Final Eight Interviews

Jewel Ribbon, girlfriend of Majesty Holland, District 1

I stand to the side of the camera crew with Majesty's three sisters as his parents are interviewed. They disgust me, with their lies and manipulation. I can't help but roll my eyes as they talk about how proud they are of him, how they know he wants nothing more than to come home to be with his family again. They don't know shit about him. If they did, he wouldn't be in that arena right now.

Despite everything he's been through, I'm so grateful he found an ally he can trust. The few interactions I've seen of him and Neptune make me so confident in his victory. I know Neptune will not betray him like the other Careers. I just hope he never lets his guard down.

"We've always known he would be our little victor. We're so proud of him." his mother says. I roll my eyes as the cameramen cut and usher his sisters to the spot their parents were just in.

"It's hard seeing him out there, battling with other children. I feel sad for him, I can only imagine what he's going through." Diamond states. I can tell she's struggling to hold back what she truly means, but she knows disowning her parents on national television won't help Majesty win. In fact, it may hurt him in the long run.

The three sisters go back and forth with the interviewer, staying polite but brief with their answers. Once they get enough footage, they usher for me. I take a deep breath and hope no one can tell how nervous I am as I stand in the spotlight.

"How long have you and Majesty been together?" The interviewer asks me.

"We've known each other since we were kids, but we've been together for a few years now. We've grown up together, we love each other." I say with a smile. I hear an awww from someone in the crowd behind me and I turn red.

"What do you think his biggest challenge will be from here on out?" He asks. I am silent for a while before answering.

"Killing his ally." I say honestly. "They've truly developed a good friendship. I wish there could be two winners." The interviewer nods, but I know that answer will not be in the final cut.

We go back and forth a bit more and I keep my answers short. They finally dismiss us all and pack up all their supplies to travel to the next district.

Theia Beaufort, sister of Callista Beaufort, District 4

I can tell by the crew's actions that they are excited to be interviewing our family. Considering both of my parents are victors, it makes sense. I just wish it could all be over so I could return to the ocean, return to where I am happiest. This life of fame is not for me.

"How does it feel, to watch Callista in the Games? Does it remind you of your own Games?" The interviewer asks my parents. While they decided to interview the three of us together, I have yet so say much. The focus is on the victors, after all.

"Absolutely, it brings me back to my time in the arena." My father answers excitedly. "I remember the hardships I faced in the arena, but I know my daughter. She's smart enough to overcome it and take down her opponents." I can see the slight anger in my dad's expression about the disappointing Career pack this year. Betrayal never sits well.

"I hope she can eliminate her biggest threats before it's too late for her. I miss my baby." My mother says somewhat sincerely. She cares more about the fame and fortune winning will bring than her child's safety. That's just an added bonus.

"What do you make of the whole situation?" The interviewer directs towards me. My eyes widen, I did not expect that.

"Um, it's certainly been an interesting year. I just want Callista to return home." I say quietly. The crew determines I'm of no use for their shots, so they wrap up with a few final questions directed towards my parents. I am relieved when they dismiss us.

We stand behind the cameras as they bring Asher up to answer a few questions. They try to push the romance, but he's not buying it.

"We are just very good friends." He keeps telling the crew, but they don't buy it.

"If Callista returns home, would you ask her out." He laughs with a hint of nervousness.

"That opportunity is long gone. I'm just happy she's still alive, fighting to win. I want her to return home victorious, as a friend." He enforces. The crew is content with his answers, but I have a feeling they will continue to push the romance. The Capitol takes everything too far.

Aqua Harper, best friend of Neptune Kingsman, District 4

I've tried to stay hidden as the camera crew moves around the district, hoping they don't find me. Unfortunately, someone outs me and the next thing I know the crew is prepping my makeup to be on camera. I can't help but roll my eyes at the stupid comments the crew is making.

While getting prepped, I watch Callista's family and friends get interviewed by the crew. Her parents were never my favorite victors, but her sister seems sweet. I can tell how uncomfortable the boy is when the crew nags him about his love life. I bet they'll try the same thing with me. I sigh as they dismiss the Beauforts and know it's only a matter of time until it's my turn.

