Jessie "Jess" Tucson, District 10, 18

After our interviews, Ethan and I returned to the tenth floor of the Training Center together. Somehow we arrived at the building at the same time as the pair from Six, so we ended up taking the elevator together. Salome spent the entire time chattering about how nice Caesar was, and Ethan and I took turns tiredly responding to her comments. Her partner spent the entire ride waiting silently. Eventually, they arrived at their floor and got off the elevator.

"Bye, Jess! See you tomorrow!" said Salome, giving me a small, nervous wave. I waved back, and the doors closed behind them. The elevator continued upwards.

"Are you guys allies?" Ethan asked.

I nodded. "Yeah."

We rode up the rest of the way in silence, too nervous to say anything else. When we finally returned to our apartment, Dimitri and our Escort, Percival, were waiting for us.

"Ethan, you can go change," said Dimitri. "While you do that, I'd like to speak to Jess about tomorrow. When we're done, we'll switch. Understand?"

We nodded. Ethan took off, heading for his bedroom. The three of us sat at the table.

"You've mentioned you have allies," he said. "How many?"

"There's five of us," I said. "Both from Eight, and the girls from Six and Twelve."

"The little ones?" he asked. When I nodded, he sucked in a breath. "Jeez, Jess. You really had to make yourself a target, huh?"

"There's safety in numbers," I said. "I don't expect everyone to last long, but while they're there, we can help each other."

He sighed. "And the Bloodbath?"

"We have a good plan," I said. "We're going to try to get supplies in teams. The fast ones will go for the bags, and the older ones will protect them. Then we'll meet up and get out of there."

"If you have to have a giant alliance, at least you have a decent plan," he said begrudgingly. "When you meet up, be prepared to be chased. You're too big to go unnoticed by the more aggressive ones. If you make it away safely, find a place to rest that's close to a water source, but not too close. Water is the number one priority. Understand?"

"Understand," I replied.

"And I want to make sure you have your other priority straight," he said. "Yourself. You don't get out of this alive without making your life the most important thing. Not your feelings, or allies, or pain, but your goddamn life. Understand?"

"Understand."

He sighed again, leaning back in his seat. "Questions?"

"When's a good time to break off from an alliance?" I asked.

"Good question," he said. "As soon as they don't benefit you anymore. Or if you think they'll turn on you. In that case, turn on them first. Understand?"

"Understand."

"You should get some rest," he said, checking the time. "Breakfast will be at the same time as usual tomorrow. I know it'll be hard, but try to sleep. Who knows when you'll have the opportunity to get some more sleep in. Understand?"

"Understand."

Ainsley Blare, District 5, 18

I rode back up to the apartment alone. I hadn't seen Samuel since he'd been dragged away after his interview. I wondered where he was now.

When I got back, only Palmyra was there.

"I'm sorry Albert isn't here," she apologized. "He had to go help Samuel calm down. They'll probably return soon. I had the Avoxes set out some food in case you were hungry, and you can change and shower if you'd like."

"Thanks," I said. I headed to my room, quickly changing out of my interview clothes. I hopped in the shower, too, fiddling with all of the knobs and buttons until the water was decent. I stepped in, washing my hair and body thoroughly. While I was doing it, I couldn't help but wonder if this would be the last real shower I ever took.

After I finished, I dressed in some comfy clothes and returned to the dining room, suddenly hungry. Palmyra was still there, enjoying a cup of tea. I sat down across from her and helped myself to a snack.

"How are you feeling?" she asked kindly.

"Nervous," I admitted.

"I'm nervous too," she said. "I hope you do well. I've been telling my friends that they should watch for you in the arena. I think you have real potential."

"Thanks," I said. "That's nice to hear."

She shrugged. "Just the truth," she said, smiling softly. She fiddled with her mug for a moment, thinking. "Are you going to be alone in the Games?" she asked.

I nodded. "Yes."

"Okay," she said, nodding. "Since Albert isn't here, I might as well relay his usual advice: find water. Find some way to arm yourself. Don't get too close to the Cornucopia, and sleep in high places."

"Thanks," I said, taking in the information. "I appreciate that."

"Of course," she said. "Unfortunately, Five only has one Victor. Otherwise, he could deal full-time with Samuel and another Mentor could coach you properly."

"I'm worried about Samuel," I said.

She sighed. "I wouldn't be, honey. He'll probably be gone soon."

My heart sank a little. He was terrifying sometimes, but he didn't deserve to die like that. "Oh."

"As horrible as it sounds, it may be for the best," she said gently. "He won't have to suffer any longer."

