"Are you ready?" Jacob looked at Katniss more attentively.
"Yes!" Katniss nodded.
As soon as Caesar Flickerman saw them, he approached Katniss and gave her a warm hug, then turned around and did the same with Jacob.
"Congratulations, Katniss. How are you feeling?"
Jacob, with a smile that made people feel good, pointed out, "I'm sure she's nervous. She usually can't communicate well with people, but personally, I think that makes her even more beautiful and unique."
"Exactly, it seems like your beloved has a deep understanding of you. We're going to have a wonderful time in a few moments."
"That's very true..." Katniss responded in an unnatural tone.
Someone begins the countdown, and without further ado, they go live nationwide.
Caesar Flickerman adjusts his clothes and starts speaking, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a true champion among us! A true gentleman who protected the one he loved until the very end. Jacob and Katniss, welcome! It's an honor to have you here tonight."
Jacob nods slightly and says, "Thank you, Caesar. It's always a pleasure to be here."
Caesar Flickerman smiles and says, "Now, Jacob, you and Katniss have captured the hearts of Panem with your incredible journey through the arena. Tell us, how does it feel to be here as the victor?"
"It's a bittersweet victory, Caesar. I'm grateful to have survived, but the price we paid was high. The Games are a cruel and brutal test of survival. I thought I would be ready to reach the end, but it demanded more than I anticipated."
Caesar Flickerman, upon hearing Jacob's words, nods in understanding and says, "Indeed, the Games are a harsh reality. But let's talk about your strategy. You were known for your cold and calculating approach. Some even called you ruthless. What led you to adopt that mindset?"
Upon hearing this question, Jacob responds, "In the Games, there is no place for emotions or mercy. It's about survival, and I knew I had to do whatever it took to protect myself and Katniss. Fair fights are a luxury we couldn't afford, but I wanted to have the same chance as others to survive. I'm a man with a clear mind, so I was always myself in the arena."
Caesar Flickerman displays a face of admiration and asks, "That's a bold statement, Jacob. But let's talk about your relationship with Katniss. It's no secret that you two shared a strong bond. Can you tell us more about your feelings for her?"
"I felt a deep connection with her when I saw her courageously volunteering before Effie even asked. At that moment, I was alone, and I sincerely wanted to take her place, but since it was impossible as I am male, I believed that the way to help her was to be by her side, as a voluntary tribute."
Looking into Katniss's eyes, Jacob averts his gaze and points out, "Katniss and I had a unique connection forged in the arena. We understood each other's strength and determination. But love, or any emotion, wasn't prominently displayed in the arena. Yet, even you understood that our love and understanding went beyond mere physical contact."
"That's interesting, Jacob. And tell me, Katniss, do you feel the same way?" Caesar shifts the conversation toward her.
Katniss ponders for a moment and says, "We understood each other well enough. From the beginning, we knew about that special connection we had. We are someone who can understand each other, provide support without needing to talk about it."
"Fascinating! And what are your future plans? Now that you've won the Games, what do you hope to achieve?"
"My focus at the moment is to rebuild my life and help Katniss do the same. We've endured unimaginable challenges, and it's time to move forward. As for the Capitol, I hope to someday become a mentor for new tributes."
"Admirable goals, Jacob. Now, before we finish, I must say that you have a captivating aura around you. The audience is drawn to your cold yet magnetic personality. Any comments on that?"
Jacob smiles and replies, "I suppose people are fascinated by what they perceive as strength. But remember, strength can take many forms, and sometimes, it hides behind a cold facade. It's not always what it seems."
Caesar Flickerman is fantastic; he jokes, makes jabs, and bursts into laughter whenever the opportunity presents itself. Jacob is the most interactive as he is interested and adapts well to Caesar's dynamics. The only thing Katniss knows from Effie is that she should direct the conversation to Jacob whenever she gets the chance.
Caesar Flickerman nodded admirably at those words, "Well said, Jacob. And with that, I want to thank you for joining us tonight. Your journey has been extraordinary, and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors."
"Thank you, Caesar. It has been an honor."
When the interview concludes, Caesar Flickerman embraces Jacob, a gesture of respect for his incredible feat in the arena. This scene is emotional for many, captivated by the enigmatic young victor and his unwavering determination. Jacob's icy demeanor may have been off-putting to some, but his charm and the impact he had in the Games couldn't be denied.
"Are you feeling alright?" Haymitch asked as he approached.
"Yes, I think so."
"How did we do?"
"You were great." Haymitch looked at Jacob and handed him a necklace, "Your ring is in there; you might not be able to wear it on your finger for a while."
Jacob put on the necklace and then looked at Haymitch gratefully, "I appreciate it, mentor."
"Hahaha, get ready, we'll be leaving in a few minutes..."
After that, they are taken through the streets in a car with tinted windows, and the train awaits in the distance. They barely have time to say goodbye to Cinna and Portia, although they will see them in a few months when we go on the district tour for a round of triumphant ceremonies. This is how the Capitol reminds the people that the Hunger Games never completely disappear.
At that time, they will be given a bunch of useless plaques, and the people will have to pretend to adore us.
The train starts moving and they are engulfed in darkness until they exit the tunnel, at which point Jacob wipes away his smile for the first time since the interview.
Effie accompanies them, as well as Haymitch, of course. They all had a huge dinner and remained silent in front of the television to watch the recorded interview.
The train stops at a station to refuel, and Jacob and Katniss take the opportunity to step outside and breathe fresh air. The sun illuminates the surrounding landscape, and the wind blows gently, refreshing their tired faces.
Jacob moves naturally, taking off his gloves. Katniss's eyes land on a slight blood-stained bandage covering Jacob's knuckles. Surprise overtakes Katniss, and she can't help but ask him what happened. She waits for an answer, but he just looks at her seriously and says it doesn't matter.
Katniss's joy of being back home fades for a moment as she tries to comprehend what is happening. Questions swarm in her mind, but something in Jacob's gaze tells her that it's not the right time to delve into the matter. She respects his wish to keep it a secret and decides not to press him further.
Instead, she changes the course of the conversation to lighter topics, trying to regain the cheerful atmosphere they had moments before. They talk about their expectations of returning to their homes, reuniting with their families and friends. She tries to ignore the bandage on Jacob's hand and focus on the future, on the hope that awaits them.
As they walk together through the station, the murmur of the train and background noises fade away. The fresh air comforts them and reminds them that they have survived the horrors of the Hunger Games. But it also reminds them that the past still haunts them, that wounds, both physical and emotional, don't fade away so easily.
"I don't have a family, Katniss, and I want you to remember one very important thing: this is just the beginning..." Jacob's hands reach out to Katniss, and they hold onto each other.
"Let's keep moving forward, Katniss."