Genkai

Beyond a Fire's Embers

With Primrose being pretty much unresponsive to her, Katniss didn't know what else to do. Katniss was Prim's sister and wanted to believe she could hold her own, that she wasn't as useless as she thought she was. But on the other hand, Katniss was a Tribute who couldn't spend the Games worrying about Prim. Katniss would do anything for her, yes, which meant dying and killing for her. But it would be foolish and selfish of Prim to just mope around, lost in the situation they couldn't change. If Prim was worried about everyone having to do things for her or Katniss pulling away, it was already happening thanks to Prim's own actions. When her sister asked to leave, Katniss wasn't sure what she could do was it was deflating and annoying. All she was trying to do was get Prim to have some confidence, to contribute to what everyone else was fighting against (President Snow) and yet Prim just kept getting in her own way.

Katniss couldn't relate.

When she was pushed into the Games, she had a reason to not waiver and was Prim. Katniss went into attack mode pretty quick and only became unsettled when it came to making people like her. Prim was easily charming and sweet and everything Katniss wasn't. And Katniss also believed in Prim's ability and improvement. She saw how she shot an arrow and wondered why Prim was neglecting that skill or not trying something new as everyone had suggested. The woman just glared at her food and pushed down the urge to storm after her sister for acting like a brat. She hated the feeling of anger and bitterness that she had for the way Prim was treating everyone and her pity party was getting old. They needed to focus and Katniss needed to be able to trust Prim and Gale, that they could get out alive somehow, that when she died Prim wouldn't crumble like their mother had.

Katniss tuned out Haymitch for the time being as she locked herself in her own head. Gale was also a loss for words. He didn't get what Prim was so upset about. She had done so well and seemed so pleased with her actions today. He had no idea what she had to be angry or worried about, except the obvious but she wasn't the only one struggling with dying or killing people. Continuing to eat, he noticed Katniss clam back up thanks to Prim's actions. Gale sighed and looked up as Haymitch and Effie asked about Peeta briefly. It wasn't like the nice guy to be rude and skip a meal, especially one where they would all catch up on their first day antics. As Haymitch shifted attention to him, he looked up. "Thanks." Gale smiled lightly and glanced to Katniss who was still ignoring everyone. "I think it would be good to go against someone more experienced, i'd be able to see how they use it and maybe it would help.” He spoke up and looked to Effie, trying to find some relief to the sudden tension hanging over the table.

Next Haymitch addressed Katniss who looked up from her food which she was now just pushing around to make an abstract picture with various shapes. “Yeah, I plan on using that simulation thing or whatever.” Katniss replied and got up. She wasn’t mad at Gale or Haymitch or the others but she was getting pretty annoyed with her sister and that made her want some space. She could talk to Gale later. “We’ll talk later tonight.” She said to Gale. It was a statement more than a question or offer since she needed to know how Gale fit into the emotional storm hitting Prim. If neither could help, she had no other choice but to step back and she hated it. “I’m gonna walk around, I’ll try not to punch anyway while I’m out, unless I see President Snow, I’m not making any promises.” Katniss joked and patted Haymitch’s shoulder before turning and heading down the stairs as Effie let out a huff, obviously not getting the joke. But before Effie could warn Katniss, Peeta stepped into the living room and Katniss found herself oddly happy to see him. “What have you been up to…?”

Peeta looked to the adults and then to Katniss. “I heard I should be giving you some kind of lecture.” Peeta said having stalled, he didn’t need Katniss to know about what he was doing and he was still questioning whether or not to include Effie or Haymitch. His best bets were Gale and Prim, even if they were a risk and a longshot. Katniss rolled her eyes at Peeta’s attempt at mentoring. She didn’t feel like humoring the guy right now. “Come on, we should talk.” Peeta said and grabbed her hand and headed off to the elevator. They rode up to the top floor. While the building was different than the first one, it still brought him comfort to return to some kind of familiar location. As they got outside, Katniss began to explain what was going on with her and her sister and Peeta was quick to try and help his friend. After everything, he still cared for her. “You and Prim are different and you won’t always see eye to eye. I know it’s hard to feel helpless and that you want to fix this but I think she shares the same view which is why she needs to find confidence by her own choice, not with you and Gale pushing her.”

“I just wish she wasn’t here. I did everything to protect her and I just made it worse.” Katniss said and Peeta grabbed her hand as they stood by the edge of the room, overlooking the navy blue tinted sky filled with lights and sounds of good cheer.

Since it seemed everyone was getting up, he decided to go read for a bit. Prim had given off the firm impression she didn’t want him nor Katniss around her and it bummed him out and pissed him off a little, considering how well the day was. Still, he would just see if Effie or Haymitch or even Peeta could do anything about it because going into the Games, their heads had to be straight, not riddled with nonsense. Katniss seemed okay, despite her sister’s mindset which made him a bit happy. If Prim’s emotions rubbed off on Katniss, they’d be back to where they had started this morning. “Dinner was good.” He snagged a bowl of fruit and yogurt for dessert and got up. “I’ll be in my room.” He knew not to get too comfortable though, that Katniss would want to talk to him about something and he didn’t have a great feeling about it. He jogged down the steps and headed off to his room with a book in his other hand. This time it was about interrogation tactics, which he thought may help him in a tight spot.

Leaving his door open slightly to signal that he was free to talk or whatever, Gale set his bowl down by the bedside table and laid back and flipped open his book. He thought about the progress Prim had made, as well as himself. He shook his head, not feeling great about the constant struggle they had to endure. The Games in his mind, couldn’t be as what was leading up to them. Rubbing his neck, he flipped a few pages and found something of interest. After a few minutes, he set it aside and began to eat some of the cool fresh dessert as he tried to relax his mind. Picking up the remote, spoon still in his mouth, he turned on the tv, not used to such things. Sure, Katniss had one but it wasn’t used unless the Capital made some big announcement. He checked out the various channels and found something documenting the Games and the previous winners. He watched for a while as it turned to rumors of which Tributes were with who, he lost interest and turned it off. He couldn’t believe how stupid some people were.

So he reopened his book and went back to something with real value.

A Symphony of Elements

The air had been very thin and frail for a while but when she returned the hug and brought her own arms around him. Bolin now felt the foyer warm up and brush off the chill of uncertainty. He grinned and rested his hands on her shoulders, squeezing them gently. ”I think we have some ice cream waiting for us.” He smiled to her. Bolin didn’t want to talk too much anymore, the heavy stuff was never his forte and instead he hoped he could have a good time with everyone now that it seemed like what Korra wanted too.

Back at the pool, Asami felt unsure if she could help with vaccines but if a cure was indeed found and proven valid, she would surely try to see the medical schematics for aiding the city in its vital recovery. ”Thank you, Mako.” She replied kindly which went for his words about him speaking to the Chief, as well as him backing her up and encouraging her to look into the investors, and that it may be a very wonderful avenue for her to get the company up and running, back on its feet and with a renewed glory as it deserved. She thought about her father and how he was missing. She had only found out a few days ago and that had happened right after she paid him a visit where he had been securely locked up.

Just then, Bolin and Korra made their appearance and things seemed to have improved but it wasn’t much of Asami’s concern since it was evidently some sort of issue Korra herself had to work on and Asami had plenty of other things to concern herself with. Korra and Bolin appeared to have been laughing as usual when they showed up and soon after examining the suit, Korra seemed to squirm a little and Asami just glanced to Mako, wondering what he had to say and of course he did have something to say, though in Asami’s mind she thought it was more wise for him to stop trying to get in the middle of whatever recovery she and Korra were trying to make in regards to their sullied friendship. trust and respect of one another. ”Sure, yes. It could be fun.” Asami said swam over to the stairs and sat down on the second one as she tried to fix her hair. If she and Korra were going to try and start over, it had to be without the outside eyes of Mako or Bolin since they were the causes of the problem, well Mako more so than Bolin.

When Korra had asked Bolin if she could pull the suit off, he didn’t say anything on purpose, not really sure she needed the push. If she wanted to put it on, she would, if not, she wouldn’t. It was simple as that. He picked up the spare suit and already knew he’d have plenty of fun frolicing around the area. Pabu was still back on Air Temple Island which was a shame since he knew his furry companion would have loved to scamper around Asami’s mansion again. The earth bender then headed off with Korra when she decided to give it a try.

”I don’t...but I have to wonder if me and Korra’s possible friendship is tied any future you and I may have. I don’t want to feel obligated to spend time with her because she is your friend.” Friend may be a light term and while Asami and Korra had been close at one point, it had all been unraveled and it wasn’t Asami’s burning need to stitch the holes back up. Korra was the one who did the damage and it was Korra who needed to make the effort to fix the damage. Mako had no place getting involved between them, not again. Mako hadn’t met any of Asami’s friends as of yet and Asami wanted to know that even if she and Korra didn’t patch things up, that Mako would be okay with it. When the pair came back, both changed, she stayed where she was and looked at Korra who seemed like a fish out of water, asking for everyone’s approval and encouragement and Asami wasn’t about to validate Korra’s insecurity by replying with too much encouragement. ”It’s just us here, appearances don’t really matter to any of us.” She pointed out.

