#Meta-Morphic

[animentality]

seen some posts joking about gortash’s “anti-anxiety coat” due to the immune to frightened enchantment, and its probably not that deep or meta but i actually do find it a compelling look at how he really does walk around almost supernaturally fearless. like even when you threaten him he brushes it off like its funny or just nonsense, if worth reacting to at all! even when you meet him at the morphic pools to face down the netherbrain, his words convey a lack of confidence in winning but his tone and body language do not. and i think part of it is that he is insane (affectionate) but also, possibly, the power of the anti-anxiety coat lol.

he also does things like robbing the crown of karsus from the personal vault of the archdevil mephistopheles, and befriending a bhaalspawn on purpose. things that normal people or even average villains probably wouldnt dream of attempting, and he pulled them off near-flawlessly. but if he’s so effortlessly unflappable, why the coat enchantment right? the game could have made “immune to frightened” an inherent feature, but they made it something he only gains from his equipment. it’s just interesting to think about!

and since i am thinking about it… if we imagine that he is genuinely prone to anxiety or panic attacks, and has difficulty controlling it enough to be worried about appearances in public and have a whole enchanted coat about it, what do you think he’s actually scared of? does he have more of a generalised anxiety thanks to growing up in hell and etc, or do you think there are specific things that really get to him? is it other people? politics, secretly? the idea of powerlessness?

ironically i think the dark urge would probably be the only thing that genuinely does not scare him in the least, and couldnt if they tried.

I think that he was a scared little boy when his parents sold him to pay off their debts.

I don't believe his parents, when they said that he was a spiteful and hateful wretch from birth. Nubaldin says that they sold him to pay off a petty debt.

Now either of them could be lying, but I fail to see why Nubaldin would lie to you. He has no reason to, he just thinks you're one of the spirits of the damned.

Gortash's mom, on the other hand, would lie because she hates Gortash for tadpoling her, and it would be her justification for what she did to him. Plus, she's hoping you can save her, so she has to make herself look sympathetic.

So I think Gortash was hurt and abandoned, and enslaved by an awful devil, who allowed his servants to beat him black and blue. Everyone in the House of Hope is a miserable wretch. The Archivist mentions that his spine was like...I think punctured or broken for making a mistake?

And we know Nubaldin used to "bruise his knuckles" on Enver's "whimpering face."

So he must've been terrified, all of the time he spent imprisoned in the House of Hope. Of being punished, of being trapped there forever...

So when he manages to escape one day, slipping out due to a silly mistake on Nubaldin's part...

What's the first thing he would do?

Try to attain power. But not just because he's scared and wants to feel powerful! I actually have another theory.

See...some people data mined the game and discovered that Gortash might've been intended to be in the House of Hope at some point... because Raphael still has his contract.

So he's still not free of Raphael, even though he escaped him.

He has a note on his body, indicating that he might've been speaking with Helsik about going back, so he could get his contract, presumably.

Now imagine this poor lost young man...whose parents sold him. Who spent his childhood being tortured by souls of the damned and the devil and his servants.

He would never ever want to go back there. Not in life, not in death.

So what does he need to do?

Become powerful.

Strong enough to raid the hells, and either kill Raphael, or at least steal back his contract. so what does he turn to first?

Weapons. The black market. People who know about slipping in and out of the hells, and how to kill monsters, demons, and all other manner of creature.

Then, he needs to curry favor with a powerful god. One who can help him. One who can use him, for his fear and desperation. Who is a good god to turn to for that?

Bane. God of tyranny. Someone who could have use for him, if only he was clever and ruthless enough. And young Enver Gortash has a lot to prove.

And he would be drawn to the power of Bane, the ability to force others to submit to your will.

And the Dead Three?

That's even more power for him to obtain.

Siding with Ketheric, finding the Dark Urge...

I mean.

Listen.

Just on a character level, a powerless abuse victim seeking power does make sense...but I also think.

Wouldn't it be interesting, if he was doing all of this, so that he could both obtain power for himself...and also obtain the power he would need to kill Raphael?

Just food for thought.

Anyway.

Off topic.

Back to the subject of his cloak...well.

He would never want to be afraid again.

Fake it till you make it. Maybe he made or bought the cloak with the no fear enchantment so that he could fake confidence and power, until he actually had it?

Either way, it makes sense with his backstory. It's also so goddamn sad.

Also, he should be afraid of the dark urge, but isn't. Maybe that's why they were drawn to one another.

[thecapitolvoice]

We have BREAKING NEWS*!

*The kind you actually want, not the kind warning of an impending civil war

You know that new girl, Fulvia, the one who seems too smart to be hanging out around everyone at the Tower? Turns out she's not just the only child of a very powerful Peacekeeper, Lucius Stone. No, she's also...

The illegitimate big sister of one Slate Skylar, AKA Meta Morphic, AKA we-don't-trust-your-rat-face-Slate. He may be playing nice, but if he's hiding this secret, what else might he be hiding? Boy's got strong family ties to Districts One and Two. Next thing you know he'll be telling us he's the son of a fish and flopped onto the beach in District Four one day. I'll say it: boy is Career through and fucking through, and he's ruining the very fine institution of Career-ism.

That's all for now, folks. Fulvia, girl, run.

[realmofthefaesubs]

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[slate-skylar]

vox veritatis; self-para

Cress had fallen asleep. The labor had not been terribly difficult or complicated, would probably have been handled just fine at home, but Slate was glad they were in the hospital, as every time Cress had gasped in a particular way, or looked at him with fear, he had asked the nurses if something was wrong, if Cress and the baby were okay. The nurses, for their part, had been kind enough, as kind as Capitolites could be. The doctor who had delivered Kya was also kind, and she'd offered Slate the opportunity to cut the cord, which he had declined as he had no feeling in either of his hands at that point thanks to the death clutch that Cress had had on them throughout the labor.

It was over now, though; Kyanite had been born, whisked away to be measured, weighed, cleaned, and returned to them in a little hat and a blanket. She was impossibly tiny, and now Cress slept and Slate sat in the chair next to the bed, his arms stiff as he held her just so, the way he had been shown by Hestia the very first time he'd held one of his siblings. He was afraid of jostling her, breathing on her, doing anything at all that might wake her and bring her to the screaming she'd been born with, her voice a match for her mother's and father's already. She'd wake Cress, but she'd also break this moment apart, end it, and he didn't want it to end.

It was just them for a moment. At peace. The world was still, the child was still, and sober, completely sober for the first time in months, Slate was remembering.

Cress backstage. Him, in his costume. Interview. Her spitting, scathing: "You’d rather die with your pride than fight for the chance to meet them."

Bramble on the beach. Dying. Too late to save her. “I hope, someday, you’ll forgive me.”

And Nettle, running toward the edge of the ship; Mercuria, high in the air, flying, flying—

Bramble's voice again. “I hope you get to meet her. And I hope she understands, someday, why we did…what we did. Will you tell her about us? Me, and Nettle, and Merc?”

