Dazzle Holliday, sister of Prince Holliday, District One

A face stares back at me in the mirror, a face belonging to myself. Yet recently, it hasn't felt the same. A crew of who knows how many capitol citizens are on their way to my house to interrogate me about my brother, just like they did all those years ago. I've always recognized Prince's…unique views on life. I understand how stubborn he can be better than anyone. Yet I'm no idiot. I know what everyone thinks of him. Hell, our own parents think the same.

I hear the front door open and I can only pray it's my parents as opposed to anyone else. The soft voice of my mother echos through the hallways.

"Dazzle?" She says. I close my eyes, blocking myself from the person that stares back at me.

"Coming." I respond. I remove myself from my bedroom and join my parents in the living room. They stand awkwardly in the kitchen, remaining silent as I enter. I never thought my own parents could feel like strangers in my own home.

I hear the rumbling of cars outside, indicating the cameras are here.

"You ready?" I ask my parents. They don't answer.

Within minutes, a team has set up lights and cameras in my living room. My parents sit on the couch and I stand behind them. Janus Sphinx sits in a chair in front of us. He smiles at us.

"Are we ready?" I nod.

"Rolling." A crew member says. I feel my body tense up.

"Congratulations to the Holliday family, Prince has made it to the final nine!" Janus pauses for a reply, but none of us give him one. He clears his throat.

"Out of all the tributes remaining, Prince is certainly the most…controversial. How do you feel about some of the choices he's made?" More silence. I feel the tension in my body.

"Prince is doing what he thinks is right." I say a little too quickly. "Everything he does is to return home." I feel heat in my face. Did I say the right thing?

"And he certainly is a strong contender to return home. What do you think his biggest obstacle will be?" I look down at my parents. My dad speaks next.

"One of his alliance members…I would say. Other Careers are always a threat." He says unsurely. "Prince has won this once before, he has what it takes to do it again."

Janus nods in agreement. He turns back to his producer. "We good?" The producer reviews the footage. Then, he nods.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. and Mrs. Holliday. We know Prince will make you proud." The crew wraps up all of their equipment, leaving the three of us in silence.


Steven Gain, mentor of Victor Nolan, District Two

I stand in the training center at the Capitol, waiting for the crew to finish setting up. Once they realized Victor had no living family nor friends willing to be interviewed, I was chosen to do the interview in their place. As someone who has no interest in being broadcasted to the entire nation, it's safe to say I was not pleased with the "request". Yet I know better than to defy the Capitol.

I've been paying close attention to Victor's actions both before the Games started and throughout. He is a changed man from when he won, this I remember. We won back to back years, me before him. We grew up training in the same academy. The Victor I knew back then is a different one that I see on that screen. He used to be like his ally, Prince. Brutal, talented, and a true killer. But the Capitol broke him. He refused to cooperate with the President. The President doesn't take no for an answer.

"You ready?" Janus asks me. I nod. I relax as the red lights on the cameras ignite.

"Rolling." I put on a half-assed smile and look at Janus.

"Thank you for joining us today Steven. How has your time at the Capitol been?" I raise my chin.

"It's been well, thank you. I never expected to be mentoring again, but here I am." I shrug.

"Here you are. You've mentored Victor before, yes?" I nod.

"The year after I won. It was an honor." Janus laughs.

"I bet it was, he's a spectacular contestant. Since you've gotten to know him so well, tell me, what major differences have you noticed this time around?" I am silent for a moment as I compose my thoughts.

"He's still the same man inside, hard working and determined to do what needs to be done. I'm very proud of the man he's become." Janus raises his eyebrow, my answer must not have satisfied him, yet he moves on.

"What do you make of the tension between the Careers? How do you presume that will play out in the coming days?" I shrug.

"They're all strong and capable. I know whatever they do, it'll be a show." Another eyebrow raise. The producer whispers something in Janus's ear that I can't make out. He nods before turning back to face me.

"Well, that is unfortunately all the time we have. Thank you for joining us, Steven."

"My pleasure." I respond, relieved it's over for me.


Ariella Winston, wife of Tobias Winston, District Three

I lay in my bed, Cullen fast asleep in my arms. I hear the pitter-patter of feet outside my door, followed by it opening.

"They're here." Little Cassie pokes her head in my room. I nod.

"Let them in." I ask her. She nods, running down the stairs. I hear the front door open and voices echoing throughout our house. Cullen begins to stir. I rock him.

"Shhh, baby boy. It will be over soon." I tell him, but in reality I'm reminding myself. I just gave birth, I'm constantly on edge watching Tobias in the arena, and they want to come interview me? It's ridiculous, if you ask me. But I know anything I do directly affects Toby, so I'll cooperate. I'll give them the interview they want.

