Chapter 24
Interviews
A/N: It feels good to be back! I'm going to have some fun with this one, so buckle you seat-belts and keep all hands, feet, and heads inside the hovercraft at all times!
Satin Hermes –18- -D1- POV
I walk onto the interview stage with Caesar, who is already sitting there, waiting for me. I'm wearing a white shirt that covers the scar I have from my neck down to my heart, a complimentary dark blue skirt, leggings, and black heels. Heels! Johnathan had wanted to put me in a more revealing dress, but he decided not to because of the scar. As he said, "I'm sorry, Satin, but even the slightest imperfection can't be shown." I don't particularly care, if he says this makes me look good, I believe him. I'm focused on winning, not soaking up praise and admiration from the people in the Capitol. I sit down properly, as I've been instructed, in the chair next to Caesar. I accept the handshake he offers, and then he speaks.
"So, Satin, since you've arrived in the Capitol, what here is most different from what you excepted?" He asks. Starting with the small, unimportant questions.
"Honestly, Caesar? It's how big everything is! It's so much bigger than I thought it would be!" I say. I'm lying. None of the buildings here are particularly impressive, but Jennifer tells me it pays to suck up to the crowd.
"I know! The Tribute Tower is gigantic! I get vertigo just from looking up at it!" He says. The audience laughs. "Now, Satin, tell me, what made you want to volunteer for the Games?"
"When I was young and was first reading about the Games, I thought it sounded really cool. Getting to run around and fight monsters with swords? Who wouldn't want to do that! As I got older, I also realized that if I got Reaped, I should be skilled, and then one day I decided that I wanted to put all my training to use," I say. All true, and they should like it.
"I see," Caesar says. "Now, tell me, Satin, is there anyone special back in District One?"
"There… there…" Tears well in my eyes as I recall my encounter with Midas in the Justice Building. No, I think to myself. Don't look weak. I can't look weak. "There was someone. Let's just say that we had… a parting of ways the day of the Reaping."
"Can you tell me more about him?" Caesar asks. This is juicy gossip, and he's going to get every last bit of it.
"Of course," I say, still fighting back tears. "In the Justice Building, after I volunteered, he revealed to me that he is anti-Hunger Games." Gasps from the audience. I keep going. "He told me that even if I survived, I would not be welcome anywhere near him when I returned." More gasps.
"He just told you that after you had volunteered?" Caesar asks, shocked. "And, if you don't mind, what did you do?"
"Yes, yes he did," I say. "I may or may not have exercised some of my training on him." Laughs from the audience. They're happy that some jerk got what he deserved.
"Well, Satin, I'm afraid that's all the time we have," he says, and we stand up and shake hands again. "There you have it! Satin Hermes, Tribute from District One! A girl you don't want to cross!" I walk off stage. That was not the angle we were going for. We were going for kind and funny. Not anymore, I guess.
Topaz Hazard –17- -D1- POV
I walk onto the stage wearing a black suit, with a white undershirt, and black dress shoes. The suit is uncomfortable, it feels tight, especially in the rear end. I have no doubt that that isn't purposeful.
After I exchange the obligatory handshake with Caesar, he gets right down to business.
"So, Topaz, tell me, do you think you're going to win?" He asks.
"I don't know, Caesar, but I think my odds are pretty good," I say. "I'm strong, I've been training my whole life, I was the best in my class, and I'm humble too." Laughter from the crowd. Honestly, I couldn't care less about these people, but Jennifer says that I might need Sponsors if I want to win, and that if I'm disliked by the people, I'm more likely to get killed off earlier, through some form or another of Gamemaker intervention. I don't believe that anybody could kill me, but she's the expert, so I do what she says.
"I see. So, what do you see as your greatest strength?" Caesar asks.
"I think my greatest strength is my actual strength," I say. "I could kill you with just my arms right now."
"Will, okay," Caesar says, looking nervous. "I'll make a note not to annoy you. Out of curiosity, if you were going to kill me, how would you?"
I pause, looking around to give me time to think about the question. "I would probably just choke you, seeing as I don't have a weapon."
"Wow," Caesar says, "I'm glad I'm not in the Games myself! What do you think," he addressed the audience, "would I stand a chance?" The audience shouts encouragement at him.
"So, Topaz, is there anyone special back in District One?" Caesar asks. "Any girl you want to get back to?"
"Actually, there is," I say, "Her name is Diamond, and we confessed our feelings for each other after the Reaping."
"So, you have some incentive to get back, then?" Caesar says.
"Yes, I guess you could say that," I say.
"Wonderful, Topaz! Unfortunately, that's all the time we have! Good luck!" We shake hands again, and I head off stage as he calls Lily.
Lily Cross –17- -D2- POV
I walk onto stage in an emerald green, mid-calf length dress with a transparent mesh top and leggings, along with green heels to match. The dress shows the scar on my left shoulder, but Angela thinks that seeing it will reinforce the image that I'm dangerous and not to be messed with.
"Hello, Lily! It's nice to meet you!" Caesar says. "What do you like most about the Capitol?"
"The showers," I say. This is a lie, I couldn't care less, but making the men of the Capitol think of me in the shower might be a plus. "Once I figured out how to not get sprayed with foam and freezing cold water at the same time, that is! I was so cold, I thought I was going to get hypothermia!" I hear the audience and Caesar laughing.
"The first time I took a shower by myself, I almost burned myself! I decided to deactivate the child temperature controls, and let's just say that that was a bad idea! I think I still have a small scar," he pointed to a small point on his forehead, "right here. Can you see it?" The audience reassures him, but he waves his arms to control them. "Okay, okay. We have more questions for you, Lily. Can you tell me why you wanted to volunteer for the Games?"
"Well, Caesar," I say, carefully controlling my tone to make sure that I give the impression I want. I'm going to lie a little bit, but I want Sponsors. "My mother died when I was young, because we couldn't pay for her treatments. When I have kids, I don't want the same thing to happen to me or them." This is a boldfaced lie, no matter how much money we had, we couldn't save my mom, and we had plenty of money, that's why I could afford the academy. They won't think too much about it, and it will get me plenty of sympathy, which is what I want.
"I see," Caesar says. "And do you think you're prepared for the Games?"
"I don't know," I say, "but I know that I've done my best, and I will continue to. Anyone who gets in my way will meet a quick end."
"Wow, that's quite fierce, Lily! So, tell me, is there anyone special back in District Two?"
"No," I say, "I spend all of my time training, so I haven't had any time to make friends."
"What about Arc? Do you know him?" Caesar asks. I can tell he's fishing for something juicy in my fake boring backstory.
