the joke's on you

18. District 2. Life of the party, but I'm sure you already knew that. RP Blog. FC Ansel Elgort

[camdenshaw]

Milk & Cookies || Kyera & Camden || Stables

[mayflowerkyera]

I was almost at a loss for words again when he told me to guess his name and I immediately wished that I had paid attention to all the Reapings, but thankfully, he gave me his name.  “Nice to meet you, Camden from Two,” I giggle, gaining a little more confidence, as I extend my hand to him.

I bite my lip and think.  “I really like the first District’s.  It’s very powerful and pretty, especially the girl’s.”  I look around again.  “Nessa’s is very pretty, too,” I smile, remembering from earlier when I had spoken to her.  “And yours, of course,” I quickly add with a chuckle.  “I don’t know about sexy, though,” I chuckle, biting my lip again.  He seems like a jovial type and joking with him should be safe enough.

[camdenshaw]

Thankfully, Kyera opened up a little bit. She seemed so nice and sweet, meaning that I probably won't push her buttons too much. It's so hard not to though. But I have to remember everyone back home is always pushing each other's buttons and that's not the case here. 

I think back to the parade. One, one...what did they look like? They were right in front of us, but North and I were so caught up in entertaining the audience that I guess I didn't really notice them. Whatever, I could watch recaps later if I wanted.

"Where is Nessa from? Did you like her?" I asked, softening my voice up just a bit. I was sincere, but I also wanted to seem as friendly as possible. So she already met another tribute, I wonder how she thought of her. If she wasn't particularly enthralling, maybe I could skip meeting here, especially because it would be easier to beat her that way. 

I laughed, the wall was falling down. "What? You don't think I'm sexy?" I feigned utter appall at her accusation. I placed my hand on my chest and gasped. "I don't know what to do now, my whole world has been turned upside down." 

[miss-mika-v]

Pretty Pre-Hysterical || Camden & Mika || Stables

[miss-mika-v]

I laughed. “No not cheating, just… catching up,” I purred. “Well I think you can still look forward to that considering all your meals are free until the area. After that you’re on your own, Cam.” 

I shook my head. It’s a shame he wasn’t looking but I suppose there wasn’t a whole lot to see with the flowy nature of this dress. I perked up and grinned devilishly. “You wanna peek, huh?” I handed him my drink for a moment, strutting away and pausing before glancing at him over my shoulder and lifting up my dress to expose my sexy lacy panties my prep team had put me in. I shook my hips a little and laughed before letting the fabric fall back around me. Returning back to Cam I took my drink and swallowed it down. “You know I don’t run around doing that for just anyone,” I teased, even though I probably would. 

The subject quickly changed to his partner and he took the chance to get a little more serious. “Beat your ass?” I asked. “You think she could… are you telling me you’re scared? You admit she’d competition?” It spoke volumes if he considered her a threat. One, he was sensible enough to know that girls are powerful creatures. Two, he wasn’t an egotistical maniac that couldn’t bear the thought of a girl beating him. Three, he didn’t seem to have enough of an attachment to her to not beat her himself.

[camdenshaw]

What Mika did was not what I was expecting. In my head, she was just going to turn around and show me her ass and I would laugh and continue flirting with her. This was unexpected, but still okay in my books. 

"That is a very nice piece of underwear," I said, grinning. There was so much more I could say, but I stopped myself. Not tonight. "I don't know Mika, I think if a stranger on the street asked you, you would happily oblige." 

She went from flirty to serious in no time flat. I half-smiled, taking another sip of my drink before answering. "Scared? Hell no. But, she is a Career, like me, so of course she has just as much training as I. Besides, winning without competition really isn't winning, know is it?"

[camdenshaw]

Milk & Cookies || Kyera & Camden || Stables

[mayflowerkyera]

I don’t know if it’s the nerves or because I’m just generally an anxious person, but I stutter over my own name.  “Ky-Kyera.  From Seven,” I mutter, fidgeting with my fingers now.  “Do I get a name in exchange?” I smile, trying to feign some confidence.

