|| Tragic Heroes ~ Juniper’s Interview ||

Instructions

[] ——— [ + ] ——— [] This was it. This was finally, finally, it. The moment she’d been waiting for. The parade had gone… well, it had gone well at first, up until the very end, and she’d skipped the Gamemaker’s for fear of a similar situation — but when it came to the interviews, this was Juniper’s time to shine. She was sure of it. ——— The eyes of a thousand judgemental pigs seemed to rest across her shoulders, as the fifteen year old tribute walked onto the stage. It was amazing. The dress was perfect — elegant gold, silky and smooth, with a wreath of flowers crawling up her neck, interspersed with clusters of varied cabochons. Of course it had to be. She had to represent, and do it well. Juniper had already listened in on the trainwreck that was Koda’s. Waving as she went, blowing kisses to the crowd, Juniper settled herself into the seat. “Welcome, Juniper Flint of District 1!” Those words, that introduction, was enough to send her spirits soaring. Juniper smiled brightly. Sundew shifted positions, shuffling the cards caught between her paws. “Now, I’ve got to ask — why did you forego your Gamemaker’s? Interesting choice, seeing as it’s the best opportunity to showcase your skills. Won’t that lose you sponsors?” Oh boy. Right out of the gate with that one, though she’d seen it coming — still, it wasn’t a question she was raging to answer. Luckily she’d been planning this for quite a while. “The Gamemaker’s? Oh absolutely it will, but those who value strategy will understand. I can’t make myself too well-known now, can I? I can’t give away my secrets, you know. Gotta keep my cards close to my chest, keep the people guessing. I’d rather be underestimated and lose a few sponsors than overestimated and let people down,” she answered, chuckling lightly, with a cocky, friendly, and teasing air she’d mastered long ago. And… well, she supposed it was true. Even if that reasoning had been an afterthought. Sundew nodded slightly. “Hm. Alright then, well, uh… I’ve heard, and forgive me if I’m wrong, that you were part of a gang? The Cabochons, correct?” The words came with a hint of malicious intent, though Juni brushed it off. She knew the procedure. She could talk about them, yes, but details? Say too much, and danger would abound. Not that she’d ever cared for safety. “And? Where, pray tell, did you hear that?” “I think that’s besides the point. The question is—“ Juniper rolled her eyes. “I know what the question is. I’m not saying you’re wrong. In fact, I’ll tell you now — training in the Cabochons has given me a better upper hand than anything. Career training? Dumb. Worthless. Not to give away too much, but darling… you’re in for a ride. I mean hey, even so. This isn’t about some gang off in the Districts, this is about the arena. The tributes. Family, even! Whatever goes on outside these walls is irrelevant, when you’re facing your fate at the hands of a friend.” As she spoke, she tried, hard, to ignore the feeling of something creeping up her paw. What was it Sundew had mentioned? Mutant plants? That was just about the last thing she needed. Lightly shaking away the vine that had accosted her, Juniper’s brow furrowed upon seeing a… thing. It was a venus fly trap in every sense of the word, other than the fact that it had large, round, eyes, and stared at her with look of a toddler waiting for attention. She remembered it from the announcement. Steve, perhaps? Sundew continued before Juniper could speak. “You mentioned family. Is it true that—“ “Look, I’m sorry to interrupt, but can we talk about this for a minute?” She asked, motioning to the creature. The interviewer chuckled, though Juni could see she was testing his patience. “I see you’ve found Stuart. Don’t worry, he’s friendly — most of the time.” “Right. Stuart. Well, buddy, you’d better believe you’re looking in the face of greatness,” the tabby joked, smirking at the living plant, but not hazarding to get too close. The other cat let out a sigh, casting a side-eyed glance at the clock. “Mm, that’s wonderful. Now, seeing as we’re almost out of time, there’s just a few more questions I’d like to ask! Earlier, you mentioned family.” She nodded. Was this finally the question for which she’d been waiting? The chance to spill her tragic story, defend herself with a wall of sympathy? Of course, part of it felt disingenuous. It was the truth, though, even if she was using it for clout; anything for the audience, right? “Am I correct in thinking much of them were reaped as well?” They continued, and Juniper let her face fall in a tragic display. The tribute nodded. She let out another laugh, though this one was different — hollow, nostalgic, burdened with the threat of false tears. “…Yes, that’s right. My older brother, Dakoda. My younger sibling, Sunny. My twin, Porpoise. And even Santiago, though he may not be a part of the family… he’s just as good as one anyways.” A faltering smile played upon her lips, forlorn and distant. ++