Yay, I'm back! And a new chapter for you!

Saida Atalanta (F9)

"So, Saida, tell us a little bit about your life at home." Minerva's voice rang out across the crowd. I don't think the Capitol wants to hear about my rebellious life. I rolled my eyes. She was pathetic, a novice, but you had to give her a little credit for keeping up this façade through the 16 tributes before me. I started to make up a lie to feed her, but something made me stop. Something made me tell the truth.

"I live in District 9. I don't have any siblings, or friends. And my father was murdered when I was 14, 3 years ago." There was an intake of breath from the audience, but I was on a roll. "No one believes me when I say that, but it's true. He borrowed money so he could feed us, but when he couldn't pay it back, he was murdered. That's why my hair is black and short. My mother doesn't know what to do with me. But when I win, we will always have enough money to feed ourselves. That's why I'm going to win, and nothing is going to stop me. Nothing!" I was shouting now. Nothing would stop me. It would be impossible. Minerva had no idea what to do; she was pressed against the back of her chair, as if she was trying to get as far away from me as possible without actually getting up. She timidly waited for me to finish my rant and sit down. Quietly, I took my seat. I toyed with the idea of putting on a big, bright smile, just to unnerve everyone a little more. The insane ones always got at least one sponsor.

The rest of the interview proceeded as normal, with Minerva tiptoeing around the questions about my life. And the ones about my strategy in the arena. And the ones about what I would do if I won. She complemented my interview outfit, which I absolutely despised, but I just smiled.

A big, bright, deranged smile.

Banter Cross (M10)

"Banter, does the 'x' under your eye signify something special?" Minerva was doing her best to keep things interesting, but filling 24 3 minute interviews without using the same questions over and over was difficult, and it was taking a toll on her. I had known she would ask this, and prepared.

"I'm not really sure why it's there. Maybe my stylist doesn't have faith in me and is presenting me as a target?" I guessed with a smile. The camera cut to a shot of my stylist, who was slowly sinking lower in his seat. "Or maybe it's just the Roman numeral for 10, my home district." Our textbooks in school had Roman numerals for the chapters. Gratefully, the stylist bobbed his head up and down, as if to say "Yes, yes! That's totally what I was doing!", although I doubted he even knew what Roman numerals were.

"Hmm, that's very interesting," Minerva said, as if she was expecting a more outlandish response. Something juicy, like something I'd done myself in memory of something. She looked down at her note cards. "It says here that you have 3 older brothers at home. I'm sure they're rooting for you!"

"They better be, 'cause if they aren't, I'm gonna whup their behinds when I get back," I joked. I looked straight into the camera. "You hear that guys? There better be banners with my face on them all over the district by the time I get there!" The entire audience was laughing, and even a few tributes behind me were biting back smiles. I saw Minerva relax a little.

"A strong, handsome boy like you must have the girls falling over themselves at home. Is there anyone special?"

"Well, thank you for the compliment, but I'm pretty sure no one's after me."

"No one? Are you sure? Is there anyone you wish was falling for you?"

"No ma'am." I shook my head to reinforce the point. Minerva opened her mouth to continue poking into my life, but at that moment the buzzer rang and I returned to my seat.

Basil Knight (F12)

Pinnacle Jackson, the male tribute from 11, was doing his interview, but I hardly paid attention.

Should I? He'll kill me for sure, thought the part of me that was already in survival mode. He'll kill me anyway if he gets the chance, just stay away from him, argued my risk-taking side. I glanced at the audience, then slipped over to the empty seat that Pinnacle had once occupied, next to Lali. I reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She looked up and provided a small smile, but I could tell she was nervous about how her interview went.

I have to. She's my friend.

I had only known her for a few short days, but I already felt I had to protect her, to defend her. I slid back into my seat to wait for my turn. I didn't have to wait long. With only a moment's hesitation, I strode up to the chair and sat down.

"Welcome, Basil," said Minerva with a toss of her hair.

"Hi Minerva." A pause. "Do you mind if I say something before we start?"

"No, of course not! Go for it!" I took a breath and sat up straighter.

"Earlier, Ronit said that someone pushed Lali, but she didn't see who." I saw everyone straighten up a little. They wanted to hear this. "I did. I was there with Lali." Another deep breath. "Shancus Black pushed Lali Winters." The crowd gasped. I peeked at Shancus out of the corner of my eye. His face was a dark red and he was mouthing something. I couldn't lip-read, but the meaning was clear. You are dead. I will kill you.

Fantastic.

Next chapter: Brigg Roland (M2), Pinnacle Jackson (M11), and Kar Feracious (M12)! That's right, when the Games begin, we'll have heard from every tribute twice!

Every once in a while (whenever I remember), I'll do a "Question of the Chapter". I'm going to do two this time around. There are no right/wrong answers, and you get 1 SP just for answering! (Trust me, you'll need it- the prices of sponsor gifts will rise as the Games go on, and I've planned for them to last a while!)

Question of the Chapter 1: What did you think of Minerva?

Question of the Chapter 2: Do you think Basil did the right thing by telling everyone who pushed Lali?