Gratiana Lamb
Herminia and I sit in awkward silence for a second, as she brews over the announcement. She's the first person I broke the news to that I've been accepted into the games. I can tell she's happy for me, but she also looks rather conflicted. She's just like me as she's so easy to read. Maybe it runs in the family.
"Congrats on getting in Gratiana." She eventually decides, her nose twitching a little bit. "So you're leaving tomorrow morning?"
I nod. I don't really have the time to be sitting in the garden with her as I should be packing, but it'd be better to tell her while we're both relaxed and sitting down. "Do you feel...ready?" She asks next.
I nod again. "Yeah? As ready as I can be."
Herminia tuts. "That's a lie." She bluntly says, looking over at the setting sun instead of me. The sky's so pretty now with all the different shades of purple and orange and red clashing. What's the saying? Red night, shepherds delight.
My hesitation must be obvious then. "No, I am really excited. I can't wait actually. And I am ready. But it's just going to be weird leaving home for so long for the first time. It's like going to some foreign land I've never been to before. Obviously I can't know what it's going to be like."
This time I'm not lying about how I'm feeling.
"Yeah, I get the feeling. It was like that for me." Herminia nods. Having her experience it before me has been really helpful. She's cleared up some of my confusion and uncertainty. I feel more confident than I did before. "You don't really have the time to settle down though as everything moves so quickly. You won't have the time to stop and worry about being homesick ."
"I'd rather that though." I lament, before quickly changing the topic. "I wonder what the people there are going to be like."
Herminia laughs. "You're going to meet some crazy people. Everyone's accepted because they're a good TV character or they have something really unique or interesting about them. So there's a lot of freaks, like you." Herminia jokingly says with me and I laugh along.
"That's why you were accepted too." I joke back. I'm quickly distracted by a bird in one of the willow trees cawing, suddenly flapping its wings and soaring above us. I guess I'll be like that bird, free to go and do what I please once I get on the show...the freedom is nice. Especially seeing how controlling Dad is.
"I'm going to warn you now though." Herminia says, also watching the bird. "You're going to have to stay one step ahead of those freaks. Even if they're your allies. You can't afford to fully trust anyone. Most people will be willing to stab you in the back as soon as the opportunity arises."
I've heard this from Herminia a hundred times and it seems like a given, but I still listen anyway in the hopes that she gives some sort of new advice.
"So it'd be better for me to betray them first." I don't like the thought of doing it or attacking anybody, but I'll have to do that if I want to win. And I'm really determined to win. I have to win.
She nods, now directly looking at me. "That's a good way of thinking." She takes a pause before speaking again. "Grati, I know you know what to do. You're...clever...probably. So I'm not going to baby you. I just don't want you upset if you get betrayed or you lose."
I'm...not a little kid. I can regulate my emotions well, no matter what happens. Even if it's more apparent to other people than it is to me. "I should be fine. I won't have to feel that way anyway as I'm going to win."
Herminia sniggers. "Of course you'll beat me." She stops laughing quickly though "Oh, one final thing. I know you're joining to help kickstart your forensic career...are you sure that's what you want?"
"Huh? Yeah, I'm positive that's what I want." That's why I applied, because it's the easiest way to get my name out. I know most people who join the show won't go into the science field, which is why it might seem like an out of field reason to join, but I know it'll work.
Herminia fiddles with her necklace. It's now her turn to feel unsure. The words are bubbling and formulating in her head. "It's just...I was similar to you. I thought I wanted to be a model. But I'm not happy with being a model now. But now I have all this baggage of being famous too, in a career I don't want to do. So please just...make sure it is what you want to do."
Those words echo in my head. Why did she have to plant that seed of doubt to grow in my mind? I'm absolutely 100% sure it is what I want...I think. And that's not the only reason I'm joining. I want to one up Herminia and beat her and it seems like a really fun experience. Even if it doesn't work out, I'll have the choice then to transfer to whatever field I want to! I'll be famous enough then...right?
Osiris Casimir
Most dinner nights we sit in silence. I've had to deal with it all my life so I've never tried that hard to change it. But this time I'm not desperate to leave as quickly as possible. I actually have a good, lengthy conversation planned out. And my parents might actually shower me with some praise for once.
