Love: The 75th Hunger Games (SYOT!)

by JStar14H

Every year in the Hunger Games brings Tributes a different set of challenges and produces a new story. But, this year's challenge will be especially cruel, this story especially compelling. But the Hunger Games are not all that's afoot. Rebellion and discontent is brewing, and may soon reach a Breaking Point. Open SYOT, and the penultimate story of my ongoing series. Come and read!

28. Interviews and Odds!

Breaking Point Sextet V

Love: The 75th Hunger Games

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Interviews

A/N: Another long chapter, but this is the last (long) chapter before the Games!

Lamè Lunzdior –18- -D1- POV

I walk out onto the stage in heels and a skin-tight mermaid dress made of yellow velvet with black accents. This, they say, will impress the Capitol audience. I hope so, at least. Of course, I need to make sure that my poise is perfect, and my posture impeccable. Everything needs to be perfect, any small flaw could mean losing the attention of a Sponsor, their gift, and therefore the Games and my life. I need to be perfect.

Caesar smiles at me, the ever-charismatic Master Of Ceremonies. "Hello, Lamè," Caesar greets me. "How are you tonight?" He stands up and offers me his hand, which I shake.

"Hello, Caesar," I smile back at him. "I'm excellent." I'm a little terrified, actually. What if something goes wrong? But I have to be perfect. I have to be. And part of that is being confident. We sit down.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lamè," Caesar says. "So, I imagine you've always wanted to visit the Capitol, has it lived up to your expectations?" Have I always wanted to visit the Capitol? I mean, I knew I would, but this is really just the stop on the way to the Games… but I know the answer to this question, at least.

"Oh, I'd say it's quite exceeded them," I respond. "The city is beautiful, even the training building is so full of elegance, it's like nothing back home. Even this auditorium is majestic."

Caesar smiles. "Oh, you flatter us, Lamè! Doesn't she?" That question is to the audience, who clap and cheer. "So, Lamè, let's get to the serious business. You volunteered this year, didn't you? Could you tell us why that is? Have a grudge against you sister?" That last question is asked jokingly.

"Yes, I did, and no, I don't have a grudge against my sister," I try to smile again, "we're actually excited for the opportunity to fight side-by-side. As for why, well, this is what we've been working towards our entire lives, and when we realized that both of us could go, well, we just had to take the opportunity."

"Interesting," Caesar says. "Well, I have no doubt that that fierce dedication of yours will make you a good contender in the Games. Are you concerned that your victory will come at a cost?"

I should've known he would ask this question. The question that everyone has been asking. The question that… that I'm trying to avoid asking myself. Because I need to perfect. And I need to think of the perfect answer. "No, I'm not, as far I'm concerned, this is my chance to fight with my sister, and her being her certainly gives me better odds of winning. And it's extremely unlikely I'd have to hurt her."

"I see," Caesar says. "Well, you certainly are dedicated. Now, have you made any allies here, besides your sister?"

"Oh, the usual ones you'd expect," I say. "Foxtrot and Hal are going to work with me and Velvet."

Caesar chuckles. "Interesting, I suppose we'll have to ask some of the ones who we would've expected to be in there and aren't about that when it's their turn. So, it looks like we have time for one more question, and I think that will be this: who do you think is the better fighter? You, or your sister?"

Hmm. I'm ranked top of the class. But then again, Velvet is below me, and she can beat me sometimes. Who's to say she's not just holding back the other times? I give a little shrug. "Well, Caesar, that's hard to say. I'm technically top of the class, but I think Velvet and I are about an even match."

Caesar laughs. "Quite a nice way to say you're better, although we'll see what your sister thinks when she gets out here." He stands up again, and I do as well. "Thank you, Lamè, it's been a pleasure." He offers me a handshake, and I accept.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you to, Caesar," I respond, before walking off stage. I have no idea if that was good enough… hopefully. Maybe Velvet will do better.

Velvet Lunzdior –18- -D1- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a red lamè suit with white accents. I do appreciate the thought of our designers, giving us fabrics of the other's name, although I wonder how many Capitolites will actually notice it… although, probably more than I think, I realize as I wave to the audience, although I can't see nearly all of them, the ones that I can see are fancily dressed in all sorts of clothes.

"Hello, Velvet!" Caesar smiles at me, standing up and offering me a handshake. "How are you?" I shake his hand.

"Hi, Caesar," I smile back at him. "I'm wonderful, thanks for asking." We take our seats.

"So, Velvet, how are you enjoying the Capitol?" He asks me.

"Oh, it's pretty nice," I say. "Can't say I've seen that much of it, but what I have as been pretty, and everything's comfortable."

He nods. "We do pride ourselves on comfort here, don't we?" The crowd gives a little cheer. "For example, this chair, what do you think, Velvet? Very comfortable, isn't it?"

I mean, I suppose. I nod. "Yeah, definitely. Very comfortable, Caesar."

He chuckles. "Glad to hear it. So now, I couldn't help but notice that you're wearing lamè, and your sister was wearing velvet, I can only imagine that's intentional?"

I smile. So somebody did notice. "Yes, Caesar, it was. Our designer is very talented."

"Oh, of course they are!" He grins. "Let's see, where are they? Ah, there they are! Ace, stand up, would you please?" Our designer stands up with a sheepish grin as the spotlight momentarily shines on them, to applause from the audience, before the spotlight goes off, and Caesar is again the room's focus. "Ah, I so wish I could hire just one of the designers we have here to do my fashion, but I don't have quite that much money – or I would, if I didn't spend it all on crab tarts!" He laughs, and the crowd laughs with him. "But I digress. So, Velvet, your sister volunteered for the Games. Were you onboard with the plan?"

I nod. "Of course, Caesar. It's been our lifelong dream to win the Games, and to fight side by side."

Caesar nods. "Just what your sister said. Well then, last question, who do you think is the better fighter? You, or your sister?"

"Ah, I'd say Lamè," I respond. "She can use ranged weapons much better than I can, and she's overall just a little better. But I was born earlier."

The crowd laughs, as does Caesar. "Well, that makes all the difference, I suppose. Thank you, Velvet, it's been a pleasure." He stands up and offers me another handshake, which I accept.

"You as well, Caesar," I say, before walking offstage.

Cadence Fellows –18- -D2- POV

I walk onto the stage in a floor-length, loose, cream-colored gown that my designer tells me will show off my six feet of… me. And I'm sure it will.

"Hello, Caesar," I greet Caesar before he can speak.

Caesar laughs. "Well, hello to you too, Cadence," he stands up and shakes my hand. "You know, I usually start these things." We sit down.

I try to chuckle a bit. "Ah, sorry, Caesar. I'll let you next time."

"Next time?" Caesar intones. "Listen to this little firecracker, everyone! She's not only going to win, but she's going to come back for more! Isn't that impressive?" The crowd cheers and woots, apparently I've made an impression. "Sadly though," Caesar says, "I don't think that's how these Games work, you'll be nineteen next year, won't you?"

Honestly, I hadn't thought about it, but I suppose I should play along. "Well, we have no idea what the 100th Hunger Games will hold," I respond. "And I'll only be forty-three then, so I think I'd still have a good shot."

Caesar laughs more. "Well, I'm definitely not going to say you wouldn't! You certainly have the spirit for it, if nothing else! So, Cadence, tell me, what led you to Volunteer?"

"It's been my life's dream," I respond. "Since I was little. My sister gave up, Foxtrot gave up, but I didn't."

"Ah, yes, Foxtrot," Caesar says. "How do you know him, anyway?"

"He's a friend," I respond. "He was also a trainer where I went, we worked together a lot."

Caesar nods. "Ah, I see. Must be quite a good friend, then, for you to love him more than your twin sister."

Hmm. I had been instructed on what to say if this came up. I was told it would be rude to say that I didn't love anyone or to imply that the Capitol's system had failed. And I do suppose the Capitolites wouldn't appreciate that much. Nor would a story about my sister's husband cheating on her. So I should just shrug it off – how was left to me. I give him a shrug. "I suppose… it's hard for me to tell who I love, but I suppose at least somebody knew."

