At the venue, Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins, along with the "Hunger Games" team, observed the actors they had chosen for their roles.
Having already introduced themselves to the cast, they were now watching the mock scenes being played back on the monitors.
"Why does Lucas look so different?" Suzanne inquired, her attention fixed on Lucas, who was in the midst of rehearsal with his fellow actors.
"His manager mentioned that he underwent this transformation for his last project, fully committing to the role," Gary explained, glancing at Lucas. The actor before them didn't quite match the image they had seen in his profile earlier.
Suzanne nodded in understanding. The decision to cast Lucas Knight as Peeta didn't really concern her, despite him being taller and leaner than the somewhat stockier build described for Peeta in the books. After all, the studio was prioritizing talent and strong performances over strict physical conformity.
In adaptations like "The Hunger Games," while certain physical traits can be significant to align with the source material, casting decisions are heavily influenced by an actor's capacity to capture the character's core and convey their emotional journey.
Particularly after witnessing Lucas's mock scenes alongside other characters, the production team was convinced. They felt Lucas's portrayal resonated with their interpretation of Peeta. Any physical discrepancies from the character as described in the novels were deemed minor or irrelevant, overshadowed by Lucas's compelling performance.
--
As time flew by, two weeks quickly elapsed with Lucas diligently working alongside his fellow "Hunger Games" cast members, rehearsing scenes and refining their portrayals. Throughout this period, Lucas not only made significant strides in his recovery but also formed a closer bond with Jennifer. However, it was clear to Lucas that Liam, one of his co-stars, seemed to harbor some resentment towards him.
With his hair now fully regrown, thicker and more robust than ever, Lucas had returned to his original look. Yet, as he delved deeper into embodying Peeta Mellark through his personal "Mind Workshop," he observed a subtle shift towards a stockier build, though he remained predominantly lean.
In immersing himself in the role, Lucas began to acquire Peeta Mellark's distinctive skills, notably his exceptional strength, strategic thinking, and most importantly, his talent for camouflage. These abilities not only augmented Lucas's physical preparation but also enriched his understanding and portrayal of Peeta, enhancing his performances in ways that deeply impressed the production team and further solidified his embodiment of the character.
Along the journey, Lucas began to grasp the true extent of his "Mind Workshop's" capabilities. Initially, he had thought it only allowed him to hone specific, standout skills of any character he immersed himself in. However, discovering he could acquire a broad array of a character's abilities opened up a world of endless possibilities for him.
He reminisced about his role in "Game of Thrones," recalling how he mastered horse riding by simulating the experience in his "Mind Workshop." But now, Lucas sensed something different, almost as if his "Mind Workshop" had undergone its own form of leveling up. Its capabilities seemed to have expanded, allowing him to spend longer periods in this mental space and to tap into a wider range of skills than before.
Lucas speculated that his continuous involvement in various projects and his dedication to fully completing them might have contributed to enhancing his "Mind Workshop." This evolution not only surprised him but also excited him about the potential growth and the myriad opportunities it could unlock for his future roles.
As Lucas pondered the boundaries of his "Mind Workshop," he couldn't help but wonder about the extent to which immersing himself as Peter Parker might endow him with some of Peter's attributes, like the famed spider sense, formidable physical strength, and notably, his sharp intellect. Even if he couldn't access Spider-Man's quintessential powers—the ability to cling to walls and swing from webs—the thought of acquiring Peter Parker's intelligence alone was enticing.
However, Lucas also began to recognize the limitations of his "Mind Workshop." It appeared that unless he was actively involved in a project featuring the character he wished to explore, he couldn't delve into or practice that character's traits within his mental workshop. This restriction prevented him from freely experimenting with and adopting the personas of characters in projects he wasn't a part of.
Moreover, Lucas acknowledged that even if these constraints didn't exist, limitless immersion could potentially have adverse effects. Diving into too many characters without focus could dilute his concentration on the role at hand. Additionally, there was the possibility of negative side effects from absorbing an array of skills in a brief timeframe. This understanding highlighted a critical balance Lucas needed to maintain: leveraging his "Mind Workshop" to enhance his acting while ensuring he remained focused and unaffected by the myriad of characters' abilities he might otherwise adopt.
