01. vid

[howherolls]

[ the video feed flickers on, and a young man sits at a desk. On it, there's a paintbrush, a small canvas and a set of watercolors. None of them have been touched, but the young man's fingers keep flexing around the brush. ]

I'm...not sure why I'm here. [ he slowly clears his throat, staring not at the feed but at the brush ] My only guess is they saw something they liked on the footage. [ a finger twitches against the brush ] But...I am pretty sure I have other ideas this time.

[ he looks up ]

That person you saw in the Games and the interviews wasn't me. Not the me that I remember, anyway. So if that's what you were expecting, I apologize. I'm not here to fight. You don't want me fighting.

[ there's the sound of a sharp crack as the paintbrush snaps in half. It begins to reform itself ]

My name's Peeta Mellark, and I'm going to sit this one out.

Comments

Re: video;

[howherolls]

Festivals sound like a good idea. I've never really been able to see one as a...spectator.

[ he smiles ]

I've made a Christmas cake. Red velvet with butter cream ganache. Almonds, strawberries, and sugar silver bells on top. Or if you don't like overly sweet things, I've done a pumpkin cheesecake made with gouda and coarse graham crust.

video;

[revelation]

Then... I'll definitely try my best, everyone deserves some fun! Even if we're away from home right now.

( Oops, that all sounds beautiful and delicious. )

I've never had pumpkin cheesecake before, but it sounds really good! They both do really. Do you like baking, Peeta? I've been actually trying to learn since I got here... mostly sweets though, hehe.

Re: video;

[howherolls]

[ he rubs his hands together ] Yeah, maybe.

[he smiles]

You could say that. My father used to run the only bakery in town, so I've been working at one all my life. [ except for the time spent in the Capitol, anyways ] Most people like cheesecake. It's one of our biggest sellers during the holidays.

[ he sighs. he's here, and he's not fighting. and he needs...something ]

It's not that hard to make.

[revelation]

Oh, wow, so you must know a lot. My dad is actually a really great cook, so I’ve been able to learn a little bit from him. I’m nowhere close to making what he can, but I’ve always really enjoyed it. Creating delicious things that others can enjoy, well… it’s really fun!

( Madoka blinks at the response, but smiles brightly as a sudden thought grabs her. ) Really? Do you, um, well… do you think you could teach me the recipe some day?

[howherolls]

I'm sure I could manage that.

Have you ever tried before?