~~Anastasia Flickerman Hunger Games Announcer~~
I finished curling my hair, then my assistant Annabelle came to get me.
"Miss Flickerman!" She chirped. "You're on in five!"
I sighed, then plastered a smile on my face. My grandson, Caesar, was in the crowd today. He'll be the new announcer when I retire, so I'll have to put on a good example.
I smoothed down me dress, grabbed the microphone, then walked on stage. The cameras began to roll as the tributes filed in, and into their seats.
"Good evening Panem!" I called, walking to the center of the stage. "It's time for the best part of the Games before they truly begin, the interviews!" I sank into the silk covered chair, then glanced at the list of tributes on the table. "Let's welcome, Miss Rose Oliver from District 1!"
The crowd cheered as the young lady walked to the chair. Her blood red hair is sitting in well-performed ringlets, brushing her shoulders. Her green sea-foam dress in layered in chiffon, and swishes with every step. She smiles when she sits across from me.
"Good evening Mrs. Flickerman!" She exclaims, a smile on her face.
"Please, call me Anastasia," I tell her. "Well Rose, let's begin. We all were hit dead in the chest when the Peacekeepers crushed that rally. In my opinion, they had no right to do that. How were you hit when it premiered?"
Rose paused a moment, tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
"Well," she began quietly. "I really hope everyone got out okay, and the few kids that did die, I hope their families are coping well."
"Nice, nice," I replied. "I know that bullying is a big problem in Districts 1 and 12 right now. How did you cope with them?"
"Oh, that's easy," Rose lightened up. "I always stood up to the bullies, even getting into fights sometimes! In fact," she paused. "I met my best friend after standing up for her!"
"Oh my!" I cried out. "What's her name?"
"Her name is Maeve Callaghan," Rose told me, smoothing out her skirt. "It truly was a match made in heaven."
Suddenly, the alarm buzzed, and I bid good-bye to Rose.
"Well, let's see what's going on in the world of Beautiful Asholond from District 1!"
The boy hopped up, his golden, gem covered suit reflecting the light slightly. He pushed back his hair, which was neatly combed for the occasion. He sat down in the chair, and smiled.
"Isn't it a lovely day, Anastasia?" He asked.
"I suppose it is," I responded. "So, Beautiful, how did you react when the Academy chose you to volunteer?"
"I have to say," he began. "It wasn't very surprising, you know? It was clearly the right decision. In all the boys that were 18, I was simply the right choice."
"You seem very sure about that," I told him. "Are you sure it was that easy?"
"Positive."
"Anyways, Beautiful, I believe we have time for one more question," I continued. "Is there anyone at home you are desperately wanting to get back to? Anyone special?"
Beautiful paused for a moment, as if thinking hard. Then he sighed.
"No," he sounded disappointed. "It's surprising though. I'm sure all the girls would have flocked to me by now."
The buzzer, well, buzzed, and Beautiful walked back to his seat.
"Alright then, let's welcome up, Zara Unova from District 2!"
The young girl walked up, definitely younger than your usual career. Her hair is curled, and she's wearing a gorgeous blue dress that I have to say matches her eyes. She sat down, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Welcome to the Capitol, Zara!" I exclaimed. "Is there anything you liked here?"
"Hmmm..." Zara mumbled. "I'll have to say the fact that no chickens crossed the road."
Everyone in the audience cracked up.
"Seriously though," Zara continued. "I bet District 10 loves this."
"Alright," I chuckled a bit myself. "What about the Tribute Parade? Did you like your outfit? What about your stylist?"
"The Parade?" She asked. "It was definately like a huge weight had been lifted from my arms afterward!"
The audience roared in laughter, and the interviews suddenly felt like a reality TV show.
"And my stylist?" Zara continued. "He was a hoot with his brown feathered suit and fixed owl wings!"
The audience chuckled once again, and the buzzer went off.
"Thank you, Miss Zara Unova!" I exclaimed. "Next we have Julian Grayson from District 2!"
The audience clapped politely as he walked up. His hair was slicked back, his eyes hidden beneath a pair of shades. He was also wearing black jeans, combat boots, and a dark jacket which on top rested a bullet proof vest.
"Why, good afternoon Miss Flickerman," Julian soothed. "How is it?"
"Oh, it's great Julian," I reply. "How about you? How do you like the Capitol?"
He paused for a moment, deep in thought.
"It's nice, all in all," Julian sighed. "But I do miss my family and friends."
"Oh, can you tell us more about them?" I asked.
"Sure," Julian shrugged. "My father is the Mayor of District 2."
"Oh! I wondered why Grayson rang a bell," I told him, smiling. "Christian, right?"
Julian nodded.
"Yup," he confirmed. "Oh, and who can forget my best friend, Marc Bell? You see, me and him have been friends since we were babies. Also, his father-"
"Wait," I cut him off. "Let me think. Bell...Bell..."
"Want me to just tell you?"
"Go ahead."
"Marc's father is head of the Peacekeepers in 2," Julian continued.
"Ah, yes," I assured. "Two children of important men. You know what Julian?" I leaned in to whisper, one so light the cameras won't pick them up. I don't want them to anyways. "My money's on you."
Then the buzzer sounded, and Julian bid farewell.
"Let's see here," I flipped the page. "Next is Velvet Mettalic from District 3!"
The girl shot up from her seat. Her hair was down, and the ends were a pink ombre. She was wearing a poofy, pink and bright blue dress that reminded me of cotton candy. Her heels were a mix ofpi k and gold.
"Good afternoon, Velvet!" I exclaimed.
"What's it to you?" She snapped.
The crowd gasped, and I was a bit taken aback myself. Nonetheless, I managed a smile.
"Wow, sassy and fierce I see!" I announced. "Anyways, how has life been treating you leading up to the Games?"
She heaved a big sigh, then rolled her eyes.
"I guess it was fine," she sassed. "But I'm ready to just get INTO THAT ARENA ALREADY!"
The crowd went wild and Velvet grinned.
"Alright, alright!" I called. "Calm down! Okay Velvet. What had you volunteer? What was that...spark?"
"Well," Velvet began. "My friend was supposed to volunteer. She should know that I've wanted to volunteer my whole life."
"What kept you from volunteering, then?" I asked, intrigued.
"My parents," she sighed. "Since we are'nt a career district there wasn't an Academy I could go to and BLAH BLAH BLAH!" Velvet used her hands to put emphasis on the 'blahs.'
Suddenly, the buzzer sounded.
"Thank you, Velvet!" I exclaimed. "We would love to hear more, but we're out of time! Now, let's welcome to the stage, Manny Ohm from District 3!"
There were applauds as the boy stood up. His outfit was most...bizarre. It was a pastel pink sundress with purple swirls.
"Manny, let's begin," I told him. "First off, uh, this?"
"What? My outfit?" He asked. "Oh. I don't know what my stylist was thinking. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm not gay or anything. But hey, I may be in a dress, but I'm still hot!"
"Well, good for you Manny," I told him. "Anyone special in your eyes?"
"Well, I am crushing on one of da careers," he began.
"Oh really?" I asked. "Who? Tell me! Tell me!"
Manny laughed, then replied. "Her first and last name both start with...peculiar letters."
The crowd went wild again as they realized who he was talking about. The only thing I was thinking about when the buzzer went off was that this was going to be an interesting games.
"Alright then, let's introduce Cascade Robins!"
Oof. Interviews part one iz done. I don't know how many parts it's going to be. I prefer three, but it may have to be four. Anyways, who do you think Manny's crush is? And is he actually crushing on her, or is it for the show?