For the rest of the night, the four hung out and talked, most of the conversation was light and casual since they were still trying to find a good balance that felt right among them. They all turned in around eleven or so. Asami showed her two guests to spare rooms and then she headed off to bed as well, ready to try and get some much needed peace so that she would be able to meet Xano and Xana face to face come morning. They said they would pick her up and she needed to be prepared with all possible forms of documentation and other patents that they may wish to look over. When morning came, Asami was up early and ready to go. Her attire was a touch more formal as she had on a dark pencil skirt and a cropped matching blazer. Under that she had on a dark red long sleeve blouse, as were her trademark colors. She asked the servants to make the others some waffles and fresh juice, as well as make sure that whatever pet Korra may have brought along was also tended to. As she applied some pink lipstick and gave her hair a flip, trying to decide if she needed to leave her hair down or put it up, she heard someone approaching.

It was Mako.

”...Morning.” She said quietly as she stood in the foyer and went back to looking at herself in the mirror, trying to tell herself that this was the start a brand new beginning for her and the company, as well as the city itself. What happened today was important, even if she had no idea what she was getting into or that the people were just luring her into a web of selfish lies and plans. ”I should be back by the time you are.” She said to him as she turned around and picked up her briefcase with her. The skirt showed off her long smooth legs, she even had on black heels and looked very professional but also very competent. The female still felt weird about Korra, unsure how much of a presence in Mako’s life she would be and if she was certain she wanted Korra back in her own life after the destruction of her last remaining family. ”I hope you do know that...I know you care about Korra as much as you would me or Bolin. I think it is sweet but my reservations still stand and they won’t change until Korra and I get space to work on things. You should work on things in regards to your relationship with her too, it might even give me comfort to be there…”

Asami brought up a hand and rested it on his chest. ”But I’m not going to feel any better about her if you’re trying to push us together and expect things to be forgiven so quickly. I hope you don’t think I have double standards in regards to wanting to be around you and Korra, should a talk happen, and wanting my own space to work on things with her. Korra is an amazing person and I just don’t want to feel like I’m being compared to her and I’m sure she feels the same way.” Asami glanced down as her hand moved from the middle over to where his heart was beating. Asami wouldn’t protest if Mako stayed friends with Korra and she couldn’t but he had to understand that Korra wasn’t the only one feeling weird about everyone and Asami’s sympathy and endurance of Korra shouldn’t be worn out so soon, so quick. ”I was hoping to get a pep talk before I left and I feel like I dug myself into a hole with dumping all this on you, I’m sorry.” She suddenly said and put a hand to her forehead, removing it from him as they stayed close together. ”I just had to say what needed to be said and I hope you have a good day today, you and Bolin.”

With that, she gave him a smile and headed out the door as someone had just knocked. She was escorted out and into another car and then taken off. Asami hoped Mako knew her intentions were good when she said all of it to him and that it proved that she was giving a good deal of consideration to him, Korra and whatever future might bring for them, regardless of what happened.

Back inside, Bolin had woken up soon after Asami left and got changed back into his clothes. Had he known he’d stay the night, he would have packed a bit as well as brought Pabu along with him. But he knew Jinora and the kids didn’t mind looking after the little guy since it might prove a good distraction for them in this hour of need. He recalled Tenzin saying Katara would be arriving so he knew that the family would have help while he was off at training with his brother. As he trudged downstairs, trying to wake up, he saw Mako standing by the door. ”Man, I could have slept for at least ten more hours, those beds are way more comfortable than the ones back on the island.” Bolin yawned and patted Mako on the back, wondering why he was just standing around. Though it did seem as if the older one was thinking about something but Bolin was too tired and too hungry to care at the moment as he was sure whatever it was, would pass or get pushed aside. If they had any doubts or distractions when training, it would not end well for anyone.

”Hey, why don’t we head over the station with Korra? She said she needed to apologize to Chief Bei Fon right? It’ll be like old times, us hanging out together.” Bolin called from the kitchen. ”Oh wow, I smell waffles, come on Mako!” With the enticing aroma of food, Bolin’s drowsiness was quickly cast aside as he grabbed a plate, waiting for them to be cooked as a servant started the third waffle of what would surely be a dozen or so.

