This is a tie-in with another story I'm working on, "When Haymitch Met Effie," a Hayffie take on When Harry Met Sally. In case you are unfamiliar with the movie, there are scenes of a "documentary" interspersed throughout the whole film and framing it at the end, featuring clips of couples talking on camera about their story – how they met, etc. I had so much fun writing the first "interview" that it turned into something much bigger than the "edited" version that will appear in WHME (when I feel I have enough chapters to start posting it). This will feature a different couple's "unedited" interview in each chapter.
Prologue: Behind the Scenes
"Make sure you get my good side, Cressie baby," Caesar Flickerman flashes the tattooed woman behind the camera his trademark gigawatt smile, "Oh, what am I saying, every side is my good side!" He "shoots" his finger at her with a wink and throws his head back in a boisterous laugh, while Cressida sticks her tongue out and flips him the double bird, "Nyuuuh." She adjusts the tripod, making sure to glare convincingly at her partner.
"You know you'll miss me calling you Cressie when this launches my career as a famous TV host and we have to part ways." "You're lucky you're so good at interviewing subjects or I would have killed you by now for being so obnoxious. Now kindly shut your trap while I get some room tone before the couples show up—No, I mean literally shut your mouth. I can't think straight with those teeth blinding me." "Excuse me, um, are we supposed to be here?" Cressida looks up from her screen. A fair-haired young man leans in the doorway. So much for getting the tone before the interviews.
"Oh, sorry about that, I didn't mean to ignore you. Come on in. Thanks for your participation today," Cressida ushers in the first couple. "I'm the director-slash-camera crew-slash-executive producer, Cressida Albright. You signed in right?" They nod in unison. "Great. Pleased to meet you…?" she offers her hand to the gray-eyed woman, "Katniss," she finishes for her as they shake hands. "Katniss. And you as well…" she moves to shake the man's hand, "Peeta. Nice to meet you." "Peeta. Pleased to have you both. This way."
She shows them to their seats next to Caesar. "And this is my partner in crime, Caesar Flickerman. He'll be interviewing you."
"Hello, hello. My what a cute couple you two are! I'm just going to ask you a few questions about your relationship…" 'Well, Caesar really is good at what he does,' Cressida thinks to herself as her 'partner in crime' schmoozes.
Once everyone is settled and briefed, Cressida signals to Caesar she's started filming.