Chapter 26:
Interviews
Kora Flickerman, Host of the Hunger Games
As Kora steps into the studio with her parents at her side, she can't help but laugh a little bit at how quickly her mood about being the host has changed. She wouldn't have been caught dead showing up with her parents her first year, needing to set her place as her own host and not forever in her parents' shadows. But now…she needs them here with her so badly. Because surely if her parents are with her, everything is going to be alright and nothing bad will happen.
The studio is so small compared to the normal stage and it catches her off guard for a moment. But she feels safe inside, with just the camera crew, a dozen Peacekeepers, and the tributes – those who signed up for this with their mentors and escorts, while the rest sit dressed up to the side to watch. This is safe…secure… The rebels won't be able to hurt her here…
She shuts her eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath as her father puts a hand on her shoulder. She could still so clearly see the blood during the chariots, the panic as they tried to figure out what happened as she was required to stay calm and tell the nation everything was safe and under control… There was no control, just utter chaos. Yet her brain couldn't stop imagining if that had happened during the interviews, when she was sitting just mere feet from her.
"I think I'm gonna be sick," Kora says quietly, clutching her stomach as her breathing picks up.
"Hey, you're going to be safe," Claudia tells her, stepping in front of her and clutching her face with both hands. "Take a few deep breaths with me."
Kora follows along with her mother to take a few deep breaths, the panic slowly started to ebb away. Once she feels like she won't be sick any longer, she nods her head and her mother steps back, giving her an encouraging smile. "I keep thinking about what could have happened if we were outside…"
"But you aren't and things are safe here," Elliot says, putting his arm around her shoulders to reassure her. "I know it isn't easy put you have to put the what-ifs aside for just a bit of time and put on a smile for the nation. It's too much pressure for one person, but they're looking to you for how to act right now."
"You're right, that is too much pressure," Kora says quietly, doing everything she can to keep her breathing calm. She doesn't have a choice but to be calm and collected because they're right. She's the face of the Hunger Games and the nation needs stability right now after the whirlwind of changes happening in the last few days. "But I have to do it."
"And you're going to do amazing, sweetie," Claudia tells her, smiling proudly at her daughter before giving her a hug. "And your father and I will be right off to the side the whole time if you need us."
"Thanks Mom," Kora says quietly, squeezing her eyes shut to stop any tears from falling as she hugs her mother back and her father soon hugs both of them. "I couldn't do this without you two."
She steps back from the hug and takes a deep breath, smoothing out her dress and hair for a moment. "Okay, I'm ready. Let me go talk to them before we get started," Kora tells them, stepping away from her parents to go face the tributes on her own. She isn't sure if this is more or less tributes than she expected to sign up for the interviews and she also isn't sure how to feel about it. "Good evening, tributes," she says, getting their attention as a few chat to their mentors and some nervously stand with their allies. "We're going to get started in a few minutes but I just wanted to come over and introduce myself first and explain some things."
"As you have no doubt seen already, things are going to be a little different this year," Kora pauses to put her hands behind her back so they won't see her fiddling nervously with them. "Most obviously, we are filming here in a sound studio with the only audience being your fellow tributes, mentors, and escorts. However, the interviews are still airing live and you will have three minutes each."
She looks at all of them, making sure they understand that the only difference in setting is the lack of live audience before continuing, "We have also randomized the order since you've all elected to be interviewed. The order is as follows: Ciana, Valletta, Karter, Ryam, Chantelle, Bezel, Lobo, Inutil, Juno, Farren, Cimmerian, Vulcan, Sonya, Mercy, and Adonis."
"Any questions?" Kora asks and looks around at the group, waiting for anyone to speak up. When no one does, she takes a deep breath and nods her head. "Then let's get started."
Ciana Devereaux, 18, District Five
There's so much pressure on Ciana for this interview, before even adding on the pressure of being the first one to go. The world has to know the truth about what Lucian did to her and Mila… Yet she's terrified that he'll target her family next. Could she be the reason they have to witness another family member dead? But they weren't the ones who found their father in a pile of his blood…that was all on Ciana. No, the country will protect them after she tells the truth. She has to believe that they will…
And then there's the pressure of being the only one in her alliance being interviewed… She's the only one here to impress the sponsors and hopefully earn their support for not just herself, but Rhiannon and Shams. It would be so easy for her to just close up and stay quiet, don't speak out of turn at all and avoid bringing attention to her. It's what she's done all along, right? Stayed quiet, let Lucian get away with everything he did to her, all the threats, and killing her best friend.
At least on the brightside…she doesn't have to sit around watching the others give great interviews and feel the pressure of doing as well as them. She just needs to go out there and speak her truth.
