Chapter 5: The Interviews
My eyes flew open and I glanced around me. I was covered in a sheen of sweat, and my voice was hoarse. My face felt sticky and I slowly got up and looked at myself in the mirror.
I was a wreck.
My face was red and puffy, signs that I had been crying last night. My hair clung to my forehead and my breathing was irregular. It increased as I remembered the previous night.
My father. My father, dying. Me, witnessing his death. Seeing the tree begin to fall. Watching the other men screaming for him to move. He tried to, but he didn't move far enough.
The tree crashed down on him.
And in my dream, I was there. Screaming. Crying. Yelling for him to get up, get up. Telling him not to leave us. Trying to move the heavy tree off of him.
Nothing worked.
I shuddered as I told myself, 'Stop. Tomorrow you're going into the Arena and thinking of this will weaken you.'
I jumped into the shower and turned it on, and let my dream wash away with the water.
I walked out, refreshened and ready to go. I pulled on a cotton t-shirt and cargo pants, and secured my feet inside a light pair of hunting boots. I tied my small piece of cotton ribbon on my ankle too. It reminded me of home. A secure place where I felt safe.
I went downstairs, where Geisha, Maia, and Felix and his stylist sat. Upon my arrival, Maia turned to me and announced brightly, "You're late! And Geisha wants to begin your interview preparation as soon as you're finished with breakfast. Letalia, your female mentor, will give you advice today about the Arena, while Garrett, the male mentor, consults with Felix."
I nodded and began to pile bacon, eggs and pancakes onto my plate. I sat back down and began to scarf down my food. Maia looked at me rather disgustedly. "Come on, Asher. It's the day before the Games. Use your manners!"
I rolled my eyes, but wiped my mouth with a napkin and began using a knife and fork to cut my food. I finished quickly and walked out with Geisha. We rode the elevator down to the Prep Room in silence. When we got out, we walked into a bright room with a mirror and a table filled to the brim with makeup and hair products. Geisha went over to a closet and opened it. She took out my interview dress.
I stifled a gasp. It was beautiful. It was a forest-green color, and printed to give the illusion that it was covered in leaves. It had long sleeves. When I tried it on, I closed my eyes for a moment. It was perfect. The long sleeves made my arms look sleek, and the dress made me look.. indescribable. Geisha gave me green strappy heels to wear with it, that I had to practice walking in since I had never worn heels before, and she put my brunette hair in a prim and proper high ponytail. She then situated a beautiful crown fashioned out of tree bark into my hair.
I looked in the mirror at myself. I was stunning. I was fierce. My light green eyes only accentuated the dress. It was perfect.
"Thank you, Geisha," I gasped, and hugged her tightly. She hesitated for a moment, and then hugged me back.
"You're welcome, Asher. You look lovely."
I smiled. Then the door opened, and Letalia came walking in.
She was a tall, blonde woman who was in her early twenties. Her victory hadn't been too long ago, I remembered seeing her when I was younger.
"Hello, Asher," she greeted me briskly. She looked me up and down and then settled into a plush couch in the room.
Geisha, getting the message that Letalia wanted to speak to me privately, quietly left. She gave me a quick nod before she shut the door, and I smiled a little.
"Hello, Letalia," I replied politely.
She shook her head. "Let's just cut to the chase. You're gonna be in the Arena tomorrow. And you need to be prepared. Do you have any allies?"
I nodded. "Karis Montfort. She's the girl from District 2."
Letalia looked at me, shock evident on her face. "A District 2 kid? So are you in the Career pack now?"
I shook my head quickly. "No. Karis is good. She volunteered for her younger sister. And Karis doesn't like the Careers. Her brother was in the Games. His district partner killed him. A tribute from 7 took down his killer. That's why admired us."
Letalia's eyes darkened. "That was me," she muttered. "I killed the girl from 2."
My breath hitched in my throat. "Oh," I said quietly.
Letalia nodded. "She killed him for no reason. In his sleep. It was the night of the bloodbath."
I looked at my feet. I wasn't sure what else to say.
"Anyways," Letalia said, abruptly changing the subject, "Do you have any other allies?"
I shook my head. "Nope. Although I like the girl from 5 and the boy from 10."
Letalia sighed. "Well, I don't recommend making too many friends, considering only one of you comes out. But I'll talk to their mentors and see if I can do anything. Do you have a strategy yet? What are you best with? Do you have any skills?"
