Wellerman [Nerida Interview]

m a r s h a

Call me a sucker for drama but I lived for the elections in the districts. Sure, they may not have had any real power, but they were far more interesting than the sniping that took place when it came to the high council. And no one ever actually ran against Snow, so it’s not like we were ever treated to anything more than that crusty face plastered all over television when the ‘election’ rolled around.

No, out in the districts people fought for scraps and hoped to inspire. As someone who grew up on the other side of the tracks in the capitol, I can almost respect someone making something out of nothing. And it might’ve been eleven rubbing off on me after all. That little man they’d had in charge was hard to dislike, kind and cute as he was. They could have done a lot worse for themselves in finding someone to lead – or interested in leading, rather than just power.

In the off months between styling for the games, I went back to hosting my top rated, syndicated show – Marsha! – brought to you by ZeusTV, of course. They’d put me up in beach bungalow and trotted me out to see who was running to rule their district. And here I was, my dress dotted with sequined sunflowers, microphone in hand, sitting on one of two sofa chairs with the ocean and sun at my back. Behind the cameras, the studio audience was projected by hologram – thanks to Nervalink tech – already clapping at the start of the show.

“Hello and welcome – coming to you live from sunny district four, it’s me, Marsha!” I turned to face camera three with my best Cheshire cat grin. “Have we got a show for you today. Exploring the way the people of four live! And you’re not going to want to miss our parade of career trainers swimsuit show-off later on in the show! I promise they’re worth the wait.”

I let out a little laugh and twisted the mic in my hand.

“But first I have a real treat. I’m joined by Nerida Summers who’s running for Mayor of District Four. Now Nerida, let’s get into it!” I turned to face her chair and gave a grin. “Mother of a winner, hoping to be a winner herself. Tell me, why on earth would you want to bring your gorgeous self into the ugly world of politics?”