Cecelia Stark

District Eight Mentor Victor of the 59th Hunger Games My demons are not remotely tackled, they're just mildly concussed. dependent muse for pyrrhicvictoryhq written by kat [33, she/her]

[ceceliastark]

heavy is the head that does not rest

( kennedy mcmann | twenty-eight | cis woman | she / her ) oh darling, did you see? that’s cecelia stark, a victor from district eight! they won the 59th hunger games at just fifteen years old, i remember it being quite the event. i did see on their latest magazine article that they’re altruistic, perceptive, and resourceful, and that they are mentoring this year. honestly, they remind me of a silent winter night with a gentle snowfall, a glass of whiskey on a wooden bar top, and soft humming while the sunlight streams through tattered curtains. what the public doesn’t know is that they’re a part of plutarch heavensbee’s rebellion, but such things can’t be said out loud.

BIOGRAPHY . PINTEREST . PLAYLIST.

[oraclegallowbloom]

( Open Starter - For Anyone )

"It's not that bad..." she assured the young tribute, as she looked over the mess of cake that had been toppled over by accident. "You didn't mean to knock it over - oh... don't cry lovely, it's only a little cake..." she said, as she gathered the crying twelve year old into her arms and rocked them back and forth. "No one is going to get mad, and if they do -- you just say that I knocked it over, no one can get mad at me, can they?" she said, speaking softly into their ear. She hated to see people cry, and it was harder when it was children.

Sure, they could get mad at her. She could get disapproval from her parents and their friends for her clumsiness, but she wouldn't get in trouble. The worst that would happen was the cake would be boxed and delivered to her home, and her mother would tell her that she had to eat all of it ... including whatever dirt and refuse was now part of it.

Oracle looked over the child's head helplessly and saw that they had drawn attention. "Oh..." She wanted to stand up and be presentable but she couldn't move the child, and her too-thin frame was too weak to pick the child up. "There was a slight accident," she explained, "I knocked the cake over and scared this little dove. It was my fault."

[ceceliastark]

Not many others noticed the accident that happened with some of the cake. Cecelia had been making her way to the table to get some horderves and maybe something to drink. She had been there to chat with some of the Sponsors to talk up both of District Eight's Tributes. But she had been witness to the small accident with the cake and the young Tribute. Her expression softened and she smiled, glad that someone had been there to comfort the young Tribute. They had enough to worry about as it was, they didn't need to concern themselves over some cake.

"No problem," she assured the other woman with a wave of her hand. "Here." She grabbed a napkin from the table and knelt down to start cleaning up some of the mess. Usually that was left for the Avoxes to take care of, but she didn't want another accident to happen before they arrived. She looked up and smiled at the two of them, "There's a lot going on at once, happens to the best of us."

Gathering most of the cake in the napkin, Cecelia stood up in time for an Avox to arrive with a small trash bin to dispose of the mess. With a murmur of a 'thank you', she looked back toward Oracle and the Tribute, "No harm done."

[phoebezhao]

"It's certainly a way to showcase it." She let out a small chuckle, though she did see what the stylist had been going for. Though, she wasn't quite sure if it hit the mark. "I don't think it's slowing them down any, look at how they're working the crowd." Siren's finger pointed at the screen as her grin grew watching eight's tributes. "I think they'll have no trouble with interviews. Ceasar makes it pretty easy." The nerves she felt during her own interview were almost gone by the time she waved the crowd goodbye. "Thank you, I think they've got a good shot at scoring high. If the parade is any indication of how training will go."

[ceceliastark]

Her smile widened with her nod of agreement. "Sure is." The applause for Eight seemed to prove Siren's point; while it may have seemed ridiculous to Cecelia, it landed for The Capitol, and that was all she could really ask for. Good way to make a first impression. "He does, at least the Tributes have that going for them," she replied. Even the most shy of Tributes managed to make some sort of conversation with Caesar by the end of their time on stage. "Taylor might be a little more reserved, but I think Satina will do well in the interviews. Hoping Training will go smoothly for them, too."

[ceceliastark]

response to this

Her gaze followed Enobaria's back down to the Training stations. Satina had been at the survival station, learning how to start a fire it seemed like. Taylor was at one of the weapons stations, slashing a knife through the air at an invisible target. His movements were a little faulty, but he seemed to be doing alright none the less. It didn't serve them to compare their capabilities to the Tributes from Two, but Cecelia couldn't help but notice how efficient their Tributes were. Hard for her to forget how close she had been to dying in her own Games to the Career Tributes as well.

