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;

[itase]

Yikes. Now that's some professional level pessimism.

Video;

[hungover]

I've had a long time to perfect it.

[itase]

Not exactly an in demand skill set. Hope you've got a day job.

[hungover]

I live off the earnings of my youth.

[Which are -- more or less depleted, but that doesn't seem to really matter here. They'll get a stipend according to the woman in the robes.]

[itase]

Exotic dancing?

[hungover]

Murdering other children.

Close, though.

[...yep.]

[itase]

....retired?

[hungover]

I did say 'other children', not just children.

[itase]

We're all children at heart.

[hungover]

[If he really thinks on it, he was still killing at least two children a year by failing at helping them with the Games.]

And some in the mind, too.

[itase]

Still lacking a direct 'no' to the question, here.

[hungover]

You're not going to get one.

[...awkward.]

[itase]

Aaaand now totally getting why everyone gets worried when people plead the fifth.

[hungover]

I'd apologize, but it wouldn't be genuine.

[itase]

It would be the thought that counts?

[hungover]

That wouldn't be genuine either.

[itase]

We are getting way too tangled up in honesty, here. We just met. Lies are mandatory social protocol.

[hungover]

Social protocol with strangers I'm not trying to impress aren't my forte, sweetheart.

[itase]

With that being?

And expert level: whiskey doesn't count.

[hungover]

Knives.

[...oh God, this is not getting any better at all]

[itase]

[God, why is everyone from that world a serial killer]

Yup. You are acing this failing social protocol thing.

[hungover]

[It's a tributes thing, okay]

Well, you said whiskey was out.

[itase]

Does the whiskey help or hinder the sharp, pointy object skills?

[hungover]

It's a toss up, most of the time.

[It's a heavily biased toss up, though, because usually if you're seeing two of your target it's harder to hit it.]

[itase]

Okaaay. Rate this one on a one to ten scale, with one being 'most true' and ten being 'most false':

People who bring me alcohol don't get stabbed.