Phalanginator

[trinton-allegrio]

they call the rising sun - trint x nina

The creaking of the house sounded like voices in Trint’s ear. “Magic,” the old house cooed. “Smile. Spitfire.” Trint’s eyes were wide and white against the darkness of the Arena. His body quaked as each board groaned. The inside of his lips were wrecked and bleeding from his chattering teeth trying to find solace. The knife in his hand gave him no comfort, but rather added to his anxiety, quivering in his grip.

His tears had run dry. In less than twenty four hours, Trint had been transformed from lowly coward to jittered hotwire. It didn’t matter to him that he could see nothing in the darkness. His head still snapped back and forth at every sound and he brandished his shaking knife at everything he heard. It was exhausting, but his body wouldn’t fathom the idea of sleep. Not after the television had confirmed the death of eight children. Eight Tributes his age. Some older, some younger. But eight. He could have been one of them. And now there were fifteen remaining who wanted him to join those first eight. No, his body would not rest.

The house squeaked again. Trint’s gaze snapped forward to where the sound had come from. This was new. He was used to sounds over his shoulders, in the walls, and in the ceiling. But ahead of him? His breath became irregular and shallow. This was something new.

“It doesn’t matter,” the house moaned at him. “Shhh. Close your eyes. Shhh.” Trint shook his head. No, the house wasn’t talking. There was no way the house was actually speaking to him, was there? No… that wasn’t possible.

“Shhh, Trinton. Left and right, left and right.” A growl formed in Trint’s throat. The house wasn’t speaking. The house couldn’t speak. “Tick tock, tick tock, the clock strikes one.” Trint grabbed at his ears, the blade of his knife pressed against his temple. The house wasn’t speaking.

“This is what I brought you,” the house sighed. “This you can keep.” Trint shook his head and the blade of the knife nicked him at the end of his eyebrow. The smallest trickle of blood began to trace its way down his cheekbone. The growl sounded. The groan of the house came closer.

Trint pressed his back against the corner of the hallway, his legs sprawled out in an attempt to back away from the approaching noise. He held his knife in front of him. Then the house kicked him.

The house kicked him.

Trint’s growl became a roar as a solid entity collided with his leg. His body took over, blocking his mind from assessing anything. His arm shot out, and this time, the blade did not just find air. His body told him not to worry about the liquid that hit his face. It told him to scramble to his feet, and that’s what he did.

“Each morning I wake up, Trinton.” Trint barreled forward into the figure shrouded in darkness. The house would not win.

[district12ninaphalange]

The sounds had continued in the moments following Nina’s descent.  At first she thought it was just in her head, but as time passed on, she realized it wasn’t her mind materializing the mummers and muffled sounds and voices, she was actually hearing them.  At first, they gave her a bit of a headache, reminding her that she was out of company, but as they continued they gave her a sense of stillness, as long as they did not grow louder or closer, they meant that she was still alive and able to hear the world around her.

Just when the false feeling of safety surrounded her, is when Nina heard the footsteps coming towards her.  Immediately a panicked gasp came from her lips as she tried backing further into the wall that she had deemed as her support.  She could hear mumbled portions of words coming from the footsteps and she tried to sink down so that the encounter wouldn’t progress.

Before she could think to move out of the way, a kick was felt to her gut, summoning a deep scream from her lips.  Her hands and legs shot out, trying to knock the opponent with all of the force that she could muster up.  Slamming her elbow into the opponent’s leg, which she now knew to be a male, her feeble attack was matched with a blade searing into the back of her shoulder.

Nina could immediately feel the blood leaving her body, the warmth dripping down her back.  Instinctively, her leg caught under his feet, knocking him over.

“What was that for?  I don’t want to hurt you.”  She cried as her arms and legs struggled to gain dominance in the escalating fight.

[district12ninaphalange]

Tumbling into the Arena

  As the platform rose up, Nina kept her eyes shut tight.  She knew that these were going to be the last few moments of her life.  After the platform locked into place, she relaxed her eyelids, trying to grab a glimpse of her surroundings through her thick lashes without having to commit fully to the death trap around her.

