A Caged Baird | A Hunger Games Fanfiction

Chapter 6

Evaluations were in. It was time to see the scores of the tributes and the current standings of the bets. The entirety of the District 12 team sat in the lounge, awaiting with trepidation for the results to come in. Music sounded on the television as Caesar Flickerman appeared. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, we have waited anxiously all week wondering how our dear tributes are, the intrigue on who has the skills to come out victorious. Well, we have to wait no further as the evaluations are here." The flamboyant man spoke with enthusiasm.

One by one, each of the tributes score was revealed, the lowest being 1 and the highest 12.

[ 10 ] District 1 M
[ 09 ] District 1 F
[ 11 ] District 2 M
[ 10 ] District 2 F
[ 04 ] District 3 M
[ 06 ] District 3 F
[ 09 ] District 4 M
[ 09 ] District 4 F
[ 07 ] District 5 M
[ 06 ] District 5 F
[ 09 ]  District 6 M
[ 04 ] District 6 F
[ 07 ] District 7 M
[ 06 ] District 7 F
[ 03 ] District 8 M
[ 04 ] District 8 F
[ 06 ] District 9 M
[ 10 ] District 9 F
[ 05 ] District 10 M
[ 07 ] District 10 F
[ 09 ] District 11 M
[ 04 ]  District 11 F
[ 10 ]  District 12 M
[ 11 ] District 12 F

The members of team 12 were shocked momentarily before a round of applause broke out. Both Helena and Cole got really high scores, Helena receiving one of the highest. "My goodness, we might actually get a victory this year." Effie exclaimed in her excitement. "Well done to the both of you." Ambrosia smiled.

"Well, you can see here, folks." Caesar spoke. "Unexpected scores across the board. A wide range of skills from our beloved tributes. And a few surprises." The screen shifted to the betting table, showing the different bets and sponsorships. Numbers were changing rapidly as the people of the Capitol submitted their votes and their sponsorship. You could see the names of the tributes rising and falling in the ranking table, a battle for who will come out on top. It soon slowed down, leaving one person on top. Helena. "The numbers this year are astronomical, Ladies and Gentlemen, and you can find out more about our noble fighters this evening." Ceaser reminded.

Helena felt dumb. She had completely forgotten about the tribute interviews that were to be held that evening. The worry about cramming enough training in and how she would do on the evaluations had caused the thought to slip her mind completely. Public speaking was a completely new concept to Helena. She did not bear well with crowds. To make matters worse, the interviews were only a few hours away.

"You both have an hour with Haymitch and I to rehearse for the interviews. After that, you shall be dolled up. Helena, you are with me first. Cole, you are with Haymitch." Ambrosia addressed the tributes. She led Helena to an annexe. "So Lena, we will be working on your posture and how you carry yourself." Sia spoke warmly. Helena nodded. "Haymitch and I decided it would be best to lean into the fact that you are a child. Present yourself in a youthful and innocent way." She said.

Their lesson wasn't too difficult. Helena was taught how to walk with a slight bounce in her step with her head held high and her back straight. Sia taught her how to make her smile more innocent as well as the right way to wave. She was taught how to walk in heels, the way to sit to the way to talk, Helena was taught it all. When the hour was up, she and Cole switched.

"We're leaning into a sibling bond between you and Cole for the publicity." Haymitch said. "But we're not related." Helena responded. "The both of you are close enough to be considered siblings, and so we're pushing into the concept the Capitol has imagined." The mentor explained. Helena nodded her head in understanding as they began to discuss strategy.

"Caesar, and the rest of the Capitol, will be intrigued due to your high score in the evaluations. It is almost guaranteed that he will ask you." Haymitch stated before continuing. "I want you to act innocent, downplay your abilities, and pretend you don't know how your score was one of the highest." The girl mentally took notes combining it with the stuff Ambrosia taught her. She kept revising the advice until it was cemented.