Hi, everyone! I apologize for updating later than I intended, but I've been quite busy recently. Actually, my first intention was to write a chapter that comprised all the interviews, but then I realized it would be too long and heavy to read, so you'll find the first thirteen tributes here (from D1F to D7F) and the rest in the following chapter. In both chapters, the point of view is that of the Master of Ceremonies Cinnamon Nicewarble; therefore, submitters cannot assign points.
Author's note: since I've got some exams in June, I will probably update less frequently than usual.
Enjoy your reading :)
The evening before the Games
Cinnamon Nicewarble (48)- Master of Ceremonies
A cheering crowd welcomes me onstage, a sea of colours and glitter. How much I love this city! I savour this moment of glory… but just for a moment. The scene will be soon stolen by our tributes… legitimately, after all. I'm not the one who will be sent to the arena tomorrow.
"Good evening, Capitol City! Welcome to our fantastic pre-show Interview with the Tributes!" I say with a wide smile.
In response, the crowd erupts into enthusiastic applause. I give proof of the power I have over them when I manage to silence the crowd with just one gesture of my hand. Nothing surprising after all these years of experience, but still rewarding.
"You already know their names, but they have been a bit slippery so far, don't you think? Like unreachable celebrities. Well… now is the time to get to know them better, and maybe we'll find out some skeletons in their closets. So, without further ado, let's call the first tribute onstage: Miss Excelsa Serafin from District 1!" I go on.
The crowd starts cheering like crazy as soon as the girl makes her appearance. I don't blame them, her dress is breath-taking- long, dark blue, skin-tight, sleeveless, sweetheart neckline. Its fabric seems to be made of rose petals. In addition, it is studded with several diamonds. On the whole, the girl looks like she's wearing a starry sky.
"Oh, dear! Someone will certainly get a heart attack after seeing you!" I comment, while helping her to sit down.
"I hope not, Cinnamon. Capitolites are not on my blacklist," she replies with a smile.
"You've got a blacklist, then."
"Of course."
"And who's on that list?" I ask her.
"Well, I don't want to anticipate too much, all I can say is that Careers will have interesting competitors this year. Some tributes scored high despite coming from outer districts… let's take the couple of District 9 or the girl from Thirteen for example. But training days and arena days are two different things. The arena is the actual trial by fire of tributes, it's the arena that determines who's the best," she answers.
"And you think you're the best, I suppose."
She smirks in response. "I've been training all my life for this, even more that Careers usually do. As a matter of fact, you have normally to divide your time between training and school, but I had not, I've focused exclusively on training. I'm prepared for any kind of challenge Gamemakers could throw in my path."
A buzzer sounds, signalling that Excelsa's interview is over. We both stand up and shake hands.
"Unfortunately, we ran out of time. I wish you good luck, Excelsa," I say.
"Thank you."
"Let's move to the next tribute, then. Honestly, I don't need many words to introduce him, since he was famous even before his Reaping," I go on.
I can feel the eagerness of the crowd. Let's make them wait just a bit longer! You meet a tribute like him once in a blue moon, after all!
"His violet eyes have already been able to turn heads… according to rumours, even the Head Gamemaker's. I'm referring, of course, to Kyle Whiteswan!"
Kyle is welcomed by a standing ovation. He mounts the stage flaunting a self-confident smile, but I can tell by his red cheeks that he feels a bit embarrassed… or is he flattered by my introduction? In any case, I like it when tributes get a bit emotional, especially Careers. The usual I-am-ready-for-anything stuff is boring in the long run.
"You and your district partner have rocketed this evening, Kyle! Please, let your fellow tributes have some glory too!" I scold him in a playful way.
The crowd laughs and cheers in response.
"It's not my fault, if the audience loves me, Cinnamon. I've done nothing," he replies, holding his hands up in an act of defence.
Other laughs.
"You've done nothing!? Kyle, you're the son of two victors, this alone would be enough to love you! But you also rejected a volunteer! I think it's the first time it happens in the history of the Hunger Games!" I rebut.
"I had to, Cinnamon. Do you think that boy would stand a chance?"
