Victor of the 68th Hunger Games

Chapter 5

The Interviews

After being introduced, Haymitch told us that we would have to train for five days. Four would be in front of everyone, including the other 22 Tributes and the last day would be where we got our training score. From previous games, there was always a training score that is shown live. The Districts 1, 2 and 4 usually had the highest, though the one tribute from a few years ago from District 4 had a lower score, but he still won the Games that year. I remembered that game well. I was 12. District 12 also had the weakest scores.

I tugged on the training clothes that were laid out. It was a dark shirt and paints, the number 12 stark on the right sleeve and the back of it. I tugged my hair into a tight short ponytail. I knew I had to keep my hair away from my face and away from anyone's grip. I shuffled into the dining hall.

Hermes said loudly. "Oh, Nicolette! There you are! Come, come, sit down." I looked at him and his bright clothing. I slowly sat, seeing Haymitch sitting opposite me at the head of the table. He looked sober enough, which is surprising. He was eating a plate of breakfast.

A boy a little older than me silently came into the room and placed a plate of food in front of me. I smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you." He startled, glancing at me. I looked back. His eyes looked frightened. He glanced away, quickly moving to place a plate on the other side of me, swiftly leaving.

I asked after a moment. "Is he okay? Did I do something wrong?"

Hermes made a surprised sound. "To the Avox? No, my dear. He is punished with crimes against the Capitol."

I felt my brow furrow in confusion. "So, he has to serve people?"

Haymitch was looking at me. He said, a indifferent tone to his voice. "An Avox has their tongue cut out so they cannot speak." I felt my chest tighten in horror. I pressed my lips together and glanced away. The more I heard, the more I missed District 12. Sure, for some, it was a hard living. A simple living. Every once in a while, someone was whipped. But, nothing like this. Our Peacekeepers weren't very strict. They let a lot of things go unless it was too attention grabbing. Hermes got up and said something about getting Alloy.

Haymitch said quietly. "Kid."

I glanced up and saw his steel gray eyes having a hard glint in them. My voice was just as quiet. "Yes?"

"That empathy of yours. I wouldn't show that to the other tributes, especially in training. It will be marked as a weakness." I got what he was saying, but could I act like a killer...like I wanted to kill these other kids? I know they will aiming to kill me and I wouldn't lay down and let them, but... Haymitch continued. "But, it can be used. You saw how they reacted to the horse. You're a natural charmer."

I didn't say anything, but nodded. He didn't see bothered by my silence. I wasn't a gentle person, but I never thought of killing others either. I was normal.

Alloy came out and sat down. Haymitch stretched his back with a groan. "Alright, kids. What do you want to do? I am your mentor, for all intents and purposes. I can train you separately or together. It's up to you."

I glanced at Alloy, to see his mouth pulling into a grimace. "I don't-does it matter?"

Haymitch said, shoving some bread in his mouth. "It matters if you don't want the other tribute to see what you're doing."

I shrugged. "I don't mind right now."

Alloy nodded. "Together is okay." I know he didn't miss the 'right now'.

Haymitch said. "Okay, then. What're you good at?"

Alloy frowned. "I'm physically strong."

Haymitch glanced over. "And you?"

I scratched the back of my neck. "I don't-It's not really a Hunger Games skill or anything. But, metalwork. My father has his shop. I run it too."

Alloy said. "Those are yours? The works?"

I shrugged, feeling my ears burn. "Yeah." It was similar to a blacksmith's shop.

Haymitch eyed us. "So, I'm working with strength here."

He made sure to tell us to not show the other tributes exactly what we could do. I agreed with him.

I dragged myself from the bed, not even arguing to myself about the dreams that kept on coming. We had to get the kids ready for the interviews and I had an idea. I knew how much the Capitol citizens loved drama and I had the perfect idea for it. I just needed to talk to Haymitch first. After dressing a dark blue shirt, grey scarf/tie and blue suit, I went toward Haymitch's rooms and knocked sharply on the door. I called. "Haymitch."

I heard some grumbling, but the door opened. He was still in bed, half the covers on him, half on the floor. "Nico, what do ya want?" He was half naked, but I've seen worse from him in his drunk state. He might not be drunk now, but the point still stood.

"We need to talk."

