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

Restraint is a virtue less people have than people think.

Yeah. I get you. Don't mean we shouldn't try to have it though. If we don't try we're just as bad as the bastards who brought us here.

Ah, now that might just be true.

'Course it's true. We can't sink to their level. But we can't let 'em walk all over us either.

[Which is a line he's still not sure he's figured out how to walk.]

Again, that's easier said than done.

The good way ain't the easy way. You gotta work hard, but if you do that work, it all works out in the end.

It might, but I doubt you'll be the same in the end.

[People changed. Hardship changed people, even if they fought hard against it.]

You got that right. I'm still changin' and growin' up.

[He laughs a little too.]

An' not just in centimeters!

It isn't just the physical I was meaning, there.

[He's still all smiles.]

Figured that. I know what real strength is now, but I know I got more to learn.

[He's just so optimistic.]

[So bright-eyed and bushy-tailed... :|]

Right. Well, that's -- great.

[Well...his game ends with a world-saving and life and friendship affirming message. That has something to do with it.]

It really is. I bet you've got a lot of growin' in! You sound like you know a lot of stuff about it.

[...Haymitch's books end with the literal embodiment of innocence being burned to death, so there's that.]

Oh, sure. Growing, disemboweling -- you name it.

[Yeah, that series isn't so much with the optimism.]

Dis--shit. Sounds like you've had a rough time.

No more than anyone else from the Seam.

Or Panem in general, really.

Isn't there nothin' people can do to work together and fix shit?

[There's that optimism again.]

Oh, we're working on it.

[And ... preparing for massive casualties.]

Good. Hope it works out for you when you get home!

[And telling him that would just make him so sad...]

[Yep, narrowly keeping his mouth shut about the casualties.]

Uh, thanks.

[Good choice, because that gets more smiles.]

You're welcome, man!

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