chins up smiles on | Virga & Marik

[zhespy]

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V  I  R  G  A

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I should take what's rightful mine / a kingdom sized / as big as my hungry eyes

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The day had arrived, tentavilely Virga's hand floated across his various hand, face and body rejuvinating treatments that were situated pristinely around his lavish vanity mirror. His face bare, ready to be scultped and sealed for the chance to thrust himself into the spotlight.

He would be interviewing the victor of the 95th Hunger Games. 

An exclusive interview for his internet show which, at the moment, had a humble following. With this interview that following was sure not to be humble anymore there was no question about it, but what was he going to say? He had never interviewed anyone of such notoriety before, what if he says the wrong thing? Or better yet, what if he makes a fool of himself? All publicity is good plubicity. Anyway, he's still District after all. He straightened on his rouge stool as he craned his head forwar to get a clearer look at his face. A singular hair stuck out on his cheek. Out of place. Disgusting. His manicured nails curled their way to the intruder and ripped the parasite from it's burrow. 

He gently carressed his face before beginning to generously pile various creams and cleansers to make his face presentable as possible. Not for his subject of course but for the camera. He often caught himself staring in the viewfinder completely mistified at his own appearence, which became a problem for livestreams as long periods of silence would break up the flow of the content. A grin stretched across his face displaying his perfectly whitened teeth. Let's go darling. Don't want to keep the audience waiting. 

He left his apartment which he has taken the time to painstakingly design into some flashy, bright and obnoxious display of wealth. Just don't tell anyone that a lot of the furniture is second-hand and thrifted.  Vintage, my furniture is vintage. A stark representation of an old powerful Capitol that still flourishes today. He made his way to one of the offices that was adjacent to the building where the tributes would reside before they were shipped off into the games. Along the walk he stopped as he caught a glimpse of himself in a window's reflection. His signiture fuschia long jacket that had a blue wrap around the top of it that was in the shape of a glorious bird. Of course paired with similar pants, bedazzled shoes and accessories and a dressshirt with gold embroidery. 

Shaking his head back to reality he continued to the reception of the building. He carried a case of the equipment he would need to record this session. His hand gripped that handle for dear life his nails scratching into its hard exterior. The receiptionist finally pointed him to the conference room where he set up his equipment making minor adjustments everytime something felt even slightly out of place. He stopped when he was finally satisfied, but a twitch in his arm made him turn the microphone just a little to the left, before breifing out a sign and telling himself to leave it. He stepped back out of the room and waited.  What if he doesn't show up? What if he just lost the plot and continued to kill people even now? Well... I would want to be the person who caught it on camera. His hungry eyes shifted around the room, his nose flaring almost as if to sniff out the district person amongst the good working people of the Capitol. 

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Inspired by ELEGANT's designs

[First Post <3]

[Cato]

An interview. It's one of many. They should get old, but they don't, and each one becomes easier. Speaking in front of crowds has never been my forte, and seeing the crowds of people causes my stomach to twist. It's part of the game, and while I want to run away and pretend it never happened, I can't run away as it would put my family in danger, and I don't want to harm them in anyway. My family is my everything. They're the reason I fought through everything I went through. I just wish that I didn't have to do anything. I wish I could wake up and all of this be a dream. It was a nightmare, and now I'm expected to relive it over and over again. Everyone wants the story, the juicy details, and I don't want to share what happened. I don't want people to know about the lives I took. What's dead should remain dead, and I should be allowed to move on. I shouldn't have to do this, but I am a victor from district twelve, and everyone wants my story.

My escort team gives me a makeover, and it's the worst thing ever. Getting all dolled up for nothing is horrendous, yet I have no choice in the matter. If I say no, I risk losing so much, but I can't say yes. I can't let them know just how much I resent this, and it places me in this situation where I have to wear a mask and pretend that I am okay with this. I don't know what I'll say when I'm on the stage, but I've rehearsed my lines many times. I've been given the basics on how to do things. Each time something is said, I have to make sure that I'm doing what the Capitol desires, but even then, I'm just living a lie. I'm supposed to love this, love being a victor, love that I killed people, yet it's the worst feeling in the world. I have to face their families. I have to talk to them when I have no desire even speaking to them. Maybe I can offer my condolences. I'm sure they'll hate me for the rest of their lives, but it's a price I'm okay paying. I'm alive, and I can help my family survive.

