[YLIP] Coupling #1: Your Boat Ride Home

You take a sharpen deep breath as you realize that the event was coming to a close. The last kiss was something memorable, or at least, that is what you think as you submit the last number of the event. It felt like an eternity since this whole thing had started, your lips were tired, but you were ready to see how it all shook out.

The timer had struck zero and everyone was told to come to a halt. You had found a chair to sit in and decided to take a load off your feet as you looked around at the exasperated expressions of the other people sharing this room with you. Petelia looked regal in the distance as she talked about just how interested she was in the results. To be honest, you were too, because you had a feeling that you might have not done as well as you thought you were. Some of the people here seemed nice, but others worried you, like Carly, and Beatrice. Their scores could have affected you, but lingering on that for a long time was not wise.

After all, the more you worried about it, the more that it would take away from you getting to know the people that you share a somewhat intimate moment with. You had a couple in mind as your eyes floated around the room, making mental notes of the ones you felt just a little closer too.

Needless to say, you were pretty sure that everyone that you had matched with had shared a strong kiss with you. There were a couple that were lingering on your tongue, but you did not try to keep your eyes on them too long, because you had a feeling that you could have been shoehorned into something you did not really want to be apart of. You did not know what was on Petelia's mind, and as much as you wanted to pick it, you would not benefit from it. At least not right now.

You had a game to play after all.

You sat there for a moment and wondered what Bella would have thought about all of this. Part of you thought that maybe she would have been a little bit worried, seeing as you were in a completely different place. This was not ten, and to be quite frank, you had a feeling that she would not trust what was going on here in the capitol. Sure, you didnt trust it either, but you were not going let that stop you from experiencing what the world did have to offer.

The memory of what and who Bella was would always stay with you thanks to the locket that Stella Blakesley had returned to you, but that did not mean that you had to become the person that she was. The games had changed her, but they had also changed you. You had to learn to be independent and self sufficient enough to survive. You had the other kids in the pound, but there werent many of you left. The games had took its toll on everyone, you knew that, however, the emptiness was starting to become more apparent. You wondered if the pound would ever become lively again.

A part of you wondered if you would be gone by then.

---

You were given some time to collect yourself for a moment, in which you took a couple deep breathes before the scoreboard was finally revealed. You felt your heart skip a beat as Petelia gleefully laughed in the background. You reminded yourself that you did try your best, and it was nothing to beat yourself up over.

Much to your shock though, you saw your name right below Wolfgang, you had not only provided you with your own exceptional kiss, but also, only had beaten you by a couple points. To think that you would have scored second overall out of this whole thing. You had never kissed anyone in your life before all of this, and there you were, trying to wrap your head around the fact that you were going to make it to the next challenge. Another night before you meant another chance for you to get to know a couple more people here.

You could feel more eyes on you, but you did not let that stop you from being swept up in the moment. You were ushered away by some scary looking people, but the cameras also followed, and you took that chance to at least blow a couple kisses at the public as you thought about how it might help you later down the line. Sure, you were not usually this gregarious, but learning to play a part was just one part of this competition, and if the public did have to play a part in all of this? Then so be it.

You were just as brave as your sister.

---

The night time had come quickly, and a part of you wondered if you were really in Panem at this point. It was almost seamless, like someone had pushed a button and the sky dimmed to a crisp midnight blue. It was breathtaking, but as you sat in a chair and let people prod at your face with various makeup tools, you wondered if all of this was going to be worth it.

At the end of the day, probably, because Bella would have wanted you to at least commit to something in your life. You sat idly as you waited for Petelia to divulge more about what was going on tonight. You heard that two people had been dumped from the competition, Etta and a girl named Priscilla. She didnt ring a bell as you waited for them to apply a soft red eyeshadow to your eyes. "A little shimmer too yeah? To make them pop?" you asked kindly as you waited for them to give you a response. The stylist had smirked and clicked her tongue twice, commenting on how they liked someone that knew what they wanted.

You smiled, realizing that you had never been that type of person until right now.

The real choice was about to be in front of you anyway. You had to choose someone to pair up with for the night. At least, that was what you could make out from all the chatter that you could hear from a distance. Petelia had made sure to make everything somewhat hard to decipher, probably because she was trying to create suspense. You did not mind it too much, however, being direct was one of your own personality traits. So you did sort of expect that in return. That was not the game you were playing here though. You were just trying to make it by, and it was already enough that you had a guaranteed spot next week. No need for you to push anymore than you had.

