Hey guys! It feels awesome to not greet you all with a lame author's note, but with a chapter! Yay! Thanks to Sail by Awolnation, I was able to finish the chapter. I'm very sorry for not posting for a long time. Now that it's summer, I can post more (: I'm very excited to continue working on chapters about the games and speaking of the games, the end is near. This is part II of the family interviews. Part III will be the last! Enjoy!
Marina's family
Estelle coos the fussy baby in her arms. She's too overprotective to leave Lucy back in four with a relative, and she'd rather have her here where she can see her than at home with her worrying every minute.
"Make sure to sing her favorite song when she doesn't want to take her bottle, and-"
"You need to stop worrying. She'll be alright." Bernard stops her and places his hands on her shoulders from behind.
"I know. It's just that I'll be out there for a few minutes and she might need a lot of things."
"And I'll be here to take care of her." Bernard reassures her. He starts to massage her shoulders.
Bernard guesses that Estelle is letting her anxiety lean more on Lucy being taken care of. All of these little things are just the result of her being nervous to get interviewed by the famous Caesar Flickerman about their other and oldest daughter Marina. It doesn't mean that Estelle isn't really protective; she really is. Even if this interview wasn't happening, she'd still be checking on her precious bundle of joy, but it'd be a notch lower than how she is now.
"Time for your interview, miss." A stage hand informs them.
He waits for Estelle. Estelle slowly places Lucy in her husband's arms as if she'd break from any harsh movement and says a few more comforting sentences before looking at Bernard.
"Don't forget about the things I told you." She reminds.
"Yeah, yeah. I got this."
"Mommy is going to be gone for a very, very short time and daddy will be taking care of you. Love you!" she kisses Estelle's chubby cheeks while making a sound that their baby finds funny. Lucy's laughter is music to their ears. Every child's laughter is music to anyone listening. Their innocence and how their eyes light up is what's so refreshing and you can't help but smile. Bernard and Argon are full grown men and they still smile when they hear that sound.
The stage hand politely opens the door for Estelle and gently closes it behind them. If he slammed that door and startled Lucy, her dad would've ripped the door off the wall and hit his face with it.
"Moms are very overprotective."
Bernard faces Argon. "Yeah. Even when Lucy sleeps, Estelle would lay down next to her and look at her."Bernard agrees.
"Estelle's always been sweet when we were young, but when it comes to her girls I know she'll bring out the inner bear in her." He chuckles.
"Oh yeah. But she'd be more of a lion than a bear." Bernard jokes.
Argon's right, Estelle has always been that sweet girl and she still is. Her benevolent nature is what had drawn her husband to her. In their teenage years before he got to know her more, it annoyed Bernard. How can someone be so nice with the Hunger Games going on? Bernard's not a rebel, but he knew for sure that Estelle wasn't a sadist who was thrilled everytime it was time to send in one boy and girl in to compete.
Bernard doesn't feel that Argon is making this up. He and Estelle were good friends in school and still are. Bringing him along with them to talk about Marina feels right since him, Estelle, and Marina all love him. He knew Estelle before Bernard did and they developed a brother and sister type of relationship so when Bernard planned on marrying her, he knew that getting his blessing was important.
"That's even more accurate. No different with us dads, though." Argon points out.
"Not at all. We fight like lions, too." Lucy wraps her tiny arms around her father's thumb and starts to shake it like a rattle. She finds it funny and giggles.
"What's the latest news with everything?" Argon asks.
Bernard doesn't need to ask; he already knows what he's talking about. An update of everything happening so far in the games. Because every family can't leave the Capitol until every family has been interviewed, they can't watch the games. The purpose of the big, flat screen TV in the lounge is for watching the interviews only.
"The kid from nine is out."
"Isn't that the one with Marina's alliance?"
"Yeah. He was crushed to death by rocks." The minute Bernard says this, he tries to prevent the image of the boy being crushed by the enormous boulders. The last sound that left his lips was a scream; a scream of suffering.
"How do you know this?"
"I asked one of the stage hands outside. They got the info." Bernard points in the direction of the stage hands outside.
Back straight, chin up. Estelle reminds herself. Move gracefully.
