Jason was practically ignoring the feast of food that had been laid out for the twenty contestants, or rather his nineteen competitors. It seemed like this show was sparing no expense with their budget, which meant they probably wanted to really make a splash on local networks and really cement themselves further in the public consciousness as something spectacular. The barbeque smelled amazing, and the snack table was piled with enough food to feed everyone there for the whole day if they tried. Even the little cups they’d been given to drink from had the initials of the show in black lettering on the red plastic and Jason was 80% sure if he squinted he’d find the same on the plastic knives and forks.
Since they’d been released, Jason had been keeping an eye on both the people, crew, and food. He’d prepared a list of five short questions that should let him start working out his opponents strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of his teammates. When the cameras started rolling, Jason was already three questions into his list, grilling a girl on his team, a short mousy thing with red hair, who he’d be hard pressed to remember the name of. Running a hand through his hair, he let the frustration bleed into his voice. For emphasis he waved the notecard he had in her general direction.
“What do you mean you don’t know how long you’d survive on the island by yourself with no tools? Didn’t you ever think- Hmph- Fine, I’ll mark you down for none then. And one more question!” The girl shrunk back from him and by the time he looked up from marking down her answer, she’d disappeared. She’d slunk off to the drink stand and was currently pouring as many sugar packets as she could into her drink, glancing about warily as if making sure he didn’t follow her. Jason sighed lightly and just made up her answer for the fifth question, scribbling it down quickly.
Instead of finding his next victim, the man decided to focus on what they’d be doing today. The staff hadn’t been allowed to give them any clues, and the pamphlets they’d been given last night had been useless except for finding out their team name. (He still brought it with him just in case, carefully tucked into a back pocket. Who knew if it would have clues for later.) Deciding to play it safe, Jason had worn large cargo pants today for the extra pockets and a short sleeve, white t-shirt. Food was definitely a good thing to start eating now, in case he needed the calories, but he didn’t want to overeat in case their first challenge was physical… As a compromise, Jason ate a few slices of fruit and picked at a fluffy roll of bread, eating it in strips, while surreptitiously trying to shove as much of the less perishable food into his pockets.
He was just about to see if he could wrap a hamburger patty in a paper towel and hide it in his cargo pants, when a camera was shoved in his face and a man with the largest smile Jason had ever seen appeared. This would be Noel, the show’s host, and also the person who nearly stabbed his eye out with a microphone.
“And what’s your name?” Noel spoke in a loud voice, flashing the camera another smile. Jason blinked twice, recalculating in his head. He’d been planning to introduce himself last among the contestants, so he stuck out more in the audience's minds, just in case audience voting ever came to play. He threw that idea out, and stared from the mic to the camera before clearing his throat and saying in his best stage voice, “Jason Michael.” and giving his own smile. Not as bright as Noel’s but what he hoped was more of a smirk, showing his confidence.
“Jason? Or Michael? Is it both?” Before Jason could respond, Noel laughed, the one that all game-show hosts seemed to have perfected but only ever used for their own jokes. Jason grimaced slightly, taking one tiny shuffle away from the cheerful man. “Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself then?”
Now was his time to shine, straightening his shoulders, Jason looked directly at Noel and ignoring the camera.
“I’m twenty-three years old, I graduated as valedictorian from Double Oaks HighSchool. Go Beavers.” Here, he gives a little sigh and gives a weak fist-pump. His voice is mostly flat and sarcastic, but as he prepares for his next sentence Jason smirks again, eyes lighting up with excitement and looking at the camera dead on. “And I’m going to win.”
Noel laughs, nodding enthusiastically at the bold statement. “You sound quite confident! Any particular reason why?” The banter lasted for another few seconds, and then the host bounced along to the next contestant, leaving Jason still holding his paper towel wrapped hamburger.
Bridget's POV
And on the other side of the table, watching with excitement and a massive grin, was Bridget Wells. Wearing a dark blue tank top and ripped jeans, she’d been busy introducing herself to everyone, chattering away about how excited she was and how fun this was going to be.
The food was good and she was tearing into a hotdog, smothered in ketchup, mustard, and relish. Everyone was mostly nice so far, except for one odd guy that asked her some questions. She’d thought he was the host for a while, until she saw Noel going around interviewing everyone with a cameraman trailing behind.
Lowering her meal, Bridget quickly got a napkin, dabbing carefully around her mouth. Watching with wide eyes each person get asked questions, she felt the anticipation rising, and she could hardly keep still. She started shifting her weight from one foot to the other, helping break in her new tennis shoes. The second she made eye contact with Noel she moved forwards, gently shouldering a few people out of the way.
Without waiting for the host to draw a breath, or even ask her a question, Bridget spoke in a chirpy tone, waving with her hands as she talked.
“Hi! I’m Bridget Wells, I’m twenty, and I am SO excited to be here!” She grinned both at the camera, Noel, and the world. She saw the host take a moment to open his mouth, probably to make a joke about how much complementary coffee she’d had that morning, when she cut him off again.
“About me? Uhm- I like to hike and camp, and I just adore nature! Again, I’m so excited to be here, I’ve always wanted to be on TV!” She waved at the cameraman, before making a heart with her hands at the camera. Looking back at Noel, she swore maybe she saw a flicker of annoyance in his eyes, before it disappeared, replaced again with his smile. Bridget felt a moment of unease before it passed, she was probably imaging it anyways.
“Well you heard her folks! What do they even pay me for!” He laughed, but didn’t continue talking to Bridget like he did some of the others, moving on to the next contestant. Bridget giggled, waving goodbye to both of them, slightly amused at the idea she had taken over the interview. She glanced around at the other cameras, waving at any of the crew she saw, before continuing her meal. Just because she was excited, didn’t mean she shouldn’t eat! It was the big day! Even after trying out for the show, she still couldn't quite believe she'd made it. Bridget kept pinching herself periodically to make sure she wasn't dreaming. This would be a great time.