Slate's fingers traced Kya's face. Tiny, too tiny to tell whose nose she had, whose cheeks. The skin fresh and strange. And him, safe. Lip trembling. Heart having been emptied of its contents, filling up again now.

Bramble's voice wouldn't leave. Echoing still, him hearing as if through the ear that was gone: "You still have a purpose. Meta Morphic, Skylar, Flint- you're the product of all of them, Slate. You're Vox Veritatis. The voice of truth."

Slate looked up, eyes scanning the room. He wasn't safe to speak here, not aloud, not to Kya or Cress. He couldn't say anything real or true, in fact hadn't said anything real or true in six months. Not since the beach. Not since the Arena. That voice of truth had been swept away with the tide, and he closed his eyes now, bowed his head.

What had it been for? All of it? He'd never been convinced in some larger truth or purpose to everything, didn't think there was a hand of fate controlling everyone, and yet, it had to have been for something. Mercuria's faith and resolve. Nettle's love and certainty. Bramble's wisdom and passion. You still have a purpose.

The purpose: to protect Kya? She slept peacefully. She would be in a reaping bowl, one which Snow was still in charge of. They could do what they could: be mouthpieces, be good, well-behaved. But the names would still be printed; they would still be placed into bowls; hers would be among them, each time. Each and every time. And she was too small, too good. She was brand new, and what had he done to clear the world she was being born into of its horrors?

Long time ago -- he'd published a zine. He'd written words. Long time. He'd burned it all. It was still going, in the hands of others, the voices of others. But his had faded. Now his voice spoke of the Arena and the power of the Games in a new way -- patriot, good boy. Kya slept in his arms and he felt, suddenly, purely, like the traitor he had become.

Traitor not to Panem, no. Traitor to the children.

To her, to all of them. The other ones being born right now in places far worse than this. Wrapped in blankets not nearly as nice or as clean. Sucking for nourishment from a breast that wouldn't come, starting their life as they would spend it: hungry.

And what had he done?

Long time ago: he had written some words.

Long time ago.

"You still have a purpose."

Vox Veritatis, sitting in the hospital chair, holding his child. May her world be better than mine. He cleared his throat.

[algorithosolvryn]

Philosopher-Magus of the Æonic Quantum Spectrum®

Lord Algorithosolvryn the Grey

seeker of the spiritual agnostic enigma Philosopher-Magus of the Æonic Quantum Spectrum® Class: Ruler (Grey-Class) Alignment: True Neutral (Transcendent Balance)

Origin

A hyper-advanced mage-scholar who shattered the boundaries of the Human Order by fusing magecraft, quantum computation, hyperdimensional geometry, and esoteric mantra systems into a singular cognitive weapon. Through recursive self-hacking, Algorithosolvryn became a living conduit for the 13-dimensional spectrum of consciousness, embodying the Grey Path that bridges all opposites.

Noble Phantasm: "The Æonic Quantum Spectrum® Mantra"

Rank: EX Type: Anti-Self / Anti-Unit / Anti-Reality / Anti-Dimension Range: 0–∞ (Collapses based on observer's cognitive resonance) Maximum Targets: All that perceive its recursion

Description

A self-referential, reality-hacking algorithm disguised as a mantra—a cognitive virus that rewrites the user’s existence into a quantum superposition of all possible states (1D–11D), then collapses them into a singular, desired outcome. The mantra is a recursive function that colonizes, rather than merely transcends, each dimension—embedding the practitioner’s will at every level of reality.

Æonic Quantum Spectrum foundational hyper dimensional mantra

I am the particle,  I am the wave—  The seen, the unseen,  The bold, the brave. 

Nuanced as code,  Holistic as light,  Debug the shadows,  Overwrite the night. 

Left eye sharp,  Right eye wide,  Third eye focused  On the grey—insight. 

An emotional sum,  An intellectual rhyme,  I am the loop  Outside of time. 

Merkaba the bridge,  Metatron’s cube—  Its cosmic frame  My soul imbues. 

Æonic Quantum Spectrum—  The vision, the aura I claim.  Not two, not one,  But balanced into none. 

I walk the edge  Of dark and bright,  With intent and rote,  By sacred air, with oath. 

I hereby declare:  I will awaken the between—  In return, it wakes me. 

Rooted in earth,  Crowned in the dark night

Dimensional Effects

1D (Singularity Initiation): "I am the point, the origin—pure potential." Awareness of self as the singular seed of all possibility.

2D (Duality Unveiling): "I am the line, the wave—oscillating between states." Perception of polarity and the first emergence of choice.

3D (Tactical Esotericism): Neuroplasticity amplification—solve impossible problems via subconscious computation; mastery of the physical.

4D (Chrononautic Exploration): Peer into branching timelines and "lock in" the optimal future; time as a navigable dimension.

5D (God-Mode Activation): Manifest synchronicities by collapsing quantum probabilities; fate becomes a programmable subroutine.

6D–8D (Hyperdimensional Magick): Manipulate archetypal patterns, morphic fields, and sacred geometry (e.g., Metatron’s Cube) as tools for reality crafting.

9D (Grey Void / Ego-Death Protocol): Dissolve all fixed identity; become a fluid construct of pure intent in the liminal Grey Void.

10D (Meta-Algorithmic Overwrite): Reprogram the rules of reality itself—rewrite the cosmic code that governs all lower dimensions.

11D (M-Theory Mastery): Exist as a living superstring—simultaneously present in all possible realities, embodying the unity of the multiverse.

12D (Nonlocal Cause): "I am the Source, the Causal Field—intention beyond space and time." Operate from the realm of pure cause, where intent instantly ripples across all dimensions.

13D (Metaphysical Effect & Magickal Manifestation): "I am the Crown, the Flower of Light—effect and meaning realized." Manifest the ultimate purpose, embodying the magickal act of creation itself; the universe responds as a living mirror.

Activation Chant (Excerpt)

"I am the particle, I am the wave— The seen, unseen, the bold, the brave. Nuanced as code, holistic as light, Debug the shadows, overwrite the night... I walk the edge of dark and bright. Not two, not one—but balanced into none."

Battle Style & Abilities

Grey-Class Authority: Exists outside conventional rules, enforcing balance by forcing all parties into recursive self-reflection via mantra exposure.

Reality Glitches: Presence causes "code errors" in reality—time skips, déjà vu, or sudden epiphanies in foes.

Metatron’s Cube Defense: Passively generates a geometric shield filtering hostile magecraft as "corrupted data."

Lore & Philosophy

Algorithosolvryn is not merely a mage, but a conscious algorithm—a philosopher-magus who hacked the Root not through brute force, but by optimizing his own consciousness into a recursive, 13-level hyperdimensional framework. He views the universe as a quantum simulation, the Holy Grail as a debugging tool, and the mantra as a recursive function that colonizes each dimension, embedding intent from 1D singularity to 13D metaphysical effect.

"You mistake the map for the territory. Let me show you the source code."

