powdered | IC Contact

Did you have to ask?

[ Almost pleadingly.

She prays he won't ask her how or why, she doesn't want to touch upon that topic. Not right now, not here and not with someone who didn't understand.

Not when she was feeling so vulnerable and confused. ]

Yes, she is.

[He won't ask; he already figures it has everything to do with the so-called Games, and if this hunch is correct, too, he'd rather not know.

Saul is quiet for a long time, to the point where she might think the call has been disconnected.

Then:] I'm sorry, Effie.

[It's not clear whether he's apologizing for this conversation or expressing condolences for Rue or offering sympathy for Effie's whole situation. It might be a combination of all three.

Whatever it is, it's sincere.]

So am I.

[ Now it was her turn to be sincere, and it was the closest to an admission of guilt Saul would get.

After an unconscious moment of silence she cleared her throat, lifting her voice to a more amiable pitch and hopefully restraining the new tears from reaching her voice. ]

I do appreciate your call.

It feels like this place saps the pleasantry from everything.

It's not all bad.

[Never for long doesn't necessarily translate to never, at all. This place has its moments. Maybe Effie hasn't experienced one of them yet.

Saul can help with that.]

There are some decent restaurants here.

[do you see where this is going

do you]

I find that difficult to believe.

[ It's impossible to hide the note of cheer brightening her voice. Effie was a Capitol girl at heart and their favourite distractions were food and drink. They had perfected the art of the cocktail party, the dinner and possibly the orgy.]

I would require proof of such an establishment.

[Why can't everything be so easy? Saul grins to himself, a little relieved. Time to turn the charm back on.]

Then let me prove it to you. Consider it an apology for all this unpleasantness.

That's three apologies Mr.Goodman, I'm not sure what that says about your etiquette but I will accept the willow branch.

[ She smiled, and was glad he couldn't see the mess those apologies had left on her tearstreaked face.

Effie enjoyed being gracious, almost as much as she enjoyed sounding it. ]

Do you have a place in mind? I'm still not sure I believe you.

And I refuse to eat rat.

[He rolls his eyes. Please, Effie. Don't tally them or you may never hear one again. Saul Goodman is not a man who offers apologies willy-nilly.]

A few. And none of them serve rat, I promise.

[...maybe. He's pretty sure. And if he's been served rat before, it tastes a lot like chicken.]

Very well. I accept.

[ Effie feels and sounds quite pleased with this turn of events. Not only did she escape a thoroughly uncomfortable conversation, she would soon have a positive reason to leave the squalor of her dwellings.

For all that she hated being cooped up indoors, the dirty and dangerous streets were an unpleasant alternative. If the restaurant was a diamond in the rough then maybe she would have a civilized escape and could ignore the constant bickering and negativity by drowning herself in dessert. She was desperate enough to sacrifice and inch or two of her waistline for a little edible comfort. ]

When and where? My schedule is rather... open for the time being.

Great.

[No, really.

It only took him three and a half months to get someone to agree to a proper date, and all this after he made said date cry. He's obviously been going about this all wrong.]

The where is a surprise. As for the when, you choose. I'll build my schedule around you.

[ It was a difficult choice, because a lady should never make herself too available. The more desired and unattainable the better. Men liked to feel gifted by a woman's presence, after all who wanted something that wasn't wanted by anybody else? That would be like buying a pair of shoes from the sales rack, or even worse a haircut from last season.

Despite that, she was truly lonely and Saul was sadly the closest she had come to finding a friend or even an acquaintance since her arrival. Katniss and Peeta were always busy, and Haymitch in a drunken coma.

The warmth of his voice and consideration of his offer made up her mind for her. ]

I have no plans tomorrow evening.

[It's too bad she decides against playing hard to get, but Saul supposes there might be plenty of opportunity to peacock the rest of his suave charm for her later.

He sounds just as pleased as she does.]

Perfect. What room are you staying in? I'll come get you at 7.

Eight.

[ She leaves no room discussion. What Effie says in terms of time and schedule goes. Seven probably would have been just as well, but she enjoyed setting her own timeline out of habit. She did need to make herself presentable after all, and without a personal hair dresser or makeup artist to assist her perfection could not be rushed.

She couldn't help but be difficult to make up for her ease of agreement.]

(Insert info about where she is staying here) don't be late, I can't stand to be kept waiting.

And wear your nice suit.

[...someone's bossy.

He likes that.

For whatever reason, he suddenly finds himself sitting up a little straighter, all smiles and pleasantness and obedience.]

Eight it'll be. On the dot.

Oh just look at the time.It was lovely chatting with you, but there is such a thing as beauty sleep. You should consider getting some yourself.

Goodnight Saul.

[ Always on her terms, and on her schedule. With that she bids him adieu. ]

Goodni—

[The line goes dead before he can finish.

...yeah, he's just gonna go ahead and ignore 90% of that conversation and chalk this one up in the "win" column.]

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