Minerva Hargrove, Head Gamemaker, 55
"Madam Hargrove!" said Caesar. "It's a pleasure to welcome you to the stage again."
"Thank you," I said, smiling thinly. "It's a pleasure to be here."
Every year, when the tributes had been narrowed down to the top third, Caesar brought out the Mentors and had a conversation with them. The past few years, he'd begun asking for my presence as well. I'd seen it only fit to oblige him. More face time with Caesar meant more face time with Panem. And the better Panem felt they knew me, the likelier I was to continue to rise.
"As I'm sure you know," Caesar began, "the Games have been the talk of the town this year. The arena! The mutts! The tributes!"
"Yes, it's been a very exciting year for the Games," I agreed.
"Going into this, did you have any goals with your designs?" he asked. "Why the campground arena, and why the wolves?"
"Well, my team this year is perhaps the best I've ever had," I replied. "This year, we wanted the Games to feel incredibly realistic. Thus, the wolves, as you mentioned, appear just as real wolves do, with no external modifications."
"Fascinating," Caesar said, leaning in.
"The arena follows the same theme," I continued. "No neon colors, no gimmicks, nothing like that. By bringing the realism to our designs, we aimed to create an immersive experience."
"Do you have any response to those who say your designs are, for lack of a better term, 'boring?'" Caesar asked.
"I understand where they're coming from," I said smoothly. "We've become all too used to arenas and mutts that are, frankly, impractical. These past few years have been especially wild. By stripping that away for this Games, we keep the focus on the tributes, as well as refresh the audience's viewing palate. You may have noticed that the campground design includes paths?"
"Of course," said Caesar.
"The paths all interconnect and lead to different locations," I said. "Many tributes recognized the usefulness of these paths and haven't strayed far from them since day one. This makes it easier for tributes to run into one another organically and create those intense interactions we love."
"Interactions such as the ones at the lakes?" Caesar asked.
"Exactly right, Caesar, well done," I answered. "We didn't have to force them together and break the viewer's suspension of disbelief. We merely provided them a guide to one another."
"Those have been some of the most intriguing scenes thus far," said Caesar. "Does this mean you'll be sticking to the hands-off technique again next year?"
"Perhaps," I said vaguely. "Perhaps not. I don't mean to speak ill of the more fantastical designs we've seen in past years. They've provided some incredibly entertaining Games, and we've seen them work very well. Realistic designs don't always work, either- you need the right group of tributes, which we're fortunate to have. So I can't tell you what technique we'll use next year, but I can guarantee it'll be another thrilling watch."
"A very good point," Caesar said. "Now, before you depart, do you have any insights on the remaining tributes? Who do you believe will win?"
"All of the remaining tributes are formidable," I said. "They may not appear it, but they've made it this far for a reason."
"But do you have any predictions?" Caesar pressed.
I smiled. "Of course," I said. "But I'd prefer to keep them to myself."
Augustus Braun, District 1 Mentor, 35
I stepped out onto the stage, heading straight for the seat next to Caesar. He silenced the audience's applause with a wave of his hand, and the interview began.
"It's great to see you back again, Augustus," said Caesar.
"Of course," I said. "You as well."
"I always look forward to your insights," said Caesar. "But we can discuss that later. Please, tell us about Glowla Lush. Glowla has spent much of her Games staying atop a shaky alliance, as well as earning a kill here and there. Do you have any insights on that?"
"Glowla is an extremely intelligent young woman," I said. "As a gambler, Glowla understands strategy. With this on top of her weapons abilities, she's a savvy tribute who deserves all of your support."
"What sets Glowla apart from the other trained tributes?" Caesar asked. "As we've seen, Sadie Wilson is also talented with throwing knives, and Muir Jansen's spear has been incredibly deadly."
"Once again, I do believe her gambling background gives her an edge over the others," I replied. "Part of strategy is understanding where your opponent's head is at. Glowla knows how to read people like a book. This allows her to make the best possible choices and keep her enemies from getting the best of her."
"Glowla certainly seems like a capable tribute," Caesar said, nodding.
"That's because she is," I said. "My money's on her."
