~Yin Kozart- Games Interviewer~
I don't understand why everyone likes Solitaire Chiarella so much. Apparently she and her Arenas are just… Perfect. Makes me sick just thinking about it.
Okay, so maybe she's attractive and witty and creative and wealthy and a bit of a genius and… Oh, now I see why. But that doesn't mean I'm happy about it!
I wake up at the crack of dawn for my next big moment in the spotlight: the interviews of the final 8.
I make my usual run for coffee, and realize only after the fact that I instinctively made Solitaire's favorite drink along with my own and sigh. I suppose I shouldn't let this go to waste. I go upstairs to where she sits, staring at the screen.
"…Solitaire?"
She jumps, turning around. She really looks a mess, probably worse than some of the tributes in the Arena.
"Yin! I haven't slept for 48 hours straight!" She laughs a little bit, taking the coffee and taking a big gulp of it.
"Uh, are you sure you're going to be alright without me?" I ask her. "Can you deal with Polymestor on your own?"
"Of course. You go do your thing, look pretty, blah blah blah." I roll my eyes.
"You really should get some sleep."
"But what if I miss out!?" she asks. "A good Gamemaker never sleeps! Sleep is for the weak!" she continues to ramble on.
"Just… Lay your head down for a bit. I'm sure the others will be able to handle it for a bit. It won't be sleeping, it'll be more like… A light power-nap."
"Alright." She yawns, smooths down her bright red hair, and she's out cold pretty much as soon as her head is down.
"Sleep tight," I say.
"Where's my drink, Kozart?"
"Oh, and good morning to you too, Polymestor. How did you sleep?"
"Fine. Shouldn't you be going?"
"I'm arriving at District 1 at exactly 8:00, and it's really not that far away. I have time." I bite into an apple.
"When are you going to tell Chiarella about your undying love for her? Preferrably after I try to pick her up."
My ears burn. "Wh-What are you implying!? This is a professional workplace! And even if it weren't, I don't have feelings for Solitaire. Or, at least, not like that. Not like that at all, in fact I despise her." I really don't like Polymestor.
"Great, then I'll ask her out while you're out interviewing!"
"Fine. I don't care if you do. Her personal life is none of my business anyways. And it really shouldn't be yours either."
"You're just saying that because you're jealous Yinny!"
"Do not call me that and if I were jealous, you would know because I would release a storm of all the curses I've been forced to hold back to be an interviewer." That's been the hardest part. The Yin Kozart Swear Jar is full of my money because back during Interview training, I couldn't hold back from using words that would be bleeped out of television.
"You're saying that now!"
"And I'll be saying it later." I try to remain calm.
"Mr. Kozart, the train will be departing soon!" says a young secretary.
"Wonderful. Good day Polymestor."
"Nice talk Yinny!" he calls after me. I ball my fists as I board the small train that will be taking me to District One.
"We hope everything is to your liking!" says a young intern as I enter the dining cart. I take a better breakfast and another cup of coffee, sitting at the table and reading for a bit. Some Avoxes stand by and wait for orders.
"Ahem, Avox!" one of them comes to accommodate me. "I'll have another plate of eggs." I'm too engrossed in my reading to move. She nods and goes off, coming back with another full plate. "Oh. Yes. Thank you, er… What should I call you?" She gives me a look and I realize I've been spending too much time around Solitaire, thanking Avoxes and getting to know their stories and all. I try to clear my mind of it, of her, and of my conversation with Polymestor, but I'm relieved when the train finally comes to a stop at District 1's station.
I exit the train, my crew behind me, making sure the camera's at an attractive angle at all times. District 1 takes to me well and I have a consistent stream of fans from the station all the way to the address delicately written for me by my secretary. The house is smaller than average for District 1.
I knock on the door, trying not to feel too nervous. I can't help it, though, my feel sick with nerves. This is my first year, after all. If I ever want to move up the ladder I have to have the favor of the President.
A boy about Dream's age answers the door. He seems surprised. "Oh!"
"Hello," I say, trying to be amiable and not awkward. "Might you happen to be…" I look at my clipboard. "Gleam?"
