriously- degrading and painful." I try to rub my back but my hand doesn't reach it properly so I give up with a huff and a smile. "Where are the guys?"
As I knew it would, an annoyed pout puffs against Jel's lips from being overlooked. Flicking her short blonde hair and folding her arms- she pretends to snub me.
This isn't anything new. Jel and I have been friends since we were kids, so the teasing and friendly flirting is sort of a routine. I won't go so far as to say I have no feelings for her, but it's a given- seeing how gorgeous we both are.
That was a joke. I'm not that up myself.
...but she is.
-Joking. Joking!
"I'm sorry Jel," I wink, giving her a little curtsy as the smile returns to her face. "It's nice to see you again."
"That's better," Jel giggles, throwing an arm around my neck in a headlock. "So, did you hear? There are gonna be lots of volunteers in just a few moments~"
"What?" My heart beats against my chest. I didn't know that. "I thought that no one wanted to-"
"Oh, many people don't," Jel pulls her arm back and brushes down her dress, subtly trying to draw attention to it. "-but Harry and Spec are considering it."
It takes all of my inner strength not to let out a cry of alarm. Since when were they considering it? Why hadn't my friends at least mentioned it to me that they were thinking of volunteering for a Game where losing means dying?
"R-Really?" I'm not great at covering my feelings, but I can try. "Uh... reckon they'll go through with it?"
"Mmm..." Jel takes a moment to think about it before answering. "I reckon Spec won't go through with it, but Harry certainly might. He's been training like crazy since the card was read out."
Crap. I had thought he was just abusing his hormone supplements again. Suddenly everything makes a lot more sense and everything I've been considering is spinning into high gear.
"H-Haha, well that's great..." I'm starting to feel a little sick. I don't want Harry to volunteer. He'd get killed for sure, that big headed steroid abuser. "W-What about you...?"
Jel's eyes flash with surprise. I'm never usually concerned with her own choices- but when it comes to my friends potentially dying- I think it's safe to admit that I give a care.
"Well... I'd be lying if I said I haven't considered it," she smiles as she flicks her scrawny arms with her fingers. "-And with guns like these, who can blame me? I'd totally kick butt."
Laugh Brandit, laugh. I manage to churn out a louder laugh than I'd usually give for such a meagre joke- but Jel seems to accept it fine.
"-What about you?" I swallow as Jel looks at me with interest and mild worry. "Are you going to go for it too?"
She looks a little concerned, which is surprising since she and the rest of my friends are huge Hunger Games fans. This makes it all the harder to maintain eye contact as I struggle to lie.
"N-No... I don't think I will..."
I'm such a hypocrite. Getting all worked up inside because my friends haven't told me their plans for these games. I haven't told them my plans either. So I should have no right to be upset with them... but...
"-I will now read the Treaty of Treason, as this is the tradition-!"
"Ah!" Jel grabs my hand in surprise. The mayor has already begun the reaping. "Come on Brandit, we've got to get our names marked off-"
-I should tell her. I can feel my throat go dry as I watch her whisper slash mime our names to the roll call takers. As Jel flashes me a brilliant smile of success, I can't help but feel sick to my stomach knowing what a terrible friend I'm about to become.
"The boys section is just there, so I'm over there-" Jel hushes, pointing. "Let's meet up in the middle when-"
She begins to move away from me, and a sudden jolt of panic surges through me. My hand shoots out and grabs her arm- pulling her into my side. Somehow Jel manages to swallow the yelp of surprise, but she stares up at me in bewilderment.
"Brandit-?"
"Wait." I hiss through gritted teeth. Jel's body goes rigid with alarm. "I'm so sorry."
Over my whispers all that can be heard is the mayor's stern voice across the crowd, introducing the Sector's escort. It all seems to fade away though as I struggle to find the words for my apology.
"You're..." Jel's eyes lock on mine. "You are... you are going to...?"
Without a moment's hesitation, I nod. Several guys around us are looking at Jel with baffled looks on their faces- wondering what a girl is doing in the boy's section. She ignores it- trying to process what I'm telling her.
"-then I am too," Jel's voice is breathless. I shake my head as her eyes narrow. "Brandit- I have to! You can't kill teenagers-!"
"Neither can you," I hiss back, gripping her arm tightly. "Jel, I have to do this. I know I have to."
