A/N (Glossy): Here are the Interviews! Please send in your Games forms if you haven't already. Also tell me how many tributes you want to see dead in the bloodbath in the reviews. This is a longish chapter, so that's great.
Saffron Edinburgh, 17 (written by Lady Fluorspar)
District 1 Male
For the interviews my stylist apparently decided to dress me up as royalty. Sitting in between Velvet and Valeria, my attire is regal purple pants and jacket trimmed with gold, complete with a ruffled white shirt and a heavy half-cape.
"Oh, you look just so dashing!" She had sighed.
"All you need is a white horse and you could actually be a fairy tale prince!"
When Velvet is called up, I catch my reflection in one of the screens, and I dare say I stand out next to the other tributes. Like a Pegasus carted next to mules, I muse. I recognize that the audience has a preference for beautiful tributes, but would they care for me? Doubt and uncertainty creeps into my mind, what if bringing up such a delicate subject will be censored? I quickly shake these thoughts away.
Too soon, Velvet finishes up and they're calling Saffron Edinburgh. Like I practised, I make my way centre stage, exactly three and a half steps.
"So Saffron, the Capitol must be quite a change from District One. What surprised you the most since you arrived here?" asks Felix, a friendly smile on his face. He leans towards me completely at ease, as if we were intimate friends having a simple chat.
"To be honest, the summer heat of the last few days has been... a bit much" I tug on the collar of my jacket uncomfortably
"Do you mind if I?"
Felix makes a grand sweeping gesture and flashes me an encouraging smile "Go right ahead"
In one swift movement I tug my shirt, jacket, and cape over my head and let my clothes fall gently to the floor.
Felix lets out a low whistle. "Man, is it just me, or did it just get even hotter?" He turns to the audience and makes a big show of fanning himself with his hand
Jade was right, Felix does his best to make the tributes shine. My heart starts beating faster when I remember Prometheus' disapproval. It is a risky plan, to be sure, but I cannot dismiss the decisions of my heart.
"Alright Saffron," he turns back to me
"here's the question everybody's wondering, a handsome lad like you must have some special girl back home. Come on, what's her name?" Felix asks, leaning forward eagerly
I shake my magnificent head, "I have no special girl back home." I whisper, lowering my eyes
"Come on lad, who do you think you're fooling?" he scoffs "You have a locket with her picture around your neck, let's have a look at shall we?"
I open the locket and present her picture to the cameras. A lovely dark haired girl with deep blue eyes and creamy skin, smiling blissfully as if she didn't have a care in the world.
"Oh she's a pretty one that's for sure, count yourself lucky" Felix remarks
I shake my head again.
"That girl isn't from home. She's from the Capitol."
The audience gasps. Felix blanches, not expecting this turn of events.
"And she's not mine, she was my uncle's fiancée. They were separated during the Partitioning."
The room suddenly goes quiet and all I can hear is my rapidly beating heart. Prevail or fail, this is the moment of truth.
To my relief, a sympathetic murmur runs through the audience. Because who amongst the older Capitolites hasn't lost a friend or neighbour when the walls went up and the states turned into districts? The Peacekeepers eye me suspiciously, and finger their guns. Simply mentioning the Partitioning could be branded as seditious intent but I am not concerned. I am confident they wouldn't kill me right here in front of the cameras, and not after either because I can't be replaced this late in the game.
"Is there a Corina Greeth in the audience?" I ask softly
The audience murmurs and looks around but no one steps forward. My heart sinks. Could she have actually died in the war? Will this all be for naught? The doubts start creeping back, and I start to wonder if I should have listened to Prometheus.
No. I made a promise to my uncle and I will keep it no matter what.
I take a deep breath steady my shaking hands.
"Know that... know that Edward Edinburgh has never loved another. The day you were trapped in the Capitol when you missed the return flight to District 1 was the worst day of his life. For over twenty years my uncle has been looking for you, and this message may be the only way he finds you."
Without warning, the buzzer sounds, jolting Felix out of his reverie. (Perhaps he too was thinking of someone he lost?)
"And we're out of time! Best of luck, Saffron Edinburgh, tribute from District One." he beams, slipping back into character seamlessly
He stands up and shakes my hand firmly, for a second I see a hint of sorrow in his eyes, but it quickly disappears.
The audience breaks into applause which continues long after I'm seated. I look to my mentors for reassurance. Jade flashes me a quick smile and Prometheus grudgingly gives me a subtle thumbs up.
From their point of view, the fact that I wasn't killed on the spot meant my interview was a spectacular success. They're only thinking of the emotional appeal, how much sponsorship and support I'll have once I enter the arena.
