Hieronymus: Ouw, ouw, ouw! I didn’t expect that falling down a holographic elevator shaft hurts so much. Should I blame Sergio, Marina, or Derik for tampering with this thing? Nah, finding out who’s responsible would be too much trouble.

Congratulations, Kyaris, you got me. Speaking of winning – isn’t D&D a cooperative game? We won all three, creating a wonderful story about a mage, a warrior and a thief going on a great adventure. It involved much less running and falling down elevator shafts than this fracking Hunger Games adventure; I’m not going to do that again. And if you hear me, Androia, don’t ever imply that I may need a fitness trainer. I outlasted Whitney.

Androia (commenting from RC 1953): Well, that was a surprise. I would never have expected that the old man gets so far. Actually, I had hoped to beat him this time. At least, place thirty is slightly better than last times thirty-four. So – let us party!

[BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP]

Can we please stop doing this!

((Retcon plan:
The agents’ origins story and "In the Void" happened in 2015 HST.
Hieronymus was dragged out of the PPC archives in January 2016 HST.
The beep at the end of "First encounter" did not announce their first mission; it was a last minute invitation for the Third PPC HQ Hunger Games.
Androia and Hieronymus didn’t attend the Rewards Party at Rudi’s because they got their first mission immediately after the Third PPC HQ Hunger Games.
When they returned from the Potterverse, they found out that meanwhile seven months had passed in HQ, and the Fourth PPC HQ Hunger Games were up.
Apparently history repeats itself and they get their second mission right now.

In other words: I’ll chicken out on the RP again.

Having Hunger Games was fun, but what happened to the badfic games? I guess you don’t have the time and energy to start them soon.))

HG

Whitney: What a journey! I am thrilled to have been a part of these games from start to finish, and I am not in any way disappointed that I came in third place. Especially since there were so many people who entered to begin with!

And to my friends who were hoping or expecting me to be the victor, don't be discouraged. Being the last one standing is by no means easy, and I was fully aware that the other members of the final four were just as experienced and skilled as I was - or better, in the case of Kyaris. I admire her strength and cunning, especially for an Intel member as I've since learned. I wouldn't have expected anything less from her, and I cannot congratulate her enough for her achievement.

At any rate, it's been a pleasure, everyone. I do hope our many, MANY paths will all cross eac other again next season!

Kyaris: "Shwoom... schwon... shwish... I have got to get one of these things to take home with me.

"So: final four. I didn't really expect to get this far, but now I have, I'm going to do my best to win. That won't be as easy as it would've been before I started breaking bones, but I'm a big girl, I can deal with a bit of pain.

"Now leave me be. I need to plan."

hS

Gremlin: A gun that shoots lightning is maybe a bit on the nose for me, but I wanted to make sure. Had to make sure. You can mess up with a hatchet. Electricity is so much… easier.

Only three more. Then it's over.

Let's get it done. Then I can go home.

Corolla:

"... Ok, maybe Sarah really didn't want to listen to my tales? So, fourth in the runoff! Which, well, means Im fifty-second. Uh."

Okaaaay, I may have changed my mind about sitting this out. It just takes too long, and how could I not try to find some use for all the weaponry I took from Holo-Acacia? And such an old and experienced warlock should really have known better than falling asleep after discussing insidious assassination methods. He practically begged for it.

HG

Whitney: I suppose having all of my items taken really would put things into perspective. Luckily, I have plenty of experience fighting with my bare hands, though everyone else may be just as dangerous in their own way. But I have to ask... Is it all worth it? Why do we host these games? And why must I have the virtual blood of so many on my hands? Guess I'll have to talk things over with everyone once these games are finished.
Ah, well. Tomorrow, hopefully, we shall see who is the victor! Good luck to all!

Sarah: Awwww, I was like, THIS close to actually winning! Sort of. Ah, well. I'm glad I wasn't in dead last, at least. This was fun, all in all, embarrassments aside obviously. Perhaps I'll have a better chance of victory some other day.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Rudi's. Fiftieth-place drinks are on me!

Derik: I hate lightsabers. But at least, now that I'm out, I have my leg back.

(( He's in, what, seventh place? I dunno how it tallies. ))

Ajax: Of course, It just had to be a weapon that preyed on both my natural and Pokémon type match-ups. He stole all of my $#17, and baited me with my Zeus be damned roller-blades.

Ajax looks behind the camera.

Now if you excuse me...

Ajax runs past the camera, which turns to watch him run up to Levy. They hug, it's a heartwarming scene.

Washing off all the steamy pheromones may have been a mistake. At least I could pacify Field Commander Lola McCandless enough to get a close look at that flamethrower. It has no fuel. I guess she just carries it around to appear more badass, and then sneakily get us with that hatchet.

Who would have thought that a hologram may be defunctionalized by applied logic. When that imposter tried to take the stuff I don’t have, I just had to stab her with the Sharp Sword of Reason. I still can’t believe that she was actually meant to be the famous assassin. They got Jay more in character, I think. Was that another programmers team? It’s a shame that she didn’t make it through the qualifier.

HG

$Interviewer: "Went out in a blaze of glory, eh?"

Peregrin: "There was a blaze. Glory, I'm not certain about. 'Carelessness' might be more appropriate.

I believe a 'strike-anywhere' match from a package I was taking rubbed against a small explosive of some kind, which set the nearby supplies on fire. I should have listened to my own warnings about loose explosives, since this was all rather preventable."

$Interviewer: "So, given recent events, are you considering transferring to the Pyro department?"

Peregrin: "I'm afraid I'm rather underqualified for Geographical Aberrations, since it has been almost a century since I've studied much chemistry, and I never was terribly interested in explosives even in my younger days. However, I would be willing to consult on matters of universal topology or geometry if needed. Speaking of topology, do you know anyone who would be willing to run experiments about Headquarters? I have several theories, but I have found myself short of data, as usual."

Falchion: Betrayed by my own stomach... Heh, go figure! Major props to Ajax for avenging my death, though, albeit indirectly. All right, Whitney, it's down to you now! Don't let us down!

Whitney: Well well, I'm in the top seven! Just a few days left, I think, and this will all be over. Good luck, everyone, and keep it up! Let's see which of us makes it to the finish!

Sarah: Yeah, I'm on a roll! And I actually deliberately killed someone this time! ...oh geez, the DIA will never forgive me for this, huh? Anyway, let's see how long I can keep this up!

Nikki:

"... Whitney, what was that for? I know I'm a Sakura replacement, but I'm most definitely not a Sue!"

*sighs* "Well, at least I fared better than last time..."

Corolla:

"I'm in the last six, and going strong! A shame Sarah wasn't very interested in my faithful retelling of the Blank Sprite incident, though."

Gremlin: The camera-drone finds her in an abandoned response center, standing in front of a whiteboard she scavenged from somewhere. On it are written the names of the six other survivors. She is muttering to herself as she flips the whiteboard marker between her fingers.

—not as if I didn't want to go, could've used the food, but someone lit the place on fire. Kyaris? No. No breath weapons. Derik? Maybe. 'S the kind of thing he might do.

Can't underestimate any of these people. They survived this far. That makes them either super tough or super lucky. Most of them probably have one kill to their name. Got to think of new tactics.

I need something. An advantage. I need—

She catches sight of the drone out of the corner of her eye. Electricity begins to flash in her pupils.

I need privacy.

She raises one hand and snaps her fingers. The camera is suddenly filled with static.

Holo-Acacia: Holo-Acacia had no comment, due to being a now deactivated hologram. Her programmers also had no comment. Well, no comment that wasn't filled with techno-jargon incomprehensible to most of the public. Best we could gather was that they were pleased with her performance despite some issues with her personality program.

