Interviews:
Poet Monroe, District Six
''Looking spiffy, dude,'' Bree says, smiling as she turns around to speak with me after exchanging a few words with Beckett. ''That light pink suit is adorable on you, but,'' she says, stopping for a second and straightening my crooked white boy-tie, ''let me fix this real quick.''
''Thanks, Bree, I appreciate that—''
''Ah, I'm not done yet,'' she cuts me off. She then licks her finger once and sweeps a lock of hair away from my face. ''Voila!'' she exclaims, clapping her hands together and smiling.
''Ew, gross!'' I laugh.
''Oh, shut up,'' she nudges. ''You look even cuter now with my help. And I bet you that the audience out there will agree on that.''
Speaking of the audience... Just as Addison Chevel steps out on the stage with her blossoming yellow dress and studded high heels commences the Interviews with an introduction, I look out into the maxed-out rows of seats filled with Capitolites. None of them are some ordinary, polite crowd from the rich part of our country; they're all hungry for excitement after anticipating their favorite annual activity to return after three-hundred and sixty-four days. Tomorrow makes it the sixty-fifth. They're all jostling to make sure they have the best view of the stage, cheering and yelling out the name of a few of their favorite tributes – I hear my name in the mix a few hundred times.
So many myriads of faces – like beads on a work pattern – all in different shapes and forms emerge as Addison says, ''Welcome to the One Hundred Seventy-Sixth Annual Hunger Games!''
The entire building ruptures with applause, but I zone them out for one quick second. Placing my hand on Bree's shoulder after noticing her disappointed look, I ask, ''You good?''
''Yeah,'' she nods, sighing, though I can tell that she's patently lying.
''Look,'' I say. ''Whatever happens out there, don't even sweat it. You'll do amazing, and if they don't like you, screw them, you have nothing to worry about because you have so much skill. I know that you're nervous about this interview and the beginning of Hell tomorrow, but just remember that you've got a good head on your shoulders.''
I see her lips twitch into a proud smile and before I know it, I'm wrapped in a tight hug from Bree.
''Aw,'' I say, returning the hug.
An uproar of applause and excitement jumps out at us from behind the curtains and in front of the stage. ''Thank you, thank you, you're all too kind!'' Addison says. ''And since I know you've all been dying to see them again – alive and breathing, for now – let me start us off by introducing the first tribute of the night: Blush Belfleur!''
The girl struts over to the blood red couch, making sure to make lots of noise with her gem-encrusted high heels and show off her pretty nude painted nails. Her purple striped dress is stunningly visual, especially when the lights from above bounce off of it, and the way her hair is draped over her shoulders conveys an attractive look.
''So, Blush, if you don't mind me asking, why did everyone look so surprised when you Volunteered? It seems like your partner was a big part of it, because many people were looking at him and another female in your section. Care to share?''
''It was nothing, really. They were just surprised because I took a spot that was rightfully mine, even though I didn't quite need it, you see. It came as a shock to them, I guess.''
''What do you mean by it was rightfully yours, and you didn't quite need it?''
''Well, if you look at me, I just portray the vision of a luxurious girl. I don't need the publicity of the Games, or the money, I just want my revenge. Plus, they gave the Volunteering spot to this stupid girl who was way in out of her head to Volunteer. Not my problem, though.''
''Very interesting, Blush. But revenge? On who, if I may ask?''
''Revenge on your very own Gari, the Victor from two years ago,'' Blush leans in forward, blowing a kiss to the crowd. ''But that's all you need to know for now, I think my time is up.''
She gets up and dismisses herself. Addison looks shocked, but she checks the time and it seems as if Blush was correct. Left in a momentary cliffhanger, she invites Adonis out next. He takes a seat next to her, crossing one leg over the other in a fashionable manner and relaxing his wrist to show off the tinted blue watch with gold handles and a silver lining. He pulls down his tie to relax his platinum button down shirt's collar.
''Adonissssss! You look stunning, dear! The button down shirt, the hair, the watch, the shoes, the pants, the belt, and,'' Addison gasps, ''is that a sapphire ring that I see?''
''It is,'' Adonis relaxes. ''I owe this look to my stylist. I'd choose this style every day if I could, but I'm not as amazing at styling myself like you Capitol people are.''
''Aww!'' The crowd coos.
''You're flattering, honey, you truly are.'' Addison quickly changes the topic of speech, though, averting her attention back to her previous topic. ''So. That girl that Blush and I were talking about, why was it such a big deal?''
Adonis's eyes slump over but then widen, like at first he was annoyed by the question but felt surprised at the same time, but he's not jumping out with reaction like most tributes would; he's so chill and laid-back. ''The girl who's place she stole was my twin sister's spot,'' he says, and everyone in the audience gasps like this is a movie. ''And my sister was ecstatic to Volunteer, because with her and I both in the Games, there's no way District One wouldn't three-peat due to our connection.''
''Wow, I was not expecting that... Say, what was your sister's reaction, what did she tell you, and did anybody else know, besides you two?''
