The Second Annual Writer Games!

Interviews: Declan Amority

I gave Emilia a light shove onto the stage. Being hesitant wouldn't get us any sponsors. I knew enough about the Hunger Games to know that those without sponsors often died first, and I wasn't about to take a chance to try and prove that theory wrong,
I watched my district partner and ally grow more comfortable and confident onstage, and I rolled my shoulders back a bit, struggling to shake off the nerves I felt swell up inside of me.

This is your moment. Don't ruin this for you and Emilia.

I was shaken from my thoughts when I heard clapping from the audience and watched Emilia walk off-stage. She embraced me, and I hugged her back. I was proud of her for facing her fear.

Before I could fully recognize what was happening, Emilia shoved me on-stage. I mentally eye-rolled, knowing she was paying me back for earlier. Without missing a beat, I strode to the middle of the stage and sat next to Silvia Moon.

"Welcome, welcome Declan!" she greeted. "It was lovely chatting with your District partner. What a nice girl. And look at this, you match!"

I brushed off the collar of my emerald suit jacket. "Yes, we do. Although it's hard to top her beauty, I try!" For good measure, I blew a kiss off-stage in Emilia's direction.

"Oh, do we have a little romance going on here?" Silvia wiggled her eyebrows.

I laughed at the absurd notion. "No, not at all. We are just really close friends."

"Ah, I see," Silvia nodded. "But back onto your outfit, you are looking sharp!"

"Thank you!" I replied, taking a second glance at my plain black tuxedo pants and my bowtie that matched my jacket.

"So," Silvia leaned in, "Tell me about the Games. Do you think you have a good chance at winning?"

"Of course I do. I've worked on a farm my whole life, I'm stronger than I look. If anyone thinks they're gonna take me down easily, they better think again."

"Wow, both District 10 tributes are very confident," Silvia conversed with the crowd, "I like it, I like it. So when you say that, are there any tributes you think are stronger than others? Any big threats?"

"The only one I'm really concerned about is Emilia," I winked, and the crowd roared in laughter.

"Well, that shouldn't be a problem, considering your allies!" Silvia chuckled. "So tell us about your family, and life back home."

"There's just me, my dad and my younger brother."

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your mom?" Silvia asked quietly, almost in a whisper.

I swallowed. I knew this question would be coming. Although the urge to lie and say everything was fine came to mind, I knew I had to answer truthfully if I didn't want to risk getting punished in the arena. "My mom doesn't live with us. She's in a mental hospital. She has... she has schizophrenia."

A collective gasp came up from the crowd, and a massive headache came over me when I remembered some of her worst delusions. Her threatening to kill me, convinced I was out to get her. The day she almost drowned my younger brother when he was only three days old...

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay. Can we, uh, move on?"

"Yes, yes of course. So, how have you been enjoying the Capitol?"

Now that we were onto a different topic, a smile brightened my face again. "It's amazing. I never knew that half of the things that are here even existed."

"Yes, it's an amazing place! So, who do you think is the weakest tribute? Anyone you are going after right away?"

"Well, everyone seems pretty weak compared to me so..." The crowd laughed along with me. "Naw, I'm just kidding. To be honest, I think any of the younger ones are going to have a tougher time in these Games."

"Fair enough," Silvia nodded. "So, if you win, what do you plan to do with your winnings?"

"Pay off all my mom's medical bills," I answered immediately.

A solemn silence fell over the crowd.

"Well..." Silvia began just as the buzzer went off. "Looks like we are out of time! Thanks for talking with us, Declan!"

"You as well, Silvia! I'll see you on the victory tour!"