The Interviews
Piper Cargill
He peeks his head into my dressing room, "Ms. Cargill, five minutes until showtime!"
"I hear ya, Turf, it doesn't take long for a girl like me to look this good, does it?" I say with that half-smirk he likes so much. He winks and slides out the door as he calls out, "four minutes!" behind him. He knows that this show runs on my time, and so does he; we'll start when I'm ready.
This bejeweled, sapphire gown is fitted in all the right places before branching into a short train at my feet. Cleavage? Not too much, I have left some room for the imagination. The slit that flows from the middle of my toned, tan thigh leaves my leg a little bare, but I don't have to leave everything to the imagination. My toffee-colored curls fall slightly over my shoulders, thick and full, covering the straps of my dress but not the open back that steeps down my spine. I position my last, dangly pearl earring into place and take a final look. Perfect.
"Piper! Two minutes!" I hear Turf from the outside of my door as I open it.
"How do I look?" As if I even need his approval.
"Mediocre." He says, mimicking that same half-smirk that I invented just for him.
"Likewise." I sassily reply. He rolls his eyes as I inch closer to him, "Turf Dawson when I get ahold of you…" a boom comes over the speakers,
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen …" I sprint "Let's offer a round of applause as we welcome your host for this evening: the beautiful, the charming Piper Cargill." Curtains raise, and the crowd roars.
"Thank you, everyone! Thank you!" I say with a dazzle and wave, blowing kisses to the audience as I float to my position center stage. They settle and I grace them with the opening interviewing statement…
"Good Evening, everyone! My name is Piper Cargill and I will be your host for this, the 49th annual Hunger Games!" I pause as applause and cheers erupt until settling again for me to continue. "In just a few short moments, I will welcome each tribute one-by-one to volunteer their story to you. How does that sound to everyone?!" more cheers. "Well, without further ado, let us welcome, from district 1, Brielle Storm!"
I see her as she gracefully pulls herself from the curtain and makes her way to me. This emerald green gown is just my style, I LOVE the stones on her earrings. Her curly bun that falls at the base of her neckline and the strands of hair that dangle to her sides of her ears are somewhat enchanting. Almost Cinderella-like, but there is only one belle at this ball. She offers me her hand for a shake before we're seated, "firm grip, Ms. Storm." She smiles and thanks me as I ask her if she is prepared for tomorrow morning. She doesn't know how to respond; she almost looks afraid. I would never expect a career tribute to be afraid of the games. I change the subject quickly, I am trying to help her, but she is already giving me nothing to work with. "Is there someone at home cheering you on?" She half-way smiles but looks off as though she has to think about it. "My mother died when I was younger…" now we're getting somewhere, a story "… but there is a little girl who I garden with, meadow. If I win, I want it to be for her." The audience sighs. Sweet girl, but she will have to have more than a strong grip and sad story to survive. "Let's give it up for Brielle Storm! And move on her counterpart, Concord Radiance!"
Strapping. I've never seen a kid that big. He struts from the curtain. Handsome, stylish. White suit… bold. Pocket hanky. Winner. Nice hair. Also, a winner, especially when it's slicked back. He hugs me, almost too tight and his hands fall down to my waist until I pull away quickly. "Concord, you have made quite the impression, do you hug your mother that way?" to which he smugly replies, "only if I win the games." I'm sick of him already. "Tell me Concord, what do you look forward to most if you were to win the games." He pauses and then offers, with a smile, "to bring the honor of the capitol to my home in Victor's Village." Winning family, hm, a tough one. "How about a lady friend?" He chuckles, "No, not yet. I might address that after I win this thing." Cocky. "So nice to meet you! Everyone give it up for Concord!" the cheering soon dies and I bring forth the girl from two…
