Random meeting and blood~Nick~

I turn at the sound of the voice and find some guy scowling at me. This was not exactly what I had in mind when I was thinking how it would be nice to be with another person. Being scowled at for something I haven't done irritates me, but I suppose in this case it does look like I was fishing on his turf so instead of scowling back I simply answer back. "My apologies for encroaching. I was not fishing; I was just recovering a spear. Somebody rented a spear from my family yesterday, and they lost it out here." I realized I was speaking a little formally, but since I was on his territory I figured that extending a slightly more formal response was in order. Although, since he appeared my own age I decided to switch back to a simple conversational tone.

I looked him over for a moment. Though I thought I had seen him around before I had never been introduced or come into close contact before. He had a good build for this area, and I could see why he had been granted his own territory for fishing. His looks were also appealing, but I tried not to focus on that. I was trying to remain friendly and didn't want his looks pushing me into my other personality. Still, it was rather hard to ignore his features. What was really catching me at the moment was his eyes. Fortunately he spoke before I could let my mind wander off.

I arch my brow at him for a moment. She was unsure whether she should be insulted that he thought she didn't know what she was doing or if she should think it nice that he at least cared enough to give her a warning. "Actually, I've been working out here for quite some time," she said with a smile. "My family owns the boat and fishing place with the anchor and spear crossed on the front." I knew that most people were familiar with the place; the spear had been put on after her brother died. I shook my head to get the thought out of my mind. "Thanks for the warning about the creatures, but honestly at times I think I'm more endangered by the people and not the wildlife," I said with a slight smirk. It was true; at times the hazards of my job was from people and not from the fish I worked with.

I suddenly realized that we had not introduced ourselves or anything. Of course, he had thought I was fishing on his turf which really wasn't the best introduction to a person. "I'm Nitya by the way," I offered. "I would shake your hand, but I don't really think a bloody handshake would be to your liking." I got to my feet and picked up the spear as I did. I didn't want to have him looking down at me, and even though I was shorter by a good deal, it felt better to stand when talking.

I feel myself relax a little now that I'm letting myself think. I know that I have the right to be here, and quite honestly my brothers could probably take him if it came to blows. Of course, I would never let them do something like that. They could be a tad too protective at times. Besides, there was no reason to fight. As I stood there, I took another look at him. I wondered how I hadn't come into contact with him before. The look of his skin obviously showed that he went fishing and worked in the sun. I knew my family often worked with the fishers in the area, and I saw many coming and going. Yet, I had never seen him in the store. Maybe I was wrong; maybe I had never seen him before this day. It was rather a shame; he was rather attractive, and I wondered what his story was here.

My eyes widen for a moment in surprise, but they soon return to their normal look. I can't say that I was expecting him to say that he'd actually bought something there. I know that we are fairly well known, but our main buyers are the bigger fisher families. Honestly, I'd prefer to sell to individuals rather than the big companies that take all their profit, but it's not really my place. It's nice to know that he knows us, but I still wonder where I was when he came in. "I hope that you found our products in good condition. We work very hard to make sure we offer fishers the best chance possible. Of course, we fish ourselves, but it's nice to have another source of income." It was true; though we live in District 4, I know that families still struggle.

"I am surprised that I didn't see you when you came in. I'm usually working there. I guess I'm usually out on the boat." She wondered for a moment how far his area extended and if he had more than one. He must have some serious skill if he has his own area, and I truly admire any guy that can hold his own. I can't help but smile. "Next time you come by, you should bring in the spear you got. If there's damage we can fix it, and my father may offer you something else. He tends to like working with individuals." I figured that I could tell him that much. While we didn't play favorites, it was just easier to tailor equipment for the individual that was doing the fishing rather than the company. Every person handled things differently.

I have to smile at his offer. While I'm used to cuts, it's still nice that he offered. He seems alright. "Thanks," I say with a smile. "I promise I don't always look like this. Blood isn't one of my usual accessories." I'm not a big girly girl or anything like that, but I usually don't have blood on my hands and clothes. I follow his hand to where his boat is. I only see the mast, but I'm still impressed. He has his own boat; not many here can boast that. At least not many that I'm aware of. They are rather expensive to maintain, and once again I find myself wondering what this guy's story is. It's the first time I haven't put my mask on in a while, so there's got to be something about him.