"I guess," I said. "Still… I've never seen anyone die before. I mean, I've seen the Games, but never in real life."

"I haven't either," she replied. "Just remember… for you to get home safely, you have to put that aside. At least for a little while. Just keep moving forward until you're back here. Save the processing for when you're safe."

I nodded slowly, taking in her words. "Okay."

"Best of luck, Ainsley," she said. "Try to get some sleep. You'll need it."

"Thanks," I replied.

She stood, leaving her mug on the table and heading to her room. Not long after, I did the same.

Travis O'Quinn, District 7, 17

When we returned to the seventh floor of the Training Center, Chaney headed straight for her room, leaving just me and Acadia. I headed for the dining room, hungry after my interview. Acadia followed me. We both sat down, and I began to fill my plate.

"You did well," she said.

"Thanks," I said, my mouth half-full with food.

"Did you want to discuss strategy before you enter the arena? Now is a good time," said Acadia.

"If you want," I said.

"Do you already have a plan with your ally?" she asked. I'd told her the other day of recent developments with Dale.

"We're going to stick together," I said. "We're strong and fast enough to get supplies, so we'll do that. We'll take turns keeping watch. As soon as I can tell he's starting to pull away, I'm ending the alliance."

She nodded. "Keep an eye on him. Alliances can be dangerous."

"I know," I said, taking another bite of my food. She watched me do so, then stared at her hands, playing with her fingernails. Every once in a while, she would glance up at me, then look away when she caught me noticing. Although I was perceptive, I didn't have to be in order to know that she wanted to talk about something.

I sighed. "What's up?"

Her eyes darted upwards again. "What do you mean?" she asked, attempting to be casual. Unfortunately for her, I saw right through it.

I groaned. "You want to talk about something. Spill."

"It's just…" she sighed, hesitating. "Something has been bugging me, ever since the Reapings."

"What?"

"When you came up onstage, you gave the Mayor a weird nod," she said.

I furrowed my brows, refusing to betray what I was thinking. Acadia was smart, and I needed to play this well to throw her off the scent. "I don't remember that," I said.

She gave me a look. "I would've brushed it off, but Mayor Spano looked… well, uncomfortable. I've never seen him show any negative emotions, ever. No one has. So what was that about?"

I shrugged, holding her eye contact. "Don't know."

"Travis," she said, clearly not buying it.

"I don't know why you keep pushing it, because there's nothing to discover," I said. "My mother knows Spano, maybe that's it. She works in the same building. We look similar. Who knows, honestly? I've never met him."

"Maybe," Acadia agreed, still eyeing me. I pushed down the wave of irritation that had risen under the surface, knowing she'd use it as proof I wasn't being transparent with her.

"I'm going to bed," I said, standing. "I need to change out of these clothes. Excuse me."

"Good night," she said, still watching me. "Sleep well. You'll need it."

"I will," I said. I turned on my heel and strode towards my room, ready to shower and change into more comfortable clothes.

Acadia was more perceptive than I'd originally thought. Paranoia hit me for a second- did she know? Had Spano told her anything? As quickly as it had come, I smoothed it over. There was no way she knew anything. She barely knew me, even. And Spano would never tell.

Caligula Van Zandt, District 2, 18

When Sadie and I arrived back at the second floor of the Training Center, we stumbled into the middle of a heated discussion between Claudia and Godric.

"Stop it!" Godric shouted. Claudia, in turn, threw a decorative vase at his head, which he had to duck to avoid, throwing his arms over his face. It shattered loudly behind him. As the elevator doors opened with a ding, Godric noticed us, his eyes widening.

"Watch out!" he shouted. Claudia turned as well, picking up a decorative metallic thingy with several sharp edges from the shelf on the wall behind her. Sadie and I exchanged a look.

"You go left, I'll go right," I muttered. She nodded, and we stepped out of the elevator, circling around them. Sadie had to bolt to the side to dodge Claudia's next throw.

"Stay back!" she shrieked, picking up another weapon from the table behind her. A large candlestick this time. She held it out in front of her, her arms visibly trembling.

"Claudia, you're safe now," Godric pleaded. "Please, just put it down."

Claudia's eyes darted from Godric to Sadie to me, all slowly closing in. Sadie's words from the train echoed in my head: Look at her eyes. She has crazy eyes. And then, later: She's insane.

Looking at her now, though, she didn't seem crazy or insane. She just seemed scared.

Claudia hesitated, her eyes now on me. Her breathing slowed as we stared at each other.

