Tiberius's Aesthetic
TIBERIUS BOURNES
DISTRICT 10
M / 12 / WOC: Agility / Reaped
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Tiberius Bournes is an Avox; he had his tongue cut out at the age of eight after stealing from the Headmaster's treasure. He got to choose between his hand and his tongue, and since he worked on a farm along with his family, he chose his tongue. His neighbor taught him sign language. Normally, mutilated children were not allowed to be reaped, but since being an Avox did not affect his physical strength, Tiberius' name was also put into the reaping bowl.
The boy had always been a pickpocket, but only because his family didn't have much themselves. His brothers were much younger than him and his sister was already 20 years old and was to be married soon. Tiberius didn't like being around many people and he didn't have many friends, either. Since the incident when he lost his tongue, many children were afraid of him and kept their distance. That's why the Bournes boy spent most of his time with his family's cows. He named them Rosie and Elena, and he took good care of them.
THE REAPING
It was Tiberius' first year to be reaped and the chances of his name being called out were very slim. However, he had stolen from the headmaster and several other people, so his name was definitely in there more than once. The boy, known around his district as “The Avox” was completely shaking as the escort walked over to the reaping bowl. He had never been more afraid. The games had scared him since the first time he had to watch them.
When his name was called out loud, Tiberius Bournes knew that he was going to die. He wanted to scream, cry out, anything that would stop this living nightmare from happening. But he didn't - he couldn't. Barely taking in anything that occured around him, the boy walked onto the stage in a state of trance, and next thing he knew, Tiberius was on the train, heading towards the Capitol.
Tiberius's Reaping Outfit
THE TRIBUTE PARADE
His saddle tan coloured jacket and trousers fit perfectly, on his head rested a headband with small horns, and around his neck were two cowbells on a blue string.
Tiberius was more than nervous as the chariot was pulled forward. His hands gripped the wood of the railing. The lights blinded him and the screams and laughter of the Capitol people filled his ears up. The avox grew very uncomfortable and he felt completely intimidated by this situation.
Flora seemed to notice the state he was in, she nudged his shoulder and smiled at him. She reminded Tiberius a lot of his older sister and he suddenly didn't feel as alone as before. The girl carefully grabbed his hand and mumbled a quick "trust me" before raising their hands in the air. Finally, the 12 year old managed to smile brightly and looked around, he waved at some citizens and then turned his head to see Flora doing the same thing. Maybe the parade wasn't as bad as he thought.
Tiberius's Parade Outfit
TRAINING
Tiberius received a training score of 10
TRAINING DAYS
Tiberius knew that many tributes were skilled fighters this year, so he quickly realized how slim his odds of winning really were. Until now, he had always had a small spark of hope, but that vanished the moment he saw the others use the weapons in the training center. Tiberius knew he was already doomed to be dead. He was aware that he needed a strategy if he wanted to have at least a little chance of surviving the games - which was pretending to still be back in his district. Tiberius has been a pickpocket for a long time now and he was able to be quick and silent when stealing or getting past someone without them noticing.
The Avox decided to focus on the parkour training. This was the closest he could get to being home, and if he was being honest, it may also calmed him down to pretend like this nightmare, the games, did not happen. Tiberius actually did good - which he was surprised by. The pakcour was made out of different obstacles, one with moving platforms, one with ladders and a high rope course. Because of his light weight and his ability, he managed to get through it. Of course, he fell down and had to start over one or two times - but he quickly understood how he needed to react and how he had to stand or keep his balance.
The 12 year old boy had grown very close to his district partner, Flora - she reminded him of his older sister. The two of them worked on the plant identification station and realized how well they acted as a team. Although Flora didn't know sign language, they got along pretty well.
The district partners also decided to work on their basic first aid skills. He learned how to clean wounds with using things from natural environment and he also some life-saving tips and tricks. Tiberius really enjoyed spending time with Flora, even if it was for the sake of the Hunger Games training.
The girl also showed him how to hold a knife, but Tiberius refused to throw one onto the training dummies. He admired Flora and thought that she was quite badass, and he wasn't as afraid of going into the arena as he was before. Tiberius wasn't used to have friends - or allies in that matter.
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PRIVATE SESSION
To say he was nervous was an understatement. Tiberius was shaking, he was on the edge of his seat and he was fiddling with his thumbs. The training score was one of the most important - if not THE most important - things for the games. The boy knew he wouldn't get a very high score, but he also didn't want to seem weak, since he was already the 'baby' among the tributes. He knew he was a target and it scared him.