"Ah, a gambling reference!" Caesar chuckled. "You're always been a clever one."
"As has she," I replied. "Just attempting to stay on theme."
"Of course, of course," said Caesar. "Do you have any thoughts on the other seven tributes still standing? Do you believe Glowla will beat them?"
"I'd prefer to keep the conversation on Glowla," I said smoothly. "The other seven's time will come later tonight. As for whether or not Glowla will beat them, I'm entirely certain she will. Unlike many of the others, Glowla has the right mindset to get her to the end. She has her head in the Games, if you will."
"Fair enough," Caesar relented. "Let's cut to a message from home, shall we?"
The screen behind our two seats, which had previously been showing stills of Glowla in the Capitol and the arena, shifted to a video message. An image of a man with dark blond hair and freckles appeared- Onyx, who I knew well from the Academy. He began to speak.
"I have the utmost confidence that Glowla will win the Games," said Onyx. "She's one of the best trainees I've ever had in all my years of training. Her mental and physical game is unbeatable, and I'd be a fool to believe she could fail. Glowla, I'll see you soon. I believe in you."
The screen flickered back to images of Glowla again. The crowd applauded.
"I'm in complete agreement with Onyx," I said.
"I've enjoyed our discussion, Augustus, and I hope to see you again soon," said Caesar. "Let's send Glowla some good luck, shall we?" he shouted. The crowd erupted into applause again, and Caesar shook my hand before I left the stage.
Godric Channing, District 2 Mentor, 21
"Ah, Godric! Welcome," said Caesar as I sat down opposite him.
"It's great to be back," I said.
"Now, it looks like you're here to discuss two tributes today, as your partner Claudia Abraham is unavailable," said Caesar. "Both Caligula Van Zandt and Sadie Wilson have made it to the top eight. Congratulations!"
"Thank you very much," I said.
"Which would you like to talk about first?" Caesar asked. "They've both been great watches throughout the Games thus far."
I took a deep breath. "Let's talk about Caligula." Let's get this over with.
"Of course," Caesar nodded. "Caligula has had quite the turnaround in the arena. He began as many young men from Two do: confident, coolheaded, fantastic with a weapon, in the typical alliance. But as we've seen, he's now left his partner, been struggling with guilt, and allied with Sienna Asher of District Twelve with promises of helping her win. What are your thoughts on that?"
"The Games can be very mentally challenging," I said. "You make the choices you think are right, and you hope for the best. That's true of any tribute, and it's true of Caligula as well."
"Do you agree with the choices he's made?" Caesar asked.
"They aren't choices I would've made," I said truthfully. "But they've gotten him this far, and I can't see why they wouldn't get him home as well."
Caesar raised an eyebrow. "Even when he's promised to die for another tribute?"
"He may think that's what he wants to do," I said. "He might even be lying. But in the end, I don't think he'll go through with it. He has the skills to win, and once he realizes he doesn't want to die, I believe he'll change his mind. He already has once, right?"
"Right," Caesar agreed. "A very interesting point, Godric. Shall we play the message from home now, then?"
"Go right ahead," I replied.
The screen behind us changed from shots of Caligula to a video of his family. They looked to be standing outside their house.
"Come home, Caligula," said Caligula's father. "Stop it with this nonsense and get your head in the game."
"We believe in you," said his mother. "You can do this if you just focus."
The third member of his family, a teenage girl, nodded. "See you soon, okay?"
The screen flipped back to pictures of Caligula. Caesar turned back to me.
"Let's talk about Sadie Wilson now," he said. Behind him, the images changed from pictures of Caligula to pictures of Sadie. "From day one, she's been a deadly tribute with incredible aim. She has the second-highest kill count of any tribute, but she's also captured our attention through her relationships with her allies, most notably Caligula, Virgil, and Glowla. Are you proud of her performance thus far?"
"Yes," I answered. "She's been great. She's been even better than I expected."
"I'll ask you the same question I asked Augustus," said Caesar. "What makes Sadie stand out from the other tributes?"
"Sadie has one of the highest training scores and kill counts, which both show how talented she is," I said. "And she's very loyal to the Capitol. She's smart and knows how to play the game, she's fast, I could go on and on."