Yet she can still hear his voice in her head as Kora calls her out onto the stage, telling her she isn't brave enough to do this, that there's no way she can stand up to him… But isn't this why she is here? The whole reason she volunteered was to clear her name and earn her freedom. She can't let him win. He isn't here to hurt her.
Ciana's grateful there isn't a crowd in-person to react to her stepping up to Kora, knowing their reaction to convicted people hasn't been the best in the past. She gently pulls up the end of her gown – a modest piece by Capitol standards and she's hoping the high neckline and whole…innocence of it helps her case.
"Welcome, Ciana," Kora says pleasantly as she gestures for Ciana to take the seat opposite of her.
"Thank you, Kora," Ciana answers quietly, sitting down and smoothing out her gown. She resists the urge to fiddle with it and folds her hands in her lap, wringing them together just a bit as nerves bubble up in her.
"How are you doing tonight?" Kora asks and Ciana gives a small shrug, struggling to meet her gaze or speak up just yet. "I know being up first is nerve-wracking, but there's nothing to worry about here! And hey, you get to set the bar for everyone up after you."
"I don't think it will be a very high bar," Ciana mutters, staring down at her hands for a moment. She's just wasting everyone's time here…can she really do this? Letha believes in her…but there's still the voice of Lucian in her head filling her with doubt. She couldn't speak up against him before, why would now be different?
"So I've heard you have two allies," Kora says and Ciana nods her head, nervously meeting her gaze. "How did that happen?"
Ciana takes a deep breath, happy that Kora is throwing her easy questions to start, but she knows the clock is ticking. "Letha helped introduce us all," she finally says, looking over to the side of the stage where the mentors and escorts sit. Letha gives her an encouraging smile and Sloan gives two thumbs up beside her, bringing a small smile to her face as she turns back to Kora, feeling a little bit braver with their encouragement. "She's been a great mentor and she's helped encourage me to speak up…"
"Speak up about what?" Kora asks her encouragingly and she knows this is her chance to say it, yet she still feels her throat tightening up in fear for her family. He's going to hurt them is she speaks…he promised so when he came to taunt her after the Reaping… "The floor is all yours, Ciana," Kora adds, reaching over to put her hand over hers.
Ciana keeps her gaze on her hands in her lap, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Just pretend you're only telling Letha… "Speak up about what really happened the night my best friend was murdered," she finally says, barely more than a whisper. She shuts her eyes as she feels Kora's hand tighten on top of hers and shakes her head. "I didn't do it. He- he shot her and he-" she cuts herself off, opening her eyes and blinking back tears as she realizes what she did and suddenly gets fearful of the consequences. "He promised he would hurt my family if I spoke up and said – said that…"
"Said what?" Kora asks, pushing her a little to keep talking. But she doesn't know if she can keep talking… Oh God, did she already say too much? Probably…her family…
"They need to protect them," Ciana says urgently, looking around the soundstage in a panic, trying to find someone who can help her. She finds the Head of Security standing near the back and gives her a pleading look. "Please. He- he killed her… Lucian."
Kora glances off to the side of the stage for a moment before turning back to Ciana, keeping her face clear of emotions. "Just to be clear," she starts slowly and Ciana backs into her seat, wanting to be small and hide from the questions. She thought saying something would make her feel free but she just feels a greater burden on her shoulders. If he hurts them…it will all be her fault. Just like he insisted it was her fault that he had to kill Mila… "You're saying that Lucian was the one responsible for the murder you were convicted of. One you confessed to."
"Yes," Ciana lets out with a shaky breath, knowing there's no going back now from this. Everyone knows the truth now… And with that comes a sense of urgency to make sure they know it all and she starts talking quickly, stuttering of her words. "He made me confess and – and threatened to kill my family if I said anything. She…she was trying to get me away from him. She was my best friend…" she shuts her eyes at that as tears fall down her cheeks and shakes her head. "I loved her and never would have hurt her."
Kora is silent at that declaration for a few seconds until the buzzer goes off. The host clears her throat as Letha and Sloan lead the mentors and escorts into applauding her and soon turns to the camera, giving them a smile. "That concludes our interview with Ciana Devereaux of District Five!"
Ciana nods her head and wipes at her cheeks as she stands up, getting makeup stains on the back of her hand. She probably looks like a mess but she doesn't care…all she can think about as she heads off the stage is how she just put her family at risk.
Before she can get to her seat, she's engulfed in a hug from Letha. "You did great, sweetie," she reassures her and Ciana can just sniffle and try to nod her head, not really sure about that.
A woman clears her throat behind Letha as Kora brings Valletta up to the stage, looking so much stronger and elegant in her blue strapless gown compared to Ciana… "Can I have a word, please?" Kostas asks and Letha keeps an arm around Ciana's shoulder as the girl nods.
