Interviews
-Neapolitan Hightower, 18, District 1-
Adrenaline courses through my veins as Bautista leads Zuli and I to the tram that will take us straight to the backstage area that I'd always dreamt of seeing. I feel so natural here. Sure, I've trained my heart out, shown my prowess through combat, and proven to be the most powerful alpha male in the District, but the truth is that all the killing and gore, the lack of a shower for weeks, the body odor and cooperating with a team stuff is just a chore for me to make my family proud and famous. This is the price that I have to pay for a life of luxury and glory.
"Are you ready?" Bautista asked calmly.
"I was born ready, Bautista." The escort gives a small snuff of air at that comment. Still not over his little superiority complex I see. Well then, he shouldn't ask.
"Lazuli?" Bautista asked, his tone now more annoyed.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she sighed. I'd watched her try to walk in high heels today and it was both hideous and hilarious. Of course I had to show her that I had the better balance and poise. Red stilettos.
The other tributes are following us with their escorts, but thankfully they're out of earshot and didn't have the displeasure of hearing Zuli's comment. I smooth out the light pink sparkly suitcoat I've been given to wear and tighten the white tie ever so slightly. I said it would look a bit silly with the three colors, but the inspiration is straight from my name. I think the crowds are going to love it. And I think they'll love the white bow with cherries on it that I wear on my head, to complete the outfit. It's cute and fun, and I can turn up the charm to match.
Unfortunately, I can't be the one to go first, because the females are interviewed before the males. But, you know what they say. First is the worst, second is the best. I'll have to look and see if Lori is wearing a polka-dotted dress.
"Remember, go out there and do me proud," Bautista says, once he's sure we're in the correct place to start the line and the other tributes start filing in behind us. "Don't you dare embarrass me."
Zuli takes a deep breath. It would be pathetic if she were intimidated by our escort, he's not threatening to me at all. I just give him a nice smirk and a cooperative nod.
"Remember Zules, you don't have to out-show the bear, you just have to out-show crazy Lori and Daddy Nez."
"Lori isn't crazy!" she says quickly. Too quickly. So Lori somehow has her interest, and her trust. I'll have to fix that.
"You keep telling yourself that."
Zuli clears her throat, probably thinking that the make-up on her face is hiding her blush. "Also, out-show isn't a word," she says, "You should have said upstage, not out-show."
Of course nerdy Zuli would say something obnoxiously smart like that. "Whatever your preference, I'm the bear."
"You wish," she said, "You fucking twink."
That one makes me laugh. I suppose she's right. "Nice one. Bring that charm out and you'll nail your interview for sure." I slap her on the back good-naturedly. I have to make her think I'm on her side, even if she's smart enough to know better. I know I won't be able to trick her brain, but hopefully I'll be able to trick her heart.
Lori's outfit is nothing less than an absolute atrocity. She's wearing an inflated clear body suit that goes down to her knees. Only a sparse spread of printed-on polka dots obscures her commando body under the outfit from the public eye. To make it worse, her hair is put up in a sloppy bun that's topped by a clear inflatable cop hat. I'm not sure if it's laughter that I'm holding back or vomit. Nebby Daddy looks less than pleased with her, but his outfit is more classic. He wears a clean tan suit with a golden tie that matches the cute little Valkyrie wings he wears behind his ears. Those lopsided babies that he's probably pity-wearing for someone his soft heart loves back home. Pathetic.
The rest of the tributes file in, and before I get the chance to look at Garett, they're ushering us in and telling us to be quiet as the ceremony begins. They have to go through announcements about broadcasting first, so we all have to wait, quiet but excited. Zuli looks over at me and tries to muster a nervous smile, to which I respond with a big friendly grin. This is my time.
Caesar Flickerman, who was known for his midnight blue suit, has his accent color of dandelion yellow this year. It's a… Bold choice, to say the least. I would have gone gold myself if I were going yellow, but he's the Capitolite here, he knows what the crowds think is fashionable. He seems excited as he hypes up the crowd, getting them excited for what's to come. And what they will ultimately be cheering for, of course, is me.