"I know him a little bit. We haven't really talked much though," I say.
"Okay then,"Caesar says. "Unfortunately, that's all the time we have! It was nice to meet you, Lily!" We shake hands, and I walk offstage as he calls Arc.
Arc Woods –18- -D2- POV
I walk on stage and shake hands with Caesar, then sit down. I'm wearing a gray suit with matching tie and black dress shoes.
"Nice to meet you, Arc," Caesar says, "can you tell us what life is like in District Two compared to your time here in the Capitol?" Shoot. I wasn't prepared for that question.
"I haven't really spent much time here, but it seems like..." I pause, trying to think of a good answer, "everything is better staffed, that's for sure!"
"That it is!" Caesar says happily. "So, your father won the Games, and now you're here. Can you tell us if there's any connection?"
"Actually," I say, "my parents didn't want me to volunteer. They wanted me to train in case I was Reaped, but they didn't want me to go. My best friend, his name is Kris, he was Reaped. He hadn't trained, and I had, so I couldn't let him go and be slaughtered. So I decided to volunteer."
"I see," Caesar says. "That was very nice of you. I don't know if I would have the courage to do that!" He laughs. I hope this will be over soon. I'm getting sort of tired from interacting with people all day.
"Is there anyone special for you back in District Two?" Caesar asks.
"No," I say. There's not really anymore to say.
"I see. Do you know Lily?"
"We go to the same academy, and we've talked a bit, but I didn't really get to know her before the train ride, no," I say.
"But you did get to know her on the train ride?" Caesar asks. "Can you tell me more about that?"
"No," I say. "I don't think she would like that very much. Let's just say that it was very exciting for us."
"I see," Caesar says. "Can you tell me what your overall strategy is? I understand that you don't want to go to much into details, but..." He trails off to finish the question.
"I'll probably use a sword. I'll be in with Lily, Topaz, Satin, and Titanium. Apart from that, I don't want to say to much," I say.
"I understand," Caesar says. "And it looks like that's all the time we have! Thank you, Arc." We shake hands and I walk off stage.
Rianna Meade –16- -D3- POV
I sit off stage, waiting for Arc's interview to finish, then Caesar calls me up.
"Welcome, Rianna!" He says, flashing me a smile, and extending a hand to shake. I smile back and shake his hand. "So, tell me, do you have anyone special in District Three?"
"No, Caesar," I say, my voice coming out an octave higher and in a different tone than normal. I always do this. In a crisis, a small part of brain takes over to get me out of it. It knows what to do, even if I don't agree with it. "I'm very busy at school, and I haven't made many friends since the robbery." I didn't want to go there, but that small part of my brain told me to.
"The robbery?" Caesar asks, shocked. He leans in. "You have to tell us more!"
"It was a night just like any other night," I say, "Me and my friends were walking home from school, and then… and then..." I feel tears that I don't feel coming out of my eyes.
"It's alright, dear," Caesar says, patting me on the back. "You don't have to tell us." I look in his eyes, a that little part of my brain that's in control tells me what he's really saying. You don't have to tell us, but you should. I straighten my shoulders, and wipe the tears from my eyes. It seems like the little part of my brain says, You've got this from here, because suddenly I feel myself again.
"I was walking home with my friends, we were laughing and talking like normal, and then a man ran up to us. He grabbed me… and… and he told me to give him my backpack, my friends too. We did… and then, this one girl, T-Thea, s-she had a necklace, and he… he wanted it. But there was a patrol of Peacekeepers, and she was taking too long… and so he… he… he shot her. All over a necklace! And he didn't even get it. Some brave Peacekeepers managed to kill him shortly after. Since then… I… I," How do I put this nicely? –Screw nicely, Ri. Do what gets us out of here!- Fine. "My friends abandoned me because I was too shocked to cry." The crowd had gasped when they heard about Thea getting shot, and they had been silent, holding their breath until now. Another gasp.
"Your friends abandoned you?" Caesar asks, shocked.
"Yes," I say. "They called me a heartless jerk and told me to get away from them."
"Will," Caesar says, trying to put a positive spin on the situation, "at least you know they weren't very good friends, right? I know," he gestures to the audience, "none of us would want to have friends like that!"
"You're right, Caesar, you're right," I say, smiling through glassy vision at him.
"I would love to ask you more questions, Rianna," he says. "But, unfortunately, we've reached our time limit. It was lovely meeting you."
"You too, Caesar," I say, as we stand and shake hands.
Titanium Sparks –18- -D3- POV
I walk onstage after Rianna delivers her bombshell interview, which might totally ruin my chances of looking good to the Sponsors. After little crybaby Rianna, nobody wants big strong Ty. Oh well. At least she'll be dead soon. I'm wearing a nice suit that my fashion designer, Mallory, designed for me. It makes me look good, if I do say so myself.
"Hello, Titanium!" Caesar says. I wonder how he stays so happy with so much energy.
"Hi, Caesar," I say, giving him a firm handshake.
"So, Titanium, what do you think of the Capitol?" Caesar asks.
"I don't have much to say about it," I look around. "Seems like a nice place. I won't be here for long though. The train was nice, though. First one I've been on."
"Yes," Caesar says. "Those trains sure are something! They go so fast! I was on one once, and when I looked out the window, I thought I was going to vomit, it was going so fast!" The audience laughs at his expense, and then he moves on. "So, Titanium-"
"You can call me Ty," I say. He seems momentarily shocked that someone interrupted him, but his face changes to hide it.
"Okay then, Ty. Is there anyone waiting for you back in District Three?"
"There is actually. She just proposed to me the day of the Reaping. Once I win, I'll marry her. Daizee is her name."
"I see! That must have been quite exciting for you. So, you seem quite confident in your abilities! Is there a reason for that?"
"I've been training since I was twelve. I train all day, every day. So yeah, I think I have a good chance at winning. Especially compared to some of the less athletic ones we have this year."
"I see," Caesar says, smiling. "Confidence is good. Does Daizee share your confidence?"
"Not exactly," I say, smiling also, "but I'll show her when I get back with the Victor's title!"
"That's great," Caesar says. "Unfortunately, that's all the time we have! It was nice meeting you!" We shake hands, and I leave the stage.
Brooke Nash –15- -D4- POV
After that Titanium kid leaves the stage, it's my turn. I walk onto stage in a shimmery, deep blue, mermaid style dress with off the shoulder sleeves, a princess neckline, and a beautiful silver necklace with an aquamarine gemstone in the center. I feel like I almost glide onto the stage in the dress and matching heels.
