I Really Don't Care.

Nickolas Beal. District 8 mentor.

[nickolas-beal]

[lennoxdonovan]

Lennox blew into her mug lightly, the steam rising into her face. She swirled the black coffee in the cup lightly before taking a sip. Despite being too hot, she swallowed it, unwilling to look like she hadn’t seen the burn coming, especially in front of another mentor; Nickolas to be exact. She wrapped her hand around the mug, the heat burning her hand and keeping her alert. The heat comforted her in the cold cafeteria. She would’ve put the mug up against her cheek if she didn’t look so juvenile doing so.

"Maybe I did ask you over for the fun of it, or maybe I asked you over so I could revel in your beauty."

Lennox cringed and curled her lip in disgust as Nickolas’s eyes scanned her face. “I look exactly the same as I have the previous years, don’t try to flatter me, Nickolas.” She thought about pouring the coffee into his lap, making it clear that she wasn’t in the mood for such trivial small talk so early in the morning. But she didn’t want ruin a would be good day by getting into an argument with another mentor. She put her mug onto the table, keeping it out of her reach from causing any trouble. Her palms were red and burning, but she ignored it as she cracked her knuckles, flexing her fingers.

"I figured since we’re both up bright and early by ourselves, we could enjoy the peace together."

She rolled her eyes again as she turned to face the window overlooking the Capitol. “It was peaceful until you called me over.” Lennox said icily. She was inherently suspicious as to why he called her over; she couldn’t help it. Everyone was suspicious to her and she could trust no one. She couldn’t be angry at him though, his attitude seemed genuine and she wasn’t looking to start a fight.

Her palms were beginning to sting as she clenched her fists. “I’m not interested in enjoying the peace with you. Don’t you have something better to do, like flirt with the other mentors or somthing?” Lennox said nonchalantly. “Unlike you, I actually have more important matters to attend to,” she said, flashing her burned hands in front of his face, grateful that she had a decent excuse to get out of the conversation whether it had been intentional or not.

[nickolas-beal]

“I look exactly the same as I have the previous years, don’t try to flatter me, Nickolas.”

Nickolas bit back a laugh that threatened to escape. Because, no, she didn't look the same as the other years he had seen her. Or maybe she did and this was the first year Nickolas had pulled his head out of his arse to notice her. Notice her properly. Sure, her cold exterior was a little daunting, but Nickolas couldn't help but want to see what she was like without her biting words or swinging fists.

“It was peaceful until you called me over.” - “I’m not interested in enjoying the peace with you. Don’t you have something better to do, like flirt with the other mentors or somthing?”

"Awh, don't be like that, Lennox," Nickolas said, pretending to be hurt. Though, if he was being honest, her words did have a faint sting to them. Did he really flirt with all of the mentors? Nickolas was pretty sure he kept it to a bare minimum, leaving out mentors who were too high on morphine, drunk off their arses, or the ones who were getting on in years. Now that he thought about it, that still left quite a few mentors. "I could be," he admitted. "Maybe I don't feel like doing that today. Maybe I would like to have an actual conversation with someone that doesn't involve me trying to get in their pants or discussing strategies on how not to die." Maybe I would like to have a conversation with you, he added in his head.

“Unlike you, I actually have more important matters to attend to."

Nickolas' eyes widened at the sight of her hands. "Didn't you know that if you play with fire, you get burned?" The comment slipped out before he could even think about stopping himself. Sometimes he forgot to turn off his instant reply switch and turn on his normal human being reply switch. "I'm sorry, that was rude. What happened?" He bit his tongue so he didn't ask something stupid like 'did you finally get in a fight you couldn't win?'

[nickolas-beal]

Just Wanna Run | Lysander/Nickolas

Nickolas tossed the orange up in the air repeatedly, playing catch with himself rather than eating it. He had a break from his mentoring duties and was making the most of it by doing absolutely nothing of importance. He had nicked the orange from one of the many fruit baskets he had in his room. Nickolas wasn’t sure where exactly they came from, but he was pleased that he always had fruit around. Especially since as of right now, the fruit had more purpose than to be eaten. If there was one thing Nickolas had learned from the games, it was that a single object could have more use than its original purpose.

Wandering aimlessly down the corridor, Nickolas scrunched up his nose. There he went again, thinking of the one thing he didn’t like to think about. To distract himself, Nickolas began throwing the orange higher, recalling the days of being a child in District 8. He had taken some empty thread spools, playing catch with his mates. Toys weren’t common in his district, so they had played with whatever they could find during break time at school.

Nickolas caught the orange and held it still, rubbing at his temples with his free hand. Another thing he didn’t like to dwell on: his childhood. He needed a distraction. Being alone with his thoughts was clearly a bad thing today. Nickolas blamed his lack of sleep.