I follow him and just barely catch his name. "It's nice to meet you," I say. His name sounds so normal to me. It's not a bad thing; in fact, sometimes I wonder why my family decided to name me Nitya. None of my siblings have your average name either. Nick really does seem to suit him; I rather like the air he gives off. "So, how often are you out here?" I ask as we walk. I'm really curious about him, but I'm unsure of how to proceed with him. He isn't like the other people I've met around here. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to be the stuck up sort. I flip my hair so that my bangs aren't in my eyes and look at him with interest.

I am rather impressed by him in general though it isn't really about his looks. I enjoy when guys make their own way, and he had clearly done that. The fish that he was carrying made that evident. While he was good looking, that didn't intimidate me or make me want to swoon. He was good looking, but it took a little more than that for me. I supposed that was what happened when one was raised with only brothers. However, I had to wonder about him. He spoke like somebody from four, but every once in a while there was a different sound to his voice than those of us that had inhabited four for our entire lives. However, he could be from two different areas within four. I didn't know, and I didn't necessarily think it polite to ask.

We came upon the boats and I followed him to his. I stood there for a moment to look it over. Boats have always been something I like, but I suppose I got that love from Indigo. My eyes sweep over every inch that I can touch with my eyes, and I have to admit that I like it. It may not be the largest craft, but it is certainly taken care of. That's always a good sign and an attribute to the person caring for it, particularly if it's only them that does the work. I wonder how he got the boat and how old it is, and this time I end up voicing my question with genuine curiosity. "You take very good care of your boat. How did you get it? Not many people here can afford it, and even if they can it isn't usually as nice as this one."

I look at his catch for the day, and it seems to me that a couple of them on their own will probably bring a pretty decent price. That was one thing I rather missed; I didn't often go to the trade post, but I enjoyed it when I did. It was interesting to see all the people and their catches, and it was even more interesting to see the people trying to bargain for the first time. Something told me that Nick was a very shrewd person, so I had no doubt that his bargaining skills were better than probably some of the older people. "Yes, you will. Wish I could go." I color for a brief moment as that last slips out before I can stop it. Now it probably sounds like I don't go anywhere, which isn't true, but oh well nothing I can do now.

Slowly I sit down and extend my hand to him. It's kind of a mess of blood now since I've been trying to keep the pressure on it. "It means eternal. It wasn't even going to be my name; I was supposed to have a more 'District 4' sort of name, but my mother wanted something different. My brothers weren't really named for any water thing either except for Indigo. Mother actually thought she'd made the name up, but it turns out it means something." I paused for a moment. I'm not really sure how well my name fits me; eternal just doesn't seem right for anybody in the time we live in. "What about you? Nick isn't a name you hear often anymore. It suits you though."

I feel the disinfectant hit the cut, and it stings a lot. Pain is something I can take; I've got a scar on my back to prove it, but this is pretty intense for a simple disinfectant. I don't scream; that just isn't in my nature. I do, however, blink my eyes three times. That's usually how I show pain. There's just no time for that sort of thing in my line of work. "That's pretty strong stuff," I say softly as the sting disappears slowly. I'm surprised by how gentle he is. He wraps my wound like a pro, and I wonder how much practice he has dealing with wounds besides his own. You don't get that gentle by practicing only on yours.

His boat is in such good condition that I feel bad that I've had to walk onto it and get dirt on it. I realize that boats can take wear like that, but it's rather different being on another person's boat. I wouldn't behave the same way on ours, but as I've just met him, it feels a little disconcerting. My father would definitely respect him for keeping his boat nice; some people around here don't worry about that. I laugh at his comment and immediately cover my mouth. I've always hated my laugh. It's kind of a tinkling sound, but it was always a little more girly sounding than she would've liked. I do like his grin; it's got a nice hint of mischief and trouble. It's interesting. "I'm sure that you will have no trouble giving it a nice workout," I say with a playful wink.

Well that would definitely explain the burning feeling. I couldn't believe how much pure alcohol could smart. Thank goodness for my ability to withstand pain; I've never liked showing pain. People already under estimate me the way it is, and showing pain would just add to that. I watch as he finishes off the bandage. It looks great, and it isn't too tight. It looks almost as good as my mother's. He's got quite a touch. "Thanks," I say coloring slightly. "It wasn't that big of a cut though, and I guess getting a spear in the back hurts worse than that." That wasn't a pleasant memory. "Eternal girl? I kind of like that." I offer him a smile and a wink. Maybe talking to people is easier than I thought.