Janus is the first to enter. He politely greets me before cooing over Cullen. We have a nice chat as the crew gets set up. I wonder if he's this nice to everyone he interviews, or if he just has baby fever. By the goofy faces he makes towards Cullen, I can only assume the latter.

"We're ready, boss." Someone says. Cassie brings a chair in from the other room.

"Thank you." Janus smiles at Cassie before she joins me on the bed. I call Colette, who comes rushing in. My two daughters sit next to me as they begin to countdown.

"Today we're here with the lovely Winston family. First off, congratulations on your newborn. I hope everything went well." I nod.

"Thank you, everything has been great. He's a good kid." I respond.

"How has it been watching Toby throughout the Games? How have you felt about some of the choices he's made?" I shrug.

"He's simply surviving, nothing more. He's strong, he's smart, and he's focused. I couldn't ask any more of him." I let myself smile, even if I don't mean it.

"And what do you think his chances of returning home are? Compared to everyone else?"

"He has as good of a chance as anyone else, if not better. He's one of the smart few who's not attending the feast. That's bound to take out a lot of the competition."

"Do you have anything you'd like to say to Toby?"

"We love you daddy, we miss you." Cassie says. Colette nods.

"Miss you!" She reaches her toddler arms out, as if she were to hug the camera. Janus looks at me. I shake my head.

"I said all I needed to in my sponsor gift. He got the message." I smirk. Janus nods at the crew.

"Thank you for your time, Mrs. Winston. It was an honor to get to meet you and your children."

"Thank you." The girls wave goodbye as the crew begins packing up, not quickly enough.


Axle Fairgrove, brother of Atila Fairgrove, District Six

I sit in my one bedroom home, tucked away in Six. I like this way better. It's quiet out here, rarely any commotion. Today is different, however. I could hear the cars driving up a half a mile out. My body tensed up when I first heard it, but I've managed to calm myself down.

It'll be a quick interview, just like last time. I falsely tell myself. Last time, I had my father to support me. Last time, I wasn't responsible to care for a child.

I wanted to be angry at my father for refusing to be interviewed. I want to be, but I can't. I understand his feelings, even if they're not justified. Atila is still, and forever will be, his only daughter.

There's a knock at the door and little Kira runs over to it. She reaches her arm up, yet it way too short. I walk over, lift her up, and let her open the door. Janus Sphinx stands in the doorway surrounded by an army of colorful Capitolites.

"What a marvelous little house you have!" Kira laughs.

"Thank you!" She mutters out in her cute little voice.

"Oh, what a sweetheart." Janus says. "May we come in?" I open the door wider, allowing all the strangers into my home. They get set up and I take a seat back on my couch. I set Kira to my side, yet she quickly wiggles off the couch and runs off into the bedroom.

"Rolling." I hold my hands together as Janus begins his interview.

"Thank you for joining us today Axle. You're Atila's brother, correct?" I nod.

"Wonderful. Tell us, how has this whole experience made you feel? Has Atila done anything that's surprised you?" I keep my body still as I answer.

"She's tough, she's shown me how tough she really is. I admire her." Kira runs back into the room and holds her arms out to me. I lift her.

"And this must be Atila's daughter, correct?" I nod.

"It must have been tough for her, getting pregnant so quickly after her last win?" He wants drama. I shake my head.

"What happened happened, no point in talking about it." I say, maybe a little too quickly. I know there's no point in correcting him with the truth, the Captiol will just cut it out and may even punish us for it. So I just refuse to talk about it.

"Kira, is it?" He asks. I nod. "Kira, do you have anything you'd like to say to mommy?" She perks up at "mommy".

"I miss mommy." Kira says in a tone that will break anyone's heart.

"Mommy will be home soon." Janus says to Kira, who I set down on the ground.

"Thank you for your time, Axle. We wish only the best for Atila." I nod, yet stay silent as they pack up.


Oakley Lockeherst, daughter of Hickory Lockeherst, District Seven

I just finish straightening out my dress when I hear a knock at my bedroom door. The sound makes me jump, even though there's nothing that is threatening my safety in my own home. I haven't been calm since dad got reaped. Every second that passes is another second he could die…it's hard for a sixteen year old to get over that.

"Oakley? Are you ready? They're ready." My mother says softly on the other side of the door. It hasn't just been me who has felt like this, I know my mother has suffered as well. Maybe even more than I have.

"Yes." I respond, moving towards the door to open it. She stands in front of me, her hair up in a beautiful bun, dressed in a beautiful white dress. I pull her into a hug.

"We can do this." I whisper to her. She squeezes me tight.

"Oh Oakley, I hope you're right." She pulls back from me with a weak smile on her face. I take her hand and we move downstairs, into the living room where the crew is set up and ready. We take a seat next to each other on our couch.

"Congratulations to you both on Hickory's success throughout this fight. He has certainly kept this year interesting, wouldn't you agree?" I shake my head.