"Oh, yeah, I am! Er, please come in!" He leads me in the house, through a small family-room-like place, to the kitchen.
Tiny, compared to Capitol standards. It's astounding to me how people can actually live like this.
A woman sits at the table, calmly watching a small television by the table. "A good morning to you, Mr. Kozart," she says politely. "I am Amber Bishop, Dream's mother."
"Lovely to meet you."
"Would you like some breakfast?" she asks, offering me a plate.
"Oh. If you wouldn't mind, I'll have a bit." She hands me a plate. Homemade, which is a lot different than the Capitol. Imperfect, if only a little bit, which is very new to me. Avoxes get whipped if a single garnish is out of place. I hesitate, unsure if I really want to eat something imperfect, but to be polite I take a bite. And it actually tastes pretty incredible. Hm. Maybe sometime I'll look into this whole homemade thing. I finish off breakfast, making conversation with Amber and Gleam in an attempt to get to know them before we interview. Amber offers food to my crew (including my costumer and head stylist Madelana, my trusty camera girl Kimi, and my Head Secretary Taj), but all of them deny politely.
After a short breakfast while the crew sets up (including doing make-up and hair for me and both of the people I'll be talking to), I begin the interviews by talking with Amber first.
"So, for the crowds, Amber, what is your relation to Dream?"
She smiles, "His mother." For being his mother, she really is quite young.
"What is your fondest memory you have with him?"
She considers, a soft smile on her face. "I have too many," she says, with an affectionate laugh, "I can't choose just one."
"How did you receive his courageous decision to volunteer for the Games?"
"I want for him what he wants for himself. It's his choice, and I will support him always. He chose to aim high, shoot for the stars, to earn wealth and honor for not only himself, but also for me… And I think that's the bravest thing he ever could've done."
"Of course, I agree. It was very brave of him. So, Amber, if there is one thing you could say to Dream right now, what would you tell him?"
She looks at the camera. "Just that I love him so much and am waiting anxiously for him to get home."
"How touching," I say, sincerely. "Thank you for your time."
"Aaaand… Cut!" Kimi adjusts her bright yellow headphones, listening for feedback from the President and his associates. She signals for me to move on, and Gleam comes in for his interview. After Madelana makes some last-minute adjustments, we're rolling again.
"Now we have Gleam Rivers with us. So, Gleam, what is your relation to Dream?"
The boy gives a big smile. "Best friend. Our names even rhyme!" he laughs. I can't help but think how the people back home will think that's wonderfully hilarious and adorable.
"Tell us a story. Something you and Dream did together." He goes into an account of some of their training shenanigans, going straight into how excited he is for his friend and how proud he is.
"So, what is your favorite part of the Games so far?" This question has to be used very carefully, especially in outer Districts, but I know that Gleam will give a good answer.
"Well, I think my favorite is when that bitch from 7 was torturing his ally, and Dream just runs in and before she even knows it, she's down and he's in charge!" he talks about his friend like he's a superhero, "She was dead before she knew what was going on. That's the Dream I know! It was awesome!"
I smile fondly. "That was definitely intense. It will be interesting, now that the alliance has been split."
"I can't wait. Bring it on, District 2!" Gleam challenges. I can't help thinking how well he would do as a reporter or interviewer. So far he's said everything the crowds will want to hear.
"So, what would you say to Dream if given the chance?"
"You're doing awesome, man. Keep on fighting hard and get back home! We miss you!"
"There you have it. Now it's off to District 2 to talk to the families of January Denali and Pontifex Gallivan!" There's a small pause before Kimi says, "Cut!" and listens for approval to keep going. She nods and starts packing up her beast of a camera.
"Thank you for your time and hospitality," I say, shaking Amber and Gleam's hands. "I wish you: and Dream: the very best."
And just like that I'm on the train to District 2.
I note how important these interviews are. It's a lot of pressure, because these interviews could be the difference between life and death: for a loved one. Gleam and Amber passed with flying colors, and I'm sure the Capitolites will go crazy for their interviews. They're being edited now, as we ride.
