Fourth Dispatch: It's Not What You Think. Voice.

[trinkett]

Dear Fellow Residents of Luceti,

Wouldn't it be entertaining to put on some Games here in Luceti? Not that the Cultural Fair wasn't amusing, or any of the other activities going on here -- but true gladiatorial games. The pitting of one creature against another! Think of the thrill and drama and the release that goes along with that sort of entertainment! And here in Luceti we are ideally suited for a very exciting Games indeed.

Who would you sponsor or volunteer for this entertainment? Or would it all be...

[There is a pause here.]

Pokey-mans? I find human beings MUCH more interesting to watch, personally.

Comments

[Voice]

[antivanleather]

And how much is she worth to you, your tribute? Seven silvers? Thirty? How much support and sponsorship does a game of murder require?

I think, perhaps, a chaperon that intends to make good an image of those she wards would be best suited to considering that which she says before she puts it to the public. You are damaging Katniss' reputation by proxy, here.

[Voice]

[happyhungergames]

MY Tribute is worth staying alive! And I've used every CRUMB of my energy since she's gotten to the Capitol trying to keep her that way!

[Really. Katniss's reputation is in PERFECT HANDS.]

And for your information, the sponsors have been VERY interested in our talented Miss Everdeen!

[Voice]

[antivanleather]

This. Is not. Your capitol. This is not your world. This is not your Games, and these are not your rules.

There, do as you like.

Here?

Threaten Katniss' happiness, threaten her health through suggestions of bringing these games? And we will play one of mine and we will play it by my rules.

[Voice]

[trinkett]

You'd murder me, would you? [She slips into her coolest tone of voice. Effie is definitely not out to hurt Katniss and that accusation insults her.]

[Voice]

[antivanleather]

Not at all, dear lady.

[His voice is sweet, honey'd candy full of venom and razors.]

That would be swift and you would come back in a week having learned nothing.

[Voice]

[trinkett]

[All this gets out of her are further mumblings of "hypocrites! All hypocrites!" It really takes one to know one.]

[Voice]

[antivanleather]

I would hunt you, Effie. I would treat you as you treat those in your games. It is entirely within my nature, as an assassin, to do so. I make no illusions about what I am.

You? You hide it behind powder and wigs and pretty little lies and smiles. I have seen your kind and worked for them, under them, and over their bones for my entire life. If this is what you are to be? Own it. To lie is a disservice to yourself and those you would believe you otherwise.

Be the lady viper. It is quite in fashion in Antiva.

[Voice]

[trinkett]

Go ahead and hunt me, then. I am certain that you would be brought up cold by the very forces you champion here.

But I am glad you find me fashionable.

[Voice]

[antivanleather]

That suggests that someone would be able to catch me at it. I am here to champion no cause. The games you suggest do not concern me. Katniss and Prim's contentment, however, does. Harm that? And I would take great care in monitoring that which you consume for the next few years.

[Voice]

[trinkett]

[That's it. No more threats. Effie slams her journal shut.]