"Hello, Brooke!" Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say, and shake his hand. He motions to the chair, and I sit down in just they way Margaret told me to.
"It's very nice to meet you, Brooke. So, is there anyone important to you back home?" Caesar asks.
"Let's see," I say. "Will, there are my sisters and brother, I love them, even if my brother was a bit misguided with that whole bread stealing thing." I know why he did it, but the Capitol must think that stealing of any kind is a horrible crime. "Then there's my dad, he doesn't say a lot, but he loves me, and my grandpa. Grandpa loves us a lot."
"I see. Any friends? A boyfriend? Maybe a secret crush?" Caesar asks.
"I have a couple friends, hi, Ridley, Cora," I say, waving to the camera. "Cora was dating this one guy, Tidal, and," I blush a little bit, "I didn't think that anyone knew that I liked him, but apparently they did," I laugh, shyly, "because of that kiss he gave me before I left District Four."
"Wow" Caesar says. "Friends and secret loves! I don't think that we've had anything that interesting before, have we?" He asks the audience, and they laugh.
"I wouldn't say that it was love, Caesar," I say. "I thought he was attractive, I would have dated him, but I don't know if he was the one." I glance offstage, quickly. As soon as I realize what I'm doing, I look back to Caesar. "Anyway, that's me. I'm… uh… sure you have more questions for me."
"As a matter of fact I do," Caesar says, "Have you made any friends since your arrival here?" He's asking about Kai. He knows that me and Kai are allies.
"Actually, Caesar, I have," I say.
"Really? Who?" He asks.
"A girl never tells," I say with a wink at Caesar. Then I laugh. "No, actually, its my District partner, Kai. I and him are going to be allies. We get along well enough, I think."
"Can you tell me a little bit about your strategy?" Caesar asks.
"Now, that, Caesar, I think I'll keep to myself. A little mystery never hurt anyone," I say.
"I see," Caesar says. "Unfortunately, we're out of time. It was nice to meet you, Brooke!" He rises to shake my hand.
"You too, Caesar," I say, and walk off stage as he calls Kai.
Kai Presley –18- -D4- POV
I stare at- I mean, I pay polite attention to Brooke all the way through her interview. She looks so pretty in her dress. She reminds me of Galia so much. They have a lot of the same personality, and they look very much alike. Galia wore a dress very much like Brooke's when she did her interview. I still remember every moment of it..
One year ago…
Kai Presley –17- -D4R- POV
I watch Galia walk onto the stage in her dress. It's a long, dark blue, cocktail dress. Her red hair was down to her shoulders, they had curled it at the bottom. Her green eyes shone bright when she smiled. She glided onto the stage with Caesar.
"Hello, Galia," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," she says. She sits down, crossing her legs like a proper lady. So beautiful. So sweet. I hope she'll win. She can do it. I know she can.
"So, Galia, let's get right to it," Caesar says. "Why did you volunteer?"
"Will, Caesar," Galia says, "my best friend, a girl named Mary, she got Reaped. Mary, she, she… let's just say that as much as I love Mary, she wouldn't stand a chance in the Arena. I don't know if I will either, but I'd like to think I will," she laughs. It's the sweetest sound in the world. "At least, even if I die, she'll still live," she says.
"Wow," Caesar says. "That was very noble of you, Galia. Is there anyone special for you back in District Four?"
Galia thinks for a second, and looks right at the camera. "No. There… no, no there's not." I wish I had told her. I went to visit her in the Justice Building, but she had already left. I wish I had told her. That was my mistake. But she'll come back. She… she has to.
"I see," Caesar says, "Are you sure?"
"Yes," she says, regaining her composure.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Caesar says. He looks at audience, at the camera. "I never found love myself. Apparently, the ladies don't like me! What's with that, ladies?" He asks the audience. They laugh and jokingly boo him. "Anyway," he says, "what's your strategy, if you don't mind telling us?"
"Not at all, Caesar," she says. "I plan to go it alone. Apparently nobody wants to be friends with me." I feel a surge of anger inside me. If I was there, I would protect her. How can these people- Uh! It's not worth it. She's talking again. "So, I'll probably go for a sword. I'd like a bow, but," she smiles, "I don't know if I'll get one. Of course," she smiles again and winks, "if anyone would like to donate one, I won't say no!" She laughs. Caesar laughs.
"Of course!" He says. "I'm sorry, Galia, but that's all the time we have. It was very nice meeting you."
"You too," she says, as she shakes hands with him and leaves the stage.
Back to the present…
Kai Presley –18- -D4- POV
Brooke's interview is done, and I watch her walk off stage. They call my name. I take a deep breath, and walk on stage. I'm wearing a nice tuxedo. I stride confidently to the stage, and shake hands with Caesar.
"Are you alright there, Kai?" Caesar asks. "You look as if you've been crying." He's right, I realize. I feel the streaks of tears running down my cheeks. I hadn't noticed, I must have only cried a little bit. I cried a lot after Galia died. When I watched her die, I couldn't cry, I was in shock. After that, I asked to be excused from class. I had started crying a minute after the camera cut off her. The killing had mostly stopped by then and my teacher took mercy on me. I cried in the bathroom for half an hour. I haven't cried since then, and that one time I talked to Brooke. And now.
"I… I..." I stutter. Then I look offstage, at Brooke, waiting for me. She smiles, and I feel myself calming down. "I was just thinking about Galia." I say.
"Who's Galia?" Caesar asks. "We had somebody of that name last year. She wasn't the same one, was she?"
"She, uh, she was," I say. "I… I never told her, but I was in love with her. I was going to tell her after she got Reaped, but I didn't get there quickly enough. She had already left. I thought that she had good odds in the Games, but well… You know. Not only was she killed, she was tortured. That's why I volunteered actually. I didn't want to have to see anyone else die."
"Wow." Caesar says. I can tell that he's processing what I just said, trying to think about how to respond. "That's such a sad story. I'm sorry for you, Kai. So, do you want to win?"
"I don't know," Caesar, I respond honestly. "As Brooke told you, I and her are allies. Personally, if it came down to me and her, I'd let her win. Otherwise, I'll stay alive," I say, smiling.
"I see," Caesar says. "Thank you, Kai. Unfortunately, that's all the time we have. It was nice to meet you."
"You too, Caesar," I say. We shake hands, and I walk off stage.
Sofia 'Sofie' Guinness –16- -D5- POV
I walk onto stage in a shimmering green cocktail dress, exactly the same color as my eyes. My hair is in its signature two braids. I feel uncomfortable in the heels, even when I wore dresses at home, I never wore heels. Ashley had taught me how to walk in them, so I manage to walk to my seat with a minimal amount of teetering and tottering.
