Thanks to owlthewriter, CrocodileReader431, dyloccupy, Tales From the Cluttered Desk, Dani H. Danvers, Cori Anna, Singular Scissor, livinginadream0, & Skeekiest for the reviews!
I'm so sorry for the delay! I ended up deleting this chapter and rewriting it because I didn't like how it was going and then I got distracted with life and another short story I was working on. I promise no other long periods between updates!
Enjoy!
Chapter XIV The Tribute Interviews – Part 1
The Capitol, Eve of the 59th Hunger Games
The Tribute Theater
"Gentle people of the Capitol, your host and M.C. for the 59th Annual Hunger Games… Caesar Flickerman!"
A dazzling display of fireworks and sparklers went off as Caesar descended on the stage, literally. He came down to the stage in a controlled fall, sitting on a pink fluffy cloud and laughing as the Capitol audience cheered for him. The cloud, really just a box on a crane with pink cotton balls and smoke for effect, landed on the stage and Caesar neatly hopped off it to strut before the audience, waving and smiling his dazzling whites.
"Thank you, thank you all!" Caesar said, his voice clear and full of mirth. "I've descended from loftier heights to join our fabulous Tributes this year… and I suppose you lot as well!"
Some good nature laughter from the crowd followed as Caesar began the ceremony. Behind stage, twenty-four Tributes, all dressed outrageously, waited for their cue to come on stage and introduce themselves to Panem. They had spent the mornings preparing for the interview – some more successful than others – and all understood the consequences of a bad showing.
"First up, with her high score she needs no introduction but I'll give her one anyways! Ladies and gentlemen, Elegance Jacobs of District 1!"
The crowd was ecstatic as Elegance walked on stage, thankful that the Career Academy made sure to give lessons on how to appeal to Capitolites. She was falling back on that training now, completely overwhelmed by the roaring crowd. All of her work was being rewarded and she met with Caesar feeling very confident.
They sat down on beautiful black velvet upholstered chaise lounges. Black was an odd color for Capitolites who's clothing, homes, furniture, and even pets always ran the gambit of the color spectrum. It made a bit more sense as a stabilizing color for the rainbow of outfits the Tributes were in this year.
"First off, Ms. Jacobs, I need your discerning eye for a moment."
"Of course, Caesar!" Elegance replied easily.
"What color would you say you're wearing?"
The audience laughed, as did Elegance who had been debating that herself. Her dress was floor length with a tail of frills that reminded her vaguely of a sheep's fur. She had frills on her shoulders as well and they'd had put her in a ruff for some reason. The color was pretty at least.
"I would say… aquamarine?" Elegance offered. "Though it's a bit too light for that right?"
"Maybe… blue?" Caesar asked casually. The whole audience laughed at the simple description. "Ah well, you probably have a better eye than I for this stuff! Just like you're probably better skilled than I for the Games!"
"Yes, probably." Elegance replied, not going for modesty. The audience seemed to like that too.
"So how'd you score a ten, Ms. Jacobs?" Caesar asked.
"Beauty, brain, and brawn." Elegance remarked, flexing an arm for the audience who cheered. A few even cat called. "And of course my skill with a pole axe doesn't hurt either."
"And what exactly is that?" Caesar questioned.
"It's a long spear with an axe and hook on it. It's supposed to be used to pull soldiers off of horses, but it works just fine taking Tributes down too."
"Well we're thrilled to see you sweep us off our feet!" Caesar assured her. They talked a little more about her training before getting personal. "Outside of the arena and the Hunger Games, tell us about the Elegance Jacobs of District 1."
"Well, it was always my dream to volunteer." Elegance explained. "To be here is just the dream of a lifetime. My sister actually was supposed to be the Jacobs sister volunteering, but she graciously bowed out for me."
"No hard feelings about that, right?" Caesar asked.
"None at all!" Elegance lied. She wondered what Splendour was doing at that moment. Ignoring the interviews like she ignored coming to her Goodbyes? Luckily, Elegance was a professional and kept a positive spin on things despite the sour note of Splendour. They chatted a bit more before the buzzer sounded and Elegance left the stage to a happy audience, who kept that moment going for Cas.