"Bellona Caccia Tzar!" It is hard to miss her, she's really tall. 6ft maybe? Her equally as tall black pumps probably allow her to be taller than that. White dress? I love consistency from a stylist… year after year. Snow will have to address that. I do, however, like that the dress fits her perfectly. Point for district two. She bends at the waist to hug me as I offer her a "Welcome! That is quite the name you have, is there a nickname you prefer?" she laughs and tells me to call her Bell. I apologize and start to explain my reasoning and she insists she enjoys Bell just as much as her birth name. "Perfect!" I say, a little surprised. "Bell, now that we're acquainted, tell me about you." I do not even have to explain what I mean by that, because she immediately responds, "I have been training for this thing since I was five and I am looking forward to bringing my family and boyfriend home a victor." Loves her family and has a man to go back to, easy sympathy, yet does not need it due to her training, indicative by her muscular stature. "Thank you for your time! Everyone, give it up for Bell and move on to her counterpart, Tyr Zahnft Shah
Wow, this kid is bigger than the last male tribute … both in length and width but is still pure muscle. Navy blue suit and… brown leather shoe. Hmm, I like that. Clean and Neat, but boring none-the-less. Excellent smile, I can see all his teeth. The capitol will appreciate that. He approaches me swiftly and confidently as he waves to the crowd. He takes my hand in his for a shake… firm, but not too hard on the grip. "Nice to meet you, Tyr, it's a pleasure," I say almost genuinely, to which he responds, "the pleasure is all mine" he, too, is almost sincere. We sit as I offer a curious, "So, Tyr, I couldn't help but notice that you've got a small metal heart hanging from your neck on a chain. Care to elaborate on that?" He smiles a really sweet reminiscent smile and comes up with a, "well, back home, there is this girl… Aria, my fiancée." I cut him off before he can reminisce further as I see the tears well in his eyes, "A champion of love I see! Well, let's see what we can do to get you home, yeah?" the audience claps and cheers as he pinches the tip of his nose and moves his hand back downward in a swift motion. "Tyr Shah, everyone!"
The audience gasps at the sight of the female tribute from district three, gracing the stage wearing a… tiara?! I wish I thought of that! "Princess of the Hunger Games" has a nice ring to it. Her dazzling purple ball gown and satin gloves will be hard to forget. And that tiara… hard to miss. I'm impressed. "Welcome, Bugg Li, everyone!" I say to the crowd. As she inches towards me, I notice something is off. That's right, she only has one functioning eye, I thought I read that in her file. the other eye is pale and glossy. She takes a seat next to me and she looks a little uncomfortable and I try to move the interview right along. "Bugg, who do you have rooting for you at home?"Bugg goes to say something but nothing really comes out except for a small noise while she looks around, flustered. I quickly change the subject as I reach for her hand. This gets me a look and I smile and nod. "So Bugg, tell me something about yourself." She looks around again and says "Well, I know I hate Frogs!" I smile and say "Frogs?" "Yeah, they're freaky beasties and they gross me out," batting her eyes a little. This instantly gets a reaction from the crowd as in unison they all aww together. She recovered nicely. I shake her hand as her interview finishes. Next, I get ready to welcome her district partner, Pascal Clarence.
Lime Green, huh? Bold choice considering this kid looks absolutely terrified. His hands are undeniably shaking as he greets me, "Pascal Clarence, everyone!" By the look on everyone's face, I can tell he will be losing some major fan points based on his outfit. He does have a beautiful complexion, though. Maybe that'll make up for it? "How are you, young man?" I ask. He takes a minute, too long of a minute. "How are you, young man?" This time a little louder, afraid he cannot hear me. His head jerks up and his eyes meet mine, "fine I suppose" he says in a meek voice. I nod and with a follow-up, "Do you have anyone awaiting your return home, sir? Maybe a girlfriend?" He laughs a little, his cheeks reddening. "well um... I don't…" he stumbles. "Do you have a significant someone awaiting your return home?" trying to further his thinking along. "No girlfriend," he says sharply. Throughout this entire interview, he has been rubbing his thumb into the palm of his opposite hand; that will not go over well with sponsors. "Alright everyone, let Pascal Clearance hear ya!" The audience claps. No cheers, or auditory noise… just the sounds of all his potential sponsors thanking me for cutting it short.