"Alright, alright. Hold on." He pushed himself upright, moving his dark hair from his face. "Lay it on me."

I limped slightly, but threw myself in a chair across from his bed. "We need a plan for Peeta and Katniss."

Haymitch smirked. "So, you could see the crush he has on her."

I rolled my neck. "Not funny. Yes, and I doubt it just started." I stared past him at the wall. "But, it could be used to our benefit. Star crossed lovers, the forbidden love story. The Capitol will love it."

Haymitch had a bitter twitch to his mouth. "That's true. But, if we had one of them to sell the story-"

I said quickly. "It has to be Peeta. That girl cannot lie. The boy, though. I recognize a charmer when I see one. You're better with Katniss."

Haymitch nodded to himself, leaning back on the bed. "You do realize we will need to mentor them separate from each other." At my nod of agreement, he continued. "Okay then, but I need you to teach her how to deal with the public. If anyone could act happy to be somewhere and feel the opposite, it's you."

I laughed, grinning at him. "Ah, come on. Finnick is better at it than me."

Haymitch gave me a laugh back. "Yeah, but he's also had more practice."

I stood up. "See you later."

He gave me a mocking salute. "See you later."

I walked out of the room, getting ready for breakfast. I went over to Peeta's door and gave a knock. "Hey, Peeta?"

"Nico?"

I nodded. "Yeah, that's me. Can I come in?"

"Uh, yes! One second." I waited as I heard rustling around beyond the door. I whistled to myself as I waited. The door opened and Peeta quickly shrugged on a shut, his cheeks flushing red. I grinned. "It's okay, nothing I haven't seen before." His blush deepened. Ah, modesty. I miss those days. He sat on the bed. "What is it?"

I leaned against the wall, wincing and shifting to my stronger leg. "Ah, well. Interviews are tomorrow, right? So, you know the host, he will ask you a bunch of questions. It's best if you look impressionable. So, explain what you want."

Peeta's full attention was on me. I was quiet as he explained his goals for this Games. I pressed my lips together tightly until he finished. I ducked my head for a moment and closed my eyes.

"Nico?" His voice sounded concerned.

I opened my eyes and looked at him. 16. This kid was selfless. A bad thing to become in these Games. It reminded me of what Haymitch told me about my empathy.

I sighed. "You're a good kid." I grimaced, I didn't mean to say that out loud. He looked confused. I asked. "That's what you want?"

Peeta said firmly. "Yes."

I felt rage tightened my throat, making me unable to reply back for a moment. I sighed through my nose. "Alright, so this i what you need to do..." I explained our plan and he nodded along.

I smirked a bit. "And for your interviews...charm the shit out of Caesar."

Peeta sent me a smile back. "I plan to." I laughed, putting a hand on his shoulder and leaving the room, feeling my shoulders slump.

Damn the Capitol.

I nodded at Haymitch, who got out of his room, showing him the plan was underway. This could help the both of them if it is done correctly. I've been around the Capitol citizens for 6 years, I know how they think. Foolishly enough, when it comes to the real world, they are almost like children. I came into the kitchen and grabbed my plate of rice and lamb, sitting down. I wish I could run something by Katniss, but she's very open. Anything she tries to fool the Capitol with will be obvious. By the time, I finished, Peeta, Effie and Haymitch were talking about training. I was giving a question or an answer every once in a while.

Katniss came in and sat down with the same food I was eating. I got up to grab the wine. Not too much alcohol so I can't think, but enough to relax me and hopefully keep my mind off my old memories. I poured it into a wine class and sat back down. Effie sent me a dirty disapproving look, but I smiled back at her. No one else was paying attention or they weren't looking at me.

Katniss said. "So, what's going on? You're coaching us on the interviews, right?"

I glanced at Haymitch and he said. "That's right."

Katniss said. "You don't have to wait until I'm done. I can listen and eat at the same time."

Haymitch answered back. "Well, there's been a change of plans. About our current approach."

Katniss asked. "What's that?"

I spoke up, remembering my discussion with Peeta. "Peeta asked to be coached separately."

I watch a couple of emotions cross her face, but she looked blank again. She then nodded. "Good. So, what's the schedule?"

Haymitch said. "You'll have four hours with Effie for presentation and me for content. Nico will be there for both sessions when needed. You'll start with Effie, Katniss."

I nodded in agreement, setting down my glass. "I should be there for this. Let's go."

I sat in a chair with my feet crossed on the table. I watched as Effie instructed Katniss on how to walk in a floor length gown without getting tangled in the heels she was also forced to wear. I remember those days, before I was aloud to use my style as an excuse. I ignored Effie scolding me for my feet being on the table. She focused more on Katniss. As Katniss tried to hike up her dress, Effie smacked her hands away. "Not above the ankle!"

I smiled a little. Katniss turned to me, giving me an annoyed glance. "Why don't you have to dress like this?"

I laughed, baring my teeth into a smile. "Doesn't fit in with my "Style". Luckily, my dress days are over." I shook my head. "But, Katniss, it's annoying, but it helps. Listen to Effie."

Effie sniffed. "Thank you."

Effie then went into teaching her how to smile at the camera, which made Katniss just look like she was struggling. Effie sighed. "Well, that's the best I can do. Just remember Katniss, you want the audience to like you."

Katniss asked. "And you don't think they will?"

I tilted my head to the side, looking her over. "They might."

Effie said, a frustrated tone in her voice. "Not if she glares at them the whole time. Save that for the arena. Instead, think of yourself among friends."

"They're betting on how long I'll live! They're not my friends!"

I said sharply before Effie could say anything else. "Effie! That's enough." I sat up and straightened my shoulders. Trying to argue this was going to just make Katniss angry and I couldn't blame her. Hermes gave me a similar speech and I almost ripped his head off.

"Nico, you cannot honestly think-"

I said. "I'm honestly telling you to check on Peeta and Haymitch." I eyed her with a hard look. She nodded sharply and swept out of the room with a turn of her heels.

I crossed my eyes over my chest and said. "Sit down, Katniss." She hesitated, staring at me with a frown, her eyes glaring. I tilted my chin up. "C'mon, just sit. I won't scold ya." I kicked out a chair so it was across from me.

Katniss sat. "What?"

I pressed my lips together. "Look, no Tribute likes these Games-excluding the few in the Career Districts. But, the crowd-you have to show them something. It's been six years, but I know. I do. I still remember like it was yesterday." I looked at her fully in the eyes, wanting her to take me seriously.

"You were in the Games with the boy from the Seam."

I swallowed deeply, my eyes wide. I jerked back in surprise.

I could never forget his death. And all of Panem saw it too.

Katniss frowned. "Are you okay?"

I cleared my throat. "Yeah, just try to listen to us, okay?"

At her nod, I gave her a beaming grin as my mind was spinning. "Awesome. See you later!" With that, I got up, nodded at her and left the room.

Haymitch was just finishing up with Peeta. I looked around the room, before looking at them again. "So, what'd I miss?"

Haymitch shrugged. "Nothing much. We just talked about his charming angle. Similar to yours."

Peeta glanced at me. "That's what you do in the Capitol, right? In the interviews?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure you've seen it on television." I eyed him and thought about the way he seems to smile at the crowds. "That will probably work for you. Before the interview, we'll talk more in depth about it."

Haymitch looked around and said lowly. "And Peeta told me what you two talked about. That could work." Haymitch turned to Peeta. "Well, Effie should be done with Katniss. Go and see her."

Peeta left. I watched him stiffen at Katniss' name. I sighed. "He really is a good kid."

Haymitch said, a warning tone in his voice. "Nico."

I felt a grim smile pull on my face. "I know, Haymitch. I know." Considering my Games was only 6 years ago, compared to his 24 years, I had a more difficult dealing with it. Not to say he doesn't, but he's found ways of dealing with it. Better than me anyway. Though, these tributes have a better chance that our previous ones.

I said. "Don't tell Katniss the plan. She has talents in other areas, the public-not so much." Haymitch's expression looked like he understood where I was coming from. I said after a moment. "I'm going to look for Sponsors. I'll meet here before they get ready for the interviews. I have to get ready anyway."

Haymitch raised an eyebrow, looking me over. "Something happen?"

I said bluntly, as I was already leaving. "No."

I walked around for a while, and tried to gain some interest for both Peeta and Katniss, which I wasn't all that lucky at. Other than my year, District 12 has a stigma for being a unfavorable district to win. The interviews is what will tie this in. I was not the only one walking around. I saw a couple of Victors from other districts. I waved at Mags as I passed and saw Gloss walking down the hall. I nodded at him, but moved along. I didn't talk to any Victors. I had a goal in mind and I had no doubt it was the same for them.

"So, you're still walking around." I turned quickly, only stumbling on my bad leg a little at the fast movement. I felt my heart slamming into my chest at the sudden voice. I saw who it was.

I smiled a bit. "Hey, Joanna." She was dressed in a dark brown dress, no doubt given to her by her stylist. We still had them, though they mostly just sent us garment bags with clothes, we usually used them for events or appointments of all kinds. She hated this shit, but still went through with it. "Aren't the interviews in a couple of hours?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I could say the same for you. And you put a lot of effort into the tributes."

I shrugged, rubbing the back of my neck. "Yeah, I'm headed back now. See you later." She waved me off, a deep scowl still on her face.

I walked back into the Training Center and got into the elevator. I waited, tapping my foot as the floors went up one by one. I couldn't stand to be in elevators. Sometimes it felt like the walls were strangling me. I let out a breath, walking toward my room. Just like I thought, the large white bag was laying across my bed. I unzipped it, waiting to see what I had to wear today. I snorted to myself at what I saw.

After taking a shower, I dressed in a dark red shirt, dark silk tie that looked more like a scarf and suit pants and jacket that was sleek and black. They really wanted to fit into the coal miner thing this year. I combed my light hair back.

I knocked on Peeta door and waited for him to answer. "Hey, it's me." A moment later, I saw him dressed in a nice crisp black suit with flame accents on the lapels when the door opened. He was awkwardly standing in the middle of the room. I nodded toward his bed. "Take a seat."

He glanced at me, but did as he was told. "Is something wrong?"

I shook my head. "No, but I wanted to talk to you about your interview strategy before you go out there." At his expectant look, I explained. "I expect you'll pull a similar persona to mine, the "charming tribute"."

He smiled slightly. "Haymitch said to be personable."

I nodded in agreement. "He's right. Luckily enough, Caesar isn't going to trap you with questions. He usually works with the tributes. He likes to control what happens on air. Just charm the hell out of him."

Peeta nodded at me. "Like you."

I grinned, laughing to myself. "I don't know if I'm that charming or impressionable." I laughed louder at his look of disbelief. "C'mon, let's go, Peeta." I opened the door and walked toward the elevator. I froze, a thought hitting me. "Oh, sorry. Did you need a minute? I can stall a couple of minutes no matter what Effie says."

That caused a soft laugh to come from him, a smile on his face. "No, I'm ready." I nodded at him, going to walk ahead. I heard him say quietly. "Thank you." I froze. By that, my entire body stiffened, from the top of my shoulders to my feet.

I met them on the elevator with Peeta. By them I meant Effie, Haymitch, and Katniss. I arched a eyebrow at Katniss. Her stylist, Cinna, really outdid himself. The colors on the dress blended together really well. Katniss glanced between me and Peeta with a frown. I shrugged at her look and she glanced away.

Effie sighed lightly. "You both are late. We are on a tight schedule."

Peeta looked at her. "Sorry."

I waved a hand. "Ah, don't be. I'm late to things all the time."

Haymitch snorted. I've been known to lose track of time while in the Capitol. Except for appointments. Can't be late for those.

Effie sent me a disapproving look. "Yes and being late is not a good influence to have."

I rolled my eyes. "Relax, everything is going according to schedule. We're in for a long night."

When the elevator came down, we saw the other 22 tributes sitting in a semi-circle on the stage, which was according to District.

Haymitch growled at them under his breath. "Remember you're still a happy pair, act like it!"

I said, realizing they might need more than that to help. "Look friendly with each other. Cameras are going to be on you the whole time." I placed a hand on their shoulders, feeling Katniss jump under my hand and moved them a little closer together. "Go on, take a seat." I watched as they sat down, moving over to the viewing deck with Haymitch. I saw the other mentors also on this deck. Finnick was with Mags. Joanna was with Blight. Gloss with Cashmere. Beetee was here alone. The list of Victors went on. Even the outlier Districts had at least one Victor.

Haymitch said lowly to me. "If she doesn't get them to like her, our plan won't work."

I said back, just as quietly. "Katniss knows she has to be likable. Her life depends on it."

I waited as each tribute went up. It was almost boring as it was stereotypically the same thing every year. Glamorous tributes from 1 and 2. Quiet looking from 3. District 4 was usually a hit and miss. This year, the boy looked young, about 14. He was not a Career, that was easy to see. I could easily see he wouldn't become another Finnick. The rest was the same. District 7 sometimes produced strong tributes. The outlier districts, 10, 11, 12 were usually the ones dead in the Bloodbath on the first day.

Eventually, they arrived at Katniss' name. "Katniss Everdeen!" We've been standing here for over an hour. My bad leg was starting to cramp badly. I saw Finnick glace at me and my leg, but I ignored it. All the focus needed to be on the tributes. Either I was being too obvious or Finnick knew me too well.

I watched as Katniss shook Caesar's hand and sat across from him. Caesar said. "So, Katniss, the Capitol must be quite the change from District 12. What's impressed you most since you got here?"

I watched with a furrowed brow as Katniss was silent for a moment. I cursed quietly. "Shit!"

Suddenly she said. "Lamb stew."

Caesar laughed. A few of the audience members laughed too. I relaxed my shoulders. Caesar asked. "The one with the dried plums?" At her nod, he said. "Oh, I eat it by the bucketful." He put a hand on his stomach, facing the audience with a tone of horror. "It doesn't show, does it?"

I smirked a bit. As usual, Caesar Flickerman was on point. The audience calls out assurances. Caesar said, leaning forward. "Now, Katniss. When you first came out in the opening ceremonies, my heart actually stopped. What did you think of that costume?"

Katniss replied a moment later. "You mean after I got over my fear of being burned alive?" The audience laughed again. I smiled, making sure she was looking at me and seeing me nodding along to what she was saying, telling her to keep it coming. She had a natural way about her, it made her appeal to the crowds.

Caesar said. "Yes. Start then."

Katniss said. "I thought Cinna was brilliant and it was the most gorgeous costume I'd ever seen and I couldn't believe I was wearing it. I can't believe I'm wearing this either. Look at it!" She spread out the skirt of her dress.

A moment later, she got up and twirled.

Caesar cried out. "Oh, do it again!" Katniss lifted her arms and spun around, flames igniting at the bottom of the skirt. I was pleased with the way this was going. I thought she would have a harder time. Katniss stopped, clutching Caesar's arm. "Don't stop."

Katniss actually started giggling. "I have to, I'm dizzy!"

In response, Caesar wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. "Don't worry, I got you. Can't have you following in one of your mentors, Mr. Abernathy's footsteps."

The camera panned out look at us and Haymitch waved, smiling. I gave one of my charming grins, sending out a wink for good measure and waving them toward the stage.

Caesar said, smiling. "It's all right. She's safe with me. So, how about that training score? Eleven. Give us a hint what happened in there."

I tensed my jaw, hoping she wouldn't actually admit what happened. It been privatized probably is what protected her and her family. Katniss said. "All I can say is I think it was a first." Glancing up at the Gamemakers, they were nodding and laughing along. So, they weren't going to hold it against her? You never knew.

Caesar gave her a pained look. "You're killing us. Details. Details."

Katniss called toward the balcony. "I'm not supposed to talk about it, right?"

"She's not!"

"Thank you. Sorry, my lips are sealed."

Caesar moved on. "Let's go back then, to the moment they called your sister's name at the Reaping. And you volunteered. Can you tell us about her?"

It was silent for a moment, but then said. "Her name's Prim. She's just twelve. And I love her more than anything."

Caesar asked. "What did she say to you? After the Reaping?"

"She asked me to try really hard to win."

Caesar's voice was quieter. "And what did you say?"

Katniss' voice was lower. "I swore I would."

Caesar said. "I bet you did. Sorry, we're out of time. Best of luck, Katniss Everdeen, tribute from District Twelve!"

I sent her a smile when she looked at me. Good work.

I was grinning as Peeta went on charming Caesar and the rest of the audience. He reminded me of myself and my strategy toward my own Games. He laughed with Caesar, joking about his life as a baker's son. He mentions comparing the other tributes to bread. My grin widened as he mention he even, "smelt like roses", inviting Caesar to take a sniff. The audience was eating it all up.

Caesar asked if he had a girlfriend back home. Peeta glanced away for a moment, eyes flickering to me. I gave a slight nod, too slight for anyone else to see. I shifted my weight to my good leg, crossing my arms over my chest.

Caesar smiled. "Handsome lad like you. There must be some special girl. Come on, what's her name?"

I pressed my lips together. C'mon Peeta...

Peeta sighed. "Well, there is this one girl. I've had a crush on her ever since I can remember. But, I'm pretty sure she didn't know I was alive until the Reaping." The crowd awed.

Caesar said. "She had another fellow?"

Peeta said back, giving a little helpless shrug. "I don't know, but a lot of boys like her."

Caesar in return gave him an encouraging smile. "So, here's what you do. You win, you go home. She can't turn you down, eh?"

Peeta said. "I don't think it's going to work out. Winning...won't help in my case."

"Why ever not?"

Here it is...

Peeta flushed red, a deep red the camera would have no problem catching. "Because...because she came here with me."

I couldn't help but see the utter shock on Katniss' face and the loud out cries of shock from the people of the Capitol. Yeah, I wouldn't have a problem with Sponsors with all this drama that just unfolded.

Me and Alloy stuck together during training at first. Many of the other Districts made me nervous. Especially the male and female from 1. They had a vicious way about them. It made me feel like every weakness I had, they could see them. I knew the upper Districts usually had volunteers. They usually had the most wins. We wandered from station to station. By the second day, he drifted to the weight training area and I wondered over to the survival area. I lived in a small house and the woods were blocked off by a fence. I knew nothing about survival of any kind. The arena changed every year. It could be the woods, water or sand. One year, they even had an abandoned city with gaping buildings and empty streets.

The woman in charge was a woman with a strict face. She didn't look like most of the Capitol people, though she did have purple streaks in her dark hair. She said when we first came in. "Not everything is about strength. There will be a time that you need to know how to survive."

Half of the tributes ignored that, going to their own sections. I worked with the survival section. I learned how to make fires, make traps, figure out how to spot game, even camoflauge...I figured it could help.

Some of the sections I did with Alloy and others I did alone. Most of the other tributes left me alone.

After getting home each day, Haymitch and Hermes talked with us about what happened that day. It was just advice about how to move on. Haymitch told us unless we could gain alliances, it was best to stay away from the others.

By the fourth day, I was by the weapon's areas. I hung back, nervous to be anywhere near the Careers. District 1 and 2 were by the swords and District 4 was by the spears. I watched as the one from District 4 went to the knot tying section in the survival area. I moved closer and held a dagger. It was made purely of metal with a different type where the blade was. I touched the top, marveling at the workmanship behind it. Even in the shop, we weren't allowed to make weapons, it was against Capitol Laws, but I know what a good workmanship looks like. It was light, but not too light to hold.

"Find something you like?"

I jumped, clutching the hilt of the knife tightly and turned around. It was one of the Capitol workers, a green shine to his skin with strange multi-colored clothes. I could not get used to how the Capitol people looked. "Uh, what?"

He smiled. "You seen interested in the blade?"

I shrugged, loosening my grip and looked it over. "Yeah, I noticed the workmanship behind it." I made sure to send him a smile. "It's amazing."

He let out a laugh, smiling wider. "Yes, I shall tell the creator of your compliments." He said. "Do you have experience with it?" There was an amused edge to his voice. It made anger curl against my throat. Of course he knew we weren't trained in District 12.

I shook my head 'no'.

The man nodded. "As expected. Well, when it doubt, stab forward."

I couldn't help it, I arched an eyebrow in disbelief. "Yeah, just stick 'em with the pointy end."

I realize my mouth got away with me. I had that problem. But, he didn't look angry. He actually was genuinely amused as he laughed brightly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I saw a couple gold teeth in his mouth. He chuckled some more. "Good luck." He walked away. I looked around with a grimace. I noticed some people looking over. Especially the boy from District 1. I put the dagger down and walked away slowly, making sure to look like I was not running away from their looks.

Tomorrow was the private session. I was nervous. I didn't feel like I had anything to show for it. I was stronger than most girls my age because of my work in Dad's shop, but I didn't see anything else to help me.

Tomorrow would impact my ability to survive in the arena.