Her partner walked out on stage like he was a gift to all of Panem. He was dressed in a bright pink suit with the types of his braids dyed pinks as well. He would have looked ridiculous if he was even half as confident as he was, but Cas made it all work.
"You're so very bright, Mr. Rothschild!" Caesar commented.
"I consider that a good sign, dressed brightly for a bright future!" Cas smiled. "I'm all about good signs. In fact, my good friend is a bit of an astrology fan."
"Is that right?"
"Indeed. And he told me that the stars are aligned in my favor! I can't possible lose."
"Wow! Confidence! I love it!" Caesar cheered. The audience did too, Cas' confidence infectious. They kept speaking in an easy tone, everything Caesar said building Cas up. To the more discerning viewer, it was obvious that Caesar was biased toward District 1. Eventually, the conversation turned to Cas' home life.
"I was adopted into the Rothschild family." Cas clarified when Caesar asked. "I'll never know why Father decided to adopt, but I can't say that I'm sorry about it."
"Certainly not!" Caesar laughed.
"He was a great man." Cas continued. "A true, model citizen of District 1 and all of Panem. His death was hard."
"I had heard about that…" Caesar said. "Such a terrible way to go."
There were some murmurs throughout the audience. Apparently, his Father's fate was a known, which wasn't surprising. The Rothschild's wine was famous after all.
"It was. I'm just thankful that that the Peacekeepers hunted that thug down. He'll never hurt anyone again."
"Yes, thank you to our glorious Peacekeepers!" Caesar cheered. The audience burst into applause as well, always happy to cheer their own thugs.
Of course, that's absolutely not what happened, but the Head Peacekeeper had been clear with Cas and Lothario that was the story. Cas wondered if Lothario was home now, glowering at the TV. Cas had managed to avoid thinking about his brother since the Goodbyes by sheer force of will. Lothario always had a habit of throwing him off his game. He hated how much control his brother's affection had over him. Thankfully, Caesar moved on and Cas was running through his eclectic set of friends, who charmed the Capitol.
"And of course, there's serious Ambrosio." Cas finished. "A cute guy, if a bit too serious."
"Oh? Is there some love there."
"Hmmm." Cas replied slyly, before finding the camera and winking to the audience's delight. Cas was pleased too, imagining just how flustered Ambrosio would be. The interview came to an end shortly after that, the Capitol naming Cas a clear favorite so far.
Amaya was next though, eager to claim the title for herself. Her stylist had dressed her in a dark green toga with a black sash and edges, quite striking with her features. She kissed Caesar gently on his cheeks and sat down, leaning back against the couch easily.
"Looking quite relaxed!" Caesar commented.
"Do I? I suppose that comes when you're feeling confident."
"Anyone you're nervous about this year?" Caesar asked.
"Oh… I really wish I could say I was." Amaya replied, looking thoughtful and bit remorseful. "I think we have an excellent Pack this year, but everyone else… well. You know how it is, Caesar."
"Oh, do tell!" Caesar encouraged, leaning forward in his seat, chin resting on his fist in mock attention.
"Well I was looking forward to facing off against tough Tributes! I was hoping there'd be a Butcher of 10 this year! Or another Titan of 6, or a Chancey the Chained, you know? But unfortunately I think most of the Tributes aren't up to snuff."
"I'm sure we have strong competitors elsewhere!" Caesar comforted, both her and the audience. "Our Gamemakers certainly gave good marks to most Tributes! And the Games are all about surprises!"
"And fighting, at which I excel." Amaya confirmed. They chatted a bit about Amaya's fighting style and dynamics before shifting to her personal life. Amaya wasn't thrilled to talk about that but knew it was necessary. "It's just my mom and sister." Amaya told everyone. "I grew up in a working family, proud to be citizens of District 2 and proud to be in service to the Capitol."
"Sounds very sensible." Caesar confirmed. "What did you do back home?"
