Barely There...

Hey, uh I'm Cayden. I'm not the best with people so forgive me if I offend you, most likely it's not on purpose. I'm the Mentor for District 8 for these Hunger...Games.

[cayden-joseph]

Old Friends

Cayden was in his cellar, picking out his best bottle of wine. Only he would be drinking it of course, Marcus never preferred wine. He was always wanting something stronger. Cayden finally found the vintage he was looking for. He grabbed it and headed back upstairs.

He was filling a glass with the vintage he had chosen when he heard a knock on his door. "It's open!" The door opened and his friend Marcus entered his suite. "Hey Marcus, I missed you." He wrapped his friend in a tight hug. He had missed Marcus, still he hated to see him under these circumstances. "You got a letter too?" he held his letter up to show Marcus. "I cannot believe what they are doing for the Quarter Quell." He tossed a hand up to the air, "I get that they want to spice things up but," Cayden sighed, "aren't children enough?" He took a drink and he grimaced at the thought of old men and women and four year old children dying at the hands of others far more vicious. And he thought he had seen everything. 

[theoddsareeverinyourfavor-rp]

Cayden Joseph | District 8 | Mentor | 48 years old | Victor of the 44th Games

Cayden was born and raised in a small tenant apartment in district 8. Cayden’s mother died as she gave birth to Cayden’s little sister, Kendra. Cayden loved his mother, he was 10 when she died. Cayden’s father went...

[h-o-l-l-y-w-o-o-d-l-o-v-e]

[wren-golde]

Black Tie | Cayden, Wren

Wren’s fingers tugged at her hair.  Morphling, morphling, morphling.  No, no, no.  Her fingers twisted and pulled sending short bursts of pain through her nerves.  It helped lift the fog from around her.  She couldn’t just wander aimlessly all day.  It would only push her closer to the edge, closer to the drug.  Any other drug was fine, in fact they lined her pockets, but morphling she couldn’t.  She needed to find something else to do.

She spent a long time looking at the elevator buttons. She couldn’t go back to 6.  Lila was no longer around to talk to in 7.  Neither was Aleks in 2.  Harrison was gone, even Calloway whom Wren had never talked to was gone.  Wren knew that her relationships with them had always been shallow and blinded by the drug, but she need someone.  Fingertips hovering over the buttons Wren racked her mind for where to go.  The button lit up as she pressed down.  The small 8 shone brightly as the elevator ascended to the District 8 apartment.

"Hello," Wren called stepping off the lift.  She glanced around the apartment.  As in all district apartments, the art seemed to be themed based on the main industry of the district.  In her apartment there were a lot of train pictures, as if they didn’t see enough back home.  Here the pictures were of fabric and other textiles.  The Capitol designers really didn’t have too much creativity, did they?  "Cayden, are you here?"

Venturing farther into the apartment Wren followed the familiar path towards the mentors’ bedrooms.  It was the same layout as her apartment two stories below.  Living area, kitchen, tribute rooms, and finally mentor rooms.  Then she found him.  He looked like he was dressed for some sort of sponsor event.  Ew.  Sponsors were unpleasant.  Though nearly all of Wren’s interactions with them ended in her body being sold, so she wasn’t exactly the best judge.  Burton seemed to like them just fine.  The thought sent a scowl across her face, though she wasn’t sure whether it was because of Burton or Capitol sponsors, or both.  Probably both.  She pushed the thoughts and scowl away.  ”Hot date with the Capitol crowd?”

[cayden-joseph]

Cayden was sitting on the edge of his bed, still in a little shock. He figured that he shouldn't be, he knew things like this happened when you were a mentor, but he just didn't think it would happen to him. Cayden had just come back from a meeting with a potential sponsor. Matthias was already dead, and Amber didn't need anything at the time, but there was a great chance that she would be in need of something later that could save her life and Cayden wanted to be there and supply for her.

He had taken a car over to the sponsor's house and had dinner with her. All the while they were talking about the Games, and Cayden's Games and how he won. Cayden had even laid on more charm than usual, really trying to seal the deal for Amber. After dinner, they were served dessert, which was some delicious chocolate cake. Then once that had finished the meal, they made their way into the living room and were talking on the couch. Cayden was beginning to get annoyed at how long it was taking to get an answer from this woman. Once he began to talk numbers, the woman had practically attacked him. Cayden had backed up off the couch and asked what she was doing.

