Thank you to those who were kind enough to review the last chapter. You're all amazing!
An idea I wanted to run by y'all. I want to do a series of one shots all based on the songs I currently have on my phone (a challenge for my own entertainment). What do you think? Would you read it? Yay or Nay?
It was odd, how much warmer the lobby of the London offices of District Thirteen were, in comparison to that of the New York ones. All the decor was done in warm wood and various shades of cream and browns, with comfortable chairs and a living plant. It wasn't overly heated either, and the warm glow of the overhead lights contrasted nicely with the gloomy weather outside.
The doors were glass, and from where Effie was seated she could see Mrs Paylor in deep conversation with someone on the phone. She seemed more relaxed than Coin, her demeanour easy and her smiles genuine, her warm brown eyes hiding nothing. Yet there was a way that she sat in her office, the way she carried herself, that left no doubt in Effie's mind that she wasn't one to be taken lightly.
Paylor's PA, a red headed woman called Annie, chatted to her while she waited. They spoke about the weather (miserable) the upcoming Oscars, and various books that they both enjoyed. She was also friendly and warm, adding to the atmosphere so Effie felt very welcome by the time Paylor stepped out of her office with a friendly smile on her face and her hand outstretched.
"Effie Trinket." She said as Effie stood up to shake her hand "I'm so pleased to welcome you to our side of the world. I have to say I was surprised Alma let you go."
"I had a family member that was ill, so I had little choice but to return." Effie lied smoothly. Years of practice had enabled her to control her voice and features better than most. It was almost her job to lie, and in some ways she considered it a gift.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope working here won't be a distraction?"
"Not at all. I need something to distract me, but I didn't want to be in another country."
Paylor nodded in understanding
"Well as I said, I'm very excited to have you here. Now, your new charge can be a bit...temperamental and doesn't work well with everyone but I'm sure that won't be a problem for you. Do you want to meet her?"
"I would love to." Effie replied, following Paylor to the elevators. To Effie's surprise they didn't head to a studio but instead to the garage, where a driver and car met them. She didn't comment as Paylor got in and gave an address that lead to a plain building not far away. They ended up wandering down a long hallway, where soft classical music despite there being no visible speakers, and no one seemed to be around.
"I asked you to come at this time as she's just about to finish her therapy for today, and will hopefully be in an amicable mood. No guarantees of course." Paylor said as they walked.
"Therapy?" Effie asked, raising an eyebrow. Was it possible to have gotten a client worse than Haymitch?
Paylor ignored her as they came to a door, which she opened and motioned for Effie to step through.
The room itself was rather boring. Everything was white, including the tables and chairs, except for the odd black and white tapestry that hung off the wall. It was slightly hotter in here than in the hallway and there was the sharp scent of incense in the air.
Seated in the middle of the room, however, was Effie's new charge. It was a young woman, probably in her early twenties, judging by her unblemished skin and perfect posture. She was sitting cross legged, her long dark hair tied back in a ponytail over her one shoulder, with her eyes closed and she seemed to be wearing nothing more than a silken bathrobe.
"Johanna Mason, this is Effie Trinket." Paylor said, coming to stand next to Effie but leaving the door open. The woman was quiet for a few moments, before saying in a surprisingly calm tone
"I hope she's better than the last one."
Effie frowned slightly and Paylor once again chose to remain silent. Johanna sighed and opened her eyes, before getting to her feet. She was lithe, and fluid. The word 'lethal' seemed to spring to mind.
"The last one" she said, fixing her intimidating green eyed stare onto Effie "told me that I wasn't a good role model for young girls and that its time I grew up. I hope we won't have that problem?"
"Of course not. "Effie replied smoothly "your craziness is what sets you apart from the others."
"My craziness huh?" Johanna asked, gliding forward "I think we're going to get along just fine. Commander, will you join us for a cup of tea?"
It took Effie a moment to realize she was talking to Paylor, who accepted and took a seat at one of the tables. Effie quickly joined her while Johanna went in search of refreshments.
Johanna Mason was one of the world's best Rap artists. You wouldn't say it to look at her, especially as Zen as she was now, but her lyrics that were angry and clever had inspired many a rebellious teen into making their parents life a hell.
On top of that, Johanna had scandal follow her whenever she went, whether it be her latest song, what odd and unique outfit she had decided to wear, a screaming match with another celeb on the red carpet, or her legendary parties that had trashed many hotel rooms, the press was always guaranteed to find something about her without digging too hard. In short: She was a publicists worse nightmare
Watching her make her way back into the room, with a tray in hand, Effie could see that with her there was always something wild simmering underneath, practically begging to break free. It was really no surprise that she had gone through three different publicists in the last year alone.
Johanna deposited a frail cup in front of each of them before taking her seat opposite Effie. Effie thanked her, and took a sip of the tea in her cup, resisting the urge to pull a face as she did so. It was bitter and piping hot, and seemed to smell like a pair of used gym socks. Effie was all for herbal teas, but this one seemed to push even her boundaries.
"Awful isn't it?" Johanna asked with a smirk"I tend to agree, but my Anger Management Therapist has decided to take me off Caffeine completely. Annoying really, as I used to survive on Coffee alone. So, why did you leave Haymitch Abernathy?"
"It isn't that bad." Effie lied, referring to the tea first before adding "and I left because I needed to return to London. A family member of mine is unwell. "
Johanna snorted into her cup
"Is that what they call it these days? I know Haymitch; he's a royal pain in the ass. I'm surprised you lasted as long as you did."
"You know Haymitch?" Effie asked, curious as to how this young woman would know him when he had been in hiding for most of the last decade.
"Well sure, we all know one another in this business. Besides, Katniss and I have worked together in the past, and I saw him a lot then. Arrogant man, who can drink even me under the table."
Effie nodded, remembering how the man always seemed to have a glass of something in his hand.
"Let's discuss what we need from you, Effie." Paylor interrupted, not even attempting to drink her own tea as it rapidly grew cold in front of her.
"Yes, let's." Effie said, turning her attention away from Johanna. "I understand that you've just finished a tour?"
"That's correct. Johanna has a few interviews to do still, and then it's basically keeping her out of the news for a few months before she releases the special edition. We want it to take people by surprise." Paylor explained
"You want me to keep Johanna Mason out of the press?" Effie asked, raising an eyebrow. Johanna cackled to herself
"And know now, that I have no intention of making it easy." She announced
I bet you don't Effie thought to herself. Johanna was one of those people who would always draw attention to herself, even if you locked her in the closet for the next six months.
"Well at very least, try and keep her out of trouble enough that she won't make the headlines." Paylor amended. "I know it's a daunting task, but if anyone can do it, it's you."
"Well I'll certainly try my best." Effie said, abandoning her own cup as it seemed to be getting worse the colder it got. She missed American Coffee.
Johanna drained her own cup and grinned at both of them, before declaring:
"This is going to be fun!"
As always, if you have a moment please review?