Contenders Quotes

“He also said that he marvelled that among the Greeks, those who were skilful in a thing contend together; but those who have no such skill act as judges of the contest.”
― Diogenes Laërtius, Complete Works

“I couldn’t just start killing people. That wasn’t really my thing.”
― H.D. Smith, Dark Forsaken

“How did you get hired?” “I checked the box on the application that said “descendant” by mistake. I’m dyslexic and I thought it said something else.”
“Okay,” I said, thinking that was the worst employment application mistake ever. “And they all believe him to be the true ruler of Fallen?”
“All the Mei-Bettys do. They’re, like, obsessed with it. It’s a little like restaurant-of-the-body-snatchers, you know?”
“Then why do you work there?” I asked. “Clearly, you figured out something was wrong with them.”
“Duh, but it pays well and they provide room and board. I sorta needed the job and a place to stay. It’s got free wifi,” she said, as if that explained everything.”
― H.D. Smith, Dark Forsaken

“Is that true?” The Boss asked Mace.
Without even batting an eye, Mace said, “Yes.”
“And you agreed?” The Boss questioned.
“Of course. Anything for my queen,” he said, holding his glass up to me in a mock toast.”
― H.D. Smith, Dark Forsaken

“I thought of the three men in the meadow. None were what they seemed and I was in the arms of my worst enemy, taking comfort from him. Would my life ever be normal?
“Normal is boring,” Mace said.”
― H.D. Smith, Dark Forsaken

“Don’t worry,” I said. “We won’t be having slumber parties and spa days any time soon.”
“I quite like spa days.”
― H.D. Smith, Dark Forsaken

“I’m calling this place the Tardis,” she said, continuing to scan the different locations. “We’re not calling it the Tardis,” I said. Of course, if she knew what it could really do, I’d never change her mind.
“Why the hell not?” she asked.
“Copyright infringement.”
― H.D. Smith, Dark Forsaken

“When they returned to the dais after lunch they found the mentor seats had been reduced to twelve, leaving only enough space for those with tributes still in the Games.

"The Gamemakers requested it," Satyria told the final dozen. "It makes it easier for the audience to keep track of who's still a contender. We're to keep removing seats as your tributes are killed."

"Like musical chairs," said Domitia with a pleased look.

"But with people dying," said Lysistrata.”
― Suzanne Collins, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes