"Well, folks, we're down to our last few interviews. This segment we will be interviewing the tributes from Districts ten through twelve. Just as a reminder, the Tributes from District 12 will be interviewed together, as Mr. Baleiv seem to only be able to communicate with Ms. Hallchanser. Ms. Hallchanser will transmit her and Mr. Baleiv's comments and remarks to us via a tablet upon which she will write.
Well, now that that's been said, let's welcome the female Tribute from District 10, Annetta Sander!"
The young Miss Sander walks out onstage wearing an ankle-length, high-neck, sleeveless red dress that starts off fitted tightly to her torso and ends in long, vertical pleats that do wonders for an illusion of height and shows off her toned arms gorgeously. She looks uncomfortable, though, and that may have to do with the fact that she's in a pair of four-inch heels and a formal gown. I gathered from her reaping outfit that she's not much of one for dressing up or wearing nice clothing, so I can understand her discomfort.
"Miss Sanders!" Aradon cries excitedly, "How are you this fine evening?"
Annetta glares at him with distaste. "I'm fine."
Aradon hesitates. "O-kayyyy… How's your stay in the Capitol been so far?"
"It's been fine."
Aradon seems at a loss. I feel sorry for him – this year has been a hard bunch of tributes to get going, and some of them have been downright nasty! While Annetta doesn't seem to be one of the aggressive, disrespectful tributes we've seen so far, she does seem to be one of the standoffish ones.
"So…. Do you have anyone special back home?"
"Nope."
"What do you do back home?"
"I work with my father."
"Oh! And what does he do?"
"He's a butcher."
"Well, that would explain your clothes at the Reaping. Had you just finished working with him?"
"Yes, actually. I lost track of time and couldn't change before the Reaping."
"I'm sorry, that must have been embarrassing…."
Annetta glares at Aradon. "No, actually, it wasn't. I'm proud that I help my father, and I've no reason to be ashamed of what I do. Unlike some people these days."
You can see that Aradon doesn't know how to take this last statement, but he presses on.
"And how is your relationship with your father? Are you looking forward to possibly going back home?"
Annetta rolls her eyes.
"Of course I am, Aradon. Who isn't? And my relationship with my father is fine. We're very close. It's just us."
"Well, that's fantastic! I know lots of people out in the Districts don't always have parents around. How about you and your mother?"
I want to scream at Aradon. You could see, as he was commenting on the Districts, that her face was closing off. He shouldn't have asked about her mother, either.
"I never knew her."
Aradon is, thankfully, intelligent enough to know he's pushed a button and that now he's walking on eggshells.
"Annetta, I'm so sorry, I didn't know…."
Annetta lets out a gruff "eh" and I know the interview is over. He's not going to get anything else out of her.
They sit in an awkward silence until the buzzer goes off about twenty seconds later.
Johny Harper comes walking out next, wearing a dark royal blue suit with little twinkling lights everywhere. I'm not sure how this fits into the theme of District 10, but so be it. At least it's cut well – does a good job of balancing his long, thin legs and short torso and making it all look good. His dark hair and high cheekbones also work in his favor.
Sorry, I'm getting sidetracked. Johny walks out and sits down after shaking hands with Aradon, and the two gentlemen exchange your basic greetings and pleasantries before getting to the real interview.
"So, Johny, what's it like back home for you?"
"My life's actually pretty nice, Aradon. Both my parents are around, and we do okay. I've got a couple good friends, people to enjoy hanging around after school and at work."
"Friends?" Aradon queries. "Just friends? No girlfriend?"
Johny laughs. "No, Aradon, no girlfriend yet."
Aradon is getting excited. "Yet? So you're pretty confident you'll win?"
Johny looks somewhat bemused.
"No, Aradon, I kinda hope I don't win. I'd change too much. But yes, even though I don't know how much I want to win, I'd still like to get back to my parents and friends."
"Ahhh," Aradon sighs understandingly. "But what about that girl you're interested in? If it is a girl. Is it a guy?"
"She's a girl. She's gorgeous too. Tall and brunette and gorgeous…." Johny trails off and sighs happily. "I just hope I can win her over."
"Handsome boy like you? Shouldn't be a problem," Aradon states emphatically. "Especially if you're a Victor!"
Johny just shakes his head like he's an ancient sage filled with the knowledge of the universe. Aradon is about to question him when the buzzer goes off, and now Aradon looks disappointed. I don't blame him – this is the first enthusiastic Tribute he's had in a while.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this was the charmer from District 10, JOHNY HARPER!"
Next on stage is Cinnamon Spice, the tall, underweight, disrespectful one from District 11. She steps cautiously out on stage wearing a gorgeous sparkly red high-neck sleeveless dress that cut off right at the mid knee and matching four-inch peep-toe heels. She actually looked fairly comfortable in the heels, which was unexpected seeing as her District and upbringing (what with the shirt she was wearing, it couldn't have been that good), but surprisingly satisfying. Most of the outer districts have little decorum, so it's nice to see someone who can handle formal wear.
Aradon looks wary, and it's understandable. Like really. This has to be one of the most rebellious Tributes we've seen in a while, and he hasn't had an easy night. She must look sufficiently meek, though, because Aradon rises and guides her to her seat. She smiles gratefully up at him, and then he too sits down.
"So, Cinnamon…" Aradon trails. He doesn't know where to start.
"….yes?" Cinnamon replies after a moment.
Aradon grimaces and rubs his palms on his pants. "Tell us about your sister?"
Cinnamon's face relaxes as all traces of apprehension disappear.