Marina: Well collecting favors was a good idea, but next time I'll make sure the other person swear me an oath, so it doesn't end up like with this backstab. I should have seen that coming.

*looks intently to the drone, and smirks* Ohoh, somebody lost hairs when they set this drone loose. I hope you know how to run... *Marina grabs the drone, which ends up hexed to oblivion.*

Richard: Couldn't sleep. with so much deaths already, I'm not sure I can trust anybody. Duck, I even ended up writing things on the wall to try to mark zones where I already went and interesting locations. All in French.

All that for getting killed when I saw Constance Sims with some spy so I can't talk about something that you nutjobs will surely broadcast as soon as possible. You need some crash course in free will, you know?

Wait, is that Marina over there? And she looks... a bit too much happy in my opinion *another drone lost to hexing.*

((hS, if I remember right you're familiar with the Dresdenverse. What would be the chances of a tracking spell in HQ? Even if it doesn't work, they join the hunt. Marina would have tried alone anyways, and Rchard doesn't like being abducted.))

Ajax is seen sitting, jotting notes onto letter paper. The is a small pile of his envelopes next to him

Ajax: Today was a good day. Found my RC, which luckily still had my letter writing equipment in it. Killed the reigning champion with a Black Letter and a knife. And it all culminated with me killing Luxury with Levy's hatchet and Argeiphotes (where would you get the idea that it was The Killing Curse?).

Something flashes on the Cambot

Yandere? Me? No. Where would you get that idea? I just got some revenge for Levy and my own sake.

(Aside) Somebody should probably check that bot's definition of Yandere.

The Canon Librarian: "I never did find my library. Now I'm out. Bye."

Luxury: "Awwwww. I'd just picked up the best present for Acacia, but then it turns out I'm dead, and so's she, and she's a hologram anyway. All my fun is ruined.

Kyaris: "I don't know what everyone's going on about with Luxury; I think she's perfectly fine. What? Only seven left? Huh. My day of wandering around aimlessly looks kind of underachieving now, I guess."

(Getting them straight up so I don't accidentally spoil myself preparing for the next part.)

hS

I found her again, but Nurse Elms may not be as interesting as I thought, and being called out for running away when she wanted to fight wasn’t fun. On the upside, I actually got some sleep tonight. I have no idea what Marina was up to; I just can’t go without a shower for more than four days, and Gremlin apparently needed a drink.

HG

Gremlin: Forget Medical. What I really need to find is the Cafeteria, which is a sentence I never thought I'd say and mean it. At least I got some water, even if I had to break my 'no big groups' rule.

Holo-Acacia: I was more than willing to help Peregrin practice medical strategies, once he explained his intentions. He is now unlikely to accidentally kill someone in a real life scenario.

Also, I believe I am being followed. Someone left me this.

She holds up what looks vaguely like a Valentine card. It is difficult to make out due to the pixel filter superimposed over the top of it.

The Canon Librarian: "At last. Someone who appreciates comedy."

Luxury: "Heeeey, Acy's in this! I hadn't realised. Hmm-hmm-hmm..."

Kyaris: "A good night's rest, and a day spent out of trouble... yes, I think I'm ready for tomorrow.

hS

Marina: You. Yes, you the staff behind this mess. I don't know how exactly you could push us to speak the way we did last night, but if there was mind control involved, I swear you've got a big problem.

Richard: I thought I'd go back to our RC after being eliminated, but then I got knocked out right after the interview, and when I woke up, I was back in this looser bracket. I think me and Marina will have to discuss with the staff of this emission after all is said is done.

Yes I did pretty good, and was lucky enough to get a bow and a sword, and put my skills with them to use for once, but I think now that's going pretty much too far.

Peregrin: "I was aware that the hologram of Sa... Agent Acacia did not require bandaging. However, it was a good opportunity to put what knowledge I have of field medicine into practice with little risk. It was also a good opportunity for an interesting conversation."

"I also rejoined Mr. Grey from the qualifiers, and met a librarian, who was at least as protective of his books as Suur Ala was. I can't see why, though, since he can easily make as many copies as he likes of anything he has, without pulling in the services of anyone foolish enough to complain of having nothing to do."

Falchion: Helping agents cross the street... All in a day's work, I guess, heh! Kinda sad that not everyone was as willing to accept my statement that I come in peace, though - well, most of the time. Too bad I'm not an Elgeyem!
Anyway, maybe I'll just sleep out the entire thing. No pressure!

Whitney: I have a very bad feeling that tomorrow is going to be extremely violent. Oh, well. Might as well enjoy the calm before the storm while I still can.

Sarah: WHOO! Now THIS is what I'm talking about! I may have gotten the short straw the first time, but at least I can now say that I managed to kill somebody! ...even though it was KINDA accidental...

Rayner: Awww. I know I didn't get involved in anything traumatizing but it's still a MAJOR bummer that I didn't get to whack anybody. Eh, better luck next time, I guess.
Oh, and on behalf of Lapis... Hang in there, Sarah. I know ya got the boot the first time, but we're rootin' for ya all the same. You've got this, girl!

I wanted mayhem and/or an ironic death. Instead I got nonsense. ... Figures, really. Derik should get a medal for being the most beat-up, though.

Derik: Leave me alone, I'm trying to find the secret passage again. I don't know what happened last night, but I am not amused. *blocks the camera with his hand, black and red with burns*

Elms: Who woulda thought I'd find the old man again, right? Turns out he's not a retired adventurer, just some guy from World One, but I was glad to have him watching my back anyway.

Today, I'm chilling with these lovely ladies here. *lowers her voice* Whitney looks pretty tough, but I dunno if she's got my street smarts. I bet I can take her if it comes to that. Not today, though. Must wait for the opportune moment, you know.

Harris:

[Pats self on the shoulders] Feels good, man.

Y'know, back when I first joined DoI, all we were allowed to bring with us to defend ourselves out in the field were sticks— actually, two sticks and a rock for the whole group of newbies! And we had to share the rock! So you can just imagine how good I am when it comes to fighting— heck, that Assassin lady stood no chance. Sure, she tried to surrender and all that but really: this is the Hunger Games. Who's gonna fall for that, eh? Yeah, so after that I teamed up with some other folks to try and hunt down the rest of the players. All was going fine until the lights went out and I was left to bump into practically every wall in the arena. Thank goodness ol' Richie's hearing is better than mine at the moment, 'cause he managed to pick off that Colt guy in the dark. Nice one, man. I've still got some residual ringing in my ears.

Well, I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.


---

((Apologies to Sgt. Johnson, whose motivational speech Harris is totally not ripping off.))

Nikki:

"Guys, really, the only time I 'held hands' with Falchion is when I tripped and he helped me get up - please, quit trying to get Sergio riled up. He was in SpecOps - if he gets homicidial, things will go nasty real quick."

"Witney and Nurse Elms were quite nice, too - I'm afraid the homicidial instinct of us players ran out, instead?"

Corolla:

"This losers' bracked was a great idea! Now that I'm getting this chance, I'm going to win this - Navarre, Doctor Peep, I'm sorry but I'm taking no prisoners."

"By the way, who's that holographic girl? Her aim with a Muggle-Use Wand is great, good thing she went for a Stunner."

Ix: "Yeah, yeah. I know the rollerblades wouldn't do me any good, but if I could keep someone else from getting them, it would've been worth it, right? Eh. You try running in the dark with this leg and tell me you wouldn't have tripped onto someone's sword, too. Charlotte and I will have fun seeing who wins the official games, though!"

The Aviator: "[long stream of bleeped-out words, followed by more swearing in Gallifreyan] God[bleep] it, you'd think after getting out the first time they'd just leave me alone, but no! Hijack me as I'm coming out of Medical and throw me right back in the arena, why don't you? [Bleep]ing media trying to [bleep] over my [bleep]ing life. Jesus [bleep]! So I wandered around in the open hoping someone would come along and take me out of the games. No such luck. At least the portal generator blew up when it did. Though I do wish it hadn't been so..." *shudders* "Explosive."