The Head of Security leads them over to the side for privacy as Valletta starts her interview, sounding so confident and mysterious. Kostas turns to face Ciana, giving her a concerned look. "The Head Gamemakers told us about your confession during the Private Sessions."
Ciana nods her head as a crew member comes over to hand her some tissues. Letha takes them and starts gently wiping at her cheeks and Ciana gives her an appreciative smile. "Thank you," she says softly before turning back to Kostas. "Do you believe me?" she asks timidly, afraid of the answer.
"It's not possible to have lied under that serum so yes," Kostas says and Ciana's shoulders sag forward in relief as a sob slips out. "We sent out a team for his arrest yesterday but haven't found him yet…"
Ciana tenses up once more in fear at that and puts her hand on Letha's arm, clutching it tightly for security. "Then he can hurt them. Please, you have to stop him!"
"We're working on it and we have sent a team to take your family into a safe house until he's arrested," Kostas reassures her and Ciana nods her head, not knowing if she can speak right now. If they really are safe…that was her biggest fear in speaking up and the only thing stopping her from saying anything before.
"Thank you," Ciana finally says, wrapping her arms around herself as tears pour down her cheeks. She's lived so long in fear of Lucian and what he would do to her…and now he's finally going to be stopped. She doesn't have to be afraid of him anymore…at least once he's caught.
"If you have any information that we could use to track him down, we would greatly appreciate the support," Kostas says as Valletta finishes up her interview and heads off stage. Karter is called up next, wearing a maroon velvet suit and keeping up a casual air, somehow able to act like he hasn't been effected by what happened to Baylor.
"I…know about the gangs he runs with," Ciana replies nervously, worried she'll get in trouble for knowing about them. But she soon pushes that aside, knowing she'll never be fully free if he's still out there. "I can tell you what I know."
"Any information you can share will be beneficial," Kostas tells her and she starts listing off Lucian's acquaintances as Karter goes through his interview, stressing to Kora his resilience and how he was not going to let this bring him down. By the time he's done, Ciana's pit of nerves has started to fade with the knowledge that the monster who killed her best friend is finally going to face the repercussions.
Karter finishes his interview by taking off his flower and handing it to Lobo, making the boy from Nine's face turn as red as his jacket and his face flickers between anger and something unreadable.
Ryam is called up next in a white suit with black accents, looking the picture of carefree that Karter was trying to be as he talks about his music. Ciana stops her recollection of Lucian's gang associates for a moment, listening to him and wondering what it would be like to have such an innocent reason for volunteering. But she soon shakes her head and focuses back on Kostas, knowing there's no point to her jealous.
"Do you think it's possible his family is hiding him?" Kostas asks her, looking up from the tablet she's been using to take notes. "They have the wealth to do so."
"It's possible," Ciana answers with a shrug, really not knowing the answer. "I'm sorry, that's all I know…"
"That's more than enough to give us a good head start," Kostas reassures her with a smile before nodding her head. "Thank you for helping and I won't keep you any longer."
Ciana nods her head, not feeling like she deserves all of this support in finding that man, but she doesn't say it out loud. "Thank you for protecting my family," she finally says quietly as Ryam wraps up his interview. Kostas nods at that before Letha starts leading Ciana back over to her seat, keeping her arm around her protectively.
"You've done so well and I'm so proud of you," Letha tells her softly, her grin matching her statement. "What you did was very brave."
"I don't feel very brave," Ciana replies quietly, giving a small shrug. She picks at her nails, avoiding looking at her mentor. "I wouldn't have spoken up without you encouraging me to do so…"
Letha is quiet for a moment as Chantelle gets called up to the stage, walking with her head held high in her deep red velvet gown with one long sleeve draping to the floor. "Sometimes you just need someone to give you that last little push to speak up," she finally says as Chantelle starts telling Kora about herself and stressing that she's not to be messed with – something Ciana completely believes. "And there is nothing wrong with that."
"I guess so," Ciana replies quietly, trying to feel proud for speaking up but struggling to do so knowing Lucian is still out there. It certainly helps knowing that her family will be protected but…there's still that deep fear that he'll still find a way to hurt them. "I thought I would feel more…liberated by speaking up."
"It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling right now," Letha reassures her and Ciana nods her head, trying to accept that. "At the end of the day, what matters is you spoke the truth and the nation knows you're innocent. And now…you don't have that hanging over your head tomorrow and can focus on surviving."