"Alright, everyone. Let's welcome her, from district four, Kendall Maris!" This girl is a stunner. Her hair is pulled up and back into a neat bun and her makeup is just enough to highlight her features, but not too much to overdo it. The simplicity of her white long-sleeved dress and the contrast of her tan skin makes for a nice complement. She shakes my hand and offers me a nice smile as I greet her, "Hello Ms. Kendall, how are you on this, the eve of the games?" She smiles again, "I am well, Ms. Cargill, how are you?" Kiss ass. "I am well, thank you, but please, call me Piper. We are friends tonight, after all." I smile and begin questioning. "Kendall, I see you're wearing a ring. Care to tell us about it?" she looks down, noticing it is on her left-hand ring finger. She widens her eyes, "this?..." she holds up a thick, silver band and proceeds to tell the audience it was her dad's. Tears well in her eyes, and she holds them there before letting a single one fall as she softly and shakily notes, "it was his before he died." The audience awes and it is hard to not sympathize with her, but she held onto that tear until just the right moment. Somethings fishy with this one. "Would you mind telling me how he passed?" she pauses… "well, it was a boating accident." I was right… fishy. I wait a moment, letting her have her moment, "alright, everyone, let's show Kendall some support!" cheering ensues… you think they'd be tired by now.
These tributes keep getting bigger. Dylan Cove, District four. As I watch him strut to the stage I cannot be mad about the baby bluefish fin pattern of his suit because it is not wearing him, he is wearing it. Pretty face and great hair, how about a personality, fella? He takes my hand as he greets me, bends at the waist, and kisses the top of my knuckles on my left hand. Here we go, another Romeo. "Welcome Dylan Cove, everyone!" we sit as they cheer and I start to speak when he cuts me off with a, "You look beautiful, Piper." and flashes his pearly whites. I laugh, "You can call me Ms. Cargill." He looks at me, and with a smirk, follows quickly, "Is that Mrs, or Ms?" Too much personality, I should've known. "Let us keep things appropriate. How about you tell me about your district." He pauses, "Well, district four is fishing" no shit. "... and everyone in my district is sculpted and sexy" I can feel my eyes roll hard and he jumped from his seat and rips his suit jacket and undershirt off. The women in the audience swoon and the men faint. I cannot help but laugh through the words, "Security!" I continue laughing and it takes me a minute to compose myself, I am still laughing when I say, "Dylan Cove, everyone. A face, or abdomen, you won't soon forget."
The crowd and I regain composure as I announce that we welcome Arin Gilligan. She walks to the stage, seemingly disinterested. No smile, no tears… nothing. The last one had too much personality, this one has none. "Hi there, Arin," I say with a smile, but she does not exchange with me. Instead, she folds her lips into her mouth and creates a straight line, erasing any trace of lipstick she had. Beautiful girl, but detached. "So, how about you tell me why you volunteered? Did you know the first chosen tribute?" That's when she looks at me, her eyes widen as she begins to speak, "Kassidy. Her name is Kassidy and she is my best friend. She and her fiance are engaged. I did this for them." There is the personality I was looking for or at least some of it. Her head turns away again and the tears well in her eyes, but she stops them. She is detached from everyone except for those closest to her, not disinterested. I offer her some comfort as I take her hand, "I am sure they are very thankful. Everyone, let's thank Arin for her time!"
"Onto our next young person of the evening, Brax Henwick!" I announced as the crowd applause. This kid graces the stage in a bright white suit. Obviously not original, but he wears it well. The tanness of his skin and the gold tie is definitely a nice touch. He greets me with a smile and shakes my hand before we're seated, "welcome, Brax! How are you this evening?" I ask and without missing a beat, "I am doing quite well, Piper, thank you! How about yourself?" Nice kid, he's conversational. "I am pretty grand if I must say so myself! Tell me, Brax, how does it feel to be the Mayor's son?" He looks at me as if trying to find something to say without incriminating his father, "It's interesting, to say the least…when you're the spawn of someone in power, everyone expects something of you." he says this in almost a disappointed voice. I start to ask him what he believes is expected of him, then I redirect myself, knowing they expect a winner of the games. "Sometimes it is not always what everyone expects of you, rather than what you expect from yourself." He pauses, "I expect I will do what it takes to keep those who I love safe." The audience is silent. He's selfless… a nice quality to have, except when in the Hunger Games. I nod, "I am sure when the time comes, you'll do your best to do what is right." He offers me a half-smile that is short-lived before we stand and he exits. "How about we welcome our next tribute, from district six, Barbara Peren!"
