AN: Here's highlights from the first ten interviews.

Miracle Emerson

District 1 Female

18 Years Old

"Without further ado, let's meet our first Tribute: from District One – Miracle!"

The stage assistant gives me a nod. I put on a rehearsed smile and step out from behind the curtain, being mindful not to trip on the lengthy dress I'm wearing.

Please don't let this be a drag.

Once I'm seated and the applause dies down, Caesar begins, "So, Miracle, let me get something out of the way first – I can't help but notice that your hair is a lot shorter than at your Reaping. Was it your choice?"

"Well," I reply, "Seri, my Mentor, told me to get it cut. Said it might get in the way once the Games start."

"Seems like a good idea," remarks Caesar.

"I wasn't too thrilled about it, but you're right. She knows best."

"Your Mentor, Serenity, won her Games just a few years ago, didn't she?"

"Yeah, the 83rd," I answer.

"Was it that long ago? Oh my, time really flies, doesn't it?" Caesar responds in an overdramatic fashion. "Do you think you have what it takes to join her as a Victor?"

"I do, Caesar. I'm very competitive, and I've got lots of energy. You can ask anyone back home." Not that I want to talk much about life back home.

"Oh, I have no doubt. Is there anyone from home you'd like to give a shout-out to?"

"Isabel," I blurt out. "We're—uh, she's my best friend. We've known each other since we were six. And my mother and Maxon, my little brother, as well. I know they'll be cheering me on every step of the way."

As the interview wraps up, I realize that the thought of them has made me somewhat sad. But thankfully, Caesar doesn't ask me about Bliss.

Bliss Emerson

District 1 Male

18 Years Old

"You're here with your sister, is that correct?"

"Yes."

"If you don't mind, tell us how that happened."

"Mira and I kinda grew apart over the years, and we weren't talking to each other much in recent years. We both wanted to volunteer, and we didn't discuss it beforehand. That's the simple version."

Seri and Tiberius told us over and over that we couldn't make any explicit mention of formal training or the selection process back home. Stupid rule, if you ask me. The story doesn't even make much sense if you take out the volunteer trials.

"I see," replies Caesar. "Based on what we've seen, it appears that you two have quite different preferences in terms of weapons. You prefer throwing knives, yes?"

"Right. They've been my best weapon for as long as I can remember. You're able to hit targets farther away than if you have, say, a sword or an axe. That could save your life in the Games."

"Good point," says Caesar, nodding. "Alright, Bliss, I wish you the best of luck."

The audience applauds and we shake hands. Miracle sounded a lot more confident compared to me, I think to myself as I'm heading backstage. Oh well, at least it's over.

Sycorax "Cora" Adherra

District 2 Female

18 Years Old

"In training, we saw your somewhat… unique choice of weapons. Tell us a bit more about that," says Caesar.

"If you can use one dagger, why not two?" I reply curtly.

"Indeed, why not! I'm sure we'll all enjoy seeing that in the Arena, right?" he asks the audience, who respond positively.

"So, what do you think of your competition this year?"

"Not terrible."

"Do you feel like you have the best odds of winning?"

"I'd like to think so."

"And why's that?"

This really is a chore. But I'll have to put in a little more effort, at least so Clove doesn't flip out later.

"Well, Caesar," I begin as I straighten my back, "As we all know, winning the Games often involves doing some very… unpleasant things in the Arena. I feel that some other Tributes might think they have what it takes, but they'll realize soon enough that the real world isn't as pretty as their imagination. You won't have to worry about that with me, as you'll see very soon – I'll do whatever it takes, and I'll have fun doing it."

Dominic "Dom" Axton

District 2 Male

18 Years Old

"So, Dominic, what made you volunteer for these Games?"

"It's my competitive nature, I'd say. My friends will tell you I'm over-competitive. I always had to be the best at whatever I was doing. And that's what these Games are at the end of the day right? A competition."

"One with considerably high stakes, wouldn't you agree?"

"For sure, but you know what they say – no risk, no reward. Winning these Games would not only be an incredible experience for me, but it'd be a great honor for my District as well."