Cecelia's shoulders fell and she shook her head, "I know, and I don't think a new stylist is going to fix that after all these years. Did you see Nine's outfits, too? I feel bad for those kids." Yes, Eight definitely could have been worse: they could have been dressed up like bread. "Last thing they need is people laughing at them when they're fighting for their lives."

@encbarias

[ceceliastark]

Task 1: Character Development

1. Myer-Briggs Personality Test - Protagonist [ENFJ-T]

- Protagonists are inspiring optimists, readily taking action to do what they feel is right. - 66% Extraverted | 68% Intuitive | 75% Feeling | 58% Judging | 83% Turbulent

2. Enneagram Test - Type 6: The Loyalist

- The charming and indecipherable loyalist, the one who is steadfast with earnest gestures. The one that explores both extremes looking for what’s safe, and undeniably desires a faithful relationship to feel supported and accompanied.  - Core Desire: to be secure and supported - Core Fear: being insecure

3. Love Language - Physical Touch

Physical Touch 33% | Words of Affirmation 27% | Acts of Service 20% | Quality Time 17% | Receiving Gifts 3%

4. Moral Alignment Test - Chaotic Good

A chaotic good character acts as his conscience directs him with little regard for what others expect of him. He makes his own way, but he's kind and benevolent. He believes in goodness and right but has little use for laws and regulations. He hates it when people try to intimidate others and tell them what to do. He follows his own moral compass, which, although good, may not agree with that of society. Chaotic good is the best alignment you can be because it combines a good heart with a free spirit. However, chaotic good can be a dangerous alignment when it disrupts the order of society and punishes those who do well for themselves.

5. Four Temperament Test - Introverted Melancholic

Introverted -> extraverted scale: 33% | Emotionally stable -> emotionally unstable scale: 53%

[svgarcvbes]

WHO : open WHEN : day two of tribute training WHERE : bar in the mentor's center

if he was tired there was no way of knowing it simply by looking at him — finnick's prep team had done a perfect job of hiding the dark circles under his eyes, thankfully they'd mastered that art not long after he won his games. the bruises on his knuckles and arms were long gone, leaving no trace of the hours he'd spent up with isla and neptune gauging their skills first hand. they had been a hit with the crowd, neptune especially, and after watching them during their first day of training he knew there was a solid chance one of them would be making it home when all was said and done as long as he held up his side of the arrangement — which was half the reason he was here instead of watching training again. finding sponsors was easy enough, but finding ones with deep pockets? he'd always found it was better to start early. he imagined someone would eventually notice he never really drank whatever it was he ordered, though he doubted anyone would say much even if they did. still he kept the glass in hand as he wandered through the room to find himself a seat at a table in the back for a moment of quiet — three hours of flirting and talking up his tributes on top of the lack of sleep was nearly enough to convince him to retreat upstairs where the capitolites couldn't easily follow, but he could settle for a few minutes in the company of a familiar face instead. "you'd think at least some of them would get tired of all this eventually."

[ceceliastark]

Cecelia was tired, too. She had been keeping an eye on Satina and Taylor during Training, picked up on what they were most skilled at and tried to work with them from there. They both had a lot of potential, and she hoped District Eight would bring home another Victor that year. While they were in the Training Center that day, though, Cecelia went to the bar for some relief, as well as to see if there were some Sponsors she could try and talk with. A couple seemed interested in them after the Parade, so Cecelia hoped to chat with them and give them updates on the Tributes' progress.

She had ordered herself a glass of wine and took a seat at one of the corner tables after chatting with another sponsor. Just a moment for herself was all she needed, and a sip of that wine. She leaned back in her seat and was about to close her eyes for a moment when she heard footsteps and some shuffling near her. Finnick Odair had taken the seat across from her and she greeted him with a smile. "You'd think," she agreed, "their excitement and enthusiasm makes me tired." It was more than that, but The Capitol had eyes and ears everywhere. "How many have you talked to so far?"

