Chapter 5
(Madge POV)
The cafe is fairly empty since it's long after lunchtime but still a tad too early for dinner. Tripp is working but because it's slow he's able to sit down and talk to me for a few minutes after he takes my order.
"You already heard didn't you?" I ask him suspiciously as he seems just a little too smiley.
"Heard what?" He pretends and I can tell he's lying because the corners of his mouth turn up a little.
I give him a knowing look and then hold out my left hand so he can admire my ring.
"It's pretty. Gale design it?" He comments as he looks at it.
"Mmhmm. He made it so that it's a replica of the one my mother had."
"Well congratulations! It's really good seeing you with someone who makes you so happy. For awhile there I was worried you'd end up with one of those shmucks your father kept setting you up with." He tells me and I know he means it. He laughs a little at the shmucks comment when he says it and I know it's because he himself was one of those arranged dates. He's far from being a shmuck though and he knows it. Still, I love that he can laugh about it.
"Thanks, I am really happy. So who told you? Gale? Or is it already spreading through town?"
"Both. Heard it first in school through rumors but then saw Gale so I asked him about it. And just so you know, I'm supposed to not let you know he confirmed it for me. He really wanted you to be able to be the one telling me about it."
"It's okay, I don't mind that you heard it from him. These rumors though, anything getting twisted around yet?" I ask, knowing full well how distorted facts get around here when passed through gossiping.
"Uh, well, mostly it just said you two were getting married is all." He says as the corners of his mouth turn up again, clueing me in that he's not being completely truthful.
"Tripp, just tell me. If I hear it from you now I'll be able to handle it better when I hear it form someone else later on."
"Everyone thinks you're getting married because you're pregnant." He spills.
I knew it. I knew people would think that since I'm only 16 and we haven't been dating that long. "I'm not pregnant, nor do I intend to be anytime soon."
"I know that."
"I knew people would think that but they'll see it isn't the case. The wedding won't be until Christmas."
"Christmas wedding, huh? That sounds like fun."
"I think so. My father's hired a wedding planner from the Capitol so we'll see how that turns out."
He makes a face of horror and I laugh.
"Oh, hey, we still need to go over that passenger list. Were you able to get a copy?" I whisper.
"Yeah, I made a copy of it." He pulls a folded piece of paper from his pocket and slides it over to me. "It's everyone who came and went on the train the last week of the games through the day you got the letter. How are you going to figure out who it is?"
I put the paper in my dress pocket to look at later. "I don't know. Thought I'd start by seeing if there are any names I don't recognize. Most everyone stays at our house when they visit so I should've met whoever is on that list. After that, well, I thought I'd sort of just make judgement calls on who I could rule out. Who I absolutely think would never be the contact person."
"You should try to make your own list too. Maybe before you read that one. List everyone you know was at your house during that time and then see if their name isn't on my list. You know, like if they weren't picked up at the Capitol like the other passengers."
"That's actually a really good idea. If someone was slipping onto the train at another point and pretending to be from the Capitol they wouldn't be on the list."
"Let me know what you find out. I'm definitely curious." He says as he gets up to get back to work.
"I will. And thanks for getting that for me!" I tell him.
I eat the rest of my very late lunch and then leave the cafe. I'm headed home so that I can look over that list but get stopped by a peacekeeper.
"Your father was looking for you." He tells me as he hands me a note.
"Thank you." I reply as he walks away and I open the note. It's a note letting me know that the group interview will be held this evening before dinner. That means I have very little time to actually make myself presentable. I quicken my pace towards home and go straight to my room where I find a dress and jewelry already laid out for me. I'm sure the same, coordinating attire has been given to Gale. At least this isn't shimmery turquoise. Just simple fabric this time. And in navy blue.
As I get dressed and made up, I try to fight the butterflies in the pit of my stomach. I'm actually a little nervous about the interview session. Not for the interview itself but for knowing will be there. I just feel like I've never completely won her over. I don't feel as if she outright dislikes me but I also think she'd be pleased if things ended with Gale and I. She's never been mean to me but I always feel like she puts up a wall when I'm around. Like she doesn't want me to get too close to her. And even though Gale said she wasn't angry about us getting married, I don't believe him. Something tells me she won't be too enthralled about having to participate in a group interview with Capitol reporters regarding her 17 year old son's engagement to the 16 year old daughter of the Mayor. No, I don't think she'll be pleased one bit.
