My name is Eponine Thenardier. I was at the barricade that started all this madness. On the eve of General Lamarque's death, barricades all over Paris rouse and fell. All expect ours. After spending nights wounded, in the rain, the armies fell back. We thought we had won. We were wrong. During the fight at the barricade, Inspector Javert rose to power and now all of at who survived the barricade are being use as an example. "You say you fight for freedom. Now, fight each other for it." That's what the inspector told me when I was brought into custody. Because of our crimes against France, 12 of us (6 males, 6 females) would be put into an arena and fight each other to the death. 12 go in, one comes out. All as for protesting, stealing, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
All this would've been over in two days if Javert just put us in the ring and let us go. But he is making an example of us. Before the fight (being referred to as "the games" by the fat cats who support Javert) we will be cleaned, interviewed, and pampered. I think after years of chasing Valjean, Javert has lost it a bit so instead of killing us all, he will have us destroy ourselves for his and the rest of Paris' entertainment. So here I am. Waiting to be interviewed about how I ended up here.
A maid came to my room and, along with three armed soldiers, led me to the front steps of the Justice Building where I was staying. For the two days since my arrest, I have stayed in a lavish bedroom, had meals brought to me, and learned very little about what will happen while I am here. This was the first time I had been allowed to leave the room. So when I looked out into the crowd in front of me, I wanted to disappear into them. I missed my Paris streets.
"Mademoiselle Thenardier, please come and address the people of Paris." Javert ordered. "Now, Mademoiselle," he smiled at his audience, "please, enlighten us. What was your involvement at the barricade?" Whatever kindness Javert was showing to the crowd vanished as he mentioned the barricade. I stayed silent. If my mother taught me anything, it was when to keep your mouth shut. I know this was not that time. Now is when mother would've told me to butter up the inspector, give him what he wants. Staying silent would only upset him further. So I stayed silent. I planned on staying like this, until heard someone whisper in my ear.
"Paris is looking for a show, Mademoiselle, so give them one. Tell them the truth about that night." I recognized that voice; it was on of Marius' classmates but I don't remember his name. He was their leader and he was standing next to me, waiting to be interviewed. Honestly, I didn't care about the revolution or the students. I was only there for Marius. I searched the crowd for his face but did not find it. I did however find eager faces in the crowd. Whatever I told these people they would not be pleased unless it was "show" worthy. I hoped my tragic tale was flashy enough to please them. With a sideways glance at the students' leader, I began my story of those nights; helping Marius find Cosette even though it hurt me, stopping my father and his band from harming Cosette and her father, wandering in the rain, going to the barricade, getting wounded on the way, confessing my love for Marius as he held me, having him tell me he loves me in return, passing out for days, waking up to find out he still loves Cosette, then being taken into custody, and thrown into the games. All because I was trying to make the boy I loved…love happy. Now I don't know if he is even alive.