Ajax: That William fellow is pretty okay guy, after the whole getting socked in the face deal. He seemed a bit uneasy on the whole Hydrokinetic stuff, but still an okay guy.

I'm still going for all who fought Levy though.

Move along.

hS

Oh man, it looks like she gave that puzzle what for. Better watch out! Those huge dark eyes might hypnotize you or turn you to stone, too. ^_^

~Neshomeh

Oh my goodness, she's adorable!

Peregrin: "I might like to get to know Luxury better, but I don't think that a contest such as this is an appropriate time to arrange liaisons, no matter how casual."

The Canon Librarian: "Tried teaming up last night. Not convinced it's a good idea. Probably led to having all my stuff stolen by the scary lady with the hatchet, honestly."

Luxury: "Wow! That old guy was sure interesting. Who would've guessed?"

Kyaris: "So Hop is kind of sweet. Less sweet and more laughable is that Michael person: what, he thought he could make me do anything I didn't want to? Did he not bother to count my heads?"

hS

Marina: Well I found a group for the night. Now, they didn't seem threatening enough for me to fear anything tonight, I mean acripple,the Canon Librarian, who seems like a shut-in, even more than his libary in fact, and an hologramm I could probably short circuit...

Speaking of that, where the hell did you get the idea I was hacking this elevator? I'm a wizard, and I was just trying to use it by pushing the freaking buttons. Lessons of the day? Not touch anything technological in a holo simulation.

Gremlin: The Canon Librarian didn't have all that much useful gear. Still, better that I have it then someone else. If I collect what I can and steer clear of any big groups, then I might come out of this all right.

Holo-Acacia: I told the other members of my group that I do not require sleep, but they still insisted that each person sleep in staggered patterns. I declined to push the matter, as survival is very important.

Also, I have successfully branched from stealth-based thievery to deception-based thievery! She flourishes an ill-gotten weapon.

((I had a bit of spare time, so here's Gremlin with her brand new hatchet!))

Now that I have a minute...

Derik: It seems no one fears a man with only one eye and one leg. Fair enough. Now that I've discovered this excellent dead-end passage with a hidden door, I think I'll stay here and see what comes my way. Starting, I hope, with one of those excellent hatchets everyone else seems to be getting. *grins and vanishes dramatically clumsily into the passage*

Elms: I finally decide to take the offensive, and I get a face full of hatchets for my trouble. No backup, either. I figured anybody that old in this game had to be a retired adventurer with a hundred levels or something, but the guy rabbited at the first sign of trouble. Sheesh. Well, maybe I'll have better luck next time. *crosses fingers*

(( Derik the Phantom of the Opera clone has a trap door. If the RNG gods are with him, the other tributes should be afraid. If not, someone will kill him with a hatchet and it will totally be my fault. ))

Sergio:

"I coul've given that lava bath a miss. In fact, I should have: I've used these things for years and I've never misplaced a portal."

"In fact, I'm pretty sure I did indeed put in the exact coordinates - I've been coming and going from that camp for basically all the time I spent in this game! I just had to use the "load last location" function, which clearly wasn't a lava pit so I'm going to have a talk about this with you producers later."

"What do you mean, 'assuming you find us?' I'm having Corolla track the signal of this drone right now. I am going to find you."

Nikki:

"I don't know why the Event Feed found noteworthy the fact that Sergio and I didn't fight each other tonight. He's my boyfriend, what were you expecting?"

"I'm surprised Sergio got out due to a mispalced portal - that's not a mistake he would do - in fact, I was so upset about it that when two people tried to invade our camp I just threw my hatchets at them without thinking."

"By the way, I'm currently sharing camp with that Ajax dude, the one who spared Sergio in the qualifiers. I hope he doesn't try to seduce me too - because Sergio would be likely going to ask for a rematch."


[hS, feel free to play Sergio's quest for an explanation however you want. Of all the possible ways of him getting out, the RNG had to choose for one I can't really justify IC... so the "possibly a simulation glitch" route is the one most likely]

Falchion: At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if I was crowned the winner by sleeping through the whole thing. Also, why are there so many hatchets? It's like everyone's gonna get one like some kind of giveaway or something! Not that I'm complaining, of course, but still...

Whitney: I had to do it. I had no choice. I've heard the horror stories of how the Librarian is a racist, misanthropic bigot with no respect for humanity. Knowing that and my... reputation... I'm sure he would've killed me the second he woke up.

And I have to be honest, finding that Escher room may be a good thing in light of this. At least if anyone wanted to come after me for what I did back there, they'd be too lost to find me.

Matthew (On the Phone): Ajax! The partner of the agent you tried to seduce says you are so punched.

Levy (In the background): Doubly so!

Matthew: You heard the lady.

Ajax: How did they even get your number?

The phone was hung up

Well, last night was a nice change. Yesterday, I was so upset, I didn’t even notice that Androia is out. Unfortunately I can’t brag that she needs the exercise more than I do, but if she wants to operate the Arr Ah on the next mission, she’ll have to beg for it, a lot. Yes, I’m evasive. I’ll only say that Lux is an interesting person in many aspects. Aaaand I found the Courtyard at last. It was sooo good to get out of the grey corridors and see some green. And Nurse Elms may be an interesting person, too. But before we could talk much, Rollerblade Guy and Anime Girl started to throw hatchets at us. Looks like they are a team now and set up a camp there, and they may have thought that we wanted to rob them of their provisions. So we ran away in opposite directions, and I haven’t seen Elms again since then.

HG

Will: "She may've killed part of my alliance, but let's face it... me and the Librarian? We would eventually kill one another. Also, Ajax - sorry, chief, but you're not my type."

Hop: "So yeah, not the smartest idea I've had... Can I not comment on that? Hip will give me the pep-talk later, I'm sure o' that."

"Just when you were doing so well, you just had to go and f*** everything up! So much for my lessons. You complain so much about me not paying attention to yours and here it looks like you're just as guilty. Mgh." *grumpily munches reuben sandwiches while watching the commentary*

Hop: "What can I say, I knew I'm gonna go far. Looks like it's just me an' Will now. I'm comin' for you, Magic Man!"

Will: ...

VJ: "Bleh, why did it have to be Bleepka? I don't even drink! Couldn't they establish a fountain of Bleeppolate? I still smell like rubbing alcohol. It was fun to share stories with Zebbie-boy, though. Poor thing. Next time I see him, I'm gonna hug him!"

The Canon Librarian: "What do you mean someone touched my books?!

"Oh, shot someone earlier. I think it was the- the Twilight vampire. Kind of a shame; I wanted to talk to her."

Steve Dimond: "Well, the night was fun, even if that nurse is a much better actor than me. I think Sergio appreciated the effort, though. As for the day, I... don't think I like Time Lords much."

Luxury: "I like nurses. They have interesting ideas."

Kyaris: "I love Time Lords! They get so skittish when you come on to them! One minute they're all 'I have witnessed the death of universes and seen alien beings you cannot even begin to comprehend'; the next they're 'oh, yeah, I need to wash my hair, I'll get back to you.' Brilliant stuff."

((Wow, I started out doing about ten of these, and for Day 4 I'll be down to three. Mad.))

hS

Peregrin could not be reached for comment. He was pacing up and down an empty corridor, muttering something about finite fields.

Sergio:

"I really have no idea why these two insisted for actign out a play for me - I sure don't think I'm such a revered veteran? And it wasn't a bizarre attempt at assassinating me, either - I wonder what was going though their heads."

