-Felicity, D8F-
My prep team has made me even more beautiful than I already was, something that I thought was impossible, quite frankly! My dress this time is a dark, royal navy, a velvety material with lace sleeves. It's a gown that washes across my feet, hiding wedged sandals I wear. There's a silver piece that goes right above the curve of my bulging stomach. My long hair has been left down but curled into neat, thick waves.
I loved how they made my hair and eyes bright and vibrant, I want to be a part of them. The luxury, the glitz and the glamor is really wonderful and I love every second of it! That's why it's a bummer that my hair is back to its normal black, my eyes to their dull, boring brown. I want permanent dye, that will make my hair a beautiful color and eyes that make people look twice. I want to be a part of this.
Then again, these are the same people that killed my father… And now I have to fight for not only me, but my baby…
Jessamine and I were talking away, enjoying our time working towards interviews. The crazy old woman who is my mentor kept on telling me what to do, which wasn't very appreciated! I know what I'm doing. I have a strategy, and it's been working like a charm.
I didn't really think much of anything, but I was confronted by my District partner Nautica on the way back to our rooms from chariots. Now, my District partner hasn't done much really except for making perverted comments, swearing, and being unpleasant. Plus, he's louder than me, the attention whore! How dare he! Although my relationship with him is just as love-hate as mine with the Capitol…
"Hey Bitch," he said as we were going up the elevator.
"You obnoxious little brat!" I said, putting my hands on my hips.
"Try to get pity from the outlier alliances."
"Huh?" Was he talking strategy with me!?
"The Careers and the Capitol won't pity you, they hate pity. I'm just saying… You can't fight well when you're pregnant."
"Excuse you!"
"Or if that doesn't work you should really focus up on those painting stations and make a good camouflage. You don't have to listen to me, but… These Careers will snap your neck. I can try to convince them to leave you be…"
I blink at him, confused. I thought he was all macho and too-good-for-us. Which is why he was talking to Iridesce.
"But don't forget that if you weren't pregnant I wouldn't give a single fuck about anything to do with you! After all, only one of us can come home, either you or me. But I wouldn't want a tribute from any other District to take the prize."
"Hm. Thanks." I didn't really know what to say. He retreated quickly back to his room after that.
After that, I decided to try and win some pity from the others. I noticed Nautica messing around with the Careers. I let the plate fall out of my hand that day of training and wailed. The wailing came easy, though, because of these damn mood swings. I have no clue what my interview will bring. The other tributes gave me crazy looks and a couple of them helped me. It worked, I could feel the pity they had, plus they gave me the attention of everyone in the room, which I love. I saw Nautica glance my way and give a grin when no one else was looking. I guess he was right.
I stand in line as Blaine Buchanan introduces "Briella Delani!" The District 7 girl steps out on the stage, her face set in an expression that looks strong. I know that I'm going to blow them, and my boyfriend Jonathon, away with my beauty, and itch for my turn. It's been too long since everyone's looked at me! I nudge my stomach, willing the baby to kick again so I can take back the attention I deserve!
"Welcome Briella!"
"Thank you Blaine." She smiles slightly. Her dress is a pale color that's close to skin tone, with pale green leaves all around. The skirt is huge, revealing only a toe of the wedges she wears. Her lips are red, her brown hair is braided into an elegant style, and her eyeshadow is metallic green with brown eyeliner. "You can just call me by my nickname though. Riella."
Blaine nods, before he dramatically starts rubbing his fingers on his chin, in thought. "Alright… So your name is Briella… But your nickname is… Riella? Not much of a nickname then, is it?" The crowd laughs and applauds at this. I just want to be there and have them all applauding for me!
"No," she says, laughing, somewhat stiffly, "I guess not."
"Well, if that's what you prefer, I'm not one to deny it! Welcome Riella. How have you found your stay?"
"It's been as amazing as I thought the Capitol would be."
"What's your favorite part been?"