They start off with his parents, asking their opinions on their son's strategy and everything in between. His parents are very polite and sweet, complimenting Neptune and his ally. They even throw in some compliments towards the Capitol. Anything to help their son get sponsors.

The crew decides to interview his brothers separately. Sweet little Finn and Cove seem so overwhelmed by the lights and the crowds, they don't get much out of them.

"I just want him to come home." Cove says so quietly. You can see the sadness in his little eyes as he says that. It breaks my heart.

Before I know it, I am up next. I take a deep breath and stand in front of the cameras. I don't know how Neptune does it, knowing he is on camera at all times.

"How long have you and Neptune been friends?" He lingers on the word "friends" in hopes I play along. I don't.

"For a long time, we trained together in the academy growing up." I say no more. I can tell he wanted more than that.

"What do you think he has excelled in the most during his time at the Capitol and in the Games?" I shrug.

"He's definitely a natural with the camera, as well as his years of training in the academy. He's doing the best he can, and I'm proud of him for that." I smile and the crew nods.

They ask a few more simple questions, I assume as filler, before finishing my interview. They ask me one last question before I leave.

"When he returns, do you think you'll become more than friends?" I shake my head no.

"He's the best kind of friend a girl could need. Why ruin that?"

Calix Hayes, brother of Holden Hayes, District 5

My father and I stand in the lights the crew has set up. A crowd surrounds us, everyone is excited by the camera crew's arrival. I could care less.

I'm impressed Holden has made it this far. I never thought he had it in him. I mean, I wouldn't really care if he came home or not. Living in Victor's Village would be pretty cool, but he'd be more of a prick than he already is. I wish it was him who died instead of Layla. She was victor material.

"Tell us a bit about your family life." The crew asks us. My father sighs.

"The boys lost their mother when Holden was born. We've never fully recovered, but each day we try to heal. We're very proud of Holden for making it this far, we know it hasn't been easy for him. We miss him dearly." I try to keep a straight face as my father speaks.

"How is your relationship with Holden?" They ask us.

"Oh, well I work a lot, so I never got to spend a lot of time with him. He's my son and I love him dearly." My father says. He slightly nudges me and the cameras pan to focus on me.

"We fought, as brothers do, but I'm proud of him. I hope he makes it home." I smile.

"How well did you know Layla Stratton? Her and Holden seemed to have a long history." There is a brief moment of silence, where I contemplate what angle I want to play.

"They've…been friends forever. She spent more time with him than we did, I think. They have always been close, she will be missed." I say sincerely. I didn't know her all that well, but she was a fighter. She deserved a better life.

"Thank you both for your time." The interviewer closes.

Margaret Langley, grandmother of Demica Langley, District 6

My husband and I stand hand in hand in front of our small little house. It took longer than the crew expected to get my husband out of bed, and I can already tell by the weight he's putting on me he's not feeling well.

"Please, let's make this quickly." I try to ask as nicely as possible. The interviewer nods and the cameras begin rolling.

"Thank you for joining us today. You are Demica's grandparents, correct?" I nod.

"We've been caring for her since her parents passed away. It's unfortunate, but we've been blessed with a sweet grand daughter." My husband grunts with approval.

"Has she surprised you at all, out there in the arena?" I nod.

"I think everyone changes a little when their life is at stake, but I'm very proud of her. Watching her react to that little boys death, it was so heart breaking. I wish I could scoop her up and hold her tight. I just want to tell her everything will be alright." I hold back a tear.

"I miss her." My husband groans out quietly. I nod.

"We just want her to return home to us." I add on.

"She has certainly proved she is capable of handling her own. I wouldn't be surprised if she was District Six's newest victor." The interviewers smile seems sincere.

"Thank you. I hope you're right." I smile at her.

Casey Hermes, best friend of Rally Toyota, District 6

My family and I stand in Victor's Village as the crew sets up. Rail's family just finished up their interview, which was very heartbreaking. His poor mother could not compose herself, even with her husband comforting her. Too many emotions for a sweet family.

