Hannibal came to consciousness with the sound of Mason Verger's voice ringing in his ears. He was going on about Hylochoerus Meinertzhageni, otherwise known as the giant forest hog. Hannibal paid the deformed man little attention as he became cognizant of his own surroundings.
Tied to a singletree - a crosspiece from a horse cart harness - Hannibal was strapped to a hand truck, his arms bound in a straitjacket, over his face the familiar bite mask used - to little avail ultimately - by the late Dr. Chilton. The mask only prevented biting, not conversation.
Verger's voice droned on as he outlined what he specifically intended for dear Dr. Lecter, regretting that he would be witnessing the proceedings from a distance, alas.
"I guess you wished now you'd fed the rest of me to the dogs?" Verger jested.
"No Mason," Hannibal replied in his typical honest manner, "I much prefer you the way you are." His grin was apparent, even if not seen.