The Strong Victor

Victor of the 56th Hunger Games District 2 Strength Will Outlast Them All Warning: This blog is for an RP and may contain mature and graphic material, read at your own risk.

[naima-creek]

ooc:

Miss you all like crazy!  Hope everyone is doing well <3

[knifepics]

[naima-creek]

knifepics:

by Strider

One of the many weapons Naima keeps stashed around the District 2 apartment.

[naima-creek]

Impatience Is A Virtue | Open to Mentors/Sponsors

Tonight was a scotch night.  Slow nights were always scotch nights.  The past week had been nothing more than a series of slow nights.  Naima had expected her return to the Games to be exhilarating, but she found watching the Games this year severely unsatisfying.  

Naima couldn't quite put her finger on what the problem was.  Over half of the tributes were dead.  Her tributes were both alive and thriving.  They were dominating the leader boards.  Their kills were being played and replayed on every media outlet in the Capitol.  Bets were up and potential sponsors were lining up to speak with her.  The girl had an alliance the audience was loving.  The boy was playing the lone wolf card as if he had invented it.  It was a good year for District 2.  

But it wasn't a good year for her.  She set down her empty glass, flexing her fingers as she realize how tightly she had been grasping her drink.  Her eyes were trained on the television screen a few feet away.  It was showing footage of the arena, but no action was taking place.  The glowing screen felt out of place in the dark bar.  Usually this bar, located in the center of the Capitol only a short distance from the Training Center and District Apartments, was too high-end to have televisions mounted on the walls like a common sports bar, but all rules of class were broken when bringing the Hunger Games to its Capitol audience, especially during a Quarter Quell.  Naima wished she had some way to kick the tributes into action, or better yet, to go in and take care of things herself.  She sighed and ordered a second round.  Relying on tributes to bring her success was so taxing.  Naima loathed having no control.

[milainspiration]

[wren-golde]

OOC

I know I haven’t been super active lately, I’ve had school and touristy things going on, but I have a favor to ask.  In one of my classes we’re talking about how Americans are perceived by others.  If anyone who is from somewhere other than the USA could fill out a quick survey (shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes) I would really appreciate it.  Thank you in advance.

Here’s the link.

On the topic of replies, I have one left until I’m all caught up and will be trying to get some more paras started soon.  Let me know if you’d like to para with any of my babies.

[from-the-capitol]

Cannon 8 - Wyatt Crowley

Deceased: Wyatt Crowley of District 9

Killed by: Alaricus Keir of District 2

Holy cow, folks! Alaricus is on a rampage. And even with our flair for the dramatics here in the Capitol, this is a kill to shield the eyes of your children from! Alaricus took his time with the killing of hopeful Victor Wyatt Crowley of District Nine. With a lack of trees in District Nine, Wyatt had no idea how to properly climb one, and almost literally fell into Alaricus’ lap, breaking an arm in the process. The former Career Trainer then went on to cut open Wyatt’s back and break each of his ribs up and out of his body – while the man was still alive – before tearing out his lungs. Wow. What a show, ladies and gentlemen. Alaricus Keir is a strong and scary force here in Day Two. Stay tuned to see what happens next!

Para can be found here.

[naima-creek]

[from-the-capitol]

Cannon 7 - Fawn Caswell

Deceased: Fawn Caswell of District 10

Killed by: Alaricus Keir of District 2

Well, folks, we knew it wouldn’t be long until District Two’s Alaricus Keir showed up to the game. After receiving a very generous sponsor package, he spent little time finding his first victim. Young Fawn Caswell of District Ten was getting a drink of water when Alaricus found her. He slashed her neck and the cannon sounded. Keep your eyes on District Two this Games, folks! They’re fierce!

Para can be found here.