I took a deep breath. "Well, Karis and I were going to charge the Cornucopia. We're both quick, so we were gonna try grabbing a weapon or two and getting some supplies and running out of there. Karis is good with swords. My specialty is with axes, although my father also taught me to fight with spears and knives."
Letalia nodded. "Well, I could see from your 11 that you're really good. Hmm.. I don't suggest charging the Cornucopia, though. With your scores and the impressions you've made before, you and Karis will get plenty of sponsors. Get as far from the Cornucopia as you can. When the gong sounds, get out of there. Try for a backpack, supplies are important. And if you can get your hands on a weapon, perfect. But Karis's mentor and I will try to send you weapons if you can't get any from the Cornucopia. But when that gong sounds, get out of there. Run. Find water, you'll need it. It shouldn't be too troublesome to hunt, especially with your multiple skills. You can do this, Asher. You can make our district proud."
And her scowling face transformed into a smiling one. Hope fluttered in my chest. She really thought I could win. She really did!
I grinned back. "Okay. Can you give me some tips on what you think the Arena will be like, and what to do?"
Letalia nodded. "When I won my Games, we were in a desert-type Arena. Lions, tigers, and other mutts - they killed off lots of tributes. Karis's brother - his name was Kaylin - he was killed the night of the bloodbath. The 2 girl turned on him. And then, the next morning, I snuck up behind her, and BOOM! She was dead. Anyways, the Arena had a golden Cornucopia situated in sand. I didn't run to the Cornucopia at first. I ran to the forest and was lucky enough to grab a knife and a spear there. I was also able to get a pack of supplies. There was some food and water, which I rationed for a few days. After those few days, only about five of us remained. Then, sponsors sent me more water and food. I lived for three more days on that, until it was down to me and the boy from 1. We faced off in the desert. He charged me, and I jumped aside. He fell, face-down. I speared him. Then I won."
I exhaled. "Wow. That's crazy. Did you have any allies?"
She shook her head. "Nope. The Careers wanted me, but I turned them down."
"Oh," I said.
Letalia glanced up at the clock. "Well, it's time to get to your interview with Casser Chandria. If you have any other questions, I'll be back on our District floor."
I nodded. "Okay."
Letalia left after that, and Geisha came back in. She did her final touches on my makeup, and then we left.
We got into a fancy limousine and rode to the interview center, where Casser and all of the other tributes were getting ready for the interviews.
Casser walked onstage and began to speak to the Capitol people. I tuned him out and looked around. Faith, the District 1 girl, was going first.
She walked onstage, wearing a glitzy purple dress covered in lace. Her blonde hair was curled.
"Hello, Casser!" she giggled, holding out a hand to him.
Casser took her hand and kissed it. She giggled again, and then both of them sat down.
"So, Faith, you're 14. You were reaped and you were so excited! Tell us what went through your mind when you were up on that stage."
Faith giggled again. Those stupid, girly giggles of hers were beginning to seriously annoy me. "Well, Casser, I felt like it was a huge honor to be able to do this for my District. I'm so pleased to be in these Games! I'm excited! The Capitol has been so wonderful, and its citizens -" she motioned to the audience, who sighed in pleasure, "Have been so welcoming! I'm so happy to be here!"
"That's the spirit!" Casser said brightly as the Capitol citizens cheered. "Now, tell me, Faith, what do you think you'll bring to these Games?"
"I'm ready to go, Casser! I'm prepared, I'm ready to kill. I want to bring my District honor!"
"Wonderful," said Casser. "We're very excited to hear that! Well, congratulations Faye, and we'll see you in the Arena!"
"And I'll be thinking of you," she replied with a wink. She blew kisses to the crowd and curtsied, and then flounced offstage.
"All right! Time for the District 1 male tribute - Ripper Vinard!"
Ripper walked onstage. He projected confidence and arrogance, and the crowd went wild. He wore a silvery suit that brought out his blue-gray eyes.
"Hello, Ripper! It's great to see you tonight!" Said Casser, motioning for Ripper to sit down.
"Hey, Casser. I'm glad to be here," replied Ripper, sitting down. He seemed casual and calm, like he wasn't about to face death the next day.
"So. Let's talk about your training score. A 10, how wonderful! Want to give us a hint on how you got that 10?"
Ripper grinned menacingly. "I'm 100% skill and talent. I'm clever, I know how to fight, and I'm vicious and prepared."
"Amazing!" Crowed Casser happily. The audience was eating this up.
"So, Ripper. You volunteered at the reaping. What was that like?"