Back further in the heart of Republic City, Lin had arrived early to work as she usually did. Normal hours wouldn’t start for another hour or two but she had work to get done and since she hadn’t gotten to sleep after visiting Tenzin and getting blindsided by Korra, she thought it was a better use of her time if she looked into how the investigation was going. Lin was busy doing many things but now that she had Tenzin to deal with, she knew she had to be more alert than ever. His life could be put on the line and she refused to let him down or his family. As she got to her office, she began to sift through notes that had been left on her desk between when she left early and now. Most of them were pointless and petty and wound up in the trash. One stood out to her though. It seemed the investigation team had coyly left her a note as to a tip off of a water bender falling ill and having not recovered in five days.

It was interesting and maybe she and Tenzin could check around the area.

Sitting down, Lin wished she had gotten something to eat but it was early and most places were on the cusp of opening. Lin used her key to unlock her top right drawer and pulled out an old photograph of her and Tenzin, it had been their first year together as a couple and their anniversary together had been terrible romantic. Lin let out a dreamy sigh as she found herself wanting to revisit the past before all the trouble had started. Before both became unhappy but useless as to how to fix their problems. Lin brushed a finger over his face, wishing that she hadn’t been so foolish and stubborn, that she had done more and given him what he wanted which was clearly a family. Lin glanced outside, the sun still rising in the sky. She and Tenzin knew each other for so long and yet sometimes she felt as if they were just strangers with different faces and hearts.

The woman missed him, she sometimes wondered how nice it was to be able to come home to someone or to have someone coming home to you. Even now, with her bending back and career and health on the rise, Lin still found herself envious of the poor woman sick in bed. Lin had neglected to inform her old friend that those reported sick often died in under two weeks, as those reported so far, had not survived any longer. It was laughable and pathetic but Lin was jealous of a dying woman. Her heart began to ache and she closed her eyes, trying to imagine how wonderful it was to come home to Tenzin and perhaps Jinora, the child who annoyed her the very least. The vision itself was blurry but still inviting. She opened her eyes and rotated her chair back so that she was sitting in front of her desk once again, no longer willing to be a sorrowful day dreamer but someone grounded in reality who could do things, make change. Lin heard a knock and frowned. Most people were in bed and not many people arrived early to work and if they did, they knew well enough to stay away from her until she was good and ready for anyone’s company or usually, incompetence.

”Yes? Come in.” Lin said and looked to see it was Tenzin. For a moment, her chest became tangled in knots and she quickly put the small vertical rectangular black picture frame back in her drawer and returned her attention to the air nomad. ”This a surprise...is everything alright?” Lin asked, as her first concern was him and his family’s well being. She then remembered the anger she had when she saw Korra the night before. That child had kept her up late with worrying outcomes and she hoped Tenzin had set her straight. Lin was concerned that Korra could blow everything up. ”I hope you know that with Korra’s interference, I may need to reconsider allowing your involvement.” She said to him. Though she didn’t want an argument to be how they started the day. ”I did get a new lead, we could check out-is that coffee?” Lin stopped and tilted her head. Coffee or tea would be marvelous though black coffee always gave her what she needed and she wondered if Tenzin remembered that or not.

A Symphony of Elements

Don't really see it as harsh but okay...uh anyway, there's your post.

Looking For Literate Females! [High Casual]

I was eyeing Hunger Games, Harry Potter, The Walking Dead or possibly Game of Thrones or Attack on Titan but the later two aren't as big as the other three are, interest wise. But if you're into OCs and I'm into canons, I'm not sure we may make a good match, the only possible exception I may bend on for OCs might be The Walking Dead but I fear some would make their roles ooze cliche tragic stories and while everyone has lost someone, I try to avoid too much drama with histories or personalities with OCs. OCs for me just tend to be a bit lack luster I may compromise and do a mixture but again, it would depend on the OCs. I'd PM if you thought we may be able to work something out though which is why I'm sticking to here at the moment.

A Symphony of Elements

Well anywho...until OB is done airing I doubt I'll be able to get you a post, so you might wanna go to bed or something.

Looking For Literate Females! [High Casual]

Hello there!

For fandom RPs, do you use OCs or canon roles? I personally prefer canons be used rather than OCs but an exception may be made.

A Symphony of Elements

That would be sweet, well bittersweet. But it may be something Lin can emphasize with as opposed to Pema who never seemed too gunho with bending, despite knowing who she was getting involved with.

A Symphony of Elements

God....urgh Bumi...-shakes head- I'm getting a headache just thinking about him tbh.

A Symphony of Elements

That would been well deserved I think! XD

God, I have a feeling Toph would have teased Tenzin a hell of a lot for being so 'boring' like his father.

A Symphony of Elements

Thanks.

Aw that did make me giggle a little...Toph must have been an interesting mom when it came to her and twinkle toes' son dating. ^^;