Post by Seryna on May 21, 2012 23:22:28 GMT -5
Each tribute is asked a follow up question. You can choose to reply or if you're happy with your interview; let it the question slide. I'll be posting a 'final transcript with answers from more vocal tributes after every one has replied
[spoiler=~ Klo ~ District 1~]
I fiddled with my dress and bit my lip. "I like to garden with my mother." I smiled. "Me and my best friend Nathan would play games in the square. Sometimes he would invite me to our secret hideout and we would hangout.... I miss him so much! N-N-Nathan if your watching I just wanna say... I loved you and I just want to come home to you! You were my best friend! I know I might die but I will always love you. In the arena and In heaven." I wiped a tear away.
I listened to the next question and nodded. "I've gone to two stations so far. I enjoyed knife throwing.." I plucked the strands of hair out of my line of vision. I traced the embroidery on my dress as I waited for the next question.
"I believe your never quite prepared for the hunger games. Even after training you still have a weakness. I believe im well prepared but in the end you never know if you were prepared enough until your dead or alive."
"Well I wouldn't mind seeing my opponents knocked out. Y'know its survival of the fittest. I wont let them have a long painful death. I'll just get it over with. I'm sure they would do the same for me.." I smiled at the tributes. "Maybe a flood or avalanche. Y'know maybe something that makes the stakes higher. Something that has never happened before!"
"My strategy is to survive till the end. I'm gonna hide out in bushes and stalk my prey. I'll do whatever it takes to climb the ladder to the top.
"You mention your opponents..." Cesar leaned forward. " - and you've been very striking during training. Do you have a solid plan for how to counter your opponents?"
[/spoiler]
Lallek ~ District 4
[spoiler=~ Lallek ~ District 4~]
I understand that you took out tessarae the day before the Reaping - and gave it away. Why did you do that?
All of my family died when I was young. I've been raised on the piers by the fishermen. I know their sons and daughters. We've grown up together, and they have been like family. Those people had something to lose. They work hard every day and often times it isn't enough. When I took out tessarae 100 times, it was so my new family could have avoid the losses that I have experienced. Whether that means enough food to make it through the year, or a fisherman's true son not having to participate in the Games, is really up to the people I gave the supplies too.
How do you feel about the Quarter Quell twist?
More tributes, means my odds go up. Someone else is more likely to go down before me. What more can any tribute ask for?
The training center can be a very exciting time. What have you enjoyed the most?
Every day we get to train is another day to learn and better prepare for the arena. Learning a new skill s has been an excellent way to get my mind off what is coming.
What are your thoughts going into the Arena tomorrow?
I have to admit I am nervous. There is no telling what the Game Makers have thrown into this arena. For someone of my size, it can be a bit scary to have to compete against career tributes like the ones from Districts 1 and 2. Right now, I'm trying to keep my mind on back home. Remembering why I am here is my biggest strength and I want to keep my District, front and center.
The Game makers tailor the arena for the strengths and weaknesses if the tributes. What would you like to see?
Ideally, I'd have an arena just like Nettle's, but my hope is that the Game Makers will create an arena where the elements won't be harsh. I had never even seen snow, until the training center, so hopefully a tundra is out of the question. Of course the more water the better, District 4 has a reputation to maintain after all.
Cesar leaned forward, expressing interest. "You admit that you are nervous. So many tributes are confident - or are acting confident to put us off." He grinned. "Being genuine and honest is refreshing, Lallek. A tundra is something that concerns you. Is it the weather conditions or simply the difference from your district?"
[/spoiler]
Rory ~ District 7
[spoiler=~Rory ~ District 7~]Tell me about yourself, Rory. What do you like to do in district 7?
“Well most people back home know my face. My dad is the foreman of the lumber mill. So I grew up pretending to be part tree squirrel. There’s nothing like the view of District 7 from 50 feet in the air.”
24th hunger games had many surprises unveiled for us. Which did you find most surprising?
“I suppose I was most surprised by having one of my own win. The tributes from the other districts were undoubtedly fierce competitors. So I never would have guessed for a second that Conrad would have won.”
How have you enjoyed your time in the Capitol?
“I miss my father. I miss my friend, Gable. But yes, I’ve enjoyed my time in the Capitol, immensely. Truly beautiful.”
The arena holds many unforetold dangers. How do you intend to be victorious?
Rory smiles, softly. “I hope to be victorious. I intend to put on a good show regardless.”