That’s when she felt her lungs contract, almost instantly the air around her was thick and dangerous.  Her eyes sprung open revealing a mansion in front of her, with familiar Tributes on platforms to her left and right.  The air hung thick with clouds and her chest heaved as she struggled for oxygen. 

After what felt like a lifetime, the buzzer rang and her feet hit the ground hard, struggling to keep going as quickly as possible.  At last, she finally made it inside, instantaneously collapsing against a wall in a pitch black corridor.  Around her, she could see nothing except for her own arms and legs.  However, she was thankful that she was beside a wall.  She huddled beside it as she heard the faint sounds of Tributes in the mansion just as she was.  Although, she had no way of knowing how close they were, for all she knew they could be feet away or miles. 

A lump formed in her throat and she felt the familiar feeling of tears welling up in her eyes.  “Don’t cry.”  She whispered to herself, immediately regretting her decision to make sound.  “Fuck.”  She whispered again, realizing that she was just making more sound. 

Against the wall, she scooted across the baseboard before she felt the molding of a door.  Cautiously reaching up, she turned the handle, her back still leaning against the door.  Due to her weight against the door, she lost balance and fell down a set of stairs.  Nina tumbled off her feet and rolled down the stairs.  Tears immediately streaming down her face as she landed.  This new floor was just as dark and scary as the first that she came to.  Nina heard noises from above and around her.  Staying against the door she continued to cry and stay huddled against her wall, in her mind the only thing that she could hope was that some light could shine soon.

[from-the-capitol]

District twelve female tribute, Nina Phalange with a score of:

THREE

[district12ninaphalange]

Better than a 2, right?

[district12ninaphalange]

Nina and Little Nugget a few years back

[district12ninaphalange]

Feline Foilage - Private Training

Nervously pulling at the hem of her training uniform shirt, Nina stepped in front of the Gamemakers, consciously trying to form a smile with her lips.  Ever since her arrival in the Capitol, she had been dreading this moment, possibly even more than entering the Arena and most likely getting killed.  At least then she could do it quietly, wouldn’t have to make a big deal of herself. 

“Hi…” she began to mumble, continuing to fidget with her training uniform, trying to make it feel more comfortable, rather than it’s thick material adhering to her like as second layer of skin.  “As I’m sure you know, I’m Nina Phalange, from District 12.  Yes, I am completely aware that the word ‘phalange’ is the scientific term for finger.  No, I have no idea why that is my family’s name.  Yes, I realize I’m not in your front runners of who is going to win this thing according to your statistic-thingies, but you have to understand that I’m trying really hard.”  She nodded with a smile, hoping that her voice was audible enough for everyone to hear her. 

After a second or two of awkward silence, she started to the table that had various plants randomly arranged on it.  Following a fast mental assessment of the plants, she began to depot some of them, working quickly with her fingers to try and conceal the fact that she was far from having a steady hand.  Nina tried to use almost every type of plant that was made accessible to her.  The project began to take form rapidly.

A few minutes passed and Nina carefully picked up her arrangement and placed it atop of the table that the plants once sat on, the discarded pots now littered the floor with dirt.  “Well,” she started, letting out a nervous sigh.  “As you can see, I made a cat out of plants.  I really like cats…actually I have one back in District 12, her name is Little Nugget and she is the most perfect little creature I have ever came in contact with in my entire life.  So, other than making cat sculptures from plants, this skill could maybe even come in handy when I’m trying to camouflage myself against the other Tributes in the arena.  Sometimes, I helped my family out in the small garden we tried to keep, so believe it or not, I’m actually quite knowledgeable about vegetation.  Like I know that these…”  She made a sweeping gesture towards the plant she used for the cat’s paws.  “Those are made out of cactuses…or I mean…cacti.  You don’t want to get too close to one of those suckers or else you’re gonna get pinched.  And I could actually use a cactus…that is if I found one…as a weapon.  And I know that this plant…the one that I used for the tail, is an aloe plant.  Perfect if you get sunburned…we always tried to keep one of these plants around the house.  There’s some moonseed berries for this little guy’s eyes, and those berries are fatal, so you won’t catching me eating those out of desperation in the arena.  And you see this little flower that I put over this cat’s ear?  For decoration?  That’s Oleander…completely poisonous.  Put some of that on a weapon and they’ll be down and out quicker than you could stab them to death with a little dagger thing.”