Ciana shuts her eyes at that, having been able to forget for a bit with her fear of speaking up that the Games start tomorrow. Out of one bad scenario and into the other…
But as Chantelle finishes up her interview and Kora announces a short break, Ciana knows this is for the best. She needed to get that said so that now…she can focus on getting out alive. She has the shot at being free now that they're out for Lucian's arrest and the Capitol knows her innocence. She can be free of Lucian…
Yet it will be too late for Mila. If she had just spoken up about Lucian sooner…Mila could still be alive and Ciana wouldn't be about to head into the Hunger Games. This is the price of her silence. It's the price she has to pay.
Inutil Vaquero, 16, District Nine
Inutil wants to believe what Lelantos has told her, that she can do this interview…but watching tribute after tribute go up on that stage and act so calm and collected…the voice of her family has come back into her head, telling her she's not good enough. She never should have signed up for the interviews, at the insistence of her mentor. And now she's dragged Cimmer into this as well, with him insisting they do this together.
Why is she always doing things that others tell her to do? Why can't she finally do things because it's her choice?
She feels like a fraud, sitting here in a yellow flowy dress way too nice for her, way nicer than anything she's ever felt in her life. And she is one. She's worthless, as her parents have made sure to tell her every day. How could Lelantos believe that she can go out on that stage and tell everyone how her family treats her? Because she can't.
Kora steps back up on the stage, looking so pretty and put together, making Inutil want to be like her. But she's not… "Okay we are back from our short break and let's get started with Bezel Dorsey!"
Bez basks in the spotlight as they take the stage in a pretty purple gown with cape sleeves and feathers over the top, matching the purple streaks still in their hair. They have no problem chatting away with Kora, ignoring her questions a bit to talk about their art and how they volunteered to get much needed inspiration – inspiration they've found here in the Capitol. They talk about their alliance and flirtation with Juno – too much for Inutil – and Kora can mostly just sit there and nod her head, occasionally speaking up to add a comment to guide the conversation. But otherwise…Bez is perfect at being on stage and needs no help being coached through their interview.
Inutil sinks further into her seat, knowing she can't be like them. And now there is only one more interview left before it's her turn and she's going to go up on that stage and completely embarrass herself. And not just herself…her parents will be so upset with her doing this… "Is it too late to not do this?" she asks Lelantos quietly as Kora calls up Lobo to the stage. Inutil flinches at the boy walking past her in a bright red and black suit since he's always been so…angry and scary.
"You can do this," Lelantos reassures her and she nods her head slowly, wanting to believe them as Lobo starts his interview. He keeps up the mood of being angry and tough, yet when he gets asked about Karter and what that flower gift meant, he starts stumbling over his words, panic in his eyes as he looks at the cameras, until he lets out an angry outburst, pointing over at Karter and insisting he doesn't like boys and would never want anything to do with him.
Inutil glances over at Karter as Lobo's interview finishes up, but he just has a collected mask on his face as he watches his ally return to his seat, keeping his head down and fists balled at his sides. She doesn't understand what that was all about…why would he get so angry about liking boys? And especially about Karter? He seems nice…
A gentle nudge from Lelantos brings her out of her thoughts and she looks over at them, confused by what they need. They gesture at Kora and Inutil looks over, finding the host waiting… Oh no, she's not ready for this. "I can't do this," Inutil says, trying to sink into her seat.
Lelantos gently takes her arm and helps her up, walking her over to the stage. "Yes, you can, because I believe in you," they tell her and their voice is so calm and soothing that she wants to believe them… "Just speak your truth and know I am here for you, no matter what happens."
"You got this, Inutil!" Cimmer calls out to her and she turns back, finding him standing up at his seat and grinning, his hands held out in two thumbs up. She smiles and laughs a little at his enthusiasm, momentarily forgetting about the interview about to happen.
"I'll stay right here," Lelantos tells her, putting their hand on her shoulder as they stop at the edge of the stage. "Remember…be honest. Your family can't hurt you, I won't let them."
Inutil nods her head and they give her a small smile, before gently putting a hand on her back and nudging her towards the stage. She hesitantly steps towards Kora, who gives her a welcoming smile and gestures to the open chair. "Hello Inutil, welcome! Please, take a seat!"
She does as she was told and sits down, fidgeting with the flowy bottom half of her dress with her hand as she stares down at the floor, uncomfortable with the host's attention on her. It's never a good thing at home when she has attention on her…
"So Inutil, how are you doing tonight?" Kora asks, her tone friendly, but Inutil is hesitant to talk to her, afraid of saying something she shouldn't.
"I'm fine," Inutil answers, giving the answer her parents always told her to say when asked that. Yet she is so nervous for this. She shouldn't have agreed to this…she should have stayed quiet like she's supposed to…
"Now I know people are wondering…" Kora starts slowly and Inutil peeks up her head to glance over at you. "What happened to your arm? Was there an accident?"