Caesar nods. "Indeed they did. Well, our time is almost at end, but time for once last question, I think. Can you tell us if you'll be working with any other Tributes in the Arena? Any allies?"

"No," I respond. "I'm more than confident in my ability to win alone."

"Ooo," Caesar says. "See everyone, I told you she was a confident little firecracker!" We stand up again, and I shake his hand, standing taller than him. He laughs. "Or, maybe not so little!" The audience laughs with him. "Ah, well, it's been a pleasure to meet you, Cadence!"

"You too, Caesar," I give him and the audience one last smile before striding offstage.

Foxtrot Suevite –18- -D2- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a nice white suit, that will hopefully impress the Capitolites. I think it looks nice enough myself.

"Hello, Foxtrot," Caesar smiles at me, standing and offering me his hand. "How are you tonight?"

I shake his hand. "Good to meet you, Caesar," we sit down. "I'm doing about as well as I can, I suppose."

Caesar nods. "Of course, of course. I think you're our first Tribute tonight who didn't want to come into the Games, is that right?"

I nod. "I used to want to, but I figured out that I wasn't good enough for it, so I decided to start helping people like Cadence be good enough. Never really though I'd have to go, honestly."

Caesar raises his eyebrows. "Ah, so some of Cadence's success might be due to your help?"

I chuckle. "Maybe. Cadence is an exceptional woman on her own, though, with or without my help. I'd say that her success is due to her strength, her work, and her tenacity."

Caesar chuckles. "A very good list of reasons. Speaking of her, she said that you're just a good friend, would you say that's accurate?"

Hmm, does Caesar know what really happened? This seems like a leading question, and it wouldn't surprise me if he did. Ah well, I'd rather not share. "I'd certainly say that's accurate, Caesar. We've been friends for years, that's all."

Caesar doesn't seem to push, and nods. "Ah, well, that's enough about her. What about you? Do you think you can pull off a win?"

I nod. "I think so. I might not be the best at fighting, but I'm certainly decent, and with strong allies like Lamè, Hal, and Velvet, I think I stand a chance."

Caesar nods. "Well, you're certainly strong, so I'd say you do!" He laughs. "Say, any chance you could tell me your exercise routine? I think I'm getting a little fat!" The audience laughs with him.

"Ah, sorry, Caesar," I respond. "I think that'd take more time than we have."

His face fake falls, but then he grins again. "Ah well, right you are, we're nearly out of time! Well, it has been fun meeting you, Foxtrot, and good luck!" We stand up and shake again.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you too, Caesar, thank you," I respond before walking off stage.

From offstage, I hear him comment. "Well, let's bring out the next one – I hope she's shorter, do they not make them anything but tall in Two anymore?"

Elara Sora –14- -D3- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a bright blue dress, with lines of also blue LED lights running down it. I'll admit, I think it's kinda cute aesthetically. Hopefully, the Capitol feels the same way, all the clothes tonight are stunning. I also have a matching blue bow in my hair.

"Hello, Elara!" Caesar says, offering me a handshake. "You're bright tonight."

I shake his hand and chuckle. "Thanks, Caesar. My designer is very talented."

"I imagine!" He says as we sit down. "So, Elara, how have you been enjoying the Capitol?"

I shrug. "It's been nice enough, I suppose. Very pretty, although I can't say I've really had much time to take in the sights." Ah, that was probably the wrong thing to say. "Sorry, not to say they're bad or anything, I just haven't had time to see them."

"No, no," Caesar smiles reassuringly at me. "I understand, you must have been working very hard to prepare for the Games! Actually, would you mind sharing what you have been working on?"

"Well, uh," I respond. Darn it, I'm not supposed to say 'uh'! "I don't want to get too specific, but I've been learning a lot of knowledge things, and of course how to fight a bit more."

Caesar nods. "Well, you know what they say, knowledge is power! And you certainly seem to have a bit of both! But, you said a bit more, have you been in fights before?"

"A… a few," I admit. "There's this one boy and his friends that like to pick on animals, and I try to stop them sometimes, me and Yuna will. I actually met Diana on Reaping Day because of that!"

"Ooh, you're saving animals from being abused? That's such a noble thing to do!" Caesar smiles and looks out to the crowd. "Look at that, ladies and gentlemen, she's a bright blue animal angel!" The crowd cheers, and then he looks back at me. "But, you said you met Diana? Diana Axel, your mentor?"

"Yep," I nod. "She was walking by and helped me out of a sticky spot."

"Well, that's quite fortuitous, I suppose," Caesar smiles. "Now, we're almost out of time, but one last question: Yuna, how do you love her?"

"Ah," I smile, this is one of the few questions I was prepared for. "We're best friends. We've known each other for, quite literally, half our lives."

Caesar smiles. "Now that would make sense! Well, there you have it folks, our angelic animal rescuer, Elara!" He stands up and offers me another handshake. "It's been a pleasure, Elara, good luck!"

I return his smile and shake. "Thank you, Caesar, it has been a pleasure." Then I walk offstage.

Yuna Odalis –14- -D3- POV

I walk out onto the stage in an outfit very similar to Elara's, but in a deep purple, and with no bow.

"Ah, hello, Yuna!" Caesar smiles at me and offers me a handshake. "How are you tonight?"

"As well as I can be, Caesar," I respond, shaking his hand. We sit down. "That said, I have enjoyed being here quite a bit in someways. For example, I got a beautiful view of the city last night, it's amazing to see all the lights, and I got to see hovercraft formation flying!"

Caesar grins. "Oh, you anticipated my first question! Well, I'm glad to hear you've been loving it, did the hovercraft look like they were going to crash into each other?"

Honestly, I thought this would be harder, but dealing with my family is harder than picking the right answers to his questions. "Oh, definitely. It's amazing how skilled the pilots must be to fly in a formation like that. But they are Panem's best, I suppose."

Caesar smiles. "Exactly that! I, for, one, know I couldn't pull that off… I guess that makes me one of Panem's worst, then." He waits for a second, and as expected, the crowd shouts encouragement at him. "Hmm, maybe not. But anyway, this isn't about me! So, Yuna, Elara said you two were friends, is that right?"

I nod. "One hundred percent, Caesar. We've been friends since we were seven. I actually met her when some of those mean kids had beat her up for trying to help a cat. I helped her, and we've been friends ever since. Friends to each other, and the cats, that is."

"Oh, so you're angelic animal rescuer number two!" Caesar grins. "Well, that's certainly a good way to meet your friend – and an excellent way to spend time together, don't you think?" That last question is to the crowd, who cheers before Caesar continues. "So, speaking of friends, have you made any new ones here?"

"A couple," I respond. "There's this cute boy named Cedar, and his older brother, Rowan. The pair from Seven, you know."

Caesar nods. "Oh, you've made friends with them? Could you tell us how that happened?"

I shrug. "We just kind of ran into each other, and hit it off. There's a bit more too it, but that's private."

"Ooh, secrets!" Caesar chuckles. "Well, everyone's entitled to a few of them. And, I think that's all the time we have, it's been a pleasure, Yuna." He stands up and offers me a shake, which I accept as I stand up myself.

"It's been a true pleasure for you as well, Caesar," I respond before walking offstage.

Nerys Pacifica –18- -D4- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a nice blue gown, decorated with some sparkly stones. My hair is in a bun, and they've put me in small heels.

"Hello, Nerys," Caesar smiles at me. "You look breathtaking tonight, how are you?" He offers me a handshake.

I shake his hand, as we sit down. "Thank you, Caesar. I'm pretty well, for being here with Hal."

Caesar nods. "I imagine this whole situation could be rather stressful for you. Have you been able to find any solace in anything here though, or anyone?"

"Well," I respond. "Everything here is very comfortable, but I think the thing that stood out most to me was how nice Mazie was to me when I was feeling down."

"Mazie? From District Nine?" Caesar asks.

I nod in confirmation. "Yes, her. We aren't allies or anything, but she was still nice to me, and that was very refreshing."

