TEAM 13 : DISTRICT 1

Ginny : Tourmaline

Interviews (Part 1)

She glimmered, she gleamed. She shimmered, she sparkled.

Malie Juelier was the Capitol's darling little girl, and she knew it.

She danced onto the stage with a bright smile, the glitter in her hair making it reflect off of the many lights of the stage.

Cicero—the Master of Ceremonies—ushered her to her seat with a grin.

"Hello, hello, hello!"

"Hello Cicero!" She said, turning to face him more fully.

"Well, I'm going to be honest here—not that I'm ever not!" (the crowd laughed) "—I truly never expected to see you in the Games. Was this always the plan for you?"

"More or less." Ginny said. "You know how I've always loved the spotlight, and there really isn't a bigger one than the Games—and this is the Centennial Censure! Ever since I learned that I could take part I knew that this was what I was going to do."

"Well, it really is marvelous seeing you up here, and for all the initial shock I think you're right—you deserve a stage as big as this! I mean, my children love you! My friends love you! My wife loves you! I love you!" (The crowd roared) "Your work in Street Racer? And Wonder Child? And Strangers on a Subway? Tell me, if you win, do you think you'll continue acting?"

"Of course!" Ginny said. "I think I've been acting ever since I learned how to talk! The very idea that I'd stop!"

"And as for winning, what do you think your changes are? Like your teammates?"

"Honestly?" Ginny leaned forward.

"Yes, yes!" Cicero did too.

"I really do like my chances. I think you'll really be surprised by us this year—we have a lot of power behind us, and a lot of brains too."

"Any particular favorites out of your teammates?"

"Well, Roman is definitely one of our ringers. Did you know that he was already planning to volunteer sometime in the next two years?"

"Really? But District 2 always volunteers at eighteen."

"Yeah, he's just that good. Gives you an idea of what we have going for us."

The crowd was still roaring, still thrilled at her every word.

"Well, that's no surprise, but I think every Team is pinning at least some of their hopes on their District 2 member—who's someone I wouldn't expect?"

"Hmm… probably Antwan, would be the most unexpectedly good. He's almost as strong as Roman or Alban, and Antwan's from District 11. Actually, our District 12 member—Sean—he's fantastic too, really inventive. We just have a really good team this year."

"And is there anyone—" Here Cicero lowered his voice, leaned in like whatever her response would be kept secret no matter the microphones drilled into their teeth. "—that you're unsure about?"

"Everyone on our team has something to offer," Ginny said, "and I really don't think that's something any other Team can say. We have the age disadvantage, to be sure, but on the whole I think we're working with a fuller cartridge than any other team."

"On the topic of strength, ten!"

Ginny laughed.

"Ten! You got a score of ten!"

"I did, I did. The Gamemakers were quite kind to me."

"Could you give us a hint of how you got it?"

"No, no. I'd like to keep a couple aces up by sleeve." Ginny said. This was bull, of course—she'd mostly just charmed them, convinced them of her ability to get sponsors. That particular skill was not exactly an unknown one. Still, for all that it painted an even larger target on their backs it was equally important for those who hadn't agreed to be in the alliance wary.

"Oh, it looks like we're out of time!"

"That's such a shame—I must admit I've been looking forward to this interview for weeks."

Cicero laughed. "I'm sure you have! Now, miss Tourmaline, I wish you and your team the best, and I can't wait to see what you eight do!"

"I can't wait either!"