Chapter 13: For Those Who Missed It

Tribute Review

Sandra Cassiopeia - Master of Ceremonies

Now, onto the 172nd Hunger Games! Yes, in the future, people will only see this as another Hunger Games, one that most probably won't ever end up as the top 10 in history. Either way, it's my job to care about this year. Being a Master of Ceremonies isn't easy, I would know.

I was so excited during my first year of the job. So emotional, full of passion, and I didn't want to disappoint my father. He's the reason I got the position in the first place, and I'm thankful for it. Like Claudius Templesmith and Roger Farhill before me, I'm a face everyone in Panem now knows.

It's a simple job. It pays well. I only have to work a month a year. Nothing challenging, mostly, I have to look good. Along with making other tributes look good.

Not that twenty-three tributes out of twenty-four matters. District tributes are just that. Tributes. Sacrifices playing the most dangerous game, making everyone in the Capitol smile along with betting.

What most people don't know (or care) about having a job like mine is having to know information about all twenty-four tributes. All about what history we can find, the family, and the tribute's drama if they have any.

The first year was the worst. I knew about every tribute family, some private secrets or medical conditions, blood type, and the twenty-three tributes that died in the 158th Hunger Games are forever in my memory. I remember their names, at least.

But I now know better after that year. I learned something important. The one thing even Patricia agrees with me.

The tributes are playthings.

Sim characters, as I'd like to call them.

Now, onto the show!

I entered the room, a cozy room with couches, a table, and one blank holoscreen.

On one of the couches, there's a handsome purple bearded man, one with a regular black business suit. I smirked, same old same old. Never one with a flashy suit unless it's necessary(which is at least half the time, much to his horror, I'm sure).

"Knock. Knock, Vice Headmaker," I addressed, having a chirpy tone.

Aaron Blacktyde looked up from the files on the table.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cassiopeia," he greeted.

Unconsciously rolling my eyes, I couldn't help but agree with everyone in the Hunger Games department that Aaron has the biggest stick up his ass. We worked together for fourteen years and still, he's so damn official.

"For the love of Snow, just call me Sandra, Aaron," I said, annoyed. "There's only two of us here."

Aaron grunted. "Very well. Take a seat, Sandra. The tributes are all accounted for, and the sooner this is done, the better."

I nodded at that, seating comfortably on the couch.

On the shiny vase in the middle of the table, I could see my reflection. My green eyes, long face, and straight combed hair that others flattered to be beautiful. Then again, being an interviewer needs a pretty face.

Perhaps my one flaw is my brown hair. It's not eye-catching enough. Now, I have to dye it like almost everyone else in the Capitol. Wonder what color dye I should use in the interview?

-District 1-

The holoscreen showed District One and all its glory. It's not hard to imagine why the Capitol favors the career districts, after all, they cheer as we do.

"Bliss Lustra," Aaron informed.

The One girl was pretty, I guess. Not a traditional blonde, but I can't help but feel jealous over her red hair. I did notice her eyes were cold, intelligent even.

"I'm guessing that little red got her position by being ruthless. Can't imagine her being a musclehead," I speculated.

Aaron nodded. "Indeed. Miss Lustra has records of beating fellow careers through any means necessary. It is also noted that other possible volunteers have resigned their spots to make way for her."

Cold and manipulative. Wonderful combination. "Any family?" I asked

"Only her mother. Interestingly, there are no records of her father."

That is interesting.

Next, I saw a blonde One boy going to stage, younger than most careers, but with the same confidence, the boy ran forward to the stage like anyone from One. The difference here was that there was some confusion in the crowd then there was cheering. Another noticeable thing is that Golden Chase looked shocked, then mad.

"Silver Chase," the boy said his name confidently. Oh. Oh. OH!

"Let me guess: He wasn't the chosen volunteer, and his brother is the Victor Golden Chase. Am I right?"

"Acute observation, Sandra."

"Oh, I can smell the drama. Quite clear something is going on between the two Chases."

-District 2-

The powerhouse district. Fueling the military and stonework in Panem, Two is the colder, ruthless, and practically the big mean brother of all the twelve districts of Panem. Got to love them, they get equal if not more support the One.

I see the career girl, once more something other than the regular blond or auburn, this career is a beauty with a unique old-Asian heritage. Other than that, I can't figure anything out of the ordinary.

"So what about Roxy Flint, Aaron? Anything special about her?"

"Nothing beyond what is usually expected from careers. She comes from a wealthy family, trained at a young age, won her matches, and became the chosen volunteer."

"Oh well, I'll improvise with her. So far, she got the looks to get the sponsors, no doubt about that. The perverts will love her if she decides to go the sexy angle. So far, she's a regular glory-hogging career. Nothing wrong with that, but let us hope she'll have more going for her."