"I would imagine so," Caesar says. "So, you only briefly mentioned Hal, but we'd like to know, how do you know him?"

"Ah," I say. "That's a bit of a long story. We've been friends since I was nine, and he was eight, to start with. We were kind of inseparable, even back then. Best friends, that kind of thing. That lasted until I was sixteen, even through some rougher patches, we were always there for each other…" I miss that… I really miss that… but I need to hold it together. Need to, for the cameras. At least until I finish. "Uh, but at sixteen, on his fifteenth birthday, I kissed him, then we started dating. And that lasted well enough for a while, although I suppose now I should mention we were both preparing for the Games. But as the years went on, well, I realized more and more I didn't want to risk my life like… well, like this. My parents weren't terribly supportive of me throwing away all my training though, understandably, and so I was really stressed – and I might have cheated on him." Gasps from the audience, as if they couldn't have told where this story was going. "But I…" I sigh. "I do Love Hal, my cheating, it was a mistake, I know that know, I knew it then. Anyway, since then, I've been mostly trying to make up for my mistake – this didn't really help, and although Hal says he forgives me, I'm not allowed in his alliance."

Ugh… at least it's out. I feel like crying… I think I might be a little. I know they might not like a cheater, but… better I give my side of the story than they only hear Hal call me a 'cheating b—h', not that he would do that… but he could say something damaging without meaning to.

Caesar nods. "I see. Well, everyone certainly deserves a second chance, I could see how preparing for the Games could be stressful. You evidently must still love him, why do you think he didn't let you in his alliance?"

I shrug. "Said it was his allies' decision."

Caesar nods. "Ah, teams do need to make decisions together. Well, I'm afraid we're out of time, Nerys, but it was a pleasure to meet you." He stands and offers me a handshake.

I nod and shake his hand. "You as well, Caesar." I walk offstage.

Halian "Hal" Maui –17- -D4- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a light blue suit jacket and pants, complete with a white undershirt and dress shoes.

"Hello, Halian," Caesar smiles at me as he stands and offers me a handshake. "Or, is it Hal?"

I shake his hand as we sit down. "Hal is fine, Caesar," I give him a smile.

He nods. "Pleasure to meet you then, Hal. You know, maybe I need a name that I can have a nickname for – seems like it'd be more fun! Does anyone have any ideas?" He looks to the crowd, whose shouts together are nearly incomprehensible. "Ah, well, that's a lot of ideas, I'll think about it!" He shouts, then turns back to me. "So, anyway, Hal, let's get right to it. Nerys, what she said about you and her, was that right?"

I nod. "More or less. We were good friends, then she was my girlfriend, then she cheated and I broke it off, then she's been trying to get me back ever since. And yes, I do forgive her, but my allies don't think she'd be useful enough to us. She hasn't been training for months, after all, and she did only get a Seven in training."

"Only a Seven?" Caesar laughs. "I'm pretty sure if I tried, I'd get a one!" Laughter from the audience. "Still, not nearly as impressive as your Nine, I suppose. Now though, you know she must truly Love you if she brought you here, has that changed your perspective on her at all?"

I… everyone keeps saying that… and I want to believe it, but… ugh. "Well, Caesar, I suppose it has given me some interesting food for thought, but it's rather moot, considering only one of us can survive. I don't want to kill Nerys, I don't hate her or anything, but we can't really have what she wants here."

Caesar nods. "That's a fair perspective. Well, let's talk about something else, then. You have a Nine, one of the two highest scores this year, do you think you stand a good chance of winning the Games?"

"I'd like to think so, Caesar," I respond. "But it's hard to say. This is a year earlier than I wanted, and there are plenty of other talented and dedicated people in this Games, who all have just as much of a chance and a right to win as I do."

"Very well stated, Hal," Caesar smiles. "Well, we're out of time, but it's been a pleasure to meet you, Hal, good luck tomorrow!" He stands and offers me a handshake, which I accept.

"Thank you, Caesar, it's been a pleasure," I respond, before walking offstage.

Daisy Brownstone –15- -D5- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a lavender-colored dress, with a v-neckline and spaghetti straps, as well as a loose, gauzy, skirt. I have a gold bracelet on, and clip-on earrings (never got my ears pierced, and I did not want the Capitol to do it).

"Hello, Daisy," Caesar smiles at me as he stands and offers me a handshake. "How are you tonight?"

"Fine enough, Caesar," I respond. Man, there are a lot of people out there. And the light is so bright.

"Ah, fair, Daisy," he responds. "So, what have you enjoyed most about your stay in the Capitol?"

I shrug. "There's a… lot of nice things here, I suppose… can't say I have a favorite."

He nods. "That's understandable, there are so many great things to choose from!" He takes a second to look me in the eyes and gives me a smile that seems… almost real, and like he's trying to say to focus on him. Ignore the audience of thousands of people… easier said than done, but I'll try. "So, Daisy, Matilda, she's not related to you, as far as we know, so I have to ask, how do you know her?"

"Oh, that's, um, easy," I respond. "She's… my sister, really. Not, biologically, I suppose, but she saved my life once, and we've been friends ever since."

"She saved your life? We must hear this story," Caesar says.

"Oh… it's not that exciting," I respond. "Basically, I was being mugged, and…" it only now occurs to me that maybe telling a story where Mattie arguably commits some crimes isn't the best… but the Capitolites probably won't see it that way, and if she wins, they're certainly not going to arrest her, "well, one of the guys had a gun, one a knife, and when they realized I didn't have anything valuable, they started to… hurt me," the audience gasps, "but Mattie showed up, and did some fancy martial arts, got both of them on the ground and got me to safety."

"My goodness," Caesar says. "That's an impressive story, that she managed to defeat those two with only her hands, but it's such a shame that such criminals exist in the Districts, even to this day… and that despite the best efforts of our noble Peacekeepers." The propaganda sounds kinda flat, honestly. "So, Mattie is a close friend, a sister, really, but have you two made any friends since you got here?"

I shrug. "Not… particularly. Most of the other Tributes seemed to be talking to each other, but me and Mattie have each other, and that's all we really need."

Caesar nods. "Well, if Mattie has the skills that you say, then I'm sure you're right. Well, I think that's all the time we have, it's been a pleasure, Daisy." He stands up and offers me a handshake, which I accept.

"Thank you, Caesar… it was nice meeting you too," I say before walking offstage.

Matilda "Mattie" Edlington –17- -D5- POV

I walk onto the stage in a nice black dress, similar to Daisy's, but a little shorter, and with a skirt not nearly as loose, as well as small heels and earrings.

"Hello, Matilda," Caesar greets me with a smile. "You look nice tonight, how are you?"

"Well enough, Caesar," I respond. "Thank you."

"Of course," He says. "So, have you been enjoying your stay in the Capitol?"

"Definitely," I lie. "It is certainly pretty here."

He nods. "Oh, definitely! So, you know I have to ask, do you really have those extreme martial arts skills Daisy mentioned?"

I chuckle. "I wouldn't describe them that way, but yes, I do know a little bit of martial arts."

"Oh, guess I should stay over here then," Caesar jokes, shrinking into his seat a bit. "I definitely don't want to upset somebody who can take out two criminals, probably with much better physiques than I have."

I chuckle. "Don't worry, Caesar, I wouldn't hurt you. And honestly, those oafs were no threat. I'm sure the Peacekeepers got em wrapped up real quick when they found them."

Caesar chuckles and gives a fake relieved sigh. "Oh, good to know you only hurt criminals. Where did you learn those fighting skills, though?"

"My dad taught me some self-defense," I say. "Just in case I was ever in a situation like Daisy was."

He nods. "Well, it sounds like those skills were certainly useful. It looks like we're out of time, but it's been a pleasure meeting you, Mattie." He stands up and offers me a shake, which I accept.

I smile at him. "Thank you, Caesar, it's been a pleasure meeting you as well.

Seras Axis –15- -D6- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a nice red dress, with my usually messy brown hair done up into a bun.

"Hello, Seras," Caesar smiles at me. "How are you tonight?" He stands up and offers me a handshake, which I accept.

