Act 8
'Even More Judgement'
It was coming to the start of the 24th Games and that meant only one thing was coming; the interviews. It was something that someone as anti-social as I could be dreaded. The tributes were forced to sit down in some fancy interview outfit and "chat up" with some interviewer. It was supposed to make the connection between tribute and Panem stronger, allowing the latter to get to know the former better. I personally find it annoying.
Iridis, District Eight's stylist from the chariot rides, was also in charge of our interview outfits. With her in charge, I half expected to be dressed in some monochromatic garb. Not a dress, but simple garb.
"I think you will love this," she said to me. "It will go so great with your red hair."
I had been ushered into a small changing room the floor where interviews would be taking place. They still were in the same building we were staying at, but on an entirely new floor untouched until now. The room I was in was a whole lot smaller than even my room back home. In there I was beyond cramped. Shoved into a small room with Iridis and her two assistants, you would be cramped too.
"Just slip this on, while Joslyn does your hair," Iridis instructed.
I was forced to slide on an orange dress as one of Iridis' brightly coloured hair assistants messed with my hair. It hurts when your head being tugged in every which direction while you roots scream like bloody murder for your help. I swear my hair turned a darker crimson with the blood she drew by pulling out some of my hair. When she was done though, my hair was styled up in a pretty, and tight, bun.
The dress was nice as well. It was a deep shade of orange, which off-set my pale skin and my red hair. It was like Iridis had said, it suited me. It was an off-the-shoulder long-sleeved dress with a short cupcake skirt. The sleeves were a different, lighter shade of orange, making it all that much nicer.
Before I could comment on Iridis' fashion sense, a knock echoed through the small room.
"Decent?" asked the voice from the other side.
By this time, Iridis' assistants had already taken it upon themselves to do my make-up. Iridis ended up answering the door.
"Is it time already?" asked Iridis while opening the door.
On the other side was Weft. He seemed a little impatient today. He probably didn't like the interview process either. He really didn't seem like the social type of guy.
"Yeah," he said, tapping his foot. "Dezji is already ready."
Dezji had been taken care of by Iridis' male assistants while she was busy with me.
With her assistants done, Iridis pushed me out of the room and allowed Weft to take control of me. With that, he guided me to the waiting area while slightly pushing me.
"You're going to go before Dezji this time," Weft said. "Ladies first, as they say."
He finally let go of me when we arrived at the lined that already formed. Dezji was there, looking as thrilled as usual. He was wearing a black suit with a red shirt underneath. It looked rather devilish, though I guess it fit Dezji's outer personality.
"You'll go when instructed," said Weft. "Just remain calm and let the interviewer do his job."
And then Weft left, leaving me a bit frazzled. I stood there, behind the District Seven guy, waiting for my turn to humiliate myself to come.
"You're over thinking this too much," said Dezji.
I turned around to shoot him a glare, thinking he was making fun of me again, only to find his face showing sincerity.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Just watch the screens," he said, gesturing to the television sets set up above the line. "Lucida will help you along with you interview. I have watched these every year and I can promise you he does his job well."
I looked up at one of the televisions set up for us to watch the other tributes' interviews. Up first was the District One female, Aur.
If I watch this, I should feel a bit more comfortable going up, right? I thought. At least I don't have to go first.
Thinking that, I watched as Aur sat down in the chair across from Lucida. Her interview dress was just as revealing as her chariot dress. Instead of sheerness however, her dress this time was on the side of skimpiness. A light pink dress cut short of mid-thigh hugged her well-endowed body. Rhinestones decorated the sweetheart neckline and the spaghetti straps. With it she wore a pair of high, and I mean high, silver spiked heels. Her hair was pulled back into loose curls in a half-ponytail that fell over her shoulders and her make-up looked caked on. Still, she looked attractive, which was probably her selling point.
"Hello and welcome to the interview segment of this year's Hunger Games," he said. "I'm Lucida and I am here with the first of the 24 contestants. From District One, Miss Aur Metaxas."