Are there any final words you'd like to share with us before we meet back up with you after the Games?
Rory nods and looks out so all of Panem can see her face. “I just want to say to those in District 7, watch out for me. I have no doubt I’ll surprise a few people. And Gable… I’ll be home soon. Don’t worry.”
"Such confidence." Cesar smiles wide. "I am interested in this Gable that you mentioned. Is he a special friend, Rory?"
[/spoiler]
Tank ~ District 7
[spoiler=~ Tank ~ District 7~]1) Tell me about yourself, Tank. What do you like to do in district 7?
"Tank help friends."
2) 24th hunger games had many surprises unveiled for us. Which did you find most surprising?
"Shark."
3) How do you feel about being chosen to participate in this years Hunger Games?
"....." (silence)
4) The arena holds many unforetold dangers. How do you intend to be victorious?
"Tank strong."
5) "What are you most looking forward to?"
"Winning."
Cesar smiled, glancing towards the crowd. "I think that I'm carrying this coversation. Tank must be still mentally preparing for the arena. We have to admire your dedication, Tank." Cesar stated; turning back to the large tribute.
"It will be good to see you put your thoughts into action in the arena, Tank. I hope to see you demonstrating your strength." He smiles towards Tank. "Are you planning on going near the water, Tank?"
[/spoiler]
Femra ~ District 8
[spoiler=~Femra ~ District 8~]
Q:I understand that you are very crafty. What plans do you have for the arena?
A: Yes! I am very crafty, or well I like to think so. If the arena provides me with at least a blade of grass, I could make almost anything. I hope that my craftiness will allow me to have weaponry in my grasp 24/7.
Q:The Quarter quell twist was a surprise. How do you feel the twist has changed the games?
A: It was hard. It's hard knowing that only one person comes out alive and one of your friends is a tribute.
Q:The #24th Hunger Games had some unlikely alliances. Is there an alliance in your future?
A: Not sure if I should answer this, but yes. Right now I am in an alliance. I'm glad I have some people to fall back on when I need resources or help.
Q:The training center has many new experiences. Which have you enjoyed the most?
A: Oh wow! The training center is a place where I learned things I never knew before! I hope that my new knowledge will help me in the arena.
Q:The Game makers tailor the arena for the strengths and weaknesses of the tributes. Have you thought about how to counter your perceived weaknesses?
A: Yes. With my allies help I hope to overcome the challenges the arena present to me. I am crafty too so I can hopefully overcome the challenges with that too.
Ceaser smiled to Femra, looking out towards the audience.
"I know that we can expect a creative approach from you, Femra." He replied with a friendly tone. "Perhaps some sponsors listening will send you some useful tools." He gave the crowd a conspirational look and the crowd chuckled with him; perhaps already anticpating Femra's mechanical prowess in the field.
"As a creative young lady; do you feel that you bring some good resources to your alliance?" Cesar asked her. "Not many may have had the opportunity to learn how to work with thier hands."
[/spoiler]
Elena departed on a high note and Joel took the stage. He was far less open; trying to answer with yes or no and resisting Ceaser's efforts to pry more from him. Joel leaned forward as Ceaser asked about what he anticpated most about the Hunger Games.
"I want to see what I am capable of." He admitted. "We all know what an honor it is to be chosen for the Games; but so few of us actually take the stage. I want to make my family proud. I want them to see me standing tall."
"I'm sure that we will." Ceaser assured him as Joel departed the stage.
Jace ~ District 9
[spoiler=~Jace ~ District 9~]
Be the smiling boy next door.
It wasn't as easy as everyone thought, but he'd manage it. Because he had to. There was no choice and as he heard his name in Cesar's voice, and was led up to the rather large....place with all the people and the noise, he had to remind himself to smile.
Had to remind himself to wave. To look happy. His parents were watching. His brothers and sisters were watching.
Jan was watching.
He had to be brave.
They'd dressed him in black and blue. A black suit trimmed liberally in a blue silk that was the exact shade of his eyes. At least, that's what his stylist told him. That he'd gone to great lengths to find it, and to have it tailored to the suit. The suit buttoned high enough that where the other's it fastened at the middle of their stomach, his fastened high on his chest, and the black shirt and blue tie were even more accented.
The little silver dragonfly was affixed to his lapel. He went no where without it.
Smile. Wave. Be happy.
