let the tears wash the pain away {alexxx}

Brooklyn stood motionless, wordless - much like the rest of District Eight that was assembled to watch the beginning of the Bloodbath. He hated the games, he hated what they stood for and the control that the Capitol had over its people through this barbaric act. But he knew better than to be complacent. Complacency got you killed in the Games, and Ripred knew that Brooklyn's family would never have enough money to get him or Harper out of the games if it came to it. You could hear a pin drop before the ominous dark screen burst to life - colors and fanfare and music and cannons overwhelming Brooklyn's senses. He swore silently under his breath, flicking the collar of his coat up to cover his neck in the chill October breeze.

It seemed he was not alone in his hatred for the game. It was etched into the faces of everyone assembled. A girl, not far from him, and probably around his age, was watching the screen, her eyes threatening to let the tears that had built up cascade down her cheeks. She stood, hands and jaw clenched as the Bloodbath began, and slowly, one tear fell, then another, then another.

Brooklyn chanced a glance around him as the noise built to a crescendo just as the Bloodbath began. He licked his lips, chewing his words before he ducked his head to speak to her. He had perhaps seen the girl somewhere before - school, maybe. But could not even begin to try to contemplate her name.

"Are you..." he began lamely. Come on, Brook. "Are you okay? I'm sure you could get outta here if you don't want to watch the Bloodbath," Brooklyn's eyes left the girl and flicked over to the Peacekeepers assembled. They too were watching the games, entranced. As if they got off on the gore and the violence. It was sickening.