02. put me back together again

[hijackedbread]

[The video shows Peeta looking idly at the screen. There's a slight disconnect from his eyes to his expression, but he seems genuinely concerned.]

The Emperor died and nothing changed. Not the things that matter. Another one just took her place. Another Snow. Another Game Maker to make more Games.

How are we supposed to fight an enemy we can't know? Ignorance makes it so easy to misplace our trust.

[There's a pause and he takes a deep breath. Then he continues in a lighter tone, although he doesn't seem to recognize the change in topics.]

Is there a bakery here? Or an army? I need something to keep my hands busy.

Comments

[strategisch]

[Armin can't help but agree with Peeta's sentiments, though he says nothing.]

The army and a bakery are two very different ways to keep yourself occupied.

[hijackedbread]

I have experience in both. I don't want to ask for something to do that I wouldn't be qualified for.

[strategisch]

That's a very specific set of skills.

Well... Unfortunately there's not much of an army to speak of here. Justice is generally of the vigilante sort. But if you'd like to work at a bakery, there are several about Tu Vishan where I'm sure the Kedan would be glad to have you, and even pay you for your help. I know there's also a bakery run by one of us, but I can't recall the name at the moment.

[hijackedbread]

The kedan. You really think they would hire me?

[strategisch]

Of course. They employ most of the population here-- I help a man with his stable of Kirin to make some money.

[hijackedbread]

What's a Kirin?

Do you know where a bakery in the Metal Sector is? That's where I live.

[strategisch]

You may have seen them around, they're beasts that pull carts or carry people. Sort of like horses.

I'm in Wood, so I don't venture to Metal often. I'm bad with machines. But there must be something of the like there; people have to eat no matter where they live.

[hijackedbread]

You're right. Thank you.

[strategisch]

What's your name? I'm Armin.

[hijackedbread]

Peeta Mellark.

Did you know anyone from Panem?

[strategisch]

I'm afraid I don't. Is that the world you come from?

[hijackedbread]

The country. Yes.

[strategisch]

Country, right. Forgive, I can't say I have a nation to hail from.

[hijackedbread]

Where are you from?

[strategisch]

The best I can tell you is "Earth". The town I was born in was called Shiganshina, however, it was destroyed many years ago.

[hijackedbread]

I don't know those places. What was it like?

[strategisch]

Shiganshina? Well, it was my childhood, so everything I remember is a little rosy. I was young and I didn't want or worry. I was bullied, but I had two good friends who protected me.

After the Titan's breached the Walls, however... things have not been the same. The world is hard and cruel, and I have come to see it for what it is. I lost my family and my home. All I have left are now my comrades in arms, and my duty to humanity as a soldier.

[hijackedbread]

I lost my family in the rebellion too.

[strategisch]

I'm sorry. But, what kind of rebellion was it?

[hijackedbread]

I don't know what kinds there are. The Districts rebelled against the Capitol. I'm not sure which side was the right one.

I get confused sometimes.

[strategisch]

[Armin had noticed there was something a little... off, about Peeta. A little short, a little detached. He said he had experience being a solider, so maybe he was shellshocked? It happened to plenty of people in Corps.]

That's alright. It's not something I need to know.

[hijackedbread]

Why do you work in a stable?

[He's oblivious to how rapid the change in subject is.]

[strategisch]

Part of my job in the military back home-- the Survey Corps-- is to take care of your own horse. The Kirin are no different, so it's something I took to easily.

[hijackedbread]

You used horses to fight?

[strategisch]

Yes. In my world there aren't any cars or other advanced machinery for moving things. If you want to get somewhere quickly, you'll have to ride a horse.