Welcome to the 125th Hunger Games!

Just a few things before the story begins. A reminder that this is one story out of two that are taking place during the same time. So if you are reading this story first and plan on reading the other, you may want to read the same chapter from the other in order to avoid spoilers to the character.

I will update the stories on the same day, that way once the games start you can choose which story to read first as there will be some spoilers about what might happen to the other character.

I'll let you begin the story. As always, please review and let me know what you think, good or bad. Any comments are good comments.

Let the Games begin!

Chapter 10:

I can't take my eyes off Caitlin as she makes her way down to the stage, looking graceful despite the dress lingering near her feet and posing a risk of tripping her. She looks absolutely gorgeous as she keeps her head held high as the crowd cheers for her and I know that they are surely thinking she's attractive. Well too bad for them, I'm the one who has won her attention.

Caitlin is smiling as she approaches Claudia, showing that courage that she had last night when she confronted the boy from Five. But the host doesn't let Caitlin sit down just yet. "Wow that dress you are wearing tonight is amazing," she jumps up from her spot to take a closer look at it.

Caitlin looks surprised at the response from Claudia but quickly recovers to give an answer. "I was a little unsure about the thigh slit and thought the neckline was a little risqué but I definitely like it."

"Oh well I love it. No need to worry about being risqué here in the Capitol," Claudia responds and gets a chuckle from the crowd. She clasps her hands together and stares at the dress for a couple more seconds as Caitlin starts to grow a little uncomfortable at still standing. "Can you give us all a quick twirl?"

Caitlin raises an eyebrow at this request but continues smiling at the host. "Of course," she answers and takes a couple steps forward before giving a twirl, dress flowing around her. I have to fight to keep the awe off of my face as the crowd loves her dress because she really does look beautiful tonight.

Claudia claps a couple times before motioning towards the chairs and sitting down with Caitlin who is still looking unsure about why Claudia has picked her to show off her dress. But she seems to like the crowd cheering for her and relaxes as Claudia finally starts the interview. "Thank you for appeasing me and my fashion obsessed heart. I must talk to your stylist after this." I glance out at the stylists and find Caitlin's right away by the fact that he looks like he might pass out in joy at having her work be acknowledged by Claudia. "Now back to the games. I talked to one of your allies earlier, Phoebe. And I will be talking to Lyra soon. I'm a little curious. Who was the one who started the alliance?"

"I did," Caitlin answers, finally looking relaxed that she is getting asked about the games and something she knows about, not just her dress. And she was the one who talked to Lyra but no need to mention that I was the one her told her to talk to Phoebe. "I knew I would need the help of allies once I got in the arena, just like a lot of the other people before me have mentioned. The games are very risky and these two help balance out my weaknesses so I think we make a great team."

I almost start smiling at the fact that she has a third ally that she can't mention before I remind myself that I'm on stage and everyone can see me. I can't give away our secret alliance just yet. Claudia is looking happy about having a person that is willing to answer the questions and really talk about the games. "Well you did earn the highest score out of your alliance. A 7, no less. Clearly you don't have too many weaknesses if you did that well."

"Oh I do," she says and I wonder where she's going with this as it usually isn't the best idea to announce your weaknesses in front of everyone. "You see, one of them is that I don't like seafood. If we're in an arena surrounded by the ocean, well, clearly that will be a weakness."

She managed to get Claudia and the crowd laughing at this joke and Claudia feigns being offended. "You don't like seafood? That's it, you just lost every sponsor that likes the District Four tributes!"

Caitlin chuckles at this and nudges Claudia's arm, seeing completely relaxed with her. "I don't think I ever had them seeing as I'm not from Four. But I can surely win over someone who appreciates a good mahogany dining table!"

This comment has the edges of my lips turning up in a smile. She really is doing well handling all of Claudia's remarks and just like with Anabel, she has grown more confident since I first met her. Claudia is laughing and trying to get the crowd to quiet back down. "Alright, alright, we can talk about lobster and furniture later. Let's get back to talking about the games." She looks at Caitlin and pauses for a couple seconds as the crowd quiets down. "Now we were talking about your alliance and your score. So earlier Phoebe had mentioned that she had help in training from her allies. Is it safe to say that you were the one who helped her?"