She shrugs, very politely. "I don't know if I could just pick one. I like the views, the atmosphere, the food, the showers and living arrangements. I do like the space I have here."
"The space? Please, elaborate for us."
"Well, back home I live in a very small, very cramped apartment with my girlfriend, Andy. She's so important to me, and I love that we can be together. But it is very tight for space. Having a huge bedroom, a hug dining room, room to stretch out, it's really good. If only Andy were here to make it perfect."
"Andy… Would this happen to be the same young woman that was holding your hand at the reaping, if I remember correctly?" Footage of said event plays, the focus this time being on the girl in front of Riella, not the tribute herself.
"Yes. It would." She holds up her composure well. "I chose Andy. Over my parents. I don't regret it at all, not even for a second. She's my everything, my entire world. I need to get back home to her."
The crowd seems moved by that. "Well, that's incredibly sweet. I'm sure she can't wait for you to get home with fame and fortune, then."
"She deserves the world."
"She seems like a great young woman. So, you got an impressive training score. How did that happen?"
"I'm strong and powerful. I've worked hard chopping down trees, like many District 7 tributes. I have my head in the Game and I'm not afraid of anything."
"Fearless. Wonderful, just wonderful!"
Blaine asks her a couple much more boring questions about random stuff that I don't care about before he presents her to the crowd one last time. They applaud for her but I know they'll applaud even louder for me.
"Next up we have District 7's own Kendal Beck!" The crowd applauds as he walks out on the stage. His dark, shaggy hair is done neatly, his brown eyes framed with guyliner. (Seriously who wears guyliner? Make-up is for girls!) He's wearing a dark brown suit with a pastel green shirt and a dark purple tie. He smiles at the crowd but I can see the nerves in how he holds himself.
"Kendal! Welcome!"
"Thanks Blaine!" The two of them sit.
"Well, we have a lot to talk about with you, hm?"
He bites his lip, shifting uncomfortably. "I suppose."
"So, first off, what're your thoughts of our lovely Capitol?"
"It's really nice! The sights are amazing and I think I've made some meaningful friendships here."
The crowd aaaawwwws again.
"Yes, about that. I hear you butted heads with Adler Shelton, your mentor?" The cameras find him in the crowd, where he's scowling and looking away from them.
"Yes. I did."
"Care to elaborate?"
Kendal shifts, obviously uncomfortable. "I really don't want to spend my interview time on the negative things like this, Blaine, and I don't think it's anyone's business. Adler and I couldn't get along, and Cobra agreed to mentor me instead. That's all I want to say on the matter."
"Well, there you are! Now, moving on to other things, why don't you tell us something that you really like to do? Maybe it translates into strength you can use for the Games?"
The 7 boy releases a breath. "Well, I like to read." A smile goes across his face. "I am very informed and I have a lot of knowledge about things. I just finished a book on jabberjays, and before that I was reading a really interesting book about glass manufacturing. Did you know that glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any change in purity or quality? Or that the term for furnace-ready recycled glass is cullet?"
"No, what interesting facts! You seem to have a very good memory!"
"Oh, I do! Actually, just before I was reaped, I was going to start a book about Gravity."
"Gravity, doesn't that sound familiar to us?"
The District 7 boy shrugs and puts his hand in his pocket.
"Do you have your token here?" Blaine asks. Kendal nods and pulls a foam letter H out of his pocket. "Hm, how interesting. Does this have a story?"
"Yes. My father is a teacher, which also explains my love of learning and my good memory. I took this before I left for the reaping. Y'know, Blaine, I've been trying to figure out what H could stand for."
"H…" The crowd starts to shout out words that begin with H, some of them totally irrelevant like "hats" or "hallways" or "hepatitis."
"I hear a lot of home, and even some happiness. And, of course, a few people said heroin." The crowd bursts into laughter.
"I heard a lot of good answers!" Kendal says, smiling. The crowd applauds.
Blaine asks some more stupid questions and Kendal keeps mentioning that he's smart. The crowd cheers and claps when he presents Kendal, and suddenly it's my turn! Yay!
