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

[howherolls]

[ slowly, he brings his hands to his lap. he folds them. takes a deep breath


he stares at her ]

[effective]

[She can't help herself, smiling a little. He's really here. And not killing her!]

Johanna and I went outside the other day. It was raining. I think she threw up after, but she did it. [See Peeta other people can get better ;3; And Katniss is helping them]

[howherolls]

[ his gaze goes nowhere in particular and he remembers the sounds of screams ]

The lights kept flickering on and off.

[effective]

[Oops 8|]

It's over now, Peeta. That's what I meant before. About moving on.

[howherolls]

[ his eyes slide to her ]

That's how I'd know it was her turn.

[ they lose focus again ]

Then it went to the next cell.

[effective]

Peeta. [She's saying his name, hoping that it'll help him remember who he actually is. She takes a step back] You're not there any more.

[howherolls]

After a while you don't notice. It all runs together. [ he flexes his fingers ]

Ten at first, then nine. Then eight.

[ he looks at her, and the words are a little strained ]

You told me that part was real.

Then seven then five then four.

[effective]

What-- [part, she wants to ask, but stops herself just in time. Her face twists, clearly upset] I can't help you, Peeta. But I can't - I can't leave you by yourself like this either.

[howherolls]

Three...two..one.

[ he exhales and Peeta hunches over, resting his elbows on his knees and squeezing his eyes shut ]