[Video/Action] New Bark Town - Introduction

[ducktailprim]

 [As the video feed switches on, there is a very timid and frightened girl on the screen. She's sitting on the bed in the house that she woke up in a day or so ago. After meeting up with a strange old man, being given a ball and this gear, she was lost, upset and ended up back at the very same house. A kind woman has taken her back in but it's quite clear that the woman was now hoping the young girl would soon set out on her journey. Like the others...

There was a skiddo on the bed next to her, her head resting on her lap and watching up at her with wide eyes. This skiddo has felt Prim's loneliness and pain. She feels it every time Prim runs her hand over her horns. And she didn't know how to make her trainer feel better. 

Prim's making this Gear post out because of the suggestion of the kind woman. If there was somebody she was desperately looking for, this would be the way.

There were tears brimming on her eyes as she tries to stare into the camera of her gear.]

Katniss...? They said that...if you were here, you would see this and contact me. I don't know where I am...and last time...

[Her voice catches for a moment and she tries to clear her throat.]

Last time I saw you...they were forcing you onto that train. And...I really want to see you again.

Please come take me home....

[There is a moment that the video hangs as she tries to figure out how to turn off the recording and just before the clip ends, you could faintly hear her begin to cry, with the skiddo making soft soothing sounds towards her]



[ooc: I promise Prim won't always be so sad. She just needs some love at the moment! She will desperately pick up any messages sent to her gear in the hopes that it's her sister. Or if anybody would like to coax her out into the world, please visit her in the random house in New Bark Town that she's hiding in!]

Comments

Video

[anexcitableboy]

[Well shit. Most of the new arrivals have been pretty calm and easy going about the whole thing. It's been kind of weird, really. But this...this is more what Jimmy expects.]

Hey, don't you worry about a thing! I know this all seems scary, but you're okay. I swear it. And a swear from Jimmy Darling's like gold. You're in a safe place, and nobody's gonna hurt you or anything like that. We all went through the same thing, when we came here.

I dunno anyone named Katniss...is that a relative or a friend? Lots of new people are showing up...

[And there's plenty of people he doesn't know.]

[ducktailprim]

[She had picked up her gear so quickly when the notification came through. Maybe this time it was Katniss but...the confusion was very obvious on her expression as someone else's face showed up on screen. Her voice is soft when she speaks and it almost appears like she's trying to withdraw from the screen.]

Katniss is my sister. She's ...looked after me for a long time. I know if she could...she would definitely come for me.

[anexcitableboy]

Okay. Hey, you're in New Bark, right? I ain't too far from there.

See, when we show up here, it's not always with our friends or family. I don't know how it works, it's like... You know the book about the little girl that falls into Wonderland? It's kinda like that. You fell into Wonderland. Only it's a way, way nicer one.

So there's a real good chance your sister can't come look after you right now. But that's okay. 'Cause nobody's gonna leave you on your own. And I know how scary it is, being alone all of a sudden. I came here without my ma, without my dad, without my best friend. But there's so many cool people here, and they helped me a lot. And we're gonna help you.

[ducktailprim]

I...I think so?

[Truthfully, she hasn't really paid attention to much that the kind lady has told her. Once in a while she recalls things like "journey" or "it will be fun" and then she gets given some food. That's the one thing keeping her here. There is a constant supply of food. Something she wasn't able to rely on back at home.

It made her reluctant to leave. And back home, there was definitely not enough money for a luxury like a book.]

What's...a wonderland..? If I find it then I can go back home...?

[The promise to not leave her on her own sounded a little more frightening than it should have been. Why was everybody so nice here? The confusion and slight panic shows very clearly on her face as he struggles with this idea of a strange group of people all coming to her rescue.]