My heart picks up when I hear him say those beautiful words, "And now let's get started interviewing our first tribute!" My heart starts to pick up. I'm used to feeling nervous like this before a big fight, but I also feel invigorated. "Let's welcome Lazuli Romano to the stage!"
The crowd applauds and my District partner gives one last look behind her shoulder before walking out on the stage. Thankfully, the big poofy skirt of her luscious baby blue ballgown hides the fact that Zuli is wearing flats, not heals. The lace bodice made her look far less drab than she had at every other stage. Her curly hair was tamed and pulled back, to be smooth, and she was wearing a small silver tiara. It almost brought a tear to my eye, it was such a beautiful make-over. If only she could actually pull off the look by making it seem natural, but she looks like an alien trying to maneuver a human body.
She was doing everything that Whimsy told her to do appear flirty and fun, but it just wasn't working for her. The smiles looked more like grimaces, the steps and head turn were too choreographed. Everything looked tense.
"Welcome Lazuli!" The girl sat down as elegantly as she could, which wasn't much. This was hard to watch. Caesar asked her many questions about her home life, her volunteering, her friends and family, but Zuli could barely answer them. She looked like a District 11 kid out there. Bautista was going to give it to her later. And that would be exactly when I swooped in.
"Thank you so much Zuli! Is there any last thing that you want to say to the nation?"
When the cameras zoomed in on Zuli's face I could see her sweat, her nervous eyes, her frozen brain that won't move.
"I-I… Fantasy. This is for you."
The timer buzzed right on time. At least she got one thing right. Caesar presents her to the crowd and Zuli gives another grimace-smile and waves her hand before bowing with him.
My heart pounds in my chest as I realize that this is it. This is the moment I've been waiting for my entire life. It's becoming so good it's surreal.
"And now, let's welcome, the incredibly charming Neapolitan Hightower!"
Hearing my name boom out across the speakers causes a spur of emotions in my chest. I quickly get into motion and walk out on the stage, hearing the applause of the people, knowing that in that moment it was all mine, for me, makes me feel even more emotional. This is so hard to believe. How is this happening to me!?
"Welcome Neapolitan!" Caesar is shaking my hand. The crowd is full. People are quieting down, I'm sitting in the comfortable loveseat and I know that the whole nation is watching me.
"How are you feeling tonight Neapolitan?" Caesar asks.
I realize that my eyes are misting. I let it go. I don't need to be the toughest, strongest guy out there. The crowd will like me better if I take the initiative and be likable.
"Honestly… I feel… So proud." I sniffle and feel the tears push out of my eyes and roll softly down my cheeks. "It's such an honor to be here tonight. I am happy that I can make my family proud back home, and my friends. And… My darling."
"Aw, now isn't that touching?" Caesar asks the crowd, some of whom murmur in response. "Here is a young man that is ready to serve his District and his country!" The statement is met with thunderous applause. Beautiful. That brings a huge grin to my face.
"Thank you, thank you. I love my country, and I love my District. There's nowhere else I would rather have called home."
"You mentioned your family. I assume that you are close with them?"
"We're thick as thieves," I say, smiling at the thought of my parents watching me. "I'm so thankful to my Mama and my Puma."
Caesar's mouth is agape. "A puma!? Aren't those extinct!?"
I give a laugh. "They are, no need to worry Caesar. Puma is what I call my second parent. They're genderfluid, and I came up with the name when I was a kid, to say Pa and Ma at once."
"Oh, creative! It seems that District One has sent us a very well-rounded young man!" Caesar says, to which the crowd applauds again.
"Thank you Caesar. Trust me, that creativity and my other skills will follow me into the Games as well."
"I would be disappointed if they didn't," he says with wink. "How long have you dreamt of volunteering for the Hunger Games?"