Caitlin nods at this before explaining, that happy look on her face that she always gets when she talks to me about her allies. She really does like the two girls and I don't want to see her get upset when something happens to them in the arena. "Yes I did. Mostly I showed her how to use an axe because it's basically second nature to know how to use one in Seven. I've put some hours into the forest so I know how to use it pretty well."

"That certainly gives you an advantage over some of the others," Claudia adds to this statement and Caitlin nods her head in agreement.

"It's an advantage that I have every intention of using tomorrow when the games start," her response is so full of confidence that I can't help but be proud of her. And the crowd loves that comment she made. As I look out at the mentors, I see hers also looking proud. But she's also so young, only my age since she won last year. Perhaps that's a reason why the crowd loves Caitlin, they want to see how their most recent victor can train people.

"Oh you have a fire in you to win," Claudia brings up, sounding happy about this interview and Caitlin smirks a little at this comment. "Reminds me of last year when we saw your mentor win. I like it."

Caitlin's face falters a little at having the attention slightly taken away from her but quickly recovers. "She did teach me well. You can't beat the advice from someone who was just in the games because the memories are still fresh about what you need to do to survive." She pauses for a moment to smile out at her mentor before returning her attention to Claudia. "But I have plenty of reasons to fight and win, not just the help of my mentor. Most of it is my own determination and I can promise you that I'll be one to watch out for in the games."

"I could keep asking you questions all night, you're so delightful to talk to," Claudia responds and as she pauses, the time runs out for Caitlin's interview. "Ah, but we are out of time. I will be sure to watch you in the arena. Give a round of applause for Caitlin!" She is beaming as she stands up and waves at the crowd before turning to return to her seat. The crowd cheers loudly for her, more than some of the other outer District tributes and her face shows that she is aware of this and she's grinning as she walks up the stairs. When she reaches the top, she looks down the line of tributes and we make eye contact for a moment and I flash her a half smile, not risking anything more but still wanting her to know that I'm proud of her. She did great and made sure that people won't just overlook her in the games because she's from Seven. Her face gets a small flush across it as she sits down but it can easily pass as her being warm from sitting under the lights on stage.

Claudia continues on with the interviews once Caitlin is sitting and the crowd has once again quieted down. "Let's bring out our next tribute from District Seven, Riley Powell!" The boy walks down, his nervousness showing a little but it's hard to see it when all I can stare at is the dazzling silver suit he has on that matches Caitlin's dress. Claudia wastes no time in getting started once the boy is sitting. "Okay Riley, we just heard from your fiery District partner. Now tell me a little about what fire you're going to bring to the games?"

"Well I can show fierce protectiveness towards those I care about," he answers and I almost laugh at this because I saw it happen the first night I met Caitlin.

"How?" Claudia asks him, letting him carry the conversation for now instead of prompting him with more questions. And it's a smart move for this question as it allows the crowd to learn more about how he might end up fighting.

Riley ponders this for a few seconds before answering. "Well I'll use my little brother Rael as an example. I would do anything to look out for him. Back in Seven, I refused to let him take out any tesserae and would even volunteer in his place if I had to."

"That is very protective and kind of you," Claudia says gently and I know the crowd is going to like him for his willingness to do what needs to be done, even if he isn't strong. What matters to them right now is seeing tributes who are going to be willing to fight tomorrow morning. "Now you had mentioned volunteering. What do you think about the Quell's rule against volunteers?"

Riley gives a casual shrug at this and I know District Seven isn't really affected by it. "Personally it doesn't really change anything for me. If my name was picked any other year, I still would have had to go. We can't all be lucky and live in One or Two where there's guaranteed to be a volunteer," this comment gets the crowd to laugh a little and I find myself once again wishing the Quell rule was something else. "But the only way it would have mattered to me was if Rael had been picked. But I made sure he only had one name in the drawing this year so clearly my plan worked."

Some in the crowd seem moved by his dedication to his brother and I try to avoid thinking about it too much or else I will go back into those depressing thoughts about ruining families and I can't have that mentality when the games start tomorrow. Claudia realizes she has something to keep him talking and so continues on. "And what did your brother think about you being picked?"

