Prom 2023 - Back to the Falls!

[indigo_league]

What’s this? There’s glitter in the air. What’s this? There’s dresses everywhere.

Oh right. It’s Prom time.



From the afternoon on, on Friday the 7th of April, your characters will all be arriving at Tohjo Falls via the transport arranged for by Lance. He did end up borrowing a few of those Corviknights from the JKBA, but there are also several of you who will find themselves flown to the Falls by one of Lance’s Dragonites or Charizards. Please give them a poffin if you are able, they are all very good boys and girls.


Your characters will be set down on a tiled driveway (more like flyway, Ha) in front of an impressive-looking villa. Those who have been here before might note that the villa has gotten a bit of a renovation and an update. Turns out that when Team Rocket kidnaps you and keeps you captive in your own home for several weeks while wrecking the house and digging Arceus knows how many basements beneath the house, you might be entitled to some compensation.

And from the looks of things, Lance and co used that compensation to turn their little vacation home back into something where they can relax in peace.

After you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Lance or one of the other Elite Four members, who will give you a quick run-down. You are free to explore the house and surrounding area at your leisure. Please respect their privacy and do not go into any of the locked rooms. You’ll find your accommodations behind the house, so feel free to head there and unpack. Oh, and, there will be a little announcement later, so if you could be in the dining room for that, that’d be stellar.

Well, off you go!




WELCOME (BACK) TO THE FALLS

THE SIGHTS The Villa As mentioned by Lance and Co, parts of the villa are off-limits to guests. Not to worry, there is nothing nefarious hiding there this time. It's just that those rooms are the Elite Four's private quarters, and they'd rather not have people go through their underwear drawers! Other areas that are off-limits include the kitchen, but this is just for practical reasons; wouldn't want to get in the way of the cooks preparing lunch and dinner. Still, even with these off-limits areas, there is still plenty to see. Library On the upper floor, there is a decently sized Library for anyone who needs a bit of peace and quiet. The books within are part of the Elite Four's personal book collections. There are a lot of books related to each members' preferred Pokemon type, as well as a very sizeable collection of books on Pokemon Battling, strategies and counter-strategies, in addition to a good number of autobiographies from famous (former) gym leaders and Elite Four members. Their books aren't all business though! There is also plenty of fiction available, as well as non-fiction related to the Elite Four's personal hobbies. The books are not marked, so it's hard to tell which book belongs to which E4 member, so have fun trying to figure out who added the books on glassblowing to the collection, and to who the knitting books belong to. Gallery Also on the top floor is a gallery that contains the many prizes each Elite Four member has won over the years, as well as some interesting artefacts they've found during their lives. Ever wanted to see Lance's first badges? Or perhaps Bruno's weightlifting trophies? And wow, looks like Will participated in some contests back in the day! Okay, those things probably aren't worth hours of visiting, but there is also a collection of photos of various legendary pokemon, as well as some items related to them, such as a feather that is said to have belonged to Ho-oh, a scale that was left behind after Groudon and Kougre fought and could it be true? One of Hoopa's hoops itself? Fascinating! Dining Room Obviously where characters can dine. Unfortunately, the dining room itself is not big enough to fit all characters at once, so they've also set up some tables outside among the tents, and people are asked to check back if there is no space. When not in use to have dinner in, the room is left open and available to anyone who'd like to use it. Ball Room Now that prom night is finally here, your characters may enter in what was previously forbidden. Yes, beyond these doors lay a mysterious land of, uh... tables and a dance floor. Listen, there is only so many ways you can describe a ballroom, okay! There is a central floor where people may dance if they so desire, and around that spot, plenty of tables and chairs have been set up for you to rest your tired dancing feet at. Though there is no big dinner served at prom, there are staff flitting around with refreshments and canapes and, fitting the style of the villa, tapas. There are, of course, also flutes of champagne and wine and other adult drinks. Note the emphasise on adult, there. Don't expect to con these waiters into giving you something if you are underaged. (instead, try and find a trusted, untrustworthy adult friend. It's okay. We won't tell your mom. Pool Outside, of course, is the pool. This hasn't changed that much from previous visits here. It's... well... it's a pool! What more can we say? It's a good place to have some fun and play around, but if you are more into relaxation or perhaps even catching some rays, there's also plenty of space around the pool with plenty of deck chairs available to you. It is still only April, so to make sure nobody catches pneumonia in the pool, the water has been heated. Please do not heat the water further. You know what we are talking about! The Accomodations Those who have visited before may remember that the Villa doesn't exactly have enough bedrooms to house all promgoers. In fact, there have been years where you just kipped on the floor in the garage-like area. Maybe Lance is trying to match the standards set by previous organisers. Maybe there was a little extra money left over after the renovations to plurge, but this year, you won't be expected to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag! Instead, behind the Villa, beyond the pool area, there is a field of tents. And these aren't your basic little travelling tents. These tents look pretty luxurious. True, you will still be sharing them with a few others, but at least you'll be sleeping in something like a regular bed. There are also some chairs and benches dotted around the area, where you can sit and relax, as well as a few open tents that have tables and benches inside of them where one could eat breakfast or dinner. (And, of course, there are tents available too where you can take care of the, ah, less glamourous needs of the human body. No need to bring your own TP either, it will be provided!) The tents house four people each. If you, for whatever reason, want to cram more people inside, Lance will be a little startled but will allow it. If you try to grab a tent all to yourself, Lance will give you a very disappointed look. The Surroundings If your character isn't the type to hang out for hours by the pool or spend their entire Saturday already getting ready for prom, why not go exploring a bit? The area around Tohjo Falls is normally off-limits to people, after all. This might be your only chance to see it. (unless we come back again here next year) While exploring, your character has the option of trekking into the forests behind the villa or descending into the cave that houses the waterfalls this area has been named for. Wild pokemon can be found in each area, though please be careful! As few people visit this location, the pokemon here are very unused to humans. Please always bring a strong pokemon with you when you go exploring! And who knows, if you keep an eye out, you might run into an unfamiliar pokemon or two... Forest (lvl 20-45) Charjabug, Corvisquire, Venipede, Sizzlipede, Fletchinder, Greedent*, Whirlipede*, Nincada*, Flapple**, Appletun**, Talonflame**, Ninjask**, Shiinotic**, Sprigatito**, Centiskorch***, Vikavolt***, Corviknight***, Trevenant***, Scolipede*** Cave (lvl 20-45) Sandshrew, Woobat, Rolycoly, Noibat, Roggenrola, Aron*, Glimmet*, Sandslash*, Rhyhorn*, Carkol*, Noivern**, Swoobat**, Boldore**, Fuecoco**, Lairon***, Rhydon***, Glimora*** Falls (lvl 20-45) (Fishing/Surfing) Qwilfish, Staryu, Arrokuda, Wishiwashi, Finneon*, Skrelp*, Lumineon*, Relicanth*, Starmie**, Overqwill**, Quaxly**, Seadra**, Gyrados***, Barraskewda***, Dragalge***, Kingdra***