She always reminded Marina about her posture and she'll do the same to Bernard and Argon before their interviews. Being in front of all those cameras and people made her nervous and she didn't want to be. It's going to affect her posture. You can't have a straight back and be shaking. They won't go well together.
Estelle was always told that she looks too young to be a mother. Most always thought that she was a teen. Whenever Bernard was present when someone said this, he'd say that she's very kind and barely gets mad and believes that is what gives her a youthful appearance. His wife would blush and thank the person and her husband for the compliment.
She chose the red-orange dress because it swayed right behind her as she walked. It was simple, with the sleeves covering most of her shoulders, but Estelle's beauty and long brown hair made that seem like it didn't matter. The color reminded her of coral and she had no problem with wearing something associated with her district. When she was young, Estelle loved swimming; after all she was from district four. Whenever she had the time, she'd walk to the beach and swam until her mother had sent someone to get her. Swimming is another reason Estelle was excited to wear the red-orange dress.
"Let's bring out the mother of this year's female tribute from district four-Estelle!" Caesar starts his introductory.
Estelle steps into the bright lights and moves toward Caesar gracefully, just like she wanted. She smiles to him, then out at the audience.
"You look beautiful, Estelle!" Caesar says.
"Thank you."
The two of them get comfortable in the chairs. "Marina is such a sweetheart, but you are her mother and you know more, so describe your daughter in five words."
"Marina is sweet, smart, beautiful, compassionate, and tricky."
"It's hard to believe that those words are describing a career." Caesar states. "How do you feel about your daughter being a kind career?"
"I feel that her being kind doesn't change the fact that I still love her. She is who she is."
"That's right. We are who are." Caesar nods.
"Now I hear that Marina has a baby sister?"
"Yes." Estelle smiles proudly.
"How old is she? What's her name? Does she look like her big sister? My, I am asking a lot of questions for an infant." Caesar covers his mouth. The audience laughs lightly.
"Her name is Lucy. She is five months and you don't really see the resemblance at first, but it's there."
"She must be lovely." He presumes.
"Very." Estelle agrees.
"Now that you have two girls, would you like for your next child to be a boy? That is if you want another child."
"I have no plans of having another child soon, but if I do want one, I would like a boy. I always wanted four children; two boys and two girls."
"The half same sex gender mix explains why."
"I'm glad it does. It's nice to have one of everything, or in this case, two of the same gender." Estelle explains.
"I agree! Especially when it comes to food, count me in." Caesar rubs his stomach and sighs, wishing for something delicious to eat right now. Both Estelle and the audience laugh at this.
The sound of the buzzer fills the air and Estelle knows that she needs to stop talking. Caesar offers his hand and helps her stand up. He receives a smile of gratitude.
"Let's hear for Ms. Estelle, the mother of this year's district four female tribute!" Caesar raises his other hand and urges the audience to make noise. They do and Estelle exits the stage.
When Estelle walks into her family's lounge, Bernard says, "And you said you were nervous,"
"I was!"
"Didn't seem like it. Good job." He takes her hand and guides her to sit next to him.
"Thank you. Are you nervous?"
She was occupied with her anxiety that she neglected how her husband was feeling. He was too busy comforting her, and trying to tell her that everything will be fine that he must've forgot that he was up next. Bernard is a little nervous. His anxiety level isn't high due to the short amount of time that his interview would last. It wasn't like he'd sit there for an hour answering questions. Bernard has a calm demeanor most of the time and would get panicky when things go really wrong. When he was worried, that's when everyone else started to worry.
"Sir, we need to get you ready for your cue." It's the same stage hand had that procured Estelle.
Bernard gets out of his seat next to Estelle and walks right behind the stage hand. The stage hand tells him to wait in the spot right behind the curtains shielding those in backstage; the same spot that the other family members waited.
Five minutes later, he hears Caesar Flickerman say, "Please make our next guest feel welcomed. Come on to the stage, Mr. Bernard!"
He walks with in happy, but composed manner. He waves a little at the crowd in front of the stage and shakes Caesar's hand.
"Hi, Bernard!"
"Hello."
"How are you feeling?" Caesar questions.
"Pretty good. I feel famous with all these lights." He leans forward and looks up at all the bright lights shining down on the stage.
"Guess how I feel." Caesar rolls his eyes dramatically.