"Our next tribute is a young woman who has definitely stood out, for many reasons. Everyone, our radiant mother-to-be, Felicity Johnson!" The crowd roars with applause, all for me.
I beam brightly as I walk out on the stage, waving at my adoring fans. "Yes, hello, thank you! Hello!" I blow kisses and wave at my fans until Blaine takes my hand and sits down. I sit down, as well, crossing my ankles like a proper lady.
"Welcome Felicity!"
"Thank you so much!" I look out into the crowd, all those people who are watching me and paying attention all to me. "I love the Capitol!" Not entirely the truth, but I can stretch it a little bit.
"Well, it's nice to have you here! What's your favorite part of the Capitol so far?"
I smile brightly. "Oh, definitely the luxury! Having Avoxes serve my every wish, having luxury showers and baths, the delicious foods, the huge city, the lights, the people!" The crowd applauds and cheers, and I revel in the applause. I know that they're all cheering for me, the eyes of the whole nation are on me! This is all I ever could have asked for.
"Yes, we are certainly very luxurious! So, I think the most obvious question is about our mini-Felicity here!" Blaine nods at my swollen belly. "Is there a baby daddy back home? A husband, perhaps?"
"Definitely a baby daddy," I say, smiling, "Not a husband. He's just my boyfriend."
"What's he like?"
"Oh, Jonathan…" I say. I feel myself tearing up, at the fact that I could possibly die and leave him, the fact that he could be sad and lonely without me… I was the best thing he had, and now I could be gone… I choke up with tears and let them come, flowing down my cheeks.
"Oh, dear!" Blaine says, frowning. "Bringing emotional thoughts?"
"Yes," I say, brining on more tears. "I miss him so much, I miss my family. I miss my home. I'm sorry," I say, waving my hands. Truth is, I just like it when people act all concerned with me and give me their special attention.
"Well, you're on the home stretch. Just get in there and win and you'll be back before you go into labor! Problem solved!"
"Oh, I hope so," I say, sobbing quietly.
Blaine rubs my back lightly. "The Games are stressful, everyone handles it differently. Especially going into the Games pregnant. You are so strong, my dear." The crowd murmurs and claps in agreement.
"Thank you," I say, blinking tears away from my eyes, hoping that it doesn't smudge my make-up in the process. "Thank you so much." I continue to cry quietly, letting the tears flow down my cheeks.
"What's your favorite memory from back home?"
"When I first got together with Jonathon," I say, sniffling. "It was one of the best friends of my life. I love him, and he loves me so much."
"That's wonderful. What a great memory. So, what are your best abilities?"
"I'm just… I'm doing my best." Time to win some pity. I start to cry some more. "I just… I just want to get home… I don't want to fight, I don't want people to get hurt!" I start to cry harder. "I just want to be back where I belong!" I sob, and the crowd murmurs and says "Aaawww." I sob and cry and Blaine rubs my back.
"What a sweet girl. We wish you the best of luck in the Arena."
"Thank you!" I sob. I know I look pathetic, but that will only work to my advantage.
My buzzer rings, and I wipe my cheeks.
"Everyone, Felicity Johnson." The crowd roars and applauds, and I give a smile through my tears as I walk off of the stage, waving. I take a seat, my back killing me and my feet horribly swollen. I kick off my shoes quickly as Nautica is announced. He goes out on the stage, smiling and waving confidently. "Welcome Nautica!"
"Thanks Blaine," he says, smiling carelessly.
"Well, have a seat, make yourself at home!"
"I haven't even been here very long you know," he says, sitting down, "But the Capitol has definitely become a second home to me."
"Ah, I'm so glad to hear that from you, Nautica! Is there anything you struggled to adjust to?"
"Well, the rich and luxurious part is pretty new. I mean, we haven't really had it great."
"Ah, I see. Are you nervous at all?"
"Of course not. Well, y'know Blaine," he says, continuing his thought, "I believe everything happens for a reason. I was put here, going into the Arena for a reason. I'm going to win for a reason. It all has meaning."
