would you want to be friends with an avox(L+A)

[aliciamusa]

I think of my brother as I sit in my new room. In District 3. None of the peacekeepers come by here. I can't believe I got lost and went to the bottom of District 3. The people who took me in live near the ocean. There are no fences in the ocean. So I could swim and swim for miles on ends on. I would not run into any fences and I would not have to watch another friend die to the games.

I was originally from district 1. I got turned into an avox and ran away down here to district 3. I need friends but I am afraid if i try and make any they will get chosen to the games. Some people want the age limit to be 19. If the gamemakers do that then I would be able to go into the games. Wow what I sight. An avox in the games. Oh I would be the first to die.

They would kill me like that. No chance to live and if I did I would most likely die before I made it back home. Wait where is home. Here or district 1. I don't know anymore. I hear a knock at the door than my adopted sister comes inside.

I wave and she waves back. I get my pad of paper and my pencil. She asks me if I would like to go into town with her. I write sure, and give her the paper. She gets my wrist and we were on our way. People smile at us and wave. My sister must be popular. Or they may be doing that to me but I can't tell.

She tells me to go sit near the apple tree over there while she goes to get some supplies, for our invention. I nodded and sit by the tree. I see people walk around and I see a lot of kids playing. I wish I could play with them or like them. I wish I could be them. Not an avox and free to talk.

Then I hear yelling and screaming I see peacekeepers coming my way. I run but while I am turning around I run into.......

[Lily-Faith]

I woke with a start, bolting straight up. Oh, right. I was on the floor. No wonder I freaked out. Not the first time I've done this, and certainly won't be the last. But each time, I wake up wondering what the heck I was doing on the floor. Shaking my head, I let out a yawn, and stretched as I did so. I stood quickly, and walked around the room so I could make sure I was fully awake. My parents, sisters, and brother were all still asleep. It wasn't unlike me to wake up before everyone else. Sleep just made me feel vulnerable, which was why I didn't sleep much. Letting another yawn escape my lips, I got dressed for the day in a loose, faded green t-shirt, a pair of ripped jeans, and some ratty-old tennis shoes I loved. I then put my hair up into a braid, like the one Katniss would wear.

Slipping quietly out of the room, as to not wake my siblings, I walked across the hall and knocked on Alicia's door. I then opened the door slowly, and entered the small room. After a moment's hesitation, I crossed the room and sat on the bed next to her, fighting to remember what I was going to ask her. Then it hit me. "Hey, would you like to come into town with me? I thought we could go ahead and start on our invention thing today," I asked, hoping she would say "yes." Or, rather, write it down. When grabbed her pencil and paper, she scribbled something down, and handed it to me. A smile lit up my face as I read the word "sure," and I set the paper down on the bed.

Hopping off of it, I grabbed her wrist gently, helping her off the bed. We both exited the house quickly and quietly, not wanting to wake anyone. After a few minutes, I let go of her slim wrist, and looked around at everyone. A group of kids about my age were smiling and waving at the two of us, but something about their smiles was insincere. This group of people weren't people I particularly liked. They were rude, and frankly, they frightened me a little. The way they were looking at Alicia and me was just plain creepy, and their smiles were the main factor that contributed to it. I whipped my head around, facing forwards, as well as speeding up a bit.

After a few minutes of walking, I spotted a large apple tree, and said, "Alicia, you should probably go wait for me over there, because I don't want someone to start something, alright?" I was hoping she wouldn't be offended. I just wanted her to stay safe. If much attention was drawn to her--which it would be, because of her blue hair--then someone would surely start something up, which wouldn't end very well. If the Peacekeepers found out she was an avox, not only would she be in trouble, but my family and I would be, too. The thought of my family getting hurt was troubling, and I didn't like it. Closing my eyes for a moment, I let out a sigh, and listened as Alicia walked over to the large, barren tree. The crisp, fluffy snow cruched underneath her feet as she walked, and I finally realized it was cold outside.

How wonderful. Out in the cold with no jacket. Because that makes complete sense. It wasn't that I didn't like the cold, but it really wasn't smart of me to forget my jacket. Oh well. I just had to tough it out. My brown eyes fluttered open, and I glanced around, taking in everything. Making my way over to the small shop I knew to have all of the needed supplies for Alicia and me, I opened the door and went inside, surveying everything. A few minutes later, I had everything in my arms, and pockets emptied of what little money I'd had to spend. As I left the shop, the sound of screaming made me freeze in my tracks.That sound was all too common these days, and my gaze flickered over to a group of Peacekeepers headed our way. Or, towards Alicia. Today wasn't going to be fun, was it?