Bernard chuckles. "How do you feel?" he asks the man who is supposed to be the one with the questions.
"Like an angel." Caesar folds his hands together and brings it up to the side of his face and says this in the tone of a little girl. It makes the audience and Bernard laugh.
"You sir, are the one that should be answering my questions."
"Right." Bernard agrees.
"How was Marina as a child?"
"Very hyperactive and sociable. Always made a friend everywhere she went and wasn't afraid to talk to someone."
"That's wonderful! And has that stayed the same?"
"No. It's the opposite; she is shy now." Bernard admits.
"Things have taken a turn."
"Yes they have."
"Did you go through the same thing?" Caesar asks.
"I think so. I don't really remember. Honestly, childhood memories are such a blur."
"No kidding. Have you ever tried so hard to remember that your head hurts?" Caesar questions eagerly and when Bernard gives him a confused look, Caesar's face is covered in disappointment."Neither do I." he attempts to shake it off. The crowd laughs at his effort.
"Did you have any advice for your daughter before she left her district?" Caesar switches the topic.
"Yes." Bernard nods.
"What was your advice?"
"I told her to keep her head up. If she believes that she can do it, then she will."
"That is a piece of good advice." Caesar acclaims the tribute's father.
"Thank you."
"Did Marina play with her baby sister a lot?"
"Yes she did. A lot. When I say 'a lot' I am not joking. Every spare time she got, she'd spend time with Lucy. It's always been wonderful to watch." Bernard smiles at the vision.
"I bet it was. Now, this will be your last question since your time is almost up. What would your reaction be if Marina fell in love with someone in the games?"
"I'd be upset. It'd affect her wish to win and that'll defeat the whole purpose of her being there." Bernard says candidly.
"I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Let us thank Mr. Bernard for answering my questions!" Caesar exclaims. Bernard stands as the audience applauses and shakes Caesar's hand for the last time.
"Argon, you're up," Bernard gets comfortable on the furniture. "Are you nervous?"
"No, this'll be easy. I won't be shaking backstage like you." He teases.
Bernard laughs. "Good one."
Not long after does the stage hand arrive to fetch Argon. Argon is staying true to his word, not being nervous. He was calm on the inside and out and when Caesar calls him to the stage, he couldn't wait to get the show on the road.
Caesar asks the first question when they are both seated. "How close were you and Marina?"
"I can say pretty close. She considered me her uncle and we went on these crazy adventures when she was just a little girl."
"How did these adventures take place?"
"Everything was based on her imagination. We built a castle with blankets and pillows in her living room. We'd usually have these adventures when her parents needed to do something and asked me to watch over her."
"It must shocking to see her all grown up with no time for that, huh?" Caesar straightens his back.
"I've accepted the fact that she's a big girl and has interest in other things, but at times I do miss it. She was like a daughter to me and still is. I'm proud of her and I respect her decisions."
Caesar wipes an imaginary tear from his eye. "That was touching." Argon and the audience laugh.
"Have you ever covered Marina? Meaning that you helped her get away with something."
Argon leans forward and whispers –although not too quiet- in Caesar's ear. "Bernard is watching, isn't he?"
Caesar decides to play along and whispers in the same volume, "I'm pretty sure he is."
The audience is dying with laughter, loving how they're both joking around.
"Well in that case, yes." Argon says. His tone is not serious. He respects Bernard being his friend and the father of Marina, and it will be disrespectful if he didn't really care about admitting it.
"Really? Do tell!" Caesar urges.
"One time when Marina was about nine, she wanted a candy marshmallow from the sweet shop, but her father said no as a punishment for not behaving at school. She had this sad look that broke my heart and when Bernard left the house to borrow something from a neighbor and Estelle was sewing in her room, I darted out of there and got the candy marshmallow." Argon recounts.
"How did you both hide this from Bernard?"
"I told Marina to eat it in her room."
"And what was your backup plan if her mother or father were to go inside?" Caesar inquires.
"I'd call them and pretend that I needed their help before they have the chance to touch the doorknob."
"Clever! You should cover for me when I get into trouble." Caesar jokes.
"Maybe. What would my reward be?"
"A lifetime supply of my love." Caesar chuckles and lightly nudges Argon's shoulder with his fist. Laughter emerges from the audience and Argon.
