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

Re: Video;

[hungover]

You're a terrible liar.

Video;

[insecrets]

Actually, I think I'm a pretty good liar.

Video;

[hungover]

Really.

Video;

[insecrets]

Are you trying to say you don't believe me?

[hungover]

That would be the implication, yes.

[insecrets]

You're hot and col, Haymitch. Hot and cold.

[hungover]

As if you aren't. Most of us victors aren't exactly stable.

[insecrets]

Stability is for those who don't need to fight for survival.

[hungover]

It's certainly something to meet people who don't have that sort of mindset.

[insecrets]

And yet most of them still aren't any more sane than we are. Life is pretty strange.

[hungover]

That just goes to show how many ways people can become unhinged. I suppose we should count ourselves lucky we have a 'reasonable' excuse.

[insecrets]

Seems like they have some pretty reasonable ones. Demons, Haymitch. Imagine the kind of muttation that possesses you.

[hungover]

I'd rather not, thanks. The Capitol came up with its own horrors without -- magic being real.