blossom-cottonwood

[blossom-cottonwood]

Blossom was happy once the tribute parade had concluded. Of course right after she met with her stylists who helped her out of her costume and wipe away any extra make up that made her face feel heavy. All she wanted for the rest of the night was to go back to her room and rest. Being the mayor's daughter, she had gone to many events before. But this one had to be the most tiring by far.

The girl waited in the crowd that gathered in the hallways, trying to see if it was going to clear when she heard someone. With her arms already crossed, she turned to face him. 'Him' coincidentally being her district partner. "Of course you can. But good luck, you still have to face this hoard of people." She said as she gestured to them with her head. "But if you want to create a path, I would love to follow you." The girl said as she let out a small giggle.

For all the begging he'd done, Cedar had felt strangely intimidated by the pomp of it all. Lavishly dressed peoply, speaking of things he couldn't quite grasp. An axe, that he could grasp. An axe and a block of wood that needed splitting. Only when he'd set foot into the Tribute Facility did Cedar realize that the next time he'd be touching an axe would be to kill someone.

He wrangled with his conscience, fought hard to remember that he'd done this for those who wouldn't be able to defend themselves like he would.

Only problem? He had not yet figured out whether he wanted to fight to live or die for those who deserved it more.

With the tribute parade over and the tree bark that had clung to his skin discarded, Cedar made his way back up to his floor. The Tower was horribly crowded once those festivities had concluded. All tributes presented, wheeled back and forth on those devilish chariots, and now all the sponsors were back to see the tributes from up close. "Uh, could I pass, perhaps?" Cedar spoke, deep voice rumbling in his chest as he tried to reach the elevators.

#cedar #25th hunger games #capitol

[blossom-cottonwood]

"Oh, uh.." Blossom wasn't sure how to react to what the girl was saying, though her expression turned concerned. Were they even still talking about plants? "I don't really think plants could grow under the condition of being 'blooded' and not watered." She pointed out. "And if you're just speaking in metaphoric, I'm afraid I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean." The girl said as she ran her hands over the leaves of the plants. Was this girl okay?

The cheerful demeanor the other tribute carried made Jule's sour a little further. No other reason than the smallest bit of petulance. "Sure. I suppose if they're getting watered by blood instead of water, they're already quite distinguished." Her voice came out bitter and challenging, wanting to know how the other girl would react. It sounded macabre, but no matter how metaphorically, one of them might be water for the metaphorical plants soon. Advertisements, campaigns, victory tours and balls. "Does that make the plans more distinguished than the blood watering them, though?"

#25th hunger games #jule #capitol

[blossom-cottonwood]

"That makes a lot of sense." And it seemed cruel to say the least, but it definitely sounded like something the Capitol would enjoy. She made a mental note to ask a Peacekeeper or someone higher up for directions. Maybe if they were bothered enough they would change their ways. "Ten years.. that's amazing." For a moment, Blossom tried to think of her life ten years from now if she happened to win. Would she be as calm as Coro or would she still be struggling? "It feel weird. So calm that it really doesn't feel like I am going to be entering some death games in a couple of days. I would much rather everything be overly hectic."

"They really ought to make maps for all the tributes but I think they like it better when everyone's scared and confused. At least at the start." Coro said, leaning in to bump their shoulders together gently. "That way everyone's a little easier to control. My Games were the 15th, so this is my tenth year on the other side of it. The calm before the storm is always... disconcerting."

#25th hunger games #coro #capitol

[blossom-cottonwood]

"Thank you so much." Blossom said as she let out a small sigh of relief. Sure, eventually she could've figured it out on her own, but she wasn't feeling in much of a mood to wander around in circles for who knew how long. This plan worked out much better. "Yes, District Seven. I would really appreciate a map, that would make things much easier." The girl said with a smile as she followed the other in the direction they were walking in. "You said you've been here for a long time?" Blossom asked in question. "How long have been here?"

Coro's smile softened. She remembered being this terrified. Sometimes the fear still gripped her. No getting attached, but she could at least help this girl. Poor gal would need all the rest she could get.

"It's alright, I can take you there. They change the layout a little each year, but I've been around long enough to know my way around. District Seven, you said? It's this way. You should have some paper and pencils in your room, I'll make sure to get you a map drawn up."

#25th hunger games #coro #capitol

[blossom-cottonwood]

Blossom nodded her head with a smile as she followed the girl. Once in the elevator, she was sure to hold on to the railing. She really hated how the machine made her stomach feel. Though, it didn't make her feel as sick as Medea's question did. It was hard to speak about but she tried to hide the pain as she looked at the other girl. "Well.. My father is the mayor of District Seven and let's just say he isn't on very many peoples' good side. They dislike him and his 'leadership' but my father doesn't care and doesn't do anything to change it." The girl started. "Once it was announced that the tributes would be voted in this year, there was no doubt in any of my family's minds that my father would be voted in. Then, the Reaping happened and.." She paused for a moment as she thought back to the event. "Then my name was call instead.." It was still all so confusing to her and she couldn't get the image of her father's smile out of her mind. "Which doesn't really explain why I was exactly voted in because even I don't know that.. But it definitely has something to do with people hating my father."