Nina tried to make a wide smile at the Gamemakers, completely unsure if they were even listening to her spiel.  “Well, that’s really it.  I guess I know plants pretty well.  I’m Nina Phalange, District 12…I’m just gonna take this.”  With her last words, she picked the cat arrangement off the table and began carrying it out of training, letting out a slight “ouch” as she pricked her finger on one of the cactus needles while getting it in a comfortable position to carry. 

“Thank you, Gamemakers!”

[district12ninaphalange]

Caesar Flickerman: Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome to the stage Nina Phalange from district 12. Everyone give them a round of applause. To start off, how are you feeling about this year’s games?

Nina: I'm feeling pretty good.  I'm really enjoying getting pampered here at the Capitol, back in Twelve we didn't have these luxuries.  So that's totally cool, I wish my family could check this place out.  Besides that, I'm just trying to keep calm really.  I know my own strengths, so hopefully that will help.

Caesar Flickerman: What trait or ability do you possess that you think makes you stand out over the rest of the completion?

Nina: I grew up in Twelve, obviously, so I know probably a little bit more about survival than some of the other Tributes.  I realize that I might not be as strong or brutal as the majority, but I have a lot of experience taking care of myself.

Caesar Flickerman: If you do come out as victor, what is the first thing you’ll do with the new found title?

Nina: I would try to make life a little better for my family at home, then I would probably try to find and help a lot of the stray dying animals in our District.  People really don't have the money to care for them, but its really heartbreaking when you know that an animal is in pain.

Caesar Flickerman: Is there anyone special back home that has been in your mind since arriving at the capitol?

Nina: Well, I miss my family, I have a lot of brothers and sisters, so obviously I miss that.  More than that though, I know its not really a person, but I miss my cat, Little Nugget.  She's the reason why I'm the person I am today.  Nug has provided so many life lessons for me.

Caesar Flickerman: To end on a touching note, if that person were here right now, what would you say to them?

Nina: I would tell Nugget to hang on until I come home and I hope to God that my siblings are taking care of you.

Caesar Flickerman: Thank you (tribute name here) and may the odds be ever in your favor!

[zaryaofdistrict3-blog]

Pretty Flowers || Zarya, Nina

Zarya liked looking at the edible plants…especially the ones that looked like flowers.  She had never been allowed to be anywhere near flowers when she was little….but now there were so many here and she was supposed to eat them.  And the girl really didn’t want to eat them.  They were too pretty to put into her mouth, regardless of whether or not they could save her life.

So instead of eating them she arranged the flowers into a design on the table.  The pattern was based on size and color and looked really pretty in a spiral.  And as she started to work on the design she didn’t even notice that there were other people at the table.  

Looking up she jumped when she saw the District 12 girl sitting in front of her.  She looked nice.  Maybe.  She could easily be lying about it and Zarya wasn’t sure if she should even talk to her.  Because that could make the girl want to kill her more, considering that she probably wanted to already.

So the girl when back to arranging the flowers on the table, a pink one there, a blue one there.  It was a nice distraction from everything that was going on and she didn’t really want it to end.  This was a much better alternative to the Hunger Games….Zarya just hoped that it would be a good distraction until training was over.

[district12ninaphalange]

Nina was off on another day of training, trying to figure out something she was decent at.  So far, the weapon stations were always crowded and fiddling with lethal objects she knew nothing about while skilled near professionals looked on made her want to vomit.  Nina picked the edible plant station, only one other Tribute was studying at the table.  The small girl across from her was arranging the flowers into a pattern, for the most part, she appeared to be completely harmless.  

Nina watched as the girl seemed uncomfortable as she sat across from her.  "I can leave if you want..."  Nina announced, observing the array of flowers that the girl meticulously placed.  "I mean, I don't want to make you nervous."  Her hand went out to touch one of the petals of the pink flowers, "That's really pretty!"  She complimented the small girl, hoping that it would break the ice and show that she wasn't some kind of blood thirsty child.  "Flowers are one of my, like, most favorite things.  In the Summer in twelve there would be one field that would light up with wild flowers of all colors, it was such a nice contrast from the coal that usually dusted coating everything.  

