The 73rd Hunger Games ch. 4

Now it's time for our privat interviews with the Gamemakers, I go before Jason and I know how I'll show them my knife skills, I hope none of the Career tributes saw use them. Some caught Jason beheading dummies. I really don't want to become a threat.

"Stella Rangergrey." I'm called to the room where I have to show them what I'm made of.

"Stella." Jason haults me before I leave. "Throw straight."

I smile, "Thanks, make sure you show the dummies how to fight." I say, he chuckles and I leave him behind. A wide room spreads out what used to be the training arena. The balcony with the Gamemakers is what I remember to be the same. They seem interested in their fancy food that neither noticed I walked in. Do I seriously have to tell them?

"Stella Rangergrey," I speak up. All of them shut up and turn their attention towards me. The small tray with the knives is there, just what I need. I pick one up in one hand and one in the other and wait for the dummies to light up. One lights up and I nearly hesitate to throw one that aims smack in the neck. Another lands in the barrier of the targets in one's chest. Others, everywhere within the targets.

When all of the knives are gone, I turn towards them waiting for a reply. Neither say anything until Seneca Crane nods to dismiss me. I don't nod back but I exit the room.

"Jason Vinedese." calls his name and he walks into the room for his session. It's about 20 minutes when he comes back with sweat dripping down his face.

"How'd it go?" I ask.

"Well, I said to say my name to get their attention," he begins.

"Same." I rool my eyes.

"But, I was able to behead dummies with speed that impressed them." he says.

"Hope that'll get sponsors." I say turning away.

The next day, Rosalina leads us into the living room where Carl and our stylists turn on the screen where Ceaser Flickerman introduces the title and begins names.

"From District 1, Peter. With a score of 10. District 1, Star. With a score of 9. From District 2, Blake. With a score of 11. Rose from District 2. With a score of 9." he reads on. I don't pay most attention to District 3 or 4, until he hits District 5.

"District 5, Jason. With a score of 10." We all lean and look at him with shock on our faces, we give an applause.

"Nice work!" I congratulate him.

He smiles big at us, "Thanks."

"From District 5, Stella. With a score of 10." Everyone claps for us, gives a small toast to us as Ceaser reads on. "District 9, Julia. With a score of 7." Julia, the girl who hit her leg and fell. A 7, impressive. I wonder, if she could reach that score from an outline District, maybe we could be allies. The only problem is our number advantage. She might become petrified and run away. Wouldn't suprise me.

"District 12, Liam. With a score of 8. District 12, Winter. With a score of 8." The screen shuts itself off and everyone gives a toast to us. As District 5 Careers. I'll never be satisfied being called that. Later our stylists give us some brusing up and what we'll look like for our interviews with Ceaser. I'll be wearing a ocean-blue dress that comes up to my knees with a silver ribbon tied at my weist, three silver rings as bracelets, and I'm allowed to wear my necklace from Finch.  

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Lets give a warm applause to your host, Ceaser Flickermen!" the annoucer welcomes the spotlight to Ceaser, turning to the crowd with a cheery smile, geeting up from his chair, bowing to the crowd.

We're all in line waiting to be escorted by districts to have an interview with him. All wearing our fancy clothing The Career tributes say its honor to repersent their district, brag on how they think they're very prepared, try to act funny for their audience. Carl was right, they are arrogant. I wait for District 3 and 4 to go by then its my turn.

"District 5's very own Stella!" As I walk out and face the audience, I feel dizzy, wanting to collapse but Ceaser grabs my hand and sits me down. "Stella tell me, what is your opinion of the Capitol compared to District 5." In my thoughts, I have a high hatred towards the Capitol, but dare say that, they might as well kill me now.

"What can I say? It's extremely different but I do say I have to love the outfits here." Ceaser gives a excited chuckle and so does the audience.

"Now, do you have a best friend back home that means a lot to you?" That's an easy question, Finch.

"Yes."

"And if she drawn at the Reaping, would you volunteer for them?"

"Most likely." the audience gives another laugh.

"Did she come say goodbye to you before you left?"

"Yes, I told her I would try to win, for that she gave me a necklace that had the two bolts connected standing for our District." I say trying to hold back the sad goodbyes.

"And try you shall," He picks up my hand again, gives it a kiss and helps me to stand up. "Here you have it folks! Stella Rangergrey!" he holds my hand up to the crowd and they go frantic. At least I'm not treated as a career.

I'm escorted from the stage and then Jason goes up in a black suite and seems to be prepared for this interview.

I don't pay attention to his interview or anyone else's I just want to get out of here.
"District 9, Julia." I see her walk out, limping only a little but trying her best to hide it. She answered all the questions in short sentences. Trying not to make much eye contact with the audience as long as they applaused. He helped her up and kissed her hand and allowed her to leave the stage. How old is she, 13, 14 maybe. If she's that age she's doomed. I managed to look at the odds board and saw that District 9 had a 50-1 chance of having a victor. We had 30-1. Is District 5 a real drag to the Capitol?

I think I'll ask her in the arena. No, the Bloodbath, that's my best chance.