I am still missing check-ins from the following tributes:

Pryce Alylmer (also missing check-in 1)
Academia Robinson (also missing check-in 1)
Siren Nguyen
Tansy Tavish (also missing check-in 1)
Lockhart Tikkas
Velour Crusida
Echo Montero
Lavender Ridge
Sawyer Lacey
Nileen Laclunne
Swift Stoovgard
Esmerelda Olivero
Sara Ananda
Matzo Lavash (also missing check-in 1)
Petra Inkess (also missing check-in 1)

Please see the end of Chapter 14 for the check-in question and the end of Chapter 7 for the first one. Please send your answers to me either through PM or DM on Discord.

You can't start a fire

You can't start a fire without a spark

This gun's for hire

Even if we're just dancing in the dark

Finding my seat isn't too hard. The entire first two rows have been reserved for mentors, stylists, and the escorts. Mine's between Rhiannon and Cheyenne. Once everyone has had a chance to settle down, the lights slowly dim. It's time to finally meet the tributes.

It's nerve-wracking, because I've never seen any of them speak before. They say the parade is your first real chance to make an impression but I beg to differ. That's just silly dress-up; this is where your true moment lies. This could be your last chance to show the entirety of Panem who you really are, or who you're pretending to be.

Elaena is the first one up on the stage. Her dress is simple yet formal and deep almost purple colour, ending just above her ankles to reveal the tan flats underneath. Throughout her interview, she exhibits a real cunning air to her, as she keeps smiling and flashing the audience side looks.

She also has an answer prepared when asked about her alliance. "We are much too prepared to let any setback slow us down."

Next is Pryce, in a black tux with a white shirt and bright green tie. I can tell his makeup's been done to draw more attention to the hand-shaped birthmark on his face, rather than hide it. And no doubt he's extreme confident in himself as his abilities. And from what I can tell, any mention of his birthmark causes him to start scowling.

"Well, I'll just have to win the Games and pay to get it removed. You watch me now, it will happen!"

Now comes an interview I've been particularly dreading.

Urzelynne Jong has on a red dress with a small slit in the side revealing her legs, and accented with a gold flowers. I think I've seen one of those before; my stylist showed it to me and said it was called a cheongsam. I don't think it fits the little girl onstage before me. Briefly, as she sits down, our eyes meet. I quickly look away. I can't...

I don't know what I'm expecting from Urzelynne's interview, but it's clear she's pretty confident in herself. She insists multiple times that her high score was no fluke and that she deserved it. At the same time, she starts yelling at her parents, who she claims never saw her as anything more than bride material.

"You know what? They can both go fuck themselves! I don't give a shit about what they say anymore because I am gonna win the Games and be done with their bullshit! So fuck my mom, my dad, and Troy too! I'm not gonna die pathetically like he did, I'm gonna win! Watch me, you numbskulls! Watch me!"

"Fuck," I mutter under my breath.

Hydra is up next. Their suit is made out of a shiny silver material that reflects the light off in all directions. I have to shield my eyes, before catching the sight of the sunglasses Hydra has been provided as part of their outfit. Someone's stylist thought of everything.

They slam their heads together and snarl, giving me quite a good idea of what it might be like to cross Hydra Battle. "I don't give a single fucking shit about who is standing in my way. I can and will cut them down. I'm not here to play nice."

Academia is wearing a pastel pink dress that appears to be made out of silk and hugs her slender frame. In comparison to the past few interviews so far, she's much more talkative. Very talkative. As the time flies, Academia's barely answered more then three questions as she continues to babble on and on. Good grief, girl. Come up for air.

Academia nervously wipes her hands on her dress as she continues to talk. It seems...off...fake, even. As if she's trying to cover up something else. "Oh yes, I'm definitely very excited to show off my abilities and put them to use. I had picked up a lot of new skills that I think will benefit me and my allies and-"

She's cut off by the buzzer. William is up next in a simple grey suit, a blue and white striped tie, and with a black fedora on his head. He takes off his hat and tosses it between his hands a little during the interview where he cracks a couple of jokes.

"Oh, about my alliance? Well, we're kinda like a big old frat club or whatever. Y'know, like a freaking sausage fest! No, I can't say anything, because I might spoil the surprise! Then they'd get all mad at me, ha ha!"

Tansy's dress appears to be made of diamonds with long flowing sleeves she has to roll up over her hands and a slit in the skirt revealing her legs poking out. Gold high heels tap against the stage floor as she plays with a strand of curled hair. In comparison to the rest of her allies, she's a lot more cheerful and playful. And her comedic timing is pretty good.

"I just love living in District 4! And I'm glad I get to represent them in the Games so they can sea what their new Victor is made of! I don't need any kelp to take home the prize! these Games are gonna go swimmingly!"