Riley gives the host a sad smile before answering her. "He was very upset about he. He made me promise that I would return home to him." The look on his face shows that he doesn't think he has that great of a chance of doing that but didn't want to let his brother down.

Claudia looks relieved when the time ends before she has to come up with something to say that isn't an empty promise about his chances. "And we are out of time so let's hear it for Riley!" The crowd gives him a decent amount of applause as he returns to his seat but his interview wasn't spectacular to make himself memorable once the games actually start. But I can't worry about him, not when I have to worry about myself and Caitlin. "Let's bring out our next tribute, Cynthia Vance from District Eight!"

I watch the young girl slowly make her way down to Claudia, looking sad and apprehensive about the interview. And I can understand why she would be feeling that way since there have been quite a few good interviews so far. Why should the fourteen-year-old from Eight expect to do well? Claudia seems to notice this, always attentive to the people she is interviewing. "Alright Cynthia, shall we get started? Now your dress is also very lovely tonight."

The girl glances down at her dress and I also pay attention to it, noticing that it's a nice short dress with gold embroidery, nothing too over the top for a girl her age. But clearly she doesn't agree as she shrugs at the host. "I suppose it is."

If Claudia is shocked by Cynthia's response, she doesn't show it and continues on, "Do you not agree?"

"I'm just not a big fan of the dressing up part of the games," Cynthia replies sadly and I start feeling bad for her. This is a girl who has clearly accepted what her outcome will most likely be for her. "I guess I would rather just started with the fighting already."

Claudia doesn't let her smile waiver but it's clear in her eyes that she is uncomfortable with a person who wants the fighting to start but not for the same reasons as the careers. "Well, that will be starting very soon. You just have to get through a three minute interview with me." The host is starting to looking uncomfortable with this interview but I just feel bad for this girl who has accepted death. "So would you say you feel prepared for the games then if you're ready for the fighting to start?"

"About as ready as a girl with no training can be," Cynthia responds unhappily to the host and I look around at the crowd, noticing many whispering to each other with expressions of discomfort at Cynthia.

"Clearly you're not completely unprepared," Claudia tries to get Cynthia to improve her mood but I watch the young girl's face and can tell nothing will get to her. "You must have done well in training, otherwise you wouldn't have earned a 6."

Cynthia simply shrugs at this, seemingly not impressed by earning that score. I would have been happy with that score when I was first picked. "I guess I'll be a bit more prepared then I think I am once the fighting gets started tomorrow."

Claudia starts to show that she's struggling with this interview and I can't pay attention anymore. Not when listening to Cynthia makes me feel down about the games. I don't need that right now. What I need is to remind myself of how well I did and keep feeling confident about my chances. Otherwise I'll never win.

I allow myself a quick glance at Caitlin as Claudia continues asking Cynthia questions. She appears relaxed and is watching the interview apprehensively. But she still looks beautiful, possibly even more beautiful than when I first met her because there's a confidence to her now. I turn my gaze away as the time ends with Cynthia and Claudia looks relieved to move on. "That's a lovely idea you have, thank you, Cynthia," she says and I have no clue what they were just talking about. But the young girl returns to her seat and the host moves on to the boy from District Eight as I start thinking about tomorrow.

What type of arena will they put us in? I turn my attention to the Gamemakers and notice Lisia is watching the boy attentively, a mischievous look on her face. Surely she is planning things to happen in the games as she listens to us. But what type of arena has she built for us? Surely it will be something spectacular. She's already proven that she is determined to make this Quell memorable. I just hope it isn't like Roxanne's games where she had to worry about parts of the arena coming alive in addition to the other people fighting. But I also wouldn't want something like the terraces full of hot springs like Maylene had to deal with. It was hard to hide in that arena and I don't want to have to worry about Caitlin staying hidden. I glance out at the mentors, thinking about if I had to be put in one of their arenas, which one I would pick. The answer is none of them but I suppose Darach's wouldn't be too bad. It wasn't until the finale that the mountains were revealed to be volcanoes so I suppose the arena wouldn't be too bad until that point.

