Hello! My name is Charm Coronacious. I am the District 1 female Tribute for the 56th annual Hunger Games. I have been training for 7 years to compete in the games, and I'm so excited to be here!
I bet he does have horrible vision I mean when I walked off stage I almost stumbled but I guess he is used to it. Yeah it’s possible but I mean years and years under those lights, not a few minutes so dont worry, you’ll be okay. Well I’m glad you like it! It took me a whole 2 seconds to come up with it!
I was so afraid I was going to fall over... and the lights certainly didn't help with that, you're right! Okay.... so are you sure I won't be sick? But Caesar... he's been under the lights for so long.... and I wouldn't want him to get sick either!
No but the bright lights did indeed blind me. How do you think they can survive such lighting? You would think the lighting would cause radiation and radiation can cause a horrible illness. Well thank you cupcake!
They did make it really hard to see....I don't really know. Caesar must have... very poor vision, from looking at the lights all the time. Sickness... from radiation? Can that happen? I sure hope it can't... I don't want to be sick! Cupcake? That's such a cute nickname! Talon's given me lots of those... but cupcake hasn't been one of them. I like it!
That's really nice! And the.... people watching on television... and all the bright lights, that stuff didn't scare you? Thank you, Oak! That's really... sweet of you to say. I didn't see any of yours... but I bet you were really great!
I’m glad you think so… and apparently the Capitol too? I made a lame joke that they got a kick out of. Any food? Come on, i think you’re exaggerating a bit. I’m sure if you had a meal it wouldn’t affect you too much. Besides, you’re like… solid muscle. *nods* Yeah! at least i think so. I was just going to make her something for dinner… since it would be more special that way. So… i guess just that. Wow it sounds kind of silly saying it out loud. *giggles* but I’m pretty excited for it.
I'm sure it was a great joke, Talon. You're very funny! *shakes her head and smiles* I'm pretty sure I couldn't even have a bite of anything right now... this corset is laced so tightly I really don't want to... break it. *giggles* Solid muscle? Well.... kind of, yeah. I mean, it's.... well, I guess you could say that. *continues bouncing* Aww, that is too sweet! Not silly at all..... Thalia's going to love it!
Well if you don’t like making a fuss, you could always go to my other option - flirting with everyone you see. Then they tend to fall at your feet and it’s just lovely. *smiles brightly* I’ll buy you 10 inch heels. That should make you what…5 feet?
Flirting? *blushes* Umm... well, no... that's not really.... an option either... just...um... no, thank you. *giggles* Ten inches? You must really want to see me... fall over and die. *pretending to be offended* No! It would make me much taller than that, thank you very much!
I guess you could say your dress is… wait for it… FAR OUT! *laughs*
I’m sorry. I’m not funny. *hols his stomach* Yeah, i didn’t realise how hungry i was until that just happened. Don’t be bitter because you can’t enjoy the wonders of cold pizza because of your super-secret diet plan of nuts and berries. Cold pizza is life. *shrugs* I can hold out for a little while longer though… I have a date with the Miss, and it’s going to be a yummy inner… so…
*bursts out laughing* Oh my goodness.... Talon... that's so... you're too funny! *smiles* Well, I really can... I just really shouldn't. This dress is tight enough as it is... any food and it might break! *giggles* Well it's not really a secret... and I'm pretty sure my trainers are not at all pleased with all the junk I've been eating, so yeah. *bounces and laughs* Really? Like a real date? Oh, my god! Talon... that's so great! So... what are you guys going to do?
I think I made enough of a fuss where I could just request my outfits at this point. *tries to hide a laugh* I just love how your Stylists make everything so jumbo for you. First crowns, then this.
*laughs* Of course you could... I, on the other hand... don't have any say. So I get really tall shoes... and really puffy, heavy dresses! And I also don't like to make a fuss. *smiles* That does seem to be a thing with my stylist... I don't understand it, I'm so little!
*giggles* No, Talon... you're totally fine. That is a long coat... buy my dress goes out really far too, so everyone... gets a chance to step on it. *notices the grumble* Hey, Talon... are you okay? I think... just eating cold pizza might not be so good for you.