This girl looks to be no older than 12, but she has all the makings to be a fully mature woman dressed in a floor-length, black strapless dress, wearing a locket that falls right above her neckline. Very elegant, very pretty. She floats her way to me and sits. No greeting, or smile. Personality, not so pretty. "Hi there, Barbara." she looks at me, almost disgusted, "Hi." Wow, okay. "Barbara, you look gorgeous! Tell me about your accessories that you're wearing." she reaches up to her locket and holds it tight, "Well, the picture of my dead mother is here. She died giving birth to my younger sister… she was reaped last year." she's cold. "I am very sorry to hear about your losses," I say in the most genuine voice I can muster up. She rolls her eyes and leans back in her chair, "Yeah, well, me too." The audience is awkward and I can't help but be, too. It is hard to find a reaction or statement to follow with. She's angry… "How about you tell me about your strategy for the games." Her head snaps and in one swift motion, "Kill everyone" escapes her mouth as she stands from her seat and exits. Im stunned. So stunned that I forget who the next tribute is. Then Turf gets my attention and mouths Makus. A lightbulb….
"Alright everyone, let's give a shout for Barbara's counterpart, Capricorn Makus as he joins me on stage!" Two awkward interviews in a row… let's hope this one gets me somewhere. He makes his way to me in a deep blue long-sleeve button-down and khakis. Not exactly impressive. Come on, personality! As he shakes my hand and sits, his eyes instantly dart and he is obviously distracted. Oh boy. Three for three. Here we go, "Welcome! Tell me, how did you end up with a name like Capricorn." Eyes darting, but he still manages to answer my question, "Well, my family is into astrology and everyone in my family has a name representing star signs." I smile, at least he is able to answer me, "Interesting! So does that mean you have a mother named Libra?" He laughs awkwardly, "No. My mother's name was Aquarius." I smile, "Well, I was pretty close, I think." The audience chuckles. "In your free time, what do you spend doing?" I ask. To which he laughs while he wittily replies, "working out." This kid is scrawny, no way he works out, and he knows it. The audience laughs with him, "No I am just kidding. I stargaze." I smile and he smiles back as his eyes meet mine. He's too sweet to be reaped. "That's a nice hobby, let's hope that you can continue it after the games. Everyone, let's thank Capricorn for his time!" They cheer. That wasn't so bad, I liked him, nice kid.
"Up next, gracing the stage, let us welcome Wren Oakfield, everyone!" Instantly I notice her abnormally perfect skin, it's almost like she is glowing. The freckles that cover her nose and fade into her cheeks match her dark brown hair perfectly. The emerald-colored, strapless pencil dress goes well with her shiny, studded heels, but I'd do without the thin headband. "Hi there, Wren, care to sit?" She smiles and nods at me as she daintily places herself in her chair. Hm, a sense of sophistication. "So tell me, Wren, what has been your favorite part about visiting the capitol throughout your stay?" She does not hesitate to think as she excitedly announces, "Snow has the biggest library that I've ever seen!" The audience and I cannot help but laugh a little at the innocence behind the excitement. Wrens face becomes a little red as she follows up with, "Ever since I was little, I have loved to read. We never had much growing up, but one thing was certain: books." The audience gives a sympathetic sigh before my asking "What is your favorite book to read?" To this question, she thinks. "Well, I don't have a favorite book, but I love children's books because of the imaginative element, that's why I spend weekends reading to the kids in my district's orphanage." That seems too genuine to be said just for sponsorship, so I'll bite. "Wow, what a selfless thing to do, Wren. I think we all could use a little more selflessness, right, folks?" The audience cheers and she smiles an awkward, shy smile. Excellent note to leave off on. "Well, I believe it is time to bring out our next tribute! Everyone, show Wren your thanks with a round of applause!"
