HOLLA! Well this chapter is A LOT longer than any of the other chapters of this story! Here we see the top 10 interviews! Just to put more suspense on you guys as to who will win these Games!

The poll on my profile IS NOW CLOSED! The winner has sort of been chosen and I am both terrified and excited for writing the next chapter which will involve a lot of fighting, something which honestly I have very little experience in writing. But I hope I do it justice!

Oh and with the interviewees, you have their county, name, age and relation to the tribute...just so you know!

So enjoy this chapter, the slightly different perspectives and let me know what you think in the review box!


Head Gamemaker – Peeta Mellark

Everything is set up; we are finally ready to end the 76 years of horror. We are ready to put this behind us in the past of Panem. A past that has no desire whatsoever to be repeated in the future for a long time if ever again.

But first we must go through the motions of the top 10 tribute interviews with their family and friends. We were tempted to do it with the top 25, just under a third as was the comparison to the top 8, but it was generally felt it wasn't the best time to do such a thing. Now, right before the final battle, is a more appropriate time to do it, where we are on the cusp of finishing. This is where emotions are running high and we, like the audience around the nation, have no idea what is going to happen.

It was touching watching the interviews, a curious mix of people and family dynamics, or in some cases the lack of. Katniss has refused to see them, any memory of family and all it does is remind her of Primrose, of the family she once had but is no longer, torn apart by grief.

Now they are ready for TV. No audience, a host not quite as charismatic but the interviewer, the ever lovely Stacey. An old Victor from District 3 who managed to escape the clutches of the Capitol and the rebellion, she knows what it is like to have a child in the Games. Even the kids of the Victors are not immune; the kid was killed in the third day of the 61st Hunger Games, exactly 25 years after her mother. She stayed strong by writing: poetry, books, plays, anything that would help her express her feelings. It is simple and a fitting start to what promises to be an intriguing next two days. We don't know what will happen, who will win if anyone at all. Only time and fate will tell.

I switch on the television in our apartment, turning down the volume so Katniss cannot hear it. I found it almost impossible to listen to my own family's interview, the lies about the pride and the love they had for their son. I wonder if the Victor will have an experience like mine or whether it will be a relief to know that they were being supported all the way, whether it is a lie or not.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen of Panem," Stacey's kind smile graces screen as she sits in front of a map of Panem, "to the top 10 tribute family interviews. We have tributes from 9 different counties: 1," the county flashes up and I smile at Beetee's genuine to show how across the country the tributes came from, "2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14 and 18. Our tributes have no disappointed us in terms of form and style and I had the privilege of talking to the families. And this is what I found, this is what happened."

County 1 – Mira Tiell (15) = twin sister

They weren't supposed to find me; they were never supposed to know that Phoenix and I have been living by ourselves all year. They weren't supposed to know so that we would just be left alone. We didn't want any special attention; we certainly didn't want to be put in the care home. But that's changed now that Phoenix is in the Games. I could survive with her easily, we looked out and after each other and that wasn't a problem. We were doing just fine.

But now she's in the top 10 of the last ever Hunger Games, now she has a chance of winning this thing which makes me such a proud sister, they have come prying. And I can't understand how the interview people found me and I don't think I want to know. The interviewer is kind enough but she doesn't see it from my perspective. If I lose Phoenix I lose half of my life, half of who I am. The lady who is going to interview me may have lost a child to the Games but it is two very different perspectives, two very different kinds of relationships.

She sets up two chairs and we sit in the shack that I am almost proud to call my home, almost. She looks at me, knowing that I feel pain as she did. I know she isn't going to be patronising as I have seen other interviewers be, she understands to a degree and will be real and honest. Nothing hidden and nothing left untouched.

"May I call you Mira or would you prefer Miss Tiell?" She asks kindly, the interview hasn't officially started, I can see that the red light on the camera that tells me it is recording isn't on.

I blanche, I didn't expect that kind of friendliness. "Um, Mira is fine." I stammer after a pause.

She smiles and nods to the cameraman who starts the tape. Stacey looks into one of the three cameras that are in here, the one just to my right that captures her reactions. The second one is just to her left and is to capture my reactions and talking when I speak. The third captures both of us, sees both our reactions and conversations. "I am here with Mira Tiell, twin sister of County 1 Career Runaway Phoenix Tiell. So tell me Mira, how does it feel knowing that your sister has got so far?"