"Fair enough." Argon says happily and hugs Caesar. Caesar laughs and hugs him back. There is a mixture of laughter and clapping heard from the audience.
"We have room for one last question. Please don't cry when you have to leave." Caesar pouts and pats Argon's shoulder.
A smile spreads across Argon's face. It's a big smile. The one that you wear when you're about to laugh. He nods.
"What will you do to celebrate Marina's arrival is she wins?"
"I got that one in the bag. I am going to throw a sweet-tooth party. All the food will consist of candies only. I know her eyes will bug out of her head when she sees the table full of sweets."
"And I certainly know what I will do." Caesar's eyes go big and a dreadful expression is on his face.
"What would you do?" Argon questions.
"I'd attack everything covered in sugar. I'll end up with a stained suit afterwards." He runs a finger over the edge of his jacket.
"Let us thank our very funny guest Argon!" Caesar lifts both his hands in the air and the audience does just what he asked.
"Thank you." Caesar shakes Argon's hand with one hand and pats his back with the other.
"Thank you as well." Argon responds.
When Marina knew that she couldn't bring herself to tell her parents certain things, she sought advice from her uncle Argon. He didn't judge her, and when he needed to listen, he listened and when he was needed to speak and comment, he did so. Argon didn't live with them, but he was always there when his niece needed him. Ever since she was a little girl, Marina always told her uncle what was on her mind and nothing has changed. Especially with her parent's focused more on the new edition of the family, uncle Argon was there.
"There you go again winning strangers over with your humor." Bernard says when Argon comes back from his interview.
"Must be why I have more friends than you." Argon teases. Sitting besides her husband, Estelle giggles.
"I was going to say Estelle disagrees, but it looks like she does in fact agree." Bernard looks at his wife.
"I'm not saying I agree. I just laughed, Bernard." Estelle cradles the tired Lucy in her arms and looks right back at her husband. Standing her ground.
"So I have more friends than Argon, right?" Bernard asks, hoping she says yes. Whenever Bernard and Argon got competitive, Estelle and Marina were to determine who the better one is.
"I'd say that you both have the same amount of friends."
"But who has just one more than the other?" Bernard doesn't give up.
Estelle sighs. This whole thing is starting to irk her. The most part being that Lucy is on the verge of falling asleep and with all the talking, she might not rest.
She thought of something to say that'll shut the whole conversation down. An evil smile grows on her lips. Argon and Bernard wait for her answer.
"Neither of you. I have the most friends."
Sebastian's family
Most of the fathers here have their wives accompanying them. They get to clutch the hand of their significant other when they get nervous about being questioned. Unfortunately for Christopher, his wife could not be with them. With Christopher are his parents who he is grateful to have with him. His mother knew that this would not be easy since this is something that both a mother and father need to go through together and is sitting right by her boy's side with her husband.
Christopher is glad that his mother and father are here with him. If they didn't come, he'd be alone. There would be no one to talk to, especially since he has no other children.
"You look just as stunning as your father did when he wore that." His mother, Annabelle, smiles.
Annabelle was the one who made sure everyone looked spick and span. For herself, it is a teal blue floral dress with a black hem and waistband. The sleeves would dance whenever there was active movement and it felt soft against her shoulders. She picked a dark blue suit for her husband Henry and his old cream one for their son.
"Thank you." He responds.
His father doesn't say anything. He's nervous for his son. Annabelle tries to keep a positive atmosphere going by not letting silence take over.
"I wish that they had left recipes on how to make all of this." She laughs and looks at all the appetizing desserts left for them on the long table.
"Christopher, you should ask one of those stage hands out there if we can take some of this home." She waves towards the door.
"Do I really have to?" Chris does all he can to not sound rude.
He's not ready to get on stage, he's scared that his words will slip, and his actions might not do a lot to win his son sponsors. Now was not the time to ask someone if they can bring the desserts back to district four.
"Yes you do." Annabelle has sliced herself a piece of custard pie.
"Do you want some, dear?" Annabelle asks her husband right before Christopher steps out of the family lounge.
"I'm fine." Henry turns and shakes his head.
"It'll clam your nerves." She enticingly waves it in a circular motion.