Aspen Evergreen. This young man is wearing a flannel on arguably the most important night of his Hunger Games career? His stylist isn't even giving him a chance. The audience cheers when I announce his name and he makes his way to me swiftly. "Good evening, Aspen," I say to him, reaching for his hand."What are you doing?" He says, almost as though he's afraid of me. "I just wanted to greet you by shaking your hand. Would that be alright?" He looks at me questioningly, "I don't know." He's paranoid... I give him the same look and laugh through my saying "What's the matter? I'm not gonna bite you: I had a snack before we started the interviews." The audience laughs, but he is unamused. He looks out at the audience and back at me and down towards the floor. My eyes meet an object in his fist that he has been fumbling with. "What is that?" I inquire. "Nothing. I don't have anything." He sharply says as he swings his object-inclosed fist behind his back. "May I see it, Aspen?" I ask as calmly and gently as I can before he yells, "No! You are not going to take it are you?!" Remaining calm, I assure him, "No sir, I am not going to take it, I am only curious." After looking at me for some time, he slowly drops his hand and brings his fist up to me, and turns it over. A carving from tree bark. "It's a squirrel carving? How neat!" He halfway smiles at me before snatching it back. "Do you consider that a hobby or talent of yours?" I wonder how he could use that in the games. He does not answer my question, he only shrugs, but I can tell he is excellent with a knife. "Alright, Aspe, I think that is all the time we have. Thank you for your time and for showing me your work." He smiles at me as I add, "Everyone, let's show Aspen some support, what do ya say?"
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, let's go ahead and welcome Leah Velvet to the stage!" What a dainty, doll-like young lady! The doll-likeness is emphasized by the pale blue, knee-length dress with thick straps and a bow around the waist. Beautiful reddish-brown curls frame her round face. She meets me center-stage and hugs me, "Hi, Piper!" she says excitedly. "Well hello there, Leah! How are you?" I ask her, shocked that she went in for a hug so quickly and is still attached to my waist. "I am doing great now that I get to meet you! I see you on TV every year and cannot believe I get to see you up-close! You're a lot more wrinkly in person." The audience laughs. Little shit. "Yeah, well, that's because I smile a whole lot, even when I don't mean it." I grab hold of her shoulders and extend my arms, distancing her from my torso. "Leah, do you have any friends at home who are waiting for you when you get back?" I ask. She perks up even-more-so than she was before - if that is even possible, I have no idea - and shouts, "heck yeah! My best friend Alex said he wants to play hide-in-seek when I get back." In the back of my mind, I cannot help but think of the odds, but I entertain her anyway. "Do you play hide-in-seek a lot?" as she keeps eye contact with me, "Yes, always! I'm the best at it. I am the fastest and best hider!" she grins. I hope that serves her benefit in the games. "I am sure you are the best hider and the loudest counter, Leah!" I say snarkily and the audience laughs, noticing my joke. "Leah, that is all the time we have, but would you like to say anything to Alex back home before we wrap this up?" She pauses and gives me a blank stare before looking directly into the camera, "Alex, make sure that when I get back, I get to hide first!" The audience laughs and we move on.
Expensive if the first thing I thought when I took a look at Woolworth Saint-Cloud, or at least his shiny tux and golden bowtie suggest. Sure the capitol provides the interview outfits, but this one is, well, expensive. He smiles at me with the brightest white teeth I've ever seen. Again, the capitol is expected to "clean-up" the tributes when they arrive, but this kid has to come from money. "Mr. Saint-Cloud, it is nice to meet you, have a seat." He nods, and his smile fades as he is seated. "`Woolworth, how about you tell me something about yourself!" This is a loaded question as it can mean a thousand things. "Well, I think my favorite thing about being in the capitol is all the friends I've made…" I nod and start to speak before he cuts me off, adding, "... it's too bad that I won't have any when this is all said and done." I nod again, coming to the realization that this kid is a loner, despite his parent's money, "Well, you must have people back home rooting for you, right?" He stops and soullessly looks at me, "Nope." To this, some of the audience awe in sympathy for him. I can't help but try to cut the interview short, asking him if there is anything else he wanted to add before we move on to district nine. He stops again, with a long pause, before finally - in a calm and low voice, "To all those in the care home who spit at me, and mock me… I've been the one donating money and food in the dead of night." Is it curiosity or generosity that killed the cat? Either way, it's out of the bag. We move on swiftly as he just up and leaves the stage soon after.
