The Games APP
Sep. 1st, 2014 07:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
butwhataboutmeOUT of CHARACTER
Name: Neb
Other characters: N/A
IN CHARACTER
Name: Cassius Jones
Fandom: OC
Canon point/AU: Current timeline
Journal:butwhataboutme
PB: Callum Blue
History: Despite being the most patriotic of Panem's citizens, it's rare for a Peacekeeper to come from the Capitol. And for good reason, too: a life of luxury and excess isn't the best preparation for the hardships and scarcity Peacekeepers face on a regular basis, and without the glitter and glam of Capitol life, their loyalty would fade quickly. Circumstances would have to be quite dire for a Capitol citizen to join their ranks.
That's where Cassius Jones' story begins.
The son of a pair of failed social climbers, Cas grew up in a life of luxury bought with borrowed funds and favors his parents couldn't repay. Ignorant of how fragile their position was, he spent his youth seeking new entertainment and novelties to entertain himself, with hardly a care to their cost. By the time he grew into a young man, though, the bubble burst, and left his family in a precarious position. If they couldn't find a way to pay off their debts, his parents would face prison...or worse.
Now, Cassius, he was spoiled, but he was resilient. Sturdy. Hardy and fit, thanks to his youth and the sports and exercise he took up as hobbies. If anyone could save the family, certainly it would be him. After pleading and cajoling, his parents convinced him to join up with the Peacekeepers. To say that he faced a steep learning curve was an understatement, and he faced a stark disadvantage compared to his peers from District 2. Thankfully, he was able to fall back on the skills he learned growing up in the Capitol: charm and bribery. Which wasn't as effective as he hoped, but it made a miserable experience slightly more comfortable for him.
Eventually he clawed his way out of training and was transferred to District 12, a far out post where he couldn't do too much harm. At first he was shocked at the brazenness of the district residents, appalled by how openly they flaunted rules against poaching and illegal gathering. And he was about to report them to a superior... until he noticed that his superior was one of their top customers. Quick to notice the advantages of leniency, he tossed aside his horror and entered a life of benign corruption. Minor offenses were met with a blind eye and a slap on the wrist, so long as he was given the appropriate payment. Which wasn't much, considering the poverty of the district, but he had no room to complain; with his meager, garnished pay and poor rations, a dead rabbit and a bottle of moonshine became fine delicacies, even for someone raised in Capitol decadence. Besides, punishment and discipline required actual work, something that he was opposed to doing on principle.
He spent a few years like this, his time dedicated to finding new and exciting ways to avoid work and get a decent meal, and his family was content to let him serve out in the wilds for their own wellbeing. Katniss Everdeen's actions in the 74th Arena, however, sparked chaos out in the districts, and while Cassius was blissfully unconcerned, his family wasn't. Using what little connections they had left, they managed to arrange a transfer out to the Capitol in the hopes of keeping him safe. And not a moment too soon, either; if not for the transfer, he would have had to face Romulus Thread, Cray's disciplined and overzealous replacement, and a far greater threat to him than any of the District 12 citizens.
Ignorant of dire fate he avoided, Cassius took to his new assignment with enthusiasm, ecstatic to return home to proper civilization. Unfortunately, his assignment wasn't everything he had hoped and dreamed for. The adjustment back to Capitol life was more difficult than he anticipated, and his old family and friends were now distant, them unable to relate to his experiences out in the districts and he no longer able to relate to their lives of luxury and splendor. Worst of all, though, he was expected to do actual work now. Under the watchful eye of the Capitol, he could no longer slack off and fudge paperwork, nor could he be as frivolous with bribes and favors as he used to be. This became especially true after the 75th Hunger Games. While the new, exotic tributes brought an air of excitement and novelty, they also brought chaos, uncertainty, and a sense of cruelity on the part of the government that Cassius had been fortunate enough to avoid until then. Unfortunately, retirement isn't an option for Peacekeepers, especially not with the debt he has dangling over his head...
