A/N: Oooh interviews!
These are always fun... hah... I'm sorry if these seem like bland or uninteresting XD I'll try to make them as fab as possible ^.^!
Again Credit to TranscendentElvenRanger. I used the idea to tell the interviews through family members or friends of the tributes. :)
Also completely forgot to ask you guys about interview quotes! So there isn't going to be a ton of dialogue unless I somehow come up with something or I know some of you guys included a quote anyway which is fine. Just a lot of telling and describing in this :3
Hope you all enjoy anyway!
~ Anna :D
Corinth Lopez, 13
District 6 Female
I stand quietly in front of the mirror hanging on the door. I can hear the crowd even from in my room, Caesar Flickerman is trying to get them as excited as they can be for the tributes.
I was happy when the stylist decided to listen to my request. She was going to leave my hair down and put glitter in it or something, but I asked if she could put it up in a nice bun instead. And to my surprise she did, she didn't even try to argue or tell me that the other style would look better. But really with the dress I'm wearing I don't know how I possibly could look better.
The stylist did a fantastic job, I'm not a train like I was in the parade, but I am still wearing a color similar to the costume. It's a long silver dress that goes down to my ankles and it shimmers when I move. The stylist actually pierced my ears first thing this morning so I could wear the rivet earrings dangling from my ears. They still hurt a little, and I wondered why she couldn't just give me the ones that clip on, but I guess she wanted me to look authentic.
I glance back around the empty room wondering if she would notice if I ditched the heels. I can barely walk in them and I don't want to risk falling on the stage. Not only would it be horribly embarrassing, but I might hurt myself the night before the Games.
I stumble over to one of the chairs and flop down on it, taking off the tall heels. I rub my ankles and wince, then grab the white flats off of the vanity. I slip them on and sigh with relief. They feel much better, they don't pinch my toes like the heels did and I can actually walk. I spin the chair around to face the mirror and can't help but stare. I look completely different, older, more confident.
I appear to be everything that I'm not.
My gaze drifts away to the mirror and settles on the door, in just a few more minutes my stylists will come back in and usher me out in line. Then I'll have to wait through five other districts for my turn. I'll have to stand in line and struggle to keep a straight face even though I know there's a possibility that I'll cry.
It's almost unbearable, I don't want to do these interviews. The Capitol doesn't like me anyway, I only got a score of 3, I'm not all that pretty even though the stylist tried her best. I can't even do anything to give them a good show. The only thing I'll be doing out there is embarrassing myself. I'm scared.
And I just want Mordecai.
Edison Comstock, 14
Twin Brother of Michael Comstock
I lean back on the couch next to my father when he calls me over. I exchange a worried glance with him and sit down, trying not to seem too nervous. We both need to be brave. For Michael.
My father offers me a small smile and I try to return it. But I haven't smiled since Michael was reaped. Since Reaping Day it feels like a part of me is missing, feels like I'm not all myself without my brother. It's painful knowing that he may never come back. I know my whole family shares my pain, my father hasn't spoken much, and my sister refuses to watch anything having to do with the Games.
She's not even watching the interviews, she didn't watch the scores. But I can't help but watch, it's reassurance that I know he's still alive, even if it's only for now.
The screen flickers on and the song they play every year for the interviews echoes through the small room. Caesar Flickerman is seated comfortably and flashes an excited grin to the loud, cheering crowd. I hear my sister's door slam shut.
Caesar greets the crowd and gets them to quiet down, then he grins and loudly announces the girl from One. The girl practically bounces across the stage, smirking and waving to the crowd. Yet her eyes are cold and mischievous. I bet the Capitol overlooks that though. They're probably too focused on her looks. She wears a very short puffy blue dress with a shockingly low neckline and tall heels to match her dress. Her blonde hair is in an extravagant up-do littered with sparkles and jewels. She even wears glossy blue lipstick, on anyone else it may look ridiculous, but to be honest, she makes it work. She's actually very pretty.
She takes a seat beside Caesar and laughs at every single joke he makes. She even laughs at some of the stuff that I don't think was supposed to be funny. The girl seems to be pretty ditzy, but I bet that's an act, I've seen this every year. She's probably way smarter than she's acting. But the crowd loves her anyway, cheering at everything she says, laughing along with her. She probably got herself some good sponsors.
Caesar takes her hand and helps her to feet when the interview is over. The girl walks off the stage and waves almost tauntingly at the crowd when she leaves. Her district partner is next, striding confidently across the stage. He leaves his pastel pink blazer unbuttoned and his crisp white shirt is tucked into his pants of a slightly darker shade of pink. He gives a wide smile and waves to the crowd. I think this is the first time I've ever seen him actually show some sort of emotion. Although when he sits, he ducks his head a little and I think I catch a scowl before he looks back up and flashes a charming grin again.
I wonder what that was about. Caesar doesn't give it a second thought and neither does the crowd. The boy seems to be pulling the same strategy as his district partner. He too, seems pretty much brainless and playful, yet his answers are confident and he has an icy, ambitious look in his eyes. Surely no one can be buying this act. But they do, and they seem as crazy about him as the other girl.
When his interview ends, Caesar grabs his wrist pulls him up, laughing at the boy's confident waving. Then the boy walks off with stormy eyes, not looking back like the girl did. I wonder if he was told to act dumb an charming. That would explain what looks to be his true feelings.
The young career girl from Two walks smoothly and slowly across the stage, glancing at the boy with a quick smirk. The boy appears to scowl then disappears off the stage. The girl's outfit isn't as flashy as the District 1 careers. It's a short, simple gray and black sleeveless dress that goes down to her knees with tall black combat styled boots. All of it appears to be some sort of leather. Her wavy chestnut hair lays flatly on her shoulders, her bangs held back only with a shiny, silver headband. Although she does have sparkly silver eye shadow with thick eyeliner that's anything but subtle. Still, it somehow makes her look more menacing.
Caesar is quick to compliment her then takes her outstretched hand. The girl smiles and shakes his hand firmly, then sits down before him. She glances at the crowd and I can tell by her rapidly reddening face that she's not really the type that likes too much attention. However, she doesn't show it and answers the questions smoothly, confidently. She comes across as cocky, like the other careers, yet there's something mysterious about her.
The crowd applauds and cheers as she stands and begins to walk off. She too decides not to look back though. She passes her district partner and he grins, grabbing her hand and giving her a quick pat on the shoulder before walking out. The girl briefly shakes his hand then nods to him before walking off the stage. Even if the careers are untrustworthy, vicious and frightening, they have a unique camaraderie that can't be duplicated.
I think that was part of his act though. He walks over to Caesar enthusiastically. His outfit isn't as attention grabbing as District 1 either, he wears a simple black tuxedo with a white shirt and purple bowtie. But I think he can still make an okay impression on the crowd. He shakes Caesar's hand and sits down, smirking at the crowd that responds with loud cheers. Caesar laughs and gets them to calm down a little bit then turns to the boy to begin the interview.
Like the other careers he has a specific confidence, if not arrogance, that grabs the attention of the crowd. Yet there is a certain vengefulness about him. Caesar asks a little knowingly if everyone has been getting along in training. The career mentions a small scuffle, but he shrugs as if it was nothing. However, he proceed to talk bitterly about a girl that's made him unhappy. Caesar asks for details but the boy smirks and shakes his head.
"You're going to have to wait for the Games," the boy says.
Caesar turns to the crowd and makes a sort of pouting face, then nods to the boy respectfully.
"Well, alright," he responds with a laugh.
The boy smirks and stands when Caesar thanks him for a wonderful interview.
"I'm just proud to be apart of it," the boy grins as he shakes Caesar's hand again.
The crowd applauds as he walks off, but their clapping quiets slightly when the gentle looking girl from Three takes his place. You can definitely tell who the crowd favors. Her gown is a little more noticeable though. It's a pure white with what looks like clocks and gears imprinted onto it. Her hair is tied to the side with an array of colorful wires and she wears a necklace that resembles a pocket watch.
She practically shuffles over to the chair though, looking uncomfortable in her tall heels. She wobbles a little but stays standing and smiles shyly. Her shoulders are obviously tense and she sits stiffly without shaking Caesar's hand. As she answers the questions Caesar launches into, she twirls her hair slightly, almost a little flirtatiously. I guess even the moral tributes have to act unlike themselves to get sponsors. Although, I don't know of anyone who would really sponsor her. She seems like a great girl, but good people tend to not last very long in the Games realistically.
She finishes up her interview and does a little curtsy when she gets up. Then she glances nervously at the crowd and walks off hurriedly. She almost bumps into her district partner who's walking out at the same time. But manages to miss him, stumbling a little on her shoes. The boy glances back at her, looking almost embarrassed then walks over to the chair. He wears a simple silvery tux with plain black slacks, not really enough to get a reaction from the crowd at first. But once he gets to Caesar, who mentions his score, the crowd erupts into loud cheers.
The boy tells Caesar that he can't say what he did to get an 8, even though a few people in the crowd call out for him to tell. The boy hesitates, glances at the Gamemakers' box but stays silent. He does this a few times, hesitating, looking angry as if he may start yelling at every question Caesar asks, then looks at the Gamemakers. But he eventually answers each question normally, and manages to get the crowd to laugh a few times.
Caesar seems a little suspicious though, but only subtly. However, once the time is up, he grins and helps the boy to his feet quickly, ushering him toward the back of the stage. The boy glances back and glares for a moment, then smiles to the crowd and walks off as smoothly as he entered.
The shy looking girl from Four enters next, she doesn't have that classic career look, but her dress draws attention. It seems to be made out of the same material she wore at the parade that shimmered and appeared to move like water. Except this dress is dark green and she wears tall golden heels. She sits slowly beside Caesar and gives a very small smile. She leans back, looking aloof at first. She answers the questions curtly, with just simple yeses or noes, but then Caesar brings up her family.
The girl's eyes shimmer with tears for a moment then she blinks them away and smiles. She describes her family fondly and talks about her two younger siblings that she wants desperately to get back to. But her expression begin to turn cold the more she speaks and Caesar quickly decides to change the subject. He asks the girl her opinion on the Games, I think that question is just something to fill time and take her mind off of the last question. But the girl remains looking a little annoyed.
"My escort told me we came here for a reason, and 'if we die then we die for glory'." she begins sharply. "Where is the glory in dying?"
The crowd goes silent, and Caesar's smile falters a little, he's seemingly speechless. He tries to ignore her question then gets up quickly saying that her time is up. He kisses her hand, but his eyes are filled with worry. Probably not for the girl but for himself for letting her say something like that. Still I find myself smiling. Glad someone tried to wake up the Capitol a little, not that it worked in the slightest though. The girl hurries off the stage, brushing away her tears in a frustrated way.
The boy from Four walks on stage, and glances back once at his district partner.
"Does that mean you guys are a tough crowd?" he asks.
The crowd roars with laughter and cheers loudly, Caesar simply looks relieved that someone is distracting them from the girl's brief anger. The boy grins and walks over to Caesar, although I see a brief flash of concern, but it disappears. He's obviously going the comedic route. He wears a simple dark blue tux with black shoes, this also reflects his parade outfit. Luckily, he doesn't have the dorsal fin headdress. He sits down next to Caesar, the humorous look and wide grin never leave his face.
He answers each one of Caesar's questions in a comedic fashion so that the crowd laughs almost every single time he talks. He cracks jokes basically the whole time though, I can see why the Capitol would like him. He seems like a decent person, even if he is a career, and he just seems very funny and likable. Everything the Capitol wants to see.
"Let's try this again," Caesar begins a little nervously, but with his signature smile. "What are your thoughts on the Games?"
Silence falls over the crowd once again. The boy sighs and leans forward, rubbing his hands together and seemingly thinking hard.
"Well, yeah they can be a little cruel I guess," he begins, but then he shrugs. "But I think they're necessary, and we all enjoy them."
Caesar grins and nods with approval, but the boy only laughs timorously, his smile fading slightly as he looks out at the cheering Capitolites. Caesar smiles and grabs his hand, shaking it firmly and returns the boy's respectful, comedic grin. The boy glances out at the crowd as he leaves then winks, earning more calling and applause.