My eyes watch his movements carefully. I'm trying to decide more about him, but thus far I have no idea what he's really about. It makes me want to stay around him more to get to know him. There's just something. I note his frown and turn my own eyes to the sky. It is one of the clearest and the stillest days we've had here in a while. It wasn't really good for anybody. Still, there's always a chance. "Doing some night fishing or something?" I ask curiously. Only certain people are granted those; I guess that the Capitol doesn't necessarily trust what we do in the evening.

I nod my head when he asked about my brothers. "Yes, three older. Hammil is twenty-two; Titus is twenty-one, and Gauis is nineteen. They can be a little protective, but of course I don't always tell them everything I do. It would be absolutely no fun to have those three worrying about me all the time. They're nothing compared to how Indigo was though." I smile as I talk about them. Honestly, the three of them are real sweethearts; I know they would protect me from anything, but if they like you they like you. It's just because I'm the youngest, but once in a while I do things they don't know about. Hey, I have to live right?

I find myself staring up at him. He is so much taller; it looks like I just barely reach his chest. I hear him mention the trading post again. For a moment I'm silent as I consider my options. I like the trading post, and there are some things we need; my family doesn't usually let me go since one of them usually does. It only takes a few seconds for me to voice what I want. "I know we've just been introduced, but would you mind if I came along? I ask. Might as well be direct. "I'll understand if you'd rather I didn't."

While I am excited about going, I have to arch my brow at his comment. "Curious because I'm a girl?" I ask. That seems like the most logical guess. The trading post is mostly dominated by men though there are some pretty great women traders too. Still, his laugh makes me wonder if it's for some other reason. I wonder vaguely if he's taken some form of interest in me, but that doesn't seem like a larger possibility in my mind. I do like his laugh though.

I watch as he gets ready, and I look down at my own feet. I can see all of the scars on them from work, and I have to wonder why I didn't wear my closed shoes instead of my open swimming ones. Of course, I had no way of knowing that I would run into anybody else out there. Hopefully he won't comment on them as I absolutely hate my feet. Luckily, I am drawn out of my thoughts as he offers me a hand.

I could step off of the boat myself, but it's so nice to be treated this way by somebody other than my family. I accept his hand with my own free one while the other clutches the spear.

As we walk, I start to realize what a warm day it really is outside. In all likelihood I will probably get sunburned since I'm sure that the protection I was wearing from the sun has probably all been washed off by now. My face is probably red, particularly around the cheeks, and I'm sure that in a moment I will begin to sweat. While I usually handle heat well, there is a limit. Of course it would be on the day that I meet somebody new and interesting. Though, it doesn't seem like he minds me at all.

I have to laugh at his assessment of my brother's names. "I suppose you could say that. Believe me, they didn't always like them growing up; at least Hammil didn't. Yes, my parents are rather one of a kind that way. They enjoy being creative; they say it gives them an edge because they always have no ideas to try out."

I have to pause before I answer his next question. It's been years, but it still is such painful memory. When I do answer, I don't look at him. Instead I focus on a point far off in the distance. "No, it wasn't the Games. I guess in a way we can be glad about that. It was an accident here. He went out one day to help out with a client, and he ended up getting speared." I pause to steady myself. "I was at home when it happened; five or ten more minutes and I would have been out there too. It was near the house, and my parents were able to be with him. Better than watching it on a screen. Strange to be thankful for. It was a few weeks before the Reaping actually." I stop there.

For a moment I am unaware of where we are. Then my eyes focus, and I recognize the trading post is right in front of us. When we walk in, my eyes immediately start scanning. Once in a while I offer a nod at somebody I know, but mostly I'm looking at the goods and comparing them very quickly as I follow behind Nick.

It's obvious that he knows where he is going. The man he goes to is one that I have seen around but have never met. His eyes rove over me, and I wonder what it is he's thinking. Then he sees the fish that Nick holds, and I'm excited to see Nick in action. However, I hold a neutral expression on my face so as not to push things one way or another. My father taught me that bringing a person along on a deal can be risky since the simplest expression or movement by them can cause the price to go up. Of course, this was after Indigo had gotten too excited on his first trip to the trading post with my father.

