𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇 | Finnick Odair

𝐱𝐯. cameras catch my pageant smile

The interviews were beyond boring and Genevieve found herself stifling multiple yawns and repeatedly rolling her eyes at district three's pathetic attempts to appear fierce. It was quite hard to take a fourteen year old who looked like he'd never worked a day in his life and probably had some sort of asthma seriously not to mention the female tribute who was desperately trying to play up the coquettish look by constantly twiddling a strand of her hair between her fingers.

District one's interviews weren't that interesting either; Rex was obviously going for a more hostile angle so he gave short sharp answers that made him seem brooding and mysterious. He probably didn't need to boast his strength because although she'd made fun of him earlier in the day, he was actually quite intimidating with broad shoulders and hulking muscles. Seraphina on the other hand was predictably going for a sexy vibe although Genevieve wasn't quite sure if she'd pulled it off since she'd almost slipped walking up the steps to the stage. Maybe she hasn't had the chance to practise in extra high heels earlier and suddenly she found herself feeling grateful for Daffodil's coaching.

Pertan from two was forgettable, he said nothing too interesting or boring - his interview was average at best his female counterpoint however was quite the comedian. Marla had the audience practically falling out of their seats with her witty jabs at the other contestants; this however would put a target on her back and Genevieve wondered if the younger girl knew the implications this could possibly have. The bell rang signalling the end of the current interview and Genevieve took a deep breath to steady herself.

She straightened her dress as she was ushered forward by some avoxes who looked like they'd rather be doing anything else. Waiting for her name to be called out she cleared her throat and observed the audience.

In a flash her name was being called and she was being thrust into the spotlight by some capital attendants wearing microphones and headpieces that seemed to absorb all the sound from backstage.

The lights coming from above were blinding; they didn't seem to stop swivelling around until she'd made it all the way to the platform Ceaser was sitting on. She looked up briefly at one of them and the light somewhat resembled the sun from underwater. It almost felt as though she was drowning in a sea of cheers and colours.

Caesar Flickerman didn't make any attempt to move from his interviewer seat until she was close enough for the cameras to focus on both of them, then he guided her onto a velveteen seat made of a dark red material that was actually a lot more comfortable than it looked.

Genevieve adjusted her dress so she wasn't sitting on the dress while the shouts from the audience continued, only blaring louder as Caesar flashed them a blinding white smile. It occured to her all of a sudden that Annie would be watching this interview from her house or maybe she would have gone over to visit Gen's mother, to offer her some much needed comfort.

"Look at you, my dear! I must say, Genevieve you really do remind me a lot of your father. But of course she's much prettier isn't she?" Caesar joked, speaking out through his earpiece as he turned towards the crowd.

His face was overly animated as he let his jaw drop but Genevieve smiled elegantly like she was taken back by the comment she'd heard for the majority of her life.

"Thank you Ceaser! You know I've also been told I fight like him too." This comment sent the crowd into a frenzy of cheers. Her father had been an absolute hit with the capitol, he was practically the embodiment of entertainment, he would stretch out his kills for hours and make his victims believe they had some form of hope only to dash it once more and slit their throats.

The crowd only grew louder as every second passed. Caesar turned to gasp in excitement at the cameras for a second before his face became deadly serious; once again his eyes were prompting her to carry on with that train of thought.

"He taught me how to fight as well and swim and run and kill." She continued menacingly, her voice dropping dangerously low as she turned to face a nearby camera.

"Wow we're definitely going to have a show this year, I think we'd all love to see a little bit of the spark we all saw when you volunteered." Some of the crowd laughed even though what Ceaser had said was in no way that funny.

"I think we'd all love it if you told us a bit more about the reaping" Ceaser gestured towards the audience who yelled unintelligible words in agreement.

"Ah well I was always planning on volunteering. I wanted to have my own shot at glory but I was actually planning to go in next year." "And what changed your mind" He prompted trying to continue the story. "My cousin Annie was reaped so i figured no time like the present"

The audience laughed again and Genevieve smirked shrugging her shoulders in a noncommittal kind of way. "Yes, well I must say that brings a new kind of perspective onto that moment. Isn't she just so- so sweet." Caesar said impossibly louder than the half-shaken crowd who clapped their hands in response.

"Care to give us a little insight onto that very good training score?" He asked rubbing his hands together." "Well Ceaser my lips are sealed so you'll just have to wait and see" Caesar made a disappointed noise before turning back to face the audience.

"Now Genevieve here is actually a third generation participant. We all know about her father, the infamous Darius Coppergrove but a little bird told me that your Grandfather on your mothers side actually won the games as well. Now how about that?" The audience whooped in delight and Genevieve watched Finnick raise his drink to her from the audience.

"I'm absolutely determined to carry on the family legacy and I'll put on a bit of a show while I'm in there. After all I wouldn't want to be outdone by past victors." She winked like they were sharing some kind of inside joke and Ceaser seemed delighted.

"Isn't she just fabulous." He roared and the applause seemed to suggest the viewers agreed. "We'll I can't wait to see if you'll perform the same as one of our favourite past victors."

"I'm not going to perform the same as him." Genevieve huffed. "Oh and why's that?" Caesar asked as the crowd quieted down. "I'm going to be better." And with that the bell, signalling the interview was over, rang loudly and Genevieve stood up and made her way to the exit Caesar yelling her name once more as the sound of applause began ringing in her ears.