Voices of the Dead: A Hunger Games FanFiction ©

4. Flint

I grinned at Hues and my prep team with actual sincerity. I’d watched many games before, and had seen many disastrous ensembles parade down Ceasar Flickerman’s stage during the Interviews. I would not be grouped into that unfortunate crowd.

I smiled approvingly at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting my black tie against my charcoal-colored suit. It was simple, but classy, just my style. “You really outdid yourself Hues, “ I grinned and clapped his back, “Nicely done, better than any tailor I’ve ever had.”

Hues smiled back; preening at my compliments, “Couldn’t have done it without a good foundation,” he praised me back.

I shrugged, but nodded, “Ehh, what can I say. I’m not too shabby.”

All morning I’d pretended to listen closely to what my mentors had to say about the interviews; nodding and smiling. However, I already had my own tactics on how to appear to the crowds of Panem. It would be easy really; nothing I hadn’t done before.

Now, as I marched up the stage and took a seat before Mr.Flickerman himself, I eagerly awaited my turn to speak to the masses. Dawn went first, though I didn’t really listen to what she had to say, and then Bruno followed, talking about his score and how the honor would be for him and only him. His words shocked me a little; though I would certainly enjoy myself during these games, pleasure wasn’t the reason I’d volunteered.

What was honor if you couldn’t share it with your district? I had trained long and hard for my home, for my family, for District two and all of its worthy inhabitants. Bruno’s comment sounded completely selfish to me. I figured, being from District one; he’d have a similar mindset to my own. I was putting my life on the line for a shared honor. He was doing it foremost for him, and as a second thought for District two.

With a sigh, I pushed the odd comments away. Though I didn’t understand his reasoning, it didn’t necessarily matter. I knew why I was here, and as long as that was clear to me, nothing else mattered.

Soon after, Kori was called up and I promptly began humming Panem’s national anthem in my head; attempting to drown her out. I didn’t know if I could bear to hear her words; surely she’d only serve to poorly represent our district. If she made us the laughing stock of the Capitol I’d wring her neck before the Games actually started.

I was on the third verse of the anthem when I felt a poke at my side. Bruno stared curiously at me, his brow raised. “You’re almost up, pay attention,” he whispered.

I smiled gratefully at him and sure enough, mere seconds later Kori was stomping down the stairs back to her chair beside me.

“And that was an –ahem- interesting opinion from Kori. Let’s show some vigor people!” Ceasar said, trying to pep the crowd up. I groaned internally, what had I missed? Ceasar continued, “and now for the male tribute from two, Flint Stopher! Come up here lad!”

I smiled brightly, waving at the crowd as I advanced up the steps, blowing kisses to the swooning women; basically, turning on the charm the best I could to make up for my counterparts’ lack of effusiveness

“Ceasar! So glad to be here, and such an honor to finally meet you!” I said in a tone that I hoped portrayed a child-like awe. “It’s so awesome to be here!”

Ceasar smiled gratefully and shook my hand. “Eager then?” he said with a chuckle.

“You know it! I’ve been waiting for this since-“ I pretended to rub my chin in concentration, “-well, since I can remember! Haha, this is my dream come true.”

The crowds loved me, they wooted and pumped their fists. I waved back, cupping a hand to my ear as if to say “I can’t hear you”.

Ceasar made the people settle down, but I could tell my easy-going personality was a nice break from the Kori’s angry expressions. “Now tell me Flint, what has been your favorite part of being here in the Capitol?” he asked.

I motioned to the crowd and smiled. “Seeing all these amazing citizens of course! Nothing but class here. I can’t wait to give them a good show.” More cheers.

“You seem confident, how do you feel you rank next to the other tributes. Who do you think is your best competition here?”

I smiled into a nearby camera before answering. “I think I rank quite fairly. Haha, a ten is no laughing matter I’d say, “ I joked, “I think the only competition is myself. I will always try to better myself, to keep growing and improving.”

Ceasar nodded. “You seem very driven Flint. Tell me, tell us all, what drives such passion?”

I stood this time, hoping to emphasize my point. “My district of course! This is for you guys back home! I’m gonna’ make you proud! District two! District two! District two!” I chanted, happy to hear a chorus start up from the masses.

Ceasar laughed happily at my enthusiasm, and clapped me on the back as I made my way back to my seat.

The rest of the interviews were mostly a blur. I was lost in the joy I felt at being here; representing the one thing that was of importance in my life.

District two, district two, district two…