[nickolas-beal]

[lennoxdonovan]

Lennox was up earlier than usual, wanting to avoid anyone if possible. She knew that many would take their time getting out of their floors and to the cafeteria because they had a lot of time on their hands. For Lennox, it was just another day living in the Capitol. She enjoyed waking up early. It meant that she didn’t have to deal with the uptight Capitol citizens early in the day and she was free from various obligations.

She made her way down the building and into the cafeteria, eyeing the figure already comfortable in the seats. She turned away hoping to enter unnoticed and to get her food and leave. But that was quickly unavailable as she heard a voice calling her name. She ignored it as she continued to grab a mug of coffee, leaving it black. She started for the exit before she turned to find out that the person calling her over was Nickolas Beal.

“Lennox, why don’t you join me?”

Lennox rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. She didn’t have a beef with Nickolas or District 8 so she trudged her way towards where he was sitting and pushed his legs propped on the chair off so she could sit. “What do you want Nickolas?” She said dryly. “I’m sure you didn’t ask me to join you just for the fun of it.”

[nickolas-beal]

Nickolas was intrigued by the way she tried to ignore him. She studiously kept her eyes focused on getting her coffee, almost walking right by him without even turning her head. He caught her gaze when she finally turned to notice him, a smile playing on his lips as he caught her eye roll. His coffee almost sloshed onto his hand when she unceremoniously moved his legs, causing him to scramble up into a less comfortable position. She was pushy. He liked it.

“What do you want Nickolas?” “I’m sure you didn’t ask me to join you just for the fun of it.

Taking another swig of his rapidly cooling sugar milk, Nickolas peered at her over the rim of the mug. "Maybe I did ask you over for the fun of it," he said with a cheeky grin. "Or maybe I asked you over so I could revel in your beauty." He made a show of examining her face, winking at her when his eyes made it back up to hers. "I figured since we're both up bright and early by ourselves, we could enjoy the peace together." Plus, he really wanted to get to know her. But that wasn't something one could just blurt out. Not with a girl like Lennox. Nickolas would have to tread carefully with this woman. His pretty words and cheeky smiles would get him nowhere.

[nickolas-beal]

Behind These Walls ~ Nickolas|Lennonx

Nickolas brought the warm mug to his lips, sipping at the liquid that was more sugar and milk than it was coffee. He liked to pretend that he couldn't start his day off without a good cup of coffee, but really he only liked to get his dose of sugar. It was early enough that not very many people were in the cafeteria, most probably enjoying the breakfast that was set up for them on their own floors. Nickolas hadn't felt inclined to eat with his tributes or Valeria. Some mornings he would rather be alone and pretend he wasn't watching two kids from his district prepare to be slaughtered or kill their ways to victory. Unfortunately, Nickolas could only pretend for so long. He would eventually have to go back to his tributes and partner to at least try and give them a fighting chance.

For now though, he could enjoy his coffee flavoured, sugary milk and just sit in silence. Nickolas leaned back in his chair and propped his feet on another chair, fingers wrapped around his mug. He tilted his head lazily when he heard someone walking by, a grin lifting the corners of his mouth when he saw who it was. "Lennox," he called out cheerfully. "Why don't you join me?" Lennox was an interesting girl. Nickolas had never been able to quite figure her out and that made him try that much more at getting to know her. Plus, Nickolas couldn't deny that she was beautiful.

[iansmolderholic]

[cowanmax]

[cowanmax]

“I just needed some hope.  Sorry”   He apologized quickly. There was a small silence where Max seemed to be thinking how to continue the conversation because he had the feeling he may have had asked something stupid.  He cleared his voice and decided to elaborate his question a little better so he knew where it came from. The teen knew his question may sound weird but he needed to elaborate his question better.  Otherwise, the question may be taken as out of place.

“I know it’s just money…but it makes things quite different when you have it”  He said in such a way that made him look older than he already was.  “It’s…frustrating to know there is a way to make people feel better and no matter how hard you try to get money in an honest way,  you will never be able to”  He said calmly;  his voice reflected the sadness he carried all those years.  “It makes things different because you know if you get sick, you can afford to go to the doctor.  You don’t need to worry in winter because you have enough money to buy woods to make your house warm”  He confessed seriously.

“It’s no way to live,  Nickolas.  It’s simply impossible to live like that”   He finally added.