"No," Inutil answers, shaking her head and wrapping her one arm around herself. "I…was born like this…" she says slowly, remembering all the times she's been told she's useless from her family because of it.
"Ah, so I'm sure you've adapted quite well and are not to be overlooked for it!" Kora says encouragingly and Inutil gives her a confused look. No one has ever told her that she can do things, despite being this way…well, no one back home…
"No, I am not good at doing anything," Inutil says quietly, putting her head back down and looking away from Kora. "I cannot work on the farm and cannot go to school…"
"Who told you that?" Kora asks, her voice getting firm and Inutil sinks back in her chair. Kora reaches out and gently puts her hand on Inutil's shoulder, making her flinch away.
"I can't say," Inutil whispers, looking over with pleading eyes, begging the host to stop asking her questions. "I have already said too much. I-I'm supposed to say quiet and not – not speak up."
She stands up to leave, needing to get away from there. She's already said too much and she will be in so much trouble. Before she can run off the stage, Lelantos steps up, putting a hand on her shoulder and keeping her there. Kora looks around in confusion at the mentor going on the stage and Inutil wants to hide from the attention. They shouldn't be up here… "I won't let Inutil's family get away with treating her the way they have her entire life!"
"Lelantos, I-" Kora tries to talk to them, but Lelantos holds up their hand to stop her.
"Kora, please, this needs to get said and her family has scared her into silence from years of verbal abuse so just let me speak for her," Lelantos says and Kora glances off to the side for a moment, before turning back and nodding her head and gesturing for them to continue.
"Please don't," Inutil says, terrified of what her parents will say.
"Trust me, this is the best for you," Lelantos says before they gently sit Inutil back down and stand behind her chair, keeping a hand on her shoulder protectively. She stays quiet, sitting stiff as they tell everyone about her family, unable to stop them…but she believes what they say. If they think this is for the best…then maybe it is. "They've told her she is useless because of her disability and forced her to stay inside, cleaning instead of going to school. And when there was talk of there not being a volunteer, they threatened her to volunteer so the older girls with more names – older girls that were useful around the farm – wouldn't risk getting sent into the Games. Because in their minds, they'd rather lose the child they view as useless than one of their children they care about."
"Is…" Kora shakes her head, at a loss for words, as she looks at Inutil. "Is this true?"
"It is," Inutil whispers and they fall into uncomfortable silence until the buzzer goes off, dismissing her from the stage. Yet she can't stand up, too afraid to move after admitting to everyone what her family has done to her. "I-I don't want them to get hurt!" she says quickly as Lelantos starts to lead her back to their seats.
"Why?" Lelantos asks, turning around to face her. They put both hands on her shoulders and look at her head on, "Why do you want to protect the people who hurt you?"
"Because they are my family," Inutil answers, frowning at that thought.
"Real family doesn't hurt each other," Lelantos says gently before putting their arm around her shoulders and leading her the rest of the way to their seats as Kora calls Juno up to the stage. "I promise you, I won't let them hurt you ever again."
Inutil nods her head as they sit back down and she tries to relax, now that her interview is over. She wants to believe them, she really does… She focuses on Juno, trying to stop herself from thinking about what she said, as they sit there in a flowery pink suit, leaning back and looking so charming as they laugh and chat with Kora about their sister being the reason they volunteered. When asked about Bez, they just shrug and tell her they don't kiss and tell, before diverting the subject. By the end of their interview, Inutil has started to relax, trying to mimic the relaxed nature of Juno.
But still…there's a pit of nervousness in her that she did something wrong. Cimmer leans over to look at her, past Farren, to give her an encouraging smile and a thumbs up. "You did great!"
"Thank you?" Inutil asks, not believing that she did do great at all. But Lelantos gives her shoulder a squeeze and when she turns towards them, they nod and smile at her, making her start to believe that, just a little bit.
Farren is called up next, wearing a velvet green suit, and when he passes Juno, he gives them a forced smile but pats them on the shoulder. Farren is another example of calm and relaxed, but way more joking compared to Juno. He winks a bunch at Kora as he makes jokes about himself and when asked about volunteering with his sister, he responds that Kasada will have to explain. When Kora points out that Kasada isn't doing an interview, Farren laughs and shrugs, still not admitting the reason why. Instead, he chats about his alliance and openly talks about kissing Bez, turning to look back at Juno as he does so.
The interview ends before he can talk too much about them and he heads back to his seat, making sure to walk past Bez and blow them a kiss. All of it just confuses Inutil and she has no idea who likes who by the time Farren sits back down. But, she soon realizes, the drama of the three has helped distract her.
Kora turns to the cameras and gives them a smile, "Okay, we will have one more short break and then we'll finish up the last of the interviews!"
