Somedays {zoe}

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charade
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Thinking

Somedays {zoe} Jun 5, 2019 2:36:53 GMT -5

Post by charade on Jun 5, 2019 2:36:53 GMT -5

It was oddly comforting how the training center looked the same every time she was in it. It was a terrible place, and the last place that twenty-three tributes would ever live in every year. But dare she say it, it gave her a sense of familiarity. It was a constant and she had grown used to it.

Katelyn stared into the swirling foam of her cappuccino and debated what else to do with Jacob and Kassandra. Her mentoring advice had always focused on survival skills, but she was wondering if perhaps it was time she branched out.
Capitol meddling aside, it was clear that her way of doing things wasn’t going to cut it anymore.

She took a sip and enjoyed the richness of the chocolate on her tongue. Whether the woman had known it or not, Maya Fel had struck a chord with her. Her plea for Jacob—

Katelyn couldn’t remember the last time a parent had sought her out like that. And then there was Kassandra. An orphan. Katelyn knew what it felt like to be alone in the world, and her heart went out to the young girl. But it was the early morning, and there was plenty of time to figure all of that out. Katelyn needed to keep her mind clear and her head high. She couldn’t fall into the trap of worry and dwelling on the past.

Not now. Not again.

There was so much more to be seen when a person was looking ahead instead of behind. A familiar redhead entered her field of view and she waved her over with a smile. Vasco had taught her that she could keep friends, as long as she didn’t over analyze every little thing and made an effort to quiet her anxieties. “Saffron,” she said, tilting her head. “How’re things? How’s Mace? I heard Kieran has a child of his own now. Are they all here as well?”

Last Edit: Jun 8, 2020 2:12:05 GMT -5 by charade

16 Jul 12, 23:43
GB: I bet you just sit at your computer with a tea cup and a monocle

✨ zozo.
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bloomtodeath

Somedays {zoe} Jun 9, 2019 18:25:42 GMT -5

Post by ✨ zozo. on Jun 9, 2019 18:25:42 GMT -5

She wished she could pick up the phone and call home. Just check. A minute or so, a few words to ease her racing heart and frantic mind - that was all she needed. Just to hear from her mom or Kieran or someone. Paige, could someone please just tell her about Paige-

Every knock on the door she fears the worst and holds her breath, but it's just breakfast or Olive or her daughter. Good things. Like her nephew. Like her sister. Like Kieran. Paige was okay as long as she had Kieran. Saffron had to keep telling herself that. Kieran made her better. Kieran kept her safe. Kieran wouldn't let Paige do anything stupid.

Would he?

A familiar face - one that reminded Saffron miracles really did happen - waved her over. The victor from Ten sighed in relief and welcomed company, anything to take her mind off of her sister. Katelyn was back, somehow. Saffron didn't care how, or why she had disappeared in the first place. All that mattered was that she was here now, safe in the Capitol - or as safe as any victor could be in this place.

"Kate," Saffron smiled, leaning comfortably into a space beside her neighbor. "It's good to see you."

The lower districts all had that trademark politeness in conversation, but it never felt like small talk between victors - at least, not the seasoned ones. Katelyn was no different. At one point Saffron had thought to ask about her absence but decided against it almost immediately. If the Victors wanted to talk to each-other about their sorrows, they simply would.

"He's great, yeah," she smiled again, mind drifting back to her family. "They all are. Mace is a grandpa now - which makes me, well..."

Many different things. An aunt. A godmother. A grandmother - sort of. A proud sister. A mother to a six-year-old aunt. Worried. Saffron laughed off the thought, shaking her head in her hands for a moment.

"His name is Emerson and he's beautiful. Tiny and red and... tiny. Too tiny for the Capitol. We thought it best he stay at home, let them get adjusted to being parents, y'know?"

For a moment she thought of mentioning Paige, but swallowed down her shame. Another time, perhaps. When she felt brave.

"How are you? Kirito, Harb? I haven't seen them yet. Kirito's got another one on the way, right?"

She'd forgotten how easy it was to speak in her colleagues presence. Silently, Saffron thanked the universe for giving them Katelyn back.

they were kids
that i once knew ;

“and men said that the blood of the stars flowed in her veins.”

charade
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Thinking

Somedays {zoe} Jun 9, 2019 22:31:46 GMT -5

Post by charade on Jun 9, 2019 22:31:46 GMT -5

Saffron.

Now there was a woman that had it together, Katelyn thought as the redhead greeted her in return. It was good to hear that they were staying home. There’d be plenty of time in the future for little Emerson to learn about the world they lived in. To think that there was a burgeoning third generation among the victors was amazing. Time truly waited for no one. Emerson was a good name. Swift son. “They’re about as good as you’d expect,” she said honestly. “It was a near thing with Gideon last year, so I think Harbinger is more relieved than anything.”

“As for Kirito,” she frowned in thought, her mind’s eye replaying her interactions with him. “Something’s bothering him, but he hasn’t talked about it.” Katelyn shrugged. She’d have to talk to him later. “And yes, soon there will be another birthday for me to keep track of.” She went on with a small chuckle. “At least I have help getting the cakes ready now. I opened a small bakery in eleven,” she explained as she turned the smooth piece of rose quartz over in her hand, feeling its weight. “If I didn’t think the world was waiting for the right moment to snatch it away, I’d say that for the first time in a long time, I’m feeling something akin to happiness.”

That was the word for it.

Vasco Izar had stirred something in her. The life he had was about as good as it got in eleven, and she admired him and it. She was so tired of facing the world alone. Katelyn knew she had more willpower than most, but that didn’t mean she didn’t get exhausted. Didn’t need a break every now and then. The thought of having someone in her corner, the thought of loving and being loved; it was something she’d never allowed herself to have the time for. It hadn’t seemed like it was in the cards for her. Letting down her walls wasn’t something she did. There hadn’t been many people in life worth the trouble.

Katelyn Persimmon. Fearless. Headstrong.

Afraid of intimacy.

Who would have thought?

She took another sip of her coffee and put the stone back in her pocket. “So, Saffron, any plans in the weeks to come? With so many sponsors willing to wait and see what’s in the arena, I think I’m going to be a lot freer.” She set the coffee down and smiled warmly. “I could use some time with a friend.” It had been a long time since she’d let her hair down. Relaxed. Just relaxed.

There was always something that needed to be done. Something that needed her attention. Someone that needed help. And there always would be. That was fine. As long as Panem was under the iron grip of the Capitol, as long as there were tributes that needed help, she would. Caring about other people was second nature to her.

But it was high time she started caring about herself.