"I'm Nina.  I'm sorry I can't remember your name, I know I remembered your face though."

[vviovv]

[district12ninaphalange]

This is New @Eudocia

[canespugnaces-deactivated201607]

The roar of the crowd had never quite departed from her ears.

Their ardent vehemence had enthralled every fibre scattered about the wraith’s being, the crash of even her beloved waves never quite able to compare. In that fleeting moment she had felt something she’d yet to feel: cherishment, and in its purest of forms. She’d been venerated by a nation – desired, even – and had finally strayed from her wayward course, finally setting sail for that golden sunset she’d longed her entire life for. Brick by brick, the girl had set down the mortar and the stone which would soon comprise the pedestal she would soon heed, the sweet taste of victory creeping up upon her delicate palette. Eudocia Edevane was their golden girl; their paragon.

These were the very thoughts in which alienated the tribute’s mind set as she wandered into the Training Centre, her leather boots beating against the metallic floor. With a brazen “4” garnishing her Capitol-designated attire, the youth wandered about, her leer flickering from tribute to tribute; from target to target. Ranged weapons happened to be her forte – she knew that. She was here to train – not bother with instilling a sense of inherent apprehension within her fellow pawns. Still, that wouldn’t exactly prevent her from intimidating a few of the featherweights.

Sauntering over toward an array of various survival supplies, the tribute permitted herself to break away from her surroundings and travel back to her home of Four. Endeavouring well into the recesses of her psyche she attempted to revoke any tidbits that would aid her in her rise to the crown. She’d submerged herself well into the combative aspect of the Games, but had she bothered with the basics?

…Of course she had. Right?

"Medical training’s mandated back home," the tribute responded, words monotone as her line of sight dared not depart from the kit she’d begun to work on. “Guess you could say I’m pretty… familiar with this shit."

[district12ninaphalange]

“Oh…”  Nina replied, almost in shock of the girl’s answer, leaving her feeling cut off and unwelcome in the situation.  She knew that this was to be expected; after all in less than a week they could be the ones killing each other, or anyone else in the room.  However, this didn’t stop her from trying again, “Well that’s cool!” she started, picking up one of the kits and pulling at a bandage that was included inside.  “I mean, I know basic first aid, one time my cat broke its leg and I used one of these to help it heal.”  She added, motioning to the roll of bandage, but accidentally knocking it on the floor, sending the roll rolling away from her. 

“Anyhow,” she started again, taking a few steps to pick the bandage up, “I see you’re from Four, I’m Nina, from Twelve.”  Her focus was now on fussing with the kits, most of the items she could identify, but there were a few metal objects as well as most of the pills that she didn’t know, merely because they didn’t have them in 12.  Basic first aid was available for a price, but anything fancy was a rarity. 

She picked up a small pamphlet that described the uses and how to identify the various pills and medicines that could be given to a tribute by a sponsor.  “Who would have thought that there were so many of these things.”  Her fingers flipped through the pages and she came to the section on ointments, noticing that a majority of them were only identifiable though their scent.  “I guess I better start sniffing these, huh?”  She asked, trying once more to create small talk with the girl.

[allbydaniela]

[district12ninaphalange]

This is New @Eudocia

Nina had a restless night after arriving in the Capitol and was planning on going to the Training Center the moment it opened.  She knew there were two options in front of her, she could mope around, waiting for her final moments, or she could do something about it.  Keeping herself busy with training would not only prepare her for what was to come and it would give her less time to be concerned about what may or may not be in her future.

On the trip down to the main training center from the apartment, Nina tried her best to look confident.  More than aware that she did not come across as a threat to the other Tributes, she thought that maybe if she acted the part it would become easier to believe. 

As she stepped into the room, she was instantly overwhelmed by all of the equipment that was packed into the large space.  Every weapon hung from the racks was more lethal looking than the one prior.  A number of other Tributes had already made their way down to the Training center and had the same idea as Nina.  The fact that others would be watching her and critiquing her every move, made her feel like she was going to barf.  However, she knew she would have to get over this quickly, because that’s all the next few days would consist of.