Of course, she was only going to shell out if he put out. Disgusted, he left and returned to his room. He didn't want to let Amber down, but sex with a stranger for money? He was not a fucking prostitute. He was so frustrated, that he didn't even hear Wren coming into his room until she appeared in his doorway. He met her gaze.

"Oh fuck no." He stood up and pushed past her and into the kitchen, he needed a drink. "Not the fuck now, that shit is nasty." He drank a full glass and was in the middle of pouring another when he looked to Wren, "Sorry, I am so rude. You want some?"

He began to pour her a glass too. He finished his second glass and was pouring a third when he asked, "How about you? What are you up to tonight?"

[cayden-joseph]

Another Failure || Self Para

Cayden had said farewell to Matthias before he had left for the arena. But he had traveled with Amber all the way to the room with the tube that would lead her into the arena. He had wished her luck and promised that if she needed anything, that he would do his best when it came to giving her what she needed.

The ride back to his room was a long one, he was incredibly nervous about what was going to happen during the Games. He had already lost Kendra, but he was still worried. He could still lose his aunt, or Annie if he didn't please the president. He was offered a portable hologram on the way back to his room, as always so that he could watch the beginning of the Games. He didn't turn it on and left it sitting next to him in the seat of the car. He decided that he would just watch the recording when he got home.

As far as he was concerned, if he didn't watch any of his tributes die, then he could pretend that they were still alive and no one was in any danger. When he got back to his room, he went straight to his bottle of scotch and he quickly drank a quarter of the bottle. He continued to drink while he called down to the cafeteria and he ordered a feast for himself.

Once it arrived, he began to eat. Of course he couldn't eat it all, but he wanted to taste all of them. Tasting these delicious foods was going to take everything off of is mind, and the scotch helped. He had lobster, crab, steak, caviar, snails, lamb roast, and a few desserts that he couldn't remember the name of. One he had had his fill, he was full of foods and scotch and he fell asleep on the couch. When he awoke, it was well into the night and he knew that he needed to turn on the Games. The president was going to notice that he hadn't been watching and just because he was a Victor, doesn't mean he didn't have to watch the Games. In fact, it meant the opposite. Plus, he couldn't let his tributes down, and what if one of them needed him right now?

He grudgingly turned on the hologram and turned to the Games. They were already recapping from the whole day. It looked like only 5 tributes had died today, and the faces were flashing on the screen. Then he saw him. Matthias. It recapped his death, he was killed by that over-zealous lesbian from two. He sighed, Matthias was always so trusting, and he had always been so kind to him. He dropped the glass that he had been holding and walked to his window. Amber was still alive, he still had her and he wasn't going to abandon her just because he lost Matthias.

After all, one of his tributes was going to have to die anyways so that the other could win, maybe that was happening now, ahead of time? Either way, he went to sleep that night feeling remorse and hope at the same time. 

[cayden-joseph]

Caesar Flickerman: Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome to the stage Cayden Joseph Mentor from District 8. Everyone give him a round of applause. How are you tonight?

Cayden: I am well Caesar, as I hope you are!

Caesar Flickerman: How are your Tributes feeling about the Games?  Do you feel that you have prepared them as much as possible for the arena?

Cayden: I believe Amber is ready. She knows what she is capable of, and we have discusses multiple strategies, so I believe I have prepared her well. As for my male tribute, he keeps to himself so I can't really speak for him. I believe in Amber though, smart kid.

Caesar Flickerman: With this being the Quarter Quell, do you think having Tributes of various ages has been any more challenging than usual?

Cayden: More challenging n the fact that people will have to deal with killing children and elders...yes. Maybe not more physically challenging, but we will definitely see some people break...emotionally.

Caesar Flickerman: Now, outside of Training with your Tributes, how has your time in the Capitol been?  Any noteworthy events since arriving?

Cayden: Nothing too exciting,  the Capitol hasn't changed much since I was last here. Still beautifully amazing.

Caesar Flickerman: How are your relationships with the rest of the Mentors?  We always love Mentor drama as well as a Mentor romance!

Cayden: Well they are well enough as people, some I like more than others though. Romance? *rubs the back of his neck* Not me with another mentor but I hear...stories...*laughs*

Caesar Flickerman: Thank you Cayden and we wish you and your Tributes the best of luck!