Look at those clog-hoppers! What are they a size 10? I didn't know they made heels that big for ladies, especially 13-year-old young ladies. I know she is still technically growing, but wow. I wonder if she'll use those as her weapons of choice. "Everyone, give a shout for Marigold Caden!" The audience cheers as she makes her way to me, "Good Evening, Marigold!" I say and she nods as she sits. Nothing? Not even a smile? I can see her bend her knees, pointing her feet so that the tips of her toes touch the floor. She's embarrassed of her feet. "How are you doing, Ms. Caden?" She looks at me, expressionless, and just shrugs her shoulders. I notice her curly blonde hair is braided into a crown on her head, with golden butterfly hair clips throughout. "Well, you look very pretty! I really like your hairstyle." I say as I grab her hand and try to make eye contact with her. She glances at me and smiles, but only for a second, and then she averts her eyes. "Ya know, your gold butterfly clips match the gold band that you're wearing. Can you tell me where you got your ring from?" She stares at the floor and slowly moves her head upward as she finds the words to say, "my big brother, Sheer, gave it to me for good luck." I smile at her and follow her with, "Lovely. Well, it is always nice to have a sibling rooting for you back home." Her eyes widen as they start to fill with tears and she nods. "Marigold, I believe it is time for us to move on, but first, is there anything you would like to share?" She shakes her head no and I nod to her one last time. "Ok then, everyone, how about we move this thing along, shall we?" The audience cheers and we bring out Mason Garnett.
He floats his way to me, and the closer he gets, the prettier he gets. "Good evening, Mason!" I smile at him and offer him a seat. "Wow, that suit is spectacular! Are those actual diamonds?" I ask examining his suit, "Why yes, they are! Beautiful aren't they?" I start to nod in agreeance, but then he pulls a, "Even still, they're not the most beautiful thing…" he takes my hand "...or person... in the room." I jerk my hand away from his… what is it with these horndog boys for tributes? I clear my throat, "So, Mr. Garnett, are there any hobbies you're going to miss while in the games?" He thinks for a second. "Well, I will miss the company of the friends I've come to know in the past couple of months before the reaping. " There is some hidden agenda there, but I cannot figure out what it is. "Mind sharing a short message with them before we close the interview?" He shakes his head, "Oh no, I can't, no one is supposed to know about the women I've become friends with." He stops and his eyes widen, "I've said too much already." He's an escort. A male escort… That explains his boldness and the mysteriousness of his "friends." He is quick to stand and rush off the stage, embarrassed. Im stunned and so is the audience. "We might as well move along, shall we?" Again, the audience roars.
"Alright everyone, let us welcome Pasture Texxington!" the crowd cheers, but no tribute emerges. I smile, "Pasture Texxington!" still. no one. Hm. I start to speak again, "Pastu-" when this, oddly tiny, the girl stumbles from the curtain. her head is slightly tilted down, but her eyes peak at me through her strands of black hair that hangs in front of her face. Are those… on her white ball gown? They can't be. It has pockets… I can tell because there is a lump in it. When she meets me center stage, still peaking at me as she sits "Good evening, Pasture." She's still looking at me the way she was when she stumbled on stage… creepy. She doesn't speak to me, she just… pats her pocket? "Pasture, what is in your pocket?" She jerks her right side back, protecting what is hiding beneath her hand. "Cmon, I only want to see, I will give it right back." She eases up and gives me this closed-mouth smile that curls at the end, her eyes still peeking behind her hair. "Close your eyes'' she tells me, I laugh, "Okay, now what?" she giggles, "Hold out your hand" this is a little weird, but we're getting somewhere. As she sits this fuzzy, warm, thing in my palm, she says, "Meet Blood!" I open my eyes and scream as the audience laughs. "It's a… a ... a rat." I shake this thing out of my palm and it leaps to her lap and runs to the top of her shoulder. I. am. horrified. "That's ok, I don't like her either'' she says over her shoulder. Is she… talking… to it? She won't talk to me, but she'll talk to the rat. "Pasture-" she stops me, "That's not my name!" she says in this low, monotone voice. She rocks and twiddles her fingers while whispering to herself, "we don't like her, blood. She doesn't even know who I am. I am bones. I am bones. Bones." I stop, "Bones? You are Bones? Like the ones on your dress?" She stops in her tracks, the rat still on her shoulder, "I don't know why that took you so long." I nod, I am ready to get this kid out of here. I need to boil my hands. "Ok everyone, let's clap for bones." They're silent, so I get the ball rolling. While clapping I say again, "Clap for Bones, everyone!" They do, but it is scattered and unsure. She stands carefully as to not shake the rat and slowly walks away. Ok, let's keep this going, only five more to go. "Everyone, give a nice big welcome to Haylo Molto Ranons!"
