Look at me

A few minutes later, the rest of the District 12 team gathered in the elevator. Jacob looked at Katniss alongside Cinna, with her stunning dress, and smiled. She truly shone.

Her attire was very similar to Jacob's, as if it were a matching set that would perfectly shine when they were together. Haymitch and Effie had also dressed up for the occasion. Jacob had listened attentively to Haymitch's advice, as he was his mentor, and he accepted Effie's compliments.

"Thank you, Haymitch. I really appreciate it," Jacob said, looking Haymitch in the eyes and expressing his gratitude for all his attention. Haymitch simply patted him on the back, which Jacob accepted with a smile.

At the same time, the elevator doors opened, and Jacob, accompanied by Katniss, saw the other tributes lining up to go on stage. The twenty-four of us sat in a large arc during the interviews. Jacob would be second to last, as the girl always preceded the boy from their district.

In a moment of silence as the tributes passed, Jacob looked at Katniss and said, "You look beautiful, and I know you'll do well. In the end, all this nonsense doesn't matter much in the stadium arena..."

"I'm sorry... My attitude these past few days hasn't been right, but I can't handle this pressure..." Katniss was honest with Jacob at one point.

But Jacob no longer wanted to dwell on that. It wasn't important, and in his eyes, Katniss was paying too much attention to something that wasn't really worth it. "It's boring, isn't it? Listening to everyone talk a day before we kill each other. This is truly incredible..."

Haymitch, who overheard what Jacob was saying, almost kicked him but restrained himself and simply approached them. "Stop talking about things that may limit you later. It's not worth it. He has a plan, so follow it. You know what I mean."

"You'll turn green with envy, Haymitch. Relax, we've got this," Jacob said, sitting across from Katniss.

"We'll do fine," Katniss smiled slightly.

...

Night fell slowly around them, and the City Circle was more illuminated than on a summer day. They had built elevated stands for prestigious guests, with the stylists placed in the front row. The cameras would turn to them when the crowd reacted to their work.

There was also a large balcony reserved for the Watchers, and television crews had taken almost all the other balconies. However, the City Circle and the avenues leading to it were completely crowded with people, all standing.

In homes and town halls across the country, all the televisions were turned on. All the citizens of Panem were watching. There would be no blackouts tonight.

Caesar Flickerman, the man in charge of the interviews for over forty years, stepped onto the stage. He had his own charm, but in the eyes of others, he was intimidating because his appearance hadn't changed in all that time: the same face under a layer of pure white makeup, the same hairstyle, although he dyed it a different color every year, and the same ceremonial suit, navy blue speckled with thousands of tiny sparkling lights like stars.

In the Capitol, they had surgeons who made people look younger and thinner, while in District 12, looking old was a kind of achievement since many died young. If you saw an elderly person, you felt like congratulating them on their longevity, asking them the secret to survival.

Everyone envied the plump ones because their appearance meant they hadn't had trouble getting enough to eat, unlike most districts that struggled to have something to eat every day. Here it was different: wrinkles were not desirable, and a round belly was not a symbol of success.

This year, Caesar had blue hair, and his eyelids and lips were painted in the same shade. He looked strange, although he wasn't as frightening as last year when Jacob had watched the games. The year before, Caesar's appearance was scarlet, giving the impression that he was bleeding.

The host told some jokes to entertain the audience and then got down to business.

The girl from District 1 stepped onto the center of the stage in a provocative, transparent golden dress and joined Caesar for the interview.

It was clear that her mentor had no problem choosing her approach: with her beautiful blonde hair, emerald green eyes, tall and slender figure..., she was sexy no matter how you looked at her.

The interviews last for three minutes, after which a buzz sounds and the next tribute takes the stage. It must be acknowledged that Caesar does everything possible to make the tributes shine; he's pleasant, tries to calm the nervous ones, laughs at silly jokes, and can turn a weak response into something memorable just with his reaction.

Jacob kept his eyes closed; this brief moment reminded him of the waits between the trials where he had to go to prison until the next trial.

Everyone has their focus: the monstrous boy from District 2 is a relentless killing machine; the sly-faced girl from District 5 is malicious and elusive, like a weasel.

District 8, 9, and then the tenth one arrived.

The limping boy from District 10 is very quiet.

Then came District 11, Rue, with a chiffon dress and wings, fluttering towards Caesar, and the crowd fell silent upon seeing the girl, who appeared like a breath of magical air.

The host treats her gently and praises the seven she scored in training, a very high score for someone so small. When asked what her strength in the arena will be, she doesn't hesitate: "Hard to catch me! And if they can't catch me, they can't kill me, so don't count me out so quickly."

The boy from District 11, Thresh, has the same dark skin as Rue, but that's where the resemblance ends. He's one of the giants, almost two meters tall, and has the build of an ox, although he has rejected the invitations of the career tributes to join them. He preferred to stay alone, not talking to anyone and showing little interest in training. Still, he managed to score a ten, and it's not hard to imagine what impressed the Gamemakers. He ignores Caesar's attempts to joke with him and responds with a yes or no, or simply doesn't say anything.

