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]

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.]