Into the Flames [Watty Awards 2012]

Chapter 30

The Capitol’s symbol flashed on the screen as soon as the pre-news finished. I few commercials showed before Ceaser Flickerman appeared on the screen. He welcomed the audience and the first tribute was sent up. The twelve year old form district twelve glowed in the light. Her dress looked like it was made of diamonds. Her auburn hair was curled up into a beautiful bun.

“So, tell us Ruby, how did you feel about getting reaped?”

She smiled, “I was a little surprised. I didn’t think that I would be picked so soon!”

“Would you consider yourself a career?”                     

“Oh yes. I am from district one!”

“Can you tell us about your life at home?”

“Sure! Before I was reaped, I would watch my sister at home. My father worked in the mines and my mother worked in the diamond cutting factory. I would be there next year if I hadn’t been reaped.”

The rest of their conversation was quite dull, even the next one was dull. The girl from two interested me though. She said she was originally from the Capitol and that she had moved to the districts just so she could be in the games. She was eighteen and she had been preparing for these games since she was very young, so she was very excited, except she didn’t act that way. She acted more like a guy than a girl. She tried to take control of the conversation and she would say what she wanted to say, obviously she normally got her way. The next three interviews pasted by dully as well. All three of them looked rather weak too. Finally Waterlily appeared on the screen. She wore a long blue dress the gleamed in the light. The dress fit over her perfectly. The bottom flowed out like a river, resting on her feet. Her hair was curled and her face was masked in silver makeup. She was beautiful.

“Welcome Waterlily! Are you excited about being here?”

“I can’t say I’m too excited, but I love it here too.”

The audience laughed a bit. “So, tell us, is there anyone special back at home?”

“Sure there is. I’ve got my sister and my two friends Jared and Trout.”

“Tell me about them.”

“My sister, Mist, is my twin. She’s a really good friend and I wish she was here with me, not to be in the games, but just to be with me. Jared and Trout are the best friends I could ever have. They always cheer me up and encourage me.” I beamed and when I looked up at Jared and over to Trout, they both were too. She had mentioned us on Capitol TV! Now everyone knew our names!

“That’s wonderful. Are you winning for them?”

“Oh yes! I will do anything to get to see them again.”

“Are you planning on doing anything special when you get back home?”

I took a deep breath. Don’t blow it Waterlily!