''Just our mentors who knew, and Gari was disappointed, as you can tell. And my sister's reaction wasn't pleasant, I'll tell you that much.''
''Unfortunately, it seems as if time is up. Off you go, Adonis, it was wonderful speaking to you.'' Adonis smoothly walks off of the stage with the crowd chanting his name. ''I hope he does well, but up next, please help me introduce the lovely Sigrid Lapierre of District Two!''
''Sigrid, you're looking even more beautiful than usual; I'm jealous of your looks!''
''Thank you, Addison, but you shouldn't be. You're too attractive to be complimenting others like that.''
The both of them share a laugh, and Sigrid sits in a sexy posture, flickering her thick eyelashes and puckering her lips. It seems off, like the character doesn't fit with her. She's stunning, yeah, but her personality seems forced as she's speaking.
''You got a Nine, a wonderful score for a Career, tying for the second highest among this group of tributes. How do you feel about that score?''
''I'm very appreciative of the Nine, and it's a great score to have. It proves to many people how competent I am in the extremely important areas of practice. It shows that I have what it takes to win, and that's the plan, after all.'' She says, snickering in a genuine way, looking self-assured. Now this matches her.
After she leaves the stage, her partner mounts it. ''Hello, Addison, how are you today, beautiful?'' The boy already gets a cheer from the audience, just by asking a simple, flirtatious question, and a blush from Addison. ''What a wonderful crowd filled with wonderful people and a wonderful atmosphere!''
''Stop it,'' Addison laughs whole-heartedly, as if what he said was genuinely funny. She slaps his knee and squeezes it, a playful act. He returns the touch by holding that hand with both of his and kissing her tanned knuckles. ''Ooh, Atlas...'' She then coughs and adjusts her posture. ''How do you feel about your allies compared to yourself, especially when it comes to skills?''
''I think we're all talented people. Maybe I'm a tad bit better than the rest,'' he smirks, tilting his head and gaining a chuckle from the crowd. Addison laughs as well. ''Seriously, though, I'm assured of my abilities, and believe me, if it ever comes down to it, I will give you a good show against one of my allies.''
The two continue speaking, sharing friendly banter as they go back and forth. Atlas is cordial with not only her, but with the crowd as well. When it's his time to leave, he stands up and asks for a hug. Without a hint of hesitation, she jumps up to her feet, stumbling a bit in her heels, and locks him in a bear hug for way more than a necessary amount of time.
Cathodette appears onto the stage next, walking out in her scarlet silk minidress. When she sits down, Addison admires the ribbon under her chest that has a black rose attached to it. ''You're gorgeous, honey!''
''Thanks,'' Cathodette says plainly, showing no enthusiasm. Addison asks Cathodette about her life back home and how she plans on returning to her family. ''Honestly, I don't know. I don't miss home, or my family. I don't care if I return or not,'' she says.
''And why is that, if I may ask?''
''Because reasons.''
The rest of the interview is pretty awkward for Addison. Cathodette, on the other hand, walks off happily, without a care in the world.
Possibly the most interesting tribute of this year's Games, Emil Robins, walks up to the stage next, wearing nothing fancy at all, unlike most of us. A simple black tuxedo with a yellow rose on his chest is what he wears. Judging by his and Cathodette's outfits, I guess their designers worked together on these 'lazy' outfits.
''Emil! Emil. Emil, Emil, Emil...'' Addison places a fist on her cheeks. ''You're an interesting one, aren't you? It's nice to meet you face-to-face, though. I've been looking forward to this interview for a while.''
''Same here, baby. Let the questions begin.'' he smiles, sitting back comfortably.
''Okay. So we see that you're in the Career Pack this year, but what does that mean to you, knowing that someone from your District hasn't been skilled enough to earn a score as high as yours, or join an alliance as competitive as yours in a long time.''
''I just feel happy because, let's face it,'' he stands up, doing a little dance, ''I'm the smartest tribute in YEARS to step foot on this stage. That's a fact, so it's only common for me to be included in the strongest alliance, right? Right?''
The audience laughs and cheers for the boy, his funny perception on things giving them a reason to smile. ''That's true, I can't lie. We've never seen a tribute like you who almost blew up an entire stadium with his outfit. You might be the craziest, too.''
''Nah, that one kid from last year was psycho, I think that title goes to him. But not really crazy, just special. I-In a good way. Not retarded special, j-just regular special. Like, like I'm normal, but with skills. Not that I need assistance and can't tie my shoes, or—'' he gulps, looking around, the audience laughing at his way of explaining things.
''I think we understand,'' Addison tries to contain her smile. ''Say you win these Games, though, what would you be interested in doing?''
''Whippin' bricks,'' he says quickly.
''What? What does that mean?''
Someone behind me laughs, understanding the joke that he just made while the rest of us are left confused. ''I-It means making kilograms of drugs, because, you see, I'd be smart enough to not only sell dope, but I'd be able to not get caught. We know how much of druggies the Capitol people are, and who better to get it from than a might-be Victor?'' The audience is cracking up with this risky joke.
