what i didn't have / { lara / theo }
May 31, 2023 22:08:02 GMT -5
Post by arctic on May 31, 2023 22:08:02 GMT -5
Theo’s not impressed.
Maybe there is a reason he’s the first in nearly twenty years. Looking at the lineup of Lara Stone and Jayson Hope, his eyes found more interest in the liquor cart and his bedroom than the actual assignments. He had low expectations due to the low success rate. It takes him back to last year when he and his departed ally sat in the dining cart. They only had each other. Taking advantage of Theo’s victory, Shelby generously left him full reign of the tributes.
How kind of her, right?
Sure, Theo and Dorothy had spent a lot of time bitching about her absence. Sure, Theo is falling into the same pattern that she had. But after his discussion with Woods, he needed some time to himself. With being in the Capitol so frequently, it makes it hard for them to establish something so committed, desires and drives and all. Theo’s not often driven by those, but it’s held in the back of their minds as Theo’s returned to his bath of trauma. He’s forced to soak in it until his body prunes up, but it stays pruned up, so ugly and wrinkly and uncomfortable with the world. He never thought he’d be on this side of the team during the 93rd. After Woods brought up their options going forward, Theo isn’t sure he wants to be.
He didn’t end up seeing his tributes at all during the ride. It was better. Not that the burning sensation down his throat does much, but it gives an alternative to swallowing the worst potential outcomes. With each shot, he exhales a cool breath, which covers up any well of tears the burning provides. It’s a trick his mother gave him one night. While he permitted her to live in the village, the interactions were minimal and brisk. Nothing more than what would be expected of a boy and his permanently disappointed mother. Mariah had her own corner, and he didn’t visit. It’s the least he could do, providing her a corner in his castle when she gave him a house.
He’s placing his bottle on the countertop when a voice enters the room. A publicist for the newly-assigned Horner team. ”Mr. Horner,” she requests meekly, tasting the tensity, ”you should go do something with them.” Like what, though? He’s hardly got any true skill to help them with. ”Lara’s in the common area eating.” The Stone girl, yeah.
Sure, what else is he to do?
He managed to rotate a new, cleaner set of clothes on before heading out to the common area of their floor. It wasn’t very large, but it did enough for the smaller group dedicated to Eight. She sat at the chairs watching the reapings go by once more. Occasionally, the hosts of the show would give flashbacks to the 93rd. Little highlights. Like the volunteers, or the tribute parade, or the victory tour. ”Damn shame that they don’t have clips from the train rides.” He notes, introducing himself to the room for his newest mentee. ”Dorothy and I bonded over volunteering together. Shit about how we chose our fate,” I remember as we took turns at our bottles of backwash. ”Guess you don’t get that, huh?” Theo took a seat in a chair adjacent to the girl. ”You do get to choose what you get from me, though.”
It’s something he’s envious of, having someone in the room who has lived the fight they’re about to enter. There wasn’t much he wanted to know about the arena from Shelby. He just wishes she was there more. The physical presence is enough of a soft reminder that they can do it, too. ”Anything I can help you with, I got you.” Whatever that is. Theo’s abrupt, biting nature has softened for his first interactions with the tribute. It rests, saving its energy for far more important recipients.