The crowd starts clapping and I tune back in to Claudia to hear her bring out the next girl. "Alright, next we move on to District Nine with Aislinn Rae!" As the older girl walks out confidently, green cape billowing behind her, I return to fantasizing about the games. I suppose I can speculate all I want about the arena but I won't know until they start tomorrow. I can only hope that we won't be anywhere cold. But the more important part of the arena is what traps and mutts the Gamemakers will have created for us. Watching Lisia's smirking face, my gut tells me that she has some terrible things planned for the games. But by her standards, they will be great entertainment for the Capitol. I don't doubt that these games will be talked about for years. I just have to make sure that I'm part of that conversation.

My eyes go to the platform filled with 20 victors, all but Eleven having two mentors. The ages range greatly from last year's victor at only the age of 18 to the age of 62. Eleven's only victor, Garia, is only a year younger than the oldest victor, but her 61 years show on her face. The poor woman looks exhausted and worn down from the mental toll of being the sole mentor for District Eleven for 46 years. I feel bad as I look at her, knowing that it must be terrible to have watched so many children die over those years. I can barely watch the people die each games but I can't imagine actually knowing two each year. The only mentor there older than her is Moro, the man who won the games for Three a year before Garia. Those two are familiar faces among the mentors, something that is sad for Three and Eleven since they haven't had victors in years. In contrast to them, the mentors for One and Four are all young and fit, clearly among the victors who train tributes. It's unfair that some Districts struggle to have victors but I suppose it's just something that will never change. And unfortunately, I plan on continuing that trend this year.

I make eye contact with Roxanne and receive a smile from her before turning my attention back to the interviews, hoping this will maybe make time go by faster. But I tune in near the start of the second interview from Nine, this time a small boy and I start frowning slightly at this, knowing he is only 13. And it's clear he also knows this disadvantage as he answers something Claudia asked him. "I don't think I stand a good chance against the others. A lot of them are way bigger than I am and a lot stronger. There's only so much a kid who is four and a half feet tall can do against someone that's 18 or close to six feet tall."

I know that I'm one of the people he is talking about in this statement, yet I don't feel threatening at all. Claudia tries to keep him from getting down as she smiles gently at him. "I wouldn't let that discourage you. We have had victors your age. In fact, Galera is here tonight, proof that a thirteen-year-old can win." Everyone looks over at the District Five victor of the 112th games. She waves wearily at this attention before pointing her attention back to the stage, trying to keep everyone focused on the poor boy from Nine who seems unlikely to win.

"Yes, but that doesn't happen very often," Cheren responds to the attention drawn to Galera as I continue to look at her, seeing the exhaustion and pain of the games on her face. She's only 26 yet her she already as the start of frown lines along the edges of her mouth. How many tributes has she had to mentor for? Surely not that many since Five has four victors and they could alternate who is a mentor each year. But there's also the emotional toll of the actual games… Is this who I will become if I win? No, the victors in Two would never let me near their trained tributes.

I realize I'm zoning out once again and turn my attention once again to the young boy as I try to recall what his name is. He's shaking his head at something and Claudia shows some surprise at this. "Really? I think almost everyone I've interviewed so far has had allies so why don't you have any?"

The young boy shrugs at this, his green suit looking big on his small frame. "I didn't want to have any allies," he replies quietly, a sad expression on his face and I start pitying him for being selected for the games at such a young age. As much as I hate the training system in Two, at least on normal years it prevents any kid like him from being chosen and having to die. "I didn't want to feel guilty in the games if someone died in my place. If I live, I don't want my victory to be at the expense of an ally."

I watch Claudia's face at this response from the boy, curious to see how she will react to it. And her smile falters just a tiny bit and I wonder if it's because she's actually feeling some pity towards this boy who will be dead soon or if it's because her interview with him isn't happy and cheerful like the others. "Well Cheren, that's very… brave of you," she finally answers after a few seconds of silence. I commit his name to my memory, wanting to remember everyone by their names and not just their District, something I probably would have done if Caitlin hadn't scolded me about it with her allies a few days ago. And she's right, the rest of Panem won't remember his name in a few weeks so I should make the effort to remember the life that's about to be lost. Claudia continues on, clearly trying to move the interview back in a direction that works for her, "So if you don't have any allies, what is going to be your strategy in the games?"

