#since we know the reaping is july 4
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charlunday · 1 year ago
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A thought I've been having: do you think people in career districts would eventually try to have their children in july or august to give them the biggest leg up/more time to train for the games?
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notsocooljess · 5 months ago
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what are your headcanons for peeta’s birthday and why? here is a long post to show i like to over analyze everything
i personally think he’s older than katniss with some loose facts from the books.
we know reaping day is july 4th from TBOSAS, and we know school still goes on during the summer from katniss’s statements during the first games when she was dehydrated and looking for water (“My thoughts turn to Prim. It’s likely she won’t be watching me live, but they’ll show updates at school during lunch…”).
with this information, i think their grade levels are likely determined by reaping day. this is obviously my headcanon, but it makes sense given the most significant date for them seems to be reaping day since you enter the reaping at age 12 and are finished at 19, so having this easy system to categorize children’s eligibility for the games only seems fair. essentially, people born from july 5th one year to july 4th the following year are all in the same grade (for example, july 5, 2000 - july 4, 2001 is one grade, and those born july 5, 2001 start the next school year’s class, etc.).
with that theory, and knowing katniss’s birthday is may 8th, statistically it makes sense that peeta would be older. so this was a long winded case for me to say i think peeta is older.
however, while i think he’s older, i struggle with placing his birthday. i appreciate the fun of it, but i have very minimal knowledge on astrological signs, so i’m not sure which sign i think he is to help me place him.
going off vibes, i feel like he could fit a few months. like i could really see him being a late october birthday, but also i could see him being any winter month. i’m not sure! as someone who loves birthdays, it pains me that we don’t know his, even if it’s an insignificant detail to the greater story.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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kpopandbookschild · 1 year ago
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Fanfic idea #8
ok so its been a while.
and yes, i have another fic in the works
but hear me out
hunger games au
with nct dream
so, rough story line, takes place either when the original hunger games do (74-75) or during the 99th and 100th games. y/n won the hunger games years before, as a twelve year old, she's strong and mildly scary... and i feel like "The Nightmare of the Hunger Games" has a nice ring to it, but lemme know what you think.
anyways, she's the distirct twelve mentor and the dreamies are tributes (i'll put districts at the bottom)
the 74th/99th games go by and the boys pull a katniss-peeta situation and wind up winning together.
and then along comes the 100th/75th games. now this is why i was thinking 100th games, because of course it's going to be the victors playing in the games, and of course all 8 of them (dream and y/n) are going to be reaped, so we need some bad tributes who go all murdery on them, but then we need to have some that are a part of the rebellion.
so why not make the 100th games a special edition? a combo of all three previous quarter quells :) thats a marvelous idea
and so for the 75th, the victors are reaped. the 50th, double the tributes, two boys and two girls from each district (which proves to be a problem, since 12 only has two boys and one girl (Mark, Taeyong, and y/n (yes taeyong is from twelve, i want him there, so there he is))). and for the 25th, an election held to vote for the tributes. volunteers still accepted, of course.
and then the rest of the story, 13 and what not.
now for the districts tributes. this will include their districts, ages at the reaping of the 99th games (so everyone ages 1 year for the 100th) and the games they won. jsyk, the hunger games take place in july, so ages are based around that :)
Jeno - district 1. age 17. 99th
Renjun - district 2. age 17. 99th
Chenle - district 3. age 15. 99th
Haechan - district 4. age 17. 99th
Jisung - district 7. age 15. 99th
Jaemin - district 11. age 16. 99th
Mark - district 12. age 17. 99th
y/n - district 12. age 16. 95th
Taeyong - district 12. age 21. 93rd
other members can be included as mentors, tributes, stylists, escorts, rebellion members, friends from districts, whatever, if you wish.
if anyone has any ideas on what the other members should be, please comment and let me know
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25th July >> Mass Readings (USA)
Feast of Saint James, Apostle 
(Liturgical Colour: Red: A (1))
First Reading 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus.
Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
The Word of the Lord
R/ Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Gospel Acclamation cf. John 15:16
Alleluia, alleluia. I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Matthew 20:20-28 You will drink my chalice.
The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Gospel of the Lord
R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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catolinewsdailyreadings · 5 months ago
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Feast of Saint James, Apostle
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Readings of Thursday, July 25, 2024
Reading 1
2 COR 4:7-15
Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak,  knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
Responsorial Psalm
PS 126:1BC-2AB, 2CD-3, 4-5, 6
R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.  R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.  R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Gospel
MT 20:20-28
The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom." Jesus said in reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." He replied, "My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
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ongolecharles · 5 months ago
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DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Thu July 25th, 2024 ... Thursday of The Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B/Feast of Saint James, Apostle
Reading 1
----------
2 Cor 4:7-15
Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
Responsorial Psalm
---------------
Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Alleluia
----------
See Jn 15:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
---------
Mt 20:20-28
The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
He said to her,
"What do you wish?"
She answered him,
"Command that these two sons of mine sit,
one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom."
Jesus said in reply,
"You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?"
They said to him, "We can."
He replied,
"My chalice you will indeed drink,
but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."
When the ten heard this,
they became indignant at the two brothers.
But Jesus summoned them and said,
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and the great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.
Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
***
FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD
Today is the Feast of Saint James, the son of Zebedee. An important distinction, as two apostles were named James. The other James was the son of Alpheus. In my research, I discovered that James the son of Zebedee is the patron saint of many things, several of which I identify with! Therefore, I would like to start my reflection by asking Saint James to intercede on behalf of those in the occupations for which he is the patron saint (druggists, equestrians, and soldiers to name a few). That he may protect them and help them to serve God though their work.
In today’s Gospel, we encounter James the son of Zebedee in one of the more well-known passages of which he is a part. We are witness to a bold request: a mother asks Jesus if her sons may sit at His right and left in the Kingdom of God (It is worth noting that in the Gospel of Mark, the brothers make this request themselves). When the ten apostles hear Jesus’s response to the brothers, they get upset. It seems like they may be getting special treatment. How come they might get the most powerful, high-status positions by siting at the right and left hand of God?  But our Lord had a good lesson for them- those who wish to be great will be humbled, and He reminded them that we are on this earth to serve God, just as Jesus came to give his life for us.
This passage led me to examine ways in which I seek power in my life. How often do I seek intellectual superiority because I have a strong desire to be right? Why do I find myself keeping tabs on all the tasks I’ve done in a day so I can “win” the invisible race of who has done more around the house? Do I seek higher paying jobs for the prestige? There are so many ways we may seek power or control in our daily lives, and the more I examined my personal life, I realized how much the pursuit of power can hurt my mental well-being and my relationships. What if, instead, I took on the mind set of servitude? If I found joy in serving those at work, in my home, and in public? This is what I think Jesus is calling us to in the end of this passage. Serving others is how we bring Christ to them.  In a power-hungry world, what would it look like if we chose to serve one another instead of chase power?
***
SAINT OF THE DAY
Saint James
(d. c. 44)
Saint James’ Story
This James is the brother of John the Evangelist. The two were called by Jesus as they worked with their father in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had already called another pair of brothers from a similar occupation: Peter and Andrew. “He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him” (Mark 1:19-20).
James was one of the favored three who had the privilege of witnessing the Transfiguration, the raising to life of the daughter of Jairus, and the agony in Gethsemani.
Two incidents in the Gospels describe the temperament of this man and his brother. Saint Matthew tells that their mother came—Mark says it was the brothers themselves—to ask that they have the seats of honor in the kingdom. “Jesus said in reply, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We can’” (Matthew 20:22). Jesus then told them they would indeed drink the cup and share his baptism of pain and death, but that sitting at his right hand or left was not his to give—it “is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father” (Matthew 20:23b). It remained to be seen how long it would take to realize the implications of their confident “We can!”
The other disciples became indignant at the ambition of James and John. Then Jesus taught them all the lesson of humble service: The purpose of authority is to serve. They are not to impose their will on others, or lord it over them. This is the position of Jesus himself. He was the servant of all; the service imposed on him was the supreme sacrifice of his own life.
On another occasion, James and John gave evidence that the nickname Jesus gave them—“sons of thunder”—was an apt one. The Samaritans would not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to hated Jerusalem. “When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?’ Jesus turned and rebuked them…” (Luke 9:54-55).
James was apparently the first of the apostles to be martyred. “About that time King Herod laid hands upon some members of the church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also” (Acts 12:1-3a).
This James, sometimes called James the Greater, is not to be confused with James the Lesser or with the author of the Letter of James and the leader of the Jerusalem community.
Reflection
----------
The way the Gospels treat the apostles is a good reminder of what holiness is all about. There is very little about their virtues as static possessions, entitling them to heavenly reward. Rather, the great emphasis is on the Kingdom, on God’s giving them the power to proclaim the Good News. As far as their personal lives are concerned, there is much about Jesus’ purifying them of narrowness, pettiness, fickleness.
Saint James the Greater is the Patron Saint of:
Chile
Laborers
Nicaragua
Rheumatism sufferers
Spain
***
【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】
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3schia · 8 months ago
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CHAPTER 4 
“Chapter Closed. The Beginning” 
As time passes, the lessons are becoming harder.  
So, I have to study more. Luckily, I now have my study buddy, Faith.  
So, studying is getting way easier, and I’m having more fun.  
We help each other a lot, so we’re able to perform better in class.  
From being regular students in the previous semester, we’re now able to have the dean’s list award.  We treat ourselves to different restaurants and travel a lot every time we pass the exams and have other awards.  
What’s best is that Auntie also surprises us with gifts. 
Despite being busy with my studies, with charitable activities, and with my friendship with Faith, I make sure that I also spend some time with my family and Bruce as well.  
I visit home once a month, and I keep having dates with Bruce on some weekends. We tried to become more understanding of each other as we now have more responsibilities in our studies.  
We kept giving presents every time there was an occasion.  
And this has been my life for a couple of years. 
[JULY 2011] 
Tadaaa! ~ 
Here’s the day of graduation!  
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We’re reaping the fruits of our labor.  
Thanks to my professors and friends, especially to my family, Bruce, Auntie, and Faith, for making this journey even more meaningful.  
Most importantly, thanks to the Man from Above for the guidance and strength given to me all throughout. Chapter Closed. 
--- 
[SEPTEMBER 2011]  
And we are now working professionals.  
Yap. That quick! 
Welcome, Faith and self, to GT Blue Corporación. ~ 
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We’re so lucky! It’s one of the best companies for finance graduates!  
Here in Castellón de la Plana, Spain. 
New apartment, new environment, and new people.  
Again and again. 
New experiences are approaching. 
At first, I couldn’t find any satisfaction in my job. 