---

THE ANNOUNCEMENT


Once everybody has arrived and has been given some time to unpack, it's time for the announcement Lance has been teasing. What is this unique opportunity he mentioned? Will this have anything to do with prom itself? Has Lance conned us all into attending a Tupperware party?

In any case, you all gather in the dining room. The Elite Four is gathered at the front of the room, Lance taking the center stage. Will is standing next to him. For a moment Lance just glances out over the crowd, as if checking that everybody is here, before he clears his throat and begins.

"First of all, let me say that I am very happy to see you all here. It's been a few years since we last were able to greet you in our home, and here is to hoping things won't end as badly as last time.

But that is not what this announcement is about. Rather, there is going to be some changes within the Elite Four. Changes we'd like to make you a part of.

A few months ago, Will announced to us that he will be stepping down from his position as Elite Four member to--" Lance seems to pause for a moment, looking at Will, "--pursue opportunities elsewhere!

Of course, we cannot leave his spot unoccupied, so in the last few months, we've been hard at work vetting and narrowing down the choices for who will replace him. And finally, we've been able to narrow it down to just two remaining candidates. It's been a struggle, let me tell you! We've had so many qualified and incredible trainers who wanted to join us, but we believe we've found the best two.

And that is where you come in!

As I said, we have been able to narrow down the field to two final choices. And what I'd like to offer you this weekend, is an opportunity to take an active part in deciding who gets to be our newest member. You all, after all, have proven over the years that you not only care about pokemon, but you've also grown to care about this world, often helping us out when situations were dire. We believe you, as much as anyone, have a right to determine the future of this region.

In just a moment, I'd like to introduce you to our two final applicants. I can already assure you that they are both excellent trainers, and very skilled battlers, as well as individuals who we believe we can rely on in a bad situation. What we'd like if for you to cast the final vote on who takes over Will's position.

