002 | video;

[accidentalrebellion]

[The network contains no shortage of complaints about problems in this place. Who the Initiative chooses to pull in, uncertainties and angry demands for purpose, even complaints about the weather. But there's one problem that has, as a whole, received very little attention.

Until now.

When the feed turns on, it's clear that the video function has been activated, but the camera isn't aimed at anything particularly interesting (just a wall). All that's really noteworthy is a constant sound in the background, something between a growl and a low-pitched meow. Clearly identifiable as being of feline origin.

Yes, from the sound of it, someone is now a victim of Exsilium's stray cat problem. Or, at the very least, of one particularly persistent stray cat.

This persists for a few long moments until a female voice, carrying a distinct hint of exasperation, adds to the soundtrack.]

Does this [A yowl of protest later, a cat, a skinny, orange, mangy little thing, comes into focus] belong to anyone?

[Going once.... going twice....

No, seriously, someone claim this cat or she's probably going to cook it B'|]

Comments

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[accidentalrebellion]

[mysteries of the universe!

and hey, because it's Ellie, she'll leave the video on]

If there's even enough to skin.

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[reconnaissance]

Mmm. It could be wishful thinking.

( And, dryly: ) It must've taken a shine to you.

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[accidentalrebellion]

[Wishful thinking might also involve a fantasy of getting some kind of meal out of it, but Prim would be horrifically upset at the mere thought, so that's not even on the table.

Another yowl from the background.]

My new best friend.

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[reconnaissance]

I got beaten by that?

( She sounds so devastated, under the many layers of deadpan.

Her pride, Katniss. Her pride. )

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[Alas, it's a cruel world we live in]

It's hard to beat. [Look at it; it's so.... charming] I wouldn't take it personally.

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[reconnaissance]

I'll work through the pain.

( A beat. )

Somehow.

( She offers up one of those sharp grins of hers. Around Katniss she lets herself be a little more feral than around the others, the tamer city kids running about. )

Fancy going for a hunt, later? Or you got dinner all worked out?

( She's just waiting for the chance for some terrible puns. Brace thyself. )

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[accidentalrebellion]

[There is a level that she and Ellie can relate on; it's clear that Ellie understands more about survival in unforgiving places than almost anyone else she's talked to here. It's not quite ease, and maybe her lips only quirk upward in a quick quasi-smile in return, but that in and of itself is a feat.]

Maybe enough to make up a side dish. [Pause. ... Okay, okay, she's done now.] When are you thinking about going?

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[reconnaissance]

Purr-fect.

( right? it's funny, right, Katniss?

Okay, no, that was shameful. She rolls her eyes at herself, before leaning back. ) Uh. Dunno. In, like, an hour? I think there's a deer out there with our names on it.

( Never mind how they'd get it back. )