With the "Hunger Games" project not set to begin filming for a while, since it was only March 2011, the cast temporarily went their separate ways as the production team carried on with auditions for other roles.
"Let's keep in touch while we're waiting for our project to start, okay?" Jennifer suggested, locking eyes with Lucas.
"Absolutely," Lucas agreed, nodding. He already had Jennifer's phone number, and they had been exchanging texts quite frequently for some time. Then, catching Liam's gaze from a distance, Lucas offered a nod, which Liam returned with one of his own.
After wrapping things up, Lucas and his manager caught a flight back to Los Angeles for a brief taping of "Modern Family." Once completed, Lucas found himself with some downtime in Los Angeles, a perfect opportunity to relax before heading back to New York for his next commitments.
Back in New York, with a window of free time before his schedule ramped up with other projects, Lucas seized the chance to catch up with friends. He reconnected with Paul, caught up with Liza and Leo over meals at a restaurant, and even stepped back into his old shoes as a part-time waiter there. He dropped by the bar where Samantha worked, enjoying conversations with her and her aunt, the bar's manager.
A visit to Bellevue Hospital with Liza was also on his agenda, a place they frequented together.
Lucas and Liza were greeted with mixed reactions from the children. A few weeks prior, the kids had reveled in Lucas's bald look, affectionately dubbing him "Bald Dylan" and laughing merrily. Now, seeing his hair fully grown back, they couldn't hide their disappointment, letting out sighs that drew a wry chuckle from both Lucas and Liza.
As time marched on and Christmas rolled around, Lucas, with Liza's help, prepared special gifts for the hospital's young patients. This thoughtful gesture brightened the day for both the kids and their parents. The parents and nurses also recognized Lucas, several parents approached, their faces lighting up with smiles, as they requested his autograph, adding a touch of celebrity sparkle to their holiday season.
The arrival of 2011 brought with it New Year celebrations, and Lucas found himself catching up with Jennifer over a phone call. Felicity also reached out, echoing Jennifer's Happy New Year wishes with her own.
As January unfolded, a fresh year lay ahead of Lucas, brimming with new opportunities and potential projects. In the midst of this new beginning, Lucas received some exciting news: "127 Hours," the film marking his debut, had made a splash at the box office, raking in 92 million dollars and showing signs of climbing even higher.
While indie films might not draw the same immediate attention or enjoy the expansive marketing budgets of their commercial counterparts, they often benefit from a longer screening duration, stretching over several months. This strategy banks on word-of-mouth endorsements and grassroots marketing efforts from viewers who've enjoyed the film. This extended theatrical run turned out to be a boon for "127 Hours." Its box office numbers saw a notable increase, likely fueled by Lucas's rising star power thanks to his role in a high-profile commercial film and his burgeoning success in the music industry. This synergy between Lucas's various projects and the indie film's strategic release plan highlighted the unique way indie films can carve out their own path to profitability.
The box office success of "127 Hours" was nothing short of remarkable. Despite the end of its domestic screenings in the US back in November, the film continued to draw significant earnings from international markets. With the international screenings still ongoing, "127 Hours" was on the cusp of surpassing the 100 million dollar mark—a feat rarely achieved by indie films. This unexpected surge in revenue not only surprised many but also hinted at the potential for Lucas's star power and reputation in Hollywood to solidify further.
This achievement was particularly noteworthy given that "127 Hours" alone had propelled Lucas's career forward, especially when coupled with his role in the blockbuster hit "Inception." "Inception" had already amassed 421 million dollars domestically, with international earnings reaching 320 million dollars, culminating in a staggering total of 741 million dollars. This put "Inception" within reach of the coveted 1 billion dollar box office mark, potentially marking Lucas's first involvement in a film to achieve such a feat.
As January progressed, an eagerly anticipated event loomed on the horizon for Lucas—the Sundance Film Festival 2011. This year was particularly special because "Like Crazy," a film Lucas played a significant role in, was submitted to the festival by Drake.