"That is easily remedied," Medea assured the girl, a lopsided grin rising on her lips. "Up to the sixth floor we go." She lead her towards the elevators, stepping inside and pressed the button for their destination. Turning to look at Blossom, Medea tilted her head to the side. "So, how come you bagged the most votes to be here?"

#25th hunger games #capitol #medea

[blossom-cottonwood]

OLIVIA HOLT via instagram story

#me

[blossom-cottonwood]

"I'm trying so hard to find my room." The girl admitted desperately, and a little too quick. Taking a moment to collect herself and think about what to add her to statement, she spoke again. "I heard there are certain sections on specific floors and that's where District Seven's section is but I have to say, I completely blanked out on all of the information given." Which was a horrible start if Blossom said so herself. Paying attention and alert was vital in the arena and here she couldn't even remember where her floor was. "I swear there needs to be more maps posted around the facility."

Seeing the tributes like this was easier than seeing them in the Arenas. Remembering them all like this made for less nightmares. As long as she didn't get attached to any of them it would be fine. The less parts of herself she gave away only to watch die, the better.

She turned as someone tapped her shoulder, smiling at the young woman. "You can say that. But yes, I have been here. Where do you need to go?"

#25th hunger games #capitol #coro

[blossom-cottonwood]

"Seven years." Blossom repeated in awe, impressed. This person needed a better title than 'human map', 'facility expert' would fit much better. She smiled as their arms were now looped and let out a small sigh, feeling a little more relaxed. It was common knowledge that the facility was filled with many different personalities. There were kind people and also people who really didn't want to be spoken to. Clearly Blossom had ran into the better option of the two.

"Perhaps somewhere that has food. Hate to admit but I haven't ate much the last few days. Between the stress before the Reaping and then everything that came after.." She made a face. "But suddenly it's all hitting me now and I'm starving." Blossom laughed as her stomach grumbled almost on queue.

Slightly startled, Medea turned from the conversation she'd been having with District 4's escort when someone tapped on her shoulder.

Blossom Cottonwood was high on the list of recognizable tribute faces for her. The main reason being that Medea had taken an interest in the girl from the very moment she'd heard the announcers list of information about Blossom. What had stuck with her most? This was the daughter of District 7's mayor. Difficult, not to draw up comparisons.

"Been coming here for about seven years now," Medea confirmed, side-stepping Blossom to loop an arm through the girl's. This was as good a chance as any to find out a little more about her. "I'm fairly confident I know my way around. Where to?"

#medea #25th games #capitol

[blossom-cottonwood]

"Quieter places sound amazing, actually. Could you show me where they are?" She asked as she put her hands together under her chin, almost making a puppy dog face. "I'm not sure where my mentor is, anyway. They kind of just ditched me and I'm just here." She told him with a shrug. Since they ditched her, she was going to find someone else to show her around. "I'm Blossom, by the way." She put her hand out to him. "Tribute from District Seven. You're obviously not a tribute so I'm guessing.. mentor?" She asked, tilting her head to the side. "If that's the case, it looks like you were ditched, too."

His tribute had run off someplace or another, leaving Cab loitering the lobby aimlessly. First day back and already he was feeling skittish being surrounded by Capitol citizens. It was nice when people forgot he existed when he was holed up in Six, leaving him to his tinkering. But in the city, they looked at him as if he were a sideshow. He could only imagine how the tributes must be feeling at that moment.

"Oh." It was all he could manage when one of them had approached Cab. He didn't recognize which district she belonged to, but she looked just as lost as he did when he first stepped off the train. "Well, yes. I mean, no. I have been here before, but the quieter places mostly. I tend to avoid everywhere else," he said, shrugging. "You're free to join me, but tributes really should be with their mentors."

#25th games #cab #capitol

[blossom-cottonwood]

Since she had been completely lost the whole day, Blossom decided to just roam and explore. She was careful to not going into any restricted areas or off-limit areas to make sure she didn't get into trouble. Feeling that her tour was coming to an end, she walked up every step that was in the stairwell. Curiosity struck as she wondered was the top floor of the facility would be. It had to be something great.

As Blossom walked out the door and entered the rooftop, she almost gasped. The view of the Capitol around her was breath-taking. The plotted plants and flower also made this the best place ever. It almost felt like home. As she wandered further, she noticed another person had found their way to the roof. She hesitated for a moment but when they began speaking to her, Blossom walked over and placed her hands on the railings.

"That sounds like a possibility." She said with a small giggle. "I'm sure the plants are much happier up here instead of being in some stuffy apartment with artificial lighting, anyway." Blossom then shrugged. "And we get to see them, so that's a win for us."

where: rooftop of the tribute facility who: open

Her fingers wrapped around the metal of the fence that surrounded the rooftop. Jule leaned her forehead against the cool surface, looking out over the lower rooftops of the city as her teeth sank into her bottom lip.