"Umm… you sound disappointed, Kyle. Maybe you expected a better volunteer…" I point out, squinting.
"To be sincere, I had planned to volunteer next year. You know, winning a normal edition is one thing, but winning a Quarter Quell…"
"Aaaah, that's the point, then! But this doesn't mean that you have to disappoint your fans, okay? I want you to do your best in the arena, is that understood?"
He nods in response. "Yes, sir."
The buzzer sounds. So early? You can hear someone say NO in the crowd, indeed. We stand up.
"Time is cruel," I comment, shaking my head. "Ladies and gentlemen, Kyle Whiteswan from District 1!"
Another standing ovation.
"Oh, you'd better leave quickly, Kyle! I feel that some fans might bust in on you! Who could blame them? I'd do it myself!"
In response, Kyle pretends to start running away from fear, causing laughter... but he actually stops to wave at the crowd with a wide smile on his lips. How adorable!
"The next guest is not less good than Mr. Whiteswan, she also got the same score. Let's give a round of applause for Scarlett Pearce!"
The girl in wearing a nice, knee-long, red dress with black dots that make her look like a ladybug. Her dress is sleeveless but not as sexy as Excelsa's, since it has a turtleneck. Scarlett is wearing also a pair of red slippers, which makes her look even smaller than she is. What a pity!
"Welcome, Scarlett! So, how's your life in District 2?" I greet her.
"I'd rather talk about the Games," she rebuts with a straight face.
I turn to the crowd. "We have an eager tribute, apparently," I comment.
Some people giggle.
I turn back to my guest. Her piercing, ice blue eyes are trained on me. It's a bit creepy. I feel that if only she could tear me to pieces, she would do it with great pleasure. She must be really annoyed. Okay, you're not the witty type, then…
"Please, Scarlett, the scene is all yours," I encourage her.
"I just want to say that the arena doesn't scare me, because I've already killed a person," she replies.
Now, you can hear "ooooh" from the crowd.
"Who?" I ask her.
"My father. He had killed my mother, so I avenged her death. That is to say that I know what killing means, something that my fellow Careers don't… not yet, at least," she answers, her lips slightly curled to form what looks like a subtle smirk.
Why doesn't the buzzer sound right now? This girl is too creepy for my liking!
"That's an advantage," I admit.
"Yes, now that my hands are bloodstained forever, I cannot stop."
The buzzer sounds. I sigh in relief.
"But we have to end here, unfortunately. We're all looking forward to seeing you in the arena."
"The arena is my home, I won't disappoint you."
That said, she leaves the stage.
"Next tribute: Victor Blade!" I say, eager to move on.
The colours of his outfit are the same of his district partner's: red and black- in this case, red shirt and black pants. I wonder if their stylists made the same chromatic choice to suggest that there's something between them. Just district pride… or maybe a love affair?
"Victor! Your partner didn't want to talk about her life, what about you?"
"You're the Master of Ceremonies, Cinnamon, I'll be glad to answer all the questions you want," he replies with a smile.
"Good boy! Tell us something about yourself! Is there someone special waiting for you back home?" I go on.
"If you mean a girlfriend of sort, I'm sorry to disappoint you, I'm single. My life has been devoted to training so far."
"Oh, you do disappoint me, but certainly not many Capitolite girls. I mean… tanned skin, dark eyes and hair… you have a sort of southern charm… and then this red shirt… you look like a flamenco dancer!" I comment.
Some laughter from the crowd.
"Flamenco?" he echoes me.
"You don't know what it is?"
"No."
"Oh, it's just a type of dance."
"I see. Well, I could actually learn to dance this flamenco after winning the Games," he replies.
Other laughter.
"Ha, ha, ha… it would be great!"
The buzzer sounds.
"Any last comment before leaving, Victor?" I enquire.
"My name's Victor, winning is in my DNA, so root for me in the arena!" he answers.
"We certainly will!"
The crowd cheers as Victor is leaving the stage. His interview was a success… better than his district partner's, no doubt. It's a mystery to me how such a boy can be single.