As the crowd cheered, he put a little extra bounce in his step. Let it wrap around him and give him energy. The stylist's words came back to him. Become like sunlight: The more they cheer, the brighter you get. Make them love you.
It was hard. So hard.
Jan would have been better at it.
"Jace Colton. District 9." Cesar was saying, and he shook the man's hand. Let himself take a seat in one of the two chairs set up for the interviews.
"I understand that you are from a very large family?" The man has cards. Apparently they had prepared themselves for individual questions, and that they'd looked far enough into him to know how big his family was...it kind of set him on edge a little. The smile faded a bit as he looked at the camera, and then he brightened it again.
"I am." He can almost imagine his Pa right now. He's playing for the camera. They knew he was terrified. Could likely see it in his eyes. They knew him better than anyone....
"I have five brothers and sisters. Three brothers and two sisters. I'm the fourth. My oldest brother is Kal and my oldest sister is Ally. My youngest sister is Max and my youngest brother is Sam. And then there's Jan. He's all of six minutes older than me."
He mock glares at the camera and then laughs. "What can I say: My parents love each other very, very much."
"They must be very excited about your participation in the Games."
Excited wasn't the word he'd use to describe it, but the Capitol was weird that way. "They were. This is the first time I've ever been without my twin brother, and at the same time it's kind of neat. Hard to be the center of attention with a brother like Jan. He's completely magnetic. This has been an experience, that's for sure.
"Bettin' the fields back home are quiet though. I sing when i work. I don't think anyone else does. I hope the time doesn't go by slow because of it. Everyone always said that time went by faster and work didn't seem as hard when I sang."
He shrugged, looking at the camera again. "Sorry, ya'll."
"Do you feel that your experiences have prepared you for the Hunger Games?"
Does he ever.... "I think so. I might not have that much real combat training, but some skills you learn in life have a way of adapting themselves. I have the feeling I'm going to be a shocker in the Arena. Won't say I'm 'ruthless', but I'll fight for my life. I'm in this ta win, ya know?"
"The quarter quell twist brings the past Games to mind. Which game is most memorable to you?"
"The last games, no question." He recalled a few of the others, but it's hard to not say that he didn't remember the last one pretty well. He'd been standing next to Bobbeh when he'd been Reaped, after all. "I was standin' next to Bobbeh--the boy from my District last year--when he was Reaped. Maybe that spots sort of good luck, because I was standin' pretty much in it when I was Reaped this year."
"The training center has been exciting for many. What are you taking away from it?"
"There's a lot to learn. I'm takin' away a lot of interesting experiences. I'm learnin' a lot, and assumin' I win--which I'm thinkin' i have a pretty good shot at--the trainers have taught me a lot. Which I'm really enjoyin'. Plants and things. Knife-throwin'. The opportunity has been...well...it's been somethin'."
He needed to seem confident but not cocky. No one wanted a coward and no one wanted a bully. They wanted someone loveable and down to earth.
He could be loveable and down to earth.
"The Game makers tailor the arena for the strengths and weaknesses of the tributes. Have you thought about how to counter your perceived weaknesses?"
"Seein' as I'm from...a pretty hot place? I'm thinkin' they might throw snow and ice at me. Which I'm workin' on learning about. I'm used ta hot. Not used ta cold so much."
"Going into the Games tomorrow, what do you want to share with us?"
That question was a tough one. It was pretty much his last chance to make himself 'The Victor They Want', and there's another grin at Cesar. Another wave to someone random in the crowd.
"I love my District. I love my family. This has been an experience to remember, and assumin' I win, I'll never forget how great and overwhelmin' tha Capitol is.
"Just wanna tell Jan ta remember his promise to me, and I'll do mah best ta win it all and bring honor ta District 9."
Claudius nodded a bit. "I wouldn't say that the spot that Bobbeh stood at is bad luck... he did make a strong alliance; and he nearly made it home." His voice turned more grave. "Bobbeh unfourtanately, did not make it home - but he was a trail blazer for unconventional alliance choices. Do you have an alliance in mind? Do you think that you have some strong tributes at your back - that have your back?"
[/spoiler]
Jasmine Cloverfield, District 11
Jasmine casts a pretty smile, accented by her makeup, expertly done to bring out the beautiful aspects of her already striking looks. If nothing else, she’ll make for a pretty corpse. For now, she wants to make an impression of a beautiful young woman. Her dress, a deep, rich crimson that mirrors some of the apples she used to pick, accents her curves (some gained over the past couple weeks with the good eating) and just seals her whole picture. Her stylist has avoided anything that might be too close to what his partner put her brother into two years prior.