Presentation: On the surface, Cassius is genial, laidback, and mildly sleazy. He learned from a young age that you attract more flies with honey than vinegar, so he tries to be as friendly and cooperative as possible. Superiors and peers are met with a smile and a compliment (with varying degrees of appropriateness), and it's rare that he'll pick a fight on purpose. Unfortunately, his mix of Capitol sensibilities and experience as a Peacekeeper often clash, and now that he's back at home, he'll often stick his foot in his mouth around friends and colleagues alike. He'll do his best to smooth things over and play it off as a joke, but results are mixed, at best.
However, his cooperation is limited by how much effort he needs to put in. He's spent an inordinate amount of work into doing as little work as possible, and he's not going to change unless forced. He'll cut corners, fudge details, lie, cheat, and bribe in order to live a life of sloth, all while flattering and kissing ass. The only time he'll do his actual work without question is when it's the easier (or safer) than deceit. While the distance of District 12 allowed him to get away with this nonsense, his proximity to the Capitol will force him to shape up. However, he won't like it, and he'll fight it as much as he possibly can without being outright treasonous.
This sloth doesn't just affect his work, but also his presence. His lazy nature combined with his friendly attitude result in a calm, relaxed demeanor. His speech is slow, his movements are slow (unless danger is immediate and present, in which case he will move very, very fast), and he's slow to take action, be it mental or physical. While he has the potential to be harsh and strict, he'd rather be your friend... assuming you can line his pockets, fill his stomach, or stroke his ego.
Motivations: Underneath that friendly, genial demeanor is a man who feels deeply unsatisfied with his life. He didn't ask for his family to run themselves into debt, he didn't ask to sign up for the Peacekeepers, he didn't ask to be assigned to the assend of nowhere and he certainly didn't ask to be dragged into a political powder keg. Worst of all, though, is that he feels underappreciated. He worked and toiled for years, spending the best years of his life training and patrolling the poorest district in Panem, and for what? His family is apathetic, his friends have abandoned him, and his colleagues barely tolerate him, much less respect him.
Which is connected to another part of his personality: how deeply alienated he feels from everybody. His Capitol upbringing made it impossible to relate to fellow recruits from District 2, and his soft personality made him a target for mockery and harassment. When he was assigned to District 12, the culture clash between their lives and the Capitol was too vast to grasp, and by the time he began to bridge that gap in understanding he was forced back home. He had hoped that then, his life would get better, but his experiences as a Peacekeeper have made it impossible to relate to old friends and loved ones who live lives of opulence and grandeur. The end result is a man who feels powerless and lonely and desperately wants to feel big and important.
In short, he's motivated by two things. The first is the desire for a comfortable life. But the second, more important, motive is a desperate longing to be appreciated. These were the main reasons he treated citizens of District 12 so leniently when he was assigned there. Letting them get away with poaching, gathering, and moonshining meant that they'd share the goods with him, so long as he didn't punish them. More importantly, though, they were grateful. Granted, this was mostly because a lack of gratitude towards a Peacekeeper is a quick way to get a rifle smashed in your face and forty lashes across your back, but to someone as ego starved as Cassius, the difference between fear and genuine thanks didn't matter. He'd even go so far as to sneak some of what little resources he had to District children, not because he felt terribly bad for their plight, but because it made him feel important.
There is one thing that can make him see beyond his sloth and bruised ego, though, and that's his family. He's bitter towards them. He's resentful of them. He blames them for his current lot in life, and honestly, genuinely hates them sometimes. However, he also loves them dearly, and despite his latent, muted rage, he'd be devastated if something were to happen to them. If he was desperate enough to join the Peacekeepers to keep them safe and secure, then it's doubtful that he'd do anything to put them in serious jeopardy. Beyond that, though, their downfall would destroy what little meaning he has in his life. If his sacrifice wasn't enough to save them, then what was the point? Why did he even bother?
In short, Cassius is a sad manchild who wants someone to pet his hair and tell him how pretty and brave and important he is, regardless of how these facts correlate with reality.
Setting: Cassius Jones will be a bit of a misfit. While he's been trained to handle and dispense violence and discipline, the culture of the District 12 Peacekeepers during his assignment has made him lax and lenient. The more disciplined atmosphere of the Capitol will present another steep learning curve, and must readjust to strict order being directed at him and being expected from him. While the threat of action against himself and his family has kept him in line over the past few years (especially during Penny's reign of terror), he never particularly enjoyed it. The harsher the government becomes, the more he'll wonder why the Capitol can't just let some things go. Picking his battles worked so well for him in the past! Why can't that tactic work for the government?