---

You were decked out in a shimmery black and red dressed that hit the light in a way that refracted waves of color as you walked down the lit pathway. You couldnt help but twirl in it for a moment, standing right behind Wolfgang, but also keeping up the pace to not knock anyone else out of rhythm. Trish had been right behind you, which you could figure that meant she had probably gotten third in the competition. You wondered how she rated you, seeing as her kiss was not something that left desire. It was a first impression after all, so nerves could have played a huge roll in that.

Whatever it was, it did not matter too much, because you both were standing at the top of all of this. Petelia had appeared out of what seemed like thin air, standing on one of the many boats that had been right in front of you. You had to admit, she did look gorgeous herself, but this was not the time to play kiss ass. You had sometime to think about who you were going to choose tonight. However, Petelia had explained that one more person would be going home tonight.

Would that make a difference in who you were going to pick?

Going through the list, the only person that you probably couldnt pick was Wolfgang, because he was going to be able to pick first. A part of you wondered if he was going to pick you, but that was quickly dismissed as you realized that he had spent time with other people. You didnt think of yourself as too special. You resolved to pick the person that would be considered enchanting to you. You had a couple in mind, even the ones that did not offer the best kiss in return.

Everyone deserved second chances.

Petelia explained that the tops also had to write their ship name on a lantern and christen their boats with a name. You were already overwhelmed, but you had an idea that might suffice as long as the person you had in mind wasnt chosen. Wolfgang is told to pick out his choice for the coupling, and a part of you wondered if he was going to pick you. It would be totally unexpected after all. He passed right by you though, and while he gave you a light smile, you could tell that his mind was on someone else. That did make it a little easier.

When he picked Axel, you sighed with release. You matched with Axel, but there was someone else that was on your mind. To be very honest, you kind of thought about him, simply because your kiss left a lot to the imagination, and you wished you could at least give it another shot. Maybe there would be another opportunity, but for now, as you watched them scribble something on a lantern you had been called over to make your choice.

You stood at attention and gave Petelia a huge smile from ear to ear. Your hand had started to twist your curls as you looked at the others. You had a lot of choices, as most of them had rated you to be one of the best kissers of the group. Of course, there was more to your personality, but everything had to be taken at face value for now.

Cameras followed you for a moment as you walked through and gave smiles to everyone that had made eye contact with you. "Hmmmm..." you vocalized as your eyes shifted from a couple choices. Of course, you already had your mind made up, but that did not stop you from trying to at least play the game just a little bit. After all, anything that made you look better for the camera was going to help yeah? Maybe the capitol would just see you as some floozy bimbo if you overdid it.

Your eyes finally settled on the boy you had been thinking about since your kiss. "Hey stranger." you smirked for a moment, your hands pulling on his wrist and pulling Trylle forward before stepping forward with him. "This is who I choose Mademoiselle." you smile as you squeeze his wrist and then clasp your hand in his. This did feel a little awkward, but a part of you had a feeling that this was all part of the game. If you both wanted to stay here, then you needed to play the part.

This was just one of the boys that you felt sparks with when your lips had touched after all.

You took a deep breath as you walked forward, realizing that you know had to come up with a ship name. A part of you wondered what the term was, but another part of you could put two and two together. You pulled a lantern forward and looked at Trylle. "I think this is how it is supposed to be done?" you pulled out the lipstick that you had kept in your purse and asked him to hold the lantern steady. You spelled out Marylle on the soft paper as it crinkled under the pressure of your lipstick. The vibrant red looked lively with the well lit backdrop.

"Im excited to get to know you just a little bit more." you say with a smirk before stepping onto the boat with Trylle. "Go ahead, release it." you let him do the honors of course.

This was the start of something new.

[ 💌 ]

Fourth place. I definitely could've done worse. The snog-a-thon hadn't been my favorite experience, that was for sure. Although, there was one person in particular that I certainly wouldn't have minded kissing again. I kissed him twice during the whole thing, after all, even if that second time didn't count for any points.

The three people who placed ahead of me all claimed their pairings and came up with their ship names. Shit, ship names. I would have to think of one on the spot, I realized.

The first few pairings were made, and luckily for me, I already knew who I wanted to pick.