Soon, we pull into District 2, and I go to the address given to me by Taj. The list for Janie is so much longer than the list for Pontifex. First, I meet Janie's friends and family at the training center. The woman in the room bounces over, quickly, shaking my hand and introducing herself as January's mother. Her husband is slower to greet me. They immediately start on hair and make-up for the parents when I shake the hands of the three teenagers that are going to be interviewed.
"We're ready!" Madelana says, Kimi gives the thumbs up of having set up the equipment, and we're off.
Since these interviews have more people, they have to be shorter in length. "So, Benedict, Cleopatra, you're Janie's parents, correct?"
Cleopatra clears her throat. "Yes, we are January's parents."
"So, I'm interested. How did you react to your daughter's aspirations to be a Victor? Especially after her brother died for the cause of the Games." This isn't their first Final 8 interview.
"We weren't quite excited about it," Benedict says, taking time to choose his words very carefully. Probably something he learned from his last final 8 interview. "Especially after what happened to Magnus." The last word of that sentence is noticeably quieter than the others.
"January was always a bit of a rebel. But she's doing quite well and we have faith in her," Cleopatra says, directing attention back to the matter at hand.
"I see. Interesting indeed. So, if there was one thing you could say to her, what would you say?"
"That no matter what happens, we need our baby to come home," Cleopatra says. Benedict just nods.
Kimi nods and we're off to the friends. I interview them all together to save time. "So, here I have Sandor Fairbanks, Corona Jacobson, and Chantelle Hatfield. You're all friends of January's?"
"We're Janie's best friends," Corona says, seeming pretty excited in front of the camera.
"What kind of shenanigans do you all get into then?" I ask, sounding mischievous. I think it helps that I'm young. They tell a story, interrupting each other sometimes but trying to take turns, about how they woke her up with air-horns and confetti on the morning of the reaping. I laugh appropriately at this. Cute.
"What would you say to her, if you could?"
The girl named Corona speaks first. "Janie, we love you! You'd better come home soon!"
Chantelle speaks next. "You're almost there. Don't give up!"
Sandor speaks last. "Janie, you're like the twin sister I never had but always wanted. Without you… I don't know what I'd do. So fight hard, stick it out until the very end. You can do it! I know you can do it, Sis."
"There you have it!"
"We're running behind," Taj says, pushing the glasses up her nose and sounding annoyed. We shake hands with Janie's family and friends and go to the first of two addresses given for Pontifex. The house is gloomy, quiet, and dismal, situated in a neighborhood that is less-than-safe. I knock timidly, a man comes to the door with a drink in his hand, though looking ready for his interview. He invites the crew in, and Kimi immediately gets to work on the lighting, complaining how dim it is in the family room. Tacitus Gallivan offers me a drink before he starts to talk about Pontifex. I don't really trust him, though.
"So, Tacitus, what is your relation to Pontifex?"
"Father." He actually smiles a bit.
"Right. So, how did you react to his volunteering? Was it a surprise to you?"
"Of course not. He's a strong, tough kid. He knew what was riding on his volunteering. He knew better than to fuck up, like his brothers."
I swallow a bit, uncomfortable. "How have you found his Games performance?"
"He's capable of so much more than that. If only he would stop fucking up, throw the damn spear and be done with it. Get rid of the attention whore from his District already like he's been promising to do." This is going to have to be edited and bleeped like none other.
"If you could tell him one thing right now, what would it be?"
"End it already. Just grow a pair and end it. Throw the spear. Don't hesitate. Eliminate them, all of them. Stop fucking up." Good luck, editing team. Kimi gives a shaky thumbs up, as if to say, We can use something… so I wrap up. "There you have it, folks! Next up, a chat with Pryderi Gallivan, and then a look into the life of Gio Piccozzi's friends and family."
"And we're clear." The team starts packing up.
"I don't like how you treat him," I say, coldly. "And I hope that if he wins, he does the sensible thing and never comes near here, or you for that matter, again."
"I may talk hard on him but he's perfectly safe in this household. I protect him."
