Everything's gotten way out of hand

But your wish is our command

You wanted the best

You got the best

District 10 is always close to the end, as usual. I have plenty of time to watch everyone else. I decide not to worry, no, I am not going to worry until it gets remotely close to my turn. If I worry now, I'll spend the whole time freaking out.

Whyllis is ignoring me again, which is fine. I shouldn't be bothering her anyways. On her other side is Jane, perky as ever. I'm staring at Magaz's back and lean out, trying to catch a glimpse of the other tributes. Yep. It's gonna be a while before I'm up there.

Opal is first, strolling across the stage with a fierce look on her face. She has on a short dark green dress and a lot of golden metal plates that remind me of armour. She answers all of her questions in a hurry, as if she can't be bothered to stay up there for too long. When asked about why she volunteered, she seems offended.

"Why I volunteered? Why I volunteered!? Because I think I can win! Do you really think I'm stupid enough to just throw everything away!? No. I'm going to win, you all just watch! I will prove myself to my family, my district, and the entirety of Panem!"

Bartleby is next, in a light brown suit and a fancy round hat. He's even carrying a cane. He seems very calm and relaxed until I catch sight of his eyes darting back and forth and his voice wavering, as if he wants to cry. That being said, he deflects everything. He won't answer a single question.
"I prefer not to answer," he whispers, tapping his foot and his cane against the floor. "I just...prefer not to answer..."

Cindra's dress is floor-length and a very deep red that reminds me, in a way, of blood. She has her chin up the whole time and she won't stop grinning. It's obvious the crowd loves her and her confidence...maybe a bit too much? I shudder, imagining her perfect teeth as sharp little daggers.

"This has been my calling! It's been my calling since the day I was born! Mark my words, I'm going in there, and I'm coming out a Victor!"

Troy moves as slow as he possibly can onto the stage. His outfit is a simple black tux. That's it; everything about it is just black. Troy doesn't make up for such a hideous outfit either. He's devoid of any emotions whatsoever. It's kind of sad.

When asked about his alliance, Troy just shrugs. "Whatever, I guess. It exists..."

Delta is up next, with a simple pale blue dress that stops right above her knees. Her face is covered with a heavy layer of makeup. She doesn't react to anything either and of her answers are pretty simple. There's not much to say except her interview is kind of boring.

"Yes, I have a strategy and an alliance. No, I don't feel like sharing it. Thanks."

Gayle stomps up to the stage scowling. He has on a bark blue tux with a bright white shirt underneath and a pink tie. The interviewer can barely get out any questions before he starts going off on a loud rant that makes me cover my ears about how much he hates this whole thing. And he seems to really hate it.

"You sick fucks probably twisted it to make me look like I actually enjoy this stupid game. I just didn't want my boyfriend to die! What the hell is wrong with you people!?"

On the other side of the stage, Delta just shakes her head at her district partner. I have to agree. Pissing off the audience is never a good idea.

Quincy's jumpsuit is a sparkly blue, which is blinding under all the spotlights. Their black boots are loud as they practically run and jump up onto the stage in front of the cheery audience. After the last few train wrecks, their interview is smooth, but they will not shut up about their boyfriend.

"Anyways, I'm so excited! Anthony and I are gonna be like that power couple, you know the ones you see in the movies? The other tributes better watch out, because we're coming for them!"

Anthony's suit is also very sparkly and blue, just like his district partner's outfit. He's a little more subdued and calmer. Of course, he's just got to mention how in love he is with Quincy and how romantic the whole thing is.

"We've been dating for over three years now, and we do everyone together. I read a story from a long time ago that really sums it up. Quincy is the Juliet to my Romeo."

There's nervous laughter all around from those in the know. Karen is up next, wearign a form fitting dress made of black lace. It has long sleeves and trails on the ground behind her. It doesn't seem to work as well as it should, because she's so confident in herself, and way too certain she's better than everyone else.

"You all should really stop counting me out, okay!? So what I'm young!? I've got a lot of skills and I'm way better than even some of the Careers! So go ahead, underestimate me. I'll make sure that you regret it until you're dead!"

