A/N: Ayyyyyyy guess who updated twice in one week? I did! I'm very proud of myself. I hope you like this chapter! I spent literally all afternoon working on it. It turned out to be MUCH longer than I anticipated. I was thinking maybe 2,000 words tops. But this chapter broke 3,000. My longest one to date. And it's all one POV! I hope that you guys don't get bored with two Celestia POVs back-to-back. I'm writing this at night, and I'm going to post in the morning. Actually, idk why I said that because by the time you guys see this it will be morning for me. I'm rambling. Anyway, enjoy the chapter!
Celestia Snow, 16, President of Panem, The Capitol
Dear Mr. Flickerman,
Enclosed is a potentially incriminating file. Not for you, don't be alarmed. No, this file may have incriminating details on my mother, Drusilla. Please let me know if this could be enough to have her convicted of treason.
Sincerely,
Celestia Snow
President of Panem
.
.
Madam President,
Yes, I do believe that this would be enough to convict your mother of treason. May I inquire why?
Caesar Flickerman
Master of Ceremonies
.
.
Mr. Flickerman,
Thank you for your quick response. Yes, you may ask why. My mother has been verbally abusing me for years, and I would like to have her out of my hair. Please don't take this as me becoming like my grandfather, this will be a solitary event. Would we be able to schedule an interview to be broadcasted across Panem on the night before the Reaping?
Celestia Snow
President of Panem
.
.
Madam President,
I'm terribly sorry to hear that. I would be glad to schedule an interview. Until the Games, my schedule is very flexible. Would Wednesday at two work for you?
Caesar Flickerman
Master of Ceremonies
.
.
Mr. Flickerman,
Thank you. Wednesday at two works for me, thank you. See you then.
Celestia Snow
President of Panem
.
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Madam President,
Wonderful. See you then. Also, were you aware that the recording has video? If so, would you like me to play the video as well as the recording?
Caesar Flickerman
Master of Ceremonies
.
.
Mr. Flickerman,
I was not aware of that fact, thank you for notifying me. Yes, video would be very helpful. Thank you again.
Celestia Snow
President of Panem
.
Celestia sat back in her chair with a sigh of relief. That didn't go that badly. Of course, who knew what was happening behind Caesar's screen. He could have been vomiting for all she knew.
Caesar had known Celestia since she was a child. Her first interview was at age 7. Since then, she had done many more interviews- mostly during the 'off season', when nothing was happening in the Capitol. There might have been one during the Games season, at which point Celestia was just trying to hold on to her sanity- even at a young age, she thought that the Games were unjust. But here she was, getting ready to do an interview next week that would be aired the night before the Reaping. How things change. She still hated them of course, but it would be a while before things could change.
When Wednesday came, Celestia's apartments were a bustle of activity. Her stylist, Alia Lozano, was practically running in circles.
"Alia, the interview isn't for a full four hours. It takes ten minutes at most to get to the broadcasting studio, and two hours at most to get me ready. Besides, I can't even get into the outfit until I eat lunch." Celestia said.
"Celestia, you know how things could go wrong. Your prep team could mess up the final step in your hair or makeup and set us back an entire hour." Alia said.
Alia was young, only a few years older than Celestia herself. She had gorgeous bronze skin that almost shined, and a rope of thick, black hair that was always in some sort of fancy braid- but never in an updo. She was petite, and despite being 5 years older than Celestia, she was smaller. Before the war, she took an elective where she got to be the assistant to a stylist. She got Celestia's stylist. But once Violetta died in the rebellion, she became Celestia's full-time stylist. And her closest confidant.
"Alia. Gwendolyn, Emilia, and Delilah would never mess up. They would rather die. You know that!" Celestia said teasingly.
Alia blushed. "True, but it's better to be safe than sorry."
Celestia nodded her agreement. "Although maybe next time we could opt for one hour more instead of two?"
"Fiiiiiiiine." Alia said dramatically.
Soon, Celestia's prep team bustled in. Gwen was in her twenties, a bit older than Alia. She had almost translucent skin and fiery red hair. Emilia was Gwen's girlfriend. She had an olive complexion and thick, golden brown hair that was always in some sort of knot on top of her head. Delilah had chocolate brown skin and bright pink hair. She had the most Capitol-like personality and style of all of them. They were a tight knit group, unlike the prep teams and stylists of the Coriolanus Snow era.
