watch how you go ~mat

[rufus jove whitacre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:430px; -moz-border-radius: 50 50 50 50; -webkit-border-radius: 35 35 35 35; padding-top: 12px; background-color: #;] After the general meeting with Mat and Elizza, Rufus had returned to his compartment. Immediately, as was his habit in these situations, he had watched the Reapings several times, making a note of the name and anything that particularly came to mind about them. Sometimes this was small things, but just by analysing a stance, even a movement, things could become clearer. Ammi Phoenix, from District One. Light but strong, most likely better with smaller weapons, perhaps a knife. Cadmus Selkirk from District Four - the fishing district, so no doubt he was strong and had good aim, perhaps a trident, a spear. Two amongst many, but just examples of what little things could demonstrate. His issue right now was Matrim. Already he had suggested training together with Elizza, something that he understood but did not agree with. Some preparation he could understand, discussing major issues that would become apparent in training even, but when he had asked a question earlier about things they should know Mat had been willing to let out a weakness. It might not seem like much, but it had been asked for a reason and, to Rufus, the answer demonstrated a flaw. Your opponents should know nothing of your weaknesses. You should not offer them up. Perhaps he had too much faith. Whatever it was, he needed to warn him off it. This was not the place for weakness - it would get you killed. This thought was circling in his head as he found himself without water. Not one to ever send for anything, he found himself on his feet without realising and was walking down the train when he heard quiet voices talking. He recognised them instantly and stood for a moment, listening. There was some talk of their volunteering, Elizza's friend, and then the familiar note of silence as they watched the Reapings played back. He hoped they were watching closely - any of those people could be the one to kill them. It was around District 3 that he left, collecting his water before returning to his compartment, immediately returning to his work. After a few minutes, he got agitated and set it aside, instead starting to collect together some books he felt Matrim should skim over that covered more obscure plants and cooking in an outdoor arena - that was, until at some time he wasn't quite aware of, there was a knock on the door. "Come in," he called, stacking the small pile in a perfectly straight tower before turning to the door. ★ NOTES: ★

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[matrim daniel fairbain]

After watching the reapings with Elizza, Mat had decided to go off and find Rufus. He needed to have more of an idea of what was coming up in the Capitol, and what things in particular he'd have to focus on. Also things like what it was like with the stylists, and the opening ceremony, and things like that. He had a lot to ask, and probably not that much more time. But he'd at least be able to ask some of it now.

He knocked on the door, and was invited to come in, so he slid the door open and came through. The room looked impeccable - Rufus did always seem to have things in order. "Hey Rufus," he greeted, as he looked around and took a seat by the door. "I was wondering if we could talk about things coming up in the Capitol. So I have a bit of a better idea of what to expect, and how to handle myself there."

[rufus jove whitacre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:430px; -moz-border-radius: 50 50 50 50; -webkit-border-radius: 35 35 35 35; padding-top: 12px; background-color: #;] He was not at all surprised by the guest. In fact, he wouldn't have expected anything but a visit at this stage and, if Mat hadn't taken the first step, he most likely would have taken it upon himself to awake him at an ungodly hour for preparation. Needless to say, therefore, Rufus wouldn't have turned him down, but Mat seemed to have already made the decision for him by claiming a seat. That was something he did not appreciate and a flash of annoyance appeared over his face before he sat on a chair that was placed opposite it, no doubt for conversations such as these to take place. "Be more specific or break it down." Again not a man of unnecessary words, but in this case there was a lot that could be included. Mat needed to note specific areas so he could comment, rather than seeking some kind of all-inclusive commentary that could be a waste of both of their times. For example, he could describe a strategy about arriving at the train station, say what to do - and yet Mat might already have a good idea on that. Seconds were precious and they needed to be used properly. ★ NOTES: ★

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[matrim daniel fairbain]

Mat noticed the flash of annoyance, and realised he might have overstepped. He had figured the offer to come in would include taking a seat, but apparently he had misread that. Still, it wasn't worth getting into that now as Rufus hadn't brought attention to it. "Okay. What's the first thing that happens when we get off the train? And how much should I be focusing on acting a certain way in front of the cameras? I'm not the best at putting on something that I'm not feeling, so that's been on my mind a lot," he admitted.

