Death of a Salesman [Emerald / Desarae]

e m e r a l d .

You don't have to hide your love away and
I know that I'm gonna make mistakes but
Leaning on somebody isn't easy
I'll do what I can to make you see, oh

I am mostly done with my shopping for the day. I have the token that was missing from my collection, and the tickets from Poria. My dress for the Gala has been fitted and will be delivered on the eve of the party. After the fitting I wandered in and out of shops for a while with no real goal, just enjoying a pleasant day of shopping. Lunch with Opal was the real highlight of my day, of course, but I cannot shake the feeling that she was still uncomfortable, despite my best efforts to put her at ease. Then again, the Quell is only days away, so I am sure she must have more on her mind than I can imagine.

I have reversed my path through the streets, intent on returning to the limousine for the trip home. Along the way, I spot the LYNDIS store, and a thought occurs to me. It is not a place I usually frequent personally, however, so I explain my intentions to Atlas first so that he can take the appropriate precautions.

He enters the store first to ensure that it is clear of potential threats, leaving me to wait outside with my two Avoxes. When Atlas returns and nods, I enter with the Avoxes in tow. A single salesperson sits behind a counter, looking somewhat stunned, and I suppose I can understand why. My Avoxes are large and muscular, and Atlas is even bigger. Atlas positions himself near the door, and will prevent others from entering the store while I am still inside. An unnecessary precaution, perhaps, but it is his job to protect me, and on that subject he takes his orders from Father.

I approach the counter and give the salesperson my most winning smile. "Hello there, Desarae," I begin, glancing at her nametag. "I do hope that you can help me. As you surely know by now, the Varda family will be hosting a Gala of special significance in Honor of the Quell, and everything simply must be perfect."

I hesitate before continuing, mostly because technology has never been a strength of mine. I am not stupid, obviously, with the benefits of a Capitol education and the finest of private tutors, but I never truly focused on my studies since I will never be expected to have a career.

"We have already had screens installed for the event, obviously. It simply would not do if the viewing of the Games was interrupted for any reason. However, if there was some way to make the experience more enjoyable for my guests, I would be most grateful." I am not even quite sure what it is I am asking for, but that is the reason for coming here, after all. It is their job to know the technology, not mine.

"Any ideas you may have would be greatly appreciated, and we Vardas know well how to reward such assistance." Another smile as I defer to the expertise of the salesperson.