"That's a lie and we both know it. You should be whipped, arrested, or worse." Abusers really hit a sour note with me, but that's not a story for now.
Pryderi is much more enjoyable to talk to, and though his house is much smaller than anything I've ever seen before, it's fairly bright.
"So, Pryderi, what's your relation to Pontifex?" I ask.
"Older brother," says Pryderi, a smile on his face.
"Ah, yes. So, tell us about a fond memory you have of him."
"Well… Me and my, uh, twin brother Atlas… We always used to take care of him, especially after our mother died. I remember sitting him up on the bathtub, Atlas bandaging him up, and telling him to be a big brave dog, and we all ended up barking at each other… He always cried, when he was hurt… By his childish clumsy accidents of course." The hollow look in his eyes says differently. "But once we got to him, he didn't cry for long. We loved him so much, and he loved us. Things got… Rocky from there." He sighs a bit.
"So," I say gently, "If you could tell him one thing right now, what would you tell him?"
"I would say that I'm sorry, and that I hope he can get home, and maybe find it in his heart to let me in again. From now on, I'll always be there for you. No matter how much you push me away. I'm sorry for leaving, but I promise that no matter what I will never leave you again. If it counts for anything. I love you, Ponty Pont. Keep fighting." What a relief to have a good interview after the disaster that was the last one. Kimi smiles and gives a thumbs up, packing up. I shake Pryderi's hand and wish him the very best.
Before I know it, we're zooming off to District 3.
There is no address on the paper, but Taj takes the lead, (briskly because we are behind schedule), and we follow her. We find a group of people without homes, sitting on the streets. Taj talks quietly to a man on the corner, who points a little further in the distance. We walk until we see a pretty young girl with skin and hair quite similar to her brothers. She waves goodbye to a boy her age as we approach.
"Hello there. You must be Abriella."
"That's right," she says. "You must be Yin Kozart."
I laugh a little bit. I already like this girl. "Alright then, shall we start your interview then?"
"Not with her looking like that!" says Madelana, swooping in to make the girl look more glamorous. Kimi sets up her equipment, Taj looking around for the other person on the list to interview.
"My parents and Simon won't be able to make it," Abri says, making a face after bright red, shiny lipstick is applied to her lips. "They're working and won't be back 'till mandatory hours."
"That's fine," Taj says, sounding disappointed and crossing something off her list.
"She's as good as she's going to get," Madelina says, spraying the girl's hair with some high-end Capitol stuff that smells very strongly.
"Rolling!"
"Now I'm here with Abriella Piccozzi of District 3. So, you're Gio's sister?"
"Mhm." I worry that she's going to be camera-shy.
"So, Abri, give us a fond memory you have of your brother."
She considers a bit. "Well, one time there was this huge thunderstorm, I think it swept the nation if you remember, a few years back. Like, KABOOM! It was horrific, because we didn't have a roof over our heads. I just remember that I thought Gio would be really scared, so I tried to hide the fact that I was terrified. But he wasn't scared. He let me have his blanket and let me curl up into his side and he sang to me, and I felt safe. Gio always makes me feel safe."
"Oh. How very sweet." This girl's good at jerking a tear. "So, if you could say one thing to your brother, what would you tell him?"
She considers, then stares dead-on at the camera, as if he were really on the other side. "Gio. We're all rooting for you. You have people depending on you here. People that need you to come home. All my life, you've been my home, and without you, I'll never have a home again." Her eyes tear up, and her voice starts to shake. "But we're all sitting here, and we're watching you give up on yourself. You think we can't see it, but we can. Please, stop. Please, you can't give up on yourself. We haven't given up on you yet. Who's to say you can't get home? Who says you can't make it? Don't accept death. Don't give up on yourself. You can't. Please."
"Very touching." Time for a question that has to be asked very delicately. "So, one more question." She wipes at her eyes. "If you could say one thing to Gio's ally, Mr. Atticus Hollow… What would you say to him?"