''Really?''
''No, but it's an option,'' he admits. ''I'd much rather become a Gamemaker, though.''
''Why?''
''Because then I'd be able to give you an official twelve,'' he winks, leaving her mouth agape in a smile. The crowd cheers, hollers, and laughs at the nervous-looking boy who excuses himself off of the stage, a big smile forming on the edges of his lips.
''W-Well,'' Addison blushes softly, covering her face with both hands. She begins clapping for the kid, too, laughing and showing her beautiful white teeth. ''I'm in tears because of that!''
Most of us are, I'll say that. It's not everyone who can pull something like that off and earn love and laughter from it.
God knows must of us can't.
Clarice Auden, District Four
I'm next. Go out there and be remembered – not as another regular, air-headed girl from District Four. But as you; as Clarice Auden, the girl with unfinished business. The girl who has so much left to do and prove. The girl who will survive.
As I walk out, the audience gasps; Addison gasps, too. I take a slow strut when getting to my seat, lifting my dress up just a bit to my thighs in order to settle down comfortably. Crossing one leg over the other, I clasp my hands together while blowing kisses to the Capitol, free handed.
''Your outfit... I've never seen anything like it! Clarice, how was this inspired?''
''It was all my stylist, who I owe so much to. She decided that it was best to stick with our District theme, and with that, she thought it would be a great fit to tattoo my entire body with everything sea related. The black knee-length dress and gray heels are just a common sense of the Capitol fashion, but the colors of blue, red, and sea green of these exotic water items come from to mind of a brilliant Capitolite and transfer to a brilliant tribute.''
''You're just covered in sea beauty! And the animal with the gray fin right there, that's a shark, I believe? There's sand on your shoulder with little baby sea turtles crawling, there's shelves on your bicep, and there's even a mermaid holding a spear on your leg!''
''Correct,'' I smile.
After getting over my unique outfit, she proceeds to ask me questions. ''Are there any special talents that you think would help you in the Arena?''
''Well, like any other Career, I've come prepared with my very own special skills. For one, I can swim – which not many of the others can say they're able to do – and I'm quite flexible,'' I say, standing up and swiftly dipping to the ground in a split, flapping my dress up as I send a radiating smile to the audience, earning whistles.
''Quite impressive. How do you feel going into these Games, though? Are you really willing to kill? We've seen tributes like you enter these Games and come out an entirely different person. Or not come out at all, as a matter of fact.''
''Everyone's asked the same question,'' I say, breathing slowly. ''But of course I'm willing to kill. I volunteered for a reason, not because I'm some twisted girl who wants nothing more than to see the misery of others. I've got unfinished business that I need to attend to, and this is a huge step in finishing that business.''
''But what type of business?''
''You'll find out when I win the Games,'' I smirk, dismissing myself from the stage and into the back room, where all the other tributes who've finished are. Adonis and Blush are in a corner, probably teasing one another for all I know. I roll my eyes. Emil and Atlas are chatting up a storm while Sigrid eyes the District Three girl who sits alone, staring off into space blankly.
Zeppelin takes his seat a few moments after I've turned around. The interview starts off well for him, I guess. He's playing the mysterious and intimidating angle. Little to no words every time a question is asked, his body language doing most of the talking for him.
''I mean, when I kill them, I'll be merciless,'' he says, his voice faltering just a little. I squint my eyes as the audience gasps. ''I'll make it quick. The way I kill them is the way I'd want to be killed, so why make them suffer through it?'' The audience seem intrigued by his answers, though some see right through his responses and chuckle.
He's pretty laid-back for the rest of the conversation, letting out a snicker every now and then, but for the most part, his interview's gone well. When he makes his way over here, I begin. ''She seemed to love the fish scales and starfish on your suit,'' I purr, making jokes.
''Maybe,'' he shrugs, letting my arm rest on his shoulder. ''As long as it helps us out in there, I don't really mind.''
''Preach,'' I reply.
The District Five girl completely destroys her interview, surprisingly. Her flirting and beauty appeal to the Capitol, and her confidence surprises many. Though, when she says that electricity is part of her daily eating schedule, I completely flip it.
Beckett Leighton is the cheeriest, most optimistic kid I've seen all day. Reflecting on nothing bad, he completely abrogates any chance Addison has of making him look like a pathetic tribute. Smiling to the best of his ability, showing his perfect teeth, he stays cheerful and abstains from being gloomy.
''The people here are wonderful, I've made many friends, and I've yet to speak with people who I wished to be friends with, but I know that they're all exceptional people.''
District Six is what I had expected. The girl is way too anxious and lets the audience get into her mind, while the boy tries to be funny – it works out for him, but his interview is nowhere near Emil's performance.
The District Seven girl is mysterious, just like Zep was, but she's trying to make people like her – which is hard to do when you don't open up and give very little about your strategies and such, but keeping things to herself is smart.