"Durign the day I met the hydra again, and at some point I felt like we were watched, but I couldn't see anyone. If there was indeed anyone around, kudos for managing to hide that well."

Nikki:

"Well, nothing interesting happened today - except someone kept sending me hatchets. Why? I have a magical energy sword, and even if I wanted to use the hatchets to chop down some wood... well, there aren't any trees in HQ. Or, at least, I haven't seen one yet?"

Androia: I am so sorry, Charlotte. I thought I had the right coordinates for Medical and could get you a blood bottle.

Hieronymus: I tried –? What the –? Let me see that footage... Oh, yeah, from that weird point of view, it may look like... Actually, I could hardly keep him off me. I’m not sure whether he had found his insanity or lost it, but somehow he must have been under the delusion that I’m Hermione Granger.

HG

Gremlin: She's sitting down in some random room on top of what looks like an impromptu nest made of camouflage clothing. As she speaks, she idly rotates her hatchet in one hand. On one side of the head are the crudely etched words "GRASS GROWS, BIRDS FLY." On the other side, it says "SUN SHINES, AND BROTHER, I HURT PEOPLE."

My teammates are gone, apart from that weird hologram. My best friend is gone. My chest still hurts. I'm annoyed, tired, and hungry. Seems to me that the best way to fix all that is to wrap this thing up as fast as possible. The explosives definitely helped in that regard. I hope I can find another stash somewhere. Or Medical. Finally finding Medical would be great.

Holo-Acacia: I have now become very efficient at both stealth and theft actions! This has both increased my overall chance of survival and my overall chance of obtaining an personal hatchet.

Marina: Playing a piece for the reigning champion so I am allowed to live? I'm actually surprised she let us go. She must have been really bored.

Day has been quiet too, once I followed this hydra and Sergio. They were threatening enough to keep other opponents at bay, but were not able to know I was there. Seven heads and one veteran, and you cannot spot one person? I cannot understand how they're still there.

The Librarian: "one by one the frail humans fall... but it is clear that my next target is the disgusting creature that... no, sorry, this is too disgusting. I signed up for virtual death, not for sexual advances by a snake. Can I get my time back?"

Zeb: *shaking like a leaf* "E-explosions. It h-had to be exp-plosions. I th-think I need to g-go to FicPsuch..."

Charlotte: "Well, that was a totally bogus death. Guess that's what I get for being so hungry I can't even think straight. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find some Sues to eat."

Dangit, I was having a lot of fun writing him in this. Alas that this will be the last time.

Derik: That lying warlock told me he could fix my leg, but we had to maintain physical contact for the magic to work. More fool I, I believed him. Eventually I nodded off, and that's when he must have slipped away. Should've killed him when I had the chance.

Oh, this? Don't you know music when you see it? I dreamed it. I'm not usually much of a composer, but it wouldn't get out of my head until I wrote it down, and there's nowhere else to write.

Mirrad: It seems it was not my fate to win this time. Still, I believe I did well, and never once resorted to violence.

Incidentally, Agent Luxury is a very misunderstood young lady. I explained that I had taken a vow of chastity, and that was that. She is quite charming company, albeit odd.

Elms: I am so happy to be with people again, you have no idea. I know I should be killing them, but I just can't right now. I even made out with Lux a bit—you don't have that on camera, do you? Come on, do you?!

Falchion: ZEB, NOOOOO!... Anyway. Well. Who knew RCs had stocked fridges? Lucky break, I guess! Though I seriously have to question hiding out with Luxury of all people. I mean, knowing her, uh, reputation...

Whitney: Finally, a decent weapon! With luck, somebody's going to get fit very soon. In a coffin, that is!

Ajax is seen crying over the corpse of Levy, having positioned her body for funeral rights.

Ajax: I'm gonna kill them, every last one of them.

Levy (Sobbing): I'm sorry *sobbing noises* I'm so, so sorry.

She continues the sobbing and the apologizing.

Matthew (Sitting with Levy, comforting her): It's Ajax's worst nightmare.

Nickul (Doing the same): I can only imagine how she feels.

(Earlier) Mr. Librarian, I commend your job in dispatching me. Tripping me up and shooting me in the eye was an excellent method of getting past my scales.

[For those who forgot, Levy and Ajax were former partners, a Sue got the better of them, Levy almost died, losing her wings in the process]

VJ: "Ughh... That makes a day worth of food skipped. Seriously, I felt like if I didn't get any food, I would have to chew on my leather belt. But it was nice to hang out with Hop again."

Will: "Showers are bloody deadly. That's why I take baths over showers every day. At least you can support yourself by holding onto an edge of a bathtub; shower just go along with you. Well, at least Mari was there to fix things up."

Androia: I can do that? How did I do it? Who is Monty Python? And what is this entity with the many heads? I would ask Hieronymus, but somehow he vanished?

Hieronymus: The creeping factor is increasing. I wanted to get away from Androia, how come I always run into her? She kept me awake all night with this silly Monty Python game, and I don’t even know how she knows Monty Python. I’m going to roll up in some corner and get a handful of sleep now. Oh, by the way, the sponsor who sent me clean water and medical supplies during the qualifier was more helpful. Just saying.

HG

Whitney: I have. SO many questions. I was concerned that people would not want to have anything to do with me due to my... track record... but it's good to hear that this was not the case. Gall was surprisingly high-spirited and understanding throughout our conversation, and it's sad to hear that she had her accident later. And as for Marina, I have to give her props for reminding me to keep my head in the game, because otherwise, I would've been too distracted to think about not dying. Ironic, huh?

(Falchion was too incoherent for a proper interview due to two whole days of starvation.)

The Canon Librarian: "Found something to read. It was a death threat from Building Maintenance. I didn't think they were even in here?"

Steve Dimond: "I guess there's a chance I might win this? I've tried to make friends, y'know - Apollo was fun last night, and today I hung out with VJ and Hop. I dunno, though; there's some pretty ruthless agents in here."

Luxury: "Hmm-hmm-hmm... I've got a plan, you've got a plan, all the sexy agents got a plan..."

Kyaris: "Today has been a kaboom-y day. I got a plasma cannon in the night - from who, I don't know - and then found some explosives with the tall elf woman. Androia, that's the one. I mean, I can't use any of this stuff - I'm not picking bombs up in my mouth, thank you very much! - but it's nice to know it's there."

Makes-Things: "Ow. Can confirm that holographic flame still hurts. Ow."

hS

The Librarian: *incoherent grumbling, generally sour mood*
Amris: "Hey, nobody told me my fields would be off-line for this! I'd demand my money back but we don't use money back home and anyway I didn't pay anything." *Aura fields turn brown*

Derik: *with a completely mostly straight face* 'Tis but a scratch. Stings a bit. Always look on the bright side of life. Get on with it!

Gall: Motherf****r! This was not supposed to happen! That guy totally bought the waterworks, I palmed the poison I already had into his cup when I poured the Bleepka, and that should've been that! I swear I only turned around for one second to put the bottle down. How could this happen?!

Mirrad: I am sad to learn that Decima is out of the games so soon. I suspect now that she only wanted me to watch her back while she took a shower and did not intend to make a lasting alliance at all, since she left soon after she had finished. However, I had a pleasant evening with Hop and Nickul, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with last year's champion. It is quite fortunate that she landed on top of me.

Elms: I am so lost. I should never have left Peregrin, even if he was boring. Hey, camera-bot, I don't suppose I could follow you to... I dunno, anywhere that isn't an empty corridor?

(( I don't know when Derik found Monty Python, but no one has ever had a better excuse to quote them excessively. ^_^

(( I swear, Mirrad looks likely to ally his way to the top at this rate. It's weird.