From my point of view, if Corina never hears my uncle's feelings, I would have failed.
Valeria Sterling, 18 (written by Priestess of Groove)
District 2 Female
Everyone had gathered for their interviews by the stage. This was the first time since I got here that I did not feel the tension and headache of stress on my shoulders. Not that I wasn't nervous or that I didn't think that this was important, but I was on the final hurdle and the relief I felt was wonderful. For one moment, I was not going to think about tomorrow. I would just be.
The entirety of the pre-Hunger Games tasks refused to go right. I would have one triumph only to be pushed a dozen steps back. My mentor fails to help me, but my stylist shockingly rebounds with a beautiful opening. Training went all right and I certainly ended up with an admirable score – one of the highest! – only to have my leg gashed open by Velvet throwing a shit fit at her terrible score.
What the hell did she do to get such a terrible score? Perhaps the gamemakers simply don't like her and want her to die off as soon as possible. I certainly can't blame them.
After the Velvet debacle, I almost literally stormed onto our floor. I would not have been surprised to see storm clouds hovering over me and lightning bolts shooting out of me. How in the hell was I supposed to carry the games with an injured leg?! This was bullshit!
Thankfully, my escort came through in a pinch and showed me some sort of salve that almost immediately repaired not only the muscle beneath, but the skin on top, leaving only a slight discoloration in my skin. I had actually hugged him for the help!
Now I just needed to get through the interview. Once again, my stylist pulled through and put me in a dark blue evening gown that glittered like moonlight on water. A silver powder was applied to my skin to suffuse the look, and my make-up was finished with a light pink lipstick and dark blue eye shadow. I was so relieved that I would be the third person up on the stage, but as it was that I found myself staring into the back of Saffron's head and, by extension, Velvet's I concentrated my gaze in the hopes that I might burn a hole through the both of them.
They remained hole free however and after ignoring everything they said, I hear my name called and I stride out onto the stage, with a wide smile and I wave to the audience, who jump to their feet in applause.
Felix rises from his chair with an expression of awe and when I give him my hand, he kisses the knuckle much like Saffron had done. I didn't care for it from Felix either, but he was the man who could get me sponsors so I merely grinned excitedly before taking my seat.
"Now, how about that training score? A 9! Tied for highest of all the Tributes! Anything you would like to say about that?"
"I am fully prepared for the Games and I promise I will pull no punches," I say and send a wink out into the crowd, earning myself wolf whistles.
"Got any specific plans for the games? Details, details!"
"Now, Felix, you know I can't tell everyone my secrets. Then there would be no surprises!"
"Oh yes, I do love surprises! Don't we all?"
There was an answering roar from the crowd and it took a little bit for it to die down again. I was aching a little inside. My interview would be over before I knew it and I didn't want the interview to comprise of all of two questions. Felix seemed to sense my distress because he waved down the crowd and returned his attention to me.
"Now, I want to ask about your debut here to the Capitol. Obviously, it's your first time coming here. Anything in particular stand out to you?"
"The scenery of the Capitol. We have mountains and trees in District 2 as well, but I must say the Capitol's forests and mountains are absolutely magnificent. I could only dream to live in a place like this," I replied a little wistfully and with a sad smile.
There was a corresponding 'aww' from the crowd as they took in my saddened countenance. Truthfully, what I loved most were the showers, but I felt that answer would be rather uncouth. Or maybe it would have been better. I really can't say.
But Felix patted my hand and said, "That's truly a shame, but I'll tell you what. You win the games and you can come back here every year after to train the new recruits. How does that sound?"
"Sounds absolutely fantastic. I would look forward to that."
Suddenly a buzzer sounded and Felix's face fell. "Oh, I'm so sorry, but Valeria's time is up."
I heard boos of dismay. Thankfully, it didn't take much to make me look sad, because I was sad. There was absolutely nothing of substance to that interview. I am well-trained with surprises up my sleeve and I like the Capitol of the scenery? Yuck. But at least I had my training, training score, and my beautiful outfits going for me.
That would have to suffice.
Sabrina Partridge, 16 (written by RowlingTribute91)
District 6 Female
Wow. This week's been a rollercoaster. I've been quiet during training, always working at camouflage, learning how to identify plants and start a fire; basic hand-to-hand combat moves. I can do these well enough. Although many tributes seemed friendly, I wasn't keen on finding allies. You just never know who might betray your trust and murder you.
Later, I got a lousy 3 for my camouflage exhibition. Oh well. Let the sponsors and tributes presume what they want about me. Inside that arena, it's anybody's game.
