Interview— Gloom, District 12
Gloom was not happy with her prep team at the moment. They were so old they had no idea what was going on, because nobody would take over their job— who would want it? Mostly the kids they got were already half-dead, malnourished and confused, and they had their work cut out for them. But this year, Gloom had hoped, perhaps they would be excited. After all, she was one of them. She knew what she was doing, wasn’t starved, was fully willing to cooperate. Unfortunately, though, the prep team seemed to be oblivious to the beautiful opportunity she presented. She had already gone into the opening ceremonies in another one of those dreadful costumes. She had pulled it off better than most could, but she had decided that for tomorrow’s interviews, she would have a decidedly larger hand in her appearance.
After all, Capitol people were trained from birth to respect authority, and authority was something Gloom had. Or at least, she could fake it. It was easy to be confident and demanding, and when she’d exercised this side of her personality, the stylists hadn’t been too grudging to go along with most of what she said. In stead of the rididculous black makeup smeared haphazardly around her eyes “like coal dust”, she arranged for an easy smoky makeup to match with the dress she wore. It was elegant and long, the plain black material reaching nearly to her ankles, though there was a long slit in it that went dangerously high on her thigh, because modesty was obviously not an issue for these Capitol folk— not that Gloom was complaining, really. A thin, see-through material adorned her decolletage and arms, and her hair had been done neatly enough in a simple updo. After one final look in the mirror, she gave her stylists fake cheerful kisses and got out there.
It hadn’t been hard to decide on a tactic for the interview. Effy had been delighted with Gloom’s manners and tact, and Haymitch and she had no trouble deciding that confident and refined was a good approach for the interview; it was what came naturally. And so the day began, with a whizzing of compliments, of cameras, of competitors and of clandestine sneers. She paid close attention to the others’ interviews, observing carefully to make sure that her style did not too closely emulate any others’. She had the advantage of being second to last to be interviewed, but the time flew by faster than she expected. Somehow along the way, she found herself sitting in a chair beside Caesar Flickman, smiling broadly and beginning with a bit of clever banter.
It wasn’t long, though, before he got down to the questions. It was obvious that people were interested in her, and she knew that she had to have at least garnered some favor, both for her scores and for the rumors about where she had been born. So it wasn’t a surprise that the first real question out of Caesar’s mouth was “So I heard you’re originally from the capitol, do you miss it?”
She was ready for this, of course; it was a big selling point on potential Capitol sponsors for her to be one of them, a gracious angel from the Capitol who somehow ended up in the bowels of Panem. She smiled, this time giving the appearance of being far-away and distracted. She even added in a little sigh. “Oh, I missed it dreadfully. Every day I would hope that somehow be able to get on another train back here. The Capitol was always home for me, I think; as I got older, it seemed more and more like some sort of a far-off fairy tale. But now that I’m back it’s almost like a dream come true. It’s really all as beautiful as I remembered it.”
The audience obviously approved, and so did Caesar it seemed. Conversation quickly turned to the District she had been calling home for the past few years. He asked about how life was different in District 12. She took on a look that seemed a bit more serious than the lighthearted banter of a few minutes ago. “I can tell you, it’s an entirely different world. Back in District 12, you work for every single thing you have, every single day. Everybody is incredibly tough and they’ve really taught me a lot. About life and death, and most importantly, about how to survive.” She gave a broad smile, and could practically feel the hearts of the Capitol people going out to her.
And finally an important question. It seemed Caesar knew exactly what she wanted him to ask, because quickly he turned it over to her training score and her skills. Was she confident in her abilities? She gave a cheeky, almost cocky smile that really didn’t require any elaboration. Still, she expounded. “You know what, I am. I believe I’ve had the best of both worlds; I was born here and learned to be refined, to use my head and my manners. And District 12 taught me how to be strong and tough, even how to go hungry. I think I’ve had the sort of opportunities that not many people get and that makes me unique.” She begins to speak faster, realizing her time is nearly out. “So don’t count me out.” She looked to the audience and they cheered uproariously as the time for that question sounded.
It seemed that the time overall was running out quickly, though, and Caesar was wrapping it up. “So Gloom, it was wonderful getting to know you better. But before we end this interview, is there anything you’d like to say to the people back home?”
She thought about it for a moment, aware of the time. There were many things she’d like to say to the people at home, most of them not quite appropriate for the cameras. But easily, she gave her now-trademark smirk, looking directly into the nearest camera. The audience held their collective breath, hanging on her last answer as the clock ticked down. She made them wait for it theatrically for just a moment until finally she spoke.
“See you all soon.”
Hey, everyone.
I’m from District 9. I have to say, you have a pretty interesting name. Who did you come with?
Oh, 9. I talked briefly to the female tribute from your district. You guys are a friendly lot, huh?
His name is Teo, that’s all I know really. We haven’t talked yet. How do you like er… Flora, right? She seems like a regular bundle of sunshine.
Hey, everyone.
I guess I’m used to everyone from home knowing my name… sorry, my name is Cai.
Gloom, District 12. And where are you from?
(Source: district9cai, via district9cai)
Mmmmm…
Wow, sounds awfully luxurious! The next Capitol, even.
Hah. Yeah, I think I overheard our Capitol escort talking about how she looks forward to the visit every single year. Obviously we look forward to it too, she’s just a joy.
(Source: gloomdistrict12, via dash-district10-deactivated2012)
Mmmmm…
Spend the first fourteen years of life learning the history of Panem followed by everything there is to know about cattle. Then we get apprenticed into all sorts of different jobs, depending on what our teachers recommend us for. Once we turn sixteen, we get employed into our real occupations. I, for instance, look at different fertilizers and their effects on the cows to determine which enzymes and vitamins to put in the food that will make for better, and healthier, food for Panem.
Awesome, right?
Just awesome. If you were curious, 12 is just as glamorous as you’ve probably imagined. You come in choking on soot and go out the same way. If you’re lucky.
(Source: gloomdistrict12, via dash-district10-deactivated2012)
Looks like I haven’t met a few people. Hello!
Flora. From District 9. And you?
Gloom. District 12. It’s a pleasure, Flora, I’m sure.
Mmmmm…
So fortunate.
Gloom? Fitting name. This place unnerves me. There’s too much going on, it’s too chaotic. Although, the gadgets are unfathomably nicer than the ones back home. And yes, better than chasing cattle. Although personally, I don’t do any of that.
Really? I relish it all. What do you guys do in your District 10, then?
(Source: gloomdistrict12, via dash-district10-deactivated2012)