I look around.  “I don’t want to insult anyone’s costume, though,” I say.  “I don’t think I have a costume that I dislike.  So long as it signifies the District they come from, I think it looks just fine,” I say.  “I mean, yours is… interesting, though I’m not sure how cavemen really relate to masonry…”

[camdenshaw]

I liked that Kyera was at least trying with me. "I guess you could my name..." I gave her a smile and continued. "I'm Camden, from Two ." 

She seemed like a super sweet girl. "Aw really. You can't chose anyone? I promise I won't tell anybody," I pleaded, with fake sincerity. "I believe it's because they are the first stone workers. They used stones all the time and would work with them to make them into other items to help them out."

"I think also because they can make cavemen look sexy, not that they needed much help. Whatever I wear just is sexy." I had to even out the normal, intelligent words I spoke with super conceited ones. 

[camdenshaw]

Milk & Cookies || Kyera & Camden || Stables

[mayflowerkyera]

I chuckle at his response to my stuttering.  He’s like a typical Career: confident and charismatic.  I just hope that I don’t rub him the wrong way to get myself targeted once we’re in the Arena.

I blush a little.  Did he mean the view of him or… “Yea,” I stutter a little more.  “Everyone’s outfits look so nice, even the little toast boy,” I chuckle a bit.  “Favorite?”  I mull it over, but I’m so nervous from being put on the spot by this boy that I can’t come up with a clear answer.  “I-I like everyone’s costumes,” I finally mutter out with a shaky smile.

[camdenshaw]

"So you're a diplomat I see," I joke. "So what's your name? Or do I have to guess?" 

It was a little uncomfortable talking to this girl. Not because she was mean or unstable or anything, but because she wasn't really talking to me. Almost all of the people I ran into at the Academy were out-going and always ready to have a conversation. Running into this sort of girl was a little bit of a curveball. 

"Since you don't have a favourite, how about the worst costume? And you can't say mine because I'm standing right here and I know I look fantastic."

[miss-mika-v]

Pretty Pre-Hysterical || Camden & Mika || Stables

[miss-mika-v]

"Hey I’ve already had a couple, so I was a little ahead of the game until you swallowed those two down like water," I smirked. 

"Dinner?" I pouted slightly, batting my eyelashes. "Sadly they didn’t let me bring my credit card with me to the Capitol so I guess we’re both shit outta luck." He moved my fingers away, denying my playfulness. He’d said I was beautiful but he wasn’t letting me in, I wondered what his deal was. Most guys didn’t give me much of a fight. 

"The name’s Mika Valentino," I replied. "District One in case you forgot who’s fine ass you were staring at during the parade." He handed me a drink and I nodded in thanks, sipping a little as I noticed he slowed down. "So Camden, explain the caveman get up to me then. Because as far as I can tell you have yet to throw a girl over your shoulders and carry her off to your cave… I’m beginning to feel slighted. That is… unless you’ve got your eye on that District Partner of yours?" I was familiar with the fact that Careers often knew each other and it was no secret that they did, given the events of their Reaping. And even my own mentor had fallen for his partner. 

[camdenshaw]

"So you're saying that I'm cheating?" I asked, pretending to be hurt. 

"Aw man," I say sarcastically. "I was really looking forward to a meal paid by someone other than myself." 

"It's nice to meet you, Mika." I say, extending my hand. "Sorry I wasn't staring at your ass during the parade, I was staring at my already adoring fans in the stands. But if you want I can take a look now." I added. Being flirty and obnoxious was always fun. 

I wasn't particularly sure how I should approach the whole North thing with Mika, She seemed like she just wanted to get in my pants, but that could be just a ploy. It was sort of working because I did want to get into her pants. I decided for brushing it off and trying to change the subject. 