Aur waved at the camera, giving a faked smile, while Lucida clapped. When Lucida finished, Aur adjusted herself to look at him. She sat very lady-like; defiantly having the poise I lacked.
"So Aur," he started. "You volunteered for the Games. What is your reasoning behind that?"
Aur continued to smile as she answered. I was feeling rather angry at her, though I didn't know why. Maybe because she could fake such happiness on screen and here I was panicking.
"Well, Lucida, I only volunteered this year because I am so well prepared," she answered.
"You're prepared?" asked Lucida.
"Yes, as prepared as I'll ever be," she said.
Her smile soon turned into a seductive smirk. You could tell the angle she was going for by this point. She was basically flirty with the camera and audience. She even tried to flirt with Lucida, but the man didn't seem to go for it. He continued to chat on politely, but didn't give way to Aur's seducing techniques.
The interview continued on with Aur talking about her preparations and dallying with the camera. The three minutes of her interview seemed to fly by fast. When she was finished, she shook Lucida's hand, shot once last smile at the camera, and exited.
"Along with Miss Metaxas, a male tribute came from District One," continued Lucida. "His name is Paris Argent."
Paris emerged from the side lines dressed in a golden suit. He shined in the spotlights, which was probably his stylist's idea. Either way, it defiantly caught the attention, and from my personal experience, it defiantly fit his personality.
"Hello," greeted Paris, shaking Lucida's hand.
"Paris, you're up against some pretty strong opponents," said Lucida. "Just by the scoring, there were three tens, two other nines, and four eights. These tributes with such great scores, like yourself, are bound to make some worthy opponents."
One of those scores was Dezji, who stood behind me, staring at the same screen I was. I could sense he was listening extra carefully for what Paris was about to say; it did involve him after all.
"There truly is," agreed Paris. "And they will make both great allies and enemies. I don't want to give too much of my plan away, but I plan to use my resources wisely to outlast those that are stronger than me."
"You sound awfully confident," Lucida joked.
"Well, I am confident," said Paris.
I don't know why, he got made a fool of by someone who had a lower score than him. He wasn't really in any position to be confident, unless he was planning on mooching off of the other Careers; which was likely. Paris was a worm among birds, so he would probably do what any smart worm would do and let the birds pick themselves off as he makes himself cozy hiding behind them. I know he is strong-ish, well stronger than me, but most are. He was defiantly the weakest of the career tributes.
He continued on about how his confidence will drive him to win the "24th Annual Hunger Games"… Bleh. His interview, at least to me, came off cocky and rather just annoying, but I could only assume the Capital was eating it up.
Following District One would be District Two, obviously, so after Paris came out Helena. Now this was an interview I wanted to listen to carefully. She was going to be a tough competitor, I could tell it.
Helena wore a long, empire-style gold dress. It was relatively sheer around her legs and back area, which showed off her lean body. Her arms were bare, minus the dark dragon tattoo that ran up her right arm and down her back, which showed through the sheerness. I remember from training seeing some scars on her, but that was probably hidden now by make-up so she could appeal to the vain Capitol figures.
"From District Two, Miss Helena Sonova!" introduced Lucida.
Helena smirked at Lucida, acting as if she didn't want to be there. I couldn't blame anyone for not wanting to be there; I surely didn't want to be there. But Helena was a Career, which meant she was prepared for the Games, so one would think she wouldn't be as angry about them as say myself or Dezji.
"You volunteered, yes?" asked Lucida. "Coming from such a strong household must have prepared you for this, along with the training you received growing up."
Helena seemed to do her best not the sneer. Her family seemed to be a touchy subject for her.
"Yes, the Sonova's have strong background," said Helena.
"You're related to a victor, am I right?" asked Lucida.
"Yes, I am a distant cousin to the Victor of the 13th Games," answered Helena. "Trust me, it is something we are always reminded of in our household."
