rutagraveolens | Melody 2 : Action

[Morning]

[Ever since the fireworks the previous day, Rue was on edge. The fireworks were too much like cannon fire, each boom a notification of another tribute gone. That the fireworks were to announce the departure of people didn't help any.

Nor she get any sleep the previous night. Rue dreamed of whippings and executions, a reaping she couldn't escape from, a game she couldn't win. She saw the boy from District 1 - Marvel - raise the spear, throw-- and woke up tangled in blankets on the floor.

Silence surrounded her as she had breakfast in House 34. She left Melody sleeping in her room and made sure her knife was on her before she slipped out for the day.

She did her usual rounds - library to return some books, bakery to pick up a snack, convenience store for a drink - before wandering the south path parallel to the river. She'd never traveled down the road before and was curious where it went. Eventually Rue found herself by the Art Gallery. After some hesitation, she entered the building. It was nice and quiet, peaceful inside. She roamed the gallery, taking her time looking over the different pieces of artwork there.

When she came across Peeta's paintings and found herself staring at her own face, her face crumbled. She reached up to touch the paintings, drawing back she realized she shouldn't do that. The wings were the right color; the yellow of her own feathered wings, the blue of the dress she wore on stage in the Capitol. Her breath quickened and caught as Rue burst into ugly sobs.]

[Afternoon - behind Slash 'n Crash]

[After calming down, Rue went to Slash 'n Crash for target practice. Bow in hand and a quiver of arrows on her back, Rue methodically shot arrow after arrow into the targets. Her aim wasn't the best, but she was still hitting the target each time. She remembered Katniss' lessons as she drew, notched, and shot each arrow.

When she shot the last arrow in her quiver, Rue went to the targets, pulled out every arrow, put them back into her quiver, walked to her starting place, and began shooting again.]

((ooc; Now with links! The first painting is the one of her looking over a puddle and her reflection, the second is her holding a bouquet of flowers.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, okay. When is school starting? If I don't take the test, can I not go to class?

[Unless school already started, then this little Rue is playing unintentional hooky.]

It should be starting again next week, unless something else delays it, like a shift or a blizzard. You can attend without taking the test to get an idea of the classes, but the test helps me when it comes to giving assignments, which is why I like arranging them as early as possible.

I can take the test anytime this week, whenever you aren't busy.

[Rue peered into the box. Yep, that was everything.]

Is there anything else I can do while I'm here?

Well, the tools do need to get put in the back with the rest. As for school, why not in a couple of days? [At least to give her time to manage any apprehension.] Wednesday or even Thursday should be fine, since I'll be in the building anyway.

I'll come by Wednesday then. [Better to get it out of the way as soon as possible, right?] And I'll take these to the back.

[Rue scooped up as many as the tools into her arms as she could safety carry and head toward the back room, looking around a bit before finding the other tools. There she began carefully putting everything away.]

Sounds good to me. [She'll start putting away the seeds up front, waiting until Rue steps back into range.] Is there anything else you'd like to know?

Um... are there punishments if you're late to school?

Disruptions due to an experiment are usually expected. [And considering school is voluntary, and thanks to Gelda's influence, she's had to go easier on them in some ways.] Otherwise you'll find yourself with extra work to cover what you missed -- or interrupted with tardiness.

[Extra work... if that was all, that was okay. It certainly better than being hit with the switch or denied a lunch break.]

Oh, that's not so bad. That's much better than District 11.

Can anyone go on recess?

[Raine's usually a strict disciplinarian, but in Luceti where it's mostly a voluntary business, there's only so much she can do in that regard.]

There's a break for lunch that comes after the morning classes. That's usually a good time for people to stretch their legs and so forth, or use the playground.

That sounds really nice. Is food provided or do people bring their own lunches?

We have snacks and drinks, but students usually bring their own with them.

[In a world where food is so plentiful, that's not so hard. Rue's already gotten used to packing a lunch or taking a snack with her before heading out for the day.

Rue does her best to put on a smile.]

Thank you for the information. Do you need any more help around here?

I think I have it well in hand now, thank you. But you're welcome to look around as much as you'd like.

[Being winter there's not too much in the store, but Rue heads over to the assortment of house plants. A small spiky aloe vera plant catches her attention and she takes it off the shelf.]

Oh, we have these in District 11. They're very good for sunburns.

Yes, that's right. Have you studied plants a lot?

Uh-huh! I've been learning more since arriving here. I told the clinic I'd help them identify medicinal plants. I didn't realize there could be so many different kinds.

Yes, that's something I've been doing myself for a while now. I wish I could say I have everything identified here, but I still have quite a long way to go.

It must be hard with so many different worlds.

[A pause.]

I could help if you want. I'm already identifying some plants, so I could identify more.

Sounds fine to me. You could check my lists of what I've already compiled as well. I wasn't aware the clinic was actively in need of it, since they always could come check here at any time... [And things were quieter now, with more on hand doctors and less actively injured patients.]

It's something I volunteered to, though right now I'm mostly doing research since there's not too much in the snow. But checking everything against the list would be helpful.

[A little more happiness sneaks back into her face and voice.]

The spring will definitely have a lot more for you to look into. Have you found other activities to keep you occupied? I know there doesn't seem like a lot around here... [But hopefully school would help with that.]

I've been reading a lot too. And tree-climbing and learning archery. [Skills that are useful, skills to stay sharp and alive.]

Sounds like you have a lot more on your plate after all. Those are good skills to practice.

I'm really good at tree climbing, I was the best in District 11. [A pause.] I'm still not that good at archery, but I'm trying.

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