How do I feel? I feel like I am waking up every day, fearing that my sister might not make it home. "I'm glad that she's so near the end." I reply evenly, trying not to show emotion that they might use to their advantage. "I'm proud of how far she has reached and it gives me more hope that she will come home."

Stacey nods with a smile. "And what went through your mind when your sister ran away and betrayed the alliance that she had built up with the Careers?"

I smile, that was pretty cool. "I thought it was extremely brave, she risked a lot and now she is one of the two that remain. I look forward to seeing the other Career's reaction when they next meet."

And I do look forward to it, I just want to push away the twisted feeling in my stomach that says it won't end well for one of them and I can't tell who.

County 2 – Bren Castiel (16) = best friend

There was no way we were going to let Sierra anywhere near the top 10 interviews if Nikki made it this far. That girl sent our friend to her death! It is only by the fact that she has some insane training that we didn't know about and some wicked skills that she has managed to make it this far, out surviving both her sister and her two other allies. I couldn't understand ever why she put Darius into their alliance, he was a horror and just seeing him die was such a relief, even if it was horrible.

We asked Alice if she wanted to do the interview, before the crew arrived, and she refused point blank. She hasn't been the same since Alyss, she has barely spoken and we seem to be the only ones who she will see, the only ones who bring her the good news. So it is me and Mel, alone in my house, our parents have politely excused themselves out of the house, to give us some privacy. Nikki never liked Dayna so there was no way she was going to know the right date of the interview.

But here is Sierra, thinking it is totally okay to come and be a part of the interview. I don't care that the camera is rolling, we have been asked on our thoughts of Nikki killing and how the death of her sister might change her. But the stupid prat just had to walk through the door at that precise second.

"Oh, are you here for the top 10 interviews about Nikki?" She asked delighted, her face a perfect picture of an angel.

Stacey frowns slightly, trying to comprehend. "Yes, are you a friend of Nikki?"

Sierra gushes, ugh the girl makes my skin crawl. "Nikki is my best friend." I cannot supress the snort but it is ignored. "It was so kind of her to volunteer for me; I know I never would have lasted as long as she has."

Stacey raises an eyebrow. "You are Sierra Toll who was originally reaped?"

She nods, ecstatic that she is recognised. "Liar, get out of the house." I spit through my teeth before turning Stacey. "Stacey, this girl volunteered Nikki for her. If you watch the reaping back again, you will see it is not Nikki who says that she volunteers but it is Stacey. This girl has done nothing but betray her so-called friend." I take a deep breath, clenching and unclenching my hands as everyone stares at me. "Now get out of my house Sierra. We never want to see you again."

And for once the girl gets the hint, she stumbles back and her words come out mumbled, she cannot fully form the sentence to say anything. She just turns and runs out of the door, all composure lost. "Well said Bren." Mel murmurs.

I take a deep breath before turning back to Stacey with a smile and sitting down again. "Now where were we?"

County 3 – William Montgomery (45) = father

The smell in the air is one that is comforting, the only thing that can bring comfort in this crucial time. It is almost unbelievable that Romeo has made it this far, his alliance was strong and while we always fear for his safety, it is a true miracle that he is in the top 10. Stage fighting and combat can only go so far in a real fight but it seems that performing as Benvolio and Paris in various scenes in the weeks leading up to his volunteering.

It seemed only right to invite Maria and Thomas to the interviews that are being held in our humble shop here in county 3. Generous and grateful friends took in most of our children, the younger ones would be confused by the cameras and the idea of talking about Romeo, a brother they remember with fondness but perhaps might stimulate emotions that would put an end to the interview. It would be too much of them to experience. So only Benedict, Miranda and Tatiana are here with my wife and I and his friends.

The interviewer is courteous and gentle, asking questions that aren't too probing or pushy. I like her attitude and approach and so it is easy to answer her questions. "Now," Stacey broaches another topic with caution, "how do you feel about Romeo killing Graphite Mark Grey from County 8 in the bloodbath? Was it hard to admit that your son/friend/brother is a killer?"