The applauses dies down a little bit when Caesar gestures for them to quiet down a little. I lean back and glance at my father. Michael is coming on soon. I wonder if he feels as nervous as we do. He's probably scared actually.
I watch silently as the girl from our district walks onto the stage, appearing confident at first. I can see why she would feel that way, she actually looks really good. She's wearing a sheer-skirted silver dress with a gathered top and her light hair is put up in a nice style with some kind of silver. She looks unhappy in her tall heels though, but I don't know if District 5 has ever looked this good before. The stylists have really done a good job, even if the tight-fitting dress does make her look a little too skinny.
Caesar takes her hand and sits down, gesturing for her to sit as well. The girl does so, a little hesitantly, she doesn't look concerned at all and wears a humble smile. But the moment she finally looks out at the crowd she looks like a deer in headlights. Her eyes widen slightly and she blinks a few times. She asks Caesar to repeat his first few questions and she answers a little robotically at first, but then she starts to get a hang of it.
The more questions asked, the more comfortable she appears to become. She's finally at the point of getting the crowd to chuckle a few times. Her time is finally up and Caesar takes her hand and helps her up. She walks off the stage and passes Michael.
I lean forward and grip the arm of the couch tightly. He looks different, not like the brother that left on Reaping Day. He looks confident, like a whole different person. Yet, he's still familiar. He's wearing a silver tux with a black bowtie, I guess to match up with his district partner. He walks across the stage quietly and glances at the crowd, looking as nervous as the girl, but manages to compose himself.
He shakes Caesar's hand and sits, then doesn't say anything else until he's spoken to. Caesar asks him questions that I wouldn't know like, how he was doing and does he get along okay with the other tributes. I would hope he does, but apparently he doesn't talk much with the others. That doesn't really surprise me. Then, Caesar asks if he has a good strategy. This is his first Games related question.
"Well yes, I do have a strategy." Michael begins quietly. "I don't really want to reveal it though..."
He looks back at the cameras, but for some reason the crowd starts to cheer. I guess they like it when a tribute hides something that can only be revealed in the Games. It gives them something to look forward to. But then Michael continues, he starts to recite the weapons that each tribute uses, as if he's exposing them. Maybe that's his strategy.
I hear an odd choking sound and glance over at my father when Michael stands to walk off the stage. Tears fill his eyes and he's desperately trying not to show them in front of me. He looks over at me and now I give a reassuring smile, even though I realize I'm crying myself. Michael's smart, and he could win, he could.
My father and I both look away from each other and back to the screen when we hear some crying. The District 6 girl is answering her questions, though the answers are strained as she's trying not to cry herself. Still, it's obvious she was before she even got on stage, and she is now. Maybe the crowd will pity her. Sure enough when she answers some of the people clap encouragingly. I feel bad for her, she's probably not going to last too long and I doubt anyone would sponsor her. I think her and her district partner got some of the lowest scores ever. Still, everyone loves an underdog I suppose.
She walks off the stage and the angry boy takes her place, hastily walking across the stage to Caesar. He sits in the chair, ignoring Caesar's outstretched hand, then the announcer looks at the crowd and subtly makes an offended face which causes them to laugh. He too sits down next to the boy and asks how he's doing.
"How am I doing?" he asks sharply. "I'm one day away from being sent off to my death, how do you think I'm doing?"
Caesar looks slightly taken aback and smiles a little nervously. But before he can ask another question to change the subject, the boy continues.
"Doesn't anyone know how sick this is?" he snaps. "Doesn't anyone care that they're killing innocent children?"
Then he looks at the Gamemakers box and stands up. What happens next terrifies me but also makes me laugh a little. The boy loudly curses out Snow, the Gamemakers, and the Stylists right in front of the entire Capitol.
"How about we take you from your home, Snow?" he yells. "How about we stick a sword through you!"
The furious boy is hastily dragged off the stage by two Peacekeepers and Caesar is desperately trying to calm the outraged crowd. I sneak a glance at my father who's smirking slightly, watching with interest. But a thought comes to mind, wiping the smile off my face.
That boy will probably be the first to die tomorrow. For just standing up for himself. I really hope Michael is careful and doesn't do anything to make the Gamemakers mad.
But what if he dies tomorrow anyway?
Tabitha Pollock, 18
Girlfriend of Kaleb Darton
I shamelessly laugh out loud at the boy from Six. I've never seen anything more amazing in my life, and the look on Caesar's face is priceless. It's good that someone's trying to knock Snow down a peg. I hope he feels embarrassed for being the target of the nasty words the boy is shouting as he's dragged off.
I probably would be so why would the president feel any different? Unfortunately, the camera doesn't focus on Snow, it's probably like that so no one can see his reaction. Well, he wanted a good show and that was a pretty great one.
Caesar eventually gets the crowd to calm down a little bit and asks if they want to see District 7 next. The crowd responds with a cheer, the boy from Six already forced from their minds.
"Alright then.." Caesar begins. "Then let's see the lovely Jordia Pine!"
The alluring girl from District 7 struts onto the stage with as much flirtatious enthusiasm as District 1. She starts blowing kisses at the crowd then laughs when they cheer louder. Some of the men up front even jump out of their seats and applaud for her. She flashes a bright smile and sits. She still looks amazing even though her dress is very plain compared to the other girls. It's a crisp white with gold heels and matching gold nails to go with it. Although, she does wear a head wreath of golden leaves which compliments the rest of her outfit.
I lean back and roll my eyes when it looks like she's starting to flirt with literally everyone in the room, including Caesar. But when Caesar brings up some of the other tributes, she starts talking a little dirty.
"Well I personally think that my district partner and that boy from Eleven are only trying to get attention," she says matter-of-factly. "Their little tough guy act is just that. An act. Take it from me they're not that bad."
The crowd cheers and applauds her honesty. But I just gape at the screen in disbelief. She has no idea what she's doing to herself, both of those tributes got career level scores. And here she is trash talking them. Does she want to get herself killed? I've never seen anyone so overconfident and naive. I can't wait to see what her district partner says about her.
Caesar asks about a love interest and the girl says that no one in her district interests her enough. But then she mentions the boy from One and how handsome he is. She gives the crowd a knowing look and earns a roar of laughter. Yep, she definently wants to die. But the crowd loves her anyway and she's probably the favorite so far.
Caesar helps her up and kisses her hand. The girl smiles and waves to the crowd again as she walks off. Her large district partner takes her place, wearing a plaid blazer and black slacks with a red tie. Looks like the stylists really wanted to highlight his whole lumberjack vibe. I can tell by the cheering of the crowd that he's a favorite too, probably because both of his parents are victors.
The boy shakes Caesar's hand then sits and answers each question patiently. For the son of two victors, he's surprisingly humble. He's not arrogant looking, he's not bragging about his score or anything like that. It's admirable to say the least.
But then Caesar slides to sit on the front of his chair, leaning close to the boy.
"You parents both won by hiding until the end, what about you?" he asks, folding his hands.
A surprisingly frightening smile spreads across the boy's face.
"Hiding? Why would I do that? I'm not weak, the exact opposite in fact." he states confidently. "I'm going to fight and I'm going to kill. I'm not afraid to do so. I'm here to win and only win."
The crowd erupts into loud cheers and Caesar laughs over them.
"That's what we like to hear!" he says.
The boy smirks and stands with Caesar, then walks off the stage giving the crowd a nice nod. I hope Kaleb stays away from him.
I watch as the girl from Eight smiles shyly and walks onto the stage in a lovely red gown. When you look closer it looks like it's made out of the same materials used to make carpets. Maybe it is.
Caesar smiles and sits down next to the nervous looking girl. Her dress is a little tight around her torso, and I can see the slight look of discomfort on her face. But she keeps a pleasant smile and sits up straight, I guess trying to appeal to the crowd with good posture. Still, I can see in her wide blue eyes that she's terrified by the number of people watching her.
The girl, even though appearing confident, answers the questions with slight hesitation. I don't think it's because she has to think about the answer, but her words are just a little delayed. Maybe it's just some kind of disability. Whatever it is obviously doesn't effect her too negatively if she managed to get herself an 8.