They lead the way, and I follow behind them. It's easy to run away, to pretend like I'm not even here, but truth is, I agreed to do this on my own terms. I want my story known, and I want it known my own way. I just have to make sure it's in a way that's pleasing to the Capitol. The team knocks on a door and we're let inside, and then we're lead to a conference room. I'm sometimes known to run fashionably late, but maybe this time, I'm early or even on time. Not that it matters. We walk into the conference room, and I see everything set in place so neatly. Disorganized clutter is the way of life, and seeing it this way it challenging in many ways because I want nothing more than to make it look messy. Then I see him, and I walk over towards him. "Didn't know we'd have all of this." I hold out a hand offering a shake. "It's nice to meet you." Not sure of his name, but it doesn't matter. Pleasantries are needed, and the least I can do is offer them.

[zhespy]

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V  I  R  G  A

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I should take what's rightful mine / a kingdom sized / as big as my hungry eyes

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Virga’s cold gaze shifted purposefully over everyone as he wondered what he was going to ask the young man. He didn’t want to be too generic, asking about how his family might feel back at home or if he felt he made his district proud as if Virga could care less anyway. A sensitive topic perhaps, but what? It’s not like I know about his darkest secrets… unless. He thought back to the games, how the tributes maneuvered their way through obstacles, despair and each other. A tribute’s behaviour is a mirror into their soul. His mind swirled with memories of late nights watching and commentating on the games to his audience, I have to remember something, anything. He huffed in frustration before his eyes snapped to a figure approaching him, escort team closely beside them. He swiftly slid back into the room to check one last time that everything he had put down on the table was still where he left it.

And there he was, Marik, the victor. Emotions surged through Virga like wildfire as his eyes darted up and down the young man’s body. His chest was on fire with anticipation that was barely contained within the confines of Virga’s small frame. He took a deep silent breath as he watched the man step up to him and extend his hand in greeting. A wide smile grew across his face as he slowly met Marik’s hand with his own. He gripped it solidly but shook it gently. He lifted his head to meet the man’s eyes, “It’s quite a humble setup.” He let go of his hand as he continued smoothly his eyes never leaving Marik’s.

”It’s nice to meet you as well Marik. My name is Virga, and as I’m sure you’re well aware of by now, I will be interviewing you, podcast style. I’m not sure if you are familiar with that concept but you will sit at one microphone and the other with a simple two-camera setup.” As he finished he moved swiftly over to the two chairs that sat quite close together. “This will be no formal interview, my audience prefers the personal touch I have over some fake persona you get when interviewed on television. Enough to challenge them, but not enough to get us into too much hot water. A fine line.” Oh the irony, as if he didn’t idolise the consumerism and faux nature of television, but right now he wanted to seem as if he truly cared for this young man’s story. An exclusive is not exclusive if it's full of impersonal drabble.

He gently tapped the chair Marik would be seated in as he took his seat. He fiddled with the set-up a bit more to check if it was ready to go and recording. His eyes shot open as he jumped from his seat walking over to the far wall where water jugs and cups were placed. He poured two generous cups and carefully walked them back over and placed them on the table. “I find interviewing to be thirsty work,” he spoke with a dry chuckle before pressing some final buttons on his small tablet. He turned his head towards Marik his smile fading to a more natural state. “Whatever you want to say, here is the time and place to say it. Also, if you have something you wish to say before I hit record then now would be the best time for that.”

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Inspired by ELEGANT's designs

[Cato]

Not quite sure what to make of the setup, but this person seems eager to interview me. Never heard of a podcast though, so I'm definitely interested trying to figure out what exactly is going on. I look at both microphones and nod my head as he mentions what I need to do, and I don't know what I need to do when it comes to just talking. I'm good at being quiet, and I don't have anything to talk about. He'll have to pry it out of me. I look at my team hoping they'll help me out in some way, yet they just nudge me forward and tell me to just do this. I don't even have note cards this time, and I'm absolutely terrified I'll mess something up. I grudgingly move forward into the room, and I sit down beside the microphone, and I feel myself starting to clam up completely.

