suddenlycaptain | CONTACT ;; ataraxion

All it takes is a little practice, dear. [Briefly, she wonders which of her memories, if any, Carolyn received, and she decides she doesn't really want to know.] Beauty requires a bit of sacrifice.

[ "Dear". That's certainly enough to make Carolyn raise an eyebrow, as if the rest of it weren't. ]

There's not anyone to impress around here, you know. But hey, wear what you want. I just hope you take those things off if you have to run anywhere.

[ Unless- ]

Can you run in them?

In short bursts. You learn after you're forced to work with people who can't keep a schedule. [She says it like it's the worst thing ever. Though it does cause her a great deal of stress.]

But don't worry; I'll manage. Perhaps I'll even find a pair of sensible shoes that don't look atrocious before the next big crisis happens.

Can't switch careers? [ Really, Effie. ]

Boots aren't that bad. [ Not that hers are great to look at, but that's not the point. ] You could... decorate them, or something.

I like what I do. [Barring some aspects of it.]

I'll consider it, if the ship decides to gift me with a pair. [And she does look at Carolyn's boots, only a slightly raised eyebrow revealing her judgement of them.] I could do something with yours, too.

[ It's an answer that makes Carolyn's nose wrinkle, at least, but she doesn't say anything. Not just yet. ]

Shoes came with the jumpsuits, you know. [ Unless Effie threw them out, which she supposes is entirely possible. ] But no, thanks; I've got three cats and a shuttle bay to look after while wearing them.

[Nah, they're just gathering dust in the very back of her closet.]

I can try your suggestion of pleasing but practical clothing. [Effie gets an almost frightening gleam in her eye. You might be her next project, Carolyn.] There's no reason not to look your best even when you have to do manual labor.

Who knows. You might even like it.

[ ... oh. That's not a good look, and Carolyn has the instinctive urge to back up. Unfortunately, she's both too stubborn to do so and still working on cooking up cat food. ]

I, uh-- I saw a party, during the memory... things. It was a little extreme for me.

[The smile on her face falters a little before coming back up, brighter than ever.]

That's understandable. The Capitol can be a bit overwhelming to outsiders. [A beat.] You're certain it's one of my memories?

[ There's a pause where Carolyn looks at her. There's quite a bit of... well, perhaps not optimism, but it certainly brings to mind "kill them with kindness". ]

Well, I'm fairly certain it didn't belong to Haymitch, and I heard your name.

No doubt he's said the most wonderful things about me. [Her words are accompanied with her rolling her eyes, but her expression quickly turns more serious.] I...I received one of your memories, as well. I'm afraid I can't say it was as pleasant as the party.

Mostly he talks about how everyone's going to die, if that helps.

[ Ah-- there's a sympathetic wince. ] Yeah, I... don't have a lot of great ones. Definitely no parties.

He does that. [She hesitates before continuing.] Haymitch was in your memory. Both of you were in the Games, somehow. [And you killed him. But that part remains unspoken.]

[ Oh. Oh. ]

It was-- something on the ship. Something from someone's world, it made you live out these... horrible things. "Your worst nightmare", according to a lot of people. That was Haymitch's, I guess. It wasn't entirely real, but I still have a scar from the bids, so it was real enough.

[She can't help but let out a small shudder. Thank goodness that particular horror was before her time.] I'm sorry that you had to go through that. I'm sure you don't need further reminders of it.

It- well. [ She sighs. ] It wasn't great. But it could've been worse -- and I think I understand Haymitch a little better, which is practically a miracle.

... But thanks.

You're welcome. [Effie doesn't function too well in somber situations, so she continues, tone and expression once again bright and cheerful.]

At least you received a lovely memory from me. It's really too bad I can't organize something of that scale here.

[ Carolyn lives and breathes somber situations, mostly out of necessity than anything else; she can do with a break. ]

I'm not sure most of the people here would know what to do with something quite that... extensive. Maybe something a little smaller.

Smaller would be our only choice, what with the lack of materials and food. [Though a few bottles of alcohol is the first step to a good party, and that can be procured easily enough.] We'd just have to hope it's scheduled on a day of relative peace and quiet.

It might almost be easier to do it spontaneously, on a day when nothing's trying to murder us.

[ ... why is she helping plan this. ]

That could work. The decorations would be a little complicated, but I suppose we could just set a room up and leave it until that sought-after day.

[Because Effie is a black hole of infectious cheerfulness and optimism, Carolyn. There is no escape.]

[ Where is Haymitch she feels the need for some overwhelming grump and despair. ]

Do we have decorations on the ship?

[And some alcohol, tbh.]

You never know what's hiding in storage. We should find some things, as long as we don't explore too far into the ship.

[Yes, "we."]

[ Truth. ]

I guess they can always be made-

[ Wait, we? Oh, well, Carolyn's not going to make a big deal out of it. Yet. ]

Or it could be in the gardens. Plants are decorative.

CONTACT ;; ataraxion

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