"I definitely got an eye on her. Gotta make sure she doesn't beat my ass in these Games." I tried to look serious, but ended up just taking another large gulp of my alcoholic beverage. 

[miss-mika-v]

Pretty Pre-Hysterical || Camden & Mika || Stables

[miss-mika-v]

Excellent. He was already well within my grasp. I offered him a playfully giggle at the compliment and nodded. “Aren’t you the luckiest little thing then? Or big…” I inched closer to the hem again, seeing how far he’d let me go. 

He downed the drink instantly and was ready for another. It seemed as if the room was swimming with avoxes with trays full of drinks because as soon as he’d finished he found another. I swallowed mine down quickly and sighed with satisfaction. 

"Is that a challenge?" I replied with an interest. My brow was raised as the drink hit his lips again and the drink disappeared. "I’m all for getting drunk but you should really pace yourself, two. Sloppy drunks never make for good lovers," I teased as my fingers traced over the bone stitched into his costume. "Now maybe next time an avox passes by you should get me a drink. But if we’re going to play, would you at least tell me your name?" 

[camdenshaw]

"Of course it is. It's no fun when I'm the only one getting drunk," I teased. The alcohol was warming up my extremities, making me feel light and airy. My eyes widened as this girl got closer and closer. 

"Whoa handsy. You gotta buy me dinner before you go south," I taunted, gently pulling her fingers away from my costume. There was nothing more ego-boosting than having a girl hit on you. As much as I wanted to, there were other forces at work that stopped me at this moment from diving right in. 

"I'm Camden. And who do I have the pleasure of meeting tonight?" I surveyed the room for more Avoxes and pounced. I picked up a drink for my lady friend and a drink for me. I drank it a little slower this time only because I was ordered to do so. 

[miss-mika-v]

Pretty Pre-Hysterical || Camden & Mika || Stables

Sloane slipped away from me, leaving me all hot and bothered and alone. I swallowed down the rest of my drink and searched for another avox. The night was young and I wasn’t done drinking, and I was feeling pretty social at that. I was surprised I wanted to meet someone else, but maybe I was just hoping to let someone finish what Sloane had started. 

I grabbed another drink and glanced around the room, my eyes finally landing on the boy from Two. He was alright, cute enough, but most of the male tributes were simply not my type. Since he was as close as I was going to get, I figured I’d feel him out a little bit. And at least I would get to crack a joke about the giant club he was carrying around. A second drink in tow, I strutted right up to him with a smile plastered on my face. 

"You know, that loincloth of yours is awful short. Surprised nothing’s popped outta there… unless that club’s compensating for what you’re lacking?" I teased, laughing at my joke as I brushed the hem of his costume with my finger before handing him a glass. "Have a drink with a girl would you?"

[camdenshaw]

After Kyera had wandered off, I was left to my own devices. I was debating on whether I should head upstairs, maybe see North, when a lovely looking girl interrupted my thoughts. 

This girl had some balls. I laughed, taking the glass from her hand. "The only thing I was lacking was a slight buzz and a beautiful girl to talk too. But it looks like the universe has answered my prayers."

The glass was empty in three seconds. I placed it on one of the passing Avoxes and raised my eyebrows. The next Avox that passed had some more drinks so I plucked one off and smiled. "Can you keep up?" 

[camdenshaw]

Milk & Cookies || Kyera & Camden || Stables

[mayflowerkyera]

After conversing with the adorable August, I walk around a little more before I head back up when a boy with a glass of milk stops me.  I think that was supposed to be a pick-up line but I’m left stunned and speechless.  “I, uh, I’m sorry, what?” I ask, looking like a deer in headlights.  I cross my arms over my chest to stop the ruffling of my top in hopes of covering up my skin, and I’m seriously wishing that my stylist had let me wear a bra.  My neck feels warm from the embarrassment I’m feeling.