"Honestly, Caesar, my whole life. I always promised my parents that I would volunteer to thank them for adopting me, to prove that I was the right choice for them. I wanted to bring them pride, money, fame. Respect. They never made me feel like I had to volunteer to have worth. I just knew that I had to do this for them for our family."
"Well, it seems that you come with honorable goals, and we wish you the best in them." The crowd applauds wildly at that, and my smile somehow widens, which I didn't think was possible.
"Thank you, thank you."
"We don't have much time left, but I want to know if there's anything else that you want to say before you go."
"To my family. I'll come home to you soon and make you proud. To my friends, thanks for supporting me and I'll see you next year on this stage. And, to my darling, I am going to come home to you and we can be together forever when I'm back." The crowd whooped and applauded about that. Thankfully Caesar doesn't have time to ask about that before the buzzer rings. Nice to leave them all on a zinger.
"Give it up for Neapolitan Hightower!"
The crowd applauds and yells as Caesar takes my hand and raises it, and I take a big bow, blowing kisses to everyone in the crowd as I leave the stage. Damn, my cheeks hurt from grinning so much.
"Nice," Zuli says, half-heartedly. Now's my chance to get her while she's vulnerable.
"Hey, you did well too. And you'll prove what you have to show in the Games. I've seen what you can do. They'll see it too."
Zuli gives me a skeptical but grateful look. "Thanks," she said. "You're right."
I hold up my hand for a high five, which she awkwardly returns as Lori waddles on the stage trying to strut. Zuli laughs a little and covers her mouth with her hands.
"You think you're not gonna be better than that?"
"Don't be mean to Lori, she's our ally," Zuli says.
"Welcome Lori!" Caesar says, starting the interview. Throughout the interview, Lori keeps giving Caesar that smile she gives to everyone. She has mastered the flirty angle for her interview, giving the smiles and the lip bites just right.
"Wow, flirty as always," I say, smirking.
"That's her personality," Zuli says, as Lori gives Caesar wide eyes and a large smile.
"Oh, really, her personality. She's been putting on that charm Zuli. You're just falling for it because she's a girl and I'm not."
Zuli has a moment of realization that her beautiful eccentric tropical flower might actually be taking advantage of her. "What? No, that's not what's going on."
"She's flirting Caesar's ass off," I say with a shrug. It's true. "Look at her."
We watch as Caesar asks, "What inspires your fashion?"
"Oh, I'm inspired by the greatness of myself and the world around me! But now I'll be designing something inspired by your eyes, Honey."
That makes the realization spark in Zuli's eyes. "Oh my God."
"I know that we're not buddy buddy, and that's fine. But don't let her take your chance Zules."
"Zules dies now."
"I'll leave it between us."
Lori twirls around in her giant balloon as Caesar announces her one last time, and waves as she walks off the stage.
"Good job," I say, giving her a smack on the balloon that sends my hand flying the other way.
"I know," she says, smiling and trying to sit. The balloon makes her slide off the seat, and I hide my laugh as Nebuchadnezzar walks on the stage, head held high.
Nebby Daddy's interview is the typical strong guy interview. He does a lot of nodding and shaking his head, which is surprising considering he's so easy to trample on when he's in the group of Careers. But, at a towering height and a formidable build, he certainly looks the part. He acts it well. Although it's pretty easy to act, just look mean and nod or shake your head.
Caesar does get a little out of him asking about his family, though. Of course that's what he wants to talk about.
"I like to train, and volunteered to inspire my little siblings. You can do whatever you want, if you put your mind to it."
The declaration gets applause from the crowds, who are into the strong beefcake angle. He talks about the boy he was fighting on the way to the podium, a story the crowds love, and how he was poisoned by him the night before.
"That means his mouth is weak. Still blistered," I tell Zuli under my breath, and she nods. The crowds send him off with plenty of applause, and he walks off keeping that resolve under check.
"Yay Daddy!" Lori says when he walks back in.
"Oh, for God's sake," he grumbles, face-palming.
"Nice work Daddy," I say, giving him a wink and laugh at his pouting. He's so easy to get a rise out of.