Abri has a fire in her eyes. "I would say that I understand that it's a fight to the death and that you want to get home. But, I'm begging you to open your eyes. Gio is honest and loyal. You won't find another ally as pure as him. I'm begging you to see that if you don't win, Gio should. There will inevitably be a time when you have to pick between him and another tribute… And I want you to make the right choice." What a girl. The look in her eyes is similar to the look the girl from 3 had when she was reaped.
"There you have it, folks, Abriella Piccozzi. Next up, off to District 6!"
Kimi gives the thumbs up to move on. I figure that even if Abri is the only person we're interviewing for Gio, her interview was definitely long and memorable enough to last a while. Hopefully it doesn't backfire on her in the distant future.
We're on the train to District 6, Taj only slightly more at ease now that we're on time again. She's the kind of person that would prefer to be early, I'm sure.
At District 6, the first people to be interviewed are Tuesday's aunt and uncle. They recount the day Tuesday came out as genderfluid and the following day of celebration of who she is. They talk a bit about how precious she is and how they can't wait for her to come home and are nothing but optimistic.
Next, I talk to Tuesday's cousins. Hasley is 10, and very camera-shy. Abner is 13, and mumbles his answers. Kimi talks to Hasley quietly, making friends with her before the interview starts. They recount the many adventures they've had with Tuesday. Hasley tells a heartwarming story of how Tuesday shared chocolate with her and always complimented her drawings. Abner talked a bit on how he's scared for her, and they both send big hugs and kisses to Tuesday in the Arena, probably believing the tributes are going to get to see this as it premiers.
Finally, I interview Tuesday's boyfriend Bryce. He's really not bad-looking, although he looks absolutely exhausted with dark circles under his eyes (which Madelana complains about), but other than that needs no real work done to make him interview ready.
"So, here I have Bryce Anderson! What is your relation to Tuesday?" As if I even have to ask.
"Her loving boyfriend," he smiles.
"How nice. So, what's your favorite memory you have with Tuesday?"
"I think about her all the time, Yin," he says. "I've been watching, barely sleeping, all because I need her to come back to me. I've had so much trouble functioning without her for these past weeks. Sometimes I'll try to do something productive but I'll think about the way she scrunches her nose when I tickle her and I go right back to the TV to watch the Games."
"How touching," yeah, he's going to win a lot of favor with the Capitol citizens.
"How did you meet?"
"Our mothers were friends. We met through them, I guess, but unconventionally. See, we met after her mother died, when my Mom went to check on her and the family and had me come along. It was kind of love at first sight, as dumb as that sounds. I was absolutely dumb around her, and then I realize she's just a huge dork but I just… Man, I love her so much." I wish I could've had a love like that. Maybe it's not too late for that. Yeah, right.
"That's so sweet. So, have at it. Tell Tuesday what you need to say."
"Well… I won't bore you with the mushy stuff. But Tuesday, my handsome prince, beautiful princess, whatever you might want… I can't escape the fact that I depend on you to live my daily life. I can't stop thinking about you, and I just… Need you to come back to me. I need you so badly. I'm waiting anxiously for the day I can hold you in my arms again. So… Win, alright? Fight your heart out, don't let anything stop you. I love you." He chokes up a little bit, concluding with a nod.
"There you are, folks," I say, "After the break, we'll be in District 9 with the family of Tristabelle Baer."
Kimi nods and we're off to District 9. I notice how as we go, the Districts get increasingly gloomier. We stop at District 9, and go to the address of the Baer family. The house is dim, not a lot of electricity comes here. Kimi complains as she sets up some better lighting. Wright is dressed to impress, shaking my hand and quickly engaging me in conversation as the Baer parents are prepared for the big time. Wright really isn't bad to talk to, and I spend a while making small-talk before it's time for the interviews.
The Baer parents burst into a screaming match during the interview, so intense that Mrs. Baer stomps right out of the room. We re-film the interview with just Mr. Baer, and while Taj and Madelana unsuccessfully try to convince Mrs. Baer to come back out for an individual interview, I interview Wright.
"So, you're Tristabelle's brother?"
"That's right!"
"So, Tristabelle has proven to be an interesting character over the course of a couple of weeks. What's it like to live with her?"