Only Albus knows my secret weapon: the staff. Nelly and I taught each other how to fight. Indoors, of course. We weren't about to be reaped without some physical training. Our practice staffs were covered in foam to protect us. Whenever we finished, the staffs would magically become hangers.
Secret aside, I still have another opportunity to change the minds of potential sponsors. Everything comes down to now. Interview time! My dress isn't half bad; a knee-length, navy blue outfit with cap sleeves. And Cicero styled my hair into a messy bun. Altogether, it makes me feel rather elegant. Sans joins us all backstage with his prep team. He smiles at me briefly. I give him my own lopsided grin in return.
"Good luck up there," I hear myself tell him.
"You too."
Felix Flickerman, our esteemed host, calls out, "Let's hear a round of applause for our next tribute; from District Six, she'll drive you insane-haha, made that up myself!- Miiisss Sabrinaaaa Patridge!"
For shame, Felix. For shame.
I walk onstage to greet him politely; and he assists me into the interview chair.
"So," he begins, "are you ready for the Games?"
"That depends on what trouble I get myself into," I joke, receiving a laugh from the audience.
"I like to think I'm prepared. But with the arena, you just never know."
"District Six is, of course, home to our transportation industries. Can you tell us- I assume you're out of school and working- what role you play in your district?"
"I've been learning how to operate trains, actually."
Felix nods. "Impressive. So you must have seen every district by now."
"Yeah," I reply.
"Which one do you enjoy visiting the most?"
The crowd watches me as I think over my answer. I can't go with District 6. Too obvious. District 1? They already get so much attention. So does District 2. Sure, they're beautiful locations. And every district is gorgeous to me. I find beauty everywhere. But there's one district in particular that conjures up all these wild emotions whenever I see it. They deserve recognition for their struggles; for their perseverance.
"It would have to be District Twelve," I tell Felix.
"Was not expecting that! Isn't she a generous young lady, folks? Standing behind the coal district?"
Everyone applauds loudly, as if they genuinely want to bring District 12 out of invisibility. Don't make me laugh. They'll forget it by the end of tonight.
"One last question," Felix says: "What do you want to say to your family and friends watching?"
I contemplate for a moment. My eyes meet the camera dead-on; imagining that I can see Nelly and Vic's faces staring back at me. "The odds might not be in my favor, but they are in your favor. Remember that if I don't come home. Never give up. I… I love you guys."
Oh no. I can't get all teary-eyed. Deep breaths, I think. Deep breaths.
"Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Miss Partridge. May the odds be ever in your favor!"
Sans Klein, 17 (written by TheOnlyPotato)
District 6 Male
The lights are too bright, the costumes are too overdone and I am too nervous to be dealing with a bloody interview right now. Instead, I cross my arms and sigh, waiting for someone to call my name so I can have this interview thing over with. I don't know why they prolong these Games more than necessary. If I'm going to die, I'd like to do it quickly and without thinking about it, thank you very much.
The boy in District 4 climbs on stage, all smiles, waves and grins and I want to wretch. Not only am I worried about tomorrow, but I'm also worried about going on stage and making an ass of myself. I don't think I'll be able to stand making an ass of myself. I need Delilah here, for my good spirits. I need my mum here, for her encouragement.
Mum. Numbly my fingers go the pearl necklace hidden under the shiny silver shirt I wear. Sephora said it would be a good idea to hide the pearl necklace, seeing as it's very expensive and she doesn't want me getting attacked for it. This is stupid, because I won't get attacked until the day of the dead – my brand new nickname for this god awful Games – and by then, hopefully, the tributes won't care about my fucking pearl necklace. They'll care more, however, about the blood spilling from my throat.
I look up just as the girl from 5 goes on stage and wonder how hard I would have to smash my head into the wall to kill myself. Maybe I can kill myself now and I won't have to worry about someone else doing the honors. On second thought, they'd probably kill everything that I love for that, and I can't risk my family's death to put my own self out of this misery. Fuck, when did my thoughts get so dark? The same day Faustinus pulled your slip of paper out of the reaping bowl, you twat. I glare – at nothing in particular, because it's impossible to glare at yourself – and pout again. You know what else I've learned during these pre-games ceremonies? My subconscious is an asshole.
"Sabrina Partridge, District 6," A monotone voice calls. I look up at Sabrina and smile at her warmly, trying to encourage her. I know I have no chance, but she does. She has a chance to go home, and I want to make sure if I die, then she's the lucky winner. Or, unlucky, considering the things I've heard from some of the Victors.
"Good luck, Sabs."
