going to a place...

[aimshootspark]

...you listen about as well as I do. [Pause.] That's probably not a good thing.

So then why do I seem more ready to face this than you? Isn't this what you wanted? Don't show them your fear.

Comments

[heardyoucall]

Mundanes are foolish, often worrying over stupid things that have no actual bearing on their lives. Of course we have more sense than them.

[aimshootspark]

It must be nice, having that kind of luxury. Worrying over things of no consequence.

[heardyoucall]

Geh. Exactly. Idiots are constantly blissful to actual problems, choosing to fuss and fret over simple things like these ridiculous games they play with our lives.

Myself, I have to deal with assassins day in and day out trying to kill me. I don't worry about anything useless. Useless things should disappear.

[aimshootspark]

I'm sure they wouldn't enjoy these Games so much if they were the ones forced to play them.

Me? I'm tired of games.

waaaaveleeeength~

[heardyoucall]

[Sanzo blinks, then nods.]

I agree. Most of the shit we go through isn't something our mundanes will ever, ever have to experience.

...so what's your story, anyway? It's written on your face that something's eating at you.

[aimshootspark]

[Katniss nods solemnly.]

My story? [She blinks.] Well. I come from a world where sadistic games are normal... happen every year even.

So the idea of jumping from one to another isn't exactly what I would call a great idea.

[heardyoucall]

[He looks her over.]

You're forced to enter them back in your world, then? Tch. How pathetic. The government is always so weak it can't do anything but sacrifice the people it's supposed to serve.

[aimshootspark]

Yeah. [And she smiles slightly, in an almost bitter way.]

Most people who survive once are excused from having to go in again at least. Not that many survive. Still... [But after a short pause...] I'm one of the few who can say I got sent in twice and haven't died yet. They're not really happy about that.

[heardyoucall]

[Sanzo appreciates strong-willed fighters.]

Being forced to fight can sometimes decide much more than whether you live or die.

If you live, you live with the guilt of knowing others died. If you die, you lose.

I would imagine your shoulders are somewhat heavy with your tasks.

[aimshootspark]

[And he's right. So, so very right.]

...Winning comes at a high price. Killing or just watching the other tributes die. And only one gets to live. Well... most of the time.

[heardyoucall]

[Sanzo knows how it is. He never speaks out of his ass about this kind of thing.]

I understand that weight.

[He takes a drag of his cigarette, letting the smoke rise after sighing it out.]

With death, you can do nothing. In living, you can make a difference. Continue to fight, no matter what the cost, and live for all of those who couldn't. You'll find a way to survive through the dark.

Even if it's painful.

[aimshootspark]

All I really want to do now is make sure Peeta, Gale and our families stay safe.

I stopped worrying about myself a while ago.

[heardyoucall]

[Sanzo gives her a very serious look.]

That won't do.

You need to think of yourself. If you don't, you will lose yourself and lose sight of why you need to live. There is a phrase I was taught...

If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.
If you meet your ancestors, kill them as well.
Freed from the bindings of everything, live your life as it comes to you.

Do you understand? You cannot live for anyone but yourself in the end, even if through living you can aid others.

You are you. The most important thing you can do to help those you care for is to not lose sight of how important your singular existence is.