Jethro's Interview [D12M]

The waiting in my room is the most challenging part, being cooped up in a room with no windows. I don't care how nice the room is decorated or how unbearably soft the bed is; I need fresh air. I was lucky to get some on the train, but now that we're here, in the Capitol, there's nothing. It is nice to be alone, though, no longer crowded in the deep mines. I can still hear the echoes of the pick axes clanging against the ores, the harsh clink of metal against metal. I wish I could listen to the sounds of the forest, the way the breeze rustles the leaves, the various chirps of the birds, and the soft thumping of the woodpeckers. Even a growl from a predator would be a welcome reprieve from this silence, where the echoes can replay themselves freely.

It's only one night, I remind myself as I pace back and forth in the big prison I'm contained in. I'm still walking when I hear a knock on my door, and two armed guards stand in the now open doorway. They don't speak, but the message is clear, follow them, so I do that. I don't know where they are taking me; maybe they're doing the Games at night this year. But I'm not that lucky. Instead, I'm taken to a stage, taunted by an imitation of the Capitol skyline; the chairs look too soft for comfort. A man stands from one as I am unceremoniously ushered onto the stage, greeted by more deafening silence. I shake his hand because my daddy at least taught me some manners before we take our respective seats.

"It looks to me like you come from a long line of coal miners. Is that your plan as well?" he asks, almost genuinely. I'm more shocked that they were able to learn about my family in such a short amount of time. Granted it is the Capitol, but I still remember how fast they got the information across during the war. I thought it was magic, but I only started school during those times.

"Well, it's definitely my daddy's plan for me," I reply as I give a soft chuckle, unsure of what they're looking for from me. "If I were honest, I wish they had a school for treating animals back home so that maybe I can take care of the pets we have in District 12. We don't have much, but we make do with what we have. I just wish I could do more for them." I awkwardly chuckle again as I scratch the back of my head and turn away from the man in front of me. That is when I notice the light reflecting back at me from the eyes of people I didn't see in the darkness when I first walked onto whatever stage we are on.

That is definitely an admirable goal. the man before me replies before asking his next question.

You mentioned your father, would you say you were close with your father? How does he feel about all of that?" he asks as he leans on the side of his chair. I can't help but notice the use of were, as if my relationship with him is over. But it kind of is, isn't it? I've never watched the Games, but I understand what it is, that only one of us gets to live. In a way, everything about my life in 12 is over.

"Well, he knows I've always been a rambunctious child, always playing with the animals and provoking them when I shouldn't. He's at least happy that I'm not getting me into too much-unneeded trouble, only coming home with a few scratches every now and then. We are close, though." Not realizing that I went back to are. Like my life is still continuing.

"You certainly look like you'd be able to handle yourself in a fight. You try to stay active?"
"Well, as my daddy always says, 'mining is not only good for the District but good for the body too.' I guess he was right about that. Playing with the animals around the District keeps me active as well. You gotta be pretty fit to chase a cat that doesn't want its bath." I state with a surprisingly genuine laugh. I even get the man in front of me to chuckle as well.

Yeah, that definitely would do it. Just one last question for you, and pardon my forwardness, but I wonder: Are you willing to do anything it takes to survive?" he asks as he leans forward in his seat, his eyes bearing on me. I shift uncomfortably in my seat but answer as honestly as possible.

"Yeah, as much as I don't like the mines, it's my home, and I want to be back there. Even if it means doing anything it takes." His eyes still looking at me as if they're analyzing me.

Well, thank you so much for your time. Do you have any parting words for us?" he states as he stands up. I follow suit, and shake his hand one more time.

"Thank you so much for your time. I hope to see you again."