[cayden-joseph]

Fighters || Keegan & Cayden

[keegangates]

  "Shut up."  Keegan replied flatly to his comment about Cyrus’s bedroom talents.  "And actually, the one time we did actually fuck, it was atop the Training building, so maybe he’s horrible actually in bed, probably is.  So there’s your tip Cayden - go be a litle bad ass and do it somewhere where the entire Capitol can see."  A giggle escaped her lips along with a dramatic eye roll.  "That one didn’t impress Snow too much."

"Romance is terrible.  Sure I’ve been hurt, I think you’re a smart man, you can put the pieces together."  She answered.  "And let Cyrus know that I’m hurt, I think any woman in their right mind would be."

"You know what’s funny?"  Keegan mused, half actually asking, half being rhetoric.  "Actually not even funny, but interesting.  Snow used to love me, always gave me preferential treatment and everything.  Then since I got knocked up, it’s a completely different side of him. He’s a douche too, all men are…sorry."

"Her name’s Clara….real obnoxious little thing."  She answered his inquiry.  "Have hardly seen her since we’ve arrived in the Capitol, Avoxes seem to be excellent nannies.  And plus that’s probably for the best, I mean, if Snow is going to make me keep my Mentor position, the least they could do is take the kid of my hands."

[cayden-joseph]

Cayden shook his head, "I am not going to tell Cyrus anything. I am not a messenger, and I don't enjoy telling everyone other people's dirt. I find it boring. Not to mention that I have never even met Cyrus." Cayden picked up his water bottle and began unscrewing the lid. "But I imagine in woman in your position would be hurt, I'm not denying that." He took a drink while he listened to Keegan talk about President Snow. How great would it be to have Snow on your side? Snow actually like you, actually look out for you...that was something he had never imagined.

He knew it wasn't Keegan's fault, and that it was probably the alcohol getting to him, but he was mad about it. Keegan. A spoiled district 1 mentor who can fuck around and get knocked up and then never have to even deal with the baby, got special treatment from the President. While Cayden, a mentor from 8 that worked hard his whole life to be both parents for his little sister only to have her killed by the President because he wasn't doing well enough. Cayden knew that the Capitol was messed up in their dealing, and he knew that the President was a piece of shit, but that didn't make it any easier whenever it was flaunted in his face.

Especially now, when some drunk princess was whining about some guy giving her great sex and then giving her a baby that she never has to deal with. Cayden felt genuinely sorry for her daughter. All he did was shrug and say, "Well you shot that blessing in the face when fucked around with no condom, huh?" He gave a slight chuckle and took another drink, replacing the lid. "So are you going to be the 'norm' for  mentor parent? You know, the never seeing the kid, not really playing with it, hiring other people to take care of it, the all around not really caring either way?" Cayden thought about his own parents, mostly his father. "In this day in age, not many kids are lucky enough to have a parent like that mentor from three."

[cayden-joseph]

Wanderers || Wren & Cayden

[wren-golde]

Wren gratefully accepted the bottle Cayden offered to her.  The liquid was warm, but she didn’t mind.  Cold, room temperature, or boiling, the effect was the same.  She’d be drunk, or at least some sort of tipsy.  That meant a brief moment of comfort.  In the Capitol comfort was scarce.  Moments were few and far between.  The games only offered more general despair.  It hung on everyone she came across, mentors and tributes alike.  She glanced towards her new companion.  Despair was obvious on him too.  Wren had no idea whether that was new or not.  She couldn’t recall ever knowing him before the current games had begun.  Maybe it was the games that put him this way.  First year mentors had it rough.  But the games would be over soon enough, and that was something Wren would drink to.

"Couldn’t sleep, drank some alcohol to help, it didn’t, took some drugs to help, again it didn’t, ended up here," Wren answered putting the bottle to her lips and taking a swig.  It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence for her unfortunately.  Several times over the past year her housekeeper (or babysitter, whichever you preferred) had found her wandering the house or even Victor’s Village in a daze.  "Can’t complain about the outcome though.  I’ve ended up in worse places.  How about yourself?"