"Oh, a bit of this, a bit of that." Amaya laughed. She had toyed with being honest with them but, really, would the Capitol want a gang member as a Victor? Probably not. Plus there was her mom and sister, Eki, to consider and their safety. "All in service of the Capitol though."
"We all love to hear that! Anyone special?"
"Um… yes, my girlfriend Milanka." Amaya said, privately thankful Caesar had reminded her. They chatted about Milanka for a little, Amaya a bit annoyed at how much attention her vain girlfriend was getting. Still, the interview went well and Amaya left to a good amount of support.
The mood darkened when Pietyr came on stage. He had refused to wear any colors and his stylist, intimidated, dressed him in all black. It basically set the mood for the interview.
"So, what makes Pietyr tick?" Caesar asked him.
"Fighting. And winning the Hunger Games." Pietyr replied, shifting uncomfortably. His stylist had dressed him a super tight fighting suit which showed off his muscles but made moving difficult.
"A man of simple pleasures!" Caesar complimented.
It was not received as such. "Is that an insult?" He demanded.
"No, no, not at all!" Caesar reassured him, trying to lighten the mood. He moved on to talk about the Hunger Games, where Pietyr briskly mentioned his skill with a saber and confidence in a fight. Things got dicier when Caesar returned to his home life.
"I have my mom, dad, and sister." Pietyr informed them. "We're a proud family."
"I bet they're proud of you! What does your family do?"
"My dad makes statutes and monuments to all of our District's Victors. My mom cares for the home. And my sister is my sister."
"What's her name?" Caesar inquired innocently.
"She's not the Tribute, I am!" Pietyr snarled.
Caesar did his best to laugh it off, but blatant rudeness was difficult to massage out of the minds of anyone. The interview continued with a subdued Capitol and annoyed Pietyr, who gave curt answers to everything Caesar asked. Finally, Caesar, perhaps at the end of his rope too, broke a little. "Well, you're just a bundle of joy for the Hunger Games, aren't you?" He asked with a laugh.
Pietyr turned to Caesar, his hostility towards all the showmanship on plain display for everyone. "Delighted." He remarked dryly.
Caesar, a consummate professional, never broke and spun to the audience, raising his hand in cheer. "The male Tribute from District 2, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Charisma!"
The buzzer was almost drowned out by the laughter of the audience. A red faced Pietyr stormed off stage, ready to get into the Games and show everyone what they were truly about.
Hypatia was nice and came out dressed to the tails. Literally. She was dressed in a bright yellow suit with tails that went all the way down the back and trailed behind her. Instead of a bow tie, an pale white ascot was tucked under her neck. Nervous but eager, she greeted Caesar pleasantly and took her seat.
"Ms. Diaz! Welcome to the Capitol!"
"Thank you, Mr. Flickerman, it's a pleasure."
"So polite! Caesar is fine. You're amongst friends."
Hypatia nodded, feeling nervous and self-conscious, though not because of her crazy suit. "That's nice." She said mildly. The two of them became chatting, Caesar working his magic to relax Hypatia. The heat from the stage lights, the massive audience, and the pressure of the moment seemed ebb away a bit as Caesar kept talking. Before she knew it, Hypatia was talking about her life at Capitol's Mercy, which won praise.
"It's always good to see good works from the Capitol recognized." Caesar said to polite applause from the audience.
"Yes, thank you all." Hypatia said, nodding to the crowd. It was hard to see anyone due to the bright lights, she could only make out the first two rows, a mass of colorful clothes and heavy makeup. The colors allowed a brief bit of illumination out of the darkness, but Hypatia thought it made them look like demons.
Was her father among them? One of these cackling creatures, three inches of makeup on their face and without a care in the world. Worst of of, Hypatia thought, was an inescapable feeling inside of her.
She was jealous.
She wanted to be in the audience.
Was she a bad person for that?
The interview continued, Hypatia becoming aware of how quickly three minutes was slipping away. She felt like she had said nothing at all and would miss her big chance.
She took a leap.
"I actually think my father may be here tonight." Hypatia said.
"Really? In this room?" Caesar asked cautiously. The audience was stirring, confused by what Hypatia was saying.
