RD16, Orb # 1

[dailybread]

[A young man with bare shoulders looks up at the orb, his face knitted in something like resignation. There’s something metal and sparkly dangling from his fingers.]

Does anyone know how far we are from Panem? The capitol, specifically. [He remembers Katniss’ face, relaxed in sleep; the last time he saw her before getting up to stretch his legs and finding that little blue book.] There’s a friend I’m worried about.

[If you look closely, somewhere in the background of the orb is a large pile of shimmery blue fabric. He looks back up at the orb and rubs at the back of his neck.] And if someone could point me towards a change of clothes, I’d appreciate it.

Comments

[dailybread]

You're right. [Although he's not excited about the prospect. The lace is itchy.] Do you know where I could find a tailor?

[halfwitch]

There's a place in town. Near the outdoor market.

[dailybread]

Thanks.

[He doesn't know what to call her, so he offers his name.] I'm Peeta.

[halfwitch]

Like the bread?

I'm Gretel.

[dailybread]

[Blinks.] Um, yeah, I bake bread...cakes and cookies, too.[He doesn't understand the comparison. They don't have pita bread in Twelve.]

It's nice to meet you, Gretel.

[halfwitch]

Cookies? [Suddenly super focused]

[dailybread]

Yeah. Lots of kinds--sugar with flowers in icing, chocolate chip, lemon...

[halfwitch]

Seriously? You can make them? Are your cookies good?

[dailybread]

I think they're okay.

[halfwitch]

How much do you charge?

[dailybread]

Charge?

[He remembers the prices his family charged at the bakery back home, but--if the old man is right about his funds, it just doesn't seem right. Especially to a girl that young.]

Don't--don't worry about it. I'll make some for you once I find an oven.

[halfwitch]

For real? [Peeta, you are her new favorite person.] That's awesome.

[dailybread]

Yeah. I don't need the income, really, and I like baking.

[halfwitch]

Do you think you could make enough for two people? I can't have something and not share with Faolan.

[dailybread]

Well, I've already promised him bread. [And maybe sandwiches.] Maybe I'll throw a feast for all of you.

[Make sure everyone gets their fill, of whatever they want. Make them happy. Well-fed children are a precious rarity.]

[halfwitch]

What's the catch?

[dailybread]

[It's smart for her not to trust him--he wouldn't trust a stranger offering free food, either. Still, he wishes it weren't the case.]

I might make you wash the dishes afterwards.

[halfwitch]

And that's all?

[dailybread]

That's all. I like baking, but I don't like washing dishes, so you'd be doing me a favor.

[halfwitch]

That's an okay trade, I guess.

[dailybread]

I'm glad you think so.

[halfwitch]

Well, I do. So there.