01 video.

[advising]

[ The feed flickers on, and the camera noisily jostles, the hands holding it trembling faintly, but not out of fear. The man that appears on the screen, ragged as he is, looks as far from fear as he can be. In fact, he's even mildly annoyed, instead, his face sporting a few bruises here and there. ]

Well, isn't this just cozy.

[ A rather unimpressed smirk twists over his lips. ]

Expected where I was going to be a lot less... formal. You know, the ritzy carpet here and the beds. Nice welcoming committee-- screaming ghost children. I think I like that one best. Really... authentic.

[ The styling of this place would make Effie Trinket sob. Even he finds it gaudy. He looks off screen for a moment, as if examining something (an empty flask), the clink of a metal lid being unscrewed, a scoff. As if he didn't both look and sound annoyed enough already. ]

I'm going to need to know a couple of things. One, has anyone gotten together any plans and information to get out of this place, or we all just going to sit and play patty-cake until something goes bump in the night? And two -- a drink. Something strong. I've run out, and I'm going to need another very soon, the way things are here.

[ Not that he would trust many (if any) of them, but better to use them for what they know now if it will help him and his get out of this place. Of course he's probably more concerned than he looks, but there's not a point in letting them see him sweat. Not when there doesn't appear to be any outright danger, but that is most concerning of all, of course. ]

Comments

[advising]

Optimism? Maybe you're the one with the alcohol. I don't see any optimism here, sweetheart.

[hacker]

Most people got nothing but clothes and gag gifts in their suitcases. Expecting to find a drop of alcohol in this place? That's optimistic.

[advising]

And I got an alcoholic's anonymous guide and a stuffed goose. It's easy to be optimistic when those are your prospects.

[hacker]

What's the story with the goose?

[advising]

They're fine creatures, exceptionally well designed and extremely volatile when they need to be.

[ If the sarcasm isn't already palpable in his voice, his expression will say it enough. He doesn't know why he has a stuffed goose. ]

[hacker]

Wow. That really clears things up, thanks.

[ She returns the look in kind, snide at his unhelpfulness. ]

I mean most of the gifts have something to do with what they know about us.

[advising]

Good, I'm glad we're on the same page.

[ At least the folks here have some fire. Or this girl does, anyway. He can respect that. ]

Good to know. I apparently have a drinking problem and an affection for geese. Learn something new every day.

[hacker]

Drinking problem doesn't really seem like it'd be news. [ A beat. Her sarcasm drops into something slightly more sober (haha get it) as she questions, ] You gonna be okay? [ Skye had done just enough chain-wikipedia-ing that she knows alcohol is the one and only drug detox that can kill you. ]

[advising]

Well, aren't you just the sweetest, most observant little thing.

[ But it'd be offensive if Haymitch didn't already know about his drinking problem. He enjoys drinking, so there's little to bother him about with it. ]

I think I'll be just fine. If not I'll cry into my stuffed goose for comfort. What about you, sweetheart, going to make it?

[hacker]

[ That earns a smile out of her, tongue pressed to the inside of her cheek. ] Are you actually concerned, or just hoping that deflecting the focus onto me will stop me from asking about you?

[advising]

I don't give a damn if you ask about me, but I'm not always keen to give answers, sweetheart. I like to keep them guessing.

[ A shrug. ]

[hacker]

International man of mystery it is. I can respect that. Or be wildly suspicious of it.

[advising]

Whatever makes you warm and tingly inside. I am clearly so very concerned.

[hacker]

Well, you're still talking to me. That's something.