Page 16 of The Pacifist
Magni shook his head as if the journalist asking was an idiot for using the word “step” to a man who had lost both legs. “When I feel like it.”
“How are you dealing with the loss of your limbs?” The question from a third journalist made Magni so mad that he flipped a finger to the camera and turned his head. “Jonah, turn this shit off. I’m done.”
A famous reporter called Zeus was allowed a question by Khan. “Was it Jonah Cervici that Magni was talking to?” He stood with his shoulders squared and his body leaned forward as if he was on to something.
“Yes.”
“Would you say that Jonah has been instrumental in planting the idea of democracy in you and Magni, or was it Pearl perhaps?”
Khan scowled at Zeus, who was known to ask sharp questions.
“I’ve already answered that question, but let me repeat that Jonah did not plant any ideas in us and we are not influenced by him. It’s the other way around.”
It was a predictable answer but nevertheless, I sighed and closed my eyes feeling the heaviness of the constantthem and usdebate drain me. In this integration process, it was always a discussion of which side influenced the other more. Not that I was any better myself; as a Motlander living in the Northlands, I would like to think that I influenced the people around me to be kinder and more tolerant.
Khan took two more questions but I zoned out until it was all over and people moved around me.
“Mila, are you okay?” Jonah squatted down in front of me.
Blinking my eyes, I refocused. “Yeah, I was just reflecting on something.”
“On what?”
“On culture.”
“Come on.” He stood up and took my hand. “Let’s find a quieter place to talk.”
With a hand on the small of my back, Jonah led me through the ballroom, but we didn’t reach the exit before a deep male voice called my name.
“Mila, may I have a word?”
I turned my head to see one of the Huntsmen approach us. He was massive in height and had a thick neck. “Oh, I remember you. Your name is Python, isn’t it?”
His face lit up. “That’s right. We met at Raven’s and Leo’s wedding a few weeks ago.”
Jonah stiffened next to me. “Ah, yes, one of the five predicted champions.”
Python had told me at the wedding that he owned a workout studio in Kingstown where he taught fighting techniques.
“That’s right.” Python gave Jonah a hard stare. “Do you have a problem with that?”
Jonah didn’t blink. “Forgive me but I’m not a fan of senseless violence or Mila’s marrying a stranger.”
Python ignored Jonah and turned his attention on me. “If you want to, we could get to know each other before the tournament. That way, I wouldn’t be a stranger.”
His coldness toward Jonah made me sure that I’d never pick him as my husband, but I managed to give him a polite smile. “That’s very nice of you, but hardly fair to the other contestants."
“I thought you might say that.” Python reached out his hand with a letter. “But would you at least read this?”
I hesitated because knowing that I’d never pick him, I had no interest in reading his letter.
Don’t be mean, just take his letter and smile.
I took it and gave him another stiff smile. “Thank you.”
Jonah began walking and like we were tethered together by invisible rope, I hurried after him.
“Wait up.”