I dropped everything in my arms, and turned, my heart pounding in my chest. The sight of Alicia getting up and running made me feel just a tad bit better, but the fact she had run into someone ruined it.

OOC: This sucks, so bad. I promise, my posts will get better. :3 I wonder what would happen if I ended up having Carlyn slap a Peacekeeper. That'd be interesting...

[angel]

narration= normal
thoughts= CC9966 and italicized
speech= 993300 and bolded

Brody groaned as the first rays of light filtered into his less than tidy room. I've got to get up. For mom and the girls, the failed pep talk bounced through his head as he slowly rolled out of bed and shuffled through the room. Staring at his reflection, Brody tried to give a winning smile, but to him it appeared more like a painful grimace. Well this is off to a great start.. he grumbled before quickly grabbing some clothes and pushing his hair down.

"I'm going to go get a job today," he announced, shaking his head at his mother's plead for him to eat breakfast first. Kissing her cheek, Brody swiped his jacked and bolted for the door. A grin played across his features at the sound of his mother's amused scolding fading behind him. Pulling his jacket on, Brody eyed the sky and surrounding buildings, urging them to give him a sign that today would be a good day. I can do this, I can do this. No slouching, keep a friendly tone, smile, and act like you know what you're doing, he recited, straightening himself up and smoothing out his clothes.

Brody knew that theses were the last few days until the reaping. He would have to get a job soon or be forced to sign up for even more tesseras. The image of his mother weeping over how great a risk he was at being reaped caused Brody to physically cringe. The only other way would be for his three younger sisters to take a few tesseras each, but Brody forbade it. The mere thought of his sisters being put at a higher risk made his blood run cold. If they want to take me for their sick form of entertainment then find, but nobody is touching my sisters, Brody vowed as the center of the District town came into view.

Eyeing each shop, Brody crossed his fingers that someone, anyone, would need a worker. As he rounded a corner, he heard the sound of screaming and yelling before the pounding of feet. Brody rose an eyebrow, but otherwise brushed the disturbance off. Suddenly, another body crashed into Brody and he let out a low grunt as they practically punched a hole through his stomach. "Oof!" he grunted before eyeing the person who ran into him. The first thing that caught Brody's eye was her hair. Although he knew it was common for people in the Capitol and District such as District 1, 2, and 4 to dye their hair, he had never seen such a unique hair color in his own District.

Removing his eyes from the girl's hair, Brody glanced over the frightened girl. She had several scars while her eyes dominated her face, wide and obviously terrified. The sound of someone else running up caught his attention and Brody glanced up to see yet another girl wearing a horrified expression as she stared at him. Do I look that bad after just walking up? Brody wondered, completely baffled as to why the girls were acting this way. Sure, the blue haired one had run into him, but Brody did not really mind.

Glancing up, Brody once again noticed the Peacekeepers. Raising an eyebrow, he quickly ushered the two girls back around the corner as the Peacekeepers ran past. Turning to face them, he gave them a look that clearly said 'explain.' "Are you alright?" he asked the blue haired girl. He was curious as to why they seemed so afraid, but in the back of his mind, Brody knew the more important thing was if she was alright. Turning to the other girl, Brody directed his next question to her, "So do I really look that bad just waking up or is there something else you two are afraid of?" Brody attempted to lighten the mood a little, but he still felt as if he needed answers.

OCC: Haha, don't worry, my post is worse x]

[aliciamusa]

I want to talk right now I want to so bad. I wanted to tell this guy thank you for helping me. I can't believe he had not seen me swallowing yet. I was doing that a lot. Just by my swallowing is enough to give me away. I wounder how my brother is doing. Probably better or worse. I know he is trying to find a way to find me I can feel it.

I elbow my sister in the arm. Hoping she will tell him its not him we are scared of. I wish I had taken sign language when I had the chance. I could use that, right now. I hurry and take my pad of paper and my pencil out. yes i am alright. Is all I wrote.

OOC: mine is shorter then all of yours xD

[Lily-Faith]

"Are you alright?"

Oh. It was Brody. Well that surely was something I was thankful for. We weren't necessarily friends, but we'd talked on an occasion or two. As I slid around the corner with Alicia and Brody, I watched and listened as the Peacekeepers ran by. "I hate Peacekeepers. So. Much," I said bitterly. "They're such idiots. I swear, they have no purpose at all." I let out a furious sigh, and looked them both over. "Yeah, I think we're both alright," I answered, toying with my braid. My eyes flickered downwards, and I studied the dirty snow on the ground. "Just a bit...On edge, you could say." I then poked my head around the corner cautiously, looking around for anymore Peacekeepers.