The girl shyly stands up when Caesar announces her name to the crowd again and she looks genuinely surprised when they cheer so much for her. She smiles and quickly walks off the stage, keeping her head low.
Her district partner walks on next, wearing a simple black suit and tan shirt. His eyes are vaguely puppyish, in a sweet, innocent sort of way, just making him look like a good person. He smiles politely at Caesar and I actually listen when the interviewer calls him Dye. It would be a nice name if it wasn't so ironic.
He sits down beside Caesar and answers each question softly and politely.
"Now, do you have any allies to help you out?" Caesar asks.
The boy glances at the crowd, then leans back in the chair.
"Yeah, actually I do." he says with a slightly secretive smile. "But it wouldn't be a surprise tomorrow if I told you now."
The boy hesitates when he says tomorrow, as if choking on the word. Things really have been moving fast since the Reaping, but I imagine it's been a whirlwind for them.
Caesar sees him starting to tear up a little bit and grins, turning to the crowd as if trying to distract them. That's what I like about Caesar, he really does seem to help people out.
"You're absolutely right!" he exclaims then stands. "It was wonderful to meet you, Dye."
Dye quickly stands as well and shakes Caesar's hand, giving him a grateful nod then turns and walks off as hastily as his district partner.
The tough looking girl from Nine walks across the stage confidently in a tight-fitting dress appearing to be made of real gold. I guess the gold represents grain in a field or something like that, it's a recurring color for Nine.
The girl nods to Caesar, gives a confident smirk to the crowd then sits down in the chair. She seems very unhappy though, and doesn't try to keep smiling like the other tributes did. It shows she's just being herself, something I respect.
Each answer she gives is sharp and has a slightly venomous edge to it, but the crowd still seems to love her. I know that they're partial to the more violent tributes, the ones that are sure to put on a good show for them.
Caesar seems to be encouraging her answers as well, happy that she's being honest and not rebellious. I saw him look a little apprehensive when he saw her scowl. The girl comes across as snarky and sarcastic, something everyone loves, I can tell the Capitol already really likes her, she could probably get some sponsors.
The girl stands and smiles at the crowd again then walks off briskly. But I see her smile brightly at her district partner who walks past her toward the chair. He glances back at her and returns the smile then makes his way over to Caesar. He's wearing gold too, a white long sleeved dress shirt and matching white pants with a gold vest and tie.
"Well you two seemed friendly," Caesar mentions when the boy reaches him.
The boy glances at him then shrugs, as if afraid to speak.
"W-Well um, that's probably because we're friends." he stammers a little.
The crowd laughs loudly and he looks out at them unsurely, then blinks and returns his gaze to Caesar.
"So you two are allies then?" Caesar asks.
The boy nods hesitantly then pales a little, maybe he wasn't supposed to say who his allies are. Caesar notices his nervous expression and quickly changes the subject for him. He compliments the boy on his impressive score, then continues to ask about family.
The boy seems to perk up a little and tells Caesar all about his little sister Maize, who he loves more than anything, and his hardworking mother. But he also tells about his father who was killed by Peacekeepers.
Caesar cuts him off before he can elaborate on why the father was killed. It probably had something to do with rebellion. The boy runs out of time and stands up, glancing at the crowd nervously. Then he shakes Caesar's hand again and walks off, glancing back once.
I lean forward slightly when the young girl from my district comes on next. Kaleb is right after her. I have to be honest, I'm not really listening much when Caesar asks the first few questions to the girl. I'm thinking ahead to what Kaleb may look like. Will he be changed? Will he be a different person?
I refocus my attention on the girl though, feeling a little disrespectful for partially ignoring the first half of her interview. But she's so young and it honestly makes me sad to see someone like that have to go through this. She looks beautiful though, all dressed up in a yellow, princess looking dress. She seems happy to be wearing such a thing too.
At first she seems to be going for a cute angle, using her age to her advantage. But to be honest she can't really pull off cute, she's just not the type. I think she knows that too because then her attitude shifts slightly. She answers the questions more confidently, and comes across more as gentle and gold-hearted rather than cute. I really admire the girl for her bravery. She must be terrified but she doesn't show it.
