Beau Peterson's POV (D1M, 18)
I pull gently at the cuffs of my suit sleeves as I wait for my interview to begin. My suit is dark gray and studded with diamonds, not unlike the suit I wore for the parade. I go over my angle in my head one more time.
"Beau Peterson!"
I hear clapping and cheering from the crowd just ahead of me. I sneak a quick glance around at the other tributes, most looking impatient, nervous or scowling.
I walk onto the stage, my gait quick. I flash the crowd a smile.
"Welcome, Beau," says Perseus Hillsbury, the Master of Ceremonies, holding out his hand. I shake it firmly and sit down.
"Thank you, Perseus, it's a pleasure to be here," I reply without missing a beat.
"Oh, no, the pleasure's all mine," Perseus replies coolly with a gentle smile. "So, Beau, let's dive right in. How do you plan to win the Hunger Games this year?"
"Well, I'll be focusing on fighting all the tributes I see— a strategy that has worked for many in the past— but I can't reveal much more than that. Not yet, at least!"
"Of course. Any family waiting for you back at home? Surely you have a lady friend back in District One; your name is literally handsome!" Perseus grins and the crowd laughs.
I let out a chuckle, and I'm surprised at how easy it comes to me. "No girlfriends, I'm afraid, but I do have a mother and a brother— Denim— to get back to."
"Well, I'm sure ladies in the crowd will be happy to hear that!" Perseus says, earning more laughs from the crowd. He pauses before continuing, "no father? What happened to him?" He presses.
For a moment, my mask slips, a frown creasing my face. I knew he would ask, but it still stings. I quickly curl my lips back up into a sad smile.
"He went missing a few years ago. Nobody knows what happened, I haven't seen him since." My voice has a slight strain to it, no matter how hard I try to keep it out.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Perseus says somberly, and the crowd lets out sounds of sympathy. Oh wow, they... actually act like they care.
No matter how fake it is, it's honestly kind of nice having people feel sorry for me.
The buzzer sounds and I take that as my cue to stand up.
"It was lovely to meet you!" Perseus says with a smile, standing up as well. He takes my hand and raises it, turning to the audience. "Beau Peterson, everyone!"
The crowd le's out deafening cheers and applause, even as I walk off the stage. My fellow Careers give me a nod, and I nod back.
Sparks Ashlock's POV (D3F, 17)
I cross my arms and let out a bored yawn as I watch the first few interviews go by. The girl from District One seems to be all about how she's prepared and ready to kill anyone in her path, as well as about how she would win for her district pride and her best friend. The boy had some dumb sob story about his dad that I barely paid attention to.
The pair from two were also adamant on boasting all about how they would come out victorious, and I don't even try to hold back a scoff.
I watch Rusty's interview with little interest. He stumbles over his words, going on about how he's determined to win for his older brother, and to honour the memory of his other one. His voice is surprisingly steady and firm.
Finally, it's my turn. Rusty comes back and looks at me with a smile, but I just scowl back at him. I swear, there's something wrong with that kid.
I walk up to the stage with my gloved hands by my side. I wear an orange dress with occasional small dots that light up to represent my namesake plastered on it.
"Hello, Sparks! You look stunning, your stylist certainly did a good job!" Perseus grins.
"Cut the crap," I snap. "This is an interview, I'm not here so you can give me empty compliments, you Capital scum." I would have liked to use a few more choice words, but I know I wouldn't fare well in the long run if I did.
"Ooo, someone's certainly feisty!" Perseus chuckles, and a few people from the audience claps and laughs with him. I just glare at them all. "Well, let's get down to business, then! Do you think you could be the Victor of the 150th Hunger Games?"
"Looking at my competition, it'll be easier than snapping my fingers," I say boredly.
"I'm certainly looking forward to seeing your strategy! What is it?"
"Outsmarting the other tributes, which shouldn't be very difficult. I will emerge from this, victorious," I reply confidently.
"Who are you fighting to come home for?" Perseus asks curiously. "Anyone special back in District Three?"
I hesitate. Who am I fighting to come home for?
Nobody.
Why... why do I want to win the Hunger Games in the first place? I have nobody to go home to.
Nobody will miss me if I die.
Why am I doing this?
"I... don't have anyone to fight for," I admit. My tone has gone down an octave. "I have nobody waiting for me back home. Well, there is this one friend, but I don't really have anyone else."
