The Interviews.

[gamemakers]

WHO| ALL TRIBUTES
WHAT| Tribute Interviews With Caesar Flickerman!
WHEN| The break between the closing of Arena 02 and the opening of Arena 03
WHERE| A stage set up in the South Wing of the Training Center
NOTES| Interviews are done by district, in descending order (12-1; saving Max for the finale.) Just look for the thread that has been specifically made for you, and show the nation of Panem what a star you are! This is the companion post to last week's backstage post, which should be considered to be taking place at the same time, in-game. There is also an Intermission thread in the middle of all the individual threads, for everyone to tag around in; watch and react and have fun.
MORE NOTES| New tributes (if we get any) will be added as they are accepted.



This is it. Your time to shine.

The red curtain rises and the lights shine bright; warm on your face and halfway blinding. The music plays, blaring in your ears, mingling with the roar of the candy coloured crowd just beyond the stage. You can see your face projected on what seems to be a dozen screens as tall as houses and there's even a small undercurrent in the noise that sounds suspiciously like half a thousand strangers screaming your name.

The stage is simple. Glossy black, reflecting the stage lights and the shine of your shoes. At the center you find two plush red chairs, tall-backed and velvet, but one of them is empty. Waiting for you. In the other sits a man in a midnight blue suit and a straight white grin. His hair is a vivid aquamarine with eyebrows to match, and he stands just as someone backstage queues you to take your step out into the spotlight.

Comments

District 9 ➳ Donatello Hamato.

[gamemakers]

Bao Yu is a small little wisp of girl, but feistier than many expected, considering her short running times in either arena and little to no contact with anyone while inside. She is the first of District 9's tributes to take the stage a it seems Caesar, and the rest of the crowd is quick to believe that she has terrible luck and a better chance next round.

The roar of applause is daunting when she leaves.

But nothing compared to what is coming.

The look on Caesar's face is unmistakable, undeniable, pure, unabashed glee. "I know we've all been holding our breath for this one. These new Hunger Games have given us quite the ensemble cast, and might not fit the usual tribute description. I don't believe out next tribute needs much more of an introduction, do you?"

The crowd is almost deafening, but even still, the sound of Caesar's voice booms, "Come on out, Donatello!"

GIVE IT UP

[polyturtle]

Oh geez. His turn is coming up.

Generally, when he's in these kind of fight to the death scenarios - he's had at least one before coming to Panem - the crowd was supposed to hate him because the bad guys want them to. But here, its...very different. He can hear the screams all the way from the green room, and if there was ever a moment where he couldn't actually hear himself think-

"You're next!" One of the producers started gently nudging him towards the stage. "Remember, be yourself, biiiig smiles, give the crowd a show they won't forget!"

And then he was on stage at Caesar's call. Everyone was up on their feet, clapping and screaming at his arrival on stage. Despite the stage fright he was experiencing - really, if anyone of his family was suited for this kind of show, it was Mike, not him - he nevertheless manages a smile and a wave to the crowd as he walks over to Caesar.

"Hi..." He gives the host a smile also. "Hi there....Mr. Flickerman, right?"

The crowd couldn't get enough. He was being so polite to Caesar!

[gamemakers]

The rumble of his laugh is echoed throughout the crowd, and Caesar nods, "Correct!"

The crowd laughs again, but they settle quick enough; eager to get on with the show.

"So, Donatello. I bet you get this question a lot, but I just have to know. How functional is that shell of yours?"

[polyturtle]

"Actually...pretty functional. Nothing on my body's tougher." Don nodded, hoping he wasn't making a fool of himself. "Makes it a bit hard to do back flips at time, of course..."

[gamemakers]

Caesar nod in approval, and adds with a chuckle, "I would imagine you're still better at them than I am."

"But still, I bet that gives you quite an advantage inside the Arena. With a score of 11, you are certainly a force to be reconnect with. What else gives you an edge? Any special training or skills you would like to share with us?"

[polyturtle]

"Actually..."

Don looks thoughtful. He realized it would not be to his advantage to be particularly secretive on such things. That, and as far as he could tell, he really was the only ninja out of all of the...er, contestants. He wouldn't have to worry about anyone like the Foot claiming sovereignty over the art or turf or anything like that.

"I did have training back home in martial arts. My father was a master of ninjitsu, and he taught us everything he knew."

[gamemakers]

"A martial arts master? How fascinating. He must be a very interesting man." Caesar muses. "And that certainly explains the score of 11!"

"And forgive me, if this comes across as ruse or insensitive, but inquiring minds must know. Back home, are there many others like you, or are you as unique there are you are here?"

[polyturtle]

"Oh, no, that's not rude at all." Don shakes his head reassuringly. He'd been asked that question before - by far ruder - back home. "There aren't many others like me back where I come from, though, no. Just me, my brothers, my father, and one or two friends of ours."

Already in the crowd, no doubt, are people wishing all of Don's family was in the arena. How amazing that would be! What an amazing subplot in the Games it would make! Brothers in arms!

[gamemakers]

"I bet that makes for quite a family get-together! You're dining room table must be enormous!" the mental image of a family of massive turtles sitting down to dinner is quite amusing to him.

[polyturtle]

"...Don't forget rowdy."

At this, Don smiled sheepishly as the crowd laughed.

[gamemakers]

"I can only imagine!" Caesar laughs with his trademark, wide white smile.

"So what would your brothers think of the Capitol? Is this anything like what you are used to back home?"