But I tried to enjoy this new chapter of my life by traveling to different places, either alone or with my friends, such as parks, museums, libraries, malls, bars, and restaurants.  
We even went to high class hotels just to take some pictures there.  
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A point in my life came when I felt too occupied.  
I didn’t know what to do first. 
I am finally earning my own money, but the work didn’t give me any satisfaction.  
Since many people say that it’s really a good company for finance graduates, they recommended that I stay here, so I did. 
Then, I felt so lost. I didn’t know what I really wanted in life.  
So many problems arose. I realized and remembered a lot about my past...  
There were pains still hiding, which again came out. There were things I couldn’t accept. Until a time came when I finally broke up with Bruce because I wanted to be alone this time. 
E n d  o f  o u r  l o v e  s t o r y . 
After almost a year of working here, a time came when I finally decided to resign.  
I have my savings anyway.  
[AUGUST 2012] 
Then, I looked for some other companies to apply to. 
I made sure that this time I would be liking the nature of the job.  
It took me only two weeks to find this one.  
Hola, ZTN Corporación! Just here again in Castellón.  
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What a lucky girl! The salary is just as good as the benefits. 
I was doing well at work for a couple of months.  
So, I got a lot of praise from my employer, managers, and a few coworkers. 
--- 
One day, I’d received a message from Hernan, a schoolmate who’s also working here in Castellón. 
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HERNAN: Buenos días 
ISLA: Buenos días también 
HERNAN: Are you working at ZTN Corporación? I saw your stories. 
ISLA: Yes. 
HERNAN: Nice. It’s a good company. 
ISLA: Hehe.  
HERNAN: I’m also working here in Castellón. 
ISLA: In what company? 
HERNAN: Viola Corporación 
ISLA: Nice. 
HERNAN: Can we meet sometimes when you have time? 
ISLA: Yeah. 
--- 
After a couple of months, Hernan and I fell in love with each other.  
So, he became my boyfriend.  
We traveled a lot after work.  
We usually go to coffee shops.  
And we tried eating a variety of foods at different restaurants. 
After a few months of dating Hernan,  
he asked me if I could lend him money for his mother.  
I didn’t hesitate to lend him.  
Another week has passed, and he asked for more money.  
He told me that there’s just an emergency.  
Because I really care for him, I lent him money again. 
I notice that he dates and updates me less often.  
I thought he’d just been busy these past few days, but something is bothering me. 
So, I decided to go near his office after work.  
I saw him with another woman, so I followed them, and they ate  at a restaurant. 
I gave him the benefit of the doubt by asking him... 
ISLA: Hi, love, can we meet today? 
HERNAN: Hmm, let’s just meet tomorrow. I’m busy right now, so much work. 
ISLA: Okay. Love you! 
I didn’t even receive a response to that last message.  
So, I guess something is wrong. 
On the next day, I went again near his office. And guess what?  
He’s with that woman again.  
They even eat at a fine dining restaurant with so much sweetness, like a real couple. 
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Then I messaged him... 
ISLA: I’m here now at Viola Park. 
HERNAN: Wait, I’m still at work. 
ISLA: Okay. I’ll just wait. 
What a liar!  
Let’s see what I can do. 
ISLA: Love, where are you now? 
HERNAN: I’m on my way. 
Then here he is... 
ISLA: I guess you’re doing great in your job. 
HERNAN: Not really. What makes you say that? 
ISLA: Because you seem busier now. 
HERNAN: Oh. There’s just lots of work this period. 
ISLA: Alright, let’s eat? 
HERNAN: Yeah. 
Hernan, the liar cheater! 
But yeah, not my loss.  
He’s not that handsome, lol. 
---- 
[JUNE 2013] 
And then here’s the weekend.  
Due to boredom, I replied to random men on my dating app.  
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And here I met the libra man, Apollo Gray. 
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GRAY: Ughhhhhhhhhh!!! 
ISLA: UGHHHHH UGHHHH UGHHHH! 
GRAY: I’m  c ü mm!nğg ... I’m  c ü mm!n ğ g ... 
ISLA: Boooooogshhhhhhhhh! 
GRAY: My turn! 
ISLA: Ughhh... Right there, right there... 
GRAY: Yumyumyumyumyum... 
ISLA: Yamete kudasaiii... Yamete kudasaiii... Yameteeeeeeee 
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. This is it... 
GRAY: Hi, I’m Gray. 
ISLA: Is that your real name? 
GRAY: Yeah. How about you, Miss Pisces? 
ISLA:  Yeah. I’m Isla. 
GRAY: So, why don’t you have a boyfriend? 
ISLA: I have. 
GRAY: How many? 
ISLA: Just one. And you? 
GRAY:  Just two. Can you be the third? 
ISLA: HAHAHA. Cheater. 
GRAY: If I’m a cheater, then what do you call yourself? 
ISLA: I have a reason why I’m here. 
GRAY: What? 
ISLA: He’s the one who cheated first. 
GRAY: So, that means you’re not looking for someone else. You just want a revenge. 
ISLA: Hmm, maybe. But I’m also a bit bored. 
GRAY: Alright. I’m actually a polyamorous person, that’s why I have two girlfriends. 
ISLA: Really? Why?  
GRAY: I’m tired of getting jealous.  
ISLA: Me, too!  
GRAY: Oh, you’re also a poly?  
ISLA: Nope, I mean, I’m also tired of getting jealous... But I think it’s better to have a relationship with only one person. 
GRAY: That’s how most people think about it. 
ISLA: Maybe you’re just bothered by jealousy. 
GRAY: Pros and cons of both, I don’t think one is inherently better than the other.  In my opinion, it’s more on the people involved. 
ISLA: Well, it depends on every person. 
GRAY: Like if you’re with one person who abuses you, that’s bad. But if you’re with two people who actually love you, that’s good. 
ISLA: It’s a matter of perspective and experience. But yeah, that makes sense. 
GRAY: Mhmm! 
ISLA: Are you happy with that? 
GRAY: Of course! So, can I date you?  
ISLA: Let’s try! You’re easy to talk to. A Sagittarius zodiac sign suits you better. 
GRAY: How did you say? 
ISLA: Straightforward! LOL. 
GRAY: HAHA! When and where can we meet?  
ISLA: You choose.  
GRAY: Okay. Where do you live? 
ISLA: Here in Castellón. And you? 
GRAY: I’m here in Barcelona. Okay, let’s meet today, 3PM at Castellón Park. 
ISLA: All right! 
GRAY: Ughhhh. See you, honey! 
#GoodbyeBruce 
#LongTimeBoyfriend 
#ThanksForEverything 
#ChapterClosed 
#IHopeThisFinallyHelpsAllOfUsMoveForward 
#IWon’tBeEntertainingQuestionsRegardingThisAnymore 
#ThankYouForUnderstanding 
#ALifeWithoutAThrillAin’tLifeAtAll 
#ThisIsTheBeginning 
CHAPTER 5 
“Victory” 
While riding in public transportation, going to our meet-up place. I texted Faith... 
ISLA: Hey, got a soon-to-be boyfriend! 
FAITH: Again? When did you guys break up? 
ISLA: I'm not breaking up with Hernan yet. 
FAITH: Why? 
ISLA: He cheated on me. 
FAITH: Oh. That’s why you have another date? 
ISLA: Yap. But it’s not a serious one. 
FAITH: Just a play again? 
ISLA: Mhmm! We’re going to meet today. 
FAITH: Alright! 
--- 
I honestly feel a little bit nervous. He’s quicker than me. 
Then...  
Here he is...  
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Relax, Isla... He’s just a person......  
Yeah, so why would you be afraid, Isla?  
He’s just a person, and you’re a demon. XD 
GRAY: Honey! 
ISLA: Hey! 
GRAY: How are you? 
ISLA: I’m good. How about you? 
GRAY: I feel so good. So, where do you want to eat? 
ISLA: Anywhere you want. No problem for me. 
GRAY: Hmm. In the Victory Hotel? 
ISLA: Oh! 
GRAY: Don’t you want to eat there? 
ISLA: What are we going to eat there? 
GRAY: What do you want to eat? 
ISLA: How about you? 
GRAY: You answer first. 
ISLA: Of course, food. 
GRAY: Yeah, but what food? 
ISLA: Hmm. 
GRAY: A hotdog? 
Then, our laughter just exploded.  
Like wtf? The connection is just so strong XD 
GRAY: Let’s go? 
ISLA: Let’s go! 
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While going up to the floor where our room is... We’re still like...  
holding our laughter while looking at each other. 
We really have the same vibe.  
Like yeah... This is it. 
Then here we are, inside our room. 
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He ordered the food via phone... 
“Hi.” 
“Hi, sir. May I know your orders, please?” 
Before making our orders, Gray looked at me with a smile on his face. 
“Two jumbo hotdogs... two large eggs... two rice... and two beers” 
“Anything else, sir?” 
“Nothing,” 
“Okay, sir. The waiting time is about 30 minutes.” 
“Okay. Thanks!” 
GRAY: Have you heard of that? 
ISLA: What? 
GRAY: The waiting time is about 30 minutes. 
ISLA: Then? 
GRAY: What can we do while waiting? 
ISLA: Hmm. What do you want? 
GRAY: Can I hug you? 
ISLA: Sure. 
Then, we hugged each other. It’s weird, but I really felt a kind of connection. 
... 
Then we e a t... e a t... and  e a t... 
... our ordered foods. 
Then... We drink the beer while having long, deep talks about Hernan and his two girlfriends.  
Yeah. 
And...  
We stared at each other for so long... 
“Say sexy things.” Gray said 
“Cum with me.” I answered. 
“Ughhh...” 
“Hmmmmmmm...” 
He slowly kissed me on my cheeks... 
...then on my lips.  
I sucked his tongue... 
... Then, he sucked mine. 
Then... 
I left a mark on his neck... 
... and on his chest. 
We slowly touched each other... 
... from top... 
.... 
.. to bottom. 
And then... 
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I t   h a p p e n e d . 
Zzzzz~ 
Then, we woke up...  
ISLA: I have not been like this before. I really am not. But pain really changes people.  
GRAY: How’s our night to you? 
ISLA: It’s wild. I will never forget that night. 
GRAY: What comes to your mind? I thought we’re just joking about doing it? 
ISLA: I don’t know. How about you?  
GRAY: You don’t have to ask, of course I want it.  
ISLA: That quick? 
GRAY: Yeah. I already imagined that when I saw your profile.  
 ISLA: You seem used to having one-night stands. 
GRAY: Yeah! Why not break up with your boyfriend? You’re done.  