"Hello, Sofia," Caesar says, and holds out his hand to me.
"Hello, Caesar," I say, and shake his hand. We sit down.
"So, Sofie, tell me about yourself," Caesar says.
"Will," I say, "there's not much to say. I don't really have anybody I'm in love with, although I do have two good friends, and they're dating. Sam, I tell you, if you hurt Abby, I will haunt you," I say jokingly, looking at the camera. "Anyway, I guess something interesting is that I like to write stories. I have a few of them going now, actually." I pull out my little notebook from an inside pocket of my dress. "Would you like to hear a little bit?"
"Of course!" Caesar says, excitedly. "Please, Sofie, please. Read a little bit to us."
"Okay then," I say. I've already decided what I'm going to read at the interview, but I pretend to consider, flipping the pages with my hand on my chin. No Milky Way. This, science-fiction, I guess you would call it, wouldn't go over well with the Capitol. They would think that I'm crazy, maybe that I'm anti-Capitol. No, fiction is much better. So, I pick an excerpt from Luna and George that I think will work well. I begin to read.
"
Luna pulls out her sword and swipes it at the automaton. She cuts of the metal head, and sparks fly. She hears the continued sounds of metal on metal from behind her, her only sign that George is still there, still fighting with her. Will, that and the fact that she hasn't heard any screams or been impaled from behind yet. She slices off the arm of another machine, diving to cut up its legs.
"
"So, uh, what did you think?" I ask.
"That was very interesting, Sofia," Caesar says. "It sounds like it's part of a longer story though. Do you have a name for it?"
"Please, Sofie, Caesar," I say. "And you're right. It is part of a longer story. I call it Luna and George. It's a fictional adventure romance. And I hope that I'll get back one day to finish it. I don't think that there will be much time to write in the Arena." I smile.
"I think you're right about that, Sofie." Caesar says. "I hope you get back to finish it too." He smiles and stands up. "It was nice to meet you. Unfortunately, that's all the time we have."
"Nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say, and shake his hand. I walk offstage, and he calls Spire.
Spire Windell –16- -D5- POV
I walk onto stage in a nice suit. I don't particularly care for it, but Ashley says that I might need Sponsors, so I wear it.
"Hello, Spire," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say, and shake hands with him.
"How are you liking the Capitol?" He asks.
"It's very nice. Much fancier than District Five," I say.
"I imagine," Caesar says. "Anything that particularly strikes your fancy?"
"Not really," I say. I can tell that he's dissatisfied with that answer, so I try for something else. "Maybe the amount of food. In District Five this would be a feast."
"I see," Caesar says. "So, Spire, is there anyone special back in District Five?"
"There is, actually," I say. "My girlfriend, Rachel. Love you, Rachel!" I say, waving at the camera.
"So you'll be wanting to get back to her then?" Caesar asks.
"Yes, I do," I say.
"So, Spire," Caesar says, "why did you volunteer? Why not stay home with your girlfriend?"
"Oh," I say. When I had told Ashley the truth, that I just did it in the spur of the moment, she told me how to put it during the interview. "I just felt a sudden burst of confidence, I guess. I really felt like I could do it, and like I didn't want any of my friends to get hurt."
"I see," Caesar says. "It was very nice to meet you, Spire, and I'm afraid that's all the time we have."
"Nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say, as I stand up and shake his hand. I walk offstage as he calls the girl from District Six.
Lindsay Cutt –13- -D6- POV
I walk out onto stage in a blue dress. My stylist says that it matches the color of my eyes. I don't really care. I just want this all to be over.
"Hello, Lindsay," Caesar says as I walk onto stage.
"Hi," I reply. I quickly shake his hand and flop, un-lady-like, into my chair.
"So, Lindsay, what have you enjoyed most about the Capitol?" Caesar asks.
"The beds," I say. It's true, the beds here are very nice. I know because I spend all my free time in one.
"I agree!" Caesar says. "I had to drag myself out of bed this morning. They're so comfy! You can't see the lines on my face, can you?" He asks the audience, and the shout reassurances at him. He waves them off. "So, Lindsay, is there anyone special for you back in District Six?"
"No," I say. Then some small part of me says, If you're going to die, screw Edmund. "Except for maybe my bully for years, Edmund Caden. He's bullied me for a long time. Not that I don't deserve it, but it- it doesn't feel- it doesn't feel- feel- right." I'm crying now. Tears stream down my face, and I cover it with my hands.
"Really?" Caesar asks. "Do you want to tell us more?" He asks the question with a reassuring tone, trying to soothe me. I shake my hand. I feel his hand on my back, trying to comfort me. He leans in and whispers to me, "Lindsay, you can go now. Stand on up, okay?" I stand up, and he pulls back. "It was nice to meet you, Lindsay," he says.
"You too," I say through my tears. I shake his hand again and walk offstage.
Edmund Caden –15- -D6- POV
I listen to Lindsay's interview. She's not as pathetic as I thought. Still very pathetic though. Just not as much as I thought. She's caused issues for me though. I'll have to kill her. She might babble, but she won't fight. Screw her. I walk onstage after she breaks down a minute before her interview is supposed to end. I'm wearing a nice suit, although I doubt that it'll matter much now.
"Hello, Edmund," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I reply. We shake hands and sit down.
"So, Edmund. Let's get right to the meat of it," Caesar says. "Was Lindsay telling the truth?"
I had a plan. I was supposed to appear strong and confident. Not a bully, just strong. Lindsay has made me out to be a bully. I guess I just have to tell the truth. "She was sort of right. I do hit her. I try to make her stronger though. I tell her to fight back, she just never does. So she deserves it, doesn't she, if she doesn't fight back? I don't bully her, I help her." For some reason, Caesar seems –off put- by my answer.
"I.. see," he says. He pauses for a second, then his face goes back into its normal expression. "So, Edmund, is there anyone special back in District Six?"
"No, not really," I say.
"Okay then, Edmund," Caesar says. He still seems a little shaken. "Um… I think that's all the time we have, Edmund. It was nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say. We shake hands and I leave as he calls the girl from District Seven.
Aurora Dayton –17- -D7- POV
I walk onto stage in a blue ball gown, very much like the one I wore on the train. My hair is in a ponytail, with my mother's ribbon in it. Valr originally wanted a bun, but then he realized that if I wore my mother's ribbon, I could mention it, and by extension her, in my interview.
"Hello, Aurora," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say.
