[Eighteen - RIght Through The Eye]

[the_effect_she_has]

[Somedays, all Katniss wanted to do was find whoever ran this playground gone mad, and shoot them through the throat with her sharpest arrow. Bad enough she had to keep around the Castle to make sure Emma stayed safe. Now, to add insult to injury -- she'd changed into one of the damned elves. With the pale make-up and glitter and the pointed ears and the ridiculously tight green leather and a cape. A frigging cape, in the middle of summer!]

[She's grumbling as she sticks to the shadows of the Castle, clearly heard through the journal hanging on her side.] ...most ridiculous ... can't believe elves wear this ... could get shot right in the stomach who wouldn't armor yourself there? ...

Comments

[unvarnished]

It can't be that bad.

[the_effect_she_has]

[You cannot see this glare, but this glare is fantastic.] It. Is. Idiotic.

[unvarnished]

I bet you look better than you think.

[the_effect_she_has]

Do you want to come and see? Because I assure you, it's ridiculous. [And then the writing drops down to a mutter.] the ears alone ...

[unvarnished]

I'll have to, now. You sparked my curiosity.

[the_effect_she_has]

I'm down in the gym. Trying to work with these new ... issues. [Frigging ears. Frigging ineffective clothing.

[unvarnished]

On my way. [oh he is so there. He wouldn't be a very good big brother if he didn't tease her mercilessly about this]

[the_effect_she_has]

[She's punching one of the smaller punching bags, the leather armor stretching over her like a second skin. Her hair is silky blond now, falling free and loose ... and it does look like a very carefully applied wig. Large ears, pointed, can be seen.]

[Her grey eyes fall on him, and glare.] See? Ridiculous.

[unvarnished]

[August observes her thoughtfully. He's more amused by her attitude than the outfit. It really isn't that bad. It's the sort of thing Snow White would wear]

I'm not sure if I should be agreeing with you or trying to assure you it's not as bad as you think.

[the_effect_she_has]

Do you want me to punch you? Because if you don't, I'd agree with me. [She muttered under her breath, as she went back to punching the bag as hard as she could.]

[unvarnished]

Then I agree, it's ridiculous. [there is a twitch of pain in his leg from the lie and he sucks in a sharp breath]

[the_effect_she_has]

[She turned towards him at that, her face scrunching up.] You say something?

[unvarnished]

It's just my leg acting up again.

[fanstheflame]

At least you're not stuck in a suit like a Capitol meathead.... And this hat is ridiculous.

[the_effect_she_has]

[She rolled her eyes.] Armor! With no stomach guard! Your hat can't be that bad.

[fanstheflame]

It also smells like pancake syrup. .... Where you at, Catnip?

[the_effect_she_has]

Pancake syrup? ... [She sighed.] Out in the gardens. I'm trying to stay close to the Castle for a few days.

[For M's sake. When she can find her.]

[fanstheflame]

Yeah, it's Once-ler's stuff, so I'm not really surprised. .... [speaking of surprises though.] But you being near the castle... Is everything okay?

[the_effect_she_has]

The Once-ler smells like syrup. I don't find that hard to believe. [She smirked faintly, before her face became serious.] A friend of mine is having some trouble.

Katniss

[fanstheflame]

Anybody I'd know?

Gale

[the_effect_she_has]

You might know her - Emma? She runs one of the bars inside of the castle.

Katniss

[fanstheflame]

Not a name I remember, no. But Crowley might know her. Usually if alcohol is involved, he knows. What's wrong?

Gale

[the_effect_she_has]

There's a predator here. From her past. He's ... he's like one of the insane Victors. [She shook her head.] I know what they're like. They like to kill. He'll hurt her, and he'll enjoy it.

Katniss, to end

[fanstheflame]

Oh, no. ... I knew it was only a matter of time before someone like that got pulled in here, but... Still, that's awful. I hope she can stay safe.

[the_effect_she_has]

She'll stay safe, if I have something to say about it.