Garo Versus Games
ESKK: Well here we are a new chapter enjoy.
(Start Training Center)
All the tributes were gathered in the training center dressed in jump suits preparing to start training. "In 2 weeks 23 of you will be dead." A woman spoke as Alex was among the group with Zaruba still on his person. Around them was racks of weapons ranging from Katana's to Sai's and even a Chakram or two. "One of you will be alive. Who that is depends on how well you pay attention over the next four days particularly to what I'm about to say." The woman said as all of them looked to her in resignation to their fates.
"Here comes to rules." Alex said causing a few chuckle that Alex called it out.
"First no fighting with the other Tributes you'll have plenty of time for that in the arena." She said ignoring Alex quip. "There are four compulsory exercises the rest will be individual training." She said and thus she moved on to the actual training. "My advice is don't ignore the survival skills everybody want to grab a sword but most of you will die from natural causes 10% from infection and 20% from dehydration. Exposure can kill just as easily as a knife." The woman said as up above many of the possible sponsors and the two Game Makers, Neo and Seneca watching the whole thing.
It wasn't long until training began and everyone got to work. Some had to go through an obstacle course while others had to do weapon training. They traded out every now and again during this as Alex stuck to the sidelines for the time being. But alas Alex could not avoid it forever and he needed to get sponsors so as much as he hated to do it he showed off what he could do. Needless to say everyone was surprised and shocked with how well Alex did.
In the ID test for poisons and such Alex scored a perfect score in that regard. When it came to combat training Alex went as far as besting the instructor on that regard making someone wonder if he had been preparing for this day. What made Alex an even bigger subject of note was how he easily breezed through the obstacle course not at all falling or failing once. Many of the other Tributes took note to this and knew Alex was some serious competition to take on.
Eventually the training continued and Alex was one of focus still as he eased up to give the others a chance to shine. Alex didn't care if it were up to him he would have busted a whole out and got everyone out of here to safety. Needless to say Alex was one everyone wanted to keep an eye on after this first training session. Yes Haymitch said not to show their skills but Alex didn't listen well to the guy who was drunk half the time. But then again who's saying Alex is showing everything he can do seeing as what he's showing now is pretty basic for the current Golden Knight.
(Scene Break during Dinner)
The group had gathered at the dining room to which Alex was eating his food calmly and saw Haymitch. "Well look someone is sober for once." Alex said to their mentor seeing that he was actually sober for a chance.
"Keep talking one of these days." Haymitch said as he calmly ate his food while Alex smirked into his food.
"Easy Career you know what that is?" Haymitch asked to which Alex rolled his eyes.
"No but you're going to tell us anyway." Alex said not at all really carrying but Haymitch went on.
"There from District 1." Katniss said as she ate her food.
"And 2." Haymitch added as he ate his food as well.
"They train in a special academy until there 18 and they volunteer so by that point there pretty lethal." Haymitch said bringing up why he wanted them to hold back and keep their opponents guessing which was not what Alex did in Haymitch mind.
"But they don't receive any special treatment in fact they stay in the exact same department as you do. In fact I don't think they even like the desert." Effie said to which Alex rolled his eyes.
"So let me guess their pretty good and but there also arrogant as all Hell." Alex said eating his food knowing that these were on the top of the list to most likely become Horrors in the ring.
"Exactly." Haymitch said to which Alex knew who to keep an eye out for now.
"What are you thinking about?" Katniss asked as Alex looked to her.
"Nothing." Alex responded as he needed to try and keep the damage these games would cause as minimal as possible when involving Horrors. But he was also thinking of his siblings knowing the Watchdog was keeping an eye on them and ensuring someone monitored there training while he was stuck in Gladiator Hell. Alex had one thought and that was surviving to see them again and to survive without taking a life no matter what.
(Scene Break Training Center)
The Night before was without Horrors seeing as the area was already monitored by a Knight under the Watchdogs command Alex was once more at the center. As he sat there he saw one of the Careered killers at the dummies while Alex rolled his eyes to this. As this continued he began to walk off not caring for the training. At least until one of the District 1 Assholes approached him with an angry look in his face.
"Hey where's my dagger?" He asked to which Alex was confused.
"No clue did you check where you left it?" Alex asked as then tried to walk by the guy only to be stopped by him.
"Yeah it wasn't far where you were a minute ago, so where is it?" He asked and thus Alex got the memo fast.
"Did you look around before you start accusing people?" Alex asked to which the guy did not take kindly to that.
"No how about you give me back my knife." The Tribute said as Alex glared at him seeing a similar situation happen earlier this week as he began to get in Alex face.
"I don't have it." Alex said calmly but the guy began to push Alex only for Alex to stand his ground. "I suggest you back off before you end up on the ground." Alex said glaring at him to which the Tribute started swinging at Alex. Alex caught the fist and proceeded to flip the guy over and slamming him on the ground before the security got to them.
The guy groaned in pain as he then found Alex food on his chest close to his neck causing Alex to smirk down on him. "Tried to warn you." Alex said before letting him go and letting security pull him back while they helped the other guy up and pulled him away from Alex.
"When we're in the ring your dead you hear me DEAD!" HE yelled struggling to get free while Alex walked away waving him off.
"Yeah keep telling yourself that." Alex said as he walked away showing he wasn't scared of this guy.