Lucas, alongside Jennifer, Felicity, and the rest of the "Like Crazy" cast, was expected to attend. The festival promised not just a showcase of their hard work but also an opportunity to celebrate and share it with the world.
Meanwhile, Lucas's album "Knight" hit an impressive milestone with 549,000 sales. These remarkable numbers not only showcased Lucas's musical talent but also introduced him to music enthusiasts worldwide. His success in the music industry was further amplified by his role in "Inception," which, in turn, contributed to the increased box office earnings of the indie film "127 Hours" he starred in.
Lucas's record label, Big Machine Records, reached out with hopes of steering him towards a more music-centric career, given the success of "Knight." However, Lucas's primary focus remained on acting. Since his contract with Big Machine Records was specifically for the "Knight" album and did not bind him personally, the label found themselves unable to compel him to commit further to music.
Yet, the financial success from his album sales, amassing royalties of approximately 3.8 million dollars, led Lucas to ponder the possibility of releasing a song or two. The substantial income from his music could indeed be advantageous, allowing him to invest in companies like Netflix, which was still in its formative years. The idea of leveraging his musical success to further his financial portfolio was an enticing one, offering Lucas a range of options for his future endeavors.
Meanwhile, throughout these months, Lucas and Vincent's startup venture, "Uber," saw promising progress. They successfully appointed a CEO for the startup, who not only brought valuable skills to the table but was also an investor in the company. With such a strategic addition to the team, expectations were high for the company's advancement.
However, the CEO's role in determining the company's direction was somewhat limited. The real driving force behind the strategic decisions and future plans for Uber remained with Lucas and Vincent. They were the visionaries, charting the course they envisioned for the company, which the CEO was tasked to execute. This dynamic ensured that while the CEO managed day-to-day operations and brought in his expertise, the foundational goals and direction of Uber firmly stayed in the hands of its founders.
But let's set that aside for now, as Sundance was just a few weeks away, and Lucas was gearing up for a rendezvous with Jennifer and Felicity in New York—a chance for the trio to reconnect and catch up.
Interestingly, it was Felicity who initiated this meet-up, reaching out to Lucas with a phone call. When Lucas mentioned to Jennifer that he was planning to meet Felicity in New York, she expressed her desire to join them, given that their schedules were relatively open.
Lucas found it somewhat weird that within the vast network of relationships he'd cultivated in the industry, it was his connections with women like Jennifer and Felicity that he felt more close with. Despite forging friendships with notable male actors like Tom Hiddleston, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Ty Burrell, Kit Harington, and Tom Hardy, Lucas realized he didn't share the same level of closeness with them as he did with Jennifer, and now, increasingly, with Felicity, whom he'd been keeping in contact with more frequently.
Jennifer had just touched down in New York when she met Lucas at the airport. With a warm greeting, Lucas said, "Nice to see you."
"Hey," Jennifer replied, wrapping Lucas in a welcoming hug, then quickly inquired, "How have you been?"
"I'm doing just fine," Lucas responded as they began to walk together. He then turned the question back to her, "And you? Looking forward to your second Sundance?"
"Absolutely, I am. What about you?" Jennifer asked, her smile broadening.
"Definitely," Lucas returned the smile, and they continued chatting, making their way out of the airport together.
Lucas and Jennifer caught a taxi together. Jennifer queried, "We're headed to your place?"
Lucas confirmed, mentioning, "Yeah, I've got a rented apartment in the city," and added, "Felicity's already there, she arrived in New York yesterday."
Jennifer, slightly surprised, echoed, "She's already here?" This snippet captures a moment of casual yet significant connection among friends, highlighting their ease of communication and the spontaneity of their plans.
"Yes, she was eager to explore the city, so I ended up playing tour guide," Lucas replied with a smile.
"Sounds almost like a date," Jennifer teased, her voice carrying a hint of jealousy.
"A date, really?" Lucas laughed.
"Isn't it?" Jennifer pressed.
Noticing her tone, Lucas offered, "If you're feeling left out, we could tour the city together later."