That's not the only thing that will make him stick out, though. He's spent enough time in different segments of Panem society to be influenced by them, but not enough to really fit into them. He can't share Peacekeeper stories with Capitol friends because they're too morbid, too rough, or just too gauche and unpleasant. He can't share Capitol stories with his colleagues because, frankly, they come across as bragging and nobody really cares. And it's too risky to share District 12 stories with Peacekeepers who haven't served in similar circumstances, because goodness, he violated several regulations back then, didn't he?
He's also had a difficult time adjusting back to Capitol life in general. The beds are too soft. The lights are too bright. Everything is too loud and noisy and goes on for entirely too long. And he can't see the stars as well, an observation that will take him by surprise since he didn't particularly care about the stars back when he could see them. It's yet another wedge that's been shoved between him and his former loved ones and he will find the dissonance quite unpleasant.
He does, however, enjoy these new Games! While he never respected District citizens the way he respected his fellow Capitol natives, he did begin to see the as actual human beings, and formed a sense of faint, but genuine, empathy towards them. He never doubted the need for the Hunger Games, but he's grateful that he doesn't have to stand guard for another day of Reaping, or see another pair of familiar faces disappear into the Arena. Besides, these new Tributes actually look like they can take a hit. Better them than a bunch of scrawny coal mining brats.
SAMPLES
First Person Thread: [Great, the first time Cyrano talks to him in months, and it's about the damn Games. Not that he has any problems with the Games, but honestly, couldn't it be about something else? Like what do you think about the new restaurant, Cassius? Or what do you think about going out for a few drinks, Cassius? What do you think about those pretty new girls recruited by the playhouse, Cassius? And why does Cyrano even care about his opinion on this, anyway? Was it... oh tits, it was because of what he said about guarding the Reaping, wasn't it? Now he wants a professional opinion. Twofaced, sneaky, bitchy little... if he wanted a laugh at his expense did he have to do it so publicly?! Before he can lose his cool, Cassius takes a deep breath. Okay, okay, no need to raise a fuss. It's-it's fine. He flashes a grin towards the camera of his device and lounges in his chair.]
Well, it's great fun, wouldn't you say? I mean, the old Games were far from dull, don't get me wrong. But those kids... most of them weren't really built to last, you know? But these guys! These guys can really take a beating. Like that one guy, the captain guy, Captain... [Snaps his fingers, trying to think of the name, before his eyes light up]
Captain America! That guy's a star spangled brick wall. Wouldn't want to be on the opposite end of those meat mallets, would you? [Laughs a little at his own not-joke] Seriously, it'd hurt. A lot. But aaaanyway, I've got a lot of work to do. Paperwork to fill out, justice to dispense, you know the drill. We'll talk later, though, alright?
[That was a lie. Actually, it was several lies, bundled together into one stronger, bigger lie. But hey, just because he had to make an exit, that doesn't mean he has to burn a bridge. That's just poor judgement]
Prose: "Hey-oof- hey now, what's the big rush?"
He offers a shaky smile, only to get silence from his fellow Peacekeepers. The grin vanishes instantly, and he stumbles along, completely silent for once in his life. He's seen enough men dragged off, including some that he's dragged off personally, to know that words are useless now. But just because he's suffering quietly that doesn't mean he's suffering stoically. As much as he longs for that kind of dignity right now, he's a wreck, both inside and out. He trembles with every step he takes, barely able to keep pace with his captors, and sweat clings to his hair and runs down his back and drenches every piece of cloth and leather on his body. Meanwhile, one question repeats in his head, blaring over and over again: why is he here?
Did he say the wrong thing? An awkward question here, an undiplomatic statement there? Maybe (probably), but that didn't mean anything! You can't charge a guy with treason for sticking his foot in his mouth! Or-wait, was it the bribes? No, no, he hasn't taken a single bribe since he returned to the Capitol, and, well, if accepting a half rotten deer carcass was enough to be brought before the Gamemakers, his whole damn unit would have been on TV by now. The only other possibility was the debt, but... but he was paying that off. On good time, too-
His thoughts die the moment they reach the Gamemakers. He stands silently for a moment, straightening his back, offering a grin that's even weaker than the one he gave the guards.