[cayden-joseph]

Cayden assumed that more often than not, most mentors have tried drugs. Many different kinds, all because they take you away from where you are. Cayden had never taken a drug, he was always so scared that he would get hooked, and if he did Kendra would be so disappointed in him. Cayden had always felt a lot of respect for people that have gotten over severe drug addictions, because of how dangerous they are. After all, he had first hand experience of that from his father and once he saw that, he swore to himself that he would never be like his father. So when Wren mentioned drugs, he made a note of it. Not that Wren wanted a babysitter, and not that he was going to follow her around and watch her every move, but if something were to happen and she disappeared, he could tell someone maybe. It just made him feel better to know who was in danger, a side effect of being an older brother.

He shrugged, "The same thing. You get certain things in your mind and then you can't get to sleep because your stupid mind starts to wander." He took another swig of the bottle, "So, what do you think of your tributes this year?" Cayden wasn't too interested in Wren's tributes, but he didn't want the conversation to end yet, because she seemed like a good person and he wanted to get to know her.

[amberwithfire-deactivated201505]

Reaping Recap || Amber & Cayden

[amberwithfire-deactivated201505]

  Amber listened closely to her mentor’s words. After witnessing so many Games first hand, he would know all about the Careers. She could only hope he was right though, when he said they would be stuck without any essentials. “Survival skills is hopefully something that I can handle. Back in the district, each day was a struggle.” She paused briefly before adding, “Then again, there was no one back there trying to kill me. Less pressure.”

Before long, the mentor of District 3, Ray Rivet, appeared on the screen. Within a moment, the next tribute was being called. Elenora Sonya, was her name. For the first time since the recap started, Amber saw someone that didn’t immediately terrify her. Elenora didn’t appear to be physically strong, much like Amber. In fact, she may of written her off completely, if she hadn’t noticed the look of pure loathing in her eyes. The gleam in her eyes looked so familiar, that Amber could only assume the hatred was target towards the Capitol, just like it was with her.

Next to the stage was the male tribute, Zachary Cartwright. Amber could honestly say, he was the more bizarre looking man she had ever seen in her life, outside of the Capitol. His face was covered in a skull tattoo. He looked like the type of person that would haunt a child’s nightmares. She could only hope that the tattoos weren’t an analogy for something. 

“What’s your opinion on these two?” She asked, unable to take her eyes off the male tribute.

[cayden-joseph]

Cayden nodded, "Don't worry, you will definitely be able to handle survival skills. They are that big of a problem to learn, of course if you don't learn them, you can really screw yourself over." Cayden went back to the cabinet that held the alcohol and fixed himself another drink. He wasn't looking at the hologram, but he was listening. They were at district three, and Ray was up and calling names. He liked Ray, one of the few mentors who wasn't full of shit.

When Amber asked what he thought, Cayden looked at the tributes for the first time. Of course, he was going to be honest, "Well Elle seems like a user. She is probably going to get close to a few tributes and get inside their heads to see what they are good at and find out ways to kill them if they don't agree to be her ally." He took a huge gulp of his drink and continued, "As for tattoo-face? He will probably keep to himself, something tragic had probably happened in his past. He is probably very smart." Cayden shrugged, "I am not the best predictor for who people are going to turn out to be and honestly," he pointed to the hologram, "I don't give a shit about those two, the person I give a shit about," he pointed to Amber, "is you. Please don't take that for granted." He finished his drink.

"Please, tell me more about what you plan on doing in the training center. Or if you have any plans for the arena, that would be nice."

[cayden-joseph]

Fighters || Keegan & Cayden

[keegangates]

  "Although, maybe it would be good if you did drink it all."  She countered.  "I drink too much anyhow.  But it helps…helps with life…helps with everything…plus there’s more where that comes from…actually, I’m surprised the Avoxes haven’t installed a vodka tap down in District One apartment for me."

Keegan laughed at his obvious reaction to her fight and her comment.  “Didn’t think I could do that well, could you?”  She teased, grabbing the flask from him and taking a long sip.  “You also weren’t expecting the whole daughter thing were you?”  For all the publicity that her pregnancy seemed to get in the Capitol, Keegan was honestly surprised that more people didn’t know about it.  However, publicizing it throughout the Districts would have only caused questions.  Press in the Capitol gave the citizens something to Fawn over, something to keep them occupied until the Games begun.

