Chapter 8
My prep team is currently invading my room getting me ready for the interview with Caesar Flickerman tonight. Eviana is also here, making sure my prep team doesn't go too crazy with the makeup, as she still wants to go for the more natural look.
The dress Eviana made for me to wear tonight is absolutely gorgeous. I am currently dawning a golden dress patterned with gold ivy leaves and branches, sticking to the golden theme her and Ruben established for Farley and I during the Tribute Parade. My hair is done in a curled half up half down style, complete with a golden ivy tiara.
Both Demitrius and Pristina had to help me into the dress as it's so big. Eviana then delicately places the tiara on my head, and spins me around so I can look at myself in the mirror.
"What do you think?" she asks. I do not recognize the girl staring back at me. I have been completely transformed from a meek and skinny little fishbone to this ethereal goddess.
"I-I don't know what to say. I never knew I could look so…...pretty" I say.
"You're going to be the belle of the ball tonight, my dear. The highest score in training, plus this jaw-dropping gown. You are all anyone's going to be talking about tonight" Eviana says, and the rest of my prep team nod in approval.
"Oh, Eviana. The dress is absolutely perfect, and all of the gold really compliments her physique. Some of your finest work" Demitrius gawks, and I can't help but agree with him. I think gold just became my favourite colour.
As Eviana and my prep team lead me out into the living room so we can go, I see that Farley along with everybody else are already out there. Farley is dressed in a white suit, with golden notes in the cuffs and collar. He also has golden boots and a golden neck tie. He looks really handsome.
When everyone turns to see me come in, I can hear gasps of wonder come out of their mouthes.
"Oh, Katerina" Alaster says, and he comes over to take my hands in his. "You look absolutely divine, the prettiest princess I've ever seen." He then bends down, and places a gentle kiss on my left hand before he lets go.
"Now this is how you make a statement" Mulvain says as he also comes to take my hands. "I just want to let you know, that it has been an honour being your mentor, sweet girl. You are determined, courageous, and extremely intelligent, and I truly believe you can win this thing." He then pulls me in for a hug, which I take gratefully.
Once we break away, I notice that Farley hasn't taken his eyes off of me since I entered the room. Could that be…...adoration in his eyes? Maybe not. Maybe he just likes the dress.
Once everyone has had a turn to admire my dress, Alaster ushers us all out the door so that we can actually arrive on time. I have to have both Eviana and Mulvain help me get the dress out the door, as it is too big to fit through. Farley still has not torn his eyes away from me, and continues to stare all throughout the ride to Caesar's studio.
"Ladies and gentleman, Caesar Flickerman!"
I watch from the TV backstage as Caesar flashes a big toothy smile at the camera. He still has his bright red hair from when Farley and I watched his and Claudius Templesmith's broadcast of the Reapings from all of the districts. He wears a sparkly suit that makes him look like the chandeliers hanging above his head, and big pointy black shoes.
All of the tributes have been put in a line starting with District 1 and ending with District 12. This is the order in which we will talk to Caesar, so I've got a while to wait.
In the corner of my eye, I can see all of the Career girls ahead of me flashing me dirty looks and evil glares. I think they're still mad about me showing them up in the Training Evaluations.
Wyatt is the first one to talk to Caesar being the male from District 1. He seems to be taking the buff approach the Career boys usually take, and it almost always pays off as they always end up getting lots of parachutes from sponsors in the arena.
All of the Career girls are all bubbly and cutesy around Caesar, and it honestly makes me want to puke just watching it. It's so clear they're faking, yet the audience doesn't have the slightest clue, and just eats it up anyway. These Capitol people would believe any sort of act you give them.
I sort of tune out once they get to District 5, and get lost in my own thoughts. What kind of questions will Caesar ask me once I'm up there? Will I have answers to all of them? Will I freeze in front of the audience?
I then look at Farley in front of me, and wonder just what he was thinking about when he was looking at me in my dress. I initially tried to brush it off like he was just admiring Eviana's work, but he continued to stare all the way here. Does he like me? Oh no. What have I gotten myself into? If he really does like me, then I have only myself to blame. Maybe I should've just done what the District 10 girl told me to do and just looked after myself.
I'm brought back to my senses and see that Caesar has just finished interviewing the girl from District 8. The crewman then comes and takes Farley to wait at the wing of the stage.