Slowly, she made her way through the stations and went past the ones with weapons.  Starting off with something she knew she would fail at wasn’t the best option; so going to a survival station would be a good idea.  Back in District 12, she knew a fair amount about first aid, taking care of her younger siblings and Nugget might finally pay off.  There was already another girl tampering with some of the supplies, one of the two red heads, whom Nina could not tell apart.  Taking a deep breath, Nina walked up beside the girl and grabbed a roll of gauze that sat on the table.  “You know how to use this stuff?”

[district12ninaphalange]

Nina Phalange before the Chariot Ceremony

[calloway-johnson]

Goodnight Moon Calloway&Magnus&Nina

Adelric Roe and Nina Phalange. The former was clearly well known across the district – the son of the mayor that everyone was familiar with at least by name. Nina Phalange, however, was not such a well-known individual. Calloway was selfishly pleased with the fact that he was spending another year with tributes he hadn’t been previously familiar with in one way or another. It helped him keep his personal interests out – definitely limited a few of the extraneous factors and narrowed his focus. Nina was his tribute, the innocent teenager he was required to save, and he would do his best to do just that. Calloway had already spoken to Adelric upon reaching the train initially. He could only assume that Nina had gone to take a little bit of personal time to herself since he hadn’t seen a hint of her around. Adelric had disappeared off to his own room by now, and Calloway wanted to be certain that he at least spoke briefly with Nina before the night was out. The sun was already beginning to kiss the horizon as the mentor made his way into the main compartment of the train car, eyes focused on the bright light that pierced the sky outside the window. Another year, two new tributes. Calloway could only home this year brought more luck than the prior. Moving towards the fridge the mentor grasped a darkened bottle of beer from within and popping the top off. Tipping the bottle to his lips he swallowed down a gulp of the amber liquid before setting the bottle down upon the countertop, considering his next move. He supposed he could head towards her room and see if she was interested in a brief chat, but he didn’t exactly want to bother her if she wanted to be alone. It might be her last chance of alone time she would get before the arena…

[district12ninaphalange]

Nina spent the entire time from the moment she stepped off the stage until she stepped on to the train fighting back tears.  Saying goodbye to her family was rough and when she reminded her siblings to take care of  Nugget, they simply laughed and rolled their teary eyes.  However, once Nina entered the train, she tried to put her head into the task now at hand.  

Luxury surrounded her and that in itself was enough to stop the flow of tears.  In her short lifetime in District 12, she had never seen anything even remotely like what spread from ceiling to floor of each car.  Every detail was perfectly formed and designed, very much unlike the hodge podge of furniture and decorations that adorned her home.  She couldn't help but to think of how much her brothers and sisters would love to see what was in front of her, even despite the circumstances.  Upon seeing the bed in her car of the train, she tried to imagine the perfect spots that Nug wold curl up and hide in.  The road ahead would be difficult for Nina.  Even though what she has in the days ahead of her is important and vital in the continuation of her life, it was going to be hard with all 

Pulling herself out of the thought rut, she peeled away from the oversized lounge chair that she had sunk into and started towards the door that lead to the main room of the train.  Upon opening the door, she saw that the elder of her two mentors was standing over the countertop, drink in hand, and looking like he was deep in thought.  

"I...uh...hi!" She announced a bit too eagerly as she began into the room.  "I mean, hi Mr. Johnson."  Nina's eyes darted nervously around the room as she waited to see if her mentor was receptive of her visit.  "I'm Nina...but you already know that."

[leilanylopez]

[heey5sos-deactivated20150131]

[district12ninaphalange]

Reaping Day Outfit

[magnus-whishart-blog]

Youth Without Youth • District Twelve Reaping

Magnus stood on the District Twelve Justice Hall podium, foot tapping anxiously as the last remaining souls finished filing into the roped off areas.  No matter how much he prepped, like the years before he’d never been able to accept that this was the end of someone’s life.  Even if one of the children being Reaped today somehow managed to survive days in a perilous arena, the fact still remained that the other would be long lost to the hands of Death.