[usedflareblitz]

[ The view on her end is of a hotel room with the lights down low and curtains drawn. She's keeping the view fixed on her own face. Yang was doing her best not to appear alarmed but the stranger's plight has fully caught her attention. ]

Hey. Hey, listen — it's okay. You're going to be okay. [ Yang couldn't ignore this broadcast. There was not a lot of energy she had to spare for most people who were just disoriented or unhappy, but she'll be damned if she passed up the sight of a kid in distress, calling out for someone so desperately. ]

[ducktailprim]

[She watches quietly into the small screen, a frown creasing her forehead as she bites down on her lower lip. How was everything going to be okay when she's here in this strange world all by herself? She's never had to deal with anything like this all on her own before. Even when Katniss left at least...there was going to be her mum there. She promised she would stay...]

I ...I want to go home...

[usedflareblitz]

Everyone does. [ Which may or may not include Yang at this point. ] It can happen but... it's random. Just like getting here.

But... no one's putting you - or anyone else - on any train.

[Video]

[awesmazings]

[Oh geeze. It's time for new arrivals again, looks like, but this girl...Jimmy's been here for a while, and he hasn't seen anyone this upset in a long time. The fact that he caught her starting to cry before shutting off the feed has Jimmy answering right away, trying to keep his expression as level and friendly as possible.]

Hey there...is everything alright? I see that a couple folks have already talked to you, but I just wanted to be extra sure you got the help you need.

[He pauses, glancing over at his Manectric, who is watching the Gear quietly along with his trainer.]

My name's Jimmy. I promise I'll help you out any way I can, okay? Now...you say you're lookin' for someone called Katniss?

[Unfortunately, he's never heard of someone like that here...but that doesn't mean there isn't a chance she won't show up.]

Re: [Video]

[ducktailprim]

[Everybody has been so nice to her so far, she wasn't sure why. Usually people only offer such a helping hand when there's something they can get from you in return. Katniss had always warned her to stay quiet and don't do anything that would make it seem like you owe somebody something but she can't help but respond.]

Katniss...she's my sister. She was taken away by the reaping and I don't think I'll ever see her again...

[With that thought, she sniffs and tears start rolling down her cheeks again. There wasn't a way for her to watch the games here to make sure her sister was okay.]

[Video]

[awesmazings]

[He isn't sure what she means by "reaping", but whatever it is it doesn't sound good at all. Not one bit. It takes him a moment to think of what to say, knowing that he can't promise that her sister is even here.]

I'm gonna keep my eye out for her for you. Could you tell me what she looks like, so I'll know who to look for?

[Jimmy pauses for another moment before deciding to throw caution to the wind with an additional offer. He did it with Molly, and he sure isn't hesitating to do it again.]

And...if you need somebody over there so you're not alone, I can come over there real quick. I'm with some others who really wouldn't mind havin' you tag along just so you're not alone. It's perfectly fine if you say no, a'course...I know you don't know me at all, but I just wanna make sure you're okay before I let'cha go.

video;

[outloving]

[ Being stuck in this town meant that Minako had plenty of time to scroll through the network, and one post in particular stood out to her. She could see a young girl who appeared to be in distress, and while she isn't necessarily the best with children, she can't just ignore this. The tone of her voice and the glimpse of tears just before she turned off the Gear is enough to tug at Minako's heartstrings. She assumes that the girl is somewhere in New Bark Town, given that she is a new arrival, but she's not going to just go on a wild goose chase looking for the girl just yet. She's already frightened, so Minako decides it'll be better to talk and calm her down via the network first before going to meet her in person. ]

Hey, um...I know you're scared, but I promise you this place isn't bad. There are so many friendly faces here, and I can assure you we'll all try to help you in any way we can. So, please...don't cry anymore, okay?

[ The poor thing - and then she was brought here while everything was chaotic, too. ]

My name's Minako, can you tell me yours? And what does this "Katniss" look like...?

Re: video;

[ducktailprim]

[Coming from the Panem into a world where everybody was so friendly was a little unnerving. When you're from such a poor district, you're so used to people not helping one another out unless there was something more to gain from it. She almost tries to pull back from the screen but her skiddo nudges her to remain where she is. Her voice is soft when she speaks, almost hesitant to continue this contact.]

My sister has really pretty dark brown hair and she wears it in a long plait usually. One plait down her back. And she's really strong and brave. And...she doesn't smile very much.