Unfortunately some of her answers show off her naive side. I'm honestly worried for her. Caesar takes her hand and helps her out of the chair, then she walks off the stage, passing Kaleb when she does.
My breath catches in my throat when I see him and the tears I was trying to hold back start to fill my eyes. He's so handsome, in a way I've never seen him before. I long to meet him after the interview and just hug him, just be with him. But I know I can't. So I just lean forward and grip my pillow tightly, taking in every moment of being able to see him.
He shakes Caesar's hand and I smile slightly. His happy-go-lucky grin is still plastered on his face, and he looks rather relaxed for being up in front of the whole country. He sits and I can't help but laugh quietly to myself at every optimistic answer he gives, every joke he makes. It's almost unbearable for me to watch him without being able to be with him.
Unsurprisingly, he tells Caesar that his young district partner is his only ally. I knew he'd probably partner up with one of the younger ones, I just hope she doesn't get him killed.
He begins to finish up the interview and I silently beg for it to not end. I want to see him for as long as I can, before he goes into the Games and undoubtedly starts to change. No one stays the same after they go in there. But the interview does end, and the dull ache in my chest gets worse. I watch him walk off the stage with one final wave to the crowd. He looks straight at the camera, and it feels like he's looking right at me.
A choked sob escapes me and I quickly look down, taking a deep breath and brushing the tears away. If he can be hopeful then so can I, and crying won't help anything.
By the time I've composed myself the girl from Eleven is already half way through her interview. Her sparkly green dress is attention grabbing, but much like the girl from Five, it's too tight fitting and makes her look a really skinny.
Her answers are a little short and bland, she's obviously very nervous. But it kind of makes her look endearing, she's pulling off what the girl from my district couldn't. She still seems honest though, which is good. But the Districts and the Capitol view things all too differently, being honest is respected in District standards, but it's probably boring for the Capitolites. Stuff like that bothers me.
Still, the crowd cheers when she finishes up and seems to like her well enough. But they cheer even louder for her district partner. The intimidating one who earned the 9. Someone like that is bound to get good support from the Capitol, and he's dangerous.
He passes the girl giving her a hardy pat on the back as she passes. The girl quickly glances back, the terror in her eyes evident, but then her expression grows cold and she quickly turns around, disappearing off the stage.
Caesar grins and shakes his hand, quickly complimenting him on his high score. The boy only shrugs as if earning such a score was a piece of cake. I narrow my eyes and lean back a little on the couch. I hate arrogant people, especially ones from the outer districts. Sure, I always root for anyone who's not a career, but it really ticks me off when a kid from a district that's not from One, Two or Four, acts like they're so skilled and awesome. In all truth that probably just makes them targeted.
The boy just smirks and leans back casually, answering questions simply and curtly. I huff and roll my eyes, he's unbearable, like the girl from Seven. Luckily he isn't flirting with every person he makes eye contact with. Even if I don't like the way he's showing off, he's still very threatening, no doubts about that. He finishes up his interview and stands, not bothering to shake Caesar's hand again, then glances at the crowd once and walks off without looking back.
There's a brief pause before the girl from Twelve finally stumbles on to the stage. She regains her balance and glances at the crowd, turning a ghostly white. Caesar laughs, encouraging the crowd to do the same then walks over to her. He takes her hand and the girl jumps slightly, not expecting it, but allows him to lead her over to the chairs.
She sits in one of them, her wide eyes still fixed on the crowd. Caesar comedically waves a hand in front of her face and the crowd laughs. The girl blinks, snapping herself out of her stupor and glances at him, her cheeks turning slightly red. Caesar quickly helps her out by asking the first question, which she struggles to answer without stammering.
The crowd doesn't really react much to her, probably knowing she has little to no chance at all of winning. But when Caesar mentions her family that's when she finally tears up. Apparently she only has a dog. No parents.
However, I can tell by the subtle mischievous gleam in her that she's either lying, or using her tragic life story to earn sympathy from the crowd. Whatever she's doing it works, the crowd finally begins to react to her. She blinks back a few tears when the crowd cheers for her as she stands up. Caesar smiles encouragingly at her and tells her he's not planning on counting her out just because she's from Twelve.
