First shot ; video

[hungover]

[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'?

Comments

Video;

[hungover]

So long as it was eaten first, and not just dumped in there as some sort of cruel effort by you well-meaning lot to sober me up.

video

[howherolls]

We don't do that anymore, don't worry.

Video;

[hungover]

[So long as both of them haven't joined him -- at least, not frequently.]

Smart.

video

[howherolls]

I try.

[ he's quiet for a little bit, trying to line things up right ]

So you're trying to line up a resistance again?

Video;

[hungover]

I would never.

[Not in public, at least. Not where their ears could be reached, whoever 'they' end up being.]

Just trying to get both sides of the story, as it were.

Video;

[howherolls]

I hope you're not offended if I don't give your word much credit.

[ he rubs his hands together ]

They'll never line up anyways.

Video;

[hungover]

There's very little that you could do that I'd find offensive, I think.

[Gross Haymitch, your feelings are showing.]

video

[howherolls]

[ that wane smile is back ]

I can think of one or two things.

Video;

[hungover]

Katniss has already filled me in on your trying to crush her windpipe.

You got any scars you're going to spring on me during a golden opportunity? So I'm a tick more prepared.

Re: Video;

[howherolls]

[ he winces, but it's not the shocked horror of recoil you'd expect from the boy with the bread ]

Vacations in the Capitol aren't what they used to be.

[ he rolls up his sleeves ]

A few, on my arms.

I was there when it happened.

Video;

[hungover]

And are you planning to go with tight-lipped solidarity with Katniss?

[He wouldn't blame him, really. When those two only have each other left, especially now that he knows about Prim -- he can't really say anything about anyone else's decisions after sending more than a handful of people to the arms of the Capitol.

They were both different -- it was easy enough to see that. He just hopes that it's, at least in the long-run -- a change for the better.]

video

[howherolls]

...I've been told that my information's not reliable.

But I'll answer any questions.

Video;

[hungover]

What happened when Snow was killed?

[...Peeta said he'd answer any questions, and Haymitch trusts him for that much. Peeta might've been uncertain of himself more often than not when it came to his own abilities, but he'd never failed to surprise the crowds and himself.]

asjdklajsd that icon

[howherolls]

You voted to reinstate the Hunger Games.

[ maybe a small part of Peeta is mad, after all. ]

[effective]

That was before. And there was a reason.

[howherolls]

Are you sure?

[effective]

[She holds his gaze] Yes.

Peeta, in what world would - would my little sister have ever been okay with the Hunger Games being held for her?

[howherolls]

I don't think he was thinking of Prim.

[ there's a quick series of loud pops as his knuckles crack ]

Or that either of you were thinking about the other people who would've had to pay if it hadn't worked.

[ he cuts the feed ]

[hungover]

Well, he's gotten almost as charming as you, Katniss.

[effective]

The victors left alive after the rebellion were made to vote. On whether or not there'd be a last, symbolic Games with the Captiol's children.

I said yes. For Prim. And so did you. Because I had to get close to Coin and it was the only way I could think of.

The Capitol didn't kill her, Haymitch. Coin did. [And also yes, Peeta is an asshole now :'D]

[hungover]

[At least she's not denying it]

Unfortunately, there weren't many options for insanely isolated leaders ready for rebellion.

[It's something he'd been worried about, trusting Coin.]

[effective]

They...voted for the next one. Paylor. There was a lot of voting going around.

[hungover]

And what's your take on Paylor?

[effective]

[A long silence. She has a right to anything behind that door. The words are engraved on her memory]

Better her than any of the other options.

[hungover]

Good.

[He's -- pleased. It wasn't all for nothing, then.]