"Maybe. I'm not sure, but what I do know is-"
There was a loud buzz and the interview ended. Hypatia, in shocked, look at the clock which was flashing big zeros. She could have sworn she still had a minute. "Oooh, so sorry, Ms. Diaz! I guess you'll have to let us know in the arena!" Caesar told her, quickly shooing her off stage. Hypatia left, dejected and being pressured off by the clapping of the audience.
What the hell had just happened?
The night was still young so Web came out to an eager crowed. Unfortunately, Web was still in a tilt over his score and quickly let everyone know.
"How are you feeling tonight, Mr. Olson?" Caesar began.
"Excellent. In high spirits." Web replied tightly.
"Not feeling the pressure?"
"I am quite used to pressure, Caesar." Web said. "I have my skills. I have a strong ally. And I have my mind."
"Well, lets go through those! What skills do you bring to the Hunger Games?"
"I am excellent with technology." Web said proudly.
"Fascinating! And your ally?"
"Teagan of District 5."
"Ah, a stronger ally!"
"And my mind… I'm intelligent. And I think quickly. You have to think fast to win the Games."
"Who could doubt that!" Caesar said in support. The audience seemed to be of a less charitable mind though. Web could tell he was losing them. They had already judged him by his abysmal score and were onto shinier targets. Even Caesar seemed to be phoning it in.
That and his already dour mood led him to panic and grasp for the crowd's attention. "I can build robots!" Web declared proudly.
"Oh?" Caesar asked.
"Yes. I would also like to clarify my score!" Web announced.
He did so poorly. Instead of the precise dialogue his Escort and him and run through, Web fell into a long, too detailed diatribe about what had happened and where his true skills laid. He sounded more like the world's most boring professor than a litigator. It wasn't particularly helpful and Caesar's attitude seemed to change little.
"Fascinating!" He repeated. With time almost up, Caesar questioned about his volunteering, the only thing noteworthy for the Capitol about Web.
"I did it for my brother, Henry." Web told the audience, feeling quite sweaty. Why were the lights so bright? How could anyone operate under them? "He's sixteen years old and I did what any brother would do."
"Well… not every brother would agree to die for the other." Caesar commented.
"W-what?" Web asked in shock, only for the buzzer to sound and Web cast off stage, feeling miserable.
The audience was far more engaged for Maddie, who came out dressed in a maroon colored dress with her hair put up in a swirl like a conch shell. She was a beautiful girl and that along with her high score made her attractive to the Capitol. Caesar was in a far happier mood with her than he had been with District 3, improving the atmosphere of the auditorium considerably.
"Look at you, Ms. Superstar!" Caesar declared as the audience cheered.
Maddie, red faced, nodded modestly. "Thanks… you're too kind."
"A humble superstar! Something new everyday, folks!" Caesar laughed. The Capitol cheered, though it was less enthusiastic. Nobody liked a humble Tribute. They had to be bigger than life figures. Caesar continued, eager to know more about her. "So a ten! How did you score that?"
"I'm proficient with a bow." Maddie explained. Caesar had expected her to elaborate but she fell quiet, leaving it at that.
"Impressive!" Caesar said, a bit too late. "It's been quite a while since we had someone with aptitude with one."
"I promise not to disappoint then."
"I hope I don't sound rude," Caesar said, leaning over and placing a comforting hand on her knee. "But we do have to talk about your reaction at the Reaping… it… well… it gave people a rather negative impression of you. Care to address that?"
Just like the Escort promised, Caesar set her up to address it. A careful lie had been worked out in the District 4 apartment. And there was some truth in it, which helped. "I would like to." Maddie began. "I'm embarrassed by my reaction, but it was an emotional moment. It felt like the culmination of the dreams of three generations of my family. We've always wanted someone to compete in the Hunger Games and win the honor that comes with being Victor. For our family and our District and of course the Capitol. It was… it was the dream of my brother to do so. He's no longer with us. And when I was up there, I was thinking of him. And I'm going to win, for my District of course, but more for his memory."
