strings that snap | larry

two

"who i am today is worse than other times."

Louis shouldn't have been disappointed when he was sent back the very next day. He should have known it was happening. A break is what he had been hoping for. But the Victory tour was approaching and everyone loved a few good parties. 

But he was already getting off the train in the godforsaken city. 

More parties and more favors and more money. Always more, more, more. It never stopped and he knew it was always increasing exponentially. He was used to the fast pace but he was always running on a short fuse.

"And at seven tonight, there's a gathering at Gamemaker Pruis' residence. Now won't that be fun? You'll be going with Eleanor, you like her don't you?" And no he didn't. Prudence made a far better escort back in the day, according to legend. After retiring her from that, the president put her on babysitting duty. 

She talked far too much for Louis' liking sometimes, but she was a sweet lady. Sometimes, he'd much rather have some gadget tell him when his next party is though.

"Eleanor?" His head isn't in the right space.

"She accompanied you to all the last game's events."

It all clicked now. A girl with bright orange hair and long vile nails that she enjoyed scratching him with.  She was fine once you gave her the attention she wanted.

"I need you to leave me alone." He was heading back from the bar because he  had important places to be. He racked up a few sponsors, but the faith the Capitol had in his tributes were little.

"Oh, but Louis." The girl whines, desperately trying to catch a grasp on his wrist. "Wouldn't it be lovely if you spent the rest of the night with me." Sickly sweet words didn't charm him.

"Dear," He had to keep everyone happy. "You know I'm here on a job." He was always here for some sort of job, but he actually cared about this one a little more than the others. "We can spend all tomorrow together."

His response sufficed at least. He was pretty sure Eleanor's dad was a Gamemaker, maybe an ambassador of some sort. Either way, President Allard was given a lot of money so ladies like her could have Louis' time. 

He thanked the heavens above when he got to the door, and she bided him farewell. It's too bad that two hours later, he watched his male tribute light a fire in a cave full of natural gas and burn up in flames.

"Oh, I'm sure it'll be lovely then. She's always good company." There's a bitter tone to his voice, but Prudence brushes it off as always.

The rest of the walk is in silence. Louis is glad when Prudence keeps her mouth shut. 

One thing he can say is that the architecture is beautiful. The building above them were so high and the colors were so bright. He felt....okay. Okay until they finally made it to his building.

 The ride in the elevator is terrible. He hates being trapped in the metal box.

Luckily, thanks to all the money he brings in, his suite at the Capitol is spacious. It's not decorated to his liking. In fact, he really would rather it be plain. But you can't bring clients into a bare, boring home.