(( Also, seconding PC: hS, why would you use that?! Was this one of your ploys to force us to write interesting character moments? {; P ))

Tomash: "Well, Amris and I portaled straight into Sergio's camp and I got shot right then and there. Hurt like h***, but at least everything was over quickly. And I'm not really bitter, since that was a really justified revenge kill after ... that incident."

"However, I'm not letting Amris set the portal coordinates next time."

Peregrin: "I know Library would have rather I stopped talking so much, but I woke up today thinking I had an insight that might lead to a solution to Grod-Taunga. I eventually discovered my mistake, but it took several hours since I had nothing to write with."

Gremlin: Well, I didn't find Medical. Only a room filled with camo gear in which I passed out. I took some of it when I woke up this morning because I thought I might be able to use it in the Courtyard. But hey, guess what? Couldn't find that either, so now I look like an idiot. It's kind of annoying how holo-Headquarters doesn't play by the same rules as regular Headquarters. All my tactics for trying to get around don't work here.

The sound of cannons can be heard. Gremlin steps off camera to get a better look.

WHY IS GALL DEAD AGAIN ALREADY! G, DON'T YOU HAVE ANY F*****G SENSE OF SELF-PRESERVATION?!

James: I stepped away from the campsite during the night to look for supplies and fell down a flight of stairs that hadn't been there before. Thought I was a goner when that Pokemon came up on me. I was more than surprised when he patched me up rather than finish me off. Might kind act, right there.

Now then, the suicide pact…

He sighs.

It wasn't really supposed to go down like that. Little redhead comes up to me, bawling, saying that she was tired of this whole thing and wanted to go out but was too scared to do it on her own. She was not the most talented actress I ever met, so I didn't buy it. I was about to get down to brass tacks when it dawned on me: maybe I could play this out. So I make the agreement.

We get a bottle of Bleepka and some poison. She suggests having a non-deadly toast before offing ourselves. I agree, but when she turns away, I dose her drink. We toast, and bottoms up.

Turned out she managed to dose my glass too. Never saw her do it. I tip my hat to you, Gall. That was some damn fine sneak work.

Holo-Acacia: I have become very efficient at defensive action, even without my hatchet!

((OOC: I exchanged some messages with Nesh about why James and Gall might enter a suicide pact, and we decided on "they tried to trick each other with poison and failed." Also, quick question for hS: why would you leave that option in?!))

(Since the event feed seems to imply that Sergio and Nikki were sticking together...)

Sergio: "So, yeah. I have no idea if Tomash attacked our camp to try to take us down before we could get him, or he found us here only by chance... but that's what happens when you touch our daughter."
Nikki: "Well, you actually did all by yourself. By the time I had set up my Device, you had already swiss-cheesed him."
Sergio: "What were you expecting me to do, really? Anyways, the ball of bloodthirst is out too, which is a good thing. That guy gave me the creeps."
Nikki: "Yeah. Tagging along with Holo-Acacia was a good thing, since she got him. I wonder who Acacia Byrd is - if the producers decided to put an hologram of her in, she must've been someone famous."
Sergio: "One thing is sure, her archery is top notch."
Nikki: "Also, I'd like to thank Corolla and Keiko for the water - yes, we know you're behind it. It was very appreciated. Especially after Sergio here nearly fried himself with that elevator."
Sergio: "Well, I tried to knock it out of commission to give our opponents one less way into our camp, but I guess that would've been a job better suited to our Corolla..."

(And Segrio taking out Tomash... *applause for the RNG*)

Zeb: "I know, I know, I'm not helping my chances by leaving other tributes alive, but maybe if they see how nice and helpful I can be, they'll want to team up! Now that Falc and I got separated and everything..."

Charlotte: "I miss being able to run fast. This is boring. And how'm I supposed to know if my partner's doing alright while I'm stuck here killing other people? Do I at least get a phone call? Or do I have to talk to a lawyer first?"

Matthew (On the phone, obviously upset): Levvvy why did you kill the Pokemon equivalent of Angelion...

I really need to stop sending in these hatchets...

Levy (Also upset): I don't Knoooow, I thought she would end up like the Black Knight in Monty Python

Ajax: ...How the heck was I able to burn MT, I'm not in my Awoken form.

Also that Falchion guy is pretty cool... though we did fail a spot check soooo...

Nickul: D&D is fun, hitting my head against a wall is not. I'M AN INTELLECTUAL GDI.

Peregrin: "Muggle-Use wands are very useful weapons."

Tomash: "I'm ... not sure why I did that. I'd stumbled into Keiko, Nickul, and Michael, and I thought they were going for me. So I grabbed Keiko to cover my retreat, but that wasn't working, and somehow that whole mess was the first idea I had. Nickul probably hates me now."

"Wait, what? She was Nikki and Sergio's daughter? I'm so, so dead."

Decima: Very important to control the water supply. Absolutely why we've taken over the showers. Yessir. No other reason for that.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go secure a strategic conditioner supply.

Derik: *leaning up against a wall, staring at his stump* I finally slip away from my "team" only to run into this apparition in sweatpants. I thought I could overpower her, even without a weapon, but... *shakes head* ... Scorch it, woman, you could at least have had the courtesy to finish me off!

Gall: Oh yeah, one down, thirty-odd to go!

Mirrad: I was hesitant to team up with one of my patients, since it clearly constitutes a conflict of interests, but she insisted that I must help her survive, or else she would become a permanent fixture in my office. *makes a helpless gesture* We did not intend to pick up William, too, but I think he will be a useful ally and perhaps someone that Decima can talk to about magic systems other than her own. It could be good for her.

Elms:
♪ I love to go a-wandering
♪ along the mountain track,
♪ And as I go, I love to sing,
♪ my knapsack on my back.

♪ Val-der-ee! Val-der-ah!
♪ Val-der-ah! Val-der-ah-ah-ah-ah ah-ah,
♪ Val-der-ee... ♪

Androia: Huh, that was scary. A Suvian on rollerblades, and that big-eyed anime girl from the last games, probably seeking revenge. I am so glad I got away. At least it was nice to see that Hieronymus does well.

Hieronymus: Huh, that was scary. No, Suvians on rollerblades are just ridiculous. I didn't intent to encounter Androia in this game.

Rachel: Aw, man. I can't believe I'm out already! I thought that Time Lord and I were gonna come out on top in that fight, but Pokemon are just so fast! And you, the powers and all that too. Maaaaan. Guess I'm just gonna have to watch how this plays out from my RC. Good luck, everyone still in it!

James: I wasn't sure about making camp with Luxury. Not after all the stuff I've heard about her, anyway. I don't mind me some personal company from time to time, don't get me wrong, but this hardly seems like the best occasion for it.

But then we got ambushed while setting up the tents. Turns out the lady's got some combat skill. I suppose it shouldn't be that much of a surprise, considering how long she's been an agent for. But still, 'tween the two of us, we sent those folks running!

I turned down Luxury's offer to celebrate. Like I said, hardly seems like the best occasion for it.

Gremlin: Ow… ow… OW F*****G OW! Gah, note to self: if you're going try hiding in an Escher Room, watch where you put your feet. I fell fifteen feet sideways to the floor! Ow… I hope the holographic version of Medical is somewhere around here.

Holo-Acacia: I really wanted that hatchet.

Tacitus

Well, let's see you try to operate a damaged RA with your bare paws.

Falchion: Whew, thank heavens I ditched Brave Bird so long ago and learned Rock Slide instead! The Notary was a challenge, obviously, but who knew Rachel was weak to throwing a stone sword without STAB? What a turnaround! Anyway, Zeb and I really should pair up more often. Us Pokemon gotta stick together, after all, and he's an awesome fighter, really. I just hope we won't have to kill each other sometime soon, haha...