As his name was called, he stepped forward and walked into the giant room. He looked up to see the gamemakers sitting in comfortable seats behind a wall of what seemed to be glass. Tiberius stood in the middle of the training hall and the people noticed him. He signed them a, "Hello. I am Tiberius Bournes, District Ten." before he turned around and walked towards the giant parkours build up in front of him. It was quite different than during the training days, it was a giant glass container, in it were several platforms and climbing courses.
He stepped into the container and gripped onto the handles in front of him, pulling himself up on the first platform. He now got a better view of his surroundings and the distances between all the barriers and bars. The entire container lit up in a subtle red and people made out of orange laser beams appeared, holding weapons in their hands. Tiberius knew what this meant - he had to get through this parkours without being noticed or seen by these figures.
The Avox quietly made his way over the first obstacles, his eyes never leaving the laser figure nearby. He walked as on feathers and eventually made it past the hologram without being heard. Next, he climbed up a ladder, and he was now hanging upside down from the ceiling of the container. Gently, he monkey climbed forward.
It was only a split second as he noticed his hand getting sweaty before he fell down onto the floor. It hurt, yes, but the hologram now turned to him. It had an axe in one hand and threw it into his direction. Tiberius had to act - fast. He knew how to handle such a situation, this had happened a few times back home, that he had been caught. The boy was a pretty fast and agile runner and if they couldn't catch you, they also wouldn't be able to kill you.
He jumped onto the next course, which were moving plates. Tiberius quickly made his way through this and hid behind a column. He heard the hologram getting closer - they were made out of laser beams after all - and he thought of a good strategy to get him out of this. With all his might, he ran towards the glass wall, pushing himself off and landing on the platform the column was holding. Silently he jumped over the space between the two platforms and directly over the figures head. He was not seen.
Just before he could get to the end of the container, another hologram appeared right in front of him, blocking the path. It was now that he realized - the gamemakers didn't want him to win, he wasn't supposed to make it through the parkours.
However, he shoved all his thoughts aside as the hologram drew his sword and ran towards the boy. Tiberius reacted before his mind could, he crouched down and slid below the sword, he then stood up and ran as fast as he possibly could. As he passed the exit, a loud gong sounded. Tiberius breathed heavily and watched as the gamemakers talked to each other. The boy knew, that they either were satisfied with his performance or that they disliked how he wasn't able to fight. And this scared him more than anything else.
INTERVIEW
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Tiberius Bournes is accompanied on stage by a trained Capitol translator, who will translate his sign language for us and for Caesar to understand.
Caesar: Hello Tiberius, you look amazing tonight! Tell us about your outfit.
Tiberius: My stylist actually let me pick what I wanted to wear, which I thought was really kind. I love this black cape with the engravings on it, and I also liked this white blouse. My stylist helped me fit into these and grabbed a fitting pair of shoes. Do you like my outfit, Caesar?
Of course I do! And how are you liking the Capitol so far? What’s been your favorite part?
I was completely overwhelmed by all the gorgeous smells! There are so many different flavors of ice cream and yoghurt to pick from and I have never been exposed to such a variety before. I also enjoy the view I have from the window in my room, especially when it's dark outside - the Capitol shines so bright at night.
What do you think of the other tributes this year? Any friends to speak of, or perhaps, enemies?
I like Flora, my district partner. She reminds me of my older sister and I grew close to her during the last days. I am really happy to have her as my ally and maybe even a friend. But so far, everyone was nice to me, so I can't say bad things about any of them.
Do you think you have what it takes to become a victor? Who or what are you fighting for?
Well... I am quite good at climbing, so I may be able to stay hidden from any direct danger with other tributes. And... if they can't catch me, they can't kill me. I really hope I can see my family again and hug them, and I'll try my best to achieve that.
What kind of arena are you hoping for?
I don't know, I did not think about that until now. Although I might prefer an arena with lower temperatures, as it is rather cold in the area I live in within my district. But any arena including trees or generally things to climb on would be pretty great.
What do you miss most from your home district? Any shoutouts for anyone back home?
Uhm... well, my sister is pregnant and I would love to meet my niece or nephew. I also really miss my two cows that live on our farm, because I loved staying with and taking care of them.
Any last thoughts before we let you go?
I just want to say thank you. Even if my days in the Capitol were short, I really enjoyed all the magic it holds.
Tiberius's Interview Outfit