01. they build you up so high

[hijackedbread]

[The video clicks on to show a boy of seventeen staring at the screen. The kedan have just shown him how to work the console and he assumes he’s meant to broadcast, as he would in Panem. So he flashes a winning smile, one that doesn’t quite stretch to his eyes.]

Hello. My name is Peeta Mellark, from District 12. They said this isn’t the Capitol. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure where Keeliai is or why I’m here. But I know that the Emperor wouldn’t bring me here without a reason and I trust her wisdom. I appreciate how welcoming you have been and I look forward to learning more about you and to fulfilling my duties here.

[The tribute is incredibly charming, but those who are extremely perceptive would be able to detect that nearly every word is a lie and may notice the sound of handcuffs being pulled taut. He pauses and his smile falters.]

If any other Victors have been welcomed here, I would be glad to be reunited with them again.

Comments

[hijackedbread]

I heard. Do you know where he's gone or how I might find out who sent him away?

[philosophe]

I can only assume that he has, perhaps, gone home. You might find out by asking the Emperor when she next has an audience, I suppose.

[hijackedbread]

How am I supposed to get permission to attend?

[philosophe]

You do not need permission, you may simply arrive at the palace and wait.

[hijackedbread]

Oh. When is it?

[philosophe]

I believe there is generally an announcement as to when it is.

[hijackedbread]

Thank you. I'll listen for it.

Can you tell me more about this place?

[philosophe]

Certainly, I have been here for some time now. What would you like to know?

[hijackedbread]

Everything. More about the Emperor, about the people. Are they starving or gorging themselves and then purigng? Do they fight? What's the main export here?

[philosophe]

[There's a little frown, there. He had spoken with Finnick a few times when the other young man was here; but Finnick had never mentioned anything along those lines.]

They are not starving, nor are they binging. The turtle was ill, some time ago, and there was a scarcity of food; but he is well now. There is fighting amongst the gangs, primarily, and we are all fighting against a greater evil whose name I will not mention here. The exports are a variety of things, I believe, but I am not certain.

[hijackedbread]

How do they sustain themselves?

[philosophe]

Oh, in the general sorts of way. Farming, shopkeeping, that sort of thing.

[hijackedbread]

How do they pay to live here?

[philosophe]

...They do not pay, whyever should they?

[hijackedbread]

It's the Empire's land.

[philosophe]

Yes, and they are citizens of the Emperor. I am certain they pay taxes, but likely no more than that.

[hijackedbread]

What are taxes?

[philosophe]

Oh -- [And here he will be giving a somewhat brief explanation of taxes; but seeing as this is Combeferre, he is likely starting with the simple explanation and going into a bit of history on the Romans, their taxation policies, and perhaps the issues with American and French taxation that eventually lead to revolution. We're very sorry, Peeta, you picked the wrong ami to ask this of.]