I gulp and try again.  “Sorry, I’m not too sure how to really respond to that,” I giggle nervously with a shaky smile.  This boy was from Two if I remember correctly, a Career.  I grew a little more nervous now that I put two-and-two together and realized that a Career was talking to me.  Was it because he thought I would be an easy target?

[camdenshaw]

I grinned, taking a sip of the milk I had brought over. She was definitely a little bit confused about me. As she stuttered, I went over the Reaping in my head trying to figure out where she was from. 

As she giggled, I figured out that she was from Seven. So not a Career, but she could be a threat. But from her response to me, it didn't seem like it. But stranger things have happened then the quiet one winning or making it far in the Games. 

"A little taken aback by my larger-than-life personality, aren't you?": My cocky attitude was shining through, possible fueled by my costume. "I'm Camden by the way, from Two." I held out my hand for her to shake.

"Enjoying the view?" I asked, gesturing to the ensemble of characters around us. "What's your favourite costume?" 

[camdenshaw]

Milk & Cookies || Kyera & Camden || Stables

Leaning on my club, I surveyed the room from the refreshment table. I was a little tired, but the thought of meeting some of my competition fueled me. These were new people. I could use some old jokes and they wouldn't groan. Some of them wouldn't be sick of my shit and being a goofball. 

Excellent. 

There were a few people that I could talk to, but I spotted a girl that looked like she would be interesting to talk too. She was very pretty and that kind of drew me to her right away. But mostly, it was because she was sort of on her own at the moment. She wouldn't be distracted by other people. This girl could focus on me. 

I sauntered up to her with a glass of milk in my hands. "Hey. I know milk does a body good, but damn girl, how much have you been drinking?"

I smiled and raised my eyebrows, hoping she would get that I was joking and wasn't serious. 

[watchoutformutts]

Esmeralda Themis is looking for an attractive, charismatic tribute who knows what they’re doing.  After watching the parade, she has her eye on North Kaledon, Elias Jacobs, and Camden Shaw.

[camdenshaw]

Tribute Parade Commentary: District Two

Caesar: Here comes District Two, another strong Career District, and in fact we have two Careers this year, unlike District One.

Claudius: Yes, surprise volunteer North Kaledon and top male in the Academy, Camden Shaw. I think we can agree to expect great things from these two.

Caesar: Absolutely. In fact I expect a fabulous costume... wait... well, that's something, isn't it?

Claudius: Cavemen, Caesar? I don't believe I've seen that before. I suppose they were the original stone masons, were they not?

Caesar: Indeed they were Claudius. The costumes look familiar, let me just... look... something... up.

Claudius: In the mean time, let's get a close up of North and Camden. They certainly know how to work the crowd, smiling and waving, very much like well-trained Careers would do.

Caesar: Ah! Yes here it is. Pebbles and Bam-Bam! How adorable is that?

Claudius: The Flinstones! *laughs* How clever! If only they'd painted the horse like Dino! *laughs more*

Caesar: Claudius you are too much! Those two are certainly confident and the crowd is really reacting well to them

Claudius: That North is a beauty and Camden, well isn't he goofy, the way he playfully clubbed North over the head with that club. Already eager for weapons!

Caesar: Hopefully that's not foreshadowing, Claudius! She's just precious the way she's shaking her finger at him as if to say 'hands off' or clubs off! *laughs*

Claudius: Their smiles are refreshing, they both look extremely excited to be here!

Caesar: I swear... I swear she just blew me a kiss. Did you see that?

Claudius: Sure she did, Caesar.

Caesar: She did, I know she did. *blows a kiss to the camera* That's for you North sweetie!

Claudius: Well they are pulling to a stop next to District One, let's see what Three has in store!

[hostofthegames]

District Two Costumes: North Kaledon & Camden Shaw

[maliaaugustine-blog]

tributes for the 36th annual hunger games!