"I'm not feeling left out," Jennifer quickly clarified, a touch embarrassed. She then shifted the topic, "Anyway, I'm not here just for leisure. I'm attending the NBR Gala."
Lucas, surprised, asked, "You're going to this year's National Board of Review Gala?"
"Yeah, it's in two days, on January 11th. I'm going for 'Winter's Bone.' Honestly, I was taken by surprise when I found out I was nominated for the breakthrough performance. It's such an honor, especially for a role that means so much to me," Jennifer shared, her excitement mixed with a touch of disbelief at the recognition her work on 'Winter's Bone' had received.
After her inquiry, Jennifer looked at Lucas, curious, "And you, Lucas? Were you nominated for anything at the NBR?"
Lucas simply shook his head, adding, "No, I didn't get nominated for any category, nor am I attending..."
Jennifer, somewhat surprised, replied, "That's unexpected, especially with your stellar performance in '127 Hours,' and its box office nearing 100 million. It surely warrants some recognition, doesn't it?"
Lucas responded with a smile, "I'm not too surprised about the nomination. The NBR has a knack for highlighting indie films, much like yours. '127 Hours,' while indie, had a considerable budget and an established director. It's only fair that other, smaller projects get the spotlight too."
Jennifer responded to Lucas's modesty with a warm smile, playfully challenging his humility. "You're too modest. But I still think the NBR should have at least recognized your performance," she asserted.
Lucas, ever optimistic, brushed off the concern. "Let's not dwell on it. There are still the Golden Globes and the Oscars ahead," he suggested confidently.
Jennifer couldn't resist teasing him further, "Now you're just being overly confident! Golden Globes? Oscars? Do you really think you'll get nominated?"
Lucas, unfazed, simply smiled, "Why not? I think I have a shot."
Their banter continued, light and playful, as they made their way to their destination.
--
When Jennifer arrived at Lucas's apartment, she found Felicity absorbed in something on the computer.
As soon as Felicity heard the door open, she spun around to see Jennifer and Lucas entering.
"Nice to see you again, Jen!" Felicity exclaimed with a smile.
"Great to see you too, Fliss," Jennifer responded warmly.
"Fliss" was a special nickname that Lucas and Jennifer affectionately used for Felicity during the making of "Like Crazy."
"What's got you so engaged?" Jennifer inquired, noticing Felicity's focus on the computer.
"I was just diving into something Lucas showed me—" Felicity began, only to be cut off by Jennifer's curiosity.
"Lucas showed you something? What was it?" Jennifer prodded, eager to know.
Meanwhile, Lucas was in the kitchen, whipping up a meal for them.
"It's called 'coin,'" Felicity explained, browsing through information online.
"coin? What's that?" Jennifer asked, her curiosity piqued even further.
"It's some kind of digital currency," Felicity tried to explain, struggling to recall Lucas's exact words. "Basically, it's like online money."
"Online money? So, you mean it can be turned into real cash?" Jennifer pressed on.
Felicity nodded. "The fascinating part is how you can 'earn' it by doing something called 'mining' on your computer. It somehow generates real money while you do nothing—just let the computer 'mine' it for you. That's how Lucas explained it," she shared, summarizing the concept with a hint of wonder.
"It does sound fascinating," Jennifer said, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Is Lucas making a fortune off it?"
Felicity couldn't help but laugh at that question. "Actually, not really. One coin is only worth about 0.30 dollars right now. And mining all day might only net you 8 to 10 dollars, assuming the computer runs non-stop."
Jennifer pondered this for a moment, then said, "Well, making money without lifting a finger isn't too shabby, all things considered."
"That's what I thought," Felicity agreed. "But Lucas—" she glanced around and lowered her voice before continuing, "Lucas is really betting on coin blowing up big time in the future."
"Seriously?" Jennifer was taken aback.
"Yes, he believes that coin will become a widely used currency because it allows people to transact directly with each other, without any central bank or government control..." Felicity shared quietly, as if revealing a secret.