"Yeah, that’s a word you could use to describe him.  I prefer other four-letter words, but it works."  Keegan let out another loud trail of giggles, the alcohol was doing its job, making everything okay, making it feel right to laugh and smile.  She could see the look that Cayden gave her, he understood.  It seemed as if everyone did except for Cyrus himself.  He was too busy worrying about his own self gain.  What he had done to her was the least of his worries.

"He’s a great guy, he really is, real good in bed…not that you care…but anyhow, romance is shit, so things between us are far from over.  So now, I drink.  And I have to admit, drinking is better than romance any day."

[cayden-joseph]

Cayden couldn't help but smirk when Keegan mentioned that Cyrus was good in bed. "No, you're wrong. I am actually really interested in how great Cyrus is in bed. In fact, if there are any tips that you think you should share that I could pass along to other women, please," he put his hand to his chest, in mocking sincerity, "please do not hesitate to share." There were dozens of questions running through his head, but of course he wasn't going to ask any of them, at least not right now. Keegan seemed to be way more intoxicated than he was, this was the first time they had ever really talked, and the last thing she probably wanted to hear was question after question from some guy that didn't know her.

However, when Keegan said the romance was shit, he couldn't hold back a comment. "Romance is shit?" He asked, taking the flask from her and having another drink, "Bullshit." He wiped his mouth and handed it back to her. "The only people who say that romance is terrible are people who were not only hurt by someone they seriously trusted, but even though they were hurt, believe it or not, they still want and trust that person." He wasn't  being condescending, he wasn't even accusing, he was just stating something that he found to be true. "But of course, they would never want the other person who hurt them to know. How pathetic would that be right?"

Cayden shrugged, "But don't get me wrong, drinking can definitely be more fun than romance. Of course that depends on who you are with and why you are drinking, speaking of which-" Cayden took the flask once more and finished it off and tossed it back to Keegan, "There, I finished it, like you suggested." He liked Keegan, he didn't know her very well, but she had a certain spirit that most of the other mentors had lost, and she seemed nice enough. "So," he continued, "what's her name?" He was interested in the daughter, and wondered how she was faring with her.

[cayden-joseph]

Fighters || Keegan & Cayden

[keegangates]

  "I’m absolutely horrible but thank you for asking."  Keegan smirked at the man, watching him go through the motions with the artificial holograms.  He was agile and his strength was evident through every moment he made. 

"Not bad for an old man."  Keegan teased, shrugging at Cayden after he finished the cycle with the holograms.  She had to admit, he was skilled, but now she wanted to test herself against the holograms.  It had been too long since she last tried to physically fight much of anything, it would be good for her. 

"Cyrus Alderate."  Keegan answered confidently, any kind of self control was pushed out of her system once the alcohol entered, the filter was gone.  "You probably have heard of him, right?  District Eleven Mentor, real douchey."  Keegan chuckled at her own description.  "You know, the whole romance bit, always causing drama." 

Keegan took a few steps to the control module for the hologram training station.  She quickly reset the settings and prepared to start her own round.  But before starting, she held out a large flask that she had been storing.  “Here, I do have manners, I don’t go anywhere without bringing some vodka…just don’t drink it all.”  Keegan offered before pushing the start button and jumping into the perimeter.

The first hologram quickly appeared and she quickly turned to hit it square in the back with her elbow.  She watched as the blow made the hologram buckle over.  As it came up to retaliate, her foot made it’s way straight into the pelvic region of the hologram.  “Right in the balls.”  She laughed as it fell to the ground.  Quickly running back to the control, she paused the demonstration. 

"For giving birth three months ago, I’m doing pretty good."

[cayden-joseph]

Cayden held his hands up at her comment of his age, "Hey now, I don't think it matters how old I am as long as I can still kick ass." He laughed slightly at his own joke when she blurted out a name. Cyrus Alderate. He had heard of the name, but he never met him. Nor was he too keen to do so. From what he had heard, Cyrus was an asshole. Of course, there was more than one mentor that was an asshole. It made sense after what they had been through, but Cayden didn't want to be around them.

Cayden caught the flask that she offered and a big smile grew on his lips. He turned it over in his hand a few times. "I won't drink it all, that's a dick move. It has been done to me tons of times and it sucks." He opened the top and he took a nice, long drink, but he still left plenty in there to get Keegan beyond black out wasted. So he was being a true friend. Cayden set the flask down back by her stuff and he watched her fight the hologram. She was swift, and she definitely didn't beat around the bush when it came to taking someone down.