Gwen got started combing through Celestia's dirty-blonde hair. It had streaks of lighter blonde in it, but her hair was almost brown at this point.
"Celestia, what kind of style would you like today?" Gwen asked.
Celestia thought for a moment. "Could we curl it and then comb through it, making it looser waves? And then just have it hanging free, with maybe two braids on the side tied back?"
Gwen nodded. This was one of the easier styles that Celestia requested. Most of the time, she had it up in an elaborate braided updo, which made it easier to work in because it didn't fall in her face.
Emilia grabbed her hands and tutted. "Have you even looked at your hands Celestia? You need some fast-acting moisturizer. And those nails! Honestly, it's only been like a week since we saw you. How do you neglect your skin so much that it gets dry within a week?"
Celestia blushed. She was known for neglecting to moisturize. And do anything but wash her face and brush her hair.
Delilah, who had run to grab moisturizer for Emilia, grabbed an eyeshadow palette and held it up to Celestia's face.
"Can we pleeeease do a bright pink?"
Pink was Delilah's signature color, and she was always trying to get Celestia to wear it too. Unfortunately for her, the most Celestia would do is a blush or dusty rose. Bright colors weren't really Celestia's thing.
Fortunately for Celestia, Alia came in just at that moment.
"Nope, no pink tonight. Celestia is wearing a forest green, and that would clash horribly."
Delilah sighed, but picked up the brush to use a neutral brown, the color that Celestia preferred.
The three members of Celestia's prep team finished within an hour, leaving Celestia with a full face of makeup, perfectly manicured nails, and wavy hair with two braids that were tied in the back.
Celestia was famished, but she would only be able to eat a few small bites of food because she just got her makeup done, and Alia would pretty much die if she messed it up. But that was her fault for scheduling the interview right after lunch. Well, not right after, but Alia pretty much viewed it as right after lunch.
As her lunch cart rolled in, Celestia gave Alia a pleading look.
"Fine. But not too much, and nothing messy." Alia reminded her.
Celestia was ecstatic. No one could make Alia budge when she had decided something, but Celestia did it with one look. Which barely ever happened, so it was best to live in the moment.
Once Celestia was done eating, Alia led her into her changing room. Spread out on the sofa was an absolutely gorgeous forest green blouse and an equally gorgeous forest green floor-length skirt, which had a slit in the side up to the knee.
"Oh. My. God. Alia, you've really outdone yourself this time." Celestia said in awe.
Alia smiled. "I'm glad that you like it. I spent forever on these designs."
"Can I put it on now?"
Alia laughed. "And here I thought that you wanted to wait until a half-hour before."
Celestia shook her head vehemently. "Yeah, no. I want to put it on now. Pleeeease."
"Did you really think I'd say no?" Alia asked.
Celestia laughed. "That's true."
Alia helped Celestia into the outfit, then stood back to admire her handiwork. She nodded approvingly and then turned Celestia to look at herself in the mirror. She gasped.
The forest green velvet complemented her skin perfectly, and the velvet added the perfect amount of the texture. The simple hairstyle and makeup completed the ensemble perfectly.
Alia checked the time and gasped.
"Shit, we need to get to the broadcasting studio now."
Celestia was shocked. She had never heard her friend say anything stronger than 'God'.
Alia laughed. "Yes, Celestia, I curse. How is that surprising? But come on, we need to go now."
Celestia hurried out of the Presidential Mansion after Alia, and got in the car as quickly as she could.
When they got to the broadcasting studio, Alia jumped out, then turned to help Celestia. Suddenly, a weird sort of nervousness enveloped her. That was odd. Normally she never got stage fright. But then again, she had never done an interview about a matter like this before.
When she and Alia got into the studio, Caesar was there waiting for them. Typical. He was always early.
"Madam President, how nice to see you." he said formally.
"Stop it Caesar, you've known me almost my whole life. There's no need for formalities." she said.
"Well then Celestia, how are you doing today? I understand that this is a particularly heavy matter, and if you choose to back out no one would blame you. Least of all me." he said, leading her over to a corner.
"In all honesty though, how are you faring? It took a lot of bravery to stand up to Drusilla. And banishing her to the outskirts? The people will see you as merciful."
Celestia took a shaky breath. "Thank you for your concern. To be honest, I'm nervous."