"I'm going to hide from the others and hope that I can run faster than them if they find me," Cheren replies but doesn't look too convinced with himself that he will be able to achieve this.

"I suppose that will work," Claudia answers tentatively as she looks to the side of the stage, surely wondering about how much time is left. Her face lights up a little and it must be because his time is almost up. "But that won't work forever. Eventually you reach a point in the games where hiding is no longer an option." I watch his face and it's clear that he doesn't believe he will reach this point. I almost hope for him that he doesn't reach this point so I don't have to find him later on and he won't start to get his hopes up that he might be able to win. But before he can respond to Claudia, his time ends and the host smiles at him. "Well thank you, Cheren. Let's hear it for him," she says as the boy starts to return to his seat, earning a small amount of applause from the crowd. Claudia waits patiently for him to sit down before turning to the crowd that has already quieted down. "Next up is District Ten. Now we already heard from her two allies earlier so let's find out more from Lyra Randyl!"

I watch Caitlin's ally walk down the opposite set of stairs, looking nervous as she tries not to trip in the long light pink gown they put her in. The crowd is cheering quite a bit for her and it makes me feel reassured about Caitlin's chances when she is with the two girls. Clearly the Capitol likes her alliance so I can only hope that they will sponsor them and keep them safe. Lyra reaches Claudia and smiles shyly at the host who gives her a warm smile and gestures to the seat. Once Lyra is sitting, the host wastes no time in getting started with the interview. "Well Lyra, how are you feeling tonight?"

Lyra lets out a nervous laugh at this as Claudia leans back and becomes more comfortable in her seat. "Right now? The world is spinning a little from having all of these people watching me."

Claudia leans forward and holds her hands out like she's ready to catch Lyra should anything happen. "Are you going to faint?" she asks her, concerned about that possibility. And Lyra's face does look a little pale right now.

Lyra shakes her head at this, still looking very nervous and Claudia doesn't seem to convinced. "Not if I keep looking at you and pretend the crowd isn't here."

"Then let's do that, just pretend they aren't here. I know Elliot likes to do that sometimes," Claudia jokes around, trying to get Lyra to stop being nervous. The crowd laughs a little at this and Lyra gives Claudia a small smile. "Just let me know if you think you're going to faint so we can make sure you don't fall out of your chair. We don't want you to start the games tomorrow with a concussion." Lyra nods her head in agreement with this and the host begins her questions. "So how about the games tomorrow? How do you feel about them?"

"It's hard to say," Lyra responds with a shrug, her voice a little shaky from nerves but she keeps her attention completely on Claudia. "There are so many things I'm feeling about tomorrow. There is definitely some fear since we are fighting to the death. I'm also a little anxious for it to start since we've spent so much time preparing for them. I'm kind of sitting here like 'Get on with it'!"

This statement gets the crowd to laugh a little and Lyra glances at them, seemingly unsure about if it's a good thing or not. But Claudia also chuckles at it and Lyra seems to relax slightly. "I feel the same way as you! I spend so much time covering the events leading up to the games and analyzing every detail. So at this point, I'm really excited and just can't wait for it to start!" Lyra gives a short laugh at this and Claudia is grinning, aware that she's started to get the girl to be more comfortable. I also start feeling happy because I want to see everyone in Caitlin's alliance do well at the interviews. "So at this point, we've heard from both Phoebe and Caitlin about why they wanted to have this alliance. Now what were your reasons?"

Lyra lets out a nervous chuckle before answering, "Well I really didn't want to go into the arena without any allies. I know I don't have many strengths and wanted to make sure I had others to help fill in my gaps in training." She pauses momentarily and glances back at her two allies, a small smile forming on her face as she looks at them. She returns her attention to Claudia before continuing, "As for why I chose those two, well, back in District Ten, I never really had any friends. I'm rather shy if you couldn't tell by me freaking out over this interview," she chuckles at this and gives another glance out at the crowd, still nervous but less so than at the beginning. "But after I was chosen at the Reaping, I realized that I could very well be living some of my last days and I want to spend them happy and not alone. I was lucky to meet Caitlin and Phoebe in training and I wouldn't want anyone else as my allies."