I walked up to the podium when it was my turn, and mentally made sure he wasn't already picked. Good, everyone else had made different choices. Thankfully. I wouldn't have to think too hard about this.

Glancing to the host and flashing a smile her way, I then look out to those gathered in front of me.

"Okay," I start. "This actually is a pretty easy choice."

I give a smile to my choice among the contestants.

"Hermes, you're with me," I say to him.

I look to Hermes for a moment when I step away from the podium and over to our lantern. We have to come up with a ship name, and all I can think of are stupid puns having to do with our names. Apparently there were some deities that shared names with us. So, I figured, if I couldn't think of anything better, might as well make puns of that.

Hermes's name came from the messenger God and the God of thieves. My name, Dionysus, came from the God of wine. How (sarcastically) original on my parents' part. We literally own a vineyard.

So, I wrote what I thought of on our lantern and said it out loud. Hopefully Hermes wouldn't hate me for it.

"Stolen Wine,"* I announced with a slight feeling of embarrassment as I said it. I knew it sounded super cheesy, surely. Regardless, it's what I'd decided to go with. I looked to Hermes.

"I hope you're fine sharing a bed with a career," I said to him, half-joking and half-seriously. I knew he didn't like careers, but from what I could tell, he at least liked me a little bit. Enough to kiss me a second time, at least.

-----

*ship name credit to Birdie
382 words

[ 💌 ]

"And... take five! " 

"Whew! Good take kids, good take," Petelia says in her best mom voice, thumbs up'ing her cast on her way off set for a much needed pit stop. It's hard work making good television, but she really had expected to cram everything in one shoot. Oh well, her notifications had been blowing up all throughout Karlie's speech and so she couldn't wait for a second to check. 

Margarita first though, priorities. Her fiancé prepped the station for her before she even left the set, which is just a reminder that ladies: if he wanted to, he would. Petelia's squeezing lime over her marg when her buzzer rings, answering it with a perky tap and a "hello, hello - Jemima?"

Oh shoot, lime juice on the fuzzy pink button cover. Whoops, "heeey auntie!" Knowing her it's either good news or very, very bad news, and Petelia doesn't wait to ponder. She's got '19 districter's to match make and manipulate for views',  also known as shit to do. "Hey baby - " long sip from a strawberry lime marg here " - make it quick, running off um, less than 5 minutes here."

"Okay, okay! I just though as your official assistant I would break the news that Young Love is already winning awards-"

"NO WAY?"

"That's all!"

*click!*

---

Commercial Break: Camp CAREER is a summer camp dedicated to bringing careers from all over the districts of 1, 2 and 4 to test their abilities in an actual arena! Using the generously provided 88th Hunger Games arena, careers will attend Camp CAREER as campers to enhance their fighting abilities. Shoved into a hot, sweaty cabin with limited plumbing and the beaming hot sun on your faces as you go through your day, these campers are sure to return with an experience (and sunburn) of a lifetime!

Volunteer today here!

---

Welcome back to Young Love in Panem, everybody! Our first 5 pairs have been made, so that leaves 9 contestants on the pier looking to couple up at tonight's Coupling. Again, the odd man out will be dumped from the Villa and take a boat ride home for 1. Posting order was decided upon by the ranking's of the Snog-a-Thon. 

Remaining posting order is: griffin, cait, mattio, dars.

Still seated in the Coupling are: beau, olivia, lux, arcadia, eneas, ivy, barrsy, ajax

[ 💌 ]

[ want more reality television? 
check out the 90th hunger games, go on
i support you! ]

He doesn’t remember how he got here.

It’s a blur. A whirl of a kaleidoscope, the glide of a spotlight, a hurricane of a ballroom, and now Benito’s here, trying his best not to sweat through his silks.

He looks good, though. Cladded in all the privilege the Capitol has to offer, Benito’s hair has been done up with a fruit-scented gel that makes it gleam, and he is dressed in a suit tailored from silk and glass: an odd combination that makes him appear like a mirrorball, light fractures everywhere. He has a thousand specks of light around him and, behind their sparkling dome, he is the shiny pearl of District One.

It feels bizarre.

All his social etiquette abandons him when needed, leaving him wringing him his hands as the set flurries around them for the next shoot. Time is running out, who will he choose? The thought is like a fishhook and it tugs his eyes towards Trylle.