I watch Farley's interview from the backstage TV. He seems so comfortable out there, almost like he's been on TV as long as Caesar has. He probably has practice from having to shake so many hands, being the mayor's son and all. Farley charms Caesar and the audience with his quick wit, and all of a sudden I'm absolutely dreading going up there after him.
Caesar then asks him about his family. "Did your father come and say goodbye to you?" he asks him, and Farley is then taken aback for a second. He preceeds to answer with a smooth "yes", and Caesar then moves onto his next question.
"What did he say to you before you left?"
Farley thinks a little before answering. "He didn't say much, he basically let my mom do most of the talking. I don't think he really knew what to say, as this hasn't happened for a very long time."
"Yes, this is actually the first time in over 25 years that a mayor's child is participating in the Hunger Games. You are making history, my friend, and you could make even more if you win this thing. Am I right folks?!" Caesar then turns to laugh with the audience before he presents Farley one last time, and sends him off stage.
As Farley briefly passes me on the way out, I give him a cheerful thumbs up and say "good job!" He gives me an adoring smile, and says "good luck, Rina" before he is ushered to the waiting area.
"This next guest managed to get the highest score in training, being the only tribute that recieved a double digit score of 10! She also managed to make one of the biggest impressions on us during the Tribute Parade, dazzling us with her gold ensemble! All of this, while being only thirteen years old! Please welcome the golden child herself! From District 9, Katerina Ottoman!"
I am then walking to meet Caesar centerstage while looking out at the huge crowd in front of me. It is way bigger than I thought it was going to be. While looking out I spot Mulvain and Eviana sitting together, and I instantly feel a bit more relaxed.
Caesar gawks at me as I come to sit down with him.
"Oh my word! Well, isn't this a stunning sight? You look absolutely gorgeous, my dear!" he compliments. I flash him a friendly smile, and respond with a timid "thank you" as I take my seat.
"I love that you're sticking with the gold theme from the Parade. Was it your stylist who came up with that idea?" he asks.
"Yes. She knew that she could do a lot with the colour, so we stuck with it" I say.
"Oh, I love it! It's stunning! Now, Katerina, I have to ask you. How did it feel to achieve the highest score in training earlier today? You are one of the youngest tributes to get such a score, and happened to best all of the other tributes!"
"Well, I was quite shocked, honestly. I was watching the broadcast with everyone in the District 9 suite, and when my score came on the screen everyone got really excited. I also think my prep team sort of overdid it with the champagne" I say, which earned a laugh from the audience.
"I think we've all had one of those days, haven't we folks?" Caesar says while turning to laugh with the audience.
He then turns back to me and continues with his next question. "Katerina, I think you have been the most anticipated interview of the whole night. Everyone can't stop buzzing about the little thirteen-year-old who has managed to capture the entire Capitol's attention. Everyone has been dying to learn more about you, so I must ask; what are some of your hobbies?"
I don't really have many hobbies, as all I've really done up to this point is hunt and take care of my family. I guess you could count shooting as a hobby, but I don't want to give away my strengths just yet.
"Well, back home I love to go on nature walks. I'm usually quite busy when I'm home, and feel that having a nice walk and enjoying the world around you is a great way to destress and reset your brain a bit" I say, and the audience hums thoughtfully.
"Of course, I don't go on many of those these days" I add, and they erupt in laughter once again.
Caesar has a laugh himself while saying "Oh, you are quite the charmer, Katerina! A double threat! Pretty and funny!" The audience cheers in approval, and I flash them a cheeky smile to seal the deal.
"Now, I'd like to get serious for a bit. I want to talk to you about the Reaping. All of us couldn't help but hear someone cry out for you while you were being called up. May I ask who that was?" Caesar asks, and everyone stares intently waiting for my answer.
"That was my father" I say, and Caesar gives a pitiful bow of his head.
"You and your father must be very close, as he seemed utterly heartbroken watching his little girl walk up that stage" He says.
"Yes, we've been extremely close all throughout my life. You see, my mother died giving birth to me, so he was left to raise me on his own. He is the one I've always looked up to the most in life, and has always been there for me even in the toughest of times." The crowd lets out an audible "awww" as I brush a singular tear that's made its way onto my cheek.
"I am very sorry to hear about that. Did he come and say goodbye to you?" Caesar then asks, and I nod my head yes in response. "And what did you say to each other?"
"I told him that I would try my best to not let him down. He told me that there was no way I could let him down, and pulled me into his arms one last time." I look out at the audience to see a good bit of people crying, and others shaking their heads in disbelief.
