The Interviews
In the heart of the woods, where the dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, Remus Lupin found solace. The familiar spot, where he and Sirius often retreated to escape the looming spectre of the Hunger Games, offered a brief respite from the reality that awaited them.
As Remus absorbed the quietude of the woods, a sudden rustle of leaves disrupted his contemplation. Turning towards the sound, he saw James Potter emerging from the foliage, his breath slightly laboured from the brisk run.
"Remus, there you are!" James panted, coming to a stop in front of him. "The interviews are about to start. We need to head back."
Remus regarded James with a sombre expression, the weight of their impending fate casting a shadow over the tranquillity of the woods. "Already?" he murmured, the gravity of the situation evident in his eyes.
James nodded solemnly, understanding the unspoken turmoil that Remus carried within. "Yeah, mate. It's time," he said, placing a reassuring hand on Remus's shoulder.
In the dimly lit living room of their home in District 12, Remus Lupin sat alongside James Potter and Peter Pettigrew. The atmosphere was tense as they awaited the commencement of the dreaded Hunger Games interviews. The flickering light of the television cast shadows on their faces, emphasising the gravity of the situation.
The room fell silent as the announcer's voice echoed through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, your Queen of Ceremonies, Rita Skeeter!"
A shiver ran down Remus's spine as the vivacious voice of Rita Skeeter filled the room. The anticipation hung in the air as they listened to the echoing cheers from the Capitol audience, a stark contrast to the sombre mood in the humble District 12 dwelling.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Rita's voice boomed from the television, and Remus exchanged a knowing glance with James and Peter. The cruel spectacle was about to unfold, and there was no escaping the harsh reality of the Hunger Games.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome, to the 74th annual Hunger Games!" Rita's enthusiastic greeting reverberated through the room. The gravity of those words settled on Remus's shoulders, and he couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom.
"Now, in about five minutes, they're all going to be out here," Rita continued, her words carrying a sinister excitement. "All of the tributes you've heard about. Are you excited? Let me hear it!"
The deafening cheers from the Capitol crowd reached a crescendo, but in the modest District 12 home, a heavy silence enveloped the room. The countdown to the interviews had begun, and the fate of their friends, particularly Sirius, hung in the balance.
The preparation room was a whirlwind of activity as stylists and assistants buzzed around, adding the finishing touches to Sirius Black's outfit. The fancy red and black ensemble clung to him perfectly, accentuating his features and giving him an air of sophistication. The intricate design seemed to dance with shadows, adding an air of mystery to his appearance.
"Sirius, you look amazing," Apolline exclaimed as she took in the transformation. The fabric draped elegantly around him, the deep red and black hues creating a striking contrast. A subtle sheen gave the outfit an otherworldly glow, hinting at the enchantment that was about to unfold.
"I don't feel amazing," Sirius confessed, his eyes searching for reassurance.
"Don't you know how beautifully handsome you look?" Apolline asked, her words punctuated by sincerity.
"NO," Sirius replied, still grappling with the nerves that accompanied the impending public appearance. "And I don't know how to make people like me. How do you make people like you?" he inquired, seeking guidance.
"Well, you made me like you," Apolline said with a warm smile, trying to boost Sirius's confidence.
"That was different. I wasn't trying," Sirius argued, his self-doubt evident in his voice.
"Exactly. Just be yourself. I'll be there the whole time in the audience, watching you. And just pretend like you're talking to me, okay?" Apolline suggested, her reassuring presence offering a lifeline.
"Okay," Sirius agreed, and as he took a deep breath, the fancy red and black outfit seemed to take on a life of its own.
Remus sat in his seat, anxiously watching the interviews unfold on the screen. Regulus, James, and Peter each took their turns, facing Rita Skeeter's questions with varying degrees of confidence. Then, it was Sirius's turn.
Rita introduced him with theatrical flair. "You may know him as the boy on fire, but we know him as the handsome Sirius Black!" She gestured for Sirius to step forward from backstage, and Remus couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride and worry for his friend.
As Sirius took his seat, Rita dove right into the topic of his grand entrance at the tribute parade. "Well, that was quite the entrance you made the other day," she commented, looking at Sirius with a sly grin.
"What?" Sirius asked, glancing from the audience to Rita. His confusion only seemed to amuse the Capitol crowd more.
Rita laughed. "I think someone's a little nervous."
"I said that was quite the entrance you made at the tribute parade the other day," she clarified. "Do you want to tell us about it?"
Sirius played along, "Well, I was just hoping I wouldn't burn to death," eliciting laughter from both Rita and the audience. He looked genuinely bewildered, adding to the humour of the moment.
"When you came out of that chariot, my heart stopped. Did any of you experience this as well?" Rita asked the audience.
"So did mine," Sirius chimed in, a mischievous glint in his eye, earning another round of laughter.
"Now, tell me about the flames. Are they real?" Rita inquired.