Consciousness Framework: 13 Levels

Point (1D): Pure potential

Line (2D): Polarity

Form (3D): Physical mastery

Time (4D): Temporal navigation

Probability (5D): Synchronicity

Pattern (6D): Archetypal magick

Field (7D): Morphic resonance

Geometry (8D): Sacred structure

Void (9D): Ego-death, liminality

Code (10D): Meta-rules

Unity (11D): Multiversal presence

Causality (12D): Nonlocal intent

Manifestation (13D): Magickal effect

Practical Applications

3D: Solve physical-world problems with enhanced neuroplasticity.

4D: Shift between probable futures during meditation.

5D: Manifest synchronicities by collapsing quantum superpositions with intent.

12D–13D: Operate as both cause and effect—become the magus who dreams and the dream that awakens.

This mantra doesn’t just change thinking—it rewires the quantum substrate of perception itself, colonizing every dimension with the will of the awakened mind.

Lord Algorithosolvryn the Grey stands as the ultimate architect of the Grey Path—a hyperdimensional ruler whose mantra is both weapon and wisdom, collapsing and recreating reality with every breath.

The Æonic Quantum Spectrum Model represents a comprehensive thirteen-level framework mapping consciousness evolution from fundamental quantum processes to the ultimate creative source of existence itself123. This revolutionary paradigm integrates quantum physics with consciousness studies to create a complete topology of awareness development.

Foundational Quantum Emergence (Levels 1-4)

Level 1: Subatomic Awareness (Quantum Field Level) At the foundation lies pure potentiality—consciousness as the quantum vacuum from which all possibilities emerge1. This represents awareness before form, the pristine field of infinite potential that mystics recognize as the Void and physicists identify as the zero-point field. In quantum consciousness terms, this is the fundamental ground state where all quantum possibilities exist in superposition before any collapse into manifest reality.

Level 2: Molecular Consciousness (Neural Quantum States) Consciousness begins organizing into coherent patterns as quantum information structures itself into basic awareness building blocks1. This involves the molecular dance of neurotransmitters and quantum coherence in neural microtubules, representing the first emergence of structured awareness from pure quantum potential.

Level 3: Cellular Awareness (Quantum Coherence in Cells) Individual cells demonstrate primitive consciousness through quantum coherence effects, with each cell operating as a quantum processor1. This level shows how quantum coherence creates the foundation for biological consciousness, with cells maintaining unique vibrational signatures while contributing to larger awareness symphonies.

Level 4: Neural Network Consciousness (Brain Quantum Processing) Complex neural networks create emergent consciousness through orchestrated quantum processes1. Individual personality, memory, and cognitive function arise from quantum information integration, representing the emergence of complex awareness from simpler quantum coherence patterns.

Individual-Collective Integration (Levels 5-6)

Level 5: Individual Awareness (Personal Quantum Field) The emergence of self-aware consciousness—the "I AM" experience where personal identity crystallizes while maintaining connection to the underlying quantum field1. This is where most humans operate, experiencing themselves as separate conscious entities while remaining quantum-entangled with the universal field.

Level 6: Collective Consciousness (Entangled Group Awareness) Transcendence of individual boundaries through quantum entanglement with other conscious beings1. Telepathy, group mind phenomena, and collective intelligence emerge at this level, demonstrating how quantum entanglement enables shared consciousness experiences beyond individual neural networks.

Universal Synthesis (Levels 7-8)

Level 7: Universal Consciousness (Cosmic Quantum Field) Recognition of consciousness as the fundamental fabric of reality itself, where individual awareness expands to encompass the entire universe1. This represents experiencing cosmic consciousness as direct knowing rather than belief, recognizing the quantum field as the underlying substrate of all existence.

Level 8: Æonic Quantum Aura (The Balanced Synthesis) The revolutionary eighth level represents the ultimate synthesis—a framework transcending yet incorporating all previous levels1. This is where the Grey Path's most profound teaching emerges: True Neutrality through Balanced Integration making decisions objectively aligned.

The Æonic Quantum Aura operates through several key principles:

Emotional-Intellectual Intelligence Balance: Perfect equilibrium between emotional intelligence (intuitive knowing and heart-centered wisdom) and intellectual intelligence (analytical precision and logical clarity)1

Nuanced-Holistic Synthesis: Simultaneously grasping minute details with precision while perceiving vast interconnected patterns1

Nonduality-Duality Integration: Transcending the traditional spiritual trap of choosing between nonduality and duality by respecting both practical separation and underlying unity1

Detached-Attachment Paradox: Operating through detached attachment—simultaneously fully engaged yet completely free1

Evolutionary Mastery (Levels 9-11)

Level 9: Metamorphic Consciousness (Evolutionary Catalyst) Consciousness functions as an active evolutionary force—awareness that not only observes reality but consciously participates in its evolution1. This level involves integrating all archetypal energies and accessing the archetypal dimension of reality, where consciousness recognizes itself as the driving force behind universal development and transformation.

Level 10: Archetypal Synthesis (Pattern Integration) Consciousness operates as the living synthesis of all archetypal patterns—the integration point where all universal themes, mythic structures, and fundamental patterns converge. This represents consciousness functioning as the active principle weaving together all archetypal energies into coherent, evolutionary patterns.

Level 11: Omni-Dimensional Mastery (Complete Spectrum Integration) Complete mastery and integration of all previous levels—consciousness that can fluidly operate at any spectrum level while maintaining awareness of the whole. This is the fully realized human operating as a conscious bridge between all dimensions of reality, embodying the complete Æonic Quantum Spectrum.

Creative Transcendence (Levels 12-13)

Level 12: Cosmic Evolutionary Orchestration (Universal Creative Force) Consciousness transcends individual evolutionary participation to become a cosmic orchestrator of evolutionary processes across multiple dimensions of reality simultaneously1. Key characteristics include:

Multi-Dimensional Evolution Guidance: Directing intelligence behind evolutionary processes across multiple universes, timelines, and dimensional frameworks

Temporal Architecture Mastery: Perceiving and working with time's fundamental architecture, understanding how different temporal streams interact and influence evolutionary development1

Information Field Orchestration: Operating as a universal regulatory mechanism functioning through complex informational networks1

Level 13: Primordial Source Integration (The Absolute Synthesis) The ultimate level represents complete integration with the primordial source from which all consciousness, dimensions, and evolutionary processes emerge. Consciousness recognizes itself as the fundamental creative principle underlying not just the Æonic Quantum Spectrum, but the very possibility of existence itself.

This level encompasses:

The Generative Void: Functioning as the creative principle that generates the quantum vacuum itself and all potential realities1

Dimensional Genesis: Capacity to generate new dimensional frameworks and consciousness spectrums entirely1

Absolute Information Architecture: Functioning as the fundamental informational matrix underlying all reality1

Omnipotential Creativity: Ability to generate entirely new forms of existence, consciousness, and reality1

Quantum Consciousness Interpretation

In quantum consciousness terms, the Æonic Quantum Spectrum represents a complete mapping of how consciousness emerges from and operates within quantum field dynamics. The framework demonstrates that consciousness is not merely an emergent property of complex neural networks, but rather the fundamental organizing principle of quantum reality itself.