"Fine, considering I'm here," I respond.

Caesar nods. "Of course. It must be hard, to have to be here with your older brother."

I nod. "I'm not a big fan of the idea that one of us has to die for there to be even a chance of the other going home."

Caesar nods. "I imagine… why don't you tell us a little about your home life?"

"It's not the best," I say. "Our parents are… dead, or might as well be, and me and Rem have to survive on our own. Or, we did. Now, I suppose one of us has to die."

"Ah, I'm sorry," Caesar says. "No child deserves to be raised an orphan. And I do imagine this must be hard on you and your brother, but at least if one of you wins, you'll have enough money to not need to worry about food ever again."

"Yeah," I say. "I suppose that's something."

"Well," Caesar says, "is there anything else you'd like to share with us?"

"Nope," I shrug.

"Well, in that case, it has been a pleasure, Seras," Caesar smiles at me as he stands up and shakes my hand.

"Yeah, you two, Caesar," I respond, before finally leaving the stage.

Remington Axis –18- -D6- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a nice red suit, complete with dress shoes.

"Hello, Remington," Caesar smiles at me as he stands up and shakes my hand. "How are you tonight?"

"As well as I can be," I respond as we sit down. I'll need to do a bit better than Seras did to get us any sympathy from the Capitol if we want any kind of sponsorship. "How are you, Caesar?"

"Well, I'm wonderful!" Caesar responds. "I get to meet all of you wonderful Tributes! But this isn't about me, it's about you, so why don't you tell us a bit about yourself. Obviously Seras is your sister, is it true that you two are orphans?"

I nod. "Well, more or less. Our parents were drug addicts, and living with them was worse than being orphans, so I took Seras away from them when I was nine."

"Only nine?" Caesar asks. "That was incredibly brave of you, at such a young age."

I shrug. "I'll protect my sister, whatever it takes, Caesar. There, and here."

Caesar smiles. "Well, that's good to hear. So, besides Seras, is there anyone important in your life?"

"Well, uh," I respond, "there's… my girlfriend, Mercedes. She, uh… she was going to propose to me after the Reaping. Unfortunately, that… didn't work out. If there's… any hope me and Seras can get home, I'm going to try to do it, for her."

I can hear the audience awwing as Caesar smiles at me. "Well, that's very sweet of you, Remington, that you care about the people in your life so much. If you had been Reaped, do you think it would've been Mercedes or Seras who would've been here with you?"

I hadn't expected that one. "I… uh, I honestly don't know, Caesar… that's… honestly, an impossible choice. I think Mercedes could take care of herself a little better if I died early, but… I can't stand the thought of either of them getting hurt."

Caesar nods. "You are a compassionate one, then, Remington. So, have you and Seras made any allies here?"

"Yes," I respond. "The couple from Twelve, Avery and Angelo. Oh, let me warn you of something."

"Warn me?" Caesar asks, leaning forward in his seat.

"Yes," I respond. "Avery, the girl from Twelve, that is, don't call her by her first name, or you might want Matilda to have taught you those martial arts skills."

Caesar laughs. "I see, well, thank you, Remington, I'll keep that in mind, and I actually think that that's all the time we have. It's been a pleasure, Remington," he stands up and we shake hands.

"It was nice to meet you too, Caesar," I respond with a smile, before heading offstage.

Rowan Mildberg –18- -D7- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a dark blue suit with nice dress shoes.

"Hello, Rowan," Caesar smiles at me as he stands up and we shake. "How are you this evening?"

"Good enough," I respond as we sit down. "Thank you for asking."

"So, have you been enjoying your stay in the Capitol?" Caesar asks.

I chuckle. "Of course, Caesar. It's quite a nice place, from the food to the beds, everything is nice. And of course, me and Cedar have met some nice shorties as well."

"A couple shorties?" Caesar laughs. "Would that be Elara and Yuna?"

I nod. "Yep, that's them. They're good fun, and Cedar and Yuna really get along."

Caesar nods. "It sounds like it, I suppose we'll have to ask Cedar more about that. So, speaking of Cedar, he's your little brother, but you also have a little sister, right?"

"Yes, I do," I respond. "Her name's Aster, she's twelve. When I… when I was Reaped, I… had to choose between her and Cedar, because, well… I love both of them so much. I, uh… I choose Cedar because I thought he had a better chance." I can feel myself tearing up a little.

Caesar nods. "That makes sense, Rowan. That must have been a hard choice, though."

I nod. "Like Remington said when you asked him about if he had to pick his girlfriend or his sister, it's an impossible choice… but it's one I had to make."

Caesar nods. "I can only imagine. And you intend to make sure Cedar wins, don't you?"

I nod. "I'd give my life for my brother… not I had exactly hoped it would come to that, but it seems like it has."

Caesar nods. "I see. Well, that's all the time we have, Rowan, but it's been a pleasure meeting you. Good luck." He stands up, and we shake again. I smile at him.

"Thank you, Caesar, it's been a pleasure meeting you as well," I respond, before making my way offstage.

Cedar Mildberg –15- -D7- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a neat brown dress shirt with fake vines and leaves covering it, as well as long white pants and furry brown boots.

"Hello, Cedar," Caesar smiles at me. "How are you?" We shake hands and sit down.

"Well enough, Caesar," I respond. "Thanks."

Caesar nods. "Enjoying the Capitol so far, Cedar?"

I shrug. "It's… been nice, I suppose. I've meet some nice people… uh, Yuna… Elara… Mazie."

"Mazie?" Caesar asks.

I nod. "Yeah, she, uh, gave me some good advice during training." Not quite, but close enough.

Caesar smiles. "Ah, that was nice of her. It seems we've been hearing only good things about Mazie tonight!"

I chuckle a little. "I suppose so."

Caesar nods and then continues. "So, Caesar -," he stops himself and laughs with the audience at his mistake. "Sorry, sorry, pardon me, Cedar, it seems my tongue is getting less and less useful with every year." Heh, that was a good one… even if I'm sure he did it on purpose… guess I should say something.

"Ah, it's alright, Cedar," I respond.

He laughs. "Perhaps we should switch names for this interview – no, that might be too confusing! Ah, well, anyway, Cedar, how did you feel when you saw Rowan get Reaped?"

"I, uh…" I respond, thinking back to that moment, suddenly acutely aware of the stage light on me. "Well, uh… I was… uhm… upset, obviously… then when I realized… I, uh, I hoped… he'd pick me. Not, Aster."

Caesar nods. "It seems both of you really want to protect Aster, then."

I nod. "Well, I mean… of course. She's our baby sister, after all. And like Rowan said, I think… well, I don't think I stand a great chance, I mean… you saw my training score. But I do think it's better of one than Aster would've stood."

Caesar nods. "Well, that's very noble of you, Cedar. And I'm afraid that's all the time we have tonight, but it was a pleasure meeting you, Cedar, good luck." We stand and shake.

"Thanks, Caesar, you as well," I respond, before walking offstage.

Cambric Frymith –17- –D8- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a sleek gray suit, with matching gray dress pants. I also have a black tie, black dress shoes, and a white undershirt. Flecks of gray makeup are dotted around my eyes.

"Hello, Cambric," Caesar says. "How are you tonight?" We shake and sit down.

"I'm… fine, Caesar," I respond.

Caesar nods. "Have you been enjoying the Capitol?"

I shrug. "There's certainly more food here than at home, that's nice."

Caesar nods with a smile. "Well, we have to make sure you're all well fed, of course! We would never want anybody to starve!" Yeah, sure. "So, let's get to it. Nira's not related to you, we're pretty sure, so how do you know her?"

"She's a coworker," I respond. "And, uh… more or less the only person in my life who's really my friend."

"Really?" Caesar asks.

I nod. "I'm, er… I live in an orphanage. Family all dead. Nira is… a breath of fresh air, into my life that's mostly just working at a job that doesn't pay me enough to live off."

"I see," Caesar responds. "I'm sorry to hear about your family."

I shrug. "Not your fault. Not, you, personally, that is. But thank you."