Maddie had never been a great liar, but the Capitolite was willing to swallow a lot of bull. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the audience came to support her. Maddie did her best smile as Caesar gave her a sympathetic look, guiding the audience on what they should be feeling. The rest of the interview flew by as Maddie talked about her family, home, and what she expected from the Hunger Games. Caesar helped her too, raving about the Monaghan family and wishing they'd bring back their cruise line. Maddie encouraged it, briefly wondering if Caesar was being bribed by her family to make her look good. She ended her interview on a high note, best received by the Capitol behind Cas. She took her seat in the Tribute box, aware that the jealous eyes of the other Careers – save for Cas – were on her.
Nicola quickly popped out on stage and was riding the success of Maddie's interview. He too was dressed in maroon, though was only wearing a long skirt and showing off an impressive, muscled chest. The Capitol always responded to sex appeal and were no exception for Nicola.
"It's a pleasure to be here!" Nicola said as he shook hands with Caesar.
"The pleasure is all ours!" Caesar told him.
With a wink, Nicola replied. "You're right. It is." The audience laughed and the interview began without a hitch. Good natured and with an easy confidence, the Capitol quickly loved him too.
"So tell us, what does Nicola Forebay bring to the Hunger Games?"
"Spectacle. Excitement. Action!" Nicola told them proudly.
"All positives!" Caesar assured him.
"I don't plan on anyone being bored watching me." Nicola reassured them all. The continued chatting about the Pack and what his preferred weapons were. It was all easy, surface level stuff and Nicola's answered were well rehearsed and enjoyed by the Capitol. The mood changed though when the conversation shifted to his home life.
"My family does well." Nicola lied. "My parents are scientists in 4, doing whatever they can to improve the lives of Capitolites."
"I always imagined scientists being more 3 and 5's forte." Caesar commented absentmindedly.
"Research is great, but nothing compares to being a Tribute." Nicola said.
"Very true. Too true!" Caesar assured him. "Now, what does Mr. Forebay do when he's not thinking about glory in the Games?"
The question, for a moment, stumped him. He couldn't say the obvious of 'training for the Games.' He went to the next thing he did which was….
Something.
"I like spending time with my parents."
"I'm sure they're very interesting!" Caesar told him, nodding for him to continue.
Nicola came up short though. An awkward silence hung in the air as he tried to think of what he did beside plan for the Hunger Games. "I like the beach." He lied.
"Ha! Who doesn't?! You have to drag me out of those nice resort in 4, ladies and gentlemen! It's whole scene too!" Caesar laughed as the audience joined in as they thought of that image. Nicola chuckled, quite suddenly rocked by the realization he had nothing but the Games. Friends? Who could say? He was liked by everyone but known by no one. Family? He liked his parents, sure, but…
A dark thought entered his mind when eighteen year old Nicola realized his parents were his only real friends in the world.
The interview was jilted after that. Sensing that home life wasn't best for Nicola, Caesar quickly pivoted back to talking about the Hunger Games. Nicola recovered, mostly, and received considerable applause when the buzzer sounded. He took his seat next to Maddie, hoping his nerves weren't showing.
Teagan was next, her face a mask of stone. She hated her outfit but most of all hated the shoes, which threatened to topple her over. If it wasn't them, it the floor length skirt with a massive cage under it, wider than her body. She took her seat quickly, forgetting to shake Caesar's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Windsor!" Caesar began.
"Th-thank you." Teagan replied, lips pursing.
"No need to be nervous! We're all friends here!" Caesar comforted her.
Teagan's mood darkened at that. "I have a st-st-stutter." She informed him, before adding lamely. "Sorry."
"Oh, so sorry to hear that! Well, if you win we can have someone fix that right up!"
'Breath… breath!' Teagan told herself. Olivia had told her to be calm and polite and "lively." Less than thirty seconds in she was flailing already.
"It took a long t-t-t-time to accept it and learn to live with it." Teagan said tightly, voice a challenge. "I don't mind it."