"If she sees Caligula again, do you think she would kill him?" Caesar asked.
"I think it's clear that Sadie was very hurt by Caligula leaving their alliance," I said. "I think the odds are pretty high."
"Who do you think would win between the two?" he asked, leaning in.
I considered for a moment. "I… I think I have to say Sadie, but it would be close. It's hard to say for sure."
"Interesting," Caesar said, nodding. "Let's view the video message from home."
The screen switched to a video. Like Caligula's it featured three of her family members standing in front of a house. The woman, who introduced herself as Sadie's aunt, went first.
"Sadie, you can do this," she said fiercely. "You've overcome so much, and you'll overcome this too. You can take down the others, no problem. You've trained for this for so long- there's no way you won't succeed."
"You're the smartest young lady I know, and I know we'll see you soon," said her uncle.
Then the teenage boy spoke. "I love you," he said simply. "Please come home."
The screen switched back to a picture of Sadie, and Caesar turned back to me.
"Any last thoughts before you go?" he asked.
"My bet's on District Two," I said. "Yours should be as well."
"Thank you, Godric! Let's give him a warm sendoff, yes?" he announced, turning to the crowd. They applauded as I stood and strode away.
Finnick Odair, District 4 Mentor, 34
"And now, for the return of one of our favorites, Finnick Odair!" roared Caesar. I stepped out onto the stage with my usual grin, winking at the audience. The audience only grew more enthusiastic at that, screaming and whistling over the clapping. I walked over to Caesar and shook his hand firmly, and the interview began.
"Welcome back, Finnick," said Caesar. "I always look forward to speaking with you."
"And I with you, Caesar," I said. "I have to say, I'm loving the orange theme this year. It really suits you."
"Oh, stop it," Caesar said, blushing and waving his hand. "You're too much. Let's get on to what you're really here to talk about: Muir Jansen."
"Ah, yes," I said, leaning back in my seat. I crossed my legs, waiting for him to continue.
"As of yesterday, Muir has the highest kill count of this Games so far," said Caesar. "One of these deaths includes that of his district partner, Isla Evenair. Would you care to comment on that?"
"Of course," I replied. "Would I rather Sadie or Glowla have taken care of that? Obviously. But was it inevitable? Absolutely. I know we're all fans of Isla, but in the arena, that wasn't the case. When her plan with Virgil failed, her death was clearly inevitable, especially considering how poorly she got along with many of her allies. Unfortunately, it happened: Muir killed Isla. But I don't think it's worth dwelling on."
"Very well," said Caesar. "And do you believe Muir can secure the win?"
"I do," I answered. "One of the highest training scores, as well as the highest kill count, proves that. He's managed to last through the turmoil of his alliance, and that takes some skill. As recently as yesterday, he made it clear that he has what it takes to win."
"It could be argued that he was simply lucky," Caesar pointed out. "If Journie hadn't turned on Travis, Muir wouldn't be around anymore, would he?"
"Likely not," I conceded. "But no Victor wins without a bit of luck. That's how it's always been."
"Very true," said Caesar. "You're a prime example of that!"
"Exactly," I replied. "Looks like some of my luck rubbed off on him."
"Hopefully, he's still got some more," said Caesar. "Let's watch his message from home, shall we?"
"Of course," I said. We turned to the screen, which until now, had been showing images of Muir. It opened on a group of four- a woman, two young children, and a teenage girl.
"You're doing wonderfully, Muir," said the woman. "We love you and hope we see you soon."
"We miss you Muir!" chorused the children. One was a little boy and the other a little girl, and they had the same blue eyes and wavy hair as their older brother.
The teenage girl, who had long, dark hair and pale skin, nodded. "We love you," she said quietly. "I love you. Come home soon, okay?"
The four of them waved, and then the screen flipped back to pictures of Muir. Caesar turned back to me.
"Anything else before we send you off?" he asked.
"I fully expect you'll see Muir return to speak with you again, Caesar," I said, flashing another smile. "As for me, I look forward to seeing you all again soon."
The audience began to cheer again, and I shook Caesar's hand one last time before stepping off the stage.