At the start, Siren's dark black suit doesn't seem that interesting. Then he pulls on his red bow tie to reveal sleeves that tumble down, complete with the name of every Victor thus far. The ones from District 4 have been written in flowing blue script. Despite how cool his outfit is (and how flattering it is too), Siren talks with complete arrogance and I can tell it might be pissing a few people off.

"It only makes sense I lead my alliance to glory, because I am a natural born king of the sea after all! And I am quite thankful for the Hunger Games and my chance to prove myself to the people of the Capitol. All my training has lead to this great moment and I wish to savour it."

I have a good feeling the next two interviews will be rather interesting.

Thea has on a black jumpsuit that's almost see-through, but the black diamonds on it keep it just opaque enough. It's clear she won't be going for anything cute or adorable and the way she talks in her interview really drives that point home.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're gonna tell me that it's inappropriate to show off my hot as-fuck bod like this. Well, too bad. I know damn well what my fans like, and they better show they like me in the Games. I want my sponsor gifts, folks!"

Similarly to his sister, Daniel is clad in all black. His suit appears to be made out of nothing but leather. As he prances onto the stage, he starts blowing kisses to the crowd and gives me a little wink before he finally sits down. I can feel my face heating up yet again as he answers the million-dollar question.

"Why did I volunteer...well...why not, man? How else am I gonna get to meet my darling fans up here? Or score some hot Capitol chicks? Sup ladies! Mister Frehley is in the house and he isn't planning on leaving anytime soon!"

Cheyenne bumps my elbow. "Mmm. Real classy guy you picked out there."
"Oh shut up."

The next interview is also something unexpected. Because Velour isn't on the stage tonight; through a video broadcasted on the screen, she explains with utter exhaustion that she has just given birth and is currently recovering from it. She says she's really worried, because her baby is three months premature, but the Capitol doctors have been very supportive in helping to ensure her child's survival.

The camera pulls back to reveal Velour hugging a small bundle of blankets to her chest. She gently hands it off to the nearest doctor. "It's a boy. And his name is Lennox."

Lockhart seems a little upset that his district partner has greatly overshadowed him, but he adjusts his emerald green tuxedo and gives the crowd a cocky smile. He continues to crack jokes and talk himself up, but his smile is fake as hell. He's nervous.

"I mean...this is my time to do something good, right? Like helping my alliance survive so one of us can win."

Lavender's green dress is poofy that it seems to pretty much swallow her up in the fabric. Her dress contains accents or brown and pink and I notice a sprig of lavender tucked behind my ear. It's gonna be important to pay attention to her because this the only time one of Sara's allies is getting an interview.

"I do feel nervous about tomorrow. But Sara and I have to help Velour stay out of danger. I can do that. I like to help!"

Echo's outfit is I've never seen before. It's literally split in two; the left side is a red and black dress decorated with lace. The right side is a dark blue suit with a green outline. Echo adjusts a small red flower behind their ear and at first everything starts normal. Then a question is asked about how Echo was so confident with their identity while so young and instantly, they begin to scowl.

"Fuck you! You prick! Are you here to just make fun of me for being myself!? Is that it, is that what you want!? Fuck this shit, I'm leaving!"

Cheyenne coughs. "Yeesh. No wonder Micah likes them."

Nileen sulks in her giant poofy burgundy dress, which really only works if she was younger. Aside from this, the interview goes pretty smoothly, with Nileen trying to play the role of the sweet innocent girl who would actually fit the dress she wears.

"I'm gonna use my blazing speed to win the hell out of this game!"

Sawyer's blazer is a lavender colour, with a matching tie, white pants, and a black dress shirt. I have to say, it's an interesting combination. He folds his hands on his lap and speaks in a very clear tone, trying to keep the mood as formal as he possibly can.

"Anyways, what do you think of my clothes? I have to admit, I think I look very classy. Purple's my colour."

Esmerelda's dress is nothing short of stunning. It's emerald green colour complete with a cape-like train, and green and black jewellery and makeup. I can hear the gushing of the audience and I have no doubt some of them might be jealous of her outfit, especially with her confident and assertive she expresses herself.

"Oh, just because I'm a lowly girl from District 9 does not mean you need to count me out," Esmerelda says with a giggle. "Just you wait, my dears. I'll be coming for you."

Swift's blazer is a dark black colour, complete with a yellow sweater poking out from underneath and bright green running shoes. And in case I missed the obvious, he's more than happy to talk about how he'll live up to his name.

"Hey, you can't kill what you can't catch! And nobody is gonna be able to catch up to me! So sponsors, why not bet on a tribute you know will actually make it out in one piece?"

I cross my fingers. Come on Sara, you can do it.