"Evening, gentlemen."
No response, verbal or otherwise. He blanches, and clears his throat. Tough crowd, huh? Unsure of what to do, he spots the weapons rack, and swallows the lump in his throat.
"Well then," he says, more to himself than anyone else, as he steps slowly towards the weapons. There's no rifles, none of those wonderful, gleaming firearms he trained with, but he can improvise. After all, he's nothing if not resourceful.
What is your character scored: Cassius would score about a 7. He might be one of the worst Peacekeepers ever, but he's still a Peacekeeper, and has extensive training on how to deal with combat situations and subduing violent persons. Combat isn't the only thing Peacekeepers have been trained in, though; much like their Roman inspiration, he has some experience with construction projects, which may help him in building shelters and barricades (then again, considering Cassius' history of shirking duty, they may not be the sturdiest structures on the planet). Cassius doesn't just have his skills as a Peacekeeper to back him up, though. He's also more adaptable and resilient than he realizes. Paradigm shifts are nothing new to him, and while he may be a lazy manchild, he can adjust to dangerous, difficult situations when the need arises. However, despite his combat training, he's more likely to try and handle situations diplomatically before he starts a fight. Some Tributes may be responsive to this, improving his chances of survival, while it may put him at a disadvantage with more violent, distrustful, or uncooperative Tributes.
Additional information: Cassius hails from the Capitol, which is the absolute best part of Panem as far as he's concerned. It's the home of civilization! Culture! Decent food, and alcohol that won't obliterate your throat when it goes down the hatch! Really, it's great, he can't say enough good things about it. However, as stated earlier in the app, he's having a difficult time readjusting back to life in the Capitol. When he was first reassigned, he had no doubts about his government, but instead he simply doubted his place in it. However, the longer he served, the more difficult it became to deny the Capitol's brutality, and he's grown fearful and uncertain. He's no rebel, though; even if he was brave enough to stand up against the government, he'd have no idea what to do or how to fix the situation Panem's found itself in. It's simply easier to stick with the status quo.
Name: Neb
Other characters: N/A
IN CHARACTER
Name: Cassius Jones
Fandom: OC
Canon point/AU: Current timeline
Journal:
butwhataboutmePB: Callum Blue
History: Despite being the most patriotic of Panem's citizens, it's rare for a Peacekeeper to come from the Capitol. And for good reason, too: a life of luxury and excess isn't the best preparation for the hardships and scarcity Peacekeepers face on a regular basis, and without the glitter and glam of Capitol life, their loyalty would fade quickly. Circumstances would have to be quite dire for a Capitol citizen to join their ranks.
That's where Cassius Jones' story begins.
The son of a pair of failed social climbers, Cas grew up in a life of luxury bought with borrowed funds and favors his parents couldn't repay. Ignorant of how fragile their position was, he spent his youth seeking new entertainment and novelties to entertain himself, with hardly a care to their cost. By the time he grew into a young man, though, the bubble burst, and left his family in a precarious position. If they couldn't find a way to pay off their debts, his parents would face prison...or worse.
Now, Cassius, he was spoiled, but he was resilient. Sturdy. Hardy and fit, thanks to his youth and the sports and exercise he took up as hobbies. If anyone could save the family, certainly it would be him. After pleading and cajoling, his parents convinced him to join up with the Peacekeepers. To say that he faced a steep learning curve was an understatement, and he faced a stark disadvantage compared to his peers from District 2. Thankfully, he was able to fall back on the skills he learned growing up in the Capitol: charm and bribery. Which wasn't as effective as he hoped, but it made a miserable experience slightly more comfortable for him.
Eventually he clawed his way out of training and was transferred to District 12, a far out post where he couldn't do too much harm. At first he was shocked at the brazenness of the district residents, appalled by how openly they flaunted rules against poaching and illegal gathering. And he was about to report them to a superior... until he noticed that his superior was one of their top customers. Quick to notice the advantages of leniency, he tossed aside his horror and entered a life of benign corruption. Minor offenses were met with a blind eye and a slap on the wrist, so long as he was given the appropriate payment. Which wasn't much, considering the poverty of the district, but he had no room to complain; with his meager, garnished pay and poor rations, a dead rabbit and a bottle of moonshine became fine delicacies, even for someone raised in Capitol decadence. Besides, punishment and discipline required actual work, something that he was opposed to doing on principle.
