Swinging From The Branches ~ Lexyon Perti

Television

The dress was confining. It was also big, extremely big. The tan mesh had to be at least a dozen layers thick and splurged a foot away from my body in each direction. The only part not completely ridiculous was the bodice, which was a brown-gold that Xander called 'champagne'. It was adorned with embroidery that resembled leaves and branches in the same champagne color. The dress was also strapless, completely ridiculous considering the weight of it.

I objected to all forms of jewelry from my stylists, insisting the dress was enough of a statement. Everyone would know me as the girl swallowed by her dress. My brunette hair had been pinned up in a bun as well and makeup had been applied to my face. Now I waited in a room full of people I really should have made friends with, but didn't. Names were called, one by one, my attention focused on the television screens on the wall until my name had been called.

My three stylists waited backstage with me, fixing every little thing they found wrong with my appearance until Zane Jekyll, the host with the most, called for me.

"Oh look at this, how lovely are you Miss Perti. May I just say you look very pretty." The pun was not lost on me, neither the audience as they graciously laughed along with the host. I stood there feeling awkward as I was instructed to sit down in a chair that wouldn't be able to contain my dress. What were they thinking?

"So, Lexyon. The Capital can be a bit, exquisite for tributes. What did you think upon seeing it in person." Zane's first question struck me, an icebreaker to cool my nerves.

"Well, it is extravagant. I can say that there is always more than enough to eat here. I also enjoyed the tour my escort, Xander gave us when we arrived here." I replied, not really knowing exactly what I was saying.

"Oh a tour, how lovely! What exactly did you see?" 

"Well, Zane I must say that the tour was so grand I can't remember much of anything. I do remember the flashy colors though. Back in district seven it is mostly brown and green you see." I answered again, earning a laugh rom the audience though I wasn't sure what I said that was funny.

"Quite, we enjoy being different here. Don't we ladies and gentlemen!" Zane played to the audience, earning a raucous response from them. "Speaking of home Lexyon, is there a certain sweetheart waiting for your safe arrival back at district seven?" 

Unprepared for such a question, I unconsciously laughed. "No, no Zane. No one would want a clumsy cripple like me." I stated, catching myself as well as the audience off guard. I then fell completely silent as the room took on an air of awkwardness.

"Surely you are not serious, Lexyon. You do not even look handicap."

"Oh but I am Zane. Compared to others back home, my arm is nothing but a little screwed up. It truly is a sight to see; everyone still works back home and it doesn't matter what happened to you, people even get together to help each other in the building where most of us worked." My honesty earned an 'awe' from the audience, sympathy and surprise at my district's resolve to help one another.

"So then Lexyon, I think it appropriate to ask this next question. With your circumstances, is there anything or anyone you are most worried about?"

"I suppose this can only be expected, but frankly I am worried about the careers I mean, who wouldn't be. I am easy prey for anyone in this game; therefore, I am worried about everyone."

"Even your own district partner, Marshall?"

I stopped momentarily before replying, a little unsure, "Yes, even Marshall."

Zane took a moment to collect himself as he flipped through another card, looking up at me, "Surely you aren't all weak. What are your strengths, Lexyon? What edge do you have against the other tributes?" He said, smiling. I fluffed down my dress to no avail, realizing something.

"I am quite small, even this dress is nearly drowning me. So I can hide quite easily amongst the other tributes." I say, smiling. The audience once again laughed with me, even Zane was smiling, commenting about the size of my dress. "I also am quite fast, and can still use one arm so that has to count for something, right?"

"In these games, Miss Perti, everything counts for something." Zane smiled at me. "One last question, if you survive, do you think the hunger games will change you. If so why?"

I studied my dress once again, recalling everything I have seen on the small TV at my house. A moment later, I reply. "No, only because I feel that I have lived the games overtime I watch them from my home. Everytime I see my district's tributes rise into the games and overtime I see them cut down I feel a part of me is changed because, these were people I may or may not have know, but grew up with, worked with, and learned with. Seeing Johanna make it out alive was a blessing to us. She gave us hope that District Seven could have a victor!" I say, my voice growing ore powerful throughout my speech.

"Is there anything else you wish to say? You may say it now." Zane quietly interrupts.

"Yes. To my family, friends, and strangers back home. I will fight for you, en if it is not much. I will give everything to show the world that District Seven is a district with fight! To my mom, my dad, and my brothers. I love you all very much, stay safe and watch for me out there." I smile to the camera and a moment of silence envelopes the room before Zane rises from his chair, offering me his hand. As I rise he announces me to the crowd one last time and I get applause throughout the room.

"Miss Lexyon Perti, everyone!" With that, I am cued to exit the stage, giving a final wave to the world as I do. 

This is my goodbye.