It does, doesn't it? It's a weird feeling... I feel like I'm getting in people's way! It's really hard to maneuver... you're lucky you just have a suit!
a running tally of the people who have stepped on the back of my dress, and so far there's been a ton of people. I'm really not used to taking up so much space!
huh… yeah now that you mention it, as many times as i’ve seen the games, I don’t think any of them ever have. Wow, now i’m definitely feeling better that i didn’t… *laughs* what a terrible legacy to leave behind for the poor sap who does. Yeah but- *flails* okay. If you say so… *puppy smiles* you know, it’s really nice having someone to talk to about it. Sorry if it ever makes you feel awkward… feel free to stop me if you do. Apparently when i get going about it i won’t stop.
*giggles* Goodness.... I'm just so happy it wasn't me. I hope it never happens to anyone else either.... i'd feel so bad for them! *smiles* Just trust me! You're totally fine. *bounces slightly because otp* Well, good! I love hearing about it! No! Don't be silly... I won't ever need to stop you. Talk about it... as much as you want, I'm always here to listen!
Charm thought to herself as she nervously played with a strand of her hair. She’d completely disregarded her prep team’s instructions to not play with the blonde curls, because she really couldn’t help herself. It gave her something to focus on as she tried to think of escape plans.
They might still make me go out there…. and that definitely would screw things up. No passing out. Okay, new plan. There were only a few minutes until her interview was due to start, maybe even less. Charm wondered for the millionth time why it was her that had to go first. Really, anyone else would do a better job than her. Considering the end of strand of her hair, she reached the conclusion that there was no way out of this.
Exasperatedly, she tossed her hair aside and began to pace back and forth. In her nervous state, Charm had forgotten about her ridiculously tall shoes and the giant weight of her dress. She nearly toppled forward, but managed to regain her balance just in time. She really didn’t think she would never get used to moving in an outfit like this. Twirling in the dress had become easier, but walking was still an issue.
This, for her, was the hardest part of the whole process. The interview afforded her the greatest opportunity for failure. Everything she’d worked for, potentially, could come crashing down in a mere three minutes. She could almost see her high training score dissipating before her eyes.
Everyone had told her she’d be fine, but she knew something was bound to go wrong. In fact, everything that could go wrong probably would. She’d probably fall on her face in the shoes that were meant to make her look taller and thereby more intimidating, but would most likely end up make her look uncoordinated and ridiculous. She’d probably stutter and blush when Caesar asked a question. And the whole debacle would probably cost her sponsors. It made Charm want to scream just thinking about it.
All of a sudden, the opening music that signaled the start of the interviews began to play and Charm could feel her heart beating faster and her face getting flushed. She had to figure out a way to calm herself down, and fast. She could hear the roar of the crowd pounding loudly in her ears. Passing out might not be optional anymore… Charm thought to herself. Okay, just…. Go out there and do your best. Smile. Everything’s fine. You’re just talking… there’s no need to be nervous. Be honest, smile a lot, laugh a little and you’ll do fine.
Caesar’s opening remarks and jokes seemed to be coming to a close, and Charm took one last deep breath. Caesar Flickerman’s voice filled her head as he began to speak about her.
“I’m more than happy to be able to start the interviews of this year’s Games off with this little lady – One of the highest scorers in the private training,” Oh, good. Maybe all the people would remember from her interview was a girl with an excellent training score, and not a girl who tripped over her own feet. She could hear the audience’s reaction to the mention of her score, and she could only hope it was as positive as she thought. “And from what I’ve heard she has a smile as bright as all the jewels in District One! Welcome our first tribute of the evening, Charm come on out and say hello.”