"Uuuuh… looks like things are heating up! And we've got still many tributes to interview! So, let's welcome the next one onstage: Ambra Clares from District 3!"
The girl is wearing a long, sleeveless, lilac dress with a silver waistband. Its colour fades from intense lilac to almost white at the edge. Her dark hair is combed in a long braid that falls along her left shoulder. A cockade is pinned to her dress.
"Ambra! You look great this evening!" I greet her.
"Thank you, Cinnamon, you too," she replies with a smile.
"You know, I would disappoint my fans, if I wore a shabby outfit…"-laughter from the crowd- "… but let's talk about you! I'm particularly curious about the cockade you're wearing. Did you win a beauty contest?"
"Oh, I did win a competition, but it was a chess tournament. This cockade comes from my district, indeed, it's my token for the Games."
"Well, you have chosen a good token, Ambra, the token of a winner," I point out.
"Yes, modesty aside, I think I'm pretty good at playing chess. You know, it's all a matter of strategy… like in the Hunger Games, after all," she goes on.
"So, you're comparing the Games to a game of chess. Interesting!" I comment.
"It's a good comparison, don't you think? Moves and countermoves, and at the end only one victor emerges."
"Yes, I must admit that you made a good point, and we all hope that the victor will be you."
"Thanks. I'll do my best to come back to my family!"
The buzzer sounds.
"Ah, I would talk to you about strategy all night long, but unfortunately your interview is over! Ladies and gentlemen, Ambra Clares!"
The crowd cheers. I shake hands with Ambra, wishing her good luck; then, she leaves the stage.
"Time for our next guest: Henry Almonds!"
When the boy makes his appearance, he's clearly overwhelmed by the warm welcome of the audience; I can tell it by his gaping expression.
"Welcome, Henry! Please, take your seat and make yourself at home," I say, trying to make things more comfortable for him.
He sits down almost mechanically. "G-good e-evening," he stammers.
Ah, the emotion of the crowd is always so overwhelming! Maybe I should start with a question he expects, something he could have prepared… just to see if I can break the ice. He needs unlocking, that's for sure...
I start the interview: "So, Henry… you got a 7, a se-ven! It's a surprising score for a young boy from District 3, don't you think?"
"I-I didn't expect to score that high neither. Guess Gamemakers appreciated my performance," he replies.
Okay, he's still a bit stiff. Let's move to something more familiar, then! But, Henry, you should really try to do your part. I cannot do all the work myself, that's an interview!
"They certainly did. Unfortunately, we cannot talk that much about your private session, so let's change the subject! Could you tell us something about your life?" I go on.
"Sure. My parents run an apothecary, that's why I know many things about plants. When I grow up, I'd like to work there, that's the best job in the world!" he answers with a smile.
Umm… he seems happy to talk about that, so let's continue in this direction!
"Well, when you win, you'll be able to realize your dream. You could invest in your activity, start a family… you've got plenty of aims worth fighting for!
"Honestly, I don't think winning will help me to start a new family," he rebuts, lowering his gaze.
"Why not?"
"I-I… I've got a crush on a girl, her name is Georgiana, but I always call her Georgie… the p-problem is that… s-she's Ambra's sister. If I win, Ambra dies, and I don't think Georgie would forgive me for letting her sister die."
Now, the crowd is dead silent.
"Yes, you're right: if you win, Ambra dies, but this doesn't mean that you have to kill her! You're allies, aren't you?" I retort.
He nods in response.
"Excellent! If you do your best to protect your ally, Georgie cannot blame you. When you win, you'll do it knowing that you did anything you could, and she would be stupid to reject a victor. What do you think?" I go on, addressing the crowd, who cheers in response.
The buzzer sounds. Henry seems a bit relieved, if not completely. He leaves the stage, while waving at the crowd. Finally a bit of drama!
"Speaking of surprising scores… let's give a round of applause foooor Vivian Tide!"
You can tell by the audience's reaction that she's one of the favourites- a standing ovation, cheers, and so on. An 11 is an 11, I suppose. Besides, the girl is beautiful… beautiful and capable, a good mix for a victor.
"Vivian, Vivian, Vivian… the tribute with the highest score of this year! How does it feel?" I greet her.