(Scene Break Watchdog Sight)
"So you two understand what must be done right?" The Watchdog asked as she looked down to the Knight and Priestess under her command.
"Yes we infiltrate the Evaluations and try to ensure that our local Knight gets the best aid possible without drawing suspicion his way and attempt to aid his fellow tribute as well." The male said as he looked to the Watchdog.
"Correct and ensure any Gates in the area around or with the Tributes are sealed before they spawn Horrors." The Watchdog said and thus the two bowed to their Superior with respect.
"It shall be done." Ava responded knowing full well this was a delicate situation they were all in right now. They then took there leave and in turn the Watchdog continued her research of where the breach could have possible occurred. So far whoever did this covered their tracks well making it near impossible to narrow it down.
(Scene Break District 12 Tribute Apartment)
Alex was seen looking out the window as he saw the city down below and the people celebrating the coming Hunger Game blissfully unaware of the suffering it was causing for people. Alex wondered how they would have reacted if it was there children as tributes instead of the Districts children. Punishing all 12 Districts for what the lost District 13 did for this long... it made Alex sick that Snow was allowed to lead for this long.
He was still getting heat from Haymitch from showing off like he did but he would rather focus the others aggression on himself then allow them to off each other. In the event of a Horror he can handle the problem right then and there as well. As he sat there he heard a knock from the door and looked to it.
"Come in." Alex said and in turn he saw Katniss walk in. "Katniss what can I do for you?" Alex asked as he looked to Katniss.
"Just needed someone to talk to was all." Katniss said as she looked to Alex.
"Oh?" Alex asked as he looked to her. "Well I got time what do you want to talk about?" Alex asked as he looked to Katniss.
"It's just... this all of it." Katniss said as Alex looked to her and knew what she was talking about.
"Yeah first you have to deal with just surviving these games, and now you have to deal with the fact monsters roam the night that you were unaware of." Alex said as Katniss nodded to this.
"It's just... hard you know." Katniss said as she knew she only just met Alex but so far he had been the only person to look at the face of the games and give it the proverbial middle finger despite what it may retaliate with.
"It's just... something you have to learn to live with." Alex said as he looked outside the window. "The fact you dealt with it this long proved the level of your strength if not your physical strength then your inner strength." Alex said as he looked to Katniss.
Katniss then stood up with a nod of agreement as she took her leave of Alex. But just then she stopped at the door and looked to Alex with a question that had been bugging her. "How did you deal with this?" Katniss asked as Alex then smirked a bit and looked to her.
"Who says I've learned to deal with it?" Alex asked surprising Katniss as she then took her leave shocked at what Alex just plainly told her.
(Scene Break the next day)
The group had gathered in a waiting area as they got ready to be scored by possible sponsors. Alex was sitting on the couch as all eyes were on him while Katniss waited her turn. When they got their rating it would show who would most likely sponsor them with supplies for the games. As they sat there one by one the tributes entered the next room as they waited. Alex sat there with his eyes closed while Katniss wasn't too far away while they all waited for their turn. One by one they entered and they could almost hear the folks on the other side talking as Alex was dealing with how to 'impress then,' to sponsor them. He could already figure out how Katniss was going to do it even if it's a spur of the moment thing.
But Alex needed a way to get their attention on him and the best way to do so is to request actual opponents to take on. Which in turn means he needed to get them to realize the dummy wasn't going to prove anything about him. His best bet would be to get something huge and sharp and throw it at them and surprise them to have it stab into the wall. One he got their attention that way he can ask for actual opponents and in turn it should get them to look at him. If not at the very least he could count on the plants from the Order to get him the scores and act as his sponsors on site. Still there were a lot of variables to account for most of which he didn't have possession of so in turn he had to more than likely wing it and hope for the best possible outcome to occur.
It was a long shot but he had to take the risk if it means he can last long enough to deal with the gates and Horrors in the arena. If he died by the end of it fine so be it as long as the sole survivor is human he can die in peace. But in all likely hood most of the tributes will end up as Horror feed while others are the actual Horrors that would in all likely hood leave Alex as the sole survivor of this and to the eyes of the Capital the victor of the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Still there was a lot of variables to take into account and in all of them Alex wasn't too sure he'd make it through without struggles from all parties involved. For now it was just the waiting game and in turn he saw the crowd of tributes had grown smaller leaving a small number left. He must have been so deep in his thoughts he hadn't notice the crowd had shrunken to this size.
Just then he saw it was his turn and thus Alex stood up and made his way to the opening gate. As Alex got to said gate he wondered what would be his method to impress them.
(Later)
Alex arrived at a large room and made his way to where the weapons were all kept. As he did this he noticed nearby a viewing area with the rich people of the Capital clearly not paying attention. He eventually arrived and saw that some of them were in fact paying heed and not just the Alchemist either. Alex looked closely and saw why as he saw a fruit stabbed into the wall via an arrow to which he knew who was responsible for it. Alex glared at them as he wanted to get every advantage he could get and in turn smirked as he had an idea.
"Alexander Ceaser District 12!" Alex called out glaring at the group as they clearly heard him and paid attention. Alex grabbed the sword and held it at the ready as he saw a training dummy in his way. Alex glared at it for a moment and in turn just stood there waiting for the people to lose focus. Just then Alex looked and saw one of the Game Makers and thus had the perfect idea to make him shit himself. Once they're focused was gone Alex spun and threw the sword and in turn as the blade spun and to the shock and horror of everyone here the sword stabbed into the wall narrowly slicing into him. All he saw was his reflection in the blade as Alex smirked to this.