He’s talking about you, silly. Get out there! Charm’s feet moved forward of their own accord, bringing her out into the bright lights and in front of thousands of people. It was all she could do to brightly smile, wave at the crowds of applauding people, and walk forward with some semblance of grace. She felt like a deer in headlights. Racking her brains for something to calm her down, she kept a smile on her face as she moved closer. Struck with a sudden idea, Charm gave a small twirl as she moved forward, her full skirt fanning out behind her and swishing around. She found that it did make her feel slightly better. Perfect. Twirling is good. Maybe I can work it into my interview somehow… she thought to herself as she finally reached where Caesar stood, the smile on her face one of genuine relief.
“Hi Caesar! It’s so wonderful to be here, thank you so much for having me!” Charm greeted Caesar with a bright smile as she said.
“The pleasure is all mine, my dear. Don’t you look amazing, that dress is beautiful! And so are you!” Caesar reached for her hand and kissed it, and then invited her to sit.
“Why, thank you Caesar!” Charm exclaimed as she delicately sat herself down in the chair, arranging the long back of her skirt around her and folding her hands in her lap. So far, so good.
“So we have to ask, how have you been enjoying your stay in the Capitol? The food, the people – even the other tributes, have they all been what you were expecting?” Okay, a fairly easy question. Charm barely even had to think about her response to this one.
“Oh, it’s been just lovely! Everyone here has been so very nice, all of the people in the Capitol especially! I’m very much enjoying it here.” It was an honest response, and she hoped it sounded that way. The happy crowd of Capitol people seemed to like it. She really had loved everything about being in the Capitol, and aside from the nervousness that accompanied the interview process; it had been a very happy and pleasant time.
“Well I’m sure we’re all pleased you’re enjoying our hospitality! Obviously making sure you’re happily paid off because of that very impressive score of 11 you received. Tell me, how did you feel when you saw that flash on screen? All those years of hard work, I can only imagine how happy you were!” Caesar replied.
Charm nodded and smiled as he spoke. Okay, training. This, she could talk about. She couldn’t help but smile at the reminder of her score, the way she had felt when she saw that number on the screen. The feeling of that eleven was impossible to describe, but she had to try.
“Oh, my goodness…. it was amazing. It was just the happiest, most wonderful feeling in the world. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it is to be here, and to see such a high training score next to my name… it’s everything I’ve ever really wanted, and I couldn’t be happier!” She smiled at the audience as she said the last part, hoping that her response had been satisfactory. It really was difficult to explain the feeling of accomplishment that seven hard years of training had culminated in. Thankfully, Caesar seemed to understand.
“She’s infectious, isn’t she?” he asked the crowd with a bright smile on his face. The crowd seemed just as pleased as Caesar, and Charm allowed herself to relax a little.
“Now, I have to ask and feel free to not share – but I think everyone wants to know. What’s your go-to weapon of choice? Swords? Archery? It’s got to be something impressive to pack the punch that got you that 11, and we’re dying to know Charm.” Oh, dear. The question was bound to come up sooner or later, and she’d wrestled with how to answer it. Everyone in District 1 knew of her preference, but she’d wondered whether or not to let all of Panem know. It could hurt her later in the Games. Thankfully, she had some idea of how to respond.
“Oh, it’s no trouble to share!” she replied with a light laugh. “I’m proficient with all weapons, and I do rather enjoy them all,” she said. This part of her answer would let everyone, including potential sponsors; know that she was lethal with any weapons they could throw at her. Continuing on with her answer, Charm smiled at Caesar as she said, “But my absolute favorite are knives. They’re wonderful! And that’s all I’ll say, I don’t want to give too much away!” There. Vague enough to leave some mystery, but confident enough to let everyone know that she shouldn’t be overlooked.
“There’s no secrets between friends and we’d all like to think we’re your friends here.” The audience seemed to like the idea of them being friends, too. “Knives? Interesting! And I bet you’re amazing with them, but we shan’t push. Now we have something to look forward to, you can just put on a show in the arena for us – I’m sure you won’t let us down! So with all your training, your high score and no doubt plans already thought out – do you think you can win?”
Is that even a question? Of course I can win this, it’s only what I’ve been aiming to do nonstop for half of my life. Charm’s immediate response to Caesar’s question very nearly slipped out of her mouth, but she was able to stop it just in time. It wouldn’t do her any good to say things like that, and she kept a bright smile on her face as she came up with a more appropriate response to Caesar’s arbitrary question.