"He's just trying to survive." I say flatly. My mother nudges me. I exhale. "My dad is tough. He's doing anything he has to so he can see us again."

"How do you feel about his decision to join the Careers?" My mom takes this one.

"It's not something I predicted him doing, but it's worked out for him in the long run. Whatever decisions he makes, I'll stand by them until he returns home." She gets choked up at the end.

"How do you think he's coping with the loss of his allies? And the loss of his district partner?" I look at my mom, who turns her head to her right to look out the window.

"I don't think it's easy to watch anyone die, let alone people you've known for years. I don't know how he's doing, but he's coping. That's all you can really say for any of them out there." I say, hoping my answer is sufficient enough. Janus looks back towards his crew. They nod.

"Well, we hope the best for Hickory. Thank you for your time this afternoon." I nod. My mom doesn't acknowledge them as they pack up and leave our home. I release the tension that has built up in my body, my muscles relax.

Please come home soon, dad.


Aelia Spoole, wife of Reuben Spoole, District Eight

It's hard enough to get children to cooperate on a normal day, but doing it alone, when we're all stressed out, is even more challenging. Jack doesn't want to sit down and Carameuse complains about her hunger. I keep my spirits high, though. If I didn't, I'd check out and leave my children parentless.

"Whoever cooperates the most will get a sweet once Janus leaves, okay?" I say to my four children.

"I want a sweet!" Elisabeth exclaims. I hold my finger to my lips.

"Cooperation, please. Then, you'll get your sweets." Ben claps his hands together.

"Stay seated, for mommy." I tell them as I move towards my front door to let everyone in.

"You look beautiful Aelia." I smile as Janus and I hug.

"Thank you. I look better than I feel, that's for sure." I let myself laugh so Janus doesn't take me too seriously. "Please, come in." I guide him towards the living room where my children sit in the same position I left them in to my disbelief.

"This is Elisabeth" I point to my oldest, "Ben, Jack, and Carameuse." They all politely wave.

"It's so lovely to meet you all." Janus says before turning to his crew and giving instructions. I take a seat in the middle of the children, eager for this all to be over. I've been trying to watch the Games as often, for as long as possible. Yet it's challenging with children. I refuse to allow them to watch the Games. I worry the second I let them, they'll see something they can never unsee. I refuse to watch that happen to my babies.

"Rolling." The lights turn on and I find myself blinded for a few seconds.

"It's so lovely to meet all of you, and thank you for joining us today. How has this experience been for you?" I'm not sure what he expects from us. It's been great, Janus. I love knowing my husband could die at any second.

"It's been hard, but we're coping." I look at my kids.

"We miss daddy, when is he coming home?" Elisabeth asks.

"As soon as the Hunger Games end, one victor will return. If Reuben wins, it'll be him that returns." Janus answers carefully.

"I want to see him now. Can we visit?" Jack asks.

"I wish I could take you to him. Unfortunately, no one is permitted in or out of the Games." Jack lowers his head with sadness.

"I wish he didn't go." Carameuse says sadly.

"Oh honey, I know he misses you as much as you miss him, even more. I know he thinks about all four of you every day." Janus tells my children. I'm not sure if they believe him.

One of the crew taps Janus on the shoulder.

"Well, we're about out of time. Thank you so much for joining us, Mrs. Spoole. It was so lovely to meet you and your children."

"Likewise. Safe travels." I tell him.


Aria Hanger, sister of Ralon Hanger, District Nine

I never expected to be interviewed by the Captiol again. Once the hype of Ralon winning died down, they left us alone. But they just had to bring us all back into this again, didn't they?

Frankly, I shouldn't even be here right now. Our father refused to be interviewed, and our sister refuses to leave her house. I'd do the same if Rachel didn't beg me to. I couldn't say no to Rachel.

So now I sit next to her and Carly who have probably been crying for days. I can't help but feel bad for them, knowing how low his chance of winning is. I guess it's fortunate for me Ralon and I fell out of contact years ago. I can't imagine what his wife and daughter are going through.

"Ready?" Janus asks us. I nod. The camera turns on. We're live.

"Thank you for joining us this evening. May I have you introduce yourself to the audience?" I try not to laugh at the ridiculous request.

"My name is Aria Hanger, I'm Ralon's sister. This is Rachel, his wife. And Carly, his daughter." Rachel smiles at the camera. Carly hides behind her mother's arm.

"It's so lovely to meet you all. How has it been, watching Ralon fight in the arena? He's certainly surprised everyone with his longevity."

"Yeah, well, Ralon isn't one to give up easily. He'll fight till his last breath." I answer. I look over at Rachel.

"He had good allies to help him out as well. He's strong, I know he can do it…" Her voice quiets out on her last words, as if she's not truly convinced herself that's true.