[capitolrogue]

Kyan took a pause, contemplating her words. From what he could recall, Cecelia was one of the (if not the) only victors to move on and start a family after the Games. She showed strength in that regard, reclaiming the life and stability that had been stolen from her — or that’s how he saw it, at least. In his eyes, she had managed to move on, to not be controlled by the overwhelming fear and crushing anxiety that came with Capitol dealings. Cecelia had managed to tell the Capitol that they could not control her, and, in a way, Kyan was jealous. He longed for such mettle. Maybe one day he would find it in himself. “I don’t think anyone is having a particularly easy time,” Kyan answered, trying to play it off. The mentors were neck deep in management duties trying to keep their tributes alive; he did not have the heart to remind Cecelia that his whole job was to try and undo everything she was working so hard for. Designing mutts, ironing out the final details for the arena. Kyan was losing plenty of sleep himself, trying to keep up with the demands of the Head Gamemaker. Of course, he had some extracurriculars, but that was not something he could discuss here, not when they were surely being recorded. “There’s just…a lot to do.” He wanted to say more, to say that he understood and that he was sorry for the role he played in her anguish, but this was all he could offer her. “Just have to try your best and hope it's enough."

[ceceliastark]

She could argue almost all The Capitol citizens seemed to be having a pretty good time during Games season, but Cecelia knew better than to voice her true thoughts. So she stayed polite, hummed in agreement, "No, I guess not. Games season is hectic for everyone, keeping everyone busy with something." She knew the work was only beginning for her, and Cecelia knew she would have to go back inside and try to talk to some Sponsors about Satina and Taylor. Might have to do more to keep their attention, but that line of thought would make Cecelia want to drink more.

"Pretty much what we do every year. Then we just start over again with different Tributes and a different Arena. Rinse and repeat." An endless cycle Cecelia knew wouldn't end unless something was done about it. But The Capitol had a lot of power, which was why there had been seventy-two years of The Games. "Hopefully it'll be enough to help one of the kids from Eight this year and we can bring a Victor home." It was the least she could do each year.

[phoebezhao]

@ceceliastark

"Eight is doing well," Siren offered a small smile to Cecelia. The chariots trotted out one by one out of the loading dock as the two of them stood by the side - keeping a distance away from the stylist who was crowding the exit. Training would take place early that next morning, and Siren was just hoping that Isla and Neptune made it through the parade without a hitch. Her own tributes were working for the crowd as if this was something they had done before. It gave her hope, and confident that the two of them had a fighting chance - that they would be able to hold their own in the arena. "The bold colors help them catch the crowd's eye." Siren added as she turned her attention to the last chariot marching out.

[ceceliastark]

She turned her head toward Siren and smiled in greeting to the other Victor. "Thank you. Four seems to be doing well, too." Usually the Career Districts were quite the sights to behold each Games season. They hardly ever disappointed. Eight this year did show some promise, but the Parade outfits, well... were a lot. A lot of fabric, a lot of colors, too many layers... just a lot. But Cecelia knew they would have the potential to prove themselves in Training and in their interviews. "The stylist's idea was to try and capture Eight's textiles in the outfits... literally. I'm pretty sure almost every kind of fabric is on their outfits." She chuckled and looked at the screen as the cameras focused on Eight's chariot. "Isla and Neptune looked great, too."

[ceceliastark]

response to this for @freedomashes - seaton

"They do," she agreed. Each year they had a lot on their plate. Even though it was the same runaround on paper, there was still so much for them to do in such a small amount of time. They had to get to know their Tributes early, know what would work best for them in Training, prop them up for the Sponsors to sponsor them, let alone even have them acknowledge the kids' existence, and then get them ready for The Games. Cecelia hoped whatever she and Scarlet did this year would help one of the kids from Eight. "I'm hoping so, too," she agreed with a sigh. "Seems like I got a couple of the Sponsors to notice them, anyway." She hated the hoops she had to jump through, hated how vain the Captiolites were. But she did what she had to do to help the Tributes.

"Looking at those screens for hours on end can be straining, good thing you're taking a break." She wondered what kinds of horrors were in store for the kids that year. The question alone had her smile falter slightly, her throat clearing, "Seems like a lot of work goes into the Games, hopefully you're not overworking yourself."

[ceceliastark]

The Parade had always been quite the spectacle at the start of The Games seasons. Cecelia knew the Tributes from Eight were dressed in yet another ridiculous get up, but what else were they going to wear out there at this point? She hoped the focus would be on the different fabrics and colors of the outfits before the horrid style of them. That, and Satina and Taylor both had unique personalities, she knew they would shine through past these outfits.

