[baseldistrict7]

Almost a Paradise || Basel & Elle

Basel lounged on a comfortable sofa in the corner of a huge and elegant room, drawing his knees up to his chest and eyeing the luxuries like a small child, instead of a middle-aged man. In many ways he was simple-minded, and all of this beauty still had him in awe. It was not enough to make him forget the awful situation he was in, but it was a small comfort nonetheless.

Suddenly the footsteps of one of the other tributes drew near, and he looked up, intruiged. So far he had kept entirely to himself, so it would be interesting to meet someone else. She was quite young- probably in the strongest age range, he would guess somewhere in her twenties. Relaxing into a more natural sitting position, he blinked at her a few times before smiling.

"Your name is Elle, I think I remember? I would say that it is nice to meet you, but given the circumstances I will have to settle for the word decent." Fearing he'd spoken too much, or out of place, he stopped, curling back up slightly. Then Basel extended one hand to her, the other nervously touselling his short grey hair. "My name is Basel. Not Basil. It is decent to meet you."

[baseldistrict7]

Shuffling onto the stage with fists clenched, Basel gives the crowd a modest and respectful bow, then does the same to Caesar. He looks at the interviewer for approval before cautiously sinking into a chair. His brown eyes blink up at the other man, and then he gives him a soft but nervous smile. 

Caesar Flickerman: Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome to the stage Basel Cartwright from District Seven. Everyone give him a round of applause. To start off, how are you feeling about this year’s games?

Reply: Scared. But not just for myself. I am scared for the young people competing, who have their whole lives ahead of them. Still, I also feel determined. I want... to see my son again.

His voice is soft, muted and with a slight stammer. It's so quiet that they have to turn up his microphone.

Caesar Flickerman: What trait or ability do you possess that you think makes you stand out over the rest of the completion?

Reply: I may be older than many of the others, but that in an advantage in some ways. I have worked with axes in one way or another for forty or so years, and I am quite strong.

Caesar Flickerman: If you do come out as victor, what is the first thing you’ll do with the new found title?

Reply: I would make sure that my son, Fern, was healthy and happy, with everything he wanted. And I would do all I could to prevent him getting reaped, too.

Caesar Flickerman: As everyone knows, since this is a Quarter Quell Games, there were no age restrictions on the Reaping.  How do you think this will affect the Games?

Reply: It will affect it in many ways. Having a ten-year-old, an eighty-year-old and several people in their twenties will obviously make the gap between weak and strong even larger. I, myself, hope to be somewhere in the middle. I do not think that it is fair, if I am honest, but if I wish to return to my son, I have no choice but to try and fight.

Caesar Flickerman: Thank you, Basel, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Basel nods, shoulders slightly hunched, and leaves with a minuscule smile for the crowd.