"Please, sit," he says, and motions to the chair. I sit down properly and smile. "So, Aurora, what have you enjoyed about the Capitol?"
"I know it's a cliché, and that other people have said this, but I really like the food," I say. "It gets everywhere so quickly, and there's so much of it! It's delicious!"
"I see," he says. "The food her is delicious. I may be guilty of having too much!" Laughs from the audience. "So, Aurora, tell us about yourself. Is there anyone special back in District Seven?"
I remember a piece of advice from Sophia, "Answer the question you wish they asked, not always what they ask." I smile, a sad smile.
"Not really," I say. "I've never really had time for boys. Since I have to work and take care of my dad – no, I shouldn't have said that. He takes care of me, and I take care of him. We help each other out. We have to, since my mom died."
"Your mother died?" Caesar asks. "When?"
"A year and three months ago," I say. "She died with her unborn child. My unborn sister," I wipe water from my eyes. I still do get a little sad thinking about it. "She was wonderful, but…" I trail off. They know what I mean. "Anyway, this ribbon," I point to the ribbon in my hair, "is all I have left of her."
"I'm so sorry, Aurora," Caesar says. "That ribbon is very beautiful, on a beautiful woman. Can I presume that we'll be seeing it in the Arena?"
"Thank you, Caesar," I say, and force a blush, "and yes, yes, you will."
"I see. Thank you, Aurora. That's all the time we have. It was very nice to meet you," Caesar says.
"It was nice to meet you too," I say. I stand up, and shake hands with him. I walk offstage as he calls Cyder.
Cyder Lamentian –17- -D7- POV
I walk onto stage in a nice suit.
"Hello, Cyder," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say. "Nice to meet you."
"You as well, Cyder," Caesar says. "Please, sit down." We both sit down.
"So, Cyder, tell us about yourself. Any family back in District Seven? A girlfriend, maybe?" Caesar asks.
"I do have a family," I say. "I have two siblings, one wonderful brother and sister each. My adoptive parents, the mayor of District Seven and his wife, are wonderful to me. As for a girlfriend… I think that if I get back I'll have one. This one girl, Juniper is her name, hi Juniper, I really liked her for a long time and didn't really think she felt the same way, but… well, let's just say that after I got Reaped, she… told me how she felt."
"That's good for you then, Cyder," Caesar says. "So, you have a lot of people to get home to?"
"Yes, I do," I say. "I hope to come back to all of them one day. If I win, I'll try to help out Aurora's family, make sure that they're alright."
"That's very noble of you, Cyder," Caesar says. "So, you mentioned Aurora. Do you two know each other? Is there a partnership there?"
"We knew each other a little bit in District Seven, we were," I smile as I remember the word that Aurora gave me on the train. "Acquaintances. We are going to be allies, until the end, at least." I smile at my own joke.
"I see," Caesar says. "Can you tell us anything about your strategy?"
"I'd rather not," I say. "Air of mystery and all that. Like Brooke."
"Of course, of course," Caesar says. "Well, it was very nice to meet you, Cyder."
"Very nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say. We stand, shake hands, and I walk offstage as he calls the girl from District Eight.
Twyler Onzui –16- -D8- POV
I walk out onstage in a light blue dress that matches my eyes. A lot of Tributes seem to be doing that this year. I walk, a little unsteady in the heels, over to where Caesar waits for me.
"Hi, Twyler," Caesar says.
"Hi, Caesar," I respond. We shake hands and sit down.
"So, Twyler, tell us about yourself. Any friends? Any family? A boyfriend, perhaps?" Caesar asks.
"Well, I'm an orphan," I say. "I never knew my parents, and sometimes I still wonder about them. Why they gave me up for adoption, where they are now, if they're even still alive." I don't mention the possibility that they could have been executed. "Luckily, I have an adoptive family. Two wonderful adoptive parents, thank you guys, and… well I guess that this segues into the boyfriend bit. My adoptive… I don't really want to use the word brother, but I guess that's what Calico would be. So… Calico, I had a crush on him for the past four years, and… I may or may not have kissed him in the Justice Building before I left."
"Really?" Caesar asks, evidently happy for some juicy Tribute gossip. "And how did he react?"
"He, uh, he kissed me back. I don't know if that's because he felt the same way about me, or because he felt bad for me, but still… it was nice. I'm happy that he knows how I feel, especially since I probably won't get another chance to tell him," I say. I'm happy to give him all the gossip he wants, if it helps me win. I doubt I have very good odds.
"Wow. That sounds like it must have been a very happy moment," Caesar says. Of course he would think that it would all be happy, not bittersweet. For him, being picked for the Games must be a wonderful thing. I doubt he'd like it when he got run though. Heh. "Have you made any new friends, any allies?"
"Not really, unfortunately," I say.
"I see," Caesar says. "Can you tell us about your strategy?"
"I don't really have one," I say, twirling my braid around one finger. I'm trying to act ditsy, be underestimated. I don't want anyone else to know my strategy. It's risky, but it could work. Hopefully it will.
"Okay then," Caesar says. "Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Twyler. Good luck."
"Thank you, Caesar. A pleasure as well," I say, and shake his hand. Then I walk offstage as he calls Kaine.
Kaine Thomason –14- -D8- POV
I walk onstage in a nice suit.
"Hello, Kaine," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say. We shake hands and sit down.
"So, Kaine, tell us about yourself," Caesar says. "Friends, family, hopes and dreams."
"Well, Caesar," I say. "My parent were executed when I was seven. I don't remember them that well, but I know that they must have been misguided if they were executed." No, I don't know that. I know that they were probably better than all these Capitol people. I know that they were good people, and that the Capitol is evil. I also know that if I want a chance at Sponsors, I have to be adamantly pro-Capitol. So I am. "Anyway, luckily my aunt and uncle took me in, and they've been good to me. I live with them and my cousins, Arthur and Mara. They've been wonderful to me. As for hopes and dreams, I don't really have much in that department. Right now I just want to focus on surviving."
"I see," Caesar says. "So, do you have any allies to help you survive?"
"Not really," I say. "I think I'll do okay on my own though."
"I'm sure you will," Caesar says, reassuringly. "So, part of your strategy is going it alone. Any more information you want to share with us?"
"I think I'll skip that," I say. "Don't want my enemies getting wind of what I'm planning."
"Of course," Caesar says. "Well, it was very nice to meet you, Kaine. I'm afraid that's all the time we have. May the odds be ever in your favor!"
"Thank you, Caesar," I say. We shake hands, and I walk offstage as he calls the girl from nine. Azalea, I think. It doesn't matter. She's just another enemy.