"That's it," said Godric, his voice gentler than I'd ever heard it. "Let's go to bed, okay?"

She glanced at him. His arms were out in front of him welcomingly, his expression calm. All three of us continued to creep in closer, ready for any sudden moves, our eyes on her weapon. Unfortunately, Claudia noticed this.

"You're mutts," she hissed. "All of you, you're mutts…"

"No," said Sadie, her voice also calm. "You met me on the train, remember? You're helping me."

Her eyes darted to Sadie, watching her like a hawk. "They could have replaced you," she said. "This is all a trick."

Sadie and I exchanged another glance, then looked at Godric. We were about five feet from her now. She was surrounded. He nodded and mouthed, Go.

The three of us lunged in, Claudia shrieking wildly and swinging her candlestick. Godric grabbed it, ripping it from her hands forcefully. Sadie grabbed her arms, whirling around to pin them behind her back. I ran for the phone in the other room to call security.

A few minutes later, the elevator dinged again, revealing Peacekeepers. They took Claudia away, still shrieking and screaming and writhing with fear. The three of us watched her go, Godric still holding the candlestick. A few Avoxes began sweeping up the shattered vase and other projectiles Claudia had broken.

"Will she be okay?" I asked Godric.

"I don't know," he replied, his voice heavy. "She's always been off, and she's had her share of rough moments, but I've never seen her that bad. I think you two reminded her of her time in the Games. She said on the train that you guys were a lot like her and Atlas once."

Sadie shook her head. "Is she coming back?"

"Before the Games start? Probably not," said Godric. "It'll just be me, at least for a little while. Don't worry, though. Everything will be fine."

Sadie sighed and went off to bed. Godric did as well. I stood there for a while, staring at the shut doors, analyzing what had just happened. Whatever it was, it didn't feel like Victory.

Journie Teffs, District 9, 17

"Well done, you two!" said Marius as we arrived back on the ninth floor of the Training Center. The two of us left the elevator, stepping out into the apartment.

"Thanks," Reese said shyly.

"Thanks," I echoed.

"You nailed it," he said. "Both strong fighters, yet loving family people. Rooting for you will be incredibly easy. You've both done a wonderful job. As we've already discussed what happens once you're in the arena, feel free to wash up and sleep. You'll need the rest."

"Thanks," we both said again. Both of us took his advice, heading to our rooms to change out of our interview clothes. I showered off, finally used to the fancy showers, and changed into some sweats. Then, I sat on my bed, not sure what to do.

I wanted to go to sleep, I really did. I knew Marius was right; I needed the rest before tomorrow. But I was too restless to sleep. Images from old Games kept playing through my head. I'd usually been pretty good at not dwelling on the horrors of the arenas, but it was different knowing that I was going to experience that. Tomorrow, no less. My old pre-fight ring nerves seemed so insignificant now.

As I sat on my bed, contemplating what was to come, I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," I called.

The door swung open silently, and Reese poked their head in. "Hi," they said softly.

"Hi," I replied. "What's up?"

They hesitated. "Nothing really," they said.

"Can't sleep?" I asked. "You can come in, you know."

They nodded and stepped inside, heading over to one of the many armchairs littering the room. "I want to sleep, but I can't," they said as they walked.

"Me too," I said. "There's so much to think about."

Reese sat down. "I'm just not good at being alone," they confessed. "At home, there's always chaos, and I share a room. Ever since leaving Nine, sleeping alone… it feels so empty."

"I get that," I replied. "I share a room with my brother True."

"Do you miss him?" Reese asked.

"Yeah, of course," I said. "I miss everyone. It feels like we've been in the Capitol for ages."

"It does," they agreed. Reese hesitated again, playing with the hem of their shirt. "Are you nervous for tomorrow?" they asked.

"Of course," I said. "We've watched the Games. We know what it's like. But we have a good plan, and we've got each other's backs. We just have to hope for the best now."

Reese nodded, taking in my words. "Thanks."

"Of course," I said.

"You know," Reese said, still fiddling with their shirt, "if I don't make it out, I hope you do."

"Thanks," I said. Their face was filled with sorrow, and I had no doubt they meant it. "For the record, if I can't win, I hope you do."

"Thank you," Reese replied. "I'm glad you're my ally. It's still scary, but not as bad with you."

I nodded. "It's nice to have a real friend here."

Reese cracked a timid smile. I smiled back, trying to put aside my nerves, if just for the moment.

Dale Orion-Poplar, District 12, 17

When we got back, Sienna went straight to bed, exhausted. Aurelia beckoned me towards the dining room table, which she'd had filled with food.