Whitney: Derik was - no, IS a worthy opponent. It was my fault for going overboard with the Beam Sword or whatever equivalent they have here in this arena, and I apologize to him for it. I just hope that if either of us dies, we do so with dignity.

Desdendelle: "Guess I gotta get some upgrades. Wasn't fast enough."
Amris: "Who wants to be the next art project? The Zorua, maybe...?"
The Librarian: "I was not actually trying to camouflage myself. I am not even interested in winning. Idiot."

Marina: What? You expected senseless wandering across this crazy mess so I stumble upon someone of something killing me?

Why the hell should I do that when I can wait for people to shoot in one place? Besides, disguise or not, I'm not testing this holographic system too much. My pay is already low enough .

(They get easier when there's less of my people left.)

District Kaitlyn

The Canon Librarian: "Can't find my books. Where are they?"

Kaitlyn: "Oh come on! Oh, well, if I have to go, at least I went to something cute. ^_^ Wasn't that fiery fox thing the Doktor's partner? I think she was! Cool."

Steve Dimond: "So this Levy girl said it would be a good idea to make a show of force, and storm the camp we found in the Courtyard. Plus, y'know, it was Lux's camp, so it wasn't like she was going to defend it very well? Yeah, I think I might have completely misunderstood Luxury. At least I made it out alive."

Luxury: "Hee! This is fun!"

District Eagle Hawk

Kyaris: "My team: a bouncy time traveller, a sadistic flying robot, and an increasingly nervous retired human who barely seems to remember what a sword is. Oh, and me, your friendly resident diminutive hydra. All in all, I think we've got a solid group here - okay, we didn't find anyone today, but there's always tonight..."

District Sergio Turbo

Makes-Things: "The restrictions on players' abilities seem to be holding. I watched Agent Webb closely for any signs of enhanced speed, but she seems closely matched to my control specimen, 'VJ'. Unfortunately I don't seem to have any records of Agent Apollo, but he isn't coming across as significantly above average. Excellent stuff."

hS

Gabrielle turning Kaitlyn into jelly—a result of Superpower, perhaps?

Zeb: "Aw man, Falchion is really cool and awesome and he's such a good teammate! I really hope we're able to stay together for the rest of the games. And his feathers are really shiny. Did you notice how shiny his feathers are? Ooh, Aviator, if you're watching: I got the Notary for you! Are you proud of me? Notary, if you're watching: that's for terrorizing my partner at the last Council meeting, you big old meanie!"

Charlotte: "Another day, another load of nothing. I'm starting to feel hungry. Are my eyes going black yet? Can I eat the holo-contestants? Is that even allowed? Are we done yet?"

("Great bleepka bar in the sky" made me legitimately laugh out loud, by the way.)

District Kaitlyn

The Canon Librarian: "Trying to find my library. Leave me alone."

Kaitlyn: "Well. I quite like this Androia woman. I'm not sure if she knows Agent Ecks was one of the ones who stole my stuff in the qualifiers? But she was a great help. Now, who else was in that footage...?"

Steve: "Right. So my 'team' is a bubbly girl who sort of reminds me of Constance back in the day - not sure that's a good thing - a Potterverse witch with a kind of scary attitude, and a violent... warlock?... of some description. Uh... better have them on my side than hunting me, I guess?"

Luxury's reaction to the drone is not viewable by agents under the age of 100.

District Eagle Hawk

Selene: "... I don't think I like Time Lords any more."

Kyaris: "How did I run out of there so fast? Have you seen this body? I've got speed you wouldn't believe."

District Sergio Turbo

Makes-Things: "Obviously I ran away. Making observations doesn't require me to be heavily armed, does it? I did get to see Agent Ajax's rollerblades in action - are we positive those are holographic? Excellent work if they are. Hmm... I wonder if my lab is functional in the simulation?"

(Not sure if Day One will be up tonight or tomorrow morning. Ve zhall zee.)

hS

Rachel: Always have someone to watch your back! It's good idea when you're doing agent stuff and still a good idea when you're doing mock battles to the death! Plus, apparently two of the people I'm with have magic powers. Awesome! I'm not sure how long all this will last, but everything's looking pretty good for the moment.

James: James is hiding in a small, dark room. Judging from his muttering, he is currently working out a plan for his current situation. He scowls upon noticing the interview drone, and waves at it to leave.

Get lost, you!

Gremlin: The drone footage of Gremlin is almost solid static, for some reason.

((OOC: Am I also doing reactions for Holo-Acacia, since she's on my team? Probably something I should have asked before this started. Mea culpa.))

Tacitus:

It is immediately clear that Amris is a massive threat to the entire competition. Its enthusiasm for battle is only matched by his gruesome and twisted imagination-- it needs to be put down as fast as possible if any of us are to survive. I only hope Dark's immunity to Psychic holds in this case.

Levy: Apparently using a banana as a hilt for an ice dagger counts as "Weaponised" and not "Utilising their abilities to their very best."

Ajax: They tried to take my rollerblades. They tried to take my rollerblades. I am actually Hermes. I have wings on my feet. Good luck with that next time.

Nickul: I swear to Bahamut somebody's gonna die here, and it will probably be Aphrodite over there.

Gall, Mirrad, and Elms have vanished into HQ and are unavailable for comment.

Derik: For the love of little green apples... No, Luxury, that is not what "Hunger Games" means.

~Neshomeh

The Librarian: "Burn, human, bu— I mean, that is barbarous, I have no idea what possessed me."
Desdendelle: "No news is good news, methinks."
Amris: "Why, I didn't know that this place had such little bundles of fun as this Zorua."

Androia: Socializing is such a nice thing to do: Find a friend, and then go and stab another potential friend together. I’m not quite sure what we stabbed her with. Did Kaitlyn grab a dagger? I may need to be careful around her.

Hieronymus: Don’t put a horse into the cafeteria; it’s not her natural environment! I guess she stumbled over the chairs and fell into the main aisle that leads to the entrance. Anyway, the poor mare looked like the whole stampede of fleeing agents had run over her. I just couldn’t leave her like that. But – have you ever tried to strangle a horse? In the end we both agreed that she just should consider herself being stabbed with the Sharp Sword of Reason that doesn’t show in holographic pictures.

HG

Tomash (not noticing the camera): "No, Luxury, I'm not interested."

Peregrin: "My thoughts? It appears that contesting the supplies was a reasonable decision. I gathered a few useful items, but I ran away from the more valuable supplies after being threatened with fruit over water. I'm still not entirely clear on how that plant was meant to be deadly, but I did not want to risk a confrontation so early."

Whitney: Maybe I should find Falchion. He'd be better at using that energy bow than I am - though I honestly don't know if I won it from Charlotte or not. She was a really good fighter! I do hope to meet her again sometime under, erm, friendlier circumstances.

Falchion: ...I don't even know how to sword. Help.

Marina: So they decided the arena would be HQ... I cannot tell if they're sarcastic or if it's the perfect Hunger Games arena.

It also seems the Cafeteria is so horrible people flee merely after seeing that. Well, I only got a bottle of glitter, but after being taken out the first time by poisoning, I'm sure I can find some use for that stuff...

Sergio:

"I don't know why exactly I stopped to chat with these two - I think they were actually both trying to asses how much of a threat I was, so I went for my best "rusty retired dude" impression. Amris tunred out to be just as creepy as Corolla told me, while I finally managed to meet that Tacitus dude, who kept nagging me about how this 'Madam' woman was interested in me and wishing me good luck. Sorry, not falling for those nets of favours."

Nikki:

"We're in HQ this time? The confusion kinda reminds me of the Blackout. Of course, I ran away. It would've really been embarassing if I got myself killed faster than the other time..."