"… Thanks, Sans," she smiles back – a small ghost of a thing – before walking out onto stage. I retreat back into my thoughts after that, the agonizing boredom of being a middle district hitting me full impact. I hate District 6, because you wait forever for it to be your turn, and then you wait forever for District 12 to stop yapping. It's irritating – but everything has been irritating lately because I never got the chance to and now that I'm gonna die well, I want to be a cranky old man while I can – and I really just wish I was District 1. Or at least, Capitol, so I don't even have to go through this shit.
"Kill me now," I groan loudly, sinking to the ground. I hear the District Seven boy snicker something about 'Oh, they will' and I glare at him. No time for his assholish ways, I have my own to deal with. I glance at the screen, where Sabrina's timer is running. She still has a few minutes left in her interview, unfortunately these things go slow. Three minutes per tribute, enough to fit all of us into two agonizingly long hours.
I almost jump in glee when I hear my name is called. Sparing one last glance at the rest of the tributes, I take a deep breath and walk onto stage, my mouth pulled into a sweet smile. I glance shyly the crowd – only because Sephora told me to go for humble – and sit next to Felix, pecking each of his cheeks like I've seen the Capitol socialites do on the drab television they allow us to watch.
"So Sans, obviously it's a very exciting night for everyone! Is there anything you have to say to your adoring fans?"
"No, not particularly, Felix. Only that I'm sorry I won't be around to entertain you with my beautiful self and my antics." Briefly my true self shines, seeing as that is something that I would have said to Delilah.
"Oh nonsense! I'm sure you'll be right back here soon so we can hear all about your crazy adventures," he gushes. I smile at him, and switch to play up the humble charade. Keep your personality in check, Sans.
"Yes, I do hope so. There are just so many much better competitors… I don't think little ol' me can do very much to that big, scary, District 2 dude!" I gasp, and the camera pans to him, where he flexes his muscles. I want to roll my eyes, but the crowds eyes are still glued to me and one slip-up can fuck up all the hard work Sephora and I put into perfecting my act.
"Yes, about the others. Your score... how do you feel about that?" Right, that 5. One of lowest scores of our alliance. I'd done nothing to impress the Gamemakers - did a few memory tests and maimed a few dummy's with my hakapiks - and I'd suffered from it. My score was horrendous.
"I guess I deserve even receiving a score. The gamemakers were generous with me." The crowd copes and Felix pats my shoulder. It seems like he wants a change of topic.
"So Sans… that girl at your reaping-" A brief clip is played of me at the reaping, kneeling in front of Delilah's wheelchair. There are a few pitying sighs, and I can almost picture Delilah's disgust. "-is that your girlfriend?"
"Heavens no!" I gasp, laughing a little. Delilah and I? An item? I'm not even sure I still like girls. "She's practically a sister to me.
"Oh? Well, what did she tell you? We've all been dying to hear." Stay stoic. Be the mirror of your partner, I'll see you in Goodbyes okay? Sans keep your head in the game!
The words bounce around in my head, dance at the tip of tongue and echo in my ears, yet I cannot bring myself to say them. Something about them are private, important, and saved for no one's ears but my own. I don't know why, but I feel those words should remain a secret. A small, meaningless, secret, but a secret nonetheless.
"She… well… she told me she loved me, and happy birthday," I lie instead. The crowd gasps – and so does Felix – and I nod, shrugging sadly.
"My birthday falls on reaping you see and… in all the fuss she forgot about it. So she said happy birthday. Parting gift, in case she wasn't able to make it to goodbyes."
"Well! I think that deserves a 'happy birthday' song, no? Come on, everyone, all together now!" The entire crowd – including some of the tributes – stand and sing happy birthday. Some are off key, and others are downright stumbling over and missing words, but for some reason it touches me. It reminds that not all Capitolites are evil, and not all are assholes. It reminds me that they're still human. And like some sort of fucking wimp, I cry on stage on the shoulder of my interviewer.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Sans Klein!" Felix calls happily, when the song ends. The crowd cheers and claps respectively, and even a few of them whoop, holler and chant my name. I've never felt so loved by a group of people in my entire life.
As I step off stage – mascara running and nose sniveling – I am embraced in unfamiliar yet strong arms. I almost laugh to see that Faustinus is hugging me, still humming the song. What a silly, silly escort.
Paisley 'Blue' Button, 13 (written by TheSnowyAngel)
District 8 Female
I look down at my dress and smile. Spring finally apologized for making me feel uncomfortable and made me a new dress that suits me more. It's a beautiful jade green cheongsam with beautiful golden peonies embroidery that flows out at the bottom, leaving a small trail behind. The stylists have tied my hair in a tight bun and secured it with grandmother's hairpin. They also gave me a jade coloured beaded bracelet with matching shoes.