I smooth my hands over my new dress, checking myself in the mirror for perfection. Take a deep breath and make my way downstairs where everyone is waiting to interview us.
(Gale POV)
My mother is going to be pissed as all hell about the family being required to come be interviewed at the Mayor's house tonight. I take the cowards way out and send a note to her via peacekeeper. She can't refuse a peacekeeper. And I know she'll be mad that I didn't tell her myself but I don't want to fight with her before the interview and we still haven't spoken since I walked out of the kitchen after I'd told her about our engagement. This interview is going to be a big deal and I can't go into it looking like I'm mad. So, I avoid dealing with her, knowing it will be even worse after the interview. Yep, when I go home tonight she might even kill me. But for now, it's interview time.
I get ready at Madge's house in one of the guest rooms. A stylist has picked out what I'll be wearing and thank God it isn't as bad as what I had to wear at the Celebration Ball. Just a fairly plain navy suit. Clearly a Capitol made garment but overall, not overly flashy. Just small details like silver, rose shaped cuff links. Once I'm dressed, I go wait in the hallway downstairs for Madge. I know she's busy getting ready and don't want to interrupt her. She comes down only a few minutes after me. And she looks so perfect. Her dress matches my suit and they've put bright red lipstick on her lips that begs for me to kiss her.
"Beautiful as always." I whisper against her ear as I lean down, kissing only her temple, not wanting to smudge her makeup.
"Thank you." She says as she fidgets with her dress. She seems nervous and that isn't like her. Interviews come so easy for her because she's been doing them her entire life practically.
"You okay? You seem antsy or something." I whisper.
She looks up at me and nods with a smile but I can tell it's partially fake. She's definitely nervous. She looks like she's about to whisper an explanation to me when all of a sudden she stiffens and her face morphs into it's phony, interview type look. I look behind me to see whatever she just saw and instantly have my answer on what's wrong with her. Behind me, having just walked through the door, is my family. Dressed in clothes I've never seen and fixed up with complete hair and makeup. Clearly a stylist was sent to get them ready. Posy's all wide eyed and bouncy, pleased as punch to be here. Vick and Rory look uncomfortable and perhaps a little bit shy. My mother though, won't look this way. She's smiling and shaking hands with people but I can tell she's intentionally avoiding meeting my gaze.
"It's going to be totally fine. Don't worry." I whisper to Madge. Lying in a sense seeing as how I know my mother is mad as all hell right now about the engagement and this interview too. It's funny how I feel like I need to protect Madge from the wrath of my mother's feelings about us. My mother would never do more than simply voice her opinion. She'd never be outright rude or mean to Madge but I seem to always feel like I need to protect Madge from her. Maybe that's how it works when you love someone this much. Maybe it makes it where you just can't stand for them to feel bad about anything. I give Madge's hand a squeeze and together we walk towards the table that's been set up for us to sit at and we take our seats.
Madge is on my left with her father on her other side. My mother is to my right and the kids next to her.
"Thanks for coming." I whisper to my mother.
"Of course." She replies but her tone is off. It's fake. She's doing that same thing Madge does where she fakes being happy and in agreement. She still won't look at me though so i know we'll be arguing this out later. For now though, I'm just thankful she's pretending to be happy about our engagement for the cameras and reporters. They won't know she's putting on a front.
They turn on bright lights and I hear cameras start to click, snapping our picture. I smile and try only to focus on the girl to my left, the one I'm hopelessly in love with.
The interview is set up in a random, call out your questions as you see fit sort of method, no format or host or anything. The questions start coming and Madge's father take the first one.
"Mayor Undersee, how do you feel about your daughter's engagement?"
"I couldn't be more proud of her. She's chosen a bright young man with great promise."
"And , how do you feel about your son becoming the next Mayor of the district?"
I hold my breath, unsure how she'll respond.
"Gale's always shown great leadership abilities. I'm sure he'll put those to great use as Mayor." She replies. It's a safe answer but a good one. Safe in that it doesn't really answer the question as to how she personally feels but it does say that she thinks I have skills that would be good for someone who is going to be the Mayor.
"When's the wedding?"
Madge grabs that one. "Christmas day!" She announces with cheer.
"Can we get a picture of the ring?"
