Glistina Santana, 15
"Wait, really? Oh my gosh, thank you daddy!"
I squeal, hanging up the phone on my father. He just called me to let me know that I would be allowed to meet Lily from District 7 backstage before the interviews!
This isn't the first time I've tried to meet tributes before. My dad never lets me though, for safety reasons. But today he's letting me meet Lily! She has connections to the Capitol apparently and they've deemed her not a threat to my safety, not that it would even matter considering my personal bodyguard, Flavio basically follows me around all the time.
I pull Flavio into a mighty hug, and he raises an eyebrow, confused at my excitement, and I explain the phone call I just received.
"Ah, your father told me earlier. Let's go now, the interviews will begin in a little less than an hour."
I grin from ear to ear practically, as we walk throughout the halls of the tribute building, finding the District 7 dressing room. It will be so fun to talk to Lily, knowing I might never get the chance to talk to her again if she dies in the games.
Flavio reaches a door with a huge sign on it printed in gold, that says "District 7 Female". He doesn't even knock, instead he just opens the door. Inside, Lily is in a chair, her stylist finishing the final touches on her makeup. Her eyes, covered in dark eyeshadow, widen in amusement as Flavio holds the door open for me and lets me walk in.
"Woah, you look gorgeous!" I exclaim. Lily is wearing a long dark-teal gown, and lots of silver jewelry.
"Thanks! My stylist let me help design this outfit, and I had a such hard time deciding between a darker wardrobe or lighter. Anyway, who are you?"
I introduce myself, and try to shake hands with Lily, who has perfectly manicured nails, but she shrugs me off and tells me to go for a hug instead.
"It's good to know I have some fans before the interviews even begin! Wish me luck for the games!"
I giggle. "I can confirm that you have a lot more fans than you think. Everyone at school is obsessed with you. Your hair is so cool!"
Lily flips her pink hair enthusiastically, and looks straight at me while her stylist leaves the changing room to go to the bathroom.
"I do have a question for you, Glistina. A serious one. Do you think I have any potential to win the games?"
I think about it for a bit, and shrug my shoulders. "I mean, I guess so. Don't you guys use axes a lot in District 7?"
"Sadly, I don't know how to use an axe. I can kinda use a sword though."
Flavio gives me a look, and I know that visiting hours are up.
"Well Lily, it was such a pleasure to meet you! I wish you the best of luck in the games."
Lily gives me a sweet grin, and waves goodbye to me, as I leave the room.
"She was so sweet! Why doesn't my dad let me visit the other tributes too?"
"You shouldn't be associating with district scum, let's just put it that way." Flavio says to me, a disgusted look on his dark face.
I don't know what he means by that. From what I've seen, the tributes don't even seem that bad! I don't know why just because they're from the districts, they are unsafe for me to be around.
When I grow up, maybe I'll become a Hunger Games stylist, or even an interviewer! I would get so many chances to talk to people and learn about what life is like in the different districts of Panem. My plain old city gets boring sometimes, if only I had a chance to see what else is in this world.
Sally Arnold, 17
District 5 Citizen
Girlfriend of Namid Ortiz
I dart from the dinner table a little too early, running to the living room to turn on the television. My father doesn't even protest, as he usually does if I leave the table without being excuse. He knows it it's important for me to watch the interviews. I haven't seen Namid in a week, and this is the closest thing I get to that.
Soon enough, Astro Flickerman appears on screen, announcing himself to the audience. The master of ceremonies is a younger man with bright pink hair, a matching pink suit, and a cheerful smile, contrary to what he usually always wears on television.
As he begins the opening introductions, I feel a hand gently pat my head. My father goes to sit in his favorite chair, the red one next to the couch, and smiles at me sadly.
When my parents got divorced five years ago, my mother quickly moved on, marrying another man named Stephen who had children from his previous marriage. Stephen is nice, and his twin girls Alise and Laurel are in the grade below me at school. I decided to stay with my dad, however. He hasn't remarried still, he's too busy with his job as a nuclear scientist.
My dad always wanted a boy, not that he was unhappy that I was born a girl, but I always knew he wanted a boy who shared the same interests as him. When I started dating Namid three years ago, my dad was delighted to discover that he is also interested in physics and robotics, two of my fathers passions. He almost saw Namid like his own son, which is good considering the fact Namid's father died when he was young. My dad was just as distraught as I was when he was reaped.
"He's going to do great, honey. He's very charming and has a good sense of humor." My father says, noticing my nervous stare. I nod my head, and impatiently focus on the TV.
"And now, let's welcome our first tribute to the show! She's a deadly and beautiful young woman from District 1, and her name is Elizabeth Hills!"
Elizabeth waves to the cheering crowd as she walks onstage. She wears a sparkly off-the-shoulders blue gown, that matches the color of her eyes perfectly, and her blonde hair is tied up in an intricate bun, topped off with a silver tiara with many blue crystals. She looks lovely, almost like a fairytale princess.
Elizabeth greets Astro with a warm hug, and sits down.
"Wow, what a miraculous start to the interviews! Look how gorgeous your dress is!"
"Thank you so much!" Elizabeth smiles sweetly. "This is by far the most beautiful thing I've ever worn."
"I can imagine! Now Elizabeth, you are a volunteer! What led you to this decision?"
"I didn't always plan on volunteering for the Hunger Games, but life put me on a different path. I only decided to volunteer two weeks ago!"
Astro raises his eyebrows. "Such short notice! What influenced this?"
Elizabeth looks down, her smile fading. "There's someone back home who I want to prove myself to. Somebody who broke my heart, but yet I still love."
Elizabeth has someone back home she loves, I wonder if Namid is thinking about me right now?
After Astro finishes interviewing Elizabeth, he moves on to Midas, and then Selene Katsaros from District 2.
The girl walks out wearing a sheer silver see-through dress that stands out to me as looking comfortable but sexy. She wears big gold-hoop earrings, and bright red lipstick. Selene is already attracting the audience, blowing kisses their way.
"Selene! Your score of 8 was a little minute compared to that of your other volunteers. How do you feel about it?"
Selene giggles, flipping her hair.
"Oh, it really doesn't bother me. What I lack in strength shows in personality."
"We can see that Selene! You are very confident tonight!"
Selene blows more kisses to the crowd while walking backstage after her interview ends. The tribute to come out next is the large boy from District 2. Cain is wearing a navy-blue suit, beaming an intimidating smile at the crowd before sitting down.
"Hello Cain, welcome!"
"Hello Astro, it is good to be here." replies Cain. "What questions do you have for me?"
"For starters, why did you volunteer for the games?"
Cain's face warps into a serious frown, and he into the crowd, his blue eyes enough to scare anyone away.
"When I was 8-years-old, a rebel group led by my brother attacked our village and killed my mother." The side of his mouth turns up in a sort of half-smirk. "Thankfully the law spoke, and he was executed by the Capitol. Ever since then, I've wanted to volunteer for the Hunger Games for the honor and glory of representing not only my district, but my country."
"Is there anything you would like to say to your audience, Cain?"
Cain's face turns into a lighthearted, affectionate beam. "Yes. I just want to say the Capitol has been a very welcoming place for all of us tributes. I want you to know that we the people of District 2 have full support of your city and people!"
Cain quickly stands up, pumping his fist into the air while the crowd cheers and screams at his pride. Many of the District 2 tributes are very loyal to the Capitol. I may not agree with everything the Capitol does, but it gives my father good money, and have protected our district well, but I wouldn't say I feel as prideful about our ruling city as career tributes like Cain do.
Athena Dell from District 3 walks out, wearing a knee-length dark red dress with a jeweled-collared neckline. She tries to smile, but even I can tell that she's faking it. The girl's interview was cut short when Astro asked her about her friend who died in the games last year, and Athena started tearing up and ran backstage.
The male from 3, a younger looking boy named Alectron Dalton, is clearly loving the spotlight more than his district partner. He waves to the crowd with a huge grin.
"You are a very charismatic young man! How are you feeling tonight, Alectron?"
"Oh, please call me Alec!" the boy announces. "And so far, I'm feeling pretty good. I know I'm probably gonna die tomorrow, but at least I'm having fun here in the Capitol during my last days."
The crowd replies with awkward silence, and Astro tries his best to lighten the mood.
"Oh, don't you say that!" The man walks over and comfortingly pats Alec's back. "You are very bright and have a good chance in the arena."
I don't know if Astro actually meant what he said, or was just trying to get the boy's hopes up, but it made Alec smile. He talks a bit about his dyslexia and how he doesn't feel very smart compared to the rest of his family, but it soon turns into a bit more of a rant and he is forced to be interrupted so the next interview can begin in time.
The girl from District 4 is called out next, looking very classy and elegant. Her short hair is curled perfectly, and her long and flowy dress resembles that of a stormy gray sea, the bottom a dark blue, slowly merging into the color of dark clouds, with faint sparkles on her puffy sleeves and waistline. Unlike the previous career tributes introduced, Anemone walks to her chair gracefully and quietly, with barely a smile.
"How are you today, Miss Fletcher? You are only 15-years-old, quite young for a volunteer! What special skills do you have to present in the arena?"
Anemone's mouth curls up into a polite smile. "I'm doing good Mister Flickerman. Despite my age, I'm very resourceful and talented in many ways. There are some skills I have yet to demonstrate to the world, but you shall see once the games begin."
Her voice is extremely soft and robotic, and her body language is so calm that I can't tell what the girl is hiding. At first glance, I wouldn't be able to tell this girl is a trained killing-machine; maybe that's what makes her a perfect career. Anemone spends the rest of her interview thanking the Capitol, and talking about how she's very excited for the games. Everything about her interview feels scripted or planned out somehow.
Finbar from District 4 is interviewed next, impressing the whole audience and Astro by doing a bunch of backflips onstage, however he stumbles on one and falls really hard to the ground, busting his head open and requiring medical attention. Poor guy!
And then after what feels like forever, it's finally our district's turn.