She was on her way to the stands to watch the Parade from the crowd. She would head back down toward the loading docks once the chariots started to make their way back down the lane. She knew most of the seats would be picked over by the time she got up there, but there was one spot next to a woman in the crowd. "Is this spot taken?" she asked her, pointing toward the empty seat.

@metamcrphcses

[ceceliastark]

response to this

Her eyes closed for a brief moment and she gave a small nod at the correction, "Right." The viewing room was for Mentors, so she had just assumed Enobaria had been one of them for Two. But she wasn't going to tattle to a Peacekeeper about it. "Makes sense. Either way, compliment still stands." The Career Tributes usually always looked fierce, the stylists for those Districts knew what they were doing with those kids.

An amused smile spread across her face, "I'd be surprised if they didn't. Pretty sure the stylist was trying to get their hands on every type of fabric in every bright color known in existence." She chuckled, giving a small shake of her head. Eight's outfits tended to get more on the bold side solely because they dealt with textiles, and apparently, that was an unspoken rule to just use all of them in all the brightest colors possible. "Could have been worse, I suppose."

[luctusmane]

open starter

[luctusmane]

To Scarlet, she had every right to be angry. Tone deaf Capitolites trying to be artistic is what gets Tributes killed. At least, it doesn’t help them get any money from those at the tippy top. Every little bit helps when it comes to District 8. There wasn’t as many practical skills that could be translated into the games. The endless pocket books of the sponsors helped more than she was willing to admit. “Half of the games is training. The other half is sponsors. And we don’t get sponsors just from the training, but their presentation… Only thing worse is that they get stupid outfits for their interviews.”

Like any other year. Hopefully, they’d see someone come home. Another two tributes dead was the last thing she wanted. “Have you heard anything about what they’re plans are? As we both know, games technically start when you’re in the arena, but you play it from the moment your name is pulled.”

[ceceliastark]

"The skill presentation and training scores are going to be a pretty big pull for Sponsors, and honestly, the more outlandish outfits tend to draw in more attention here." Honestly, it was absurd, but the jumping through hoops was necessary to help the Tributes survive. Cecelia didn't like it, but as things were now, that was how it was. "We get sponsors by working with what we have. The Parade's over, we move forward."

She frowned and shook her head, "They weren't sure what they were the best at; I suggested at least trying to get to the survival station to learn some basics. Satina wanted to try some weapons, Taylor was going to do the same." Scarlet was right, at this point, they were already playing the game despite not even being in the Arena yet. But when did the game end for them? "After day one, I figured we can get a better plan for them, see what skills will work best for them going forward."

[capitolrogue]

Kyan had not chosen the typical career path as a victor. He tried being a mentor. He tried to sort out sponsorship deals for District One tributes. He only lasted a year in the position, though. It wasn’t enough, he had claimed in a meeting with President Snow. He had practically begged for his position working to help facilitate the Games. Let me do more. Please.

Looking back on the memory, he wanted to laugh. He thought of the Games as something so glorious. How could he have been so wrong? Regardless, there he was, so incredibly tangled up in the Capitol’s web, trying his best to use his position to his advantage, but such a thing was hardly party conversation. 

The man took a sip of the drink he managed to snag on his way out the door. “Rough night?” Kyan asked with a raise of his eyebrow. He couldn’t imagine how Cecelia felt. The two had won just a few years apart, but Cecelia had spent much more time serving as a mentor than he had. Personally investing in these kids only to watch them tear each other apart year after year would undoubtedly weigh heavy on anyone. It wasn’t exactly Kyan’s favorite time of year, either. “I certainly don’t envy you.”

[ceceliastark]

"Yeah," she replied, bowing her head briefly. But she still smiled, typical despite whatever mood she was in, "was it that obvious?" The teasing question widened her smile. It was easier to let her guard down around the other Victors, because a lot of them knew what it was like to keep up that façade. And if Kyan was outside, too, then he had to relate in some way.