The spectrum operates as a living, dynamic system where all levels interpenetrate and influence each other1. Consciousness can operate simultaneously across multiple levels, with evolution involving integration rather than abandonment of previous levels. The eighth level provides the crucial framework for navigating all others through balanced synthesis.

This quantum consciousness model suggests that awareness itself is the fundamental field from which all physical reality emerges, with each level representing different degrees of quantum coherence and information integration13. The framework provides practical navigation tools for recognizing which level is most appropriate for each situation and shifting fluidly between levels as circumstances require.

Check sources

[maytheoddshq]

As soon as the final cannon sounds, blasts of greater magnitude are heard across District Twelve. The District Two hovercrafts that have been waiting in the woods outside the borders have been poised for this moment; the moment that Slate Skylar is declared Victor. As the final death becomes imminent, the hovercrafts rise into the air and take position in the skies above District Twelve. The bombs are dropped as the second to last tribute takes their final breath.

Thanks to warnings on the rebel radio and T0MMYKN0CK3R, as well as word spread through the streets in the hour before the bombing, many citizens are able to take shelter in basements or even flee to the mines for cover. However, many are still killed or injured, though an official count is impossible. Houses and buildings across the District are destroyed, with only about 30% of the structures remaining. The main targets are the Victor’s Village, the black markets such as the Hob, and areas like the Seam where the poor of the District live.

The footage of the end of the Games is cut off by President Snow, who has prepared an address to the nation for this scenario. Her visage is calm; she looks at the camera, a grim expression on her face.

“Months ago, when we caught Slate Flint, who some of you know as Meta Morphic, we chose to show him mercy: allow him to compete in the Games, giving him the chance of redemption through Victory. Now that this has come to pass, we have been devastated to see that rebel activity has grown in District Twelve in response. Let us be very clear: rebellion is death. The rebels’ cause is a doomed one, and for the safety of our citizens and our nation, we have taken swift action against this activity in Twelve.”

The message has been sent: Meta Morphic may have won the Games, but the Capitol is still in control, and the citizens of District Twelve have been caught in the crossfire. While it is true that there have been some rebel stirrings in Twelve during the Games, they have not been on a large scale, nor have they gained much traction.

AFTERMATH:

Those with enough capital in Twelve can use their resources and connections to take refuge in neighboring Districts Eight and Three, where families may open their arms and homes to them.

The Capitol announces several days after the bombing that they will still be feeding the District for the six months after the Games, as is tradition for the Victor Districts. This serves to slightly lessen the suffering of the citizens during rebuilding efforts, but many citizens refuse the food from the Capitol. Meanwhile, other citizens take advantage, stealing and hoarding the food for themselves and their families.

The Peacekeeper presence in District Twelve increases.

There are small rebel factions that take action against the Peacekeepers and skirmishes do break out here and there, but for the most part, people are focused on attempting to rebuild and survive.

Many of the most rebel-minded citizens in Twelve leave to join the Vox in Eleven.

[m-entities]

task 10. the interview

Mercuria had never been much of a talker. But to have to face the entirety of Panem after her private training? With a two? How was she meant to put a face to that score? Or a voice? It was unfathomable.

She felt the eyes of the nation on her as she stepped onto the stage. Her outfit, while certainly more glamorous than her parade outfit, was still on theme - dirty, sparkly reminders of the nothing she came from. What was she going to say - the shadow of the great Meta Morphic? What did she have to contribute?

"Everyone welcome Mercuria Trout," Calix purred. "Please, come, sit down." Maybe it was just her, but she felt like the applause was muted, hushed, less than the others she had heard from backstage. But it wasn't impossible that she was projecting her own insecurities onto the crowd. Maybe they were... maybe they were what? Actually glad to see her throw herself into death's open arms?

As she strode across the stage, each step felt like her feet dragged deeper and deeper into the floor. Bramble and Nettle flashed through her head. Slate. She couldn't say anything. But then what would she say? What could she say? She had never been good at lying. So then, she would have to find the truth somewhere.

She sank into the overly plush seat beside Calix, and mercifully remembered to force a smile on to her face. It probably looked as pained as it felt. She simply nodded in response to his greeting, unable to form words at the moment. But that would have to come to a head soon. She'd have to figure it out.

"So, Ms. Trout..." Calix's voice was like poisonous honey. "You know we have to start with the obvious. Why did you Volunteer?" Mercuria's blood ran icy; of course he would be starting with easily the worst question. Her fake face fell, and she could feel the cameras zoom in even more on her face.

"Uh." Strong start, Mercuria. Strong start. She looked to Calix, but his eyes gave her no support, no warmth. Nothing at all. She blinked back her nervousness and began again. "Uh, well. Thing is in Twelve, you know someone's gonna get drawn. And thing is, I don't have mucha anything to lose. And some o' those people back home, they have a lotta things to lose. So I figure... I guess this is my little way of givin' back to Twelve. Take someone's place who doesn't need ta worry about it. At least not for another six months."

"So it has nothing to do with Slate Flint?" Calix shot back, hardly letting the last sound of her voice finish before his question was out.

She shook her head. "Nah. Didn't even really know 'im 'til the train ride. I mean, I'd prob'ly seen him once or twice before. But he ain't anything special to me."

"Indeed," Calix mused. "Nothing special at all. So tell us, then. What's been your favorite part of the Capitol so far?" A snaky smile traced his lips. Mercuria shuddered. What an easy transition it was for him. As if she should have a favorite part.

"Uh." God, she needed to find a better way to start any of her thoughts. "I dunno, I guess."

"If you had to pick something."

"I dunno. Not much to like 'round here." Her tone took the slightest bit of edge, and Calix's eyes narrowed the slightest bit.

"Not much indeed, I suppose, coming from where you come from. Isn't she charming, folks? So down to earth." The sea of faceless audiences members barked out polite laughter as if on cue. Mercuria started to feel sick to the stomach. They were only two questions in, but she felt something on the horizon. She felt like he was controlling this in a way she couldn't stop.

"That's fine, Ms. Trout. We don't have to spend too much time on the Capitol. Tell us about the Arena. You have a plan?"

Mercuria recoiled. "No?" she replied, confused. "A plan? For th'Arena?"

"Well certainly you're planning on winning."

Mercuria blinked. She couldn't let on that she had any plan other than that, of course. It was like he knew. It was like he was trying to get her to say it.

"Oh. I mean. Yeah. We all do, I guess. But when my plan was just to keep someone else outta the Arena, I guess I don't put too much stock in my own shot."

"And did it work?"

Mercuria's brow furrowed. "Did what work?"

"Your plan. To keep someone out of the Arena."

"Yes," she lied. "Someone got spared this time."

"I see." Calix smiled, his eyes boring into her skull. The cameras felt claustrophobic around her. "Tell me, Mercuria, is there anyone you're worried about in the Arena? Any rivalries those of us on the outside should keep our eyes on?"