[rufus jove whitacre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:430px; -moz-border-radius: 50 50 50 50; -webkit-border-radius: 35 35 35 35; padding-top: 12px; background-color: #;] It was much simpler when it was broken down. Particularly into smaller steps such as this. No, too much information at once could be deadly. Important things could be missed out. Time was needed to scrutinise, to take the answers he was given and shape his responses to them. Taking a moment, therefore, he thought through his answer before speaking carefully, hoping to put stress one the right things so Mat would remember them. He hated repeating himself and always sought to avoid it when needs be. Also, this could, somehow, be life-saving information. "Pulling into the station is when the show really begins." A brief pause. "The cameras will be rolling, the crowd will be watching intently so it's key you don't do something to detract from yourself. No falls, no tears, nothing that shows weakness. Radiate confidence and self-assurance. If you don't know what you might put across in your interviews then give absolutely nothing away. Remain calm, smile, wave to the crowds - they love a good show. If you have ideas about your interview persona, however, then we can incorporate that." This was when he expected Mat to fill him in. He didn't know him, so he had no idea what he could potentially put across and what would be best ignored. ★ NOTES: ★

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[matrim daniel fairbain]

Mat took this in as Rufus explained the process behind how he should be acting. It made sense, although Mat still didn't like it. "Any tips on how to smile if you're not feeling it, and not have it look forced?" Mat asked, feeling like any smile he did would look forced and the audience would see right through it. He realised the importance of this, and his potential inadequacy in this skill.

Then Rufus prompted for ideas about his interview persona. That was another thing Mat hadn't had a lot of ideas about. "I'd prefer to go with something that's as close as possible to what I'm actually like - I mean, I'm pretty confident, personable, laidback in conversations, so I was thinking I'd just try to be relaxed and chat to the interviewer, you know? Do you think that would be good?" he asked.

[rufus jove whitacre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:430px; -moz-border-radius: 50 50 50 50; -webkit-border-radius: 35 35 35 35; padding-top: 12px; background-color: #;] In Rufus' mind, he couldn't help but ponder past Careers. It wasn't often that any of them gave off a personable impression. Most were arrogant to the point of overconfidence, keen for the kill. The blood thirst could seem stomach-churning to many, yet even those who were uneasy still seemed to sponsor those who were keen. Perhaps they were more 'up for it'. Many sponsors wanted glory. They wanted to boast that they had selected the right person and celebrate with them at lavish parties after. Despite this awareness, however, he still felt uncomfortable that his first thought was whether he could sell that. To the Capitol, to the sponsors who were so key to Mat's survival. It was fine to do, but would that allow you to stand out? There were twenty-three other competitors who could very well do the same thing, and then what? "Think of something happy - pretend you see your family, your friends - show them you are strong and not scared, that you are coming home. If you want to comfort them then that may help." Then again, he had no idea of Mat's situation, which meant another vital piece of information was needed. Something that could influence his persona and his attitude. Perhaps even give him a selling point. "Why did you volunteer?" ★ NOTES: ★

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[matrim daniel fairbain]

Mat supposed that eventually he would have to explain why he had volunteered, so he had prepared himself for this. He wasn't going to tell people he didn't have to tell, but it was information that Rufus would need, and his stylist, whoever that might end up being. "I volunteered so that I could win and then support my family. My mum is really sick and the only way I'll be able to make sure she gets better is to win the Games," he answered. "On top of that, someone had to volunteer for that fourteen-year-old kid." Mat wasn't sure how Rufus would react to the reason that he volunteered, but there it was, and it was honest.

[rufus jove whitacre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:430px; -moz-border-radius: 50 50 50 50; -webkit-border-radius: 35 35 35 35; padding-top: 12px; background-color: #;] To anyone looking, it would seem as if he had no reaction to this. In a way, they were right. Rufus was never one to react with anything more than a necessary flash of anger or irritation. Deeper emotions were not portrayable to him, and even if it was necessary it would take something incredible to get them out there. This was not one of those moments. He had heard these stories before and, perhaps wrongly, had grown numb to their effects. He understood, sympathised even, but was not moved. Perhaps that was because, if he was moved, he risked emotional attachment, a desire he couldn't control that would see him more broken when the Tribute died. He always grew somewhat attached despite himself - it was natural. But they were nowhere near that stage yet. Not at all. "Fourteen-year-olds can't be underestimated - don't bring that up." It would make him seem noble to those against the Games, those at home in their Districts who were certainly not donors, but suggesting to the Capitol that a fourteen year old needed 'saving' was ridiculous. Perhaps a twelve-year-old. That was understandable, there was always a niggle of discomfort. But no-one older. As for his mother, meanwhile, he felt uncomfortable in knowing that he would be discussing her situation in a way he would loathe anyone to discuss to him. The need for bluntness, for information, however, triumphed and he found himself speaking in an entirely neutral way. "You can discuss your mother. But make sure you project confidence. This was your year. You are ready to finally fully prepared to take this step to help her and nothing will get in your way. You'll be the strongest, fastest competitor there and those who support you will save you both. They love feeling as if they've done a 'good deed'," Rufus added in explanation. Sob stories could go down a storm - but suggesting helping a sickly mother because you were ready and because your desire had pushed you on could work well. "Be sure to talk about how you feel about her. To suggest that she has pushed you on to greatness. They will eat it up. As long as it is mixed with confidence - any less will make you sympathetic but will get you nothing more. You will seem desperate. It may work for other Districts, but as a Career any weakness will make you the first member to be picked off in an alliance." ★ NOTES: ★

