Even without checking the time, Miller knew he was running late to the Canvilles' party. That was usually something inconsequential. This time, however, he felt a slight unease, if only because there was something he needed from them now. Unlike him, the Canvilles had sponsored for the Games for years. Their support and sway might just be critical in getting Smith out of the arena.
It was on his way for the exit that he noticed Marcene Bellegarde sitting in the lobby with a drink.
The Canvilles certainly weren't the only people he needed to win over.
"Can I get you another?" Miller offered, gesturing to the glass in their hand. "And before you say no, don't worry, I'm not trying to poach you this time. But I do have a different offer."
✗ CONFIDENTIAL CAPITOL FACILITY SIGN UP SHEET records the attendance of MARCENE ‘MARS’ BELLEGARDE, a TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS ENGINEER from DISTRICT THREE. The applicable authorities may note, that the 30 year old NONBINARY / THEY/THEM/THEIRS is LOGICAL, ECCENTRIC, AND HARDWORKING, but has also been known to be SELF-SERVING, MATERIALISTIC, AND BLUNT. Similarities in appearance can be seen with EMMA D’ARCY. According to previous reports, they’re often associated with the hum of electricity from a fluorescent light and the sound of low notes piano in a large, empty room.
BIO
Marcene ‘Mars’ Bellegarde was only a few years old when the Dark Days came to an end but they were a witness to the changes that came with the victory of the Capitol. District Three’s intellects would be pressured to work under the close eye of the Capitol to develop tech for them and their rebuilding city. Throughout their school years, Mars excelled in their education and it was anticipated for them to always work closely with the Capitol due to their ingenuity.
In their late teens, Panem changed with the games having transformed from simply a punishment to a broadcasted, sporting event. They, along with three other students from their school, were given the opportunity to intern and help develop certain software and hardware to make the games more interesting. Before they had left, parties who held grudges against the Capitol approached the group of students to try to get them to find flaws, implement viruses, anything to either stop the games or to make it difficult for the Capitol to proceed with them. Mars kept their mouth shut when the other three agreed to help.
Their time in the Capitol in the few months prior to that year’s games was held in comfort. They worked closely with individuals from both the Capitol, District Three, and other districts that helped with some form of redevelopment. They enjoyed their time and honestly, they did not want to return back to District Three if they could help it. As the games grew ever closer, Mars became close with one of the students, Camille. The students got together to discuss what had been asked of them and were going to initiate their plan the night before the games. Mars, in private, tried to convince Camille to not go through with it because it would only get her killed.
The night before the games, Mars went to their instructors and informed them of what the group had planned and insisted that Camille had not been a part of the group. The other two students were arrested and dealt with. Camille remained in the Capitol for the games but avoided Mars at all costs. After the games, the two were extended opportunities to stay in the Capitol and continue their work. Camille declined and was sent home. Mars would agree and remained in the Capitol but kept an eye on Camille from afar with their place in the Capitol.
Since, they lived in the Capitol and enjoyed their life of comfort and were well off through their efforts and work. Mars would be recruited to help with development of tech for the games in the few months prior but otherwise spent their time working on other projects. They’d become an instructor for students that came on internships and would encourage the brightest to stay in the Capitol as they had though not many did - but continued to work from District Three or other districts.
With the first Quarter Quell coming up, Mars has kept busy preparing for these highly anticipated games.
Padmé gets the twins to the Temple before Anakin even wakes up the next morning. He'd slept almost peacefully - no real nightmares, just a general sense of unease. It's nice to feel rested, even comparatively. He allows himself to lie in bed for a while after waking, but his usual restlessness soon takes over and he walks out into the living room, shaking off the last grogginess of sleep. The last person he wanted to see is sitting on the sofa with Padmé, pouring her a cup of tea. He'd hoped for at least a couple of hours of private time with Padmé, but when has Tion Marcene ever cared about what he wants?