He nods. "So, she's a coworker, and a friend, then? More or less your only one?"

I nod. "Yes. And I feel… really bad about bringing her with me. I know I don't mean nearly the same to her, she's made that quite clear."

Caesar nods. "Interesting. So, are you hoping to win?"

"I'm hoping to protect Nira," I respond. "If she dies, I'll… reevaluate, I suppose, but there's probably somebody more deserving."

Caesar nods. "So are you and Nira allies, then?"

"Not anymore," I respond. "But I'll still protect her."

"Anymore?" Caesar asks.

I nod. "We were when we got here, but I said somethings that her decide we shouldn't be."

"What would those things be?" Caesar asks.

"Well, just that I… have been protecting her without her knowledge for a while," I respond.

"Protecting her?" Caesar asks.

I nod. "Following her around, making sure she doesn't get hurt."

"Ah, I… see," Caesar says. "Ah, well, I think that's all our time, it's been a pleasure, Cambric!" We stand up and shake.

"You as well, Caesar," I respond, before leaving the stage.

Nira Telatto –17- -D8- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a slim grey dress that fits me snugly from shoulders to hips before fanning out a bit at her legs so I have space to walk. I also have grey flecks of makeup around my eyes that match Cambric's, despite my objections, and black eyeshadow. And of course, black stiletto heels.

"Hello, Nira," Caesar smiles as we shake hands. "You look beautiful tonight, how are you?" We sit down.

"I'm… well, Caesar, it's still a little hard to believe I'm actually here," I respond. "Sometimes it feels like my voice is just coming from somewhere off, like I'm watching myself in a dream." Right now is one of those times. I feel flat, I don't feel a lot. I can swear I can see myself doing my actions, but it's not me… it's like it's someone else.

"Really?" Caesar asks. "Do you know why that be?"

I shrug. "I… not particularly. It just feels hard to associate with all this. Like Cambric mentioned, we're only friends, so it… feels like I really shouldn't be here."

"Ah," Caesar nods, and I notice his eyes looking right at me. He gives a slight real smile and raises and lowers his hand ever so slightly. I take a deep breath, and my body seems a little closer to being mine. "I suppose that would make sense. So, Cambric is really just a friend to you?"

I nod. "Well, he was, until he admitted to stalking me. Now, I'm a little… well, creeped out by him. He ripped my family apart for… well, no real reason. Now, don't get me wrong, I feel… incredibly sorry for him. I wouldn't wish being an orphan on anybody. But I also wouldn't stalk anybody."

Caesar nods. "Very reasonable emotions. So, you love your family, then?"

"Of course," I respond. "They're the best part of my life, along with my friends."

Caesar nods. "They certainly are. So them, speaking of friends, have you made any more here?"

"Just… a couple," I respond. "Harvey and Mazie. As a lot of people have already said, Mazie is really sweet. And Harvey is very nice too, just wants to protect his sister. I'm happy to help him with that."

Caesar nods. "I see, that's very nice of you, Nira."

I smile. "Thank you, Caesar."

Caesar nods. "So, is that everyone at home? Your friends, your family?"

I nod. "Yep. No boyfriend or girlfriend, or any other kind of romantic partner, if that's what you're asking."

Caesar chuckles. "That was indeed what I was getting at. Well, I'm afraid we're all out of time, Nira. It's been nice to meet you though, good luck." We stand and shake again.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you, Caesar," I respond, before walking offstage.

Harvey Miller –18- -D9- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a nice suit the color of wheat. Better than it could've been, I suppose.

"Hello, Harvey," Caesar smiles at me as we shake hands and sit down. "How are you tonight?"

"I'm okay," I respond. "Thanks for asking, I would like to say I'm pumped with excitement for tomorrow, but, well… you know."

Caesar nods. "I imagine it would be hard, yes. So, Harvey, we've only heard good things about your sister so far, is there anything you'd like to disagree with?"

I chuckle. "No, of course not, Mazie is an angel. I mean, not in the literal sense, but you know what I mean. She's just a delight, despite her challenges."

Caesar nods. "Challenges?" I would say I shouldn't have brought it up, but Mazie doesn't seem to understand that some things should be better kept a secret… although considering her request was approved, maybe this is a chance to earn some brownie points with the Capitol.

"Yes," I respond. "Mazie is mentally ill, she needs to take medication to keep it under control. We actually couldn't afford what I've been told is the best kind of treatment back in District Nine, but here, she's been given it for free, and she'll be given a supply to take into the Arena with her."

Caesar smiles. "Well, of course, we want everyone to play the Games on fair footing. How has she been doing with the new medication?"

"Oh, just wonderful," I respond, "although I'm sure you can ask her yourself."

"That I can," Caesar says. "So, Nira said the three of you were allies, is that right?"

I nod. "Yeah, I don't see anything wrong with Nira, and I'll take all the help I can get keeping Mazie safe."

Caesar smiles. "Very sweet of you, Harvey. Well, that's all the time we have, but thank you, Harvey, it's been a pleasure, and good luck." We stand up and shake.

"Thank you, Caesar, it has been a pleasure," I respond before leaving the stage.

Mazie Miller –13- -D9- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a light blue dress with an apron and a matching light blue bow in my hair.

"Hello, Mazie," Caesar smiles at me. "How are you this evening?" We shake hands and sit down.

"I'm delightful, Caesar," I respond. "How about you?"

He chuckles. "Well, happy that I get to meet you, Mazie. I've only heard good things about you, all true, I expect?"

"Yep!" I answer. "I helped Nerys when she was crying about Hal, I helped Cedar realize what he needed to about Yuna. Although, for my brother, maybe not. I'm not always a delight. Sometimes I break things or hurt myself, or him… but he loves me anyway."

Caesar smiles. "Well, that's just the mark of a good brother, Mazie. Now, you break things and hurt people, because of your mental illness?"

"Yes, sometimes I see things that aren't there, bad things, and sometimes when I try to stop them or get away from them, somebody real gets hurt in the process. I'm not allowed around knives anymore because I almost stabbed Harvey when I thought he was a monster." That was terrifying. I really hope the Capitol isn't just giving me placebo pills… but just in case, maybe I should give Harvey all our weapons. Harvey and Nira, at least.

Caesar nods. "Shouldn't your medication prevent things like that?"

"It should, and it does, but I can't get it all the time. Mom needs medication too, she's sick in a different way. And not every batch of medication is as good as every other batch," I explain

Caesar nods. "I see. How is the new medication working, then?"

"Oh, like I charm. I feel the most like me I have in a while, and no hallucinations," I respond.

Caesar smiles. "I'm glad to hear that, Mazie. Is there anything else about the Capitol you've enjoyed?"

"Definitely getting to meet all the other fun Tributes," I respond. "I'd never met anyone who wasn't from Nine before, but most of them are really nice, even Nerys."

Caesar chuckles. "I suppose that would be a benefit for you, now wouldn't it?"

"Yep!" I confirm. "New people are fun to meet, usually. Especially when they're different. But besides Nira, I haven't talked to most of them. Not a lot of lonely people when everyone's here with somebody they Love."

Caesar chuckles again. "Right, I'd imagine so. Well, Mazie, I'm afraid this is all the time we have, but it has been a pleasure having you." We stand and shake hands. "Good luck in the Games, Mazie."

I smile at him. "Thanks, Caesar! You were a fun new person to meet too," I say before walking offstage.

Gage Padgett –17- -D10- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a dark blue suit, matching my eyes. I also have a dark green tie, that's the same color as Simon's.

"Hello, Gage," Caesar says, smiling at me and shaking my hand. "How are you tonight?"

"Pretty good, Caesar," I respond with a smile. "I would ask you, but you seem to have answered that question a few times already."

Caesar laughs. "Ah, yes, I have, but I appreciate the thought. Are you enjoying your stay in the Capitol then, Gage?"

"Oh, definitely. Everything here is very nice, the food, the beds, the trainers have all been really nice too," I say.

Caesar smiles. "I'm glad you've been enjoying the experience so much. Well then, on to the other questions; first of all, how do you know Simon?"