The crowd applauds at that response. "Well, you go and win the Games, and you have everything you ever wanted!"
"Of course! The Capitol is wonderful, and the people here…" he wolf whistles and the crowd applauds, beneath a layer of high-pitched shrieking.
"The people here really are great. Well, it seems you fit in just right! Why don't you tell us a little bit about your family?"
"My mother is very kind and usually worried about me. My Dad's in jail at the moment, but not for anything serious. I write him letters. I still think about him more than anyone."
"How sweet of you. I'm sure he's proud to have a son like you."
"I hope so, Blaine."
Blaine goes on to ask a couple more questions, causing women to screech and applaud for him.
"Everyone District 8's Nautica Martinez!" the crowd applauds. "Next up, from District Nine, Karima Highland!"
The crowd applauds as she scurries out on the stage. The girl from Nine is wearing a cutesy, hot pink dress that ends slightly below her knees. Coming off the bodice are flaps that look like toenails to me. There's a design on the bodice, as well. Very simple, but this girl needs some vibrancy to contrast with her pale skin and dark hair.
"Welcome Karima!"
"Hi," she says, a gasped, quick syllable. Her dress is exactly the same color as his hair, and when I have the thought I laugh. I'm so funny sometimes. Hell, I'm funny all the time what am I saying?
"Please, have a seat!"
She quickly sits, bouncing her leg uncomfortably.
"So, Karima, how have you found the Capitol?"
"It's good!" she says her answer hurriedly, squeaking it out like a hiccup.
"What's your favorite part?"
The question is barely out of his mouth when she squeaks out, "I like the oranges, they're very good I want to eat more of them!" The nerves are strong with her, she isn't doing very well. That just makes me look even more impressive than I already did look.
"Oranges, yeah? That's very good." Blaine speaks calmly and slowly, looking at her with a friendly expression, trying to calm her down a little bit.
"Yeah I really like them." She speaks very quickly, wiping the hand that isn't holding her bunny on her dress, which must be very sweaty with the anxiety.
"That's nice. Why don't you tell us about what you like to do?" he asks, very slowly and gently.
She just gives a shrug.
"I see you have a very cute bunny there," Blaine says, smiling. She nods quickly.
"My gran made it for me," she says quickly. I wonder if she has any idea that her answering fast isn't going to make three minutes go any slower.
"Yeah? Isn't that adorable?" The crowd "aaaww"s in response.
"Yeah, sure," Karima says quickly.
"That's pretty special to you, isn't it?"
"I don't ever want it to get lost I never want to let it go."
"How sweet!"
Blaine asks her a couple other questions trying to get her to open up but she doesn't really budge for him. "Everyone, Karima Highland!" the applause for her is awkward and not as loud as the others. "Next up, we have Kade Fields!"
The boy comes out, his dark brown hair slicked back. He wears an emerald green tuxedo and puts his hand up, waving at the crowd.
"Welcome Kade!"
The boy smiles. "Thanks Blaine."
The two of them sit down. "Well, how have you settled in?"
"It's definitely different than the slums of District 9, I'll tell you that."
"Is it?" The crowd laughs at that, and Kade takes it in stride.
"Of course. It's just been a lot to get used to. The cleanliness of this all… Having running water… Having a bed to sleep on, and being surrounded by people that support me. Having food to eat. Things a lot of people take for granted."
"Ah, yes. How did it come to this?" Blaine asks, and the crowd is quiet.
"Well, it all started just a couple years ago. Up until then I was pretty happy. Then, my sister Lydia was reaped and killed in the 82nd Hunger Games." The crowd murmurs with sympathy.
"Oh, yes, I remember talking to her. Well I believe the Victor of her Games, Niesha Varlett, is here with us mentoring! Is that true?"