Keiko: "It's a shame that guy managed to get the rollerblades - while I prefer skateboards, Mom taught me how to use them so they would've been a good way to move around faster. I tried to chase him, but I don't know what I would've done if I did - that dude had defeated Dad in the qualifiers, so taking him out would've helped us both, but at the same time he had spared Dad after defeating him so it wouldn't have been very nice..."


P.S. Do you plan on doing a loser's bracket for the unqualified, so they get a ranking too?

Charlotte: "I know, I know, I could probably win this whole thing easily if I was my normal self, but being physically immune to almost every type of damage and being able to run two hundred miles an hour is just a teensie bit unfair in these games. So, bow it was, even though I really would've preferred to get an axe or something." *humphs*

Zeb: "Well, so far, it looks like staying out of trouble is working just fine for me. Hope I can keep it up for a few more days."

(Yay, at least these two made it another day.)

Nickul: Holy crap I killed the Aviator

Ajax: And Jesse

Nickul: Yes, but I killed a DMS legend

Levy: and a Cowboy

Nickul: I don't think you understand, I killed The Aviator

Ajax: We know

Levy: We're just mad you didn't get her autograph

Barid - Well dat didn't last long. I don't know what dat girl was tinkin', but none'a my stuff was gonna help her. It was all potion makin' plants.

Decima - Grab explosives? Check. Fresh water? Check. Tripping balls to the finish line? Double check. Bring on the games.

Hip: "So... That happened. First time in the Games and I'm already out. Then again, nothing I could do, I mean that explosion was just INSANE! Well, hopefully others will get far. If I have to pick, I'd say VJ is going to get the furthest, if not win."

Hop: "Hey, I'm still in! That's wicked, though I wish Hip was still with me. Hope you'll cheer for me, sweetie!"

Will: "Fine an' dandy. I could get used to smackin' folks on the head."

VJ: "Giving me a bow and arrows is like spilling water on a Gremlin! There's no way I lose now!"

Sarah is going to be SOOOOO peeved that she didn't even make it past the first qualifier. She was looking forward to a hero's path of glory, geez!

I'd write up responses from my agents, but my household is going through a very bad situation at the moment, and I may not be able to see it resolved until tomorrow. Sorry, everyone! :(

Field Commander Lola McCandless: Well, the champ is back in town, and frankly I'm not sure it was a good idea. I mean, learning everyone's capabilities is always a good idea, but I'm worried about how much insane bloodlust will come into play given that this is only a holodeck simulation and everyone knows it. I've been trying to fight how I normally would, but that just means ambush tactics - and since I don't know the surroundings well, I managed to balls it up completely when that woman blundered into my trap.

Gabrielle: ... I blew up my therapist. Um. With, um. With a landmine. I, uh, I think that's gonna come up in our next session.

Doctor Peep, FicPsych: [slightly dazed] Home in a bin bag, I'm going home in a biiiiiin bag... eeble...

Alice: *telepathic horse noises*

...

How the poxy hell am I meant to do her interviews? I've barely even heard of her before today!

Rachel: I was super excited to get picked for the Games this time! I watched all of the footage of the last Games to get an idea of what was going on—plus, you know, to get psyched! It's always important to get positive before taking something like this on.

I got a bunch of useful gear from the Cornucopia and was feeling really good and then WHOA, I got attacked! And by the defending champion too! Not gonna lie, but I was kinda scared right then. I mean, she's a trained soldier and I'm definitely not. But I escaped! I was dodging around trees and rocks, and even ran through a stream at one point! That was pretty awesome.

Then I started hallucinating! There were all these weird pinkish-green bugs with human faces flying at me, and some of them were dancing! I think it might have been the Charleston. And then—hey, where are you going? Is the interview over?

James: That went all right, I suppose. Managed to pick up a bit of disinfectant from the Cornucopia before all the explosions went off. Then, I pretty just spent the rest of the match trying to be a might proactive. Hunting for other folks and that. Never found any one, but I did survive. Let's hope the real thing goes as smooth as this one did.

Gremlin: I decided beforehand that, since this was just the qualifier, I wasn't gonna make too much trouble. Don't fight; just survive. That's why skipped the Cornucopia in favor of just hunting, and why I made that agreement with Kelly to alternate our sleeping cycles. Getting sent clean water was a nice bonus. Pretty sure I know who that was from, even though the sponsors are always "unknown." She winks at the camera. Thanks, babe.

Laura: God. D****t. Eliminated already! Ugh. Well, at least I went out in a pretty hardcore way. Getting stabbed multiple times by a psychic Flower armed with sais? Better than falling in a hole LIKE LAST TIME.

Androia: Yes, we are in again. I still have to prove that I can survive more than one day. After all, I am supposed to be the fighter in this team, and the person who knows how to heal herself. And Hieronymus needs the exercise. He says that running in circles and lifting weights are senseless actions, so adding an adventurous aspect may help. The man just does not move enough. I watched that in our last mission. What? Yes, nearly being strangled by a weed was not a good start. Thank you, Richard, for breaking his stalk.

Hieronymus: Gah, fighting holographic squirrels and agents wielding holographic weapons is senseless, too. Where’s the adventure when there are no consequences? I only concurred to get out of our arr zee. I’m going to find a quiet place where Androia can’t talk my ear off, and just sit the games out. If it doesn’t work, I’ll be out and she’ll still be in, and that’s just as well. Why I didn’t try to sit out the Qualifier? Well, I guess no Agent can say "no" to Jay Thorntree. I’ve no idea what she wanted with the Librarian, though, and they abandoned me before I found out why she’d said she needed a shovel.

HG

Including Kaitlyn's candidates, and the NPCs.

The Losers

Dafydd: "Well, that was... disappointing. Do you know, I think I was the first person to actually die in the entire tournament? Oh, well, there's always next year."

Morgan: "Okay, so what happened is this: I figured my gun-loving self wasn't much use in a forest, so I tried to 'kill' myself and holo-regenerate into someone good with, say, a sword - well, there's a first time for everything, right? But, uh... apparently holograms don't regenerate. I'll remember that next time."

Constance: "I TOLD Dafydd this was a bad idea... I'm quite offended by being taken for a bear, of all things. Is that a comment on my hair? Agent Michael had better hope he stays in the arena a long time, that's all I'm saying..."

Captain Dandy: Once I heard the Tiger Lily was participating again, I had to take part - for the honour of the Department, you know? But I suppose it wasn't to be. I think the lesson to take away from this is a positive one - our agents will defend each other even against authority figures! I... think that's a good thing.

The Tiger Lily: Hmph. Whose idea was this, anyway?

The Qualifiers

The Canon Librarian: "No comment. Do I have time to read?"

Kaitlyn: "That was fun! I mean, okay, I didn't get to do much, and someone stole all my stuff, but I'm super psyched for the proper Games! I'm gonna try and find someone friendly to team up with, it worked really well last time..."

Steve Dimond: "I'm honestly not that sure why I'm here. But my sisters demanded I sign up, and, well... So next time I'm going to try and get a weapon again, it's, y'know, a good idea...? Don't know after that."

Selene: "Oh. Dafydd's already out? ... okay. I guess I'll see if that hydra wants to team up again."

Kyaris: "Wow. I mean, wow. Why've I never heard about this before? Great stuff. Hope I do well."

Makes-Things: "Look, I'm not here because I want to play. I'm just making sure the holodeck's working safely. And yes, that includes attacking Nurse Mirrad - how else am I going to test it properly?"

Alice the telepathic horse disdained to give an interview. Agent Luxury gave one, but the broadcasters refuse to show it.

hS

Zee: "Ecks, Ecks calm down"
Ecks: "No I fragging will not! I'm a woman! What's this drek?"
Zee: "The holodeck likely malfunctioned. At least you did not die in the first round, like myself."
Ecks: "Frag off. I'm gonna go sulk until the next round."

