rumors | lysistrata + banana

lysistrata

CLASSIFIED

Report ID #: 32
Reporter: Lysistrata Salmon
Summary: District Eleven Victors generally quiet, Haizea Rose-Izar exposed to pro-rebellion ideals.
Date: Day Five, 93rd Hunger Games
Reporter Commentary: Sorry that it took me so long to get this typed up and sent out! It's been a hectic couple of days.

Content:
It appears that Harbinger Rhodes has taken on the most active role in mentoring the tributes this year. Kassandra Nerys and Kirito Miristioma have been relatively inactive this year. Katelyn Persimmon seems to simply want to return to her bakery. There continues to be no coordinated effort to stoke pro-rebellion ideas as of the last few years.

A conversation between Harbinger Rhodes and Haizea Rose-Izar has included some anti-Capitol discussions which Rose-Izar appears to be susceptible too. A bug in the train recorded a conversation between the mentor and the tribute which appears to include mentions of the Capitol thinking rebellious victors will be "the spark that will start a wildfire" and how the Capitol wants to "to remind [victors and tributes] that we're hopeless and powerless." Rhodes additionally notes that the Capitol has been targeting the Rhodes and Izar families because of their prominence in the district.

Rose-Izar did not refute the idea. Because of her age and nature, she would likely be susceptible to further pro-rebellion messaging should she win the 93rd Hunger Games. None of the recorded conversations from her district partner, Karl Jardens, have proved to include similar messaging.

Attached is the link to the recording.

The cursor linger on the send button for a moment as she rereads the intelligence report one last time. She's not an author and the peacekeeper intelligence bureau knows this, but it doesn't hurt to double check for typos.

As she delivers the summary of the recording, the escort almost feels sympathy for the fifteen year old from eleven. Haizea is a sweet girl, at least that's what Lysistrata could tell from the few interactions they had before the tribute was shipped off to the arena. The report would likely make it's way up through the peacekeepers and to the gamemakers who would then make the decision as to whether or not the girl could continue living.

It's almost a shame. Without any interference from the gamemakers, Haizea probably had a shot to win the whole thing. The Izar has so far shown remarkable strength for someone who had been ranked so low in the betting pool. When the girl from eleven had struck down the Hope from eight with a flaming shuriken, it had sent a shockwave through the games commentators.

Logging out of the secure portal and flipping her laptop closed, Lysistrata pulls out her phone and sends a quick text to the head of the peacekeeper intelligence council:

when can I transfer to a different district? d11 has been sooo boring.

He responds moments later, reacting to her message with a thumbs down before sending a picture of their dog. She rolls her eyes and dutifully reacts to the adorable picture with a heart. No dog picture can go unhearted.

Shifting gears, she sends another quick message:

Banana!!! I'm running a tad late, but I'll be there in about ten minutes xoxo

Her legs languidly carry her over to the front door to her penthouse and the elevator doors swing shut behind her. She's not in a huge rush; fashionably late is a bit on the early side for Lysistrata.

After a short drive under the flashing lights of Saturn City, she makes it to her destination. Reporters and tabloid paparazzo line the outside of the building, shielded by a small rope gate--for appearances, of course--and a gently flickering force field--for safety, of course.

As she moves towards the large, intricate doors, a host in a bright pink suit opens the door for her and she graciously smiles with a thank you as the mob calls out her name.

"Ms. Salmon! Over here!" | "Ms. Salmon, we have a few questions for you!" | "Ms. Salmon, what can you tell us about Karl Jardens' relationship with Johnny Scaletta?" | "Ms. Salmon, what do you think of district eleven's performance so far?"

Handing her keys to the valet, she turns around and gives the crowd a wide smile and waves at them, letting the camera flash brighten her green dress. "I'm so proud of my tributes, and all I'll say is that I think we might have a winner this year. Sponsors, make sure to keep going out and doing your thing! Haze and Karl couldn't have made it this far without you."

Lysistrata overemphasizes blowing a kiss to the reporters and heads inside, a volley of questions following in her wake. Another host greets her at the entrance and begins to lead her through the pink and red interior of the cocktail bar to her table.

Anyone who's anyone must be at Chez Manslaughter tonight. It's been booked, courtesy of the Capitol, each night of the games for the escorts, stylists, victors, and socialites to mingle. A live band is playing their unreleased album in the background, and dimmed lights cast a soft glow on the tables around them and on the holographic televisions with the sound muted, captions covering the lower part of the screen. The best part: free drinks.

As she nears the table, she spots the stylist waiting for her, already with a drink menu in hand.

"Banana!" she calls out enthusiastically and rushes over to the table, spreading her arms wide for a hug. "It's so good to see you! It's been a minute, it just feels like things have just been so crazy since the bloodbath! All I know is that I need a drink and fast."

Taking a seat in the padded chair she eyes the menu and laughs a little as she reads:

The Dyno - Bacardi, pineapple juice, grenadine, just what the girls go crazy for!

The Pierce - Whiskey, lime juice, and simple syrup, for a strong, dramatic night!

The Francine - Ghost Pepper Tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, salt rim, for a near death experience!

The Haizea - Mocktail, lemonade and a lot of sugar, there's a daycare around the corner!

There was one for each of the remaining tributes. Each night had a new, updated list of drinks. Allegedly, the alcohol becomes more expensive each night as the number of tributes dwindles.

A waiter swoops in to take their order and Lysistrata excitedly asks, "I'll take an Itzal Usoa-" (Blended Strawberry Marg, looks like it'll give you a good night, will give you a good night!) "-if that's not too much trouble." She gives the pink-suited waiter a smile before gesturing to the stylist.

After the waiter rushes off with their order, she turns back to Banana and begins talking rapidly, "Okay so tell me all of the tea that you've heard because there's been so much happening!" As if on cue, the television floating in the middle of them begins replaying the clip of Karl leaning in to kiss Johnny, only for his progress to be halted by a treacherous bottle.

"There's our Johnny," she says joyfully before leaning in, her eyes wide and conspiratorial. "Speaking of drama, did you hear about Flynn Garner?" She glances around, doing the standard check to make sure that no one from the nosy district six team were at the tables around. "A little birdie told me that Garner saw that scene and went bana-I mean nutso, like completely nutso and he's locked up in his room."

She leans back in her seat, spreading her hands dramatically. "I mean we all knew he had a thing for Johnny but this is just scandalously melodramatic, right?"