Perserverance {Sage + Chaos}

A kind voice immediately makes Sage turn his head away from what he was doing and any sign of anger drops from his face. Standing beside him is one of District Four's many volunteer tributes. He knew she was from District Four from watching the reaping, but couldn't quite remember her name, only that it starting with a 'c' or a 'k'. Deciding not to think about that too much, though, as he was sure they'd catch one another's names at some point, he listened to what she had to say.

The first thing she does after approaching him and noticing he was having trouble, however, was wrap both of her hands around one of his injured fists. He looked at her without much sign of a distinct emotion on his face. If any emotion was visible on his face, though, it was likely just a slight curiosity. Sage was wondering what she was going to do, and he felt somewhat disadvantaged whenever someone had their hands on him, unless it was in a way that was clearly kind, like a hug from his dear sister that he'd abandoned to come here...

As the girl spoke to him, she was helpful. She told Sage that he had been putting too much strength into his punches, and that he needed to focus more on how he was making his fist. Informing him that he was lucky he didn't break his thumb, he was surprised that she was helping him this much, even though he hadn't requested any assistance. Perhaps she was just a kind soul. Sage liked people like that. Kind people who just wanted to help reminded him of his sister.

Then, an offer approached Sage's ears. The girl said that she could help him learn how to punch properly, which caused a small smile of gratitude to draw across Sage's face. Before he could say that he'd love the help, however, she continued to speak. Her words were flowing quickly, almost like a faucet that wouldn't turn completely off. It didn't really bother him, though. It was nice to have someone outside of Parsley and Affron who actually wanted to talk to him.

This girl from Four seemed really intent on assisting, as she even said that she'd help him get his knuckles cleaned up and wrap them so that he could be properly be prepared for the punching bag.

Then, she finally seemed to realize that she hadn't even gotten an answer from him yet, as she said, "Only if you want to, of course." There was a smile on the girl's face, and Sage gave a nod.

"Sure! That'd be great, actually. I really appreciate it," he told her. "I'm Sage, by the way," he introduced himself. He hoped that he could get her name in return. After all, someone being so friendly to him deserved to be referred to as more than just 'one of those girls from Four.'

"I'm Sage, too," the girl said jokingly when Sage introduced himself. He let out a small laugh, knowing that she was messing with him. The girl let out her own series of giggles, and told Sage what she'd done earlier when meeting three new people at the same time. He thought it was funny, and gave an awkward and somewhat nervous smile. He wasn't used to people talking to him in such a friendly way, that this was a new experience for him.

The girl from Four introduced herself as Chaos O'Hana. That was when he remembered her from the reaping. She and her brother had both volunteered for the Games, and it made him think. What if Parsley had followed him into the Games by volunteering like Chaos had followed her brother? Though, Sage couldn't imagine such a thing happening. Parsley was too peaceful of an individual to put herself forward for a death match. At least, that's what the young Scarborough boy felt was true.

O'Hana, the boy thought. Interesting name. Then, he spotted the pendant she wore around her neck on a silver chain. Engraved on it was the girl's family name, O'Hana. It must have been nice to be able to afford something like that, specially engraved. Sage didn't feel too jealous, though, as he was grateful for what he had. After all, if he didn't make it out of the Games, he wouldn't need money anymore anyway, as he wouldn't be alive to spend it on anything.

Chaos began caring for Sage's wounds, although he knew how to himself. He didn't tell her this, but Parsley had taught him plenty of first aid and survival skills over the years. It was just that combat had never been a part of it all. Parsley was too gentle of a person to want to teach her dear brother how to fight someone. It just wasn't in her nature, and Sage had never had the desire to learn until now, when he needed it to survive.

"So why'd you volunteer, Sage?" Chaos inquired, catching the boy from the lowest District slightly off guard. He had barely told anyone why he volunteered. As far as he could remember, he hadn't even told Parsley. Affron was the only one who knew. Though, it wasn't like it was a huge secret. He simply just hadn't shared that information with many people. It wasn't because he didn't want to but simply because he didn't find a need to. The only person who'd asked him had been the only person who got a response, and that was Affron.

Before Sage replied to her question, Chaos continued on with her words.

“I sort of figured only career Districts would volunteer. Was a bit surprised while watching the reaping recaps. Some of the lowers had more turnouts then One and Two.” What she'd said was true, and he agreed with her on the aspect of things that she had deemed surprising. She was right; it was rather shocking to see some of the lower Districts having more volunteers than the upper most Districts. Sage nodded to show his agreement. Then he remembered that she'd asked him a question. He'd been so intent on listening to her speak, that he almost had forgotten.

"Uhm, he began, "Well, it might seem like a dumb decision, but I did it because I don't have the best life back. My family is really poor, and we don't really have much for income. I wanted to go into the Games to either win the money from my family, or, if I fail, just get away from my life. The only part of my life that really matters to me other than my sister at this point is Affron and well... he kind of followed me here."

His explanation was more in-depth than even the one he had given to Affron, but for some reason, he found this girl to be easy to open up to. Chaos had a kind heart and a listening mind. He could tell that she had to be an older sister, or perhaps even a mother. Though, he doubted the latter due to her age. He gave a nervous smile and then proceeded to remain quiet as Chaos worked on his wounded hands.