A/N: trigger warning for Karter's section.
Chapter 19:
The Chariots
Karter Orion Beckwith, 16, District Seven
He knows he shouldn't be going to tributes that are broken like him, in desperate need of someone to help them, but he was like a moth to the flame. Except he knows he's going to get burned by it, yet can't bring himself to stop. It's happened every time he's tried to help people before, so why would this time be any different?
He sighs as he leans up against one of the horses for his chariot, taking a small moment of comfort from the gentle giant. "What do you think?" he asks her quietly, barely loud enough to be heard over the muffled noise of the crowd outside.
He really shouldn't. As he stares back at the two chariots behind his, he puts one hand on his arm, trying to dig in to the fresh wounds for the splash of pain to remind him to not let himself care. But the plastic on his arm is too thick and the wounds were already healing, thanks to whatever technology the team used on him, making it too easy to start slipping down that all too familiar path in his mind. The one whispering to him how useless he is and standing here surrounded by other tributes, some with way better reasons to win than him…well, he might just believe that. So wouldn't it be better to not waste his life and instead save someone with it? Live the most now and die before he can wither away into nothingness from illness, like he's had to watch happen to his mother all these years?
No, he refuses to let that happen to him. And chances are, he's dying in that arena, so why not live it up now and flirt with a cute boy?
Karter gives the horse a gentle pat before stepping away and making his way over to the District Nine chariot, trying to look casual and relaxed, but struggling a little to push back the feelings of dread. Lobo barely looks up from glaring down at his hands until Karter is right in front of him and clears his throat.
Lobo jumps at the noise and brings his fists up automatically, but stops before actually punching Karter. "Fuck, don't walk up on me like that!"
Karter grins at his reaction, watching him slowly lower his fists. "Apologies, I didn't mean to spook you. Just wanted to chat a little more after that hell we were put through for this."
"I hated it," Lobo responds, sneering and shaking his head as he thinks about it. He digs his nails into his palms for a moment before flexing his fingers and he brings up his hands to glare down at them. "Stupid team filed my nails down. Took a part of me all so I wouldn't hurt someone before the Games."
"They took a part of me too," Karter answers before he can help himself. His hand automatically moves to brush his arm but stops when he hits cold plastic instead. Instead, he stares at the boy in front of him, watching him struggle with losing a part of him that made his exterior tougher, and starts to understand him a little. "Why do you do it?"
"Do what?" Lobo asks, narrowing his eyes just a little at him.
"File the nails, act all tough," Karter responds with a gesture as Lobo crosses his arms defensively, and he knows he hit close to home. "Come on, I'll share my home trauma if you share yours," he teases, but part of him wants to know more about him against his better judgement. It was what drew him in the whole banquet. A fellow lost boy, but maybe one he could help.
"That's none of your damn business," Lobo answers, all tough and defensive, but Karter sees the longing in his eyes, the boy silently screaming for help.
Oh how badly he wants to help.
"Maybe I want to make it my business," Karter replies with a shrug and cracks his knuckles for a moment, wishing he had a marker or something to draw on his arms to fidget as they wait around for this to start. He watches Lobo's reaction and the way he tries to keep his face schooled into a perfect mask of toughness, and he just wants to crack that shell of his. "So I have an idea for us."
Lobo raises an eyebrow at him. "Okay?"
"Seems to me that being allies is the smart move for us. So, how about we spark some rumors, get the Capitol talking about us?" Karter asks, raising his eyebrows as he watches Lobo's reactions. When he doesn't immediately protest it, he decides to shoot his shot. If he doesn't like it, well, he'll just pretend he's asking just to get sponsors. He doesn't have to know he wouldn't mind it being true. "You know…they do love some good romance."
"What? No way," Lobo protests immediately, shaking his head quickly and taking a step back from him. Karter flinches at the instant dismissal, but the pained look in Lobo's eyes keeps him there.
