James watches, watches Horatio's eyes dart. He's looking for answers, from Pellew, or an escape route. James can't blame him for that, but it's a habit that Horatio will have to learn to break. Pellew can not go with him to the arena, and by the look of him, Horatio's fellow Tribute can not be depended on to help.
The handshake is hardly that- but considering how obviously nervous and unhappy the boy is, James can't expect any better. James doesn't mean him harm, the very idea that he might have to kill the frightened young man in front of him is abhorrent. But that is the games, that is why they are here. The least he can do is try and help the young man find his feet.
"Swordplay? It's very good if you want to practise balance." But perhaps it wasn't something for young Horatio to try to learn before the games started. He'd hardly have the time, and besides, it wasn't exactly the best option within the arena. James knew that.
"Is there something you're familiar with here? Archery, traps and snares? Poison?" James ha\d no real skill with any of them, but they were options, here. A rudimentary knowledge of traps and poisons would probably be useful, if only to avoid those used by the other Tributes.
Perhaps he should just leave the boy alone. The likelihood is that neither of them will see this out, they should cling to whatever advantage they have. Lady Barbara would expect that, it's certainly the smart tactic. He should be sizing up the others, who form more of a threat. But he can't abandon this young man to his fate. There may well be something untapped in him, something that can save them.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2017-07-29 09:47 pm (UTC)The handshake is hardly that- but considering how obviously nervous and unhappy the boy is, James can't expect any better. James doesn't mean him harm, the very idea that he might have to kill the frightened young man in front of him is abhorrent. But that is the games, that is why they are here. The least he can do is try and help the young man find his feet.
"Swordplay? It's very good if you want to practise balance." But perhaps it wasn't something for young Horatio to try to learn before the games started. He'd hardly have the time, and besides, it wasn't exactly the best option within the arena. James knew that.
"Is there something you're familiar with here? Archery, traps and snares? Poison?" James ha\d no real skill with any of them, but they were options, here. A rudimentary knowledge of traps and poisons would probably be useful, if only to avoid those used by the other Tributes.
Perhaps he should just leave the boy alone. The likelihood is that neither of them will see this out, they should cling to whatever advantage they have. Lady Barbara would expect that, it's certainly the smart tactic. He should be sizing up the others, who form more of a threat. But he can't abandon this young man to his fate. There may well be something untapped in him, something that can save them.