I cough a little (which probably wasn't the best way to get attention). My parents turn their head to me. "You know how I applied for the Saturn Games? Well…I got in."
"Ah, congrats Osiris!" Mother claps, quickly standing up. I know Father doesn't like us standing up prematurely but this should be an ok circumstance. She pulls me into a tight hug and I feebly wrap my arms back, not sure if I'm doing this right.
"Yeah, congrats, son." Father says, before going back to eating. She quickly takes herself back to her chair. We go back to silence for around half a minute, the only noise being the scraping of the cutlery on the plates and the occasional slurps. My mother gives me a disgusted look every time I'm a bit too loud.
Mother places her cutlery down. "Do you know how many opportunities will present themselves now? You won't ever have to lounge around all day, doing nothing on that VR set again." I can see the hundreds of ideas whirring around her mind, rushing at hundreds miles per hour.
"Right." It's turned back to working and my future success again, hasn't it? I should go along with it anyway, as I'm sure they'll appreciate me even more if I do. "So...I'll pretty much be a celebrity then, right? I'll be able to go on a bunch of shows and do some hosting gigs and some advertisements…"
"It'll be enough to sustain you for the rest of your life." Father doesn't sound too excited at this prospect. He's more of a work hard than think smart guy, which is the opposite of me.
Mother smirks. "Exactly! And you're already thinking ahead! That's so smart of you."
I guess it is. But I don't want to always be thinking about the future. Why can't I just enjoy the moment?
"Yeah, thanks." I laugh. "And it'll be like an adventure of a lifetime. I can't wait."
They don't have anything to say to this, really. We sink back into silence, as it isn't to do with business or working or whatever else they care about. It can't be helped when both your parents have the personality of dry cardboard. I go back to zoning out as I quickly try to scoff the ramen down.
"You do know how to present yourself, right? You don't want to make yourself too...unprofessional." Mother asks in the most condescending tone possible.
Well...I doubt professionalism is what a majority of the hirers are looking for. They just need a charismatic, ambitious sort of guy which is what I am. I don't have to play up for the cameras. I just have to be myself. "I know what I'm doing. I'm not gonna go in without a plan."
And if not, I can think off the top of my head fine. I did all the time with my stunts. "Ok, I'm just making sure. Be careful when you're there, alright?"
I nod. "I will be, promise."
At least she does care about my safety...which is reassuring to say, the least.
Baxter Parthenon
I barrel down the stairs as quickly as I can, hoping somebody's downstairs so I can tell them the news. I practically slam the door open and if it weren't for the stopper there'd probably be a massive hole in the wall.
The living room is trashy, but nothing's changed. Slouching on the couch is Prixie, a wine glass in hand and cigarette in the other. I wasn't expecting her to be sober as she's pretty much always drunk whenever I see her. She doesn't even know I applied for the games so it's not like a special occasion for her.
"Prixie! I've been accepted into the Saturn Games!" I shout at her. I stand at the edge of the sofa, too happy and excited to sit down. I haven't felt like this (when sober) in years!
"The what?" She responds, not really listening.
"The Saturn Games! It's like this...err...fucking….fucking….Hunger Games tv show for Capitol kids!" I start, not too sure how to describe it.
Prixie laughs. Her laugh hurts to listen to. It sounds like one of those dying animatronic things with a broken voice box. "Who the fuck would watch that? The telly really has gone down the shitter recently." She takes another puff.
"Nah, it's a really good show. You should watch it." I suggest, though she doesn't look excited. "I'm going to be all famous and shit."
"Congratulations then." Prixie says, before going back to reading her magazine. Is that it? Does she even fucking care? I stand in silence for a few seconds, not sure what to say next. I'm speechless and thoughtless at the moment. All I can feel is a buzz of excitement.
I tap my feet a few times, trying to think of what to say. "I leave tomorrow morning." I decide on saying.
"You'll only have a day to get fully sober then." Prixie says in a tone that suggests she can't believe I can do it.
I shake my head. "Nah, nah. I've been practicing being off everything since I've applied."
"It clearly didn't last long then." She laughs at herself again even though it's really not funny. "Going cold turkey ain't easy."
"I know that. But I can fucking do it. I'm not addicted. I can stop at any time." I lie, knowing it ain't the truth either. But what? It's only like...two weeks long. Anybody could easily do that. I just have to fight the cravings.