[nickolas-beal]

"No need to apologise," Nickolas said honestly. It's not like the kid had asked him how to win the games or what a good way to get sponsors was. This was a question that Max could have asked anyone. Including an avox. Except, an avox wouldn't be able to reply. Nickolas examined the boy in front of him, watching as Max gathered his thoughts, staying quiet so he didn't interrupt him. District 8 might be vastly different from District 12, but Nickolas couldn't help but relate to this young tribute.

Nickolas kept his face carefully blank, some of Max's words hitting home in a painful way. Because he understood the desire of wanting to be able to provide for your loved ones. But not even all the money winning provided could save you the pain of losing someone you cared for more than life itself. Nickolas' thoughts flashed to his mother before he shoved the thought away and returned to Max. "That isn't a way to live," Nickolas agreed. He wasn't sure how to continue, because he didn't want to get into his own experience, but he also didn't want the conversation to lead to words he should only be telling his own tributes. "As long as you remember that money will help your life and not make your life, I think you'll be alright. I understand more than you think, Max." Oh how he knew. "I know I'm not your mentor, but I'm always here if you want to talk. As long as it doesn't interfere with the games."

[nickolas-beal]

Nickolas | Climbing The Walls |

Nickolas sauntered into the cafeteria, whistling cheerfully as he openly checked out nearly everyone who passed him by. He stretched out his arms, trying to shake off his sleepiness, reaching for a tray as soon as his back had popped satisfyingly. His eyes scanned over his options, lips curling up into a grin when he spotted the mashed potatoes. Nothing made him happier than a big pile of mashed potatoes. Except maybe malt whiskey. That stuff was pretty high on his happy list. Nickolas filled his tray up with potatoes and ladled plenty of brown gravy atop of them before going to find a place to sit. Once he was sat, Nickolas began eating, focusing intently on his food. Maybe it was because he was in the Capitol or maybe it was because the games were coming up, but lately Nickolas' memories of the games had been returning and keeping him up late at night. It wasn't just his time in the arena that was tormenting him, unfortunately. There was also faces of his loved ones, floating about, taunting him. They blamed him. For what, Nickolas wasn't sure. He never stayed asleep long enough to figure out why.

[cowanmax]

[cowanmax]

“Can I ask you a question?” Max asked doing his best effort to sound as casual as possible, but it was more than obvious he was dying to ask a question that was burning inside him. He had to admit he was somehow embarrassed to ask this question to Katniss and Peeta (or anyboby else) because he didn’t want them to know how poor he was. Nickolas sounded like the kind of person who would not judge him for what he was just about to ask.

“If I win this, they will heal me right?” He asked making an effort in order not to make the words sound rushed, but he clearly looked he was trying to measure the speed of his voice. “Do you think it would be possible to get medical attention for someone else? Like a relative?” He asked trying to control his breathing. “I know that Peeta lost a leg the year he won his games, and you know…” He made a pause because this was a little ashamed to say that aloud. “My dad lost both of his legs when I was six in an accident, and he had been way depressed since then. He hasn’t said a word to me…since then” He responded quietly.

“If I win, I wouldn’t mind paying for it everything I got…it’s just money…” He added difficultly. “It sucks ass to be poor and not be able to pay those things. I wish I was rich to help him out” He finally added.

[nickolas-beal]

Nickolas was surprised to hear Max ask if he could ask a question. His first thought was to tell the kid that he may be a mentor but he wasn't Max's mentor. However, there was something in Max's eyes that made him wait it out. "Sure," he said carefully. He didn't have to answer and nor would he if it was a question about the games. Maybe this had nothing to do with the games. Although, who was he kidding? Everything had to do with the games. Whether you were from the Capitol or District 12, your whole life revolved around the games.

To keep from showing his shock, Nickolas cleared his throat and pretended to cough into his arm. He had stayed quiet while Max had explained his question, mulling over every word that came out of the boy's mouth. Whatever Nickolas had been expecting, this certainly hadn't been it. He regarded Max with a carefully controlled expression. "If you won," Nickolas began slowly. "You would have more than enough money to get your father the help he needs." His stomach did a flip, memories of his own homecoming returning. If this boy won, would he even have a father to return to? Nickolas gave a small smile. "You've got something some people don't, kid." He shook his head. "'Its just money.'" He quoted, nodding approvingly at Max. "You've got a good head on your shoulders."

[cowanmax]

[cowanmax]

For a slight moment, Max forgot where he was and what he was getting ready for. He felt comfortable around the other guys’ presence because in a way, he just wanted to be like he was. He dressed cool, he was exuded confident through his pores and he didn’t look as gigantic or colossus as others victors were, but this didn’t mean the man was weak. Max could see the man somehow had a regular physical activity, but he still look normal. The man in front of him had a look that gave Max hope; you didn’t need to be an atlas to win the games. If he played smart, he could win just like the man in front of him did.