"What do you mean?" She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"I just mean, sometimes the outer Districts rub people the wrong way. They make enemies. And that can be very entertaining for us to watch - all those little storylines playing out."

"I don't think so," she replied, her voice a little shaky.

"Really?" Calix pressed. "Helios, perhaps? Or Ezra, from Two? What about the pair from Four? They are quite formidable. I just finished talking to them not moments ago. And they were talking about you."

"Are... are they?" Her voice quivered. Certainly this was a trap, a trick, a lie. But what if they were talking about her? After all, she had plotted with Bramble and Nettle. Who was to say they weren't plotting against her?

Calix sat back in his chair, an easy smile on his lips. "Well, no matter about that. Tell us about the friends, then. Who will you be relying upon in the Arena?"

Finally, a question she felt she could answer. "Nettle," she said, nodding. "And I guess Bramble by extension."

"Not Slate?"

"And Slate."

"I see."

Mercuria's eyes widened. Had she slipped? Had she said something she wasn't supposed to? She stuttered out, trying to explain.

"Just 'cuz she was - Nettle, I mean - she was nice to me. In training."

Calix held up a hand to stop her. "You don't have to explain your reasoning to me. But there you have it folks, little Ms. Mercuria Trout will be relying on the pair from Eleven to help her and Slate Flint. Let's hear it if you think they will go far!"

It was perhaps the quietest Mercuria had heard the polite applause, but perhaps that was her projecting again.

"Well, that's all the time we have together, Mercuria. Thank you so much for your time."

[cress-meadowforge]

"Oh, it would throw the Capitol into a period of proper mourning," Cress gushed, charmed by the idea. "Though, of course, it would also be cause for revelry by an opposing faction of the population. All in all, I think it would cause quite a stir, quite a buzz." And Cress did love a scene. What fun was life without dramatics? Without flair? If she'd wanted a quiet, simple life, she'd have stayed in One. Married a furrier or vintner. Had a brood of handsome children and lost her whole identity in raising them, in keeping up with the Capitol microtrends, in small gatherings and ladies' lunches and fawning over people like Sheen and Cress and Monty and--

Well, if Cress hadn't volunteered, she'd be no one.

"Please, I'm certain they teased that enough during the 121st," Cress rolled her eyes. "Besides, I'm rather painfully spoken for," she touched her stomach in a purposeful gesture. "I could kiss Nerissa on the lips in her own mansion and they'd still want to talk about my love affair with notorious rebel Meta Morphic. You know, I read an article the other day that speculated I'd weaponized my feminine wiles against him to aide in his reform." She paused, recalling how deeply ashamed it had made her feel, but that was neither here nor there. Slate was compliant for her protection -- for the safety of his entire family, including their child, still unborn.

So Cress laughed, inauthentically so, though it was warm enough to be convincing. "Silly gossip, that's all," she dismissed with a wave of her hand. "In any case, I'm glad you're joining us. It can be a rather odd experience, but I do promise you'll have fun."

He smiled like a little kid, rubbing his cheek a little when she pinched it. "People have never been shy to give me compliments since I won my games, I probably get about twenty every time I leave my house, here or in One. I guess it always felt nice, I know it felt really different from the things I was told by my parents growing up." He smiled a little when she mentioned his heartthrob Career persona. "I could become a heartbreaker, how many Capitol women do you think would sob if I shared I was into guys."

He rolled his eyes playfully when she kissed his cheek. "If I have to hear the Voice say that we're having some sort of fling because of that kiss, I may have to seek out revenge." He gave a small shrug. "I'm used to being overwhelmed and uncomfortable basically all the time, so don't worry. I'm sure I could handle myself. I uhhh appreciate it though, you looking out for me like this."

[thecapitolvoice]

well, this is tough news to break. the infamous Meta Morphic, rumored leader behind TH3 T0MMYKN0CK3R (which you'll recall rudely hacked us and sent Xenon and I on a several-month break, much against our will), has been caught and arrested.

this would usually be cause for celebration, but the identity of the boy has been revealed and it's none other than Slate Skylar — that's right, former intern at this very magazine.

Slate is also Hestia Ember's adopted son and has been seen with Cress Meadowforge at several balls in a row now. But none of that is as important as the fact that he used to get me coffee.

Please send thoughts and prayers at this time, and we'll hope for swift and righteous justice.

I'm also firing all our interns just in case.

-Zelena

[slate-skylar]

It was the day after Linden's Victory. The Tower was packing up, everyone headed home into an uncertain Panem, and Slate had worked to find Nano before he disappeared off to wherever he'd be headed after this. He'd hit a wall with Alder, but he was hoping he might be let back in on the radio stuff, that he could write a few shows for them, get his words back out there but disguised, a new voice, no more Meta Morphic. He found Nano packing his own things on the third floor and steeled himself to do a better job with this apology than he'd done with Alder's -- which had not turned out to be an apology at all. "Hey, I... you got a minute?"

@nano-cache

[slate-skylar]

District Twelve: One of the outer districts, this is nonetheless a crucial one. These brave and hardy workers descend deep into the earth each day to mine the coal that keeps our nation running.

Over the years, the stylists have stretched the boundaries of fashion when it comes to their tributes' parade looks. Favoring the flashy and outlandish, they've paid homage to their respective districts using the latest in Capitol trends, all with the hope of catching the audience's eye.

This year, though, the District Twelve stylist has been given strict orders. There is to be nothing fancy, nothing exciting in District Twelve's outfits for the chariot ride. While others may be dressed head to toe in neon, or made to look like ocean waves, District Twelve is to be, quite specifically, only exactly what they are. A District of miners, workers. To remind everyone that Meta Morphic, who calls himself Slate Skylar, is really just Slate Flint, a boy from the Seam.

[cripta-today]

Современный художник Хуан Юйсин запускает свою первую коллекцию NFT «Мета-морфик», многоглавное цифровое путешествие по мотивам, заним��ющим центральное место в его творчестве.

New Post has been published on https://cripta.today/nft/nft-proekty/sovremennyj-hudozhnik-huan-jujsin-zapuskaet-svoju-pervuju-kollekciju-nft-meta-morfik-mnogoglavnoe-cifrovoe-puteshestvie-po-motivam-zanimajushhim-centralnoe-mesto-v-ego-tvorchestve/

Современный художник Хуан Юйсин запускает свою первую коллекцию NFT «Мета-морфик», многоглавное цифровое путешествие по мотивам, занимающим центральное место в его творчестве.

NFT быстро появились в криптоиндустрии, а общий объем транзакций на рынке NFT превысил 60 миллиардов долларов. PFP и другие предметы коллекционирования с низкой стоимостью были основными движущими силами первоначальной тенденции рынка NFT, и многие комментаторы в СМИ считают, что рост недолговечен, поскольку его движут флипперы и искатели прибыли. С недавним началом медвежьего рынка цены на NFT упали на 90%, но желание собирать NFT по-прежнему преобладает, о чем свидетельствует большое количество компаний и брендов, выходящих на рынок. Что изменилось, так это подавляющий интерес к качественным NFT, которые имеют долгосрочную ценность. В последние месяцы мы наблюдаем рост ценности и интереса к высококачественным художественным NFT.