"I'm sure you'll be interested in the Two male tribute then."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Watch."

That I did. I was proven shocked by what I saw. The male was reaped! Where was the volunteer?! A handsome blonde came forward and kissed the escort's hand. I rolled my eyes at that. Nothing much to be said, but indeed, where's the volunteer? This is out of character for Two.

"So, what's the story behind this? I mean, the boy look's like the usual confident career, but you know, where's the volunteer?"

Aaron seemed amused by this. An actual emotion. Will wonders never cease.

"The ironic situation here is that Somnus Marbrand was already the chosen career. Instead, the boy the reaped. Interesting, but I doubt it's a coincidence. I'll have it make sure to organize an investigation as a precaution. Other than the queer change of direction, Mr. Marbrand has the same background as Ms. Flint. One other note is that he's a 'lady-killer' as it's been reported."

I looked at Somnus's face, having to admit it does look nice. I grimaced. "I can see it."

Men. Either way, he's going to have sponsors. I'm sure of it. He's got the looks, new entrance, and he's a career. But not my type.

That Roxy though, dam, she does look fine, I must say. Looks like I have a favorite. Giggles.

-District 3-

The district of technology was doing fine for the first half of the century. It was getting greener instead of a steampunk wonderland. Then the earthquake hit at the 166th HG, the cost of damages had to be cut back on the whole 'Make Three Green' plan. In any case, no one was smiling or cheering here.

I see a thin girl with wavy brown hair come to stage named Veta Del Mina.

"Mrs. Del Mina has been reported to have skipped school to work at factories. Other files say she's been betting using knife-throwing skills and poker. The main contributor to her family ever since her family lost it's butcher business and mother. Current relations: A father and a sibling. All financially struggling."

My eyes softened at that. I know the pain of losing a mother. "Was it the earthquake?"

"Yes, yes it was," Aaron replied stoically.

Guess we're back to that, he's so robotic sometimes. As for Vita, well, she seems to have a lived a semi-dangerous life, maybe she'll have a chance with her experience in her side.

Next, a boy from the fifteen-year-old line, one with a strange look, who walks with grace to the stage without any hassle or emotional struggle.

"What's up with this Dorian Fleece kid?"

"An orphan," he gave out. Of course, there's usually one every year since the earthquake. "The only other point of interest is that he has created a form of worship. He has shown zealous protectiveness for it."

"Shit," I groaned. "I can see it already. Dorian's going to preach in my interview, worse, some might buy into it."

"There is a great chance of it happening, yes."

I groaned in misery.

-District 4-

Ah, while it may not be the most resourceful, or the richest district. Four in everyone's mind has been the prettiest district to look at. I mean, seeing the ocean has its charms, doesn't it?

"Delmara Lum. Delmara Lum," I rolled the Four girls' name. "Nice name, but not the prettiest one to look at. Not ugly, but it's clear she wants to show she's not to mess with. Her attitude and muscle gave it away."

"Traditional career family. Mother, father, a twin brother," Aaron informed. "Dedicated. There's nothing else, but I suspect she'll be a hard one to beat in a fight."

Then a stoat looking redhead volunteered, walked next to his medium-skinned district partner. He crossed his arms, trying to look impressive. Well, he's succeeded at that, but Delmara seems to have done a better job at it. He looks out of his depth when you pay close attention to his face.

"Anet Bennet. Much like Delmara, a career family origin. The difference would be that he's been diagnosed with an abnormal stutter."

I raised a brow out of curiosity. "That sounds like he won't be any use in the interviews. The best shot for him is to go with the strong silent type routine."

"As it were. Both are careers, and both, of course, are intended to go far."

"They do look strong," I commented. "But you and I both know by now strength isn't everything. Not when that bitch Patricia is running the Hunger Games."

The Vice Headmaker wisely didn't correct me.

-District 5-

Ah, District Five. This one. Yeah. No, I can't think of this district as anything other than mediocre honestly. It never stood out.

Once the escort calls up a Zyra Koore, the reaped girl pushed someone to the ground and ran to the stage. Quite an entrance there. She looks as serious at Delmara and Anet from the previous district.

"You getting the feeling she's capable or is that just me," I said to Aaron.

"No, you are once again correct with your social deductions. Zyra Koore has been trained at the age of five by her wealthy parents, following that common trend," if I didn't know any better, he sounded disgruntled. "I assume that the person she knocked down was her twin sister, who I believe was about to volunteer for her."

"Ah, well, that's certainly interesting," I smirked. A fighter for sure. Wonder if the non-careers will offer more.

On the screen, 'I volunteer for tribute!' was heard.

That was quick.

'Volt Nightingale! District Five's next Victor!'

That surname sounds familiar. Wait! Wait a minute!

"Is that ant-girls little brother!?" I asked, shocked.