The interview continued along those testy lines. Caesar asked a question and Teagan answered shortly. The nerves were getting to her and so far she was spending her time thinking about how her sisters would be handling things. They'd actually know how to be friendly and make the Capitol fall in love with them. The thought only depressed Teagan more.
"We heard that you have an ally! Mr. Robotic from 3!" Caesar tried.
"We aren't-t-t allies."
"You're not!?" Caesar asked, sounding delighted. The audience did as well.
"No. I'm going it alone."
"Well! Not according to Mr. Olson!"
"He's wrong. I'm sorry."
Excitement bubbled up from the audience as the camera found Web, who's looked like he'd been slapped. It was live drama and the audience was eating it up. "Why the change of heart?" Caesar asked. "Was it Mr. Olson's poor score?"
"Yes." Teagan answered. There was no reason to lie now. "And I prefer to go alone. I've always been k-k-k-kind of an introvert-t-t. S-so-so, I don't think the Hunger Games are the time to change. And I have skills-s-s of my own."
"Well isn't this a dramatic turn of events!" Caesar announced, the agreement of the audience. "But it is the Hunger Games after all! There's only one Victor!"
"And I intended to be it." Teagan said confidently.
The interview ended on that strong note and Teagan left the stage to polite applause – more so because of the juicy twist she delivered. She took her seat, ignoring the desparte stares from Web.
Seph followed and there were the typical "ooo's" and "aww's" for a twelve year old Tribute. The stylists, trying to lean into this, had deliberately dressed Seph in a suit that a size too big. His bright eyes looked as wide as the suit did on him.
"How does it feel to be our youngest Tribute?" Caesar asked him.
"Scary." Seph admitted. There was no way he could lie and pretend otherwise. "But I know I can do it! I have allies and the Trainers were great and taught me a lot. They're really great."
"And who are your allies?"
"Um… Greta from 9, she's our leader. Oscar and Sierra from 10 are really cool. And Ash from 12 who's smart."
"Wow! That's a big group!" Caesar commented.
"Everyone is really nice!" Seph informed him. He then remembered what his Escort and Olivia had told him in prep. 'Nice' wasn't exactly what the Capitol was looking for. "But tough! And they're all ready to compete!"
"We love to hear it!" Caesar replied enthusiastically. They kept talking a little more about the alliance, all the while Seph finding himself relaxing. Caesar really was easy to talk to and laughed at everything he said. So when Caesar asked about home, Seph's guard was down, and he was honest.
"I was hoping my older brothers would volunteer for me." Seph said sadly, looking down at his shiny dress shoes, ashamed to admit it for some reason.
Caesar was quick to assure him, and the audience. "Well, who would they be to deny you this great opportunity! Your name will be remembered for all of history!"
The crowd was encouraging him, but Seph felt it hollow. There Tributes from last year who's names Seph had already forgotten. The reminder of the interview was quiet, but not a failure. The audience cheered happily for him when the buzzer sounded and Seph felt pretty good about his performance. Olivia and his alliance would be proud of him!
Dallis from 6 followed, strutting onto the stage like she owned it. She had removed her shoes, frustrated by how wobbly they made her walk, and dared anyone to be upset about it. Caesar was the first to comment on it as they took their seats, which Dallis was ready for.
"You all have such nice things. I'd hate to ruin it by falling over or breaking a heel."
"Oh, I'm sure you're quite the coordinated girl! You scored a seven after all!"
"Coordinated for the arena, sure. Not high heels. But how about this? When I win, maybe a lucky Capitolite can teach me how to walk in them and we spend a day shopping together, huh? How's the sound everyone?"
Her attitude, while rubbing the Careers wrong, was landing with the audience. They welcomed her attitude and were enjoying the exchange between her and Caesar. They fell into an easy rapport, the audience finding it playful with just a bit of an edge. Caesar would ask a question and Dallis would give a half response, sounding dismissive and cocky in equal measures.
"So are you ready for the Hunger Games?" Caesar asked.
"Who can ever be ready for the Games? They're quite brutal. Someone may go and poison the water on you."
"Is that your play? You did score a seven like a certain other Tribute from your District."