Caesar nodded, knowing how Celestia never got nervous before interviews.
"Well, if you ever need to stop, let me know. We will pause the interview, and no one but my crew and your stylist will know."
It comforted her to know that he cared. "Thank you Caesar. But I need to do this. It's the only way I will be free from her."
He nodded. "Well then, shall we get started?"
She nodded her assent, and he led her up beside the stage, and with it, the cameras.
The cameras switched on, and the cameraman counted down. "Three… Two… One… Action!"
The lights switched on, and Caesar started to speak.
"Hello, citizens of Panem! Today, we have a very special guest. And on the eve of the Reaping no less! Please, even if you're at home, give a very warm welcome to President Celestia Snow!"
Celestia walked onto the stage, nerves fluttering in her stomach. She tried her best to ignore them, but she feared that her hands were still shaking.
"My, my, Madam President, you look absolutely wonderful."
"Thank you Caesar," she said, "my stylist Alia made it for me, isn't it just wonderful?"
"Yes, it is! Alia, you have truly outdone yourself." he said, "Now, please, sit."
Celestia sat in one of the white faux-leather chairs that were always used for interviews.
"I understand that you have a tape for use, hmmm?" he inquired.
"Yes, Caesar, I do. It is a tape that brings me great sadness to share, but I feel that it must be done." she said, trying not to start shaking.
"Ah, so it's a sensitive matter?"
"Yes, it is." she responded.
"Well then, do you mind if we share it?" he asked, seemingly making sure she was still willing.
"No, not at all. That is what I came here for, after all." she joked. Caesar laughed.
Caesar hit a button on the table in between the chairs. The recording blinked into existence, and was probably projected onto the set wall behind them. He hit another button, and the recording started to play.
"- You selfish little brat! You have all this power, and you won't share any of it! Why, if Agrippina was in power things wouldn't change. But no. You have decided to change the way Panem is run, and you will ruin this country. I don't know what your grandfather saw in you. He favored you, and left your father, Agrippina, and I in the dust. But just you wait, little girl. One day, you'll drink your coffee and fall down dead because so many people will despise your way of ruling this country and you will cause another uprising!" Drusilla yelled on the recording.
She was stomping around Celestia's office, worked into a rage. Celestia started to tremble. Even this recording of her mother was enough to spark fear in her.
The camera that was recording the tape swiveled to see her once she started talking.
"B-but Mother, I only did what I thought best for the country and our family! I- I don't want to favor some and bestow power on my family, because that wouldn't be fair to the rest of Panem. I'm not trying to cause another uprising, but some things need to be changed. The Games were terrible under grandfather's rule, but I can make them better. Please, just try to understand."
Celestia winced. She hated the way she had cowered in that video. At least it was just an act.
Drusilla started yelling again.
"Ha! You think that I will ever approve of the way you rule? You ruined your grandfather's legacy. The Games were supposed to be terrible! They are a way to punish the districts, not something that little girls change around to make them 'better'. Someway, somehow, I will get someone more worthy into the position of President, then you'll be out and things will be back to the way they were before!"
Celestia smiled. She knew what was coming next.
"Thank you, Mother. Your comments have been most enlightening. I'm sure the entirety of Panem will enjoy hearing about your plans for treason."
Drusilla's face was so shocked, it looked even better watching the tape.
"What?" The sound of disbelief on her voice was evident.
"You see, I've been meaning to pay you back for the years of torment that you inflicted on me. Once I send Caesar Flickerman this recording, I will set up an interview. Then the whole of Panem will be able to see how you have treated me. You favored Agrippina, coddled her even. You locked me in my room. You pretty much had me in a servant's uniform. You came into my room every single day to tell me what a horrible daughter and person that I was. The only solace I had was when I met Shimmer. She was more of a mother to me than you ever were. Who was it that I called when I got my first period? Not you. Shimmer. Who was it I called when I was sad? Not you. Shimmer. When were you ever present in my life except to criticize me? I felt more comfortable with a stranger who had just come out of the Hunger Games than I did with you. How dare you ask me for power. How dare you call me a brat. I am trying to improve this country, and all you try to do is make my life miserable!"
Drusilla's mouth opened and closed like a fish.
"Thank you Mother, for providing me this opportunity. You know why Grandfather preferred me? It was because I wasn't trying to get myself in a position of power every single second. I'm following through on my threat. You will be moved to an apartment on the outskirts of the Capitol, guarded with Peacekeepers. And you will not try to manipulate me again."
