Chapter 4: Interviews
Today was the day all 24 tributes in the 52nd Hunger Games would be interviewed in front of all of Panem. Daniel Season and Jessica Wheaton were being instructed by Tanya Fields and Tinka Winters on how to properly sit and how to answer questions that could be asked.
Daniel knew that the advice and instructions were mandatory, but he still felt frustrated. He was not foolish enough to believe the brain-dead Capitolites were his friends. The Capitol citizens were betting on how long he and Jessica would live. Still, Daniel did have a lot of charm and charisma in District 9. Daniel would really have to pull off a good act to get the attention and admiration of the Capitol citizens without drawing the attention of the Careers.
Just one hour before the interviews were supposed to begin, Daniel and Jessica both took deep breaths.
"Ready for this, Daniel?", Jessica asked.
"You bet I am", Daniel replied.
"I feel so nervous", Jessica said.
"Don't worry", Daniel said. "You just got to get them to like you. That is not difficult at all. It works with me."
"That's sweet, Daniel, but the citizens of the Capitol are very different from you and the people back in District 9. Being here and seeing everything here, it's like a totally different universe."
"Don't worry. Just pretend you're talking to me, Tanya, or Dale. Someone you actually care about."
Just then Lillian and Dale walked in the room.
"Remember everything I told you, Jessica. You can do this. Just relax and be yourself", Dale said.
"We better get going", Daniel said.
"Good luck", Lillian said. "If you need any extra support, I'll be in the front row."
Daniel and Jessica headed to where the other 22 tributes were waiting for their interviews.
"Ladies and gentlemen of Panem, presenting our host… Caesar Flickerman!"
Caesar smiled and grinned at the crowd as he waved.
"Hello everyone. The first tribute from the 52nd Hunger Games to be interviewed, she is tall and really does bring the heat…Topaz Burn from District 1!"
Topaz smiled at the Capitol crowd and blew out kisses as she walked to the stage.
"So, Topaz, what do you think about the Capitol so far?", Caesar asked.
"It's really great here, I love it. The Capitol is so beautiful, even more gorgeous than District 1!"
"What are your plans for the 52nd Hunger Games?", Caesar inquired.
"To bring honor to District 1 and ultimately win", she said with a huge smile on her face.
As Topaz continued talking in her interview, Daniel glanced at the other tributes. Silver Worthy was stretching his arms with an evil grin on his face. Apollo was looking impatient. Artemis was looking bored. The tributes from District 3 looked frightened. Thomas Hernandez from District 4 and Orca Blub from District 4 showed looks of determination. Bolt Plugson from District 5 seemed calm and showed no signs of anxiety. The District 6 tributes looked miserable. The boy from District 7 was adjusting his tie. Daniel wished he could offer some encouragement to that boy…
"Give it up for Topaz Burn from District One!", Caesar yelled.
The Capitol citizens cheered. Topaz probably already got some sponsors from the looks of the crowd.
"And now, here is the determined and courageous Silver Worthy from District 1!"
Silver gave a cocky grin as he confidently approached the stage for his interview.
"So Silver, what is it you appreciate the most about the Hunger Games?", Caesar asked.
"The fact that District 1 always has such good chances!", Silver said, laughing. The Capitol crowd also laughed. This doesn't look good, Daniel thought. He might win everyone over, and then Jessica and I are really in trouble.
"What's it like in District 1?", Caesar asked.
"My family has so much influence in District 1. My father is one of the wealthiest citizens in District 1 and he is really good friends with the mayor of District 1. I was one of the top students at my career academy and this year's valedictorian. I've wanted to volunteer for years."
"What do you have to say to your fellow tributes in the 52nd Hunger Games?"
"Watch your backs, because I could destroy all of you! I am the destined victor of this year's Games."
The Capitol crowd cheered with some slight gasps. Daniel knew without a doubt that there was seriousness and truth in Silver's arrogant and strong words.
The interviews continued. Artemis from District 2 gave a hard look at the other tributes with penetrating eyes. Apollo had some cockiness when talking about his plans for the 52nd Hunger Games. Thomas Hernandez and Orca Blub from District 4 both talked about their love for fishing and how life was at their Career Academy. Thomas and Orca scoffed at the District 4 citizens that were too afraid to volunteer in previous years.
"He really does give a jolt…give it up for Bolt Plugson from District 5!", Caesar shouted.
Bolt Plugson gave a confident look as he sat down with Caesar.
"So Bolt, I think we were all wondering the same thing…why did you volunteer for this year's Games? I see volunteers all the time in Districts 1 and 2, but seeing someone from District 5 volunteering was a shock."
"I want to make a lasting impression on the world. There is no way the runt from District 5 that was chosen could have won the Games. I want my share of the wealth all the victors receive when they win."
"I like your confidence", Caesar said with a smile.
None of the other interviews were particularly noteworthy to Daniel, except the interview involving the boy from District 7. The boy's nervousness did not seem to show in the interview. Daniel was impressed that the District 7 boy managed to compose himself.
Eventually, Jessica Wheaton's name was called by Caesar Flickerman.
"So Jessica, I like that dress you're wearing", Caesar remarked.
"Thanks, Caesar. My stylist, Dale, made it for me", Jessica said with a smile.
Caesar continued asking questions about what Jessica thought about the Capitol, her favorite types of food, what her favorite activities were in District 9, and what she liked best about her time in the Capitol. Jessica answered calmly and wisely, hopefully satisfying enough to earn at least one or two sponsors.
"So Jessica, did you know Daniel prior to the reaping?", Caesar asked.
"Yes, he's one of my best friends", Jessica replied.
"Do you have any clue why he volunteered?", Caesar asked.
"No clue", Jessica said. She was obviously smart enough not to talk about Daniel and Jessica's romance and Daniel's love for her. Good, Daniel thought. "However, Daniel is one of the bravest, strongest, and most determined people I know."
"Give it up for Jessica Wheaton from District 9!", Caesar yelled.
The crowd roared.
"And now, let's give it up for Daniel Season from District 9!"
The crowd roared again. Daniel took a deep breath before he walked across the stage to Caesar.
"So Daniel, your costume in the Tribute Parade was pretty impressive", Caesar remarked.
"Yeah, Lillian wanted my costume to represent something from our district."
"Daniel, why did you volunteer? Two non-careers volunteering in the same year was quite shocking."
"I volunteered because I feel like I have a good chance at winning. I want to be able to prove my diligence and worthiness."
"I believe you can do it, Daniel. Give it up for Daniel Season from District 9!", Caesar shouted.
Daniel walked back to Jessica feeling relieved. After they watched the interviews of the tributes from Districts 10, 11, and 12, Daniel and Jessica returned to the ninth floor.
When Tanya Fields met with Daniel and Jessica, she said, "Tomorrow is the beginning of the Games. Do you two have a plan?"
"Yes", Daniel answered. "Jessica and I plan to grab some supplies from the cornucopia."
"Sounds good, but remember that there will be a be a bloodbath during the beginning of the Games. Just like every other year, the six-or in this case, seven-careers plan to seize control of the cornucopia. Once you get what you need, get out of there as soon as possible. You can get sponsor gifts afterwards."
"That's excellent", Jessica said. She turned to Daniel. "Ready for tomorrow, Daniel?"
"Ready for tomorrow", Daniel said, with a look of determination on his face.
Author's Note:
Chapter 5 coming soon!
Tributes Remaining: 24