After all of these interviews, I honestly just want this to be over with.
Clarence Loom, District Eight
The Seven boy is a bit of everything. Funny, sarcastic, cocky, confident, anything you can imagine that would help him – but it won't, nothing will help him. This is the Games we're talking about, and only shit comes out of this.
''Hey, it's my turn, wish me luck, idiot,'' Loralei laughs.
''I hope you trip and break your neck, hoe.''
She steps up to the stage with her silky dress, prepared to compete for the best interview of the night. She starts off by making fun of everyone, which isn't the smartest thing to do, but I don't care, it's her fault if someone targets her for that; I don't care if she starts crying when death threats are sent her way, or if someone straight up walks up to her and beats her ass.
''Like my partner, Clarence, for example, he won't make it far. The kid is cynical as hell and doesn't have a bit of hope in him. In fact, he's been talking shit about all of you, but you wouldn't know now, would you? Looks like a sweet kid, except for the furrowed eyebrows all the damn time, but he's someone I'd suggest you all send mutts after.''
When she's done talking crap, she compliments the Capitol, leaving me in anger and awe. But I control my emotions, I don't let the anger take over me, because I don't care. My emotions are for me and me only, and they should be held deep within, away from the open air. Your turn, I tell myself.
When I'm called up, I take Nylon's novel – actually, I take out the last remaining page since I gave it away – out of my bright red, velvet suit pocket. Coughing into my hands, I hold it up and pretend to read it, ignoring Addison and the Capitol. The whispers start filling up the building, the people being disgusted by my actions.
''That's a nice outfit you got there, Clarence, your stylist did an amazing job! It's good enough to fit in with the chairs that we're sitting on now.''
''The only thing this damn outfit is good for is hiding blood,'' I say cynically. ''Go on with your next question, bitch.''
Addison grips her chair's arm rests in disbelief while the audience boos. I don't care, though, as I continue to pretend to read the page, only using it to hide my snickering.
''T-That page you're holding,'' she breathes, trying not to get upset. ''Why do you have it with you?''
''It's part of my token.''
''You mean the book that you gave the child during the Chariot Rides?''
''Yes. Nylon's novel, to be precise.''
''Aw, that's quite heartwarming.''
''Maybe so, but I ripped out the final page so they'll never know the outcome of the main protagonist's choice.''
''Just get off of my stage, please,'' Addison groans. ''I've had enough of you, we all have. I just despise speaking to tributes like you, they're just intolerable.''
''Good to know, but save your breath, because your words are going straight through one ear and out the other,'' I say, not directing my vision towards her, walking with the page still in front of me, as one hand flicks off everyone in the seats.
As I make my way to the back, I sigh deeply, realizing that I just did that. And I still don't care. Actions come with consequences, but I hate the Capitol for putting me in this so called 'game'. If they're excited for your death, why wouldn't you let most of it out and show them how you truly feel about them? ''Screw those guys, man.''
''That was really... brave,'' I hear, a hand comforting my shoulder. Looking up, I see Cathodette staring down at me, her eyes glossy and wet.
For a few seconds, I don't know what to say, how to react, or what I should do. I stand still, breathing slowly, my eyes wide.
''...Thanks,'' I let out.
Taisiya Danshov, District Nine
''As you're sitting here, what are you thinking, darling?'' Addison questions Rhea.
Rhea fiddles with her spaghetti strap sleeves before answering. ''Just... why me? Out of everyone in District Nine, I'm the one to be chosen, and for what? I've never done anything wrong—'' she catches herself in mid-sentence, becoming transient of those thoughts. ''...but, it is what it is, and I promise to do my best.''
''That's good to hear,'' Addison says, ''because it's better to try and suffer, rather than give up and let yourself fall into the abyss.''
''Yeah...'' she trails off. ''Thank you for your words of encouragement, they mean a lot to me. More than you'll ever know.''
''That's sweet, honey. Really.'' The interview is finished off as Addison holds Rhea's hand up, excusing the pleasantly kind girl from the stage. As Rhea walks off, I notice a little tremble in her foot, and a twitch in her arm, possibly from contained emotions. ''And welcoming next, help me introduce Taisiya Danshov!''
As I step onto the stage, I move on my own free will. Not out of desperation or thought or anything like that, but just because I want to. I'm one of many people in this building, but yet still my own person. To an observer, I'm much more than part of moving mass, one with predictable behavior that's viewed as a whole; I'm viewed as something special, like twenty-three other children.
''Hello,'' I present my self kindly when I take my seat. ''Nice to meet you, Addison.''
''Nice to meet you as well, Taisiya. How have you been settling in with the other tributes? There are a lot of pretty faces here, have you ever imagined yourself being close to any one of them?''
''What do you mean by that?''
''Like, romance wise,'' she smiles.
My mind becomes foggy when she asks this question. Who else would I ever be interested in besides the one person I'd give everything to? ''No, not really,'' I fake a smile. ''I'm not here for relationships, I'm here to win and show that I deserve to live.''