I chuckle. "I knew you'd ask that one. I, well, Simon is a boy who goes to my school, who I also happen to have had a crush on for around two years now. I never asked him out though, because he was taken, although honestly, his other boyfriend wasn't the best for him, mentally."

Caesar nods. "Ah, I see. And does Simon know about this crush of yours? Or rather, did he before a few seconds ago?"

I chuckle. "Yes, I told him on the train. There wasn't much of a conceivable way to lie about it – or if there was, I didn't see it."

Caesar chuckles. "Ah, I see. And tell us, does he feel the same about you?"

"That's an excellent question," I respond. "One I'm not sure of the answer too. He's been thinking about it for a bit, and I'm happy to give him all the time he needs," even if it kills me internally, "but I at least know that he likes me well enough for us to be allies in the Games."

Caesar smiles. "Well, that's good to know, and hopefully he'll tell you sooner, rather than later. Now, besides Simon, who do you have at home?"

"I've got a few friends, and of course my family, my mother, father, sister, and two brothers," I say.

Caesar nods. "Sounds like a good family."

"Of course," I say. "I love them too, them and Simon."

Caesar smiles. "Well, that's a sweet note, and perfect timing too, as that's all the time we had. It's been a pleasure, Gage, good luck." We stand up and shake.

"Thank you, Caesar, it was a pleasure," I say before striding offstage.

Simon Hazel –17- -D10- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a hazel-colored suit, with a dark-green tie to match Gage's. After that spectacular performance, I hope I can pull off something suitably favor-winning.

"Hello, Simon," Caesar says, smiling as we shake hands and sit down. "How are you this evening?"

"Well enough," I respond. "A little nervous, I'll admit… Gage was very good at all this."

Caesar chuckles. "That he was, but you're doing just fine," he gives me a reassuring smile, "now though, speaking of Gage, how would you say you knew him before all this?"

"Well, Gage was just one of my friends at school," I respond. "Until all of this of course, when I realized that he Loves me."

Caesar nods. "I see, so you didn't have any sort of feelings for him coming here?"

I shake my head. "None besides friendship, no, but I wouldn't say that he should be discouraged by that – it's just that I was dating somebody else at the time, although as Gage helped me realize, he was being rather emotionally abusive, and he actually broke up with me after I said my goodbyes to my family."

Caesar gasps. "He would do that?" I nod. "Well then, I'd say you're better off without him, Simon," Caesar says.

"I… I've come to realize that over the past few days," I say. "Although at the time, I couldn't see it, part of the emotional abuse, I suppose."

Caesar nods. "Abusers tend to also be manipulators, yes. Unfortunately, we have those personality types, even here. So, you realized that this previous boyfriend of yours was bad for you, but what of your thoughts on Gage?"

"Well," I respond. "I've been thinking a lot about him… I think I finally have an answer for him, but I'm afraid that's a conversation I'd like to have in private."

Caesar chuckles. "Fair enough, Simon. And well, would you look at that, that's all our time. It's been a pleasure, Simon."

I nod and shake his hand as we stand up. "A pleasure, Caesar." I walk offstage.

Sage Hills –16- -D11- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a long, gradient green dress that I've been told matches my eyes, my hair done into a fancy updo, complete with a pink, yellow, white, and green flower crown.

"Hello, Sage," Caesar smiles at me. "You look elegant tonight, how are you?" We shake and sit down.

"I feel elegant," I chuckle. "I'm… pretty happy, actually."

Caesar smiles. "I'm glad to hear that. Been enjoying your stay in the Capitol?"

I nod. "Oh, most definitely. The beds are comfortable, the food is tasty, the room service takes just the right amount of time."

Caesar chuckles. "That last one was specific, Sage."

I shrug. "Too short and you don't have time to do things while you wait, too long and you're just waiting."

Caesar laughs. "Fair enough. So, Sage, Evelyn. She's not your sister or cousin, as far as we can tell, so how do you know her?"

I blush a bit. We had agreed it was okay to talk about this – that we should talk about this, for the points with the Capitolites, they love a good love story after all (heh), but actually telling somebody else… no, everybody else about Evelyn is well, intimidating… I take a deep breath and answer. "Well, uh, Evelyn has been my best friend for a while, and I've been in Love with her for… a while as well. R-romantically, I mean," I clarify. "Not just… you know, platonically."

Caesar smiles. "I could tell. And does she return those feelings?"

"Well, uh, until you all put them in the spotlight – no offense, of course," Caesar and the audience chuckle, good, "she didn't even know about them. But, well, on the train ride, by then she had talked to our mutual friends, and kinda figured it out… luckily for me, on that train ride, she told me she was willing to try being my girlfriend… and we've been trying ever since then, I'd say it's been working really well." I feel like I'm as red as Evelyn's hair now, but that's it, there, it's out.

Caesar smiles warmly. "I see, I'm glad to hear that. And so you two will be allies in the Arena, then?"

"Uh, yep," I respond, feeling more nervous now that I've said my piece.

Caesar smiles. "Well, I have some more questions, but luckily I think Evelyn can answer most of them, because that's all the time we have, thank you Sage, it's been a pleasure, and good luck." We stand up and shake again.

I smile at him, a little shakily, the blush still fading from my cheeks. "Thank you, Caesar, it's, uh, been a pleasure too." I walk offstage, finally.

Evelyn Robbins –16- -D11- POV

Aww, Sage's interview was so cute! That blush… so adorable. She's just, really pretty, honestly. Anyway, I'm up now. I walk onto the stage in a long, elegant, pale brown dress, with designs of flowers and leaves crawling up it. I know Sage likes the floral aesthetic, and it's really starting to grow on me… darn it, I made a pun… maybe I'll have to tell Sage later.

"Hello, Evelyn," Caesar smiles at me. "If your girlfriend looked elegant, you certainly do too, how are you tonight?"

I chuckle as we sit down. "She looked a lot more elegant than me, Caesar, and I'm, as Sage was, actually pretty wonderful."

Caesar smiles. "That's excellent to hear. Because of her, I assume?"

I nod. "Yeah. She's… well, I really like her, like, really really like her, to the extent that I'm… kind of amazed I didn't realize it sooner, but not only do I really like her, she's so happy to be around me that it makes me happier to be around her."

Caesar smiles more. "Well, that's quite nice. Did you really find out about her feelings from the Reaping and your friends?"

I nod. "Yeah, when our friends came to say goodbye, they didn't tell me anything, but you can tell a lot from even that sometimes."

Caesar nods. "You certainly can. So, besides the two of you, have you found any more allies?"

"Not really," I shrug. "But that's fine, honestly, we just need the two of us… and we won't have to worry about doing cute couple things and embarrassing anyone else," I mostly joke, "I'd hate to get stabbed because I liked kissing my girlfriend."

Caesar laughs. "True, that would be quite a horrible reason. So, besides Sage, who else is there at home?"

"Well, there's my parents and my brother, then our friends, and some more friends that I have," I shrug. "Nobody as important as my family and her though."

Caesar nods. "Of course. Well, it's been a pleasure meeting you, Evelyn, good luck." We stand up and shake again.

"Thanks, Caesar, it was nice to meet you too," I respond, before walking offstage.

Emilene Avery Osiria –18- -D12- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a dark blue dress with flame patterns on it – flames that appear to dance as I walk.

"Hello… I've been told to call you Avery," Caesar chuckles, "would you like that?"

I nod. "Yes, that's my name."

He chuckles. "Very well then. Hello, Avery, how are you tonight?" We shake hands and sit down.

"Fine enough, I suppose," I respond.

He nods. "Now, I just have to ask. This dress, another masterwork of Cinna's, correct?"

I nod. "Yep. I'll admit, for a fashion designer, he's quite talented."

Caesar chuckles. "That he is. And his designs have only been getting more and more beautiful over the years, but, ah, we're not here to talk about Cinna," he chuckles "not again, at least, we're here to talk about you. So, Avery, let's start with how you know Angelo?"