My heart is racing, and I can feel beads of sweat starting to form and drip down my forehead. I struggle to sit still, and I know that I'm going to mess up when I first start to speak. It makes me concerned for doing this, yet I have to keep trying to make it all look like I'm okay, but I'm not okay. I mean, I just survived the hunger games. I just made it out of that mess alive. What could they possibly want to hear from me? I'm not sharing those dark painful memories with anyone. Why? Why retraumatize myself? It's not worth it. "So is this going to be like a free form?" I realize this question has already been answered, and I've probably made myself look like an idiot. "Like I don't understand how this will work."

I sigh and look at the ground. "What should I do? What should I even talk about?" I feel myself starting to become a bit more frustrated, and it isn't his fault, but my team decided it's best that I do this, and I hate them for it. I don't even have any say in my own life anymore. I'm told what to wear. I can't wait to get back home and dress how I want to dress. "I'll be honest, I'm not going to just be able to speak about anything and everything. I'm going to need some sort of guidance." Hopefully he understands, and hopefully he gives me a chance as I raise my head and look around. Maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe it'll all work out. Maybe everything will be okay. "But I'm ready whenever you are." I guess. I don't know anymore. Have to try though.

[zhespy]

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V  I  R  G  A

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I should take what's rightful mine / a kingdom sized / as big as my hungry eyes

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Virga watched the form in front of him shift from a mystery to nervous and then to a frustrated wreck. His eyes widened in surprise with a lace of disgust that intertwined in his unwavering gaze. He already didn’t like the fact the escort staff were in the room with him but Marik’s behaviour was something he had never had to deal with. Virga reeled in his seat like a cat arching its back ready to spring into a fight. He then remembered that this boy was from another world, it must be quite shocking, everything that was going on around him. He relaxed his stance and reclined into his chair breathing deeply to calm himself. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a clean and neatly folded handkerchief. He held it out to him to assist with the sweat on his forehead.

“Take a breath Marik. I apologise, I should have known better then to just thrust you into this,” he sighed his eyes drifting around almost as if he was watching a mouse scurrying back and forth on the ground. “Yes, this will be freeform and able to edited after the fact so we are able to take as long as we need. It is not a live broadcast you will not be expected to preform for anyone, this is about you and however you want to reply to my questions is fine by me.” His eye twitched barely concealing the disgust and disdain that began to bubble back up within him. Why am I coddling you. You should be greatful that you got to live at all let alone continue to roam around in the Capitol. He breathed deeply again, calm down. If he even suspects you have any kind ulterior motive you really think he’ll say anything? He looked back up at Marik and gave him a small but friendly smile. “Think of this less like an interview and more of a conversation between two people. I can provide that guidance as we go Marik. When I hit record we can just chat about anything really, your name, age… favourite food?” Air escaped his nose in a very short laugh. “This is also a perfect opportunity for you to ask me something if you wanted as well. You know, just a conversation between friends of sorts only…” He trailed off in thought. Only they were not friends and even saying that word in the presence of District was enough to force him to re-swallow this mornings breakfast.

He dug his nails into his chair tightly before breathing deeply one more time. He turned his attention back to his tablet pressing a few more buttons. “I’m going to start the recording, like I said, I can edit anything we don’t want to be recorded out and…” He went to press play but a nagging feeling of eyes watching him halted his hand in its tracks. He glared up at the entourage Marik had, his eyes narrowed in obvious annoyance. “Do you have to be here? Can’t you wait outside or something? Correct me if I’m wrong Marik but I think it would be better for you to be able to speak openly without them breathing down your neck.”

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Inspired by ELEGANT's designs

[Cato]

I feel as though I said too much. There's a reason I'm a man of few words, and maybe that's why I am the way that I am. Maybe he's okay, though. Maybe he really wants to help, and right now, I don't know what to expect. Everyone living in the Capitol will never know what it's like, and quite frankly, it pisses me off. They'll never know starvation. They'll never know hypothermia. They'll never know heat stroke. Everyone here is spoiled, they're brats, they're dumb, and I want nothing to do with them anymore. I want them to go away and leave me alone, but that isn't an option, and I'm tired of my freedom being stripped away for the joys of people around me. I'm a human being, and I want to go home. Might as well get through this fast.

