Interviews
Lights, Camera, Action
Ford Denholm, 78
District Six Male Tribute
My time preparing for the interview is filled with people fluttering around, doing my outfit. I stay still, not wanting to get in the middle of a busy person in the Capitol. If I ever want to see my family again, which I know isn't likely, I will have to be on their good side. Getting in the way for something as important to them as outfits and appearance is not wise.
"He looks too wrinkly!" One stylist complains, moving quickly back and forth as she groans, powdering more things to my face. I keep my face neutral, trying to not move so she could be done. Not that I don't mind letting others put makeup on my face, it's just that the amount they cake on is unnecessary. I stay still as she brushes the brush over my face.
Shannon sits beside me, chatting to Watt who smiles and laughs deeply. I itch to move, but don't, as the stylist bites her lip and combs my hair. She eventually finishes, and I get out, stretching my limbs.
"Hello Shannon, you look lovely," I compliment. She looked as if she was younger again, when she and Lucian moved into the neighbourhood all those years ago. She was wearing a lovely black dress with a bit of lace on it.
She smiles back, her blue eyes crinkling around the corners and she looks down sadly at her wedding ring, twisting it. "Thank you, it looks a bit like the dress I wore when we first moved in, I guess. All those years ago, and now we're here. How time has changed."
"I guess so," I reply, thinking back to Kiva's wide eyes and beautiful smile. I remember her laughs and her cries, every detail about her. How the last time I ever see her was on my death sentence, how it was not the way I'd expect to see her last. Kiva's sobs were the last things I remember seeing her, and I'll never see her again.
Water fills my eyes as I remember my wife, whom I will never see again, or my son and my grandson. This life… it's too short, but I have lived my life. "Kiva would think you look handsome," Shannon comments, brushing a strand of her long white hair behind her ear, biting her lip. "She had always raved about how handsome you were when you fixed the hovercrafts… as well as when she complained about Axle running around all over the place."
She laughs, one that's wet and close to a sob. I don't think I'll ever be ready for it. For death. "He was always a troublemaker, wasn't he?" I ask. "Such a pain in the arse, and yet you managed to raise three kids… that I'll never know how."
"It's easy when you have a good person to help you," she whispers, eyes filling with tears as she quickly takes a tissue and dabs her eyes, careful not to mess up the stylist's careful work. "Of course, now he's gone, and I have no one…" She trails off, and I pull her into a hug. She doesn't cry, doesn't want the stylist to be upset, but instead just sighs and breathes heavily, calming herself down.
"I'll see him again," she insists, and I looked at her. Her eyes are now determined. "I love him, I'll see him again. That's why I'm here. To make sure another child won't die at the hand of these people, whether they're good or bad. I'm here to make sure no one else dies."
And that's when it hits me. The fact that I'm here. It's not because of any animosity between me and anyone else, it's for the children. I've lived a long life, I guess it's time to truly accept that. "You'll be amazing Shannon, I know you'll be."
She smiles, hugging me tightly once more before the stage crew pulls us to stand in line. I get behind her, as she starts talking to little Heather from Five and Watt. She seems so happy with them, I know she wants Heather to live.
I stare off into space with a smile on my face, thinking about Kiva and her beautiful laugh, as the Capitol starts to cheer.
The interviews have started.
Anastasia Ripley, 17
District One Female Tribute
Looking into the mirror, looking at my face, I've never felt so fake. I am dressed up in a way a typical One girl would, heavy makeup, styled hair with thick, heavy waves, and a pretty gown. I guess I look pretty, but I don't feel pretty. People say I'm pretty, but I've never felt further from myself. Like I'm betraying myself. Like I'm plastic.
Sure, I won't be pretty in two days, blood, cuts, scrapes, and crimson sure don't look good on me, but it doesn't mean I'd rather look like that than what I look like right now. Plastic isn't a good look for me.
My stylist fusses over my hair, cooing over how beautiful I look, and I smile tensely. My score, a mere eight, is certainly disappointing for a girl from One. I'm supposed to score a nine at least, but instead, I score an eight. What did I do wrong?
"You look gorgeous," my stylist, Felicity, beams, smoothing over my dress once more. "Like a true One girl. The Capitol will love you."
"It's all thanks to you," I smile tightly. "I've always dreamed of being a star."
"And you will be!" Felicity says, putting my face in her hands. "Anastasia, darling, you're going to be amazing! Just be yourself, the Capitol will eat you up! We all love you, you'll do great."
Be yourself. Something I struggled with over the course of the games. My decision to not join the Careers, no matter how much safer it is for me, isn't easy. I know that Blair doesn't like me. I know that she doesn't trust me. But I can't choose my district, I can't choose the fact that I am a girl from District One. I can't choose the fact that I look like a typical girl from One now. In the outfit, I know that most people at home won't recognize me.
"Thank you Felicity," I say quietly. "I should take some time for myself, my interview is starting soon."
She kisses both of my cheeks, saying a quick 'good luck!', before she flutters off to the audience. I breathe in deeply, smoothing down my dress.
