Recently, Panem Online sat down with Claudius Templesmith to ask him a few questions dealing with the recent attack on the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and 3rd Quarter Quell.
PO: Hello Claudius, may I call you Claudius?
Claudius: Yes, of course, people see me as a famous monster, when really all I do is talk over an intercom [laughs].
PO: Oh we don't see you as a monster!
Claudius: Well maybe not you, but believe me, I've been confused with one before.
PO: Well how could that be? Over the years it's no secret you've donated so much to the various charities within the Capitol.
Claudius: Don't make me blush.
PO: But really, you have done so much for our citizens, it's incredible how much you're appreciated. You're really a model public figure.
Claudius: Thank you.
PO: Now, about the Games. Let's start easy. How long have you worked with Caesar Flickerman?
Claudius: Oh my... well it's been quite a while, I know that much. Hmm... let's see, I believe it has been 34 years now. Yes that's correct, because I began as the announcer right before the 41st Games. Oh, and what a year it was.
PO: Quite a memorable Hunger Games.
Claudius: Oh yes, quite.
PO: So how is working with Caesar?
Claudius: Oh Caesar is brilliant. Just brilliant. We've grown very close.
PO: Oh so I imagine you've been to Flickerman Manor?
Claudius: Yes, many times.
PO: And how is it?
Claudius: Oh it's quite the abode. Some would say it measures up against the Presidential Palace.
PO: So I can guess Caesar and yourself must have been fairly shocked at the outcome of this Quarter Quell?
Claudius: Well yes, as it's never happened before, it was quite an unexpected surprise. Caesar handled it beautifully though, up until the very end, he kept his voice calm, and kept the audience at ease. Right when the feed cut out, we were told what had happened, it was quite the shock you could say.
PO: You two handled very well under pressure.
Claudius: Yes, well, if you had been in some of the situations I have throughout the Games, you might say that was one of the easiest.
PO: Are you referring to last year's finale that also made Hunger Games History?
Claudius: Yes.
PO: Would you care to elaborate?
Claudius: No.
PO: Well Claudius, it has certainly been a pleasure.
Claudius: Oh no, the pleasure was all mine. Thank you for having me.
PO: Well thank you for your years of service. Panem Today, Panem Tomorrow, Panem Forever.