“I certainly hope I won’t let you down, I wouldn’t want to disappoint my friends, after all!” Charm smiled at the audience, and the mention of them being friends made the audience applaud and cheer. They certainly were happy, and she couldn’t help but giggle slightly at their response. Turning her attention back to Caesar, Charm continued her response. “I’m very excited to go into the arena, Caesar, and I’m certainly going to do my very best to win. I’m very well trained for this, and I just can’t wait to begin the games!”
“Exactly what we wanted to hear isn’t that right?” Caesar asked the audience, and they responded with cheers and applause, affirming his statement. “You’ve already proved you’re not one to underestimate in the arena, you’ve been a complete delight in the Capitol – I think it’s safe to say you’re one of the favorites to win. How does that make you feel, to hear that? If you had to name a few tributes as competition, who would it be?” Not to be underestimated? That was something she hadn’t heard much before she’d come to the Capitol. She did rather like hearing that, in fact.
“Thank you very much, Caesar! That’s so kind of you to say. It’s truly amazing to hear, I’ve worked so hard to be here.” Charm let out a slight laugh at the mention of competition. “Competition? Well, there are a few tributes who have proven themselves here, as well. There’s definitely a few people to look out for, but I’m very confident!” She responded with a smile.
“Kind but true, and I’m sure the audience agrees wholeheartedly. Well so long as you’re confident and believe you can handle yourself in the arena, we have no reason to think any differently. Sadly our short time is coming to close but we can’t wait to see you in action in the arena, best of luck to you!” Charm smiled brightly at Caesar and the audience in turn, and it was all she could do to not collapse out of sheer relief right then and there. She’d done it! She wasn’t sure exactly how she’d been perceived just yet, but she hadn’t fallen over or stuttered, and her answers had made sense from what she could tell.
Charm stood with Caesar, waved and smiled to the vast audience one more time, and then started to walk away, adding a few happy twirls as she went, not ceasing her twirling even after she was far off the stage. She felt lighter right then in that dress that weighed as much as she did than she’d ever felt before, the pressure no longer resting on her shoulders.
Of course! I think if i tossed my cookies on stage, nothing i could ever do in the arena would ever be able to cover up the shame, and that’s how i’ll be remembered. The tribute that literally threw up his cookies. Living the dream. *shakes his head then smiles slightly* Yeah, i just… I almost spilled the secret… and i’m now thinking about how I’m really glad my interview ended when it did, you know?
*giggles* I think you'd be okay... I think people would be nice enough to understand! It's very nerve-wracking, I'm actually surprised no tribute ever has.... tossed their cookies. I almost did... but anyways. Oh... so that's it. I'm sure no one even realized! No one else knows... and you two have been really great about keeping it a secret... so I think you'll both be okay! There's no need to be worried about it.
Aww, but you look stunning… *nudges her playfully* so who cares if you can’t breathe right? *nods his head as she speaks* That’s great! I didn’t do any of those things either- well i mean i think i almost threw up… never mind. It ended up going pretty well for me i thought. You didn’t see it? Probably for the best. *thinks for a minute and smile drops slightly* Oh man…
*smiles and nudges him back* Well, thanks Talon. That's probably... exactly what my stylist was thinking. Well, great! But you didn't.... and that's all that counts, right? *laughs* At least I hope it counts for something.... I mean, honestly... we should just get credit for not running away from the stage. *concerned look* Talon? Are you okay? I'm sure you did really well... probably better than I did, anyways.
(laughs and smiles brightly* They’re flapping like crazy in there! *pats his stomach* The worst- Oh!! How’d yours go by the way? I didn’t get to see it, so you need to tell me about it!
*giggles* Mine too! They're very excited.... I think they're being squished by my dress, though... it's so tight! *smiles* Um... well I'm not entirely sure, but I didn't fall, I didn't stutter... and I didn't pass out, so I think it was okay! How about yours?
