eye on prize . jupiter x tide
Jun 18, 2024 21:38:08 GMT -5
Post by pogue on Jun 18, 2024 21:38:08 GMT -5
J U P I T E R
"Nobody likes a self-made outcast."
At the end of his first day in the Training Center Jupiter had been pulled from his bedroom and into the living room of the District One quarters, a yawn still dancing on his lips from the sudden wake-up call. Principle's office, stern talking to and a metaphorical slap on the wrist, they'd watched footage of the time he'd spent practicing his combat skills, alone in the corner of the room and carving smiles into the chests of fake bodies.
Jupiter watches a brief interaction with one of the trainers, Quartz, eye twitching in annoyance as the memories come flooding back to the forefront of his mind. There's red that kicks in from the edge sof his vision, arms folded and gaze sharp enough to drill a hole through the screen. It takes several seconds for him to register the bitching being shot at him from one of the District One team's members.
"Alone, alone, alone! Always by yourself. It really does no good-"
"Am I here to make friends?" Jupiter's voice cuts through the room like he means something, intentionally deepened to maximize the impact. It crumbles in seconds-
"Are you here to make enemies?" One of them throws back, and he's reminded that they've done this before, time and time again, just to watch the tribute never come home. Gulp, swallow, he watches their faces and realizes he's half a ghost already, too proud to admit it. "Alright, fine- I'll talk more."
But words aren't his strong suit, not like the sharpened end of a blade or a knife flicked from his wrist. It's why he finds himself awkwardly standing near the District Four tribute at the javelin station, crossed arms and narrowed gaze, measuring the distance between the target and himself and stealing glances at his soon-to-be opponent.
Tide Evros. Jupiter had memorized the names of his fellow careers on the train ride to the Capitol, sizing up his competition before the Games even started, planning their end.
"Teach a guy a thing or two?" He finally offers, pulling the javelin from the table and balancing it clumsily. "Javelins've never been my strong suit."
Little white lies told in false bravado. Jupiter smiles.