"Thank you," I say with a grateful smile.
"My pleasure. I'm just so glad that I finally understood you. All I wanted was the best for you… I really think you have a chance out there."
She pulls me into a hug then ushers me towards the line where the other tributes are waiting. "Go on and wait for Gabe. Good luck!"
I give her a small bow then run towards the line. Gabe stands there in a jade green suit that matches mine. He gives me a quick look, then turns his head back towards the stage. I guess he doesn't really want to talk right now.
"Thanks, so do you." We have to stand there waiting for 15 minutes before it is our turn. I tried to give Sans a wave but he didn't see it. He did amazingly and I slap my forehead when he told Felix it's his birthday. I'm definitely going to shower him in Happy Birthday wishes later.
Thicket gives me hard stares and I feel myself shiver in fear. I try to squish myself between Gabe and the District 7 male in front of me but I still can't get rid of that queasy feeling.
Finally it's my turn and I walk onto the stage. The lights all shine on me in various colours. I start to feel slightly sick but I shake off the feeling. I'm not doing that again!
As I take a seat, Felix immediately bombards me with questions. "Wow Paisley! That's some beautiful gown you have there? Care to explain?"
"Oh, umm, thank you Felix. This is a Cheongsam, it's the traditional dress of the Chinese."
"Ahh, I see. You were wearing one on Reaping Day as well right?"
"Yep, that was actually my family's. Passed down from my great-great grandmother to her child all the way to me!" I say enthusiastically.
"Well, I must say, this is one of the most unique dresses I've ever seen! I'm pretty sure, that it'll be the next thing in Capitol Couture!" The crowd nod amongst themselves, agreeing with him. "Now Paisley, do you have any siblings?"
"Nope."
"Cousins? Relatives?" Meaning: Anyone else we can send in to die?
"Nope. It's just me, mother, father and grandmother."
"Oh, that must be sad that they're sending their only child to the games. But that means more glory for you right? When you win?" Did he seriously just say that?
"I suppose."
"Do you have anything to say to your family?" Felix points to a camera that is trained on me. I take a deep breath and give the camera a big smile.
"I love you guys so much. There is a sketchbook under my bed that I've never shown anyone. If I don't… come back, please take a look at it. It's filled with all my fabric ideas.
"Grandmother, don't worry about anything okay? You must remember to take your medicine and sleep at 7 o'clock sharp. I love you all," I say with a sad smile.
I hear a few sniffles from the crowd, some of them are crying. These people are so pathetic.
The buzzer rings and Felix helps lift me to my feet. "Ladies and Gentleman, give it up for Paisley Button!" They all cheer as I make my way off stage.
Gabriel 'Gabe' Newman, 17 (written by Grand Coconut)
District 8 Male
After Paisley exits the stage, I prop myself off the wall and wait for Felix to introduce me to the crowd before I walk onstage. I dust off my jade colored suit, even though it's as clean as it possibly could be. I take one last look at it in the mirror to make sure it still looks alright. The outer part of the suit is made of a reflective, satiny material. My shoes are shiny and polished, better than anything I have back home. Such attire makes me look pretty expensive on a night like this.
Before I know it, Felix's heavy voice is booming across the the auditorium. "And now, please welcome the brave Gabriel Newman, all the way from District Eight!"
And that's my queue.
I hold my head up and walk onto the stage. The applause of the capitolites reaches my ears and nearly blows my eardrums right out of my head, making me flinch. The bright lights of the stage are warm and beat down on my head. As my vision adjusts to the lights, I look out into the sea of capitolites and see them clapping and cheering for me, their faces contorted into expressions of pure excitement and insanity.
I keep walking ahead and meet Felix in the center of the stage. He shakes my hand vigorously, smiling so widely that I think his lips are about to split down the middle. He is a very animated man and I can't seem to choke down my laughter as I meet his gaze. He just looks so crazy up close!
He sits down in his chair and motions me to do the same in the seat across from him. He's ready to begin. "It's nice to see you smiling, Gabe. Are you having a good evening?" He asks me in a friendly voice.
I plop down in my chair lazily. "As good of one as I can." I say. "How is your evening?" I ask as he meets my gaze.
He grins. "It's delightful! Thank you for asking. This is my favorite part of the whole thing!"
I snort. "I'm sure it is." I say. A few people in the crowd laugh.
Felix doesn't know whether I'm taking a dig at him or just keeping up this idle conversation. He seems to go with the ladder and carries on. "So let's jump right in." He begins. "How do you plan to survive the next few weeks?" He asks with a curious look in his eyes. "I think that's the question we all want an answer to."