She muttered the last part, but it was still able to be heard. Lucida appeared slightly thrown off by this, but kept up his interview. I, myself, felt the angst radiating off of Helena. She didn't want to be there and she defiantly didn't want to talk about her family, and that comment made it quite clear.
"So what was the reason for volunteering? Are you trying to live up to your distant cousin? Or is there another reason?" asked Lucida.
Poor guy, I thought, actually feeling sorry for Lucida. He is desperately trying for this interview not to fail.
"I simply volunteered for my mom," said Helena.
"Your mom, huh?" asked Lucida.
"I love my mom dearly and volunteered so that when I win, she will get the nice life she deserves," answered Helena.
One would think a person from District Two would already have a nice life. Then again, usually what is nice on the outside can be nasty on the inside. Helena's home life may not be what is cracked up to be.
Helena's interview went on in an awkward manner. Her sarcasm and short answers made it difficult for Lucida to get anywhere. When her three minutes were up, she got up and, without saying good-bye to Lucida who had extended his hand for a shake, left. As she was leaving, Marcello entered. The organizers behind the scenes practically shoved him out after the fiasco with Helena. Lucida sent a meek smile at Marcello as he walked on in his black suit.
"Marcello Leon from District Two," introduced Lucida.
Marcello shook his hand and sat.
"So Marcello," started Lucida. "Welcome."
"Thank-you, Lucida," said Marcello.
It was like a completely different person from the guy shooting me glares during the parade. He seemed approachable, which was something I never I thought I would say about him. Just from first impressions, I didn't like him. If I saw this side of him first, I might have liked him. Which made me worry about how the Capital will perceive him and how that might hinder me in the long run.
"I am excited to be here," said Marcello.
Unlike Helena, Marcello was easy to interview. He and Lucida seemed to feed off each other. When Marcello would say one thing, Lucida would say another, all in good sport. Marcello was defiantly more open in the interview. He talked about his home life and how happy his family is for him. He also goes on to talk about training both before and after the Reaping. He acts sociable the entire time, though I feel like there is a bit of him that is putting on an act.
Marcello's interview seems to end quickly, though there was a bunch of information shoved into the three minutes. After Marcello's turn was the District Three female, a girl named Claria velnan. I had remembered her scoring was a six, the same as mine.
Her district was known for technology, making Panem's televisions and computers. It was also responsible for other types of technology, but was mainly known for televisions and computers. From what I knew, they also worked in factories and were used to conditions similar to District Eight. Claria herself looked like an average girl, like a few of the designer daughters I went to school with. Not overly frail from lack of food and proper housing. Her pale blonde hair and matching fair skin probably set her apart from the many worn-out people who lived in her district. I could only assume the grey-eyed girl was a daughter of some of the more respected citizens of District Three and that was why she looked as nice as she did.
For the interview, Claria had been dressed in a silver, knee-length dress with a sheer, white shawl over her bare shoulders. Her blonde hair was set up in a messy ponytail, allowing her soft face to be seen. As the interview commenced, she gave a slightly impatient feeling to the interview. She felt like she was trying to be a frillier Helena. While it was probably her personality and she wasn't trying to copy anyone, because I thought so, the Capital probably thought the same way. Throughout the entire interview she had a sarcastic angst about her. Unlike Helena, hers seemed to be completely unnecessary.
After Claria left, on came the District Three male, a strong lad named Octavian Fairbanks. He was one of the four to get eights, along with Dezji and Douglas. It made sense based on his athletic appearance. His entire physique, which he defiantly had one, screamed fit and well taken care of. He wore a black suit similar to Marcello, though his was fully buttoned up and looked more serious on him compared to Marcello. Octavian's physical traits seemed like they would be more appropriate for the stereotyped idea of District three; what with his dark hair and contrasting light eyes.
Octavian seemed to have more of a sense of himself, unlike his district partner. He knew who he was and what he was doing, as if calculating in a way. It wasn't to be surprised as he was from District Three, and thus had intelligence surrounding him.
Pay attention to him, Calico, I thought, taking a mental note of just how scary his cunningness was.