He’s been trying not to stare at him all night, trying not to make it seem like he wants to be noticed, but Benito never had a flair at subtlety. He wants to see if Trylle is looking, wants to see if he notices. It’s naïve, embarrassing, and oh so terribly kindergarten, but Benito gives the cold shoulder in hopes that it’ll have the other warm up to him.

That’s when the lights go green, a signal he’s gotten used to, and the room quietens as the camera’s eye reopens. It watches them, all as Wolfgang rise from his seat. There’s a moment of baited breath when their eyes catch, and perhaps he would have been glad to be chosen by him, but the moment he picks out Axel Morrisen is also relieving. Benito laces his fingers together and makes a decision. He brings up his eyes, looks across the room at Trylle, and is about to smile when …

“What?” he says out loud.

And his cheeks redden.

Because Marley is there, taking his hand, and it makes his the skin down his shorn head prickle with a feeling he hasn’t felt before but knows instantly as jealousy. Don’t show it. But it’s too late, the cameras are on him, and pakshet, they’re giving content spoon-fed to them.

Benito looks elsewhere; it makes him appear guiltier.

His turn comes and the room goes quiet. He doesn’t look at Trylle and Marley, not as he climbs down to where the lanterns, not as he picks up his moniker. But he has a plan now, born of pettiness, and he writes down the name of his choice rather quickly before he looks at him up.

“Ajax,” Benito breathes out, studying the boy, remembering how beautiful he is. It’s a kind of beauty that melts into your eyes like candy on tongue, sweet and good enough to savor, and he knows it’s enough to make anyone—not just Trylle, who cares about him?—jealous. And maybe it’s a bad thing, picking Ajax simply to make others jealous of them, but Benito doesn’t have his morals intact at the moment, only a stung heart and an embarrassing amount of red in his cheeks. He makes his choice recklessly, unwisely, and it’s all very on brand.

“I think Benjax sounds like banjo and that’s, you know, a very fine instrument.”

[ 💌 ]

She’s the last person to choose, which is fine by her, honestly. She was born for the spotlight and having to share it with so many damn other people for so long today has been absolutely draining.

So, needless to say, after the endless commercial breaks and operational pauses in which Lux’s makeup was touched up and then retouched up and then retouched up, she was about ready to strangle the poor makeup girl with her bare hands. Thank goodness they had taken away the tweezers towards the end of the ceremony and were sticking to powder and foundation, or else that poor makeup artist would have found herself without an eye and probably…a job.

Oh well, pain was beauty, right?

Lux has a bored look on her face throughout the shot, biting her tongue as everyone chooses their bed mates with as much fanfare as a fucking tacky fucking wedding, lanterns included.

But then again, as she straightens her shoulders and moves a tress of hair out of her eyes (she can hear Petelia in her head ranting about ruining the shot), she had asked for this, hadn’t she? Wasn’t this all a part of her master plan to restore the Bellisario name after Love had so thoroughly tossed in the mud? Vanya was off doing Vanya fucking things and Lux…well, she was born to be a star.

Plastering on a doe-eyed look after Beau chooses Ivy, Lux steps up, right in front of the camera, facing the the two remaining contestants. She honestly couldn’t even remember if she had kissed Barrsy and then there was Olivia.

Olivia.

Who had sought her out twice during the Snog-a-thon. Who had marched right up to her both times, smelling like flowers and tasting like sugar.

Lux hasn’t ever been one for sentiment. It wasn’t the Bellisario way, but in the war between her head and her heart and making a decision to further her standing or give herself a fighting chance in this thing, there really was only one option.

And fuck making heartfelt speeches. That was for those idiots in One. Lux knew what she wanted. Who she wanted.

“Olivia, obviously.” Her smile feels forced and too large for her face, but damnit, it was real, wasn't it?

It’s only then that Lux feels the pang of nerves in her stomach and a fluttering in her chest as Olivia walks towards her. But her fears are assuaged when Olivia laces her fingers through Lux’s. She ducks her head to whisper in Olivia’s ear her idea for the ship name, because Lulivia sounded like a stupid fucking medicine that the Capitol was peddling to reverse aging and Olux was just idiotic.

”Hell’s Belles,” because really, nothing else seemed to fit and if they were going to have any chance of going far in this thing, they definitely needed to employ the darker arts in this game of hearts. 

The lantern, once lit, floats away from them slowly until its just a pinprick of light in the dark. Lux squeezes Olivia's hand as she watches it go. 

[ 💌 ]