My dress is something I've never quite imagined that I would wear. It's long, shimmery and light gold, tight around my middle and draping loosely past my hips. It drops a bit low, showing what little cleavage I have, with a corset pushing it up, and a high slit. My straight, auburn hair is in thick waves, with ounces of hair spray to keep it like that. A bit of golden glitter shines in my hair, with golden makeup and pink lipstick. Very high high heels, gold with heels skinnier than a small twig, that make my feet ache. I feel dramatic. I feel like a girl who people want there to sit still and look pretty. I certainly can't go and explore in this.
"Hey Anastasia." I turn around quickly towards the voice, almost tripping in my heels. Arms reach out and help me steady myself.
"Thank you," I breathe out, looking up at who helped me. Ashe stands there, looking great in a sleeveless, floor length black dress, with gems sewed into the skirt. She looks like she's turning into a diamond, beautiful and shiny. "You look great."
"So do you!" she laughs, brushing a strand of her curly brown hair behind her ear, "you look like a golden girl. Literally. Those heels are really high, though."
"Yeah, you're really lucky that you get flats. I'd kill for them right now," I say, a smile spreading on my face. Behind me, I can see Blair frowning at Ashe and I. She looks unhappy that Ashe is talking to me, something that's been a thing for the past few days. She's weirdly possessive of Ashe, if I must say.
"Woah woah woah, save that for the arena!" she exclaims, careful not to mess up her hair as she laughs.
"Yeah," I say, as I quiet down. Someone in black taps my shoulder. "Yes?"
"Your interview is in two minutes Anastasia," the person says. I can't tell if it's a boy or girl. "Get ready, Augustus is almost done."
"Good luck out there," Ashe says once the stage crew leaves. "You'll do great."
"Thanks," I reply, smiling widely. "You'll do great too."
The interviews mean everything in the games. Back in the academy, it's what they say is the most important thing besides killing. It's what gets you sponsors, what sets the tone for your games. And right now, as the girl from One, I'll be the one setting the tone for the interviews. It's all up to me.
They put us in interview situations, set us up with questions, and told us what to say. What our angle is. It's always sexy, the girls from One are always sexy and seductive and a star. I can follow that path, but I don't want to. I want to be myself.
The Augustus Silvermoon Show theme is one every Capitolite (and most of the people in the districts) know note by note. Augustus is so good that he hosts the Hunger Games, but has his own very successful talk show alongside this. Everyone who is something is on this show; actors, models, politicians, socialites, victors… if they're someone, they'll eventually find themselves sitting across from Augustus Silvermoon, in the nice white chairs, in front of the entire nation of Panem.
And Augustus Silvermoon is the host for the Hunger Games because he's simply the best at what he does. Charismatic, charming, the list goes on. He makes the nervous relax and the shy come out of their small shells. He always puts tributes in a positive light, playing up their strengths, putting the spotlight only on them, or only glossing over or completely downplaying their weaknesses. He puts confidence in the beat down, he gives a sense of peace to the ones who are terrified. If they're funny, he'd make them funnier. If they were witty, he'd banter back and forth with them. If they were sweet, he makes sure to ask about things that make them seem so pure. But there's nowhere else that Augustus Silvermoon will shine more than that of his performance in the Hunger Games.
Some people may not realize it, but what you do on the show, what image you project yourself in, is what the audience will see you as. If you get the sympathy or support from the crowd, you'll get sponsors. It's important to get the audience to like you, whether you're sexy or ruthless or sweet… the Capitol must like you. You have to manipulate who you are into what you want them to think you'd be. You have to create a personality.
That's what this all is. This is what the Games are. A television show for the Capitolites, something for their entertainment. It's a reality television show where you can vote for who you want to win, who you don't mind disposing of, and who you really want to kill. Because everything we do is for the Capitol's entertainment.
"Let's see if she's really as mysterious as she looks, the incredible Ms. Anastasia Ripley!" Things take me back to reality, as I realize that it's my turn. It's time for me to shine, to do what I was trained to do. Sure, what I'm wearing isn't really helping me, but I can work with it. Augustus' smile is infectious, and I smile and wave at the crowd, who goes crazy. "It's so nice to meet you. I must say, I adored you in the chariot rides. A golden goddess, come down to bless us all with herself. You really have come as a golden queen now. You look absolutely stunning Anastasia."
"Thank you Augustus," I reply, biting my lip, before spreading it into a soft smile. "You really do have to thank my stylist Felicity though. She is the brains of my appearance, I really couldn't do anything like this without her."
"Well, your stylist is certainly a genius!" I smile, giving Felicity a wink when I spot her in the crowd. She mouths 'thank you' repeatedly, blowing kisses. "But I must say, your eight is quite impressive. What's your secret?"
"Now now now," I tsk, my mouth settling into an uncomfortable smirk, "if I told you now, that would give away all of my tricks in the arena!"
"Ah, the arena! How are you enjoying the Capitol so far, Anastasia?"
"It's certainly much better than One, more place to explore and learn. Especially the people here, they're all some of the most amazing people you could ever meet!" I feel so fake, but I want to go home and ask Lust why the hell he kissed me. This is the only way to go. I drop my voice to a whisper. "But do you want to know a secret?"
Augustus leans in, fake whispering. "Yes?"
"The mountains in the Capitol aren't as amazing as the ones in One," I fake whisper. Augustus laughs, as well as many of the citizens. The others smile, and I feel successful.