When she kicked the hologram in the nuts, Cayden almost lost his breath just imagining the pain that would cause a man. His hand hovered over his own, as if he was afraid that she was going to his him next. He realized of course that this wasn't going to happen, so he removed his hand, feeling a little relieved. As she began to laugh, he really saw how deep she was hurt. He had no idea what had happened between her and Cyrus, but it must have been pretty bad if she would come down here late at night and kick some hologram in the nuts and laugh as she paused it. He was curious to know what had happened, but of course he wasn't going to ask.

When Keegan paused the demonstration, Cayden assumed she was going to ask for her vodka as a mid-fight refresher. He began to reach for it when she made the comment about having given birth three months ago. Cayden's eyes went wide with surprise. Birth? Three months ago? He was pretty sure that not many mentors knew about that, as he had never heard any conversation about it before. Then it hit him. Why Keegan was so pissed off, exactly what Cyrus had done to cut her so deep. She said the whole romance bit, but then called his a douche and kicked a hologram in the nuts. Cyrus knocked her up, that idiot. And apparently, he wasn't doing anything about it. Cayden normally would have held his composure a bit better, but he had been drinking so instead he said, "Holy shit. Cyrus must really be a prick."

[cayden-joseph]

Wanderers || Wren & Cayden

[wren-golde]

  The lobby was a big open space.  It wasn’t a place many people passed through.  The tributes went through only once, after the chariot parade and opening ceremony.  Then the lobby didn’t seem so big.  After the ceremony the hall was filled with twenty-four tributes, at least twelve mentors, and prep teams for each tribute.  The bodies milled around and distracted from just how big the hall was.  Wren wouldn’t have noticed anyways.  Those nights were always a race for the elevators to get out of there as soon as possible.  Mentors had more freedom, they could come and go practically whenever they wanted.  Still Wren never gave the room a second glance.

That was until now.  Now she sat in the middle of the room, her head tilted back to see the ceiling.  The architecture was nice, beautiful even.  It would be better if they were on the top floor and the sun could shine through.  There were teenie little lights lining the ceiling, so even though it was night, shadows sprayed around the room.  It was pretty in an eerie terrifying sort of way.

Wren wasn’t sure how she ended up in the lobby.  She had been in her room, then went for a smoke on the roof.  It went better than most smokes Wren had taken on the roof.  Not that it meant much considering most of Wren’s roof outings ended with fire.  But then Wren had found a baggie of pills in pocket.  After that everything went blurry and she some how ended up in the lobby.  Now she was practically sober.

Footsteps indicated the presence of someone else to the room.  Wren glanced at the bottles in her fellow mentor’s arms.  She smiled up at the man, she was pretty sure it was Cayden.  Wren nodded in response to his question.  A drink was nice no matter what the time.  ”Now that’s my kind of midnight snack.”

[cayden-joseph]

Cayden nodded back and said, "Alright." Then he walked over to a little table and searched through many other little cupboards until he realized these were all bare. He really didn't feel like going all the way back up to his room just for some glasses and he doubted Wren would want to do that either. He had an idea, although it wasn't 'proper.' Then again, when he looked at Wren, she seemed like the type of person that wasn't 'proper' and didn't want to be. He unwrapped the tops of two of his bottles of scotch and took off the lids and handed a bottle to Wren.

He kept one for himself and took one long swig. He swallowed and let the warm liquid run through him. He wiped his mouth and gestured to her bottle, "You obviously don't have to drink all of that, it just saves time." Cayden tried to remember everything he knew about Wren, which wasn't much. Then he tried to remember everything that he had heard about her, which was a lot. People talked in the Capitol. Mentors were some of the people who knew that the best. Therefore, Cayden wasn't going to believe anything that he heard about anyone until he heard it from their own lips.

Wren seemed nice enough from the way she acted. Although Cayden knew all about acts. He was in the middle of one himself when it came to anything with the Games, and his sister. Plus, Wren had never pissed him off, and he could always use one more companion that he didn't hate. "So, what brings you down here so late?"