"Sugar! She's the sweetest. I don't know what I'd do without her. Ever since Mum and Dad died, we're the only family we have left, so we've had to stick together. I really lean on her, and she's the only one who really knows me. I just adore her."
Aradon has visibly relaxed. "So what about her? What does she like to do?"
"She loves school! Her favorite subject is the science side of agriculture. She just loves breeding new hybrid crops. She's so smart, and she's working on a drought-resistant strain of wheat. Based on the weather patterns for the last forty years or so, we're looking at a few years of a slight drought pretty soon here. It's not a big deal, but every little bit still helps, so she's been given some extra resources to allow her to work. She's very lucky to be allowed to do that kind of work. She's very good at it."
Cinnamon trails off. It seems like she's run out of things to say, but Aradon knows just what to do.
"What about you, Cinnamon? What do you like to do around District 11?"
Cinnamon stiffens.
"There's not much to do, sir. I mean, other than the fieldwork. I typically get assigned to harvesting squash, and in the off-season I work in one of the canning factories."
"Oh, there's no need to call me sir! We can be friends. Call me Aradon!
Now. Surely there's SOMETHING you like to do in your free time? Something you can lose yourself in?"
"I mean. I do like to run. It's like flying sometimes, and it's a good way to disconnect from everything," Cinnamon mutters. Really, did her Escort completely fail to prep her?
"See?" Aradon grins, excited that he's finally got something to work with. "That certainly ought to be a useful skill in the Arena! You can outrun anyone, and then they'll be all tired out and you'll be fresh as a daisy!"
I think this is the first time I've ever seen a look that miserable on a Tribute's face. I think it's actually the first time I've seen Aradon seriously screw up an interview.
Cinnamon is silent for the remaining minute.
Coren Joss is next on stage, and he's got this interview down. You can tell as soon as he walks onstage. He's got this controlled, self-assured swagger and he's got that tiger's grace that is just so. Bloody. Attractive. The tie matches those icy blue eyes perfectly, and the dark navy of his suit doesn't make him look any worse either.
Aradon is up and shaking hands, and soon they're laughing about some slightly bawdy joke that I don't even remember, but then Aradon asks about how Coren thinks his chances are and Coren smiles gently.
"Let's be realistic here, Aradon. I'm a seventeen-year-old male from District 11, with no training and no particular skills but I am a great physical specimen," (here he interrupts himself to toss a suggestive wink out at the audience and my god, I can hear the audience swoon) "my District partner vacillates between open rebellion and kowtowing to the President, and my Escort tried to seduce me. What do YOU think my chances are?"
Aradon laughs. I can tell he's not quite sure what to think of this question or the words that preceded it, but he actually recovers nicely with a quick "Well, Coren, I think you'll be fine as long as you flash that gorgeous smile and use that wonderful charm of yours! Surely there are plenty of people who'd love to sponsor you, don't you think?"
"Why, Aradon, are you offering?" Coren teases, grinning smugly.
"Offering what, exactly?" Aradon shoots back, laughing, and Coren's grin turns into a smirk.
"What precisely are you suggesting, Aradon?" Coren rasps out. Aradon flushes and glances away, and the entire audience erupts into catcalls and laughter.
"I'm sure you aren't offering to sponsor me," Coren continues, "because that would be illegal. Games Officials and affiliates aren't supposed to bet on or sponsor Tributes. So what are you suggesting, my good sir?"
Aradon's relief is evident when the buzzer sounds, and I can't help but laugh as he glances after Coren as the Tribute exits stage right. Coren has an undeniably delectable arse.
Next onstage are Harrison Baleiv and Marian Hallchanser. Both are dressed in black pantsuits that bring out their pale grey eyes, and the stylist has done wonders with curls put into Marian's mousy brown hair. Harrison's hair has been artfully cut into a faded style, leaving the top longer and curled to match Marian's style. I can't say I miss the shaggy mop he used to have. A couch and tablet are brought out, and both sit at the couch with Marian at the tablet.
"So, kids! How are you doing in the Capitol so far?" Aradon plunges right in.
Marian turns to Harrison and begins a series of complicated gestures that involve a great deal of what appear to be intricate finger twists and pauses, as well as movement of the entire palm and wrist. Harrison seems to think for a moment before responding in the same fashion. Aradon watches in wonder, and quickly after beginning their interaction, Harrison and Marian's response is read aloud by one of those standard e-readers with the annoying voices. This time, it's a gender-neutral voice with a District 12 accent – how fitting!
"The food is wonderful and everyone is just the nicest ever," the monotone reads, and Aradon grins. Harrison mimics him.
"Who's your favorite so far?" Aradon asks, grinning. He's either hoping they say he is or he's hoping to stir up trouble. Marian is not oblivious to his intent, and she scowls at him, but signs away to Harrison, who looks a bit puzzled but then lights up with the biggest grin.
"Harrison loves the nice people in the funny costumes who bring the food. Nobody's ever just handed us food before and he's just so excited by the whole thing."
Aradon looks disappointed. I laugh out loud. Coming from anyone else, that statement might be construed as trouble! Or even…. rebellion. But I'm not worried. Everyone else is already cooing over how adorable he is.
"But Marian," Aradon protests, "You haven't told me who YOUR favorite person here is!"
Marian glares at him, and then writes something on the tablet. The voice chimes out a few seconds later.
"My favorite person is Leticia Vanouc."
Aradon wrinkles his brow. "Now, Miriam…. why is that name so familiar?"
I know who that is.
Aradon's face snaps into a confounded masque.
"Isn't that the Head Trainer?"
Miriam's smile is bleak as the buzzer goes off.
