The 71st Annual Hunger Games
Chapter 3: The Preparation
Johanna was called next for her interview with Caesar Flickerman.
"Okay Panem, are you ready for Johanna Mason?" he asked the crowd.
Johanna walked on stage and greeted Caesar.
"So Johanna, how do you feel about getting the lowest training score?" he asked.
"Well I am horrified Caesar. I really was hoping that my skill with snares would get me at least a 5!" she lied.
"Well I bet it was better than a 5. Those Gamemakers were probably not paying attention. So how do you feel about your district partner, Carver?"
"Well, I am kind of sad he was reaped." she said.
"Well why?" he asked.
"Well he is my best friend, Luciana's, twin brother."
The crowd gasped.
"Wow." said Caesar.
"Yeah, Lucie went to visit both he and I in our goodbye meetings. I want to let Lucie know something. May I say it?"
"Yes, of course Johanna."
"Lucie, I will try to protect Carver at all costs. Even if it costs my own life." she said to the camera.
"And try you will. Johanna Mason everybody!" Caesar dismissed her.
Now she had really taken the Capitol's heart. She was set for sponsors, despite her bad score. Carver passed her on the way to his interview. His face was red. He held up a single finger. Johanna looked at it.
For the rest of the night, she thought about what he did. He stuck up one finger. Just one. But he mouthed something also. She kept replaying that scene in her head… and then she realized what he had mouthed. He mouthed, "You're first."
Johanna was going to be his first victim. In a panic, Johanna ran to Blight and grabbed his arm.
"Blight, Blight! You have to help me! He's after me! He's gonna kill me cause I made him look like he needs to be protected! My strategy was supposed to make nobody target me, but he is! Help me! Please help me!" she frantically begged, crying and screeching.
"There is nothing I can do. You can defend yourself. You are the best axe thrower in your family, you said. Why can't you kill him first?" he asked.
"Because then Lucie will hate me." she said.
"Is this about keeping friends or surviving?" he asked.
"Surviving." she said.
"I will try to talk some sense into that boy, but if he refuses to spare your life, there is nothing I can do."
Those words ran in Johanna's ears all night.
There is nothing I can do.