"Well, of course not! One has some of the most beautiful sceneries in Panem! But, unfortunately, our time is up. I'll certainly be excited to see you in the games, Anastasia!" The Capitol cheers to that, and I throw a smile and a kiss to the camera for my parents, walking as confidently as I could off the stage.
Shimmer tells me I did well when I got off. She's probably happy that I didn't totally flunk my academy training.
I do feel like I betrayed myself.
Amy Wardong, 33
District 3 Female Tribute
The corset around my waist hurts like a motherfucker. I don't understand why I have to wear it, though. I am way more gorgeous than all of the other tributes. My outfit is one a star would wear, just like what I am. I am in a green dress, and my luscious red hair flows behind my back.
The yummy boy from Two is just finishing up his interview. Many people are fawning over him, but I know that I am better. They have to wait and see. I'll blow them away for sure.
Ceebore is behind me, pouting off like the stupid brat he is. "Listen," I snarl, yanking a bit of his gelled hair back. "You're going to do shit, so you don't even have to do the interview. We all know that you're a failure to the district."
The fucking son of a bitch rolls his eyes, scoffing. "Yeah, right. At least I'm not going to embarrass myself in front of the Capitol. You think that because you're a teacher you're all that? Yeah no. You were a terrible teacher and an even worse person. The Capitol is going to hate you."
"Yeah right. They'll love me. The district voted for me because they knew that I was bound to be a star," I flip my hair back, showing that I am a true beauty and star. "You're lucky that you are my partner. When you're dead, they'll remember you as Amy Wardong's sad pathetic excuse of a partner. At least you'll be remembered a brat."
The retarded prick laughs. "If you really think that, you're even crazier than I thought." He starts to turn around, but I grab his shoulder tightly, forcing him to stay.
"Look here brat," I hiss, digging my sharp fingernails into his shoulder. "You're going to die, okay? I'd say see you in hell, but I'm going to heaven."
"I bet Satan is even disgusted by you," he retorts. I get my hand up, ready to slap him, but Peacekeepers hold me back.
"It's your turn now Amy," one of them say with a roll of their eyes.
I walk up confidently, Augustus smiling at me. "It's so nice to see you in the Capitol Amy. How are you enjoying it here?"
My face twists into a gorgeous frown. I am here because of the shitty Capitol. This is all of their fault. "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT THAT I AM HERE!" I scream, flinging my arms, trying to hit Augustus. "JUST BECAUSE THE PRESIDENT IS A SELFISH BITCH WHO CAN'T GET OVER ANYTHING! SHE ISN'T FIT TO BE A PRESIDENT! HER DAUGHTER IS UGLY AND DOESN'T DESERVE ANY LUXURY!"
"Erm," Augustus says, inching away from me. "Amy, what do you mean by that?"
"THE CAPITOL PEOPLE ARE A BUNCH OF FREAKS! YOUR FASHION IS TRASH! YOU ARE ALL TRASH! ACTING LIKE YOU ARE BETTER THAN ME, WELL LISTEN UP! I AM BETTER THAN ALL OF YOU FILTHY ANIMALS! I AM YOUR SUPERIOR! AND ANYONE THAT SAYS OTHERWISE IS WRONG! BECAUSE I AM NOT FULL OF CRAP AS YOU ARE! I AM A NORMAL, HAPPY PERSON UNTIL YOU GUYS HAD TO PUT ME IN THE HUNGER GAMES! I HOPE YOU ALL ROT IN HELL!"
The Capitol is booing, and I flip them off, kicking Augustus, who has the audacity to laugh, and storm of the stage.
As soon as I get off, Peacekeepers swarm me, taking me all the way back into my room on my floor and locking me in it. I roll my eyes. "Alright you motherfuckers!" I yell at them, banging on my door. "You can hide me all you want, but when I am victor, I am above all of you! I'll make sure to kill you all when I get out of the arena!"
They only laugh, saying some muffled things like, 'crazy bitch', and 'what's wrong with her?'. I scream and swear, thumping onto my head in anger.
This is all their fault. This is the Capitol's fault.
Elias Bryan, 18
District Four Male Tribute
After the crazy bitch from Three's performance, I don't think anyone could outdo her. I watched and studied my allies' interviews. Platinum left the crowd wanting more with his vagueness on how he got his ten, and how he was the 'one to beat'. He ended with a smirk to the crowd and a wink at Elysa Velia, the Assistant Gamemaker.
Alexis played the fierce card, showing that she was a force to be reckoned with, even if she was a very short girl. She made jokes that made the crowd roar with laughter, giggling along, and then played their heartstrings when she talked about wanting to make her district proud. But she made every Capitol man and woman coo with sadness when she mentioned wanting to go home to her boyfriend, Hartley, and that all she wants more than anything is to see him again. Augustus shed a few tears. She was smart.
Caydin, of course, played the role of the favourite. All natural jokes, making a few comments about how he got his eleven, but not saying much. He complimented the Capitol on how beautiful all of the ladies were, which also made me snort have I not flirted as well. He talks briefly about district pride, like Alexis, and also talked about Alexis. "She's like my favourite sword. Reliable and deadly," which earned a lot of 'aws' and cheers. He ended his interview with a "This is all for you, Rhea," which I have no idea who the hell that person is, or why she should matter.
All that matters is that Alexis and Caydin are the golden duo. I have to beat them for sponsors. Platinum as well, but hell, the guy's a ticking time bomb, you don't know when the guy's craziness is going to catch up with him. I have to play it thick.
