The 48th Maze Running Selection Ceremony

[Arrow]

The 48th Maze Running Selection Ceremony

    The day was just dawning when our train finally filed into the station. Upon departure we are ushered into cars and watch as an entire District awakens to the most important day of the year. Some are shedding tears while others are rushing through the streets with excitement staining their skin. A smile spurs across my face as I follow the figures with my eyes, I love this job. A scream, a shout, footsteps running away or towards the sight of our caravan. The Capitol was here to select the next shining star of Panem, Ceasar was undoubtedly preparing to start the show in his studios. Today is going to be a glorious day. 

    Midday soon shines over the skin of hundreds of children glancing at me to discover their destiny. I smile in the light of the sun, "Welcome, Welcome to the annual Reaping. Today we will select two brave souls to travel to the heart of our nation and compete for a chance at unlimited riches and glory. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor!" Silence stirs me to my place by the first bowl, would there be any volunteers today? Time to find out who will be my Runners. 

    "Ladies first," My fingers fall and furl around a single slip of paper before pulling it from its place. I pause for a moment of adrenaline induced anticipation and read the first name allowed with a sweet smile. "Olivia Russels!" I waste no time watching her walk from her place in the crowd. I soon select the slip of my second contender, "Ollivander Russelsl!" 

Please reply to this thread with a single post accepting or denying your position in the Maze

[Arrow]

Ollivander Russels

    The end of my spiral of smoke breaks off burning into embers as the soft shine of sun beams through my silent room. Outside the maddening march of crying children begins as I send my last breath of smoke spreading across the frosted window pain. A tight grey suit constrains my movements but I have no choice in what I wear. Today is one of the few days our Panem loving family makes a very public appearance, Father would never approve of anything less than luxury. Thankfully I handled the matter when I first awoke more than three hours earlier. Not out of fear from the day, but out of guilt. Russels are never reaped due to our ties to the Capitol. Its unfair we know our safety when the rest quiver in endless fear. Who can blame them though, Eight is pitiful in the maze. Raiden was young and a surprising exception to our typical deaths in the opening. There isn't much hope at winning when you're from Eight.

    Father's furious calls for both Olivia and I draw me from my smokey seclusion. He snaps as always about the stench and his disapproval but I know for at least this one day he won't swing. He could never have people actually think he hits his kids, what would become of the oh so wonderful Mr. Russels? I simply shrug past him and walk silently with Olivia to the Square, I imagine her anger from the prior weeks and frankly years still festers beneath her skin. I even wonder whether there is any future where she doesn't despise me for doing what it takes to survive with our Father. I suppose that's just simply something I'll have to figure out.

    As the ceremony falls underway I find my eyes scanning the sea of shaking souls. Fear fills faces and horror haunts others. Meanwhile the first name of the destined fallen falls from the escort's painted lips. My eyes find my sister in an instant. What the hell? I look for my Father completely appalled by how he could allow for this when I see the horror in his own eyes. And suddenly I'm frozen. Oh fuck. My name is called next. Apparently this is what happens when your family falls out of grace with the Capitol.

Ollivander Russels accepts his place as the D8m Runner

[cameo]

Olivia Russels

Fingers fiddle with the obnoxious, fluffy fabric of what I’m demanded to wear. There’s no refuting Father, or a beaten will surely follow - and still he’ll end it with getting his way. But to manipulate his way is another aspect altogether. The bright clothe of pink dips into a die of a darker complexion, the top layer is sliced and peeled to it’s brace, black paint weaves through it all - smirked lips drag on a cigarette throughout my craft, pleased by my adapting creation. Hours are spent on my diligent art, not leaving a minute for shut eye - to excited by the reaction that’ll be received in the morning. If Father were to discover this malice act tonight, consequences would surely follow. But when he witnesses it tomorrow, there won’t be enough time to conceal his own artful marks upon our skins, forcing him to play nice until the events collapse to an end.

“Daddy’s boy.” Is muttered to my Brother, when he arrives to our mansion’s welcoming room in exactly what he was ordered to wear. There should be no surprise in this however, as only a few weeks back we had an argument over our opinions on how to react to Father’s brutality. A proud grin remains plastered to my cheeks, as I swirl the outskirts of my dress like a small child to Father’s arrival. His frown furthers into it’s downward spiral, as if realizing for the first time that I’m no longer his weak, baby girl. But for now, there’s nothing he can do - which just spreads my smirk even further.

Uninterested in the ceremony, it feels to drag on forever - teasing at the little patience I pertain. It’s not like the rich are ever selected… While my attention is eventually drawn at the sound of my name over the speakers. Confusion rattles my features, as I gaze around in search for the mistake. But none unfolds, leaving me in a baffled stroll to the stage. And to make matters even more bizarre, my Brother’s name is breached for as well. Least I have an appealing dress to welcome the Panem to my presence, unlike my Brother who has hand-picked by Daddy attire.

Olivia Russels accepts position