I don't believe in fretting and greiving, why mess around with strife?

[greenmamabear]

[In some ways, this trial was simpler. The killer was lacking in remorse, the victim innocent. The lines were clearer. Was that better, or worse?

Either way, Fern and Alex make up something of a green team, preparing a meal in the kitchen. Nothing particularly complicated. Coffee and water for whoever want it is at one end of the dining table. Along the rest of it is a variety of foods. A plate of cheese and crackers, a bowl of salad and carrots for the healthy people, some handy finger sandwiches, and... a big pot of mac and cheese. What they lack in presentation they make up in sheer volume of food. That's a big tub of mac and cheese.

They struggle with the invitations for a bit before eventually coming up with possibly the most awkward phrasing possible. These notes are quietly shoved under doors with little fanfare more than a quick knock.


We got food in eat place. Food is good to eat. Enjoy food with us?

- Fern and Alex

[The dining area is lined up with some appropriate decorations, quick paper streamers and even some doodles that have been taped to the walls.

Its possible too simple. But maybe people need something simple to gorge on after a complicated day.]

Comments

[bloodbiter]

[Once Adelina notices her there, she takes a careful seat next to her, giving the other girl a sidelong glance.]

How are you feeling?

[flagitate]

[ She looks over at Adelina, then gives a shrug. ]

I don't know. Tired, mostly.

[bloodbiter]

Tired seems a good way to describe it.

[A pause.]

Is there any way I might alleviate that? Other than advising you to get some rest, of course.

[flagitate]

[ She's quiet for a while. ]

It's the kind of tired that never really goes away, no matter how much you sleep.

[bloodbiter]

[It gives rise to a pause of her own.]

In my experience, that kind of exhaustion can fade when you come to realize there are others you can rely on.

[flagitate]

...

[ She sighs. ]

I... don't really do that. There are only two people in this world I trust enough to do that.

[bloodbiter]

[She wonders for a moment if this is a foolish question, but—]

Why not?

[flagitate]

It's just the way it's always been. I can't trust a lot of people to help me put food in my family's mouths.

[bloodbiter]

Was the area you lived in facing a shortage of food, or...?

[flagitate]

Yeah. But "shortage" doesn't even begin to describe it.

[bloodbiter]

I take it that it was very impoverished, then.

[The concern in her expression drifts to her voice.]

[flagitate]

Yeah. Lots of people, they just starve to death. The only way you can eat decently is if you get resourceful.

[bloodbiter]

And your leaders... What did they do to alleviate this problem?

[laughtrack.mp3]

[flagitate]

[ mmmmmmgirl ]

Nothing. Like they care about any of the other districts. As long as they have their fancy food and fancy clothes and can live a life of luxury? Everyone else can suffer.

[bloodbiter]

[It isn't necessarily surprising, given her own experiences, but hearing that carries a certain sting all the same.]

That— is horrible, truly. Is there any hope to change their policy and force them to help those less fortunate?

[flagitate]

No. No one would be able to, anyway. It's illegal for people to go to other districts, and especially the Capitol.

[bloodbiter]

How could they monitor such a thing? Did they have knowledge of each person who lived in each specific place?