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[matrim daniel fairbain]

Rufus' words were stern when referring to the fourteen year old. They can't be underestimated? Sure. But Mat still felt that he had had to do it, and the fact that he had been younger and obviously not wanting to be reaped had helped. "Sure, I understand you can't underestimate them, but it was pretty clear he didn't want to be reaped. It wasn't his age that was the issue, it was his attitude when they called out his name. Why let him go into the games when there are plenty of people who train for it who actually want or need to go into it themselves?" Mat reasoned. It seemed perfectly reasonable to him, and wasn't paying any disrespect to younger tributes, he knew they could be dangerous.

Feeling as if they've done a 'good deed'. So that's the angle Mat would be going for - looking for charity? "So I'm looking for charity? Trying to make them feel sorry for me so they sponsor me? But, like, doing it in a determined way rather than a weak way, obviously," he said thoughtfully. "Showing that I'm confident in my skills and that I'm going to come out of there alive, but still showing the human perspective in that I volunteered to help my family." That sounded like a good angle - he was pleased with that, as it didn't hugely change his own personality. "I think that sounds like it would work. Did I get that right or is there something I missed?" He had mostly been repeating, but he could have picked up something slightly wrong.

[rufus jove whitacre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:430px; -moz-border-radius: 50 50 50 50; -webkit-border-radius: 35 35 35 35; padding-top: 12px; background-color: #;] It was always odd to him when a Tribute from the District didn't want to go into the Games. Not because anyone would naturally want to get involved, but because most potential Tributes were desperate for the glory that came from it. Particularly as they were so close to the Capitol, it was understandable that the Games held more prestige here. Victory was glory, wealth, fame. Only seventy-three people had ever won. It was an exclusive club and people would, literally, kill for it. In terms of the fourteen-year-old, he could understand Mat's point. But his own thoughts still stood - no-one would care. It was cruel but true. In terms of Mat's summary of the potential angle they could take Rufus gave a lone, short nod. It could have been missed if you weren't looking at him. "Mother, not family - if it's specifically her then stick to just mentioning her. It's more personal." At least, that was what he had experienced over time. "And never think of it as charity - think of it as you fighting for their support. You expect nothing from them. Never ask. You want to do it through your own strength, you are determined enough to fight alone if you need to, and you will." Mat, it seemed, had the general idea, but these small distinctions he was putting across were key. There was a difference between charity and sponsorship. Charity was just giving to those in need. Sponsorship saw strength, it contained a belief and came attached to an expectation. As he mentioned fighting alone, however, another thought came to mind. About Elizza. But, for now, he chose to wait until this vital part of their talk was over before he moved on. ★ NOTES: ★

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[matrim daniel fairbain]

Mat nodded again. This conversation was proving to be at least as useful as he had hoped, if not more. Rufus was obviously experienced with handling and shaping the perception given to the Capitol audience. And Mat had to focus particularly on his mother. That would create a connection for the Capitol audience, let them see more personal relationships in Mat's life and the driving reasons behind him volunteering. And the point of never asking was interesting, too. Mat had always been under the impression that trying to get them to sponsor him would include asking, but what Rufus said did make a lot of sense. He had to convince them to sponsor him because of his strength. "Right. So they'll be sponsoring me because I'm strong, because they think I'm likely to win the Games, and because they can also see a personal reason for why I'm here." Okay, he could deal with that. This sounded a lot better than what Mat thought he'd be able to come up with, so he was very glad for this conversation taking place. He wondered briefly whether Elizza was talking to Auricula about similar things, and whether she had come up with a good angle to take in the interview as well. She had the whole Gabriella thing, he supposed.