"Now that I got your attention, give me something to fight and not this dummy." Alex said as he looked to them. "Wanna make sure you have everything you need." Alex said to which Neo smirked to this.
Before anyone could argue Neo stood up finding Alex intriguing. "Bring in a few soldiers." Neo said to which all eyes were on him as he took his medicine once more.
Alex smirked as he waited for is foes. It didn't take long as the gates opened again and two Peacekeepers walked in to which Alex grabbed another sword and took a battle stance. "Don't go easy on me." Alex said and thus the two Peacekeepers looked to each other before going at Alex. Alex avoided their initial attack making sure not to cause them harm. The way he moved many eyes were on him as he didn't even need to use his sword to cause serious harm. He flipped over one and performed a sweeping kick on him. His friend came in from behind only to find Alex sword pointed at his neck which if he didn't stop when he did the Peacekeeper would have skewered himself.
It didn't end there as the one on the ground got back up and tried to attack but Alex avoided him and used the other as a shield before pushing him torts his friend. Alex then came in and stabbed his sword forth to which the two parted falling into Alex trap. He then performed a sweeping kick on both of them knocking them down before spinning midair to slam them to the ground. Once they were done Alex saw them try to get back up only to slump showing he may have done more damage than intended.
Alex smirked and in turn began to take his leave but as he left he threw the sword off where it stabbed into the training dummy showing he was both more skilled and a lot stronger than most were lead to believe. As Alex left he knew this would either get him in a lot of heat at the apartment or words of praise or even both. Alex waved them off as he walked off leaving them all shocked at the second scare they had gotten today.
(Scene Break Tribute Apartment)
Alex and Katniss were in the living room area with Cinna and Effie as Effie was pasting around almost panicked while everyone else was sitting. "Are you two crazy?!" Effie yelled as she glared at Katniss and Alex.
"Depends are you annoying?" Alex asked to which Cinna chuckled a bit while Effie huffed.
"You have to admit you walked into that one." Cinna said knowing Alex wasn't normally rude like this.
"Look I just got mad." Katniss said as Alex heard this.
"Mad?! You realize your actions reflect badly on all of us not just you!" Effie demanded showing she was worried and for good reason to.
"They put on a good show its fine." Cinna said defending the two on this.
"How about it's just bad manners Cinna?!" Effie demanded as she glared at Cinna. "As for you young man!" Effie continued when she looked to Alex.
"Not going to argue all I'm saying is I'd do it again." Alex said as he wasn't going to defend his actions. "Well look who decided to sober up." Alex said as he looked and saw Haymitch walk in.
"Well finally I hope you noticed we have a huge situation." Effie said as never in all of her days has she seen anyone do what Alex and Katniss had done.
When Haymitch came in he smiled to both of them and gave them both a thumbs up. Alex seeing this went wide eyed as he then looked to Katniss. "Oh god I think what we did was actually a really bad thing." Alex joked and thus Cinna laughed a bit as did Katniss.
"Yeah laugh it up chuckles." Haymitch said as he would have killed to see the look on their faces after what Katniss and Alex did in there. "Still nice shot both of you." Haymitch said as he moved to a nearby couch. "So what did they do when you shot the arrow and threw the sword?" Haymitch asked as he sat on the Couch wanting to hear details.
"Well, they looked pretty startle," Katniss said as Alex looked at her and said, "I think I made one of them crap their pants, and then left them speechless after I took down two peace keepers without breaking a sweat."
Haymitch just laugh at that as he turn back to Katniss as he asked her, "And what did you say, thanks you for the…?"
"Thanks you for the consideration," Katniss said as Alex could not help but laugh at that one as he knew she fire that arrow at them to hit the apple but not what she said at the end as Haymitch just laugh at that and said, "Genius…Genius."
"None of will find this funny if the game makers decide to take this out on-
Effie was saying until Haymitch spoken to her cutting her off near the end there, saying "On who? On her, on him? I think they already have. Listen to your corset, have a drink."
Haymitch turn to the two and said, "I would have given anything to see it."
Katniss and Alex smile to Haymitch as it seem he finally getting off on them than the booze he was drinking.
(Later)
The scorings had come in as Ceasar Flickerman is about to announce the scoring of the tributes as he said, "AS you know, the tributes were rated on a scale of 1 to 12 after 3 days of careful valuating."
The group and everyone else listen to each tribute scoring going through each district in order of 1 through 12, as the Alex and Katniss waited patiently for their scoring to come up as when it came to District 12, as the guy said, "From District 12 Katniss Everdeen, score of…11 one of the highest we have."
The group cheered with Effie surprise by this with Cinna said, "Outstanding."
"I thought they hated me," Katniss said with Alex said, "Well it seem that wasn't the case and gotten more impressed by you."
"Thanks," Katniss said as everyone congratulated Katniss on her high scoring, but it wasn't over yet, as Mr. Flickerman said, "And lastly from District 12."
Everyone went silent as Mr. Flickerman went on saying to announce the last scoring as he said, "Alexander Caesar with a scoring of… 12."