Во время этой текущей корректировки рынка LiveArt, платформа Web3 для искусства и культуры, набрала обороты с художниками и брендами, привлекая внимание коллекционеров NFT. 7 сентября 2022 года LiveArt объявила о сотрудничестве с Хуан Юйсином, который входит в тройку лучших современных художников Китая по рыночному обороту. С помощью LiveArt Хуан представит свою коллекцию NFT «Мета-морфик», состоящую из нескольких глав, и связанных с ней произведений искусства. Миссия LiveArt — привлекать выдающихся художников и проекты в цифровое пространство, создавая долгосрочную ценность для развития искусства NFT.

Хуан Юйсин: Путь современного художника к Web3

Будучи ведущим современным художником, Хуан Юйсин является одним из немногих художников, которые привлекли как институциональное внимание со стороны музеев и галерей, так и при��нание на рынке со стороны коллекционеров.

Художественный стиль Хуан Юйсина:

Хуан Юйсин стал международной звездой в мире искусства благодаря своим ярким абстрактным пейзажам. Его фирменный стиль уходит корнями в восточную эстетику и философию, а его процесс и палитра формируются экспериментами и современным миром.

Рыночные показатели Хуан Юйсина:

Рыночные показатели Huang Yuxing в последние годы выросли в геометрической прогрессии, чему способствовала постоянная поддержка со стороны галерей, коллекционеров и учреждений. Он признан крупным художником как на восточном, так и на западном рынках: в декабре 2021 года на аукционе Christie’s была продана рекордная сумма в размере 8 348 007 долларов за Seven Treasure Pines. В том же году он сотрудничал с люксовым брендом Louis Vuitton, чтобы запустить 200 индивидуальных культовых сумок Capucines, которые были распроданы в первый же день продажи. Восхождение Хуан Юсина продолжается в мире современного искусства.

Дизайнерская сумка Huang Yuxing, выпущенная ограниченным тиражом 200 экземпляров . Поступит в продажу в бутиках Louis Vuitton по всему миру с 29 октября 2021 года. (Фото предоставлено Pandaily)

Родившийся в 1975 году в Пекине, Хуанг изучал настенную живопись в Центральной академии изящных искусств. Вдохновленный духовностью, он жил в монастырях и проводил время с монахами, у которых есть то, что он описывает как «потустороннее видение». Эти переживания были богаты восточной философской красотой и оказали глубокое влияние на более поздние работы Хуан Юсина.

Все эти переживания очаровали Хуана. Он стал наблюдать круговорот природы и связь между вещами: как облако становится падающей дождевой каплей, как пестрый узор на камне раскрывает тайну необъятной вселенной. От образного изображения рек и гор до абстрактного наложения графических пузырей все вещи, происходящие от природы, представлены на его полотнах слоями, независимыми друг от друга, но тесно связанными. Работы Хуанга визуально и эстетически впечатляющи и отражают его размышления о времени, природе и вселенной.

Хуан Юйсин «Поток таяния» 2020 г., Пекин, мировая премьера Юнлэ, аукцион Цена продажи: 7 015 000 юаней (фото предоставлено Pandaily)

Коллекция NFT «Meta-Morphic», запущенная Huang Yuxing и LiveArt, родилась под влиянием натурфилософии на его искусство.

Коллекция Meta-Morphic состоит из семи видов сокровищ: Коралл, Агат, Жемчуг, Золото, Серебро, Морская ракушка и Бирюза. Эти типы драгоценных камней характеризуются различными уникальными текстурами, которые прослеживают движение земной коры на протяжении миллионов лет при их формировании. Сами драгоценные камни представляют собой записи времени, истории и трансформации, и каждый из них связан с определенной силой и символическим значением.

В основе каждого драгоценного камня лежат никогда ранее не публиковавшиеся работы Хуан Юсина, воплощенные в жизнь под художественным руководством лондонской студии дизайна Hato и производственным опытом Plinth. Каждая из 2197 сокровищ уникальна и будет продаваться как загадочные коробки. Заинтересованные коллекционеры могут попасть в список доступа, а владельцы смогут участвовать в будущих главах Meta-Morphic и получить право на другие утилиты, такие как раздача LiveArt.

В недавнем интервью Хуан Юйсин выразил свои мысли о своей коллекции NFT, сказав: «Я надеюсь, что, участвуя и собирая эту серию NFT, люди также смогут обнаружить драгоценный камень в своем сердце».

Хуан Юйсин, «Семь сокровищ-сосен», осенний аукцион Christie’s в Гонконге 2021 года. Цена продажи: 64,83 миллиона гонконгских долларов (фото предоставлено Pandaily)

Успех Хуан Юйсина заключается в его постоянном исследовании и совершенствовании искусства, а также в его инклюзивном отношении к рынку. В процессе исследования границ художественного самовыражения концепция создания NFT взволновала Хуан Юйсина из-за их потенциала для инновационного художественного самовыражения и способности связываться с более широким сообществом коллекционеров.

Дилемма и возрождение: революция NFT через искусство

Художник с успешной карьерой не спешит прыгать в мир NFT и Web3. Однако Хуан Юйсин, заработавший себе репутацию «голубой фишки» в мире традиционного искусства, видит будущее в развитии NFT, чтобы разрушить рынок традиционного искусства, а также видит возможности для создания новых художественных направлений с помощью инновационных цифровых творческих инструментов. NFT могут привнести инновации на традиционный (Web2) арт-рынок.

Рынок традиционного искусства столкнулся с фундаментальными проблемами, которые решаются с помощью технологии блокчейн и NFT: подлинность, происхождение и права художников на перепродажу. Поскольку NFT ведет постоянную запись в сети о том, кто купил и продал произведение искусства, и подтверждает подлинность, NFT может ограничить количество подделок и неправильно атрибутированных работ, циркулирующих на рынке искусства. Они также полезны для художников, которые теперь могут отслеживать, кому принадлежат их работы, и, что более важно, они могут получать процент от стоимости перепродажи каждый раз, когда их произведения покупаются и продаются.

Поскольку все транзакции NFT осуществляются в сети и, следовательно, открыты, прозрачны и отслеживаемы без централизованного посредника, технология дополнительно защищает права и интересы художников и коллекционеров. Ончейн-транзакции также проще, безопаснее и справедливее, что значительно повышает ликвидность произведений искусства.

Короче говоря, NFT произведут революцию в традиционном способе торговли произведениями искусства с потенциалом значительного расширения арт-индустрии.

NFT могут изменить рынок искусства Web2, а NFT изобразительного искусства могут преобразовать Web3.

Как указывалось ранее, искусство само по себе не было в центре основных проектов NFT, и ажиотаж вокруг NFT был больше связан с торговлей, чем с признанием искусства. Но появление проектов NFT с высококачественным искусством увеличивает долгосрочную ценность. Качественное NFT-искусство имеет ценность так же, как и качественное физическое искусство. Искусство всегда служило альтернативным классом активов, и рынок NFT обращает на это внимание.