"Okay." Henry says. He can't argue with that.
"Excuse me," Christopher grabs the attention of a female stage hand walking by.
"How can I help you?" She says quickly, like she needs to be somewhere else.
"My mother is wondering if we can take some of the food from our lounge home."
Before the stage hand can say something, another stage hand, this one a male, comes walking towards Christopher.
"You're up, sir." He guides Christopher to the curtains and has him stand right behind them.
This is where Christopher gets into panic mode. He's not sure if he's personality will win the audience over and if he's so boring that someone in the audience throws something at him, that won't be good for both him and Sebastian.
"The next person coming up to the stage is the father of our district four male tribute, Sebastian! Sadly, his mother is not here, but Mr. Christopher will make her proud. Come out, Mr. Christopher!"
He's not sure if it's clear that he's nervous, but he's hoping that he's not making it that obvious. When they see you sweat, it'll make you look awkward and no audience likes an awkward lad. Someone who is open and not afraid to answer whatever question you ask is always loved by the crowd. Christopher is hoping that he can be that person for the sake of Sebastian's sponsorship.
"How are you doing, Henry!" Caesar reaches out for a handshake. Christopher takes it and shakes it firmly.
"I am doing okay." Henry conveys being relaxed by reclining in his chair.
"Sebastian is a good kid and I know that everyone in your household misses him. How does everyone deal with him not being around everyday?"
Christopher clears his throat to prevent his words from coming out hoarsely. "I deal with it by continuing on with my daily routines and always watch what's happening on screen. My mother keeps herself busy by making plenty of desserts and my father makes sure that everything in the house is not broken and repairs those that are. We all have a different ways of dealing with his absence." Christopher answers.
"That's right," Caesar agrees with Christopher's last sentence. "After what you have said about your mother making desserts, I envy you. You must really enjoy that!"
"I'm not going to lie. I do love it."Christopher says and makes eye contact with a camera located in front of him. "Thank you, mom." He says and gives two thumbs up with a big smile.
Caesar chortles, then his facial expression changes to a more stern one. "Are you trying to rub it in my face?" His tone matches his expression.
"No I am not." Christopher says innocently. He is quite surprised with how the always-cheerful host is acting.
"Good." Caesar changes back to his old self. The audience and Christopher share the laughter.
"I was just playing around." Caesar gives him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Now you say that your mother makes desserts to deal with Sebastian, her grandson, not being present."
"Yes." Christopher concurs.
"Before Sebastian went into the games, did he enjoy these treats?"
"Yes. Very much, but he couldn't eat a lot because he had to keep in shape to prepare himself for the Hunger Games."
"Ofcourse. Everyone knows that a very overweight career tribute won't be able to make far into the games." Caesar states.
"That's enough of your mother, who should be very flattered that I keep bringing her up-" he stops to playfully wink at the camera. "How does your son cope with his mother's death?"
Sebastian would love to hear this. Christopher thinks. "He doesn't really like to talk about it much and I, as well as his grandparents, respect that. Though, I know that it won't good for him to keep it all in forever." He states.
"No it won't. Maybe he'll talk about it when he's ready." Caesar suggests.
Sansa was a great mother and wife. She took care of her family and made sure that everyone was happy even if it meant sacrificing her own joy. Christopher and Sansa's marriage was arranged by their parents. Arranged marriages were common at the time and Sansa and Christopher were chosen for each due to the beliefs that both of the parents shared. The couple was happy with their parent's choice. They knew each other prior to their parents looking for the perfect bride/groom.
Into the second year that his name was placed in the reaping bowl, Sansa died of cancer. At that point all her hair had fallen out and the once youthful and jolly woman looked like an old lady. Even though smiling took effort, Sansa still had one on her face. Sansa is sweet, but adamant with the choices she makes. She stood her ground, which was a favorite trait of Christopher's.
When she died, Christopher and Sebastian grieved the same way: Not talking about it. It was Annabelle who told Christopher that he needed to open up and try to talk to his son. He did, but Sebastian never did. It's Christopher's dream for his son to find a girl who can make him talk about it.
"Will it matter if he finally talks about it with someone else?"
"No. As long as he gets it out, I'm fine with it. All I want is for him to not harbor those emotions for the rest of his life."