Senna DiCaprio, District 8 Mentor, 22
"My dear Senna!" said Caesar as I sat down. "I haven't seen you in a little while. It's a pleasure to have a conversation with you after all this time."
"The pleasure is mine," I replied, arranging the dress of my skirt on my legs. It was a layered, light purple thing that flowed nicely when I walked. Turned out one of the perks of being a Victor was that you were able to choose your own wardrobe.
"So, I do believe that a congratulations is in order!" said Caesar. "For the first time in several years, Eight has two tributes in the top eight. That's very exciting, no?"
The crowd applauded as I smiled. "Thank you. It's very exciting, you're right," I said. "Ianto and Levi are two very capable tributes, and I have the utmost faith in them."
"Let's discuss Ianto first, shall we?" he asked. "Unless you have a preference?"
"Ianto first is fine," I said.
"Now, Ianto has had quite the time in the arena," Caesar said. "Neither he nor Levi have seen much combat, but we have seen a blossoming friendship between the two. And the conflict he has seen, he's managed to escape quite successfully."
"Ianto has changed since I first met him, and I believe it's for the better," I said truthfully. "Hard times can bring out the best in people."
"How would you describe his change?" Caesar asked.
"I'd say he's come to understand what's important," I said. "Since meeting him on the train, he's gotten his priorities in order, and it's brought out a certain maturity in him. I'm very proud of how far he's come."
"As you should be," Caesar agreed. "Do you believe that despite his lack of combat, Ianto can come out on top?"
"I do," I said. "Just because he hasn't shown much of that doesn't mean he isn't very capable. He showed that in his private session, where he earned a 7. I think their strategy of letting the other tributes get rid of each other first is a wise one, even if it makes them less impressive-looking than some of the flashier tributes this year."
"Well said, Miss DiCaprio," said Caesar. "Let's view the message from home."
Behind us, the screen formerly sliding through photographs of Ianto flipped to a video. It was clearly in Eight, and based on the shock of bright-red hair on the teenage boy's head, the boy was Owain, Ianto's younger brother. It was obvious he was nervous, but he was putting on a brave face.
"I know you can do it, Ianto," he said shakily. "I know you can. You've never let me down, and I know you never will. I love you and I miss you, and I'll see you soon."
The screen flipped back to Ianto photos. Caesar turned back to me.
"A heartfelt message," he said.
I nodded. "They care about one another very much. They lost their parents a while back, and they're very close."
"It's clear to see," said Caesar. "Shall we move on to Levi, then?"
"Alright," I said.
"Levi has been a fan favorite in the Capitol since the beginning," Caesar began. "A Reaped Victor's child has never been seen in the Games before, and our audience has been on the edge of their seats since Levi entered the arena. Since arriving, it's been a lot of emotional turmoil as she's dealt with the struggles of the Games as well as Batiste's death. Do you believe Levi can become the first-ever legacy Victor?"
"I do," I said firmly. "She may not always look it, but Levi is one of the strongest people I know. She has a great head on her shoulders and a kind heart and she's resilient. I think all she needs is a little bit of luck."
"Every tribute does," Caesar agreed. "Did you know Levi personally before she was Reaped?"
"I saw her often for a few years, but since Batiste's death, I've seen her much more infrequently," I said. "But we've always been friends."
"Does that mean that this year's Games are much more personal to you?" Caesar asked.
"Every year is personal," I said. "I don't favor Levi over Ianto. I care deeply about both of them, and I hope that one of them survives. They're both great kids who deserve to live."
"I see," said Caesar. "The message from home?"
I nodded.
The screen behind us switched from Levi photos to a video feed. The video was of a shorter man standing in what appeared to be a studio.
"Um, hello, I'm Charles," he said, waving awkwardly at the camera. "I help Levi with her design career. She's a wonderful young lady with a great eye for color, and I hope to see her soon. She deserves the world. I wish you the best, Levi."
He waved again, and the image switched to more stills of Levi.
"Do you have any parting words before we see you off?" Caesar asked.
I turned to the audience. "Eight has a chance this year," I said. "Consider sponsoring us. These kids deserve your help getting home. I firmly believe they can do this, but we'll take any help we can get."
