Day 7; The Family Interviews:

Oh, where oh where can my baby be?

The Lord took her away from me

She's gone to heaven, so I got to be good

So I can see my baby when I leave this world

The room is quiet.

I didn't mean to sleep in today, but last night was just so exhausting that I passed out the second my head hit the pillow. But I feel a lot better now, knowing that the Gamemakers are going to let things slow down a little while camera crews are out interviewing loved ones of the remaining eight tributes.

Pryce. Elaena. Hydra. Urzelynne. Siren. Ace. Thea.

Sara.

I remember my Games, and how only four districts were represented in the final eight, each still having both tributes left. Needless to say, we all killed each other shortly after. I pray that won't happen here. Sara wouldn't stand a chance, forced to go up against someone with the likes of Hydra, or Siren...even Urzelynne too...

Anyways, the 3 and 9 teams must've packed up last night, because I don't see Ira, Evelyn, and even Rosie anywhere. I don't like how empty this room gets. I mean, I understand not wanting to stay around if there's no point, but then why does death linger in the air in a room full of survivors?

Marie approaches me, holding a muffin in her hands. "VR! Oh my goodness! I was so terrified last night. I thought Thea was gonna die!"
"That Express Pass thing must've saved her."
"It did! I can't believe I managed to keep Ace and Thea both alive for so long."

"Right." Man, Rufus has probably been no help so far. I just watch as Marie picks a chocolate chip out of her muffin and places it delicately on her tongue. "So...first time on the job and you've already outlasted seven districts. How does it feel?"

"I...try not to think about the outlasting part," Marie sighs. "But at the same time, I think...um...maybe 5 might be able to get two Victors in a row?" Her face drops. "I'm so sorry if that sounded insensitive or anything."

"No, it's fine." I get it. And I don't want to burst her bubble. No room for personal feelings up here. This is probably how Capitolites, sponsors, and the ones who make all the bets think. For us in the districts, it's much more personal. That being, Marie and I still turn to see 12's old escort still sitting in his chair.

"I'm still scared," Marie admits. "I don't want either of them to die."

The morning goes by peacefully, since the Gamemakers have all the tributes separated to avoid conflict and allow the interviewing team enough time to get out to the districts. They probably won't start until noon. I find myself torn between checking on Sara, going for a nap, and just fiddling around with whatever crap I find sitting nearby.

Eventually the cameras shift from a bird's eye view of the arena to the scenery of District 1. It always amazes me how different 1 is from 10. Everything looks so...so...well, compared to the Capitol, it's very plain. But compared to my home district, land of cows and sheep, it's practically a marble haven. The camera takes long than expected to find its destination, because it's mobbed by so many people looking for their moment in the spotlight.

Anyways, it looks like we'll be meeting with Elaena's family first. Despite the lavish environment of 1, the interview is taking place outside, right nearby the community home. The interviewer sits with a young man that can't be more than 20. He wears a dirty apron over faded jeans, occasionally using the apron to wipe his hands clean. He looks like a beefier male version of Elaena.

The man introduces himself as Daemon, Elaena's older brother. He then goes on to explain how they somehow wound up on the doorstep of the community home when they were toddlers, and have pretty much grown up there ever since. Daemon never excelled in training for the Games the way Elaena had, but I can tell he isn't bothered by it. If anything, he just smiles fondly.

"I suppose in that regard, Elaena and I are like polar opposites. I'm much better with building things. And hey, I was free to pursue my goldsmith apprenticeship. But as for Elaena, I know she's always been an incredibly cutthroat girl. And she's in such a really good position too. Under the radar, but not at the bottom."

Daemon wipes his hands clean again.

"You know what? I think that she's got this in the bag. If anyone's bringing home the win, it's definitely going to be her. I can feel it. And no doubt I will be supporting my lovely baby sister all the way."

Next up is Elaena's best friend, Athena Tesla. Athena brings up training again, and how she and Elaena have always acted as partners. She gives the air a small punch. "We'd spend days going up against each other with weapons and our hands. I've seen trainers nods their heads her way. No offence to anyone, but this year is practically a joke. It's hers to win!"

Right before the scene shifts to elsewhere in the district, Athena draws an imaginary line across her throat.

I grimace. In the Career districts, they're always so certain of victory. Elsewhere, people just don't want to watch their friend or family member die.

Pryce's house is rather large and well-decorated with all sorts of expensive furniture. A man and a woman sit on either side of a young boy on the nice velvet couch. Even with the birthmark on Pryce's face, I can tell that these people aren't his parents. Sure enough, the man introduces himself as Hawkins and his wife as Romantica, Pryce's aunt and uncle.

Obviously, the birthmark is brought up but Romantica is quick to deflect. As a matter of fact she makes it perfectly clear she won't be talking about Pryce's childhood at all. "This whole situation has been milked and mocked to death, and snoops like you keep that boy from moving on at all. We are proud of him as a volunteer and a representative of his district in the Games."

Hawkins agrees. "Indeed. In an unconventional year like this, all of 1 happily prides ourselves in the normalcy of our tributes. It would be a shame if Pryce were to have his rightful crown snatched out from under his nose. I believe he's deserving. He's more than earned it."