Anemone is on now, talking about (not happily, may I add), her old best friend, Waves, who volunteered for her in the games. She said that she was proud of Waves for making it so far, but that she will take revenge for her death. That the people who killed Waves, their district, better watch their backs, they'll best find a knife in it.
"Very noble, Anemone," Augustus says, taking a tissue and dabbing his eyes. "Waves' memory shall not go in vain."
"No, never," Anemone agrees, shifting her weight to show more of her cleavage, tossing her golden hair back. "District Ten, Eleven, and Twelve will pay for her death in blood. She could have won! But instead, she died a pitiful death, with no honor in her name."
The Capitol cheers at Ten, Eleven, and Twelve's death sentence, while I take a look behind me. The little girl from Ten is shaking, the boy from Ten is yawning, the girl from Eleven rolls her eyes, the boy from Eleven looks dead, the girl from Twelve bites her lip, and the boy from Twelve looks fearful. Good enough, I guess.
"But I'll promise you a show, everyone," Anemone whispers, biting her lip and twirling a strand of her hair. "I'll promise you a ride, something you'll never forget. The games will never be boring when I'm around. I'll get your hearts thumping, blood pumping, adrenaline running through your veins…" her voice becomes throaty, like she's in the bedroom. "I'll be so bad it's good."
The Capitol erupts in cheers, while I blink. Okay, sex on a platter. That's one way to do it. Augustus smiles merrily, but I can see the slightest bit of hesitation as he flicks a quick glance at the clock. "We know we'll have a fun time with you!" he exclaims, smiling. Anemone giggles, smiling. "Miss Anemone Williams everyone!"
The crowd is loud, and her smile becomes a smirk as she struts off. "Later," she whispers in my ear.
Oh well, let's see how this interview goes.
It's my cue to go, and I put a smile on my face as I walk confidently up on the stage. "Mr. Elias Bryan! It's so nice to finally meet you," Augustus exclaims, putting a hand in front. I shake it, making sure the grip is firm as I keep my smile steady, making sure it doesn't become a smirk.
"It's nice to meet you too, Augustus," I reply smoothly, relaxing in my chair while facing Augustus (it's all about the interviews after all). "I've been waiting to be on this stage since I was a little kid. I've practiced saying I volunteer as tribute since I was a little boy."
"Well, then, I'm glad that your district chose you! You're very popular here in the Capitol, isn't that right everyone?" the crowd cheers, some women sending me looks. I wink and smirk at them. "But, why do you think your district chose you?"
"It's really simple if anything," I state. "I'm just the best."
The Capitol cheers again, and some ladies throw flowers. I catch a few, sending a few more winks before turning back. "You certainly are," Augustus says. "We all loved you at the chariot parade! Wow, you looked amazing!"
The large TV shows a clip of me at the chariot parade. I smirk at the crowd as Anemone smiles and waves, but a hint of a smirk in evident on her face.
"It was all my stylist," I claim, because you have to always credit your stylist with style options. "But you do need to be good looking and in shape as well to pull it off."
"Thank god we have you! What's your favourite thing in the Capitol so far, Elias?"
I pretend to think about it, but I know what the only right answer is. "Hm, I don't know Augustus. There are so many amazing things to see in the Capitol, but I guess I'll have to explore it all when I'm victor." More cheers and catcalls from the audience. "The thing I love most in the Capitol are the people, especially the ladies!"
Some blow kisses, while others faint at the sight. I know I am doing well, playing the audience as I am doing what I was grooming for my whole life. I enjoy the attention, as Augustus laughs as well. "We do have very gorgeous women here in the Capitol. I bet anyone would want to be yours."
"And I would be glad to have any of them," I proclaim proudly. "So when I'm victor, I'll visit you, just give me a call!"
Ladies wink at me, and I wink back at them. Augustus smiles, laughing again. "We'll love to see you again, Elias, but unfortunately our time is up. I'll love to see you in the games!"
"And I'll see you again when I'm crowned victor," I promise, as I walk off the stage, throwing one last wink at the excited crowd.
Not bad for two minutes.
Heather Myra, 12
District Five Female Tribute
Watt had closed my eyes for the portion of some of the interviews, mainly the people from Four's. He also had Shannon cover my ears, so I knew when it was my turn. There are a lot of cheers happening, so I think the boy from Four is pretty popular. He reminds me of one of those action stars, kinda cute in a way. Of course, I can't say that. I'm only twelve, and everyone still sees me as a baby. I am a baby compared to these people.
My eyes are finally doing their job as Watt takes his hands off them. "It's not that I don't want you to see them," he says, as he and Shannon fix my hair and dress, "it's just that I don't want you to see how the people dress. It's very inappropriate, especially for your age."
"Okay!" I chirp. Watt smiles, pulling me into a hug, and kisses me on the forehead.
"You'll do great sweetie," he smiles sadly, "I know you will. Just be yourself."
I smile and hug him back. "I'll do my best. I'll try super hard! Thank you."
He smiles, and Shannon pulls me into a hug and tells me 'Good luck'. I wonder if I had grandparents, would they be like Watt and Shannon? Would they be caring and nice, always looking out for me? I know that my daddy loves me, but Watt and Shannon paid more attention to me over the past week than Daddy has for the last month. I know that he's busy… it's just that sometimes I wish he'd spend more time with me.
