like a ghost, I'll be gone [rhys solo]

       Dust in the air met with Rhys' nose. He called it the tickle. Bitter cold rooms made it worse, but nonetheless, the kid couldn't help but violently shake his nose with a hand until it was gone. Of course, that's when his mother walked in. Persephone Peace, high-ranking Peacekeeper and ever-watcher of her trainee son. No dad, then, thought Rhys.

"Don't act ridiculous" she told him, entering with a briefcase in hand, dressed in her superior Peacekeeper garb. "Quit rubbing your nose and focus." It wasn't usual for her to speak in a way that made Rhys feel like nothing but a dog. Except, he knew less tricks it seemed. Of all the people that the District allowed him to meet, they let in his mother - and just his mother. Not his best friend, not Flip Jones, not even his dad (who would be an easier meet), but his mother.

"Nice to see you did your hair for me" Rhys chimed back. The saving grace of a Peace was their humour. Peace, clearly, was the name passed down from his father's side. His mother had nothing humorous to say in any which way.

       "Listen" she cut him off. "You're going into the Hunger Games, Cadet. You're going to be tested in ways I can't fathom. You have to make it through this. I am not losing my legacy because you can't swing a sword." Her face had distorted into the form it usually adopted; her dark brows were furrowed while her round dark eyes were widened, and her mouth quivered showing some kind of emotion that even he couldn't properly read.

"Yes, ma'am" he muttered, which only prompted a shake of Persephone's head.

"Say it again." She sighed at him.

"Yes, Major Peace."

She didn't say good, she didn't say that's better, she just upturned her head and looked him down with a face of disdain. She placed the briefcase onto the nearby table and unclasped the latches. It was a dark design with a peacekeeper emblem etched into the surface, and when it was swung open with a creak, it revealed various documents - all pre-signed - and a Peacekeeper lanyard and identification badge. "You're going to take this in with you. The Capitol may call you Tribute, but I call you Cadet. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Major" he said, taking the lanyard that she handed him.

"This is your mission. Protect this family by surviving. If you die, our name dies with you. Think about that."

And, just as fast as she entered - Ripred, just as fast as she spoke - she was gone and through the door.