She turned the crowd winning smile toward the crowd, she hated their reaction, their lust for her eventual blood that her smile prompted, but kept that buried. It hadn’t helped her brother, and she doubted letting that disgust rise would help her.
“Well, I grew up in the orchards an’ learned how tuh climb at, like, 7 years old. Yuh know? It’s a thrill to be among the treetop branches lookin’ out to see the endless plains of trees stretchin’ out tuh th’orizon. I guess I like tuh mix muh work with muh play. In meh family, I can get up higher than anyone else an’ it is among my greatest joys.” She hoped she’d painted a nice picture of her home. That might work in her favor, if people identified with her as she took to trees. “I jus’ hope that there’re some trees in th’arena.”
She paused to listen to the next question, and answer it in turn. She moved her hands to her lap, left on right.
“I think they’re impo’tant. I mean, everybody knows th’careers team up tuh begin with an’ slaughter everybody else, so… there’s proof right there tha’lliances can work. It’s jus’ less frequent wit’ us poorer districts, but… I intend to try. It’ll be scary in the Arena for sure, but less so with someone tuh watch meh back. Least tuh begin with, yuh know?”
She smiled at the next question, nodding her head and letting the pretty smile turn into a near ear splitting, and gorgeous, grin. “Showin’ th’careers up. Silver wasn’t tuh happy when I beat th’ tunnel on that first day with flyin’ colors. It was nice tuh learn some new skills too, but I’d have to say provin’ tuh be as good or better at something than th’career is more satisfyin’.”
Her smile faded as she thought on the next question. Glimpses of her brother’s mangled form flickered through her mind. He’d gone neither quickly, nor cleanly in the games he was reaped for. It had sickened her, and her family, to see him stumbling blindly through the forest missing an arm, one eye swollen shut, only to be gutted by the victor of that games and left to die of blood loss. An ordeal that’d taken a good half-hour.
“I dun wanna end up like meh brother, Nomad. I dread that most. I’m pretty, an’… Well, Nomad didn’t get a very pretty end… I wanna come home, and I dread meeting a messy end wit’ mah family havin’ tuh go through an hour of agony watchin’ me die slow. I dun wanna put them through that.” She reached up and wiped wetness from her eyes, intending to prevent tears from spilling down her cheeks. It didn’t help and a couple ran down anyways.
“Survive… Find a tree, meet up wit’ folks I know an’ survive,” she said, and tried to put another pretty smile on, but it didn’t take for long as her brother was still fresh on her mind, waiting for another question or prompt.
"Many of us remember Nomad," Cesar stated, turning to look over at the crowd. "- not many from your district make strides as far as he did. Although he didn't suceed; his foot steps went far further than many tributes. Thats something to take pride in." He had turned back to Jasmine and leaned over to squeeze her hand.
"I know that you carry that horrible memory with you... and you recall exactly what caused his death. Perhaps it has helped prepare you for the difficult and critical thinking choices that you will have to make."
Thrall, District 12
[spoiler=~Thrall, District 12~]
"I just hunt. There's nothing special about back home. Some people have proper jobs and things, I guess.""I... don't. It had to happen to someone, and it happened to me. I'll deal with it."
"I like your bows. They were well made. I wish I had one like that. It'd never miss the mark."
"I'm not afraid. Everything in there wants me dead. That's fine."
"If I told you that, then all the other Districts would know too, wouldn't they?"
Cesar chuckled. "Thats true. I hope that you hold your cards to your chest in the arena as well. I suppose I'd better steer towards a safer question - have you had some good hunts in your life?"
[/spoiler]
[spoiler=~ Klo ~ District 1~]
I fiddled with my dress and bit my lip. "I like to garden with my mother." I smiled. "Me and my best friend Nathan would play games in the square. Sometimes he would invite me to our secret hideout and we would hangout.... I miss him so much! N-N-Nathan if your watching I just wanna say... I loved you and I just want to come home to you! You were my best friend! I know I might die but I will always love you. In the arena and In heaven." I wiped a tear away.
I listened to the next question and nodded. "I've gone to two stations so far. I enjoyed knife throwing.." I plucked the strands of hair out of my line of vision. I traced the embroidery on my dress as I waited for the next question.