There is an uncomfortable silence and I have to admit it is a question I have been mulling over ever since the event occurred. My first instinct was to say that Romeo was acting, playing the part of a tribute but instead of a play, it was real life. But that makes it seem as if his true character lay in killing innocent boys his age. I don't know how I can answer the question, if at all.

I am surprised that it is Maria who answers finally. "At first I was really angry; trying to come to terms with what your friend has done is a difficult thing. I was angry that he had wasted a life, that he had initially fallen to the ways of how the Games worked. But then I thought about it. I thought about the fact that if he hadn't killed, it could have been his body being sent home on that first day. That made me glad then, to know that he hasn't done it again."

Miranda nodded and added in, my heart bursting with pride at my own thoughts being reflected in someone else talking. "And if he has to do it again, and we all know the reality of the Games of what people are forced to do, we will not think any less highly of him. We are proud of Romeo beyond belief and we will just be glad to have him home."

Stacey smiles and nods slightly. "If you could say something to Romeo, what would it be?"

They all look at each other and I find my voice to speak, a quote that we Montgomerys have lived by for years. "And above all this, to thine own self be true."

Perhaps Hamlet wasn't such a useless play after all.

County 5 – Preecha Mookjai (50) = adopted father

I never expected this of him. I did not bring him up to be a heartless killer. He may reason that as she was his ally that it would have been wrong to kill her in cold blood with his own weapons that he has been using ever since the age of 5, ever since I started to teach him. this was not the Vihn I stole away from District 13 to the Capitol, my adopted son would not have killed, or attempted to, someone without them knowing.

What Vihn did was cowardly and if my son makes it home alive, I will be most definitely having a talk about it with him. What was going through his mind? How could he be so cowardly and not face the girl himself? Yes she was three years younger than him but the danger of having an alliance lies in the fact that if you make it so far, you are going to have to break up at some point.

Now, still in the midst of recovery from the betrayal my son showed to his former ally, I am invaded by strangers who seem to claim to know everything about the boy that I grew up. I don't trust any of them, perhaps the interviewer less who knows the pain of losing a child which I hold as a possibility in my heart every day. They are barraging me with questions that I barely know the answers to, let alone can answer when I am trying to process what I have just seen and heard.

But at least I am aware that the interviewer, I think I heard a name like Stacey or something, has noticed that what just happened is something that I do not want to be talking about right now. "Mr Mookjai, what is your relationship with your son like? Were you always close?"

I can answer that at least; it is basic and requires very much a neutral answer. "I taught Vihn Muay Thai, it was our way of bonding. I knew that I wanted him to be prepared for whatever life in the Capitol might throw at him. I wasn't exactly expecting this but I know that he has used what I taught him to the best of his ability." I inhale slowly. "We have always been close and I think it was the horror of him losing his parents that helped him grow up with a family friend into the close relationship we have now."

She nods; it is a vague and not exactly accurate answer. I don't think I even answered the question fully but that is all they are getting when it comes to that kind of sensitive question. "Do you think that Vihn has a chance of winning?"

What kind of a question is that? I wouldn't be a good father if I didn't think that he could win! "I think that if he applies what I have taught him as well as the morals that I taught him to live by as he grow up, yes, I do believe that he has a very good chance of coming home. There are some tough competitors but I believe in him."

And that is true, despite what he did, I still believe in him. He is my son and nothing will stop that.

County 6 – Cornelia Sleith (47) = mother

My baby, my poor baby. Stuck in a place that he really shouldn't be and now ready for the fight of his life that means he will either come home alive safely to my arms or in a box that contains what remains of my son, killed by another teenager who is there for exactly the same reason as he is, to survive and live to see another day.

And now there are people here, at my door, wishing to talk to me about him. How can I spill what I feel so deeply, about an emotion I cannot talk about even to myself or to my husband? How can I be expected to know answers to questions that I can barely bring myself to question in the first place? It makes me too nervous to know that we are about to be exposed to the whole of Panem, all of our insecurities and weaknesses and our feelings.

The interviewer faces the two of us, her face kind and thoughtful. I don't want to do this, I don't want to like the woman who faces us but I do. She knows what it is like to have to mourn the loss of a child who should have outlived her. Of course I am not mourning just yet, but I know that I have to be prepared for the worst just in case.