ISLA: I have something to do first. 
GRAY: What? 
ISLA: I want to get back my money first, plus double the interest. He owes me more.  
GRAY: Did you lend him money? 
ISLA: I cared for him, that’s why. He said that he just needs it for his mother. 
GRAY: I will help you with your revenge. 
ISLA: This is not revenge, only justice. 
GRAY: Then I’ll help you get your justice. I want to be useful to you. 
ISLA: Up to what extent? 
GRAY: I will be an accessory to it. I will make you win... no matter what. 
ISLA: How can I return the favor to you? How much do you want? 
GRAY: Nothing, just you. 
GRAY: So, what’s the plan? 
ISLA: I feel like he has no plan of returning my money. We have to think of an idea of how I can get his money in his apartment. 
GRAY: Yeah... Why not try to live with him? 
ISLA: I can do that, but if he discovers that his money is missing, I’ll be the only one he will suspect because he’s the only one who has the key to his unit. The custodians don’t have it.  
GRAY: You’re right... Hmm... 
ISLA: But I can consider your idea. 
GRAY: How? 
ISLA: I’ll try to live with him, but I’m not the one who will steal his money. 
GRAY: Then, who? 
ISLA: Is there anyone else here? 
GRAY: How can I? 
ISLA: You have to pretend. 
GRAY: As? 
ISLA: Like a visitor... But you must cover your face because there are CCTVs outside his unit. 
GRAY: A visitor? 
ISLA: Not really a visitor. Like... We must make a scenario so you can enter his apartment with a purpose. 
GRAY: I get it! 
ISLA: I will act like I’m in a hurry to color my hair for the next day’s occasion at work. Then, you’ll act like a parlorist doing home services.  
I will act like I have a cough, so you can wear a face mask without making you look suspicious. 
GRAY: You’re wise, huh? 
ISLA: Also, wear a volumized wig with a bang, eyeglasses, and girly clothes. Don’t forget gloves. 
GRAY: When are we going to do that? 
ISLA: It must be on a Friday night, after our work, so he would be tired. He told me that he’s just resting during the weekends, so he won’t need the money to buy anything. I just have to make sure that he has a lot of stock in his apartment, so he won’t buy groceries that coming weekend. And he just often watches TV every night, so he won’t be noticing you that much. Then, on the next day, after the made-up occasion, I will distract him more, so he won’t immediately find out that he lost his money. 
GRAY: Alright. 
ISLA: Don’t have your car on that day. Book a taxi, and don’t get off near his place. So, if he ever tried to detect where you came from, no vehicle would be reported. Come at around 8:30 PM, so the guard is not in there anymore. Then I’ll just open the main door for you. 
GRAY: How about my record on your phone as a parlorist? 
ISLA: I’ll just tell him that I only got your details through a printed ad I saw somewhere here in Castellón that day when my friends and I are roaming around after work. I’ll just tell him that I suddenly got an idea of coloring my hair when I saw that printed ad. Then, I’ll tell him that I saved only your number and then just read your other details, which I’d tell him I couldn’t remember anymore since I’m tired and in a hurry. Then, you just have to deactivate that number after, so if he calls, the number will be unattended. With that, you’re the one he will only suspect. 
GRAY: You’ll also be a little bit suspicious with that. 
ISLA: I know, but if ever he finds me suspicious, he won’t have any evidence that I’m guilty. To make me look less suspicious, I have to live with him for about a month before we do that. His savings are just inside a cabinet. 
--- 
After a week, Gray introduced me to his two girlfriends, Raquel and Cherry.  
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They both look gorgeous and have so much resemblance. 
Fast forward ~ 
[JULY 2013] 
*The Day of Revenge* 
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ISLA: Love, a parlorist will be in here in a few minutes.  
HERNAN: All right.  
I opened the main door for Gray, then we went straight to Hernan’s unit... 
I tried hard to hold my laughter after seeing Gray dressed like that. XD 
Hernan was just so busy watching TV.  
A few minutes later, he went inside his bedroom to sleep. 
So, this is it... 
Hernan, the stupid bch. Here we goooooo... 
ISLA: It’s just there inside the cabinet. 
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GRAY: Gotcha! 
After stealing the money, Gray immediately went outside.  
Yap, that quick. ~ 
On the next few days, after the made-up occasion, I distracted Hernan.  
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And...  
The enemy has been slayed XD 
Victory! ~ 
--- 
That was a mission accomplished, tho 
Then again, it’s Monday... 
After work, we celebrated the victory.  
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We went to a resto bar. Danced.  
Went to my apartment and slept together.  
#GrayTheParlorist 
#IslaTheMasterMind 
#HernanTheF*ck*gIdi0t 
#AStup!dWifeSuitsYouWell 
#SoYouWillAlwaysFeelBetter 
#EffectsOfChildhoodPsychologicalIssues 
#I'mSorryButYouNeedAPsychiatrist 
#ThankMeLater 
CHAPTER 6 
“Small World” 
*5 missed calls* (from Hernan) 
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ISLA: Hey, why are you calling? I’m still at work, celebrating a coworker's birthday. 
HERNAN: My money is missing. 
ISLA: Just look around. It’s just there. 
HERNAN: I did. But it must only be here in the cabinet. 
ISLA: Wait. I’ll get there later. 
ISLA: Hey, what now? Have you found it? 
HERNAN: No. It must be stolen 
ISLA: Ha? Maybe it’s just here in your bedroom 
HERNAN: I already checked it there. 
ISLA: Maybe an apartment’s cleaner went inside here 
HERNAN: No, the custodians are cleaning just the outside, they don’t have the key. 
ISLA: Oh. 
HERNAN: Wait, it must have been the parlorist last week. Have you observed him the whole time when he’s here? 
ISLA: Hmm. Yeah. 
HERNAN: Haven’t you gone to the comfort room while he’s here? 
ISLA: Just once, when I had to po*p. 
HERNAN: It must be him. 
ISLA: How much money have you lost? 
HERNAN: Almost €3,000.00 
ISLA: Oh, sht. 
HERNAN: What’s his name? Can you show me his details? 
ISLA: I only got his number. 
HERNAN: How about his name? You must know it. 
ISLA: I only got his details through a printed ad I saw somewhere here in Castellón on that day when my friends and I were roaming around. Then, I saved only his number. I just read his other details. I couldn’t remember it anymore since I’m tired and in a hurry on that day. 
HERNAN: Try to remember his name 
ISLA: Hmm... It’s like... Ra... 
HERNAN: Ra... what? 
ISLA: I really couldn’t remember because I wasn’t myself that day. 
HERNAN: Wat da fvk, Isla?! 
ISLA: I’m sorry. 
HERNAN: Show me his number. 
ISLA: Here. 
*Dialing... 
Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt...Trtttt. 
“The number you have dialed is now unattended. Please try your call later.” 
HERNAN: Tsk, tsk, tsk. It must be him. Do you remember his face? 
ISLA: He’s wearing a face mask since I told him I was coughing. 
HERNAN: Tsk. I’ll check his face on the CCTV recording. 
HERNAN: Tskkk. He was wearing it all along. 
ISLA: Oh no. What if you try to see his car plate number on the CCTV record? 
HERNAN: I checked the record outside the apartment. He was just walking when he was nearby. I’ll try to look at the other records on the other streets. 
--- 
I texted Gray... 
ISLA: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA 
GRAY: What? XD 
ISLA: Hernan is now in so much distress 
GRAY: Dasurv! 
ISLA: Em0tional Damage! 
GRAY: Double kill! 
Two hours later... 
HERNAN: I’ll check again tomorrow. 
ISLA: But you have work. 
HERNAN: This is more important. I’ll just be absent tomorrow.  
ISLA: Okay. Let’s sleep now, I’m tired. 
HERNAN: I’ll also try the DNA test. 
ISLA: It costs a lot 
HERNAN: Yeah, I know. But if there are no records of him that will show his face and where he came from, it will only be the last solution I can use to find him. 
--- 
A few weeks later... 
CCTV records failed... 
No other fingerprints were detected... 
So, Hernan finally gave up finding the culprit.  
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->>> First blood! <<<- 
[AUGUST 2013] 
Fast forward... 
Gray and I were watching a movie at my apartment when Faith called... 
Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt... Trttt, trttt  
FAITH: Hey, can we go outside? 
ISLA: I’m with Gray right now. 
FAITH: Where? 
ISLA: Here at my apartment. Wait for us outside, then let’s eat somewhere. 
FAITH: Alright! 
GRAY: Who is Faith? 
ISLA: My best friend since college. She’s the daughter of this apartment’s lessor, Auntie Mercedes. She’s working at GT Blue Corporación. 
GRAY: Oh. 
ISLA: Let’s go! 
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ISLA: Hi, Faith! 
FAITH: Hi Isla! Is he the one you’re talking about? 
ISLA: Yeah. He’s Gray, my boyfriend. And Gray, she’s Faith. 
GRAY: Hi, Faith. Nice to meet you. 
FAITH: Hi, Gray. It’s nice to meet you, too. 
GRAY: So, where’s your province, Faith? 
FAITH: At Toledo. 
GRAY: Oh, we also lived there before. 
FAITH: With whom? 
GRAY: My family. 
FAITH: Where are they now? 
GRAY: My parents are now living in Seville. And my half-brother is in Córdoba. 
FAITH: You only have one sibling? And just a half? 
GRAY: I actually have an older half-sister on my mother’s side. 
FAITH: Oh. Both are half siblings. 
GRAY: Yap. But it’s fine. 
FAITH: Where is your half-sister now? 
GRAY: On my biological father. He and mom got separated when I was two, and my sister was fifteen at that time. So, yeah, I was raised by a stepfather. 
FAITH: How about your real dad? Is he not visiting you? 
GRAY: Mom said they were visiting me once a month when I was a child. But a year after they separated, he died of lung cancer. 
FAITH: How about your half-sister? 
GRAY: Hmm, she’s still young back then, so maybe she didn’t know how to get to our home. 
FAITH: Have you asked your mom about your sister? 
GRAY: She doesn’t want to talk about it. So, I couldn’t do anything. She didn’t even tell me their names. So, I hated mom for that. 
FAITH: That is similar to mom’s case. She also has a half-brother on her father’s side. They were visiting him after her dad and stepmom got separated. But when her father died, she couldn’t see his half- brother since then. She couldn’t know where his half-brother now is. She couldn’t find it on social media either. 
GRAY: What’s the name? 
FAITH: Apollo? 
GRAY: Apollo, what? 
FAITH: Hmm. 
As I remember, the surname sounds like a restaurant... Apollooo...  
Mcdowney? 