"Ah, yes. Tell us a bit about life back home."

"District Two is very… gray. We're good at what we do, and life tends to be pretty predictable. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else though."

"Do you have a special someone back home?"

"I do," I answer, which provokes a sound of disappointment from a few female members of the audience.

"And what's her name?"

"Stasia. She's amazing, and I think she might even volunteer in the future."

"If she does, I'm sure she'll be as popular as you are here. Speaking of which, are you aware that you're currently number one in sponsorship money?"

"Yes, Harper told me about that last night. I'm very grateful for everyone's support."

"Hardly surprising, seeing as how you've earned the highest training score," Caesar remarks.

"I'm glad the Gamemakers were impressed. That's what I was going for," I reply with a smile.

Caesar wraps up the interview in his typical fashion and the audience roars in applause as I make my way off the stage.

And now for the actual Games…

Veranda Quinton

District 3 Female

18 Years Old

"Now, Veranda, you're a volunteer from District Three. As you probably know, volunteering is quite uncommon in your District, and so a lot of are dying to know why you did so."

"I've always had a fascination with the Capitol, Caesar. We get a glimpse of it on TV every year during Hunger Games season, but most of it is left to the imagination."

"Interesting… do go on," Caesar comments.

"I knew the only way to make it more than just a distant dream – to experience the Capitol lifestyle personally – was to volunteer for the Games."

"And now that you're here," says Caesar, "What do you think of the Capitol?"

"It's everything I imagined, and more," I answer, making sure to flash a wide smile toward the audience.

Solid execution, Veranda. Just watch the sponsor money pour in now.

The interview continues with pretty typical questions, most of which I'd already rehearsed answers for. Caesar and I share a few laughs here and there, and the audience seems to enjoy all of it.

"It's been a pleasure chatting with you, Veranda, but I'm afraid our time is almost up. Best of luck to you in these Hunger Games."

"Thank you, Caesar. And don't worry – I have a feeling we'll meet again soon."

I exit the stage to the sound of deafening applause and cheers. I even see a few Capitolites in the audience holding up signs bearing my name.

They love me. And why shouldn't they?

Daley Keen

District 3 Male

15 Years Old

"How's your time been in the Capitol so far, Daley?"

"You guys have some great food, that's for sure," I reply, prompting some laughter from the audience. "Things have been going pretty well, I'd say. Antonia, our Escort, has been wonderful to us."

An unsympathetic bitch she is. But saying that won't do me any favors.

"Make any new friends?" Caesar asks half-jokingly.

"I think 'temporary allies' is the better term here," I say with a smile.

Very temporary. I don't really trust any of them, except maybe the harmless kid from Eleven.

"And how's life back home?"

"I've been on my own for awhile now… just trying to survive, you know? Used to live with my girlfriend, but things—uh, things didn't work out."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you think you two might want to get back together if you win these Hunger Games?"

Now there's a thought. Money would obviously no longer be an issue, but I'm still not sure if Chelsea would want to see me again. Thinking of her just reminds me of all the pain we've gone through, and I have no doubt she feels the same way.

Bean Olas

District 4 Female

14 Years Old

"My parents are… no longer with us," I answer. "I live with my brother now."

"And it would seem that he's here with you."

"Yes."

The less we talked about Poco, the better. Same goes for back home. No matter what happens, it's obvious that things will never be the same again. Even if I make it out of there, Poco would be dead – the one constant in my life, strong but caring – gone. And I'd know that he did it for me. It would haunt me for as I live.

After an awkward silence, Caesar continues, "Anyone from back home that you especially miss?"

"My friend Coral. We've known each other for years. And we go surfing together all the time," I reply, smiling at the memories of the ocean, the feeling of wind in my hair and warm sand between my toes.

"Ah, surfing! Being able to swim – that can really come in handy in the Arena. You never know when there might be water."

Is he dropping a hint about the Arena? Surely that's not allowed. But he does make a good point – most other Districts are nowhere near the sea, so swimming tends to be a rare skill among Tributes. Over the years, I've watched countless Tributes swim away from danger, whether it be other Tributes or mutts. If only I could swim away from all this, back to my predictable but peaceful life in Four…

Poco Olas

District 4 Male

17 Years Old

"Let's wrap up with a question that's surely on everyone's mind right now: why? Why did you volunteer for your sister?"