After that the whole room went silent, as it seems something had happen that never does happen as often… just did happen as everyone turn to him as he was a bit surprise himself, with the T.V quickly turn off as Haymitch said, "Wow… that just… wow."
"What's wrong?" Katniss asked as Cinna clear his throat a bit as he said, "Well… getting 11 is one of the impressive thing to get but… getting a scoring of 12… that like a 1 in every 10 years or so, no one really could impress game makers to give that high score to a tribute unless they really did something to catch their eyes."
"Hu? I guess my showing off did pay off for once," Alex said as that what he called what he did back at the scoring, with Effie was speechless to this as she didn't know what to say to this, even Cinna's date was impressed by Alex scoring as it shows there was more to him that most people would have thought as Haymitch said to him, "Well how about showing off a bit more then."
"I like to propose a toast, to our two finest, Katniss and Alex for the highest scoring the girl on fire, and the boy that makes the fire." Cinna said as everyone cheer to that as they drank their wine with Katniss said to Alex, "So what will happen now?"
"…Get prepared," Alex said as he drank his drink all in one gulp before putting down his glass.
(Snow)
"A 12," Snow said as he sounded a bit surprise someone score that high in a long time as he was drinking with the game makers as Neo said, "What can I say… that boy knows how to earn it."
"It's not normal for you to give someone that high of a score, Neo." Snow said as the old man gave Neo a bit of an inquisitive look.
"Like Neo said they both earned it." Plutarch added but Snow had other thoughts.
The girl shot an arrow at your head and the boy nearly severed your head." Snow said as Neo knew what was coming and opted to take a swing of his medicine.
"Well the girl shot the arrow at the apple." Plutarch defended but Snow had more.
"Near you're head." Snow said showing he was not happy about this not one bit. "Sit down." Snow said gesturing to the seat next to him. "Now why do you think we have a winner, Neo knows this better than anyone but what of you?" Snow asked to which Plutarch was at a lost.
"What do you mean?" Plutarch asked as he looked confused at Snow.
"I mean why do we have a winner?" Snow asked as he looked to Plutarch. "I mean if we just wanted to intimidate the districts why don't we round up 24 of them at random and execute them all at once." Snow said with a flower in his hand as Neo smirked to this. "It would be a lot faster." Snow finished and thus saw Plutarch was utterly lost on this.
"I don't think he gets it." Neo said as he finished another one of his medications. "Should I explain it to him or do you want to handle this Mr. President?" Neo asked willing to step in on this.
"No allow me Neo." Snow said showing that Neo had all but won the Presidents favor 20 times over. "Hope." Snow said simply once his attention was back on Plutarch.
"Hope?" Plutarch asked at a lost on this.
"Hope, it is the only thing stronger then fear." Snow said as he looked to Plutarch. "A little hope is effective a lot of hope is dangerous." Snow said while snipping the flower in his hand to help prove a point. "A spark is fine as long as it's contained." Snow explained to which Plutarch was still lost on this.
"So?" Plutarch asked as he wanted a clear explanation on this.
"So contain it, you idiot." Neo said having enough of Plutarch's stupidity here. "Sorry President." Neo began to fix himself. "I sometimes forget I'm simply taking an advising role." Neo said and thus Snow waved him off.
"Leave us, Plutarch." Snow ordered and thus Plutarch nodded and took his leave. Once he and Neo were alone Snow offered Neo a seat. "Neo please." Snow said and thus Neo took the seat calmly. "I've been meaning to ask, the last few Hunger Games which you oversaw had truly contained the spark that many of us thought you were done when you retired." Snow said as he looked to Neo. "An early retirement well deserved from the show you put on that left many viewers at the edge of their seats." Snow said as he looked to Neo.
"You're wondering why I came out of retirement to take an advisory role?" Neo asked to which Snow nodded to his eyes and ears in the Hunger Games. "Simply put... I was being honest when I was intrigued by the turn out." Neo began as he took the flower Snow was tending to. "As you may have heard some of my... designs had opted some of the tributes to well take a nasty route instead of continuing." Neo said as he began to pull the petals off the flower one by one. "Despite its success at the time you are well aware that certain... parties had asked for me to step down due to how graphic it was for the viewers in the capital." Neo explained as he then stopped at a petal and looked upon the flower. "It was a paid retirement yes but let's be honest I was basically fired with pay for my methods." Neo said to which he then pulled one petal out.
"I had casted a Veil over the Districts hope a veal of truth that for their hope they had to sacrifice to us." Neo said looking at the petal that was Veil. "Yes those who worked on the Games felt I was too brutal with my art." Neo spoke as he looked to Snow and then cast aside the flower he was using for his image and stood up. "Ironic that my methods that made my career also ended it in fear." Neo said as he looked to Snow and smiled to him. "My reason for coming back was because I needed to make sure that the Veil of Fear would cast a blight over the light of Hope." Neo said as he then took a flower from the push. "Once I'm sure that is succeeded I will gladly return to my retirement." Neo said as he then offered Snow the flower. "Alas they told me I was simply an advisor so my best option was to make sure Plutarch gets the memo." Neo said to which Snow understood the message Neo was giving instantly.
"So it will be Plutarch's fault if something goes wrong." Snow said to which Neo smirked and thus kneeled to Snow.
"I will ensure you are aware of all his actions, both public and private." Neo said to which Snow smiled to the man.
