𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄; The Hunger Games

Filthy Rumors (The Victory Interview)

Dior left me a gray tux, with a glittery gold tie. He says the tie represents victory and strength. I choose not to wear the tie. I button up my shirt, putting on my blazer and dress pants. I step out the dressing room as I see bright lights shining between the curtains that lead to the stage. I hear Caesar explaining how he was touched by my story, and my experience as he asked the audience how they felt as they roar in cheers. "You ready?". Brutus says walking up to me as I get startled. "Yeah". I say nervously. Dior walks up to me. "Please welcome, the Victor of The 56th Annual Hunger Games....Dominik Venin!". Caesar shouts in his mice as the crowd waits for me to walk on stage. Peacekeepers open the curtains. "Wear's the tie?". Dior asks me, confused on why I'm not wearing it. I simply walk pass him, ignoring his question as I walk through the curtains, onto the stage.

The crowd screams my name as I walk up on stage with my crutches. to Caesar, giving them all a fake smile. Caesar gives me a hug, rubbing my back, pretending he feels sympathy for me. We sit down in the chairs. "Now Dom, do you remember when you were in this very seat...?". He says, extending his words. "Yes...". I say softly into the mic. "Well something's different about you...". He says as I squint my eyes, curious on what he has to say. "Well, I'm in crutches now". I say awkwardly as the audience laughs, including Caesar. "No, no...". He smiles. "We were all touched by your love for your friends in the Arena...". He'd continue. "He was your strive, your force, your motivation, If he weren't in the games I assure you you would've been one hell of a killer!". Caesar adds as the crowd applause, sounding like animals. My only thought being, If he wasn't in the games, he'd be alive right now, taking care of his family.

    He continues as the room grows silent. "But we were more touched when Tate, the boy from 10, basically saved you". He says as the audience nods their head, pouting their pathetic lips. I look at him, wanting to tell him to shut the fuck up, but instead..."Because he cared about me, and I cared for him". I say as the audience awes as Caesar makes a sad face. The last thing I want is pity, but that's all the clowns care about.

     "Now, we all saw him hand you a little note in the arena..." Caesar says, hinting for me to tell them what's on the letter, but even I don't even know. This was the question I was fearing... "I lost it". I lie as the crowd gasp. "Aw, I'm sure he wrote how he felt for you on that letter". He says as I stare at him in a serious manner, showing him that he's pissing me off, making him uncomfortable.

"Do you miss him?". Caesar asking me the stupidest question on earth, trying to skip around his questions. "Everyday...". I say softly as my voice breaks, thinking about Tate. The audience awes louder. "Now your relationship with the Careers? How was that?". He ask me as I freeze. I'm trying my best not to tear up or even cry on stage, I can't show them the games affected me. "Stout was a cool dude, he always made you laugh even during stressful situations, he always tried to make someone feel...better, he was just trying to survive, trying to keep Gliseen safe". I continue as the audience listens, cheering for Stout's honor. "Nikki...her and I butted heads at first, but we gained each others trust, she protected Tate and I, and that's a dept I can never repay...". I finish as Caesar tops my injured leg, to show me condolences as I grunt in pain. "I'm sorry, silly me!". Caesar laughs, bringing light to the situation. I glare at him as we stand up, bowing as the audience cheers. "The Victor of the 56th Hunger Games everybody!". He says as I hobble my way off stage with my crutches. "See you on tour!". He says as I look back, confused on what he mean't by tour...I turn back, not thinking much of it, continuing my way off stage.

"Excellent!". Evan shouts, hugging me. Brutus pats me back, congratulating me on my interview. "What did he mean by tour?". I immediately ask as Dior, Evan and Brutus stare at me. "Did Brutus not tell you...?". Dior asks me as I shake my head. "Once you win the games, you go on a tour to each district, 1-12, but since your from 2, you'll start at two, showing honor to Nikki". Evan explains as I look at Brutus, who didn't warn me about the tour. "So since I survived the games, I have to brag to the other districts that I beat their children...?". I say in a irritated tone. "I know, but it's mandatory...". Brutus says softly as I glare at him. "At least you can go home now, and you don't have to be on your tour until a few months!". Says with glee as I look at him with a 'what the fuck are you on...' type of look. I roll my eyes as I scuff. Brutus opens the door for me as I hobble towards the door. I hear Dior and Evan talking about my attitude but Ignore what they're saying, not giving a fuck about what they have to say.

Later that day...

A few hours pass, after the interviews I was escorted onto a balcony where the Tribute Parade once were. I am sat on a thrown by Peacekeepers, next to me is a stool with a golden crown sat on it. I look down as I see thousands of Capitol citizens throwing flowers towards the balcony. Suddenly the crowd screams louder as I look next to me. It's President Snow, grabbing the crown. He turn towards the crowd as he jesters his hand to silent the crowd. "Silence!". He yells as his deep somber voice echos through the crowd. "Now, honoring the Victor of the 56th Annual Hunger Games, who shows this nation that there's compassion, as well as victory!". He says as I glare at him. He then turns around, raising the crown above my head as his ruff-white beard brushes against my forehead. He places the crown on my head as the crowd cheers. "I'm sorry about your little...friend." He refers to Tate, grinning as if he was my chosen sacrifice, raising his eyebrow at me. He notices I didn't like his comment as I frowned, showing anger within my eyes. "You should've known, there will never be 2 victors...". He smirks at me, walking away.

I stand up, waving to the crowd, giving them a fake smile...I can't help but think about how these people just wanted a good show, that's all they wanted, and they got that from me. President snow used me, he knew I was giving him a good show, he knew I wanted to keep Tate alive, he knew I wasn't as strong as I thought. I'm nothing but a puppet...

Later that day Brutus, Evan, and I board the train, which later takes us back to District 2...