Disclaimer: We do not own The Hunger Games. We've already established this many a time.
Marissa's POV
I sit backstage, kicking my feet in anticipation. That girl from District 3 has completely shown me up! She had to go out there with her whole "super-smart girl"
angle, and totally ruined my whole tactic. I suppose I'll just have to look even smarter, then. I feel my anger starting to bubble over, and I know that I cannot do this now. I take some deep breaths, and force myself to stay calm for the sake of not appearing like a total lunatic in front of my whole country. Finally, that surfer boy from 4 returns from his interview, triumphantly gloating, and my name is called. I walk out, careful not to trip on my dress, and take my seat beside Cascadio Hertwarm, who, if it's possible, looks even more artificial in person than he does on TV.
"Marissa! How's your stay been in the Capitol so far?"
"Fine," I say, making sure to smile. "I miss my family a lot, but you do have an absolutely fascinating city here."
"Yes! Yes, we do," he replies, playing off of my responses however he can. "So, Marissa, what's your angle in the games? Any particular strengths?"
"I'm smart."
"And evidently modest, too," Cascadio chuckles, making the audience burst into
hysterics.
"Well, it's true. I'm proud of my intelligence. I think that it'll take me very far in the games."
"At least she's honest!" Cascadio beams at me, and I look out across the audience.
Cache's POV
"Mr. Cache Lam!" Cascadio calls, sending me flying out of my chair.
"So Cache….." Cascadio begins once I'm settled in the interview chair. "We all want to know…why did you attack your poor escort?"
"I didn't think the odds would be that against my favor. I didn't and still don't believe that it was my name that was picked out of that bowl, and…." I say.
"And what?" Cascadio asks nervously.
"I have proof, and I want to know what you-" I say, pointing to Emilia, my escort in the audience, and by now I am yelling. "-Have against me," I say motioning to myself. Emilia clears her throat and stands up.
"Do want me to answer?" she asks referring to Cascadio. He nods his head eagerly, his eyes lighting up at the excitement. "Your parents. Well, they weren't exactly
my friends, they owed me a lot of money, and then they had to go and die. I figured the only way to get my joy back was to have you die," she says, cackling.
"But I'm not going to die, I'm going to live a long and healthy life!" I shout at her.
