exsilium | First shot ; video

[There is the tell-tale sound of heaving in the background. The communicator is on its side, camera facing a cup of some clear alcohol on ice that's swirling in a tumbler. Where did this mysterious alcohol come from when Haymitch appears to be newly-arrived, you ask? We may never know.

His cheek is still stinging from where Katniss had gouged him, but it was a dull thrum that didn't seem so bad when he couldn't see straight. Eventually, he manages to get the camera upright and gives it a winning grin – or it would be winning, if there wasn't the telltale glisten of vomit on his lower lip. Some might not notice that.]

So, we're in for another Game. Different rules, sure, and a real 'battle', but – [and he waves his hand toward the camera,] – still. I should introduce myself, if that's the case.

[He makes a mostly-unsuccessful attempt to straighten himself up a little, leaning heavily on the outside wall of the nearest building before forcing himself to his feet and dipping himself in a sloppy bow.]

Haymitch Abernathy, victor of the second Quarter Quell. I come from District 12, home of coal and very little else.. This place is at least less of a violent assault on the senses than the Capitol – nobody's hair has made me shield my eyes yet. That's something.

[He produces a flask from his jacket pocket and places it to his lips, tipping it completely upside-down to suck the last few drops from it.]

Tell me, fellow captives -- how do you feel about the likelihood we'll be forced to kill people we know nearly nothing about in the name of this place's 'freedom'?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Better them than us, that's how the thinking's supposed to go, right?

Right, that's what they say.

[He snorts.]

Believing it's another matter entirely.

You don't have to say what you believe and you don't need to believe what you say.

I could tell you that meaningless violence gets me sick to the stomach, and I'd like to believe it. But if someone turned a knife on me, I don't think I could promise not to try and turn it back.

Well, I was asking what you felt about it, not what they told you to feel about it.

Isn't that the point, though? This place is making us fight a war that puts us in that situation, when we know next to nothing about why.

I never know how to feel about something until I have all the information.

I'm very good at not forming opinions until the last moment.

So I'm sure you're not going to do anything rash without provocation.

[That's -- something, at least.]

No. I'm to old for rash to look good on me.

Are you more useful drunk or sober?

I've got more practice with drunk.

[That's as good an answer as any.]

Practice makes perfect.

My name's Nash, by the way.

Nash. And how long have you been here, then?

Just a week.

And who's been here the longest?

That depends what you mean, doesn't it? I don't know who was taken here first. But it stands to reason that the lady handing out the weapons got here before anyone else did.

Fine, who's been here the longest out of the prisoners.

I said I don't know. In my defense, I haven't claimed to be helpful.

Then I'll just have to let you know when I figure that bit out.

You should. Let me know, that is.

I think I can manage that.

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