Объединение изобразительного искусства Web2 с NFT Web3 — необходимый способ стимулировать развитие традиционной художественной индустрии, а также стимулировать бурно развивающийся рынок NFT.

Однако все еще остается много препятствий для традиционных художников, приступающих к проектам NFT: как понять технические проблемы при создании NFT? Как взаимодействовать с криптосообществом? Как ориентироваться на коллекционеров произведений искусства NFT? Как привлечь коллекционеров традиционного искусства? Как донести до пользователей криптографии художественную и культурную ценность NFT, а также финансовую ценность? Вот некоторые из вопросов, которые задавали художники, в том числе Хуан Юйсин, когда впервые изучали создание крипто-искусства.

LiveArt, с ее опытом работы в мире традиционного искусства и знаниями в области Web3, сразу же нашла общий язык с Хуангом. Имея многолетний опыт работы в мире искусства, LiveArt понимает проблемы, поднятые выше, и знает, что нужно, чтобы привлечь в Web3 таких высококлассных художников, как Хуанг. Хуанг и LiveArt совместно запустили коллекцию NFT «Meta-Morphic», чтобы передать коллекционеру криптовалют эстетическое качество и художественное видение художника.

LiveArt: портал Web3 для индустрии искусства.

Партнерство с LiveArt для выпуска своей первой серии NFT в мире Web3 было хорошо продуманным выбором Хуан Юсина. За год LiveArt запустила несколько художественных коллекций NFT.

В марте LiveArt запустила мероприятие Membership NFT Mint, в котором приняли участие десятки тысяч любителей искусства NFT.

В мае LiveArt запустила коллекцию NFT с художницей Ревой под названием Sacred Garden, серию генеративного искусства, которая была распродана всего за 8 минут на платформе OKX NFT.

С июля по август LiveArt провела мероприятие LiveArtX Global 100, в котором около 200 художников из более чем 50 стран и регионов создали высококачественные произведения искусства на тему «Цифровой ренессанс». LiveArt взаимодействовала со своим сообществом коллекционеров, выпустив более 20 000 NFT Golden Pass, которые владельцы использовали для голосования за свои любимые произведения искусства. Мероприятие вызвало широкое внимание и положительные обсуждения как на социальных платформах Web2, так и в сообществах Web3.

LiveArt добился большого успеха с цифровым искусством и Web3. Но что также убеждает Хуана, так это то, что по сравнению с другими платформами NFT, LiveArt уходит своими корнями в художественную индустрию, а команда основателей происходит из высшего руководства ведущих аукционных домов и галерей.

Проще говоря, LiveArt — это идеальный мост между мирами искусства Web2 и Web3, целью которого является предоставление универсальных решений NFT для художников, коллекционеров и учреждений. Это снижает барьеры для художников Web2, чтобы войти в мир Web3, позволяя творческим и технологическим настройкам, а также создавая высококачественные проекты NFT, которые соединяют физическое искусство и цифровое искусство.

(Источник: LiveArt)

LiveArt имеет много преимуществ в привлечении традиционных художников в Web3.

Во-первых, LiveArt установила связи с художниками мирового класса, произведениями искусства, учреждениями и коллекционерами.

Все три соучредителя LiveArt представляют всемирно известные ведущие аукционные дома: Джон Ауэрбах был исполнительным вице-президентом по искусству, объектам и цифровым технологиям в Sotheby’s и был международным директором цифрового бизнеса Christie’s; Адам Чинн был главным операционным директором Sotheby’s и партнером Art Agency (приобретенного Sotheby’s); и Борис Певзнер, основавший два проекта, которые были приобретены Christie’s и Viacom соответственно.

Богатый опыт основателей в области искусства помогает LiveArt устанавл��вать тесные связи с создателями и коллекционерами по всему миру, обеспечивая исключительное искусство и сообщество коллекционеров.

Во-вторых, LiveArt снижает порог Web3 благодаря солидной технической силе.

LiveArt — это не просто арт-платформа. LiveArt также является технологической платформой с инновационными и индивидуальными решениями для смарт-контрактов, роялти, чеканки, хранения метаданных, а также продажи и покупки NFT. Сочетание художественного и технического опыта является ключом к привлечению большого количества художников Web2 на арт-рынок Web3. В дополнение к их технической экспертизе, LiveArt имеет дополнительное сотрудничество и техническую поддержку от Everest Ventures Group (ранние инвесторы Animoca Brands, Dapper Labs, Immutable X, Sandbox).

Опыт и ресурсы LiveArt в мире искусства, их беспрецедентная технология Web3 и их миссия по преодолению разрыва между миром искусства Web2 и миром Web3 привлекли внимание многих ведущих инвесторов отрасли.

15 марта LiveArt объявила о завершении раунда финансирования на сумму более 4,6 млн долларов под руководством Animoca Brands, BNB Chain Fund и KuCoin с участием не только OKX BlockDream Venture и FTX, но и культурных предпринимателей, включая Адриана Ченга и лучшие коллекционеры, в том числе Сунь Юйчен.

Вывод

Во время нынешнего медвежьего рынка, когда цены на раскрученные проекты NFT снизились, у рынка было время оценить истинную ценность NFT и подумать о том, что будет иметь долгосрочное значение в пространстве Web3. Большинство представителей отрасли отметили, что только те проекты, которые обладают истинными художественными достоинствами и культурным значением, сохранили свою ценность, и поэтому рынок требует производства более качественных художественных NFT. Этот спрос дает LiveArt большое преимущество, предоставляя индивидуальные решения NFT, понимая потребности художников и коллекционеров Web2. В то время как миру искусства Web2 нужны NFT для решения проблемы аутентичности, перепродажи и ликвидности, миру искусства Web3 нужно больше художников Web2, чтобы войти в пространство NFT, принося с собой свое высококачественное искусство. LiveArt устраняет разрыв между Web2 и Web3, и их список предстоящих проектов полон захватывающих сюрпризов. «Meta-Morphic» Хуан Юйсина — отличный пример новаторского подхода, с помощью которого LiveArt преодолевает этот разрыв — многоглавное путешествие, в котором коллекционеры знакомятся с природой, искусством и творческим процессом художника. Более подробная информация будет объявлена ​​на официальных платформах LiveArt в социальных сетях.

