Inglorious Reunion - Bryze Gym [Charade]

Shiv Creel

Another year, another games, and another pair of tributes lying in cold hard graves. Gone to join Destiny Lenstil, Dante Ramadar and all the others that had come before. It was despicable, but it gave Shiv some fuel to further his penance. Maybe if he had been there for his brother, the lad would have won. Razor was long gone, but there were still careers he could help; potential tributes that could claim the crown for any one of numerous reasons. Perhaps they did so for the wrong reasons, but even a misguided line of thinking was no reason to die. Shiv had foregone shaving his scruff this morning, as he had already overslept. The nape of his neck was still wet from a five minute power shower as he strolled up the pathway to the Gym.

In one of his hands, he held a stack of papers, the information sheets for each of the students; Physical data, Psychological profiles and summaries of their career training and background thus far. All that the Capitol cared about. And all that Bryze seemed to care about too. Shiv could see that the lights were already on inside from a window and grimaced softly. His "Boss" was a stickler for scheduling, but, at least in his opinion, often reacted like a petulant child when he didn't get his way. Not that Shiv blamed him. They both had their ghosts to carry, it was up to Julian to shoulder the burden or let it consume him. Shiv had no say in the matter, and even if he did, he doubted the victor would care.

Pausing in front of the door, he exhaled dejectedly. Julian was bound to be in one of his moods with District two failing to produce a victor for two years in a row, and even more so that their district's biggest rival had won. The few people that Shiv interacted with outside of work were not happy that a pretty-boy from one had come out on top, and even less pleased that one of their tributes had died in the bloodbath. Even so, talk was giving way to the upcoming sixty-third games and everyone wanted the district to do better. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same.

Shiv let the door open and was greeted by the sight of Julian standing with his arms crossed and a sharp retort. The first of many to be sure. Taking a moment to admire the portrait of his brother that captured his attitude, he rubbed at his neck before turning to face Julian."Sorry kid. Tough to keep to a schedule after six months off." He waved the stack of papers in the others general direction. Stayed up late crunching numbers. Jaime's sister put in an application, Aarden might have gained a few pounds, things like that." Flicking on a couple secondary lights under Julians scathing gaze, he shrugged. Shiv wasn't sure that he was fully awake yet and the lighting was not helping. A small cough flew out his lips as he started opening the ornate curtains and he looked over his shoulder back to his boss. "How's Mace?"

Shiv Creel

"Sorry Junior, I'll have to remember not to call you that. Nice to hear Mace is doing good though." Shiv tossed the stack of papers on top of a second crate and lugged it out onto the floor before retrieving a crowbar. It only took a moment's exertion to pry it open, revealing an assortment of training center uniforms. Hopefully, the stock would last through the punishment the careers were sure to put them through. And they'd be pushing themselves harder than ever this year for certain.

It had been the same when his father had pressured him and his brother after Topaz Ross had won the fifty-sixth hunger games, he was sure parents were already badgering their careers to do better than Atlas and Demeter. To not let Two suffer the indignity of being beat by their rival district again. Shiv had no opinion on the latest victor, a boy who won by chance as the barflies insisted. Personally, he saw no point in arguing. Parents rarely helped in these types of situations, trying to see their dreams realized through their kids.

Several other crates were lugged to different areas on the gym in silence as Shiv worked. It was better to get the job done quickly and with no complaints rather than have Julian fly off the handle. But victors were allowed to have some quirks considering what they had been through. The final fight with Reyes two years ago had been one for the history books and they still played the highlights from it every now and then. It was a big hit with the students, that was for sure. Though it wouldn't be long before even the quell was a distant memory. Time passed far quicker than anyone would think, and every kid thought themselves indestructible. More things that never changed.

Another crate was pried open and Shiv took a couple weapons about, arranging them on the racks next to the knives. Shiv grunted noncommittally as he shot Julian a look. "I took the liberty of ordering more blades this time around. Swords are pretty popular now after Myler's win. Figured we could start them on fencing after strength training and aerobics." He grabbed another crate and started dragging it over to the ranged station. Even if a student favored a certain fighting style, it was their job to see that they were well rounded and equipped for anything the gamemakers might throw at them. Having good aim with a bow wouldn't mean squat if they didn't manage to get their hands on one. "So. How long before you think we're open for business?"