(Untitled)

[friend_of_lucy]

Normally Tumnus carries an umbrella especially when the weather threatens rain or snow. Sadly today when he was going to his house for a book he'd forgotten he owned, it rained

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[onabirdswing]

A few seats away from Tumnus sits a small dark-skinned girl. Her nose wrinkles slightly at the damp sheep smell, but she doesn't move away.

[onabirdswing]

The jabberjays aren't, but the mockingjays were a complete accident - perhaps the only good thing that came out of the failed Rebellion.

"The Capitol...is...the Capitol." Her words are slow, almost hesitant as if she's afraid of being heard.

It's a fear that's unnecessary here in Milliways, but learned from years of oppression. Those who spoke of rebellion did not go unpunished for long.

"It's where the man and the government that rule my home Panem live. Seventy-four years ago the Districts tried to rebel against the Capitol. The rebellion failed."

[friend_of_lucy]

Her hesitation and fear reminds Tumnus so much of the White Witch's reign.

Before he speaks he leans closer to the fire as memories of her always make him cold,

"The price of a failed rebellion is always too much. My father was killed in one."

[onabirdswing]

She nods.

"The people of Panem are still paying. Through the Games."

[friend_of_lucy]

"That sounds like too nice a name for something that must be cruel,"

Games should be fun and that children can play, but in times of occupation, they're rare.

[onabirdswing]

Oh, how right you are Tumnus.

"Every year, a boy and a girl from each District are chosen to go to the Capitol to participate in the Games. Twenty-four children enter the Arena. Only one comes out alive."

[friend_of_lucy]

His hand trembles as he drinks his tea,

"That's horrible. The White Witch turned her enemies to stone or killed them. She made us fear each other but not kill."

[onabirdswing]

"It was."

Rue sips at her own tea.

"That's how I ended up here."

[friend_of_lucy]

"Oh my,"

He's never met anyone so young who died and feels terribly unsure. To say he's sorry is not enough, but he should say something.

[onabirdswing]

"It's- I've gotten used to it," Rue admits.

She's not looking at Tumnus; her gaze is focused on her tea cup and the liquid inside it.

"This place is nice, it's peaceful. But I still miss my family."

And always in the back of her mind, there's the guilt. Guilt that, even though she is dead, she has been able to escape the tyranny of the Capitol, the desperate life in District 11, her family must still suffer through it.

[friend_of_lucy]

"I miss mine too,"

Gently he sets down his teacup and offers her his hand if she'll take it.

[onabirdswing]

Biting her lip to fight back tears, Rue reaches out and takes his hand.

[friend_of_lucy]

He squeezes her hand and with his other searches in his scarf pocket before handing her a handkerchief, sadly its still slightly damp.

[onabirdswing]

Rue doesn't mind if it's still damp. She accepts it, wipes her eyes.

[friend_of_lucy]

He won't let go of her hand, sometimes its best to just cry or be quiet with someone who understands.