I smile slightly, my blue eyes meeting his. "I'm not gonna tell you too much, but I will let you know one thing." I say mysteriously.
Felix raises a neatly plucked eyebrow. "What is that?" He asks intently.
"I'm smart." I say simply. "Smarter than you could ever imagine." I smile, leaning back in my chair.
Felix nods. "That's certainly a great skill to possess!" He exclaims, encouraging me to give him more.
"I'm also creative." I continue. "And being both smart and creative can be a very dangerous thing. Well. For the other tributes at least." I smirk as a laugh slips out.
The crowd laughs too and I glance at them for a second.
Felix reflects my own smirk. "Well, we will definitely have to keep an eye on you then, won't we Mr. Newman?"
I laugh. "As I would expect you to do."
Felix shifts into a new position in his chair. He looks like he's about to dive into a more personal topic. And he does. "Now Gabe, let's go back to District Eight. What was your life there like?"
I sigh, not sure where to begin. I'm not gonna talk about my dad, any disciplinary notices from school, or anything that might provoke an uncomfortable conversation.
I open my mouth cautiously. "Well... I have an older brother, Nate, and a little sister, Rosie, and we're all roughly two years apart. I just finished up my junior year in high school and, um, I like cars?" I laugh nervously. "Is there anything in particular you'd like to know about?" I ask.
Felix smiles. "Tell us about you! Your strengths? Your weaknesses? We want to know the real Gabe!"
I nod and smile. "Well, I suppose I have a bit of a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. That's usually the first thing people notice about me. I can be a bit abrasive..." I shrug slightly. "And I've always had a hard time being anything less than honest with people, so that never fails to get me in trouble." I rub the back of my neck. "I'm not a bad kid though, I'm not. I'm super protective over the people I love and I have a good heart, even though I can come across as an asshole sometimes."
Felix nods. "I see." He says as he leans back in his chair.
"I just really don't want to be anything other than myself. If I'm not me, then what am I? A phony, a fake? That's not who I am. And I know I can hurt people's feelings sometimes because I'm not what they'd like me to be or I don't say the things they like, but at least I'm being true to myself." I say simply. "That's the most important thing."
Felix nods and smiles. "You know, Gabe, I'm growing to like you." He says after a moment. "You have confidence... And you have fire. It's something I don't usually see in outer district tributes. It's quite refreshing to see someone walk out here that's truly genuine and real. That kind of personality is enduring, whether you realize it or not. And that kind of charisma will take you far."
I smile. "Yeah? Thanks, Felix." I say. I'm happy he understands.
The crowd claps and cheers in agreement with Felix. I look out into the sea of people and see that they all look really happy. I feel a ghost of a smile cross my face.
Just then, the buzzer rings.
Felix stands up and stretches his gloved hand out to me. "Gabe, it has been an absolute pleasure having you tonight. Best of luck to you in the games!" He grins, that same lip splitting grin he gave me the first time I met him. And just as I did the first time, I laugh at his animated aura.
I wave goodbye to the crowd and walk off the stage with my head held high. As I go backstage, I feel relief of the bright lights being off of me and take a deep breath. I plop down next to Paisley as the girl from Nine comes onstage. I'm going into the games with a better advantage than most. I've got a good ally and a few people here that like me too.
"Great job, Gabe!" I hear Paisley say in just as much of an excited voice as her delicate voice will allow.
I glance down at her briefly before looking forward again. "Thanks."
Paige Kraft, 15 (written by yellint22)
District 10 Female
My nails scratch across my skin, leaving red marks in their path, as I try to relive the itch I get from the stuffy dress they have forced me into. Even the chicken outfit seems preferable to this. While Claudina and Yori had said I look 'beautiful' I certainly don't feel it. I feel out of place like a sore thumb. The bright purple garb they have forced me into- and I mean forced I had given them a lot of trouble and a black eye before I stood here- hangs down to my feet, disabling my ability to run from this nightmare, and doesn't even give me the curtsey of straps to hide my body.
The heels are the worst bit though, making me walk like a new birthed deer. All of me is hidden beneath these layers of make-up and cloth, my blue hair being the only part of me that remains, shinning out to everyone that I am still a person, a person they will kill, but a person none the less. Involuntarily a shiver runs through my spine at the k-word. Why was that? I am accepting of my death, I want this. But no matter how much I told myself that I can't shake the images from my nightmares.
People crowed round my wooden box as it was pulled off the train. Tears hitting the box. But they weren't my mother's as she mourned the death of her attempts to reach the top of the social ladder. And they weren't my dads as he realised the money he had spent on me was a waste. No these were the tears of Matt. My dead brother crying over my grave, his mumbles are usually unrecognisable in my nightmares but when they are they have me waking up in cold sweats.