A couple of people jump up from their seats with my answer, laughing and clapping after my response – they're way too excited about this. When it comes to tributes who say that they're willing to fight, they lose their damn minds.
''Wonderful answer, I love that you're upfront about things like this. When we look back at your Reaping, we clearly see that you had a different reaction earlier. What changed your mind?''
I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing out a laugh. ''I realized that I wanted to live, and being upset about it wouldn't give me an advantage. Plus, I want to be your Victor this year. And I promise I'll be a good one,'' I wink.
''But, when we speak of advantages, everyone in Panem might say that you have the largest disadvantage, with the loss of an arm, part of your leg, and even your right eye. What is the story behind that?''
''That's a secret,'' I say, trying to change to topic. ''Besides, I don't even remember. It was probably an a-accident or something like that. Can we move o—''
''Oh, come on, you know you remember. Why can't you just tell us?'' she begs. ''It's not like you donated your amputated limbs for studies or something ridiculous like that.''
''You don't know anything about what's happened to my limbs, that's my business and my business only, so shut up!'' I stand up, huffing and puffing. But then I remember where I'm at, despite my face turning red from anger.
''Jesus, okay, calm down,'' Addison groans. ''That was a bit harsh, don't you think?''
I don't give a fuck, I want to say, but I keep quiet. ''Well, okay... Moving on, how did your family react to you being Reaped? Especially your twin... Nikolai? Nikil? No, it was Nikola, correct?''
''DON'T YOU EVER SPEAK OF HIS NAME!'' I scream, becoming unhinged. ''YOU DON'T DESERVE TO SAY HIS NAME!''
''Whoa, what the hell is wrong with you? Are you oka—''
''I'm good, just stop talking!''
''D-Do you? Are you—?''
''NO, SHUT UP!'' I yell again, knocking down her glass cup of water. ''JUST END THIS SHIT ALREADY!'' I storm off into the back room, fall to the floor and sit there with my legs crossed, scratching at my hair and wiping my burning eyes.
It's been about forty seconds between that interruption and the next interview. The Ten girl is up next – the weird, mysterious one. She's cooperating with Addison pretty well, answering questions easily, and with a small smile.
''Strategy? Well, there are twenty-three other tributes. I'll just play the Games right and do whatever I have to do in order to win. Survive longer than everyone else, really, that's the main go-to plan.''
''And how do you intend to do that?''
''By always being where you can't see me,'' she states, mysteriously and subtly. The fuck does she mean by that? Something about her just irks me. She never used to smile, she was never around for most of the time, never visible to anyone. And all of a sudden she's Ms. Witty. ''While the opportunists, pessimists, and realists are struggling with their chances of survival, I'll be making my kills and proceeding to win. Sincerely, the opportunist.''
Slamming my fist into the ground, I watch as they all, including the tributes behind me, fall into hysterics. She's then asked about her Training Score and why it is that she has no partners yet. With that score, she could be included in the Careers, but it's strange that she's not. She's only a target now.
''You see, I'm all by myself. I live in my own little world, but that's okay, because they know me there,'' she says, genuinely laughing with Addison during their conversation.
When her interview's done, Avery replaces her on the velvet couch. He walks slowly to his seat, trembling in... fear?
''Avery?''
His eyes suddenly enlarge and become watery. On his hands, a gaggle of goosebumps laminate his frigid, naked skin. Slowly and deliberately, he looks up at Addison and croaks out, ''Y-Yes?''
''What's wrong, sweetie?''
''I-I-I-I... I-I don't want to go in tomorrow!'' he manages. ''I-I'm going to die, and y-you're all gonna see it happen on national television. I'm only fifteen, how c-could my life be over in so little time?''
''…'' Addison says nothing, remaining quiet and looking almost like she felt bona fide pity for him. ...Surprisingly. ''But, you got an Seven. Surely that proves that you have a bit of skill. You're one of the few to get that high of a score, excluding the Careers.''
''Y-Yeah, but that was a fluke!'' He tries to say something else but the inside of his mouth lacks moisture, and silence is the only thing that issues from his gape. His feet shiver, and his teeth sink deeply into his lower lip, more than could possibly be comfortable.
''I'm weak... I always have been, and there's no hope left for me. It was fun while it lasted, but life's just not meant to go on. Someday we all die, so I'd rather I die tomorrow rather than wait it out and die gruesomely. Thank you for being one of the few people to speak to me before death. Life will go on for others, though, and that's all that matters.''
Only silence fills there air before his time is up and the first Ceres takes his place. But good, though. That's the first tribute of the night to give up and accept death.
...Which means I'm one tribute closer to winning already. If this keeps up, the odds just might be in my favor, after all.
Kaster Navelle, District Eleven
I study her movements as she approaches the stage, her gold form-fitting dress scintillating in the light and her black high heels making a crackling sound as she steps on the wooden stage. The sexy angle works for Ceres, as she sways her hips back and forth and blows kisses to the crowd.