Lelantos turns to her as Farren and Juno sit in awkward silence beside her after their interviews. "How are you feeling?"
Inutil considers this for a moment, trying to figure that out. "I don't know," she finally answers them slowly. "Still scared but…I think I believe you."
"You should," Lelantos tells her. "And when you get out of that arena, you will have a new family with me, the victors, and all of our families. You'll like my son Kaiden. He's…like you in a lot of ways."
Inutil smiles at the thought of being part of the family with the victors and nods her head. She so badly wants to have a family that accepts and loves her… "I would like that a lot."
Adonis Sylvester, 18, Capitol
Adonis doesn't know how to feel about being last up for the interviews. On one hand, they're clearly saving the best for last. But on the other hand, he has to wait around through all the other interviews before it's his time, and he hopes the Capitol watching hasn't gotten bored at this point. He has the ace of being the only Capitolite – Bez might be representing the Capitol but they hardly count. He just has to make sure they know and praise the first ever Capitolite tribute – who will soon be their first ever Capitolite victor.
Only four more interviews to sit through before it's his time to shine and boy, will he shine.
"Welcome back to the last part of the interviews!" Kora greets the nation watching at home and Adonis sits up taller with a lazy smirk, just in case the cameras pan over to him at some point. Can't have the nation seeing him as anything but their confident Capitolite volunteer. "We'll be continuing with Cimmerian Hart!"
Cimmer walks over cheerfully, wearing a yellow suit jacket to match Inutil with gray plaid pants. The kid will barely shut up, talking about Inutil and mentioning he did an interview just to show support for hers, before talking without end about his lame farm. He just…seems harmless, like the kind of guy whose heart Adonis could easily break. Good guys like him don't win the Hunger Games and he should have known that before he ever volunteered. How anyone in the Capitol could be rooting for him is beyond Adonis – no, he knows exactly who roots for types like him. The mommy dearest of his ex who is sitting here tonight. Adonis glances over at Iris and sure enough, she's watching Cimmer closely, seemingly having faith in him. How she managed to bring home a victor at all is beyond him.
Cimmer's interview ends and Adonis turns his attention back to Kora as she brings Vulcan up, in a black suit with purple accents. Not to pay attention because they're allies, but rather he's curious what Drazen coached them to say. Apparently, he didn't give much advice because Vulcan's interview could be used as a textbook example of a standard career interview, all laidback and cocky as they talk about leading their alliance. The only interesting thing of note to Adonis is the hint of nervousness as they adjust their collar as Kora asks them about any hobbies and they answer training before quickly changing the subject. But damn…his alliance is really setting the bar high for him to make a big splash to keep the focus on them and not the others.
Adonis glances over at Drazen as Vulcan's interview wraps up and the mentor meets his gaze with a cocky smirk and raises his eyebrow, before turning back to Vulcan and giving them a slap on the back as they sit back down beside him. Oh if he thinks that Vulcan had a better interview than how Adonis's will go, he's sorely mistaken. It's becoming more and more clear with each passing interview that he has to do…something big, something to keep their attention on him. Not just go along with Misha's advice to talk about being the first Capitolite in the Games. No, that's not big enough.
He needs…a scandal. Something to get the tabloids talking. What Capitolite doesn't love a good scandal?
He taps his fingers on his leg as Sonya goes up to the stage, wearing a gown with the bodice made of butterfly wings and the bottom flowing. For all the odds stacked against her, being from Eleven and so scrawny that too strong of a breeze might snap her in half, she has a surprising amount of confidence to her. She talks about her COPD, claiming it's not something that will hinder her in the arena, but Adonis really begs to differ. Seems like a lung condition might just get in the way of running away from his alliance. But she definitely is going to win sympathy points, especially when she mentions being inspired by Jarle volunteering for a similar reason, which just puts even more pressure on Adonis to make sure he stands out.
At least he knows he'll shine a lot more than Mercy does. How someone as anxious and nervous as her managed to be picked for the Games is beyond him. He almost thinks she might cry a little as she goes up to the stage, wearing a black gown covered in gems to look like stars. It's only when Kora brings up her interest in going to university to study astrology that Mercy stops looking so nervous and it's probably the most he's actually heard her talk. Almost talking too much, considering she keeps going on that and barely mentions anything about their alliance before her time is up. Clearly this alliance should have picked him as the leader since they're willing to put the pressure to get sponsors all on him. What would they do if the Capitol wasn't involved this year?
They're so lucky he knows how to win over the Capitol.
"Alright, thank you all for your continued attention, we have one last interview," Kora tells the cameras and Adonis sits up taller, smoothing down the side of his hair and putting on a winning smile. "Last up is someone from our home right here in the Capitol, Adonis Sylvester!"
