A lump formed in Lanni's throat as she felt the train disembark from the station at last. It marked the beginning of a new journey, one that she was potentially not returning from. It was a frightening prospect and it admittedly left her rather unsettled. She was simply not ready to accept her death just yet. She had much to live for, even if death was merely the medical process of the body ceasing to function at all. It was like clockwork or a computer and if it was abused or poorly cared for then eventually it would break down. It was with care that the shelf life of a product could be prolonged. This was no different.
The Capitol at least had a way of spoiling their Tributes before they stared death directly in the face. Lanni found herself rather fond of the train's upholstery already so she could only imagine what it was like in the Capitol. She supposed that she would find out in a rather short time. how long was the journey? About a day? Supposedly the Capitol timed it just right to have all Tributes arrive at roughly the same time. It was clever really, no doubt the careful and precise work of some of Panem's skilled specialists. It was undoubtedly one of those small aspects of the whole thing that the tiny girl could not help but to admire.
"Exactly. These specimens have taste." Lanni responded to Chip, taking care to put special emphasis on "specimens". In truth, it was largely what the Capitol folk were to the majority of District 3. Their lifestyle remained so vastly different, almost alien even. It was almost like they were not even part of the same species at all. Nonetheless, they were a species that Lanni knew that she would have to unfortunately grow accustomed to in the coming weeks. Only the other Tributes would remain familiar, despite the circumstances that were bringing them together.
At least the other Tributes were a specimen that Lanni knew she had a chance of understanding.
She nodded as her partner made a suggestion of his own. "He's correct, you know." She seconded as she took a glance towards Marcus. "I would love to become acquainted with the other Tributes and the almightly Wiress who will be mentoring us." The demands of both halves of the District 3 pair was the only cue the Escort needed to drag himself to the next car where Wiress was no doubt killing time. It also left Lanni with plenty of relief, even if just to be away from the high energy radiated from the Capitol folk for a short time.
"Now that we're alone I suppose we have some research to do." Lanni finally turned towards her partner. Naturally, they had probably already shifted to exactly the same wavelength quite some time ago. If one of them was going to come out alive then they would have to study their opposition closely. They had exactly a week to learn everything about their opposition: their strengths and weaknesses, their quirks, and even what made them tick. Why not begin now? It was encouraging enough for the girl to turn on the telescreen and take a seat.
The Reaping Footage began, starting with added Capitol commentary of course. It was only mildly interesting to Lanni who much preferred to see what the commentators had to say about the Tributes themselves. Sure enough it began to play through, beginning with Districts 1 and 2. They unsurprisingly received much praise from the commentators, but the girl fully understood why. The four Tributes were working out to be the standard Career flock: bold and willing volunteers who were ready to smash some skulls in if it meant honour and glory. The District 1 pair in particular also carried the sex appeal that was so common in their District. There was simply no denying that Jewell from the year previous had been gorgeous, a fact that even Lanni who remained indifferent about sexuality could admit.
"Oh hey, it's us. Somehow I seem more dorky on television." Lanni jested as the footage shifted to District 3. The commentators themselves seemed uncertain exactly what to say about the pair, but perhaps it was because they remained so focused on the technology that had chimed out the Tribute's names in the first place. As far as the girl knew they and District 5 were the only Districts in Panem to use such a high tech contraption in their Reapings. A point of envy for others perhaps?
The District 4 pair was significantly much harder for Lanni to read as they flashed on screen. They appeared built as so many from the District were, yet there was fear written all over them. The girl took it to mean they were a possible non-threat, but it was also far too early to tell. Surprises were frequent in the games. Nobody was quick to forget little weak and helpless Kyla who had worked out to be one of the deadliest Tributes in the 44th games. She remained as a prime example that nobody was to be underestimated and certainly not counted out until their face shone in the sky.
"These two could be possible allies I think." The District 5 pair. They caught Lanni's attention almost immediately. They appeared the type who were possibly about as clever as she was. With four brains together they were almost destined to be a formidable force in the arena. At least until that inevitable moment that they were forced to sever the alliance. It would happen eventually. It always did.
Districts 6 through 8 once again were hard for Lanni to read. District 9 stood out, though, providing her with a bit of a shock as soon as the boy had stood up to volunteer shortly after the girl had been reaped. Still more peculiarly they were definitely siblings. With names like Santhe Skyshire and Thatcher Skyshire there was simply no assuming otherwise. They also looked nearly identical, strikingly so. "That pair could be compelling to confront. Siblings, and a volunteer from an outlying District no less. Their District has been nothing but bloodbath fodder for years and suddenly it produces these two. I can just read the anticipation all over their faces." The small District 3 girl decided. Allies? Probably not. Formidable opponents? Quite possibly.
Would District 10 become a repeat of District 9? Allegedly not as the footage seemed to confirmed. It produced a pair of young children, probably no older than thirteen, who were scared out of their wits as they finally made their way atop the stage. The poor dears were probably already doomed and Lanni could not help but to feel sorry for them. Districts 11 and 12 at least appeared to be of some interest. District 12 in particular seemed to be well-equipped this year, luckily producing an older boy, Marsh Greengaze, who appeared to already be rather hardened to the realities of scarcity. It indicated that he was possibly clever and resilient, a definite threat unless they could somehow sway him to their side.
As the footage finally concluded Lanni leaned back and sighed. If this was what she was up against then using her wits was definitely a necessity. It had never been a hindrance for her before and it certainly could not act as one now, otherwise she would end up as nothing more than a corpse; another statistic in the Capitol's sadistic game. "So, Chip, now that we have that out of the way what do you think? Any thoughts or concerns? Anything we derive we can certainly address to Wiress later."
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