When she takes her seat, she bats her eyelashes and flips a piece of her hair over her shoulder, smiling confidently at Addison, welcoming the social atmosphere. Which is weird. For her, I mean. She's never been like this before, but you do what you need to do for sponsors, I guess.
''Ceres, how confident are you entering these Games? Your District isn't known for acquiring the most Victors in the Games' history, but do you think that you can pull through and change that?''
''I do, actually,'' she says, blinking. ''Eleven might not be the most threatening District, or the strongest, but one of these days we're gonna take the crown. And why can't it be during this year? I could certainly help us do that.''
She's selling out... By the look on her face, I can tell that she feels degraded. She's never been open with the Capitol, or ever wanted to answer questions from a Capitolite. The fact that she's willing to do this for sponsors is just eye-opening.
''Winning isn't easy, as you know. Tributes and mutts are always after your head. What will you do to ensure that you survive as long as possible?''
''Well, I'm really going to rely on sponsors to help me out,'' she smiles, tilting her head to the side. When she gets up, slides the strap of her dress down and shows her shoulders, I laugh to myself. Good move. ''And whatever I need to do to get those sponsors... well, you can bet that I won't second guess my actions.''
''Thank you for your time, babe,'' Addison stands up. ''Ceres Morrisey, everyone!'' When she's gone, Addison starts again. ''Now, introducing Kaster Navelle, Ceres' wonderful District Partner!''
When I step up onto the stage, I sense a ton of attention being placed on me. The lights and cameras are all pointing at me, and I'm the star of the show for right now. So, I begin pacing confidently, walking with a lean in my step and smiling, nodding as I approach Addison and hold my hands out for her to take, as I greet her accordingly.
She takes my hand kindly, allowing me to shake it. ''How do you feel entering these Games? Like Ceres, being from District Eleven might not be in your favor. How do you feel about that?''
''Listen... I know that I'm from Eleven, but that doesn't mean anything,'' I sit up. ''We're not all the same tribute. Some of us are weak, some of us give up, some of us are completely lacking the nutrients to keep us alive, but I'm different. Something you've never seen before from a tribute coming from my District is what I am. I'll crash and I'll burn, baby, until I escape that Arena.''
''Bold words, but will you be able to prove it?''
''Pinky promise,'' I say, smiling as I hold my pinky finger out, and she takes it. ''But really, don't count me out just because I'm from Eleven. Don't underestimate any tribute; you never know, one of them just might have a change and surprise the hell out of you.''
''We surely won't underestimate you, not with that score of a Seven that you received. How you got that, will we ever find out?''
''My survival in the Games will show just why I got that score,'' I reply boldly.
''Quite the confidence from a boy coming from a poorer and unprepared District. What do you believe your odds are in this competition?''
''Just as good as any one else's,'' I declare. ''I know that with the Careers, you're all predicting them to be final seven and up, and tributes like me are probably under your boots, but I'll work hard. That's all that it takes, really: dedication and confidence, pushing myself to the limit. If I stick true to my words – which I will – I can be the one who comes out on top. Besides, I think you're all forgetting, we all have a one in twenty-four chance of winning this thing. That one percent winner could be any one of us, but if I have to, I'll grind it out to make sure that it's me. I won't be another forgotten, untalented tribute who everyone will write off as a Bloodbath.''
''This was an amazing interview, Kaster, and I love your output on things. Sadly, time is up, but this was very enjoyable. Kaster Navelle, Panem!''
Addison stands next to me, locking her hands in mine and holding it out forward. After the applause, she gives me a hug and sends me walking off. A small grin forms on my face, and I adjust my open suit jacket, pulling it back, feeling free and proud.
Immediately, as I step into the back room, Poet, Bree and Beckett encircle me.
''Dude, that was awesome,'' Beckett says, placing a hand on my shoulder.
''Yeah, where did that come from? I wasn't expecting the confidence and mature tone in your voice. That'll leave an impression for sure, and you'll help us out a ton!'' Bree congratulates me.
''Kaster, that was amazing!'' Poet says, hugging me. Bree and Beckett both join in the hug as well. I can't help but laugh, but as I peer up, I see Ceres staring straight at me, her eyes somewhat cold as she walks towards her allies.
I feel no sense of tension between her and I. There's no reason for me to be scared of her or for her to be scared of me, or for us to feel threatened by one another. The looks she gives me could just be how her face naturally is, or what she gives everyone else. I don't know, but it's not gonna hold me down – not at all.
District Twelve – the last District – has two twelve-year-old children who make their mark on the stage. The girl is sweet, cute, and shy, answering her questions properly, but showing a bit of fear as she stutters in her speech. Her partner, Ocelot, is much more open. He's so proper from the jump, looking at everyone and smiling, being a gracious young man. He's praising the Capitol and telling them just how much he's always wishing to be here, and just how much he looking up to the Capitolites.