Straightening myself, I returned my attention to the boy in front of me, and then felt Alicia elbow me in the side. She could've been just a tad bit softer, but it didn't matter. Brushing it off, I glanced over at her, and could see why Brody was concerned. Although, I'm sure my face mimicked the blue-haired girl's, which gave the eighteen-year-old all the more reason to wonder what was wrong. I was conflicted at the moment. Should I tell him she's an avox, or not? I knew I could trust him, but I didn't quite know why. Something just told me I could. Nonetheless, I still couldn't make up my mind.

"So do I really look that bad just waking up or is there something else you two are afraid of?"

"Eh, you don't look that bad. Pretty handsome looking if I do say so myself..." I immediately blushed, although it wasn't very noticeable, because my cheeks were already a rosy-pink from the cold. Holy hell, did I really just say that? I mean, c'mon, you idiot. You don't say that to people. You just don't, I thought, flustered. I was debating whether or not to slap myself, but decided against it. "Er, sorry. I didn't mean...Uh, this is Alicia. She's...She's an avox," I told him, my voice set in a soft whisper, afraid someone else would overhear our conversation.

A moment later, I face-palmed, shaking my head softly. I remembered the broken supplies on the sidewalk, and thought about how I'd just spent all of my money on nothing. Yep, this day was just getting better and better...

OOC: Oh. My. Gosh. BAD POST ALERT! Meh... I really need some muse. Or a candy bar... I can't wait to see Brody's reaction to Carlyn. I swear, this girl is just like me, except smarter, and probably better at writing. /shot.

[angel]

narration= normal
thoughts= CC9966 and italicized
speech= 993300 and bolded

Brody watched as the first girl elbowed the other and he felt a smile pull on his features. As the other girl turned to him, he quickly returned to his neutral expression.The blue haired girl simply wrote down that she was alright, but Brody frowned, Why did she write it down instead of telling me? Is she sick? As the other girl cryptically answered his question, he realized that he did in fact recognize her. What was her name? Carlyn I think, Brody wondered before returning his attention to the two girls. Suddenly Carlyn began to rant about the Peacekeepers and Brody thanked their lucky stars that the Peacekeepers had left. "I wouldn't say that around them," he chuckled, admiring the girl for saying such an opinion out loud.

At her next words, Brody raised an eyebrow and looked between the two. "On edge?" he repeated as question after question filled his mind, but Brody pushed them away. No, if I've learned anything from my irritating sisters it's that if a girl doesn't want to tell you something, she won't budge no matter how many questions you ask, he reminded himself, smiling softly at memories of his sisters holding back information that they believed was the most top secret information in Panem. Of course, this information normally turned out to be simple things such as they ate the last cookies.

Looking at the girls in front of him, Brody knew that whatever they were holding back from him was not as simple as eating the last cookies. Suddenly, Carlyn blurted out that he did not look too bad, but rather a fairly handsome. Huh, handsome? he wanted to press as a smile tried to sneak onto his face. Brody remained silent and pushed away the urge to grin since he knew this would only cause her to be embarrassed. 'Well thanks," he finally answered, unsure if that was the correct response.

Before he could worry over his answer, Carlyn whispered a much more important piece of information. Brody immediately felt his mouth drop. He did not have anything against Avoxes, but having one in District 3 only meant one thing: she ran away. Glancing around to making sure there was not anyone nearby, Brody whispered back with wide eyes, "An Avox? But how is that possible?"

OCC: There's probably a BUNCH of mistakes....sorry!

[aliciamusa]

I face blamed myself. My sister had to burst it out loud. I barley even knew this guy. I barley knew anybody for a matter of fact. He asked how is that possible. so I opened my mouth for him to see I had no tongue and then I closed my mouth again.

I wrote down my story. What I did, how I escaped, and how I got here. Then I gave him the paper hoping he would not slap me or turn me in. He seamed nice enough not to, but I don't trust others easily.

I then turned to my sister and gave her a mean look. She was so going to get it later. I knew what I was going to do once we got home. I was going to lock her in a closet and keep her there till she apologizes.