"For years it's just been the two of us. I've always taken care of her – why should anything change now?"

"You're not afraid that neither of you will… win?" Caesar asks cautiously. Earlier Tyler had mentioned to me that Caesar avoids terms like "living" or "dying." It's easy to see why – the more you shelter these people from the true nature of their "game," the better for the Capitol.

"Sure, I am," I reply. "Most people are afraid of dying, at the end of the day. But there are things in life that are worth the price. Family's one of them."

"And I commend you for your bravery. I think it is safe to say that you and your sister are both very popular in the Capitol. I wish you the best of luck."

The cheers and applause had begun before Caesar finished speaking. Antonia had been telling the same thing all this time – that the two of us have a lot of fans among the Capitolites. "Duty and sacrifice – you're an ideal Tribute," she'd said.

It's like rooting for a hero in a fairytale to them. But for us, there will be no happy ending.

Cassie Gammon

District 5 Female

15 Years Old

"My family – they're all very book-smart. Academic types, you know? Mom's a surgeon, step-dad's an engineer. Fiona, my older sister, is studying law right now, and my brother Greg is big into holograms, or whatever it's called."

"And you don't think you really fit in," comments Caesar.

"That's it. I could never focus that much on school – studying, doing homework… I'm a three-sport athlete though, and I won't ever get tired of it."

"Hey, everyone's different. We're all about individuality here in the Capitol, as you can probably tell by now," says Caesar with a smile. "Speaking of which, how's your time in the city been so far?"

"Good…" I begin, "Everything is very… clean."

And I'm just thrilled to be sent into your little deathmatch.

"What's the best thing you've tasted here so far?"

"The red wine," I blurt out, eliciting some laughter from the audience.

"Ah yes. I enjoy it myself as well. But not too much though," replies Caesar facetiously.

"You know, it seems like you're a fairly popular tribute, if you look at the numbers," he continues, "I'm sure your impressive training score played a role in that."

"Javelin's one of my main events, and I used to do fencing as well, so I guess that translated nicely."

"That certainly seems to be the case. There are so many more things we'd like to ask you about, but unfortunately our time is up. Best of luck to you, Cassie!"

Amell Maeda

District 5 Male

13 Years Old

This is the part where you have to act as normal as you can. The little shits sitting down there couldn't care any less about you, but you have to care about them. You need to leave a good impression. Got it?

"Tell us about life back home."

"I—I live with my older sister, Mai. Just us two. My parents were murdered."

"That's terrible… I'm so sorry to hear that."

"It was a few years ago. Mai was only 17 back then, and she's been taking care of me ever since. Things aren't easy for us these days, but we do our best."

"I'm sure she's watching this interview right now. What would you say to her?"

"Thanks for being an amazing sister, for being so patient with me," I reply, looking directly at one of the cameras near the front of the stage.

I continue. "But to everyone else, I also have something to say."

Wait a minute. Stop. You're going to mess this whole—"

"Shut up," I snarl. Caesar is visibly confused. For once, it seems like he doesn't know what to say.

While he remains speechless, I stand up from my seat, trying to summon all the courage I ever had in me.

"You all think I'm just some scrawny little kid that won't last a minute in the arena. But here's what you don't know: when I saw the man who just killed my parents, I charged at him and fought as hard as I could. His knife cut deep into my right arm, but he's dead now and I'm here. So if you think I won't give everything I have in a life-or-death situation, you're wrong!"

How's that for an impression?

AN: Another wicked long wait, I know. Sorry about that. Part of the reason is because writing so many interview POVs was very difficult for me. The interview format is repetitive, but I tried my best to make the content non-repetitive. I'm generally not too happy with the way this chapter turned out, but I'd appreciate your thoughts on it as well.

Having said all that, the next chapter will feature other Tributes as they go through their last night before the Games (after the interviews). I'm sure you'd rather not read another 14 interviews anyway.