[Video]

[afirewithfashion]

[Cinna looks a little less focused than usually -- that may have something to do with the collection of tribbles in his lap. The topmost one (yes, the pile is multi-layered) is the tribble that he's had from the beginning. Mostly sandy-beige, with white stripes on its belly.]

I know they're dangerous, I do understand that. They'll eat away the entire food supply.

[He trails off, his fingers in the fur of his favorite tribble.]

They're just so innocent -- if cold stops them from reproducing, couldn't we make cooled cages for them? Not all of them, but some of them?

[Like this one. He wants to keep it.

He feels better with the tribbles than he's felt since he arrived on the turtle. Better, even, than when they were in the plentiful current.]

I know it's a risk. But it seems wrong to kill them all.

Comments

[langsyne]

If we could find the materials for it, air-conditioned cages shouldn't be too hard to build.

[Scott is of the same mind. Even if they're kind of definitely a nuisance, they are way too cute to be killed. He might just have his own steadily growing pile on his bed.]

[afirewithfashion]

[They're a nuisance, but they're therapeutic. For some people, that's not much of a value, but for Cinna... it means a lot.]

You think it's possible? [If someone from Three were here, he'd ask them, but it's just him, Katniss, and Finnick.]

[langsyne]

[Despite himself, Scott can't help but smile at that.]

Oh yeah, used to have stuff like that all over the place back where I'm from. [As well as stuff way fancier.] It might take a week or two but I could whip something up, if you want.

[afirewithfashion]

That would be wonderful.

[Cinna smiles back, warm and genuine. Scott, you're making him almost as happy as the tribbles!]

But -- I'm sorry, this is rude, but I'm not sure we can afford to wait that long.

[Tribbles everywheeeeeeeeere.]

[langsyne]

Not rude at all.

[Honestly, he probably should've thought about the explosive rate of exploding tribbles earlier. He'd known it was bad, but just not how bad. He does a bit of mental recalculating, and then offers another number.]

What about two days? I'd need some help getting all the materials, but actually putting everything together shouldn't be too bad.

[Assuming, y'know, he skips lunch and dinner.]

[afirewithfashion]

[That is unacceptable. Cinna would never agree if he knew that.]

Just tell me what I can do to help. And I can pay you, of course.

[langsyne]

[Scott does it all the time already anyway! Eating and sleeping is for the weak. And for those who aren't single-minded and trying to distract themselves. Though at the mention of payment, Scott raises his hands and waves them, embarrassed.]

No, no, no need for payment or anything. I need one of these as much as you do anyway.

[There is a quickly multiplying mass of tribbles in his kitchen corner.]

But if you know where I can find the following things [here he lists off a few materials, including wire caging and a couple other things] that'd be great. [Pause.] And maybe a small loan. I'll pay you back, promise.

[afirewithfashion]

Of course I can pay for the materials. [Cinna's an artist. He understands supplies vs. labor costs.]

And you don't have to pay me back. Consider this my contribution. You're really helping me.

[langsyne]

[Well, Scott's not accepting it either way, Cinna. The money will find its way back to you somehow.]

Looks like we'll be helping everyone else on this turtle so consider this nothing.

[Scott gives Cinna a grateful smile before he disappears off the screen, muttering to himself about quantities and qualities and all sorts of other things before he pops back up again, curious.]

Right, what was your name again? I could call you Guy-Against-the-Abuse-and-Mistreatment-of-Tribbles but that's kind of a mouthful.

[afirewithfashion]

[Scott! Just take his money!

Cinna is already to say goodbye, when Scott pops back up -- and he smiles.]

You can call me Cinna. It's probably easier. I didn't get your name, either.

[langsyne]

Scott. Scott Lang. I'm in [insert room number] if you need me.

[And here Scott gives Cinna a half-salute half-wave.]

I'll let you know as soon as I'm done with them.

[afirewithfashion]

Thank you, Scott.