"Neo... I can always count on you to get the job done." Snow said as Neo smiled to Snow.
"I live to serve the Capital." Neo said and thus the two had the gears turning in there head. "To fail the Capital is to forfeit one's life." Neo said as he was setting up for something in the long run but Snow need not know this.
(Scene Break that night Alex Watchdog Sight)
Alex entered the Watchdog Sight as he made his way to the Watchdog. "Here." Alex said as he placed the Garoken on a stone table before the Watchdog.
"The time is closely approaching us then." She said to which Alex nodded to this event.
"Yeah there's a chance I may not be worthy of Garo after all is said and done." Alex said as he looked to the Garoken.
"Look you'll make it through this remember your training and avoid killing." The Priestess said as she looked to Alex.
"Regardless if I don't make it or if I..." Alex trailed off to which they all got the message. "Make sure my brother becomes the next Garo." Alex said as he hated doing this.
"You have my word." The Watchdog said as Alex was gifted but she didn't want to see his skills used in such a way. Alex nodded and took his leave as he looked to the group as he then looked to the Full Moon from the Watchdog Sight. "A quiet night... a night without Horrors." Alex smiled to this but knew that the time of Horrors was coming for them soon. With that Alex took his leave of the Sight as the fires from the torches went out one by one until peaceful black.
(Scene Break outside the Capital)
The Wolf after its long journey had finally arrived to where the scent was strongest. It looked to the city of man and sat down on its hind legs and looked to the full moon above. In response the Wolf howled that echoed for all in the Capital to hear for arriving after so long was what may very well be the last wolf in all of Panem.
(Alex)
Alex was arriving back at the apartment where he normally snuck out and heard the howl echo far and wide. He looked for the source wondering if Wolves were still around after all this time. "That howl." Zaruba spoke as Alex looked to the Madou Ring. "It's the howl of a wolf seeking its pack." Zaruba said to which Alex was confused by this. "From the sound of it... this wolf may have traveled a long way." Zaruba added to which Alex wondered over the Wolf he had found back in District 12.
"What you speak howls now?" Alex asked to which Zaruba chuckled in response.
"With your armors looking like wolves was it ever a doubt I may know a bit on wolves?" Zaruba countered to which Alex saw Zaruba both cracking a joke and being serious in one. "So I suppose it's those interviews followed by the games." Zaruba said as he and Alex looked up to the moon.
"Yeah." Alex nodded knowing full well what was coming next.
"Alex stay strong through it all." Zaruba said to which Alex agreed to that.
"I'll try." Alex said knowing it was all he could do at this point.
(Scene Break Several Days Later Evening)
Alex was wearing a suit as he looked himself over clearly wanting out from this. But he had no choice in the matter the Watchdog can't sneak him out and someone from the order had tampered with the selection. Clearly they had wanted Prim instead of Katniss so that begged to question of why that was. Alex was the intended target for the male Tribute but that begged to question on Prim and so far the pieces haven't fallen into place yet.
Just then there was a knock on the door and Alex looked to it. "Come in." Alex said and thus the door opened and from it Katniss walked in looking at Alex. When Alex laid eyes on Katniss he was wide eyed at how she looked. The dress the way her hair was done up this wasn't like the Tribute parade for Alex this was something else for him. To Alex she actually looked like the image of beauty and strength all rolled into one.
"Um Alex." Katniss said getting Alex attention when she noticed the odd look he had.
The Golden Knight shook his head a bit to refocus and thus responded. "Yes?" Alex asked as he looked to Katniss.
"There just about ready to start." Katniss said as she looked to Alex who nodded.
"Ok." Alex said showing he was ready to get this over with. "How do I look?" Alex asked as he showed off his suit a bit.
Katniss smirked as she looked to Alex giving him a proper look over. "Like you're ready to ride into the scene and carry the princess off into the sunset on a Golden Steed." Katniss said as Alex smiled to her having a counter.
"I guess you're the princess or is that Prim?" Alex asked to which Katniss blushed a bit and looked away. "I mean because you look amazing and never mind I'm just shutting up now." Alex said as he was bad at this sort of thing.
Katniss then began to walk out of the room but then stopped at the door and looked to Alex. "Oh and Alex... thanks." Katniss said before she took her leave and left Alex alone in the room with Zaruba.
"Ah young love never changes." Zaruba sighed as he saw the scene play out.
"Just shut up, Zaruba." Alex said as he then left the room ready to tell the world about himself a bit.
(Scene Break the Main Stage)
Music and lights started as people began to cheer a bit with the spot light coming down upon a chair on the stage. "Ladies and Gentleman our master of ceremonies, Ceaser Flickerman!" An announcer introduced as the chair spun to face the audience with the spotlight on him revealing Ceaser there with people cheering for him.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Ceaser called out as the people of the live audience cheered for him. "Welcome, welcome; welcome to the 74th annual Hunger Games!" Ceaser called out as the people cheered once more for it. "Are you excited?" He asked them to which a cheer was heard in response. "Yes!" He called out and laughed a bit.
(Backstage)
The Tributes were all lined up as Alex watched from the back with a glare. "74 years, can you believe it's been that long?" Ceaser asked from the screen that the Tributes can see. "How long have I been here, don't answer that question." He said with a laugh as the tributes watched him.
