thinking about thegames!

[lucilla]

You cannot be this cruel.

To make me choose between him and Lucius. You know I will not leave my son behind. [ But she can't stand idly by and watch Maximus suffer either. ]

And how could anyone send him to that realm? [ It was horrid, from one arena to another. ] He doesn't deserve such a dreadful fate.

Comments

[polyturtle]

I'm afraid you underestimate the sadism of muns, ma'am.

[lucilla]

[ Please forgive her, Donatello. She doesn't mean to stare, but she's never seen a teenage mutant ninja turtle before...

She's met many politicians at home whom she would describe as reptiles, but only in the metaphorical sense. Still, ever a member of royalty, she minds her matters and nods. ]

It seems that way.

[polyturtle]

Yeah. Its...

[He sighed.]

Its not a good place, to say the least.

[And don't worry, he's used to the reaction.]

[lucilla]

I'm sorry you must bear such a trial.

[polyturtle]

Its...bearable.

[Barely.]

But there are so many who shouldn't be here at all.

[lucilla]

It is wrong to tear people away from their homes. [ Especially for a place as cruel as the Capitol. ]

eeeeeeeeee

[gluteus]

[The face of the not at all impressed - he would not wish the Games on anyone, let alone Lucilla, even if he is still bitter. Though part of him has to admit that maybe she would adapt to the Capitol much more quickly than he would. Out of the two of them, she always was more adept at the politics of Rome.]

I would not take you from your son. [He pauses, frowns.] My fate here is hardly different from that in Rome. The thirst for Games is a universal constant, it seems.

[The only difference being that here, he may never have his vengeance. But they both know that.]

♥

[lucilla]

Maximus.

[ She allows herself a moment of weakness at seeing him again. Her heart strains as her eyes drift over his face, checking for any wounds or scars that she doesn't recognize. Any injuries from his time at the Capitol. ]

...How do you fare?

Re: ♥

[gluteus]

[Even after suffering a second brutal death, he is healthy and whole upon his return the the capitol - his missing ear replaced, the wound in his shoulder gone. He remembers dying, of course, remembers each wound, but they are gone now. It is a magic he neither understands nor questions.

Determined, however, to show Lucilla no sign of weakness on his part, his broad shoulders are held squarely, his gaze unwavering.]

As well as any man, in this place. The games are endless, for who needs to spare mercy for men who return from the dead? [His eyes grow dark, he thinks of Javert, who he killed but has not returned to the capitol.] Most of the time.

[But his face softens as he changes the subject.] And your son? Lucius is well?

[lucilla]

[ Her expression softens as well at the mention of her son, but she can't bring herself to smile. She's torn by the desire to help him and the knowledge that she could never abandon Lucius. ]

Yes. He speaks of you, of your bravery.

[ It's odd, having this chance to talk with him, unburdened by the fear of her brother. For a few fleeting minutes, she can pretend that their nightmare of a life never happened. ]

Is there no means of escape? [ Surely, if it was possible, he would've found one by now, but she still must ask. A Caesar or warrior she may not be, but a master of strategy she always was. ]

[gluteus]

[He can't help but smile faintly at that, but the smile doesn't last as she asks her question - fading into a solemn frown and a shake of his head.]

Escape to where? Rome does not exist, in this place - has not existed for thousands of years. Escape would only bring another kind of prison.

[And let's be honest - the games here are the closest thing that resembles home. :| ]

[lucilla]

Maximus, we have bid our time well. Your new realm may trespass on time, but there must be a way home.

[ Since his return, she's felt hope, something she never thought she could feel again.

They're almost at the height of their rebellion, and she is oblivious to their eventual downfall. ]

[gluteus]

Death, perhaps. [He did not sound convinced.]

I've heard of no other way to leave this place save death, and even that is a fickle opportunity. [Given that he's died... twice... already.]

[lucilla]

[ Sadly, she shakes her head. There must be another way. She could not bear to see him in that state; it was always a risk at home, but one she fought hard to ensure would never become a reality.

What could they do, instead? She was a tactician. Perhaps she could... ]

If I joined you, would there be a way to infiltrate the Capitol?

[orestes]

Does anyone deserve such a dreadful fate?

[lucilla]

No, of course not.

[ Her expression softens. ]

Are you among the captives?

[orestes]

I am.

It is surprisingly refreshing to find someone who references our predicament so honestly.

[lucilla]

Is there any other way to describe it?

[ Brutal, pointless battles sickened her. True, while Commodus ruled the Empire, she kept quiet about his mad ideas for the games. But that was for self-preservation and, more importantly, the sake of her son. ]

You have my sympathies.

[orestes]

It's considered an honor by the locals. [His tone implies just how ridiculous Enjolras finds that notion.]

[lucilla]

[ A notion she finds equally ridiculous, and one that's disturbingly familiar. ]

They don't know better; this Capitol has poisoned their minds. There is no honor in such destruction.

[orestes]

If it were only destruction, Madame.

I'm sorry that you may soon find yourself there. It's no place for a woman, let alone one so reasonable as yourself.

[lucilla]

My thanks.

Perhaps if I do arrive, there is solace. One more to add to a growing rebellion.

[orestes]

If you're willing to accept the risk, we would be grateful to have you.

[lucilla]

The risk is too great, I'm afraid. [ Not for her, but for another. ]

My son. I cannot leave him.

[orestes]

Nor should you be forced to do so, Madame.

[lucilla]

[ She chuckles softly, her tone bitter. ]

I may have no choice, depending on the whims of my mun.

You have a kind heart. What's your name?

[orestes]

I am Enjolras. May I ask your name, Madame?

[lucilla]

Lucilla. Circumstances aside, I'm glad to meet you.

[orestes]

Likewise. And I very much hope that you will not be separated from your son.

[lucilla]

And I hope you will escape soon.

Tell me, Enjolras. Do you know a man known as Maximus?

[orestes]

I know of him. He and I are from different Districts. He's supposed to be very strong, and the sponsors favor him for it. That isn't a bad thing, necessarily. While I have reserves regarding the system in which we are forced to participate, there are advantages to winning the sponsors' favor.

[lucilla]

Which District? [ A pause. ] For both of you.

[orestes]

He represents District 3, I represent District 5. I would be surprised if he knew very much about his District. Unless our mentors are quite different, we exist only to fight for them.

[gruesome]

They obviously do know better, or they'd play themselves.

... Sorry for interrupting.

[lucilla]

But when people are fearful and oppressed by a larger power, it's not uncommon to be swayed easily.

[vissernone]

I'm afraid that they're exactly this cruel. The Capitol doesn't see the economic value of blood ties or romance or motherly affection beyond a way to sell baby formula.

Animorphs ♥

[lucilla]

[ Her stomach twists at those words. ]

Despicable. And what are the names of these tyrants?

<3

[vissernone]

Mundanes, or so I've heard. And NPCs.

[lucilla]

And the names of those in the Capitol who are responsible for these games?

[vissernone]

Snow. Cruentus. But it doesn't matter; it's institution, more than anything.

Let's voice test together, shall we?

[akingalways]

Its not so bad for everyone, you know.

You just have to play your cards right.

sure!

[lucilla]

And how do you plan to do that?

[ Another strategist, she suspects. ]

[akingalways]

I don't need to. I already won!

[lucilla]

[ Was she mistaken? Is he one of the rulers in the Capitol? ]

You have?

[akingalways]

That's right.

The winner of the 72nd Hunger Games, Jack Atlas.

[lucilla]

You are a mentor, then?

[akingalways]

The King of Victors!