I ended up phasing out a little bit near the end of his interview, though Dezji brought me back with a tap on the shoulder.
"Pay attention," he whispered in my ear.
He was a bit cross-sounding, though I wrote it off. I had come to learn to ignore Dezji's tone and listen to his words.
As Octavian's interview ended, the District Four female's began. Delphine entered wearing a sea foam green mermaid-style dress. It was sleeveless and had a very low neckline, though her chest was decorated with a multitude of pearly necklaces which contrasted lovely with her tanned skin.
Her entire interview I could make out why Dezji said not to trust her. While Delphine seemed nice and was so compliment-y and polite, but I felt like it was forced. Much like Aur's smile or Helena's interest, Delphine seemed to be forcing the nice attitude she was putting forth. It was like she was a spider trying to lure flies to her web, and the flies were both sponsors and her fellow tributes.
After her was her district partner, Coriander Prii. I had remembered him from the parade and his toned body flooded my mind. I couldn't help blush at remembering his body. Now he was wearing a navy blue suit with an open blazer. The shirt underneath was a lighter blue and slightly unbuttoned. It gave him a carefree and relaxed feel to him.
I had half expected him to be like the rest of the Careers, but he seemed well the opposite. He seemed genuinely polite and didn't seem particularly at home in front of the cameras. In fact…
"So tell me Coriander, you seem like a nice kid," said Lucida. "How are you going to be able to deal with hardships that come with the game?"
Coriander seemed to mull the question over for a quick second before answering.
"I don't particularly like to think of what will happen to the other tributes, though I know there can only be one winner," he said. "I can only hope to be able to hold myself strong during the hard times."
Albeit he did seem a bit self-centered at times, even at one point saying he plans to win even against the stronger tributes, he seemed like someone who would be good friends to have outside of the Games. I don't know if I could trust anyone in the Games to become allies with them though, even Dezji.
Following Coriander was the girl from District Five named Seraphina Harold.
Now District Five is responsible for powering Panem. All the electricity for televisions, phones, and computers alike came from District Five. I remember in school learning about it having a dam that helped generate a lot of this electricity.
Seraphina was a bright girl, physically speaking anyway. Her ginger hair floated down her back in wild, loose waves. Compared to my darker red hair, hers was a bright orange. It contrasted brilliantly with her pale skin and green eyes. She wore a basic short pink dress that loosely fitted her thin body.
Lucida barely had to talk during her interview, as she just chatted away and mostly kept the conversation alive herself. She talked about trust and the honourable thing. She mentioned how her father had taught her to care about every living thing's comfort, from humans to animals to plants. She was taught never to turn on a person, as that was treacherous. She also stated that was why she was a vegetarian, because she couldn't come to harm an animal. I don't know how you could not eat meat with all the vitamins it provides and be ready physically for something as rigid as the Games, but to tell you the truth, I don't think Seraphina looked ready.
After her, a boy in a pinstriped suit came out. He was the District Five male tribute and was named Wyatt Luna. He was incredibly short, probably standing about five foot two, at most. There was barely anything to him. He had wild orange hair similar to Seraphina, though his roots were darker, almost brownish.
I guess red-heads aren't as uncommon as I thought, I thought to myself while touching my hair.
He barely talked during the interviews, even though Lucida kept throwing open-ended questions at the boy. Wyatt kept somehow answering such broad questions with simple, one word answers. I didn't know how he did it, but I was a little bit impressed. Still, based on his personality and physical appearance, I could make the assumption he wasn't going to get far in the Games.
Wyatt's interview finished after what felt like forever and as he left another tribute came out. This time, as if by surprise, was the District Six female tribute. Her name was Anastasia Kalonimos. She was defiantly a surprise though in the appearance area. I remember her from training very little, though I do remember her having her hair completely up and back, which made it hard to deceiver what it was. But during the interview, her hair hung in curls. What was so surprising about it was that it was elderly shining silver. Not many children have grey hair, though here was a 15-year old with it.