(Stage)
"I don't look that old thought do I?" He asked as he looked to the crowd to show possible wrinkles. But in turn was met with silence as he looked to them. "Good answer." He said to which he laughed once more. "So our first tribute is from District 1." Ceaser began with a single finger raised and saw people smiling. "District 1 someone likes District 1." He said pointing to the smiling people. "Some of you are betting on District 1." He said to which he then laughed again. "I'm not allowed to bet but from what I hear District 12 and there Golden Pair are one top of everyone's mine. I mean how many times does any of us get to see a perfect score all the way from District 12?" Ceaser asked to which he knew some people wanted to see Alex in person.
"Some of you want to see the two from 12 but until we get there let's start with District 1." Ceaser said as he got down to it. "And from District 1 we have a lovely young woman and her name is Glimmer." Ceaser began as he looked to the group. "Glimmer." He repeated as he saw people getting ready. "Let's see if she does indeed shine, let's have a warm round of applause for Glimmer!" Ceaser introduced and thus the Tribute of District 1 Glimmer walked out all smiles as she made her way to center stage.
(Back Stage)
"Oh brother." Alex sighed as he knew this was going to be a while for both himself and Katniss.
"You think you'll be alright?" Katniss asked Alex as he give a nod to her as he said, "I should, I don't do speeches, but I do make great impressions with people, should be easy enough, and you… I think you would do well yourself, hard to say about everyone else here."
Looking ahead as few heard him turn towards him, one of them being the prick from district 1, as he ran his finger across his neck at him, and a few girls from all around, sort of give off a bit of a lustful look at him before they all turn back.
With guy from district 1 went up next as glimmer went to the back and waited for all the interview to be over.
One by one as each tribute went, talking to Ceaser on how prepared they think what their chances are on winning the hunger games, with some answers mix all around like they are trying to be confidents but not really, whole those who are… well they are just being arrogant like Haymitch said they would be.
Soon enough IT was Katniss turn as a guy came and lead her to the stage as Alex said to her, "Good luck."
"You too," She said before she went up on stage as Ceaser soon said, "From District 12, 'District 12' you know her as the girl on Fire!"
A huge round of applauses is heard as Katniss came out as Ceaser soon said, "Katniss Everdeen."
She soon walk up into the open as people cheer out to her as they saw her, as it seem they really love her as she walk over and join with Ceaser Flickerman, as pressure was building up within Katniss with the crowds cheering seems muffled a bit with Ceaser a bit distorted as well.
When Katniss reach the man, he took her hand and sat her down, as the cheering soon calmed a bit with Ceaser seem to have asked her a question while putting down his mic, as she turns to him and said, "What?"
The crowd cheer and laugh at that a bit as almost seem she doesn't understand what he said to her, with Ceaser said to the people, "I think someone is a little nervous."
Another round of laugh went around with Ceaser laughing has well before he stop and said to Katniss, "I said, that was quite an entry you made at the Tribute parade the other day, with that boy Alexander I believe his name was. Want to tell us about it?"
"W-well… I was hoping that I wouldn't burn to death," Katniss said as she still thought that flame was real, with everyone laughing to that as she turn to the crowd when they did, soon turn back to Ceaser as he said to her, "When you came out of that chariot I had to say, my heart...stopped. Did any of you experience this as well?"
He asked the crowd as they give out a bit of a cheer to that as Ceaser turn back to Katniss and said to her, "My heart stopped
"So did mine," Katniss said as people laugh at her again as it seems she was making jokes, as people went, 'Oh' with Ceaser laugh at this with as he soon asked Katniss as he said, "Now tell me about the flames and how they... became that wolf and bird... were they real?"
"Yes," Katniss said as she turn to the crowd as she look and saw Cinna there watching her while giving her a look as it seem they had a talk before the interview stuff happen as she went on saying, "In fact, I'm wearing them today, would you like to see?"
The crowd cheer out to this as it seem they do with Ceaser seem a bit nervous to this as he said, "Wait-wait-wait! Is it safe?"
"Yes," Katniss said while she give a smile, Ceaser smile too and laugh to this with the crowd still cheering out as Ceaser said, "What do you think?"
The people keep cheering out as Ceaser just laugh as he said loudly, "I say that's a yes."
Katniss soon stood up from her seat and walk up to the front of the stage without fear or worry as she took a moment to breathe before she started twirling a bit and from the bottom of the dress she wore, image of flame came forth, spewing out as if it's alive with people cheering out loudly to this.
From the flames themselves, that same Sparrow came forth and flew around her as she keep on spinning no doubt some left over stuff from the parade before she stop and the bird vanish back into the flames, with people cheering even louder to this.
(Backstage)
Alex saw the whole thing and chuckled when he saw the way Katniss moved. "Show off." He said but in a joking manner. But the way she moved Alex felt his mouth go fry as he saw the girl on fire wasn't exactly a girl... more of a Goddess of fire. Alex then shook his head again to focus on the task at hand. "Keep it professional, Alex... Keep it professional." Alex urged to himself knowing full well he had a job to do after all.