"-What on earth will you gain from volunteering-?"
The escort introduces herself in a bubbly voice, but neither of us is paying attention. I'm vaguely aware that- just beside me- Spec has found Jel and me and is trying to understand what's going on.
"-Jel, you have to trust me," I mutter desperately. "I've thought about it a lot, and I know I can do it. I'm saving some other idiot from dying, and that idiot could very well be someone we know-"
"I don't care if some other idiot we know gets picked-" Jel begins furiously.
A girl's name is read out. It's no one I recognise, and frankly I don't care right now. Jel stares at me, casting a sideways glance to the stage as a small girl is pulled up by the arms by two peacekeepers. The escort will ask for volunteers soon.
"If you're going to do this, I'll volunteer." Tears are forming in the corners of Jel's eyes. "Swear you won't. Swear Brandit, or god help me I'm going to get up there right now."
Spec opens his mouth silently, perhaps trying to ask what we're talking about- but neither of us pay any attention to him. Instead, I pull up every screed of effort left in me as I let my gaze fall to the floor- just as I hear the escort call out for volunteers one final time.
"...I swear."
With a sigh of relief- Jel pulls her arm out of my grasp. Spec nudges me a little in an attempt to get my attention- still trying to work out what's going on- but I pay no attention to him. Inside my head I can feel the painful realisation that I'm about to push away everyone who loves me for the sake of myself.
They're never going to forgive me for this.
Her hand slips inside the reaping ball. My body goes rigid as she steps up to the podium- holding aloft the name that will never be read.
-but I have to do this, to prove I can do this. I have to do this for myself.
In that slow moment as I raise my hand- I see Jel's eyes widen. But I don't look back.
I'm not sorry.
"I VOLUNTEER AS MALE TRIBUTE!"
"...is there anything you want to say?"
Honestly, there isn't. I sort of wish I could've told the Peacekeeper not to let any visitors in. However I'm sure I'd regret that later if I had.
Vin is strangely rigid for the brother I've known these past sixteen years. No smile breaks his face, no jokes break the silence. His hand is clamped tightly around Neon's- whose face has turned to glass.
"...I couldn't tell you guys," I smile. It's genuine smile, but I can see the hurt it's causing. "Honestly... weren't you guys saying it'd be easy to win in these games?"
"-what the hell do we know?" Vin says stiffly. Neon's body begins to shiver. "I sure hope you didn't tell that to Mom and Dad-"
"I didn't have to," I shrug. I won't lie, I'm starting to feel a little annoyed with the expressions my siblings are giving me. "They were fully supportive."
"Bullshit." Vin growls, causing me to recoil on the bench.
"-Vin-!" Neon squeaks, tugging his hand. "-don't-!"
"So this is our final goodbye before I go off to the games?" I raise my eyebrows, still trying to be as pleasant as possible. "So long, get killed?"
"-well you're going to die," I feel my lip twitch as my elder brother rises to his feet. "You idiot... you absolute... Neon-"
Neon begins to cry silently. As Vin pulls her away by the arm- I reach out and poke her gently on the nose before giving her a quick wink.
"I won't die," I say softly. "Trust me, when have I ever lied to you?"
Neon's tears stop instantly. Vin freezes as my little sister suddenly yanks her little arm out of his grasp and slaps it hard against my face. I double back in alarm as Neon stands there- shaking with anger.
"-you lied when you didn't tell me you were going to do this!"
I can't think of anything to say. Gingerly touching the place on my cheek- I watch as my two siblings disappear from my sight. It takes me a moment, but I call over the Peacekeeper and tell him not to let anyone else in, and that I'm done seeing people.
-I don't want to see any of my friends. One slap is more than enough for my decision.
Well... this was your choice.
There's nothing left to do but wait, so I lean back against the wall and try to focus on the ceiling. But, across the hall the other tribute, Faye-Anna Cholores- is still talking with her own brother and sister.
I can't help but feel a little envious. She has support because this was something she didn't choose to do. I have no support because I willingly wanted to do this.
I'm not sure why, but this thought hurts more than the realisation that I'm effectively all alone in these games. It hurts, and brings about a strange feeling of hatred for all the unknown tributes I'm yet to meet.
So here I am huh...? The first volunteer for the Capitol games... saving the life of some poor guy who didn't want to die... and I'm hated for it.
It's nice to know that society works.
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