"Oh, Cinnamon, call me Vivi. We're friends, aren't we?" she replies in a mellifluous tone.
"Yes, but this doesn't answer my question, Vivi," I retort, putting my hands on my hips as if I wanted to scold her.
Some people laugh. I like making some show just for fun.
"You're right, I'll answer your question," she says, holding her hands up in an act of surrender. "To be sincere, I knew that my performance was amazing, but I didn't expect to get an 11, that's for sure!"
"I know that you're not supposed to reveal what you did in your session… but maybe just a little hint... tell us your secret!"
She smirks in response. "It's easy to say: I focused on things that I already knew before. Three days of training are certainly helpful, but they're not enough to master a new skill."
"Do you think that your score could cause problems?"
"I don't see how," she answers with a shrug.
"I mean… do you think that it could bring about conflicts with your allies? You're part of the Career pack, if I'm not wrong," I insist.
She sighs. "You know, Careers are always very competitive, but one stands out at the end, it's inevitable."
"So, you feel superior compared to your allies…"
"All I can say is that I'll do anything in order to win! I'll show Gamemakers that I deserve that 11!"
The buzzer sounds.
"And we all hope you'll do your best, Vivi," I add, while standing up.
"Count on that," she replies, grinning.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Vivian Tide from District 4!"
The crowd cheers.
"A lovely girl, don't you think? I like it when tributes show courage," I comment, after Vivian is gone. "But we haven't got enough time to dwell on such things, so let's move to the next guest: Oliver Litore!"
The audience welcomes him in a less warm way than his district partner, but I can say that they are glad to see him. After all, Oliver is a Career, and this despite his young age. But maybe their enthusiasm is due to his outfit, which is really… let's say peculiar: he is wearing a shirt that seems to be made of algae, sea green pants, dark blue flip-flops, and sunglasses on his head. It's a bit weird, and even Oliver seems a bit uncomfortable with his outfit, even though his pace is firm.
"Oliver! How are you?" I greet him.
"I'd feel better, if I didn't look like a waste caught at sea," he replies, sullen.
Laughter from the crowd.
"Ahem… I heard that you're the mayor's son, you must be a privileged boy, then," I go on.
"Mayor Litore is not my father, he adopted me after my true parents had been killed!" he rebuts, angry.
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, my parents were killed because they were rebels! And he was so coward to hide the truth for many years! He didn't tell me that I have a twin sister… not even that!"
"Okay, you're understandably angry, but now calm down!"
"Calm down!? Why? My sister doesn't even know that we're siblings, she thinks I'm a stalker, and the worst part…"
"Oliver, now you've got the opportunity of telling the truth to your sister. You can go to the arena to win for her… for you two. After your victory, you'll be able to make up for lost time," I interrupt him in a soothing tone.
"No, that's the problem, I can't! My sister is a tribute like me!" he rebuts.
"Ooooh" from the crowd.
"Vivian? But…"
"No, not Vivian! Yolanda, the girl from Twelve, she is my twin sister! We were separated, and she was sent to District 12! And do you know why the mayor didn't adopt her as well?"
"Emm… no."
"Because she suffers from asthma! The mayor didn't want a sick daughter, so he sent her away! How can I consider such a person my father!?"
The buzzer sounds.
"I've got one last thing to say before leaving!" he continues.
"Okay."
"The Head Peacekeeper, who's the mayor's brother, didn't want me to tell the truth, he even slapped me! He dared to hit a tribute, can you imagine that? But speaking was the right thing to do, don't you think?" he addresses the audience.
The crowd cheers in response, you can hear also cries of indignation. Oliver's story has won them. The boy leaves the stage without waving at the crowd, but I can tell by their reaction that he has just become one of their favourites.
I clear my throat, before going on: "Ahem… a lot of interesting stories this year. But now we should really move on! From District 5, the little Rhonda Hope!"
The crowd cheers to welcome her. She looks so scared and clumsy that I have to go take her hand to accompany her onstage. Then, I help her to sit down.
"Come on, dearie! You've got nothing to fear, I don't bite!" I encourage her with a smile.
