It's been over five years now since Cassian won his Games, five long years of parading around the Capitol with only nightmares and a dead family to show for it. Victor's Village in District 11 is so far from his home, his first home, but it's not like there's anything left of it worth seeing. He spends most of his days holed up in his big, stupid house, finding new ways to cook the food he once thought would never be plentiful. They haul him out of the aforementioned house for a photo op with the latest girl to join the ranks of Victor, but if he's honest, Cassian doesn't quite remember how she won. He vaguely recalls a bloody victory, without too many overall kills.
He prefers to forget watching any of the Games.
They dress him appropriately, shave his beard down to a dull shadow, sweep his hair to the side like the Capitol loves to see. He's all smiles and easy chatter with the prep team, pretending it doesn't feel like he's being escorted by armed guard towards the Hall of Justice where he just... has to wait. Being a Victor means a lot of waiting even when they can't threaten you with much anymore.
He should really try to remember what Jyn did to win, in case they try to throw a conversation about it. She's from Seven. Would it be rude to assume there was an ax involved? He finally catches his first glimpse of her across the room, light like himself but pale as though she's made of snow. He doesn't work the fields anymore, but he's still darker than her, and he's not darker than many people here.
Even from afar she looks so angry, almost grumpy, and he wonders if he should warn her. He hates every single thing about it, but at least he knows how to play this game too.
come away little lamb come away to the slaughter.
He prefers to forget watching any of the Games.
They dress him appropriately, shave his beard down to a dull shadow, sweep his hair to the side like the Capitol loves to see. He's all smiles and easy chatter with the prep team, pretending it doesn't feel like he's being escorted by armed guard towards the Hall of Justice where he just... has to wait. Being a Victor means a lot of waiting even when they can't threaten you with much anymore.
He should really try to remember what Jyn did to win, in case they try to throw a conversation about it. She's from Seven. Would it be rude to assume there was an ax involved? He finally catches his first glimpse of her across the room, light like himself but pale as though she's made of snow. He doesn't work the fields anymore, but he's still darker than her, and he's not darker than many people here.
Even from afar she looks so angry, almost grumpy, and he wonders if he should warn her. He hates every single thing about it, but at least he knows how to play this game too.