(Stage)
As the Mocking jay vanished the fire began to die and with it so did the cheers. "Lovely! Thank you." Ceaser said as he took Katniss hand and guided her back to the seat. "That was really something. That was something." Ceaser said as he directed his attention to Katniss. "Thank you for that." Ceaser said to which Katniss nodded in response to the host. "I have one more question for you." He began as the crowd had grown silent to this. "It's about your sister." Ceaser started off as he took Katniss hand in a comforting matter. "We were all very moved, I think, when..." He began trying to take it slow so to not cause Katniss to retreat. "You volunteered for her at the reaping." Ceaser said as he opted to ask the big question. "Did she come to say goodbye to you?" Ceaser asked as he looked to Katniss who knew the facts for that one.
"Yes, she did." Katniss admitted as she sat in the chair knowing what was coming soon.
"She did." Ceaser confirmed to which he continued on. "And what did you say to her in the end?" Ceaser asked as he looked to Katniss.
"I told her that I would try to win... that I would try to win for her." Katniss said as she looked to Ceaser as the audience had grown oddly silent.
"Of course you did." He began as he looked to the crowd. "And try you will." Ceaser finished with a kiss to Katniss hand. Once he was done he directed his attention to the crowd before speaking. "Ladies and gentlemen from District 12 Katniss Everdeen the Girl of Fire!" Ceaser called out and thus the cheers returned as Ceaser presented Katniss to the public.
Katniss then took her leave as it was time for the main event in the eyes of many. Once Katniss was off the stage it was just down to the boy everyone had been waiting to hear about. The young man from Districts 12 who got a score matching his districts number. "Now then I'm sure you've all been waiting for this moment." He began as the people began to grow silent for this. "From District 12 with a perfect Score of 12, the Howling Wolf." He began as no doubt Alex was ready for the next part. "Alexander Ceaser!" Ceaser called out and thus the people all cheered as Alex walked onto the stage with fanfare much like the other tributes.
As Alex walked into the stage the TV host gestured for Alex to approach. As Alex walked to the stage he did a small bow to the audience and sat on his seat with one leg resting on his knee. "Now I'd like to start by saying Alexander, are we related?" He joked as Alex chuckled knowing his last name was Ceaser's first name.
"No if we were you'd think I'd be here?" Alex joked and thus the crowd laughed at this.
"Still joking aside Alex you are a once in a generation tribute you know, a perfect score of 12 not a very common occurrence, and you've become the talk of the Capital because of it." Ceaser said as he looked to Alex who nodded to him.
"I guess I'm just gifted." Alex said as he looked to Ceaser with a smirk on his face.
"Gifted is what has many people talking." Ceaser said as he looked to the crowd who all wanted to hear Alex story. "From the looks of you and your score you must have to fight off admirers with a stick at this point." Ceaser said as Alex scoffed a bit.
"I wish." Alex said as he looked to Ceaser.
"So how are you enjoying the Capital." Ceaser asked to which Alex smirked to this.
"If I could I'd take the plumbing back with me and I'm not just talking about the toilet either." Alex said as he played the crowd. "In fact this is the first time I can smell my pits and smell like a field of roses." Alex said as everyone laughed at this but Alex wasn't done. "So in retrospect I think I smell like most of these nice folks here." Alex said as the crowd laughed to this to which Alex was really playing the crowd here.
"In fact... going to need a test, Ceaser you mind." Alex asked as he hated doing this but sponsors.
"Oh uh of course." Ceaser said and thus he sniffed Alex. In response once Ceaser was done Alex did the same to Ceaser and thus the two parted.
"Ok I was way off, you guy still smell nicer then I do." Alex said and thus the crowd laughed to this.
"Well I lived here longer." Ceaser responded to which they kept going after the two shared a laugh. "So Alex tell me, is there a special girl back home?" Ceaser said as he looked to Alex as Alex had run the numbers through what to do here mentally.
"I have admirers but sorry no special girl." Alex said to which he looked to a nearby camera. "Hey over here." Alex said gesturing to the camera and gave it a smile. "Good luck ladies this guy here is still looking." Alex said to which some of the female audience began to laugh showing they wanted some of that.
"I don't believe it you're telling me there isn't anyone you have a special fire for?" Ceaser asked as he looked to Alex who looked a bit nervous on this.
"Well... there was this one girl I met recently during the reaping." Alex said as he looked to the crowd getting their attention. "Honestly she seemed nice, strong, resourceful, and caring with a fire inside that I've never seen before." Alex said as he got the crowd listening to him. "But like I said we just met that day so if anything it's probably not going to go anywhere." Alex said to which the crowd all looked to Alex unaware Alex played them for the sponsors.
"I see, well then, I hope you do well, that if you win the hunger games against the other Tributes, and speaking of which, I have heard you gotten into an altercation with some of them, what can you tell us about that?" Ceaser said as look towards Alex as He went, "Well like any living creature in some way or form, they wants to show they are the Better than the rest, it's no different with humans to most its either to cowardly accepted it, run from it, or bring forth your courage and challenge it."
"And where do you fall into?" Ceaser asked Alex as he is curious as he doesn't think Alex as one to accept another person domination over them as Alex said to him, "The 3rd choice, as much as I see, there will be always someone to pick on the weak or fight against everyone to prove to be the strongest, even to say they are the strongest… I say differently."
"How so?" Ceaser said with Alex looked at the camera and said this, "What I see, we are all the same, as it doesn't matter what style of fighting you have, unless someone has three legs or four arms, how we fight won't change, and if we just measure with strength alone, it won't matter unless you have the mind to think with and know what to do with it and the strength you have, as I see it if I'm surrounded by my enemies that I have beaten before within a room the only thing I may fear is how many there are but fear can always be overcome."