The crowd laughs in response. The girl doesn't seem relieved by this cheerful atmosphere, though. Actually, she's shaking like a leaf. I should try another strategy, then.
I address the crowd: "Hey, you! Stop laughing! You distract our guest!"
Luckily, the audience does what I ask them.
I turn back to Rhonda, shaking my head. "There is never a moment of peace. My dear Rhonda, the scene is all yours now. You don't need to worry, I'll ask you just a couple of questions, it won't last long, okay?"
"O-okay," she replies.
She looks a bit relieved now, she even smiles at me. How sweet!
"Ooooh, you're wonderful when you smile! But let's go down to business! I heard that you knew your mentor Amanda Thunder even before the Reaping…"
"Yes, we used to live in the same community home. We're close friends. I was so happy when she won last year!" she replies.
"I can imagine it. You've got also the same district token, if I'm not wrong," I say, pointing at the bracelet she's wearing.
"Yes. Actually, this bracelet is mine, but I gave it to Amanda as a lucky charm after her Reaping. I wanted her to have something of home."
"That's really sweet! Well, that bracelet brought good luck to Amanda, and I'm sure it will help you as well!"
"I hope so. Knowing that someone loves you is really comforting."
The buzzer sounds.
"See? It wasn't that bad, was it?" I say with a smile.
"Yeah, I-I'm sorry… I didn't mean to make you waste time."
"Oh, dear, you don't need to apologize, being scared of crowds is quite common. Ladies and gentlemen, this was the sweet Rhonda Hope!"
The crowd cheers.
Oh, is this fragile, little thing going to the arena? I can't believe it!
As soon as Rhonda is gone, I introduce her district partner: "Let's move on! The list of tributes to interview is still long! So, let's welcome Mr. Cliff Wells onstage!"
The boy seems definitely more self-confident than his partner, you can tell it by the way he smiles and waves at the cheering crowd. Very well, self-confidence equals I can ask him thorny questions...
"Cliff, you look comfortable this evening," I greet him.
"Really? To be sincere, it's the first time someone interviews me, so I'm pretty nervous," he replies with a slight smile.
"You don't look so, my dear," I rebut.
"And yet that's what I feel," he retorts, shrugging.
"Umm… now I feel a bit guilty, because the question I'm about to ask you is a bit tough…"
"Just ask."
"Okay. Your district partner told us that she's friends with your mentor Amanda Thunder. Do you think she will be advantaged in the arena?"
"I expected this question, Cinnamon," he admits with a resigned smile. "I think that Amanda will inevitably make differences. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming her; in her place, I would probably do the same to protect those I love. In any case, District 5 has two mentors, so I hope that one of the two will consider me. I'm accustomed to injustices, and I know that there's little you can do."
"You're accustomed to injustices… what do you mean by that?" I continue.
"Ah, nothing special. My parents have a preference for my brother Timur," he answers with a shrug.
"They will change their minds when you win!"
"If I win… maybe…"
"Oh, come on! Positive thinking wouldn't hurt, Cliff!"
"I'm not negative, Cinnamon, I'm realist. I know that I'm not as trained as Careers, but I'll do my best to survive in the arena," he retorts.
"We all count on that, Cliff."
The buzzer sounds. Cliff and I stand up, then we shake hands.
"Good luck, Cliff Wells! May the odds be ever in your favour!"
The crowd cheers in response.
"Now, it's the turn of District 6, namely of Miss Alexa Steel!"
The girl is wearing a tight, short-sleeved, knee-long, white dress with a black, vertical band on either side. She's wearing also a pair of slippers like the girl from Two. I should really tell stylists that slippers don't so justice to girls!
"Alexa! Welcome onstage! How are you?" I greet her.
"Eager to be in the arena," she replies with a smirk.
"Oh, you won't need to wait long for that! Let's focus on your strategy for the Games! I heard that you've got no allies. Why?"
"At first, I thought that an alliance would be a good thing, but then I realized that it would be pointless. I mean… what's the point of allying with someone you will eventually betray? You know, there can be only one victor, and this victor will be me, so you'd better remember my name!"
