Ceasar & the Games - Hunger Games Fan Fic

13. Honour

It all makes sense to me - President Snow offering Ceasar a job - don't you think this MIGHT have actually happened?! :P I'll never be as good as Suzanne Collins, I know, but hope you like it anyway. :)

"How are you feeling?" President Snow scares me as he comes up behind me. 

"Nervous." I admit. It's my first Hunger Games being a host of, since Cornelius died.

The president laughs and slaps me on the back. "Get used to it, my friend. The Capitol audience will be wanting a piece of you after this, too."

"Thanks." I swallow and wait for the audio voice to announce me.

"Just remember." He taps his fingers on my back. "Just remember whose side you're on."

"Yes. I know." I nod. "The Capitol's."

"Yes. No undermining us. If you try to... mock us, if you say anything bad, then just remember I know where you live." He gives a rough laugh. But behind that laugh, I can feel so much malice and warning in his voice.

"And now, please welcome your favourite host, Ceasar Flickerman!" I give the president one slow nod, while he raises an eyebrow and gestures for me to go out.

The crowd goes crazy, possibly slightly confused as to why Cornelius isn't here. I see the row of lined up tributes, and they look as scared as I did last year. 

"Thank you! Thank you!" I wave at them to quiet down. "I have been... most excited to assume my new role here for you... absolutely stunning Capitol audience." My eyes flicker over to Snow's, who nods in slight approval. I can't spend my whole time buttering them up, though.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the first tribute, from District 1 - Rais!" The crowd cheers again as the male tribute from 1 comes out, looking arrogant, and prepared for an attack.

"Rais. It is so great to have you here." I say pleasantly. "What went through your mind at the reaping?"

"I knew I wanted to win." He says, steely. "I knew that I would win."

His interview seems to go pretty well. But when it's the girl's turn, there is so much fear in her eyes that I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. She's terrified. Of me. Because she still remembers Corny's insults.

That's the point in time I make up my mind that Cornelius's ways shall stop at this Hunger Games.

"Nari!" I hop up to greet her, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Take a seat. Wow, ladies and gentlemen - I think it's fair to say we've never seen a more stunning tribute than this?" I point to her while the Capitol crowds shout their approval.

"Nari." I lower my voice and glance at her. "Your reaping was one of the most touching I have ever seen. Would you like to share with us what happened?"

"My... younger sister was picked... for the reaping." The girl says, gaining some of her confidence back. "And... I volunteered for her."

The crowd hushes. "Ceasar." She looks up at me. "I didn't do it because..."

"I know, you did it because you loved her." I can tell she's not expecting that response. Old Corny would have certainly made a show out of her volunteering for the fame and the glory. It's so much more than that.

"Nari, everybody!" I point to her while the crowd cheers.

*****

"Well, that was one of the best interview shows we've ever had. Millions of ratings. And everybody seemed to love you, Ceasar." Snow says with a smile.

Embarassed at his praise, I nod. "I've been thinking. About the tribues. Shouldn't there be something... else to show them off? When I came to the Capitol... we only had our interviews to make us shine, and to a tribute, it's the most nerve wracking time before the games. I think we should have sort of an 'opening ceremony' for them. What if..."

I look at him hesitantly, seeing if he's on my side. His face is quizzical. "Yes?"

"What if they were given a parade. Around to your mansion. It's beautiful there. You could welcome them. They could be... given a makeover. Dressed in the clothes of the Capitol. We could show the Capitol what the tributes looked like then. They could have stylists... who would make them over both for the Interviews and for the chariot rides. The crowd gets to see double of their tributes. The impression they make... is vital."

He's rubbing his chin now, interested. "Ceasar, you may be onto something. In fact... I very much like that idea."

"Yes!" I say in my enthusiasm. "They could be shown off to the Capitol." I finish with a silent: 'before they die.' in my head. "You could have the chariots round your house, so they can see the magnificence of it."