Kade's expression darkens. "Yes. Of course, it's rationality versus emotion with this. After all, this isn't her tribute's fault. It's not her fault. But at the same time, she's my sister's killer." The tension is palpable. Blaine barely knows how to react. "Anyways… Sorry. After she died, my mother fell ill. The depression of losing her child only made it worse. We lost her a few months later. It was just me and my sister Gabby. We were homeless, wandering the streets after losing our only living parent." The crowd is engrossed in his story. No! His interview can't be sadder than mine! The bastard continues. "A bit after that, dear Gabby fell ill with pneumonia. I lost her too." The crowd physically "Aaaws" at that, murmuring quietly. I stomp my foot, poking my stomach and asking the baby to do something. "I don't have much of anything at home. Just a friend. Sophia. She's really great, she's helped me so much through the years. She's done everything she can for me, and I want to thank her and repay her when I've won."
The audience pipes up, some of the energy coming back. Blaine asks him more questions about his family, and they're so damn sad! I hate him! The applause rings out when his interview is over, and I whine disdainfully, trying to get the baby to move, dammit! I want it to do something amazing to get the attention back on me instead of on the screen at the other interviews. "Kick, dammit!" I say quietly.
I guess the stupid thing's sleeping.
-Raoul, D10M-
Kade leaves for his interview, and I shift with nerves knowing that in just three minutes I'll be up on that stage.
"And now, the volunteer from District 10, here's… Rachel Turner!" The crowd roars with applause as she walks on the stage. Her dress is a light mesh material, flecks of red starting at the chest, with a red bodice and a black skirt with red tassels. The sleeves are baggy and have the same pattern, starting red, fading into black and going to red with red tassels. She has black heels on and doesn't stumble on them at all, smiling confidently. Her lips are red to match, her dark hair left down and glossy.
"Welcome Rachel!"
"Thank you Blaine." she seems pretty collected and calm, not in-your-face and hot-headed like she normally is. "Gotta say, I never thought I'd be here in all honesty. And you'll find that I'm a pretty honest person."
"Never thought you'd be here? What brought you to volunteer?"
"Honestly, Blaine, my life kinda sucks. Like Kade's. But I don't need your pity, I'm just saying. Homeless, poor, without a family. Y'know. All that shit. Decided, why not jump into the Games? Even if it seems stupid. I mean, I've trained. And honestly, dying's just fine by me. I mean, you either win or die so I made sure I was cool with both as I volunteered. So, y'know. Dying's fine."
"Oh, but I bet that won't be the case when you actually get in there!"
My District partner shrugs. "I dunno. You'll find that I don't really budge on things so easily, Hun."
"I guess we'll see!" He goes on to ask her some more questions, all of which she answers very calmly and nonchalantly. Before I know it, Blaine is presenting her one last time: "Everyone, Rachel Turner! Next up, from District 10, Raoul Keaton!"
I smooth down my light brown suit and try to look confident as I walk out on the stage.
The noise is huge. I know this isn't good for my hearing. Everything starts to blur as I walk to the stage, the noises around me, the people in the crowd. I almost miss the chair completely, and I think people laugh but I don't know. I was doing alright practicing, but being here, in front of all these people is horrifying.
I know, I know. Stage-fright isn't good for a musician. But when I play my fiddle it's just for a group of people in the District, and I know that they'll be impressed with my music. I'm not a very interesting guy, and I don't think I can impress Capitolites of all people with my words. I know that if I say one thing wrong, say one thing out of place, I'll be dead before I even know it. I quiver slightly, the nerves overpowering me.
I've always fought with nerves. To play music for people, to express your passion, to give them a piece of you is absolutely horrifying. But I've never been so overtaken like this. The shock of it all is the worst part. Of all times for stage fright to consume me, now?!
The noise fizzles off, and I see a blurry figure staring at me.
"H-Huh?" I can barely make myself talk. So much for the shy, sweet, but charming angle. I'll be lucky if I get two words out.
I hear laughter from the crowd all blurring together, and my head starts to feel woozy. I've never passed out before, especially not because of nerves of all things!