[naima-creek]

[from-the-capitol]

Cannon #3 - Matthias Nox

Deceased: Matthias Nox of District 8

Killed by: Ravinia Lux of District 2

We knew it wouldn’t be long until our Careers showed up, ladies and gentlemen. Ravinia Lux of District Two spent a long time tracking and stalking Matthias Nox of District Eight before attacking him in a river. Matthias tried to fight back, but Ravinia quickly broke one arm and one wrist, rendering him defenseless. In a great show of strength, she held the man underwater until his cannon sounded. What a wonderful way to continue the Games! We can’t wait to see what our Careers have in store.

Para can be found here.

[naima-creek]

That's my girl *smug hair flip*

[1053ra-deactivated20220412]

[naima-creek]

Caesar Flickerman: Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome to the stage Naima Creek Mentor from District 2.  Everyone give them a round of applause. How are you tonight?

Reply: I’m great, Caesar, thank you for having me. 

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?

Reply: Oh Ravinia and Alaricus are both overwhelmed with confidence right now.  I’ve been working with both very closely to prepare strategies and plans.  I can’t reveal anything just yet, but I think the audience and Gamemakers alike will be impressed. 

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

Reply: Of course.  The minds of teenagers work very differently than those of children and adults.  We’ve never seen a mix like this.  I’m sure it’s going to be a year to remember.

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

Reply: I’ve met with a few of my old Capitol friends, though I haven’t had the chance to see everyone I’d like to.  It’s only been a few years since my last trip to the Capitol but it feels like so much longer.

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

Reply: Oh all the other mentors are lovely.  It’s great to get to catch up with them all over the games.  We only ever get to be all together during the few short weeks of the games.  I don’t expect you’ll see any romance from me this year.  Ravinia and Alaricus are going to be taking up all my time this year.

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

[accidentist-blog]

[naima-creek]

accidentist:

“Your eyes will always be closer to your soul than to any other part of your body except the heart”

[naima-creek]

Tribunal | Ravinia, Naima

[ravinia-lux]

Make them work for her. That idea brought a smile to Ravinia’s face. She liked the sound of having someone “work for her.” Especially if those someones were trained Career Tributes. She wasn’t stupid. Sure, she’d love to get a few kills herself, but at the end of the day, she was going to come out the Victor. As such, she needed to keep herself safe. Having someone trained to deal with things would be perfect.

“Alright. I’ll talk to them sometime during training. See what’s going on with them.”

Ravinia nodded. She knew better than to attach herself to anyone going into the Arena. She had no interest in forming any friendships: at the end of the day, they would be dead. Even Alaricus. While she would love to have him as a strong ally, she certainly wouldn’t make the mistake of befriending him. Esepcially after Naima’s warning.

“No, of course. I’d never. I’d kill them first.”

She gave a small smile, then looked up at the television to see herself in her beautiful chariot outfit. Her stylist had done a wonderful job with her. Alaricus had hated his outfit, but at the end of the day, he looked  good. It would be good for sponsorship.

“Jersey rocked our outfits,” she commented. “Has anyone contacted you about backing us?”

[naima-creek]

Naima's dark eyes followed her tributes across the screen.  They did look marvelous.  She couldn't complain that they were poorly dressed.  Though the stylists could have used more creativity in her opinion.  Her tributes preformed flawlessly though.  They conveyed every air of confidence and poise.

"You're outfits were good this year," Naima said.  "And they definitely helped grab some attention.  I've had several calls, some more serious than others.  A couple were merely 'welcome back to the Capitol calls' unfortunately.  Don't worry though.  No sponsor is forthcoming until interviews are over and training scores are released.  Then the offers will be more concrete."

Naima had a few lunches planned with sponsors who had been loyal to her in the past.  There were no promises on the table yet.  It was only old friends meeting for lunch.  She would reach out to more once the games began and sponsors were more free with money.  Naima only hoped that Aleks hadn't burned too many bridges during his time as sole mentor.

