You guys! The Interviews were SO. HARD. TO. WRITE. For whatever reason, I just couldn't write for some people, while others have just flown by. There have been a few days where I couldn't get anything out!

Have no fear, though, for I have not been held back. Day 12 is already complete, and I may have 13 close by the time I finish this. Yea!

Literally down to the last two POVs rn and I'm instead looking through old reviews of past chapters. RIP me.

My last one has been sitting here for five hours now, untouched. Should probably finish it. Bet you can't guess which one it is! (You probably can, since I finally finished it at 12:25 AM…)

This chapter will be number 47, and my current plan consists of 60 total. I also plan to release Ladies First: The 7th Quarter Quell shortly after chapter 53, scheduled for August 13th (tentatively, of course). That will give about a month before tributes for those Games need to be in (Sept. 12th). Don't stress, I'm just giving a heads up.

Thanks to roses burning and Wolfie McCoy for the reviews last chapter. Y'all're awesome!


Silvia Rockefeller, Age 25, Capitol

Family Interviews Reporter


District Three

After the death of the Four boy, the reporters for the Family Interviews were sent out to the Districts to meet the families. Blue only died an hour ago, and already I'm in District Three.

Three! After working for HGN for only four years, Julius chose me to conduct interviews!

Before I arrived, the Bolt family had been herded away from the Throne in the middle of the town square, back to their homes. Upon my arrival in the District, a squad of Peacekeepers led me to them, and I must say, for how exciting Cordin has been this year, his family home sure is bland.

He must be excited about the potential upgrade to the Victor's Village.

There are six people sitting in the living room as I enter. They each introduce themselves as my cameraman sets up, and I'm struck by the bizarre names.

A voice over my earpiece warns me, "We're live in ten, nine, eight, seven…" I double-check that Garrus is ready to film, and he gives a curt nod. He never did speak much.

"So Bug. You're Cordin's father, correct?"

"That is correct."

"Did you ever expect your son to make it this far? The Final Ten in a Quarter Quell?"

"I believe it was obvious from the start. Based on the tributes' ages and scores, Cordin should have at least lasted until the Final Half. And that was before-"

"Lovely. Lumen, are those tears in your eyes?" The boy's mother shakes her head, and I look around.

"Ah, now here's a story." I gesture to where a girl, who introduced herself as Zela Edge, sits between Cordin's older brothers. "You must be Cordin's girlfriend, Zela." I let out a giggle.

The girl turns redder than Julius' hair for Fall Fashion. "No, ma'am. Just a friend from childhood."

"Oh come on." I whine slightly, "You can tell me! We girls know how to keep a secret." I speak softly, before turning to the younger sister. "Isn't that right, honey?"

The girl, Tabby, nods quickly before hiding behind her ma.

"Isn't she just lovely?" Garrus brings the camera back to me. "That's all for Three! I will see you in District Six, my darlings!"


Julius Incandes, Age 27, Capitol

Games Host


District Four

Four people greet me in the Dawn household, and I'm immediately grateful that we were already live and rolling.

"I recognize you!" I cry as I rush into the room. Kiera Morx stands awkwardly as I scoop her into a hug, and I imagine the Capitol going berserk. The young girl, whom I met during the Interviews for the One-Hundred-Thirty-Ninth, is the younger sister of the Victor, Orca Morx. Wow, she was barely tall enough to reach my midsection then!

But I'd remember that red hair anywhere.

"Hi Julius!" She smiles widely, and my heart melts. "You've gotten bigger too!" I smile, remembering that Orca's year was my first year as Host, at only sixteen. "Here, my friend, let me introduce you to Mera's family."

There isn't much conversation to be had from Esmeralda's family. Her father gives single-word replies to my questions, her mother saying nothing at all. The girl's sister Rosalynn, whom I remember Mera Volunteered for, smiles brightly and laughs a lot. She is especially insistent that I see how well she did in her coloring books.

As I leave the house, I call behind me. "It was wonderful seeing you again, Kiera! We should do this more often!"


Nero Domitian, Age 28, Capitol

HGN Spokesman


District Ten

The stench of District Ten fills my nostrils and I suppress the urge to gag. Honestly, everything smells like manure here. The sun beats down on my neck, and I wish I hadn't left my collection of hats at home. What a waste.