I can tell the crew is excited to interview us next. District Six is usually a disappointing district to visit, but with my dad being a victor, it's exciting.

I'm proud of Rail for making it this far. Tributes his age usually don't do too well, but I knew he had it in him. He's smart and he's been playing it smart. I hope he keeps it up. I miss him, I really do.

The crew finishes setting up the lights and the interviewer comes over to begin.

"It's so good to see you, Mr. Hermes." She says to my dad, the victor. He smiles.

"I thought my time in the spotlight was over, but you guys keep coming back to me." He winks a friendly wink which gets a laugh out of the crew.

"You are very irresistible." The interviewer jokes back. "But unfortunately, not everything is about you. We are here to talk about Rally Toyota, one of the final eight tributes. Casey, how long have you known Rally?" She asks me.

"Ever since we were kids, we've been in the same grade for as long as I can remember. He's easy to get along with." I smile.

"He certainly made us fall in love with him. Has anything surprised you about this years Games?" I shrug.

"Every year is challenging, to watch those you love compete in the Games. But I'm proud of Rally, we haven't seen a tribute make it this far in a while, and this year both our tributes are alive." My mother says. The interviewer nods.

"Thank you for your time, we wish the best for little Rally." The interview concludes.

Damask Byzantine, father of Lavender Byzantine, District 8

I stand awkwardly in the lights, not something I have ever experienced in my life. I have never enjoyed getting attention like this. But I have to put on a brave face, for Lavender.

"Tell us how you felt on the day of the reapings, the day Lavender was reaped." I shake my head.

"I never thought it would happen. I always went to the reapings with the thought that she would never be reaped. But this year I was wrong. It hurt, it felt like someone ripped my heart out of my chest. I'm so thankful she's made it this far." I say.

"What do you think of the alliance she has formed?" I think back to Demica and Samuel, the two she's been with.

"I think they're good together, I think each has a strength that makes them valuable. They work well together and I'm not worried they'll stab her in the back." I say. I feel slight guilt when I remember that Samuel was killed, but the interviewer doesn't correct me.

"How does it feel knowing she is the youngest tribute still alive?" I shrug.

"She's proved herself thus far, I think if someone else can take out the Careers she has a great shot at winning. She's smart and she's tough. I miss her." I say sadly. The interviewer nods.

"Can you tell us more about what she was like at home?"

"She is a very sweet girl, she is very protective of her family and friends, I know that's one of the reasons she's made it this far. She can hold her own. I'm proud of her."

"Thank you for your time Mr. Byzantine."

Rubar Earthdrop, father of Fodille Earthdrop, District 11

My wife and I stand side by side, wishing we could mourn the loss of our son in peace. Most never have to endure the horrors of the Games, but we not only have to suffer one loss, we may have to suffer another. I know Fodille is strong, I just hope she stays that way until the end. She needs to, for us.

The interview begins. "How did you feel that day when both of your children were reaped?" My wife lets out a quiet sob.

"We were horrified. It's a feeling we wouldn't wish upon our worst enemy. Having to endure the loss of a child, having to watch Fodille deal with the horrors of the Games, it's sickening." My wife lifts her head up.

"I just want my baby girl to return home." She begins crying and buries her head in my arm.

"She's been doing great out there, she even killed a Career. Can you tell us how you felt when you saw that go down?" I wish I didn't have to.

"I honestly wish she hadn't, but I'm glad she was smart enough to get the upper hand. It could have ended poorly for her. Hell, it almost did. But she came out victorious. It gave us a new confidence in her, if she can handle herself against one of the toughest Careers, she can handle herself against the rest of the competition." I say.

"What advice would you give her, this far in?" I stay silent for a while.

"Stay smart, Fodille. Stay alive, for Farn. Make sure nobody forgets his name." My wife lifts her head up.

"Please, baby, come home. We need you with us." With that, the cameras stop rolling.

Long time no update, but I'm back and I have a writing bug which means chapters will (hopefully) come out quicker! I'm also starting a new SYOT, the form and rules are on my profile. The story isn't up yet, but it will be soon. (I'd love a co-writer for it, if anyone is interested)

Don't forget to review!