The two of us had spent a lot of time talking and strategizing. Part of me felt guilty, because Sienna was entirely ignored, but it also meant more benefits for me, so I tried to ignore the guilt. Like Aurelia had said several times, Sienna probably wouldn't last long anyway. Right?

"Your interview was excellent," said Aurelia, sitting down opposite me.

"Thanks," I said.

"This is our last night together for a little while," she said, eyeing me. "If there's anything you want to… talk about, now is the time."

I considered. She had a point; this was the last night before I entered the arena. Maybe this was my chance to confirm my suspicions about Mom.

"I did have something I wanted to ask you about," I said slowly.

"Anything," she replied, leaning forward in her seat.

"I…" I hesitated. "I don't think I was Reaped by chance. Is that possible?"

"Wait, what?" she asked.

"I think my mother did this," I explained.

She shook her head, trying to process my words. "Why would you think that? I need details."

I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself to tell my family story. "My mom is the owner of the biggest, wealthiest mining company in Twelve, Orion Mines. She left her family in poverty to claim ownership right after I was born. My parents fought terribly about it, but she finally left."

"No offense," she interrupted, "but I don't see how she'd be able to guarantee your name was drawn. And still, why? You're still, like, her kid."

"I'm her kid, but I'm her son," I said. "She always wanted a daughter. She got me instead. And besides, she's one of the most powerful people in the entire district. Anyway, as revenge, my father started working for Mr. Wolfe's company, her biggest rival, which started another big fight between them. My brothers and I now work there too. And since Mr. Wolfe has better connections with the Capitol, his mines have begun to outcompete hers. I think she used her influence to make me be picked to target both Mr. Wolfe and my dad at the same time."

Aurelia stared at me for a moment. Then, a slow grin spread across her face.

"That's the soap opera of the century," she said. "Are you serious?"

I nodded. "Is that possible? Could she do that?"

She scoffed. "First of all, I've never even heard of any of these people, so they can't be all that powerful," she said. "Second of all, does it even matter? You're already here. The Games are tomorrow."

"I… I just need to know," I said. "Is it possible?"

She thought for a moment. "I… maybe? I don't know. She'd have to coordinate with whoever puts the names in those bowls. But listen, okay? None of this matters now. You need to focus on winning, so you can survive and I can never go back to Twelve ever again. Capiche?"

"What if she makes sure I can't?" I asked softly.

She scoffed again, standing up. "No one in Twelve has that kind of power and reach. I'm done with your conspiracies. I'll see you in the morning."

Muir Jansen, District 4, 16

Isla and I returned to the fourth floor of the Training Center after we finished our interviews with Caesar. We rode up in silence together. Once we arrived, Finnick and Annie were waiting for us.

"Well done," said Finnick. "Annie and I will be around if there's anything last-minute you'd like to discuss, but otherwise, feel free to head to bed. We'll see you in the morning."

Isla gave a curt nod and sashayed off towards her room. I, however, hung back, making sure she'd left before I said anything.

"I need to ask you guys about something," I said.

They looked a little surprised to see me approach them, but they were welcoming nonetheless. "Of course," said Finnick. "What's the matter?"

We walked over to the entertainment room. I kicked off my shoes, sitting on the couch. The Mentors each took a chair.

"I…" I paused, glancing in the direction of Isla's room. The door remained shut. "I have some concerns about her."

"Isla?" Annie asked. "Why?"

"I think she's playing her own little games, and I think it'll end up hurting me," I said.

"Little games…" Finnick trailed. "Little games how?"

"I think she's making a bunch of secret alliances," I said. "She wants to take down the pair from Two. She's been promising everyone she'll take them to the finale."

Finnick and Annie exchanged a glance, then looked back at me.

"That's some tricky business," Finnick finally said. "You're right. If the partners from Two find out, those secret alliances could go south pretty fast. Do you think they know?"

"I haven't told them anything, but they're both smart," I said. "And they're very strong. Honestly, taking them out isn't the worst idea, but I don't think the tactics are right."

"They're formidable for sure," said Finnick. He glanced at Isla's door, and lowered his voice again. "You need to find out what they know. You need to make sure you're on the right side of this when the alliance falls apart. How are the tributes from One?"

"Glowla and I don't talk," I said. "Virgil likes me. I've seen both of them talk to Isla, but Virgil a lot more. And he strikes me as more likely to go along with this than Glowla. They don't get along."