He talks about how it'll be us chatting. He talks about how it's simple, and maybe it's more than that. There's so much more to this than pretending to be some darling for the Capitol. I don't get it, and I'll never get it. I didn't ask to become a celebrity, but I'm grateful to be alive. In just a few days I'll be home. I'll be away from all of this and can stay out of the spotlight for a little while. That's what I want. I'm a shadow, and being in the sun is exhausting. It's tearing down my own mental wellbeing, yet o have to play the part so my family doesn't get hurt. I take a deep breath as silently as I can, and maybe this is my chance to let people think they know me and hide who I truly am. Nobody cares. Nobody deserves to know the real me, and it's annoying that they think they have that right. I simply nod my head so he thinks I'm somewhat paying attention.

"Alright, sounds good." I smile and try to look as friendly as possible, but in my mind I'm focusing on something completely different. I want him to think I'm willing, yet I'm fully prepared to lie. "You all can wait outside. It'll be done soon." I tell my team to wait for me as I don't want them in here alerting anyone that I may not be telling the entire truth. I told him what was wrong, and it seems that he doesn't care. I'm not putting everything about me in the spotlight, and he's a fool if he believes that to be true. "Sorry for panicking earlier. It's a lot to take in, but I'm slowly getting more used to it." My team shuts the door behind them, and I take another deep breath. Lying isn't easy, but I will do what I must to protect myself. "I'm ready to begin when you are." I hype myself up to play a part, but when this is over, I'm going to sleep and nobody will stop me.
Table By Dars

[zhespy]

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V  I  R  G  A

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I should take what's rightful mine / a kingdom sized / as big as my hungry eyes

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Virga's hand twitched in anticipation, his fingers cracking as they jerked sharply above the record button. He mentally prepared himself for the conversation that was to soon begin. Despite his outward appearence and penchant to be flamboyant and open he could never deny the anxiety that flared in his chest everytime he spoke with people. In the past he would bite his tongue and push through the clawing at his chest and the fear that came with looking terrified, with looking weak. No, he has to use that fear and turn it into excitement, a vibrant emotion that makes him tantilising and charming for his audience. 

His gaze slowly shifted towards Marik's entourage as they exited the room. Only blinking once the door had closed behind them. “Guidance? I never provided you any actual guidance didn't I?" He finally took pause to consider what Marik said to him earlier in the conversation. "We won't start delving into all of your dark and twisted secrets right off the bat. I will do an introduction to my podcast and then I will introduce you as a guest. All you need to do is say something like..." e tHe pauses to ponder what exactly would be a good introduction for the victor. "Something like 'Hi, it's a pleasure to be here to be on your show' or something along those lines, think about how when you were first introduced on screen as a tribute just make something up like you care," va small laugh escaped his tightly curled lips as he remembered watching years of tributes be struck with fear like a prey animal clamped in the paws of a predator. He could see through the fear the lies that formed in order to make a good impression, and that in itself is an impressive feat and one of the most important parts of the games themselves. "I don't want you to feel that I want you to spill your deepest and darkest secret to me, I don't think anyone would really care anyway. I want us to talk game! The game you won specifically of course." Like the tick of a clock his mind shifted as his thoughts aligned as one. Of course you idiot. What's the point of pulling out some specific battlemove where he looked into someones eyes a little too intently going to prove? That he has feelings? No one cares about feelings get your act together. We talk strategy on this podcast and that is what we set out to do.

He continued, "Specifically your strategy throughout the Hunger games. We will start with you fighting those mangled training dummies and work our way through the days until your final kill and victory which lead you here today. We may even watch the playback of it while we go through, just to provide an object we can focus on. Does that help provide a bit more guidance?" 

He prompted with a calmer smile and a curiously raised eyebrow. His hand relaxed as he rested his wrist onto the table. A play by play of the games, interesting enough on its own and perhaps I shall get to peer into his mind anyway. 

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Inspired by ELEGANT's designs