As I had expected when I was assigned to Interview Ten, the family of Cheyenne Bruno is small, and altogether not very talkative. Vivian, the girl's mother, basically cries the whole time she's on camera, and the father, Charles, seems to be on the verge of tears himself.

I was told that the girl had an older sister, Charlotte, but she has the nerve to not even make an appearance while I'm at the Bruno place.

The best conversation I manage to get is out of Cheyenne's friends, Rachelle Stalli and Faye Maron. They talk about their childhood together, about their fun times and their fights. Nothing I haven't heard before, of course, but at least it's something. At least the sheepdog, Lassie, was cute.

Hopefully, when I get to Districts Eight and Two over the next couple of hours, the families of Henry, Cassia and Mason will be more accommodating.


Julius Incandes, Age 27, Capitol

Games Host


District Nine

It was very difficult for officials in the Capitol to track down family for Thanatos' Interview. Or, well, it took more than two minutes to find an address and names. There was a girl who visited him when he was Reaped, however, and it was easy enough to figure out who she was.

According to reports, Aiofe Rize lived alone with her parents, no siblings involved. Or so it would seem, as Thanatos, the girl's twin, was mostly hidden from the public eye by their parents and left home some time ago. The only pictures available for the boy before the Games were from Reaping cameras, the ones that catalogued the children present in the square Reaping Day.

Considering how much they had hidden their son, I made sure to have cameras rolling when I knocked on the doors of the Rize home.

The door is opened by an older man, his blond hair fading to grey. His eyes widen in surprise, before slamming the door in my face. Shouts can be heard from inside, and I hold out the mic to make sure that my viewers can hear. The walls must be incredibly thin. I chuckle.

"Eden! They're here!"

"Who's here?"

"The Capitol! Julius himself is on our doorstep!"

"And you didn't let him in?" A younger voice- Aiofe?- calls out.

"Hide the pictures!"

"Move, woman, we have to hurry!"

"Aiofe, don't you dare open that door!"

The door swings open again, revealing the short, blond-haired girl I had seen in pictures. She smiles pleasantly, giving a little curtsy.

"Sorry about that." She says, standing up straight. "My father is a bit nervous around strangers."

"All is well, dear girl, all is well. Aiofe, isn't it?" I ask.

"Yes." She says, opening the door a little wider. "Are you here to talk about Than?" She cocks her head, a sorrowful expression on her face.

"As a matter of fact, I am." I confirm. "May I come in?"

The man who answered me earlier walks up to the door. "Who are you?" He glares at me.

"Julius Incandes, HGN spokesman and Host for the Hunger Games. I'm here to Interview the family of Thanatos Rize, who you should know has made the Top Ten in this year's Games." I lean forward, looking down at the man. "You have been watching the Games, haven't you? It's mandatory viewing."

The man pales. "Of course we have! But I- we- don't know Thanatos. Isn't that right, Aiofe?" He looks down at his daughter.

"Um…"

"What're you doing at my door? Who are you?" A plump, grey-haired woman cuts off Aiofe by shoving her out of my sight. "What do you want?"

I sigh. Hopefully One will be easier than the people of the Grain District.


Silvia Rockefeller, Age 25, Capitol

Family Interviews Reporter


District Six

The address given to me for Aran Quade's Interview belongs to that of a Bartholomew and Squire Mercallis. Supposedly, they're good friends, watching over his sister over the course of the Games. The home is nicer than most I've seen in District Six, though that's not saying much.

The door opens moments after I knock, and a friendly face filled with freckles and topped with curly red hair greets me. Before I can get a word in, the young man is firing away.

"Hello, pretty lady. What brings a doll such as yourself to the Mercallis place?" He asks, grinning.

"I'm here for an Interview." I say hesitantly. What is wrong with this young man. "I'm looking for Bartholomew and-"

"Call me Burt." He says, still smiling. "Come in, come in!" He turns away, and I follow. "Squirt! Reyna! We have visitors!"

I perk up at the mention of Aran's little sister, and I squeal slightly as she walks into the living area, encouraged by a young man who looks exactly like Bartholomew. Must be Squire, or Squirt, as his brother called him. Burt and Squirt. Really.

