2006 Yaris will not start

[Fandango]

Basic 2006 keyed model

I turn the key and the car acts as it has a dead battery. No lights no dings no attempts to start.
I will turn the key back, and then to start again, and nothing happens

I will repeat this until it actually connects and then it starts no problem

I dont think it's a poor battery connection because the lights would still come on and it would ding at me. Plus then why would it all of a sudden start flawlessly as if suddenly the battery was max charge?

Personal theory is that the key mechanism in the steering wheel is broken.
But I am no mechanic. Any thoughts? Thx for your time people!