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

video;

[hijackedbread]

Oh. The Capitol is a place in Panem. Like a District. But wealthier and more grand.

[He shrugs slightly, trying to be dismissive about something that clearly unsettles him. The facade of nonchalance slips from his features for a split second, revealing concern, but it returns as easily.]

I imagine our versions of weird are probably pretty different. I can handle pretty much anything as long as I know it's coming.

[It's when he doesn't know to expect it that he might snap and try to murder someone.]

video;

[werethatgood]

... okay, so, magic it is. Where should we come to you?

video;

[hijackedbread]

I think they said Metal, 3A. Cinna might be coming too.

video;

[werethatgood]

Oh, that's close to me, at least! Will be over as soon as I can round my relevant hero up.

[ Beat. ]

That's a joke. Though he is a hero. What with the magic and all, and using it for good things.

video;

[hijackedbread]

[A beat.]

Where I'm from, magic is just an expression for a fancy trick. What kind of magic can open handcuffs?

video;

[werethatgood]

Oh, we have that kind of magic, too. But Wiccan's special! I mean, in the beginning he only made thunder, but now he can do almost anything. It's a gift, you'll see!

[ Beat. ]

He's not going to cut the metal you mean by making thunder inside your suite. In case you were starting to worry about that.

video;

[hijackedbread]

No.

[There's no question in his tone. Someone who makes thunder sounds like a GameMaker to him and that's the last thing that Peeta is willing to risk.]

No, I'll find another way.

video;

[werethatgood]

[ Great going, Cassie. ]

Right. So, no thunder. I can come give it a try. Or maybe borrow something from a family friend, though I'm not sure if he has something safe. I'll have to check.

I mean, like. An actual metal-cutting tool. That cool with you?

video;

[hijackedbread]

[He's slightly stiff and nervous when he replies.]

Something normal? Yes.

video;

[werethatgood]

Got it. Absolutely normal. Maybe a little old-fashioned, but normal.

Be there in a bit?


ooc: Handwave or action?

video;

[hijackedbread]

Thanks. [A pause.] Cinna should be here by then to help.



[ooc: either is good with me!]

video; -> action;

[werethatgood]

Ummm. Cinna... [ Tries to think of what she knows about him. ] Isn't he involved with clothes making?

[ Forgive her ignorance, okay? ]

But I'm pretty sure help will be good. See you in a bit!

[ And she disconnects to get what she can from Scott or Tony and head over to Peeta's suite. It might take a bit, as she'll make sure to get precise instruction for working with what she gets. So she can be there to help, not - make mistakes. More mistakes. ]