[Lily-Faith]

Brody's light laugh calmed me a bit, and in return, I offered him a shaky smile. Although, it was really just to keep myself from exploding in rage. Several times I had opened my mouth in an attempt to say something, but each time had failed to do so. Instead of trying to say something and making a fool out of myself--which, to be honest, happened quite often--I shut my mouth until I found the right words to speak. At his next question, I glanced up, meeting his gaze for only a moment before returning my attention to the hard-packed ground once more. "Yeah. On edge, a bit shaken up. Whatever you wanna say, it's all the same," I told him, unaware my eyes had drifted upwards. 

You knew it was cold outside, so why didn't it occur to you that you would need a jacket? I mean really, you're freezing. I really don't see how you've made it through life... I realized too late not only that what I thought I was thinking, I was actually saying out loud, but that I also wasn't just muttering. I'd said it as if I were talking to someone, and the conversation was seconds away from turning into a heated argument. That's just lovely. I twiddled my thumbs nervously, and attempted an apologetic smile, but just ended up smiling at the ground. What was wrong with me? I eventually managed to shake away my embarrassment, and lifted my head to give the eighteen-year-old a apprehensive grin. 

Once more toying with my hair, I took notice to the fact that everything had gone quiet, and it was beginning to get a bit...awkward.  I wracked my brain for any recollection of what the boy had just said, and the words "Well, thanks" seemed to be right. But what had that been in response to? Oh, right. I'd called him handsome in a not-so-smooth fashion. I'm sure I'd look back at that sometime and start laughing during the wrong moment. "You can say something about it, if you like. I highly doubt you can embarrass me more than I already have. It was quite clear I didn't pull that off...at all," I said, the nervous grin on my face changing into a comfortable smile. 

Today certainly was odd--for me, at least. I'm sure Brody could say the same, but I doubted he would. Now came the lingering question:

"An Avox? But how is that possible?"

I could lie to him, as I was fairly good at it, but this was a subject far too important to joke about. Although, I was conflicted, because the glare Alicia was giving me told me I should lie, or tweak the story a little. Oh well. Maybe she could change my mind about it if she could talk. With a disgruntled sigh, I snatched the paper out of Alicia's hand before Brody could reach out and grab it, and crumpled it up, clasping it tightly. If one of us accidentally dropped the paper and someone else found it, we would be in some serious trouble. I couldn't risk that. After a moments hesitation, I began to speak. "Alicia and her brother, Alex, were caught in District 1 stealing a basket of apples. They were sent to the Capitol to become Avoxes, and after she awoke--tongue gone--her training kicked in, she fought a few Peacekeepers, and made her way down here," I whispered softly. The story sounded a bit farfetched, considering not many people would be able to fight their way out of the Capitol and escape to District 3.


I waited eagerly for his response, because this was no matter to be taken lightly. And the fact that he had already been so surprised to hear that the girl was an Avox made me all the more curious to see his reaction. The rosy color in my cheeks was becoming ever more prominent, and it wasn't unexpected. I was, after all, standing out in a cold environment without a jacket. Suddenly, the feeling overcame me that Brody could possibly give me his jacket from what I had earlier said, and I didn't want that. I was the one stupid enough to overlook the snow and freezing temperature, and deserved to have to tough it out. I'd be truly sorry if he thought he had to give up his warmth for mine. Especially since I'd reject the offer. And with what a gentlemen he was, that'd be hard. If only I could think without saying my thoughts out loud...

 

OOC: I hate my writing right now. It sucks. And for some reason, I want something dramatic to happen.../brick'd. Oh, and sorry you have to read this long piece of crap...xD

[angel]

narration= normal
thoughts= CC9966 and italicized
speech= 993300 and bolded

When the blue haired girl, Alicia, opened her mouth, Brody could not help but let an invisible shudder run down his spine. She really is an Avox, he thought, although he knew that nobody in their right mind would lie about something like this. As Alicia began scribbling something down on her paper, Brody realized he had two options: run to the nearest peacekeeper and report the two girls or stay and get involved in something he was not sure he even understood fully at this point. Running his hand through his hair, Brody looked over the two girls and knew he actually only had one option. What am I getting myself into?

While the Avox, Alicia, continued to write something, Carlyn grabbed his attention as she began to mutter about forgetting a jacket. Opening his mouth, Brody quickly closed it again, realizing she would never accept his own jacket. Glancing at the bits of frost that encased each blade of brown grass and small tree branch, he also knew that he needed to get her the jacket somehow. A small smirk twitched as Brody suddenly realized what he should do. Letting an audible groan escape him, Brody pulled on a grimace to replace his smirk while he eyed their surroundings. "Ugh, I told my mom I didn't need a jacket. I've been running all morning and I'm going to have a heat stroke," he muttered, pushing his sleeves up and pushing his hair away from his face as if it were also making him too hot. Letting his gaze causally land on Carlyn, he felt his face brighten before dropping into a pleading look.

