Jaishree Rao (twistnpull) wrote in colosseum, @ 2014-02-09 20:02:00 |
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Jaishree had been trying to woo Bal Boa as a sponsor for over a year. Not directly, of course, it was never good to seem desperate. No, she had developed a subtle plan that involved befriending his son Rocky. He was a horribly obnoxious man, but she knew in time she’d have a tribute worth fighting for. Zap was that tribute. So she had called in her favor, setting up a meeting with Bal himself. Rocky had means, but Bal was the key to the larger pockets. What she hadn’t counted on was another sponsor to be attending the meeting as well. “Felix, darling, what are you doing here? I thought you’d be mourning your tributes. Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot one of them was holding on. Love that fighting spirit. Is she still missing her hand?” "She's missing fingers, Jai, but I suppose fighting spirit's a bit better than lying there and taking it from Eleven until they show mercy, so I'm hanging in there," Felix answered cheerfully, standing as the other Escort approached the table to kiss her cheeks. "Mr. Boa's asked me to join him for lunch, what are you…" His voice trailed off as he realized the hostess was depositing four menus on the table he'd been seated at. "Aha." “Aha, indeed,” she added cheerfully, returning his greeting with full flourish. “He was hardly lying there and taking it, darling. It’s rare to see someone with the willingness to plunge into a fight and retain a sense of humor. He really is a marvel. That boy from Nine certainly thinks so. Oh how I do enjoy a surprise romance.” Jaishree was quick to take a seat, sending her best smile to Boa in an attempt to hide her frustration. Well, this certainly wouldn’t be the first sponsor she fought over. She simply hoped this meeting didn’t end with another ruined garment. "Aahthowiwadihvihfelisoyabocoutahltameah "Well I'm happy that you're considering us both," Felix answered, taking his seat again despite not being even slightly pleased at Jaishree's participation in what looked to be a miniature battle of their own, in order to win Bal's financial support. "Are you just hoping to have your questions about the tributes answered then, or do you have something in particular you'd like from us?" “Wahshudigivyamamonah?” “Absolutely, with so many strong competitors this year it only makes sense. We wouldn’t want to waste your time.” Bal didn’t seem to be terribly interested in being here, but the fact that he was at the table was half the battle. The rest was destroying Felix. To think people thought the games were only played in the arena. “Please, don’t think of it as asking for your money. We want you to be part of the games. You could make the difference between life and death.When we win, you win. Besides, who doesn’t love a story about an underdog rising above through hard work and dedication? District Five wants you to be part of that story.” "It's also a matter of return on investment, sir," Felix offered. "Supporting District Three offers a similar storyline, to be sure, but in meeting with their mentors you get a chance to meet some of the foremost minds of this country when it comes to engineering, technology, strategy. They would be happy to offer you an hour or two of consultation on anything your business might benefit from." "Yo - Mabuhnizzjuhfinethakyavermach," scowled Boa, leaning back in his seat and folding his arms over his chest. "Yes sir, of course it is, but surely -" “But surely you don’t need anyone’s help when it comes to business,” Jaishree interrupted, seizing her opportunity. Boa was a proud man and she wasn’t afraid to beg. “Just look at what you’ve created for yourself! It’s truly inspiring. You have an eye for talent and I’d wager just a bit of luck. I wouldn’t be here if you didn’t.” Ignoring Felix completely she focused only on Bal, no thought to dignity as she prepared to grovel. “I came here because I knew you could make us greater, because I see in Zap that same will to succeed. In return I can only offer you the chance for victory. Seems to me you have everything else taken care of.” Felix did his best not to scowl as Jaishree laid it on thick with the compliments and adulation. It wasn't the way he liked to operate, and neither Rocky nor Bal Boa were the usual sort of sponsor that their districts tended to receive; all brawn and little brains. This was a lost cause already, so Felix shrugged in response to the stare from the elder Capitolite that clearly expected him to make a better offer, and pulled a pen and card out of his pocket, inscribing his private number on the back before capping the pen and returning it to his jacket pocket. "For if you change your mind," he said, passing the card along, and then extending his hand to shake for each of the prospective sponsors as he stood. "Jaishree," he said, leaning to kiss her cheek again and whispering "Dirty flatterer," into her ear while he was in the area. Jaishree could practically feel Felix’s scorn and it felt positively delightful. She kept her face perfectly neutral as he rose, making no move to convince him to stay. He could leave his card all he wanted, she would be leaving with Boa’s money. Returning Felix’s kiss on the cheek, she smiled at him sweetly. “Anything for the job.” With her competition gone she could focus on why she was really here. Zap was doing his part to stay alive, now it was time to do her’s. “Now gentlemen, where were we?” |