Anastasia wore a black mini-dress that hugged her body. With it she wore silver heels that seemed to match her hair.
"That is some unique hair you have got going for you, Anastasia," commented Lucida.
Anastasia nodded.
"It is common in my family to get grey hair early, due the chaotic nature of our household," she explained. "Thankfully I got my grandma's silky silver instead of the typical stringy, dirty grey."
It turned out her hair was originally brown until she was about 12, when the grey started to come it. I admit it was actually very pretty and defiantly set her apart, which was all too important at this time.
After her was her district partner, Othello Spiros. He was a 13-year old kid you looked like he was ready to wet himself. He was so nervous he kept ending up stuttering during the entire interview. It was quite difficult to make out what red-head was saying half the time.
Following his disastrous interview was Amira Arbur, the girl from District Seven. I defiantly remember her from training as she ended up comforting Gavin after Douglas dealt with Paris. She was a sweet person, which was sad, because sweet tends not to last long in a bloody massacre like this.
I watched as Amira sat gracefully in her elegant red dress as she talked with Lucida. She was rather short when standing, but when she sat, she seemed to elongate herself in a natural way. Her brown hair was pushed back with a black headband, as to allow her regal facial features to be shown. What really dominated her face was her large, green eyes which seemed focused on Lucida like a scared deer.
After Amira was Douglas. I ended up completely out of it during his interview though, because him up meant I was next. Looking forward I saw no one in front of me. All there was were a long, red curtain and the stage in which I say Douglas and Lucida chatting away.
"Worry about it and you'll mess up," Dezji whispered.
"Thanks," I said, rolling my eyes.
He was trying to be encouraging, but I couldn't seem to hear it. I was just too flustered. And before I could panic anymore, Douglas' interview ended. I was ushered on stage. As I was entering, I passed by Douglas who gave me a small thumbs up, hidden from the cameras. I flashed a smile and walked fully on stage, sitting down across from Lucida.
"From District Eight, Miss Calico Neil," introduced Lucida.
I shook his hand and he got straight to the questions.
"So I have been told that you're the main provider for you family," said Lucida.
He paused, as if asking me to comment.
"Yes," I said. "I currently work at a factory in my district to support my mom and myself."
Lucida nodded and continued, "So aren't you worried about it all when you're away?"
I thought about it. My mom was probably watching the television at this very second, as it is required by law. Still, it was my mom. She probably wasn't focused on the television at all or even that I was gone. Instead, she was probably buzzed out of her mind with a needle sticking out of her arm. The question being if I was worried, which the answer was indeed, yes I was.
"I am very concerned about my mom, as she is the only family I have," I answered. "She is unable to take care of herself due to… depression, so I take care of her so she can continue on living. She had taken care of me my entire life up until she had become so depressed, so it felt only right to take care of her during her time of need. And that side of me that is always concerned about her wellbeing hasn't left since coming here."
Lucida gave a sympathetic nod. "I see," he said. "You seem much focused on family. Is there anyone else you may be focused on though?"
Lucida gave me a sly smirk, though I had no clue what he was getting at.
"I saw that smile you gave to Douglas," he said.
What? The friendly smile I gave him for encouraging me? I thought, stunned that Lucida was making it sound like so much more.
"He is a nice guy who encourages everyone. I had smiled at him as a thanks for that," I responded.
There was no chance in hell I was going to be paraded as some flirt, like Aur or Delphine.
"Oh, looks like we caught something," said Lucida. "It is okay to have a crush in the Games, no need to be defensive."
You know that moment when people say, "Don't be so defensive"? You almost become unhinged. You go, "Well, if I wasn't pissed off before, I surely am now!" You just raise like five levels on the anger meter. And that was where I was than; Lucida was pushing that I had a crush on a guy I hadn't even talked to. I didn't want to be seen as weak and here I was being shown like a flirty school-girl.
The rest of the interview was conversing about my relationships and how I was with everyone. Apparently Lucida decided to display me as a friend-to-all type of person, which I defiantly wasn't seeing how I already had made two enemies, one of which I didn't do anything to and still seems to hate me.
When I left the interview and Dezji went on, I walked back to where Gaius, Weft, and Woof were waiting. Weft patted me on the shoulder.
"You could have had a much worse interview than having been labeled as a nice, friendly girl," he said. "I couldn't speak for my entire interview. It is rather humorous to think back to it, but the interviewer defiantly wasn't happy about it than."
I chuckled and looked up at the television screen. I wanted to see Dezji's interview.
"So is there anyone you miss back home?" asked Lucida.
"Yes, my younger sister, Lilleth," Dezji said.
I missed Lilleth, too. I hadn't really appreciated her at the time, but at times like this, I would have really liked to have her smile around. She was always chipper, even if the situation didn't ask for it.
"Your district seems to truly care for family, as both you and your district partner hold your family members high," said Lucida.
"I feel like all the districts respect their families, but it is in districts like Eight and the other poorer ones that they are truly held high. It is because we don't have much else that we feel protective about our families," explained Dezji.
"I miss my family."
As I watched Dezji on the screen, someone had said that. I turned around to find it was Weft. He wore a frown as he looked up at the television screen.
"My family had died due to a factory fire a while back," he explained.
"I remember that," I said. "I was only five when it happened, but I remember a lot of people dying or getting seriously injured."
"Yeah," said Weft with a nod. "They didn't die in the fire itself, but my pregnant wife was seriously injured in the fire. The only reason I wasn't there with her was because I was too sick to go to work. When it happened though, I rushed out of bed and ran to the factory. She was stumbling out of the fire with a few other workers. Her skin was so badly burned that you could see bones. She died a few days later from organ failure. With her death was also the death of my unborn child, thus the fire caused the death of my family."
The fire was a pretty horrific event for our district, one that probably won't be forgotten anytime soon. I couldn't imagine losing your family in the fire, though many did. Weft didn't lose his wife in the fire, but instead watched her fade away because of it. Now that was truly saddening. Before I could comment, Woof spoke.
"Looks like Dezji's coming back," he said.
I turned to realize I missed the rest of Dezji's interview. That wasn't very polite of me, after all he was my district partner and I should probably support him at least during this time. Still, I missed his interview and I felt kind of guilty about that as I watched him return from the stage.
"You did well, boy," spoke Woof.
Dezji gave a half-hearted smile and shrug. He seemed in a slightly better mood than before, maybe it was the idea of Lilleth wafting through his mind.
"Next up is District Nine's female, a young girl named Elena Wilkenson," said Lucida.
"We should probably go back to our floor," said Gaius.
"No," interjected Dezji. "I want to watch the interviews in full."
I nodded in agreement. I may fade in and out and get distracted once and awhile, but I wanted to watch as much of the interviews as I could.
Elena was the smallest girl so far; from what it looked, she barely hit five foot even. Her mousy hair was also short, cut into a bob that hovered above her shoulders. She sat in the chair wearing a very child-like, pastel pink dress with a flowery headband in her hair. Her face, despite what her childish clothing may suggest, gave off a very strong look. She looked like she could celebrate with a tea party after ripping off someone's head, if that was even possible. She had the most determined look in her hazel eyes.
She was only 13-years old, just like Othello and Gavin. Still, unlike those two, she had a stronger voice. It matched her eyes. Every time Lucida had a question, Elena answered with a snarky, yet witty answer. It sort of surprised me that someone her age could be so like that at first, then I remembered Nova. Elena seemed better than Nova; not downright as insulting as Nova was, instead just a bit hostile when approached from the wrong angle. From the interview, I learned Elena had a twin sister back home and she had given Elena her bracelet to remember what she was fighting for. I could see Elena soften a bit when speaking of her sister, Clarice.
After Elena came the District Nine male, Daniel Fitzgerald. He apparently preferred to be called Danny. He was a small kid, which seemed to be pretty common these Games. Then again, when your have poor nutrition intake, you're bound to be small. Still the poor kid looked like a girl, what with his long, brown hair and large, doe-like eyes. He had such a wonderful innocence about his look; I couldn't help but wonder how he kept it during this rough time, especially after just training. He wore a matching pastel blue suit to Elena's pastel pink dress. His had a single white flower in the pocket of it, which seemed to fit him perfectly, at least in appearance.
The entire interview Lucida would ask questions to try to get Danny to show his emotions a bit to the Capital, though it didn't seem to work. While Danny was polite and answered, he answered like a well oiled professional. He seemed overly disciplined. While any kid his age, 14, would normally answer questions about how they feel about the Games with fully emotions, Danny seemed to hold back. At one point Lucida even pointed this out and asked the kid why. Danny's answer just showed how mature he truly was.
"Everyone is a bit uncomfortable right now," he said. "If I start getting emotional, others will too. I don't want to make others uncomfortable by pretty much shoving my abundance of emotions into their faces. Yes, I am worried though, but I don't feel the need to show it through crying or clinging to everything."
I wouldn't think that way when I was his age. Hell, I don't even think that way now and I am two years older than him. To have the respect for others emotions is just so mature that I cannot help but respect Danny even more for having such a motto.
Up next was District Ten. District Ten's main abundance being livestock. From the pictures I have seen in text books, most District Ten citizens tend to be well-built and rugged. I know there are exceptions to every rule, but one will always think of the stereotype first, especially when said stereotype has been pounded into your head by teachers, parents, and other authoritative figures. But when the District Ten girl walked out, I think I let go of all stereotypes I had thought of about all the districts.
I had originally though Gypsy Bates was originally from one of the wealthier districts during training. I had never gotten too close to her to realize she was indeed from District Ten. She was tall, which seemed to fit the district's type and she seemed to have some, though barely there, muscles, but everything else screamed wealthy districts. She wore a sheer white dress which was pretty much nothing under the spotlights. She would have best just gone in her underwear, as that is what showed through the dress. With it she wore her hair up in two, bouncing red pigtails, just like she had the entire time I had seen her. Her sharp, modelesque face was caked in make-up, though she seemed to pull it off; acting like she always had make-up on. Seeing her, she just might. Her green eyes were accented with grey eye shadow and blue eyeliner, while her pouting lips lined in red lipstick. She looked like she stepped right out the Capitol.
She acted like it too. During the entire interview, Gypsy continuously flirted with Lucida, much like Aur had done. Like how every time Lucida would laugh, Gypsy would make sure to laugh and touch his shoulder with her hand or brush her leg against his randomly. She acted cutesy a lot; she would continuously talk about herself in the third-person. Just imagine me saying… "Calico is so happy to be here. Calico enjoys seeing everyone having fun. Calico is hungry. Someone better get Calico some food or Calico will get angry." Yeah, it's annoying and that is how I felt listening to this girl. She didn't seem trampish, like Aur, but defiantly was not as innocent as she would like to be perceived.
Following Gypsy was a boy who seemed to fit the idea of District Ten better. His name was Dallas Holliday, or Dal for short. He was well-built and had a decent tan from what I would assume was from working outdoors with animals. His chocolate hair with honey-toned mixed in gave a unique tone to his jagged facial features, framing the strong, hardy smile that stretched across his face. He wore a simple white dress shirt tucked into a pair of dark slacks with some grey suspenders slung over his shoulders. No jacket, though really, it might have looked silly to have a jacket on his big build.
Dal was a lot more wholesome than Gypsy was, embodying the level-headiness someone might have from living on a farm. He was calm his entire interview, differing from Gypsy's childish and hyper attitude. He was seemed like the old saying would describe; "Someone to take home to the parents."
After Dal came District 11. Up first, of course following the general pattern already set, was the female tribute. So you could guess that that meant Nova Deveraux was up first. Finally getting a good look at her, not in a tree or running a course, she was defiantly the shortest one here. She was well below five feet, beating Elena for that title. She was wearing a yellow dress that had an ombre effect near the bottom hem going from the yellow to a deep golden brown. She wore her black hair up in a side ponytail with little golden plastic streaks in it and matching golden flats to pull the look together.