When she looked back towards the expanse of the rooftop, a person had joined the sad collection of potted plants. "D'you think someone just had a couple too many of these dumb plants in their apartment and was looking for a place to dispose of them?" she halfheartedly joked. "Seems like it."

#25th games #jule

[blossom-cottonwood]

Where: Lobby of Tribute Facility When: A few hours after arriving at the Capitol

Being in the Capitol felt terrifying. The only thing Blossom had ever known was District Seven. Beautiful trees. Nature. Flowers with lovely scents filling the air. Bees buzzing by and crickets chirping. The Capitol felt... different. Stoney and loud. Luckily the time that would be spent in the Capitol would be in the Tribute Facility where it was at least a little more quiet. Not much, but a little better.

Now that she was cleaned and not covered in germs, per the person who cleaned her up, she was wandering around the tower. She wasn't sure if she was trying to find the floor where District Seven stayed or somewhere to eat, but she was just trying to find some sort of distraction. Something to do. Finally finding someone to ask directions from, she quickly walked over to them. Tapping on their shoulder as she was standing behind them, she spoke kindly. "Please tell me you've been here before and know your way around the building? I need a human map."

#25th games #totstarter

[blossom-cottonwood]

✗ CONFIDENTIAL TRIBUTE FACILITY SIGN UP SHEET records the attendance of BLOSSOM COTTONWOOD, a TRIBUTE from SEVEN. The applicable authorities may note, that the TWENTY year old FEMALE (SHE/HER/HERS) is CARING, OBEDIENT, AND WISE, but has also been known to be SPOILED, WITHDRAWN, AND COMPULSIVE. Similarities in appearance can be seen with OLIVIA HOLT. According to previous reports, they’re often associated with perfect rows of endless trees and a foggy forest filled with pine trees surrounding a lake.

BIO

Blossom Cottonwood is the only child of District Seven's very mayor, Mayor Chestnut Cottonwood and his wife Cherry Cottonwood. She grew up in the center of the District in the house that was provided for the mayor. It wasn't a mansion but it was definitely much nicer than what most people in Seven had. Though the girl was spoiled by her parents and she had always gotten what she had wanted, Blossom grew up to be quite humble. She is caring and helps others, never letting her status as Mayor's Daughter get to her head. At times she has to sneak help to their citizens, as her father thinks that helping the needy only turn them into lazy beggers. "If you help one you have to help them all" was his excuse and Blossom would reply "then lets help them all". With his mind-set, Mayor Chestnut Cottonwood was not liked by many. The citizens of Seven see him as a greedy man who cares for no one by himself and his family. Which, was definitely true. Mayor Chestnut liked to be the mayor for the status, not because he actually cared about the citizens. Blossom tried to keep her distance as much as she could from the politics, worried that some day something bad would happen to her due to the hatred to the family. Though, finding that distance was always difficult.

Blossom hadn't thought much about being reaped and never paid much attention to the games. She was far too busy to ever truly invest on what was happening on silly little screens. So she lived her life not worrying about it and decided if she ever were to get reaped, she would deal with it then.

At this point and time, Blossom doesn't really need a job. Her family provides a house and food for her, though she is looking to move out soon. To save up some money, she took a job at the local lumber yard. Swinging an axe isn't what she is best at, though she had done it a couple of times. Her favorite thing to do is carry the wood from where it's chopped up and put it in a nice stack. Due to this, she is quite strong.

When the 25th Hunger Games, the Quarter Quell, was announced, Blossom couldn't help but worry. Giving the District the chance to vote was probably the worst thing that could've ever happened. The District hated their mayor and now they were given the opportunity to send him into the arena to get a rid of him once and for all. For the month leading up to the reaping, Blossom could tell her father was visibly stressed. He hardly ate, he didn't leave the house much, and he was more quiet than usual. She hated seeing him this way but she knew he had only done it to himself. The citizens had warned him and now they will carry on with their threats.

Though, District Seven's citizens had a different idea. Death to the mayor felt too easy, too quick. After the many years that they had suffered, they wanted to same for Mayor Chestnut Cottonwood. So, they had gotten together to decide to strike him where it would really hurt. Leaving him with years of pain, guilt, and grief. They decided to vote in his daughter, Blossom Cottonwood. And the district did a great job at keeping this a secret. Not one person had leaked the information leaving the Cottonwood family blind-sided and very confused. At the reaping when Blossom had gone on stage, she looked to her father and couldn't help but notice the relief that was on his face.

Token: A dainty golden necklace given to her by her mother. Weapon: An axe. Though she isn't that great at using it, she wasn't a total beginner.

#bio

[blossom-cottonwood]

Olivia Holt, actress ( more ) credit .truelove

#me