"I believe your never quite prepared for the hunger games. Even after training you still have a weakness. I believe im well prepared but in the end you never know if you were prepared enough until your dead or alive."
"Well I wouldn't mind seeing my opponents knocked out. Y'know its survival of the fittest. I wont let them have a long painful death. I'll just get it over with. I'm sure they would do the same for me.." I smiled at the tributes. "Maybe a flood or avalanche. Y'know maybe something that makes the stakes higher. Something that has never happened before!"
"My strategy is to survive till the end. I'm gonna hide out in bushes and stalk my prey. I'll do whatever it takes to climb the ladder to the top.
"You mention your opponents..." Cesar leaned forward. " - and you've been very striking during training. Do you have a solid plan for how to counter your opponents?"
[/spoiler]
Lallek ~ District 4
[spoiler=~ Lallek ~ District 4~]
I understand that you took out tessarae the day before the Reaping - and gave it away. Why did you do that?
All of my family died when I was young. I've been raised on the piers by the fishermen. I know their sons and daughters. We've grown up together, and they have been like family. Those people had something to lose. They work hard every day and often times it isn't enough. When I took out tessarae 100 times, it was so my new family could have avoid the losses that I have experienced. Whether that means enough food to make it through the year, or a fisherman's true son not having to participate in the Games, is really up to the people I gave the supplies too.
How do you feel about the Quarter Quell twist?
More tributes, means my odds go up. Someone else is more likely to go down before me. What more can any tribute ask for?
The training center can be a very exciting time. What have you enjoyed the most?
Every day we get to train is another day to learn and better prepare for the arena. Learning a new skill s has been an excellent way to get my mind off what is coming.
What are your thoughts going into the Arena tomorrow?
I have to admit I am nervous. There is no telling what the Game Makers have thrown into this arena. For someone of my size, it can be a bit scary to have to compete against career tributes like the ones from Districts 1 and 2. Right now, I'm trying to keep my mind on back home. Remembering why I am here is my biggest strength and I want to keep my District, front and center.
The Game makers tailor the arena for the strengths and weaknesses if the tributes. What would you like to see?
Ideally, I'd have an arena just like Nettle's, but my hope is that the Game Makers will create an arena where the elements won't be harsh. I had never even seen snow, until the training center, so hopefully a tundra is out of the question. Of course the more water the better, District 4 has a reputation to maintain after all.
Cesar leaned forward, expressing interest. "You admit that you are nervous. So many tributes are confident - or are acting confident to put us off." He grinned. "Being genuine and honest is refreshing, Lallek. A tundra is something that concerns you. Is it the weather conditions or simply the difference from your district?"
[/spoiler]
Rory ~ District 7
[spoiler=~Rory ~ District 7~]Tell me about yourself, Rory. What do you like to do in district 7?
“Well most people back home know my face. My dad is the foreman of the lumber mill. So I grew up pretending to be part tree squirrel. There’s nothing like the view of District 7 from 50 feet in the air.”
24th hunger games had many surprises unveiled for us. Which did you find most surprising?
“I suppose I was most surprised by having one of my own win. The tributes from the other districts were undoubtedly fierce competitors. So I never would have guessed for a second that Conrad would have won.”
How have you enjoyed your time in the Capitol?
“I miss my father. I miss my friend, Gable. But yes, I’ve enjoyed my time in the Capitol, immensely. Truly beautiful.”
The arena holds many unforetold dangers. How do you intend to be victorious?
Rory smiles, softly. “I hope to be victorious. I intend to put on a good show regardless.”
Are there any final words you'd like to share with us before we meet back up with you after the Games?
Rory nods and looks out so all of Panem can see her face. “I just want to say to those in District 7, watch out for me. I have no doubt I’ll surprise a few people. And Gable… I’ll be home soon. Don’t worry.”
"Such confidence." Cesar smiles wide. "I am interested in this Gable that you mentioned. Is he a special friend, Rory?"
[/spoiler]
Tank ~ District 7
[spoiler=~ Tank ~ District 7~]1) Tell me about yourself, Tank. What do you like to do in district 7?
"Tank help friends."
2) 24th hunger games had many surprises unveiled for us. Which did you find most surprising?
"Shark."
3) How do you feel about being chosen to participate in this years Hunger Games?
"....." (silence)
4) The arena holds many unforetold dangers. How do you intend to be victorious?
"Tank strong."
5) "What are you most looking forward to?"
"Winning."
