Mini Arena 2

[etcircenses]

Tributes are woken early, and the hovercraft ride is a long one. Not the longest some have experienced, but they are clearly going far.

25 - 24 - 23

They land on the deck of the boat, and are ushered underneath, to the lower levels, quickly. Their stylists go from cabin to cabin, decking them out in over the top finery, before loading them into the pods installed into the corners of the rooms.

20 - 19 - 18 - 17 - 16

The platforms lift them up, and they are all ringed around a grand buffet table, loaded with a grand feast looking ready to sag down from the weight. Among the food are supplies, plenty of them, all for the taking.

11- 10 - 9 - 8

They've all been warned, don't step off your pedestal early. They have also been warned to put on a good show. That's all this is about, a good show. None of them have been told that there can be multiple winners this time around.

5 - 4

3

2

The sound of the gong plays crystal clear across the opening. The games have begun.

Comments

[plushaeusrumpified]

[Bro is goddamn thrilled when Dave doesn't freak out and demand to be put down. A part of him had figured Dave wouldn't be up to making this as hammy and ironic as possible just like in the movie. But nope, he goes for it and nails it all in one. Bro's wearing the biggest fucking grin he can possibly wear as Dave recites the line.

When the moment ends, he feels a little empty inside. Kind of like when you're a kid and go to Chuck E Cheese and then have to leave. Like that, but in a more ironic sort of way. Such is the feeling when all good references come to an end.]

I'm sorry, but I'm lettin' go, Rose.

[But yeah, he turns and plops Dave back down, trying not to look like a shivering mess once Dave can see him.]

See any icebergs, at least? [Har.] Do you really expect there to be any life boats though? They want everybody to die.

[shenunigans]

[Dave freaks out on the inside, but the Capitol has seen him squirm and squawk enough today. From here on out, it's clear sailing. He and Bro could kick the asses of anyone on this boat and they can win together. He's sure it's happened before, right?

Whatever, it's a good feeling. He feels the best kind of untouchable and immortal now that he's come out of that rough spot, even if he can see John's stupid blue font telling him he needs to step out of the shadows eventually. Maybe that's why he thinks it's a good idea when he considers splitting up to cover more ground.]

Nah, just you. [Because you're cool or whatever, but he's pulling a face like he's disappointed to see Bro.] Someone has to survive, right? You'd think there'd be one they'd make us fight over. Maybe some asshole already got it and he's hightailing it out of here. [He shrugs and glances around.] Maybe we should check if anyone we know made it up here. We'll get through it faster if we each pick a side and roll with it. Bet I can beat you to the other end.

[plushaeusrumpified]

[Dave looks disappointed and Bro just gives him a light shrug as payback. He's already fucked with him enough, that's all he really has it in him t odo.

He also doesn't have the heart to burst Dave's bubble by trying to convince him that there probably are no life boats on the damn ship. It's probably one of those last man standing type deals, if anything. They're not gonna let anyone off until they have a winner.

Bro's about to open his mouth and object to splitting up, when Dave utters those last couple of words and makes it into a challenge. Dave knows he can't back down from a challenge. And fine, maybe Dave's right. Maybe they could find somebody, or hell- some supplies that could come in handy later.]

You and I both know splitting up is the stupidest goddamn thing we could possibly do. [A beat.] So let's do it.

[He's about to turn away and get it over with before he can change his mind, before he has a thought. He holds the knife out for Dave.] You need this more than I do.

[shenunigans]

If you want to do things the slow way be my guest, Grandma. [He lets out the manly sound of 'tchh' so that Bro knows that this is on and that Dave is absolutely serious.

He shrugs in lieu of waving, but Bro turns back to him before he can leave himself. He raises both hands in surrender when the knife is offered, looking as indignant as he can about it before he begrudgingly takes it.]

Could've wiped the shark blood off it first, A-hole. [Now he's moving away himself to get a head start.] Don't slip or anything, remember the safety word is big cheese. Make friends, eat your lunch, don't do anything I would do. [He starts to jog, waving the knife enthusiastically at Bro.]

[plushaeusrumpified]

[Yeah, you better take it, asshole. He's glad Dave doesn't object, but he rolls his eyes at the comment- excuse him, he's having war flashbacks to something that happened five minutes ago. It's going to stay with him for a long time.]

It makes the knife look fucking cool, get over it.

[He's turning away and moving to head off, shaking his head at Dave's rambles. Still a better sound than the wind blowing around them.]

I'll be sure to keep all that in mind, mommy.

[He calls, but then Dave is out of earshot and once more he's alone.

This is swell.

With a heavy sigh, he sets about looking for useful shit and heading to the other end where, all goes well, he'll meet back up with Dave.]