"Well, our allies are special." Jacob whispered a little joke behind Katniss. "Good luck, Katniss..."

By the time it was Katniss's turn, she went after saying goodbye to Jacob. There was a lot to highlight for her presentation. Her beautiful dress, her clumsy but attention-grabbing remarks, it was all exceptional. She focused on her story and touched very little on the relationship she had, which was obvious.

But now, as her turn approaches, she will have a lot to say when she takes the stage. Three to four minutes passed quickly, and just as Jacob was starting to relax, his turn arrived.

"Well, here we go, Jacob..."

...

Caesar Flickerman, with his characteristic radiant smile, eagerly awaited on the stage as the audience roared with excitement. It was Jacob's interview moment, the most anticipated tribute of the night, and there was great expectation in the air.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for! It's a pleasure to present Jacob, the tribute from District 12!" Caesar announced enthusiastically as the crowd applauded and cheered, eager to learn more about this mysterious and powerful young man.

The doors opened slowly, and Jacob made his confident entrance. His black and silver suit highlighted his imposing appearance as he walked elegantly towards the couch where Caesar awaited him, not without bowing to the audience, which caused a wave of applause and emotional cheers.

Caesar extended his hand to greet Jacob, and a look of complicity passed between them. "Jacob, you are the sensation of the night. The Gamemakers have awarded you the highest score, and everyone wants to know what you have to offer. How does it feel to be one of the most anticipated tributes?"

Jacob modestly smiled and nodded in gratitude. "It's an honor to be here, Caesar. I am overwhelmed by the support and attention I have received since arriving in the Capitol. It's a confidence boost to know that they have recognized my abilities and potential to win these games."

Caesar nodded, intrigued. "So, Jacob, let's talk a bit more about you. Tell me, what about your family? Do you have siblings, parents?"

Jacob let out an almost imperceptible sigh before answering with a soft voice that showed his vulnerability: "Unfortunately, I don't have a traditional family. I've had to fend for myself for much of my life. But that has only strengthened my determination and will to survive."

The audience momentarily fell silent, captivated by Jacob's story. Seizing the moment, Caesar continued, "So, what is your motivation for participating in the Hunger Games? We're all intrigued as to why you volunteered as a tribute, knowing that this is not common in District 12."

Jacob reclined on the sofa and gazed fixedly at the audience. "My motivation, Caesar, is an emotional connection, something that descends from love. Long before volunteering as a tribute, my days were lonely and deeply depressing. But when I witnessed someone volunteering to protect their family, something within me ignited, and I recognized the value of family."

Everyone's eyes gleamed with excitement; they knew who he was referring to, and it had been a topic of discussion since the tributes arrived in the Capitol.

With the attention he desired, Jacob spoke with a voice filled with longing, "I immediately formed a bond of protection and admiration for that person, which compelled me to volunteer."

"During my time in the training, we both knew that we were special to each other. We touched each other's hearts deeply and electrically. And she, who is surely watching me right now, is someone I am willing to protect and, if necessary, sacrifice everything for."

The audience leaned forward, eager to know more. Caesar smiled, knowing he had a compelling story in his hands. "So, Jacob, tell us more about this emotional and mutual love. Who is that special person in your life?"

Jacob looked at Caesar with a mix of determination and affection. "That special person is Katniss, the tribute from District 12. From the moment I met her, her bravery and determination have captivated me. We have formed a unique connection in these games, a connection that transcends circumstances and gives us the strength to face any challenge."

The audience was left speechless, absorbed in Jacob and Katniss' love story. Caesar, being the experienced master of ceremonies, leaned forward, capturing every word.

"Jacob, that is truly moving. But we must remember that the Hunger Games are a deadly challenge. Are you willing to risk your life for this love?" Caesar asked, attempting to delve into Jacob's true motivation.

Jacob nodded solemnly. "Caesar, in these games, we are all willing to risk our lives. But this love gives us a stronger reason to fight, to survive. Katniss and I will support each other, protect each other. No matter what happens, I am willing to give everything for her."

The audience erupted in applause and cheers, thrilled by Jacob's passion and commitment. Caesar, impressed, stood up and applauded as well. "Jacob, you have captivated everyone with your story. You are a brave and determined tribute. You have shown everyone that love can be a powerful force even in the darkest moments."

Jacob smiled, grateful for the support. "Thank you, Caesar. I am here to fight and to honor all those who have placed their trust in me. I am proud to represent District 12, and I will do everything in my power to win these games and demonstrate that love and determination can triumph."

The audience burst into applause once again, filled with admiration and anticipation for what was to come. Jacob stood up, looked at the audience with determination, and bid farewell to Caesar. He left the stage, ready to face the upcoming challenges, convinced that his love and determination would lead him to victory in the Hunger Games.