Finally, it's his time to shine, yet he can't help but feel like the Capitol will have lost interest by this point and ignore him. Hell, he's been there! How many times has he just been ready for the interviews to be over by time they reach District Nine? Almost every time. He has to do something big to get their attention and keep it. Especially after all the other careers have gone and barely done anything to stand out from past years. He will not let the Capitol forget about him. He needs their attention. And they never forget about a good scandal.
It's time for them to learn they saved the best for last. And not just the best – their future victor. Time for them to learn exactly why they should remember the name Adonis Sylvester.
Adonis stands up, adjusting the labels of his shimmering gold suit as he heads over to the stage, taking his time and putting his shoulders back. He gives the camera a wave and blows a kiss at the audience watching from home, before taking Kora's hand and kissing the back of it. "You look absolutely gorgeous tonight," he tells her, giving her a wink as he takes his seat, unbuttoning his jacket as he leans back, crossing one leg over the other and putting his arm over the back of the chair.
"Thank you," Kora answers, smoothing down her dress as her cheeks get a small flush from his flirting. "You don't look to shabby yourself."
"Oh I know," Adonis answers with a cocky grin and gestures at himself. "But you and I both know that the Capitol has the prettiest people."
"Yes, it's quite a big deal that you are sitting here tonight as one of the first ever tributes from the Capitol," Kora says and Adonis holds back a grimace at him being the only one.
But he can't stop his mouth from running. "Well I'm the only one," he corrects her with a casual shrug. "I don't think Bez really counts, even if they volunteered here. They were still born in One. But me, well, I'm Capitol-born and raised. And Kora, let me tell you, I'm quite proud to be the first Capitolite in the Games and also proud to be the Capitol's first victor too."
"Quite the bold statement to make there," Kora says, raising her eyebrow just a little but keeping her smile in place.
"Nothing bold about it when you know what I'm capable of," Adonis answers, lazy smirk on his face as he runs a hand through his hair. "I'm the full package: Capitol-born, good looking, great personality, and trained by the Quell victor himself. It's really no surprise at all that the careers were just begging to have me join them." Really, all he's missing at this point is the scandal to have plastered all over the tabloids tomorrow morning.
"Yes, I'm sure many have been envious of working with Odyssey and Misha," Kora says and Adonis knows it's true, making him puff up his chest in pride. He hopes they're all jealous of him and thinking about him. "What's that been like?"
"Oh it's been great working with Odyssey and Misha," Adonis says, smirking as he looks over at the two mentors. Yes…he knows how he'll make sure they keep talking about them after this interview. Why mention his fling with Drazen when everyone cares way more about the darling victor of the Quell and his loving boyfriend? "Who wouldn't want to work with those two handsome men?" he asks, turning his attention back to Kora. "We have gotten so close, if you know what I mean. Seems like mentor-tribute relationships are just a kink for them."
The smile starts to falter on Kora's face at that statement and she glances to the side, but Adonis doesn't follow her gaze, knowing she's looking over at the two mentors. When she turns back to him, she clears her throat and does her best to keep up her pleasant mood. "Are you saying…you got in the middle of Odyssey and Misha's relationship?"
"In the middle, on top, beneath…you name it." Adonis trails off with a cocky grin and a shrug as he glances over at the mentors. Unsurprisingly, the two have bewildered looks on their faces as Misha puts his hand on Odyssey's arm, keeping him in his seat. Oh the press is going to love talking about this scandal. Let them speculate all night about him hooking up with those two. He turns back to Kora, his smirk not faltering as he's confident this is just what he needs to stay in the spotlight. "I've been a very busy boy while here and having lots of…fun. I can't help how damn irresistible I am, to them and others."
"Well then," Kora says, leaning back in her chair as she studies him, clearly trying to figure out if he's telling the truth or not. He keeps up his cocky mood as he watches her, wiggling his eyebrows, just daring her to ask him. "You said…others?"
"What was it Juno said?" Adonis asks, glancing over at his maybe ally for a moment. He catches Drazen's gaze and gives him a wink before turning back to Kora. "I don't kiss and tell…well, sometimes."
"Any chance you'll tell now?" Kora asks, just before the buzzer goes off. Adonis just gives a shrug and a smirk at her, knowing the speculation will just add to the further talk about him. "Ah, I guess we will be left in suspense. Adonis Sylvester, everyone!"
Adonis stands up and gives the camera a wink, wishing there was an actual crowd there to flirt with, before sauntering off the stage as Kora wraps up the interviews. He can't help but smirk a bit about how well that went and once out of view of the cameras, he puts up a hand to shield his eyes from the bright stage lights. The lights blind him just a little bit and hide the figure approaching him until they grab him by his jacket and shove him up against the wall.