"Well done, Senna!" said Caesar. The crowd applauded as I stood, exiting the stage with my lavender dress flowing out behind me.
Marius Nero, District 9 Mentor, 28
"Marius!" Caesar roared as I shook his hand. "Great to see you!"
"You as well!" I replied, taking a seat.
"Are you ready to pull off a second consecutive win this year?" Caesar asked, smiling.
"I plan on it," I said, grinning back. "I have full faith Journie will continue my winning streak."
"Speaking of Journie, let's discuss him, yes?" said Caesar. "Journie has had a bit of a turbulent ride through the Games. First, there was Caligula Van Zandt saving his life, and then Chaney Hallows killing his district partner, Reese. What a heartfelt moment that was between Journie and Reese."
I heard a few sniffles from the audience. I nodded solemnly. "Indeed."
"And then there was yesterday," said Caesar. "I wasn't expecting Journie to turn on Travis like that! Do you have any thoughts on that moment?"
"Journie has always valued honor," I replied. "He was hurting, and he wanted to do right by his district partner. To be frank, I thought it was the right move."
"And why was that?" Caesar asked, leaning in.
"I personally thought it was clear that Travis would turn on Journie as soon as they'd taken down Muir," I said. "I believe Journie saw that as well. Can you blame him for acting first?"
"I suppose not," said Caesar.
"And it demonstrates that Journie earned his 8 in training," I continued. "Now that he has his preferred weapon, his chances are even better than they were before. It's only a matter of time before he takes the crown."
"Do you believe he can kill again?" Caesar asked. "It appeared that he wasn't the most enthusiastic about killing Travis."
"I believe he understands that he has to," I answered. "Journie, unlike some tributes, wants to live. He wants to make it home, and he will do what he needs to do. Killing can be a difficult act, but he'll get past it."
"Do you think being the only loner in the Games right now is a disadvantage?" he asked.
"From my understanding, that won't be for long. Glowla, Sadie, and Muir will likely split up soon," I said. "And honestly, I don't. Alliances can be helpful early on, but the further you get in the Games, the more dangerous they become. Journie doesn't have to deal with the fallout of a long-lasting alliance, and that helps him greatly."
"Very well," Caesar replied. "Shall we watch his message from home?"
I nodded. "Sounds great."
The screen behind us began showing a video of Journie's family. There were nine of them, all with dark skin and hair that contrasted starkly with Journie's light features. There was an older couple, a younger couple with a baby, three teenage boys, and a preteen girl within frame.
"We love you more than anything, Journie," said the older woman fiercely. "You come back to us, you hear? We need you to be safe."
"We miss you," said the oldest boy. "I regret not saying goodbye more than anything. I'd do anything to see you again."
"We love you!" everyone chorused, clearly trying to smile and keep their optimism about them. Then they disappeared, replaced with Journie pictures.
"And that was Journie's family?" Caesar asked, turning back to me.
"Yes, he was adopted at a young age," I replied.
"How wonderful," said Caesar. "Do you have anything to say before you leave?"
"My streak won't die with Journie," I said. "I'll be back soon, Caesar."
Aurelia Charm, District 12 Mentor, 21
I sat down in the chair across from Caesar, crossing my arms. The crowd cheered for a while before Caesar silenced them with a wave of his hand.
"Aurelia! It's terrific to have you back," said Caesar.
"Let's get this over with," I said.
Caesar raised an orange eyebrow. "You're not thrilled to be discussing your tribute Sienna Asher today?"
"No, I'm not," I said.
"And why is that?"
"Because she's not going to win," I spat.
A few gasps escaped the crowd. Caesar stared at me, surprise flitting across his face. It wasn't there for long, though, and he quickly continued the conversation.
"Oh, I'm sure you don't mean that," he said. "Sienna is a very capable tribute."
"She's fourteen, and she's from Twelve," I said. "Even your golden girl Senna was only fifteen when she won. You can't seriously believe she'll be the winner."
"There's a first time for everything," Caesar said. He pursed his lips. "Is something wrong, Aurelia?"