Flynn is wearing a simple grey suit, but with a long white coat over the rest of his clothes. He even his glasses too, but I'm guessing they're fake since he never wore them in training. He spends the whole time rambling on about his passions for science and the like. He talks so fast, I can barely keep up.

"But yeah, science! Am I right? I wanted to bring one of homemade smoke bombs up here to show you guys how much fun it is, but I told I wasn't allowed. Damn. Well, I guess you'll have to wait until the arena when I show everyone just what science can do!"

April's dress is in two pieces, with a glittery top and a very tight skirt that I'm guessing is made out of leather. She fiddles with the giant diamond necklace she's wearing as she tells the audience about her experience helping to deliver babies, including her own niece.

"I love her so much. And the woman I volunteered for was her mother. I feel bad because my brother abandoned his child and I do want her to grow up without a mother either. At the very least, she's one more child I might be able to save."

Ethan's suit is black with red stripes running down the jacket. His bright red tie is a mess and his shirt is untucked. In comparison to his quiet district partner, Ethan spends the whole time laughing and telling jokes which gets the audience chuckling with him.

"Why the heck are we talking about the Games? I don't wanna talk about them! I still got some more jokes! Okay, you're gonna love this one. A man walks into a bar..."

Sitka skips onto the stage in the fluffiest dress I've ever seen., It's a dark green, and I'm a bit relieved not to be the only one wearing that colour. She's so cute and bubbly and responds with so much enthusiasm, it's a bit jarring. After all, last time I saw her, she was bossing her alliance around.

"My alliance may be big, but I know that under my strategic leadership, we'll do amazing! There's practically no way we'll lose!"

Tyrone is wearing a black suit with white stripes running down his arms. I notice the pair of beat-up sneakers on his feet. This interview has to be the most casual of the night, because Tyrone's answers are so simple and quick. Heck, he's way too busy staring at his shoes the whole time.

By now, over half the interviews are done. Suddenly, I start to feel a little nervous.

Ellie is wearing a sleek silver top, flats shoes, and a detached white skirt that has a lot of ruffles. She seems a little nervous at first (I can relate), but I see a smile slowly spread across her face and her back starts to arch as she visibly relaxes.

"Well, my ally and I really trust each other. We've got a lot in common and we both think of the same wavelength. It's nice to have someone you can be so close to. I think we'll have each other's backs once we hit the arena and together, we can do great things."

Damask is wearing a black trenchcoat over a white dress shirt and grey pants. He also seems very stiff as well. I can hear the cracks in his voice as he tries to regain composure. It's definitely not helping to calm my nerves down.

Damask shrugs off a lot of the questions he's asked, up until he's out of time. And now there's only two tributes left before my turn.

Teff's pink dress is really poofy and bright. She's also wearing some ridiculous heels she's struggling to walk in. For the most part, her interview goes rather well, up until the very last minute. Tears start running down her face and her voice is strained.

"I just miss my family...I want to come back home to them and I don't want them to...oh God!"

Magaz's suit it a bright white with accents that are an almost copper colour. His tie has green and brown designs all over it. In comparison to Teff's interview, he is a lot smoother, and he's probably the most open about his strategy.

"Damask and I have thought out quite a few scenarios that could happen. Not to say we know for sure what's happening, of course. But I trust him with my life and he feels the same way. Both of us want to work together to try and survive."

Now it's my turn.

And the crowd is deafening.

I rub my hands together but I can barely feel them. I'm too shocked to smile or cry or do anything. There's way more people in front of me than I was expecting. And this is televised too!? Everyone I know is watching...waiting...all eyes are on me...

Then I slowly gaze down to see Rhiannon, Cheyenne, and Kanaya in front row. My heart slows down just enough for me to collect my thoughts as I sit down. I can actually smile this time, for real. Rhiannon flashes me a thumbs up. It's okay, VR. You can do this.

"Welcome Vera-Ryanna! Are you okay, sweetie? You're awfully pale!"
"I'm fine!" I say quickly, surprised at the volume of my voice. "I'm just a bit excited to be here tonight...I didn't expect so many people here to...to cheer me on!"