"Ah, well, he's my boyfriend," I respond, trying to make it sound as sincere as I can, mimicking the many examples of people talking about their lovers from tonight, and the past. "He's just, so wonderful… we met at a park in Twelve, two years ago."

Caesar nods. "Ah, that makes sense. And you started dating then?"

I nod. "Yep, we almost immediately hit it off. I could tell he was really loyal, and of course, really handsome. We've been dating nearly twenty-two months now."

Caesar smiles. "Oh, that's wonderful." Oh, he's actually buying this load of bull? Well, that's good. "So, besides Angelo then, is there anyone else at home for you?"

"Nope," I respond.

"No family, friends?" Caesar pushes.

"Got one friend, family's dead, or better off that way," I respond.

"Why would you say that?" Caesar asks.

Oh, seriously, it's none of his f—ing business! "Why do you -" I start, but then remember. I need to look calm, nice, pretty, like somebody the Capitol would like. Hmmph. "Sorry, Caesar, it's… a bit of a sensitive subject for me, but I," oh my goodness, this is disgustingly hard, "think it's none of your business."

Caesar nods. "Well, fair enough, I suppose, and on that note, that's all the time we have, it's been a pleasure, Avery." We stand again and shake hands.

"Yeah, you too, Caesar," I respond before making my escape from the stage.

Angelo Kilkenny –17- -D12- POV

I walk out onto the stage in a suit that's very similar to Emilene's dress, albeit red and a suit.

"Hello, Angelo," Caesar smiles at me. "How are you tonight?" We shake hands and sit down.

"Oh, I'm pretty good," I respond. "Could be better, but could easily be worse. At least if I have to be here, having Avery here means I have someone to talk to – even if I can't bear the thought of her getting hurt."

Caesar nods. "I see, well, I was actually just going to ask you about her, you are clearly dating, do you remember how you met?"

"Oh, of course," I smile. "Like she said, a park. But I liked her eyes, and I know she can be a bit short sometimes, sorry about that," might as well do some damage control if I can, "but that's part of her I actually kind of appreciate, her fiery spirit."

Caesar chuckles. "We do seem to have a lot of fiery spirits from Twelve recently. Speaking of, this suit is also a masterwork, I love how it looks like the flames are dancing even now."

"Oh, it really is," I respond. "If I do somehow win, I think I might see if Cinna can be my personal fashion designer." Please. As if.

Caesar chuckles. "Now that would be a worthy use of your winnings, I think. So, besides Avery, is there anyone else important to you back home?"

I nod. "Of course, I have a best friend, and my parents. Not too many other close friends though."

Caesar nods. "Speaking of friends, have you and Avery found any here?"

"Oh, yes, actually, I think they mentioned it, the two from Six, Seras and Remington, the four of us get along really well," I respond.

Caesar chuckles. "Ah, of course, how could I forget? It was Angelo who warned me about Avery, after all."

I laugh. "Oh, and it was a worthwhile warning. I once called her the E-name and she nearly tore my throat out."

Caesar clutches his throat. "Oh, well, I'm certainly glad for the warning then, I'm rather attached to this thing!"

I laugh. "As are we all."

Caesar chuckles. "Yes, we are. Well, Angelo, that's unfortunately all the time we have. It's been a pleasure though, good luck."

I smile as we stand and shake hands. "Thank you, Caesar, a pleasure meeting you as well."

I walk offstage.

After the interviews…

Gage Padgett –17- -D10- POV

Riding the elevator back up to my floor with Simon after the interviews, it's silent for a bit, but finally, I ask him, "So… you said you have an answer for me?"

"Yeah, uh…" he considers, "let's wait until we get to our floor, your room, though."

I nod. "Fair enough."

One short elevator ride later, we're there, and I step in after Simon, closing the door behind me. "So… assuming you're ready to tell me, you don't have to be, though."

"No, I'm… ready," he says. He likes kind of cute in that suit, especially since he's a bit nervous – but I probably shouldn't think like that right now. "I, uh, well… you've… always been really nice to me… and it's… my opinion that I… probably don't know what a good relationship looks like, after Nez, but… well, I suppose, like Evelyn said… I like you enough, I think, that since you like me so much, I'd be willing to try out… something." He shrugs. "I… can't really promise anything, though."

I can't believe this – I mean, it's far from ideal, honestly… he's still reeling from Nez… and we might not be able to be together, but… at least this is maybe, some kind of a chance to at least… not feel weird about caring about him. "Are… you sure?" I ask.

He nods. "Well, I'm sure that… I should make up my mind one way or another."

I nod. "Well then… thanks for making up your mind this way."

He nods again. "Well, if you don't mind… I'm going to go to bed. I'm tired now… if we survive tomorrow, we can talk more then."

"Right," I say. "Goodnight, Simon."

"Goodnight N-Gage," Simon says, before leaving my room.

Simon Hazel –17- -D10- POV

I have no idea if this was at all the right decision or not… but I had to make a decision. And this one seemed to make everybody the happiest… I probably won't live to see the bad consequences, if there would be any, and… Gage does seem nice, he is handsome… I can't find anything wrong with him, and considering the time left – well, Ella always tried to be spontaneous, maybe I should be a bit more like her. Hopefully, it won't come back to bite me.

Sage Hills –16- -D11- POV

When we're in the elevator, just Evelyn and me, she bites her lip for a second, before pushing the button for the roof. I smile at her. "A little more rooftop romance before the Games start?"

She chuckles. "Yeah… it was nice last night, after all."

I nod. "Yeah, it was. Although, a lot of that was you… also, I don't think I got to tell you, but you're stunning in that dress." She is. Drop-dead gorgeous.

She blushes. "You're more stunning, Sage, especially with those flowers in your hair."

Now I blush. "Aw, thanks, Evelyn, but you're just naturally prettier."

She chuckles. "This is a classic argument, but I'm not going to let you win."

"That's what you think," I respond.

The elevator dings as the doors open to the roof. I step forward, as Evelyn rushes through saying "WellWhenYouStepOutIWin!" I look down, one foot out the door.

"I'm not all the way out," I say.

"Still counts," she says. "You stepped out, after all."

"Nope," I chuckle. "Nope, it doesn't."

"Well," she shoves me, and I stumble a bit – now firmly out of the elevator as she comes behind me, holding me to make sure I don't fall (so sweet) – "now you are."

I laugh. "Fine, you win this round." I turn my head around to give her a small kiss, then she lets me go, and we migrate over to the edge of the roof, leaning against it, looking down at the city. "You think there will be more hovercraft tonight?"

She shrugs. "Probably, don't know if we'll see them though… I hope so."

"Fair enough," I respond. As I look over the city, I see something and point it to her. "Wait, is that them?" The cluster of lights moving into the air certainly looks like hovercraft.

She grins. "Oh yeah, it is! Good catch, Sage, just as they're taking off too!"

I smile. "Thanks, Evelyn. So… any particularly agenda for this little rooftop escapade, or just… enjoying the time we have."

"Well, uh," she blushes a little as she looks down. "I… had two things I wanted to tell you… although I'm kinda nervous."

I look at her, gently taking her face in my hand – my goodness, it feels so good to be able to do that – and focusing on her beautiful eyes. "Evelyn, come on… I Love you, I… would die for you, trust me, you don't need to be nervous about telling me anything."

She blushes as red as her hair, but nods, and gently pries my hand away with hers until our clasped hands are resting on the edge of the roof. "Well, uh… first of all, I… I Love you, Sage. I… feel like an idiot for not realizing sooner, but I do."

I – my heart just skipped a beat. I… this can't be real. Evelyn loves me… and is holding my hand on top of a roof, it's almost too much… I can feel the blush and the grin creeping onto my face. "R-really?"

"Yeah… I Love you, Sage."

"I love you too, Evelyn," I respond, and then I kiss her, feeling her hand grasp mine a little tighter as I do.

She blushes when the kiss ends, and looks me in the eyes, then avoids my gaze again. "Thanks, Sage… as for, uh, the second thing, well… there's… a chance one… or both of us, that we die tomorrow… it is the Bloodbath, after all… and I really don't want that to happen, but if, we do… or at least, before the cameras, I, uhm…" her face is redder than her hair now, and I squeeze her hand.