He spent a few years like this, his time dedicated to finding new and exciting ways to avoid work and get a decent meal, and his family was content to let him serve out in the wilds for their own wellbeing. Katniss Everdeen's actions in the 74th Arena, however, sparked chaos out in the districts, and while Cassius was blissfully unconcerned, his family wasn't. Using what little connections they had left, they managed to arrange a transfer out to the Capitol in the hopes of keeping him safe. And not a moment too soon, either; if not for the transfer, he would have had to face Romulus Thread, Cray's disciplined and overzealous replacement, and a far greater threat to him than any of the District 12 citizens.
Ignorant of dire fate he avoided, Cassius took to his new assignment with enthusiasm, ecstatic to return home to proper civilization. Unfortunately, his assignment wasn't everything he had hoped and dreamed for. The adjustment back to Capitol life was more difficult than he anticipated, and his old family and friends were now distant, them unable to relate to his experiences out in the districts and he no longer able to relate to their lives of luxury and splendor. Worst of all, though, he was expected to do actual work now. Under the watchful eye of the Capitol, he could no longer slack off and fudge paperwork, nor could he be as frivolous with bribes and favors as he used to be. This became especially true after the 75th Hunger Games. While the new, exotic tributes brought an air of excitement and novelty, they also brought chaos, uncertainty, and a sense of cruelity on the part of the government that Cassius had been fortunate enough to avoid until then. Unfortunately, retirement isn't an option for Peacekeepers, especially not with the debt he has dangling over his head...
Presentation: On the surface, Cassius is genial, laidback, and mildly sleazy. He learned from a young age that you attract more flies with honey than vinegar, so he tries to be as friendly and cooperative as possible. Superiors and peers are met with a smile and a compliment (with varying degrees of appropriateness), and it's rare that he'll pick a fight on purpose. Unfortunately, his mix of Capitol sensibilities and experience as a Peacekeeper often clash, and now that he's back at home, he'll often stick his foot in his mouth around friends and colleagues alike. He'll do his best to smooth things over and play it off as a joke, but results are mixed, at best.
However, his cooperation is limited by how much effort he needs to put in. He's spent an inordinate amount of work into doing as little work as possible, and he's not going to change unless forced. He'll cut corners, fudge details, lie, cheat, and bribe in order to live a life of sloth, all while flattering and kissing ass. The only time he'll do his actual work without question is when it's the easier (or safer) than deceit. While the distance of District 12 allowed him to get away with this nonsense, his proximity to the Capitol will force him to shape up. However, he won't like it, and he'll fight it as much as he possibly can without being outright treasonous.
This sloth doesn't just affect his work, but also his presence. His lazy nature combined with his friendly attitude result in a calm, relaxed demeanor. His speech is slow, his movements are slow (unless danger is immediate and present, in which case he will move very, very fast), and he's slow to take action, be it mental or physical. While he has the potential to be harsh and strict, he'd rather be your friend... assuming you can line his pockets, fill his stomach, or stroke his ego.
Motivations: Underneath that friendly, genial demeanor is a man who feels deeply unsatisfied with his life. He didn't ask for his family to run themselves into debt, he didn't ask to sign up for the Peacekeepers, he didn't ask to be assigned to the assend of nowhere and he certainly didn't ask to be dragged into a political powder keg. Worst of all, though, is that he feels underappreciated. He worked and toiled for years, spending the best years of his life training and patrolling the poorest district in Panem, and for what? His family is apathetic, his friends have abandoned him, and his colleagues barely tolerate him, much less respect him.
Which is connected to another part of his personality: how deeply alienated he feels from everybody. His Capitol upbringing made it impossible to relate to fellow recruits from District 2, and his soft personality made him a target for mockery and harassment. When he was assigned to District 12, the culture clash between their lives and the Capitol was too vast to grasp, and by the time he began to bridge that gap in understanding he was forced back home. He had hoped that then, his life would get better, but his experiences as a Peacekeeper have made it impossible to relate to old friends and loved ones who live lives of opulence and grandeur. The end result is a man who feels powerless and lonely and desperately wants to feel big and important.