Raoul, pull it together. You look ridiculous right now. For some reason I just can't snap out of it.
"I-I'm sorry," I say, "I-It's hard to hear."
"Are you sure we don't have three deaf tributes?!" Blaine asks, and the crowd is howling with laughter. All I can do is blink stupidly. Even though things are clearer now, I feel paralyzed.
"I-It's better now."
"Ah, yes, interview nerves. I have to tell you Raoul, I still have them to this day. They used to be much worse, though. Just like yours."
I nod a little bit, very stiffly. I can't seem to say anything. I don't want to hear my voice booming over the microphone. I don't want to be here, I want to be home with my parents and my fiddle.
"So, what do you like about the Capitol? Food? Luxury?"
I choke on any words that I try to say, and just provide another shrug, waiting for my timer to count down.
"How about hobbies? Tell me something you like to do."
"Music." The word sounds like I'm coughing it out I'm so stiff. "I play music."
Well, at least I put together a coherent sentence. Maybe I can save this after all. That doesn't do much to take the fear away, though. I'm not a big fan of my voice, and even though I love music I don't sing. I do hum and whistle, usually melodies that I make up myself on the spot, but not sing.
"That's something! That's very cool! So, you win the Games and come back and play music for us? Is that more comfortable than this?"
I give a quick and stiff nod, though I'm not sure. I don't know if I want to play my music all alone, all exposed for a million Capitolites and possibly the whole nation. They're probably much harder to impress than District 10.
"Well, that sounds lovely, does it not!?" I hear some applause, and can only blink dumbly at the crowd.
"I assume you play an instrument?"
"F-Fiddle." I stumble on the word a little bit, but sound slightly less robotic. "I play the fiddle." Good job, another coherent sentence.
"Fiddle, very nice! Well, Raoul, we wish you the very best of luck!"
My buzzer rings and it sounds like literal music to my ears. Blaine presents me one last time and the crowd applauds, then I quickly scurry back to the other room with the tributes.
I was hoping it'd be a relief, but knowing my interview sucked just makes the weight on my chest heavier. The other tributes give me weird looks when I come back, making me feel even more insecure. I'd like to just go and hide forever, if that's alright. And yet, I'm going to be back in the spotlight tomorrow, this time with 23 other teens that want to kill me.
"Next up, from District 11, Martina Reyés!"
Martina's dress is cream colored, standing out against her dark skin, the neck going all the way down to the bottom of her breasts, exposing a lot of cleavage. The bodice is decorated with gems, and the skirt is a flowy material with slits cut in it to show off her legs. Her hair is done like a halo on the top of her head.
"Welcome Martina! Tell me, did I get the correct pronunciation of your name?"
"Yes! The accent is at the end, Reyés!" she says it very dramatically, causing the crowd to laugh. She's been so focused and quiet during training that I didn't really think she had this side.
"Reyés!" Blaine repeats, just as dramatically, causing the crowd to laugh and cheer and applaud some more. I wish I'd been able to do something like that.
"Yes, that's it!"
"Well, thanks for the lesson! So, how have you settled in?"
"Oh, wonderfully. I'm glad for all the hospitality that's been shown to me since I arrived here. The people are wonderful, and not bad looking." She winks, and Blaine laughs. It seems we have another flirt-er.
"Well," Blaine says, acting very flattered, "Thank you." The crowd is laughing and applauding, some of them whooping and cheering. I even hear a wolf whistle or two.
"Any time," she says, very cooly. "Of course, the food here is good as well."
"Oh yes, the food is delicious!"
"Although I bet the people taste even better," she adds slyly.
The crowd reacts with shock, a lot of people saying "Oooooo!" and people laughing loudly. There are a couple more wolf-whistles.
"Well, I reckon you could be right!" Blaine says, laughing. "So then, you seem to know how to please the crowds. What qualities of yours are going to bring you back to your home?"