"Aren't you just darling!" I cry, and Reyna flinches away. I frown slightly, but I don't dwell on it. She'll warm up to me, surely. "Well, it's nice to meet you three. Care to introduce yourselves to the country?"

Unfortunately, I learn very little about Aran Quade over the course of the Interview, at least in regard to why he was in prison clothing on Reaping Day. Just as the young man whom enthralled the Capitol had dodged Julius' questions, the Mercallis twins are avoiding mine.

I do learn, however, how happy they are that Aran has found someone like Malaya in the Arena. They're overjoyed at how happy and at peace he seems, but they worry that she might get him killed.

I barely convince Reyna to hug me as I leave, but her warm hug melts my heart. Hopefully, when Aran wins, I'll be able to come back and see them, once in a while.


Julius Incandes, Age 27, Capitol

Games Host


District One

To my surprise, there's nobody to greet me when I knock on the door to the Garnets' house, and I can't help but feel betrayed. I had spoken with Cietrin just yesterday, and he agreed to greet me at his house if Malaya made the Top Ten.

Why isn't anything going right for me today?

I look back to my camera crew, jerking my hand across my neck in a cut! gesture. Haille does as she's told, and I groan.

What now?

With a sudden stroke of genius, I break into a run, my crew struggling to keep up. I've been to the Academy in One before, and I'm sure they know the way as well. I have to get something for this interview.

I stop only to throw open the glass doors, before barging inside the beautiful school. The receptionist at the desk looks up at me in surprise before standing.

"Julius! My, I haven't seen you in years, how are you?" Holly Luxor won the Games over forty years ago, and her wrinkling skin surely shows it.

"Just fine, Holly, but I need your help. Was there anyone here that Malaya Garnet was close to? I really need to conduct this Interview now."

"Oh, yes, of course. Um… Oh! One of the girl's trai- err, instructors has a classroom upstairs, but I believe it's currently in session."

"Directions?" I breathe as my crew enters the lobby.

"Up these stairs to your right, third hall on your right, fourth door on the left. Name is Gwen Heghes."

"Thank you. Hurry up!" I call over my shoulder. I hear a disgruntled mumble from Haille, but I ignore it. This is much more important.

I make my way to the class, before pretty much throwing the door open in my impatience. As gasps echo around the room, I glance at the clock. Fifteen minutes late already?

"I'm looking for Gwen Heghes." I say, looking around. It's easy enough to find the instructor in the front of the class, her hand hovering over a diagram of a spear as she stands over the twelve-year-olds in the room.

"Julius Incandes?" The woman asks aloud. Then she shakes her head, clapping her hands twice. "Class dismissed."

A wave of young children stands, and I slip into the room as the current flows out the door, whispering. As the last of the class leaves and my crew finally shows themselves, I press. "Miss Heghes, so sorry to bother you, but I need an Interview for Miss Malaya Garnet. Her parents didn't bother to show up, and I was directed to you."

"Oh, of course. Where do you want me?"

Gwen is of next to no help during the Interview, avoiding questions and praising her protégé. I begin the trek back to the train station, thankful that we couldn't go live due to advertising breaks, when I'm stopped outside the Academy.

"Woah! You're Julius Incandes, right?"

I sigh. "Yes, I am." I look the young man over, "And who might you be?"

"I'm Zircon Xerces." He says. "I'm Malaya's boyfriend."

Scandal.


Nero Domitian, Age 28, Capitol

HGN Spokesman


District Eight

There are four people present when I go to Interview the Reynosos. The two older girls are clearly the boy's sisters, Jessica and Paula. The younger two are Henry's friends, James and Rebecca.

"Is this everyone?" I ask, glancing around.

"Yes. Everyone." Paula says through clenched teeth.

"I don't think so." I say. "Henry mentioned specifically having a grandmother while he was in the Capitol. I don't see any grandmothers here." I say, smirking.

Jessica, the older of the sisters, glares openly at me. "She's gone." Her eyes turn red as they fill with tears. "Can't we just get this Interview going?" She turns away, and I gesture toward my cameraman. Tears always make for great television.