Throughout this weekend, they will make themselves available for questions. Please ask them anything you wish to know, and please also discuss the manner among yourself if you wish. Whichever person you choose, know that we already feel we could work and depend on either of them. At the end of this meeting, we'll distribute voting slips to everyone. These cannot be replaced, so please hold onto them, and once you've made your choice, please submit them to the vote box in front of the Ballroom before the start of the dance. Then, during the party on Sunday, we will reveal who will become our newest members.

Now, I've said quite enough, so let me introduce you to our two final applicants--"

The dining room doors open, and two figures stride in, walking to the front to join Lance and the other Elite Four members.




"Please welcome Bede from the Galar region and Malva from the Kalos Region"

---

Not sure what is going on? Why not check out our prom FAQ

Comments

[4play]

Yeah. [IV grimaces, seeming to look for the right words to put his feelings on the matter into before he speaks.]

I'll be frank, I don't like journalists. And there's also that there are apparently already other fire trainers among the higher ups in the league. But on the other hand...

[He shakes his head, frowning.]

I've had the bad luck of having to deal with kids like Bede before. They tend to be both, too confident for their own good and bad losers. What's your thoughts on him?

[nastyboy]

Journalists... [For a brief moment, Dimitri has a flashback of that time when he was mistaken as an idol and every moment was waking hell. Excuse him.] I can see what you mean in that regard.

But as for Bede.... [He shifts from one foot to the other, hand curling at his chin.] I cannot deny that some young men can be arrogant like that, and make it difficult in ways.

Still... Try to imagine you are in his position. You are far, far away from home, and have left all you known behind you. No family, no friends. The culture is foreign to you as well. You will be asked to stand side by side with experienced adults.

You do it all because you very much want a chance you may never again see in your lifetime. A chance to show off something you have come to be extraordinarily proud of.

Of course, there is another who wants that chance for you as well. She is no child of your age, but an adult like the others. She is calm, confident, bold - already winning over women as well. [Shout out to you, Jolene, you wild lesbian] And that is who you must compete with.

In that sort of situation... Do you think you might be scared? Anxious? Intimidated?

And yet, you don't want to back down. You can't. If you backed down like a piece of ivy to the wall, you wouldn't have even put up a fighting chance.

So, being a little loud, looking a little overconfident... Can you say that you might never do that?

[Dimitri snaps out of it, realizing he's gotten a little too indepth into all of that, and smiles sheepishly.]

I apologize for speaking so much. However, I sympathize a fair bit - I have known young men like him, after all, and been in a similar position. So, I may be acting softer than is best.

[4play]

[IV listens to all Dimitri has to say, nodding or shaking his head at the appropriate times. At the end, he takes a moment to consider the other's words before he gives a brief shake of his head, lips pressing into a troubled frown.]

I wouldn't.

[He flashes a brief smile.]

But I'm also used to being in positions like that. Back in my world, I'm the champion of a whole continent. I'm used to traveling around to compete in front of big crowds, often against others who are older, more experienced or the local favorites. But I never let that influence the way I treat others.

[Looking at Dimitri, IV cocks his head.]

Bede isn't an inexperienced child suddenly thrust into an unexpected situation. He's a young man with plenty of experience in what he is doing already. That's why he became one of the two candidates. He also chose to bring himself in that very same position you described, most likely knowing well what he's in for and that he will have to hold his own against his an older competitor.

[He meets Dimitri's eyes, giving him a long, curious look.]

Do you really think we should not judge him by the same standards as we do Malva? They both come from far away and are in a foreign culture. If he really is just showing his nerves, then behaving like that isn't what I'd want him to learn as a solution to dealing with such situations.

[nastyboy]

[Dimitri grins, just a little.]

Oh, if Malva were showing also showing nerves, I would be very sympathetic to her as well. [But that's just a bit of teasing that doesn't really address the topic.]

Still, you are correct - he is a young man with experience of his own, who made a choice of his own volition to leave behind everything that was familiar to him. I still do not think that absolves him of sympathy, however, but it is good to keep in mind when making a choice.

Another thing to keep in mind, however, would be the answers that he's given to some of the questions that has been asked of him. [Dimitri nods to the rest of their fellow Prom goers.] In that... I have seen hints of growth that speak to a better nature than the one that worries you.