"Incredible. I'm excited to represent District 1. And when I win, I'll make them proud," he replied casually.
"That's wonderful!" Exclaimed Casser. "Congratulations to Ripper Vinard, from District 1!"
The crowd howled and cheered, and Ripper smirked and bowed. Then he walked offstage.
"And next up, I believe, is Karis Montfort, from District 2!"
Karis walked onstage in a beautiful golden gown. It was one-shouldered and had a large jewel right on her shoulder. Her shoes were golden peep-toe heels that were coated in glimmer. Her coffee-colored eyes were done up with mascara and her beautiful black hair tumbled down her shoulders in soft curls. She looked amazing.
"Karis Montfort! Good evening!" Casser greeted her happily.
Karis graciously replied, "Good evening, Casser. You look great." She grins, motioning to his pink suit and pink dyed hair.
He laughs, as does the audience. "And you look lovely, Karis. Please, have a seat."
Both of them sat down, and Casser leaned forward. "So, Karis, who did you volunteer for at the Reaping?"
Karis leaned forward, as if telling a secret. Her facial expression became serious. "That's my sister. Her name is Kira. She's only 12 and she means the world to me."
The audience sighed and Casser put his hand to his heart. "What a touching story! Now, tell us: Wasn't your brother in the Games too?"
Karis's bright eyes filled with tears and she swiped at them, then straightened up. "Yes. His name was Kaylin. He was murdered by his District partner during the bloodbath."
The audience "Awww"s and Casser turned to the crowd. "Now, isn't she just so heroic? She volunteered for her sister, and her brother died in previous Games." He turned back to Karis. "So, Karis, tell us, what are you going to do for these Games? What went through your mind when your sister was reaped?"
Karis turned to the audience, her big eyes wide. "When my sister was reaped, I couldn't think. Or speak. Or even move. All I knew was that, as a 12 year old, she didn't have much of a chance in the Arena. I couldn't let her face the Arena. So I had to volunteer." She took a deep breath. "I have a strategy. And a wonderful ally." She smiled brightly at the camera.
Casser leaned forward. "An ally? Who?"
Karis smiled and put a finger to her lips. "Sorry, but I can't tell. You'll find out soon enough in the Arena." She grinned mysteriously.
The audience cheered and clapped. They were going wild.
Casser glanced at the large clock over the interview area. "Oh, no. It seems that this interview has come to a conclusion!" He smiled at Karis. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Miss Montfort, and good luck to you! May the odds be ever in your favor!" The audience chuckled and Casser kissed Karis's hand.
"Thank you, Casser, and goodnight Panem!" Karis beamed and waved to the crowd, who cheered and clapped.
"All right! Next up, Lander Kavis from District 2!"
Lander stalked onstage, glaring at the cameras.
"Hello, Lander!" Casser said brightly, laughing at the crowd.
"Hello, Casser." Lander's reply was hostile as he took a seat.
"Well," Casser said, obviously trying to ease the tension, "Tell us about yourself, Lander."
Lander flexed his muscle underneath his dark tuxedo. "I'm a volunteer. I'm gonna win the Hunger Games. And I'm strong, powerful, and smart. I'm gonna win this year."
"Confidence! We like that in a tribute," laughs Casser. The audience cheers for Lander.
"Thanks," Lander replies.
"All right! Well, it looks like our time is up! Good luck, Lander, and we'll see you in the Arena!"
"I won't need luck," Lander replied. He winked at the crowd and exited the stage.
"All right! Time for the District 3 tributes!" Casser began to announce.
I tuned out the other interviews.
3 finished, then 4, then 5, and then the boy from 6 was finishing up.
"And now," Casser said, "From District 7… Asher Mills!"
My breath began to come in nervous, short gasps. Felix turned to me and grinned. "Not so fierce now, are you Asher?" He said softly.
Feeling angry, I slapped him squarely across the face, feeling satisfaction. Then I stomped on stage.
"Hello, Asher, and welcome!" Casser greeted me.
I smiled and waved to the crowd and turned to Casser. "Hello Casser! What a pleasure to meet you!"
"And you, Miss Mills," he replied, sitting down. I sat too, and straightened my dress.
"So, Asher, tell me about the Reaping. You were stunned when your name was announced. Why was that?"
I took a deep breath. I couldn't tell them about mine and Faye's pact. It made me seem weak. "Well," I said, choosing my words carefully, "I was scared at first. But then the realization kind of sunk in."
"I see," Casser nodded. "So, what's your plan for the Hunger Games? Tell us how you got that 11 in training!"