"Hey Carlyn, would you mind holding my jacket for me?" he asked as if it would be a favor to him. Brody hated lying, especially to girls, but he knew that it was better to lie than let her stand their in the cold without a jacket. Suddenly, Alicia thrusted her piece of paper towards him, but just as he was about to take it, Carlyn snatched it away. "Alicia and her brother, Alex, were caught in District 1 stealing a basket of apples. They were sent to the Capitol to become Avoxes, and after she awoke--tongue gone--her training kicked in, she fought a few Peacekeepers, and made her way down here," she whispered and Brody felt a pang of hurt at how nervous she seemed.

Shaking his head, he quickly corrected himself, No, she has every right to be nervous. I shouldn't take it personally. After all, they are basically trusting me with their lives at this point. Looking between the two girls, Brody gave them a sincere look, hoping they could trust him enough. "I know you two probably have no reason to trust me, but please try to, because I promise I won't turn you in. Like you said, the Peacekeepers, and the Capitol for that matter, are stupid and we have to look out for each other, right?" he asked, giving them a small smile.

[aliciamusa]

I looked at my sister and almost slapped her. Why wouldn't she let me talk. Well write. What did I do. All I did was run into this kid. I took a piece of paper and began to write down Me and my brother did not get turned into avoxes because we stole some apples. We would actually do this a lot. He would talk to the person in charge of the stand and I would take what we needed and run. The I hooted like and owl and he would come. I gave it to him hoping my sister would not take the paper again.

[Lily-Faith]

"Ugh, I told my mom I didn't need a jacket. I've been running around all morning and I'm going to have a heat stroke. Hey Carlyn, would you mind holding my jacket for me?"

Clever. I watched as he pulled the jacket sleeves up, and moved his hair out of his face, making it looked like he was beginning to get a bit too hot. If this was his way of trying to get me to put on his jacket, it wasn't going to work. "Sure," I said, making sure to act like I had absolutely no idea what was going on, or what he wanted to happen. Alicia then began to scribble something more down on a new piece of paper, and I then remembered the one I was clutching in my hand. I skimmed over the words as her small hand held it out to Brody. "Alright, to be just a bit more specific, they ran into a Peacekeeper while stealing the apples."

This, too, should've been taken away, but it wasn't nearly as important as the first. No-one would have any idea who it was referring to, so I found no need to not let him see it. It was just a little bit of extra, un-needed information. It didn't quite matter at the moment, because I was now paying all attention to Brody and what he was saying.

"I know you two probably have no reason to trust me, but please try to, because I promise I won't turn you in. Like you said, the Peacekeepers, and the Capitol for that matter, are stupid and we have to look out for each other, right?"

A smile slipped onto my face, and I replied, "Brody, we really don't have to try. You could've run off and turned the both of us in when you had proof she was an Avox. It's not easy to just jump into this mess. And, right. We'll have each other's backs from now on. In the meantime, why don't we stop hiding and act normal..?"

OOC: Argh. Bad post. Oh well, it's short, too. I'm getting really hyped up about what's gonna happen soon...c:

[angel]

narration= normal
thoughts= CC9966 and italicized
speech= 993300 and bolded

Once again, Alicia began to write on a new piece of paper before stretching if forward with eyes glued to Carlyn as if daring her to take it again. They act like the girls do, he thought, grinning as Carlyn and Alicia's interaction reminded him of his sisters. When it appeared as if Carlyn was not going to take the paper, Brody took it and read over Alicia's explanation on why her and her brother were turned into Avoxes. A chuckle escaped Brody when Carlyn spoke up to clarify the note.

Realizing it sounded as if he was laughing at Alicia becoming an Avox, he quickly explained, "Sorry, it's just that you two remind me so much of my sisters." When Carlyn agreed so quickly to take his jacket as 'a favor,' Brody became suspicious. I wonder if she knows.... he quickly shook his head, simply glad that she was accepting the jacket and would not be so cold. Peeling off his jacket, Brody handed it to her with a smile, "Thanks!"