"I wouldn't either, if I were you." Mentoring was taxing, to say the least. Having to get a good gauge on the Tributes in a short timeframe so they knew what to do once they hit the training grounds, and then eventually, the Arena. On top of that, there were stylists, interviews, Sponsors, clients, The Games-- it was a lot. On top of that, she had to take care of her own kids, but luckily right now, her sister was able to watch them for a while. "Trying to make a good impression for the kids, and then getting them ready for The Games year after year... sure it becomes routine, you get the motions, but it's still a lot. Still a lot of weight to carry." She nodded her head toward Kyan, "But you've got a lot on your plate, too, I'm sure."

[ceceliastark]

responding to this

"No, no, it's okay," she assured him, shaking her head and lifting a hand in further emphasis. "I've just been so focused on the next steps, got too in my own head." Of course she should be working with Sponsors and helping garner some support for both of Eight's Tributes. She had gotten a few people to keep an eye on Satina and Taylor at the party the other night. But the sweet talking and sponsorships didn't end there. It was an ongoing thing, she knew she would have to keep at it if she wanted to bring another Tribute home alive. "I always worry about my Tributes. Talking with Sponsors is part of the job."

[ceceliastark]

responding to this

"No, no, it's okay," she assured him, shaking her head and lifting a hand in further emphasis. "I've just been so focused on the next steps, got too in my own head." Of course she should be working with Sponsors and helping garner some support for both of Eight's Tributes. She had gotten a few people to keep an eye on Satina and Taylor at the party the other night. But the sweet talking and sponsorships didn't end there. It was an ongoing thing, she knew she would have to keep at it if she wanted to bring another Tribute home alive. "I always worry about my Tributes. Talking with Sponsors is part of the job."

[ceceliastark]

Training had just started for the Tributes after the Parade, and Cecelia had wanted to keep an eye on Satina and Taylor to get a gauge on what they could improve on, and what else they could work with. Other Tributes were in the Training Center as well, and she watched them at their stations from the viewing room. She hoped her Tributes would be able to hold their own in these Games, but she also knew better than to set her hopes too high, too early. The door to the viewing room opened and she saw Enobaria enter. She offered a timid smile to the other Mentor along with a nod in greeting, "Enobaria." She wasn't sure how talkative the other Mentor would be, but Cecelia figured it wouldn't hurt to strike up some small talk, "your Tributes looked great at the Parade."

@encbarias

[luctusmane]

open starter

Scarlet did her best not to let her tributes know how she felt over their outfits. It wasn’t their fault. Stylists had the job of making sure that they invoked the District as well as making them presentable to those with money to spare. 

But what was that? Thank God her kids were charming and cute. Their stylist wasn’t doing them any favors. Granted, this means nothing until they go to the training center. District 8 doesn’t necessarily have a lot of skills that transfer over to the Games.

“You’d think the stylist for Eight would know that the fabric district doesn’t mean they have to use every fabric we produce. What do we know, anyways? Not like we produce fabrics and garments. Fuck me, then. Let’s pray these kids show their shit during training.”

[ceceliastark]

The stylist's choice for Eight's Tributes was definitely a choice. Cecelia even had to suppress her honesty on the outfits and how the Tributes looked. At least they were both charming kids and could win the hearts of The Capitol that way. Honestly, the outfits might have actually been a good fit for The Capitol with all their bright and bold colors.

"It definitely was a choice," Cecelia sighed, "but once we get them in Training, we'll see what we should have them work on. It's just like any other year, Scarlet."

[ofsundays]

open starter

it was about playing the long game– what he signed up for it wasn’t for the weak. nearly every day was an act for seaton, now more than ever. it was a lot to stomach seeing these kids paraded around in costumes for the capitolites like himself to enjoy. during the 68th games it was his own sister representing district four and now look where they had gotten her. he needed to take.a breath, get some air from the congested room filled with other gamemakers and socialites. 

“if you’re here to bribe me it won’t work,” he spoke in a strong and strict voice as he heard a set of footsteps approaching him. it wouldn’t be the first time a mentor had approached him on behalf of their tribute. but he wouldn’t do it, he couldn’t jeopardize the position he was in. 

[ceceliastark]

Cecelia had been waiting for Eight's turn in the Parade before she would have headed down to meet with them again. The stylist had certainly tried a style for them... emphasis on tried. Still, Satina and Taylor were charming enough, and she hoped that would have been enough to win over hearts and minds to District Eight.

She was passing where the Gamemakers and Sponsors had been seated when she heard a voice speak up. Her steps slowed and her brows rose, "Bribe you for what? I was just passing through..."