Cesar smiled, glancing towards the crowd. "I think that I'm carrying this coversation. Tank must be still mentally preparing for the arena. We have to admire your dedication, Tank." Cesar stated; turning back to the large tribute.
"It will be good to see you put your thoughts into action in the arena, Tank. I hope to see you demonstrating your strength." He smiles towards Tank. "Are you planning on going near the water, Tank?"
[/spoiler]
Femra ~ District 8
[spoiler=~Femra ~ District 8~]
Q:I understand that you are very crafty. What plans do you have for the arena?
A: Yes! I am very crafty, or well I like to think so. If the arena provides me with at least a blade of grass, I could make almost anything. I hope that my craftiness will allow me to have weaponry in my grasp 24/7.
Q:The Quarter quell twist was a surprise. How do you feel the twist has changed the games?
A: It was hard. It's hard knowing that only one person comes out alive and one of your friends is a tribute.
Q:The #24th Hunger Games had some unlikely alliances. Is there an alliance in your future?
A: Not sure if I should answer this, but yes. Right now I am in an alliance. I'm glad I have some people to fall back on when I need resources or help.
Q:The training center has many new experiences. Which have you enjoyed the most?
A: Oh wow! The training center is a place where I learned things I never knew before! I hope that my new knowledge will help me in the arena.
Q:The Game makers tailor the arena for the strengths and weaknesses of the tributes. Have you thought about how to counter your perceived weaknesses?
A: Yes. With my allies help I hope to overcome the challenges the arena present to me. I am crafty too so I can hopefully overcome the challenges with that too.
Ceaser smiled to Femra, looking out towards the audience.
"I know that we can expect a creative approach from you, Femra." He replied with a friendly tone. "Perhaps some sponsors listening will send you some useful tools." He gave the crowd a conspirational look and the crowd chuckled with him; perhaps already anticpating Femra's mechanical prowess in the field.
"As a creative young lady; do you feel that you bring some good resources to your alliance?" Cesar asked her. "Not many may have had the opportunity to learn how to work with thier hands."
[/spoiler]
Femra was allowed to reclaim her seat as Elena rose; giving her friend a smile before taking the seat across from Cesar. Cesar asked her how she liked last years game and Elena discussed how she found the alliance between the Careers and Bobbeh, Singer, Cypress and Conrad to be surprising.
"I liked how genuine Bobbeh was." She shared. "And I was really surprised at how quickly Singer turned on Cypress. Yet the hardest part was after Singer betrayed Conrad and Cypress... watching Conrad try and save her. " Tears welled in Elena's eyes. "It was just so hard to watch two friends forced to say good bye... and with Conrad knowing it still wasn't over for him."
Ceasar commiserated with the young brunnette; his head lowered as he shared how he had cried during Cypress' final hours as well. Elena eventually brightened as Ceaser asked how she had faired during the training stations.
"I don't want to brag; but I think that I hit my stride. I'm ready for this." Elena stated confidently.
"I liked how genuine Bobbeh was." She shared. "And I was really surprised at how quickly Singer turned on Cypress. Yet the hardest part was after Singer betrayed Conrad and Cypress... watching Conrad try and save her. " Tears welled in Elena's eyes. "It was just so hard to watch two friends forced to say good bye... and with Conrad knowing it still wasn't over for him."
Ceasar commiserated with the young brunnette; his head lowered as he shared how he had cried during Cypress' final hours as well. Elena eventually brightened as Ceaser asked how she had faired during the training stations.
"I don't want to brag; but I think that I hit my stride. I'm ready for this." Elena stated confidently.
Elena departed on a high note and Joel took the stage. He was far less open; trying to answer with yes or no and resisting Ceaser's efforts to pry more from him. Joel leaned forward as Ceaser asked about what he anticpated most about the Hunger Games.
"I want to see what I am capable of." He admitted. "We all know what an honor it is to be chosen for the Games; but so few of us actually take the stage. I want to make my family proud. I want them to see me standing tall."
"I'm sure that we will." Ceaser assured him as Joel departed the stage.
Jace ~ District 9
[spoiler=~Jace ~ District 9~]
Be the smiling boy next door.
It wasn't as easy as everyone thought, but he'd manage it. Because he had to. There was no choice and as he heard his name in Cesar's voice, and was led up to the rather large....place with all the people and the noise, he had to remind himself to smile.
Had to remind himself to wave. To look happy. His parents were watching. His brothers and sisters were watching.