Alberta Lee looks spectacular, and that's putting it lightly. Being the mayor's daughter, her family was even wealthier than mine, and even back in District 5 she would only be seen wearing the nicest clothing, but this is on a whole different level. She is wearing the heaviest dress I've ever laid my eyes on, a long gown with sparkly black gems embedded all over it. The gown cuts out into a slit along her thigh, and the top of the dress cuts off, covering everything but her chest, and hugging her curves tightly. Her black hair flows neatly down her back, and is held back with a golden headband. Her makeup is dark, and two thin hearts are drawn underneath her eyes.
Alberta, smiling and waving to the crowd, receives a kiss on the hand by Astro and sits down.
"You are absolutely stunning tonight Alberta. Your stylist needs to share their fashion secrets to the world!"
The crowd already begins cheering, and Alberta begins laughing.
"Oh, you probably wouldn't want to be wearing this dress, it was practically too heavy for me to move in!"
Astro laughs along. "Well my first question for you, how in the world did you get an incredible score of 11?"
The crowd starts cheering again, and this time Astro has to ask them to calm down. Alberta laughs more, I've never seen her this outgoing before.
"Oh, I would have to kill you to tell you that! And trust me, I've done it before!" Alberta begins cackling uncontrollably, and it's clear that this girl is either really nervous or in a really funny mood because not even Astro is laughing now.
"Well Alberta, I think it's a good time to address the elephant in the room, shall we… A month ago, your home was broken into and your parents were both killed by your ex-boyfriend. And on top of that, your sister was reaped for the games, but you volunteered for her! How are you doing now?"
For a few seconds, Alberta just stares at Astro. Then the feeling begins sinking in, and she sniffs, wiping a tear from her eye. I feel very bad for her in this moment. It was very insensitive for the interviewer to ask that question, but I guess the Capitol craves drama.
"Oh, please don't make me cry." Alberta says, grabbing a handkerchief and wiping another tear. She laughs nervously. "Well, I guess I can't ignore the question. You know, I haven't really had time to grieve since I've been focusing on the games this past week. When my sister Melody was reaped, I knew it was my obligation to save her. I just… I couldn't stand to see another one of my family members die, especially not my little sister."
The audience all releases sad sighs, and Alberta begins crying profusely, mascara now smearing down her cheeks.
"Oh, don't mess up your makeup!" Astro gets out of his chair and hugs Alberta, comforting her and wiping tears from her eyes. "You are very brave. I wish you the very best luck tomorrow."
Alberta eventually leaves the stage, and it is clear that she's made an impact on everyone watching. I can totally sympathize with her. Me and Alberta may not have always gotten along or talked much, but I would never wish this on anyone.
My dad looks at me again, and that's when I know it's time for Namid's interview. I smile slightly when I see his familiar face appear onstage, and it feels as if he's smiling back at me. His dark hair is slicked back neatly, and he wears a polished red suit adorned with pink rose-petal patterns. Namid goes to shake Astro's hand, before sitting down.
"Hello Namid, it is great to finally meet you! It seems that District 5 is doing really well this year, you got a score of 9! Care to share your secret?"
Namid shakes his head elusively. "No sir, sorry. I'm gonna have to take Alberta's advice and not disclose that information."
"Very well. Anywho, do you have anyone rooting for you back home that you'd like to send a message to?"
As if he read my mind, Namid stares straight into the camera, his face forming into a frown.
"To my mother, and my girlfriend Sally. I'm going to try my best to come home. It's gonna be hard, but I know you're watching me, and I know I have what it takes. I love you."
I taste salt. Tears run down my eyelids, and the first thing I realize is that Namid has never said he loves me before. I wish he could've said it in person when we were parting ways at the justice center, but it's just nice for me to hear it, even if he's not saying it directly to me.
"You okay, hon?" Dad walks over and gives me a hug.
"Honestly, I'm not fine at all. I'm sorry, I don't think I can watch the rest."
I run off the couch, and up the stairs into my room, crying into my pillow. I didn't think it would hurt me so much to hear the words 'I love you' from Namid, but knowing it makes me regret the fact that he could die while I'm safe here in my room, inside my nice house, while tomorrow my boyfriend will be fighting for his life against twenty-three other bloodthirsty humans.
That's when the cruelty of the games truly hits me.
Hey guys! It's been so long since I last uploaded (since April in fact) and so much has gone on since that last upload. I've dealt with a lot of life stuff, both good and bad (I finally got my teaching license which is exciting) but I'm ready to come right back to this story. I had half of the interviews written in advance from a few months ago, and I'm almost done with the other half too so expect another upload very soon. I realized the interviews all together are very long and overwhelming so I just decided to split them up. I really hope y'all are still reading and that you enjoy this chapter!
Questions:
1) Do you think it's bad that Glistina sees the tributes as celebrities rather than forced competitors?
2) What do you think of Astro so far?
3) Do you think Sally suspects anything suspicious about Alberta, or is she totally oblivious?
4) Which tribute interview is your favorite so far?
-xo, cassy