Predator

Chapter 7

The day of the interviews arrived after what felt like nothing. The day was a whirlwind of preparation and nerves. The Capitol buzzed with excitement, the anticipation palpable in the air. Tributes from all districts were dressed to impress, each trying to make a lasting impression on the audience and potential sponsors.

I stood in my quarters, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The stylist team had outdone themselves, dressing me in a sleek, dark suit that accentuated my lean build. My hair was styled neatly, and a subtle touch of makeup highlighted my features. Despite the polished appearance, a knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach.

"Ready, Rowan?" Effie Trinket's voice broke through my thoughts. She stood at the door, her brightly coloured outfit and exaggerated makeup a stark contrast to the sombre mood in the room.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, forcing a smile. Effie gave me an encouraging nod and led me to the main stage where the interviews would take place.

The stage was set with bright lights and elaborate decorations, a stark reminder of the Capitol's extravagance. The other tributes were already seated, their faces a mix of determination and apprehension. Caesar Flickerman, the charismatic host of the interviews, stood at the centre of the stage, his trademark smile plastered on his face.

I tried to pay attention to what was going on in the interviews, but my mind was flooded with all the different possibilities that could happen on the stage. Before I knew it, I heard my name being called by the one and only Caesar.

The crowd erupted into cheers, the excitement contagious. "Tonight, we get to know these tributes a little better. Let's have Rowan from District 12 come up to the stage!"

My heart pounded as I stood and made my way to the centre of the stage. Caesar greeted me with a warm handshake and guided me to a plush chair. The bright lights made it difficult to see the audience, but I could feel their eyes on me, waiting for my first words to the audience.

"Rowan, welcome," Caesar began, his tone friendly and engaging. "How are you feeling tonight?"

"Evening, Caesar and the Capitol!" I exclaimed as I waved to the audience. They waved back, excited to interact with a tribute. "I would say I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, but mostly, I'm ready to go into the games and give it my best," I replied, trying to project confidence in my voice.

"Now that's the spirit! Now, tell us a little about yourself. What was it like growing up in District 12?" Caesar asked, leaning in with genuine interest.

"Growing up in District 12 was challenging, but I guess it taught me how to be resilient. It's a tough life in 12, but it prepares you for anything," I explained, hoping to strike a balance between honesty and relatability.

"Resilience is key in the Hunger Games," Caesar agreed. "Now, we've heard you have a particular fondness for strawberries. Care to tell us about that?"

I chuckled, the memory of my first taste of strawberries bringing a smile to my face. "Yes, that's true. I had never seen strawberries until I came to the Capitol. They're deemed as an extreme luxury in the districts - I had never even seen one before - but here, they're plentiful. It was a small pleasure in the midst of everything."

The audience responded with a mix of laughter and sympathetic murmurs. Caesar seized the moment to delve deeper. "Strawberries and resilience - an interesting combination. But tell me, what motivates you to win these Games, Rowan?"

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "My motivation is my family and the people back in District 12. They face hardships every day, and if I can win, it would bring hope and change to them. I'm fighting not just for myself, but for everyone who believes in me."

The crowd's reaction was immediate, a mix of applause and cheers. Caesar nodded appreciatively, sensing the genuine emotion in my response. "A noble cause indeed. Now, before we wrap up, is there anything you'd like to say to your fellow tributes or to the audience watching at home?"

I paused, considering my message. "To my fellow tributes, I wish you all the best of luck. We're all in this together, facing the same challenges. And to the audience, thank you for your support. It means more than you can imagine."
Caesar smiled warmly, patting my shoulder. "Well said Rowan. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for Rowan From District 12!"

I stood, waving to the crowd as I made my way back to my seat. The applause and cheers were overwhelming, but I felt a sense of accomplishment. The interview had gone well, and I had managed to make a positive impression.

I reflected on the experience I had just been through as I was walking backstage. The interviews were a chance to humanise us, to show the Capitol and the districts that we were more than just participants in a deadly game. It was a brief moment of connection before the brutality of the arena.

When the interviews concluded, we were led back to our quarters. Haymitch met me at the entrance, his expression unreadable. "You did good, kid," he said finally. "You showed them who you are, and that's what matters."
"Thanks, Haymitch," I replied, feeling a sense of relief. The interviews were over, and now it was time to focus on the next challenge - the Games themselves.

As I settled into my room that night, the weight of the upcoming trials pressed on me. But I knew I had done everything I could to prepare. With a steely resolve, I vowed to face the arena with the same determination and resilience that had brought me this far. The Hunger Games awaited, and I was ready.