Then... 
Gray and I were both in shock.  
Like... We literally stared at each other for almost fifteen seconds... 
FAITH: Hey! 
Are you guys, okay? 
GRAY: Where’s your mom? 
FAITH: At home. 
--- 
FAITH: Hey, what?! 
ISLA: Wait! 
FAITH: Why did you react like that? 
--- 
When we arrived at their home...  
Gray suddenly knocked at the door... 
Then Auntie Mercedes opened it... 
GRAY: Do you know Elizabeth Mcdowney? 
AUNTIE: She was my stepmom before. 
And Gray immediately hugged Auntie... 
Faith seems to finally understand what’s happening. 
Auntie seems really confused. 
GRAY: I will explain everything 
AUNTIE: What? 
GRAY: You have a half-brother on your father’s side, right? 
AUNTIE: Yeah! 
GRAY: He was two and you were fifteen when your dad and stepmom got separated, right? 
AUNTIE: Yeah. How did you know? 
GRAY: Elizabeth Mcdowney is my mom. She told me I have a half-sister. 
AUNTIE: Oh. 
Then, Auntie just had a reaction that I couldn't explain.  
Like... She’s confused but is laughing and has teary eyes. 
AUNTIE: So, that means... You are my half-brother? 
GRAY: Yeah. Mom didn’t tell me your names, that’s why I couldn’t find you on social media. And I hated mom for that. I did everything to convince her to tell me. But she just didn’t want to because they were not on good terms when they got separated. 
AUNTIE: I also tried finding you on social media.  
GRAY: I’m sorry, but I’m not a fan of it. I’m just using dating apps. So, yeah. That’s where I met Isla. 
Then, we all just laughed. 
And... They hugged again.  
Gray also hugged Faith. 
“My niece!” 
“My uncle!” 
I was so happy for all of you. 
“Hey, were you just chatting random girls in dating app?” I asked. 
“Nope. I’m choosing, of course.” Gray answered. 
“So, why did you chat with me?” 
“Well, I find you attractive, but there’s a deeper reason why I chat you.” 
“What is it?” 
“Your zodiac sign.” 
“Oh. Why?” 
“Well, I usually like Pisces people.” 
#TheReunion 
#ThanksIsla 
0 notes
weallhungerforsomething · 1 year ago
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Reaping Day | District 4's Siren |
July 4th, 2307 - The 69th Hunger Games 
      Y/N L/N's POV
I woke up to the sound of bustling in my quaint house in District 4. I turn on my side to look at the clock hung up on my wall 10:00, 4 hours until the Reaping. I turned 18 in November before the games making this the last year I was eligible for the Games. District 4 being better off than most of the other districts we have an academy focused on producing victors, every year one boy and one girl are chosen to volunteer for the Games and bring glory to our district. From the moment I was born my parents instilled it into me that to participate in The Hunger Games is an honor. I was chosen this year to volunteer as the female tribute and my parents couldn't be more thrilled; however, my sister seems to be on edge about it. She aged out of the system 9 years ago and doesn't have a shot of getting to go into the Games now though, so why she's so bothered I'm not sure. I gaze up at the clock again seeing I've spent 30 minutes lost in my own thoughts, dragging myself out of my bed I trudge over to the bathroom in our house. Brushing my teeth I look at my face in the mirror, a blank expression stares back at me. I shake off the uncanniness of my appearance and continue getting ready for today. After I showered I went back to my bed to see my mother had left out an outfit for the Reaping. A simple, light blue sun dress and my black Maryjane style shoes. I dried my black hair leaving it down. Before going to the kitchen I grab a gold necklace off my floor, a gift from my sister. Clasping it on I look at myself once more seeing the look of the dainty necklace against my tan skin. Turning on my heel I walk into the kitchen being met with the faces of my parents. Neither look up at me as I grab a glass of water. 
"Don't forget you're going to volunteer today." My mother spoke finally glancing over at me. I nodded curtly "How could I?". My mouth turned up in a tight lipped smile. Truth be told my parents and I never got along well. I don't know why they seemed to not like me, part of me wondered if maybe they wanted me to go into the Games with the hope I wouldn't come back. I was suddenly pulled out of my thoughts by the sound of knocking against the door. My eyes followed my father as he walked over to the door, once he opened it my sister, Aruna, stepped in along with her boyfriend. She looked around for a second before her eyes locked onto mine. With a half-smile she rushed over to me pulling me into a tight hug. I shut my eyes turning my head into the crook of her neck, I sighed softly as her arms tightened around me. As she pulled away she held onto my arms "You ready?", her voice sounded raspy as she spoke but I ignored it in favor of simply nodding "As ready as I'll ever be". I let out a slight laugh as we interlocked our hands. Aru dragged me past our parents and over to her boyfriend Matt who smiled at me pulling my into a hug. Our hug was a bit tense, things between us somewhat awkward since we hardly knew each other but the sentiment was not lost on me. We all walked out of the house towards the town square where the Reaping would take place. 
Having to split away from my family my sister gave my hand a tight squeeze before walking off as I walked over to the Peacekeepers. I felt I slight prick as they drew my blood but my eyes remained trained on the people gathering. From the group of 12 year olds clearly not excited about being here to the 18 year olds waiting for me to join them. I walked over to the 18 year old girls taking my place with them as I received some shoulder nudges and smiles for what was to come. I offered my best smile to the girls ready to get this over with. The District 4 escort walked out onto the stage welcoming us all to the Reaping for this year's game. I zoned out as the video of President Snow played explaining why we had the Games. I finally tuned back in as the escort spoke "First, the ladies", he stalked over to the fishbowl containing numerous slips of papers. Reaching his hand in he plucked a paper out walking back to the mic. I squared my shoulders getting ready to raise my hands as the man's lips parted. "Y/N L/N!", I was barely able to stop my hand as instead my eyebrows shot up. It had never hit me before, there was always a chance I could get reaped. Suddenly it felt different, the choice wasn't mine anymore I had been picked by chance. Lost in my thoughts I felt the girl next to me bump my hip, broken out of my stupor I looked at the stage where the escort was motioning me over. I slipped out of the group of 18 year olds and walked over to the stage. I plastered a smile on my face and made my way up the steps with seemingly no hesitation. The escort smiled at me as he walked over to the other bowl. Up close I couldn't help but stare at the man, his blue hair tied into a braid behind his head matching his blue blazer-skirt suit. The makeup was extravagant as well, false, blue eyelashes with black liner on his waterline. I shook my head softly opting to look at my district instead my eyes fell onto my family, Aru had tears in her eyes as both of my parents stared up at me their faces unreadable. I looked away from them just as the escort had pulled out a piece of paper "Caspian Marsh!". I noted the name wasn't the guy who was supposed to volunteer. I looked into the crowd waiting for someone to volunteer but there was no noise. My brows furrowed slightly at the silence, some of the older kids even turned and looked around at a red head boy with the other 18 year old boys, I figured that was who was supposed to volunteer. Instead I watches as a boy from the 12 year olds walked out and over to the stage. He walked slowly clearly not wanting to do this, I couldn't help but notice the way my heart felt as I watched the reluctance of the smaller boy. I couldn't explain this to myself though, why should I feel bad? It was an honor to be in these Games right? 
The boy finally made his way up on the stage as our escort joined our hands, I had to bend down to reach Caspian's. "District 4! Your tributes for the 69th Hunger Games!" Our district erupted into applause some faces smiled at us and others looked sorrowful. The redhead boy didn't even look at us. 
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absolutebl · 2 years ago
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This Week in BL
July 2022 Wk 2 
Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying the most.
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Ongoing Series - Thai
Triage (grey) Ep 12 - Tol’s turn to fix the timeline - well he can’t do any worse, right? I found this episode a little frustrating, but I still think this is one of the better high concept Thai BL‘s I’ve seen in a long time. I’m reminded a little of Great mMen Academy for some reason (much as I question if GMA is a BL). I’m excited to see howTriage ends, but also glad next one is the final ep. Where Triage falls down, for me, like Manner of Death, is going to be in rewatchability. I think once the element of surprise is removed, there isn’t enough romance holding this show together to make me want to rewatch it. But I think the story is a lot better for having not been that romantic. It’s just I happen to be a romantic at heart. 
Love Mechanics (Sun WeTV) Ep 4-5 - ep 4: of course the cheating gf is hurt in a car accident with her rich boyfriend#2 and Vee rushes back to her and then makes eye contact with Mark who he is hurting even more. Because why not MORW PAIN? This whole series is basically a diatribe against cheating and the one honest gay reaps all the punishment. And yet I CAN’T STOP WATCHING. Stupid genius YinWar. Also I do love Poppy turning up, he’s got to be one of my favorite character actors in the BL universe, right up there with Gunsmile. Watching Vee lose everything was cathartic, his family, friends, and Marke are too good for him. He is a lovable asshole tho. I am both delighted and terrified that we have 6 more episodes of this nonsense.  Ep 5, why are these cheaters so cute? Because it is YinWar, that’s why.  Also I love it when Mark gets his own back against Vee, even if it’s just teasing and standing up for himself. Don’t ask, I didn’t get the bit with Vee’s dad either. Lots of good brother characters this summer in BL. Meanwhile  Yawhe is figuring everything out.
 Vice Versa (Sat on YouTube) Ep 1 - The meet cute was awkward and I don’t love that. Jimmy (Puen) is lovely, of course. The lead (Lay) is okay, I haven’t fully warmed to him. (Hooray for a butch character! Even if they had to use body swap to explain them. Notice mostly no polite particles?) I like the concept of this show. You know me, I’m big into paranormal and magical realism and skewed reality. I’m engaged with that if nothing else. And then Nanon waltzes in holding a goddamn guitar and I’m mad at the whole universe.
Unforgotten Night (Weds on GaGa) Ep 4 - I am beginning to think we should be calling this show Forgotten Kink rather than Unforgotten Night. Actually, this week was fine, we got a bit more of the side couple, whom I am now officially calling P’Daddy and Baby Boy. Also I may a UFO pun joke. Go me. TRASH WATCH IS HERE! 
Sky in Your Heart (Fri YouTube) Ep 7 - How is this show now boring, corny, AND cheesy? Also I’m starting to get bad secondhand embarrassment. And then... the white sponge bath, of course.
Even Sun (Wed iQIYI) Ep 3 - They are pretty, it pretty, that’s it. I’m so bored.
Check Out (Sat IQIYI) Ep 6 - World’s most boring date? Mostly I was just confused by the random English letters on Daonuea’s shirt and wondering if I could get one like it with Thai script (since it’s so pretty). In other news, should I start a vomit trigger warning for BL shows? Why do people throw up so much? We don’t have to SEE it, ya know? 