Oh well, it's not the time to think about this. I take a deep breath, fiddling with my fingers, before the nice Gamemaker who asked to hug me comes up beside me. "Hi darling," she coos. "You look gorgeous right now, so beautiful. You're going to do great."
"Thank you," I say, smiling. "I really hope I will."
Tears well up in her eyes, as she starts to cry. I stand there, awkwardly, as I don't know what to do. I just go to hug her, and she starts to cry loudly. "There there," I soothe awkwardly, trying to do what Watt did for me when I had a nightmare a few nights ago.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry," she says, straightening herself up. "Well, darling, it's time for you to do your interview now. Remember to take the stairs on the right to get off, and only when Augustus tells you to. You're going to be amazing."
"Thanks!" I say, skipping up the stairs. My dress is really pretty, it's a white dress that goes up to my knees, and I feel like an angel in it. Dennis always says I'm like an angel, always there for him. I don't get what he means, but I think it's a good thing. Scratch that. I know it's a good thing. My hair is in a pretty wispy bun, one I see celebrities wear. A flower crown in on my hair
I feel like an angel princess in this. I hope this feeling never ends.
"Hi Heather!" Augustus exclaims, pulling me into a hug. I return the hug. "I'm so excited to finally meet you! How are you?"
"I'm great!" my voice comes out like a giggle, and I giggle again. I just feel so happy. "How are you?"
"I'm just amazing tonight. I love your outfit, especially your crown. It's really pretty!" I smile, touching my crown gently and loving the pretty pink and yellows in it.
"Thank you!" I smile. "I really liked it too. I feel like a princess in it."
"And you are!" he exclaims. "You're also an absolute angel, Heather. I bet you have a lot of friends here. Who are some of them?"
"Dennis definitely," I giggle, looking over at the stands. He gives me a smile and a brief wave, and on the screen, it shows him doing that. "He's really nice to me. Also Watt and Shannon, they're like my grandparents."
A lot of people in the crowd 'aw' at the statement, and I smile at them. They all are really nice, and Augustus starts to cry, wiping his eyes. I offer him a soft pink handkerchief, and the crowd starts to 'aw' again. "Oh thank you Heather," he sniffles. "What's your one thing you want to go home to?"
I know there is Jaime, but I want to see my daddy again. I want to see him and the photo album of my mom. "My dad, definitely," I say, and the audience members clasp their hands together. "He'll be all alone right now, with my mom gone. I don't want him to ever be alone."
Augustus gives a huge sob into the handkerchief, and then dries his eyes. They aren't red. "Well, Heather, our time is up, but I hope you can see your dad again." He gives me a huge hug, and the audience erupts in cheers.
I hope I can see him again too.
Willow Feyr, 16
District Seven Female Tribute
Nerves wracked my body, I can't move.
My dad's arms are around me as we stand in the middle, him rubbing my hair and telling me that it'll be alright. That I'll do great. But will I? I'm so nervous… sure I scored well in the private sessions, a seven like my dad, like my district, like my favourite number, but now it's time to be social and lovable and friendly. I'm not sure I can do that. I think I'm friendly? I'm not too sure, all I know is that this is really important. That the interviews are what sets the tone for you in the games.
Dad kisses me on the forehead and brushes a loose strand of my curled hair behind my ear. He smiles softly, holding me as the girl from Four, Anemone Williams, I think, daughter of Teal Waves, is finishing her interview. I can tell many people love her from just hearing her. I have around eighteen minutes left, eighteen minutes to collect myself.
I can do this. I can. "You're going to do amazing pumpkin. I know you will," Dad says, looking me over. I bite my lip, hopeful that my red lipstick is smudge resistant, and nod. He pulls me into another hug, and I sigh into his arms, wrapping my arms around him. "You look some much like your mum."
"I miss Mum," I whisper. Dad's eyes are filled with tears as he strokes my hair, and I look up at him. He chokes a bit, blinking the tears out of his eyes as he breathes in deeply.
"I do too pumpkin. But you'll see Mum again, okay? Just get through the interview and do well. It's like the things you like to read, like a book. Say the right things and people will like you. The wrong things will make them hate you," Dad offers, his voice cracks as he talks. "Just come home, okay?"
"I'll try Daddy," I reply, "but with what I'm wearing right now might not have them like me."
I'm wearing a black dress, somber with no glitter, only a high neckline and a hem with a bit of lace. It ends at my knees, and I wear black pumps which I can hardly walk in. A silver infinity necklace and infinity earrings are the only jewelry I wear; they're nice enough I guess. My dark hair is in a bun, with a few strands of hair curled for an extra effect.
It's like I'm dressing up for my own funeral.
"You look like a grown up now pumpkin," Dad chokes out. "You grew up so fast, and now you're here, and I can't save you… I'm so sorry pumpkin, this is all my fault."
"It's not even close to your fault Dad, it's the people who voted, and this sick reality," I insist, looking at him urgently.
He sighs, "I guess so pumpkin. You're almost up, good luck. You'll do amazing. They'll love you, they'll love you almost as much as me and Mum love you. We love you so much sweetie, you're going to do great."