She hasn't rushed this interview at all, she has taken her time, allowing us to express our emotions and giving us time to answer what she knows are hard questions for us to answer. "So," she seems to be finally concluding our interview which has gone on for far longer than we anticipated, "how do you think your son has changed through the experience of the Games? Do you think he has changed at all?"

Garrick and I glance at each other, this is a question we have been trying to avoid answering, trying to figure out for ourselves. There is a long pause; Stacey looks between the two of us with patient expectancy. "No, I don't think he has changed." My husband's voice is hollow but firm. "Sebastian managed to find himself a good and strong alliance and I trust my son enough not to stab Romeo in the back."

I nod in agreement. "Sebastian stays true to his morals and he has done so throughout the Games. He knew what he was doing when he fought in the bloodbath and what he has been doing ever since. My husband is right, Sebastian and Romeo make a good team and I know he will make the right decisions when it comes to the final showdown, whether his ally is dead or not."

Stacey nods. "The polls and statistics have shown that your son's alliance with Romeo Montgomery of county 3 has proven extremely strong and perhaps one of the strongest so far." She nods. "I wish all the best to your son."

I wonder if she says that to all the families, or whether she really means it. Hum.

County 7 – Patrick Cross (21) = brother

He's been gone two weeks and four days exactly. I count the days, the hours and the minutes until I can see my baby brother come home again. Or at least I pray to any and every god up there that I will. He doesn't deserve what he is going through, none of us do. What kind of bad hand had to be played to us that barely a few days after Ander was murdered, Archie was thrown into a competition, one that I dared not even hope he would get this far.

Him being where he is has made me so proud, so insanely proud. Archie has been loyal, protective and true to himself throughout the whole of the Games. He has not let his team down, he has not let his family down and in no way has he let himself down. Yes, if he comes home we know he might have changed experiences he might never talk about. But we can respect that and as long as we have him back alive, air in his lungs and a steady heartbeat, I will be content.

It is almost shocking to think he is where he is. Sure Archie was always accurate and smart, but I never thought he would be so competent with a bow and arrow, so able to provide the food and expertise needed in young alliance he had. He took on the role that I wasn't there to take on, the older brother and almost father figure that I provided for him.

And now we sit, the four of us on the sofa. Mum, dad, me and Henry, Archie's best friend and our best striker the team has ever seen. I insisted on him being here, he knows Archie as well as the rest of us and he actually seems to be the one giving most of the answers. Mum and dad are just too in shock still at having these strange people invading our lives to be able to answer and I've tried to do what I can.

"Now," Stacey starts and I suddenly get a very sinking feeling in my stomach, like she's going to ask us something that steps over the line, "tell me about Alexander. Your second son was killed just three days before the reaping. What went through your minds when you heard his name called? What did you think was going through Archie's mind?"

She did not just ask that. There is a limit to reasonable questions and that is overstepping the mark. I clench my fists and look at her, speaking before anyone else can. "I would request that you leave the topic of Ander alone Miss. His name still being in the reaping bowl was a cruel and sick joke that someone was playing and we have tried to keep this incident out of our minds. Archie's survival in the arena has nothing to do with the question. So either you move on or you get out because there is a limit on personal questions, and you just crossed it."

I don't think I have ever heard myself speak harsher but the words coming spitting out and she is truly taken aback while my family and friends look at me with astonishment and incredulity. But I am not backing down. Either Archie will be joining us in a few days or he will be joining Ander in heaven, or wherever it is people go when they die. That, however, is not of Panem's concern.

County 7 – Mortain McAdams (47) = father

I have done everything and it seems as if all my work has come to naught. I have petitioned for people to send my daughter sponsor gifts. I have threatened people, paid loans twice over and done all manner of things to make sure that my baby girl stays alive. And what has happened? Not a single sponsor gift, not one.

My girl is now days away from coming home but she has to defeat 9 other tributes who are older and far more experienced than her. I am eternally grateful to the young Cross boy and I will make it my personal mission to find the family if and when she comes home to thank them for their son's support and protection. It is because of him that my girl has made it to the final days; she has had protection and security.

But now that is being taken away. They are so close to the final fight that when the time comes, when Archie sacrifices himself for her as he has promised, and I don't doubt his word, she will be on her own as the youngest competitor left. The interview is going over my head, my son is mainly answering the questions for me, I just sit there, my eyes glazed over as if I physically cannot bring myself to answer any of the questions they have for me. Elena would be here to help me, had the rebellion not stolen her too away from me.