"How could you Paige" he mumbles in between the sheen of water that shakes me awake each time, tears leaking out of my own eyes.
"Paige Kraft" Felix Flickerman calls out, signalling an applause from the audience in front on him. What gave him the right to use my name? Oh yeah, people wanted to see the pig before they enjoyed their pork. Eager to get this over with I march onto the stage, my arms hanging loosely at my sides. As I take my seat next to him the interrogation begins.
"So Paige how have you been finding the Capitol?" he asks, folding on leg over the over and turning to face me to make it clear just how staged our entire conversation is.
"It's fine," I sigh, not having much to say other than that. To me it's just a more colourful version of my home, with better tech and weather and more food.
"What's been your favourite bit so far?" he replies again, his tone slightly shaken by my blunt response.
"Not being at home" I answer, my goal of this entire endeavour falling into place.
"Oh, that's a shame, I bet the weather in ten sucks right?" he continues, his teeth slowly grinding with frustration.
"I guess" I shrug dismissively. Come on Felix. Ask me another question about home so I can imagine my mother squirming in her favourite armchair at home as she falls from grace.
"Surely getting an 8 was enjoyable, quite a good training score" he comments, clasping his palms together. Not quite the angle I want, but good, rub it in. My mum wants a 10 and I know how angry she must be that she didn't get it, I contemplated that a lot as I cut her out of my only photo of me and Matt I had with me.
"Not as good as your brother though, I remember he got a ten" Felix mentions. How dare he? How dare he mention my brother's fall into my mothers arms as she pushed him into fire?
"That is not an achievement" I replied sternly, no shake left in my voice.
"I think it is honey, maybe you don't understand, contestants are ranked from-" he begins to explain like I'm a stupid child who wouldn't know how the games I was raised for work.
"I know how they work but it was that score that killed my brother. It was that score that made the careers go after him and kill him" I spit the last words, my voice raising in volume as my body stiffens up.
"So I presume you are going to do better than your brother, you know show him whose best" he jokingly laughs as if this is just one big game to him. I know the name suggests it is but these aren't games.
"No I intend to die" I laugh back as I walk off, not waiting for the buzzer to tell me to leave.
Hayden Cultzealot, 16 (written by Xyncisthe)
District 12 Male
Standing in front of the mirror, I close my eyes briefly before I reopen them to stare at my own reflection. I look nothing like the slob that I had pretended to be and I most certainly do not have the eyes of a predator anymore. There is that faint glinting; a bothersome worry that Exella had summoned from somewhere deep within me. They have awakened that fear in me- the fear of losing her. I shake my head as I release a shuddering breath.
There is no danger; there is no need for fear. I am not a prey. I will not sink to the lowest level of the hierarchy. I am a natural predator!
No, I am not just a natural predator. I am a natural predator whose territory is imposed on. I am a predator who is threatened; and what does a beast do when its threatened? It obviously becomes stronger, fiercer and more ruthless. Oh sweet mercy Exella, what kind of monster have you made me? By giving me something to care for, to want to protect, you have made me a greater predator than I ever was. The corners of my smile twitches and I chuckle darkly when I saw my familiar smirk stretching its way across my face. Oh yes, I am still a predator but one that has evolved to be more merciless.
Tonight I will declare my intentions and respond to Danus' declaration of war on my being. And... Tonight is the night that I face one of the world's greatest...moron, Felix Flickerman. The man who does not only sound stupid but also looks stupid. I can only hope that the some Heavenly being would not castrate him to be an epitome of stupidity. Then again, if I were honest, even I look stupid tonight. It seemed predetermined for everyone to look stupid.
I stride down the aisle towards the backstage, not bothering to even glance at my potential killers or allies. Standing lazily, I watch the interviews of my fellow tributes. Some were downright stupid like Felix Flickerman, others were...worthy. As my lips curl into a sneer, my eyes flicker to remember the faces of unworthy fools- the ones who wish to be victorious but lack the courage to be. Whoever said that having the will to kill would make you a victor had to be a rather pathetic dunderhead. Victory comes in many forms and blindly killing would not do. Most certainly not.
There are those like the Careers who know what they are talking about; they know victory can be achieved in many ways and they have a plan unlike the unworthy fools. These tributes, no doubt, are the ones setting my blood singing in my ears. They will be the ones most worthy of being hunted or hunting me down. I lick my lips in anticipation as I welcome the sheer delight into my being.