[northkaledon]

The Joker and the Queen || North & Camden || Train

[northkaledon]

Camden’s intense story about his weird little sidewalk was oddly enough not the weirdest thing I knew about him, so I had a few laughs as did Lace and Sky. Sky was right- they wanted to know everything. Our weapons, how long we’d been training, our family lives, how long we’d known each other. After Cam’s story I talked about my ranseur and Lace made some notes on her tablet, promising to put in a good word for me to find one in the arena. 

Soon enough, we were in the massive tunnel leading to the Capitol. I jumped up and ran to the window, not even caring about losing my cool. I pressed both hands to the glass and gasped loudly as the massive buildings towered around us. “It’s so beautiful,” I whispered, eyes wide. “We’re actually here.” Cam joined me and we both stared out the window, eyes wide.

"Here come the fans," Lace added, and there they were- huge crowds of thousands of people. Cam and I started waving, grinning out at the crowds. I was so excited I wanted to wriggle and squirm, but I took a long breath and kept my composure, focusing on waving. "Let’s go, you two!" Sky exclaimed, gesturing to the door as the train slowed.

[camdenshaw]

The people were waving at us, excitedly - we must have been one of the first tributes to arrive in the Capitol. Together, North and I crowded the window like the people outside crowded ours. We waved and blew kisses before being ushered out by Lace and Sky. 

We were attacked from all sides by the fans. They wanted us to sign various objects and body parts. Some of them thrust themselves at me and others at North. We were paraded along, Sky on my side and Lace on North's. The apartments weren't far from the train station so we walked, North and I wanted to get closer with the people - hoping maybe for some sponsorship later on. 

The door to the tributes' quarters swung open when we arrived and we herded up to our new home for the next week or so. It was beautiful and lavish. A large dining table dominated the immediate space, but it opened up to the side and a beautiful couch faced a television screen. 

I flopped onto the couch, awaiting what Lace and Sky had prepared for us next. I knew it was dinner, but I didn't know exactly how it was going to be served. 

[northkaledon]

The Joker and the Queen || North & Camden || Train

[northkaledon]

"Exactly. Like… I still can’t get over it. And then there’s those ones who like literally sacrifice themselves for their partner and that is just absurd. Have you studied up on the sponsors much? That ex-Gamemaker Stella apparently just eats that shit up." I rolled my eyes. "I don’t get it."

I was thankful we’d stopped hollering at each other. Regardless of what happened in the arena, right now he was my only sure competitor and at least he wasn’t a total idiot. I was sure that we’d probably argue again at some point but for now it was fine. “I’m excited about the other shit too, but I’ve been waiting to meet these other tributes my entire life. I’m a social butterfly, you know that,” I stuck my tongue out playfully.

"Damn straight it is," I added, reaching across to clink my champagne glass to his glass of beer. "It’s been too long since Two brought a Victor home. With both of us there’s no chance it won’t be us again." Morocco had been three long years ago. It was time for another one. And as if on cue, in walked Lace and Sky. 

Lace grinned brightly as she hurried over to us. “What’s up, superstars? Ready for action?” She sat down next to me and Sky took a seat beside Cam. “I just got the first look at your footage, you looked fantastic. The whole broadcast should be up when we arrive, so I think we eat dinner in front of the television and have some entertainment with our food. What do you think?” I nodded eagerly, waiting for Cam’s response.

[camdenshaw]

I nodded, happy to get the lowdown on what was going on. "So we're going to be there soon?" I asked, taking another sip of beer. 

"Yep. It shouldn't take much longer to get you on down there," Sky replied, clasping his hands together. "So, now that we're all together I wanna know everything about you guys." 

I grinned, settling in for a barrage of questions from Sky and Lace. "So, Camden, what's your favourite thing about District Two?" Sky asked, crossing his legs and staring at me with interest. 

"My favourite thing is probably this piece of sidewalk in front of the weapons factory. It's a funny story actually...." I continued with my story, pausing for effect and laughter breaks. It was nice to have the attention for a second. 