"Who is this friend?" Perseus presses. "Are they waiting for you to come home?"
"I don't know if she's even watching this. I don't know if I even care. But she's my close friend— my only friend— and her name is Annie."
The buzzer goes off. Well, that was a total waste of my time. All it got out of me was an existential crisis. I stand up before Perseus can reply or dismiss me, turning and promptly walking off the stage.
"Meet Sparks Ashlock!" Perseus calls out to the crowd as I disappear into the front row to join the other tributes. I can't help but notice I don't hear many cheers from the crowd.
Hop Lostar's POV (D6M, 17)
I watch the interviews go by in silence— not like I could do anything else. I find the District Three tributes strange. One is rude and confident but the other seems polite and anxious— they're complete opposites.
Four are just typical Careers, talking about how they're better than everyone else, how their district is better than the others how they'll destroy their competition, the usual.
Apparently, the boy from Five is the son of the mayor and likes doing parkour. I'll have to watch out for him in the Arena. The girl is nothing special, and gives simple answers to all of Perseus's questions.
Eventually, the time to begin my interview rolls around. Van tugs on my sleeve and gives me an encouraging smile as I look over and whispers, "Good luck."
I just snort in disbelief and turn away. Good luck? I'll need a miracle just to survive this trainwreck.
"It's Hopppp Lostarrr!" I walk forward on cue and see Perseus waving to my seat as he drags out my name.
I sit down in a chair in front of him and shake his hand with a curt nod. He leans back in his seat, and I tense up as he starts to speak.
"So, Hop, how have you been liking the Capitol so far?"
I just stare at Perseus and let out a sigh that I hope nobody can hear. The silence that has fallen over the crowd is welcoming compared to all the screams and cheering from less than a minute before.
"Hop?" Perseus runs a hand through his deep blue hair. "How have you been liking the Capitol so far?" He asks again.
All I do is sit up straighter, casting a glance to the crowd as Perseus lets out a forced chuckle.
"Not much of a talker, eh? Are you looking forward to the Games?"
I frown and shake my head. I'm starting to get bored at this point, pointing at my lips and then making an 'X' gesture with my arms.
Perseus squints comically at me as he tries to figure out what I mean. "Your... lips are sealed?"
There are a few chuckles from the crowd, and I shrug and nod, trying so hard not to roll my eyes. Close enough.
"So, why aren't you looking forward to the Games? Anything in particular that's making you hesitate?" Perseus presses. "If you'll tell us, of course!"
More laughs from the audience. I just shake my head again, my face contorting into a scowl. How could anyone look forward to the Games?
Thankfully, the buzzer goes off, saving me from any more of this horrible one-sided conversation. I give Perseus a respectful nod as I walk off the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Hop Lostar!" He calls for all to hear. There are respectful claps from the crowd, but no cheering like there was for all the other tributes.
Van McGuire's POV (D6F, 15)
I give Hop a small smile as he comes back from his interview, but he doesn't return it. My lips go back into a thin line as I think about my angle. I'm supposed to be sweet and energetic, which i can probably pull off. I smirk, confident that this will go well.
"Van McGuire!"
I put on a cheerful smile as I slip out onto the stage in my long gray dress and mechanic gloves.
"Welcome, Van! It's a pleasure to meet you," Perseus says as he shakes my hand and I sit down.
"Oh, please, call me Vinnie," I say with a grin. "That's what everyone calls me."
"Not much of a nickname if it's two times longer than your actual name, eh?" Perseus jests. I force out a chuckle as the crowd laughs along with me, even though I don't find the joke funny at all.
"So, tell me, Vinnie, how do you plan to win the Games this year?" Perseus leans in closer as if anticipated to head my answer.
"Well, with my allies, I'm sure we'll be able to accomplish anything! Even if we can't all win, we're all definitely fierce competitors!" The crowd coos at my words.
"Who are these mysterious allies of yours?" Perseus asks, green eyes sparkling with interest. "Do tell."
"I'm allying with Kai and Cinder from District Five; we make a great team!" I reply. The camera turns to Kai and Cinder, and they wave shyly.
"Well, out of all of the tributes including your allies, do you think you could emerge from the Games as the Victor?" Perseus raises a brow.
I let out a giggle. "Think? I know I'll be the Victor! I have to be." I grin, pumping my fist in the air, earning cheers from the crowd.
"Oh, and why is that? Is there anyone waiting for you back home?"