My Secret Love (Sat YouTube Sat) Ep 7 - Interesting that they call GL yuri in Thailand. That’s it. That’s all I got. 
War of Y has semi started or something? Whatever. 
Oh My Sunshine Night (?) - Ep 1 I managed the first ep without subs but it seems really really sad. I am nto sure I am in the right mind set for this one so I think I will wait until 1. I know if it ends happily, and 2. It’s easier to get internationally. 
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Ongoing Series - Not Thai
Minato Shouji Coin Laundry (Japan Weds GaGa) Ep 3 - currently my favorite show by a land slide. I like everything about it, the questionable content and relationship, the age gap, the characters, Shin’s obsessive staler edgy intensity, the side boy with the terrible hair. The food. ALL OF IT. Minato’s feelings for his sensei are an interesting parallel to Shin‘s feelings for Minato - and explain both why Minato is sympathetic to Shin and dismissive of him at the same time. When Minato admits to his feelings for his high school teacher, Shin final understands Minato’s reluctance, or thinks he does. I feel Minato deeply, he’s sunshine honesty and core integrity does not allow him to outright lie to Shin that he isn’t attracted, which goes up against his ethical scruples around their age gap. There’s an interesting dialogue going on within this show around how seriously to take teenage love and first true desire (simultaneously the most intense of our lives and the most scary for the adults around us) and how it’s belittled by society as a result. I should note at this juncture that the age of consent in Japan is 13, the lowest of any developed country. However, most prefectures also have local "corruption of minors" or "obscenity statutes" (淫行条例) which raise that AoC to 16-18, unless they are in a "sincere romantic relationship" (usually determined by parental consent). Are we going to meet Shin’s parents and large family under this context? I’d really like it if we did. Japan may be reserved in its romances but it usually attacks social criticism and difficult content head on (unlike Korea), so I wouldn’t be surprised if we got this topic grappled with directly. See Japan’s approach to noona romances. 
Want to See You (Vietnam YT) Ep 6-7-8 - Far be it for me to say this with our prince of VBL but I don’t think that these leads have any chemistry. Sad, that’s usually not one of Vietnam’s issues. The brother character remains my favorite and a best boy and the only reason I’m still watching this show.
Senpai, Danjite Koidewa! (Japan Fri Viki) Ep 4 - We are halfway through this one, and I’m still not sure if I like it. It’s just too cringe. Also they keep reusing a lot of footage.
Gameboys 2 movie - didn’t drop for me in the USA on gaga.
Love in Spring AKA Spring of Crush (Korea grey) Ep 15-16 - A suitably tragic ending (including an Untamed call back) for all the bad characters and some of the good ones. I liked the psychopath second lead best - apparently my second lead syndrome extends to COMPLETELY INSANE. In the end, this drama was all over the place with uneven acting, narrative, and focus (sometimes it wanted to be a slapstick comedy, sometimes a depressing drama) which meant no one, actors or viewers, took anyone or anything seriously.... AND it’s a bromance. I was left wondering is SalHyung is now code for “they were roommates” in Kdrama historicals but otherwise largely apathetic and unimpressed. Korea, we now know you can do better. Watch Tinted With You or Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding instead: 3/10 not recommended, I don’t know what I’m watching, and neither does it. Full review here. 
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Gossip
Japan to adapt yaoi Takara Kun To Amagi Kun as Takara-kun and Amagi-kun. Oriyama Nao and Sato Arata will star, and rumors of the leads from My Love Mix-up putting in a cameo. 8 epes. About a popular guy and an outcast boy who secretly like each other, and soon after start dating in secret. Premieres August 18 no word on distribution yet. 
Japan to produce The 8.2 Second Rule AKA 8.2 Byo no Hosoku about a boy finding his first love. 
Korea’s Kidari Studio to adapt Happy Merry Ending about two men who work with wedding events, grumpy/sunshine pairing. 
Blueming is getting a season 2. This is one of my favorites from this year (9/10). I am not thrilled about this decision. It’s the same director as TMS2, and I didn’t like that one all that much. Still, I’ll probubly watch it. I’m very intersted in where Korea goes when it’s given enough rope to hang itself with. 
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Next Week Looks Like This:
I think Coffee Melody is to start tomorrow on Viki? (Pavel my love!) 
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NOTE: There probubly will not be a weekly update next Sunday from yours truly. I have a busy week of remote work (with the meetings and the deadline) and then a (cough cough) college reunion thingy. So yeah. Don’t think I’m dead, okay? 
This week’s best moments?
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Can’t lie, I’m a big fan of the boyfriend sniff test. 
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I feel this in my bones... or shoudl I say stomach? 
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Sing it with me now... jealousy! 
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And a meeting of the Marks. (I used to think War & Mark looked A LOT like each other, but now I really don’t anymore). I hope Mark IRL really is really in Love Mechanics. I love him so much. He’d make a great boyfriend for heartbroken rich boy Nuea.
(last week)
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cbspams · 4 years ago
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June Event
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Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome, to the 86th hunger games!
My goodness do we have a show for you this time around. From the delightful reaping proceedings to the delectable chariot ride, it seems that each district has brought us something to cheer for! Join me now as we analyze and consider each tribute, their strengths and weakness, and, but of course, their exciting odds.
——————
Profiles
District 1: Hwang Hyunjin
District 2: Yang Jeongin
District 3: Seo Changbin
District 4: Bang Chan
District 5: Han Jisung
District 7: Kim Seungmin
District 8: Lee Felix
District 10: Lee Minho
——————
It is highly recommended to read each profile in order by district, starting with 1 (Hyunjin) and ending with 10 (Minho). Technically they can be read alone but they were built with that timeline in mind.
As always all posts under the event will be tagged as #hunger games event should you choose to not participate. As the base material is graphic in nature, please be cautioned about potential gore, violence, death etc. Although admin will tag things as necessary, these are prevelant themes and cannot be avoided.
You cannot access the boys in their regular states and they will not remember you. They may be hostile, cautious or otherwise negatively inclined towards you even if you are a significant other.
Since this event is somewhat time lined, all posts and interactions will take place in the time period between arriving in the Capitol and entering the Arena. The boys will be in their training and mind games mode, trying to find alliances and weed out the weak. As such they may be more flirtatious, intimidating or sly about their actions. If you are a s/o and do not wish for your specific partner to be flirtatious, please let admin know and we will discuss it to lay out the complete terms of what is and is not okay.
DM’s will be discussed individually with admin. This event is mostly intended for dash purposes but admin is willing to carry it into DM’s. This event will last from today (June 11th) for three weeks (ends July 2nd)
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monellabella · 4 years ago
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The Starving Games ft. Freddie Weasel: AKA Pt. 1 of my Hunger Games x Harry Potter crossover series (OC x Fred Weasley)
Warnings (None of these are really graphic, but feel free not to read if any of these things make you uncomfortable!!): Blood, knives, knife wound, character death(s), severe injury mention (lost limbs), dead animal mention?? (a rat) 
This is the first fic I’ve ever written! I got the idea from a post I saw from @wand3ringr0s3 Comments and criticism are GREATLY appreciated and it’d be really cool to get some feedback on my writing style!! 
a/n: Also if I do write more, this is gonna be an enemies to allies to lovers situation bc I <3 angst 
Tagging my mutuals: @ourloveisforthelovely @darthwheezely @amrtxntia  @anchoeritic @kellsslut @whizboingies @beiahadid
Darkness. Pure black. I hear noises coming from somewhere. Muffled. Echoing through the endless void around me. The noises become louder. Someone is talking. The more I listen, the louder and clearer they get. Clear enough that I can almost make out the words. Suddenly, everything goes deafeningly quiet. My ears start ringing. But then, a single voice echoes through the silence, “Seph?”. I recognize it immediately. “Maeve?” I call out. “Seph? Is that you?” she responds, her voice shaky with fear. “Yes, yes, Maeve, it’s me. Where are you?”
“I don’t know.” she responds, panic rising in her voice. “Seph, I’m scared.”
“I know. I know, kiddo,” I swallow hard, “Hey. Hey, listen, I’m gonna find you, okay? Just stay calm.”
My heart is racing. I look around for some sort of clue, but nothing but complete darkness surrounds me. I tentatively reach my hand out in front of me. My fingertips graze something. Something cold. I take a step forward and reach out again. My hand finds what feels like a thin chain. I roll it around in my fingers before pulling down on it. The space is immediately flooded with blinding white light. I blink a few times to adjust my eyes to the sudden brightness. I’m at home; a tiny one room flat that I share with my mother, sister, and our cat. Except it’s empty- no furniture, not even a door. I see my sister standing a few feet in front of me, her hands bound together by a thick rope. “Maeve!” I rush towards her. “Seph!” she cries. As I reach out to hug her I’m pushed back by an invisible force. I look up and there she is- standing inside a giant glass dome. I take a few steps back, trying to register what I’m seeing.
“Shall we draw the names?” I whip my head around to see a woman in a magenta frock standing on the other side of the room. Her dress is covered in so many frills and flounces that she takes up half the flat. On her head is a ridiculous blonde wig that must add at least two feet to her height. Her face is covered entirely in white powder, with her cheeks overly rouged, and her top lip painted magenta to match the dress. She looks like a very posh clown.
“I-I’m sorry what?”
She laughs airily, “The names, darling. Surely you remembered?”
“Remember what?”
She tsked then pulled out two smaller versions of the glass dome from the frills at the front of her dress. They each had a small slip of paper in them. “Go on. Pick one.” Her voice was incredibly high-pitched, and she spoke with a capitol accent. I stepped towards her and hesitantly reached into the bowl in her right hand. I unfolded the slip of paper, ‘Maeve Whitlock’. I stared at the name in confusion.
“I don’t understand.”
“Will you take her fate as your own?”
“What do you mean? What fate?”
The woman let out another laugh, this one high and cold, it echoed around the entire room and caused the floor to shake. Suddenly, I heard Maeve call out to me, “SEPH!” I looked back to where she was in the dome. There was a dark, shadowy figure standing behind her, holding a knife to her neck. Her hands and feet were bound to a small wooden chair, and her mouth was now gagged with a dishcloth. I ran towards the dome, panic rising further in my chest. “MAEVE!” I shouted desperately. She looked at me fearfully, tears rolling slowly down her cheeks. I banged and kicked and rammed my body at the glass so hard, I should’ve shattered something. But it was no use. I looked back to where the woman had been standing, but she was gone. The shadowy figure stood still, holding the knife to my sister’s neck.