In short, he's motivated by two things. The first is the desire for a comfortable life. But the second, more important, motive is a desperate longing to be appreciated. These were the main reasons he treated citizens of District 12 so leniently when he was assigned there. Letting them get away with poaching, gathering, and moonshining meant that they'd share the goods with him, so long as he didn't punish them. More importantly, though, they were grateful. Granted, this was mostly because a lack of gratitude towards a Peacekeeper is a quick way to get a rifle smashed in your face and forty lashes across your back, but to someone as ego starved as Cassius, the difference between fear and genuine thanks didn't matter. He'd even go so far as to sneak some of what little resources he had to District children, not because he felt terribly bad for their plight, but because it made him feel important.
There is one thing that can make him see beyond his sloth and bruised ego, though, and that's his family. He's bitter towards them. He's resentful of them. He blames them for his current lot in life, and honestly, genuinely hates them sometimes. However, he also loves them dearly, and despite his latent, muted rage, he'd be devastated if something were to happen to them. If he was desperate enough to join the Peacekeepers to keep them safe and secure, then it's doubtful that he'd do anything to put them in serious jeopardy. Beyond that, though, their downfall would destroy what little meaning he has in his life. If his sacrifice wasn't enough to save them, then what was the point? Why did he even bother?
In short, Cassius is a sad manchild who wants someone to pet his hair and tell him how pretty and brave and important he is, regardless of how these facts correlate with reality.
Setting: Cassius Jones will be a bit of a misfit. While he's been trained to handle and dispense violence and discipline, the culture of the District 12 Peacekeepers during his assignment has made him lax and lenient. The more disciplined atmosphere of the Capitol will present another steep learning curve, and must readjust to strict order being directed at him and being expected from him. While the threat of action against himself and his family has kept him in line over the past few years (especially during Penny's reign of terror), he never particularly enjoyed it. The harsher the government becomes, the more he'll wonder why the Capitol can't just let some things go. Picking his battles worked so well for him in the past! Why can't that tactic work for the government?
That's not the only thing that will make him stick out, though. He's spent enough time in different segments of Panem society to be influenced by them, but not enough to really fit into them. He can't share Peacekeeper stories with Capitol friends because they're too morbid, too rough, or just too gauche and unpleasant. He can't share Capitol stories with his colleagues because, frankly, they come across as bragging and nobody really cares. And it's too risky to share District 12 stories with Peacekeepers who haven't served in similar circumstances, because goodness, he violated several regulations back then, didn't he?
He's also had a difficult time adjusting back to Capitol life in general. The beds are too soft. The lights are too bright. Everything is too loud and noisy and goes on for entirely too long. And he can't see the stars as well, an observation that will take him by surprise since he didn't particularly care about the stars back when he could see them. It's yet another wedge that's been shoved between him and his former loved ones and he will find the dissonance quite unpleasant.
He does, however, enjoy these new Games! While he never respected District citizens the way he respected his fellow Capitol natives, he did begin to see the as actual human beings, and formed a sense of faint, but genuine, empathy towards them. He never doubted the need for the Hunger Games, but he's grateful that he doesn't have to stand guard for another day of Reaping, or see another pair of familiar faces disappear into the Arena. Besides, these new Tributes actually look like they can take a hit. Better them than a bunch of scrawny coal mining brats.
SAMPLES
First Person Thread: [Great, the first time Cyrano talks to him in months, and it's about the damn Games. Not that he has any problems with the Games, but honestly, couldn't it be about something else? Like what do you think about the new restaurant, Cassius? Or what do you think about going out for a few drinks, Cassius? What do you think about those pretty new girls recruited by the playhouse, Cassius? And why does Cyrano even care about his opinion on this, anyway? Was it... oh tits, it was because of what he said about guarding the Reaping, wasn't it? Now he wants a professional opinion. Twofaced, sneaky, bitchy little... if he wanted a laugh at his expense did he have to do it so publicly?! Before he can lose his cool, Cassius takes a deep breath. Okay, okay, no need to raise a fuss. It's-it's fine. He flashes a grin towards the camera of his device and lounges in his chair.]