Jan was watching.
He had to be brave.
They'd dressed him in black and blue. A black suit trimmed liberally in a blue silk that was the exact shade of his eyes. At least, that's what his stylist told him. That he'd gone to great lengths to find it, and to have it tailored to the suit. The suit buttoned high enough that where the other's it fastened at the middle of their stomach, his fastened high on his chest, and the black shirt and blue tie were even more accented.
The little silver dragonfly was affixed to his lapel. He went no where without it.
Smile. Wave. Be happy.
As the crowd cheered, he put a little extra bounce in his step. Let it wrap around him and give him energy. The stylist's words came back to him. Become like sunlight: The more they cheer, the brighter you get. Make them love you.
It was hard. So hard.
Jan would have been better at it.
"Jace Colton. District 9." Cesar was saying, and he shook the man's hand. Let himself take a seat in one of the two chairs set up for the interviews.
"I understand that you are from a very large family?" The man has cards. Apparently they had prepared themselves for individual questions, and that they'd looked far enough into him to know how big his family was...it kind of set him on edge a little. The smile faded a bit as he looked at the camera, and then he brightened it again.
"I am." He can almost imagine his Pa right now. He's playing for the camera. They knew he was terrified. Could likely see it in his eyes. They knew him better than anyone....
"I have five brothers and sisters. Three brothers and two sisters. I'm the fourth. My oldest brother is Kal and my oldest sister is Ally. My youngest sister is Max and my youngest brother is Sam. And then there's Jan. He's all of six minutes older than me."
He mock glares at the camera and then laughs. "What can I say: My parents love each other very, very much."
"They must be very excited about your participation in the Games."
Excited wasn't the word he'd use to describe it, but the Capitol was weird that way. "They were. This is the first time I've ever been without my twin brother, and at the same time it's kind of neat. Hard to be the center of attention with a brother like Jan. He's completely magnetic. This has been an experience, that's for sure.
"Bettin' the fields back home are quiet though. I sing when i work. I don't think anyone else does. I hope the time doesn't go by slow because of it. Everyone always said that time went by faster and work didn't seem as hard when I sang."
He shrugged, looking at the camera again. "Sorry, ya'll."
"Do you feel that your experiences have prepared you for the Hunger Games?"
Does he ever.... "I think so. I might not have that much real combat training, but some skills you learn in life have a way of adapting themselves. I have the feeling I'm going to be a shocker in the Arena. Won't say I'm 'ruthless', but I'll fight for my life. I'm in this ta win, ya know?"
"The quarter quell twist brings the past Games to mind. Which game is most memorable to you?"
"The last games, no question." He recalled a few of the others, but it's hard to not say that he didn't remember the last one pretty well. He'd been standing next to Bobbeh when he'd been Reaped, after all. "I was standin' next to Bobbeh--the boy from my District last year--when he was Reaped. Maybe that spots sort of good luck, because I was standin' pretty much in it when I was Reaped this year."
"The training center has been exciting for many. What are you taking away from it?"
"There's a lot to learn. I'm takin' away a lot of interesting experiences. I'm learnin' a lot, and assumin' I win--which I'm thinkin' i have a pretty good shot at--the trainers have taught me a lot. Which I'm really enjoyin'. Plants and things. Knife-throwin'. The opportunity has been...well...it's been somethin'."
He needed to seem confident but not cocky. No one wanted a coward and no one wanted a bully. They wanted someone loveable and down to earth.
He could be loveable and down to earth.
"The Game makers tailor the arena for the strengths and weaknesses of the tributes. Have you thought about how to counter your perceived weaknesses?"
"Seein' as I'm from...a pretty hot place? I'm thinkin' they might throw snow and ice at me. Which I'm workin' on learning about. I'm used ta hot. Not used ta cold so much."
"Going into the Games tomorrow, what do you want to share with us?"
That question was a tough one. It was pretty much his last chance to make himself 'The Victor They Want', and there's another grin at Cesar. Another wave to someone random in the crowd.
"I love my District. I love my family. This has been an experience to remember, and assumin' I win, I'll never forget how great and overwhelmin' tha Capitol is.
"Just wanna tell Jan ta remember his promise to me, and I'll do mah best ta win it all and bring honor ta District 9."