Christopher is very sure that his son will talk about his mother's death with someone else. He doesn't want his father to see him weak since men don't usually talk about their feelings, especially with another man. Coming from a career district, that will just make them look bad.
"You are right. That's a lesson all parents should learn." Caesar praises. "I, and the audience, would like to thank you for answering my questions. One more time-let's hear it for Mr. Christopher, father of district four tribute Sebastian!"
A round of applause fills the air as Christopher walks towards the backstage area. He feels very relieved that all of that is over with. He thinks he did a pretty good job out there. Sansa would've been very proud of him.
He enters his lounge to find his mother standing and cheering, "That's my Chris!" and his father smiling and laughing while clapping. This is a perfect explanation as to why Chris shouldn't dwell on his wife's death. He still has a family. His parents will always be there for him and he will always be there for his son.
"I don't see why you were nervous," Annabelle says to her son when she sees him. She gives him a hug.
Henry's affection is mild, being just a pat on the shoulder. It's always been like that. Ever since a young age, Chris has been told that men do not express their feelings. That has always been 'something for the girls only'.
"Are you excited, mom?" Chris asks.
"I think so. You both know that I'm not good with large crowds."
What's worse is that the crowd in out there is larger than any Annabelle has stood in front of. Her son has made it look easy, and that slightly calms her.
A stage hand enters the lounge and has Annabelle follow him to get ready for her cue. Standing and waiting, Annabelle folds her hands together. She rubs the thumb of her right hand to against the surface of her left hand. She sees through a tiny gap in the curtain the bright light from above shining on the stage floor.
"Coming out after Christopher is his mother Annabelle! Let's greet Sebastian's grandmother politely!" Caesar tells the crowd and they do as told.
Annabelle kindly waves to the audience. She already looks like a kind and loving grandmother, and if her interview goes great, she will win sponsors for her grandson.
"Are you sure you're Sebastian's grandmother?" Caesar questions when she's in a close range and takes her hand.
"Yes, why do you ask that?" Annabelle is thinking that Caesar does not see the resemblance in her and Chris.
"Why, because you look too young to be a grandma." Caesar compliments. Most people in the audience go, 'Aww', remarking how sweet that was. Annabelle giggles like a teenager and motions with her hand for Caesar to stop.
Both get in their seats and Caesar asks, "Were you close with Sebastian when he was young?"
"A big yes!" Annabelle says. Caesar laughs at her swift answer.
"What did you like to do with grandson?"
"I loved making him eat. He was the chubbiest little boy I've ever seen." She recalls and this makes the crowd laugh. "Chris would tell me to slow down with the food, and I would, but continue a little after."
"As he got older, did you still make him eat a lot?"
"Sadly, no. As much as I wanted to feed him more, Chris respectfully drew the line and said that instead of giving him his favorites-chocolate chip cookies and croissants, I should cut up fruits for him. I agreed and I'm happy that my boy was okay with the change. Now he has big muscles, and the girls want him. I'm not too happy about the second part, all the girls after Sebastian better know that they're not going to stand in between me and my little baby." She states.
"Wow. Though you look very sweet, you know how to be firm." Caesar comments. He then looks at the camera. "And did you hear what she said? To all you Sebastian lovers: You must win Ms. Annabelle over first." He says.
Annabelle nods in agreement and turns to camera, too. "That's right."
"If your grandson is crowned victor, will you continue making sweet treats for him?"
"I will never stop making treats for my boy, but I will have to watch how much I make or his appearance will be affected. No one will like a handsome, but fat victor, right?" she directs the questions to Caesar.
"Very true. I have one last question for you, Annabelle. Are you ready?"
"Yes I am. And may I say how fast this interview is!" she exclaims. The audience laughs.
"I know. When you return to your lounge, don't miss me too much." Caesar jokes. Annabelle sniggers. "If Sebastian wins, and he has you move with him into Victor's village, will you take advantage of the kitchen?"
"You best believe I will." She smiles proudly with her teeth.
Laughing, Caesar takes her hand and has her stand up. "Let's give it up for Ms. Annabelle, grandmother of Sebastian!" The crowd claps for her, most loving her personality.