[Talking about Katniss brings a tiny smile to her face. That's the one thing that can be counted on to help her cheer up just a little.]

[outloving]

[ Oh, a smile! That's a sign that they're getting somewhere. The sight is enough to make Minako smile, too. ]

I guess that's where you get it from, huh? You're being really strong and brave, too.

[ Which was true, as far as Minako was concerned. Sure, the girl was frightened and disoriented - who wouldn't be? - but she seemed to be handling the situation as well as she could, and that was what Minako considered being brave. ]

I promise you I'll keep a look out for your sister. If I see her, I'll let you know first thing, okay? [ A promise that she intended to keep. Minako didn't see anyone who fit that description around New Bark Town, but she wasn't about to give up hope. Just like she was brought here, she had a strong feeling that this Katniss would arrive, too. Now, what else should she say to help this girl calm down...? ]

Have you given your friend a name yet?

action... idk how to sad

[dashdash]

[BAM- BAM- BAM-- What is this super heavy pounding. It's Mafuyu, trying to put her fist through the door as she shouts at the top of her lungs to whoever's living inside to let her inside] Mom!! Open up! It's an emergency!! Life or death!!!! [She's been holding it all day, she needs to pee.]

[action] [waiting to be bowled over]

[ducktailprim]

[She lets the banging continue for a few moments, unsure of what to do. Perhaps the nice lady will open the door but after quite a few long moments, it's quite obvious that she had been left in this house alone.

Hesitantly, she moves off the bed, the skiddo following protectively right behind her. She pauses at the door and then hesitantly unlocks and slowly opens it.]

Hello...?

[dashdash]

MOM, IT'S--!! [Whoa, the door opened! Mafuyu pulls back in surprise before her fist misses the door frame and gives the poor girl a concussion. She was fully expecting to have to break through the windows and apologize later if she's caught hiding out in a stranger's bathroom, so this is the work of an-]

Angel! Goddess! I'm saved...!! [No bowling over for Prim, but Mafuyu does throw herself onto the ground with her palms flat on the doorstep and forehead touching the ground as if she had been bowled over herself.] I'm in your debt, so- Toilet!! Where is it?! Please let me use it!!

[Video]

[garbagechild]

<sub>[OH... this girl sounds so sad...]

[Wrath may have all the empathy of a chunk of sawdust, but seeing other sad kids is kind of upsetting.]

[He wrings his hands for a little while before deciding to answer.]</sub>

Um, I don't know what a 'catness' is, but I know what a cat is.

Would you like to see a cat?

_{[He waits earnestly for an answer. THERE ARE MULTIPLE CATS IN THIS HOUSE THAT HE COULD SHOW HER, ALL SHE HAS TO DO IS SAY THE WORD.]}

Re: [Video]

[ducktailprim]

[When she answers the video to another child, she is a little more at ease. All of the older people have been so nice to her but why? She couldn't quite understand why they would be so nice to somebody they have never met before. Especially when she had nothing to offer them.]

Katniss is...my sister.

[But the idea of seeing a cat interests her. She had a cat back at home. She nods quietly to the question.]

My cat's name is Buttercup. He's an orange colour...like the flower.

[Video]

[garbagechild]

<sub>[!]

[WRATH IS GONNA SHOW HER SO MANY CATS.]

[He declines to comment on the name 'Buttercup', because he's busy sliding off the couch (where he'd been sitting previously) and starting his search for the various feline Pokemon that reside with him, wherever it might be.]</sub>

I don't have any sisters to show you.

But there's plenty of cats.

Like this one. Here.

_{[He PLOPS DOWN ON THE FLOOR and Prim is treated to a VERY close-up shot of-- is that an enormous blue lion just ASLEEP IN THE HALLWAY]}

video;

[placide]

[ While Rosa wouldn't necessarily refer to herself as an expert when it came to crying children, she has learned a little with her short time with a traumatized seven year old. Putting on her bravest face, she answers her pleas as many likely have before her. ]

That's a lovely companion you have with you. [ Redirecting her focus onto something she can control and talk about may be the best manner to handle this until she's earned some trust. ]

Have you given them a name? [ Turning her camera towards the water, there's a Dratini splashing around outside happily. Long and slender, he appears to be enjoying himself to the fullest. ] This is Caine, named after a dear friend of mine I miss and I am Rosa, from Baron.

