Sea of Madness - Annie Cresta 70th Hunger Games

Chapter 7 - Interviews

"Alright, Let's start with the basics," Reece announced. I scruched up my nose and silently groaned with disgust. Today is the day before the games, also making it interview night, meaning I have to spend all day preparing with Reece. Being in the same room as Reece is difficult, but spending an entire day together seemed like an impossible task.

"To begin I will ask you some questions, and you will reply in a variety of different personalities." She briefs sternly. "Let's start with...cocky" She went through some basic things that Caesar Flickerman; the host would probably ask me; What's your strategy? What's it like back in district 4? Ecetera. I tried to act up myself, but really it just wasn't working. We then tried sly, sexy, proud, suck-up, pretty much everything I tried sucked.

"Come on, Annie you're trying my patience," Reece warned, I shot her a dirty look and an equally as dirty reply. I looked down at the floor, Reece was right, with my useless acting I would never get sponsors. Suddenly a loud knock pounded on the rich mahogany door, I turned to see Warrick enter.

"Sorry to bother you guys, but lunch is ready," he said timidly, As soon as he caught my eye I could tell he knew something was off.

"What's up?" He asked with genuine concern, but before I could reply Reece butted in.

"She's utterly useless at acting, everything I throw at her fails." I snapped an angry reply at Reece before returning to Warrick. I stared into those Deep cultivating eyes with concern not only for my welfare, but his and Finnick too. I saw Warrick's light up with though immensely.

"Why can't Annie just be herself?" He asked "She's smart, funny and not to mention her and Finnick are head over heels for each other, the fans will love it."

I marveled at his idea, why do I have to act anyway? I ran over to the little prodigy and wrapped him up in a great big bear hug.

* * * * *

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the eve of the annual 70th Hunger Games with your host Caesar Flickerman!"

I stare intently at the screen in the waiting room as Caesar Flickerman walks on to the stage in his trademark suit, his hair this year is shaded evergreen like the forest, his hair colour changes every year but his face has looked the same for 70 years. Everything seems like a blur as Caesar revs up the crowd and introduces the first few tributes to the stage. Garnet acts sexy and seductive, Ambergris is bold and proud, Athena is cocky and stuck up, the two from 3 are both a bit twitchy and nervous, but Caesar does his best to help them out.

I stand at the Entrance of the stage, anticipation and adrenaline gushing through my veins, I try to calm myself down; this is the last chance to secure sponsors, then they call my name...

I step out and I am instantly blinded by the harsh lighting, my throat dries up and my head swarms as I sit down in the chair next to Caesar.

"So Annie, What do you think of this year's tributes?" Caesar Asks. I pause looking out at the swarm of eyes all focusing on me. I silently gulp with fear.

"Same stereotypical bunch as usual." I explain. "Seductive and Seducing from 1, Bold and Muscular from 2, Smart and Sensitive from 3.."

"So does that make you a stereotypical girl from the sea, Annie?" He Laughs. I shrug my shoulders as I reply with a shy,"I guess?" I hears the crowd chuckle, that makes me smile. Caesar asks me a few more simple questions before straying upon a big one.

"So, who are you trying to win for, sweetie?" He questions.

I smile as I reply "I'm not trying to win," I watch the audiences faces turn from amused to pure shock. "I want Warrick my district partner to win, for the sake of the one I love."

The audience chatter with surprise and confusion as they try to piece together the puzzle.

"Wait, let me get this straight," Caesar says "You are Finnick Odair's secret lover?" A silly grin appears on my face as Finnick is shown up on the big screen.

"You could say that," I announce as the audience's gasps fill the room. I giggle with embarrassment as I stare into Caesar's shocked expressions.

"Unfortunately Times Up Annie, look forward to seeing you tomorrow!" Caesar exclaims excitedly as I trot off the stage proud with how I came across to potential sponsors, not only did I make myself look desirable I made Warrick look valuable.

"And now let's Welcome Warrick Odair, District 4, I wonder he will have to say about this interesting .... Uh topic."