[cayden-joseph]

Letters~Self Para

Cayden,

Hello. I hope you are alright. I know you are handling everything just fine on the outside, but you never had a chance to really cope before you were taken off to the Capitol. I know that you will do the best to your abilities for those tributes. I just wanted you to know that no one here blames you for what happened to Kendra.

Brad is gone, I don't know where. Matt went over there after what happened to see how he was holding up. Well, they got to talking and it became pretty clear that Brad blamed you. He told Matt about that awful letter he sent you. Matt got so angry he punched Brad. He actually knocked out a tooth and Brad fell to the ground and he didn't wake back up for hours. (I thought you would like that.) When Brad finally did awaken, he packed up and left.

He was a jerk, but you always knew that. I have visited Martha often, she is holding up just fine, but she is extremely worried about you. As am I. We all miss you here, and we love you. I am always here for you, and so are all of us. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

                                                             All My Love, Annie

Cayden folded the letter carefully and put it in his pocket. It meant the world to him. Although he blamed himself for Kendra's death, but it helped that not everyone in the world did. Annie was right, he did love that Matt hit Brad. Hard. He couldn't help but laugh a little when he thought of what it must have looked like.

That's why he loved Annie. Even her brother, Matthew was amazing. And Martha...Annie didn't forget Martha. His aunt, his mother's sister. Martha was the closest relative he had that knew his mother. He loved her, he did everything for her and she was the sweetest woman in the world. Kendra never did like her though, they were always fighting. It got awful, there could never be in the same room together. Cayden always assumed it was because they could both remember his mother together, while Kendra never knew her. But now he would never know.

He missed Martha, and Annie, and Matt. All of them, all the people he forgot that were there for him. Now he remembered that he had something to get home to. And with any luck, the odds would be in his favor ad he might just actually bring home a tribute this year. The only way this could be any more perfect was if Kendra was still here. For the first night since Kendra passed, he actually fell asleep thinking of how amazing Kendra was, instead of what a monster he is.

[cayden-joseph]

Fighters || Keegan & Cayden

[keegangates]

  Most of those who resided in the Training Complex were already sleeping.  However when peering out the window, Keegan could tell that parties were still going on, and honestly they never quite ended in the Capitol during the Hunger Games.  Wealthy investors making bets on who would win and spectators crowded around the giant television screens documenting coverage of every moment of Training.  In every year prior, Keegan would be all over the opportunity to mix and mingle with the elite that resided in the Capitol, but this year all she wanted to do was drink.

Depression could be a word for how she felt, maybe it was postpartum, maybe it was heartbreak, probably a bit of anger as well.  And the only option she saw feasible was drinking.  She needed to get out of the apartment, even if for a short while.

Before heading to the elevators, she stopped by the nursery that had been set up for Clara.  Thankfully she was sleeping peacefully and didn’t stir when Keegan grabbed a half finished whiskey bottle off of a nightstand, taking a long sip before leaving the room.  Then, she was headed for the Training Center.  Riding down the elevator shaft, getting ready to pummel something artificial to get some excess anger and energy out. 

However, once she arrived, Keegan noticed that she had some company.  “Cayden, it is a pleasure seeing you here this fine evening.”  She greeted with a smirk.  “Always good to have company when you’re down here, no?”

[cayden-joseph]

Cayden jumped and looked up. He was just about to press start on the simulator when he heard her voice. He recognized her, Keegan he was pretty sure that was her name. He didn't know her very well, but she was right, some company was better than no company at all. And he had no reason to dismiss her. So until she proved herself to be bad company, he would take it. He gave her a little wave with his hand.

"Oh yeah," he looked down at the dials again, "I guess I'm not the only one who ever gets the feeling of beating the shit out of something. How are you this evening?" By now he had clicked start and he had walked into the center of the mat, waiting for the hologram to appear. The hologram finally made itself known and Cayden took his stance. The hologram lunged towards Cayden. Cayden barrel rolled just to the right and grabbed the hologram's leg and pulled it back, making it fall flat on what would be it's face.

Cayden rolled over on top of it and held his knee hard in its back. As the hologram struggled under the weight and pressure of Cayden's knee, Cayden pulled up and turned the hologram's head sharply and quickly. The hologram's head fell in an unnatural way and it stayed still. Its neck would have been broken had it been a real person. The hologram slowly started to disappear and Cayden looked over at Keegan, "So? Who pissed you off enough to send you down here?" He jumped over the rope and headed towards Keegan, he could smell alcohol on her. "And without any for me too? They must have made you really mad to forget your manners," he joked.