Finnick rubbed his chin, musing. "If they don't get along, one of them will likely go to each side. Even with that assumption, you need to find out what's going on with Glowla. It's dangerous to not have a relationship with others in your alliance. Get to know her a little. Try to get a read on her, see how she's interacting with everyone else."

"I think she likes Sadie," I said. "And I've seen Isla insult her a few times."

"You definitely need to have a conversation with everyone once everything settles down inside the arena," said Annie. "When you're alone with them, don't hesitate to start talking."

"Not my strong suit," I muttered.

"That's okay," said Finnick. "If you're uncomfortable, then you're getting someone done. Alliances are dangerous, especially the Careers. Keep a close eye on everyone. Make sure you know what's going on at all times. And don't trust anyone. Does that make sense?"

I nodded. "It does."

Halley Todd, District 3, 13

Damion and I spent the entire elevator ride back to the apartment spitting insults at one another.

"You're a spoiled rich girl," he taunted me.

"Dipshit," I shot back.

"If I had a face like yours, I'd sue my parents," he said.

"At least I have parents," I replied.

"Fuck you!"

"Fuck you!" I said. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"Why shouldn't I?" he fired back. "You keep attacking me!"

"Because you keep acting like a dipshit!" I protested. "Ever since we met on the train, you've been the absolute fucking worst. What did I do?"

Damion shook his head. "You're just like everyone else."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Everyone hates my guts," he muttered. "Why shouldn't I just hate them back?"

"What kind of logic is that?" I asked. "And people hate you because you're a dipshit, you idiot."

He shook his head again, more forcefully this time. "I've tried being nice. I tried it for years. I'm over it. All it does is make it worse."

I scoffed. "I don't know why you care what anyone thinks. Like you, for example. I don't give a fuck what you think, and I'm doing great."

"Screw you," he muttered again.

"See? Don't care," I said. "You couldn't hurt me if you tried."

"Oh, nice try," he said, laughing darkly. "You care what other people think, Halley."

"No, I don't," I said. "Prove it."

He scoffed. "You've attacked me, like, what, three times since we've met? Four? Wouldn't do that if you didn't give any fucks. If you really didn't, you'd just walk away."

I tightened my hands into fists and stomped my foot. "Not true," I said.

He didn't say anything, just laughed. Before I could respond to that, though, the elevator doors opened. They gave a light ding as we arrived. Mr. Kellin and Saint, our Escort, were there already, presumably waiting for us.

"Welcome back," said Mr. Kellin. Saint rolled his eyes, but said nothing.

Damion glanced at me, smirking. "See you tomorrow," he said. He walked off towards his rooms and disappeared around the corner.

"Everything okay?" Mr. Kellin asked, catching the look on my face.

"I hate him," I fumed. "He's the worst."

"You don't have to like each other," said Mr. Kellin. "You just need to be civil for one more day."

"When we get in there…" I trailed, glaring at his door.

"Oh, no no no," he said, approaching me. "Halley, please don't go after him in the arena. It's a bad idea, and no matter what, it won't end well."

"How are you going to stop me?" I asked.

"Halley, think this through," he pleaded. "You're very smart. You have to know that somewhere, deep down, attacking Damion won't work out. You just need to avoid him. You already have an alliance; just stick with them, okay?"

"Fine," I muttered. But I only said it to convince him he'd gotten through to me.

*Hi, everyone! How did you like this chapter? I hope everyone had a happy New Years! We made it through 2020, thank goodness.

A few announcements: first, the LAST PRE-GAMES CHAPTER will be posted Sunday, 1/3! Be sure to keep an eye out for that; it's a pretty short one. I know I said everyone without an interview would turn up here, and I know that did not happen- but don't worry, they're coming up next! They have not been forgotten, I just felt that their POVs were better used elsewhere. Namely, the Launch.

Second, after this is published, I'll be posting some polls on my profile that I'd love you guys to check out, mostly having to do with predictions. I find it both helpful and interesting, so that would be much appreciated :)

Third, if I haven't seen any reviews/heard from you during December, I will be assuming you are no longer reading. If you want to let me know you're still reading, make sure to leave a review or shoot me a PM- it doesn't have to be anything, it can just say "still reading" or something along those lines. Honestly, this one doesn't apply to most of you.

Fourth, the blog has been updated with alliances. Under each tribute's information, I've added a spot that says who their allies are. Once the arena is revealed, alliances will also be posted/updated there. They'll probably be at the end of Games chapters as well. Once the Games start, other stats, like placement (!) and kills will be found under tribute info as well.

Hope everyone is doing well, and I'll see you soon! Looking forward to hearing from you guys :)

-r-b*