"Well it sounds to me like you will have a very strong alliance in the games," Claudia says with a smile. "Definitely a trio to watch out for as-" the buzzer interrupts the host from continuing. "Ah, we are unfortunately out of time with Lyra. But you didn't faint!" She says excitedly to Lyra who laughs at this as she stands up. The crowd starts applauding for her, more than they normally would for a shy tribute from an Outer District. It's definitely because she has an interesting alliance. "Thank you, Lyra!" Claudia says before Lyra makes her way back to her seat, face full of relief that the interview is done.

Claudia waits for the crowd to quiet down and I keep my attention fully on her, knowing the next person to be interviewed will be interesting. "And now we have Cyrus Lucreta from District Ten!" The crowd is loud as they welcome the hulking man to the stage, a scowl on his face as he sticks his hands in the pockets of his white suit. I give brief glance over at Glacia as he sits down, wanting to see what she thinks about Cyrus being interviewed. Sure enough, there's a scowl on her face and her arms are crossed, but she's watching him intently.

Cyrus is full of confidence as he sits down and Claudia is looking at him excitedly, surely aware that he is going to be a good tribute to watch in the games. "So Cyrus, oh, you seem like a big strong guy. And you're one of the oldest tributes," Claudia begins, a devious smile on her face as she takes in the guy who I hope I don't have to fight. "So how are you feeling about the games?"

Cyrus starts to lean back in his seat while giving her a casual shrug at this. He has that confidence that I wanted to show in my interview. The only difference is I was faking it and he has it. He crosses his arms and answers her, "I know I'm going to win these things. I'm strong and I have the score to back it up."

Yeah he totally is a person to watch out for in the arena tomorrow. Claudia is even more intrigued by his confidence as she continues asking him questions, finally having another memorable interview. "Yes, the 8 you earned in training was rather impressive, especially for a tribute from District Ten." She takes a brief break, letting his achievement with his score sink in to the crowd. "Now in the arena, will you have any allies to help you out?"

His immediate response is to scoff at this and I start to grow worried about what he is going to say. At least it will probably hurt Glacia more than me because I wasn't the one who rejected him. "No, I don't have any allies. The tributes I wanted to join me would rather waste their time with little kids so whatever. They can babysit while I win these games."

His casual comment about Ryoko and Anabel has me growing frustrated with him, especially because I know those two have learned how to fight. They could be fine on their own if they really wanted to go alone. Claudia's face shows how excited she is about this and presses on, probably hoping to create drama. "And you're referring to…?"

It should be obvious to the crowd who he's talking to but he gives her the answer everyone is waiting for. "Glacia and Lorelei," he pauses and I watch the screens around the City Circle put their attention on Glacia and Lorelei to see their reactions. Glacia is managing to keep her face clear as she surely knows that she is being watched but I can see in her eyes that she is being very calculative about her reaction to Cyrus. Lorelei, on the other hand, doesn't seem to care about keeping her emotions hidden and rolls her eyes at Cyrus. Their reactions are both completely different but it shows Glacia's maturity compared to Lorelei and honestly, it makes me think that Glacia would be better prepared to win. "And I suppose I would have been fine with Ardos too since he has had some training," Cyrus continues, "Not as much as the other two but enough to be worthwhile to me. But they think they're too good to have me in their alliance since they have had training and I haven't. But just wait," he lets out a short laugh at this, his voice full of menace as he continues, "They'll learn very quickly that they shouldn't have rejected my offer."

I'm not sure if I should be offended that he hasn't mentioned me. It's another reminder to the crowd that I haven't trained but it also keeps me off of Cyrus' list of people he has a grudge against. And he has made it obvious that I don't want to be on that list. Claudia is looking thrilled at this interview and is on the edge of her seat. "I just want to be clear here. So you were the one who offered an alliance?"

Cyrus looks annoyed at this question but still gives Claudia her answer. "Yes."

"And they turned you down?" Claudia continues her questioning and I know that she really shouldn't because Cyrus might have another outburst like he did on the last day of training.