"Mr McAdams?" Stacey's calming voice breaks me out of my reverie and I blink.

"Yes, sorry, I got lost there for a moment, I was thinking about her." I smile slightly, hoping that this will let me off.

She nods in understanding. "Mr McAdams I wanted to know what you thought of Lorelei's alliance. Did she make the right choices? Do you think Archie Cross will sustain his word?"

I nod; here is something I can talk about. "Lorelei had the best alliance that someone her age and capability could hope for. Archie is a loyal friend and I have no doubt that he will keep his word, I worked with his brother Ander a lot before the boy died and if his loyalty and kindness is anything to go on, I know that that boy will keep his promise. And if he does, I look forward to seeing my baby girl come home."

I glance at Tristan, the boy has grown up so much and I cannot start to think how much my baby will have grown up when she gets home. "Dad's said everything. We just can't wait to see her home safely soon."

It is how we have always felt; we have always wanted that to be the outcome. It is only now that the emotions come to the surface. We have been so closed off from one another, from the Games, watching each day in total silence as we try to glimpse her somewhere. But now we are totally honest with each other, we know finally what it is like to be a family in part again.

County 10 – Gloria Wexler (7) = younger sister

It really sucks when you think you think you know everything, you think you've seen everything that a seven year old can see in her lifetime, only to be told that there is so much more and that there are some things in life that are just not fair. For example, Daddy and Niko have been on holiday for the last year, in a place that I'm not allowed to go and visit. Why am I not allowed to? Holidays are the best thing in the world. I spend all my time playing with Aella and my friends. They are better than school any day.

And now Aella has gone to join them but mummy says there is a possibility she might come home soon! I'd like that; it isn't as nice as it used to be with only mummy in the house to play with me. And then she can tell me all about what she did. And Aella always gets me a present when she goes away for a holiday. I can't wait to see what she has brought me this time!

I don't understand why we have people in the house today that I don't know. It isn't as if I don't like them, I just don't know why we are so great that we get cameras at our house while no one else does. I know, I asked my friends at school. There's a pretty lady with orange curly hair and big brown eyes like Aella without her special goggles on. She has a funny accent too, like she's from another part of Panem but that's not possible is it? She gave me a lollipop and Liana, Aella's friend, is here while the nice lady talks to the two of them about Aella. I can't understand why they keep talking about her; she's only gone on holiday, that isn't anything especially exciting.

"Gloria?" I look up as I hear my name to see Liana smiling down at me, her smile a little strange but I smile back. "Do you want to tell Stacey what you think about Aella?"

I nod, I like talking about my sister, she is the best thing in the world. "Aella is so cool. She always plays with me and never gets tired, even when I do. She's smart and grave and really lucky to get to go on holiday in this nice weather."

The nice woman looks a little confused and I don't understand why but she still nods. "And Gloria, do you think Aella will come home soon?"

I nod vigorously, I really want her to and it wouldn't be fair if she didn't. "Yes, I do. Mummy isn't as good at playing with me as she is and I would like to see her soon. I miss her loads, not as much as Daddy and Niko who have been on holiday for a WHOLE year!"

Stacey smiles but there is something in it that isn't quite right. I don't understand why everyone is acting so strangely. Aella is going to come home, just like Daddy and Niko will come home. Right?

County 14 – Helen Alphaeus (46) = mother

It seems as if our house is almost over flowing with the sent of incense but it is for the best reason. Every day, at least three times a day, we have been burning incense and offering prayers up to the household gods and the gods who have been keeping my son safe. I know and trust that what they have done is for the best.

We are entertaining guests, people who have clearly done their research as they had no hesitation in also offering up a greeting to the gods upon entering the house. I pray for mercy upon them that they are being serious and not playing with us. It would be most displeasing to the gods if they have been made a mockery and that would in turn not bode well for our son who is the one most likely to be cursed by the gods on behalf of the family.

The interviewer was gracious enough to come when Artemis is at school. She has been through so much, she understands what Apollo was chosen to do, she knows where he is and what he has gone through. However she does not know the extent of his injuries and that particular test has made us even more feverent in our prayers and offerings to the gods for his protection and safe return if it their will.