[rufus jove whitacre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:430px; -moz-border-radius: 50 50 50 50; -webkit-border-radius: 35 35 35 35; padding-top: 12px; background-color: #;] Mat seemed to have achieved a reasonable grasp of what he was saying. That was a relief. At times he'd seen Tributes, thankfully not his own, who had struggled to understand the basic concepts that came attached to the Games. He'd once overheard a debate in which a Tribute, from District Ten or Eleven, had asked why they couldn't just fight in the Cornucopia and run away with the weapon of their choice. He'd almost pitied the Mentor - then again, it gave his own one more chance. Thankfully, Mat didn't seem like that at all. At least, that was not the impression he had. "Correct." Tributes would never ask, that was a ridiculous notion. No-one supported someone who wreaked of desperation. He liked to think that gave him an edge when dealing with Sponsors - he was not a man who would beg - he would be blunt, forward, he would hope to push the right message and then tap some annually-accessible well of persuasion in order to sell it with enough conviction to get a result. It always became harder, of course, things were more expensive as the Games went on, but his Tributes generally seemed to last long enough that he had practice. "If you ever think otherwise you will be hindering me. I have to sell you to the Sponsors. As soon as we leave the train anything you do could be monitored - if you have any anti-Capitol thoughts then leave them here as you won't survive long enough for me to have a chance. If you have any issues that could be brought up at home by interviews then I need to know. How poor is your ranged weapon ability?" The thought suddenly came to mind. He needed a better idea. ★ NOTES: ★

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[matrim daniel fairbain]

Mat was glad that he had gotten the point correctly. It was important to him that he make a good impresson on Rufus, as the more amiable the two of them were, the more likely it was that Rufus would actively seek to help Mat, and having Rufus' help behind him would definitely make a huge difference. Of course, he would be completely honest about his situation, as for Rufus to be able to help him effectively, he had to have a good idea of Mat's situation in terms of personality, skills, and family background.

Any Anti-Capitol thoughts? Well, a few. Mostly that they hadn't helped his mum. And the fact that the Games were a pretty horrible idea in the first place, but he had mostly gotten over that one - they were just another thing that happened every year, and now something that he was a part of. And then Rufus turned his attention onto Mat's deficiency in ranged weapons. It was something that had always frustrated him - he struggled at competing with the other people in his district in terms of firing bows, or throwing spears, or things like that. "I can hit the archery targets most of the time, but nowhere near as consistently in the centre as others in the Academy," Mat replied. "I'd probably hit the target eight out of ten times, and maybe only one of those would be in the centre." This frustrated him - he wanted to be better, he had tasted being top of the class in swordsmanship and close combat, so his archery and ranged weapons felt like a real deficiency to him.

[rufus jove whitacre]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:430px; -moz-border-radius: 50 50 50 50; -webkit-border-radius: 35 35 35 35; padding-top: 12px; background-color: #;] It was clear that Mat was frustrated by this 'weakness'. A weakness. If you looked closely enough at his face, you might notice his jaw tightening ever so slightly. This was one analogy he had never agreed with. He understood the importance of competition, it drove you to bigger and better things, it made you work harder and push yourself, ultimately giving you more of a chance of survival. However, within the actual Games, this could cause issues. A bow may be nearby and Mat could risk ignoring it and going further into a tough situation to get a more favoured weapon. The instructors, including Rufus, always stressed the importance of any weapon at all, but it was nearly always impossible to convince them. They were so quick to forget that most of the other districts didn't have nearly their amount of preparation and training and they would, therefore, be more likely to be skilled at these 'weak' weapons than them. And that, if they called it weak, their Mentors may get the wrong idea and assume they were totally incompetent, as was the potential earlier. "If the target is a human any hit at all will cause damage - there is no bullseye, unless you count the heart," Rufus said, his tone sharper than he intended. "Sell it to your opponents as a weakness, don't touch them in training, but you are, by the odds, more likely to be skilled at it than most other competitors. Do not underestimate your own skill. Thinking like that will get you killed." His tone was still sharp, but he felt the need to highlight this. Any weakness, in mind or body, could get Mat killed. The sooner he realised this the easier his job would be. You had to be pragmatic in the Arena, to use what you had and take what you could get. Because, a lot of the time, it wasn't what you'd hope and then things went straight to hell. ★ NOTES: ★

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