I nod. "My parents, and my friends, Julius, Kestrel, Star, Skye and Crya." Friend doesn't seem like a big enough word for Crya, though, I add silently to myself.
"Well, if they're watching, is there anything you'd like to say to them?" The man sitting in front of me smiles, but instead if sporting his usual grin, he wears a smaller, more somber smile.
I look at a camera, hesitating before I nod and start speaking.
"I love all of you guys," I breathe. "And I love you, most of all, Crya. I promise I'll get back home to you, no matter what it takes. I'll be back in District Six before you know it."
The buzzer goes off a split second after I finish, and Perseus stands up.
"How sweet!" He says, and the crowd is going wild. "Everyone, give it up for Van McGuire!"
I can't help but feel giddy as I skip off the stage. I lean back in my seat with a smile plastered on my face. I look over to Hop for his reaction, but he doesn't even spare me a glance.
Rowan Mildberg's POV (D7M, 18)
After District Six's interviews, it's finally my turn. I walk up to the stage when my name is called, trying not to glance back at Aster as I approach Perseus and take a seat, shaking his extended hand.
"Rowan! I've heard much about you, my friend. It's nice to finally meet you— you're much more handsome in person!" Perseus grins and winks at a camera. The crowd goes crazy, and I let out a chuckle.
"Thank you, Perseus, I'm glad to be here." No, I'm not.
"So, Rowan, I hear the other tribute is your younger sister, is that correct?" He waits for my nod of confirmation before continuing. "And you volunteered for your brother, too. What a shame, two siblings being Reaped in the same year!"
The crowd lets out sighs and other sounds of sympathy, and I purse my lips. "I did what I had to do. I couldn't let Cedar go through that— but then Aster was Reaped and I knew our family was doomed from the start."
"What was your reaction to your sister being Reaped, so soon after you had volunteered to take your Reaped brother's place?" Perseus asks. "It must have been hard for you to come to terms with it."
I give a single nod. "I felt horrible, and in that moment, I vowed to protect Aster from any harm that came her way. I swear one of us will live on to become the Victor of the 150th Hunger Games," I say solemnly.
My buzzer goes off, and the crowd cheers and screams my name, and I instantly know I've done well. "Thank you, Rowan Mildberg!" Perseus yells, his voice almost drowned out by the background noise. I leave the stage with one last wave over my shoulder.
I give Aster's hand an encouraging squeeze as her name is called and her eyes grow wide. I watch as she leaves my side, my heart swelling up with pride.
Asher Havenrock's POV (D8M, 17)
Once the girl from Seven goes, my turn eventually comes around. I purse my lips, pitying the small, frail and sweet girl that comes to take her seat in the front row. She's so much like Silk... I think wistfully.
"Asher Havenrock!"
The crowd cheers as I mount the stage, my knuckles going white as I grip the short railing. I take a deep breath and take my seat.
"Mister Havenrock, how lovely it is to have you here! I hear your brother was the Victor of the 148th Games, how special!" Perseus's eyebrows raise and I give a nod.
"Carlen won his Games, and now it's my turn to win my own," I say, trying to fill my tone with confidence. "I'm prepared for anything."
"Of course, I wouldn't doubt it for a second! Now, I'm sure we're all dying to know; what happened at the Reaping? Is the other tribute perhaps your younger sister?" Perseus leans forward in interest, and the crowd gives excited but hushed sounds as they wait for my answer.
"Well... yes and no. Silk is like a sister to me, and I... I just can't believe she got Reaped too." It's a miracle my tone stays mostly steady and my voice doesn't crack. I have to force myself to look the other way, battling tears at the memory of her name getting chosen.
"A shame, isn't it?" Perseus says sympathetically. The audience sighs with him.
Just a shame?! My best friend gets Reaped and you just say it's a shame?!
Though I'm seething with rage, anger pricking at my skin, I force myself to appear calm as I lift my head back to look at Perseus. "It is. I will do my best to help her in the Arena, but I know she's more than capable of taking care of herself."
"Do you have a strategy for the Arena?" Perseus asks. "She might get far, but how do you know you will?"
I clench my fist. "Because I have my wits and determination about me. I know firsthand what must be done to win this Games, and I know hesitating will get me killed. Expect a good show these Games." I look around the crowd, as if daring them to challenge me, but everyone just cheers and applauds. The sound of my buzzer going off is almost drowned by all the noise.