"Would any of you like seeing that again? Sounds like a bore to me, but maybe you're different."
"Oh ho! Well I can tell whatever you're bringing to the Games will be unique!"
Caesar and her kept talking, Dallis finding the conversation easy to manage. She was dying to turn the tables on Caesar and start probing him with personal questions but Diesel had spent the better part of an afternoon talking her down. Well, really shouting her down with a healthy amount of beggin. Ah well, at least it was fun having all the cameras on her.
"So who are you allies this year?" Caesar asked.
"My partner, Diesel. We figured that District 6 seems to do well when we're together. So, why change that? And besides, I think I've rubbed some of the other Tributes the wrong way."
"Oh? How so?"
"Let's just say I have some… gossip about them."
"Oh my, well you absolutely, positively must tell us!" Caesar demanded. From the Tribute Box, the Careers were giving her death glares that meant nothing to her. They were already gunning for her so what was the harm now?
"Now, now. What's the fun in that? You all know the Games can have lulls. How about I fill them with juicy gossip in exchange for… some sponsor gifts?"
"Clever girl!" Caesar declared. "I think some sponsors might take you up on that!"
The rest of the interview went well. Diesel talked about her brother, her friends, her life back home and made it all sound wonderful and not at all that they were living in a slum. The Capitol seemed to appreciate that, preferring falsehoods to reality. She played the part well and Dallis left the stage to decent applause, feeling confident that between her score and interview she had secured a couple sponsors and made herself interesting for the Gamemakers.
Diesel followed her, his charm easy for the Capitol to love and infectious. He had asked his stylists to make his look especially outlandish and they had dressed him in woman's clothing. He had expected some push back, but his stylists and Escort had agreed easily, finding nothing wrong with it. The audience seemed to love it, as did Caesar.
"I hope I don't get in trouble, but I think you look better than many ladies in the Capitol!" He remarked.
"Are you asking me out, Caesar?" Diesel asked.
"Oh! I would never presume…" Caesar said, trailing off suggestively to the laughter of the audience.
"Oh good! I don't meant to be rude but… I do like them younger."
Caesar handled the joke easily, trying to hide wrinkles from the camera, as the audience cracked up. Diesel joined in, though he couldn't spot a single wrinkle on the man's face. Not even laugh lines. It was disturbing how unnatural his face looked. Still, Diesel was able to push through his discomfort and continued to be his charming, joking self.
"So, you and Ms. Casterri! How's that going?" Caesar asked.
"Hmm… let's see… well, Dallis has got a big mouth, is rude, doesn't like to listen to me, pisses off everyone she meets, and only does what she wants and damn the consequences, but other than that it's going great!"
"HA! Well, she did score a seven! She must be doing something right."
"Stranger things have happened, Caesar."
"And she apparently has gossip! What sort of gossip?"
"Caesar, I would love to answer that, but I'm afraid if I do, we'd be starting the 59th Hunger Games with only twenty-three Tributes."
Some laughter followed, especially when the camera panned to Dallis who played along and was willing to run her finger across her throat, giving a mock signal of death to Diesel. The cameras returned to Diesel and Caesar, who continued their friendly conversation without issue as they moved into Diesel's family.
"My dad died a couple years ago." He told Caesar. "Nothing to be sad about though. And my brother married into a nice family. I'm honestly so lucky to be a part of it and I can't wait to get back to them."
"So sorry to hear about your father." Caesar comforted. Diesel did his best to look sad about it since everyone expected him to be. "Anyone special back home?"
"Err… kind of awkward timing, Caesar, but there was and we… uh… well he broke up with me before the Reaping."
"Ouch. Little did he know he could have been dating one of Panem's superstars!" Caesar cried. Diesel laughed at the absurdity of it all, of how easily Caesar could twist anything related into the Games into something good. The audience cheered though, liking Diesel. Before long the three minutes were up and Caesar was announcing their break.
"Don't go anywhere folks! The 59th Annual Hunger Games Tribute interviews will be right back! You won't want to miss what comes next!"
Up Next: The Interviews Districts 7 - 12 (and the next update will be faster lol)
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