"Brody, we really don't have to try. You could've run off and turned the both of us in when you had proof she was an Avox. It's not easy to just jump into this mess. And, right. We'll have each other's backs from now on. In the meantime, why don't we stop hiding and act normal..?" Carlyn suggested and only then did Brody notice that they were all three still hiding behind the tree. Chuckling he quickly nodded in agreement, "Probably a good idea since we look a bit suspicious right now."


OCC: ok, so not my best post >.< but it's all I could come up with

[aliciamusa]

Seeing as we were going to be leaving the spot we were at I put my hood up that I was wearing and walked out of the corner. we walked past some peacekeepers and I tried my hardest to hide my hair. When one keep looking at me I walked a little faster. Act normal. Run away avoxes don't act normal. They can't.

If we could it would be so much easier to hide. First we can't talk, second we swallow weird, third the people die our hair to blend in. Ugh I hate the capitol and everything inside it. Everyone to everyone inside the capitol needs to die in a hole with snakes. Would that be a sight too see?

[Lily-Faith]

His chuckle reached my ears, and I couldn't help but smile at it. It seemed genuine and true, which wasn't something I was expecting to hear after what had just been discussed. He then stated the reasoning behind his laugh, and although I wouldn't have thought he was making fun of Alicia, the blue-haired Avox might have. But she shouldn't, now that he'd explained it all.

"Sorry, it's just that you two remind me so much of my sisters."

I replied, "Well, is that a bad thing?"

And a moment or two afterwards:

"Thanks!"

I accepted his jacket without hesitation, glad he didn't seem to be catching onto the fact that I knew what he was doing. Or, at least I didn't think he did. I returned his smile, and grasped the jacket in my hand, along with the crumpled paper, which I then let rest by my side. Nonchalantly, I let my gaze flicker over to him every once in a while, waiting to see his reaction. I then watched as Alicia slipped out from behind the large tree and began to walk away, not taking the time to make sure no-one was watching as she left the hiding spot. 

Poking my head around the tree, I grabbed Brody's hand gently, and pulled him out from behind the tree with me. A minute or so passed before I realized I was still holding his hand, and I released it hastily, keeping my eyes on Alicia. A group of Peacekeepers had taken a bit too much notice of her for my liking, and I wanted them to stop watching her so closely. It was completely possible for me to distract them by saying something offensive,  although I knew Brody wouldn't be too fond of that idea. In truth, I wasn't either, but if it meant Alicia was able to get home without being the focus of attention for Peacekeepers, I was willing to try it out.

OOC: Alright, I'm tired of saying my posts are bad, but I really wish I could write better. My muse needs to come back to me...

[angel]

narration= normal
thoughts= CC9966 and italicized
speech= 993300 and bolded

Brody watched as Alicia slipped back into the open fairly quickly, hiding her blue hair and avoiding attention. Now that he knew what she was, it stood out to him like a sore thumb that she clearly did not come from District Three. How did I not see this sooner? he wondered, nervous that the Peacekeepers nearby would also notice. When they said nothing, however, Brody realized that it was not just him, but everyone who was completely oblivious to the presence of a runaway avox. It's just such an impossible feat that we would never suspect. Of course it is possible since I'm looking right at her.

When Carlyn asked if it was bad that she and Alicia reminded him of his sisters, Brody paused and mulled this over. On the one hand, his sisters were fairly annoying and constantly causing problems for him, but on the other hand, they were a big part of the small group of people Brody would literally die for. Giving Carlyn a grin, he shrugged, "I guess it depends on how you look at it, but I personally did not mean it as an insult."

A pleased smile tugged at his features when she took his jacket, but it was quickly followed by an irritated frown. Brody watched as Carlyn simply held the jacket, refusing to put it on despite the fact that she was obviously cold. Why is she being so stubborn? he asked himself before giving her an exasperated look that said 'really?' As they walked, Brody felt his gaze constantly flicker between searching for suspicious Peacekeepers and watching Carlyn simply holding his jacket. She had to know that would drive me completely nuts, he groaned internally.

As Brody resisted the urge to simply grab the jacket and put it on Carlyn himself, he realized that Carlyn was eyeing a group of Peacekeepers who were in turn eyeing Alicia. Scanning her face, Brody could practically seeing the wheels turning in her mind. Giving Carlyn a small nudge to get her attention, Brody shook his head and mouthed a clear 'no.' With each step the group took past the Peacekeepers, however, Brody realized how futile his efforts were. She's just like my sisters, stubborn and unwilling to listen to me. The jacket only proves it, he realized as dread began to seep in along with the many possibilities of what Carlyn could be planning.