For the birds (open)

For the birds (open) Aug 16, 2012 22:28:34 GMT -5

Post by heartwood on Aug 16, 2012 22:28:34 GMT -5

Jasper stuck to his sister like white on rice. District four was a strange, strange place. He had never seen so much water in his life, and the fact that he wasn’t the best swimmer just drove his anxiety to the edge. What if someone thought it was funny to push him in? What if someone tried to push Jade in? What if their father tried to drown them both, and escape back home with no one ever knowing what he did? The thought sent chills down Jasper’s spine, and his emotion wasn’t masked by any means. He was scared, and the stares and whispers he drew from the other competitors indicated that they knew it.

Jade looked around, Jasper was sure she wanted to meet some other people. He would have told her she could go off on his own, but he knew he might explode into one of his episodes, and there was no telling what would happen if he did, especially in a foreign place like this. The sweat dripped down from his forehead; he took his sweat-rag, wiping himself dry before taking a few heavy breaths. He could do this; he could make it a few days without getting too out of hand. And as long as his sister was there, nobody would really be able to mess with him.

Jade qualified for several events, mostly track and gymnastics, and she was sure to represent District Two with pride and honor. Jade hade insisted Jasper sign up for Archery, it was one of the few things he was good at, and perhaps the only thing he truly had fun doing. But a competition? Was he really ready for that? Of course he wasn’t. Big crowds weren’t really his thing, and with all eyes on him for a short period of time, everyone was soon going to see him fail. He could only take relief in that Jade’s probably success would heal any wounds caused by his failure; and district two would be well represented by others in the Archery competition.

Their father was sure to enjoy it. He had all but ignored his son on the train ride. He spent the entire time giving tips to Jade as if he knew any better than she did, telling her how important it was for her to win. Jasper was fully convinced that he bet on his daughter to win nearly all of the events, and bet against Jasper in the lone competition he was in.

Jasper though back to his little red bird back home, he would surely be his biggest fan. Maybe he had some distant cousins or relatives that Jasper could play with or talk to, maybe there were new birds he could learn to befriend. Or maybe, just maybe, there was someone like him. Someone naturally anxious and nervous, who understood just how dangerous the world really was. Jasper highly doubted it.

As the population of competitors grew in the courtyard, Jasper took a deep breath, turning to his sister. “You can meet people, if you want,” he said awkwardly. “I’ll be fine.” Jasper turned his gaze to the sky, smiling at the birds flying overhead. At least he could take solace in the freedom of his feathered friends.[/color]

For the birds (open) Aug 20, 2012 9:12:54 GMT -5

Post by roroasu on Aug 20, 2012 9:12:54 GMT -5

Does, Thinks, Says, Hears

District Four was amazing. The water was bluer than any Jade had ever seen. It almost seemed to mirror the clear sky above it. She felt that if she stared too long, she might fall into the bright blue abyss they created. The weather was beautiful, a warm breeze coming in off the water, making the whole area smell of salt and sea. Birds flew overhead and landed softly in trees with wide leaves and bright flowers. All this beauty and still Jade was on edge.

It didn't help that her father had been lecturing her the whole train ride from District Two. On how to win. On how to make her family and her District proud. He had all but ignored her brother who sat by them, carfully keeping his eyes on his fidgeting hands. She had eventually taken her brother's hand in her own, more for herself than anything. She had been afraid that if she didn't occupy her own hands, she wouldn't be able to keep herself from punching their father. Did he really think I'm going to share this achievement with him? This is mine and mine alone. The ember of anger in Jade glowed softly, but never reached her face. Years of training had taught her to never let people see her emotions. For they could be used against her. So there she sat, her brother's hand held in her own, nodding away at her father's advice like some manic bird.

By the time they'd reached District Four, Jade was thankful for the solace the Olympic Village provided for them. Their father had to find his own lodgings, something likely not hard for a man of his means. He'd flash his money and turn on his charm and before long have a room and a meal without lifting a finger, Jade thought as she tossed her bag in the corner of her room. She didn't even have the motivation to unpack yet. Instead she dug into her duffel and pulled out her tank top and grey cargo pants, training clothes.

Shortly, Jade joined her brother in the courtyard. The other athletes were already milling around, talking and laughing. Jasper, however, stayed away from the others, arms crossed and watching the birds that flew through the sky above. He was sweating and his gaze darted about, but he seemed to calm when Jade stepped up next to him. Worried, she stuck by him, watching the other athletes in the courtyard. She had to keep him calm. To protect him. Just like she had since before she can remember.

After a few quiet moments, Jasper turned his dark eyes to her. “You can meet people, if you want. I’ll be fine.” Jade nodded to him, her brown ponytail brushing her shoulders. "Are you sure?" Jasper just nodded and looked back at the birds circling the courtyard. "Alright, but I'll stay in sight. Just signal."

Putting on her brightest, cockiest smile and her hand on her hip, she left Jasper's side and walked up to a group of athletes.