"I miss him." Carly says.

"I know he misses you too, sweetie. I know he thinks about you every day." Carly hides her face in her mom.

"If you could give Ralon any advice, what would you tell him?" Janus asks me.

"I'd tell him not to give up. Just, keep fighting." I say. I look over at Rachel.

"I'd tell him I miss him. I miss him more than he knows."

"Why can't he just leave the arena now? He doesn't need to be there any more. He needs to be home with his family." Carly says. I have to keep myself from laughing out loud. One of the crew taps Janus on the shoulder.

"I'm afraid we're out of time. Thank you for your time, ladies. It was nice talking to you." I turn towards Carly and squeeze her hand.

I hope, whatever happens, Carly doesn't have to see her father die on television.


Meadow Winslet, wife of Ellis Winslet, District Ten

Words can't describe the pain I feel for Ellis. Watching him sit with Kira as she died, it wasn't something he should ever go through. He has suffered enough, and she didn't deserve it.

I look in the mirror. My eyes are still puffy from crying. I hear a knock at my door. I guess I won't have time to hide it.

I open the door and fake a smile as the crew enters my home. I ask them to try to keep it down, as Logan just went down for his nap. They look at me strangely, but oblige to the best of their ability. I look over at the television one last time. Reuben, Rienne, and Atila make their way towards the beach. I keep it on as long as possible, hoping to see Ellis one last time before I have to turn it off. Unfortunately, the camera stays on the alliance as Janus let's me know they're ready for me.

I take a seat on my couch. A few of the crew come over and apply makeup on me.

"Thank you." I tell them as they cover up the redness under my eyes.

"Of course, beautiful." One of the ladies says. They finish up and Janus takes a seat in front of me.

"We good?" He asks his crew.

"We're good. Rolling."

"Thank you for joining us, Meadow. It's certainly been quite the games for District Ten, wouldn't you say?" I tightly grip my dress, fearing I'll burst into tears once more.

"Yes, I guess you could say that. They're both strong…Ellis is strong. He'll stay alive. He'll come home to me." I know that's not true. I know the chances of him returning are as good as anyone else's. But I have to tell myself that. It's the only thing keeping me sane.

"Yes, Ellis and Kira were certainly a force to be reckoned with. How do you think Ellis is coping with the loss of his ally?" Don't cry, please don't cry.

I swallow. "Um, I…I know he's having a rough time. Kira was like a sister to him. I know he wanted to see her come home alive. But…I know he's going to win for her. He has to win for her." Janus turns towards his crew as the beginnings of tears form in my eyes.

"We good?" The crew nods. Janus turns back towards me and takes my hand.

"Thank you for joining us, Meadow. I know Ellis will do anything he can to come home to you." I manage a smile.

"Thank you, Janus. I hope you're right."


Muel Calderon, brother of Rienne Calderon, District Eleven

I stand in Rienne's kitchen, watching as the crew scrambles to get set up. They must be uncomfortable, being so far away from the Capitol for so long. One wrong move and they're stuck here in Eleven. Imagine that.

"Are you ready?" Janus asks me. I nod my head.

"As ready as I'll ever be." He ignores me as he awkwardly stands in front of me with a microphone. I guess he's not used to someone like me.

"Rienne has impressed us all with her abilities throughout her time in the arena. How has it been, watching her with her alliance?" I shrug.

"Rienne does whatever she wants, so, that's what she's done throughout the arena. I don't know what else you want me to say." Janus lets out a sigh.

"She's certainly shown how capable she is. She's had a lot of drama this time around, along with a couple of rumors floating about." He lingers on the word rumors, as if to get a reaction out of me. It didn't work. "Would you like to comment on those?" I shake my head.

"I don't see the point. She'll probably be dead soon, why does it matter?" Janus tenses up.

"Oh, well everything involving our Victors matters to us. They hold a special place in our hearts." Janus turns towards his producer, as if he's asking if the interview can end yet. The producer shakes his head no.

"Do you have any fun stories of Rienne the viewers would like to hear? Maybe something interesting from her childhood?" I keep my snarky comments held back. I need to give them something to work with.

"Um, she used to get in fights with older kids at school. Except, she'd always win. Didn't matter their age, gender, whatever. She'd win. She had a reputation as a fighter. I guess that's one thing that never changed."

"That's for certain. She's fought hard in that arena. I know you're proud of her for doing so well." I nod.

"Yeah. Proud." Janus turns back again. Except this time, the producer gives him the thumbs up.

"Thank you for joining us today Mr. Calderon. It's been an honor to get to know Rienne a little bit better."

The crew packs up before I can get another snarky remark in.


Sorry these are short, but I think they give a good view at how the family's of these tributes are feeling. Let me know what you think in the reviews! The feast is next, which'll be an exciting chapter for sure.