''I do believe that I can win. Anybody can. It's statistically proven that a twelve-year-old has just a great of a chance to win as an eighteen-year-old. Nobody knows who's going to win until the Victor is declared. You could guess, maybe, but it doesn't matter about skill. Probability is the main focus when it comes to winning, and I will do everything in my power to enhance my probabilities.''
He begins doing math equations on everyone's odds at winning and factors that will help, including things that have decided the Victor from past years. It's impressive – that he's just a child, yet not someone to look down upon.
When the interview is done, the audience gives a round of applause to all of the tributes as Addison closes off the one-hour special.
''Hey,'' I hear, turning around swiftly. ''Whatever happens in there tomorrow, can you guys promise me one thing?'' Bree asks.
Our attention is focused on her, all three of us nodding.
''Together until the end, okay?''
Launch:
Vendetta Ischyroe, District Ten
I'm here, standing in my pod. The containment makes me feel uncomfortable, the space so small and empty, only my body being inside. I look forward, meeting Hoover's eyes. He places his hands on the glass, exaggerating his feelings.
''Oh, Vendetta, I've known you for so little but it feels like you're my daughter, as if I've known you for years!'' he falls to the ground, knees on the floor. ''I'm going to miss you in there, but I will do everything in my power to send you the most amazing gifts! Trust me! I know that you don't see me on the level that I see you, but I will miss you, darling.''
''I'll miss you, too,'' I say, for possibly the first time to my Stylist. His eyes widen, a giant, white-toothed smile appearing on his facial features. Usually I'm stony and cold, but this time, I manage to crack a grin at him as well. Not as shady as I've been before, not as quiet, but actually... comforting.
It's the one and only time that I can be for quite some time now. It's for the best that I say something now rather than later, because I don't know if I'll even have a later.
Finally, after all of the tributes, I presume, have gotten into their pods, I begin to ascend into darkness. Hoover tries scratching at the tube in order to remove me from it, but I only smile down at him sadly and wave. I can't get distracted. Whatever happens next is what happens. Whether I like it or not, I've gotta kill.
For them.
Fidan Blanchett, District Seven
Ascending up into darkness through the tube, I shut my eyes closed. It feels like I'm in this thing for minutes before I'm finally outside of the tube and on some type of surface. The first thing that fills my ears is a high-pitched scream coming from someone far away from me. My eyes open automatically, and the first thing that I see is eternal darkness and bright, shimmering stars that blind my vision.
Behind me, I feel something warm, something radiating. Turning around, I notice this giant ball of gas just hovering there, remaining still as flames emit from it and fly out. ''What the hell?'' I whisper under my breath, trying to make sense of what's going on.
Next to me, on my left, is the Career boy from One, who starts shouting as he feels himself losing his balance. I glance at him, watching as he catches himself smoothly and stares down in shock. Tilting my head downward, preparing myself for what I'm about to see, I notice the Earth.
Wait. The Earth?
And it's opened up, too! Like, it's hollow, to be exact. Inside of it is a mix of all sorts of colors, swiveling back and forth. I'm confused because there's no timer, we're just hovering up in SPACE with pedestals and there's nowhere to jump but down, and I'm fearing for my life.
Suddenly, someone else screams – a male this time. I quickly turn to my right, looking at the girl from Three. She looks terrified out of her mind, but so does everyone else. Next to her, the boy from District Two's pedestal goes crashing down from space, and everyone flips out. He screams as he falls, the sound of his voice becoming haunting.
After he and his pedestal disappear into the colors, a ton of other tributes' pedestals start falling, bringing them down with it. Some of the tributes decide not to wait for the Gamemakers to bring them down and jump instead, facing whatever awaits for them. Soon, only me and like, nine more tributes remain. We all stare at each other, everyone spaces apart.
I spot the District One boy eyeing the girl from Six, then he turns his head to face me – and we're the only two remaining side-by-side. I quickly gulp, sensing fear rising up to my throat, so I take my risk and jump, as I've heard no cannons and expect nothing bad to happen. Falling through space, unable to breathe properly, the momentum bringing me down, I feel my body becoming more and more heated, my arms being stung as they burn.
Following suit, all the other tributes jump, except for the One boy, who I see nowhere in the sky. When we all make it into the colors, something appears – a world of some sort, something different. It's not Earth, not our regular planet, but inside of the Earth...
When I land, my knees crash against a second pedestal, bruising them as my shorts aren't long enough to cover up my naked skin, and I gasp for air. The crash hurts like hell, but I'm still alive. Everyone is. I look around, hearing the sound of wind picking up. I peer up, and seven flying saucers zoom right past me, four of them attacking the other three. One of them is exploded with a blast, the debris scattering around, and all of a sudden my mind becomes blank.
The cornucopia lies in the center of the Bloodbath area, and I feel so lost. It's silver this year, replicating a small home. There are multiple openings that allow us to get in and out quickly, including a stairway that has an opening for you to jump from, and scattered around it are items such as weapons, backpacks, sleeping bags, etcetera.