Azalea Saffron –12- D9- POV
I walk onto stage in a cream colored dress. It's actually more like a ballgown, it drags under my feet. Luckily, I managed to convince Lyla that I should wear flats. I am not teetering around in heels.
"Hello, Azalea," Caesar says. "How are you?"
"Hello, Caesar," I say. "I'm pretty good, how about you?"
"I'm doing wonderful, Azalea," he says. "So, what have you enjoyed most about your time in the Capitol?"
"I don't really know," I say. "It's all so awe-inspiring."
"I can understand that," Caesar says. "So, tell me a bit about yourself. What's home like? How is your family?"
"Well," I say, "District Nine itself isn't much to talk about, but my family is nice enough. My dad is a great guy, and so is my brother, even if Basil has a hard time showing it sometimes. My aunt Holly and my cousins, Willow and Flora, are wonderful too. My mom died when I was two, so I never really knew her."
"They sound like nice people, Azalea," Caesar says. "So, Azalea, do you have any good friends?"
"I have a few friends," I say. "Probably too many to name."
"I see," Caesar says. "So, since your arrival here, have you made any allies? Any new friends?"
"I've made two great friends," I say, trying to sound like a little kid, sound weak and a little scared. And like I think those 'friends' won't jump at the first chance to kill me they get. Actually, if I do it right, they'll think of me like their daughter, so they won't, but still… "Abi and Wyatt, actually. We're going to be allies. For a little bit, I -I guess."
"That sounds like a good plan. I'm assuming there's no more of it you want to share with us?" Caesar asks.
"Not really, no," I say.
"Of course," Caesar says. "Well, that's all the time we have. It was nice meeting you, Azalea."
"Nice meeting you too, Caesar," I say. We stand and shake hands, and I walk offstage as he calls Angus.
Angus Blush –17- -D9- POV
I walk onto stage in a nice suit. I've managed to retain control of my body for a bit, so that's nice. I still can't believe that I'm on a stage in the Capitol, doing an interview. For the freaking Hunger Games. This is all on you, Miller, I think.
"Hello, Angus," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say. We shake hands and sit down.
"So, Angus, tell us about yourself. Friends? Family?" Caesar asks.
"I… I… used to have a family. I don't know so much anymore. My mom… she… she..." I feel tears start to run down my cheeks, and have to prevent Dem from coming out. "She… died the day of the Reaping. And my sister, I'm… I'm not sure if she's still… if she's still… if she's still alive." I say.
"I'm so sorry, Angus," Caesar says, and reaches out a comforting hand to pat me on the back. "I hope that your sister is still alive. If you don't mind me asking, is that why you volunteered? To get away from your family?" I think about what to say for a moment. I didn't volunteer. But they can't know that. It might seem interesting to them that I'm crazy, but no one would want me to win, nobody would Sponsor me. At least this way it seems like I'm just sad. Not that anyone will probably Sponsor me anyway, but at least I have more of a chance this way.
"Ye- yes. Yes," I say. "I… I didn't want to deal with it. I… I know that it was a cowardly thing to do, but… but maybe this way… maybe if Sunnoria is still alive… maybe I can get her treatments. Maybe I can make her better."
"I see. I hope that she is still alive, Angus," Caesar says. "I don't think it was cowardly at all. I think you knew that this was your only chance of making her better, right?"
"I..." I see what he's doing. He's giving me a way to look good. "I… guess so."
"Of course," Caesar says, a smile on his face. "We really need a box of tissues up here this year, don't we?" He jokes, and smiles at the audience.
"I guess we do," I say, laughing, even though I still sniffle.
"Well, it was very nice to meet you, Angus. I'm afraid that's all the time we have," Caesar says.
"It was nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say. We stand up and shake hands. I walk offstage as he calls the girl from ten, Belinda.
Belinda Mosler –15- -D10- POV
I walk onto stage in a black dress with matching heels. I swear the dress is the same color as my hair. I smile as I walk onto stage.
"Hello, Belinda," Caesar greets me.
"Hello, Caesar," I say. We shake hands and sit down.
"So, Belinda, what have you enjoyed most about your time in the Capitol?" Caesar asks.
"I didn't enjoy it at first, but the showers have been really nice. Once you figure out how to get them working, that is," I say. It's a joke, and the truth. Honestly, the shower wasn't that good, but it was complicated.
"I see," Caesar says, and smiles. "I know how complicated they can be. Why do you think I wear long sleeves?" He jokes, and the crowd laughs. I laugh good-naturedly as well. "So, Belinda, tell us about yourself. Friends, family, boyfriend?"
"My family is wonderful, my mom, my dad, my brother Falco, and my little sister Circe. They're very loving, and I hope to be able to go back to them," I say. "I have two good friends, Claudia and Eve. Hi guys!" I wave at the camera. "As for now, that's a no on the boyfriend bit, sadly."
"I see," Caesar says. "They sound delightful. Have you made any allies in your time here?"
"Me and my District partner, Noah," I say. "We didn't really know each other, but more so then anybody else here, you know?"
"Of course," Caesar says. "Is there anything else you can tell us about your strategy?"
"Not much," I say. "But I can tell you that I won't be hanging around to be stabbed or shot. We're going to get in, then get out."
"Of course," Caesar says. "Wise words, Belinda. Well, it was very nice to meet you, but that's all the time we have."
"It was nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say. We stand and shake hands, and I walk offstage as he calls Noah.
Noah Jones –17- -D10- POV
I walk onto stage in a suit that makes me look very nice, if I do say so myself.
"Hello, Noah," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say. We shake hands and sit down.
"So, Noah, what has been your favorite thing about the Capitol so far?" Caesar asks.
"I know this is probably a weird one, but I really liked the training area," I say. "All the trainers were really helpful, and the equipment is great. I wonder how much time and money went into it."
"Well," Caesar says, "I don't have the exact figures, but I do know that it's closed for a large part of every year for renovations, and that it was quite the project after the 50th Hunger Games to upgrade it to what it is now."
"I see," I say. "That's interesting, I didn't know they redid it after the 50th Hunger Games. Thanks for that, that's interesting."
"No problem," Caesar says. "I do consider myself somewhat of a Games history buff, for obvious reasons. So, Noah, tell us about yourself. Friends, family, girlfriend?"