“LET GO OF HER YOU FREAK!” I cried, banging my fists against the dome. Maeve was panicking now, her chest rising and falling rapidly, tears running down her face, her muffled pleas penetrating through the glass. “MAEVE.” I cried out; my voice cracked as the salty tears streamed down my cheeks. But I was too late. The dark figure suddenly slashed the knife across her throat, her cries stopped and she slumped down into her seat, eyes still half open, blood now seeping into her blouse. “NO!” I screamed, sinking down to the ground. The glass squeaked as my hands dragged down over the exterior. I looked back up towards the shadowy figure, only to see it was no longer there. In its place I saw myself, a satisfied smile on my face. I heard the clownish woman’s disembodied laugh echo through the flat, “What a pity,” the voice said, “you could’ve saved her! But now, I’m afraid, you must face the consequences of your actions.” The clone slowly raised the hand still holding the knife, and pointed directly at me. Suddenly, I felt the cool touch of metal against my throat. The other me winked, and I felt the blade drag deep across my neck. I started to choke, the blood pooling into my airways. I instinctively brought my hand up to the wound. My vision started turning black around the edges. I looked down to see the front of my dress already soaked in red. The last thing I saw was my own hand, holding the knife, droplets of blood falling steadily from the tip of the blade. Then, everything went dark.
My eyes shot open. All I saw was fur, and something was blocking my breathing. I sat up quickly, and the ball of fluff leapt off my face. The cat looked up at me from his new place on my lap- those big amber eyes practically staring into my soul- and meowed loudly. I sighed in annoyance. “Stupid cat.” I grumbled as I lifted him up and let him jump to the floor. I rubbed my eyes and tried to slow my racing heartbeat. My body was covered in a sheen of cold sweat. I looked down at the bed to see my sister still sleeping soundly beside me. I took a deep, shaky breath and stroked the top of her head, moving away some of the stray hairs lying across her face. I glanced over at the digital clock next to me, SUNDAY: JULY 4. 8:26 AM. Today was Reaping Day; no wonder I had that horrible nightmare. This would be my 4th year participating in the drawing, it was Maeve’s first. How unlucky it was that her twelfth birthday had only been three days prior. If she’d just been born a few days later, she could’ve been spared for another year.
I sighed and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My mother was already awake, sewing some buttons back onto Maeve’s school shirt. “Hi, mom.”
“Hi, sweetie. Did you just wake up?”
“Yeah, just now.” I yawned.
“Is Maeve still asleep?”
“Yeah.”
“What time is it?”
“Almost 8:30. Should I wake her up?”
“No, it’s okay,” she sighed, “let her sleep some more. I’ll wake her up soon.” She held up the shirt to examine her work, “Still needs a few more stitches…” She held the needle between her teeth and reached down to her sewing basket to grab another spool of thread. I looked down as I felt the cat’s bushy tail brush past my ankles. I knelt down and scratched behind his ears.
“Did you feed Tulip yet?” I asked. The fluffy, tricolor, flat-faced cat was now sitting at my feet, purring contentedly.
“Didn’t have to; he caught his own breakfast. A huge rat, which he so lovingly dropped on my pillow this morning.” My mother replied.
I stifled a laugh.
“Since you’re already up, go ahead and shower. I’ve laid out your clothes for you on the kitchen table, so when you’re done, just change into them and come back here so I can do your hair. Okay?”
“Okay.”
She smiled at me then went back to her work. I grabbed some soap and a clean towel from the small shelf near the entrance and walked out. “Make sure you don’t use up all the hot water!” she called out as I closed the door behind me. “Don’t worry, I won’t!”.
We didn’t have our own bathroom- there was one toilet and one shower per floor, which could be shared by anywhere from 5 to 20 people. There were 5 apartments on each of the 4 floors- all one room- with one bed, a stove, a sink, a small table and chairs, and some shelves for storage. Each apartment had a heater and air conditioner, but they were never guaranteed to work when you needed them. Sometimes only one side of the building would have heating, or only certain floors had AC, or only specific apartments. Often, the whole building wouldn’t have either for days at a time. The same thing happened with the water and electricity. You could never fully rely on any of the appliances being in working order. As a result, we shared a lot with other apartments. If someone’s stove wasn’t working, they could just knock on a neighbor’s door and use theirs. If only one apartment on our floor had heating during the winter, there were no objections when everyone else would come over and make themselves at home. It made it feel like we were all one family, and it was customary to refer to many of your neighbors as your aunt or uncle. This was common throughout the District, as almost everyone aside from the mayor and peacekeepers lived in small, rundown tenements, expanding outwards from the city center, which was home to the Justice building. Here, in District 8, we produce textiles. There are 6 factories in total; one of which is entirely dedicated to making peacekeeper uniforms. We typically start in the factories at 14, splitting the day between school and work. We aren’t assigned specific jobs until we turn 18. Until then, those in charge of production make requests for certain numbers of workers, and we go wherever we’re needed. Once we finish school, we’re assigned permanent job positions based on both our aptitude tests and our performances in various factory tasks. The better you do on the aptitude test, the better (or at least safer) your job will be. Those with the highest scores tend to be assigned as desk jockeys- where the risk of dying on the job is fairly low. Those with the lowest scores are sent to work in the most dangerous parts of the factories; you can always tell who works there because chances are, they’ve lost some part of their limbs...or face...or they’re, you know, missing a hand...Then there’s those whose scores fall somewhere in the middle; if they have a specific skill, like baking, or perhaps healing, they’re assigned a job based on that. The rest are assigned mid-level factory jobs, which were still dangerous, but the chances of getting to keep all your fingers were significantly higher! (But not guaranteed).
When I turned on the shower, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the water was delightfully warm. It took everything in me not to keep standing there, enjoying the warmth, until the water would turn cold. I shivered as I stepped out of the shower and quickly wrapped my towel around me. I walked swiftly down the hall and flung open the door to the apartment. I grabbed my outfit from the kitchen table. A white trapeze-line dress ending an inch or so above my knees, long billowy sleeves pulled tight at the wrists, and a mock turtleneck with tiny ruffles adorning the edge. My shoes sat on the floor next to it; dark blue suede ankle-boots with small square heels.They were a birthday present from my mother; most definitely from the black market. I got dressed and pulled up a stool in front of my mother’s chair. She combed through my curls as gently as she could, but I still winced when she pulled too hard at a knot. She braided four small plaits at the front and sides of my hair, pulling them into two larger braids that she twisted together and pinned to the back of my head. She handed me the mirror. I looked into it and smiled, “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” I turned around and hugged her tightly. She smelled of soap and clean linen, and something else I couldn’t quite put my finger on- all I knew was that it was comforting and warm. I held on a little longer than usual. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling her scent. She brought her hand up and gently stroked the back of my head. We both knew what could happen today...I tried my best not to think about it. Maeve soon came back from the shower and changed into a mod-style purple dress and black mary janes. My mother braided her hair in a similar style to mine, adding a small flower clip at the side. She looked us once over, nodded, then stood at the mirror and added a few pins to secure her own hairstyle. She sighed, “Ready?”
“Yeah.” “Yeah.” my sister and I said in unison.
My mother chuckled lightly as we stepped through the threshold.
We walked the few blocks over to the underground and boarded the train headed to the Justice building. The train car was packed. Everyone was dressed in their best (and most colorful) outfit. These types of clothes were only worn on special occasions; those above working age wore grey coveralls to work and school, and something drab and ill-fitting otherwise. As we exited the train car, I kept a tight grip on Maeve’s hand. As we emerged from the underground, our eyes were bombarded with light, and I squinted as the brightness flooded my vision. When my eyes adjusted, I spotted the registration table. I gave my mother a brief hug and went to join the girls’ line with Maeve. Soon, we’d reached the front. I looked down at Maeve, “You want me to go first, kiddo?”
She glanced up at me with wide eyes, then stared forward and shook her head. 
“You sure?”
“Mhmm. I just wanna get it over with.”
“Okay.” I hunched over and whispered into her ear, “You’re gonna be fine, I promise. It’s not as bad as you think. I’ll see you in a few minutes, yeah?”
She nodded. I gave her hand a squeeze and watched her walk up to the table. I heard them speaking faintly and a few minutes later, she turned around to look at me, a nervous expression on her face. I gave her a reassuring nod then headed over there myself. 
The woman at the table sat there with a bored expression. She looked to be in her 30’s, but the heavy dark circles under her eyes seemed to age her quite a few years.
“Last name?” She said. She didn’t bother to look up at me. 
“Whitlock.”
“Whitlock…” she muttered, flipping through the pages, “Right, Whitlock. Persephone?” 
“Yeah.” 
She crossed my name off the list. “You’re sixteen?”
“Yes.” 
“Okay,” she sighed, “Hold out your hand, please.” She took a small device next to her and clipped it onto my index finger. I winced when I felt the needle prick my skin. She unclipped the device then stamped my wrist with the capitol’s sigil. 
“You can go join your age group, fourth line from the left.”
“Thanks,” I muttered.
She paused, then looked up at me sympathetically, “And um, good luck.”
I nodded and gave her a curt smile before heading over to join my peers. We were arranged by age and gender, boys and girls separate, all standing in rows in front of the stage. I stood waiting, and mindlessly watched the rows slowly multiply. I didn’t know how much time had passed, but soon enough, I looked up at the stage to see a woman in a bright magenta pantsuit. The hem of her skirt was decorated with a flounce of fabric, and she wore a light pink blouse underneath her suit jacket. The front of it contained so many ruffles, you could hardly see her neck. Her hair was pale blonde, and styled in a way that made it look like a cloud sitting on top of her head. Her face was powdered white, save for her blushed cheeks and glossy lipstick. Her lips were absurdly over lined, both painted a shocking fuchsia that closely matched her outfit. She approached the podium with tiny steps and cleared her throat daintily, “Welcome, everyone, to the reaping ceremony for the 59th annual Hunger Games!” People remained silent; the only reaction being a cough from someone in the crowd. She cleared her throat once more, “As always, we shall begin by watching a special film from the capitol, telling us the history and origins of this unique tradition, and to remind us why we are all standing here today.”
At her words, the two televisions turned on to display the Capitol’s sigil. It faded out, and a film about the glorious history of Panem started rolling. I tuned out and stared blankly at the rows of people ahead of me. When the film concluded, Ms. magenta up at the podium clapped enthusiastically. She was the only one. “Oh, wasn’t that wonderful?” She exclaimed, “What a rich history this nation has.” 
I scoffed, that’s one way to put it, I thought. 