Caesar then announces the next tribute, Job Markov. The poor scrappy little dog.
Job was wearing a classic black suit that brought out the brightness of his blue eyes against the darkness of his black hair, which was adorned by a silver headband with leaves. He looked good, and with that smile he could easily win over the crowd. He had a charming smile on, which makes me curious as to what the little bastard's going to do.
Job is perfectly snarky, charming, and joking. He must have let himself go from the depressed mess he was throughout training. He and Caesar have fun banter that keeps the crowd interested. That's District Three's job, of course, keep them interested for Garrett's interview.
"So Job, what's going to drive you in this Games?"
Job's façade suddenly shatters. "Um, I'll be driven by faith, mostly. That's what will drive me through these Games."
Caesar looks surprised. "I see. Well, it's good to have someone with your confidence. If you believe in yourself, I know you can do this!"
Job gives a laugh that sounds slightly aggressive. "Of course."
The buzzer rings thankfully and Job is presented to the crowd before walking off the stage, where he immediately shrinks away from all of us. As it should be.
"Next up, please welcome Heiko Spate!"
The boy from District Three walks on stage, wearing a bright green suit and a dark blue tie. He looks like a good sport about it at least. Heiko has the perfect snarky smirk on his face and looks right at home as Caesar asks him questions. He has a witty charm to him, making the crowd laugh and keeping them engaged, priming the stage for Garrett. However, watching him answer the questions, I realize that he's not giving very specific answers. He's trying to stay mysterious, which will do him well. He'll definitely be a threat to take out.
"Any last words for the crowd, Heiko."
"I'm doing this for you," he says, not specifying who he's taking to. "It might be hopeless, but… Don't give up on me yet."
The crowd applauds at the mysterious last response as Heiko waves to the crowd and walks off the stage. I look to see his District partner's reaction. He looks over, but stays where he is with a sigh.
The crowd is still engaged, it seems, which is the reaction that I want. Hopefully, Garett's little twerp District partner won't mess that all up.
~.~.
-Ott Travers, 15, District 4-
The scene keeps replaying through my head as the interviews begin, faster and faster.
"No! I'm not wearing a gown."
"I thought they were saying that trans people can wear clothes that are coded for the other gender!"
"I don't feel comfortable. I've been female-coded enough and I don't want to wear that."
"Listen sweetie-"
"Don't call me that."
"I've spent a whole year working on this gown!" Winona says, crossing her arms. "I worked so hard and you're going to wear it!"
"I'd rather go out there butt naked than wear that."
"You don't get to call the shots here!" she shrieks at me, and I draw back. I hate being yelled at, but it's a normal occurrence.
"I get to have a say in what I wear when I'm presented in front of the entire nation!"
"Yeah, you're presented on my behalf! On behalf of your District!"
"And if you don't compromise, you won't be presenting anything."
"I modified this for you!"
"Without my permission!"
"Get in the gown!"
"I would rather wear the ugly sushi outfit out there than that!"
Winona's face goes red and she storms out of the room. A few seconds pass that feel like hours, before someone comes in and tells me that my styling team is finally willing to compromise.
This doesn't feel like a compromise, though. They said it would be a top and skirt, but what they showed me wasn't what I wanted at all.
I swallow hard as I adjust the two-piece dress. The top is sparkly, strapless, and red, and the skirt is plain red satin. I feel uncomfortable and dysphoric. I never wanted to wear dresses. This isn't what I wanted. How will anyone see me for what I want to be when I'm dressed like this!?
Evianna looks disappointed, but doesn't say anything. We just walk to the tram in silence.
"You look nice," Garret says, with a small awkward smile. Of course he would think so.
"Are you happy now?" I ask my District partner. I'm sure this is poetic justice. Seeing the dirty girl finally dressed how she SHOULD be.
"I'm sorry?" Garret looks over.
"Are you happy now that I've been dressed like a show dog?" The glossy lipstick on my face makes me feel uncomfortable and heavy, just wrong. This isn't what I want, and there's nothing I can do to change it without embarrassing myself. I wish I could just be confident with my masculinity and not care what I was wearing. I was just reinforcing gender stereotypes all because I couldn't wear a fucking dress…
"What are you talking about?" he asks, his voice becoming aggressive.
I can't believe him. I stop in my tracks. "Are you happy now that I'm dressed like a girl?!" I ask him, tears stinging my eyes. "Are you happy that I look like what I was born as!? Huh Garret?! Are you happy!? Have you found your beautiful justice?!" a tear falls out of my eye and rolls down my cheek.
"Ott, please," Evianna says, gesturing for me to come.
"What are you saying?" Garret asks, walking towards me.
"After trying to separate myself from the binary of the Hunger Games having a boy and a girl this entire time, it's all in vain." Tears roll down my cheeks. "Nobody is going to take me seriously now. You win."
"Me!? What do I have to do with any of this?! Ott, what are you saying?"
"I know why you've been avoiding me," I say, looking away from his face.
There's a long moment of silence.
"Come on boys," Evianna says. Garret doesn't move.
"That's… Oh God… That's not what I meant at all."
I look at him through a teary eye. His face, which was hard, is now relaxed.
"I don't care if you're trans or not, Ott. I just… It's the Hunger Games. I can't make friends here. I didn't mean to make you feel like this, though."
I glance back up at him. Boy do I feel stupid. "Oh…"
"I'm sure you're used to the cold shoulder, and I'm sorry. And I swear if we weren't here…"
I sniffle some of the snot dripping out of my nose. "I'm sorry I went off on you…"
"I don't blame you. You've just been conditioned to think that way because that's usually what happens to you. But…" Garret swallows hard, and puts his hands on my shoulders. You're a hell of a man, Ott. I admire you for how strong you've been through all this." He wipes his eye casually with a hand. "And I will fight for respect for you. No matter what happens. But we really can't be buddies here."
I swallow a lump in my throat. "I understand."
"You can do this interview and you can earn their respect. I'll be in your corner… As much as I can. Which… Isn't much, given where we are."
"Okay…" I murmur. Garret turns around to start back to Evianna, who is waiting impatiently for us. I hurry up and follow, glad I've been given sandals to wear instead of heels. "Garret… I don't blame you."
Garret gives me a slightly sad smile. "Thanks, kid."
District Five is already there, ready to be lined up for the interviews. When we arrive, the other escorts make faces at us, displeased with our tardiness. I wipe my eyes again, trying to stop the tears from coming. When Bean enters, his face falls. My ally hurries over to me.
"Ott! Are you alright?"
I sniffle and try to compose myself. My ally doesn't deserve to see me this way… "I'm alright."
Bean throws his arms around me and gives me a tight hug, which I quickly return. He makes me feel like it's okay to let it all out, even if it isn't. I resist burying my face in his shoulder to prevent from getting make-up on his suitcoat, but he holds me tightly, which is all I need in that moment.
"I should get back with Mel," he says. "Just try your best. You don't have to go out there, we could do it without you. We could figure it out. I'm here to help you."
"I don't want to wear this," I say, covering my belly and feeling worse about my body.
"I know. I'm sure we can come up with something. Maybe we could, um…" Bean starts thinking, and I feel better, knowing that he's going to help me.
"Here!" I look up at a voice I don't recognize. The tribute from District Nine hurries over.
"I'm sorry, this is kind of personal…" I sniffle, not wanting other tributes to see me cry.
"Wear my suit."
I look over at them, in shock. "I'm sorry?"
"Shush, they're starting!" Lori whispers harshly back at us.
"Are you serious?"
"We have to hurry," they say, quickly taking their pants off. "Come on."
I jolt into action realizing that this is a legitimate offer.
"Help me," I whisper to Bean, who unclasps the back of the top and I throw it off. The tribute strips off their suitcoat and shirt, throwing them in a pile as Bean helps unzip the side of the skirt and I slide it off. I kick off the sandals and slide them towards my helper.
"Get in line you two-" the Peacekeeper in charge of us whispers sharply, before realizing that we're both in our underwear. Bean gives me a smile and runs off to keep his place in line. Lori is already interviewing. My heart starts pounding as I hurriedly pull on the shirt and pants that are so tight on my that I can't possibly button them the whole way. The shoes are at least half a size too small for me and my toes are practically ripping out of the socks already. I quickly button the shirt.
I help the District Nine tribute zip and button the dress that is too big for them and that was made for someone with actual boobs. They slide on the sandals.
"Thank you so much. Triton?"
They give me a smile. "Call me Blair."
"Blair. Thank you so much."
Blair's mouth spread into a grin. "Thank you." They scurried back to their spot.
I zip the pants up and suck in my stomach to be able to button them. It's not comfortable, but it feels way better than that outfit I was wearing.
I wrap the tie around my neck and start to tie it. How was it…? Fuck, I can't forget… My heart picks up and I start to panic.
"Ott?" Garret turns around. He's about to walk on stage. "Let me."
"You have to go-" Garret kneels down, biting his lip, and quickly ties it, hands shaking slightly.
On stage, Caesar announces his name.
"Go!" I say, but he stays there until he gets it tied, which is only a second before he gets up, bounces once in place, and quickly bounds on the stage. The applause that had died off was now full once again with his arrival. I touch the knot, which was tied tight and perfectly center, and feel a smile spread across my face.
"Ott!" I look back at Blair, who points to their lips. I reach up to take off the lipstick, but instead I decide against it. Just to show my stylist that I didn't hate everything about her outfit.
My heart is still pounding from the adrenaline of changing and feeling far better in this outfit. He looks good in the perfectly-tailored aqua suit decorated with blue waves. He hypes up the crowd and is very high-energy, which they love. I smile when he talks about his girlfriend and how he's going to fight for her. He's a good guy.
When Caesar sends him off, he receives an earthquake of applause. I'm happy that he does. After helping me, he deserves the appreciation.
Suddenly, it's time for my interview. Perhaps I look silly in a suit that's far too small for me, but it makes me feel confident. I take a deep breath as Caesar announces, "Please welcome Ott Travers!"
I walk out on the stage, keeping my stomach sucked in as I wave to the crowds. The coat is squeezing my arms and making me sweat in the hot lights, but it's what I want. Maybe it's ugly beige, but I like the red tie, I think it's slick.
"Hi there Ott. You look… Mighty dapper tonight."
That word makes a grin spread across my face. "Thank you! I couldn't have done that without the help of a very good friend." I smile and glance back at the backstage area. "A friend who I hope will join my alliance in the Games."
The audience is interested and I grin.
"Oh? This is interesting! We'll have to see who it is, and if they accept the request!"
"I sure hope so." I smile, thinking about Blair helping me without hesitation. I hope they feel as good as I do right now.
The interview flies by. Caesar asks me questions that I answer easily, but can't remember what they are. I try to remember what I learned from my mentors about answering questions, but most of all decide to enjoy this time. I look how I want to and I won over my insensitive, insufferable stylist. It's a great feeling.
When I'm bowing for the crowd, I can feel my fly bust open. I'm glad it made it through the interview. I wave to the crowd and hurry my ass off the stage.
I feel relieved when I can kick off those tiny shoes and socks, and unbutton the pants.
"Nice work," Heiko says. Nobody else speaks as I take a seat up on a table to watch the rest of the interviews. Garret glances back at me and I can see him smiling as they announce Ezreal Valois from District Five.
The boy from District Five looks sleek in a shining silver tuxedo and a maroon bowtie. He is beaming as he happily skips on the stage. Caesar seems to work off of his energy throughout the course of the interview. He makes the crowd laugh frequently, which is good for him. Just from watching, I like him. He's a good guy it seems, dealt a bad lot. He gets sympathy from the crowd when he talks about having a heart condition, and it's all going well.
"Condition or not, training score aside, what is the biggest strength you have going into the Games?"
"Oh, I don't have any."
Caesar is aghast. "You…"
"It's alright, Caesar. You're really good at finding the positive in everything, but there just isn't one here. I'm not going to change into a killer, it's not who I am. I'm a guy that just wants to spread love, and killing isn't something that I'm going to do. Nobody can make me into that person that I'm not."
Caesar is aghast, but looks relieved when the buzzer rings. Who knows if it was actually three minutes?
Ezreal comes back, his face looking tense. He collapses into the first chair he sees, taking a deep breath. I glance over, but watch as his District partner comes out.
She's wearing a beautiful light purple ballgown with frilly capped sleeves and a unique frilled skirt. She looks over the moon in the little turtle hairpiece that holds her bangs away from her face. She would have been a good asset, but it was too late for that.
Throughout her painfully honest interview, her District partner is wheezing and grabbing his chest. She talks about her name, which she didn't know, and her whole life being called Turtle. She talks about her family, or lack of. Her brother Python, who she loves and never hurt her, and the parents she never knew and never cared to know.
"What about friends, Abi- er, um, Turtle? Do you have a lot of friends back home?"
Turtle froze. After a pause, she said. "My best friend is actually…. My brother. He's the only friend I ever had."
Ezreal coughs and clutches his chest, his eyes looking lifeless and sad. Turtle looks somber and sad for the rest of her interview. She is met with half-hearted applause as she tries to smile at the crowd, but the truth is that her interview was rough. When she came back, Ez started to choke. Turtle ran over to him.
"Ez!" she shouted, running over. "Ez!" As Healy Hudson went on the stage, people in white uniforms came in and took him away, Turtle watching in horror. "Ez…" She whimpered, and then burst into tears.
Over her tears, Healy's interview was unimpressive. The girl wore a sleek gray pantsuit with a white button shirt and sleek black heels, her hair in a sleek updo. She cleaned up nicely, but wasn't a charmer. Caesar asked her questions and for most of them, the girl just shrugged and said nothing. Family? Nothing. Friends? Nothing. Favorite part of the Capitol? Only a shrug, no answer. Caesar's really trying to help her play the mysterious card, but it was obviously just a not caring angle. I can't really blame her.
"Healy, are there any last words you'd like to say before you go?"
The girl pursed her lips. "I'm dangerous. And I'm coming home."
"There you have it! Don't count her out yet!" The buzzer rang just then and Caesar presented her to the crowd. "Healy Hudson, everyone!"
The crowd gave her half-hearted applause as Caesar saw her off the stage.
"Next up, please welcome Klaus Aerglo!"
The crowd applauded for Healy's District partner, who looked plenty snazzy in a dark indigo suit with a hot pink bowtie. He had an easy smirk on his face as he walked across the stage to meet Caesar. He has an easy aura to him as he sits down on the loveseat across from Caesar. From the beginning, he banters with Caesar easily, and the two men find a groove with their witty banter that made the crowd laugh.
"Klaus, what's your biggest strength in that Arena?"
"Well, besides my obvious beautiful face and sharp wit, I have some tricks up my sleeve. Don't count me out."
"Wasn't counting on it!"
"The only thing you need to count on is me coming home," Klaus says, and the crowd explodes with applause at his confidence. It was a high note to end on.
Klaus comes back, taking a deep breath and plopping in a chair.
Caesar announces a commercial break as we've made it to halfway, and I sigh. It was fun to watch at first, but now I just feel sore and elated, but also exhausted. I just have to focus on waiting for interviews to go by and see if Blair takes up my offer.
All I have left to do is sit and wait.
~.~.
A/N: I'm back and the first half of interviews are officially up! Hope you enjoy these and the drama. I went a little more lowkey on the interviews for time and length's sake. I hope you enjoyed them and the ensuing drama! Let me know what you thought!
CQ: Do you think Blair wants to ally with Ott and Bean? Will the Careers survive this drama? Will Ez be okay?
See you next chapter, hopefully soon!