And then there is me; I am simply disinterested in being made into glorified legends and having our paths kissed as the perceived superiors. What I want is more than the game can give, more than the Capitol and its people can, more than the president can; I want freedom. I want to be unbound, free from the chains of fate. Yes, only death can give me that and I... I have waited years for it. No one, no one at all, will stop me.
"Hayden, tell me young man, how does it feel to have a score that rivals those from District 1 and 2?" Flickerman asked as he leaned into my face and I blink slowly at him.
How does it feel?
I sigh quietly as the words of District 6 mentor, Albus Bonher, echoes in my head. We met in a pub somewhere in the heart of the Capitol the night the results were announced.
I slumped lazily and tiredly in the dark corner. With a glass of scotch in hand, I swallowed the burning liquid for the umpteenth time. Was I really expecting a score that could rival those trained beasts? I shake my head as I continue pouring another glass mechanically. There is nothing to this, except perhaps I am a marked enemy. They will come at me in all shapes and sizes, the Capitol Gamemaker might as well have declared war on me. Suddenly, the corner of my lips twitched and without needing to look at my own reflection, that usual malicious smirk spread its way across my face. Perhaps giving me a score that rivals those of the career tributes is his declaration of war; then I suppose courtesy demands that I issue mine as well.
Just as I was raising another cup to my lips, a larger hand covered mine and forcefully guided the cup down slowly. My free hand swiped an Army knife and slashed an inch away from the intruder's neck. "Easy there, Cultzealot," the intruder chided as he patted my head patronizingly and I glared at his friendly face, "I'm not the enemy, Cultzealot."
I scoffed. There is nothing friendly about people whose eyes glint darkly. Albus Bonher, the victor of District 6. As I slowly withdrew my knife-hand as he gradually removed his hold on my drinking-hand. "May I be of any assistance?" I drawled bored as I swirled the cup and watched the liquid slosh clumsily.
"I'll be frank; I want you to be allies with Sans Klein," he laid the deal of trades and I narrowed my eyes just a bit, "The spied. see you as a threat to the careers; they think you're as deadly. Be an ally to Klein and I will ensure that you will also be sharing the sponsorship I devote to Klein." A supposedly good benefit I would receive if I were to team up with the flamboyant boy from Six, but that is only if I plan to win. Since I have no reason to win, such a trade has no merits to me apart from perhaps adding more amusement to my finale.
"I'll think about it, Bonher." As I said it, I added the unspoken no promises. Surprise flickered in his eyes but still, he nodded and smiled.
Resting my head on one hand and rubbing my temple lazily, I sigh dramatically. Should I enter the alliance to satisfy my amusement? A long lazy smirk stretches its way across my lips. How ridiculous; of course I have decided, I chide myself. I am a threat. I am still a predator; just a strange predator that I am not used to being.
How does it feel?
"It feels..." I pause for a while as I bask in the anxious silence; no doubt everyone in the audience and perhaps further, are in extreme discomfort. All of them waiting and wondering as I mull unnecessarily for the words that have long been selected. "Exhilarating," I continued coolly as my smile turns from a sly smirk into a gentle, cold smile, "Privilege. Honored. It's a strange sense of pride knowing people rate me to be dangerous."
"Isn't that just exciting? This year will be great, I just know it!" Felix coos to the raging audience and I smile satisfied but the smile soon slips at the corners when the audience begin to quieten down. Our very courteous and friendly host suddenly boom and I whip my head to look at him through narrowed eyes, "Tell me Hayden, what is it like to have no one to say goodbye to?"
I blink once as I slowly absorb the question. Truly a mystifying question. A smirk grace my lips lazily as I lean more comfortably in my seat. Yes, what shall I say? A concocted lie to earn the pity of others? A false truth to diverge their attentions away?
"The feeling is akin to...feeling relief," I finally sneer and smirk feral and widely when I hear the gasps from the wide-eyed audience. Truly, how easy to play with the heart strings of humans. I chuckle darkly at Flickerman's speculative and curious look and I decide to simply humour him a little more. "It's a relief not to do those...boring, sappy farewell moments. I'm not here to be glorified as a legend; I'm here to...test my limits." When I utter the last word, I smiled gently at the cameras. Let them all know I will not be an easy kill.
Did you hear my declaration of war, Danus?
"Well... That is very...surprising," Flickerman sputters as he grins widely but awkwardly at the stunned audience, "Well, may the odds-"
"I have no illusions of my future, Flickerman," I sneer coldly as I stand to leave the stage, "I am unlike the rest, I am not doing this to win." Without another glance, I stroll off the stage and pointedly ignore the looks from the other tributes. I have better things to do than sit around worrying about my grim...or rather highly anticipated future.