The crowd hollers at that and my face flushes red. Are they cheering for me?

"Well, why don't you tell us a bit more about yourself. What did you like to do back in District 10?"
"I like to write..." I don't dare mention archery, because I don't want to get myself or Angie into any trouble. "It's relaxing for me...it's cool to come up with all these cool worlds and places and visit them in my head...it's fun..."

I remember the words my friends said to me a few days ago. About what they didn't like about my story. About how I was much too sensitive for my own good. I start to giggle hysterically because I don't want to cry. Not here, not now.

"Maybe...once I get out of the Games...I can write a book about it?"
"Oh, I would totally read that! What's your plans for the Games?"

"Uh..." Shit. Now what? "Well...I think it should be a surprise, shouldn't it? I don't want to spoil things!"
Everyone laughs. That's good, right? They're laughing with me, not at me. Maybe being up here isn't so bad after all...

"Looks like we're almost out of time! Anything you want to say?"
"Um...well...to my family...I love you and I want to see you soon..."

I trail off and the buzzer sounds behind me. My time is up.

I don't waste any time leaving the stage; my hands are icy cold. Ellie gives me a small grin as I pass by and all I have the energy to do is just nod in her general direction. Watching the screen over my head, it's not the least bit surprising Whyllis has no problems standing where I just was a few minutes ago. I can't help but feel a little jealous. Why can't I be that confident?

Her interview is much smoother than mine, but also a little tense. When asked if she has any last words, Whyllis jumps to her feet. "Hell yeah I do! Dear Mom and Dad, fuck you for ever doubting me and treating me like shit! You thought I was a waste of time and that I'd never amount to anything!? I can't wait to get back home, kick your asses and show you what the fuck I can actually do!"

Jane's wearing her signature smirk and long light brown dress trailing behind her. Everything about it just screams plain. She rolls up her sleeves and lounges across the chair. I'm expecting her to just annoy everyone into oblivion, so when she starts putting up this cutesy act, it's a huge surprise. Jane pouts and cocks her head sideways, giving off these big doe-eyes.

"Well, it's very nice of you to worry about little old me. I can't believe I have so much support! I hope you're all cheering my name as I cut everyone's heads off, ha ha!"
Yep, there it is.

Basil nervously fiddles with the green tie of hi simple black suit. He finally straightens it once he's sitting down. But it's a bit of a shock for his language to be so mature and formal, in comparison to what I saw of him at his Reaping. And it doesn't surprise me Jane isn't too fond of him; I can't imagine he'd see the humour in her pranks.

Then he drops a bombshell. "I'm just so glad that everyone I've met has been super supportive of the fact that I'm transgender and do what they can to make me feel comfortable."
Behind me, Jane scoffs. "I already knew that."

Maryann wears a short red dress with long, flowing sleeves and I can see a pair of white tights poking out underneath. She reminds me of a little red bird, flying across the stage. A feisty bird, at that. Maryann has made it very clear she is not one to be counted out.

"So what I'm young? that won't stop me from winning, will it? You should never underestimate any tributes in the arena and I'm about to prove to you why!"

Leo's interview is the last of the night and he's wearign a bright red tuxedo with a black bowtie. He's scowling at first, but I can see the fear in his eyes. What is he so nervous about? Is it stage fright? The crowd? The dread of tomorrow?

"To any sponsors out there, please consider my alliance. Think about it! You could help us win and we really need you!"

The crowd claps politely as he leaves.

Now that the interviews are finally over, I don't bother hanging around any longer and catch the first elevator back up to my room. I can't wait to take all this makeup off my face. But the adrenaline rush of tonight is starting to wear off leaving me practically terrified for tomorrow.

What's going to happen?

The longest chapter of the story so far! What did you think of all the interviews and outfits? Did any surprise you?

Now that we're only a few chapters away from the Bloodbath, I'd like to announce that it will be going up on FEBRUARY 15TH. Is that the same date as the PC Bloodbath? Yes. Is that chaotic? Yes. Are you excited? I hope so!

See you all next chapter!

-Vr