Darke, Pryce's younger cousin, just shrugs awkwardly between his parents. "I dunno. I hope he does well."

Next up is Alchemy, a friend of Pryce's who sits on the steps of his front porch. He starts the interview in smiles but with each passing second, the grin drops from his face to the point where he looks like he's on the verge of tears.

"Um...yeah. I'm happy for Pryce and I know he really wants this. He's always been looking for a chance to prove himself, since he's had a rough upbringing from what I know. But...but...he's my friend...and I'm scared for him...like, I know he's capable and all, but his alliance looks so...um...shaky and I really don't want him to get killed because of it..."

Royal lets out a dramatic sigh and rolls his eyes. Mariette's face doesn't change. I wonder what she's thinking.

In 2, the atmosphere feels much more restrained. Nobody mobs the camera, to the point where I think they're trying to avoid it. Tons of Peacekeepers just walking around with helmets tucked under their arms and no weapons on their body. There's a group of teenagers doing sprints on the lawn, another pair practicing their sparring...

Being inside the Battle family home feels like a huge relief. Hydra's dad Victor relaxes in a rocking chair, and across from him as an old woman who is probably their grandmother. The interview begins, but Victor doesn't even bother looking at the camera, just staring off into space.

"Hydra...things between Hydra and I have always been cordial. That's the best I can put it. It's just never been the same without their mother and my dear, dear..."

Victor raises a hand to his mouth as he begins to cough. A tear rolls down his cheek before he turns his face away. When he looks back, his eyes are slightly red and his lips tremble but he regains his composure and continues.

"But yeah, the leader of the pack in there? That's my...kid. that's Hydra, one hundred percent. Gosh, feels like forever when they...they were a baby and I'd be holding them...they just looked so much like her at the time..."

Victor can't go on and the woman next to him, who introduces herself as Roca and Hydra's grandmother takes the stage. "Hydra is a very dedicated and determined child who has always pushed themself to be the best they can. If you were to ask me, I think they might be one of the most stellar Careers District 2 has produced in a very long time."

Next up are two young ladies both giggling to each other on a park bench. One introduces herself Ivonne, a friend of Hydra and "the Victor of the 23rd Games, just you watch!" The other is named Antonia. And she blushes every single time Hydra's name comes up.

Ivonne's response to this is to punch Antonia's arm. "Oh puh-lease, what are you worried about? You know they love you; they think you're like a goddess or something. And they'll have cut everyone's head off and will be back before you know it, and both of you will be sucking face like they never left!"
"Hey!" Antonia laughs. "You're embarrassing me in front of the camera!"

"Whatevs. Hydra! You can do this and we're all cheering you on!"
Antonia blows a kiss to the camera. "Stay safe Hydra. I love you!"

There's a sense of apprehension with the next interview. My stomach begins to churn. Especially when the camera finally lands on Urzelynne's parents who both sit prim and properly in two armchairs.

The interviewer is about to ask a question but Urzelynne's mother, Xingxing Jong, cuts them right off. "We are very disappointed with Urzelynne's behaviour in the Games thus far. We have raised her to be ladylike and disciplined, but so far these qualities have yet to shine through."

Huolong just shakes his head, probably feeling the same way his wife does. "Indeed. As far as we are both concerned, Urzelynne does not represent our family."

I remember Troy's family interview. Neither of these two said anything about him. I can't recall if Urzelynne said anything or not, but I guess it doesn't matter now. What kind of parents are these people!? They ignore one child and criticize the other!?

Now I get why Urzelynne lashes out the way she does. I'd probably act the same way.

The rest of the interview is bleak. Nobody has anything nice to say and both parents are convinced Urzelynne is just going to wind up dead, like her brother. At one, Huolong even mentions how Urzelynne's volunteering was a waste of time and she was better off just getting married to rich man when she was old enough to become his housewife, because "that's all someone like her is good enough for anyways."

Oh hell no. I've never been more thankful when the camera crew decides that the interview is over right then and there. They spend some time talking to Urzelynne's groups of friends, who are share their support for her. So it is a bit nice to Urzelynne has a support system after all. But I can tell they're disinterested.

It seems the camera is more distract by a young boy with dark skin who accidentally wandered into frame and stops to watch the interviews. When he notices everyone looking at him, he nervously shakes his head and runs off.

District 2 is always such a nerve wracking place to see, so I'm glad to watch the scenery shift to 4. There's only one interview to do here, with the friends and family of Siren Nguyen. We meet his father and his two younger sisters. A giant mastiff lies asleep at their feet.

Andrew Nguyen just proudly puffs out his chest. "Well, I just knew that Siren would make me proud in the Games! He's been the top of his age every year since he was 15, and even beat out plenty of the older kids as well! It's no surprise to us that he'd wind up as the most successful member of the Career pack."

The younger sister, Maddy, excitedly kicks her legs out and startles the mastiff, who gets up and moves out of the room. The older sister, Misty, just rolls her eyes at Maddy's behaviour. "Maddy, stop it. Yeah, Siren's doing really great and he's totally gonna win. And then I'm gonna do the same when I'm old enough! This family's gonna have two Victors."