"If you are speaking about Emmeline Nightingale, you are correct," he answered. "Once more, a Victor's sibling. Not much is known other than that."

First Silver, now Volt? There better not be a third one with some sibling issues. We need better stories, dam it!

"Either way, the start of all this seems to bring up differently from most games," I commented.

"Perhaps."

-District 6-

The sky is always quite dark in this district. Then again, this district broke the crime rate record almost every year, so maybe they purposely make it look miserable during the Reaping.

There was a skinny girl and a fight when the Six boy was called up. Moira Balise and Jaeden Rota.

"Quite the miserable batch."

Aaron nodded slightly. "Interestingly, Moira Balise had an older brother who participated in the 165th Hunger Games. Do you, by any chance, remember a James Balise?"

"The games with where Kay and Misty won, right?" I asked myself. I started searching for my memories but found nothing. "Did he die by drowning?"

"Half the tributes in that arena died by drowning," he deadpanned. "But to answer your question, yes."

"Right. I forgot," I giggled a little. "So, what about Jaedan Rota?"

"He has a large family. His mother has cancer," he gave that information freely without a thought.

Perhaps if I was some other Capitolite, I would've gasped. But I got enough drama needed. "Good. That kid needs sympathy points to go far. Especially after that mess with the bowl hair kid. Doesn't look good for him."

-District 7-

The green and mean district. Seven, a place of nature, and not a lot of tourism. Some Capitolites don't like being outside, I suppose.

I see an auburn-haired girl walked up, muscles that show that she's clearly from a long line of lumberjacks. Parents must be proud of her. She's being quite calm and brave walking up there.

There's not much I need to ask. Aaron already told me she has a family, and she has gotten a severe injury during a forest fire. There's nothing dramatic about her I can use against her.

It was the Seven boy I'm sure had Panem's attention.

Aspen Wolfe was limping to the stage. His left leg was dragging, it was almost painful to watch.

"What happened to the kid?"

"Do you perchance remember what happened two years ago during the Seven's Reaping?"

I nodded. "A riot happened," I stared at the poor boy. "He's not going to make it."

Even Aaron can't hide his pity for the boy. "No. No, he is not."

-District 8-

"Wow, District Eight has gotten some troublemaker, right? That Marron Deinan caused quite the stir from his fight," I said, pleased by the violence.

Aaron grunted.

"Something wrong?"

"Hadley Holbrooke has nothing to note other than dead mother accused of rebel connections, but I doubt it's of important use," he informed.

"It's something. The girl looks ordinary and youthful. She's going to need something to keep her from being a bloodbath. Marron Deinan on the other hand, I'm pretty sure he's part of one of the rich families in Eight right?"

"I'm surprised," Aaron said. He didn't sound like it. "I didn't think you'd know that."

"Eight is all about clothing. It's important for me, you know," I told him before looking at the holoscreen. "Yeah, Marron Deinan has a chance, he's wealthy so he must have some training, but he's got to work on his attitude before I interview him. Else it's goodbye."

-District 9-

"DID BOTH OF THEM VOLUNTEER!?"

"They did," Aaron commented needlessly, not reacting to my screaming.

"One girl saved a blind girl out of kindness while the Nine boy saved his brother!"

"Daisy Grove and Kalvin Kanstine."

"Don't care. My god. I doubt they'll win, but they'll score sponsors for sure."

"Indeed."

"What interesting tributes we have this year. So full of surprises, even during the start of it all."

-District 10-

There are twins in the Hunger Games again. These games are getting all types of variety of tributes. It makes me glad I could host all 24 of them.

"Buck and Doe Adler," the purple bearded robot of a man supplied. "Twins born of a wealthy rancher. Curiously, only Mrs. Adler goes to school while there's not much of a record with Mr. Adler."

"I mean, the point Buck would volunteer to the Hunger Games would be to protect Doe. Once more, another story the audience will love," I said, then I noticed something. "I don't think either of them is in the best condition to be a part of this fight. I mean, Buck has some muscles, but Doe looks adorably scrawny. I just feel like something is wrong with Buck, however."

"I'll trust your judgment. There's going to be a notice for Buck Adler to have an appointment with a doctor. I'm curious about his lack of health records."

Smiling came naturally. "Sounds like a mystery. Tell me if you find anything."

"As I should."

He's so serious. He's lucky I'm used to it by now.

-District 11-

"Okay, did I just witness another volunteer. Another volunteer who happens to be a legacy tribute. I mean, that's what? Eleven volunteers in one game! That's got to be a record!"

"I believe you forgot that Somnus was reaped, not a volunteer. We have a total of ten volunteers in these games," Aaron corrected. "As for Calliope Germaine, it appears she has volunteered to protect her friend similar to Kalvin Kanstine has done."

"Okay," I looked closer at Calliope, noticed her muscles and golden-brown skin. "I think she's career level."

