if i drop to the floor ❁ mav&haze

Maverick

Training is the most important aspect of life right now as it gives him a chance to improve upon whatever else he knows, yet Maverick can't find it in him to stop at a single station long enough to ask questions. It's a cliche thing, asking for help, but so many people over the years have made him feel stupid for asking the simplest of questions, and instead of giving him the help needed, they laughed and pointed fingers knocking him down when help was needed the most. It's a hard thing to push out of the prison known as the mind.

And being here, knowing that his life is ultimately going to come to an end, Maverick finds himself watching others as they train. Learning about his opponents is important, and he watches for anything that can give him a leg up when it comes to actually battling. The importance of knowing everyone's strengths and weaknesses really comes into play while he tries figuring out if he has the strength to actually kill someone for the sake of living a life of hell after this is over.

But being alive and wearing the burden of twenty-three others is much better than being buried six feet below the ground.

So why hasn't he even tried finding a weapon to swing around, or some other station to venture into giving him an edge up when it comes to survival? It's a question Maverick may never know the answer to.

Yet he walks through the gym trying to find something to do, something to distract him from death, something to let him at least try to figure out what's best for himself. Maybe it comes in the form of helping others who are in need since this will let him learn about them all in whatever way possible.

It's only when a metal clanging echoes through the gym, that he stops what he's doing and turns towards the sound seeing someone struggling. His heart breaks into thousands of pieces because he knows there's nothing he can really do, and it makes him realize just how blessed he truly is growing up where he did because at least he's somewhat prepared.

Maybe I can help her.

Helping can only go so far, and why should he help someone who clearly needs something? Why not let her fend for herself?

In his life, Maverick was left behind by his father, and he lost so many years of his life trying to be a father to his siblings, and now they're sitting at home wondering what's going to happen to them. He didn't stand a chance when his father left them behind.

Nobody deserves to be left behind.

Taking a deep breath, he slowly makes his way over towards her trying to figure out what to say or do since helping isn't usually ideal here. Sometimes it can look as though his actions are coming across as fake and insincere, but he has to try.

"Are you okay?" He asks trying to keep his voice kind and calm because the last thing he wants is to scare someone away before the games truly begin.

Picking up a mace from the stash of weapons, Maverick turns towards her -

"The mace is heavy, and sometimes even the most skilled have trouble lifting and controlling the heavy piece of metal." Trying to sound as genuine as possible, he even swirls it around almost smacking himself in the chest with it. "Would you like help trying to find something that works for you?"

His intentions are good, yet he can't help but wonder if she'll see them this way. A mace isn't his weapon of choice, and Maverick refuses to share what is.

Maverick

Sometimes he gets too far ahead of himself, and in a place like this many won't understand that he wants to help everyone succeed and have a fighting chance at surviving. Everyone here is the enemy since the games have just one outcome, and Maverick understands this, but it'll never stop him from trying. Kindness can have ulterior motives, yet that's the last thing on his mind. A true, genuine heart knows how to help someone else without asking for anything in return.

He nods slightly when she says she thinks she's okay. Learning to fight is always scary, yet it's embedded into his mind. From a young age, it's all he's known, and now he has the chance to ultimately prove what he's capable of, but Mav just wants his last moments to be filled with happiness and joy instead of showing off whatever skills he has. Learning about everyone, seeing their stories, all he wants is to make sure that every voice is heard through the darkness of this life.

Maybe asking to help her wasn't the best idea in the world since it clearly catches her off guard. She could easily just turn and walk away, and Maverick wouldn't even try to stop her. Careers have a bad reputation when it comes to making friends, and while he doesn't necessarily want to become friends with her, he still understands why someone would hesitate, but then she acknowledges she wants the help, and she goes on stating how she's not an expert and has no experience fighting.

It's very common for someone from district eleven to not know anything about weapons or how to even fight. They're a different breed of people here in Panem, but it doesn't mean their incapable of holding their own. Treading lightly is important as he doesn't want to cross any boundaries, but it almost seems impossible. "Everyone has to start somewhere." He keeps his voice calm and gentle as he turns around towards the weapon rack looking for some lightweight weapons.

"These are throwing knives." He picks up a bunch of them and holds out his hand for her to take them. "They're good if you want to try to fight from a distance. Aiming isn't always easy. With everything, though, a bit of practice can go a long way." With his other hand he picks up a single knife. "A single knife can get you closer in combat, but it also can be more dangerous. If you use a knife, remember it's an extension of your arm."

A soft smile spreads from ear to ear. Sometimes the most advanced trainers can forget what it's like to start out with no knowledge of any weapon, and Maverick is capable of putting himself in their shoes. He points to the targets a little further away. Right now, they're stationary, but with the press of a button, he can turn them on, and they'll start moving. "Would you like to try?" He picks up his own set of knives to show her how to properly hold them and how to flick her wrist when throwing them. "And if you want to try, don't be discouraged if you miss a few times. It's bound to happen."