The more I think about her lack of trust in me though, the more annoyed I get. What does she actually think about me? That I'm some pathetic addict who's dependent on it? Cause I'm not that type of guy. That's not me. "That's what they all say. Just...try your best and don't embarrass us, please." Prixie finally lifts her eyes up at me, showing an insecure glance.
"Yeah, yeah, I fucking won't." She really has no hope for me and that really pisses me off.
"I'm being serious Baxter." Prixie is still staring at me...which makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. I shuffle my feet slightly, waiting for her to look back. "You're no model...person, I know that. But it really ain't going to help you if you act like you normally do. Try to be a good person there."
What the hell? Hearing her total disapproval of me and condescending tone...hurts a lot actually. I'm not that bad. I'm still a good guy. I know I am an addict and I break tons of laws and I'm really violent but...oh shit, I am a terrible person, aren't I? Maybe I should try to change for the better.
"Oh yeah. And try not to place last. I know that might be hard for you." Prixie laughs one more time. Her constant yapping is really getting on my nerves when I'm trying to have a self reflection moment. Why can't she shut her mouth?
And why's she such a bad fucking moral support? She's always drunk whenever I have any good news. Never really caring about what I have to say. Having no trust or confidence in me. Always making a fucking joke out of me. God, she's failed every step of parenting 101. I am a terrible person but she's shaped me this way. I have to take the blame, but it can't be solely placed one me.
I'm going to prove her wrong. I know she has no expectations of me. But I'm going to do exceptionally well. I'll win easily and I'll fight well and I'll be the fan favourite and I'll ace every test they throw at me. And I'll do it all with no drugs or drinking.
Blu Saint-Germain
I've already planned out what I'm going to do once I get there. My big stature and fighting skills will paint me as a threat straight away, so I need to keep it down to the low as much as possible. Preferably, I'd be able to put the target on somebody else, but that'd be too risky. So I'm just going to hide my skills, keep to myself and be as invisible as I can until the necessary time.
I know this is a show, but I'm not interested in being a character and being well liked. I just want the monetary prize at the end. That's all that matters to me.
I can't really think about my plans right now though, with the entire family swarming around me, on the sofa where we usually assign the roles for work. Violetta is the loudest as she excitedly claps her hands. She's been brainstorming ideas for me the entire day since she found out that I was accepted. "I can't wait to see you on the screen! You should be the main character!"
I don't want to disappoint her, but I'm probably going to be the side character for a majority of the time. "I wish I could be, but I don't think I'm the main character type."
Violetta lets out a loud whining noise. "Aww...you totally are!"
"He really isn't." Redd argues back. Thanks for that...but it's true. I'd rather he be honest to me and not hide his intentions. It's much easier to read people that way. "You're more like...a fighter. You should be the villain then! Who gets all the kills before dying in second place!"
I let out a laugh. "I'd hate that! Who wants to come so close to winning before dying?"
"Second place is just a first place loser after all." Inigo mumbles, though it's true this time.
"I'd like that! I'd be a great villain." Redd decides, suddenly jumping up. He's clearly very excited about this too. I wonder if Violetta and Redd will apply too when they can? I'd rather they not as I don't think they'll handle it too wisely, but they're a lot more passionate about this than I am...I'm rather nervous and unsure actually. But I'm doing this for their sake. I'm doing this for a cause.
Violetta pokes her tongue out. "You'd be the annoying first bloodbath death actually."
"Well you'll be...be the…be the stupid mutt fodder who dies on the second day!" Redd jokes back, though Violetta clearly disagrees. She shakes her head vigorously.
"No I wouldn't!"
"Yes you would!"
"Shut up, you two!" Inigo punches both of them lightly. They follow her command, going silent. They'd never go silent for me. They respect Inigo too much.
Ella thinks about it. She's been typing a lot into her phone, clearly researching something. "Maybe just hiding throughout the games would be the best plan? You'd be guaranteed to make it kind of far…"
"I think that'd be the wisest option." Inigo starts, though she's interrupted before she can continue.
Violetta shakes her head again, her hair going all over the place and hitting Ella, who's getting increasingly annoyed. "That'd be boring though!"