Even now, in front of such a large audience, he has admitted to making mistakes in the past. That takes a lot of willpower to admit, even privately to ones self.

Hmm... [Dimitri spaces out for just a second.] And it seems he had a mentor, back in his homeland... Someone who seems to have influenced his passion for the Fairy type. If she was able to help him mature to some capacity, then, I think the rest of the Elite Four would also be a good group for him to be around.

Of course, that is just an assumption I am making, based on how he talks of her. But to be a gym leader and to be a member of the Elite Four can be rather different, and that is why I think he would be able to do better here as a member of the Elite Four in ways that may not have been possible for him as a gym leader.

When I think of that... I think that I would like to encourage that growth in some way, in a way that I don't feel Malva necessarily needs, with how clearly she's accomplished so much in her own life.

It makes me want to leave something... impactful on this world, which I know will matter a great deal to him when he has grown up in this world and will die here. [Not like Dimitri, who knows he could disappear by this very night, honestly.]

So, in the end, that is where I am at. I think he clearly has developed skills to be recognized here, and this could prove to be a wonderful environment for his own growth, both as a trainer and as a person.

Well... [Dimitri tilts his head forward just a bit.] I confess I may also simply want to be optimistic, in that end.

[4play]

[IV has a joking quip about how they can know that being overly personable isn't just Malva's way of showing her nerves, but then Dimitri keeps speaking and suddenly IV has to try very hard to not to let on how each new word that comes tumbling out keeps making him see more and more red.

It's only with a considerable amount of willpower that he manages to uncurl the fist he's silently made and keep his voice light.]

Oh? I might call that self-serving and callous, rather than optimistic, but what do I know?

[He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, as if he didn't just insult Dimitri's heartfelt opening himself up to him.]

I'm rather new here, so I might not be quite up to date with how all this League stuff is being handled here. Could you tell me what the exact jobs and purposes of the Elite Four and the Organization they seem to be the representatives of are?

[nastyboy]

[......Well.]

[And here he had thought they were having a perfectly normal conversation. Of course, Dimitri knows in theory that conversations of this nature can get heated - one need only have listened in on the talks of nobility in Fodlan to understand that, and those could range from vital to petty nonsense.]

[Choosing the next Elite Four member goes between both ends of the spectrum, in Dimitri's opinion. On one hand, it is absolutely true that such status is of great import to everything to do with this land and will have many responsibilities, mean a great deal to many people, and influence their own paths should they decide to conquer that challenge. But at the same time, he knows enough to know that no one's life will hang in the balance if a wrong choice is made, and he suspects it is far easier to replace an Elite Four member than it is to, say, replace the noble heir of a family in even something as mundane as a hunting tournament.]

[But did this sudden aggression come about just from them talking about potential difference in who they would vote for...? And with a smile on his face, too, it really is like dealing with nobility again.]

[Some of Dimitri's relaxed nature from before eases away a bit, replaced by something a little more distant as he surveys his conversational partner.]

I could, and do not mind doing so. But can I ask you a question in turn, before that?

[4play]

[IV has so many complexes, fresh wounds and past traumas that dealing with him is a lot like trying to do a drunk dance across a field of land mines that's layered on some extra bear traps. Dimitri could impossibly have known what would set him off, or what dark memories his words accidentally stirred up.

Red eyes Dimitri a hard stare before tense shoulders are forced to relax. It's obvious that IV is no stranger to having to rein his temper in.]


Of course. Although I suspect I already know what you are going to ask.

[It's not the first time his temper cracked the mask he's wearing most of the time.]

[nastyboy]

What exactly did I do that made you so hostile? If it were my mistake, I would like to avoid it.

[And if it wasn't...]

[Well, Dimitri supposes he has burned bridges in far more spectacular a fashion with people he's known for longer, really.]

[4play]

[The muscles in IV's jaw tense, even though he had already expected a question in that vein. It'd be way more strange if he hadn't been called out on it, with the way he led his mask just slip there.

He stares at Dimitri long and hard with eyes that are burning with emotions before he gives himself a push and looks away. His body language is still tense, but at least he manages to keep his voice calm and even.]

I can't stand people who claim others so easily. Do you really think that making a single cross on a paper will give you any right to push your expectations on that kid? You want to see his success as your legacy, but are you ever going to interact directly with him? Teach him? Reprimand him if he did something bad, and console him if he's injured or sad? What about all those nameless, countless people that will inevitably become his 'training material'? Are you going to apologize to them for putting your favorite's success over the very possible trampling of their ambitions and dreams? Does their hard work mean nothing, as long as it helps Bede become his best?

