Second Drink

[wastheexample]

[Haymitch has finally decided that maybe, maybe, Peeta isn't crazy and they really are living in a magical castle with people from other worlds. Maybe. Of course, that doesn't mean he's not on his guard. Even if this is what people say, it doesn't mean Snow or any of his Capitol stooges couldn't show up and ruin everything. Given what Finnick told him about the future...well. Better to be safe than sorry.

And Haymitch was prepared to keep those kids safe rather than sorry at any cost.

And so, he's sitting in the Lux, occasionally glancing at the drink of whiskey he can't have until someone hands it to him, flicking through his journal pages. Eventually, he deigns to talk]

Okay. So let's say I'm more willing to buy this magical castle idea. I want to know more about it. What makes it tick. Some of you have been here for years, apparently, you must have learned something in all that time.

I'm sitting in the Lux, if you'd like to play sharetime. We can have a drink, learn a thing or two. It'll be fun.

Comments

[wizard_redfive]

[There are so many ways she could answer that question, but Dairine resists. There are more important things she needs to know.]

The whole "mentor" deal. [With air quotes] What's up with that?

[wastheexample]

[Haymitch scoffs, sitting back in his seat]

There's nothing 'up' with it. All Victors have to become mentors, we don't have a choice in the matter.

[wizard_redfive]

So you're forced into helping the next generation of contestants, whether you want to or not. [A scowl] Has it ever occurred to you that you could say “no?”

[Then it hits her.]

Hold the phone, you won the Hunger Games? [Said with the most incredulous of expressions.]

[wastheexample]

Has it ever occurred to you that you can't say 'no' to a government who televises the murder of children for fun?

[He sighs. Ugh he hates this, so much] Twenty five years ago, yeah.

Newsflash: Dairine has feelings and no tact

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine can feel herself flush with anger, both at Haymitch’s words and his government.] Yes, you can! Just because no one is willing to risk it doesn’t mean you’re incapable of speaking out! They’re publicly murdering children; what more reason do you need? If you ask me, I’d say your country is overdue for some raised voices, because the longer you let those corrupt prats rule unchallenged, the harder it’ll be to stop this kinda thing from happening!

[HUFF. Dairine gulps down the rest of her soda, in a vain attempt to cool her temper a bit.

Also Dairine is totally doing the mental math to try and figure out his age. YUP. Classy.]

He could have used someone like you girl :<

[wastheexample]

I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, in case Peeta hasn't explained to you, District 12 is a tiny, insignificant part of a much bigger machine. The last time there was an uprising, the Captiol bombed the District responsible.

So you can't blame the people for not wanting to bring bombs down on their homes.

[She is more than welcome too. Haymitch will me a troll and not help with that]

Don’t tell her that; she might punch Haymitch in the face. -_-;

[wizard_redfive]

He has. [Or at least the basic history part. Still, the fact that he told her at all says a lot about his trust in her. Not many people know Peeta's past.] And I wouldn’t sell the district short if I were you. Just cause something’s small doesn’t mean it’s any less formidable.

[Dairine frowns, contemplative.] Blame them? No. Fear is a given, especially when one’s family and friends are at risk. But sometimes you reach a point where you have to push past that fear and make a stand anyway.

[Mental math for now. If the tributes range from 12 to 18 years old, he must be somewhere between 37 to 43...]

she is welcome to try :3

[wastheexample]

No, and if they all joined together, well, then you have something.

Also, very true. [Of course, it's already started. It was always waiting to start. They just needed the right spark, and that spark was Katniss]

Oh I'm sure she will >:)

[wizard_redfive]

Exactly. [Not sure if she likes being in agreement with this guy, but hey, at least they're being civil (for now).]

So out of curiosity, who is Panem's "esteemed" leader anyway? Or is it leaders?

[wastheexample]

Leader. President Snow.

[wizard_redfive]

Male or female?

[wastheexample]

Males.

[wizard_redfive]

Describe him for me.

[wastheexample]

[Have a nice, detailed description of Snow here, doop de doop] And he has a thing for roses.

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine is committing all of that to memory. But at that last bit, she blinks.] What kind of thing?

[wastheexample]

It's a long story. [And one he's not planning on telling. That's Finnick's right, and his right alone]

[wizard_redfive]

[Dairine raises an eyebrow but decides not to comment.]

Right. So an old man who likes roses... anyone else I should be concerned about?

[wastheexample]

Maybe Seneca Crane, if he ever shows up. Black hair, very ornate beard. It's hard to tell who's side he's actually on.

[wizard_redfive]

Hmm... [She glances over at Haymitch in "It-takes-one-to-know-one" kinda way.]

I'll keep that in mind.