Claudius nodded a bit. "I wouldn't say that the spot that Bobbeh stood at is bad luck... he did make a strong alliance; and he nearly made it home." His voice turned more grave. "Bobbeh unfourtanately, did not make it home - but he was a trail blazer for unconventional alliance choices. Do you have an alliance in mind? Do you think that you have some strong tributes at your back - that have your back?"
[/spoiler]
Jasmine Cloverfield, District 11
Jasmine casts a pretty smile, accented by her makeup, expertly done to bring out the beautiful aspects of her already striking looks. If nothing else, she’ll make for a pretty corpse. For now, she wants to make an impression of a beautiful young woman. Her dress, a deep, rich crimson that mirrors some of the apples she used to pick, accents her curves (some gained over the past couple weeks with the good eating) and just seals her whole picture. Her stylist has avoided anything that might be too close to what his partner put her brother into two years prior.
She turned the crowd winning smile toward the crowd, she hated their reaction, their lust for her eventual blood that her smile prompted, but kept that buried. It hadn’t helped her brother, and she doubted letting that disgust rise would help her.
“Well, I grew up in the orchards an’ learned how tuh climb at, like, 7 years old. Yuh know? It’s a thrill to be among the treetop branches lookin’ out to see the endless plains of trees stretchin’ out tuh th’orizon. I guess I like tuh mix muh work with muh play. In meh family, I can get up higher than anyone else an’ it is among my greatest joys.” She hoped she’d painted a nice picture of her home. That might work in her favor, if people identified with her as she took to trees. “I jus’ hope that there’re some trees in th’arena.”
She paused to listen to the next question, and answer it in turn. She moved her hands to her lap, left on right.
“I think they’re impo’tant. I mean, everybody knows th’careers team up tuh begin with an’ slaughter everybody else, so… there’s proof right there tha’lliances can work. It’s jus’ less frequent wit’ us poorer districts, but… I intend to try. It’ll be scary in the Arena for sure, but less so with someone tuh watch meh back. Least tuh begin with, yuh know?”
She smiled at the next question, nodding her head and letting the pretty smile turn into a near ear splitting, and gorgeous, grin. “Showin’ th’careers up. Silver wasn’t tuh happy when I beat th’ tunnel on that first day with flyin’ colors. It was nice tuh learn some new skills too, but I’d have to say provin’ tuh be as good or better at something than th’career is more satisfyin’.”
Her smile faded as she thought on the next question. Glimpses of her brother’s mangled form flickered through her mind. He’d gone neither quickly, nor cleanly in the games he was reaped for. It had sickened her, and her family, to see him stumbling blindly through the forest missing an arm, one eye swollen shut, only to be gutted by the victor of that games and left to die of blood loss. An ordeal that’d taken a good half-hour.
“I dun wanna end up like meh brother, Nomad. I dread that most. I’m pretty, an’… Well, Nomad didn’t get a very pretty end… I wanna come home, and I dread meeting a messy end wit’ mah family havin’ tuh go through an hour of agony watchin’ me die slow. I dun wanna put them through that.” She reached up and wiped wetness from her eyes, intending to prevent tears from spilling down her cheeks. It didn’t help and a couple ran down anyways.
“Survive… Find a tree, meet up wit’ folks I know an’ survive,” she said, and tried to put another pretty smile on, but it didn’t take for long as her brother was still fresh on her mind, waiting for another question or prompt.
"Many of us remember Nomad," Cesar stated, turning to look over at the crowd. "- not many from your district make strides as far as he did. Although he didn't suceed; his foot steps went far further than many tributes. Thats something to take pride in." He had turned back to Jasmine and leaned over to squeeze her hand.
"I know that you carry that horrible memory with you... and you recall exactly what caused his death. Perhaps it has helped prepare you for the difficult and critical thinking choices that you will have to make."
Thrall, District 12
[spoiler=~Thrall, District 12~]
I understand that you are from district 12. What sort of things do you like to do back home?
"I just hunt. There's nothing special about back home. Some people have proper jobs and things, I guess.""I... don't. It had to happen to someone, and it happened to me. I'll deal with it."
"I like your bows. They were well made. I wish I had one like that. It'd never miss the mark."
"I'm not afraid. Everything in there wants me dead. That's fine."
The Arena is fast approaching now. Do you have any strategy for surviving?
"If I told you that, then all the other Districts would know too, wouldn't they?"
Cesar chuckled. "Thats true. I hope that you hold your cards to your chest in the arena as well. I suppose I'd better steer towards a safer question - have you had some good hunts in your life?"
[/spoiler]