[IV's voice cracks at the last part and he looks quickly away, but not fast enough to hide how a nerve beneath the prominent scars that cover the right side of his face has begun to throb rapidly.

It takes an embarrassing amount of willpower and time just pressing his palm against the treacherous part of his body before he can finally continue.]

You make it so easy for yourself, just heaping your wishes on others. Forget about our own wills and our hard work - if we succeed, it's your success as well. If we fail, you turn your back and judge us without a second thought. Because we dared to let you down.




[After a long moment, he glances back over his shoulder and adds]

General you. I appreciate that you asked so directly. Not many do.

[nastyboy]

[In complete honesty, Dimitri isn't entirely sure if he will get an answer back - anything besides perhaps an insult, or a negative, or anything more than the young man storming away. It wouldn't be surprising. He's very clearly hit on some sort of nerve, after all.]

[But... He does get an answer, in the end. An answer he listens to quietly, attentive to every bit of it.]

[A lash out like that would of course have intense, deep feelings behind it. Dimitri knows that better than anything. Yet, rarely are such feelings put into words. Instead, they tremble violently underneath the skin, show in little actions. That he is getting this chance to understand... It'd be remiss of him to ignore this chance.]

...In the end, for better or worse, I am a man who only knows how to be honest. I do appreciate honesty in return, for that reason, having dealt with the opposite many times in my life.

So, with all of that said... [Right. He's decided.] Do you want to sit down for a drink?

[4play]

[One little question, and that's enough to make IV do a very realistic impression of a cat that just made acquaintance with a spray bottle.]



Dr- Do you think I'm old enough to drink?!?


[IV's little tirade is born from a lot of feelings and emotions that have been forced to be kept silent and hidden away for way too long. He'd let them fester and rot him because he had believed that it was for the greater good, but in the end it had only ended with even more hurt and insult. Saying that he's through with keeping silent would be an understatement.]

1/3

[nastyboy]

[nastyboy]

Yes.

[nastyboy]

But I was thinking any manner of drink, liquor not a factor. Normally I would in fact offer you to sit down for tea, but, in my time here, I have learned that not everyone likes tea.

....Or are very particular about it.

So I thought something more general would be for the best.

[Ignore how he said that yes he thinks IV is of drinking age, just, listen, just ignore it, ignore the medieval fantasy background-]

1/2

[4play]

....Ah. Well, I guess that I am seventeen, and that that's considered old enough to drink in plenty enough places. So alright, I'll have a drink with you!

[T-this isn't him trying to play it cool after kneejerk over-reacting in the completely wrong direction, b-baka!! (It totally is.) IV is so used to half the world, especially adults, watch his every action with hawk eyes and be ready to jump at him for the smallest infringing of what anybody may consider 'proper' that he's become somewhat paranoid with those things.

Not because he cares about his own reputation, but because any misstep might reflect back badly on his family. And he cares about them.]

[4play]

......my little brother loves tea. He'd always make it for us when he thinks that we need some down time to relax.


[IV hadn't always been grateful for it. Now he misses it (and Michael) badly.]

[nastyboy]

I see. It is a nice pastime.

[And that is all Dimitri will say on that; he doesn't want to step onto another mindfield in regards to this young man's brother. For now, he simply gestures for him to follow after, so that he can guide him over to where there are more chairs. Can't have tea standing up, that's silly.]

[And it is fortunate as well that the kitchen is not too far, really - he is used to Riegfriend and Soy's way of doing things, where the kitchen was across fifty million different rooms or, you know, on an entirely different flying ship you had to teleport to. So it doesn't take much at all to get one of those nice fancy teapots, some cups, tea after asking what IV would prefer. Dimitri rathers camomile at the end of the day but, well. He does it for the smell and memories only. Taste is something that doesn't matter to him, so he defaults to whatever IV rathers.]

[At least, as with most people in possession of power and money, there is a good variety here, so it's not as though they're lacking in tea selection.]

[It's only when they are settled down does Dimitri tilt his head to the side.]