Caesar stopped the recording. "Well, Madam President, it seems that this country has a lot to contemplate. Tell me, what caused you to record this conversation with your mother?"
Celestia shifted, uncomfortable. "Well, you see, I was tired of being bullied by my mother. She has said these things and worse over the last year. She was very bitter about me being elected as President. I suppose that I just decided that I didn't want to deal with it anymore."
"Ah, I see. And your sister's name was mentioned in that conversation a few times. Any bad blood there?" Caesar queried.
"No, actually, Agrippina and I have made our peace, and have become allies of a sort."
"That's good, that's good. Now. Near the end, you mentioned Shimmer a couple of times. Could you possibly mean Shimmer Gonzales? If so, how did you come to know her so well?" Caesar asked.
"Yes, I did mean Shimmer Gonzales. She has been a sort of older sister figure to me, and has been my rock for a while. We first met when I was six. She had just come out of the Games, and was on her Victory Tour. I was a shy six-year-old, and I had come to her door to ask for an autograph. She invited me in, and, me being six and her being a stranger- and victor no less- I wouldn't for a while. I spent more time with her during her stay in the Capitol, and now she's like my older sister." Celestia said, smiling.
"I'm glad that you have such a deep bond with her. Now, this is our last question, and possibly the hardest one of all. How did you react when your mother talked about you being assassinated?" Caesar asked, and Celestia could see the concern in his eyes.
She took a deep breath. "Well, my first reaction was shock. I didn't realize that my own mother would speak so freely about my assassination. Then, I was upset. I didn't want to believe that my own mother would say such things. Next, I felt resigned. I accepted that this was just the person that my mother was, and I couldn't try to change her opinion and thoughts. Finally, I was angry. I was furious that my own mother would so thinly veil that she planned to assassinate me in the future, and put her own candidate in the position of power. I knew I needed to act, so I banished her to the outskirts. I didn't want to do it, for she is my mother, but right now, she is not my mother, she is a danger to Panem. After this long period of turmoil, I don't want to change what little foundation I have started to build." she responded, feeling quite proud of her answer.
"What an eloquent response. I actually have one more question for you. What do you plan to do if the Capitol judges find her guilty of treason? Actually, let me backtrack. Will there be a trial?"
Celestia paused, thinking. "I think that for the good of my safety and the safety of Panem there should be a trial. I honestly hadn't thought about it before. If she is judged guilty, she will stay in an apartment in the outskirts, where she is headed now, and then we might find new arrangements. I don't want to do anything too harsh, because she is my mother, but there needs to be punishment if the judges deem her guilty."
"Very well said Madam President. Well, I don't want to take up too much of your time. Thank you for this interview, and thank you for being brave enough to stand up to your mother. I think that I speak for all of Panem when I say that you will undoubtedly be a wonderful President. Goodnight, Panem."
The cameras shut off, and Celestia sagged in relief. Caesar understood that she was done, and escorted her off the stage. He pulled her into a hug, saying, "Wonderful job, Celestia."
"Thank you."
Alia came over to her, and walked her to the car.
"You did well, Ce. Do you want me to clear your schedule for the rest of the day?"
"Yes, please."
All Celestia wanted right then was to collapse on her bed and fall asleep.
A/N: Did you get bored? I hope not. About half of this was prep for the interview, which I did not anticipate. I don't plan my chapters, so I just write wherever my plot takes me. Anyway, please review, follow, favorite, everything. I forgot to say this at the beginning, but I need three more tributes, a bunch of mentors, and like 7-9 escorts. (I think) So please submit characters. Also, what time of day is best for updating? Last time I did it at like 5:30 EST, and I got barely any response. So please let me know. Now for the questions.
1. What do you think about Drusilla? Celestia?
2. Who is your favorite non-tribute character so far? Why?
3. What kinds of changes do you think Celestia will make about how the Games are run? (not related to this chapter, just curious lol)
*4. What do you think about my portrayal of Caesar? (this one's for my own benefit, so I can revise as needed for the interviews and stuff)
*5. Would you be interested in mentor, stylist, and escort POVs of the Reaping? What about mentor, stylist, escort interviews? (again, for my own benefit)
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*means optional but please answer it for me
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Love you guys!
-Annabeth