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'?

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Good to see they haven't gotten stupid in my absence.

[He can't bother to play the nonchalant attitude since everyone here seems to know about the rebellion.]

That's debatable.

[She pauses, recognizing the drop in tone. Now to ask the important question:]

How much do you remember?

The last thing I remember is leaving your lot on the ground.

I'm led to understand that's not the last thing most of you lot lived.

Then again, I also heard you were kicking people out of their own beds. Either of those things true?

You definitely have some gaps to fill.

[A pause as she considers. There's a lot she left out when she talked to Finnick, wondering if it might change something for the worse, but-] All of the above. The last time most of us were in a room together, Coin put us to a vote. It's been several months since then.

Right, Katniss mentioned that.

[He just -- looks vaguely miserable. Him being out of the loop isn't something he appreciates or enjoys.]

Not surprised. She's probably being cryptic about it, too.

[Johanna sighs a bit, sounding suddenly tired.]

Come by. I'll fill you in on what you need to know.

I'll bring a bottle of something.

[It's only polite, after all.]

Make sure it isn't the cheap crap you like.

[Even if he's going to be drinking most of it.]

You drive a hard bargain, Miss Mason.

Fine.

I don't wanna have to explain this twice over.

[And with that, she hangs up.

He'll find her at Katniss' place, empty for once with her at Peeta's side and Finnick off at the lakes. The door is unlocked and she's sitting on the couch, two empty glasses waiting on the coffee table for whatever liquor Haymitch managed to scrounge up.]

[He's already gotten a little more sober, walking around trying to find a liquor store. True to his word (because other victors are people he at least tries to be straight with), he shows up with a bottle of not-completely-terrible wine.]

Scare off the roommate already?

[Johanna looks up with a welcoming smirk when he shows up, shrugging her shoulders. She scoots over, makes enough room for him to take a seat.]

I told them you were coming. The smell must've been enough of a deterrent.

[Not true, but bantering is easier than charging right into the heart of the matter.]

Or the look on your face where they were suddenly grateful that you weren't holding an axe.

[He raises an eyebrow at the glasses, but unscrews the cap (because all classy wines come with screwcaps, right) and pours out two glasses.]

Doubt it. Finnick has been all too glad to see me up and swinging.

[She's not drinking out of the same bottle as you, Haymitch. Especially not with vomit on your face.

Johanna reaches for hers, not drinking immediately.]

How much has she told you?

[Hey, he understands that it isn't for everyone.

He purses his lips.]

Not much. She's got more burns than a tree after a forest fire, and Peeta's crazier than Annie. That's about it.

You can thank Coin for the burns.

They hijacked him back in the Capitol. [She smirks, taking a sip.] This is him with progress.

[Some part of him wonders if it wouldn't have been better for Peeta to die in his original Games. Ah, well -- not exactly his choice.]

Oh, that's great.

[She might agree, if Katniss didn't seem so dependent on him now.]

He hasn't tried to murder her in a while. I don't know about you, but I'll take what I can get.

That seems to be the theme of the month here.

[He shakes his head. This is -- depressing.]

[She's quiet for a moment, letting him take it in before she continues with something that's less of a downer. Don't say she never did you any favors, Haymitch.]

Snow's dead. Coin, too. Did she mention that?

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