"And here I am in District Eight with the family and friends of Henry Reynoso! Say hello, friends!" James and Rebecca mumble their introductions, and Paula introduces herself and her sister, Jessica's face still turned away.

"Now then. I am here because your friend and brother, Henry, has officially made it to the Final Ten in this year's Hunger Games. What do you think of that?" I leave the question in the air, and I find that to be a mistake, as they just look at each other.

"There are some in the Capitol who think Henry is actually better off with Devon Rose rather than Jasper Blue. They are also surprised, however, that Jasper even let him live this long. Care to comment?"

James looks up into the camera. "We are thankful for how good an Ally Blue was to Henry. Our hearts go out to his family, may they remember his smile whenever they see Henry." His expression goes dark. "I'm sure Five will get what's coming to her."

"And how could that be?" I ask, jumping at the opportunity. "He has no special skills, he hasn't even killed anyone yet. How do you expect her to "get what's coming to her."?

"Henry knows what he's doing." Rebecca says. "He's got to be one of the smartest kids in this country. He'll figure this out, one way or another."

"Maybe he'll get another one to kill her." Paula pipes up.

"Henry is the best person in that Arena, and he's equipped with something that none of them can imagine using." Jessica speaks for the first time since her episode, and I turn to her.

"Oh?"

"Did you really not have anyone analyze the jar Velvet sent him a few days back? That's his ticket out."


Silvia Rockefeller, Age 25, Capitol

Family Interviews Reporter


District Five

The Peacekeepers lead me to the abode of Devon's family, and I can't help but be nervous. I've heard so much about Ori, the girl's child, and I'm not sure how he'll react to me.

I needn't have worried, however. Within minutes of being introduced to everyone, I've got the toddler in my arms and the interview is underway.

I am astounded by the sheer amount of people present. Aside from Devon's parents, Alma and David, and her brothers Markus and Terron, she has several friends supporting her as well. I find that her immediate friends consist of a Thalia Denmark, Hannah Lynx, Fiona Delarose, Gio Homan and Elliot Freeman. The two boys share a hard chair together, Elliot sitting on Gio's legs while the latter rests his head on Elliot's shoulder. A man named Jaq Homan, easily Gio's older brother, sits on the edge of a couch next to wheelchair-bound Fiona, his hand resting lightly on hers. Such a lovely family.

I start the interview by asking the people present to introduce themselves, and I can't help but laugh as Ori responds to their voices. He smiles and reaches out, but I refuse to lose the little bundle of joy, not yet. The child's grandfather, David, let's out a heaving breath as he speaks.

"So then. How are we all feeling about Devon's activities so far in the Games?" I smile, holding out the microphone. Devon's friends look at each other, and her father wheezes.

It's Alma Rose who speaks first. "She has done incredibly well." She chokes, and I catch a hint of a tear in her eye. I gesture to Garrus, who zooms in on her face. "As she gets further, I remain confident that she can make it home." The tear rolls down her cheek, and I notice Devon's friends all looking at her in… confusion?

"Yeah." Gio pipes in from Elliot's shoulder. "She's one tough cookie. She's survived much worse than this."

"Oh?" I say, sensing a story. "And what else has she… survived? Anything exciting?" I lean toward the boys, but it's Fiona who speaks.

"Oh, um…" She says, casting a glance at Gio. "She, uh, used to go swimming a lot. In the pools below the dams." She smiles strangely, lifting herself in her wheelchair slightly to adjust herself. Jaq's hand is quickly replaced.

"She loved to use the dam like a slide, too." Hannah giggles. Everyone in the room lets out a chuckle.

"My, that sounds wonderful!" I say. "I might just have to go swimming myself!"

After the interview, I find that I have a spare hour before my train leaves for the Capitol. Plenty of time for a swim!


Nero Domitian, Age 28, Capitol

HGN Spokesman


District Two

1319 Thunder Road

Maurise

I knock on the door to the Maurise household, and it swiftly opens. A woman, who I presume to be Cassia's mother, bows slightly as she invites me in, closing the door behind my crew.

A quick headcount shows that four people are present for the Interview, and I gesture for my crew to set up. We have two Interviews in the District, after all. Best not to waste time.