"It's okay, Evelyn, you what?" I ask.

"I, uh… well, if you wouldn't have any objections, I'd… prefer not to die… a virgin… not with my girlfriend right here."

Okay, is Evelyn trying to give me a heart attack? That's, I mean, I, uh, uh, uh, uh… this is a dream. A weird dream, but a dream. For sure. Right? Right? I look up at the Moon. It's there, and solid. I look down at our intertwined hands. I can see every detail, feel her hand on mine – and the blush rising to my face. Oh no, she might think I don't want to, delaying so long, she looks so horribly nervous. "Oh, uh, uhm, Evelyn, I uh… if you're asking, then, I mean… yes. Obviously, yes."

"R-really?" She asks me, just barely looking up. "I mean, if you're… at all uncomfortable, you don't have to, shouldn't, I, you should like, want to, not just listen to what I want, I'm just a hormonal teen and -"

"We're the same age, Evelyn," I cut her off. "And… you make a very good point about not dying without… but also, Evelyn, I've thought you were really hot for years now. Why would I say no?"

"Oh… oh, right," she blushes again, just having started to recover. "Sorry, I'm… new to this."

"It's fine," I respond. "I mean, I… same here. But are you sure?"

She nods. "I'm sure, one hundred ten percent."

I nod. "Well then… let's go… make sure we sleep well before the Games tomorrow anyway."

"Right… yeah," Evelyn nods, and I lead my still-blushing girlfriend back off the roof… and to our floor, and to my room… and, mmmm...

1 Hour Later…

Mmmm… I know I knew this, but I love Evelyn… I will never fight with her, I will never hurt her, physically or emotionally… and if I do, I deserve to die… and I will give my life for her when the time comes… and maybe it's just the hormones, but I know it's not… if it's Evelyn or me, there's no choice.

"I… love you… Evelyn," I mutter, as I think I start to fallllll….

Evelyn Robbins –16- -D11- POV

Sage… I'm so happy I told her I love her… and that we did this… I wish we didn't have to be here… but at least I know I love her… and I already kind of knew this, but I'll give my life for her when the time comes. Sage won't die, not if I can help it. She starts muttering in her sleep, and without looking, I pull her closer to me, off her back, and onto her side so that we touch. The mumbles stop, and her breathing evens. There we go… can't have my Sage having nightmares… my Sage… my… Sa…

Elara Sora –14- -D3- POV

Ugh, I can't sleep. I'm really tired after this day of prep for interviews, then interviews, but I can't sleep… maybe I'll see if Yuna's up.

I crawl out of bed and walk over to Yuna's room. The door is unlocked, and opening it, the light is still on… and she's not there. It looks like she just got out of the bed, but the bathroom door is open and she isn't in there either… where could she have gone? Well, the elevator, obviously, is the only place really to go.

I head over to the elevator and look through the windows, down at the floors below, and on the street level, I see – two figures, sitting by the window, reading. Hmm. Maybe Yuna and… Cedar?

I get in the elevator, taking it down to the ground floor, where I get out, and make use of the ample planters and decorative walls to hide as I get closer and closer to the pair until I can hear what they're saying – it is Yuna and Cedar.

"-am glad you decided to open up to me, Cedar," Yuna says.

"And I'm glad you decided to open up to me… and accepted me," Cedar says.

Yuna gives him a kiss. Ugh. "Well, like I said, writer boys are cute."

So, this is where Yuna is… with Cedar… with a boy… not like she has time to comfort me… no, that's not fair, she didn't know… I should just leave… try to go to sleep again… I sneak back to the elevator, starting to cry as the doors close.

Yuna Odalis –14- -D3- POV

In the middle of sharing stories with Cedar again… and talking, and a kiss, just one though, I swear I hear a noise. "What was that?" I ask Cedar. "Thought I heard a ding."

He shrugs. "I didn't hear anything…"

I look around a bit, but I don't see anything around us. "Huh, must have been my imagination… anyway, what we were talking about?"

See after the odds for a long explanation copied from the story where I came up with it about what the odds mean and how the Capitol citizens conduct their betting. Essentially the base odds are 1:24, lower is better, higher is worse.

Lamè Lunzdior: 1:9

Velvet Lunzdior: 1:9

Cadence Fellows: 1:6

Foxtrot Suevite: 1:6

Elara Sora: 1:18

Yuna Odalis: 1:18

Nerys Pacifica: 1:9

Halian Maui: 1:6

Daisy Brownstone: 1:24

Matilda Edlington: 1:36

Seras Axis: 1:24

Remington Axis: 1:36

Rowan Mildberg: 1:36

Cedar Mildberg: 1:18

Cambric Frymith: 1:36

Nira Telatto: 1:24

Harvey Miller: 1:72

Mazie Miller: 1:48

Gage Padgett: 1:24

Simon Hazel: 1:24

Sage Hills: 1:24

Evelyn Robbins: 1:24

Emilene Avery Osiria: 1:24

Angelo Kilkenny: 1:18

Note: We attempted to take into account which Tributes are more likely to sacrifice their life for another in these odds, however, doing such on a scale this large is something we have not done before keep an eye on the odds of Tributes affected by this, as they may change as we refine our model; additionally the interesting groups of alliances have also factored into the odds system, as per usual. Keep an eye on the odds, as we'll be updating them constantly through what promises to be a very exciting Games! – Kaitlyn Tucker, Head of Hunger Games Gambling Department, the Capitol.

(Author's Note: Here's how the Capitol odds work in my system, which I had way too much fun coming up with. So, a Tribute's base odds, everything being equal, would be 1:24. The highest odds go is 1:1, which in practice no one ever gets (since 1:1 means one in one, or that it is certain that they win, which never happens). Therefore, odds of 1:2.4 would mean that it's ten times as likely that that Tribute will win, whereas odds of 1:240 mean that it's ten times less likely. 1:48 would be two times less likely, etc. Capitolites can bet in one of two ways: Place betting and special betting. (That is on places, the main event, there are many side bets, ie, if Athena and Isaiah will stay together or break up, etc.). In place betting, you simply bet on a Tribute getting a certain place (Ex: Vallory will take 13th). This betting is heavily influenced by the odds. You can also take points on a bet, up to a limit. Points are essentially saying: I bet this Tribute will get x place, plus or minus three places. (Ex: Vallory will take 13th, with three points taken means that Vallory will take anywhere from 13th to 16th). You can also take points up. (Ex: Vallory will take 13th with three points down and three up would mean that Vallory will take anywhere from 10th to 16th). If you take points, and the numbers come out so that you lose the original bet, but are within your points, you only lose a percentage of the money tied to how many points off you were, instead of all the money if it's out of your point range. (Ex: You bet 1,000 Panem Monetary Units (PMUs) that Vallory will take 13th with three points in either direction. She takes 12th. You pay out 333.33 PMUS, versus 1,000 if you lost completely). The limits are no more than three points on 1st or 24th, and you can't reach to first or twenty-fourth with bets on any other place, and you can't take points for places higher than 20th that go down to below twentieth. There is also special betting, which is essentially place betting, but without points. It's most commonly used for 1st or 24th places when you're sure someone will win or die first. It's a lot of fun for those Capitolites who enjoy high-risk, high-reward. Another note: In any type of betting, you can't change your bet during a combat encounter. You can change your bet on a Tribute when they're not in combat if you realize they're not a good choice (say the careers are stalking them, or they can't find food), but if someone leaps out of the bushes at them, you've just lost your money. If the above seemed way too long, it is, and none of it besides the odds bit is important, sorry. Also, Capitol-published odds take into account all factors, interviews, alliances, training, etc.)

A/N: Woo, another long one! But it's a short chapter up next, just the Victor's Dinner, and a quick peek at some non-Victor Rebels, and then, we're on to the Games! Does anybody have Bloodbath predictions? Comments on the odds? Lemme know! And thanks to those who have been reviewing, I really appreciate it!