Behind the cornucopia, way behind, are mountains and hills of all kinds, all brushed and laced with beautiful palm trees that scatter the Arena. Rainbows dominate the sky, as you can see one after the other after the other. It's incredibly beautiful and peaceful, and there are smooth noises of water crashing against the land and such. Even birds are chirping and music of some sort is playing – it sounds tribal-like.
Up in the sky, the hole that we all fell through begins to close up as something falls. Everyone looks up at the crashing item soaring through the blue sky, red and orange spectrum lights blasting through it.
Finally, the item lands right next to me, and as he groans, the One boy turns around hysterically. ''What the fuck is going on?'' he asks, staring all around.
Making this entire situation even weirder, the Gamemakers decided to cave us in. Literally, a giant cave wall opens up and traps us all in, only leaving a tunnel to go through. And this happens right as I see a crystal in the sky, perhaps on a building of some sort. Small boulder carvings from the ground are held up as well, with items attached to them for tributes who want to get something sorta useful and get out, but I bet they have way bigger plans that that.
The cave walls start to divide the tributes up into six different hemispheres, leaving only four tributes per area, making space tightly compacted. I stare back and forth, looking for whatever ounce of luck that I have to get the hell out of here. Next to One, the little girl from Nine is losing her mind, scared like shit.
Finally, at the end of the cave, a shadow quickly runs past us. ''The fuck?!'' One calls out. Something behind us runs, too, leaving me shivering. My thoughts are becoming scattered, not being able to control what I want to think about, and my breathing isn't steady anymore. I'm unable to calm myself down and breath properly, but then I hear it – his voice again.
''Fuck it, I don't care,'' One says, calling out the Gamemakers. ''Bring it on!''
And just as he does say that, a boulder falls down, right behind us. Something is squished, the squelching sound of skin ripping making me want to vomit, blood forming on the ground, as a small, dark-skinned hand is the only thing left moving – twitching. In it is a long hunting spear, but it soon gives in after merely pushing the boulder off of itself. ''What strength,'' I want to say, but I'm at a loss for words.
When the spear rolls onto the ground, out of the thing's hands, the One boy, glancing behind his shoulder, smiles menacingly. That's when I know – I just know – that someone's dying within seconds, whether it's me, the girl next to him, or Three over here.
''Ladies and gentlemen, let the One Hundred and Seventy-Sixth Annual Hunger Games begin!''
A/N: Ayee! Bet you weren't expecting this update. Most of y'all probably thought I've given up on this story, huh? If so, nah, I'm getting back into the flow of this shit. After reading a couple of updated stories that I'm following, and realizing that I'm on Winter Break and don't have to worry about school for a while now, I thought updating would be a good idea. Now, not gonna promise quick updates, because Winter Break for me means turning tf up and chilling with friends, wildin' out and doing hoodrat shit, so I hope y'all understand. But I'm really liking the flow again, and I really want this story to start picking up again. Reasons why the updates have been slow is because school, which sucks, but hey, gotta do good, and because after a while, writing the Pre-Games gets boring. You just want to get into killing the tributes already and making the readers hate you, love you, etc., you feel?
Anyway, this chapter was kinda lazy. The Interviews would have been way more detailed for most of these tributes, but writing all of this was getting way too long and I got tired, which is why I didn't save Launch until next chapter. No way in Hell was I going to wait another chapter that would have taken me months to complete in order to enter the Games, so yeah, the Launch chapter can smd. I'm pretty sure you'd all rather get straight into the Games after this long of waiting, too. I know we got to see like, nothing of the Launch, like tribute interactions and bull crap, but I'll try to recap that in a few chapters. And for certain tributes, I'm sorry to their authors, I've been a lazy prick and haven't done everything I had planned to do for them, which is quite ass, I know. But forget it, I'll do my best to carry on from now on. Anyway, hopefully you guys liked the end of this chapter, I really loved writing that part out. OH! And, my proofreading in this chapter is complete and utter shit, so forgive me on that. Anyway, questions!
Opinions on each POV?
Did you like the Arena introduction? Also, try to guess the Arena if you can. If you do, idk, man, I'll let you choose what you want your tribute to be sponsored or whatever. Anything you'd like that's not too overpowered or whatever, but whatever is fitting for their situation, you feel?
Who do you THINK will die next chapter?
Who do you WANT to die?
Also, I know about the chapter POV lengths aren't disputed properly or equally or whatever, but there are reasons for that. I promise that won't happen very often unless I REALLY have something big planned for certain tributes in specific chapters, so just chill with me on that for a lil' bit. And chapters will now be shorter, for sure. Unless, yeah, like I said earlier, something big and long (no homo intended) is planned. That's about all for now. I'll do my best to get up the next chapter, but no promises, heh! But yeah, I guess that's it, and I really can't wait to actually start this story after such a long ass break. And, Merry Christmas Eve, hope you guys have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow spending time with family and friends, partying, going out, doing whatever it is that y'all do. I'll see y'all next time, bye! ^-^