"Nothing's wrong," I shot back. "I just don't see the point in getting my hopes up."
"Ahhh, I see," said Caesar.
I glared at him, saying nothing.
"You're afraid to hope, aren't you?" he asked. "Because Sienna is the underdog?"
"She should've been a Bloodbath," I said. "She never should've outlasted Dale."
"Dale Orion-Poplar was a powerful tribute, yes, but isn't Sienna talented in her own way?"
"No."
"I think so," Caesar replied. "Or else how should she have lasted this long?"
"Dumb luck," I said.
"But 'dumb luck' is a powerful tool in the Games," he said. "I'd think you knew that better than anyone, given your time in the arena."
"I knew what I was doing," I said. "I didn't win by accident."
"Every winner needs a little bit of luck," he said.
"Are we done?" I asked.
"You really have nothing good to say about Sienna Asher?" he asked, frowning.
"I don't," I said.
Caesar sighed. "Let's watch the video message from home, then."
A video began to play behind us. In it were six people, probably Sienna's family and friends.
"We're so, so proud of you, sweetheart," said the older man. He and the woman had Sienna's hair. His were watery, and I rolled my eyes at his weakness. "No matter what happens, we'll always love you."
"Be safe," her mother said hollowly. "Be strong."
The group waved at the camera solemnly before the feed died. It switched back to pictures of Sienna, and I turned away.
"Goodbye," I said, standing.
"Goodbye, Aurelia," he said, watching me go. The applause was muffled this time as I left.
Bellona Hargrove, Intern, 24
My mother arrived home fairly late, still dressed for her interview. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun, not a hair out of place, and she wore her favorite gold suit and heels. They clicked on the marble floor as she walked inside.
"How did it go?" she asked, entering the kitchen.
"You were great, Mother," I said. "Everyone was. Well, most everyone."
"Terrific," she said. "I need as much positive airtime as I can get right now."
"Do you think it'll happen soon?" I asked.
"It's only a matter of time," my mother replied. "Coriolanus Snow is ninety-four years old and in ill health. He's practically on life support. Any little thing could tip him over the edge."
"It still might be a few years, though," I said.
"It won't be," my mother said. "I've waited long enough. If he needs a push, then so be it."
"Mother," I said, my stomach twisting, "you don't mean…?"
"Don't ask questions you know the answer to, Bellona," my mother replied. She shifted back into her businesswoman voice, smoothing out her jacket. "I'm going to change for bed. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight," I said.
"Goodnight," she replied.
I watched her stride away towards her bedroom. Our penthouse was large, and it took a while before the clicking of her heels fully faded.
Lately, my mother had been acting… differently. She'd always been intense, but she was beginning to become restless in her Head Gamemaker position. She'd held it for ten years now, and she wanted more. She'd said it to me herself a few weeks ago. But I hadn't realized just how far she was willing to go.
I took a deep breath, pulling myself together. You'd think after a lifetime in the Capitol, I wouldn't be so weak-minded. I'd been watching the Hunger Games for years, and I've watched countless children die horrible, horrible deaths. I'd dreamed of being a Gamemaker like my mother since I was a little girl.
So why did that unnerve me so much?
*No eulogies this chapter!
First of all, thank you guys for your reviews on last chapter! You guys had a lot to say and, as always, it was great. I love hearing from you guys, you never disappoint :))))
Secondly, because there's no arena content this week, I've added a lot of new blog content for you guys who are interested! Everyone's got a fun little quote now (some said by them, some said by others about them) and there's also an alliance tracker on the Arena tab.
Thirdly, I'm on Discord now! My tag is rising-balloons#1197 and I'm always down to chat :) I've really been enjoying my time on there so far!
Fourthly, the poll will be up until the arena update next week, so if you haven't checked that out (submitter or not!) you've still got some time.
FIFTHLY (lol) I'm officially announcing that Eyeing the Throne will have a sequel SYOT! More concrete info will be out once the Victor is official, but here's your heads-up that it's definitely happening.
Lastly, I just wanted to say that you guys are the best :) I've loved writing ETT, and I hope you've loved reading it. That's all from me today, I'll see you guys next week with Day 9!
-r-b*