“Now, as always- ladies first.” She stuck her hand into the large glass bowl on the right side of the podium and shuffled her hand through the slips of paper before snatching one up. She gingerly unfolded the paper and held it delicately between her index finger and thumb. 
She cleared her throat and read out the name, “Maeve Whitlock.”
I felt my heart stop in my chest.
No. 
My eyes darted through the crowd and I saw people make way for her as she slowly walked to the stage, shaking with every step. Images from my dream flashed through my mind- most poignantly, the image of me watching helplessly, as a dark shadowy figure slashed a knife across my sister’s throat. Panic rose in my chest; my heart beat so loudly in my ears that I barely heard myself shout, “WAIT!” Everyone turned to look at me. My breathing sped up as I suddenly felt at a loss for air, “I volunteer.” I added, my voice cracking slightly, “I volunteer as tribute.” Maeve looked back at me with pleading eyes and shook her head furiously. I avoided her gaze and stared straight ahead as the crowd parted to allow me through to the stage. I paused to grab Maeve’s hand and squeeze it tightly. I cradled the back of her head and planted a kiss atop her forehead. I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment as I shakily released her from my grasp and allowed the other girls in the crowd to place a comforting hand on her shoulders as they quietly pulled her away from me. I walked up to the stage and slowly climbed the short flight of steps to then take my place just behind the glass bowl from which my sister’s name was drawn. I can’t believe I’m about to be shepherded to my untimely death because of a stupid glass bowl. I felt my hands getting clammy, and I held to the hem of my dress to keep them from shaking. Ms. Magenta smiled and stepped towards me, “And what is your name, dear?”
“Persephone Whitlock.” I stated.
“And you are…?”
“Her sister.”
“Her sister! Oh, well, of course you are!” she remarked, “Well, that was a very brave thing you just did, Persephone. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say that this was a truly inspiring moment! Well done! And may the odds be ever in your favor.” she smiled brightly and turned towards the crowd. There were a few measly claps, but they quickly fell silent. “And now, let us draw our male tribute.” She stepped over to the glass bowl on her left and repeated the process. I stared blankly past the rows of people; only when she read the name was my trance broken, “Frederick Weasley.” A tall, redheaded boy emerged from the crowd. I stared as he made his way up to the podium. I recognized him from school. I didn’t know him well, but I knew he had a twin brother- George, I think- who’d lost an ear in a factory accident a few years prior, and was thus ineligible to compete in the Games, as his injury would be an unfair advantage to the other tributes. Apparently, he’d been checking the cogs underneath a broken machine when it somehow turned on and cut his left ear clean off. It was formally reported as an accident, but it’s been rumored that he did it on purpose. There were no witnesses, so no one can say for sure, but if it was intentional, I can’t say I blame him for doing it. There are very few ways you can get out of the games if you’re under 18- something as extreme as losing an ear would certainly fall under that category. I stared at the redhead as he took his place behind the other glass bowl. He was tall, at least 6 foot 4, and seemed to tower over my own 5 foot 10 frame. I’d always thought I was fairly tall for my age, and was used to surpassing most adults in height; but standing next to him, I felt like a child. His entire body was long and lean, but I could tell from the way his shirt clung to him that he was not just skin and bone. He had a well-structured face. Round brown eyes, thin lips, a prominent, romanesque nose; his jaw was clenched as he stared straight ahead and refused to look at me. Him and his brother were known for pulling pranks and cracking jokes at school- there was a strange, impish quality to his features that unintentionally revealed his penchant for mischief. Every inch of his cool, pale skin was covered in freckles. Despite his pallid complexion, his cheeks always seemed to have a slight blush to them that made everything about him appear bright and lively. However, at the present moment, his face had been drained of all colour, save for a rather sickly green tinge. No wonder he doesn’t want to look at me- poor kid looks like he’s about to puke. Ms. Magenta finally stepped forward, “Excellent! We now have our two lovely tributes! Both of whom will now be escorted into the Justice building to await further instructions; Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!” And with that, the Capitol’s sigil was once again displayed on the TVs, and its anthem blasted through the speakers. Suddenly, I felt four hands grab me by the arms and forcefully pull me backwards. I stumbled slightly, and looked up to see the two peacekeepers responsible. They continued to pull me across the stage before practically shoving me down the stairs and onto the cobblestone street. From the corner of my eye, I could see that my fellow tribute was receiving the same gentle treatment as they dragged- I’m sorry, escorted him- to the large, looming structure behind us. As they “escorted” me towards the building’s heavy brass doors, I looked back frantically, trying to spot my mother and sister. But the crowd had gotten rowdier, and they were all being jammed together as the peacekeepers continued to push them away from the stage. My breathing quickened, and I could feel the blood pumping through every vein in my body. When we reached the threshold, the brass doors opened to reveal a high-ceilinged marble hall, and a rush of cool air escaped them. So THIS is where all our air-conditioning goes, I thought to myself. Every sound echoed through the building’s marble interior. I craned my neck upwards and tried to take in every opulent detail as I was dragged down a hallway and shoved into a small room, where the peacekeepers finally released me from their vice grip. “Wait here,” one of them said. They both left and shut the door behind them. I massaged my sore upper arms. “You didn’t have to pull me so hard, you know!” I shouted at the door, “not like I was planning on going anywhere!”. I sighed and stepped back from the door. “Assholes,” I muttered to myself. I plopped down onto a green velvet armchair and examined my surroundings. The walls and ceilings were paneled in rich, mahogany wood. The square panels above me were covered in intricate carvings, complementing the elaborate crystal chandelier hanging in the center. While I assumed the floor was wood, it was hard to tell because of the heavy oriental rugs that adorned its surface. There were two large windows behind me, both framed by plush velvet curtains. They were the same emerald green as the chair, and were tied back with a thick, gold rope that had tassels on the end of it, so as to allow in natural light. There was not much furniture in the room aside from two armchairs- one of which I already occupied- a round, wooden coffee table between them, and two empty bookshelves inlaid in the wall on either side of the room. A thin blue vase containing a single white rose sat in the center of the coffee table. The smell of it was unnaturally overpowering. Something about it made me uneasy, so I carefully pushed it to the far side of the table and shifted away from it. I unconsciously started chewing on my lip. I couldn’t sit still. Sitting there shaking my leg, or playing with the hem of my dress, wasn’t helping. I let out a frustrated groan and jolted up from my seat. I continued to chew my lip as I restlessly paced back and forth across the room. The heavy rugs didn’t hide the creaking of the floorboards as I stomped across them. After what felt like hours, I heard the door creak open. I stopped in my tracks and ran to the door to greet my mother before she’d even entered the room. Her and my sister enveloped me in a bone-crushing hug which I eagerly returned. The peacekeeper standing behind them cleared his throat. We slowly let go of each other and turned to face him. “You have ten minutes to say goodbye- not a second more.” he said in a gruff voice. As my mother and sister stepped fully into the room, the peacekeeper roughly shut the door behind them and left. 
END OF PART ONE
a/n: If you’ve made it this far,  1. Hi, I love you 2. Will I write more for this series? To quote John Mulaney, “Who’s to say?”. 
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rhetorical-ink · 5 years ago
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Haikyuu!! Observations: Tooru Oikawa vs. Atsumu Miya
**SPOILERS FOR ANIME ONLY’S BELOW**
Since I’ve fallen face-first into the Haikyuu!! fandom since being on this Covid-19 Quarantine/Shelter in Place/Whatever you choose to call it, I’ve really attached myself to this show and its characters. And while I really love all of the setters on the show, two of them stand out as my favorites: 
Tooru Oikawa and Atsumu Miya
Yes, I have a soft spot for dramatic, gay as hell, pretty boy brats.
While a lot of reviewers of the anime I’ve watched compare the two, saying Atsumu is “Oikawa realized” or a “suped-up version of Oikawa,” I really think this isn’t true. 
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For me, Oikawa and Atsumu are inverses of each other.
Obviously, the pair share similarities:
* Both are setters
* Both are “pretty boys” with an intense fandom
* Both are on the surface sassy, dramatic, and bratty
* Both are insanely good at what they do: Volleyball
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What I find interesting is how they are Different, though:
TALENT vs. INSTINCT
* Oikawa isn’t a “genius” or a natural-born talent. His whole character promotes the idea of “polishing” instinct; working extremely hard, sowing the seeds of success and then reaping the benefits later.
* Atsumu clearly has natural talent. He works hard, true, but his character is constantly trying new things, experimenting, and he’s naturally talented enough to pull it off (i.e. the twins trying to rip the “freak quick” and basically succeeding). It’s not something one would see Oikawa doing without intense and laborious practice first.
TEAM DYNAMICS
* Oikawa is known for his power of bolstering his team -- Ushijima himself said that Oikawa can lift a team to its highest potential. He is used as comedic relief, sure, but the teammates of Aoba Johsai know he’s a reliable team captain, and they trust him. Because they have faith in his abilities as a leader and player.
* Atsumu can “bewitch his spikers” with his sets, but he is not a team leader. He’s insanely talented, but relies on his teammates for a lot of the leadership -- once on the Black Jackals, he even mourns the fact that his former teammate Aran isn’t there to back him up or provide advice. While he too is a comedic relief on the team, his team doesn’t depend on him for leadership or that sense of reliability like they do Aran or their own team captain, Kita.
PERSONALITIES
* Oikawa on the surface is charming, happy, and almost-always confident.
Deep down, though, Oikawa is constantly comparing himself to others, afraid he isn’t working hard enough, and fighting his own sense of inadequacy while trying to prove others wrong through his work ethic and “worthless pride” as Ushijima points out. 
* Atsumu on the surface is smug, arrogant, and dramatically confident.
Deep down, though, he’s...actually these things, too. He gets frustrated when others are better than him, (and puts on a show whining about it), but in the end, doesn’t let it phase him getting better. Even after complaining Bokuto-style to his twin brother because he can’t get a serve style right, he ends up moving past it...and getting the serve right. Because he knows he can; it’s just taking the time to make it happen. 
Whereas Oikawa internalizes a lot of his frustrations and stews upon them, Atsumu externalizes his frustrations and dramatically whines about them, but both end up moving forward in accomplishing their goals, regardless of how they got to that point.
And then we have...
HINATA
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I CANNOT WAIT until the anime gets to the Rio arc and MSBY Black Jackal arc and we get to see these two setters get “sun kissed” by our boy, Shoyo. 
I find it interesting that Furudate narratively makes it Oikawa that stumbles into Hinata in Rio. I mean, the author could have picked any team for Oikawa to join -- but it’s the Argentinean League. And it could have been any setter for Hinata to meet, but it’s Oikawa.
