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

[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.]

[effective]

And I only had to be declared legally insane for it to happen. [A smirk that even has some humour in it]

[There's a puase, a sigh, and then she scowls at him] I wish you remembered.

[hungover]

Oh, don't make that out to be my fault.

[It's a little lighter, though, and if she's actually smirking, that's always a good sign.]

I solemnly swear, this was not just the result of a tumble off-stage.

[effective]

I don't. It's what my therapist said.

Your solemnly swears don't mean much, Haymitch. [But it's said with sort of a shrug. They know the score with each other, at least where she's from. They are what the Capitol made them]

[hungover]

Meant the remembering part, sweetheart.

[He's -- not going to argue with her on the first point.]