We are out here by the water if you wished to join us. We have sweets and the sun feels nice, I assure you. [ Come on, it'll do her some good if she sits outside a bit. ]

Re: video;

[ducktailprim]

[Distraction. Probably one of the best way to deal with upset children. When she answered the call, she hesitated. Much like all of the others. Here was another adult being friendly, offering to help and being nice. Why were the people in this world like this? What did she have that they wanted?]

Her name is Lady.

[The same name as the goat she had at home. The goat that was a present from Katniss. She watches the video with a little interest. The pokemon in the water wasn't like anything she'd ever seen before. At least her pokemon somewhat resembled something familiar.

And the talk of food. The small meals prepared for her by the lady in this house were amazing but the idea of sweets? That...that was never something they could afford at home. She wanted to say yes and go join her outside but the hesitation very clearly shows on her face. So instead, she answers in her small voice and hopes that maybe the invitation will just disappear.]

My name's Prim...

video;

[placide]

[ Rosa's definitely not going to push the invitation on her. In time, she'll calm down. If she can have control of this conversation, then maybe she can see just how much control she has over her future in this foreign world. ]

It's a pleasure, Prim. [ She doesn't smile (how can she when a child is sad?) but her expression is a peaceful one. ]

Prim and Lady, both very lovely names. Has Lady been kind to you? [ Rosa asks out of genuine concern. ] Caine has proven to be difficult but loyal in our short time together. When I had trouble with him, I asked for help with a call like your own and received a fair amount of advice.

It seems we are surrounded by kindness and folks with good sense.

video;

[medicament]

[After seeing the feed, Luna struggles with her own thoughts; should she give the girl some time to calm down or should she rather talk to her and try to cheer her up? In the end, she decides to go with the latter, putting up a soft smile despite being worried about Prim.]

H-Hello. My name is Luna and I've just seen you a little while before on the network. [Explaining herself sounds like a good idea, that's why she did just that.] May I ask for your name? Of course, if you'd rather not tell me, that's fine too. [There's no reason for Prim to trust a complete stranger, after all.] Are you still in that city where the newcomers appear?

[It's safe to assume that, but she'd like to be sure.]

If that's the case, could I visit you?

Re: video;

[ducktailprim]

[The disappointment was very clear on Prim's face when she answers the video and it wasn't her sister again. There were so many nice people talking to her that it made her nervous there was something she had they wanted but she had to keep answering these calls. One of them might be Katniss. She backs away from the screen a little so only half her face is shown but her skiddo makes sure she keeps the feed connected.]

My name's Prim...

[Her voice is very soft, she's hesitant to talk too much. Talking too much can get you killed if you say the wrong thing.]

I'm still in...this house.

[She looks around the small room that she's stayed in for the last... she doesn't know, since she arrived.]

I...

[She doesn't know how to respond to the last question. She wouldn't mind someone kind coming to talk to her but...how does she know that it wasn't somebody changing their mind and wanting to take her for the reaping?]

[medicament]

[Luna can't blame the girl for doing that; she probably expected to see the person she mentioned before, the one named Katniss. As much as she'd like to reassure Prim that Katniss sure will come to take care of her, she can't do that. Prim said herself: the person she wanted to see was forced to go somewhere by train, so they may not even be anywhere around.]

Prim...it's such a beautiful name. I'm a bit jealous, even...!

[Smiling softly at the girl on the other side, Luna waits for her answer, but when it becomes clear that she's hesitating, she adds:]

If you'd like to be just by yourself, that's fine too. Even though technically you're not alone. Your Pokémon is there with you...but if you'd like to see someone, I'll be around.

[She doesn't mean to end the feed just yet, however.]

Does your Pokémon have a name? And what species is it, do you happen to know that?