Watching the exchange, I have to say I'm impressed. Nick is a gutsy trader. Few people that I know adopt that strategy. It almost makes me smirk to hear him yell down to somebody else, but I catch myself and internalize the feeling. The trick works, and I have to say that Nick got more than many people do. I wonder how long he's been trading for. My opinion of him is increasing the more I'm with him. After the deal is over, I speak in a rather hushed tone. "That was brilliant. I love watching trades; strategy is fun. You're a real natural. How long have you done this?"

His touch on my back surprises me. My eyes dart over, and I see that he is grinning which makes me smile. It feels natural for some reason. Rarely do I feel this much like a friend after knowing somebody for so short a time. I tap my finger to my cheek as I name off the things I need. "I need a knife, some disinfectant, and some cleaner as well as some oysters. Unfortunately, oysters aren't our business, and we don't get them by the house." I feel in my pocket on my swimming shorts to make sure that I still have everything. Immediately I feel the goods to trade which includes one of my own pieces of jewelry and of course some tesserae.

I don't know what it is about Nick. Usually I put up a wall to protect myself from other's until they get to know me, but this is different. I'm actually talking to him as though I've known him my whole life. I'm sharing things with him and going with him to the trade post. It's all very strange, and I don't know what to make of it. It is a good feeling, but at the same time I worry that for the first time somebody has gotten past my defenses so easily when I know so very little about them. When there are Games and other things to contend with, one doesn't usually let people in as quickly. At least, I don't because I never know what will happen next. Seeing so much death did that to me over the years.

Quickly I pull myself away from these thoughts as Nick tells me about his experience. It is surprising that he's only been doing this for so short a time; it confirms that he is definitely a natural. "Yes, the older ones are definitely good for that. Of course, I have a feeling that you put your own twist on things. Am I right?" I ask with a twinkle in my eye. It doesn't seem likely that anybody would give up all of their trading secrets, so a twist is bound to be in there somewhere. There always is when bargaining which I suppose is a reason that I like it. "You really are quite good for so short a time. I might have to try that once in a while," I say.

My mouth turns up into a half smile and half smirk at the warrior comment. "I think that's what people think of all of us Demont siblings. We're always after some sort of weapon. Hazard of our business I suppose. Honestly, if I were to be a warrior, I'd sooner have a spear or two long knives." Watching the games, I have decided that my best chance would be with those. The spear is my favorite, but I know that I can handle knives as well from working with fish. "Although, I'd be a pretty interesting warrior. I don't necessarily take orders well all the time." I note the nose wrinkle at the oysters, but I'm silent about it. They really aren't for everybody.

Looking at the goods in front of me, I have to say that I'm impressed with a few of the knives. While there are some mediocre ones mixed in with the good, I know that I can pick a blade. I do a cursory look, trying not to show a particular interest in any of them, and I quickly narrow it to two. Acting with disinterest, I pick up one of the ones I'm not interested in first and then go on to examine the other two. Holding them it is clear that one has better balance and is just a bit sharper than the other. While we do have sharpening tools at home, I know that it is best to buy a sharp one to start with. Quickly I note a few imperfections and then start out. "How much for this one?" I ask nonchalantly as I hold up the blade. "Thirteen." He must be joking; it is a good blade, but it isn't worth that much.
"I've seen a trident sell for less. Look at the handle. There's a chip in it, and there's a bend in it as well."
"Well, I'll give it to you for ten."
"You're trying to take advantage. I bet you'd start at that with somebody else. I'll give you seven or I can take my money elsewhere." I fix him with a look and cross my arms. It appears that I have indeed called his bluff as he starts to fidget.
"Fine." "Thank you," I say as we finish the transaction.

The next trade goes a little more smoothly. I have traded with the woman for shellfish before. She has trouble hearing, but she knows how to trade. I'm able to get enough food for my family with only four tesserae which is pretty good for Coral. Bargaining for disinfectant is a little more difficult. The cleanser I get for nearly nothing as everybody sells it, but only certain people are able to get disinfectant that is actually worth having. With the tesserae I have left I know that a deal will be impossible. I pull out the necklace right away; it is a fine piece. It's a blue necklace with stones and shell pieces as well as a very small jewel. With it I am able to procure the best disinfectant in the trade post, and what's more is that I get enough to last us for a few months. In family that works with weapons of sorts as well as on rocks, it is a very dear thing to have. Although, I am sorry to see the necklace go. Still, one can't be too caught up on material things.

"Is there anything that you need?" I ask brushing a hand over his arm. "I have to say I'm enjoying myself."