"You'll find I have many good attributes," she says, causing more "Ooo"s and wolf-whistling. "I'm strong and fast from my work back home. I'm great at hand-to-hand, which is important because there may not always be weapons in an Arena, but I'll always have my best weapon on me."
The crowd cheers, and she keeps that same smile on her face.
"Well, there you have it!" Blaine asks a couple more questions and Martina keeps putting in answers and flirty comments. "Everyone, Martina Reyés!" he says it dramatically again for one last laugh before he announces the next tribute. "Next up we have District 11's Edgard Lowell!"
He looks slightly ridiculous, in a tuxedo that looks like a rainbow threw up on it, waving at the crowd and trying not to seem shy.
"Welcome Edgard!"
"Thanks Blaine," he says with a smile. Already better than mine. He's going to be my only ally, I hope he can save this for us. I'll have to apologize for screwing us over when he gets back.
"So, how have you settled in?"
"It's been kind of interesting, with the costumes and hair and everything. But now that I feel more like myself, I'd say I've settled in just fine."
"Ah, yes, who could forget that chariot garb? I must say, as much as I enjoy seeing the tributes all made up and vibrant, apples are not your color." The crowd bursts out laughing, applauding and whistling.
"Y'know, Blaine, I don't think apples are my color either." The crowd laughs harder and Edgard laughs as well. It's really a charming little laugh.
"Well, what are your thoughts right now?"
"I'm just keeping it positive, Blaine. I mean, it's pretty cool to be here." The crowd cheers some more. How can this guy pull this personality out of his ass? Granted, he's being himself, just stepped up a couple notches, but still.
"I think it's definitely cool to be here too. Imagine doing it for four years and counting!" The crowd applauds and cheers at that as well. They seem pretty easily excited.
"Seems like a dream job."
"Sure is. But, off of me and back to you! Tell me, what are you fighting for?"
"I'm fighting for my District, of course. Home sweet home. For my friends Mitch and Kayla, and some of the Peacekeepers I talk to."
"We salute our Peacekeepers, for their hard work protecting Panem and its citizens. Getting to know our District kids. What great people to defend us."
Edgard nods. "And my family, of course. Parents. Brother. Who, ironically, is named Wren." The crowd bursts into laughter and I know he's got them interested.
"A brother named Wren? It must be weird seeing our Wren here, who is a girl!"
"Yes, just a bit." The crowd is laughing and energetic as Blaine asks Edgard a couple more questions before the end of the interview.
"Everyone, Edgard Lowell!" the crowd roars with applause.
"Well, now we're onto our last District. First up, District 12's own Wren Ponderosa!"
The girl goes out on the stage. Her blonde hair is pulled up into a wavy ponytail, her make-up caked on to make her pretty. Her dress is white and has a flowing skirt with a slight gold design on it. The top has a shredded look to it, going on the bodice and down the sleeves. She sits down next to Blaine and crosses her ankles properly.
"So, how are you?"
"Not too bad," she says, slightly quietly. She gives a shy kind of smile.
"Yeah? Good. Well, how have you settled in?"
"I've settled in pretty well. Even the nice part of 12 is nothing like this, so it was a bit of a big adjustment. But I'm more used to it now. But I'll have to get used to being without all these luxuries in the Games."
"Yes, very true. Well, it's good to see that you've settled in well. Of course, dear, it would be a sin if I didn't tell you how beautiful you look. Is that a feathery feel we've got going on there?"
"I honestly don't know. The vision of the Capitolites honestly just goes over my head sometimes." The crowd laughs, and Wren gives a good-willed smile to them, her lips pink and full.
"You know, it sometimes goes over my head, as well. So, what kind of strategies do you have in store?"
"Blaine, I can't give away all my secrets." She smiles mysteriously. "But I've trained with a weapon and I've polished up my survival skills. I also have an ally, and we're going to wreak havoc."
"I don't doubt your ability at all. What would winning mean to you, Wren?"
