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

Ah, of course. That I can understand.

You asked how we felt, but what of yourself?

I've been killing for a long, long time.

[First as a Victor, but then as a failed mentor. It all ended in the death of children, after all.]

Out of survival. It seems we've got something in common.

So it would seem.

[Something in common...]

Tier Halibel.

That's some name. Is that sort of -- style -- common, where you're from?

I never concerned myself with that.

[read: yes.]

Just trying to get a feel for whether you're an exception or not.

I differentiate myself in other ways.

Such as?

I refuse to make myself stronger at the expense of others.

Interesting. I'd say that puts you in the minority, then, at least where I'm from.

Where are you from?

Panem.

It doesn't mean much to people here, though.

You know Finnick?

[what a coincidence, so does she.]

...yeah, we're acquainted enough.

['Friends' was always a word he wasn't sure how to throw around.]

A comrade?

[Let's try this instead.]

That's a little closer to the truth.

Him and I have spoken several times.

[With Finnick -- and this woman looking like she does -- he assumes they've more than 'spoken'.]

And you were wooed by both his charm and skill, I trust.

I was not.

[said plainly and without hesitation. so much for that.]

[He raises an eyebrow.]

That puts you in the minority, then.

For a second time.

Guess that just means you aren't like most people from the Capitol.

[That's a good thing, really. It makes it more likely that Haymitch won't hate her.]

[Cool.]

You are not fond of those that are?

Hard to respect someone who eats their fill, politely excuses themselves to the bathroom, and then eats on a newly empty stomach.

Video;

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