The Fourth Quarter Quell

Pre-Game Interviews: District One

Favonious Falcon's Perspective

I popped the collar on my sparkling green tuxedo and took my microphone from the stage manager. When the theme music began to play, I walked onto the stage as the set around me glowed to life.

The crowd got on their feet and cheered wildly for me. I laughed and waved eagerly back as I made my way to my immaculate white armchair. Opposite from my chair was a couch of the same quality and a mahogany stand in the middle with a pristine glass bowl filled with questions slips.

I laughed again as the music died down and I took my place in the spotlight. "Welcome, everybody, to the 100th Hunger Games!" I bellowed cheerfully

The crowd cheered wildly once more until they all took their seats, listening intently.

"In a few moments, our interviews will begin. All of the tributes you've heard about in the past few days will be up, answering questions you, the people of the Capitol, sent in. Are you excited?" I explained, applause echoing back to me.

"Now, there's a twist. To get a dual district perspective on the questions, each pair of tributes will be up together. So forget the individual interviews, we have more exciting commentaries for you!" I cheered.

I held my left arm to the backstage wing I had come from. "Now, everybody. Please welcome the deadly duo from District One! Paisley Rae and Eli Johnson!"

The crowd got on their feet as the pair emerged from backstage, smiling and waving as they made their way over. Paisley wore a dress that started as a v-neck tank top design with shimmering silver sparkles. Then, the jewels cut off to a light, flowing pink chiffon floor length dress. Her hair was curled and tossed over one shoulder. Eli, matching her, wore a dashing silver suit with a shimmering tie and light pink dress shirt. They shook my hand and took a seat on the couch.

I sat down after them and smiled. "Paisley, Eli, you both look extravagant."

They both agreed in unison, looked at each other, and each smiled a dazzling grin.

"Our stylists are just amazing," Paisley said. "The things they put together are just fabulous."

"I'll take your word for it." I chuckled. "Now, I hope you each are prepared to answer some fan questions."

"Let's do it." Eli laughed.

I dunked my hand into the glass bowl and pulled out a slip. "To Paisley: what would be the first thing you'd do if you won?"

"Give back to my family and maybe update my wardrobe with some of the incredible Capitol Couture." I said with a smile.

The crowd cheered in agreement.

"Wonderful! Tell me, Eli, are there any ladies that you have your eye on this year?" I wiggles my eyebrows over at him.

Eli chuckled and looked down as Paisley arched a brow with a somewhat sour look on her face. Eli looked up. "All the girls this year--the ones my age of course--are all beautiful. I'd be lucky to end up with any of them. Too bad a majority of them are gonna die. However there is one girl I have my eye on."

"Details!" I exclaimed.

"You'll see soon enough." Eli said.

Paisley's brow remained arched but she smiled back at me. "You should see this guy. He flirts with nearly every girl."

Eli looked offended. "I do not!"

Paisley shot him a look and he shot one back.

I cleared my throat. "Anyways, let's get into some action packed questions. Do you each have a preferred weapon we can look forward to seeing in use?"

"Throwing knives are definitely my weapon of choice. However, there are a few competitors that have their eye on them as well." Paisley said indifferently.

"Do you know anyone in particular?" I questioned.

"Well, there's the boy from Four that seems to have used them during his evaluation. Judging by his score, a nine, he probably didn't use them well enough." Paisley said, looking at her manicure.

"But you got a ten and all you used were knives. From what I hear, Mike used a variety of weapons." I said in rebuttal.

Paisley looked at me before opening her mouth to speak again. "There's also the girl from Five. All I can say is that if you choose to use throwing knives, use them correctly because you can be sure I'll fight you for them."

I laughed lightly and looked at the crowd. "She's a fighter, isn't she?"

"I am a Career, aren't I?" Paisley laughed.

The crowd laughed and I looked at Eli. "What about you, Eli? Any weapons you plan to use?"

"A spear." He said confidently. "No doubt about it."

"Alright then!" I said. "Well, it's been great but in order to include everyone, we have to get moving. I wish you both the best of luck tomorrow morning in the arena."

I stand, shake their hands again and look to the crowd. "One more round of applause for our Careers from District One, Paisley Rae and Eli Johnson."

As they both prepare to walk off, Eli does something that shocks Paisley, the crowd and I. He offers Paisley his hand and holds it tight as they saunter off the stage, a duel vision in silver and pink. The entire time, Paisley's cheeks match the shade of her dress and Eli's smile towards her is as dazzling as his tie..