"Oh, isn't that risky?" Jennifer, who was new to the concept of coin, asked.
"I thought so too, but Lucas is quite optimistic about it. He believes in its potential as a decentralized digital currency. He's already holding thousands of coins and plans to invest even more," Felicity divulged.
"Hmm... That does sound fascinating," Jennifer mused, just as Lucas came back into the room with their meals.
"Seems like you two have been deep in conversation?" Lucas observed with a smile.
"We were just discussing your fascination with coin," Felicity revealed.
When Lucas heard that two young women were talking about his interest in "coin," he chimed in, "Oh, so what do you two think about 'coin'?"
Jennifer and Felicity shared a look before Jennifer responded, "Actually, I think the concept of 'coin' isn't half bad."
"Agreed. The idea of a decentralized currency is appealing, though I'm skeptical about its potential to take off like you mentioned," Felicity added, turning towards Lucas.
Lucas grinned and confidently replied, "Trust me, you won't regret investing in even a single 'coin' now. It's going to be worth so much more later." Then, changing the subject, he suggested, "But let's put that aside for now. How about we enjoy this meal I've prepared first? Jennifer, you must be tired after your flight. Come, let's eat."
Jennifer and Felicity then turned their attention to the meals Lucas had brought out. On the plate was a beautifully arranged Eggs Benedict. The dish featured perfectly poached eggs with their yolks still soft and runny, perched atop slices of toasted English muffin and a layer of savory ham. The entire creation was generously draped in a velvety hollandaise sauce, its rich, creamy texture contrasting with the slight crispness of the muffin. A sprinkle of chopped chives and a dash of paprika added a pop of color and a hint of spice.
"I had no idea you could cook, Lucas," Jennifer remarked, her gaze fixed on the Eggs Benedict. "These look absolutely incredible."
Lucas responded with a smile, handing Jennifer and Felicity their plates. "Give them a try. They're quite popular here in New York."
"Sure, why not?" Jennifer agreed, taking a bite. Her eyes sparkled as she chewed, "Hmm... This is delicious."
Felicity laughed at her friend's enthusiastic response. "It is good, but it pales in comparison to what Lucas made for me yesterday."
"Oh? What did he cook for you?" Jennifer inquired, her curiosity piqued, yet a trace of envy colored her tone.
"Well, he made me a New York-style pizza," Felicity mentioned with a touch of smugness in her voice.
"Oh? Just a pizza?" Jennifer couldn't help but exclaim, a bit taken aback. She had assumed Lucas had whipped up something exceptionally special for Felicity, only to find out it was "just a pizza."
"What do you mean 'just a pizza'? It's not your average pizza; it's New York-style," Felicity retorted, somewhat at a loss for words.
"Still, it's pizza," Jennifer simply replied, shrugging it off.
"It's not just any pizza; it's special because it's homemade. And not to mention, it's made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, right, Lucas?" Felicity turned towards Lucas, looking for support in this culinary debate.
Lucas couldn't help but offer a wry chuckle in response before Jennifer chimed in.
"I'm pretty handy in the kitchen myself. How about I cook something for you next time, Lucas?" Jennifer suggested, her voice laced with a hint of pride.
"Jennifer, you must be exhausted after your trip. You should probably rest up before thinking about cooking," Lucas suggested kindly, smiling.
"Well..." Jennifer's voice trailed off, a note of disappointment in her tone. She glanced between Lucas and Felicity, a dawning realization in her eyes, "Felicity, did you stay over at Lucas's place?"
Upon Jennifer's question, Lucas was quick to clarify, "No, that's not the case."
Felicity added with a hint of jest, "Lucas's landlord has strict rules, so a sleepover wasn't in the cards, unfortunately." Lucas shot her a bewildered look as she emphasized "unfortunately," suggesting a playful regret at not being able to stay.
"And where did you end up staying, Fliss?" Jennifer asked, visibly relieved by the clarification.
Felicity explained, "I ended up booking a hotel nearby. Staying in the city for long isn't exactly wallet-friendly..."
Jennifer nodded, understandingly, "My manager arranged a hotel for me in the city as well. I'll head over there later."