As soon as Haylo hits the curtain, you can see the terror on his face and the audience of capital is not helping his case. His smile is forced, and lifeless. When he meets me center stage, I meet his hand that he is holding out to me, "Well hello there, Haylo. Im Piper!" He stops and halfway smiles at me, this one is genuine and appreciative. He's opening up a little, good. As we sit I nod to him, a little boost of encouragement. "So, Haylo, that suit is a beautiful charcoal color, and the pop of purple underneath it makes a lovely combination!" His smile gets bigger, "Thank you, Piper. You look very pretty in your gown." Well, that just charmed the hell out of me. "How sweet,thank you…" I look into the audience, "Whoever is at home raised you with manners, huh?" He nods, still smiling. "Mom and dad did an excellent job." The audience sighs as I continue, "How about you tell me a little something about your arena strategy!" He kind of squints at me at this question, confused. I can tell he has never thought about it before. He starts to speak, but cuts himself off and looks at me for help, "Go one, Haylo… it's ok." I smile. He starts again, "Well, what anyone else's strategy is, I guess…" For a second, I had no idea what he meant, "I am sorry, but I am not sure what -" he stops me, "To stay alive." I feel awful. This little boy knows he's being fed to the wolves. I only look at him, stunned. It is only when I see Turf wave at me from behind the curtain that I start again, "That is an excellent strategy, Haylo. I will be looking for you in the arena." He smiles at me, and I half-smile back, not meeting his eyes. The audience cheers as he rises, "Everyone show Haylo some love!" Continued cheering. I have to cut them short, my heart is breaking, "Alright, everyone! Let's go ahead and bring out Amira Fieldington from District 11!"
Holy Floral. I smile at Amira, hoping that she didn't see my first expression when she walked onto the stage. I will never know why stylists do their tributes such an obvious injustice and think nothing of it. She meets my hand that is held out to her, "Amira, lovely to meet you!" She smiles at me, "Hi Piper!" She is a very pretty girl, "The flowers on your gown… there is an abundance of them, yes?" The smile she gives me is half-assed, I can tell she hates them or at least the way they look , "Yeah, there are quite a few" she says laughing, "they are supposed to symbolize the work I did with some kids back home; Teaching them to plant and take care of flowers." I nod, "Oh that is a nice gesture. So these kids, are they siblings?" She shakes her head, "No they are just neighborhood kids…" She stops, looking for me to move the conversation along, "Well how about we get down to the nitty-gritty?" She shakes her head, approvingly, but still unsure, "How about your arena strategy? What do you plan to do during the games in order to survive?" She thinks a second, "Well, every year, I watch at least one person get over-powered by another tribute, and that ultimately leads to their demise. I find that thinking smarter-not-stronger is the best way to go." I am following, but I want more, "So what does that mean for you?" She continues, "I was thinking that running and hiding would be the best form of survival for me." I smile, I have heard rumors about what this arena will be like… she is not going to survive, "Alright, everyone! Let's go ahead and send Ms. Amira off and welcome our next tribute: Uriah Winter!"
This is the kid who knocked himself out at his own training session? I believe it. He greets me center stage, quickly might I add. If the audience wanted to see him, all they'd see only a flash of a very plain, yet sophisticated suit. "Piper!" he pipes up at me as he meets me center stage and gracefully, slowly greets his seat. "Hello there, Uriah! How are you after your fall?" I ask, almost condescendingly, accidentally. He gives me a glare to start, then quickly changes his mind. Smart. "Well, Piper I am doing quite well, thank you! This is a lovely set up you have here at the capitol. It is so big, I could fit all of district 11 in here!" I nod, and giggle, "Yes it is quite big, I suppose" looking around at the audience. He interjects, "It is bigger than big. I bet the food here is just as amazing as the architecture." I smile, "Yes I am sure that comparison is one that is fair to make, but let's-" he interjects, "Imagine what this could do for the people of my district! This whole building would give the people I hope to be Mayor over one day, a sturdy place to live." I can see everyone in the audience's mouth gaped open. Well, no matter whether or not it is his fault… that kid may be the first to die. I give a half-hearted smile, and shew the poor kid off stage "Alright, everyone, let us hear it for Uriah from District 11 and get ready to welcome Annie Gris from District 12!" The crowd roars.