"And how would you do that?" Ceaser asked as he was being slightly intrigued by Alex and his words as it seem no wonder he has a full score, with Alex tell him, "I think to myself and say, 'I'm not trapped here with them they're trapped in here with me', this is the mindset you should have if you want to succeed with anything."
With that the crowd clap their hands to that as it was good advice to use and it sounded so strong too, no doubt he will get the sponsors needed to help win the Hunger games as Ceaser was about to say something else but stop for a moment as he had an piece in his ear with Neo voice spoken through it as its says, "Time is drawing near Ceaser, wrap it up and ask the last question I gave you."
"Well it seem we're running out of time now, so let me finish this with one last question," Ceaser said as looked at Alex once more as he said, "If it came down to you, and your teammate in the final part of the hunger games… who do you think will win?"
Alex went silent for a moment as he knew he has to answer this question carefully or else thing may go ugly as he said, "Hard to say, but if I have to guess, if it come down a miracle of surviving and have the strength to fight to the bitter end… I guess it comes down to resolve… the reason to live, fight, survive, and between me and her… I suppose she would have the greatest resolve of all of returning back to her sister, as if she win… well nothing much I could say or do if I'm dead right?"
Ceaser and the crowd laugh at that as, to them Alex isn't being serious or worry about dying, but in the back stage area Katniss was watching the whole thing as she looked at Alex and didn't know to hate him or worry about him as he said before, he's willingly to die for her to win the hunger games, even though he has a brother and a sister back home… he would let her win even means his death.
Back on stage as Ceaser stood up and raise his hand to Alex as they shake hands one last time before he said, "Alexander Ceaser, district 12!"
The crowd applauded to him as he soon left the stage with Katniss.
(Later)
Back at the apartment area as Alex came back undoing the tie at his neck, as Katniss came up around the corner as she suddenly grab him and push him against the wall without any resistant from him as she said, "What the hell was that, you hardly talk to me and you said you have a crush on me?"
Alex grab her arm suddenly and twist it and put her against the wall as he held here there for a moment as he said, "It's not what you think Kat, it's not what you think."
The others came rushing up as they were about to break them up but Alex release Katniss and step away with both hands in the air to show he had let go, as Katniss turn around while rubbing at her arm that Alex grab, as he said to her, "I'm sorry I did that, and I am sorry of what I said, but it was necessary."
Katniss rage returned as she glared at Alex ready to move in on him again. "What making me look weak?!" Katniss yelled as she glared at Alex.
"No I made you look desirable." Alex said as he glared at Katniss in a calm scolding way. "You need Sponsors to make it pass this and I'd rather sacrifice my chance to see my siblings then let you die when I could have stopped it." Alex said showing he was not planning on walking out of this alive. "So yes I played the Star Crossed Lovers from District 12 so I can get you sponsors that can damn well save your life." Alex said as he glared at Katniss as honestly she was desirable but he wasn't one to push it that way.
"We are not." Katniss began but Alex cut her off this time.
"We're NOT I completely agree but right now your survival is more important than my own!" Alex yelled and thus Katniss was shushed by that.
Alex then began to head up to his room so he could get some sleep for what was to come. As he left Katniss had one final question to get at Alex hoping for a direct answer. "But what about your survival?" Katniss asked causing Alex to stop for a moment. Katniss expected an answer from him but was only met with silence as the result of it. Alex proceeded to take his leave and head up to his room leaving Katniss in shock to this. She took silence as the answer as Alex was putting others before himself even if it costs him his life. She didn't know if that was selfless or stupid of him in this world. But she suppose there was one born every generation all things considered.
(Scene Break Neo)
Neo was in his apartment penthouse as he walked in tossing his coat to the sofa. He lived alone which served him perfectly as on the nearby desk were papers and the like. It was clear he was well off and was enjoying his early retirement before now. As he walked he headed over to his private office's desk and sat down on the chair. He began to relax a bit before moving a few things out of his way.
He then smirked and activated a Makai Crest causing his chair and desk to move about. The entire room began to shift as he was being scanned by an unknown object. Once the scan was complete the entire office changed as another table began to rise with 23 items were seen all identical to each other. Nearby was a case that held what appeared to be moving organic/metal substance that moved about in the case. As it moved he saw a faint image of a wolf life face in it as he walked out and smiled to it.
"Soon you will be reborn... my all powerful almighty Veil." Neo said as the light in the transformed office was dim. Thus the dim light only showed a shadow as Neo now off of his medicine began to transform to a different younger form. Clearly Neo was not who he said he was and if he was discovered it would jeopardize all of his plans. It was fortunate that he had opted to plan ahead for such a possible scenario. But all in all by the end of this with his Veil Panem will be his to rule and change as he saw fit.
After all Might controls everything and what better might then one taken and held by one's own force of will and strength. Until the time comes Neo will bide his time and in turn he will prepare for what was to come be it Makai Knight, Human, or Horror and when that times comes he will at last have his revenge against all whom had wronged or abandoned him. And Veil shall be the blade that shows his might for all of his foes to bear witness and cower before Veil.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well took me a long while but here it is the newest chapter of Garo Versus Game. I hope you all enjoyed it and will leave a review on the way out. So until next time folks I will once more say here ja-ne.