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Good day. My name is Miles Edgeworth; I am with the Security team. As ever, I would like to request that any new arrivals with expertise in law enforcement, the military, or combat contact me to discuss potential employment.

[He would also like to request that all you dicks stop talking about The Worst Holiday Ever, thanks. And he would like to distract you from it with this:]

I should like, also, to discuss our backgrounds. I have done this in the past, I will grant, and as such I beg a bit of patience from those who have previously seen such questions. Nevertheless, I believe that discovering the commonalities amongst us will assist in the uncovering of the reason why we were brought here; more, a general census will, I think, assist in preventing people from falling through the cracks, as it were.

[And it will GET YOU BASTARDS TO SHUT UP ABOUT CHRISTMAS FOR FIFTEEN GODDAMN SECONDS]

I have attached a text document. Kindly open this document, fill it out, and submit it to me. Note that number five is quite optional, but an answer would be appreciated and potentially quite helpful.

1. Your name: 2. Your age: 3. Your occupation: 4. Your level of education: 5. (Optional) Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental illness? (Note: This can be either professional diagnosis or self-diagnosis.): 6. Have you ever been involved in crime or criminal activity (either as victim of same or as perpetrator)?: 7. Have you ever been involved in violence or a violent act (either as victim of same or as perpetrator)?: 8. How long have you been here?:

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Filling this out, you mean?

Yes. Is there a penalty, if we don't?

No. Of course not.

And there's not any other... repercussions.

[ you know, sudden food shortages, investigation into your family, stuff like that. ]

[He's recovered from his surprise; now his voice gets forceful.]

No. Absolutely not, under no circumstances. Ever. I - No one has been implying that you'll suffer consequences for not doing something, have they?

[ it's hard not to laugh at that, because it's funny, in an awful way. ]

No. Of course not.

[ it's dry, a little sarcastic. ]

Do you really work with the Peacekeepers here?

[ since he sounds kind of... fervent. and naive. ]

With...security, yes.

[And he gets a little quieter again, retreating back to confusion at the laughter in her voice. Well, no matter; he sets his jaw - ]

If anyone has tried or tries to intimidate you, ma'am, come to me at once. That will not ever stand. Understood?

Of course. Thank you so much.

[ she still blatantly doesn't believe him, but she doesn't want to risk getting in trouble with an argument. she's not even a victor, here, she's nobody. ]

[And he nods, reassured that she's gotten the message. He hopes dearly that it is merely troubles back home that have caused her to think in this way; the thought of someone on-board being cruel to this meek, polite girl - hardly able to stand up for herself - is enough to make him truly angry.]

There is never any need to thank me, ma'am. I'm merely doing my job.

So. That said: I would be appreciative if you answered the survey, as I'm using it to try to study what's brought us here; if we understand why we are here, then we'll be one step closer to getting home. That said, if you choose not to respond, or to respond only in part, that is your right. And I thank you in turn for even paying this much heed to it at a time that must be quite difficult for you.

Is it okay if I just say my answers? I'm still not very good at typing.

Yes, of course. Simply give me a moment to ensure that this cannot be heard by others.

[And there's the sound of a bit of fumbling about, then - ]

All right.

[ much wizardry many technology wow. ]

[ katniss speaks evenly, like she's giving testimony. ]

My name is Katniss Everdeen. I'm seventeen years old. I'm a Victor. I finished school. I have been diagnosed with a mental illness. I have been involved in crime or criminal activity. I have been involved in violence or a violent act. I think it's been more than a week since I woke up here, but I don't really know how to keep track.

[And there's the tap of answers being recorded; after a moment, and a bit absently he speaks up:]

A brief clarification - I'm not familiar with "victor" as a job title. What does that job entail?

[ they really are a long way from panem. katniss doesn't feel like sharing the details of her life with a stranger, but she was a good student when she wasn't starving to death, so she calls up what she remembers from her lessons. ]

A victor is given a house for themselves and their family in the Victor's Village, as well as a regular income for their remaining life. Their District is rewarded with extra food for the year of their victory, and as such they are regarded with honor. In return, they are required to be cooperative for the Victory Tour and any subsequent uses the Capitol may have for them, as well as mentoring any future tributes from their District.

[That catches his attention more fully, because truthfully, that answer just deepened his confusion. So, with more focus, he asks:]

I apologize, Ms. Everdeen - their victory in what?

The annual Hunger Games.

[ a pause, and with a more normal inflection that's less like she's reading from a textbook. ]

They don't have those where you're from, I guess?

[A little frown.]

No, ma'am. They do not. What are they?

Every year, one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen are selected from each of the twelve districts in Panem. These Tributes are taken to the Capitol to train for the Hunger Games, where they become famous — the Games are mandatory viewing for all Panem citizens, but in the Capitol they're also the biggest event of the year. After a week, they enter the arena that's been designed for the Games. The- last tribute left alive is declared a Victor.

[ she rushes the end bit. she thinks her voice would be steadier on the narration if she wasn't thinking of peeta. she'd been snatched from the jaws of the lion before having to go back in, but he hadn't. without her, did he really stand a chance? ]

[And Edgeworth - he feels stunned, cold with horror. She'd spoken so quickly that he almost wonders if he'd misheard that alive - he wishes he misheard it - But -

His voice is unsteady.]

Then - they are all sent to die?

Not all of us.

[ she switches back to first person like a gentle reminder that they were discussing her job title, not panem's national ethics. ]

That's - I - Forgive me, I do not mean to - That is horrifying.

[He knows he should stay detached, impartial, but - ]

I have - Why would anyone stand for that?

Fear, mostly. In the Capitol it's entertainment.

[Fiercely:]

That is unconscionable.

Is it?

[ katniss has her own anger, but hearing someone who's never experienced life in panem get angry on her behalf just annoys her. ]

I wasn't aware.

[And he hears that dryness; the recognition of it cuts through his anger, and he frowns. But he misinterprets.]

Do you not find it so?

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