Flynn's Shield @frankel @ani

Sitting in the office, my mind would be elsewhere while the commanding officer rambles on about the reports in District Two. Glancing at the clock, I’d watch the second hand as it rolls ever so slowly around the oval face. How I wish I could make it go faster. Having one eye on the officer, my attention would be brought back to Earth as he says ”That’ll be it Rutter, you can be off. I expect you to be at the post tomorrow, sharp…and on time.” Nodding, I’d rise from the desk before departing from the office. As the door closes behind me, a sense of freedom would be bestowed upon me as I have the night to myself…well kind of.

I have acquaintances in Two that needs to be dealt with before I have time to relax…

Walking down the corridor, I wouldn’t be happy to be back in District Two. I had hoped to remain in the Capitol longer although my leave was planned wrong; I had hoped to be off work during the entire games season although it seemed my scheduling wasn’t very good. Working in the Districts while the games was on, was too much work. It was bound for some of the citizens to revolt and cause a fuss, which meant more work for me. I always thought that if they’d seen others being arrested or executed for the same reason in the last games, they’d learn not to rebel. But it is hard for their soft brains to comprehend sticking by the rules. Thankfully however, higher Districts such as Two weren’t as bad due to their children actually wanting to participate in the games which is just as confusing as rebelling against them. Recently I have been working in Two quite a lot and hopefully I’ll be permanently posted here, due to a ’on the side job’ I have going.

The wage for a Peacekeeper isn’t enough for me so I had to find some other way of earning some extra cash and a nice job rolled in perfectly. There are many people in the District like the man I work for and they have people helping them-helping them to have the Capitol look the other way and that is what I do. All I have to do for this Flynn is make sure nobody finds out about his operation and I untangle any mess that he may find himself in, it is simple. Although it would be simpler if the man wasn’t as intimidating as he is, we’ve an insurance policy to make sure we do not betray each other and it works well. Over the years I have grown immune to his intimidating appearance. We have grown to be…not friends but acquaintances and I like the whole concept.

Stepping out of the academy, still draped in the white armour I’d look around for the man. We had planned to meet at a pub but he was to wait outside the academy and we were to travel separately to the pub, one of the routines to make sure we aren’t followed. Spotting him by the tree, I’d watch as he’d walk away slowly before following from a far distance behind.

Walking into the back entrance of the pub, I’d go into the male bathroom, changing my attire. If anyone saw a peacekeeper in this particular pub drinking, everyone would become suspicious and cause a hiatus and I am not in the mood for that. Due to Flynn basically owning the owner of the pub, formal clothes had been left for me in one of the stalls. Swapping the armour for a clean cut grey suit, I’d step out of the bathroom.

Pulling a comb from the trouser pocket, I’d neaten my hair before heading off towards the table where he sits.

Slipping the comb into my pocket, I’d spot the man at his table. Pulling out the chair, I’d speak before I sit down. ”Good day to you Flynn and how are you?” Sitting down, I’d pick up the glass filled with the fine dark ale that is calling my name.

Raising the glass towards Flynn, I’d knock back a gulp of the alcohol, before placing it back down onto the table. I’ve been craving that all day. Travelling on the train and hovercraft has taken a toll on my energy, despite District Two being as close as possible to the Capitol, travelling around really knocks the energy out of me, which is why I prefer being permantley posted somewhere. Even though the Capitol would be an ideal place for me to be posted, with its luxuries and lack of crime, District Two is the only second alternative. No slums, less chaotic crime (even with the gangs lurking about) and much more luxury on offer. As well as the on the side jobs which are available, I never got all of that while being posted in Twelve.

Watching the bubbles drop down the glass of beer, the taste would remain inside of my mouth, stinging my taste buds as it flowed down my throat. I’ve never liked the alcohol in the Districts, it tastes too bitter. There are much finer liquors on offer in the Capitol, which is why I have my own person stash under my bed. Only on a special occasion shall I share it with anyone else and Flynn will be lucky to be that recipient. Maybe a pay rise and he’ll be able to get his hands of the greatest Capitol Bourbon cocktail that has ever existed, for a pay rise will be the money to fund such an expensive bottle.

As Flynn spoke about the girl in the academy, the name would be un-familiar as I haven’t had a chance to check out the new cadets, although the Captain would likely remind me that it isn’t a part of my job description however getting hands on information about the girl will not be a problem. When Flynn mentioned very attractive , I’d quickly try to shake the thought of him being with a young woman from my mind. Glancing at his face, I’d find it hard how a woman could fall for that intimidating appearance; he would give my Captain a run for his money…even President Snow in the intimidating look competition.

Nodding with every word of Flynn’s, I’d acknowledge all of the information that he throws at me. ”It won’t be too hard to find out if she is a mole or not.” Taking another sip of the glass, I’d try to fish out any valuable information that he may need, failing to do so. ”No there is nothing to report on this end. Peacekeepers have been too busy with the games to worry about anything else, nothing for us to be concerned about.” Keeping a hold onto the glass, I wouldn’t want to end the conversation so abruptly. ”So how did you find this girl then?”

Cradling the glass, I’d rest back in the wooden chair. Tar filled smoke fills my lunges, contributing to the passive smoking that has built up over time. Despite never getting into the addiction, it is hard to hide from the effects of it. Most high ranking peacekeepers across the District have some sort of tobacco stuck in their mouth. Although higher the District, the more bizarre the contents of the thing between their lips. We swipe away the illegal drugs and alcohol from the citizens, just to consume it ourselves. Maybe it is the stress of the job, however if I ever hit that low, I wouldn’t sought out highs to get me going again…I’d just quit the job.

Taking a sip of the ale, I’d listen to Flynn’s explanation of how he retrieved the girl. Shuddering, I’d try to push back images in my mind of him lying with a young woman. Many peacekeepers, especially in the career Districts, buy themselves lovers. Occasionally they’ve tried to set me up with a woman…and sometimes a man although I turn them down. I only like to have romance when it is true and with my history with love, I am not currently searching for a new one, even if men have their needs.

Glancing at Flynn over the rim of the glass, as soon as he had finished his little explanation, I’d plant the glass down on the table. Covering up the circular stain which had built up over time, due to the lack of coasters, I’d contribute to it as a trail of the alcohol runs down the side of the glass. ”Good camouflage hiding amongst the peacekeepers, she sounds like an intelligent type.” Nodding with my own words, I’d hide back the last few sentences that remain in my head. Highly intelligent, especially seeing as she got herself out of the prostitute trade. I know Flynn would not agree with such words, seeing as he dabs his had in the trade himself.

I’ve never found anyone intimidating, although Flynn is one of few who could break that truth. The man has people wrapped around his finger and I am nearly one of them. I keep his secrets and he keeps mine however I have had second thoughts recently. A shake up in the peacekeeper system has meant that the Capitol is cracking down on criminals, offering rewards to peacekeepers who work well. I know turning in a whole criminal gang would land be with an hefty reward but there is still the risk of him letting out my secret although would the Capitol look past that, seeing as I have shut down the biggest gang in Two?

”I’ll get looking as soon as I go back to the Academy.”