Well, it's great fun, wouldn't you say? I mean, the old Games were far from dull, don't get me wrong. But those kids... most of them weren't really built to last, you know? But these guys! These guys can really take a beating. Like that one guy, the captain guy, Captain... [Snaps his fingers, trying to think of the name, before his eyes light up]
Captain America! That guy's a star spangled brick wall. Wouldn't want to be on the opposite end of those meat mallets, would you? [Laughs a little at his own not-joke] Seriously, it'd hurt. A lot. But aaaanyway, I've got a lot of work to do. Paperwork to fill out, justice to dispense, you know the drill. We'll talk later, though, alright?
[That was a lie. Actually, it was several lies, bundled together into one stronger, bigger lie. But hey, just because he had to make an exit, that doesn't mean he has to burn a bridge. That's just poor judgement]
Prose: "Hey-oof- hey now, what's the big rush?"
He offers a shaky smile, only to get silence from his fellow Peacekeepers. The grin vanishes instantly, and he stumbles along, completely silent for once in his life. He's seen enough men dragged off, including some that he's dragged off personally, to know that words are useless now. But just because he's suffering quietly that doesn't mean he's suffering stoically. As much as he longs for that kind of dignity right now, he's a wreck, both inside and out. He trembles with every step he takes, barely able to keep pace with his captors, and sweat clings to his hair and runs down his back and drenches every piece of cloth and leather on his body. Meanwhile, one question repeats in his head, blaring over and over again: why is he here?
Did he say the wrong thing? An awkward question here, an undiplomatic statement there? Maybe (probably), but that didn't mean anything! You can't charge a guy with treason for sticking his foot in his mouth! Or-wait, was it the bribes? No, no, he hasn't taken a single bribe since he returned to the Capitol, and, well, if accepting a half rotten deer carcass was enough to be brought before the Gamemakers, his whole damn unit would have been on TV by now. The only other possibility was the debt, but... but he was paying that off. On good time, too-
His thoughts die the moment they reach the Gamemakers. He stands silently for a moment, straightening his back, offering a grin that's even weaker than the one he gave the guards.
"Evening, gentlemen."
No response, verbal or otherwise. He blanches, and clears his throat. Tough crowd, huh? Unsure of what to do, he spots the weapons rack, and swallows the lump in his throat.
"Well then," he says, more to himself than anyone else, as he steps slowly towards the weapons. There's no rifles, none of those wonderful, gleaming firearms he trained with, but he can improvise. After all, he's nothing if not resourceful.
What is your character scored: Cassius would score about a 7. He might be one of the worst Peacekeepers ever, but he's still a Peacekeeper, and has extensive training on how to deal with combat situations and subduing violent persons. Combat isn't the only thing Peacekeepers have been trained in, though; much like their Roman inspiration, he has some experience with construction projects, which may help him in building shelters and barricades (then again, considering Cassius' history of shirking duty, they may not be the sturdiest structures on the planet). Cassius doesn't just have his skills as a Peacekeeper to back him up, though. He's also more adaptable and resilient than he realizes. Paradigm shifts are nothing new to him, and while he may be a lazy manchild, he can adjust to dangerous, difficult situations when the need arises. However, despite his combat training, he's more likely to try and handle situations diplomatically before he starts a fight. Some Tributes may be responsive to this, improving his chances of survival, while it may put him at a disadvantage with more violent, distrustful, or uncooperative Tributes.
Additional information: Cassius hails from the Capitol, which is the absolute best part of Panem as far as he's concerned. It's the home of civilization! Culture! Decent food, and alcohol that won't obliterate your throat when it goes down the hatch! Really, it's great, he can't say enough good things about it. However, as stated earlier in the app, he's having a difficult time readjusting back to life in the Capitol. When he was first reassigned, he had no doubts about his government, but instead he simply doubted his place in it. However, the longer he served, the more difficult it became to deny the Capitol's brutality, and he's grown fearful and uncertain. He's no rebel, though; even if he was brave enough to stand up against the government, he'd have no idea what to do or how to fix the situation Panem's found itself in. It's simply easier to stick with the status quo.