Sure enough, Cyrus looks annoyed at this question and rolls his eyes at it. "I'm not sure if it was all of them but it was definitely Glacia. She seems to be the ringleader of the babysitting club that is her alliance." I raise my eyebrows in surprise at him calling out Glacia like that but become even more shocked when he turns around to glare at her. I spare a quick glance at her and see that she is meeting his gaze, refusing to look away and appear weak for it. "Just wait until tomorrow. You better remember the words I told you in training. I'll be waiting to make it happen once the games start."

It's so quiet in the City Circle and it brings chills to me that this many people can be silent, all because of Cyrus' threat. I keep looking back and forth between Cyrus and Glacia, afraid that a fight might break out right here on the stage. But Glacia surprisingly keeps herself composed and doesn't say anything to him. I notice Cyrus start to smirk as he begins to turn back towards the crowd. "Oh I can't wait!"

I turn in shock that Glacia actually said something to him as the crowd goes completely crazy about this. Her face is full of satisfaction and she leans back in her chair, watching the drama unfold on the stage. I look back at Cyrus as Claudia tries to get the crowd to calm down but they refuse, too excited about the fight that will happen. As the crowd continues to shout, I feel myself growing anxious about the games tomorrow. Glacia is so aware of how to get the crowd controlled that she could probably win on sponsors alone. But she has the training which makes her the biggest threat. Why must it be almost guaranteed that I will have to fight her? There's almost no way I'll be able to beat her.

The time runs out on Cyrus' interview before the crowd quiets down and Claudia yells out at them. "Everyone, please, calm down!" But the crowd won't listen to the poor host who turns her attention to Cyrus and waves him away. "Cyrus, you can go back to your seat." The host stands up once Cyrus has started to make his way back and I notice several Peacekeepers stepping out to prevent a potential fight from happening. This is absolutely crazy and I have never seen anything like this happen during the interviews.

Claudia puts her hands on her hips as she stands near the front of the stage and the crowd finally starts to quiet down as they notice her looking annoyed. "I know you are all excited about the games starting tomorrow and I am with you," she beings once she can be heard over the crowd. "But we still have two more tributes that need to be interviewed. Please show them the respect that you have shown the others." She takes a deep breath before returning to her seat and I feel terrible for the last two tributes that have to be interviewed. No one is going to remember them after Cyrus' interview. "Now, our second to last tribute tonight is Lanette Croft from District Eleven."

I'm still so astounded by what Glacia just did that I can't focus on the poor girl who is being interviewed next. Even Claudia looks flustered by this, a rare sight to see on the host. I don't doubt now that Glacia and Cyrus will fight tomorrow. I spare a glance down the line at him and can tell that he is fuming right now. Yeah he is definitely going to make sure Glacia fights him tomorrow. While it would help me out to see him take out Glacia tomorrow, I don't think he'll end up winning. He is surely strong but Glacia is refined with how she fights. I watched her in training. Cyrus won't stand a chance against her.

I spare a glance at the crowd as Lanette's interview wraps up and I can tell that not many people are paying attention to her or her District partner that is called up next. In fact, the screens keep occasionally showing Glacia and Cyrus. It becomes clear to me that I've lost whatever edge I might have gotten to be remembered for my interview. There may be a few who still talk about me but I'm just an untrained tribute from Two who used his sister to be different from the others. I can't compare to a trained tribute who would have been this year's volunteer and has accepted the challenge of a fight.

My stomach starts to twist in worry that I won't be good enough to win these games or even make it long enough to get to Caitlin. When the timer ends on the final interview, I find myself happy that I can get off the stage and fully sulk about what just happened. But I can't yet and I turn my attention to Claudia as the boy from Eleven returns to his seat. The crowd is applauding him as the host turns to the tributes and she motions for us to stand up. We all stand and the crowds cheers become louder. Glacia starts waving at them next to me and I try to put on a confident smile and give the crowd a few waves, hoping I can maybe still get sponsors. "Thank you tributes for allowing me to interview you tonight," Claudia says happily as if we had a choice in the matter. She turns around to address the crowd and I wearily look at them, wondering who will help me out in the arena. "That concludes the interviews for another year of the Hunger Games. Tributes, good luck tomorrow as the Fifth Quarter Quell begins and may the odds be ever in your favor. Goodnight, Panem!"

If you want more information about the stories, please go to my website at thefifthquarterquell . weebly .com! It is now updated through Chapter 10!