Harris

WHAT? CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION AGAIN, PLEASE? I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THIS RINGING!

...HOW I FEEL ABOUT PIEROGIS? WELL, IT'S LIKE A DUMPLING, BUT EUROPEAN. WAIT, DID YOU SAY 'PERFORMANCE'? OH, SORRY! IS IT JUST ME OR IS THE RINGING GETTING LOUDER? CAN SOMEONE TURN IT OFF, PLEASE?

ANYWAY, IT WAS KINDA EMBARRASSING TO DIE LIKE THAT. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TRAP-SETTER, THOUGH— NICELY PLAYED.

ALSO, CAN I GET AN EAR DOCTOR OR SOMETHING? I THINK I MIGHT HAVE A LITTLE TINNITUS.

[He walks away from the camera, sticking a pinky finger into his left ear.]

MAWP. MAWP!


Tacitus

It appears my inept colleague died due to a booby trap. He doesn't deserve to wear the sage frond— not after failing to do a spot check and practically walking into a grenade.

I'm a little rusty combat-wise but I still have a little going for me: I chased after this girl and gave her a thrashing. She escaped, but I think that I've managed to scrape a little bit more experience from that battle. Just a little bit more now...

I'm looking forward to the main event. This qualifier was a nice little warm-up; let's see what my team can do. I look forward to stabbing them in the back once they've outlived their usefulness.

Tomash: "At first, I wasn't too thrilled at getting dragged into this thing, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. That was a pretty lucky grenade toss at the beginning. I was just trying to distract people so I could grab some food and run for it. Falling into the water while trying to fish wasn't fun, but I get the feeling that will end up on a 'funniest moments' compilation."

"My plans for the main event are to join a group and hope I can last a few days before the inevitable betrayal. Maybe I'll get to know some new people."

Peregrin: "There were a few moments during the night where I wasn't sure if joining these Games had been a good decision. I'd like to think I did reasonably well overall, though. If nothing else, the second day's events will certainly serve as a clear example of why the initialization elements of packaged explosives should not be used as ropes while attached to the package. I must find more of that material after the event. It might be useful for assassinations at a distance if arranged carefully ..."

Peregrin was lost in thought for a moment.

"On, right, the Games. I'd like to thank Mr. Gray, the, ah, Pilot, I think, and ..., er, everyone else for their help with gathering supplies, as well as my sponsor, whoever they were. My plans for the main event are to get a ranged weapon I know how to use and hide. I am also considering going away from the Cornucopia initially, since it seems to attract a large battle, and returning later. That would be less risky, but could be significantly less rewarding. It's an interesting tradeoff, you know. A good friend of mine worked on a more general version of that problem several years ago, but didn't make much progress..."

Interviewer: "Thank you for your time."

My team is awesome! We'll see how long it lasts in the actual event. ^_^;

No time for interviews right now, but FYI, Mirrad is a he. {= )

~Neshomeh

Apollo: "First of all to clarify, I didn't really know Gerry had killed Rayner when I killed her, so no, no real revenge was in play there, in fact I hadn't meant to kill her at all, the branch I was using as a weapon was a tad heavier than I thought it was, that's all. Still glad to have got through the qualifiers and glad to see Kelly on my team too."

"Any plans? No, not really. Ideally I'd grab a bow and try and camp a spot I can defend, but after those roving squirrels from last season I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Kelly: "Woo, I got through, and I even got a ranged weapon, not that I needed it, by I got one. I was kinda surprised to actually ally up with different people, and it'd be nice to ally up with them again in the real thing, although it'd also be nice to see Apollo as well, we didn't see each other besides at the start 'cos we ran different ways completely."

"Plans? Not really, hope to get a ranged weapon, one of the bonuses to being a daughter of Apollo you see, hope I don't have to heal anyone and if I'm really desperate I can always try and curse them to speak only in rhyming couplets, it doesn't have much use killing Sue's but I remember that one time our cabin used it on the Ares cabin..."

Let's begin this.

Richard: Alright. First of all, I certainly didn't sign any papers or anything which could have led to that. My partner was pretty clear about the consequences after the last time. I hope the person who pulled this off can hide really well for their own good.

As for the qualifs... I cannot believe I ended up killing Captain Dandy! That's one of the few Flowers I think who deserves respect here! And this hallucinogen... Are they stealing idea from Capitol engineers, or what?

Marina: I makde sure Richard didn't sign anything while he was conscious, and none of us drinks enough alcohol to think it could have been a 'good idea'. Well, I guess I'll profit of the impromptu training session for now. Then I'll go to meet the staff who handled the inscriptions, and see if our little prankster let any lead behind...

Corolla: Awww, I'm out already. I hope Sergio, Nikki and Keiko will do their best though! By the way, I really have to start working on a way to bring that girl home though. I can't believe she messed up a portal's coordinates so badly...

Oh, and Peregrin? That explosive satchel was bigger than I am. Overkill much?

Sergio: I was lucky this Ajax dude spared me, or I would've been out already. Stealth and survival, that's the way I lasted so long last time. In fact, back then I lost when I abandoned that tactic.

Corolla didn't get through, sadly, but Nikki and that Keiko girl did. Corolla's fond of her for some reason.

And of all people, we got assigned Makes-Things as a teammate. Fun.

Well, I hope I can live up with my Top 8 finish of last time.

Nikki: I think I've been playing better this time - though I admit doing worse would be pretty hard.

It's a shame for Corolla, she was really eager to play in this again.

That Keiko girl is pretty nice - though she feels oddly familiar. I'm pretty sure I've heard her callig Corolla "Auntie" - I wonder why is that?

Keiko: Well, if you're wondering what a girl from the future is doing playing here, I'll answer with two things: a botched portal and Auntie Corolla.

I can't believe I'm playing with my parents here - and also that Auntie took all of ten seconds to guess who I really am.

So far, I'm doing pretty good - as solg as I can stay near water to take advantage of my water magic, I should be fine.

... Auntie, you should better get on work on a way to get me home, I don't want to accidentally cause time paradoxes.

... Wait, you'll be airing this?

Just have the agents answer whatever?

Okay, that was a fun read.

*clears throat*

The Aviator: "Yeesh, you sign up for one Hunger Games to make your partner happy, and suddenly if you don't want to do another people get all weird about it. I'm glad I got out early. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find someone..."

Ix: *shrugs* "Not like I was going to make it long with my bad leg and no magic. I'll be cheering for Charlotte from the sidelines, though!"

Zeb: "I'm just trying to keep it on the down-low this time, especially since my plan of meeting up with my partner to team up are kind of shot now."

Charlotte: "Well, I'm sorry to see my partner go. So much for a possible team-up like Peeta and Katniss." *coughs* "Um, but in the platonically beneficial way, of course. I'm going to win this one for her."

(Consider Agent Tomash to have been 'persuaded', possibly with rope.)

Including all four NPCs mentioned by people, plus five NPCs of my own choosing, I now have 72 tributes listed. (Not including Alex Dives and Farilan, I'm afraid.) Tournament is go!

I'll start the two qualifying games (simultaneously!) in about seven or eight hours. If you want to join (and you can! Those five NPCs can be trimmed out, for one), get in before then, or you'll be sitting on the sidelines.

hS, super excited, can you tell?

Just... two... more...

(Though at least 4 of the prospectives are easily removable, so if you want to sign up but are afraid of overloading me - don't be! Sign up!)

hS

[Quietly crosses Constance and Kaitlyn off his own list]

hS

My own little ficlet of what should've could've been.

That'd mean 24 players, and at present we're only at 12 (if you count me, which you should).

... on the other hand, maybe they are going pretty quick. Hrm.

Hunger Games Tournament, anyone? [Ducks]

hS

Could I get my very, very minor character Doctor Peep in instead of Algie?