"Yes," Sirius responded, his gaze sweeping across the audience. "In fact, I'm wearing them today. Would you like to see?" He turned to the crowd, waiting for their response.
"Wait, wait, wait. Is it safe?" Rita teased.
"Yes," Sirius laughed, joining in the playful banter. "What do you think, folks?" he asked the audience, and a whistle from the crowd confirmed their enthusiasm. "I think that's a yes."
With a dramatic stand, Sirius began twirling and spinning, causing his fancy red and black outfit to catch flames. The Capitol audience erupted in cheers, revelling in the spectacle created by the boy on fire. Remus watched from a distance, a mixture of pride and worry etched across his face as Sirius dazzled the Capitol with his charm and theatricality.
The atmosphere in the room shifted as Sirius's flaming performance concluded. Rita Skeeter, always the show-woman, seized the moment. "Steady. Stead," she instructed, bringing Sirius to a graceful stop. "Lovely, thank you," she praised, acknowledging the spectacle he'd just created.
"That was really something, Sirius," Rita remarked with a gleam of admiration in her eyes. The Capitol audience erupted in applause, appreciating the theatrics of the boy on fire.
As Rita prepared for her final question, she took Sirius's hand, tapping it gently for emphasis. "It's about your younger brother," she began, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "We were all very moved, I think, when you volunteered for him at the reaping."
Regulus watched, his gaze focused on Sirius, and Remus felt a knot tighten in his stomach. This was a sensitive topic, and he wondered how Sirius would handle it.
"Did he come say goodbye to you?" Rita asked, her eyes intent on Sirius.
Sirius met Rita's gaze. "Yes," he answered quietly. "He did."
Regulus's expression remained unreadable, but Remus saw a mixture of pride and concern flicker in his eyes.
"And what did you say to him in the end?" Rita pressed on, her voice gentle but probing.
"I told him that I'd try to win. That I'd win for him," Sirius replied with a determined look.
"Of course, you did," Rita acknowledged, her demeanour softening. She kissed Sirius's hand, and the Capitol audience, now captivated by the emotional undertone, expressed their appreciation.
As Gideon's interview continued, Sirius basked in the aftermath of his own performance, receiving praises from Trelawney and Alastor backstage.
"You did it, darling. That was incredible," Trelawney exclaimed, holding Sirius's face in her hands.
"Nice job, sweetheart," added Alastor, and Sirius expressed his gratitude.
"Nice outfit too," Alastor remarked, earning a smile from Trelawney. "Not yours, Sybill," he quickly clarified, earning a playful glare from Trelawney.
The trio continued watching as Rita introduced Gideon for his interview. In District 12, Remus, James, Peter, and Regulus fixed their attention on the screen, curious about what Gideon would reveal.
As Rita engaged Gideon in banter about the differences between the Capitol and District 12, Remus observed the interaction with interest. When Gideon mentioned the peculiar showers, a chuckle escaped Remus, appreciating the lighthearted moment.
As Gideon teased Rita about his scent, Remus's eyes widened with amusement, and a smile tugged at his lips. The banter continued, with Gideon revealing a long-time crush back home. The atmosphere in District 12's viewing room became charged with anticipation.
When Gideon disclosed that he had a crush on someone, Remus turned to Regulus, curiosity evident in his expression. "Did you know about this crush?" he asked quietly.
Regulus nodded, "Yes, he's talked about it before. Gideon's closest friend knows these things."
Remus raised an eyebrow, "Closest friend? Is that you?"
Regulus smiled , "Of course. Who else would it be?"
The air in the room became tense as Sirius cornered Gideon against the wall, pushing his arm against Gideon's throat. Trelawney gasped in shock at the sudden aggression. "What the hell was that?" Sirius demanded, his frustration and confusion evident.
Gideon, caught off guard, tried to respond, "Sirius, I didn't mean..."
"You don't talk to me," Sirius cut him off sharply. "And then you say you have a crush on me? You say you want to train alone? Is that how you want to play?"
Before the situation escalated further, Alastor intervened, pulling Sirius away from Gideon. "Stop it! Stop it!" he commanded, positioning himself between the two.
"Let's start right now!" Sirius insisted, his anger palpable.
"Hey! He did you a favour," Alastor reasoned, trying to diffuse the tension.
"He made me look weak!" Sirius argued.
"He made you look desirable, which in your case can't hurt, sweetheart," Alastor retorted with a hint of sarcasm.
"He's right, Sirius," Apolline chimed in, attempting to calm the situation.
"Of course, I'm right," Alastor affirmed, displaying his trademark confidence. "Now, I can sell the star-crossed lovers from District Twelve..."
"We are not star-crossed lovers!" Sirius snapped, his anger boiling over.
"It's a television show!" Alastor exclaimed, exasperated. "And being in love with that boy might just get you some sponsors," he continued more seriously. "Which could save your damn life."
"Maybe I could deliver you both in one piece tomorrow," Alastor suggested, addressing Gideon.