Innocence would be strung out in a sea of hardships that came along with the next few weeks, and the longer his emerald eyes lay on the pitiful faces of District Twelve children the angrier he became.  If it weren’t for Snow and his adamant push for ruling all of Panem with an unmovable fist these kids would never have to know how difficult it is to lose someone dear to them, let alone lose their own life. 

Looking into the seemingly endless sea of faces staring up at him, Magnus couldn’t take the feeling anymore.  Pacing back to Calloway, the boy fought the urge to say something unruly.  He simply couldn’t afford another mishap occurring while Snow held his family hostage.  With his finger tightly placed over Magnus’ life, the boy bit his tongue and headed towards the microphone.

Unhinging it from the stand the device was so odd but he knew what he had to do, and he was ready to get it over with.  Allowing room for all announcements to be made, the boy quickly cut to the chase and let his fiery tongue speak for him.  “This is the Reaping for the Seventy-Fourth Annual Hunger Games, and I will be picking one of tribute for this year’s games.  You already knew that, but I still have to say it.  So, without any more waiting, I won’t bore you no longer than I have to.”

Slowly, his hand slipped into the glass bowl, hesitantly swirling around the contents and deliberating which slip to pull.  Not that it mattered.  Anyone that he pulled would end up hating him for condemning them to death.  With a low sigh, the boy plucked the parchment from inside and quietly opened it to read the name.  Furrowing his eyes, he read the paper aloud with a heavy tone filled with regret for the poor girl.  “Nina Phalange.  You’ve been chosen to represent District Twelve for this year’s Games.  Please, step forward for us, and,” he paused, resentment laying heavy on his sharp tongue, “May the odds be ever in your favor.”  

[district12ninaphalange]

The morning was a blur for Nina, and she calmly tried to get herself and her younger siblings as presentable as possible.  Three out of the five Phalange children had their names in the Reaping bowls today.  Her oldest brother, Nester, was 19, and fortunately ineligible to be chosen.  She was the second oldest, and the oldest girl our of the five.  Then came her three younger siblings, her sister Nala, who was 14, her brother Nico, who was 12, and her youngest sister Barnes, who was 8 and still had a few years before she had to worry about the Reaping.  However, this was Nico's first time participating in the Reaping ceremony.  Nina knew that he was a nervous wreck, and her tactic for dealing with him today was to stay out of his way as much as possible.  The less fuss she made the easier it would be for him.

After she and her family had primped themselves as best they could, wearing the finest clothes they owned, they were off to the Justice Hall.  Nina had skipped breakfast due to the seemingly thousands of butterflies flying around inside of her stomach.  As they arrived, the crowd was already as dense as the humid District 12 air.  As Magnus Wishart, Victor of the 72nd Hunger Games took the stage a hush came over the crowd and all eyes gravitated towards him.

The next few moments were stages of shock and denial.  Nina was attentive as he reached into the glass bowl and carefully selected a name.  After announcing the name, she looked around for a few moments, mouthing the name that just came out of his mouth, waiting for someone to step forward.  She continued to mouth the name, first in complete silence, turning into a slight whisper.  "Nina Phalange..."  As her voice became nearly audible, her eyes widened with fear.  A lump formed in her throat and she felt the burning in the back of her eyes, she tried to swallow down the feeling, but the tears started coming.  She began to walk towards the stage as she used the backs of her hands to wipe away tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes.  As she reached the top step, she drew in a deep shaking breath and took a step towards the microphone. 

"Nina Phalange."  She said softly in the microphone before stepping back so that the microphone would not pick up her uneven breaths.

Her eyes darted into the audience, being drawn to her family.  Nester was comforting her parents as well as Barnes, who was almost to young to understand the doom that stood ahead of her big sister and her family.  Silent tears ran from Nala's eyes and Nico was visibly shaking with anger and fear.  

As she stood on the stage, listening for the male to be called, one detail pressed into her mind.  How could she have left the house this morning without feeding or saying goodbye to Nugget?  The one day in years that she forgot to feed the only living thing that fully relied on her, was the day she realized she would never see it again.  

[proudwatsonlover-blog-blog]