"My sister? She's such a tease. She's just a big drama queen, is what it comes down to. I mean, she definitely gets it from my Mom." He laughs. "She's good at making people feel sorry for her and guilt-tripping them. In reality, she's just a tease that asks for it. Really the guys only give her what she asks for."
"Right." I clear my throat, trying not to seem as uncomfortable as I feel. Somehow I feel like it's all bullshit, but I act as if I believe it for the camera's sake.
"She's a little bit irrational, and definitely crazy. Really, I just feel pity for her. She doesn't know how petty she is, there's just something with her brain that makes her insane."
"So, then, what would you say to her? If given the chance?"
"I would say that she needs to lighten up a little bit, and get her mind out of whatever dark place it was in. I mean, why do things suddenly matter to you now at all times? If it has to do with the red-head, just let it go already. He's a dweeb. It doesn't matter that he's your age, you never even knew him until you were reaped together. So let's go, sis. Just a little more craziness and you're home, with your loving big brother there to protect you!"
"Thanks for your time, Wright." I want to throw up. "Up next, a chat with Davion Hollow of District 10. Stay tuned!"
"And we're clear."
"Thank God. You're a horrid brother," I inform him. I'm about to say more but Taj calls me, saying that if we don't hurry, we'll be behind schedule again. I just sigh and leave with the rest of my crew, swallowing the anger.
I watched that girl break down in front of my eyes. A girl that had never been vulnerable before. I could tell it, I could see the moment she realized that she was exposed. Pontifex had that kind of moment, too, as soon as the word Thatcher came out of his mouth in the Games. I could tell because I've been there before. But this isn't about me at all, now is it?
We're in District 10 sooner than expected, and head to the address written for Davion Hollow.
"This interview had better go well," Taj says. "We couldn't find anyone else that would admit to being his family or even his friend." Ouch. That must hurt. It's fairly unexpected, considering how gently and affectionately he treats his allies. Or, ally, now.
Davion's a talker, and that's fine because if his interview runs long it won't be all bad.
"So, what's your relation to Atticus Hollow?"
Davion rubs his chin, in thought. "Well, he volunteered when I was reaped, first off. And I guess that we're distant relatives somehow." He nods, deciding on this as a final answer.
"So he volunteered for you without knowing who you were?"
"I suppose so."
"Did you visit him after the reapings?"
"Yeah, I did. I thanked him so much. I don't think I could've done the Games…" he chuckles a bit, nervously, "I'm not strong like he is."
"Very few people are."
"That's true. He told me he volunteered out of the goodness of his heart. I mean, he has a much better shot than I do, anyways. I hope he wins and lives very happily, because I will forever be in debt to him."
"Yes, that must be a relief, now that you're done with reapings." He nods quickly. "So, if you could say something to Atticus right now, what would you say to him?"
"I would say… Thanks again. And I know that you can win. You're doing so good-er, well, I mean, you're doing so well, and if you just keep at it you'll be home in no time!"
"Thanks so much, Davion! Next we'll make our final stop at District 11 to talk to the family and friends of Krissa Osten, so don't move!"
After getting the clear, I have some more pleasant talk with Davion while Kimi packs up her supplies. I would've liked to stay and talk with him much more (he's a very interesting guy) but Taj dragged me out the door, complaining about schedules. Soon, we're on the way to District 11, the final stop.
It might appear to be a beautiful, lush, green District, but the atmosphere is so dim. Now, though, it's slightly lighter, optimistic that one of their own is in the final 8, has a shot at making it home. We go to the address for the Osten household and knock on the door. Her parents answer, and quickly let us in. The house is lit by candlelight, the parents apologizing and saying that the electricity is bound to come on soon as the time approaches for the mandatory viewings.
Kimi sets up lights and we start with the parent interview. They share fond memories of their daughter, give her all their love, the usual parent interview.
Next, I interview Krissa's sister, Maddie, who she volunteered for. Maddie's husband, a very polite and amiable man named Manuel, stands off to the side and watches. Maddie recounts some bittersweet memories of working alongside her sister, expressing how much they'd miss her if she were gone. She gives a very motivating speech to her sister, if only her sister could hear it. "I have to have you home as my maid of honor!" she says, wiping a tear from her eye.