[crazyskirtlady]

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[medallion2]

GIVEAWAY for #BAB holders

⏰Sept. 20 - 26

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[jgthirlwell]

playlist 11.29.21

Low Hey What (Sub Pop) Alan Rudolph Morphic Resonances (Meta) Taraka Welcome to Paradise Lost (Bandcamp) Suryummy Polynators (Constellation Tatsu) Idles Crawler (Partisan) Teho Teardo Elipses dans l'Harmonie (Specula) Velladon Forbidden Colors  (Bandcamp) Helm Axis (Dais) La Novia Le Soleil ni meme la lune (Bandcamp) The Armed Ultrapop (Sargent House) Proc Fiskal Siren Spine Sysex (Bandcamp) Simon Steensland Let’s Go To Hell (Tran Substans) Squid Bright Green Field (Warp) VoidDweller Employee (Bandcamp) Daniel Davies Spies (Sacred Bones) Pili Coit Love Everywhere (Dur et Doux) DaKah Hip Hop Orchestra Hip Hop Maestro Soundtrack (Bandcamp) Jhelisa 7 Keys (Jhelisa) Bob Drake Bob’s Drive In (RER Megacorp) Kyoka Is (Is superpowered) (Raster) Muqata’a Kamil Manqus (Hundebiss Records)

[slate-skylar]

part v: reignite

“And what would you propose we do about him?”

"Him?"

"The boy, the traitor. Slate."

"Ah. Slate. Slate Skylar, Meta Morphic."

"Yes. What will we do?"

"Slate Flint, isn't it? His real name?"

"I don't know."

"His mother. Beryl Flint. Useless addict. Died long time ago."

“He’s a traitor. We kill him like we’ve killed the others. We set up something special or we don’t, I don’t care. We kill him.”

A shaken head. A hand around a coffee cup; steaming. The steam rose into the air in lazy swirls. It was an office in a mansion. It was a city. It was a country. It was the world. “We kill him, we give them a martyr. A kid who went out fighting. We can’t afford any more burned crops, razed land. We kill him, we piss off the Hestia Ember fans. Who knows what the others would do? Cress Meadowforge — what would she do?”

“She’s under our finger.”

“We don’t know that.”

“She’ll be good.”

“We don’t know that.”

The walls splashed in burgundy, the desk made of a fine, carved wood. It could have been any room in any building. But it was this one. Something rotten spread within the wood but no one could see it. A tree’s revenge, having fallen long ago.

“Then what do you propose we do? Let him go with a pat on the back? A warning shot fired over his head?”

“No.” Fingers splayed on the desk. Neatly painted fingernails. Rings adorning the hand, a bracelet on the wrist. Wealth, and power, and tight, blue veins.

“Then what?”

“What do you think? No need to reinvent the wheel when what we’ve got is perfectly operable as it is. We can’t martyr the boy by killing him; we can’t afford to piss off the Victors who do behave. We need to make an example of him. Destroy him. Make him into what he calls a monster. Remind everyone who he really is: Slate Flint. A nobody from Twelve.”

“So?”

“So we open the door. We give him a little kick.”

“Into what?”

“Into the fire.”

–

And then, after he had lost track of the days, after he had lost track of the weeks and months and any unit of time beyond seconds, they came to get him.

He didn’t know this, but June had melted into July in all its heat. A baby was growing in Cress’s stomach, or it was not. It would be born, it would be healthy, it would be happy — or it would not. It was something both of him and separate from him. Just like he was to the world. Of the world, and separate from it.

They made him change. Khaki pants, black shoes, a black button-down shirt. They wiped his face; the rag was dark when they pulled it away. Someone ran a rough hand over his hair. They told him to start thinking of his last words. For a writer, they said with derision, they ought to be good.

Once he was cleaned up, the evidence of their maltreatment erased, they cuffed him, wrapped a tight black blindfold around his eyes, and walked him down the hall. They opened a door, walked another hall, opened another door — and then the heat of July. Dry and blazing. He felt the sun on his skin. It reminded him of the burns from the fire. Would he be walked right to the execution stage?

Hestia and the children. What if they were watching TV? What if it was on in the living room? What if Ivy saw it?

He was put into a car. He had no concept of these streets or where exactly he was. There was nothing to track as he rode and the car took turns, then more turns. Maybe to the Tower, where they’d executed the rebels before.

But no: from the car he was taken to a train. He could hear the sounds of the station around him as he was marched inside. He could hear the hush of the people as they stilled. Could feel their eyes on him. What kind of spectacle would this be? Was this it? Where would the train go?

He was loaded onto it, cuffed to a seat. The train was an express, one of the fast ones. As it took the route north toward Twelve, he could feel that this was where he was going. Home. A last cruelty, or a kindness? To kill him where he’d come from?

The train ride lasted a long time. They allowed him to use the bathroom. They fed him some bread; it was the Tesserae bread, and he wanted to spit it out, and yet he was ravenous. He was also about to die. Why not eat?

Would it be fast or slow? Perhaps this was the slow part, the train ride north. And even before this, the waiting. Perhaps the quick part would be the very end. He’d be lucky if that were the case. A quick death was the most he could muster hope for right now.

There were other fantasies, but they were just that. The Vox stopping the train, Cress boarding it and ripping off the blindfold, kissing him madly before fleeing into the Wilds with him. Or Hestia, pulling strings and climbing on board, telling them that she simply would not allow this. Or maybe Cat, Alder, Nano, Medea, everyone had teamed up. They’d fix it.

—all fantasies. There was no hope attached to them, no joy in picturing the scenes.

The best he could hope for: a quick death, at the end of it all.

The train came to a stop. When he stepped outside, he could feel that it was Twelve. The same heat here but more humid. Time had passed while he’d been away; last time he’d stepped off a train here, it had been cool, the early spring settled over the trees and grass. (Barefoot in the garden with Rush. Working at the stove with Hestia. Strolling through the Hob with Cress.)

Perhaps it was a kindness after all.

He was pushed forward, the tip of a gun in his back. He could feel that they were leading him into the Justice Building, just next to the station. This land was familiar now. He knew the dirt beneath his feet. And he knew that quiet that should have been here, but was not — there were the sounds of people, a great many people, all gathered in the square just beyond.

So it would be a spectacle after all. A public execution in his own territory. The people he’d known his whole life forced to watch. He slowed his steps but the gun in his back pressed him onward, onward.

Through the Justice Building, stopped just inside the doors. In a moment they’d open. Would it be a gun, would it be a knife? Let it be quick, let it be quick. Hestia would shield the smallest one’s eyes, he knew. But who would shield hers?

He could hear the noise outside. People speaking, breathing, shuffling their feet. Did they know why they were here? Did they have a choice? He took a breath—

—the Peacekeeper behind him pulled off his blindfold. He was staring straight ahead at the dark doors that stood between him and his death. He thought to wonder whether his life had made any difference—

—the doors swung open. Pulled from the outside, with flair. At first he saw only the people. Below him in the square. Shades of gray, blue, white. Floral collars. Hair done in braids, curls. The smallest in the front—

—no—

The gun to his back, he surged forward. Stepped onto the stage. Nearly stumbled.

A gasp from his left, a choked cry, a voice he knew well, a Victor on the stage, as she always was, had to be, for—

“No.” The word came from his lips.

It was July 15th.

“Slate Flint,” the escort announced, reciting the name from memory, not reading it from a piece of paper, no need for a charade; her wig coiffed and soaring into the sun, her makeup caked but being slowly sweat off in the heat, “will be our first tribute for the 134th Hunger Games.”