Annabelle declines the assistance of a stage hand and walks by herself to her family's lounge. She doesn't say anything when she goes inside due to knowing what her husband will say. But the success of her interview doesn't keep the smile off of her face.
"And you doubted yourself." Her husband smiles.
"I was for sure that the words weren't going to come out right." She defends.
"After watching it, I'm positive nothing went wrong." Henry rubs her shoulder. "It's my turn." He nods towards the stage hand waiting for him at the door.
"I know you will do good." Annabelle waves at her husband. Sebastian smiles at his father.
Henry trails behind the stage hand, but is distracted by the busy scene. He stops and watches everyone. He's certain that he is the only person that's not moving around so much in the sea of fast pace moving stage hands. He is focus returns when the stage hand leading him tugs on his sleeve.
"The last member of Sebastian's family that will be interviewed is his grandfather. Give it up for Mr. Henry!" Caesar introduces.
While his wife chose to wave, Henry settles with a smile. He raises his hand at the audience, acknowledging their applause.
"How are you doing, Mr. Caesar?" Henry shakes his hand.
"Fantastic. Please, just call me Caesar." Caesar non-forcedly insists.
The two men take their seats and Caesar starts a conversation. "While talking with your wife, she told me that she really enjoyed feeding Sebastian while he was a youngster. Can you tell us what you liked to do with Sebastian?"
"I liked doing two things with him: Playing sport with him to help lose the weight that Annabelle puts on with all the sweets, and catching fish. The reason why I'm not saying 'fishing' is because Sebastian was fond of keeping fish as his pet as his was with eating them." Henry explains.
"So catching fish for Sebastian to keep and fishing were done on different occasions, I'm assuming?" Caesar inquires.
"No, they can happen on the same day at the same time. Like every children from four, he loves spending time at the dock and the beach."
"I don't doubt that one bit. Did he like keeping more than one?"
"No. He preferred one. He said that if he caught more than one as his pet, than there wouldn't be a lot for the family to eat." Henry smiles at the memory.
Caesar chuckles. "That's one selfless boy you have." He points at Henry.
Henry nods his agreement. "Yep. I'm very proud of him"
"Opposing to Ms. Annabelle, you wanted to keep him in shape?"
"Yeah, and we both though that it was a good balance. He'd run around an hour after he ate chocolate cake."
"You should help me with balance because I only focus on the chocolate cake part." Says Caesar. The audience laughs.
"Don't worry. That suit will turn the attention away."
"That's true. Never mind; that means more chocolate cake for me." Caesar fist pumps.
"You enjoy your chocolate cake while you still can. You keep enjoying yourself, and then next thing you know you can't reach your plate of chocolate cake." Henry says honestly.
Caesar laughs along with the audience. "I fear that. I hope my assistant will remind to stay in shape."
"When your grandson wins, what are some things that you would like to do with him?"
"I'd like for us to play sports just like we did when he was younger and he is not cocky, but I know in his mind he's confident that he'll beat me and I'm going to prove him wrong." Henry states in a firm, but playful tone.
The host laughs. "I bet the media would love to see that."
Henry's brows furrow. "Media? As in people with big cameras who are eager for one photo?"
"Not just one photo. They love to take a bunch. I know because I'm their favorite person to snap a picture of." Caesar looks at the audience and runs his fingers down his jacket. They laugh in response.
"How do you feel of the thought that you will have to deal with all the cameras when Sebastian wins?"
"I'm not looking forward to any of it. It's because the flash annoys me. Especially if it happens out of nowhere, I'll kind of be surprised then me feeling surprised will turn to exasperation. I bet Annabelle will love it. She'd smile her head off." Henry says.
Caesar chortles. "I can imagine her doing that. I think she'd also force you to smile with her, right?"
"Absolutely." Henry agrees.
"It's been great talking with you, Mr. Henry. Make some noise for Mr. Henry, grandfather of Sebastian, district four male tribute!"
"Now we can all sit down and relax and watch other people's interviews." Annabelle says happily when Henry steps in.
The two men agree and sit on the couch with her. Christopher needs his son to win. He has people cheering for him at home. They're waiting for him to return. When he does return, he'll get to be with his family. The family not being complete does not matter at all.
Again, sorry for the VERY long wait. Don't forget to let me know what you think! Thanks for reading (: