Thank to Very New To This, Dani H. Danvers, and FrostyShadow for the reviews!
Happy New Year everyone! Hoping everyone has a safe, successful, and smooth 2024! Over New Years I watched Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and I loved it. I hadn't read the book and really knew nothing going in, but I thought the characters, setting, clothes, action, and songs were great. I also enjoyed that the movie didn't do that prequel trope of "let's name drop as many things possible in the main series." It felt like it's own stand alone story and I am heading to Barnes and Noble this weekend to pick up the book.
Now, enjoy! Also, extreme apologies for the song writing in this chapter. I'm no Lucy Gray.
Chapter XVI The Tribute Interviews – Part 2
The Capitol, Eve of the 58th Hunger Games
The Hunger Games Tribute Theater
The lights in the auditorium flickered thrice, signaling the Tribute Interviews were about to continue. As Capitolites returned to their seats, conversations came to a close about their thoughts on the first eight Tributes. Valdez, Poe, and Mara were the tops so far, beloved for different reasons though. Valdez and Mara were the serious contenders, while Poe was considered a "guilty pleasure" by fans. Lana, Reko, and Estelle were loved too, they were from Districts 1 and 2 after all. Cean was thought by many to be a dark horse with potential, while Eddie, though endearing, was largely relegated to the background.
After everyone was settled, Caesar Flickerman was back on stage calling out the next tribute. "From District 5, please welcome, Olivia Echeberría!"
Olivia was on stage quickly, waking with a purpose and effortlessly in her black heels. The stylists had dressed her in a black cocktail dress with a bright yellow sash wrapped around her waist. But most stunning were the assortment of rings on each of her fingers, and jeweled bracelets that went up her forearm. She walked up to Caesar directly, greeting him like an old friend.
"Caesar!" She cried, arms outstretched. She pulled him in close, kissing him lightly on each cheek. "How are you?"
"I'm doing fabulous now that you're here!" Caesar replied with a laugh. "Look at those arms and hands! Spectacular!"
"Thank you!" Olivia said, genuinely delighted as she showed off her rings. "Let me tell you, Caesar, I love a good ring."
"Ah yes, we could tell! We all remember your Reaping outfit!"
"Oh, those rings certainly were top shelf for District 5. But here, I must have talked my poor stylists ear off trying to pick the right one before deciding, you know, this is the Hunger Games! Why not go all out and wear them all! I think they look beautiful, and absolutely not a fashion faux pas, right?"
"Well, it's certainly fashionable!"
"Ah Caesar, no. They look great!" Olivia joked. She then turned to the audience, focusing on one man in the front row. "You sir, can you please tell me, and be honest, does this many rings look gaudy?"
The audience burst out laughing as the camera found the audience member, looking flustered and amused. Caesar was laughing too and soon the entire audience was cheering in support of Olivia. "See? Looks like my stylist was wrong!" She laughed. "And just so everyone knows, if you really want to sponsor me in the Games, I'll take a good ring to help me get through!"
"Looks like we got an ask, folks! Who's going to pony up?" Caesar asked, to the cheers of the audience. When it settled down, Caesar continued. "Now, how does a girl from District 5 get such nice rings back home?"
"Well, not to make a whole tragic story out of it, but my family used to be well off." Olivia said. "My dad used to work for the mayor, we lived in the best neighbor in a nice house with some money to spend. Then one day, whoops, dad's out out of the job, we're in squalor, and I'm bussing tables at a diner to help keep a roof over our heads. But honestly, Caesar, just because we lost our money doesn't mean you stop keeping up appearances, right?"
Many in the audience murmured in approval of that. Really, how hard was it for District citizens to at least look presentable half the time? "So riches to rags story, huh?" Caesar commented. "And… hopefully back to riches with a victory in the Games?"
"That's the goal! For my sister, Nadine, though. She deserves it and I want her to have the best. I have to be honest, Caesar, my parents can work for themselves."
"Oooh, honesty. We love it!" Caesar said. "Who else do you have back home?"
"Well there's my oldest friend, Peggy, the only friend from my wealthy days to stick around. She's like a second sister to me. Then there's the boys, Mark and Sam, they've always got my back. And John. I got to call him out, Caesar, just to embarrass him. I guess he's kind of my boyfriend? We've kissed a few times and damn he is good at it. Especially at the Goodbyes."
"Oh la la!" Caesar laughed. "Sounds like he beat out all the other boys!"
"And gals. No discriminating here, Caesar." Olivia winked. "But I'm sorry to put you on the spot, John. Gotta give the boys something to tease you with when I'm not there." She continued, before blowing a kiss into the camera. The Capitol loved that, applauding loudly.
Olivia and Caesar spoke a little more about home, the conversation light and easy between the two. The Capitol was enthralled with her too. She was easy to like. And even Caesar was enjoying himself, briefly thinking how much easier the job would be if all Tributes were this friendly and confident. He then asked about Olivia's alliances, eager for more detail.
"So, as you heard from Mr. Kotlin, it sounds like you're the head of an alliance."
"Oh I saw you with Eddie." Olivia said with a playful smile. "Shame on you Caesar for teasing Eddie!"
"What, me? I would never!"
"Is that so?"
"Cross my heart and hope to die!" Caesar said before winking to laughter.
"Well, Eddie was right. We're all part of an alliance. I think we're pretty strong and each of us bring something to the table. First of all, Eddie, sweetest guy around and he thinks quick on his feet. He's not like me in that he actually shuts up and pays attention to what's going on. Now Sarah from 6, that girl is a killer with a mace and never has a bad thing to say about anyone. Her partner Amadeus is tough as nails too. You all know his score so I don't have to hype him up anymore. He earned it. And my partner, Aleko, great guy. Never, ever count him out because he's got a fire in him that won't be snuffed out that easy!"
General applause from the Capitol. Perhaps they had misjudged Eddie? There was also more excitement for the other members of the alliance who were upcoming. "It sounds like a solid group." Caesar agreed. "With you at the head!"
"I founded it, but we're a team." Olivia said.
"Until the end of the Games though and then… well, you know." Caesar commented.
"Caesar… nobody likes a downer." Olivia replied, deadpanned.
The audience laughed again, the timer nearing it's end. Seeing that, Olivia turned back to the crowd with one final request. "Listen, everyone, I'm almost out of time but it's been great talking with you all! Remember, if you want to support me, send rings! Or, if you can't, food, water, weapons will work. But if you can and you've got any questions about rings," Olivia said, pointing to the man in the front row from earlier. "That guy is your go to ring guy!"
The buzzer sounded and the audience jumped to their feet with cheers. Olivia rose gracefully, taking a dramatic bow as Caesar clapped for her. She had done it, won the Capitol to her side easily and raised her allies up. Olivia kept a smile plastered to her face, internally screaming at herself not to crack and start telling everyone what she really thought of the Games and what they were doing to twenty-four innocent children.
Aleko was out next, dressed in a bright yellow suit, top hat, and with rays of light coming out of his back, apparently a nod to District 5's solar power fields. Once again, the stylists had lathered makeup on his face, attempting to give him some more color and make his gaunt face seem fuller. He wasn't sure it was working, but Aleko was pleased to see that the Capitol was clapping for him and not outright dismissive.
"Mr. Ferrovia, looking splendid!" Caesar said.
"Thank you, I don't think this is too shabby. Especially compared to my lovely partner."
"Oh yes, Ms. Echeberría is a star no doubt!"
"Caesar, Caesar, please! Don't stoke her ego more than we already did. She's pretty meh when you get to know her."
"Hey, screw you, partner!" Olivia shouted from the box with a laugh. The audience joined in as the partners made faces at each other.
"Clearly you two have a good connection." Caesar observed.
"Olivia is great." Aleko agreed. "It feels good going into the Games knowing someone has your back."
"I bet. Especially someone like you having her back!"
"Oh, you flatter me."
"Not at all! You, sir, are District 5's first volunteer. That sort of bravery is rare, and you ought to be commended for it, right folks?"
General cheers of support followed. Aleko accepted them gracefully, though doubted their sincerity. All these interviews were a song and dance, similar to what he had played out back in 5 in the intimacy of bedrooms or dark alleyways. He was giving the Capitol a show, and knew the part he had to play. Still, he hoped to show some real sincerity.
"Thank you all. You have no idea what your support means." Aleko said.
"So, what did make you volunteer?" Caesar asked.
"Love." Aleko replied easily, a smile coming to his face."The love of my life, Navajo, was Reaped. I couldn't let him go into the Games, so I did what anyone would do. I volunteered."
"Tragic. Beautifully tragic." Caesar said, head dipped in sincerity. Aleko knew all the tricks, but he was very impressed by how easily Caesar could mimic emotion. "We can only wish for more of that in Panem."
"I hope everyone can find someone like him." Aleko continued. "Navajo… Life's dealt me a lot of bad hands, and he's been the only good one I've gotten. Mom wasn't much, the best she could be was neglectful. Friends left me. But Navajo… he could make dreams seem real. He was real."
The audience was silently listening. Briefly, Aleko wondered if any of them had felt such a passion that wasn't brought on by intoxicants. He doubted it. Caesar then attempted to cheer things up. "But it's not the end!" He chimed up. "The Hunger Games are tomorrow and I bet you've got some tricks up your sleeve."
"Well, I was going to let Olivia do all the heavy lifting, but for some reason she wasn't thrilled by that." Aleko joked, gaining more chuckles from the crowd. "But yes, I've got some skills. And allies. Most important though, to me, is I have Navajo to drive me."
"We all need someone to give us some juice." Caesar agreed. "But… and I don't mean to be rude, but may I ask you something personal?"
"Ok, should I turn the cameras off or are you doing that?"
The audience laughed at the joke and the joking face Caesar made. He quickly straightened out though and followed up. "I have to ask, for everyone here, you don't seem to look well."
Aleko nodded, deciding not to make a joke out of this. "You're not wrong. I am sick. District life can be difficult and illness common. Unfortunately, it was for me and now I'm suffering for it. But I don't like to think of it as a death sentence or somehow limiting me. You have to keep going in situations like this, and I plan to, which is how I'll win the Games. By refusing to give up. And, by remembering Navajo."
"Well said." Caesar said.
"Now, I have a request of you." Aleko asked.
"Oh, do tell!"
"Could I perhaps bend your's and the Capitol's ear for a song? It's something I've been working on for a while, something for Navajo to hold onto after I'm gone. It's no where near done, but I'd like to memorialize it, so he can remember me should the worst happen."
"Oh! Oh, um, sure!" Caesar said, a slight crack in his smile. They were live and cutting away would not look good, though he wished he could. President Snow had a… thing about singing, specifically Tributes singing. Who knew why though? But Aleko was already starting and, looking at the audience, they were taken in by the raw emotion Aleko was showing.
It began softly, Aleko's voice, strained somewhat from ill health, singing a few verses.
I've had bad turns and good turns
But most of have been bad
But one thing I know, is you've been a friend
A friend without equal, a friend without peer
Who stands with me through good and bad
Through sickness and health
I've had bad turns and good turns
But most of them have been bad
Our world can be cruel, and true friends are few
They'll leave us for money, they'll leave us for drugs
They'll leave us for nothing, except their own ends
But one thing I know, is you've been a friend
A friend without equal, a friend without peer
Who stand with me through good and bad
Through sickness and health
Now I don't know what's coming
I don't know how it'll end
But one thing I know, is together we'll be-
He coughed, hard. His voice became a harsh scratching noise, feedback hitting the microphone. His throat was raw and a blaring headache was erupted. The moment was gone, and Aleko felt himself sinking. He was faltering, before all of Panem. Before Navajo. That's all he'd remember, a sick boy on stage. Nothing else.
Arms were around him now. Caesar or Peacekeepers to drag him off stage. He looked up, willing them to take him.
Only to see Olivia staring back at him, eyes watery and arms open. She embraced him and held him tightly, a few tears streaming from her eyes.
"That was beautiful." She whispered. Behind them, Caesar stood by perplexed, unsure of what to do. The audience wasn't either, unused to such displays on the Tribute stage. Aleko held Olivia tightly, his coughing slowing down. He was about to whisper a thanks when Olivia, in a mischievous tone, whispered in his ear first. "A bit pitchy though. Might want to work on that."
Aleko barked out a laugh and Olivia joined in. As they rose the buzzer sounded and they took a bow, leaving the stage together as the audience clapped. Caesar took center stage again, quickly trying to put things back on track.
"Welcome to the stage, Sarah Tarr of District 6!"
The crowd greeted her warmly, and Sarah waved and smiled at them, trying to appear more confident then she felt. The stylists had deemed her "too short" at five foot seven and had given her five inch heels which threatened to tip her over at any moment. They kept her hair in bob style, which Sarah guessed sort of matched the very puffy teal skirt they had put her in.
'How the hell do yo idiots wear these every day?' Sarah screamed internally, praying she wouldn't trip on stage in front of all of Panem.
"Ms. Tarr, an honor!" Caesar said, helping her to her seat.
"The honor is mine, Caesar." She replied politely, thankful to be sitting down.
"So tell us, you're a six from Six. How did you swing that score?" Caesar inquired.
"With a mace, actually."
"Really? I wouldn't have pegged you for a mace girl but that's what Ms. Echeberría said about you too!"
The Capitol didn't either, interested in her. "It was nothing." Sarah said shyly, suddenly aware of the increased attention. "Just luck, I guess."
"Luck won't save you in the Hunger Games, Ms. Tarr. I think the Gamemakers saw skill instead!"
"Oh… I mean… thank you." Sarah said. Caesar chuckled, slightly bemused by the girl. Maybe the Gamemakers had gotten it wrong with her? Still, she got a six, her partner a seven, and she was part of a big alliance with Olivia vouching for her. It was worth his time to throw her a lifeline.
They talked a bit more about the Games, though Sarah was obfuscating now, in an attempt to blend in. The audience was growing more confused by her shy demeanor and how she managed to snag allies. "So, what does Sarah Tarr do back home?" Caesar asked, starting to get exasperated.
She shrugged. "I work check out at a pharmacy."
"Sounds very quaint! Do you wanna give anyone there a shout it? No pressure of course, dear, just all of Panem watching."
"Um…" Sarah began, thinking. "I guess to my mom and dad. I miss you both. And to Benjamin and Tony. I miss you boys too."
"Anyone else?"
Sarah, for a dark moment, wanted to call out her bully. 'And to Jorina. I hope your bruise healed badly!' she thought.
But, as usual, she kept her mouth shut.
"No. Sorry." She apologized.
"Well, nothing to be sorry about. I'm sure they know you're doing your best to come back!"
The buzzer sounded and Sarah left the stage as quickly as she could. Thankfully, the crowd didn't seem to hate her, or maybe they were just excited for her partner. Amadeus walked out to a surprising amount of excitement, waving nervously and wishing he could grab the vial in his pocket for support. He guessed he looked nice, dress in a teal cloak and black suit underneath. His dark brown, naturally wavy hair was primmed up into a pompadour, and green eyeshadow added to highlight the color of his eyes. The original idea had apparently been to have him show a bit more skin – and muscle – but after seeing the scars that criss-crossed his back, the stylists nixed that idea.
"I have to say, Mr. Remington. You have such a fun name! Very exotic!" Caesar began after they took their seats.
"Thank you, Caesar." Amadeus replied smoothly. "You can also call me Ama if that's easier. It's what my three year old step-brother, Dimitri, calls me."
"Oh, we won't take that away from that little guy! Now, did you know that you received the highest score in over a decade for District 6? How'd you do it?"
"Oh, I don't think I'm allowed to talk about the Training scores." Amadeus replied. "But yes, I'm very proud of my score and of my allies."
"It seems like you've got a good team with you. Are you following Olivia's lead?"
"She's the one who started the alliance. She's been a great leader of it. But we all play our part."
"I bet. Perhaps some more than others?" Caesar asked, winking at the audience. Amadeus kept his mouth shut at that though. No need to insult any members of the alliance, or make the whole group look weak. "Tell us about your life back in District 6." Caesar continued.
"Well… I mean, it's nice." Amadeus began. "I work with my dad at the clinic he runs."
"Aaaah, there it is! Medical knowledge! That's how you got the seven!"
Amadeus laughed, or at least he hoped it was a playful laugh. "You'll have to keep guessing Caesar. Until I'm in the arena at least!"
"And so we shall!"
"But I did learn a lot working with my dad. He taught me how to be a strong, what it meant to be a man too. And how important family is. He got me out of a messed up situation and was there for me every day afterwards. I just hope I can make him proud."
"How about mom?" Caesar asked casually.
"She's not in the picture." Amadeus said curtly.
"Friends?"
"Yeah, I wanted to say hi to them too! There's Stephen, Serafina, and Damian, though I need to apologize for Damien for stealing the spotlight from him."
"How so?"
"He was going to prose to Serafina, but then I got Reaped."
"Way to pull focus!" Caesar laughed, as did the audience.
"I know, I feel bad. But they made me promise them that if I win, I owe them one heck of a wedding, paid for by me. I…I love them. They were always there to help even when my life got rough. They're good people."
"Hardships can be good though. They teach us all sorts of things." Caesar commented. Amadeus struggled a bit to keep a straight face at that. What possible hardships could Caesar, or anyone not from the District, possibly have suffered from?
"Well, having such good friends, dad, and step-mom taught me that there are bad people in the world. But good can rise above it. If you fight for it and you do what needs to be done. Which is why I'm fighting to go home. To my dad. To my step-mom and Dimitri. And to all my friends. I had a… a hard life. But I like to think it prepared me for the Games. I won't let you down."
The audience approved, cheering and clapping for him. Amadeus had thought about going into detail about the abuse his mom and her various boyfriends had inflicted on him, but realized he didn't want all of Panem to know. It was bad enough that his dad did. It made him feel… weak. Caesar and him chatted for a bit longer until the buzzer sounded and Amadeus left the stage to the cheers of the audience.
Those cheers continued as Ola came on stage. Dressed in a tight, form fitting green "dress" that showed off her arms and legs and pretty much everything else, Ola felt naked walking on stage. She didn't like the idea of her parents seeing her showing so much skin, and especially didn't like the way many of the Capitolites were ogling her. She tried to pull down the miniskirt, attempting to cover up more of her leg. All that did was end up showing more of her cleavage.
As her and Caesar took their seats, Ola gazed over the audience with a cool detachment, trying to hide her discomfort. It was less for them and more so for everyone back in District 7. She didn't want them to think she was weak.
"So, Ms. Ellery, how are you doing?" Caesar began.
"Fine." She answered brusquely.
"Enjoying the Capitol?" Caesar continued.
"Yes."
"Ready for the Games?"
"I think so."
"Nervous?"
"No."
"Lady of few words, am I right, ladies and gentlemen?" Caesar asked the crowd. The audience cheered, still very much enamored with her. With her steely demeanor and score of nine, Ola was fitting the "strong and silent" archetype they loved from Tributes. "I have to ask, how did you score a nine?"
"I'm good with an axe." Ola said. No point in lying about that.
"Oh that seems promising! Are you worried about the other Tributes? That score is a little bit of a beacon for our more competitive Tributes."
"No more than any other Tribute." Ola shrugged.
"I can't help but notice that nobody has claimed someone so strong like yourself as an ally! Why is that?" Caesar questioned.
"I don't want allies."
"And why's that?"
"There's only one Victor, Caesar. Unless they changed the rules and didn't bother to tell me."
"Sass! I love it!" Caesar cried as the audience laughed. Ola kept her expression controlled. She glanced over at the timer, huffing in anger when she saw they hadn't even been talking for a minute. Caesar kept probing her with questions about her strategy to the Games, which she gave short answers for. The audience didn't seem to mind though.
"So who's rooting for you back home?" Caesar asked.
"My family. Mom, dad, brother."
"Any special someone's back home?"
"No."
"You sure?"
Ola felt her temper flare. Did someone tell Caesar about Rua? Probably. The Capitol no doubt had every detail about her's and every Tribute's life. Still, she wasn't going to give Caesar the satisfaction, or give Rua's memory any life outside of District 7. "Are you trying to ask me out, Caesar?"
"Who, me?" Caesar said, eyes wide with surprise.
"Sorry, you're too old for me."
The audience broke out hysterics as Caesar jokingly attempted to defend himself. Luckily that took them through the rest of the interview and Ola sped off stage. The Capitol liked her, Ola thought, and at least she'd get some sponsor money.
The Capitol's jubilation quickly broke when David walked out. The first of three of the lowest scoring, they had little patience for him as he nervously took a seat next to Caesar.
"Mr. Levering, looking very thorny." Caesar commented coyly.
He was. His stylists had dressed him in a green suit with spikes all over, made to look like thorns with black vines stitched into the arms and legs of the suit. Even his brown hair had been gelled up and spiked.
"Thanks, I love the fashion in the Capitol." David lied.
"Oh we do something's right here." Caesar laughed.
"And the food! I love that too. We never eat as well as you guys do." David said, desperately trying to appeal to the Capitol. They weren't biting though. To his dismay, he thought he saw one or two of the audience members yawn as he spoke. "And everything here is gorgeous. I saw on tv once the Avenue of the Arts! It had like holographic fish swimming across the streets and stuff. It was beautiful!"
"I remember that exhibit. Springtime, just before the 45th Hunger Games. Wonderful weather that year!" Caesar reminisced. "But enough about us, though I could go on! Tell us about you, about Mr. Levering. Who is he?"
He had lines for this. His Escort and him had practiced all afternoon. "Well, I guess Caesar I'm just your regular guy from District 7. My mom and dad work the lumber yards. My sister, Darlene, is cool, even if we butt heads sometimes. My best friend is Ned, he's my age and we do everything together. I like school, and one day I want to be a teacher. But next year I was going to start working in the lumberyards, like most sixteen year olds. It was a good life,and one I'm fighting to get back to."
"Well it does sound nice! And a teacher, that's an important job!"
"It is Caesar. Someone has to teach the kids how important the Capitol is!" David said, getting his first response from the audience that night. He smiled as they clapped, feeling a little hopeful about the rest of the interview. Caesar and him talked a little more about his home life before switching over the to the Hunger Games.
"Let's talk about the elephant on stage, Mr. Levering." Caesar began gently. "Scores do matter and unfortunately, you're on the lower end. Why should Panem has faith in you?"
It was a big, daunting question. But his Escort had helped him out here too. "It's true. I didn't give the Gamemakers my best showing. I wish they saw a better side of me, which I'm bringing to the Hunger Games tomorrow. But, they were right with their score. All I did was run."
"You… ran?"
"Yeah. I ran the fastest of any Tribute this year. It isn't the most inspiring skill but… I can pair it with other skills to be a real menace."
"Hmm, I hope to see it! Any allies?"
"Yes. I'm with Millie from 9 and Daisy from 11."
"Really? They seem like solid competitors to me." Caesar said, before, looking absent minded, remarked further. "I'm a bit surprised you didn't pair with Ms. Ellery. She's your District partner after all."
"Oh… I mean… we just didn't mesh that well I guess."
"That can happen. But that usually only happens when partners knew each other back home. Is that what happened?"
"No. We didn't know each other back home. I mean, I knew her, yeah. But like… everyone did."
"How did everyone know Ms. Ellery back home? Was she the most popular gal in school?"
"I… I guess so?"
"Seems like all the boys would be after her!"
"Not after Rua."
"Who?"
"Oh…. Nothing." David said, backsliding. But Caesar was on the offensive now.
"Oh! You can't leave us hanging like that! Who is Rua? A boyfriend of Ms. Ellery?"
"No. No, I mean, he was, yeah. But like, not anymore."
"A nasty break up?"
"No, no nothing like that. I mean, maybe? It wasn't like that…"
"Oh, come on, Mr. Levering, you can't leave all of us hanging! Do tell!" Caesar said. It was enough of a push to break David, who quietly replied.
"She made him kill himself."
The whole audience gasped in shock. Meanwhile, the Tributes in the box all spun to look at Ola, who wished she had an axe on hand so she could fling it at David. All the Tributes were eyeing her with surprise or horror, even that insane girl from 3.
But the Capitol… every eye on her wasn't looking her over with fear or disgust like in District 7. They looked intrigued. Mystified even.
She was a star.
Ola wanted to strangle David.
The interview ended before Caesar could follow up, the audience murmuring with gossip, eager to know what happened. Caesar took a moment to chuckle, pleased David folded so easily. He would have to thank the Head Gamemaker for his tip later. For now though, it was onto the next Tribute.
Cara of District 8 was up, dressed in a white suit with matching white gloves, while her brunette hair was back in its typical ponytail styles, though highlights of white had been added. They had also put blue rimmed glasses on her, which accentuated her blue eyes. She smiled for the Capitol nervously, not wanting to draw too much attention to her but also not wanting to seem unimportant to sponsors.
"Ms. Whitlock, I hear you're a book fiend."
"I can't deny it." Cara said with a smile, trying to seem friendlier than she felt. "And my Escort just informed me that the fourth novella in the Underlands Chronicles is being published shortly after the Games start. If anyone needs an idea for a gift for me, send me a copy."
"Rings for Ms. Echeberría and books for Ms. Whitlock. Sounds like we have some interesting gifts this year!"
"What can I say, Caesar? I think these Games will be a breeze."
"Oh ho! Bold! Tell us, do you have any partners with you?"
"No, I'm going It alone."
"Very brave for someone so young. Why did you rule out allies?"
"Because I've read too many books, I guess. Everyone knows that just as you get comfortable around a supposed ally they stab you in the back. I do not plan on going out like that. I don't plan on going out at all."
"Astute observation. But can you make it for however long the Games are?"
"If Claudia Sinclair can finish her six hundred page epic in a month, I can handle a couple long days in the Games."
It wasn't the best line and Cara felt corny even saying it, but Caesar rolled with it and the audience seemed to approve. Of course, Cara found, the Capitolites approved of anything that made the Capitol look good. Once the clapping died down, Caesar began asking her about her home life and who she was fighting to get back to. Cara ran through her family members quickly, highlighting how supportive everyone was of the Capitol. That was liked a lot, though Cara felt dirty lying. Personally, she had not been impressed with the Capitol's attitudes since she'd been here. What was there to love about a bunch of bizarrely dressed twits who got off watching kids die?
"So your mom works in the factory and your dad is a chauffeur! Sounds like you've had a great childhood!"
"It was good." Cara commented simply. She had toyed with the idea of mentioning Eric for sympathy, like the Career from District 2 had about his mom, her playing into an angle about how her parents already lost one kid to drugs and now they were maybe losing another to the Games. Cara decided against that plan quickly. She wouldn't air her family's tragedy for points with the Capitol. They didn't get to know that part of her. And no matter how mad she was with Eric, his memory didn't deserve to be sold like that.
"What's your favorite place in District 8?" Caesar followed up.
"Oh, that's easy. Spin a Tale. It's a bookstore that my best friend Audrey's family owns."
"And what was the book you were reading before the Reaping?"
"Vacation Blues. It was excellent, and I only had a few chapters left."
"Oh by Ms. Desdemona! Her serials have been a favorite in the Capitol! Everyone knows them and, they sell out quick!"
Cara was getting the impression that people were more interested in turning her interview into a commercial than anything informative. Still, she was ok with that. Maybe it would make them like her. "I give it my full recommendation."
"And anyone special in your life?"
"Just books." Cara said. She certainly wasn't going to blab to all of Panem about Jason. Even Jason didn't know about her crush!
"Well if you come back a Victor, I bet that'll change!"Caesar said. The interview ended shortly afterwards to polite applause from the audience. Cara, however, felt the interview was a great success.
Chase was the last for part two, coming out in a white robe with golden black trim, highlights of white in his black hair. He robe complimented his tall frame, showing off just how much he towered over everyone. Otherwise, the stylists had sent him out rather bare faced. Chase had insisted on it, refusing to wear make up "like a girl." He joined Caesar and they both took their seats, Chase barely able to fit in his as the audience continued to cheer.
"Welcome Mr. Metro! Are you able to sit ok?"
"Just fine, Caesar. Always happy to see my fans."
"As the Giant of 8 you certainly have some! How does a boy from 8 get this tall anyways?"
"Well, when you're the best, nature has a way of showing it off. My height is just one of many gifts."
"Oh, do tell us about your other gifts."
"Strength, speed, skill, and I rock it with a spear." Chase said easily. "All the other Tributes had better watch out."
"You heard him, Tributes, start quivering!" The audience began to cheer. In the box, Cara, Cean, David, and Eddie were immediately nervous. The Careers were unimpressed, and Olivia, Aleko, Amadeus, and Sarah all exchanged annoyed looks. They knew exactly what type of person Chase was. Ola, meanwhile, rolled her eyes.
"You know, Caesar, I've watched these Games every year of my life and there have been some great male Tributes over the years." Chase commented.
"Oh certainly."
"But I think, except for my allies in the Career pack, us boys got kind of a weak bench this year." Chase continued, enjoying the attention on him. He had spent so much of the past few days playing second fiddle to the Careers that it felt nice to let his guard down again. Remind everyone who was the real star of things. "I mean… three of them couldn't even make a score of three! Meanwhile for the threes, one of them is a corpse with some sort of girlfriend back home-"
The audience gasped at that comment. Chase paid no mind and kept going.
"- and the other's pretty much a baby. Some of the other boys might be a challenge, but nothing the Careers and I can't handle. I can't even remember half their names and, frankly, I doubt any of you will either."
"Well, you've certainly thought about them a fair deal." Caesar commented."How did you manage to nab a spot with the Careers?"
"Skill. I just said that." Chase replied with an edge. Caesar chuckled, as did the audience. Nobody seemed offended by Chase. "Oh, and I want to set the record straight on something since it makes me and the Careers look bad!"
"The floor is yours, Mr. Metro." Caesar said.
"See that 'boy' over there," Chase said, pointing directly at Cean. "Yeah, he didn't decide to not join the Careers. He tried out, like me, but unlike me, he got cut. And then when he whined like a little bitch, Mara punched him in the face and he ran off crying his eyes out like a wimp."
Excited gasps from the audience at that revelation. Even Caesar was intrigued. Cean's face flushed red with embarrassment while Mara next to him was doing everything in her power to keep her lips pursed and a smug smile off her face. She was feeling rather vindicated though, even if the truth came from someone as dumb as Chase.
"Seems someone tried to pull a fast one on us, ladies and gentlemen." Caesar commented. The audience agreed, opinion souring a bit on Cean. Chase just smiled, pleased to knock the boy down a couple pegs. Cara, meanwhile, sat in the box in shock. How was the Capitol liking him? The answer hit her in the face as Chase continued to talk, his obnoxious voice echoing off the walls of the theater. Every story needed a villain, and Chase was an easy slot for that. He probably didn't even realize it.
Caesar and Chase continued talking, discussing Games strategy and skill with the spear before transitioning. "Tell us, Mr. Metro, about your life back home."
"It was pretty great, Caesar. It's going to be even better when I'm Victor. I was top of the class, lots of friends, head of the basketball team too!"
"Basketball?"
"Yeah, you know it?"
"Can't say that I do. Folks, anyone?"
The Capitolites couldn't care less about that. Chase, annoyed, piped up. "Well, when I'm back I guess I'll just have to make it big here." He said. "Anyways, things are pretty great. I got my dad, I've got my boys Jason and Nathaniel. And I've got my girl, Megan."
"Oh, girlfriend?"
"You bet, Caesar. We had a rough patch near the end, but before the Reapings she found me and asked to get back to together. I couldn't say no to her. When I'm back, her and I will live together in Victor Village and build a perfect life together."
The audience liked that, though it was a lie. Megan certainly had not come up to Chase and said she'd forgiven him for his bullying ways. But nobody needed to know that. 'If she wants to play tough to get, try to get out of that.' Chase thought, excited for when he was back and Megan was his again.
"Again, you're very confident Mr. Metro."
"Why shouldn't I be? The Capitol needs a real man to root for and, not to worry folks, I'm that man. Anyone who gets in my way will be toast. And before you know it, we'll all be sitting here again watching me win the Games on the recap."
The buzzer sounded, ending Chase's interview and the second portion of the interviews. "That's a wrap for now folks! When we're back, Districts 9, 10, 11, and 12! Happy Hunger Games!"
Shout out to anyone who knows who wrote The Underland Chronicles.
Next Up: Districts 9 - 12
Review and follow for more!