"It was just a suggestion to get them talking," Karter says quietly, wondering if he's completely misread Lobo and the looks he gave him, the way he kept saying he wanted to be left alone at the banquet despite staying near Karter's side the whole time.
"Yeah, well, I don't like boys," Lobo crosses his arms at him, but the tips of his ears start turning red, giving himself away. Who hurt this boy and made him think he can't love boys? Karter wants to punch them – but that thought is dangerous. He shouldn't be thinking these things.
But Karter still gives him a sad smile and puts a hand on his shoulder, watching him flinch but not move away. "You don't have to lie about that to me. Why would I care if you do or not? I like boys too."
That makes Lobo slap his hand away from his shoulder and take a step back from him, the his cheeks turning red as the only indication that Karter is right. And that only makes him want to help him more, show him he can accept that part of him. "We can be allies and that's it," Lobo finally says, opening and closing his fists at his sides. "Because we have both trained, not because there's any sort of romantic feelings. Got it?"
"Of course," Karter answers with a flirty smile, but doesn't push it anymore. They have three days of training to spend time together and he is determined to crack Lobo's walls. "Since we're just allies, perhaps I'll see who else wants to join me," he says as he starts stepping backwards, watching the flare of jealousy on his face. He blows Lobo a kiss, turning his cheeks blazing red, before spinning around and heading back towards his chariot.
"What are you doing?" Lobo calls after him and Karter gives a wave over his shoulder, wondering if he is going to follow after him. But the boy stays by his own chariot and a glance back shows he's watching Karter leave. Perfect.
"Hey Kazu!" Karter calls out as he walks past the District Eight chariot. The boy looks up at hearing his name and Karter gives him a wave. When he doesn't immediately try to push him away, Karter approaches him with a casual grin. "How's it going?"
"It's alright," Kazu answers and crosses his arms, a hint of distrust on his face. Already on the chariot Rhiannon stands, watching their interaction curiously, but when she meets Karter's gaze, she quickly turns away with her cheeks flushing in embarrassment at getting caught. "What do you want?"
"I wanted to see what you think about training together tomorrow," Karter says, leaning up against the side of the chariot casually. Kazu keeps his face blank as he continues, "You know, see if perhaps we could work out some sort of alliance."
Kazu considers this for a moment before giving him a shrug. "Sure, why not? See if things work out and if not, whatever."
"Sure, of course," Karter replies and gives his shoulder a brief pat before stepping back at the glare he gets. "Well, see you tomorrow then."
Karter finally returns to his own chariot and jumps up in it, putting in the earplugs they provided when he asked about it. He leans up against the front and gets ready to watch the disaster of the careers meet near the front. He hopes they end up targeting each other…that way, he doesn't have to protect his potential allies as much. Because he knows he will do it if the moment comes.
He just doesn't know if he wants that moment or not.
Mercy Mersaille, 18, District One
Mercy takes a few deep breaths to steady herself as the elevator doors open up and she steps out with Ardent. She can do this…there's not even a guarantee that the others are all going to want to talk before the chariots. At least, she hopes not… She's already anxious enough about going in front of such large crowds and she doesn't need that additional stress.
"Oh they're already here," she says quietly when she notices the District Two pair already at their chariot, wearing a similar costume to them but in different colors. She fidgets with the curls hanging over her shoulders as she slows her pace. "Do you think we should talk to them?"
"Hmm? Talk to who?" Ardent asks and tries to follow her gaze. "Oh…probably."
"Who were you thinking?" Mercy asks in return.
"Oh no one," Ardent responds quickly and she frowns a bit, trying to not let it bug her. But it does. "Yeah…I guess we should."
"Great!" Mercy says quickly, happy to have him make the decision to do so. She certainly wants to go talk to them after she had a good time with Chantelle at the banquet. But she doesn't want to seem clingy…
Vulcan sees them approaching and waves them over, giving her all the motivation she needs. She smiles and waves back as she heads over, Ardent lingering slightly behind her but still coming over. "Hey!" Mercy says cheerfully as they stop next to the District Two pair. "How's it going?"
"Fine," Vulcan responds right away and Chantelle gives a shrug. Mercy's smile starts to falter a little at their serious responses and Vulcan continues, "We need to talk about the alliance with everyone."
"I see," Mercy says, trying to keep her face clear and not reveal to them the way that makes them immediately anxious.
Chantelle points over towards the elevators. "There's the Capitol pair."
Vulcan waves them over as Mercy shuffles a little closer to Chantelle, more comfortable with her than the others. Adonis grins and his shoulders are back as he casually makes his way over to them, while Bez is looking around at all the other tributes, mumbling to themself and shaking their head at some of the outfits.
"Couldn't resist me?" Adonis asks, giving them a flirty wink as they stop next to the group.
"Yeah couldn't resist wanting to punch you in the face," Bez says before the others get a chance to say anything, not even looking over at Adonis.
Wow…they really have gotten worse since they left One. They were not this…this snarky and rude before they left training.
"Just want to talk about the pack," Vulcan replies to him, choosing to ignore Bez for now. They look back over at the elevators, waiting for the District Four pair to arrive. When they do, they wave them over as well.
"They're so tall," Mercy comments quietly as she watches the District Four pair walking over to them. She'd noticed before but seeing them together…damn. Well, strutting is a better word to describe Juno's walk right now. She can't help but feel a little jealousy at how cool they look, their hair slicked back and giving mermaid vibes in a cool way for once. How come they got a cool look and all she got was some gems on her cheeks?
"How's it going, lads, ladies, and my fellow peeps?" Juno asks them as they stop in front of them, sticking out one hip a bit and looking so confident and smug. Beside them, Valletta also seems confident in herself and Mercy tries to wrangle in the flash of envy. Green isn't a good color for her…
"Cool ear pieces," Adonis comments, pointing at Juno's ears that for once aren't covered by their hair.
Juno puts up one hand to their ear and poses, "Thanks, I'm trying to make hearing aids high fashion. Think I'm succeeding?"
"Huh, I didn't realize that," Mercy comments and gets embarrassed when Juno turns away from her and starts reaching to move their hair to cover it, only to stop before messing up their hair. She doesn't know how they didn't know that yet. Seems like a big hindrance in the arena…but then again, Anastacia went through with partial hearing loss last year and did fine…
"Doesn't stop them from hearing me whispering to them," Bez says, giving Juno a wink and they wiggle their eyebrows in response. All of it just…makes Mercy uncomfortable to witness and feel left out.
"Okay but can we talk about the more important thing?" Vulcan asks, getting their attention once more.
"Oh yes, I agree with you," Bez says, nodding their head and from the look Vulcan gives them, they don't think they're on the same page at all. "Who the fuck decided some of these costume colors? The audacity to put maroon and navy together!" Bez put their hands on their hips and their lip curls up in disgust as they look over at the District Eight team. "Ugh, it's disgusting! I'm absolutely revolted."
"Right…" Vulcan draws out, clearly not understanding their issue at all. They clear their throat, looking at the four pairs there and crossing their arms. "Are we being a full career pack or what?"
"Suck it, Bez," Adonis says to them, giving the suck it motion as well. Bez sneers at him in response and sticks out their tongue.
"I'm sorry…what?" Valletta asks and Mercy nods her head, just as confused.
"Just a bet about when you'd ask about the pack," Bez gives a wave of their hand at Adonis being all smug before turning back to Vulcan. "But to answer your question…no."
With that, they turn and start walking away from the group, leaving several of them watching in bewilderment. "No? What do you mean, no?!" Vulcan calls after them as the anxious pit in Mercy's stomach starts reaching its limit.
Bez turns around to answer them, still walking backwards away from their chariot at the front and towards the others. "I mean that I'm not putting up with your bullshit so bye! Also, I call dibs on Farren."
The boy in question perks up at hearing his name and when Bez turns towards him and motions with their finger for him to come to them, he doesn't waste any time heading their way.
"How can they just do that?" Mercy asks suddenly, unable to help lashing out from the stress of this. "He wanted to join the careers and they aren't one! I don't care if they were from One, they aren't a career and won't ever be one."
"Ouch, harsh," Chantelle comments first as the others look at Mercy in surprise at her outburst. "Not wrong though. Beat me to saying it."
"Yeah well…I'm not really one either," Ardent says quietly, looking uncomfortable at all of this.
"What do you mean? You're from One, of course you're one," Mercy says quickly, trying not to mess things up with her District partner. Oh God, she'll get in so much trouble with Thetis if she is part of the reason the careers have fractured.
Ardent gives a shrug and a sad smile. "I wasn't picked by the victors," he says quietly, starting to take a few steps away from them. "I'm just a criminal trying to get freedom so maybe…it's better I'm not with you."
With that, Ardent turns and heads back to their chariot, but not before looking back over at Bez talking to Farren.
A few seconds pass in awkward silence as they watch him leave before Adonis lets out a whistle and a chuckle. "Well that was unexpected. Guess it's really a good thing you have me now, huh?"
Vulcan ignores his comment, staring over at Ardent walking away and barely keeping their rage suppressed. Finally, they look over at the rest of them for a moment. "If anyone else is going to leave, I strongly suggest you leave now or else."
Mercy looks at the group, not expecting anyone else to leave – but then again, she didn't expect Ardent to do that. Oh she's going to be in such deep shit when Emilio finds out later… Why does she always make people leave? She's such a fuck up…
Juno clears their throat and everyone looks their way immediately. "I have an idea…" they start slowly smirking at all of them. "Bez wants me in their alliance. How about I be a double agent…earn their trust before betraying them."
"And how do we trust you?" Chantelle asks and Mercy nods in agreement with her. It's a good point and clearly no one can be trusted this year…
Juno gives a casual shrug in response. "The same way you trust the rest of us," they say and gesture at them.
"I'll vouch for them," Valletta speaks up and the only surprise Juno shows at that is the slightest raising of one eyebrow. She looks over at them and nods her head once before turning back to the others. "District Four has sent careers who are going to do right by the career alliance this year."
"Very well," Vulcan says and looks at each of them before continuing, "We have our pack then. The five of us. And the others will regret their choice once we're in the arena."
Seraphim Lukianas, Co-Head Gamemaker
The Presidential box is packed with people for the chariots, yet there's a tension throughout as they sit there. Theodosius and Kostas are huddled together, deep in conversation, while Rosabella listens on. Seraphim has barely said anything to Zephyr next to him ever since they sat down, letting the noise of the crowd surround them as they eagerly await the volunteers. But for Seraphim, he's just waiting for this to be over without any problems.
Yet his gut just has a bad feeling about all of this, especially since Julian and Calisto have yet to get any useful information from Daram on what the rebels are up to.
"Would you try to relax?" Zephyr teases beside him and lets go of his hand to rub it. "I think I've lost circulation from how tight you're squeezing my hand."
"I'm sorry," Seraphim mutters and tries to cross his arms, but Zephyr takes his hand once more. "Lot of stress going on and I'm just hoping this goes without any issues, but that hasn't been the case the last two years."
"Then maybe this year will break that," Zephyr says hopefully and Seraphim can only give him a sad smile in response, neither of them believing that. "Well, we're about to find out."
The first chariot appears with the Capitol pair and the crowd cheers in excitement for them, while Seraphim just hopes that people get the hint about the outfit theme. The two wear matching Peacekeeper outfits without the helmet, as do all of the tributes, to show the country what will happen if they go to war: children forced to fight. The Capitol pair's outfit is predominantly pink and with purple accents, with the accent color being used to add streaks in their hair. Bez and Adonis seem to be in a challenge to see who can act the most excited and charming, with both of them waving enthusiastically and blowing kisses at the crowd.