Then District 3 began.  A young woman, a teacher based on her file, and a man tattooed more than almost any Capitol citizen Naima had ever met.  A tattoo artist that lived in the Capitol.  Unusual.  The girl so far was a bore, but he appeared interesting.  That was not good.  District 3 was next to District 2 for everything.  His strong appearance could potentially distract from her tributes.  Not to mention he worked in the Capitol, apparently he was fairly popular.  That was even worse.  He went into the games already having fans.  Naima scribbled a few notes on the file in her lap.  "He could pose a problem.  I doubt he's trained, but he'll be a distraction."

[woodsbororp-deactivated20160803]

Amicus • Naima & Alaric

[woodsbororp-deactivated20160803]

"You’re correct to think so," he smirked, leaning the majority of his weight on his right leg. What was his plan? It was an inquiry he’d mulled over many a time before—those instances being well off in the past, however. Still, he’d clung to shards of his fragmented battle plan over the years, daring to even make minute adjustments every now and again should he have found a worthy apprentice to bequeath his finely tuned scheme upon. Divide et impera. A phrase he’d learnt as a young child; one learnt within the walls of his Training Centre.

Eyes ridden with clandestine deceit, the man knew he couldn’t divulge his strategy in its entirety to a single soul—not even Naima. “The Career Pack,” he began, eyes trailing after the character’s own. “I presume it’s still going to be a component this year, no?” His speech then wavered for perhaps a second or two, bits and pieces of his plan slowly clicking into place. “Assuming that they are, I’m going to ask you to get me in with them.” A snigger then resonated in his throat, painting an almost jovial visage upon the man’s features. “That shouldn’t be too hard. Shit heads would have to be pretty stupid to not let me in.”

[naima-creek]

Naima inspected her tribute.  The boy was strong, certainly.  She had seen him train before, and he was capable.  He could easily the the victor this year.  Both he and the girl were had good prospects.  A District 2 victor was only a few short weeks away.  The idea excited Naima.  

"I will do what I can with the mentors, but I recommend you speak to the tributes you want as allies yourself.  These are not children who will blindly follow the orders of their mentors.  We are dealing with adults such as yourself.  And they aren't your typical careers, either.  The ones from District 1 have been reaped, they may be bitter rather than grateful for their second chance.  And District 4 seems softer than in the past, more sentimental."

"You're not a child, and I won't treat you as one," Naima said.  In the past Naima was much stricter with her tributes, their were rules the the children must follow.  But these were not children.  She must treat them as such.  "I won't treat you as less than you are.  Smarter, more prepared.  You are much more able.  I daresay you could wine and dine even the most pretentious Capitol sponsors yourself, put me out of a job even.  But I'll do what I can for you.  I promise you that."

[naima-creek]

To do list:

If I missed anything let me know, and if you'd like to be on the list also let me know.

Naima

- Ravi reply

- Alaricus reply

Wren

- Harper reply

- Cayden reply

- Ryan reply

Brady

- Cyrus reply

- Andrick reply

- eventually Elle reply

[naima-creek]

Tribunal | Ravinia, Naima

[ravinia-lux]

Ravinia smiled, took a sip of her hot chocolate, and sank into the couch beside her Mentor. She pulled up the two files on District One as Naima replayed the Reaping ceremony. Maya Campbell and Killian Miles. Ages 23 and 26. Neither of them were Volunteers, though both seemed to have the standard Career training. Depending on their outlook and attitude, they could be incredibly dangerous, incredibly helpful, or incredibly disappointing.

Ravinia’s face turned to a look of general “huh.” “Well,” she said, setting down her hot chocolate. “I already said I’d love a Career pack. They certainly have the looks. I mean… look at that Chariot.” Killian was in a beautiful suit and Maya looked absolutely stunning in her dress. It reflected the light and made colors bounce off of her toned body. She was a gorgeous woman. If nothing else, that Chariot outfit could draw Sponsors.