[cayden-joseph]

Fighters || Keegan & Cayden

Cayden was trying to fall asleep. It obviously wasn't working, but he was still trying. He needed to be in the best possible mindset to help his tributes. Of course, the alcohol he had had wasn't helping and he was no closer to falling asleep. Cayden hated laying there doing nothing in the dark because then it led to thinking. And of course when he began to drink and think, it all led back to her. Kendra.

Cayden couldn't push her out of his mind, he didn't want to. He missed her. Since this whole ordeal he had had no one to talk to and he was feeling more alone than ever. All of that he would normally be able to handle, but he could not live with this guilt. He was torturing himself inwardly, and he was on the brink of doing the same thing outwardly. The only thing that had stopped him from using that drug was Kendra. How disappointed she would be if she saw what he was doing to himself.

He had to get out of his own head, before something awful happened. He got out of bed and put on a white tank top that went well with his black shorts he already had on. He wasn't one for all of the Capitol fashion, he usually wore the more simple clothes. He went into the kitchen and grabbed a water bottle and headed to the elevator. He pressed the button that would take him to the training center. If he didn't want to torture himself physically, then he would just beat the shit out of something.

When the doors opened, he set his sights on a station with wrestling. You could fight with a training hologram, and no matter how hard he tried, he wasn't going to be able to kill anyone. That was a positive. He headed straight to the station, without noticing anything else. So much so that he didn't notice there was anyone else there, using the training center this late as well. He was too busy setting up the settings he wanted for a wrestling partner. 

[cayden-joseph]

Wanderers || Wren & Cayden

Cayden was laying down in his bed, watching some stupid show on the hologram. It was 3 in the morning, he should be trying to sleep, but that was pointless. Cayden never slept. He was either too tired to sleep, or too awake and aware of his surroundings. He was just finishing his glass of scotch, his signature drink, when he got too bored for the hologram and turned it off. He got up to pour himself another glass of scotch, but when he got the bottle out, he saw it was empty. He hadn’t noticed that he had finished the bottle, or maybe he had. He was a little tipsy so he couldn’t really remember, it could’ve been either one.

He went into the living room and checked all the cupboards and the fridge, even the pantry. Nothing. He rolled his eyes and groaned. He didn’t feel like waking up an Avox to get him another bottle. He also didn’t feel like he wanted to sleep. He decided to go to the downstairs kitchen and sneak himself a bottle or two until he could ask for more tomorrow. After all, if he didn’t get them now he was going to be forced to face himself and he wasn’t in the mood to be depressed nor did he feel like killing himself today.

He left the apartment and entered the elevator. All the way down and even while he was on his way to the kitchen, all he could think about was how cold it was to him. He nosed around a bit looking for the scotch and finally he had secured three bottles. He made his way back to the elevator. He wasn’t even trying to hide the bottles. He wasn’t sure if he could get in trouble for this or not, but he didn’t give a shit.

As he entered the lobby, he noticed he was no longer alone. He saw it was Wren Golde, the mentor from district 6. He nodded to her, “Look like someone else wanted to wander the halls at night. Want some?” He gestured to the bottles in his hands.

[cayden-joseph]

Business || Matthias and Cayden

Cayden was in the dining room, snacking on a few items. He wasn't really sure what he was eating, but he was trying to make the time pass. He had spoken a bit with Amber and had gotten to know her a little bit, but he hadn't been so fortunate with his other tribute, Matthias. Matthias had kind of kept to himself, which was fine, but Cayden did want to try to speak with him. He had promised himself he would actually try with all of his tributes. He wanted to bring one home, and he had a better chance of doing that if he had spoken to them.

If Matthias didn't want to train with Cayden, that was fine, but he had to try first. He got up and walked through the apartment to Matthias's room. He knocked on the door before he opened it, he never was the best with manners. "Hello sir," he nodded to Matthias, "I was wondering if you were wanting to peak with me about training, advice, or an angle to play with the sponsors, maybe? I understand if you don't, but I figured I would at least ask you first." He crossed his arms over his chest and tried to wait patiently for his answer.