The Gamemakers give me a lot of time to recover, physically and mentally. Can't have an ugly, mentally unstable victor representing the nation, now can we?
I look into the mirror as my stylist puts on the final touches of my interview dress. The scar on my cheek has healed, for the most part. A small pink line is still there, but it is hidden behind makeup.
My hands still need ointment, but I can use them for basic tasks. Regardless, my stylists covers them with white gloves.
My dress is simple, yet beautiful. I wear a strapless blue gown that flows like the waves. My hair is left down. I look like myself. It's crazy that I don't feel like myself.
"You've got this." My stylist smiles at me and I manage a smile back.
I stand behind the wings of the stage as Adrian warms the crowd up. I take a deep breath, awaiting my cue.
"She is fierce, she is gorgeous, she is our newest victor, ladies and gentlemen please help me welcome Callista Beaufort!" I manage a friendly smile and wave to the audience as I walk onto the stage and they go wild. I take a seat.
"Congratulations, Callista!" Adrian says with enthusiasm. I smile.
"Thank you, Adrian. It feels good to be out of that arena." The audience applauses.
"I bet it felt good to take a real shower again." Adrian laughs and I manage a smile.
"Yes, it certainly feels good to be out of those fields. I missed sleeping in beds." Another chuckle from the audience.
"Well, let's waste no more time! It's time to watch your Games!" My heart sinks and I only hope it doesn't show on my face.
They start with the reapings, barely spending any time on non-Career districts. They linger on Four, which makes me uncomfortable. It's hard to believe how long ago that day was. I can't even remember what was going through my head that day.
We fast forward to the chariot rides, training scores, and interviews. They focus on the Careers, how kind Majesty was, how beautiful Glamour was, Chaze's fighting skills, Lana's attitude, and Neptune's charisma. They show every minute of the bloodbath, emphasizing Lana's betrayal of the Careers early on. I hear a snotty comment about how they're glad she wasn't the victor, which irritates me more than it should.
I try to tune out the rest of the Games as they only bring back poor memories. My heart sinks when watching the footage of Majesty and Neptune together. They really did bond, it wasn't just a show. Guilt takes over my body. I'm the reason they are dead.
The final showdown is hard to watch as well. It's strange watching myself on that screen, it doesn't even feel like it's me up there. I feel guilt for Holden, his slow and painful death gives me goosebumps. The fight between me and Neptune seems to go on forever. But I come out victorious.
I ended the Games with six kills, I murdered six other tributes to be sitting where I am. I shudder. Six families are cursing my name. Six families will want me dead. One of those families lives in my own district.
The video ends and they put the spotlight back on me.
"Congratulations again, Callisa. This is a Games nobody will forget." I smile politely before exiting the stage.
I know I certainly won't forget it, Adrian. How could you forget those horrors?
And with that, the 101st Hunger Games have ended! Thank you to everyone for reading and reviewing, I had a lot of fun with these characters and I'm excited to start on the next SYOT