So... Nice Weather we're Having//Dwayne

Toss reemerged from the surface, sputtering, coughing, spitting, and cursing. He came to focus on the guy in front of him, who seemed rather amused.

"Yeah, alright." He had no bones to pick with the teen, but had trouble hiding the irritation in his voice, though it was mainly directed at himself.

Toss placed a shovel-like hand on the dock and hoisted himself up, water dripping from his hair and clothes. He sighed. "Well, that's slightly embarrassing," he noted, trying hard not to scowl on the outside.

He couldn't help chuckling. "I think I've had enough, thanks." Maybe you wouldn't know it by looking at him, but Toss had a good sense of humor. He just had a hard time relaxing or thinking of anything other than the Games.

He spit, trying to get rid of the salt flavor from his mouth. "On second thought, I will have some water, if you've got some."

"Thank you." He took a sip of the water, swished it around in his mouth, then proceeded to spit this out, too. He then swallowed what was left in the glass in three gulps. "That's better, thanks. Toss, by the way."

Toss took his hand and shook it, trying not to be too forceful. "Ranvier." He rolled the name around in his mouth. "Nice name. Would be a shame to hear those Capitol people butcher it with their silly little voices." Thinking this might have sounded a bit odd, he added, "I hope you don't get picked for the Reaping. No matter if someone volunteers, there are few things to make your heart beat harder and faster than hearing your name drawn.

This had happened to Toss when he was thirteen. Each beat of his heart had sent panic like venom through his veins instead of blood. Luckily for him, another Career tribute had died in his stead that year.

"Ahh, I'm sorry for such depressing conversation. I have had trouble thinking of little else for the longest time."

Toss smiled. "I hardly ever get a chance to fish anymore." He took the pole that Ranvier offered. "I actually almost wish I'd get called this year. That way, I'd have no second thoughts about volunteering. It's one thing to be trapped into fighting there, but another completely to send yourself off to your own death... Oh, there I go again. D'you have a boat? I've never had... well, I spend most of my time doing other things, never really fished seriously."