The girl seems touched by this, and if her reaction is an act, then it's a pretty good one. She breaks into a wide grin and thanks him then quickly turns and hurries off the stage, almost tripping over her heels.
Her district partner gets slightly more applause when he comes out, probably because he's a lot bigger and has a better shot than the girl. He sits down beside Caesar, fiddling with the button on his shirt as he listens to the questions. He's probably as nervous as the girl but just knows how to hide it better.
Caesar senses his nervousness and tries to ask him about his family, but for some reason the boy doesn't really go into depth about his family. In fact he barely really answers at all, when he does he's quiet, reserved. Not really the best angle if you're trying to get sponsors. But the crowd still cheers as he walks off, whether it's out of pity or not.
But Twelve only has one victor, I doubt this boy will be their second. The Capitol has to know that. Besides, he has to die in order for Kaleb to come home.
All of them do.
Dye Rollins, 15
District 8 Male
My heart is still thumping painfully in my chest even after I've made it back to my floor. I've never seen so many people in one place like that. And I stood up in front of them and talked about myself. It was thrilling and terrifying all at the same time.
I take a calming breath and loosen the tie around my neck. I'm finally able to calm myself down, but not for very long. I know I ended my interview kind of poorly. I only really realized then how close the Games are. How close the end of my life could be.
It's all too much to handle. I frustratedly hurl the tie onto the floor of my room and close the door a little loudly. I can't afford to think so negatively, besides I have Wren's alliance. I don't really feel as threatened knowing I have some of the more clever tributes on the same side as me. And Wren seems very smart herself, she seems to have really thought this through very well.
I admire her for being able to pick out the trustworthy tributes, the ones that will probably stick with the plan loyally. I don't think any of them seem like the type to betray us.
But that District 11 girl seemed a little apprehensive, maybe she's plotting with her district partner. Or maybe that girl from Nine is just trying to take advantage of us to get stuff then kill us when our backs are turned. What if Wren just tricked us all into getting our help to just keep herself alive? She's perfectly capable of sticking a knife in us when we're not expecting it.
Or maybe I'm just overthinking this.
Wren's kind, clever, trustworthy. She wouldn't betray us, and clearly she's put a lot of thought into picking these tributes to join the alliance. She wouldn't pick just anyone, I'm sure of it. This plan has to work, we'll get all the stuff we need, maybe one of the bigger tributes could take out a career. Or we could steal some of the good supplies so they can't have it.
There are too many good things about this plan that overshadow the bad possibilities.
But still the thought of tomorrow sends a terrible shiver down my spine. I practically collapse onto the bed and stare at the ceiling, feeling unpleasantly nauseous. It looks like the room is spinning, and I close my eyes quickly.
It's tomorrow. The Games are tomorrow. I could die tomorrow.
Or I could live. No, I will live. I have a whole group of tributes to help me get a head start. And I'm able to help them too.
That's the important thing.
A/N: Ayeeee! Interviews are over... and the Games... are going... to start.
Wow, weird as heck to think about considering it's only been about two months of writing and we're already here... huh...
Well anywho, let's get to asking them questions.
What was your favorite interview?
Any surprises?
Who are you rooting for? (Besides your own tribute XD)
Seeing any Bloodbaths? If so, who?
Alliances:
The Careers: (D1) Hera Dansen, Nathaniel Silver, (D2) Alenia Duprix, Oscar James, (D4) Whale Isaacson
Bloodbath Buddies: (D5) Wren Kieling, Micheal Comstock, (D8) Dye Rollins, (D9) Juniper Bow, (D11) Mirabelle Crimmond, (D12) Burt Meloro
Misunderstood: (D3) Techalea Rose Cable, (D4) Andromeda "Andy" Whitmore
To Trust or Not to Trust: (D9) Bellamy Grey, Juniper Bow
Hope and Happiness: (D10) Grace Urlwin, Kaleb Darton
Fun Fact of the Day: Liz brought up how we unintentionally made this arena much like Zootopia. So have fun picturing that when your tribute's in the arena LOL
Love you all, golden cookies for everyone, be amazing wonderful people.
Launch either tomorrow or the next day... *Finnick Voice* Have a good day...
~ Anna :D