royalty has {f a l l e n} | rook

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I still didn't know why in the hell I had been asked to come here, neither of District Nine's tributes had made the final eight. One of them had even been the very first casualty. The other went up in flames, literally, early on in the games as well. It was sad, sure, but tributes like these were the reason District Nine was one of the last ones people thought of when it came to the games. Standing in the large room, decorated generously with diamonds and gold, almost like the stuff was grass in a forest, I watched as the mayor's from One, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, and Twelve were congratulated by gamemakers and Capitol officials while I stood aside with the other mayors, admittedly jealous, with my arms crossed and my foot stomping on the floor.

I was disgusted at my luck as of late. It really was a pity. Tributes that failed to make a splash, Nightlocke, my main body guard, had been sent away to the Detention Center to deal with pesky district residents that tried to escape the clutches of their home unsuccessfully. Not that I needed him, or anything, there were plenty of peacekeepers dying to keep me safe, but I liked having him around all the time. I guessed having a constant was nice in the crazy life I lived. I tossed a few strands of ebony over my shoulder, and tried to keep my gaze on the others, who were trying just as desperately as I was to avoid the fact that our tributes had done the poorest job this year until it was announced that the meeting was adjourned.

An elder face, one that had seen many more reapings than me, and one that currently wore an expression of pride met my envious gaze, and I quickly changed it to one of hospitality. Mayor of District Three, none other than- "Vector Concat!" My words were laced with the sugary tone that was appropriate, especially in Capitol Affairs. One of his tributes had made it to the top eight, the boy, I believed. I couldn't seem to remember the girl, so I assumed she perished early on, perhaps in the bloodbath, like that dreadful Jay boy. That family seemed o plague my streets now, dozens of them ruining my district's name. I wouldn't have been surprised if another one of them was reaped eventually, and I wouldn't have been surprised when they perished. I could never say that out loud, of course. I was supposed to be the leader of my district, always hoping for the best, and promising a better tomorrow.

Vector Concat must have known he had it a lot easier than me. Just a few games ago one of his district's tributes had won the games. Now, only a short time later, and he had another contender so close to winning he could probably already see those happy faces when the food crates arrived. His tribute wasn't one of the most talked about, however, and I guessed his time would soon be up in that arena. Pity. I guessed it was good that my tributes died early on, that way I at least wasn't filled with the false hope of their return, and in that, temporary fame and fortune to my district and me. I had barely even had time to think of such things before Akasha's cannon ended any chance of them actually happening.

Eventually.

Eventually I would share Vector's luck, and my District would produce a victor. I knew that it would happen some time, but when? How much time had to pass- how many games until my district got what it rightfully deserved? I just hoped it was sooner, rather than later. A thick nose and full lips twisted into a smile from the man as he turned to me. "Lovely to see you again," My words were even and fair, and not true at all. Perhaps, if I stood where he stood, things would have felt different, but until that moment happened, I realized I was never going to like the man, even if he was polite and genuine. I took a quick glance at my gown, simple and elegant. Off white, like a dated wedding dress, and form fitting, and silky against my skin. My hair was loose around my shoulders, chocolate strands far too straight for their own good, and constantly finding their way onto my face. I flashed a quick, confident smile to the man, who mimicked my actions. Be nice. I reminded myself, almost as if I wasn't sure I already knew what to do.

come on skinny love just last the year
pour a little salt, you were never here
tell my love to wreck it all
cut out all the ropes and
let me fall

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