𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇 | Finnick Odair

𝐱𝐱𝐢𝐯. all these people think love's for show

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the fourth day of the 70th Hunger Games! I'm your host, Claudius Templesmith, and joining me today is my co-commentator, Caesar Flickerman. We're in for another thrilling day. We'll start with a recap of yesterday's events and show you some highlights as our remaining 15 tributes from the districts of Panem continue their journey into the arena and fight for survival." Claudius Templesmith's voice boomed out, his bright orange hair reflecting the harsh studio lights that beamed down from above.

"That's right, Claudius. This year's crop of tributes is particularly interesting, with some incredible contenders from Districts 1 and 2, who are known for their exceptional combat skills." Flickerman added paging through his stack of notes, ever conscious that everything he was saying was being broadcast out live for all of Panem to hear.

"Yes, Caesar, but we mustn't count out the underdogs, for example, both the tributes from District 10 are still going strong. We've seen surprises in the past and they could come from anywhere. The Games can be unpredictable and that's what makes them so thrilling to watch."

"Absolutely. And let's not forget about our most surprising underdogs who boast the highest kill count per district. My personal favourites to win this hunger games, Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm referring to our wonderful district four tributes!"

"Of course, Caesar. Who could forget them? They've already cemented themselves as firm favourites in this year's games with impressive training scores and a certain charm that I'm sure our viewers watching at home would love to see more of." Claudius chuckled, turning his head around to face the camera at another angle. "And who better to speak to us about that charm than the capital's heart-throb himself? Please welcome the one and only Finnick Odair." The live studio audience cheered in surprise as hushed whispering filled the crowd as they strained to catch a glimpse of their favourite victor yet.

"Claudius, you flatter me too much. Every time I get interviewed by you my ego seems to double in size." Finnick laughed, taking a seat at the long oak-panelled desk.

"If there's anyone who deserves to be flattered, after all this time, it's certainly you, my boy." Claudius smiled, slapping him on the back, showing off his row of pearly white teeth to the cameras as Finnick fought the urge to flinch away from his touch.

"Now Finnick you've got two very impressive tributes this year. That must have come as quite a shock, after all, your district hasn't had any impressive tributes compete since you won your games." Caesar leaned forward to talk to him face-to-face.

"It certainly took me by surprise, that's for sure."

"I must say I've been very intrigued by district four's lineup this year, specifically your female tribute. So let's dive a little deeper into that." Caesar smiled as the graphics behind him shifted to present a headshot of Genevieve in her training gear surrounded by statistics constantly flying around her. "Claudius if you please."

"Genevieve Coppergrove is seventeen years old and the daughter of one of our previous victors; Darius Coppergrove. She's set our expectations high and so far she's delivered. She holds the highest kill count of all the tributes although these games have had a record-low number of deaths. Usually, by the fifth day, we're down to roughly ten." He laughed as past game statistics flashed across the screen. "But brutality isn't all she's desired for." Finnick raised an eyebrow not liking the direction the interview was headed in.

"District Four's stylists have outdone themselves this year. The tribute parade looks. Oh My Goodness! Wasn't she just stunning?" Flickerman praised banging his hand on the table for emphasis. "But don't you think that maybe her figure—her physical attributes may hinder her in her pursuit of victory? After all, she is very petite." Finnick blanched at the question, why did they care what she looked like? Genevieve had done fabulously in the games so far and it was demeaning for the capital to whittle her down to just another pretty face. He longed to speak up and defend her but Claudius Templesmith had already chimed in.

"She's certainly held her own so far and is very fitting for this year's arena. Don't you think Finnick?"

"Do you mean in terms of terrain?" Finnick blinked, caught off guard by the unusual question.

"She does suit the area rather well doesn't she but I meant more in terms of the theme this year. As some of our more eagle-eyed viewers may have spotted this arena does resemble district four quite a lot and some of the mutts in this year's games were based on old folk tales from there."

"It's funny you should mention that Claudius because when we look back at the interviews with district four's stylists and delved deeper into the concept of the interview outfits they were based on the very thing that was almost their undoing." Sirens. Finnick realised after a beat. The bizarre creatures from the lake had made his heart skip a beat as he'd watch them drag Genevieve under, unsure if she was ever going to resurface and unable to help her as she fought for her life.

This had to be some sort of cruel trick on Snow's behalf - basing a game on their district and then taunting him as the lives of his tributes hung in the balance. It was probably a punishment for refusing to join him at some of the more extravagant capital parties over the past year. He ground his teeth together to stop himself from snapping something that he would surely regret later on.

"However we do have some more pressing questions to ask. Don't we Caesar? A lot of our viewers have been wondering how you've been coping with this Finnick. Spending all your time next to such a pretty girl before the games. Was it hard to resist?" Claudius chuckled and Finnick wanted to punch that stupid smile off his face.

"No. No, not all. Let's just say I like to keep work and pleasure separate." He drawled and watched as some of the audience members swooned.

"You're a better man than me then because in dresses like those I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off of her," Claudius replied and Finnick struggled to contain his rage. He took a deep breath and reminded himself he was doing this to get sponsors for them both and attacking one of the most famous anchors on television wasn't going to help.

"Let's get on to Caspian and after the break, we'll look at the relationships between our career pack and some of the growing splinters between the separate districts."