circus | finnick odair

interview part two

Third Person POV

The tributes formed a straight, organized line down the hallway off stage.

Caesar was chatting up the crowd, even taking bets on who would win.

Then, the interviews began. District 1 went first, Justice and Titan. Their interviews were the boring, usual Career interview. Caesar asked about family, strategies, and allies.

After D1, it's was District 2's turn. Marge's went quickly, none of the tributes paying much attention to her stories. Then, Axel took the stage.

The ladies in the room screamed, some fainted, and some cried. Caesar and Axel laughed, talking about random things to break the ice. No one was paying attention until Caesar's question.

"So Axel," Caesar said, his tone was very serious. "Out of the other tributes, who are you going for?"

"That's an easy question," Axel said, smirking. "District 8, Pennia."

The crowd gasped, a quick uproar of whispers began. Backstage, the remaining tributes turned to Pennia, who looked furious.

Caesar settled the crowd down when the buzzer went off. "I'm afraid to say that we've run out of time, Axel, best of luck!"

Axel shook his hand before leaving the stage; he walked down the hallway of remaining tributes. When he passed Penn, he winked.

Penn lunged for him but was held back by Issac.

"Save it for the arena P," Issac whispered in Penn's ear.

~

The next interviews flew by for Issac and Penn, who slowly inched closer and closer to the front of the line.

When the male tribute from D7 was ushered off the stage, Penn felt a rough hand push her up the steps as Caesar made her introduction.

"From District 8, the girl who has captured the eyes of the Capitol, Pennia Opalson!" Caesar announced, looking towards the side of the stage.

Penn took a deep breath before picking her head up, walking across the stage with as much confidence she could muster. She smiled and waved at the crowd, blowing kisses at a few of them.

"Wow Pennia," Caesar said, taking Penn's hand when she reached him. "I must say, you look astounding."

"Thank you Caesar, I'm envious of your hair!" Penn said, laughing with the crowd.

"Please, take a seat!" He said, sitting down with Penn. "Quite an impression you've made on the Capitol, Pennia."

"Just Penn," she said, smiling at him. "And yes, I can see that!"

The crowd laughed, Penn's eyebrows furrowed. Backstage, her friends laughed; knowing exactly what she was thinking.

What was so funny? Penn thought.

"So Penn, how are you? Are you prepared?" Caesar said, leaning back in his seat.

"I think I'm ready," Penn said, crossing her legs and straightening her dress.

"I'd say you're ready, you got an 11! Tell us, what did you show those Gamemakers?"

"I'm sorry Caesar, my lips are sealed." She said, zipping up her lips.