All right, I think I've finally found my way around this thing. And what better way to use it than broadcasting what I have so far of my newest work? I usually have Varric give my friend-fiction a quick read before I share it with anyone else, but I think this snippet is particularly fantastic. It's dedicated to a certain new sparring partner I ran into.

Settle down, everyone, Aunty Isabela's got a story for you all.

( Not explicit BUT NOT FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES EITHER. )

[Peeta turns on the camera and smiles warmly.] Hey, so I know it can be hard to find good gifts, and since Christmas has a lot of gift-giving, I thought I'd offer help! If you want fresh baked goods or a drawing, let me know. A sample of my art is attached.

[Attached is a drawing like this. (Note: Drawing belongs to x, not me)]

And I don't really know anything about the mutiny. [He was told to stay out of it.] But I hope we remember that we're all that each other has. We need to stick together.

[ There's a little bit of fiddling around with his tablet. In fact he's not even looking at the screen for a good fifteen seconds as the video records his dumb face, before he finally looks up and gives it a bright and cheery grin! Gonna keep positive despite all the recent going ons of this place. ]

Well hello there, folks! It's been some time since I made one of these public announcements. Er, do they count as announcements? I suppose they are announcements of sorts. Can't say I've had much of a reason to, but it's been--

[ Looking back down at the tablet for another few quiet seconds. ]

Egads! Has it really been that long? I see it was with Miss Lalonde. What I wouldn't do to see that gal again. She'd know how to liven up the moment.

Which reminds me why I booted up this old computer in the first place. In light of recent incidents it might seem rather inappropriate to ask such a questions, but I do feel rather chagrin even bringing the whole thing up! But I'm looking to procure myself a cake, and possibly a few party goers if anyone's interested. You see today's date happens to be a personally big one for yours truly. Seems today I've not only made it to the ripe old age of seventeen, but I've reached my first full year here in this particular universe. Like a grim anniversary of sorts, but just because the occasions grim doesn't mean it can't be treated as an occasion to celebrate!

Remember when I asked if anyone could cut hair? Well now that everyone has stopped being a little shit, I'd like to get my hair cut and dyed.

Anyone want to join? Bring booze.

[Now here is someone who's been absent throughout the mutiny mess, if the confused look on her face that appears briefly is of any indication. Gently combing through her wavy hair with a free hand, manicured fingers wiggling in and out, Sheryl lets out a soft sigh as she purses her lips to frown deeply.]

Well, well, well... if what I'm getting from hearsay is all true, then I'm so relieved to miss the disaster completely!

[She parts her mouth like she's about to say more. Angry rants at the people involved, massive scolding for dragging the rest of the Transports into their troubles and causing destruction, nicely-worded yet sharp insults at their direction. Instead, she slowly pushes the momentary look of anger aside, gaining her composure while she rubs her cheek and sits up straight, blue eyes locked on to anyone viewing this feed. Sheryl appears calm now, but she's nowhere near her boisterous self, not after learning what happened to Jesse (or what he did).

Still, she manages to sound happy enough. Only a little.]

Anyway, there's something I've been very curious about and I'm hoping to hear excellent answers from you. Now be good people and lend me your ears, all right? It'll only be for a moment.

[A faint smile morphs on her lips, but it lasts for a split second before she frowns, looking thoughtful. Cue the long pause.]

Have you ever wondered if you feel any differently after growing up in this war for so long? I'm not talking about emotions alone, but if you've changed completely after dealing with the Initiative, the UE, that irritating AI, these missions... everything. I've been here for almost a year now, and there were so many experiences I'd never thought I could possess. I wonder, does this mean I should feel older because of it? There's something to be said about war causing people to grow up so fast, after all...

[Like joining forces with a resistance to fight another country, using her own songs to drive the enemy soldiers literally down to their knees. The way she speaks contains genuine ruefulness to her tone, but it's not too long before she smiles once more.]

As of today, I'm officially eighteen, and yet I still feel like I'm seventeen.

[Virus smiles at the camera, sitting straight, both hands in front of him as he raises his brows.]

I must admit I was a little surprised to end up somewhere like this, however I think it’s interesting. Being brought to another world, given a weapon, an allowance, and a place to live in return for helping this group out sounds like something out of a game, doesn't it?

Tell me, what is the general feeling of this? I’m curious. Does everyone just go along, or is there some reluctance to listen to our hospitable employers? Because in the end isn't that all we are?

Employees to serve a purpose.

How rude of me. I am Virus; I can’t expect you to answer my questions without giving an introduction in return. I look forward to hearing your answers.

[There's a bit of rustling at first once the feed clicks on. The screen is filled with a small snout and tiny paws and it seems almost like it was turned on by mistake by the pet in question on screen. After a moment or two though, a voice speaks up, mechanical and deep.]

My GPS program appears to be malfunctioning, as I am unable to download a map of the island wirelessly. [There's a pause and a mechanical hum before the voice speaks again.]

Please instruct me on a place where I may find a USB connector to transfer information from my tablet. Thank you for your assistance.

[One paw stretches forward to tap the tablet and shuts the feed off.]

[You've probably seen this kid running around for the last two weeks, shrieking excitedly when he notices you're a human being (or fish person, or troll, or whatever; he's pretty excitable). But it's only now he attacks the network, all smiles and cheer.]

Holy SCHMAO, you guys, I've never seen so many humans! This is amazing! Where I'm from-- well, my name is Finn, first off! Finn the Human, from the land of Ooo! I'm basically a knight there, it's pretty great. I fight evil and stuff with my brother! But I'm the last human being ever, and I've never seen any others before-- but here you all are! Which is awesome!  We should all get together and talk about human stuff. What do you eat? Do you like bacon pancakes? What about--

[Oh wait no he had a message here. Finn takes a breath and adds:]

Anyway, uh-- I know things are kind of bumslops right now, but, uh, you gotta just keep your chin up! Sometimes being a hero means nobody likes you very much, or they think you're wrong, or even making mistakes. But as long as you're trying to do the right thing, you're all right!

Oh, and-- if anybody needs lessons in being a hero, I'm totally free. I've got, like, a billion years experience in it.