"Why should sponsors support you?"
"Before being reaped, I had planned of becoming a peacekeeper. I've received a severe training, so I'm ready to face any difficult situation."
"That's interesting. Not many tributes receive a peacekeeper training before the Games… but, on the other hand, you got only a 5. What went wrong?" I point out.
I can tell by the way she frowns and glares at me that her training score is a sore point, but she manages to compose herself before replying: "Guess Gamemakers were afraid of my physical strength."
Her tone is threatening. She wants me to change the subject, but I'm not scared.
I address the audience: "Well, we're all looking forward to seeing this physical strength at work. Am I right?"
The crowd cheers. The buzzer sounds. Alexa storms out of the stage immediately afterwards. She must be really angry.
"Uuuuh… I've made one tribute angry, apparently," I say, pretending to whisper, but actually everyone can hear me, since I'm speaking on the mic.
Laugher from the crowd.
"I think we'd better move on, anyway! Our next guest is Christopher Terranova from District 6!"
A warm welcome also for him. His outfit- an open vest and skinny jeans- is all made of blue denim, except for the black T-shirt and headband he's wearing. On the whole, he has a cheeky style.
"Oh, Christopher! Why did you stylist dress you like that?" I enquire.
"Don't you like my outfit?" he replies with another question.
"It's not that, just… it's a curious choice for an interview," I answer.
"Well, I cannot be worse that the boy from Four," he comments.
The crowd laughs in response.
"Ha, ha, ha… definitely not!" I agree.
"I think he wanted me to look like a bad guy," he explains.
"Why?"
"'Cause I am a bad guy, Cinnamon. I belong to a gang, and I've got also a tattoo to prove it," he replies, rolling up his left sleeve to show the tattoo in question.
Is that a diamond?
"But you're so young!"
"The alternative was a dreary community home. I come from the transportation district, I have a natural passion for travels and explorations. I cannot live my whole life within four walls!"
"Well, tomorrow, you'll go to a completely unexplored place, but I hope you won't forget the real purpose of the Hunger Games. I want you to fight hard to win, okay?"
"Sure," he replies with a nod.
The buzzer sounds.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Christopher Terranova, the little explorer of District 6!"
The crowd cheers.
"Next district: District 7; next tribute: Bella Page!"
By the audience's enthusiasm, I can tell that also Bella is popular. How could it be otherwise? When siblings end up in the same Games, they immediately find the sympathy of the audience. The fact that at least one of them has to die makes their stories so tragic! Anyway, an item of Bella's outfit catches immediately my eye: a gold necklace with a rose-shaped pendant. It really gives a touch of style to the simple dress she's wearing.
"My dear Bella, I couldn't help but notice your wonderful necklace…" I begin.
"It's my district token," she explains.
"It must have a special meaning for you," I go on.
In response, she slightly blushes. "Yes. Actually… it reminds me… it reminds me of a special person: Rose, my best friend…"- she takes a deep breath- "… to be sincere, she's more than a friend to me, but… I don't know if she feels the same… probably not."
"Awwww" from the crowd.
"Thank you, Bella, thank you for sharing this thing with us. It must have been tough," I thank her.
"Yeah, but I needed to get rid of this burden. If I'm going to die, at least Rose will know the truth from my mouth."
"Oh, dear, don't speak like that! There's still hope!"
"I'm not going to give up, Cinnamon, if that's what you fear, just… I cannot choose my life over my brother's. I don't know what will happen in the arena, all I know is that I will protect him at all costs!"
"A noble purpose that speaks for you, Bella. You and Cedric must be very united…" I comment.
"Yes, we're very united, even though we're not siblings for real. Cedric has been adopted, but I've always loved him as a brother," she replies with a nod.
Now, you can hear several "ooooh" from the crowd. What a shocking revelation!
"This makes your purpose even nobler! I wish you good luck!"
"Thank you, Cinnamon."
The buzzer sounds. I shake hands with Bella. After that, she leaves the stage accompanied by the applauses of the audience.
Have you got any comments on these interviews?
Thank you for reading :)