As the conversation flowed, Felicity was surprised and intrigued to learn about Lucas and Jennifer's collaboration on an upcoming project. After a lively discussion, Felicity and Jennifer bid Lucas farewell for the day. Lucas saw them to the door, and they headed off to their respective hotels, leaving behind a day filled with friendly banter and discussions.
--
Early in the day, Lucas met Jennifer and Felicity at their hotel, discovering they were staying at the same place. Jennifer invited them into her hotel room, eager to cook a meal for Lucas.
"What are you planning to make?" Lucas inquired, curiosity piqued.
Jennifer responded with a playful grin, "It's something quite special and a surprise! You'll see once it's ready."
Both Lucas and Felicity exchanged curious looks, then noticed Jennifer had already laid out a variety of ingredients in the kitchen. There were items typically used for pizza, alongside a selection of other ingredients that hinted at something more unique, but they couldn't quite guess what Jennifer was planning to create...
Lucas and Felicity engaged in conversation for some time before Jennifer announced that her culinary creation was ready to be served. Lucas cast a puzzled look at the dish presented before him.
"Is this... a pizza, but with pasta or something in it?" Lucas asked, bewildered by the unconventional combination.
Jennifer unveiled the dish with pride, "This is called a 'Chili Pizza Sandwich'!"
Felicity, amused by the novelty, remarked, "Well, it's definitely... unique."
"Just give it a try. I think you're going to like it," Jennifer encouraged.
As Lucas and Felicity took their first bites of the Chili Pizza Sandwich, they were greeted with a bold fusion of flavors. The sandwich boasted a spicy kick from the chili, balanced with the rich, tangy tomato sauce typically found on a pizza. The melted cheese added a creamy texture, complementing the crispiness of the toasted bread that enclosed the filling.
Lucas, after a moment's reflection, revised his initial assessment, "Not bad," to a more appreciative, "Well, it's actually quite good." He wanted to acknowledge Jennifer's effort and creativity in the dish.
Jennifer seemed momentarily disappointed by his initial reaction but perked up at his reassessment.
Meanwhile, Felicity appeared genuinely impressed, "It's really delicious!"
With both of her friends enjoying the meal, Jennifer's smile returned, her efforts validated by their enjoyment.
While Lucas spent time with Jennifer and Felicity, he also took on the role of their guide around the city. They snapped photos at the Statue of Liberty before heading to Central Park for a picnic. As they enjoyed their time together, Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that a suspicious figure was trailing them.
Every now and then, Lucas would steal glances at the stranger, who was armed with a camera. A thought struck him suddenly: "Paparazzi!" It seemed almost too clear. The way the individual glanced around, attempting to look inconspicuous whenever Lucas's eyes met his, only added to Lucas's suspicion.
--
For Matt, it felt like fortune was on his side. He wandered through the bustling streets of New York City, hopeful that he might spot a celebrity going about their day like any other person.
New York City has always had a unique vibe. Despite its streets occasionally hosting celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio or other well-known actors and superstars, the locals often pass by without a second glance. Of course, exceptions exist, such as Michael Jackson, whose unparalleled fame made him almost impossible to ignore. Yet, since his passing, no one has quite reached the same level of universal recognition.
In essence, New York offers a sanctuary for celebrities who don't command the same global attention as Michael Jackson. It's a place where they can unwind, away from the constant glare of the spotlight, enjoying time with family and friends.
Matt, in his pursuit as a paparazzi, has crossed paths with several celebrities, though none of them held significant fame. In fact, if Matt weren't so deeply immersed in the world of celebrity spotting, he might not have recognized them at all.
Matt's luck seemed to be on an upswing when he stumbled upon three young actors, each rising in popularity and seemingly enjoying their time in New York without a care in the world. His eyes widened in recognition at the sight of two promising actresses, Jennifer Lawrence and Felicity Jones, and his excitement peaked at the sight of Lucas Knight.
