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

[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.