“You are one of the coolest adults I’ve ever seen around here. Oh, it should be great to have people admiring you after surviving the games” Max confessed visibly excited. Since he was a little kid, he always wondered what it would feel like to live a day without worrying about having what to eat at night or getting sick next day. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nickolas” Max replied visibly excited and offered his hand for a handshake.

“I guess you are very busy as well, aren’t you?” He said trying to make some small talk.

Nickolas rose one eyebrow, examining Max with a curious gaze. The boy was clearly innocent of what went on in the Capitol and what would become of the tribute who would be crowned victor. Perhaps Max wouldn't dream of winning if he knew the baggage that came along with infinite riches and the glory of winning. He held his tongue, because this was not his tribute. Why should Nickolas be the one to crush this boy's excitement?

"It's nice to meet you as well," Nickolas replied, shaking the young tributes hand firmly. He squared his jaw and reminded himself to not get sucked into getting attached. Max was making it rather difficult to remember that soon all but one tribute would be dead. And this cheerful boy could be one of the names added to the long list of dead.

Unable to stop himself, Nickolas remained where he was and gave another smile to Max. "I suppose you could say we're busy. Me peronally? I'm just here for the free food and the parade of ridiculously dressed Capitol citizens."

[cowanmax]

[cowanmax]

“Well, you should see me at mornings when I wake up” Max replied visibly amused by the other man’s banter. “I’m quite a scary sight. Especially when my hair is all uncombed and I haven’t taken a shower. I guess that will help me out a lot in the arena” He said grinning from ear to ear for the first time in months. He had to admit he liked this adult. Most of the grown-ups around her saw him like cannon fodder or they were just plain nasty. He liked at least someone had some sense of humor.

“I’m Max, what’s your name?” He asked curiously as he approached the man in front of him. Max had to admit the stranger looked confident and well dressed. Internally, he envied him. The man was the clear representation of what Max wanted to be when he grew up. Well, if he survived the games. Perhaps he could use this man as an inspiration. He didn’t look as huge as other victors were. Maybe he was his size when he was Max’s age.

[nickolas-beal]

Nickolas was surprised by the boy's cheerful response. He couldn't help but smile slightly, finding this tribute far less annoying than some of the others. "Perhaps it will," he allowed. He could imagine how displeased the game makers would be if no one would come near the boy because they were too afraid. Nickolas really shouldn't find that as amusing as he did, but he blamed lack of sleep. He was probably delirious or something.

"Nickolas, district eight mentor," he replied with a winning smile. He most certainly not annoyed with this boy. Max knew how to take a joke and had even continued on with it, which Nickolas found himself respecting. Some tributes didn't know how to respond to Nickolas' jokes or comments that bordered on rude. He was pleased that this Max kid wasn't like that. And if he was vaguely reminded of himself, Nickolas refused to acknowledge it. That was dangerous territory.

[cowanmax]

This was fun; more fun that he originally expected. It was almost like drawing Max thought when he checked his own reflection at the mirror to see what he accomplished with very few materials. Although Max didn’t think he was anywhere near as Peeta was, he had successfully managed to create a very decent camouflage using some mud from the ground. He looked himself at the mirror and smiled for the first time in long. He was not as strong as others tributes were, but at least now he had something to make harder for them to find him in the arena.

Slowly, he walked to the restroom and opened the water faucet to wash his face. The unusual cold water made him shiver as he carefully washed his face. Now, at least he felt a little better because he had learned something new. Now, he needed to practice it as much as he could until he was somewhere as good as Peeta was. Well, he may never be as good as his mentor was, but at least he wanted to do something decent because the games were getting closer and that worried him greatly because that meant he was to be thrown to the lion pit.

He heard the door opening slowly but he didn’t turn around because he was still washing his face. “Just give me a second, I’m almost done” He said affably as he continued removing his camouflage.

[nickolas-beal]

Nickolas ran his fingers through his hair, striding down the corridor briskly. He was not in the best of moods, his night terrors making an inconvenient appearance once again. He had learned to block out the memories and pain, but he had yet to master the art of functioning properly on little to none sleep. Nickolas passed an Avox, his eyes curiously examining her blank expression before he continued on wordlessly.

Upon entering the bathroom, Nickolas was greeted by the sight of a tribute washing his face. It amused him to see that the boy was covered in what probably used to be a masterpiece of camouflage. Now it just looked like a gooey mess. “I hope it looked better than it does now,” Nickolas snorted, watching the boy with a smirk. “Although, it might be a good tactic to scare the other tributes off.” He forgot all about his need to pee, finding this boy much more interesting.

[entertainmeltv]