I tried to tune out most of her interview, as the passive aggressiveness in me was getting a hold of my ears. Still I managed to hear a little bit about her. She was raised in an all-male household with her dad and two older brothers, which would explain her aggressive attitude. Still, I don't think that excuses insults, but I'll just let it go so I don't have any emotions holding me back in the future. Nova tied up her interview and soon it was Gavin's turn.
The kid, Gavin Stalone being his full name, walked out, a bit withdrawn from the looks of him. He wore a pair of brown slacks with a khaki button-up shirt tucked in. It seemed to blend too much into his already brown skin and matching black hair. It didn't seem his stylist took the time to handle his appearance like they did with Nova. Favouritism at its finest people.
Gavin's life turned out to be the complete opposite of Nova's. He was raised in a predominantly female household with his mom, aunt, and three half-sisters. With such a careful and gentle upbringing, it didn't seem like Gavin had a chance in the rough and wild Hunger Games. He kept a strong face when talking about them though, which it probably took a lot of courage not to just break down crying at that fact.
Finally the last district was up; District 12. The female tribute was named Calla Perdita. She had coal black hair, which was actually funny, at least to me, seeing how District 12 was known for its coal mining. With her grey eyes, it was easy to tell she was from the Seam, the outer layer of District 12 known for its poverty and crime. She wore a basic black dress that looked like it had no effort put into it.
Calla was a horrible person to listen to. She wasn't rude or conniving or fake like some of the other tributes. Instead she had lost all hope. She was so depressing that it actually made me feel as depressed as my mom while listening to her. I felt like ending my life there just so I didn't have to hear anymore.
Thankfully her district partner wasn't as disheartening to listen to as she was. Silver Gray was his name, though was a bit dissimilar to his appearance. Instead of an expected hair and eye colour similar to Anastasia's hair, he carried sandy brown hair and hazel eyes. He had a lean build, created by probably working a whole lot. He defiantly gave off the air of hard-worker.
His interview was more like a debate. I don't know how it became one, as Lucida was asking peacefully, though personal questions. Silver somehow managed to get a bit passionate about some things and turned into a debate of sorts. All I can say was it was interesting.
And with the end of Silver's interview came the end of the programming.
"I am glad to have been here with this year's tributes, 24 interesting characters who are sure to make this year's Hunger Games one to remember," said Lucida. "I am Lucida and I will see you tomorrow with the beginning of the 24th Annual Hunger Games!"
And so the night came to an end. Dezji and I were escorted back to our floor where we ate and then fell asleep. I lay in my bed, staring at the holographic window. The window, similar to a large television, could change scenery to make the person feel more at home. Instead of staring at the Capital's picturesque scenery, I had changed it to an overlook of District Eight. It was my home, a place I wish to return to alive someday. The next day would be the first of many of a destructive event, and probably the bloodiest. The first day always is. Thinking that, I slowly drifted off to sleep.
This was the longest chapter I have ever written… Ever! At 6,802 words, I was actually thinking of splitting it into two parts, but decided against it. I didn't give everyone a speaking role because I was afraid of it a.) getting too similar in text and b.) getting too long. It was already long with just descriptions, I can only imagine how adding more dialogue would make it.
I hoped everyone enjoyed a look into the cast of Overture of a Massacre. Next chapter, or "act", will be the Cornucopia and the bloodbath. I won't tell you who, but I will say eight of these interesting characters will die. My sources say the average death count of the Cornucopia is eight, so I am making it eight.
For those wondering, we have four blondes, four black-heads, five gingers, ten brunettes, and one silver haired. Of those, eight have blue eyes, eight have brown eyes, six have green eyes, and two have grey eyes. So behind brown (a common colour) ginger was the most common hair colour and blue the most common eye colour.