He kisses me on the forehead before going to his spot in the back. I shake my hands a bit, stealing a quick look to make sure I didn't ruin anything, before waiting for my turn to enter the stage. The gentleman from Six is making the audience laugh right now, and I peer out into the crowd.
All of the multicoloured people… all of their glitter and faces, it's nothing like Hollywood in The Golden Days. It's nothing like Zelous Kingsman said it would be like, it's more. It's terrifying how much this matters, how much my success relies on this. Augustus is finishing up, oh god, oh god, oh god…
"And now, for the girl we all wanted to see, give it up for the victorious legacy Willow Feyr!"
It's time. I walk up slowly, careful not to trip in my tall high heels as I smile and wave at the crowd. Be yourself. Act natural. Act like a victor. The crowd goes wild as they beam and scream, I twirl a bit and have some fun, acting like a victor, or more so a celebrity in The Golden Days.
I take Augustus' hand and sit down on the plush white chair, facing the audience with a smile on my face. "It's so nice to meet you in person. We've all heard so much about you, being one of our favourite victor's child, right? Who loves Anthony Feyr?"
The crowd goes wild, and a clip of my dad winning the games all those twenty one years ago pops onto the screen. It shows my dad stabbing the guy from Two in the heart before collapsing in exhaustion, Augustus declaring him the victor of the Fourth Hunger Game. I smile pleasantly, trying not to seem exhausted.
"I love my dad too!" I exclaim awkwardly, causing the audience to laugh a bit. "But really, all my life, he told me stories about the Capitol, and I've always wanted to visit. Too bad I was too young, I met a lot of his amazing friends from here, but it wasn't the same you know?"
Augustus nods, listening to my rambling. I really just want to shrink away and hide, this is too much for me. The pressure of this situation is making me nervous. "And now you're here. We're so glad to have you! You scored a lucky seven, just like your dad did! How does that feel?"
"Good?" I blurt out. The Capitol laughs, and I will myself not to turn red as Augustus lets out a laugh as well. "It's nice, my dad got a seven and look where he is now. He's a victor now, right?"
"Mentoring his own daughter, that must be hard," Augustus sympathizes, and the Capitol 'aws'. I want to get up and scream at them, telling them that this is all their fault that a father must mentor their daughter. But I don't. I keep my mouth shut. It takes a lot of courage to talk in front of a crowd. "Do you think you have a better chance with being your dad's daughter?"
"I really don't know Augustus," I reply shyly, trying my hardest to seem as not shy and extroverted as I can. "I guess I do, but I had skill from not even being a victor's daughter. How do you think I got that seven?"
"And how did you do that?" he leans in.
I smile again. "I'm just very talented," I state.
The crowd goes crazy again for some reason; maybe they're just really happy? And the buzzer goes off. "It was amazing talking to you Willow!" Augustus exclaims. "We'll be excited to see you in the Games!"
"I am too! Thank you everyone!" I exclaim, walking off stage as quickly as I could in heels (which is not very quick may I add), and run into my dad's arms.
"You did well pumpkin," he whispers to me as we walk back to our floor, floor seven. "Your mom would be proud."
"Thanks Dad," I say, leaning into him, drifting off as exhaustion takes over my body.
Harper Regalia, 20
District Eight Female Tribute
Everything was ready. Hair and makeup, my outfit was set, but something just felt… missing. Everyone was flitting around, talking about how everything had to be perfect for the first ever Quarter Quell, and I sat there, not knowing what to do.
Do I make conversation? Do I sit there and stay still?
I sit still for now, fiddling with my hands, careful not to mess up the fake lilac nails, which were shiny and reflective. My hands were smoother than ever, every callus is gone from all my years of throwing knives. I feel like a doll.
Yesterday was an idiot move from me. Walking out on the Gamemakers, especially where my score depends on it? What was I thinking? Oh dear, all I said was "I know you think you've seen everything, but I don't think you've seen everything yet," and "Thank you for your time." That was dangerous for me to do.
Are they giving me a high score, one of the highest scores an outlier has ever gotten, because of that one move? Because if so, I'm doomed. Caydin doesn't seem to think that that's the case, and I believe him, but I'm really nervous for today.
So many things can go wrong right now. Someone could get hurt or faint, someone could cause an episode, I could faint, the little girls from Five and Ten could get hurt! I'm just worried, but my heart beats a bit quicker the longer I stew.
I watched Caydin's interview, memorizing every word. He looks so handsome in his outfit, looking sleek like a weapon. Alexis was fierce and deadly in hers too. I'm just nervous from watching. I need to get some blood flowing to my legs.
I get up, wobbling a bit in the heels, before smoothing out my dress and heading over to the girl from Ten, who looks like she's about to cry. "Are you okay?" I ask, making my voice soft so I don't startle her or embarrass her in any way.
She looks up, her big brown eyes wide and teary. "I just m- mi- miss my dad, that all," she stutters, looking down. I kneel down, careful not to ruin the stylist's hard work, before smiling at her.
"It's okay to miss your dad, I miss mine too," I whisper, looking at her straight in the eyes. I stroke her hair, letting her let it all out, like I did for the children back in Eight. "But we have to stay strong for our dads, you know? We have to do well for them so when we come back, they'll be happy to see us."
"I guess so," she replies, her voice a bit choppy from the little bit of crying she did. I give her a sad smile.
"That's all we can do. And you'll do great with the interview…" I trail off, not knowing her name. The last few days have been busy and hectic, I never got around to learning everyone's names.
"Leona," she finishes. "And you're Harper, the girl from Eight. You're really pretty."
"Thank you," I say. "You're gorgeous too. I love your name and your outfit."
"I really like it too," she whispers, looking around wide eyed at her partner, who stares at us in concentration. "Can I show you something cool?"
"Of course you can!" I exclaim. Leona starts to spin, at first carefully in the fancy black flats on her shoe and the headband in her hair, but she becomes more confident. She starts to giggle, having a lot of fun, and I smile too, happy to see her happy. She has allies, I know, the girls from One, Eleven, and Twelve, but they don't often always talk to her. It's the happiest I've observed her during the span of the past three days. She trips, tired from all of the spinning, and I catch her.
"That was amazing!" I say, and I'm being honest. Someone just enjoying themselves with no worries in the world… that's something I wish I could see every day. Someone being happy for no reason than just being happy.
Caydin catches my eye as I talk to Leona, and his golden eyes soften. My cheeks grow hot as I bite my lip, Leona noticing that I stopped stares at me with a smile on her face, her cheeks rosy.
"You like the boy from Two!" she exclaims.
"Sh!" I say. It's no use lying to her. "No one knows that, it's a secret. Can I trust you to keep it?"
'Of course you can!" she declares, giggling when I turn red once more. She sticks out her pinky. "I pinky promise!"
I hook my pinky around hers, grinning. She sticks her arms out. "Can I hug you?" she asks. I nod, not knowing what to do. I don't hug people often, but Leona wraps her arms around me and squeeze me into a hug. Hugs though… they feel nice. Not many people want to hug me, not many people want to hug the mayor's prissy daughter. I hug her back, tears starting to form in my eyes. If I want to go home, Leona, Caydin, the little girl from Five, the elderly from Five and Six, Alexis… they'll all have to die.
And I don't think I can handle being at fault for people's deaths.
I realize I do know what's missing, what's been missing off my wrist since the tribute parade. The bracelet... Skye, my best friend's, bracelet. My eyes widen, and I don't know what to do. Do I let go of Leona and rush to get the bracelet? Or just forget it? It doesn't feel right letting go of home…
"Leona… I'm so sorry, I forgot something. I need to ask my mentor if he's seen my-" she cuts me off with an understanding smile.
"It's okay Harper, I understand. Maybe after our interviews?" I bite my lips, Caydin flashing in my mind. I can make time to see Leona before heading to the roof to see Caydin, right?
"Maybe," I say simply. " I have to go now, good luck Leona!"
"Good luck Harper!" she calls back, and I speed walk over to where the mentors are. I can't find Woof. Where's Woof?
"Harper?" a small, quiet voice calls out. I spin around as quick as I can in the heels, and see Paige, with red eyes and a tired face, staring at me, holding Skye's bracelet. "Are you looking for this?"
I grin, hugging her tightly, careful not to hurt the frail girl. She clasps the bracelet onto my wrist. "It's beautiful, like you," she manages, her voice rough like it hasn't been used in many years. It's quiet, but she smiles weakly. "You'll do great."
"Thank you Paige," I say in awe.
She smiles and nods weakly. "Go," she whispers. I speed walk over, making sure my hair remains the same. Leer from Seven is done now, and he just walked up. Hurry up Harper!
Augustus says something, but I can't hear it with the panic going through me. I manage to get up the stage on time, a huge smile spreading on my face as I wave to the crowd. "It's so nice to meet you Augustus," I say, my voice not sounding as out of breath as I thought it would.
"I must say Harper, you are simply the most beautiful tribute I've ever seen in my twenty five years of doing the games!" he exclaims. "Isn't that right folks?"
The crowd goes wild, and I blush a bit, not being used to it. "Thank you," I manage from my shock. "I guess you can thank my parents as well for the good genes they gave me."
"Good genes indeed!" he declares, smiling broadly at me. "And with your good genes, Harper, do tell me, how did you get your nine?"
"I guess you can say I'm good with knives," I state casually, which causes the crowd to 'ooh!'. "I have been doing it since I was a little girl, after all. You should be able to be good with knives after doing it for so long."
Augustus leans in. "Good with knives?" he asks. "Do tell Harper, what do you mean by 'good with knives'?"
"When I was little," I start, "people weren't really nice to me because I was the mayor's daughter. And some days, I would come home with bloody knees and broken arms. My mom was not happy at all, and told my dad that if he didn't do anything that she would. She wouldn't have hurt the kids, at most it would be is a warning and that's all."
"Did your dad do something?" Augustus asks.
"Yeah," I nod, the memories coming back. "He took me to our basement the next day and gave me a set of knives. He taught me how to throw them, he gave me a new set everytime mine broke… soon, he was too busy to teach me, so I learned by myself. That's it."
I feel a bit embarrassed, but the Capitol seems to love my story. A lot of them cheer. "Well, Harper, we're certainly amazed by your knife skills. I assume we'll see them in the arena?"
"Yeah, definitely," I agree, nodding. "It's my favourite thing to do I guess. It became a… hobby in some sort, but you'll see even more than just my knives in the arena. I promise."
The Capitol cheers, the crowd going wild. Augustus shakes my hand, grinning at me as I smile at the crowd. "The gorgeous Harper Regalia everyone!" he exclaims, and I wave and smile, walking off as elegantly as I can with my aching feet.
I see Leona and give her a kiss on the forehead. "You did good, Harper," she says in awe. I don't correct her with a 'You did well," and I hug her.
"Good luck Leona," I say.
Dayley "Day" Stockholm, 23
District Eleven Male Tribute
Thea smiles at me before vanishing, her wide eyes, the things I loved most about her the last things I see. I feel plastic, processed, but hey, I spent twenty years of my life being plastic, the three with Thea was where I was real, and actual person.
I'm done acting like everyone expects me to act like. It's my time to be myself. I have to be honest to myself. Let all of my demons go, do what Thea wanted me to be. Happy. Free. Loved.
I wonder what my parents are doing back at home. Are they happier now that I'm gone? I don't know, but I hope that they are watching. I hope that they are playing the interviews right now, so they could see me. So they could see how sorry I am.
Blair is gone, her dress pretty on her, something close to what Thea wore in her interview. A black dress with white swirls. Thea wore a white dress with a thick black belt. She didn't even spare me a glance, which is okay, I know that it is. She doesn't think highly of me right now, no one does. But I will change their minds. I will get the district to forgive. I will forgive myself. I will finally let go of Thea.
But everything I am doing right now is for her.
She smiles briefly, and I can see her again, dancing on the stairs, eyes glinting mischievously for a second, as if daring me to come closer. I shake my head no, no, I won't get in trouble right now. No, Thea, maybe later.
Blair gets a few laughs, but something seems off with the people and Eleven. I can see the President, all high and mighty in her golden throne, looking down at Blair with a certain… distaste. As if she's eaten something wrong. Her daughter, Emma I think, no, Emory, sits beside her, listening intently yet sadly, looking at Blair with almost pity. What?
Then I remember how Seeder acted with us, a bit closed off, distant. My mother had always said that Seeder was one of the more caring victors, one of the ones who took the time to get to know her tributes to help them out. Either my mother is wrong, which is pretty unlikely as she is good friends with Seeder, or something is happening. Something's not going right with District Eleven.
Sweat starts to make my hands clammy, and Augustus announces me. I don't catch what he says, my ears are ringing for a bit, but I feel the ghost of a hand, a ghost of Thea's hand, on the small of my back, urging me to go forward. It's as if Thea is there with me every step of the way.
My ugly ass raspberry suit is uncomfortable, and I sit down in the now way too warm chairs. "Hey," I say.
Augustus smiles, trying to figure out what to do with me. The feeling of Thea's hand over mine is comforting me. I don't need to care about them. I'm my damn own person and these interviews don't mean anything to me. "Well, Day, how are you liking the Capitol?" he asks.
I cringe in disgust, crossing my arms and leaning back to get more comfortable. "First off, only my close friends call me Day, and the only person closest to me besides my parents was Thea Burton."
There were gasps all over, some people responding enthusiastically to Thea's name, while others laugh. It makes me angry. She's dead because of them. She's dead because of me. "Thea was the prettiest, smartest, nicest, and the overall best person I ever knew. She was the person who'd wake you up at midnight to see the stars with her. She was the person who'd hold your hand wherever you went, always there for you. But then… she was reaped for the games, and the district's light was gone. Diminished. And so I thought she could win, so I thought that you guys from the richest part of Panem would help sponsor her, so I didn't. But you didn't. The girl from Two-"
My breath hitches, and tears well up, but I blink them away. "-she killed Thea Burton. She killed the best thing that could ever happen to Thea, and Aurora Rosner became the victor of the Eighteenth Hunger Games. Thea's murder could have been prevented by me, but most of all, it could have been prevented by all of you. So no, I'm not having the best time in the Capitol."
Augustus looks flabbergasted, and he looks up at the President's box. President Starling looks at him angrily, hinting him to cut it off. "Well, sorry Dayley, I suppose our time is up. Dayley Stockholm everyone!"
I cast a look over through the crowd. The Capitol looks half shocked, half stunned, but I don't care.
I'm done caring about anything anymore.
The interviews are done! Woo, 8.8 thousand words, that's enough for a chapter! So if your tribute didn't get a point of view, they'll either get it next chapter for the before games or the launch room. I'm trying an eight tribute per chapter thing, and I quite like it. Every tribute should have at least two points of views. I find that if I do more than eight, it gets tedious and boring, and you wouldn't want to read it if it was really repetitive.
I know that the games should be next, but I want to spend more time on character development, something I have been doing but want to do it before the inevitable bloodbath. Anyway, I tried to get this chapter out as soon as possible, which I might say was pretty good with about a week and a bit from the last time I updated, so not bad!
Also, again, if you submit a tribute to Whispers, that would be much appreciated.
Tell me what you think in the reviews! ;)
IMPORTANT: Remember that whatever you said how long you want your tribute to live may be not what they get, so not hate if your character dies much earlier that you wanted. It's not nice to have hate just because I didn't see your tribute fit to survive as long as you hoped they would. This bunch is really strong after all!
Once again, thanks for reading and taking your time to read my author notes, I know how unnecessary they may be but they get all of my information in. See you next time for the night before!
~Ata