“I’m either way on them. I’m not going to lie: I’m a bit disappointed. I expected a higher turnout from District One this year. But I mean… they don’t look shabby. Maybe Alaricus and I can talk to them during training. See what’s up. But hopefully District Four has something good for us.”

She sipped at her hot chocolate. This was the life. This was fun. She smiled at Naima. “You think that’s a good idea?”

[naima-creek]

It was certainly disappointing that neither of District 1's tributes were volunteers.  Volunteers from the career districts tended to be more prepared, more ready, than those reaped.  They also tended to be more to do what was necessary to win the games.  But their status as reaped could be a benefit so long as they had District 1 training.  Typically reaped tributes were less mentally prepared.  That would prove helpful to those who were prepared.  And more than anything, her tributes were prepared.

"Career volunteers know what they're getting into, they come in prepared to kill anyone that they need to.  They make good allies, vicious and ready.  However they won't hesitate to turn on you if need be.  And you should be ready to do the same."  In the end it often came down to career allies.  Naima's final three had been all careers in her alliance.  It was the District 4 boy's hesitation that got him killed.  Well his final battle was against Naima, so he would have died either way, but maybe his fight would have been more impressive.  

"But these aren't volunteers, and we can make that work for us.  Like you said they look trained.  Once we see them in the training center we'll know for certain.  You and Alaricus will have to keep an eye on them, make sure they'll be useful in an alliance.  You need to make them loyal to you.  The reaped are more likely to form attachments.  Use those to your advantage."

Naima flipped the pages again, searching for any information she had missed.  It was time for her warning, the warning that so many of her tributes had ignored only to get themselves killed.  "But don't, under any circumstances, become attached to them.  They are allies, not friends.  Even Alaricus.  Making friends is one way to guarantee your death."

[naima-creek]

Tribunal | Ravinia, Naima

[ravinia-lux]

They had arrived at the Capitol. And, to Ravinia’s immense enjoyment, it was even more opulent than the train. Her room was everything she could have wished for, and then more. Still, the day had been long. She indulged herself in a plush robe she found in her closet and a hot mug of chocolate. It was a good evening to be in the Capitol.

Ravinia made her way out into the main sitting area of the District Two apartment and was slightly surprised to find Naima at the couch. With paperwork. However, a slightly closer inspection showed pictures of the Tributes – she could see both Alaricus and her own photos among the bunch. This was certainly interesting.

Pushing a stray bang out of her face, she approached her Mentor. The television only confirmed what was happening: she was scoping out the competition. How impressive. This would certainly be useful. “Good evening, Naima.” She said as she hovered. “Might I join you? I didn’t get to see the other Reapings.”

[naima-creek]

Naima smiled as Ravinia entered the room.  It was about time she spoke with her female tribute again.  Now was as good a time as ever.

"Of course," Naima said turning back to the television.  It had been a long time since she had done this with another member of the District 2 team, or anyone for that matter.  She had never made tributes join her, though they had a few times, she would brief them afterwards.  Aleks was always reluctant to work with her.  He never put enough effort in during arena preparation in Naima's opinion.  During retirement she had watched reaping and games coverage with some of the other victors, but it wasn't the same.  It would be nice to have company again.  "Perfect timing, Ravinia.  I was just getting started."

Naima pressed a button and the side of the screen showing the Reaping leaped to life.  Keegan Gates graced the stage with the most recent Victor, Amethyst Alkai.  Both were strong in the arena, but both were, in the kindest terms, messes.  From what she had heard Keegan was spiraling, from alcoholism to a baby out of wedlock.  Meanwhile Amethyst's drama was all over the headlines.  They weren't going to be too much of a problem.  Their tributes however were the unknown.

Keegan called the first name, and then Amethyst the second.  Not volunteers.  District 2 had that advantage.  But would they make good allies?  She paused the screen when it showed both standing side by side and gave them a long look.  Then she turned to her tribute.  "What do you think?"

[pattinson-mcguinness]

Mila Kunis for Vogue Russia August’12