"And nobody would like that!" Redd pitches in.
"It's a good option, but it's not the one I'm going to take." I decide. I don't think settling on one of them is the best idea. It's better to take parts from each of them to form some mish mash hybrid. "I know what I'm doing. I've got it all worked out."
"Well, what are you going to do then?" Ella asks, sinking into the sofa.
I laugh again. "I can't spoil it yet. You'll have to wait and see."
Nefeli Brightberry
I sit on the stair, impatiently waiting for the knock on the door of the official who'll escort me to the train. I can't stand staying still when I'm this excited, so I've been moving from place to place, only sitting down for a couple of minutes at most. I'd like to pace up and down for a bit but that doesn't help either. So I look through my suitcase once more, making sure I haven't forgotten everything.
"Nefeli?" My brother, Theseus, calls from upstairs.
"I'm not coming up! You'll have to come down!" I shout back. I don't want to keep the official waiting, as they should be arriving any minute.
Theseus grumbles. A few seconds later, I hear a crashing thump come down the stairs, as Theseus practically drags himself down. Why's he in such a mood? And what does he want me for now? This is a terrible time to need me.
"Alright, don't beat me up...but I watched your audition tape." He looks away awkwardly, ashamed to admit it. Already it takes me all of my energy not to hit him out of impulse. If it wasn't for the fact they could see me through our window, I would pummel him. But that'd be a terrible first impression.
"You...nosy bitch! You went through my computer? You know my password?" I shout, in disbelief. How many times has he been through my shit before then? And still doesn't look at me like the coward he is.
Theseus shrugs. At least face me if you're going to reveal this. "Maybe...I mean, I was just curious...and I saw you type in your password before…"
I groan. "That doesn't justify it! I would have shown it to you if you cared that much. God, don't you understand what privacy is?" He clearly doesn't care. "Tell me your password right now."
He turns to face me, also looking very annoyed. I should be the annoyed one here! Not him. "No. Why the fuck would I do that?"
"It's only fair. If you know mine I should know yours."
"Ok, I'll give it to you when you come back then." He rolls his eyes. I know he isn't going to, he's just saying that to shut me up. But I don't have the time to pester him anyway. Normally I'd just give him a swift right hook but I can't. Great. "Anyway, What was I going to say?"
"How the fuck am I meant to know?" It's my turn to roll my eyes.
"Oh I remember now. Why are you trying to be the villain? That's such a stupid idea." Theseus suddenly brings up.
I roll my eyes harder than I ever have before. "It can't be that stupid if it got me on the show."
"It is. They never paint the villain in a positive light! Anyone who watches reality TV should know this, Nefeli!" Theseus says in his usually smart tone. Oh aren't you such a smart arse, pointing out the obvious.
"You think I don't know this?" I'm only going for the villain role as it'll make me more memorable and give me more airtime. Plus, I don't have the effort to constantly be on my best behaviour.
"I hope you do. Because if you're not you'd be a braindead moron." Theseus raises his voice. I don't like him using that word really. But again, I can't do anything. "You know the audience are like a crowd of angry mobs, ready to use their pitchforks and torches at anyone who displeases them. If you're going to actively try to be a villain, they'll come at you with full force."
My voice hesitates. "And? I can deal with them."
"Yeah, I'm sure you can deal with the hundreds of hate comments and death threats and whatever fucking else they do, can't you? Because you're such a strong, brave girl, aren't you?" Theseus teases me in his obnoxious snobby tone. Is he trying to help me right now because he's doing it the most backhanded way possible.
But no matter how much I'm annoyed at him, he does have a point. It almost makes me doubt my plan. I...am an easily angered person and I won't hesitate to fight back. Will that be a good look if I'm constantly attacking the audience?
But no matter what happens, the producers are going to try to paint me as a villain. They've cast me as one, so whatever I do, they'll be sure to use it against me. Everytime I slip up and act as myself, they'll take it and edit it to make me look horrible. I know their methods. So I might as well embrace it at this point.
"As much as I hate to admit it, you have a point. I'll try to tone it down." I say to quell him. Theseus shows another smarmy smile, proud that he's in the right for once. So I just look away and ignore him so I don't get even more provoked.
But luckily a knock on the door saves me from further conversation. That must be the official!