Style! She graces the stage in a black sweetheart neckline, short-sleeve, low-high dress! The most beautiful fitted cocktail moment I may have ever seen. Her stylist may have a promotion when I get done with her. Before I can greet her, "Piper! Hello! It is amazing to meet you!" She practically screams as she hugs me. Too close. Too loud. I smile, "Hi there, Annie. It is nice to meet you as well!" I nod and gesture to her seat behind her. "Annie, I have to say, your outfit is absolutely marvelous." She gives me the biggest grin, pushes her curly, perfectly pinned, blonde bob back from in front of the side of her face as she looks down, "This ole thing? Please, you look wonderful." I smile and offer the audience a charming, "Oh! I like her! Don't we like her, folks?" they cheer. I cannot help but notice her jewelry. "Annie, I love everything about the outfit. It's fresh, trendy, it is stunning. But I am curious about that black ring. Is it vintage?" It is a fairly-sized, black, pear diamond encased in a thin-ish silver band. To the naked eye, it looks cheap, fake even, especially because it is surrounded by a bunch of silver rings on her surrounding fingers. My eye, though, is never naked. "Well, Piper, truth be told, my father found it. It fell out of a box of capitol clothing that was being sent to him to fix. He had no idea who it belonged to, so he gave it to me." If that doesn't kill him, it will most definitely kill her. "Annie, that is a lovely story. How nice of your father to think of you." I look past her shoulder and there's Turf, again, like clockwork. I can see him mouth "time" at me, as he points at his watch. With that, "Annie, it has been lovely meeting you and seeing your outfit! However, we have to cut it short. You look lovely! Enjoy the rest of your evening!" The audience applauds for her as she floats off the stage. Nice girl, too bad her ring is stolen. "Alright, everyone, I know that you are just as upset about this as I am, but it is time to introduce our next and final tribute of the night. Everybody give it up for Kolten Gray.
Well if Annie was Barbie, then Kolten may as well be named Kolt-Ken. He is giving me a "pretty boy" muscular feminine vibe. The ascot adds a nice touch to the open button-down and fit-n-flare pants. He greets me center stage, takes my hand for a kiss, and offers me a "Why hello there, Piper" as he looks me up and down. Immediately uncomfortable, I tell him to sit down as I pull my hand away. "It is nice to meet you, Kolten, might you tell us a little about yourself?" He keeps looking me up and down, almost as if he didn't hear my question. Annoyed, "Kolten. Koooolten… KOLTEN" this gets his attention. "Oh I am sorry, I was just admiring your… well… everything." The audience laughs. "Yeah, I can see that. How about instead you tell the audience something about yourself." He nods, "Well there is so much to tell you. But I will say that I love art. And I am intrigued by… beautiful things," he says to me as he looks at my legs, which are cross so that his little perverted mind cannot see past them. "I would love to draw you, Piper. I feel as though we could have a beautiful affair, my putting you on paper, and all." I glare at him and stand. He follows my lead. "How about, young man, you have a beautiful affair with someone who is your height." He is at least a head shorter than I am and is looking right at the slight amount of cleavage I intentionally showed. The audience laughs as hard as I have ever heard them laugh and Kolten makes his way off stage. "Kolten, everyone."
"Well, everyone. Unfortunately, that is all for our regularly scheduled program." The audience boos. "I know, I know, I am upset, too. But, look at it this way, I will be back very soon to see our final 8 tributes' families and, spoiler alert, I am taking you with me!" They cheer, "This is Piper Cargil, everyone, you all have been beautiful, but not nearly as beautiful as me! Thank you and Goodnight!" They hoot and holler as I strut off the stage, straight into Turf's arms. He smiles at me, "Piper Cargill, you are one extravagant woman!" I grin, again, "I know!" He rolls his eyes and kisses me the way I taught him he should as the audience filters out of the auditorium. The curtain falls and lights out.
Well y'all I got no words. Here it is, the games are almost among us. and this chapter is hella late. It was just one thing after another. Nonetheless, I am hoping to finish so that I can write the tributes a well deserved ending. It's almost break so that means more chapters hopefully soon. I'm not sure if y'all are still reading but if you are thanks. All the best.