I think that both Oikawa and Atsumu are foils to Kageyama in varying ways, so it’s fitting that Shoyo gets to interact with both of them before going toe-to-toe with his former teammate. We’ve seen how Kageyama reacted to Hinata being with both of these characters (to extremely hilarious results). I think it’s a great tie-in for both of these characters and showing another connection they have to one another through Shoyo.
SO BASICALLY,
I love these two over-the-top setters and what Furudate has done to present them to us in Haikyuu!! Oikawa was a highlight of Season 2, and Atsumu is looking to be a highlight of Season 4 once it resumes back in July 2020.
Those that have read the manga...it’s taking all I have to be patient, though. 
I’m sure you all feel the same.
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sugar-petals · 5 years ago
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anything tarot can say on Yuzuru? missing my comfort ice skater boy more than usual xx
when his rink re-opens in july the whole figure skating world is gonna explode, i miss his presence so badly as well. 💔
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we’re doing a 4-card spread on his progress to see how all of this goes.
how his quarentine went
how he feels right now
his outlook and plans
the result/prediction
how his QUARANTINE went: DEATH — Yeah. Exactly. That’s the card that really fits what he expressed in his statement after the World Championships were cancelled. Where he said he was really sad and disappointed. Quarantine was a deep cut for him, it took away from him what he loves the most and that is having icy ground under his feet. Describing Covid-19 as a small death and reset is fitting if you consider how much of a training horse Yuzu is being the best skater in the world. He had to change his lifestyle more than everybody else in his surroundings. 180° should describe his situation best there. He might have experienced trouble at home, or felt really cut off and cast into a world he’s not experienced his whole life because he was constantly on ice since childhood. This was... big, life-changing, a shock to the system for him. We’ll not see the Yuzu we saw at 4CC, this was a transition. We’ll see him spiritually transformed from the ground up. Yuzu has decided to start a new kind of life and broke a lot of habits. Safe to say he misses us as much as we do.
how he FEELS right now: NINE OF WANDS — Very guarded. He takes nothing for granted at this point. He’s gotten more introverted with the months and the whole situation going down. Yuzu feels very humbled and will think twice before making the next leap. Once very eager to dive headfirst into matters, he’s more hesitant now. The card is a huge sign he’s bargaining with his resources. He can’t go all out because his routine decreased his strength (wands = power). Learning from his exhaustion prior to the lockdown, he has been rethinking his lifestyle. He still wants to achieve and knows he’s getting there, but he has to gather his usual excellence first. Yuzu knows it’s not realistic to rest on past victories, and he ogles the competition more than usual to see how hard he has to push to make it happen again.
his OUTLOOK and plans: THREE OF SWORDS — Yuzu will remain weary and downtrodden about this. A lot of his plans and passion projects shattered. I think many of his ambitions are no longer as ardent and he scratched a lot of his outlooks. The topic of the Olympics weighs heavy on his heart. I think it’s because since they are postponed, his retirement will get in the way because he’s getting in the age zone already. Even if he doesn’t want to retire then, he’s still concerned about how the timing will be like. He’s unhappy with where things are going. He wanted to break the last quad axel frontier during worlds but now he’s had such a pause button and setback, he’s become fearful about his future. One of his main sorrows is that the feeling of loneliness that he experienced off the ice and limelight will get back to him again 😔 I’m kind of worried here, at this point Yuzu is not optimistic in where he wants to go. He is in deep need of comfort before he can get back on track.
the RESULT / prediction: ACE OF COINS — Heureka! This is a splendid sign. Yuzu’s quarantine was a uno reverse card, he’s currently feeling a blockage, his plans are plagued by a lot of tribulations, but the reality is: Soon enough, he will pick himself up again. True to the name of the card, he will be the literal ace the way we know him, he will ace his comeback. Even if the cards above don’t sound very positive, the result of Yuzu’s return to the scene will teach him and us otherwise. That this card signifies the result of Yuzu entering the rink and competitions again tells me he’s gravely underestimating his ability to recover. Regaining his form won’t be as big as a problem as he thinks. Remember the ankle dilemma before the Olympics? He’s done it once, he’ll do it again. Yes, the quad axel will come, this card symbolizes mastering a new skill. His sadness won’t last very long either. Come on. It’s Yuzuru Hanyu. This man was sent from the gods. His journey is not over and he will reap many, many benefits of deciding to go on. He will continue to be blessed. As soon as he can skate in front of a crowd, his sorrows will be blown away. The ACE OF COINS stands for gain in wealth with good reason. Yuzu will continue to be a money magnet. Sponsors, fans, his parents: He can get ready for a cash shower. Yuzu will outshine anything that gets in his way. I also see a 100% chance at a big win at the World Championships and Olympics. Look at the imagery. Looks strangely like a gold medal. 😉
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25th July >> Mass Readings (USA)
Feast of Saint James, Apostle
(Liturgical Colour: Red. Year: B(II))
First Reading 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus.
Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
The Word of the Lord
R/ Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.
R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Gospel Acclamation cf. John 15:16
Alleluia, alleluia. I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Matthew 20:20-28 You will drink my chalice.
The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Gospel of the Lord
R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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catolinewsdailyreadings · 1 year ago
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Feast of Saint James, Apostle
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Readings of Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Reading 1
2 COR 4:7-15
Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak,  knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
Responsorial Psalm
PS 126:1BC-2AB, 2CD-3, 4-5, 6
R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.  R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.  R./ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Gospel
MT 20:20-28
The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom." Jesus said in reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." He replied, "My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
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ongolecharles · 6 months ago
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DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Wed July 10th, 2024 ... Wednesday of The Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
Reading 1
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Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12
Israel is a luxuriant vine
whose fruit matches its growth.
The more abundant his fruit,
the more altars he built;
The more productive his land,
the more sacred pillars he set up.
Their heart is false,
now they pay for their guilt;
God shall break down their altars
and destroy their sacred pillars.
If they would say,
“We have no king”—
Since they do not fear the LORD,
what can the king do for them?
The king of Samaria shall disappear,
like foam upon the waters.
The high places of Aven shall be destroyed,
the sin of Israel;
thorns and thistles shall overgrow their altars.
Then they shall cry out to the mountains, “Cover us!”
and to the hills, “Fall upon us!”
“Sow for yourselves justice,
reap the fruit of piety;
break up for yourselves a new field,
for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain down justice upon you.”
Responsorial Psalm
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Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (4b) Seek always the face of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
R. Seek always the face of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,
his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.
R. Seek always the face of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R. Seek always the face of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia
--------
Mk 1:15
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand:
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
--------
Mt 10:1-7
Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples
and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out
and to cure every disease and every illness.
The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:
first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;
Philip and Bartholomew,
Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;
James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;
Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot
who betrayed Jesus.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,
“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.
Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
***
FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD
“Sow for yourselves justice, reap the fruit of piety; break up for yourselves a new field, for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain down justice upon you.” (Hosea 10:12)
Every now and then when I’m on the phone arguing with a billing or service representative, I���ll hear a stranger’s voice emphatically saying “that makes no sense” or “why can’t you do anything about this?”
Alas! That voice is mine, violating  my standards for how to treat people. After calming down, I am mortified that I was so hard on a  powerless person who was just doing her job as instructed. Then today’s reading from Hosea made me realize that justice is Involved in how we handle such encounters, even when we’re right. 
In trying to better understand Hosea’s admonition to “sow for yourselves justice” I looked up a definition of justice and found that it means “people are to be treated impartially, fairly, properly, and reasonably.” We are required to treat everyone with civility and respect even if they messed up or their employer wronged us. As an advocate who has helped a lot of people solve such problems, I know how common this is. However the issue is how we treat people, not incompetence. We can be civil while seeking redress of wrongs. 
I’ve noticed how easy it is to be especially hard on front line service people like airline employees in other cities because we will never see them again. There are no social consequences for being unpleasant to someone halfway across the country who can’t get you on a flight after yours is cancelled. 
On the other hand, we’re all more likely to bite our tongues when the barista at our coffee shop messes up our order, making us a few minutes late to work because we don’t want to become persona non grata at our morning caffeine supplier!
The key to improving our behavior with powerless strangers might be to equate justice with respect if we treat the people we customarily see face to face with civility and respect. I try to remind myself that the hapless person reading the script that tells me there’s no solution to my problem is a fellow child of God, not a tape recording.  I try to envision a young person much like one of my former students and treat her like I would them.
I’ve learned (but don’t always remember) that respectfully asking for help is a good way to begin, also saying something pleasant about previous encounters with their employer if possible. . Not only is this the “reasonable” treatment that justice demands, it’s more likely to produce results. It’s amazing how quickly you can form a problem solving relationship with a total stranger if you show the respect that justice demands because many of them seldom get this. I know because when I’m handling such an interaction well, they thank me. 
This is all a work in progress but realizing that I want the Lord to “rain down justice” upon me gives me added incentive to combat a weakness. And it can make life for people who do dreadful jobs trying to help us just a little easier.
***
SAINT OF THE DAY
Saint Veronica Giuliani
(December 27, 1660 – July 9, 1727)
Saint Veronica Giuliani’s Story
Veronica’s desire to be like Christ crucified was answered with the stigmata.
Veronica was born in Mercatelli, Italy. It is said that when her mother Benedetta was dying she called her five daughters to her bedside and entrusted each of them to one of the five wounds of Jesus. Veronica was entrusted to the wound below Christ’s heart.
At the age of 17, Veronica joined the Poor Clares directed by the Capuchins. Her father had wanted her to marry, but she convinced him to allow her to become a nun. In her first years in the monastery, she worked in the kitchen, infirmary, sacristy, and also served as portress. At the age of 34, she was made novice mistress, a position she held for 22 years. When she was 37, Veronica received the stigmata. Life was not the same after that.
Church authorities in Rome wanted to test Veronica’s authenticity and so conducted an investigation. She lost the office of novice mistress temporarily and was not allowed to attend Mass except on Sundays or holy days. Through all of this Veronica did not become bitter, and the investigation eventually restored her as novice mistress.
Though she protested against it, at the age of 56 she was elected abbess, an office she held for 11 years until her death. Veronica was very devoted to the Eucharist and to the Sacred Heart. She offered her sufferings for the missions, died in 1727, and was canonized in 1839. Her Liturgical Feast Day is July 9.
Reflection
-----------
Why did God grant the stigmata to Francis of Assisi and to Veronica Giuliani? God alone knows the deepest reasons, but as Celano points out, the external sign of the cross is a confirmation of these saints’ commitment to the cross in their lives. The stigmata that appeared in Veronica’s flesh had taken root in her heart many years before. It was a fitting conclusion for her love of God and her charity toward her sisters.
***
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