The mountains sped past. The forests that lay at the base, getting smaller and smaller until we got close enough to see the tunnel that led to the Capitol. It was sort of menacing, a huge black hole surrounded by this beautiful rocky surface. I was going to make a joke, but I decided to just drink in the last natural surface until we entered the Capitol. 

[northkaledon]

The Joker and the Queen || North & Camden || Train

[northkaledon]

I rolled my eyes as he got all snippy. He was such a child. Just because I didn’t want to run away from all my problems. I dealt with it the way I had to. Quietly. “You’ll never understand so don’t try to,” I said evenly, my heels clicking along the floor as I paced back and forth, wringing my hands.

What a dick. Clearly volunteering hadn’t changed him at all. “Better get used to it or I’ll push you off the chariot tomorrow,” I said sweetly, finally stopping to delicately nibble a cookie. He was being such a little whiner baby about this. Vera was boring as sin, so why was he complaining? At least I’m fun. And, from the moans he gives, I’m good in bed. And I’m pretty. I can fight. I’m the whole package. 

"Oh, I can tell that. I just see it every year, like it’s so weird. Why the fuck would you fall in love knowing what we’re getting into, you know?" I shrugged, perching on the arm of the chair. "I’m excited to get there, see what we’re up against," I said after a few minutes of silence. "Shouldn’t be long now, right? We’re like, maybe two hours from the Capitol from home."

[camdenshaw]

"There's no fucking logical explanation. Why get into something when your heart is going to get broken or you're going to die? It seems so hopeful? And so stupid." The love stories are never the fun part for me. The fun part is the crazies. They always had a little twist to the story. 

We are done arguing for now. I guess we had reached a point when we both knew the other wasn't going to let up. We were both so goddamn stubborn. 

"Only you would be excited about the fucking competition. Not for the beautiful city or the excited superfans or the amazing food that's laid out before us." To prove my point, I picked up a platter full of these dainty little pastries. I stuffed one in my mouth. "Delicious." 

"Plus, your only competition is sitting right across from you." 

[northkaledon]

The Joker and the Queen || North & Camden || Train

[northkaledon]

I laughed, half in disbelief. “No shit, Sherlock.” I snapped. At least my black eye was mostly covered now, thanks to Mother’s excellent makeup job. “It’s just the way things are, Cam. This was how I took it into my own hands.” My tone was clipped but I wasn’t yelling. I didn’t want to alert Lace to our issues.

"Acting like if I’d just gone and lived with you it would’ve been all fixed? Look, I know he will, but they’re as used to it as I am. When I get out of here they can come live with me." He was trying to make me feel bad but I had no time to worry about that. He was just another of the twenty-three. I had to keep telling myself that, just because we were friends didn’t mean I’d let him live. "I could deal," I said crisply.

He was smacking around his glass and his jacket and I rolled my eyes. “What’s your fucking deal?” I snapped. “I just don’t want everyone making us be all couple-y, because trust me, I’d snap your neck before I cooed about being in love with you at the interviews, Shaw.” 

[camdenshaw]

"Fine. Whatever." I was snippy, but there was no point. It was kind of like talking to a log. Plus, there was nothing we could do about it now.

She was so fine with it all. North had been dealing with it her entire life I guess. Fuck, it made me sort of mad though. Not really at North now, but more at her dad. My family was full of love and support, how could you not be like that to your daughter and other kids. I was obnoxious, but not when it was important. Plus my family accepted me like that. 

"Thanks, glad you're here too." I said sarcastically. Another swig of my beer was necessary. I wanted to win, but she was my friend too. I wasn't expecting this sort of thing to be thrown in to my experience. I guess almost 4 years of friendship was going down the drain when we went into the Arena. 

"Yeah being in love with me is so hard to imagine right? Like I would ever be in love with you either, missy." I rolled my eyes, I guess the Capitol would make that conclusion. But anybody else that saw us with each other would probably think at best we were estranged frenemies.