"Those two still causing trouble competing?" Zephyr comments and Seraphim can only sigh and nod his head. Zephyr chuckles at that, "Poor Odyssey and Misha."
Soon after, the District One pair appears, wearing traditional white uniform but with sharp azure accents. Mercy is nervous as she tries her best to smile and wave at the crowd. Ardent, meanwhile has a forced smile as he waves at them, and they don't react poorly to the convicted criminal like they have in the past.
"I'm surprised they like him," Zephyr says, pointing at Ardent.
"Me too, but I'm not upset about it," Seraphim responds, slowly starting to relax a little.
District Two wears gray uniforms with black accents, with Vulcan standing there, their arms crossed as they stare ahead and scowl, while Chantelle plays it up to the crowd to win their affection, waving and blowing kisses. Like most careers that go for this strategy, Vulcan still seems to be winning them over just as much as Chantelle.
"They look like me during my chariot," Zephyr comments about Vulcan with a chuckle. "I never understood the smile and wave careers."
"It's a strategy that works, clearly, since so many do it," Seraphim answers.
District Three is next in purple uniforms with silver accents and they have their first subdued pair. The cheers quiet down a little bit, hopefully from seeing fifteen year olds dressed as Peacekeepers and not just because they aren't careers. Riley fidgets with her hands nervously as she looks around at the crowd, but she seems to be in a slightly better headspace than she was last night at the banquet. Next to her, Ryam plays it cool, giving casual waves to the crowd but nothing like the careers.
"Think they're catching on to the theme yet?" Seraphim asks quietly, hoping that's the case.
"Guess we'll find out," Zephyr replies with a shrug.
District Four comes out to renewed cheers in their blue outfits with green accents and Seraphim starts to doubt that, but it could very well be due to Juno living it up in the spotlight. They wave extravagantly at the crowd, throwing in some winks and kisses, which just makes Valletta next to them fade into the background, with her cold mask on her face and waves.
"I'm telling you, I like them," Zephyr says with a chuckle, only making Seraphim uncomfortable about the things he hasn't told him yet. Would he be upset once he found out?
Seraphim looks over at Theodosius who meets his gaze, giving a single nod before turning back to the chariots. The only indication that Juno is doing exactly what was asked of them with no issue.
Thankfully, the District Five chariot comes out before Seraphim has to comment, the pair in black with red accents. But the pair is not doing much at all to win over the crowd. Ciana's behavior is unsurprising, as she stares ahead and seems to be taking very controlled deep breaths. But Morris's look of disdain at their outfit and all of this is unjustifiable to Seraphim.
"They still going on about that whole Monarch thing?" Zephyr says with a scoff, showing exactly what he thinks about that. "And that poor girl."
"Yeah, she's trying," Seraphim answers.
District Six comes out to bigger cheers from the crowd, due to the intrigue they've garnered from being siblings, wearing orange outfits with fuchsia accents. Kasada tries to just stare ahead and not engage with the crowd, while Farren waves at them cheerfully, until he starts talking to her. The pair starts bickering and it doesn't take long until she tries to knock his feet out from under him, making the crowd laugh when Farren holds himself up on the edge of the chariot and peeks his head above it.
"What a disaster waiting to happen," Seraphim sighs at their antics, wondering if Kasada kicking out his legs calls for some sort of discipline or if it's just typical sibling behavior for them.
"That's for sure," Zephyr chuckles at them. "I still don't get why they both volunteered."
"Me neither but we'll figure that out soon," Seraphim answers as he waits for the next chariot, part of him expecting something to happen just because they're from the main rebel District.
The Seven pair come out to an average amount of cheers wearing brown with green accents, and that's about all that happens to them. Baylor tries her best to smile and wave at the crowd, but struggles a little bit and it visibly shows. But Karter on the other hand seems to be doing tactics from many other tributes in the past, grinning as he waves and winks at the crowd, flexing to show of muscles, and more to hype them up for him.
