100th Hunger Games

Chapter 7 ~ Interviews and Games part 2

Ok, this is not my best chapter. This one is sort of rushed and not as thorough if you know what I mean? probably not.. 

(Rose's POV) 

I remember one day, when Finnick and I were play fighting. He stole my art kit just to annoy me. I chased him around the house and cornered him in the sitting room. He suddenly dropped my art kit and lunged himself at me. We tackled each other onto the couch but Finnick being the 'big manly brother' just had to prove how strong he was by throwing me across the room. I landed on my back and winded myself. It felt like all of the air in my lungs was knocked out. I could barely breath.

This is how I feel right now. I can barely see with the spotlights radiating intense heat and light. My heartbeat is quickening with every passing second. A loud banging noise is coming from my head, muffling the cheering audience.

My mouth is suddenly dry and a lump has formed in my throat. Can't breathe, can't breathe, can't breath...

'Rose' I hear my dad whisper. My daze is suddenly cut short. His eyes dart to the left, and then back at me.

I suddenly notice Julius is staring at me, holding a microphone out to me. Great.... just great....

I look at dad pleadingly, hoping he can help me out of this situation. Nope. All he seems to do is raise his eyebrows and stare at me. Good job dad...

Everyone is quiet, and staring at me. Oh gosh. I think. The entire Panem is watching and here I am looking like a goon on live television.

Just as I am about to run off stage, Julius clears his throat and breaks the silence, much to my relief.

'Well... as I was saying, how are you enjoying Panem?'

After a few awkward moments, I finally realise Julius aimed that question at me.

Duh! Says that annoying voice inside my head that nobody even likes. You've never been to Panem, you're father has, so why would that question be meant for him?

Oh be quiet! I tell that annoying voice.

I hear a commotion of gasps and whispers coming from the audience.

'Excuse me?' asks Julius, obviously offended.

Oh no, I said that last part out loud. Oh Shitaki Mushrooms.

'No, that wasn't for you! That was meant for me!' I say, a little too quickly.

'Wait no, that sounded weird, hang on; I was telling myself to be quiet? No?' I start laughing – in a nervous way, not a funny way

'Rose, you're on live television!' My father whispers.

Oh gosh. Dad is standing in his place, like a soldier unknown of what he must do. Sounds about right. Julius is looking flustered and confused. The audience are either laughing or unsure of what's going on.

'What do I do?' I whisper to dad

'Run?' he offers

'I think I've embarrassed myself enough already'

'Yea ok, lets go'

And just like that, we are gone.

*~*~*~*~*

I don't come out of my room. Not until it's time for my private lesson with the Game Makers. They did things a little differently. Instead of having the interviews on the eve of the Games, they are having the private lessons.