"Thank you, Asher Havenrock!" Perseus yells as I walk down the stairs and back to my seat. Silk beams and she's applauding me as well.
Briar Reckingstar's POV (D10T, 15)
I've stood up before my name is even called. The boy from Nine was pretty basic, giving short, shy answers to all of Perseus's questions. The girl was pretty cool, and she was definitely determined to win the Games. Robin kept cool and collected the entire interview, giving the Capitol all the answers they wanted to hear. He will be, without a doubt, among the favourite tributes this year.
I give him a pat on the shoulder and a thumbs up as he sits down and Perseus announces my name.
"Briar Reckingstar!"
I walk up to the stage coolly and take my seat, offering Perseus a small smile as I shake his hand.
"Well, Briar! It certainly is a pleasure to be talking to you; you look like a star," he says with his signature grin. "How are you doin'?"
"Well, aside from the fact that I'm about to be sent to my death, I'd say I'm doing pretty great, myself!" I ignore his pathetic attempt at a joke of my last name and let out a humorless laugh, but the audience doesn't seem to get the sarcasm and laughs with me.
"You're killing me, Briar!" Perseus hoots. "Not even a minute into your interview and you're racking up kills!"
I let a smirk cross my face. "Whoops," I say, not at all apologetically. "I forgot to wait until the Games started. Where's your cannon?"
Perseus lets out another laugh. "Speaking of the Hunger Games, let's get down to business," he says, pausing to wipe away a tear. I've got to admit, he's good. "How are you feeling about this year's Games?"
"Confident. I know I'll win for sure— I've been training hard and I have a family to get back to."
Perseus just gives a single nod. "You say you had a family to win for— who's in it? Did you volunteer for one of your family members at the Reaping?"
I nod. "That was my older sister, Aspen. She was eighteen, I couldn't let her pass up the opportunity to live a life free of the Games. I swear I'll come back to her— my mother and father, too. I love them all very much."
The buzzer rings, cutting Perseus off from saying anything else.
"What an interesting interview!" He says as I stand up and the crowd starts cheering. "Briar Reckingstar, everyone!"
"You did well," Robin murmurs to me as I sit down and another tribute takes my place onstage.
"Thanks."
Jay Terrin's POV (D12M, 15)
My hands are shaking uncontrollably as I stare at Perseus and Katydid. Topaz tries to calm me down, but her efforts are ultimately wasted.
One more night... one more night in the Capitol before the Games. One more night before I die. One more minute before I have to stand up there and speak in front of thousands of people...
My thoughts make me so panicked that I almost miss Perseus calling out my name. Topaz holds my shoulders and brings me to my feet, and I shoot her a terrified glance before practically dragging myself up the stage.
"If it isn't our favourite tribute from District 12! How are you doing, Jay?" I nearly fall over when he gives my hand a hearty shake. I sit down, feeling queasy.
"I-I'm the only t-tribute f-f-from Twelve that you've i-interviewed yet..." I point out, fiddling with my hands nervously. I silently beg myself not to break into tears in front of all of Panem.
Perseus laughs. "This kid's cracking me up! Tell me, Jay, are you liking the Capitol so far?"
"Y-yes, I th-think. It's nice..." I trail off, digging my nails into my arms, though I don't let myself do it hard enough to draw blood.
"What do you like about it? Try not to answer with 'everything', though I know it might be tempting!" Perseus's grin seems to only stretch wider.
"The, um... the f-food is nice. The b-beds a-are super comfy, t-too."
I start to tremble, but still force myself to meet Perseus's gaze. I almost start to cry and look away, and I find myself looking down as I can't keep his stare.
"Of course! The food is prepared by the best of the best, and the beds are manufactured by the best of the best!" Perseus boasts. "Now, let's talk Hunger Games. What are you looking forward to the most?"
My head whips up in alarm. "Nothing! I'm scared out of my wits!" I cry. "I d-d-don't want t-to go i-i-into the G-Games!"
"Well, that's understandable— what's your plan for the Arena, at the very least?" Oh man, either he doesn't get the hint that I don't want to talk about this or he's a huge jerk!
"H-hide. Hide with m-my allies w-where n-n-nobody can find us," I answer instantly. "I-I just don't want to d-die..."
Thankfully, my buzzer goes off, saving me from any more of this torture. I'm all too glad to rush off the stage and back to my seat.
"Now, let's welcome our final tribute for the night, Topaz Bellbrook!"