"I have two very loving parents, hi, Mom, Dad," I say and wave at the camera, "and a great dog named Bailey. As for friends, I have one friend named Caz, and even though he makes me want to kill him sometimes, he's a great friend. And… uh..." I feel a little nervous and I don't know why. It's not like it's a big secret that I'm gay. I guess that just this many people is a little scary. "… that brings me to the girlfriend, I guess. I've never had a girlfriend, although there was this one guy that I had a crush on. But I know he didn't notice me, since he's straight." Odd, I excepted more of a reaction from the crowd. They're at their normal noise level, no gasps or anything. Then I remember that this is the Capitol. They're probably a little more accepting here then in District Ten.
"I see," Caesar says. "Will, maybe you can double check that he is straight when you get home." He smiles. "So, Belinda said that you two were allies. Is that true?"
"Yes," I say. "She seems nice enough, and we stand a lot better odds together than alone. I'm not going to sacrifice myself for her though, at least not yet. We both understand that."
"Of course," Caesar says. "Well, it was very nice to meet you, Noah. Unfortunately, that's all the time we have."
"It was nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say. We stand up and shake hands. I walk offstage as he calls the girl from District Eleven, Athena, I think.
Athena Fallow –17- -D11- POV
I walk onto stage in a beautiful white wedding gown. It drags on the ground by my feet, and the veil is pushed back so that my face can be seen. It is the most fluffy dress I have ever seen, much less worn. But it is beautiful, and makes me look beautiful too. Or at least that's what my stylist says. I'm inclined to agree with her.
"Hello, Athena," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say. We shake hands and I sit down, crossing my legs like a proper lady.
"So, Athena, let's get right to it," Caesar says. "First, you look quite beautiful in that dress."
"Thank you," I say, blushing slightly.
"Second, that's… an unusual dress to wear for this, isn't it? Unless you plan to propose to me, that is," Caesar says, smiling. "And if so, I would be forced to decline, although I wish I could accept, I don't think my wife would appreciate that. We're just married, you know. Three months now."
"No, Caesar. No proposals," I say. "I don't think my fiance would appreciate that very much," I smile.
"Your fiance?" Caesar asks. "Please, tell us more!"
"Of course," I say, and smile. "Alix is his name, Alix Feere. He is the most wonderful man in the world. His smile lights up whole rooms," I realize that I'm smiling unconsciously as I think about Alix. "His voice is beautiful, and he's just the sweetest guy ever. We've been together three years, and were planning to get married in a few months when I turn eighteen. We're still planning to get married actually. I just need to win first."
"I see," Caesar says. "I hope you're able to get back to him. So, can you tell us about the rest of your family?"
"Well," I say. "I never knew my mother. My father was a nice man, before he was murdered." I hear gasps from the audience, but I plow on before Caesar can get in a word. "To make a long story short, my stepmother always hated me. She said that my dad always put me before her kids, my stepsisters, Alia and Ainsley. Ainsley and Alia are wonderful people, by the way. Anyway, one day, my dad came home, and she asked him to kick me out. He said no, so she shot him, and tried to shoot me. Me, Alia, and Ainsley ran, and we've been living on the streets ever since. That was four years ago. Oh, and I'm pretty sure she's dead now. She came to see me, I had her arrested, and I told the Peacekeepers everything that happened. I'm pretty sure they executed her."
"That's… amazing, Athena," Caesar says. "I'm glad you survived that so that you can be here with us, and sorry that you went through that. I think that boosts your own odds though, having already gone through something like that." He pauses for a second, as if trying to remember the script he has. "So, Athena, have you made any friends? Any allies?"
"One, actually," I say. "Sofie. She seems like a nice person, and we really get along. We'll be allies."
"I see," Caesar says. "I'm sure that the two of you will work well together. Well, it was nice to meet you, Athena, but I'm afraid that that's all the time we have."
"Of course. It was nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say. We shake hands, and I smile and wave at the crowd before I walk offstage as Caesar calls Calyx.
Calyx Anther –17- -D11- POV
I walk onto stage in a nice suit.
"Hello, Calyx," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say. We shake hands and sit down.
"So, Calyx, what have you enjoyed most about the Capitol?" Caesar asks. I remember Isabella's advice. Be honest.
"I really like the elevators," I say. "I didn't realize that anything could go that fast. And all the glass. It's really interesting."
"I see," Caesar says. "They are quite something, aren't they? Sometimes I think that we in the Capitol forgot just how amazing some of our technology is. So, Calyx, can you tell us about yourself? Family? Girlfriend? Friends?"
"I have a lot of friends, but I'd use up all of my time if I tried to name them all," I say. I force a smile. "I have a small family, it's just me, my parents, and my sister Corolla, but I love them all very much. No girlfriend, not right now. A few years ago I dated this girl named Janette, but let's just say it didn't end well."
"Of course," Caesar says. "So, Calyx, have you made any friends since you got here? Any allies?"
"Not really," I say. "I'm very nervous around people, unfortunately. I don't think I'll do very well, but…" I trail off. There's nothing more to say.
"Don't doubt yourself, Calyx," Caesar says. "Remember, we had a winner from District Eleven just last year."
"Of course," I say. "You're right."
"You know I am," Caesar says. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Calyx. Unfortunately, that's all the time we have. Goodbye, and may the odds be ever in your favor."
"Thank you," I say. "It was nice meeting you too, Caesar," I say, as we shake hands. I walk offstage as he calls the girl from twelve, Abi, I think.
Abi Hendrix –14- -D12- POV
I walk onto stage in a nice cream dress.
"Hello, Abi," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say. We shake hands and sit down.
"So, Abi, what have you enjoyed most about the Capitol?" Caesar asks.
"The food," I say. That's an easy question. "There's just so much of it! And it's all delicious!"
"Of course!" Caesar says. "We wouldn't want you to starve, now would we?"Not before you kill us, at least, I think. "So, Abi, can you tell us about your family? Your friends? If you have a boyfriend?" Caesar asks.
"Well," I say, "My family is wonderful. My mom is great, and I have two little siblings. My brother, Thomas, and my little sister Liliana. Unfortunately though, Liliana has cancer. I-" I stumble over my words a little bit. "I- if I win I'll use my money to help her."
"I'm so sorry," Caesar says. "I hope that you can get her some help when you get home."
"Thank you," I say, and wipe tears off my cheeks. "Anyways, I don't have that many friends. Except for Wyatt. That Wyatt, yeah. And uh… I guess I should mention that we're actually a couple. Sort of. It's complicated, but we love each other."
"Really?" Caesar asks. "Can you tell us more?"
"Just that he's the sweetest guy in the world, and that I would sacrifice myself for him if I needed to. And that he's agreed to use his money, if he wins, to pay for Liliana's treatments," I say. "I'll let him tell you the rest."
"Of course," Caesar says. "I look forward to it. So, can I presume that you two will be allies then?"