Madge holds out her hand and several photographers swarm up around the table, flashes blinding us as they take their pictures.
"What do you do for work ?"
"I've been interning for Mayor Undersee over at the Justice Hall."
"And he's doing splendidly I might add!" Mayor Undersee chirps.
"What was it about Mr. Hawthorne that caught your eye, Miss Undersee?"
Madge turns and smiles at me. "Well, he's just everything I've always imagined in my future husband. It's somewhat difficult to put into words but we just have a connection that's different. He had me falling in love with him before I even saw it coming." She answer while keeping her blue eyes fixed on me.
Forgetting about the audience of people around us, I lean towards her and kiss her, her words touching my heart. It's quick kiss but cameras flash like crazy, capturing the moment.
"And how did you know Miss Undersee was the one for you ?"
"It sort of took me by surprise as well. I'd known of Madge for quite awhile but it wasn't until I got to know her on a personal level that I fell for her. But how could I not? This girl's amazing and she's beautiful, inside and out."
"Are you ready to take on the task of becoming Mayor?"
"I'm working on it. Every day I learn as much as possible from working with Mayor Undersee and his staff."
"Did you always want to become Mayor? Was this your goal?"
"No, I wouldn't say it was my goal but I'd say I'm honored to have the opportunity." I answer. I'm a little surprised how easy this whole interviewing thing has become for me. Just merely working in the Justice Hall and being around Madge's houseguests seems to have my answers flowing with a lot more ease than in my first interview.
"Will it be a large wedding party?"
"No, rather small actually. No bridesmaids or anything. Just a flower girl." Madge answers and her last statement sounds more like a question than a fact.
"And would this be your lovely flower girl down here on the end?"
"Yes, though I haven't had a chance to ask her yet." Madge sort of laughs.
All eyes are on Posy.
"Posy, do you want to be in the wedding and help me carry my flowers?" Madge asks her, leaning out so she can see her.
Posy, grins a big toothy grin and claps her hands in excitement. "Can I momma? Can I be in the wedding?" She asks my mother.
A little laughter arises from the crowd at her response and then all eyes turn to my mother.
"Of course." She tells her but her jaw is tight and I can tell she would've said no if she hadn't been asked in such a public forum.
"Why no bridesmaids? Don't you want a large wedding party?"
"We plan to keep the ceremony smaller and more intimate. But the reception, well, that's going to be a celebration like you've never experienced before!"
"And how soon to do you intend to take over the Mayoral responsibilities, ?"
"Mr. Hawthorne and I will work together to determine that date. It will be at some point after the wedding. In the meantime, we will continue to aggressively train him on the many facets of the position so that when the time comes he will be well prepared."
"Where will you live once married if you haven't yet taken over the role of Mayor officially?"
"We plan to live in the Mayor's house." I reply.
"And your family? Will they move in as well?"
This hadn't been discussed though I can't imagine why they would need to move in too. The apartment over the laundry center is more than acceptable. And I know my mother won't want to live with the Mayor. "My mother is one of the merchants in town and they'll likely stay where they are now for the purposes of convenience." I finally say. I hope that was the answer I was supposed to give.
"Have you discussed children yet? Can we expect any soon?"
Madge blushes and shakes her head. "No children yet. I'd like to enjoy having him all to myself for just a little while first." She laughs.
"What would you do if you were reassigned to another district? Are you comfortable leaving your family behind, ?"
I have no clue what he's asking and so I don't know how to answer the question. I pause just long enough for Mayor Undersee to take it.
"While none of us could ever anticipate a reassignment of districts, all of us here have the utmost trust and faith in the Capitol's decisions and should a reassignment occur, would relish the opportunity to make the Capitol proud by serving where they see most fit.
I don't remember anyone mentioning the possibility that we might have to move to another district and I absolutely will not leave my family behind so this something I need to find out about as soon as this interview ends. I feel Madge rub my hand under the table, as if to tell me she'll explain it later. Still, I don't know that I like the sound of it. Not one bit.
The interview session wraps up and everyone begins to find their way to the dining room. My mother makes some excuse about having to get Posy to bed, though it's completely made up. She politely thanks Mayor Undersee for the invitation to dinner and says they'll have to do it another night and then leaves with all three kids in tow. And she never says a word to me or Madge the entire time. And I know Madge noticed.