"Her father, Lev Germaine, has been reported to have trained her, so you are indeed correct. She'll prove to be a contender," Aaron agreed.

"What about the boy? Cristian Moldovan. He any good."

Other than his admittedly good poker face, he doesn't look as fierce as half the other tributes so far.

"Mr. Moldovan has had an average background. Would having five siblings be of any use to you?"

"I guess?"

Cristian is easily overshadowed by Calliope. So far, he's not interesting at all.

For his sake, I hope he plays his cards right.

-District 12-

The dirtiest district is known as Twelve. Filled with dirty miners. It's their jobs, I know, but I can't help but be disgusted a little by them. I don't know how CC(the escort) can put a smile and talk to them with such pizzazz.

After the Reaping, however, it's noticeable that CC has stopped smiling. Guess he knows his odds won't be in his tributes favor.

At least his tributes will be noticed as crying girls and crazy boy. A little comfort, I'm sure, seeing that weakling isn't far from anyone's minds.

"So... What's up with them?"

"Iry Hawkfeather. The only daughter of a candyman-"

"Doesn't sound impressive."

"The only candyman in the district," he continued despite my interruption. Forgot how shitty the district could be. "Shown to be, aggressive and emotional. Not a threat, unless she's recreating Johanna Mason's tactic."

"Doubt it. She's useless," I declared with certainty, then I noticed something. "But she does look a bit like Bliss Lustra. Same red hair, same eyes, almost the same face. Bliss is more fit, in any case."

Patricia's helper hummed. "I could see it. Must be a coincidence."

Yeah, he's got to be right. Districts aren't allowed to interact with one another. But, the similarities spark an interest in me. Can't help it.

"What about the crazy kid? The one who kept smiling and saying cursed all the damn time."

"The Twelve male tribute's name is Cole Lynderly," he said. "There was an incident mining incident he was involved in five years ago. Since then, recent actions showed that the incident still affects Mr. Lynderly mental condition."

"Oh, maybe-" I stopped myself, and grinned. "Never mind, I'll ask about it in the interviews."

-FINISH-

"Finnnnnaly, we're done," I said, cheering internally.

Aaron - the purple robot, as he's called behind his back at times for being a joyless overkill - had to ruin my mood. "The Head Gamemaker requests an early report by you by tomorrow about the tributes mentalities. I believe you can accomplish that."

"Oh my Snow, is that necessary? I bet that dumass just wants to give me unneeded paperwork for her pettiness," I complained.

It spoke volumes that the Vice Gamemaker didn't defend his boss. Instead, he said, "Perhaps it would be best for you to find a compromise with Mrs. Lovemunch. We can be reasoned with."

"You think I didn't try?" I hissed, angry. I spread my hands out dramatically, finding the thought of Patricia exhausting. "She thinks I'm into you. You know that, right? Which is ridiculous. Does she not know I like girls!?"

God, I'm sure I told her too, the crazy jealous b-word. She tried to get me fired once, maybe twice. Called me an old ugly tramp. The nerve! What was the President thinking when he hired her?!

"Dam it, why couldn't you be the Head Gamemaker?!" I asked Aaron angerly. "You've been here longer than me! Chambers could've picked you."

The man shrugged, uncaring or my outburst. "He needs someone he trusts, and for some odd reason, Mrs. Lovemunch earned it."

Bet she seduced him, I thought unfairly. I sighed. Whatever.

After calming down, gossip is in order with Aaron. I smiled coyly at my co-worker, "Hey, speaking about romance. Any caught your eye?"

There's a betting pool if Aaron has someone in mind. Hell, there was even a bet that he's still a virgin. May as well get some cash in.

Aaron didn't look from his papers he was filing. "No. I'm a busy man. With the Hunger Games. Family as well. My brother needs support for his child soon."

I pouted, "You know, maybe you get a hobby?"

The Vice Gamemaker stood up, turning off the holoscreen. Then turned to me, "I have my job, Sandra."

He left after that. No small talk or anything.

Unbelievable. He'd give the word 'workaholics' made into a vice if that was possible. He never stops working or managing. He never stops to talk about himself.

Wait. Wait...

Now that I think about it, I don't know anything about Aaron Blacktyde's private life. At least, he never talks about it. Nothing other than him having a brother.

Quite surreal how one knows so little about a co-worker after so long.

Just who is Aaron Blacktyde?

A/N: I know I said there's going to be a train ride. Instead, we are getting this. I felt like some quick review should be made for the tributes I was given. A reminder. A quick preview. Yeah, you guys get it. Train Ride(for real this time) will happen next chapter. I also wanted to make my own little Capitol drama. Couldn't help it. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

1) What do you think about Aaron and Sandra?

2) Any favorites among the tributes?

3) Who do you think is going to become the Victor?