"Yes, you can," I say.
"I see," Caesar says. "So, Azalea mentioned that she would be allying with you two. Is that true?"
"Yes, it is," I say. "We'll protect her." I think that I should add for a little bit, but then I realize that I don't want to kill her. She's so young and… but then I remember Liliana. "For a while, at least." I really hope that we don't have to kill her. Maybe I can ask her to use her money to help Liliana… But then what about Wyatt? Ugh, this is hard. We should have said no. Oh well. We're stuck with her now.
"Of course," Caesar says. "Do you have anything else you want to share with us?"
"Not that I can think of, no," I say.
"Okay then," Caesar says. "Well, it was nice to meet you, Abi. I hope you do well."
"Thank you, Caesar. Nice to meet you as well," I say. We stand up and I shake his hand. I walk offstage as he calls Wyatt.
Wyatt Fritz –14- -D12- POV
I walk onto stage in a nice green suit. My stylist says it brings out my eyes.
"Hello, Wyatt," Caesar says.
"Hello, Caesar," I say.
"So, Wyatt, you know I have to ask. Is what Abi said true? Are you two in love?" He asks. No starter questions then, I guess.
"Yes, it's true," I say. "I love her. She's the best person ever, she's so sweet and caring. And I will make sure that she doesn't sacrifice herself for me. If either one of us does any sacrificing, it's going to be me. And if, somehow, I win, which I don't even want to think about, but if it happens somehow, I'll make sure that Liliana gets her treatments."
"Of course," Caesar says. "So, can you tell us about yourself? Your friends, besides Abi, that is? Your family? I won't ask about your girlfriend again," he smiles.
"I don't really have any friends, besides Abi," I say. "As for my family, I used to live in District Four, with my mom Chyrl and my brother Ethan, and they were great people. Still are, I imagine. Now, I live in District Twelve, obviously. I live with my Uncle, the mayor, my aunt, and my cousin, Madge. They're all really great people, especially Madge."
"I see," Caesar says. "Have you heard from your mother yet?"
"Not yet," I say. "They tell me that I should get a letter from her before the Games start."
"I'm sure you will, then" Caesar says. "Well, Wyatt, it was very nice to meet you. I hope you do well, and that you or Abi can get back to Liliana. Unfortunately, that's all the time we have."
"It was nice to meet you too, Caesar," I say. "Thank you." We stand and shake hands, and then I walk offstage.
When I get offstage, I see Abi. I start to walk towards her, but a Peacekeeper stands in front of me.
"Sir," he says. "Here is the letter from your mother." He hands me an envelope.
"Thank you," I say, and he walks away. I open the envelope. Inside is a single piece of paper. Abi walks over to me.
"What is it?" She asks.
"A letter. From my mom," I say.
"Oh," she says. "Let's read it together, then."
"Okay," I say, and start to read.
Wyatt,
I'm so sorry that this happened to you. I don't really know what to say except that I wish this hadn't happened. I could go on and on about how guilty I am, how I wish I could have supported you. How I wish that I had stayed with your father. But I won't. You don't need to hear that. I saw the Reaping. You and that Abi girl have something, I can see that. I imagine that you would sacrifice yourself for her. I would tell you not to, but I know that it won't work. So, I guess I'll just say this. Make sure that if you sacrifice yourself, she'll win. And make sure she's worth it. Make sure she's the one. And don't be discouraged. That girl from eleven won last year. You can win this year.
Love,
Mom
P.S. I'm sorry, bro. But, what mom said. I feel the same way. Love you forever, Wyatt. – Ethan
I finish reading and stare at Abi. She looks at me.
"Am I the one?" She asks. I look into her eyes. I see the honesty in them. I see what she wants the answer to be, what she's afraid it will be, and what she would say if I asked her that question.
"Yes," I say. I kiss her. Then she says, "You should probably write her back, you know."
"You're right," I say. "Hey!" I shout to the Peacekeeper, who hadn't walked as far away as I thought he had. He walks back over. "Hey. Is there any chance that I could write something back to her?"
"Of course," he says. "You can give it to me, I'll make sure it gets to her."
"Okay, thanks," I say. "Shoot! Does anyone here have a pen and paper?" I look around the room.
"I do," a tan-skinned, blonde haired girl says. I vaguely remember that she's the Tribute from District Five. She pulls a notebook and pencil out of her dress. I remember now, the writer. S something."
"Here you go," she says, handing them to me. "You should write your mom."
"Thanks..." I say, trailing off.
"Sofie," she says.
"Thanks, Sofie," I say.
"No problem, Wyatt. I will need them back, though."
"Of course," I say.
I start to write.
Mom,
It's alright. You shouldn't be sorry. This isn't your fault, none of it is. You haven't done anything wrong. You're right, me and Abi are together, and she is the one. You should know, when one of us wins, we'll use some of the money for Abi's sister. But we'll make sure that there's some for you and Ethan, so you two can have a good life, move up in the world. Maybe you can even pay for some training for Ethan, just in case the worst happens. One last thing, mom. Don't prepare for me to come home. Abi will probably come home, but probably not me. Okay? Promise me that you won't hope that I'll come home, because you'll just be torturing yourself. I love you. Bye forever, mom.
Love,
Wyatt
P.S. It's not your fault, Ethan. I love you too, bro. Take care of mom for me. Love you forever, Ethan. -Wyatt
I tear the page out of Sofie's book, fold it up, and hand it to the Peacekeeper.
"Here you go," I say.
"I'll make sure this reaches its destination," he says, and walks away.
"Thank you!" I shout after him. I turn to Sofie and hand her back the pencil and her notebook. "And thank you, Sofie. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you." I smile at being over-dramatic, and she laughs.
"No problem, Wyatt. Always happy to help. Until I have to kill you, that is," she says. She smiles, a sad smile. "Until next time," she says, and reaches out her hand. I shake it.
"Until next time," I say. Then the Peacekeepers take us back to our rooms for one more night of sleep, before we die in the morning.
A/N: Woohoo! ~10,910 words! I teared up a little at the end here. Anyway, I want to apologize for being gone so long. I had some personal stuff, and got a little depressed a few times. Now, with the help of some good friends (Hawkmaid), I'm feeling better. I'm committed to finishing this story without another long break, so don't worry about that. BUT, if I do cease to update for a little bit, please poke the author, okay? I do want to finish this story.
Anyway, what did you guys think? Was it good? Who is your favorite? Who do you think will go far, and who will die in the Bloodbath? I hope you guys liked this update! Also, with this author's note, this chapter is up to 11,044 words.