The Hunger Games (Writing Contest) [CLOSED]

Luca Wick-Interview

I took a long and shuttering breath as I jumped to my feet. Nerves ate away at my stomach, making it feel like I had millions of piranhas stuffed into it. I walked to the mirror, taking in my appearance. My curly hair had been styled into a wave that pushed over my forehead. Slight bits of eyeliner marked my eyes, bringing out the green color in them. The white button-up t-shirt that I wore was rolled up to my elbows, and it was popped down a button or two, showing off my chest.

The slacks were neatly pressed and held up with a leather belt. My stylist had chosen the shoes because of how shiny they were. You could probably see your reflection if you looked close.

"ALL TRIBUTES TO BACKSTAGE"

The voice came from a panel above my head, it's mechanic crackle making me jump. I took a deep breath and opened the door, spotting my tribute partner, Cassia. She looked like she'd just been on the runway. I waved to her but kept by face blank. She shrugged and waved back.

Cassia and I hadn't been on the best of terms since the reaping. I find it unlikely that we'll become allies in the Games. I'm more of a lone wolf. Every alliance in the Games will lead to tragedy. It has been like that for years and years. It's much better to not get attached to anyone.

The tributes were already piled into the backstage area, some of the tributes gathered around the snacks table. Seats were placed backstage, each with a tributes name glued to the back. I sat down in my respective seat. Three tributes would be ahead of me. The Capitol anthem began to play, and the man we had all come to know named Caesar Flickerman burst onto the stage. His hair was colored a bright orange, which nearly matched his tan skin.

"Welcome, welcome. I know that you are all ecstatic for us to begin, so let's get into it!"

The first tribute was Lottie Adams from District One. She looked young, and I was surprised to learn that she was only 15. I wondered why she looked happy on the day of the reaping. Maybe I should watch out for her. If she wasn't nervous at the reaping, I'd bet she won't be nervous in the arena.

The second was Warner Cole. He seemed very excited to be there. His stage presence was on par. There was an edge to him that seemed almost violent. I remember from the reaping that he volunteered. I made a note to keep an eye on him. Something tells me that he'll be dangerous in the arena.

Cassia went next. She seemed comfortable in her demeanor. I noticed that she made many hand gestures. She wasn't trying to work the crowd into getting sponsors. Cassia was clearly trying to show the audience that she had some fire and rebellion. That could be vital in the arena.

Peacekeepers came to collect me as Cassia wrapped up her interview. I was lead to an area, where I could easily walk on stage. Nerves made my stomach do multiple flips. I tried not to think that everyone in all of Panem would be watching me tonight, critiquing me. I reminded myself to be the Career that I was supposed to be. Cassia swaggered off the stage.

"Now, we have the final tribute from District Two, let's give it up for Luca Wick!" Caesar turned his head to meet me.

I glued a smile onto my face and walked into the stage lights. The crowd was deafening as they cheered and clapped. I found myself feeling woozy from all of the noise. I scrambled over to Caesar, smiling before plopping down on the chair in the center of the stage. I could feel the eyes of countless people watching me as Caesar sat down as well. My heart squeezed.

"So, Luca, I know that many of us are wondering how you achieved a score of nine in your private training session. It's quite a feat, to say the least." Caesar smiled a toothy grin, his teeth blinding me.

"Well, Caesar, I have a few tricks up my sleeve," I looked down to my rolled up sleeves. I feigned surprise. "Or, I did have a few tricks up my sleeve."

The audience giggled slightly at my humor. I practically cried in relief. If I messed up in this interview, I could be done for.

"Your stylists did a magnificent job showing off your biceps." Caesar wiggled his eyebrows at the audience, prompting them to laugh. I heard a few females in the audience scream. "Do me a favor, would you shake my hand?"

I reached out my hand and took Caesar's. Caesar let out a squeal and cringed as though I was a vise and had just squeezed his air out of him. He cringed and quickly let go, a smile filling his lips. I nodded back my head, letting out a laugh of amusement. I was NOT that strong. The audience got a kick out of it, too. They cackled as Caesar pretended to shake out his hand in pain.

"No surprise you got a nine. You have a grip of steel,"

"Well, I've been working my whole life for this. I'm very glad to be in the Capitol to compete in the Games." Lies. That was a lie. It melted off my tongue as though it were the truth.

"I think that we are all very glad to have you," Caesar said. The audience cheered in agreement. "Now, do you have anyone watching you at home? Any family or friends?"

I thought for a moment, "My mother and brother will definitely be watching. They are both fans of the Games as well--" Lies. "--And I'm also fairly certain that my friend, Avan, will be laughing at me from home."

"So you have a whole team at home, huh? Is your father not interested in watching?" Caesar pressed.

I cleared my throat in preparation for what I was about to mention, "No, my father passed away a few years ago. I was twelve. He died from a disease. There weren't any cures for it."

"I'm sure that he would be very proud of you, Luca." Caesar took a moment to fake a pout at the cameras. "On a lighter note, do you have any strategies for these Games?"

I wanted to laugh. Was that what they considered a "lighter note?"

"My plan is to survive alone. Of course, if I meet someone in the arena that could help me, I'd love to ally, but for now, I can only trust myself. I am very resourceful and think on my feet very quickly. I am certain that I'll make it very far into the Games. I'd dare say that I might win." I finished. The Capitol applauded.

A buzzer sounded from offstage, signifying that my interview was over. I stood up from the seat, firmly shaking Caesar's hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Luca Wick! Let's get a warm round of applause."

The crowd went nuts. I smiled and waved as I exited the stage. As soon as I was off, I hunched over onto the wall. Thank goodness that was over.