You asked about the responsibilities of the Elite Four, and I did promise to explain what I know. [Or, well, he said he did, and that's as good as a promise] The most notable thing they are known for, of course, would be that they function as the ultimate and final challenge for those going along the gym circuit. In such a position, they are acknowledged as the best of the best amongst trainers so that you may truly showcase all that you have learned in the face of adversity. Their teams are composed of the highest level, well versed in tactics which would take of their preferred type.

From what I know, this means that they have to interact with the gym leaders as well, so communication skills are very important, to ensure this sprawling system works well.

There also seems to be additional responsibility, although those details are less known to me. For example, last year, strange and ancient species - precursor to those such as Zoroark and Braviary, as an example - because to appear all over. Some of those Braviary in particular were extraordinarily large and particularly territorial, going after random individuals. In such cases, the Elite Four stepped out personally to help deal with the matter, and took control over the Braviary which were captured.

So, dealing with the occasional extraordinary matter is also in their purview, although it should be noted that they are not the only organization which does so, and also were more than happy to request our assistance in the matter.

I believe that they also deal to some degree with the Aurora League, which is compromised of individuals from beyond this place who have succeeded at the Elite Four's challenge. Apparently, there is a particular construction company they rely on that helps build such gyms.

There are likely many other details, but I am afraid they have either slipped my mind, or I am not learned enough of the subject to know of them. I was not expecting something such as this to occur at prom.

Still, I hope it is worth some amount.

[4play]

He always cared the most about our family.

[His smile is faint and wistful as he follows Dimitri, apparently calm now that all the pressure that has been stashed up in him has been released. It's a treacherous peace because IV's temper is pretty much like an active volcano, but for now he has withdrawn his claws.

Their short trip to the kitchen means nothing to him, although he does note and silently appreciate what's basically a stranger and some hired kitchen personal go out of their ways to give him a little piece of home. The tea he eventually settles on is Hibiscus; mainly for the red color and the strong, but pleasant sourness it carries.

Once they are ready to sit down IV does so and nurses his tea in a decidedly calm and well-mannered way, showing that he has actually good upbringing. He listens silently to what Dimitri is saying and only sets his tea down to tap his fingers against the table plate once he is done speaking.]

See, that's already the first place where I see Bede run into a cinch. Communication skills don't seem to be a particular specialty of his, based on what I heard during those interviews. Then there's also his pride - which is good and well, until it's time to fess up and admit that there is currently more going on than what you alone can handle. Having him put on an attitude with people who have volunteered to help out is a pretty surefire way to make sure that they will think twice before offering their goodwill again.

[He takes another sip from his tea.]

I also understood that he has already taken over the gym of his mentor, yes?

"oh, this will be a long tag, I'll do some of the other shorter ones quick - wait how month hap"

[nastyboy]

[Well, this is by far a more calmer discussion than the one but a few minutes ago, Dimitri supposes, and he will take that for the victory that it is. Sometimes, that is all one can ask for.]

It is interesting, then, how we seem to have come away with completely opposite views upon listening to him speak with others. But yes, it seems that he took over his mentor's gym, before he came to this country.

That is actually one of the reasons why I believe contrary to yourself, in that I think he may be able to do well enough when it comes to communicating with the Kanto and Johto gyms. As someone who has been in that position, I would think that he understands the most just what they may go through, or what needs they may have which may not be so apparent to another Elite Four member. It gives him something of a leg up, as they say.

Of course, I have no doubt that the more veteran Elite Four members are very good at such communication as well, and know their gym members after so many years. But there is something to be said for someone who has been in that exact situation, and who can offer fresh views.

[Like.... In his case, Dimitri always knew that the lives of the common person could be greatly improved, and he was always eager to hear from people like Ashe on just what else he could do. What was he lacking in?]

[But that was nothing compared to when he had to live five years on his own, migrating between slums and the harsh wilds of Faerghus.]

[And this is exactly like that. Only with less overwhelming poverty in an impoverished and war torn nation while everyone wants you dead - ]

I also would disagree that his pride will be as much of an issue as you believe. There was a question someone asked where he responded as passionately as one would expect of a youth... but there was honesty, too. Self reflection. He admitted that he had made mistakes before, but that he was striving to correct those.

That is not an easy thing to do - even for adults who have experienced much of life. That is especially a great deal to ask of a young man who stands before a sea of people, all whose sole task is to judge him.

In the face of that, I felt it showed a depth of character to him, something that was had him willing to put himself in such a vulnerable position.

[Dimitri takes a sip of his tea, to wet his throat.]

Of course, that is merely my opinion, grown by my own experiences.