"He's studied the Games before, you know," Seraphim says, knowing he does, in fact, know that.
"Yes and it shows," Zephyr says, pouting a little when he recognizes a pose that he had done. "He's pandering."
Seraphim chuckles at his reaction as the District Eight chariot comes out and stops right away, instead concerned for the pair in maroon with navy accents. Rhiannon is barely holding it together, staring around with very wide eyes at all the noise and the crowd around them, yet she tries to keep standing. Kazuyuki, on the other hand, seems to want to have the crowd's attention and only knows how to do so by acting reckless, as he sits on the edge of the chariot and holds on with only one hand.
"Can he actually fall out?" Zephyr asks cautiously.
Seraphim sighs loudly at that, wishing they had thought of the possibility of tributes being this stupid. "Let's hope not."
District Nine isn't much better when they come out, in yellow with sky blue accents. He thought Rhiannon was overwhelmed by all of this, but Inutil is at a whole other level and it doesn't take long before she breaks down into tears. She's in complete contrast to Lobo who is trying to be as intimidating as possible, glaring at the crowd and using one finger to slide across his throat.
"What…a pair they are," Zephyr comments and Seraphim can only sigh in response. Thankfully, the chariots are nearly over.
District Ten is thankfully not a disaster like the last few, in their red outfits with white accents. Shams is overwhelmed at first by the cheers but when she realizes that they're cheering for her, she lets out a cheer herself with a huge smile on her face and a couple cheers run down her cheeks. Cimmer was already enthusiastic about this, striking some poses and blowing kisses, and when he sees her reaction, he starts letting out some loud cheers himself, which gets the crowd louder for them.
"Fox got lucky this year," Seraphim says quietly, glad to see two tributes from the outer Districts that are handling this well.
"They seem like good kids," Zephyr adds, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips.
The last chariot comes out for District Eleven, the pair in green and burnt orange accents, and the two have surprisingly similar ways of reacting, but Seraphim is certain they're for different reasons. They both stare straight ahead and don't acknowledge the crowd, with Ricky glaring a bit, but Sonya seems to be deep in concentration on her breathing, taking slow even breaths, and that requires her whole focus.
"Well…not exactly an exciting note to end on," Zephyr says as they watch all the chariots make their way into the City Circle in front of them.
"We don't need excitement," Seraphim responds with a scoff. That's the last thing they need right now. "What we need is for this to wrap up already so we can go inside and get back to the important matters."
They come to a stop spread out in the City Circle and Rosabella takes a deep breath, before stepping up to the microphone. A pang goes through Seraphim, knowing that should be Mendalius up there, but trusting his judgement in keeping his survival a secret. It has to be the right move…
Seraphim's certain that Rosabella is giving a very nice speech – he catches something about unity in troubling times – but he can barely focus on what she's saying. All he can do is watch the tributes standing down below in their chariots, just waiting for something to go wrong during this speech.
But miraculously…nothing does.
Seraphim lets out a breath of relief when Rosabella steps back from the podium, getting cheers from the crowd. Zephyr takes his hand and gives it a squeeze, and when he looks over, he smiles encouragingly at him. "Stop stressing so much, things are fine."
"You and I both know I'm incapable of doing that," Seraphim jokes back and tries to let himself relax a little. Things are going fine.
Seraphim watches as the cracks of fireworks start around them and the chariots begin to move once more, circling in front of them before they'll head into the Games Headquarters. One of the tributes suddenly slumps down in their chariot and there's a moment of confusion around them as they try to figure out what happened, until Seraphim is thrown down to the ground by Zephyr and chaos breaks out around them.
"Everyone down!" Theodosius shouts and for there to be fear in his voice… Seraphim clutches the front of Zephyr's shirt in fear as the victor shields him and all he can do is hope nothing happens to him.
Because it's only when the screams start from the crowd that he realizes one of the cracks was not a firework, but a gun.
To be continued...