I watch as Sara happily skips onto the stage in a bright yellow sundress, complete with black Mary Janes and white tights. God, she looks adorable. And she seems to be enjoying her outfit too. I give her the biggest smile I can as Sara's interview goes on. She can do this, I know she can.

All of Sara's nerves practically seem to fade away. "I just really hope I can do my best and make everyone proud! That includes my family, my friends, my allies, my mentor, and my escort and stylist too. All I want is to do my very best."

Atta, girl.

I wasn't expecting Micah to be bouncing all over the stage in a white dress shirt, a flower crown, jeans, and a blue denim jacket. That being said, the flower crown doesn't last long as Micah whips it off of their head and into the crowd.

"Watch me, I'm gonna be the one who wins! I'm gonna take down everyone who's standing in my way and nothing will-" Micah is cut off by the buzzer signalling their interview's end. Besides me, Cheyenne just sighs.

Brea is wearing a simple black dress, complete with subtle makeup that looks more professional then theatrical. She neatly crosses her legs, folds her hands on her lap, and just stares forward. The only splash of colour in her outfit are her leopard-print heels as she speaks in a very deadpan manner. And then she drops a bombshell.

"My family supplies you people with the genetic material used to create your mutts. And this is how you treated us. You punished my sister for her altruistic ways. You executed my mother and father for being racked with guilt over my sister's death. And you decided this wasn't enough. You had to come for me too. Forget this. I am not your mutt queen anymore."

The awkwardness hangs in the air as Elsorian's interview begins. His suit is a solid black, complete with a little white bowtie. Elsorian speaks in a slow tone, as he recounts the tale of his late boyfriend's death.

"He let himself die to keep me alive. It's a scene I've been replaying over and over in my head. I miss him, I miss him dearly. But I know that I have to be strong and continue to live, for him. That's what he would have wanted."

Petra's first response is to show off her middle finger to the cameras. She grabs at her dress, and rips off a handful of pale pink fabric, dropping it off the stage. She then kicks off her white flats. I hear a couple of jeers from the back of the audience.

Petra doesn't even care. "You know what? Fuck your Games. Fuck your torture. And fuck your oppression. Go ahead, kill me off tomorrow. I don't care. You're just proving my point."

Finally, Matzo takes his place as the last interview of the night. His suit is a bright turquoise, and he looks extremely nervous. The entire time, he is clutching at his stomach and I swear his cheeks even turn a bit green at one point.

"Well...I like the food in the Capitol...it's all very yummy...my alliance, and...sorry, I just don't wanna throw up..."

Well, at the least the interviews ended on some sort of note.

Backstage is a mess of tributes, escorts, mentors, and stylists. Everyone pushing and shoving each other out of the way to be the first ones on the elevator. I quickly find Sara and she instantly latches on to my hand. We're just about out of the tangle, when I feel a shoulder poke into my arm and somebody shoves me against the wall.

It's Urzelynne.

I can feel some sweat dripping down the side of my face. "Um, what are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing!?"
"Sorry, I don't understand. Where is your mentor-"

"Never mind him," Urzelynne hisses, getting all close up in my face. Holy fuck, how is she the same height as me. "Because I'm here for you. I hate your guts. You let my brother die and all for what? So a coward could win the Games!? So my parents could treat me like fucking garbage!? Fuck you!"

Urzelynne raises her hand but before she can bring it down in me, somebody grabs her wrist. "Woah! Cat fight!"
"Let go of me!"

Ace just chuckles. "Alright, alright. But hey, no need to rough up the mentors, okay sweetie? Especially on such a fancy night! You just go take your anger out on a punching bag or something and leave Miss Kingsley alone. I'll see you tomorrow, darling."

Urzelynne mutters one last F-bomb as Roman drags her away. Ace slips off too to follow his sister and mentor but not before whispering "rooftop" to me. I just nod. Sara and I quickly locate the next elevator, which Cheyenne is holding open for us. I've got a small bruise on the back of my arm from where Urzelynne shoved me, but that's it.

The night is still far from over.

Finally, we get a good look at all of the tributes and inside their heads. What do you think of the interviews? Who did a good job? Who might've landed in some hot water?

And I can't believe that the Bloodbath is two chapters away. I got much busier than I expected, so I can't give a confirmed date for that chapter just yet, but I will let you know as soon as I figure it out.

Anyways, have I tackled sponsoring yet? No? I don't think so. But basically for each arena chapter, starting with the Bloodbath, readers are allowed to send one gift to one tribute. Really special items may count for more then one gift, especially if they're a huge advantage. PM me if you have any questions. Oh, and if you haven't gotten your check-ins yet, please do so soon! :)

See you all next chapter,

-Vr