in memoriam | sibtrib blitz

    Faded fabrics tainted by seeping sweat and bursts of blood are replaced by a silken suit of sterling silver. Within the allure of a mirror's eyes I watch as final features find themselves at home upon my body. By my side my stylist flutters flimsily swiftly securing certain details to their design. Mild mixtures of sound and gibberish greets my ears as I watch him work. For what appears to be a simple silver suit enhanced by glints of gold, his whole storm of worry seems to be highly unnecessary. Only after a golden tie is secured to my neck does he finally cease his annoying adjusting, a sigh quickly quells from my mouth. 

    "This whole thing is idiotic." 

    Clearly my words somehow drive daggers into Dio's pride as his face rapidly furrows into a disapproving frown. A glinting glare is returned from myself as I walk away from my mirror image. The entire idea of this whole night has my stomach chaotically churning with anger and aggression. The entire reason I fled from Five was to find a life free of the family who forgot me and of the world which never even cared if I was breathing. Now here in the center of the Capitol, a city of brilliantly built buildings of glass and an endless sea of eyes to notice me, my family still follows. The only reason I've been extended an invitation to this pompous dinner party is not because of the Atlas in my name, but because of the Shim. I detest the idea of even acknowledging the fact it dangles after my first name, none the less that its what's giving me any true attention. Alas, both Dio and Salazar insist on my attendance. 

    "Give it a chance, perhaps you will meet future friends and sponsors."

    I give Salazar a shrug, although his point is valid it still requires an actual acceptance of my name for a night. My fingers rap against the steel sill of the window while I watch the wonderful world just beyond the barrier of glass. My jaw clenches as I force down the hatred for a moment, the Shims aren't what matters now. I look away from the luxurious lights and give a very reluctant nob to the two awaiting my response. 

    "Fine, but it doesn't mean I have to like it."

    I ignore the insists to be pleasant following me from Salazar as I enter the elevator to begin my descent. As floors fade by I notice tension slowly twisting into my muscles, dinners aren't really my scene considering my family always forgot to have them. I nearly press another button to bail, but its too late for second guessing as I'm welcomed by the sight of a table made solely for those related to the tributes of old. I make no attempt to draw attention to myself as I navigate through the Capitolite infested scene. 

    As I approach the table I gather several words from some of the others and I can sense a communal opinion that this night sucks. At least that's something to talk about. I take a seat next to the guy I figure is from Ten simply because he doesn't say a word, makes it easy not to talk if I don't want to later. However, for now I let myself at least join in well the rest of our kind arrive. 

    "Pretty safe bet, my family is the last thing I wanted to think about. And now we have a whole night to do just that."