Lucas Knight was particularly intriguing to Matt. With Lucas's indie film "127 Hours" on the brink of grossing $100 million and his debut album "Knight" gaining traction, his career was heating up. His role in the blockbuster "Inception" as Arthur had already earned him acclaim, and a clip of him singing "Perfect" on YouTube had gone viral, amassing 17 million views as fans confessed to replaying it incessantly.
"Jackpot," Matt thought, a thrill running through him. He quickly snapped a photo of Lucas, Jennifer, and Felicity as they posed with the Statue of Liberty in the background. Not wanting to lose this golden opportunity, Matt discreetly followed them to Central Park. There, the trio seemed to effortlessly switch gears, setting up for a picnic on the lush grass. Amidst the greenery, Lucas, Jennifer, and Felicity spread out a large, cozy blanket, unpacking a basket filled with an assortment of sandwiches, fruits, and refreshments. They laughed and chatted, fully immersed in their moment of relaxation and friendship, oblivious to the watchful eyes of Matt from a distance.
Matt chuckled to himself, thinking, "These photos are going to be worth a fortune, especially with Lucas in them," as he discreetly snapped a picture. But then, he caught Lucas's gaze drifting in his direction. In a bid to appear inconspicuous, Matt adopted the demeanor of a clueless tourist, pretending to be absorbed in capturing the essence of New York rather than singling out Lucas.
"I'm just a regular photographer exploring New York," Matt reassured himself, hoping his act would dispel any suspicions.
Noticing Lucas's attention had shifted away, Matt seized the opportunity to switch his camera to video mode, aiming to capture footage of Lucas and his companions from a distance. Unlike the more intrusive paparazzi who might directly confront their subjects with questions, Matt preferred the subtlety of photographing celebrities to sell the images to media outlets. As he began recording, however, Lucas's quick glance back in his direction made Matt worry, "Great, I've spooked them. They might bolt now."
But Lucas's reaction was unexpected. Instead of retreating, he simply smiled confidently and made some unknown gestures towards Matt. Surprised and intrigued by what Lucas might be signaling, Matt found his curiosity piqued—only for it to be dashed when Lucas unapologetically flipped him the middle finger.
Feeling outwitted, despite his initial interest in deciphering Lucas's gestures as if they were some sort of silent dialogue, Matt couldn't help but respond in kind with a middle finger of his own.
--
Lucas found himself thoroughly entertained by his little interaction with a paparazzi, catching the attention of Jennifer and Felicity, who noticed his focus had shifted elsewhere.
"What are you up to, Lucas?" Jennifer inquired, having just witnessed Lucas's rather bold gesture towards someone in the distance.
"Do you see that guy over there? The one with the NY cap and holding a camera?" Lucas pointed out the paparazzi lurking not too far from them, prompting Jennifer and Felicity to glance in the direction he indicated. They spotted the man, who seemed to be watching them intently.
"Wait, you're telling me you were flipping off that guy?" Jennifer asked, a mix of surprise and amusement in her voice.
"Yes," Lucas replied, the smile on his face undeniable.
"You're terrible," Felicity exclaimed, though her tone was more playful than scolding.
"Not at all. That guy has been sneakily taking photos or maybe even recording us, and he's been following us around. In short, he's a paparazzi," Lucas explained, still smiling.
"Paparazzi? I've had my share of encounters with them," Jennifer remarked, observing the man with the cap. She noticed him returning Lucas's gesture with a middle finger of his own, which sent Jennifer and Felicity into bursts of laughter.
"He seems a bit ticked off, doesn't he?" Felicity couldn't help but comment.
"Ha, he'll get over it," Lucas said, waving nonchalantly at the man, amused by the playful antagonism from a distance.
--
"Alright, it started with just a photo—now it's time to up the ante with some questions," Matt mumbled to himself, hitting the record button on his camera with the intention of confronting Lucas. However, a sudden thought halted his approach.
He remembered that, besides himself, there were other entry-level paparazzi scouring the city for a glimpse of celebrities. Seeing an opportunity, Matt decided to reach out to them, sharing the location of the three actors, especially Lucas, in hopes of escalating their irritation with an onslaught of unwelcome attention.