Caesar takes my hand in his and holds it. "I'll tell you what, Katerina. You go out there, and you win this thing, and make sure that you come home to your father, as I'm sure you miss him terribly" he says.
"I miss him more and more everyday, and I'm always thinking of him" I say with sadness etched into my voice.
Ceasar then kisses my hand and signals for me to stand up. "Ladies and gentleman, one last round of applause for our golden child! Katerina Ottoman of District 9!" he says as he holds up my right hand. I've noticed a plethora of people calling me golden child lately. Is this the audience giving me a brand? If so, it isn't the worst thing in the world. I am then directed offstage, and ushered into the waiting area.
I am immediately greeted by Alaster, Mulvain, and Eviana. "You did it, darling! That was great! Everyone was hooked from start to finish!" Alaster beams.
"I love the pitiful touch. You totally had the audience wrapped around your finger" Mulvain says as he pats me on the back. I wasn't looking to get sympathy, I was just telling the truth. Even so, I guess their sympathy wouldn't hurt, as maybe I'll get lots of parachutes when I'm in the arena.
I look around to see some of the other tributes hanging around with their teams. The Career girls start whispering to their stylists while looking at me with scowls on their faces. Meanwhile, Wyatt has started staring at me in a way that makes me extremely uncomfortable. He has this sly look in his eyes, and wears a smirk on his face as he checks me out. Great, first Farley and now him? I quickly look away and avoid eye contact until him and the rest of the District 1 team leave.
We don't stick around for the other interviews, and make our way back to the Tribute Center so we can rest up for tomorrow. I really doubt I'll sleep tonight seeing as I'm being sent to a death trap in the morning, but I need to get as much sleep as possible if I'm going to be at my best.
After I wiggle my way out of the dress, I wash off all of the makeup with a warm shower, brush my teeth, change into my mother's dress, and sit on the windowsill by my bed. Just as expected, I'm not the least bit tired.
I look out at the hundreds of people out throwing parties in the streets for a while before Farley comes and joins me.
"Can't sleep?" he asks.
"No, not even a wink" I say, and flash a pathetic smile.
"Kinda weird thinking about the fact that this is the last time we're going to properly see each other." I don't even want to think about what's going to happen after we're sent into the arena tomorrow.
I've dug myself a giant hole by keeping Farley close. If it somehow comes down to the two of us, I couldn't possibly kill him. We've actually become good friends throughout this process, and now all of that friendship is going to have to go out the window if I want to win.
"You know, that girl from District 10 talked to me after I wished you good luck on your Training Evaluation. She told me that us being friends isn't ideal, and that I should worry about myself. She thinks you're going to make me string you along or someting" I say.
"Yeah, she seems like the 'don't trust anyone, just think of yourself' type of person" he says in a funny voice, and we both give a small laugh.
"But no really. You know I would never do that, right? I'd never make you do anything you didn't want to do." He has that look in his eyes again. It's the same look he had when he saw me in my dress this evening.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I say with a slight giggle.
"Like what?" he asks.
"Like I've just fallen out of the fucking sky or something."
"Well, it's a long story. I am aware of how bad this is seeing as we're going to be sent into a field of death in the morning, but I have to say it now. I just can't hold in my feelings any longer. Rina, I really like you. I've liked you ever since we sat and watched the Reapings together, but the feelings have gotten stronger over time. When I saw you in that dress before we left for the interviews, I knew it was certain, and I couldn't help but hate myself for thinking like that as I know I have absolutely no chance with you. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable, but I just couldn't help but stare. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, dress or no dress."
Well shit. There it is. That's what I was afraid of. I feel as if I only have myself to blame.
"Farley, I-"
"I know. You need to focus on the game, because unlike me you actually have a chance at winning. You shouldn't be caught up with some boy's stupid feelings."
"That's not what I was going to say. Your feelings aren't stupid. You can't help feeling that way, and I get that. I was just going to say that…...I don't necessarily feel the same. Not just because we're here, and one of us has to die for the other to win. Believe me, Farley, if things were different, I would love to hang out with you and introduce you to my friends. I'm sure we'd all have a lot of fun together. But given our current situation, it seems that isn't the way things are meant to be." I inwardly cringe. That sounded much better in my head.
"Ok, I get it" Farley says before he turns to leave.
"No, wait, Farley-"
"no need to explain, I understand. I'll see you out there, Katerina." And before I have a chance to stop him, he closes the door…
Part 2: The Games