The final interview of the night is of Donovan, Krissa's 13-year-old brother.
"He's in his room," Maddie says. "He hasn't come out all day."
"Could I try to talk to him?" I don't want to intrude, but maybe I could help. They nod, tell me where his room is, and I go up the stairs, ignoring Taj's tsk-ing that we're behind. I knock on the door.
"Go away Maddie."
"Uh, it's not Maddie. Can I come in?"
He goes quiet, I push the door open and go in. He's buried under a blanket.
"Hey. Are you alright?"
"…He was my age."
"Hm?"
"The boy!" Donovan sounds teary. "Vardaman. He was my age and he's dead now. He was in my year in school and he's dead. He was in my class, he always raised his hand to provide answers, he always smiled at people, and he's dead." Oh. The 13-year-old sniffles into his pillow, burrowing further into his blankets. "H-He always had injuries. C-Coming into school. I always wanted to ask but I never did. Krissa would've known what to do. I just want her to come back."
"There's always a chance."
He sniffles. "You're going to make me answer dumb questions about her, aren't you?"
"No. Your sister and parents gave us plenty to work with, you don't have to do anything."
"Then why are you here?" I blink.
Why am I here? Two months ago, at this time, I wouldn't even think of being in some poor, lowly District house, consoling a crying kid regarding the Games. I would've thought the very idea of it was hilarious, really. Why associate with those dirty, poor District people? The Games are hilarious and fun, why would a child be devastated about them? I regret ever thinking those thoughts now. No wonder the job of going to the Districts is the most dangerous of all of them. By talking to these people, the tributes become more than dead meat. They become people, with loved ones, family, friends, depending on them. What would Abri do without Gio? What would Bryce do without Tuesday? What would Sandor do without Janie? And Amber and Dream? And what would Donovan and Maddie do without Krissa?
These tributes… They're all people, each with a story, and interviewing them was only the tip of the iceberg. I realize that seven of these families will be disappointed, will have to find out how to live without that special person. And there are already 16 other families that are trying to figure out how to live without their loved ones. Even the Cornucopias, nothing more than the losers you scoff at back home, affect people so deeply, as I'm seeing right now. The thought makes my stomach churn.
"I don't know why I'm here. But… This is a tragedy and I'm sorry it's happened to you." Where are these words coming from!? The Hunger Games!? A tragedy!? Those words don't even remotely go together in the Capitol! I suddenly feel bitter, but I can't show it. I have to pretend to be ignorant, stupid, not noticing the real, raw suffering happening all around me, or else I'll be a target to the President. I just have to pretend I still love the Games with all my heart. Or else.
Taj forces me back to the train, and we ride home in silence, Kimi watching the footage, Taj on her tablet making notes, and Madelana in the bathroom adjusting her appearance.
Taking this job has put me into a constant mindset of survival. In a way, it's like it's own poker face Hunger Games.
And hopefully the odds are in my favor.
~.~.
A/N: This was so long, but I hope you enjoyed it! I really enjoyed writing it!
So next chapter will be from submitted tributes' POVs and be a general checkup/receiving sponsor gifts, and that's where the new prices will be (because this chapter is already so freaking long holy moly!)!
Chapter Question: Which interviews were standouts (positive and negative)? To the submitters: How did you like your tribute's section?
Scores:
Kate: 193
Dreamer (your gift will be received soon!): 136
Jess: 251
magicharity: 163
hopefuldreamer1991 (your gift will be received soon!): 40
Sinfonian Legend: 215
xQueen-of-Applesx: 40
Lady Lysa Arryn: 56
rising-balloons: 75
superneet1214: 6
elisa .anya: 5
Coolgal02: 61
epictomguy: 34
Medium-Indigo (Guest): 60
AbbyCorabby123: 10
falyn. oliver: 43
seaotter99: 22
ThisWorldWeHate: 17
Blonde4ever: 62
Beauty. Is. Strange: 61
Ibbonray: 35