"That District 12 would have a competent mentor." The crowd bursts out laughing at that. "But it would mean everything, to be back with my friends and family as a Victor. Really, it would mean everything. I want to bring the honor back home, to the Ponderosa name. I'm full of surprises, Blaine, so you'd better not blink."
"Dually noted!" he says, and the crowd cheers again.
Blaine asks a couple more questions about home, which Wren answers very vaguely and mysteriously with that shy, charming smile. Her buzzer rings and he presents her again. "Everyone, Wren Ponderosa!" The crowd applauds. "Next up, our last interview of the night." The crowd "aaaw"s. "Here is Leo Aslan!" The applause for him is hesitant and awkward, probably because of his low training score.
Leo walks out onto the stage in a gray suit with a bright red, orange, and yellow tie that ties back to his chariot colors. He sits next to Blaine with a small smile.
"So, Leo. I think we have a very important question in mind. What is with that score?"
"I think the only place to show who you really are is the Games," a voice says, from whatever talking device has been attached to him. "I didn't show everything I can do in there."
"Well, you must see it from sponsors' eyes. You're a boy from the poor part of District 12. Low score. Disabled. What can you say to win them back?"
"I'm not so disabled anymore. Even if I was, there have been mute Victors. Just because I'm poor doesn't mean I'm not strong. Poor people work hard. I've spent my whole life working hard, instead of hardly working like some others. My private session wasn't great I guess, but that doesn't matter. You'll see when I'm in the Games. If you doubt me I'll prove you wrong and then you'll want to sponsor me. Do not count me out. You will regret it if you do."
The crowd is silent.
"Some strong words," Blaine says. "Featuring the top-notch technology of Doctor Halina Townsend and her team!" The crowd applauds, roaring loudly. Leo looks slightly irritated at the commercial, and I don't blame him. He quickly snaps out of it, though. "So, you refuse to be counted out then," he continues.
"Absolutely. I have so much to get back to. I've spent so much time doing hard work. I know how to fight. I'm strong. I'm not going to go down without a fight."
The crowd applauds, and Blaine smiles in approval. "Well then, there you have it. A true fighting spirit. I love it. And that suit certainly is sharp."
Leo smiles at the crowd, striking a pose and bouncing his eyebrows. The crowd laughs and applauds. I guess he picked himself up, which his god for him but now so much for me. Blaine asks a couple more answers, and when Leo's buzzer rings I just feel relieved, ready to go back to my room and have some time on my own to have a pity party.
"Everyone, Leo Aslan!"
The crowd applauds.
"Well, what a night it's been, huh? Getting to know our tributes up close and personal, even better than before! I hope you enjoyed the program as much as I have! But, don't be too upset, because tomorrow starts the action of the Games! Can't wait to see what Santana and Diesel have in store!" The crowd applauds, and Blaine walks around the stage, roweling them up even more. "Be sure you don't miss Saxon and my after-show that will be airing live in half an hour! And, of course, mandatory viewing tomorrow morning as the Games begin!"
The crowd applauds and cheers, and I still can't believe there are so many people out there who can't wait to see children die.
"This has been Blaine Buchanan, have a fabulous night everybody!"
~.~.
Yes! A chapter in a day because why the hell not!? And next chapter we hit the Arena and unfortunately, we start losing tributes. It has been an honor to write 24 unique and diverse tributes from 24 totally awesome authors. I thank you all so much for your support in reviews, your kind words, and your encouragement and hope it continues even after tributes start to die. I hope I've done well with each character and I hope that you've enjoyed seeing them brought to life. I hope I did a good job! This is my first SYOT and though I'll admit it's far from perfect, (I've learned some important lessons through this process), I hope that I've done well. Please, tell me what you thought. I love to hear from you, submitter or not.
Also, Champion of Destruction, my collab with my friend Dreamer, is still accepting! I promise it's not very competitive at all, there are still some spots with no submissions so it'd really be appreciated if you gave a character or two!
Chapter Question: Now that you've seen each tribute again, have your opinions on any of them changed? Which ones are your favorites?
I'll see y'inz soon in the Arena!~