"All right, everyone. Introductions, please." I say, taking a seat.

The girl's father takes the helm and introduces the group. "My name is Stone. Stone Maurise." He smiles. What an absurd name. "This is my wife, Lyra. She's from the Thunder line." Yes, the line which has had four Victors already. "My daughter, Andrea." The girl must be only a couple years out of the Reaping. "And Cass' best friend, Alexis Sore. She'll be Volunteering next year." The girl gives a shy wave.

"Stone. Can you tell me why Cass Volunteered for the Games?" I ask.

"Oh, it's always been a dream of hers to be in the Games." He says. "In fact, she-"

"You mean it's been your dream?" Andrea huffs, and I tilt my head.

"What do you mean, my dear?" My cameraman focuses on her.

"My father always wanted to be in the Games as a child. When the time came to Volunteer, he chickened out."

"What year was that?" I press.

"The One-Hundred-Nineteenth. That was the year Blossom Kilo won." She flashes a glare at Stone.

"Oh yes, I remember." I think. "Or, well, I watched recaps. Didn't the Two boy die in the Bloodbath that year?"

"That's beside the point!" Stone roars, face going red.

"Well, I think it's an interesting point." I calmly reply. "Blossom was what… thirteen when she won? Had four kills, I do believe." I know every detail of that Games. The boys from One and Two weren't qualified for the Games that year, and the girls didn't let the Four boy join. Instead they trusted the Seven girl, who ended up poisoning them the third day. Blossom was the only one who took initiative after that.

"This Interview is over!"

"Very well. Off to the Village then."

028

Annie Lepodolite

The Victor won't be here herself, of course. She's been in the Capitol, helping Jacob Gold gather Sponsors for her brother. She's already had plenty of Interviews, and the world already knows what she feels about Mason's being in the Games. No, I'm here to meet his father.

I met Nero Lepodolite when I Interviewed him eight years ago, of course. It was my first time out in the Districts other than holidays in Four, and it was a bizarre experience. As he opens the door to his daughter's house, however, he envelops me in a big hug.

"Nero, my friend! How good to see you! Come in, come in!"

He puts me down, and I find a new wrinkle in my jacket. Barbarian.

"So, my friend, what do you want to know?"

I sigh, looking around the Victor's home. She hasn't personalized it very much in her eight years here, save for her crown and Arena weapons hanging over the mantle. Three knives and a sword. Typical Twos.

"Well, I suppose I need to ask you what you think of your son being in the Games. It was quite the upset when your daughter won all those years ago, but I don't think any of Mason's opponents are quite so… ready to underestimate him."

"Oh, I'm just excited to have two children in the victors' circle. Annie wasn't supposed to Volunteer so early; I was going to have her take on the Games Rocky won while Mason took this year, but oh well. Both will be great, rivaling the Xerces twins from a century ago." He smiles brightly.

"That's wonderful, really. But what about Mason? He's done little of note in the Arena, other than killing two in the Bloodbath, stealing Six from Mera, and stabbing Five in his sleep. Do you have any prediction on when exactly he'll get… exciting?"

"Exciting? Why, you're talking about this year's Victor, Nero! I'm sure he could take on any challenge Mars Viking wants to give him! I mean, really, throw him at One and Six by himself, and I'm sure you'll see what I mean. Besides, then he could get both of the Sixes under his belt." He chuckles, and I smile.

"Are you inviting a challenge?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Please. You want excitement? Mason is the best to provide the entertainment of killing that One traitor and her little pet."

"We'll keep that in mind, Nero. Thank you."


Not posting all the Games stuffs here at the end this time, seeing as how nothing's changed. So yeah.


Questions!

Favorite reporter? (Nero, Julius or Sylvia)

Favorite Interview?

Favorite family member/friend?

Any ideas for Day 12?

Placing predictions for the rest of the Games?

At the beginning of the Games, I asked how long you all thought these Games would last. Only one person guessed more than the 11 days we've had (18), and so I'm curious how long you'll think now, seeing as how we're in the Final Ten on Day 11.


Expect Day 12 in the next 8-25 hours (Busy day tomorrow, may not update until after I get off work).