Waiting in the wings while Caesar began his introductions and crowd pleasing, Sapphire painted a smile upon her face and straightened out the pastel pink sequins of the floor length gown she wore. Soon enough however, Caesar was motioning towards the wings and calling her name. “The one and only Sapphire Giada! C’mon out and join us.” And so, Sapphire did just that, striding confidently onto the stage and returning the hug that Caesar offered.
“Thank you Caesar,” she smiled brightly, moving to sit as the man did the same.
“So, Sapphire,” Caesar began, sitting forward conspirytedly, “can you tell us how you received your training score? It was pretty impressive.”
Diamond gasped in mock shock, hand over her chest as she sat back a bit. “Now Caesar, I think that’s against the rules.” She chuckled. “All you all get to know if how great of a score I earned.”
Caesar nodded in agreement, rolling his eyes playfully as he too sat back in his chair, crossing one leg over another. “Fine fine, you are right, dear Sapphire. It never hurts to try though. Okay, how about this - alliances. Do you have any?”
Sapphire shook her head, “Nu-uh. I plan to go it on my own. Easier that way, especially with only twelve tributes out of the gate. We’re already half way there, thanks Madame President.”
“That is very true.” Caesar agreed. “So then, are you ready to go into the arena? Do you think you have what it takes to win?”
Now it was Sapphire that sat forward, elbows on her knees, very un ladylike. “Obviously I have what it takes. I’ve been training for this since I convinced my mother to let me attend the Academy. I’ve been ready for years.” And she felt as if she had been. Her mother may not have wanted to her to volunteer, but it’d always been Sapphire’s intent.
“Well, Sapphire… a little birdie has told me that you weren’t even supposed to volunteer. There was another person back in One who was supposed to volunteer. Is that correct?”
Sapphire’s smile fell off her face at Caesar’s words, a slight frown turning down the corners of her lips as she thought about that particular fact. “Your little birdie would be correct, Caesar. I wasn’t supposed to volunteer. But that wasn't because of my lack of skill or the academy, but because my mother has too much influence at the academy and she did not want me to volunteer.” She didn’t want anyone in the Capitol thinking she couldn’t do it. It already bothered her enough that her mother didn’t think she could.
Caesar seemed to take that in, letting out a sympathetic sound before continuing. “Well, if Diamond didn’t want you to volunteer, then why did you? Volunteer that is?”
“I volunteered because I know I am more than capable.” Sapphire huffed, irritation growing, “I want to prove that to my mother, that I can and I will do this. I am just as capable as she is and just as capable as Mrs. Santos and fucking Diana.”
Caesar blew a puff of air out, looking to the crowd with widened eyes. This was getting juicy and would sure be the topic of gossip in the coming days. “Alright, take a deep breath Sapphire. Take a deep breath and tell me - why should the sponsors fund you?”
Sapphire’s eyes narrowed. She did not care for being patronized. “Well, I did get the highest score in training and except for the kids from Two and Four, I have the training and skills to back myself. Besides that, many of the sponsors already know me and I them. It’s not like this is the first time that I’ve been to the Capitol. There’s also the fact my mother’s a Victor. We’ve had back to back victors before, but never had a legacy victory - and Trixanna doesn’t count. Her real mom wasn’t a victor.” She was beginning to be done with this conversation, ready to sulk off back stage.
“Well then ladies and gentlemen! We only have time for one more question for this lovely lady. Sapphire,” Caesar leaned forward once more, eyes on the teenager, “if you could say anything to someone back home what would you say and who would it be to?” He asked.
“I don’t know if this counts since she’s here in the Capitol and not back home, but to my mom. I just want her to know that she’s underestimated me and tried to keep me from doing what I wanted. I can and will prove you wrong and I will be a better victor too.” By the time the words were out of her mouth, she was already standing and Caesar was quick to follow, not wanting it to seem if she were fleeing.
“Sapphire Giada ladies and gents! Thank you for your time tonight dear girl, and may the odds be ever in your favor!”
Sapphire didn’t spare him any other words before she was quick to make her way off stage, already pulling bobby pins from her hair when she made it back to the wins.