The First Redemption Games (1-5) & The Writer Games | 6 - 7

Interview: Alek (District 9)

I stand backstage,  waiting for my name to be called. I'm nervous. Very. My palms are  sweaty, and the fabric of the shirt I'm wearing isn't helping. I look  down at the outfit they've put me in for the millionth time. It's a  gold, button-down shirt, with patterns of wheat of on it, and a pair of  black slacks. That wouldn't be too bad, but get this-the shirt sparkles.  Granted, that's not nearly as bad as my chariot outfit, (I'm not even  going to go into that) but I just wish it wern't so- well, sparkly. Just  then the buzzer for the person before my goes off. I hear my name  called, and I head onstage. Brielle shakes my hand, and we both sit  down. Without further ado, Brielle begins the questions.

"So, Alek, what was your reaction when your name was called at the reaping?"

I think back. How did I feel? "Uh, a bit annoyed, actually."

Brielle raises an eyebrow. "How so?"

"Well, my name was pronnonced wrong."

The Capitol laughs, and  Brielle cracks a smile. I can feel my confidence growing as Brielle  poses another question. "Do you think you'll win these games?"

This time, I reply without hesitation. "Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I'm smarter  than most of these tributes, some of whom are relying on sponsors and  luck to get them through. I know how to use a weapon, how to tell safe  plants from poisonous ones, and how to make the most of any situation. I  will win the Writer Games."

Just then, the buzzer goes off. "Alek, from District Nine!" yells Brielle to the crowd. As I leave, I notice one thing.

The crowd is cheering.