Andrew beams at Misty. "Of course, girl. As long as you get your training up. Remember how Siren waited until 18 to volunteer so he'd be at his fullest potential?"

It would appear to me that Siren might be prodigy of sorts. No wonder Dane and Spinnaker picked him. No wonder he clashes with Urzelynne so much. Andrew and Misty continue to sing Siren's praises, although I notice they're quick to butt in whenever Maddy tries to speak up. By the end of the interview, Maddy's way more interested in playing with the dog instead.

There's some extra footage of District 4 and I have to admit, this place always looks really nice. If I could, I wouldn't mind moving to a little beach hut by the water. It'd be a welcome change of scenery from the dust and the fences and animals back home.

But we're about to enter a new district now. One that I've been trying not to think too much about, because I try not to think too much about...well...Ace. I try. I fail a lot, anyways. And with a lull in the action, he's more present in my thoughts than ever.

To their credit, Anna and Sagan Frehley are keeping it together really well. It's got to be really hard for them, knowing that at least one of their children are going to die in the next few days. Having one kid get Reaped is bad enough but when your other child volunteers in the same year? It has got to be every parent's worst nightmare.

"I'm not too worried," Sagan admits. "I believe in them. They are strong kids. I think both of them can take care of themselves and kick a couple asses or two along the way! They're not going down without a fight! Am I right, dear?"

Anna sighs. "Language, language. But I do hope you're correct. Even then, they're my children so of course I'm going to worry about them. What kind of mother doesn't worry about her children?"

The interviewer asks about Thea first. It seems both parents have been very concerned ever since her alliance fell apart.

Anna's hands fold together. "I thought she'd be in a safer position because she had those girls to rely on. I wasn't expecting that mutt attack and we were just so grateful to see her get away. Thea has always been a bit of a wild child, very reckless in a sense. She can be quite competitive sometimes and she was always trying to keep up with Daniel. I used to have to tell him to give her a chance to catch up when they were children."

"Mhm, that's our girl, Anna. A brave little bullet, ain't she?" Sagan laughs. "But I'm glad to see she was able to make connections in the arena. She's real good at reeling in her fanbase, after all! Hopefully, when she wins, she can return to the Capitol as musician!"

Anna gives her husband a sharp glare. Now must not be the time for that.

And sure enough, with Ace, the elephant in the room is brought up. They don't know why he volunteered. They didn't know he was planning to volunteer. And I don't think they buy what he said in his interview before the Games. Anna definitely doesn't. She just shakes her head as her eyes well up with tears.

"I know these past few months have been really hard on Daniel," Sagan mutters. "He took the news of his diagnosis really hard. Juvenile glaucoma, they called it. And for someone like him, who's always had this big larger than life personality...yeah. I guess we never realized the extent. Oh, what am I saying? Daniel would never do that. He wouldn't do that...right?"

Do what?

Anna says the answer so I don't have to. "We sincerely hope he didn't volunteer to die."

The double interview in District 5 concludes on a bleak and morbid note. It's practically a whiplash going to the sunny District 10. I actually recognize one of the fields they show footage of, and who owns the cows that are grazing on the grass.

I feel a pang of guilt in my stomach, seeing Sara's family in front of me. Her father has an arm around her older sister, who's tucked a dried sunflower behind her ear. They both try and smile for the camera, despite the fatigue in their eyes.

Raj, Sara's father, still tries to keep up the facade. "I won't lie, I am definitely very worried for my little girl. At the same time, I'm also quite proud of her for how well she's done so far. She's proven that just because she's small and young, she's not an easy target for anyone to catch."

"Right," Maya Ananda says. "That's all that matters to us. Sara's out there, she's surviving, and she's made it this far already. I honestly think she has the same shot as anyone else at making it all the way to the end. So don't keep underestimating her. Some people like to think that flowers are all sweet smells and goodness, but a good amount can and will kill you."

The last group of people to meet with are Sara's friends. Four of them crowd around a sobbing little girl, who they introduce as Marie and Sara's best friend. Suddenly, I find myself looking up at Victor Marie who sighs silently and wrings her hands together.

"It's okay, Marie." Shania begins to rub her back. "Sara will be back soon! She's strong and she's good at hiding from the Careers."
"Yeah," another girl insists. She introduces herself as Grace. "And I think Sara can win! I mean, if a thirteen year-old won last year, why can't Sara?"

"Just come home, Sara." Marie gets all choked up on her words. "I really miss my best friend."

With that, the interviews have concluded.

I always feel like they're tricky to watch. getting a tribute home is hard enough. Getting a tribute home to loved ones is even more difficult. Sara's gonna have people who will miss her. So will the Frehley siblings. And Pryce, Elaena, Siren, Hydra, and...

I wonder what Troy thinks of all this.

Bit of a slow chapter today, although a pretty big one as well. Haven't done F8 interviews in a while, if you can tell.

We'll be back to the Games next chapter. See you all then,

-Vr