"Hey what the fuck?!" Adonis cries out, his back aching by the action and he stares at Drazen in front of him, a little surprised by just how much anger is in his eyes. "I knew you were into being rough but this is a little much for me."
"Don't fucking start with that!" Drazen says, anger making his voice waver as Misha and a couple Peacekeepers step towards them. He points at them with one hand, still keeping Adonis pinned to the wall with the other. "Back off Misha! This is none of your damn fucking business!"
"He's my tribute," Misha says slowly, holding out a hand cautiously. "And if you're going to hurt him-"
"Oh the only one I want to hurt right now is you if what this little bastard said is true," Drazen snaps at him and Adonis winces a little at that. This…is not at all what he intended to happen from his interview. He thought he would like all this attention on him, but surprisingly…he kind of hates it.
"Do you really think that happened? Drazen, listen to your damn self!" Misha tells him, his voice full of frustration at Adonis. "You're the one to talk!"
"It was just a ploy for attention from sponsors," Adonis tells Drazen, hating to admit that. "I haven't slept with them. It was all just an act."
The anger starts to fade from Drazen's face as he stares at Adonis, turning to disappointment as he backs off from holding him against the wall. "Was everything with us all just an act too?" he asks quietly.
"Don't ask me that," Adonis tells him, shaking his head at the mentor. He's seen this play out too many times before with former lovers, the moment they realize that Adonis was never as into it as they were… At least there shouldn't be tears this time, but there is definitely a higher chance of getting punched in the face. "Trust me, you don't want that answer."
Drazen stares at him in silence for a few seconds, the anger falling from his face until he locks a cold mask into place. He shakes his head at him and takes a step back and somehow, this reaction is making Adonis feel worse than if he would have cried or punched him. But he shouldn't be feeling bad at all! They both knew what they were getting into here… "You really do love playing with people's hearts, don't you?"
"He sure does."
They both look over at the surprising voice approaching them. Adonis gives Iris a lazy smirk and waves at her, but the effort is half-hearted after seeing how disappointed Drazen is. "Hello Iris, long time no see. How's Valerio doing?" he asks before turning to Drazen, unable to stop his mouth from running. "I dated her son a little while back. Taught him everything he knows about fucking before I dumped his sorry ass-" Iris steps forward and slaps him hard across the cheek, making him cry out in pain. "Ow! What the fuck?!"
He looks at the others watching and none of them step forward to do something about him getting slapped. In fact, they've drawn a rather loud group of onlookers… Well, he supposes he did want to get attention from them.
Iris points her finger at him threateningly as she stands next to Drazen, the mentor's face torn between pride and anger at her. "You've played with too many hearts before. I don't say this lightly but you deserve the karma of losing someone you care about after toying with other's affection."
With that, she storms back over to her team, getting a pat on the shoulder from Astrid before the mentor flips him off, leaving Adonis at a loss for words. He turns back to Drazen, trying to get a gauge on him. "You don't actually care, do you? And did you really think I did?"
"Yeah, I did, but guess I was just being another damn fool," Drazen tells him coldly, the anger gone from his voice now. He almost wishes he'd still be angry…the anger he can handle, but this? He doesn't know how to take it. "Good luck in that arena, Adonis. If you make it out…don't come crawling back to me. You had your shot at having me and lost it."
Adonis watches Drazen storm off, a surprising feeling twisting his gut that takes him a few seconds to even figure out. He doesn't feel guilt over things like this! He hooks up with whoever he wants and doesn't care what feelings they have for him! He thought it had been clear with Drazen from the start that it was all just for fun on his end and he didn't care that the mentor was trying to get information about Misha. That's how it's always been. Flirt a little, have a fling here and there, then move on to the next person.
But with Drazen… Was it all just an act? He…doesn't know. If it wasn't…he's fucked up any chance of there being something real.
And there we have the interviews! Woo boy am I glad to not have to write interviews again XD And yeah, I kinda just went with a gut feeling on who would and wouldn't do an interview and 15 ended up being a nice number to split into the three POVs, so here we are! Three very different kinds of confessions...one I've had planned out since probably when subs were still open lol XD So it was kinda nice to finally get to the interviews lol. Also, I hate describing outfits so I put together a blog post of them and that is now up on my random story blog!
A bit wild to think about but there's only one more update left of the pre-Games! The night before will be up in two weeks and after that, just one month to wait for the bloodbath! Which is now written and I am quite excited to get to the actual Games lol. Not sure if I'm gonna start writing ahead in that, probably will because that's a lot of time to go without writing any of this lol.
RQ: On a scale of 1 to 10, how big of a scandal did Adonis just cause?
Well everyone, I will see you in two weeks for the night before!