"My strategy is a secret," I grinned. "And my 11 in training… well, you'll see in the Games." Casser and I laughed together and the crowd went wild.
"So, Asher, what do you think you'll bring to the Games?"
I took a deep breath. I didn't want to sound cocky or arrogant. "I'm quick and clever. And I have some.. skills. I hope to bring some excitement to these Games."
"Amazing!" Said Casser. "Well, thank you Asher Mills!"
"No, thank you!" I said, waving to the crowd. I smiled brightly at them, and then said "Happy Hunger Games!"
The crowd began chanting my name. "Asher Mills! Asher Mills!"
I curtsied and walked offstage happily.
"Now, time for District 7's male tribute, Felix Jameson!"
Felix stalked onstage and bowed to the crowd. He ran a hand through his hair before greeting Casser. "Hey, Casser," he said easily.
"Hello, Felix!" Casser replied cheerfully as he and Felix sat down.
"So, Felix," Casser said, leaning forward, "Are you excited for the Games?"
"Very," Felix replied, grinning. The Capitol women cheered and screamed for him. "Especially with some of these tribute rivalries."
"Tribute rivalries?" Casser glanced at the crowd and gasped. "Tell us more!"
"Well," Felix smirked mischievously. "My District partner and I… have a… history. It's pretty long."
"Tell us! Tell us!" Chanted the crowd.
Casser laughed. "The crowd wants to know! Do tell us, Felix!"
"Well," Felix began. I mentally smacked him. He was going to humiliate me on national TV!
"We used to fight a lot, back in school. And when she was 11, and I was 14, we got in a huge fistfight. And I beat her and I kissed her. And ever since, we've been in a huge feud. Since apparently she doesn't enjoy my kisses," he smirked. My face turned red. I was definitely being shown on TV.
"Really? How scandalous!" Gasped Casser, and the audience cracked up.
"Yeah. Ever since, she's hated me. And I've hated her. And we're going to kill each other in the Arena."
"Ooh! Well, this should be an interesting Games!" Cried Casser. "Make sure you're tuned into the Games, citizens!"
"Thanks, Casser," said Felix, and he got up and bowed.
"And thank you!" Cried Casser, who stood up. "It was a pleasure," he said.
Felix waved to the crowd and blew a kiss to the Capitol women. Some of them fainted. I rolled my eyes.
Felix stalked backstage and the rest of the tributes began to go.
"Hope you enjoy your death," Felix smirked at me. "Maybe I'll kiss you one more time before I slit your throat."
"In your dreams, ugly filth," I spat back. "I'd rather be tortured to death then kiss you again."
He curled his lip. "I'll remember that, then, in the Arena," he snarled. Then he stalked away to the elevators.
I sat back in a chair, defeated. He was going to try to kill me.
Karis walked over to me and sat down. "Hey," she said softly.
"Hey," I replied sullenly.
"I heard what he said to you," she whispered. "That's terrible."
"Yeah," I said. "But if he tries to kill me, can you make sure he makes it quick?"
"I'll make sure he's the one who winds up dead," she replied, smiling.
I laughed. "Thanks," I replied, a real smile lighting up my face.
She grinned in response. "Now, let's go back. We'll need our sleep. The Games start tomorrow." Her expression turned serious.
"Okay," I sighed.
We walked up to the elevator and pressed the buttons.
"Karis," I said suddenly. "I'm scared."
"I know," she said. "I am too. But we can do this. We'll make it through the bloodbath together. We'll get away. My mentor talked to yours. We've got this."
I gulped. "But only one of us can win," I whispered.
She sighed. "Don't think about that yet. Please."
I nodded. Then the elevator reached her floor. "Alright. Good night. I'll see you in the Arena in the morning."
"Night," she replied with a shaky smile.
"Karis," I called. She turned around.
"Good luck." I said.
"You too," she replied. I smiled at her.
"We can do this."
"Yeah," she repeated. "We can."
Then the elevator doors closed and I rode up to my floor. I dashed into my room and flung myself into bed. I hurriedly changed into my pajamas and sat in bed all night. Then I began to cry.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I thought about tomorrow. The deaths. The killing. The horrors of the Arena. I swiped at my cheeks. "Be strong," I told myself. "Be strong."
I took a shaky breath and leaned into my pillow and tried to fall asleep. I needed my strength for tomorrow.
My last thought before I fell asleep was, "I love you Faye. And Mom too." Then I drifted away