"I know that it must be difficult for you, knowing your son is injured which puts him at a disadvantage against the other tributes. Do you think that this will increase the likelihood of him dying?" Stacey means to be kind but her question comes across as blunt and it bewilders me.

Before I can reply, Orpheus my husband replies, his voice firm and low. "We believe that the gods' choice is the right one. His injury is merely a test from the gods to see if he can adapt to a new situation. If the gods believe that he can make it home, they will allow for it to so happen. If it is not their will, we must accept that and understand that there was a reason."

We know Stacey can never understand why we believe what we do and she may believe in another god which may or may not exist. But at least she isn't questioning it as so many people have a mark of respect surely. "Does your daughter Artemis understand what is happening?" She asks gently.

I nod, this is my area. "Artemis was eligible for the reaping this year, she has been watching the Games since she was six and able to understand what was going on. We saw the Games as something there for a reason put there by the gods. The rebellion was the gods' choice to the end it and the Mellarks were especially chosen for the task." I bow my head slightly as I admit the facts. "However Artemis is unaware of the extent of Apollo's recent injuries. She is worried about him enough; we don't want to place yet another burden on her heart."

Stacey nods in understand, I know that she knows what it is like to lose a child. She too was tested by the gods and she has stayed strong. And therefore so must I, I must stay strong and continue to make offerings to the gods, feverently praying that my boy will come home alive. I pray also in hope and selfish wishful thinking that my baby boy will come home at all. Is that too much to ask?

County 18 – Kurt Samsel (18) = friend

He's done it! My heart wants to burst with pride at just the thought that only 9 more people have to die and then Reid can come home. Despite the deaths we have suffered as a county, it has put the rest of the people of County 18 backing the surviving tributes more than ever, or now the surviving tribute. He's the hot topic at school, the strange agreement with the County 3 and 6 alliance is most intensely debated and we all wonder when he is going to strike. The two tributes are one of the biggest threats to Reid's path to success and it is crucial he gets rid of them as quickly as possible.

But in my heart, I know that Reid will not do anything other than face them head on. He is not a coward and will go down dead or out alive with a fierce fight. Very few people can call him a true friend, I am one such lucky person, as many judgements that people make are based upon the first viewing of someone. It is the reason clothes are such an important accessory to making a good impression when you go anywhere; the tribute parade is one such example. Reid doesn't exactly have the most 'let's be best friends because I love to have a laugh and make friends' kind of look. A Mohawk is his style but it doesn't reflect his personality. In all honesty that is who he is.

But how do I put that into intelligible words when the press come hounding at the door. It was very kind of Titus and Brigitte, Reid's parents, to invite Scarlet and I over to help them with the interview. Often it seems like a painful process to have to relive the memories of Reid that you fear you may not be able to talk about with the man himself ever again.

"Mr Samsel?" Stacey's cool and calming voice breaks me out of my train of thought.

I start, and smile at her quickly. "Sorry, I was lost in the fond memories I have of Reid. I want to keep them that way and not have them tarnished by whatever he may have to do soon enough."

Stacey smiles. "In fact, his clean record is what I want to ask you about. Do you think that Reid will be able to get through the fight without tarnishing his impressive record?"

I pause for a moment considering this, finding all the facts that I know about the remaining tributes in my head. "I don't think so no. but Reid isn't the only one, the pair from 7 and the guy from 14 are also yet to kill and while this may hold as a disadvantage to Reid, the lack of killing, as it means that he may be affected if and when he does kill for the first time, there will be a distinct advantage in the fact that it will tell the other tributes that he can kill and is perfectly capable of doing so, making him seem less of a weak target. There are ways and means that Reid can get out of the arena without having killed anyone but I doubt it will happen."

Scarlet adds something as I finish. "And I can't speak for everyone here but I know that I won't think any less highly of him if he does return having killed."

Scarlet is right, we won't think of him any less. It will be just intriguing to know if he will be the same person we knew when he left.


For a couple of the characters here I didn't have very much information so I hope that they are at least fairly clear characters for the 500 words or so that they appear!

What did you think? Did you like it? Did it get you a better insight off the battle field?

Here are a couple of questions I'd really appreciate you answering in a review:

Which was your favourite?

Did it change your attitude towards any of the tributes?